On not giving up... and other stuff. (SNS)

Hello friends!

Wow, this week has actually gone by rather quickly! It's been filled with highs and lows and lots of in betweens. Some of the things I talk about will make more sense if I give you a little information about me. Well, mostly just that I live with my parents, despite the fact that I'm 23. After a (ahem) hellish senior year in college, I felt a great desire to go home. Despite the fact the I went to my hometown's college. But I didn't live with my parents. So, one year later, here I am!

Anyway, this week started out with a small-scale Sunday adventure with my sister. There was a carnival happening about a block from our house and I knew I HAD to get some pictures. We braved the creepy ride operators and managed to get a few photos. Here are my two favorites:



When we got home, I took this picture:



Of course, this week's big event happened on Monday. I would like to tell you that my booth for the Hope for the Change fundraiser was a smashing success and great amounts of fun, but I just despise lying.

First of all, I had ordered photo mats for my photo prints to make them better to display and easier to sell. However, they didn't show up. Bleh. So I went to JoAnn to see what I could find. Lo and behold, mats were on sale! I could get the display stands I needed plus 4 mats with my $25 cash. So I bounced on up to the cash register. The total came to $35. The following exchange with the cashier went something like this:

"Um, I guess I can't get those mats. I misread the sale tags."

"How much were they?"

"Well, I thought these three were 97 cents."

"Well, let me see what I can do." (She pushed a few buttons on the register. New total- Three more dollars than I actually had.)

"Oh, well, I still can't get them all. Thank you, but I'll just have to take a couple off."

"Well, I can try one more thing." (More button pushing. Total was just a few cents more than I had. I counted my change. She pushed another button. Then she took all my money and gave me a few coins in return.)

"Oh, thank you!" I said as enthusiastically as I possibly could in my slightly embarassed and highly sleep-deprived state. No response. I walked away awkwardly.

So, I went home with some photo mats I practically stole, and confirmation that I could pick some tables up from my friend JJ. So I did that, and he volunteered to help with the rest of my day. I accepted.

We went to my house and proceeded to put photos into plastic sleeves and tape price tags to them. Then we loaded up two cars with product and display things and went on over to the high school.

Once there, we tried to figure out where to put our stuff. After a few questions asked, I was ushered to my spot. I didn't think much of it right at first, but I came to realize it was really a pretty crappy spot to be trying to sell jewelry and (especially) photo prints. Not to mention the fact that a lady by me was setting up this cage and loading it with adorable merchandise.


A lady across from me was putting out her handmade jewelry (using lots of swarovski it turns out, something I haven't really used) on these beautiful displays:


But in the end, I think mine looked pretty good, especially considering it was my first time ever doing a booth of any sort.

Lots and lots of people walked by. A majority of them looked at my items. Several of them stopped and looked closely at them. A few touched them. A couple people took my business cards. But only one lady bought anything. She was really really excited about the violin charm necklace she bought and I appreciated her purchase very much. However, just for that one day (not including the cost of product or display items), I lost about $85. Could be worse, I know, but it still wasn't exactly a good feeling.

After dinner and some reflection, I started feeling more and more put out. But the funny thing about me is that the more I get down about something, the more determined I am to try it again and absolutely rock it. Is this always healthy? No, but it has proved useful a time or two. (I have squatty potties in mind as I type this, ha ha.)

Well, Tuesday is my day to go out to a small(er) town 50 miles north of home and teach some violin students. 2 of them called and cancelled, but I decided to make the drive anyway so I would only lose $30 plus gas instead of $60 plus gas. It was a pretty day and my students were great as always, and when I got home I took this picture:

It's probably my favorite of the week, but I have a weakness for purple :)


Wednesday came. Both my students cancelled. $25 lost. I didn't get ready at all and moped around the house. Ok, I actually did take the opportunity to take some jewelry photos


and teach another friend how to do Etsy a little bit. Here you can find RT Vance Photography's Etsy shop in its beginning stages.

And now it's Thursday and I am typing this blog because I go out of town tomorrow. So far it's been quite a good day! I went for a walk in this sunshine in the late morning, caught all made up and dressed up, and taught 4 great violin lessons. Now onto a much more difficult task:

Sleep.

Have a fabulous Saturday!

Some things weren't meant to be made or used... by me (SNS)

What a week! I have had so much going on! Unfortunately, not much of that resulted in photos for you to enjoy, but I will do my best to let you in on the insanity!

First of all, if you haven't yet entered my giveaway yet, you may do so here. Entries will be accepted until Monday, May 9th. The winner will be chosen at random from a hat (or something) by one of my violin students (who are thrilled to help, by the way!).

The week started out as most weeks do, teaching violin lessons by day and creating and networking by night. I started gathering materials needed to make my booth pretty. By the way, if you're ever needing to buy a bunch of photo mats, the place to get them is Art Unlimited Studios. You can get archival quality mats in bulk for a very low cost! They also have frames and do fine art photography printing and art reproduction. I have tried a few different companies, and this one has been by far the best!

Anyway, on Wednesday I went to a health consultation meeting to learn about how to be safe and healthy when I go to China. It wasn't anything new really, except for this:



Ack! Right now, these squatty potties are my biggest source of stress. I won't go into details as to why, but trust me, it's not a happy thought!

On Thursday, I finally started getting displays ready for my booth. I was using this pattern to make them. It looked fairly simple.

Well, my first try was a complete flop. I could not fold cardboard in a curvy line, and the thing tipped over at slight breezes. So I came up with a plan B: Take out all the curvy lines. After a lot of sweat, cursing, and several trips to Wal-Mart, I was able to produce a sturdyish (if not slightly lumpy) display:



And then I vowed to never make one again in my life. I'll spend the 10-25 dollars to buy them! Though I don't mean to turn you away from trying, as I have read lots of blogs who have used the same pattern with great success. It's just not in my skill set apparently!

I also wanted to make some display trays (as it turns out they cost an arm and a leg to buy, and I really only have a toe to spare) and was completely dreading cutting out more cardboard, when my dad (since I am an example of the twenty-something who has failed to launch) produced these:



His pack rat tendencies can be anywhere from amusing to irritating, but on this occasion I was thrilled! No more cardboard cutting! I can just cover these babies in some fabric and call it good. I realize that one day I am going to need to upgrade my displays, but when you're pinching pennies, you've got to be resourceful!

Now I have most of my jewelry and photos priced and ready to take on Monday. I have my fingers crossed that the mats get here this afternoon.

And now, I'm on to tackle the messy house, since my grandma is coming to stay (in my room) for an unspecified amount of time.

I look forward to Monday with excitement, and also a great amount of stress and nerves. Hopefully all goes well and I am able to get rid of some of my inventory!

Have a fabulous day (or evening as it were :))

Shop News Sa...nday

I suppose that I will go ahead and start with the biggest news: My blog now has 31 followers! That means it's giveaway time! Tomorrow I will make up the official giveaway post, so be sure to check back then! I am so excited about this! Hence all the !s!

Sorry I am late on my posting. . . again. I was out of town yet again, and since my laptop could explode and any giving moment (ok, it might just stop working any time) I don't take it places. There will be more on the weekend in just a minute, but for now, I have to share with you the jewelry pieces from this week that I like most!


I used orange and ivory czech glass pearls and some gold glass seed beads on this bracelet. I liked the color combination, but I didn't think it would be something I would consider wearing since I am not comfortable with orange and gold, but I was wrong. I really like it! But I am going to save it for my booth (which is in a week.).


This necklace is a very simple design, and I was really happy with how it turned out. It's constructed of a variety of silver plated chain. This piece (as are most of the ones I have lately made) is also for my booth next Monday.

As you may or may not know, my birthday was on Wednesday. I had a fairly ordinary day really. I went out for Thai food with my mom, taught some violin students, and performed with my quintet. After my performance I had angel food cake with strawberries and cream with my family, and then watched Tron all by myself. It was quite nice really. I decided to celebrate my birthday with a sale in my Etsy shop too! Coupon code BRTHDYPRTY23 gets you 23% off any item in my shop until Wednesday. It could be a great opportunity to get a mothers' day gift!

Anyway, as a sort of extended birthday celebration/Easter vacation, I went to Las Vegas with my mom, little sister and little brother. I know that sounds lame, but we have such fun! We did a little shopping at Victoria's Secret and visited the Ferrari showroom at the Wynn on Thursday. Unfortunately, photography wasn't allowed in the showroom :(

On Friday, we made a quick trip to the Bellagio. I love visiting the Atrium there, and here are the reasons why:



I love the butterfly exhibit they have every spring! It's hard to get good shots though, because they are behind glass that reflects the light in an unattractive manner, and people who walk by. But sometimes I like the photos for this very reason! Here's one example of this:


I also put a fun texture on this photo. What do you think? My mom likes it, but you know how moms can be!

We trekked to Caesar's Palace next to check out the Forum Shops. It's really fun! Here's a photo:


It's so sad that I can't take pictures of the gorgeous designer clothing and jewelry and purses and accessories, etc. that we saw inside! Maybe one day I will be able to afford something in one of the shops!

After that, we just made the long boring drive to my grandma's house. Blah. We got stuck for a little while too, in this lovely (yes, that was sarcasm) part of the Nevada desert:



It's good to be home again!

That's all for today. Happy Easter!

Wherefore Art Thou, Spring? Shop News Saturday

I will explain the title a little later in the post. I have had so many great adventures this week! Of course, this has been true of the whole month, which is great! These adventures began last Saturday with my little sister's engagement photos, session 1. Here are the 4 that were most well-received:










There is one I am not fond of, but I'll never tell which it is :) I did a bunch of different edits, because I never know what my clients (ha ha, not sure if family counts as a "client") will like. One of my married friends saw the photos and now wants me to do some updated shots of her and her husband. Sounds like fun!

I have been beading like a madwoman! It's been so much fun! I now have 26 bracelets and 20 pairs of earrings made! Here's the box of packaged stuff:



I love making these bracelets! They are relatively easy to make, and I can put beads together in so many different ways! Here's my favorite baby bracelet so far:



Last night, I made this adult bracelet, and I was quite happy with it! It's made with blue goldstone beads which I love! Unfortunately, this photo doesn't do justice to the rich blue color or the lovely copper sparkles :(



And I was also liking these earrings:



And I haven't bothered making more necklaces because I've already made these:



Plus most of these:





My most recent adventure happened yesterday mid-afternoon. I was running around trying to get my visa stuff together, and it turned into a blizzard outside! Yep, a full blown blizzard in April! So, what else would I do but grab my camera and take photos of it ;) So, here is a flashback to December! Plus some buds I found. Enjoy!

Shop News Saturday: Schemes and Dreams

Hello! Hope you're having a good Saturday. This week hasn't been quite as eventful as last, but I have come up with a few ideas for my shop!

First off, I am looking for volunteers for Feature Friday. If you are interested in having your shop, website, etc. featured, shoot me a convo or e-mail. I would love to feature you!

Next big news: I am going to do a giveaway! I haven't yet decided what I will be giving away, though it will be something I made (or photographed) myself, and I am open to suggestions :) This giveaway will happen when I reach 30 followers. I will be working towards this goal myself, though it will go faster if you, my current followers, help me out a little!

I received my stinking adorable measuring cups in the mail yesterday from Jill Denton. One thing I love about purchasing from handmade enthusiasts is this:



I mean, who else would give you a free gift for reading their blog, AND wrap it up all cute and put your name on it? I know of nobody else! Too cute.

I signed up to at a fundraiser for the foundation Hope for the change. (for more information on this foundation, read yesterdays Feature Friday) To get ready for this and other summer festivals, I have decided to use up all the supplies I possibly can before June! This has really challenged me to get creative with my supplies. I am going to China in June so I can't spend much money, therefore I have to use the stuff I already have and not buy more. Here's how much stuff I have left:


It's a rather daunting task! Anyway, I made 12 bracelets and 5 pairs of earrings this week:



During the process, I fell more in love with these beads:


They're simple acrylic beads, but their color is so rich! They are lightweight and oh so versatile! I know, I know, lots of jewelry makers use only crystals or high quality glass and gemstones, and I like those things too, but these make for great everyday wear, which is sort of my specialty.

Well, that's about it! Next week you can look forward to more jewelry, as well as some of my (other) little sister's engagement photos!

Thanks for reading :)