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2.29.2008
Off to Grampa's House
I'll be showing my Dad my new Etsy shop this weekend and getting his constructive criticism and I'm sure some great new ideas. Maybe I'll get him to open one, too. He's an amazing artist and poet and I'm sure he could find a niche there. Hmmm, I think that will be my one weekend goal besides stuffing myself with my Dad's famous meatballs!
2.27.2008
Coffee anyone?
Did you know how easy it is to make a delicate knit scarf? Or a purse out of capri sun pouches? Can you believe the detail in scrapbooks or how healthy irish soda bread is? Most importantly, it was affirming to sit around and feel completely normal as I discussed my obsessions with angels and shrinky dinks!
I think the sharing coffee break should be held on a monthly basis...maybe I'll be next. Until then, I'm off to catch up on orders and answer emails, do the laundry, sweep the floor. You know the drill.
2.26.2008
My Angel
2.23.2008
Introducing my new ACEOs
2.22.2008
Snow day
2.20.2008
Parting with an old friend
2.19.2008
ACEO anyone?
What ACEO is all about- ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card.
The reason for this is, of course, that Art Cards are made to be traded! But while artists were happily trading cards, the general public was left out in the cold, having no Art Cards to trade. A group of artists realized this, and quickly made their cards available for sale at remarkably low prices so that everyone could join in the fun!
I've been reading about them and think I'm going to try it out. I just ordered some supplies this weekend (too much online shopping during the holiday!) and will get started soon. Stay tuned, I'm excited!
In other news, I'm preparing for a baby! No, not my baby, but a customer's baby. "Bella" has a sweet pastel pink frame in my studio right now that her mom and dad are ordering for her nursery. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I love working directly with my customers and hearing the stories. Thank you all for your business!
2.16.2008
Smiling
I love to hear back from my customers, it's so validating! Look:
"Dear Jen, The frame is absolutely beautiful. I have it hanging up already and it looks perfect. Tomorrow is my son's 6th birthday and we will be having his party on Sunday. I am so glad that I received it so quickly so that it is up for the party. Thanks so much for completing it so quickly. It is truly one of my favorite things in my house!!! I will go on E-bay and add my comments to your feedback. Thanks again, Stephanie"
I blog all the time about the laundry and all my other responsiblities, and no one is writing letters of thanks for mopping the floor! So, this is why I started making art to sell again... I'm smiling...
2.12.2008
Snow Day!!!
I got an order yesterday for a 24 x 24 inch frame and I'm excited to begin! I haven't made one this big yet and I'm anxious to see how it turns out! The quote she chose is:
2.11.2008
Ordering Information
Let me help you honor your memories and sentiments with handmade, shadow-box style, picture frames hand painted with your favorite quote or lyric.
My picture frames begin as a large piece of solid pine that is measured, cut, sanded, distressed, antiqued, and painted through a complex layering process. Picture hangers and a dust cover are attached to the back. Black ribbon picture corners are affixed within the shadowbox.
The most popular size is 20 x 20 inches (selling for $99.00 + shipping) and fits a 4 x 4 inch photo. Smaller frames can be custom ordered.
Customization begins with your choice of color and font. I hand paint all lettering using no stencils or stickers. We will work together to find a nice fit with your desired quote.
Contact me today to custom order your own Heartsongs Memory Frame at
jsneill@zoominternet.net or my Etsy Shop, Hope Studios.
Payment must clear before I begin a custom piece. I will send photos for approval before shipping.
I accept Pay Pal.
Inspiration, the process
2.10.2008
Inspiration Mania
Hopefully, I can get going and start filling up my Etsy shop soon (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5569166) with all my ideas. Not enough hours in the day!
Off to wash sheets and try to organize my mess of a studio that gets so trashed in my moments of creation! Wish me luck!
2.09.2008
The Best of Hope Studios
Seriously, God, not one daughter?!?
My Paris Wrap-up
A Mother's List of Rights
These Boots Were Made for Walkin'...
A Rundown of My Oddities
Mama Bear
Camping Recap
Come on You City Slickers, We're Goin' to the County Fair!
Jimmy Buffett from the 5th Row
Randy Pausch 1960-2008
Remember When?
He's Gone...
How to Throw a Party
I am...
Our Boys: A Football Story
My Life With Boys
A Decade of Love
Soul Sisters Christmas Party
Back to the real world, a mom's life
I am slowly entering into my own business, but home responsibilites take center stage. I can work on my orders AFTER all the chores are done. Hmmmm, didn't my husband just get up the next morning and drive to the office to comb through the emails and job responsibilities in peace and quiet? I've tried to catch up this week amidst fighting kids, a needy dog, kissing boo boos, and piles of laundry.
It's chaotic and frustrating to try to juggle all this... but also rewarding. I'm doing it! It seems impossible, but it's happening and I'm loving the new motivation. Loving getting back in touch with my creative side and making art again. Let's see what happens - after the laundry is done.
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My girlfriend came over to refill my estrogen reserves last week, and brought with her a fantastic craft for us to do together while chat...
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