Around the house

Today has been kind of a blah day, and I am feeling rather unproductive. I don't really feel like doing anything at all...so I am not. I did however get busy the last couple of days. I finally got my house back in order [for the most part] and I have a few projects that have been halfway finished for a while. I finally got my shelf [number 5 on my 2012 list] put together. It has been up for a while, but just held random things that had no other home. 

 

Now it holds several things that I especially love: 

The full set of the "Little House" books [Thanks, Mom]. 

The green bottle and globe that Nicholas got me for Christmas. 

The old Brownie from my sis and the Kodak VR35 that belonged to my maternal grandmother.

The colorful tin that always makes me think of doing the Nativity at my paternal Grandparents' on Christmas Eve. 

I also swapped out the painting in the dining room for a new one. 

The mr suggested that I should create a set of paintings with men in mind. "Lord today please grant me patience {or Wolverine claws would be nice too}" This was one of his suggestions. Well, after I blew our Christmas budget with his Kindle Fire I was trying to figure out a way to put more gifts under the tree for him. I knew this was perfect! 

I think he liked it. 

Tomorrow is his birthday so I think I will get off the couch and do a few things to prepare for that. I have a cake to make...and if he is lucky he will get some bunting [that is only fun if you know that he is not the biggest fan of bunting]. Maybe I can figure out another way to make his day festive...glitter maybe?

Be happy...and festive!

-Katie Beth

Love first

I have big plans for an informative post about our holiday as well as what I have in the works while home this week...but today I just had to share this chalkboard sketch I put together. I was cleaning the office [an all day affair], and I had to update it from the "Merry Christmas" message. This just popped into my head, and I like it...a lot. I may not be the first person in the world to have come up with this, but I have never seen it before. Of course it will have to be a painting soon, but until then this displayed in my living room makes me happy.

Be happy! 

-Katie

packin' up

And I don't just mean my suitcase! Before I took the leap and opened my store there was a lot more to think about than I might have expected. One of those things that I hadn't really thought much about was packaging, but I soon realized I had to have a clear packaging plan before I could even hope for a sale. I haven't made an etsy sale yet, but I did make a sale locally. I experimented with some packaging that had been running around in my head, and I think I like it. Thanks to the mr for my super awesome stamp. It is what I was counting on to make the packaging complete. Thanks to Danni for introducing me to the stamp on her cute blog!

This is a shot of the packaging I came up with today. A little kraft paper, lace, yarn, and a paper doily...voila! 

Today we are heading down to spend Christmas with my family. I am so glad that Nicholas gets to go with me this time, and of course I am eager to see Georgie!

Be happy...and cheerful! 

-Katie Beth

It's up!

After a lot of work and thought and a bit of stress I finally posted listings to my etsy shop this week! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lockhartkatie

I am still working on a few things, and I have a lot of stuff planned for my week off after Christmas. I have an exciting sponsorship for January, and I am hoping that will send some traffic my way. I can't wait! 

Be happy...and merry! 

-Katie Beth

Etsy 101...and beyond!

I have been reading every possible thing on Etsy to educate myself before opening up shop. I am shocked at the unbelievable amount of resources offered on there! It has been so helpful, and I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed. I loved this bit from Johnny B. Truant [creator of Storyselling 101].

"Let me tell you something about Etsy buyers: They don’t want a thing. If they wanted a thing, they’d go to Wal-Mart. They want a unique, handmade item...

...You’re not selling trash cans. All we care about a trash can is that it successfully holds trash. You, dear reader, are selling conversation pieces. You’re selling things that people will want others to comment on, and that they will in turn be able to turn around and talk about. Why would you short that buyer on things to say?"

These are just a few of the pieces I have ready and will be listing in my shop [not sure why this photo looks blurry].

I plan to stop [only] talking about it and put my plan into action soon! 

Be happy! 

-Katie Beth

Burn baby burn

So, I must mention that after bragging about Nicholas he was even more helpful Sunday afternoon. After we went out to eat Mexican food for lunch he came home and insisted on washing ALL the dishes so I could get some other things done. So while he was washing what seemed like every dish we own I was able to clean up pretty much the rest of the house. THEN he got some firewood from his dad so he could build a fire in our fireplace [for the first time] for me. It was so cozy! 

Gotta love him!!! 

Be happy! 

-Katie Beth

I love progress!

I have spent the last two nights in the basement [a.k.a. my painting studio], and I am so excited about my progress. I am glad that I have progress to show because my tub needs a good scrubbing, and I couldn't even find a clear spot on my countertop big enough to make a sandwich for dinner. I was thinking about last winter when I was staying home and how I made my bed every day and always kept the dishes washed. Now I feel accomplished when I get the sheets washed and the [maybe] two nights a week that the dishes are done. Then I realized how thankful I am for a husband who doesn't say anything about the counter being covered with dirty dishes, about the project currently covering the living room rug, or the fact that we eat something that involves a mix coming out of a box almost every night that we don't eat out. It sounds terrible, and I don't hate cooking. I just enjoy painting, sewing, and creating so much that I am usually starving before I even think about what is for dinner...and the mr. never says a word. He eats canned soups and frozen burritos without a single complaint, and I am thankful. He has encouraged me as I prepare to open my etsy store, bought and assembled shelves to hold my paint, and he is more than helpful in the practical decisions concerning my business. He encourages me always, and I am thankful. Because he is so laid back about these things [as well as supportive] I have around 15 paintings ready to post and at least that many more than are only awaiting text. Thank you, Nicholas.

This is where the magic happens: 

Magical, right? 

I know it is not a dreamy space with turquoise walls, bright floral patterns and crisp white shelving, but it is perfectly functional. I can slop and drip paint as much as I want, and I don't have to worry about ruining carpet. I know it is kind of creepy, really dirty, and not the most inspiring, but I am super thankful for this space. 

I worked today on photographing my completed paintings, and I am hoping to be up and running soon! Technically I have completed #12 on my list! I have also completed #1, #2, #5, #10, & #11.

Be happy...and thankful! 

-Katie Beth

back to work

So I have been totally and completely unproductive for about 5 days now, so I would say it is about time to get back to it...

This weekend was a big annual Branson trip! Every year I go with my mom and sis to Branson for shopping, eating, and all things Christmas...and more eating and shopping. This year we had another little girly along with us so it was that much more fun. Georgie is such a sweet baby. I just saw her last night, but I miss her little baby snuggles already! I am sad to say that I didn't accomplish one bit of Christmas shopping while there, but we had enough fun to make up for it. 

While my mini vacation was pretty unproductive, the week before I was a busy gal. 

I think it was Sunday I spent a large part of the afternoon in the basement painting. By the time I had finished I had another 11 pieces ready for text! I am not sure of my total count right now, but I almost have all those ready to go. I think I actually have enough to open up shop! I have been researching packaging, shipping, and advertising so I am so close to meeting my goal of opening an etsy store by 2012. I am determined it will happen! 

There have been a lot of exciting things going on around here. The mr. finally made his decision to go back to school, and I am so excited for him. I know he is eager to be learning something that he enjoys. Hopefully I can help make it less stressful on him while he is working and going to school, and while he is being so productive I should be too! 

Speaking of that...I need to fill some hair accessory orders, work on paintings, finish up some handmade gifts, complete one more photo order, and address Christmas cards. I am hoping for a productive week. Wish me luck! 

Be happy! 

-Katie Beth