Sent it to the Sampler

I just sent out my first batch of samples to The Sampler. I made a bunch of purse charms and had a really good time doing it. It was really satisfying to make tags, attach the charm, wrap it in some really beautiful hand-made paper. I feel like I've finally been able to take it up a notch in terms of presentation. Presentation is not my strong point.

Labor Day Weekend- no plans. It's raining. Everyone's a little weirded out by the official end of summer vacation. Myself included.

Liking my new photos

I've never been totally satisfied with my close-up photos of jewelry. I can't tell you how many times I've re-taken them! The other day I think I found the right conditions: near a window on a cloudy day. Hmmm. I'll have lots of those in Seattle. Anyway, here are some of the new pics. I'll keep adding a few a day to the shop.

Consignment!

While I kind of feel like I'm counting my chickens before they hatch, I've got to say that I'm pretty excited because I've signed my first agreement to do consignment! I actually hooked up with the company on the forums on etsy yesterday so I guess my continued promoting is paying off. I put 5 of my pieces in the mail today and I'm holding my breath. I'm not sure what I'm afraid of but I'll feel a lot better when I see them in the store! The owner and I are also talking about making my photography available for commercial use. I never even thought of that.

Anyway, I'll post a link to the store when I know it's actually for real.

Article Featuring Wire Tree

Today I'd like to point you to Dawn Vogel's blog about Etsy artisans. She's written an article about Wire Tree. Thank you Dawn!!

http://shopetsy.blogspot.com/2007/08/etsy-seller-profile-wiretree.html

Post Partum Resouces

Ok, here are those resources I was looking for.

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/index
http://www.postpartum.net
http://www.perinataldepression.org
http://www.aafp.org/afp/99041ap/2247


I'll add more as I find them. These resouces come from Joni Parthemer, the Education Director of Bringing Baby Home. BBH is a research-based psycho-educational intervention program. The workshop teaches couples how to strengthen thier friendship, increase intimacy and regulate conflict. Bringing Baby Home specifically focuses on the post partum period for mom, how depression effects young children, and what steps can be taken to help mom.
More information is available at http://www.bbhonline.org

Post Partum Depression

Last night I got a phone call from an old school friend. Among other things, she was calling to tell me that a mutual friend of ours had been suffering from post partum depression (sounds like it was largely untreated) and had killed herself several months after the birth of her daughter. This was an intelligent, hard working woman who had been trying to get pregnant for a long time. It sounds like she changed profoundly after the birth and was so depressed that she couldn't see an end in site.

I can not emphasize enough how important it is for family and friends of new moms to be looking for signs of a post partum mood disorder during the first year. When I've had a chance to wrap my brain around this a bit more I will be publishing information on post partum and where to get help. Look for it in the next few days.

Summer Vacation- Almost Over

If you're a student, these words absolutely chill you to the bone. My own children get angry every time we pass the back to school isle in Target. My teaching ramps up again in September so I, too, am thinking lesson planning, registering 60 new students, will they like me?, learn anything from me?? As far as I know I'll be assigned three sections of toddler parents for the year. All want to know if their child is normal and extraordinary at the same time.

I love the children. No matter how hard the rest of my life may be that day I can forget it all for two hours when I chat with two year olds! I love talking with the parents. No one should have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to children. Happy, confident parents make for happy, confident children. That's what I try to offer each year. That's what I'm gearing up for now.

All of that said, and in spite of my own children, I'm looking forward to the start of school again. Some sort of regular schedule. Some time to myself to think and create and, and, and...... If you're a parent I don't need to finish that sentence!

So, I plan on enjoying these last few weeks and mentally preparing myself for all that comes with September. And, figuring out what I want to do with this blog!

Tried to follow my son's advice

I was really debating about holiday merchandise. In general, my stuff is not cute. Beading Halloween jewelry didn't seem to be my thing. But, my son REALLY wanted me to try to make an orange wire pumpkin. I tried and, I must say, it looked kind of crappy. Then he suggested I add the jack-o-lantern face. I didn't even bother to take a picture! So, I stepped back and thought about how I could do themed stuff in my own style. I came up with this necklace and these earrings. Understated and unusual. Not a pumpkin in sight.

My next challenge will be "holiday" time. Didn't grow up with Christmas and I can't see myself going that route. Maybe the Solstice......

Fitting it all into one day!

I've been thinking about all the time I've been devoting to this etsy persuit of mine this summer. I'm neglecting other things. Like housework. My laundry is not "on schedule". My bathrooms could use some help. I can't remember the last time I dusted (I'm being honest here).

My typical day used to involve going to work, taking the kids to and from school, cleaning, cooking, helping with homework, and maybe even talking with my husband. How have I fit my craft into this?? Well, number one, it's summer. No homework or shuttling kids. Number two, which is much more important because it required some deep thought on my part, I decided that it was ok to spend some time on myself! When I make a piece of jewelry that I really like I feel great! When I develop my photography and decide that it's frame worthy I feel proud!

I'm fitting it in because I've let other things go. And I'm happier. And messier. And my mom's not coming for a visit so who cares?

Pics from the market

Yesterday I did my first Fremont Sunday Market. Very fun and gave me lots of ideas about what you need to have on hand:
LOTS of water!! With ICE!!
tape and scissors- I forgot mine and had to borrow
change
several display options- I ditched some of mine when I saw they weren't working.
receipt book and pen- exciting when you get to use those!
friends!!! you will have to take potty breaks. you will want food. you will get bor

Getting Started!

OK, I've been looking for a way to get the word out about my new persuits- photography and jewelry design. After sitting through my first ever craft show today and talking with other artisans in Seattle I decided to give this a try. I opened an online shop on Etsy.com a few months back and I'm absolutely loving it! So much time spent working at the day job, carpooling kids, dealing with house stuff- I'd forgotten how good it feels to be creative. I'll try to post as often as time allows and will feature projects I'm working on. Come visit me at:

http://www.wiretree.etsy.com