Danielle's Crafting Blog

This week, I’m gawking…

Not too much! A videogame called Elder Scrolls: Skyrim arrived in my hands Friday morning at 12:01 a.m. and Sal and I have been playing it pretty much since then. We had a brief brake for some friends to stop by and watch both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I & Part II on Blu-Ray and we stopped for sleeping, but otherwise, it’s been game on!

But, I did manage to log into the site today, so that’s a good sign. Right now Sal’s playing his thief/rogue type character which allows me a chance to kick back and write some stuff.

On to the Gawks:

1. I never realized that making a sugar scrub could be so simple! I an so trying this tutorial for some nice bath remedies!
2. These planters are ADORABLE and super customizable. Now I just wish I actually ate SPAM that way I could take care of two things at once; food and super awesome planters.
3. Tips from Etsy on Fostering Repeat Customers. Helpful tips!
4. Tips from Etsy for Organizing Your Space. I need to pay attention to this one!
5. I’m planning on attending this online Etsy lab by Noah Scalin, getting out of creative ruts!

Speaking of creative ruts. I’m gathering the funding to actually go to grad school and obtain my PhD. Whenever I’m not playing Skyrim this weekend, I’ve been attempting to field advice on how to do this process. The thesis scares the shit out of me, but it also incredibly exciting.

We’ll see how all this work/life balance goes when I formally start.

Guten Tag!

It’s November. How wild is that? I wish I wasn’t so “balls to the wall” busy and crazy this year. I’d do NaNoWriMo (and yes, I know it’s about pushing yourself, but I really don’t think I have the mental ability to devote myself to a NaNo Novel this year). Anyways, I actually had an idea for a NaNo Novel, so I’m a bit bummed to not be doing it, but I need to stick to my guns!

I also really really really want to make stuff. Damn block. Ah well, at least I’m holding to the gawking routine!

First up, how friggin’ cute are these earrings by Daimblond (on Etsy)?!?

• This tutorial for a ruffled t-shirt bag is fantastic. Though, super sadness on the fact that I don’t have a machine embroiderer. /Jealous of those who do.
• Small business branding tips are super cool!
• Lastly, I don’t know if I linked here already. But this transformation from shoe to jewelry is awesome!

Otherwise, goodluck to you NaNo folks! I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines!

Arrived home from upstate NY & my gram’s memorial. Now that the fall is really transitioning, I’m excited to drink tons of hot beverages and really get crafty (though maybe turn on the heat first). I’m going to allow myself to unwind after a total of 680 miles in the car over the past 48 hours and 10 hours of driving time. Until the crafting awesome begins, enjoy these Sunday gawks:

1. I’m going to try at least one of these sweater refashions! 25 Different ways!
2. Amie Louise Plante Jewelry. This one in particular caught my eye on craftgawker. In fact, I’m having a hard time stopping from looking at it.
3. Crafts to do with kids. So, I don’t have kids. But I may need to make this pinecone hedgie.

This Sunday, I’m really hoping that I remembered to Gawk last Sunday and post about it. If I forgot, apologies.

This weekend Sal and I traveled to his brother’s wedding. It was beautiful and I’m very happy for them. Next weekend, I have my grandmother’s memorial to travel to, I’m sad and am struggling to keep motivated since I know I won’t have a real weekend this week and I’ll need some recoup time.

I really do love craftgawker, I find it does get the juices flowing but getting from inspired to motivated is the real issue. I have fabric, I have thread and a sewing machine. Hell. I have a pattern, but I need to get there and just make it.

Pitty party aside, here’s the things I’m gawking at today. At the very least, I find them inspiring;

1. When I do get my Etsy store going, I’d love to do a little “lottery system” as shown here; Scratch Tickets. I think this would be a great way to potentially reward customers with discounts/objects through my shop.
2. I don’t make clothes yet, but this is totally my style; Recycled T-shirt Dress. I LOVE the ruffles!
3. This Table-Top Water Garden totally tickles my fancy. I might have an issue with a certain kitty in my household drinking/eating it though.

I think I read somewhere this week that you could rename your shop on Etsy. This may be happening! That way I could rebrand a little without saccrificing favorites, teams, and circles!

And now, to put down the procrastination device and at least attempt some work on one of my purses.