big news!

Yay! I just finished setting up my very own Etsy store! Pretty exciting stuff, and something I've been meaning to do for a while now.

Oh, and I have a new piece I've been working on... so much for a break from the sewing machine! This is one of the ideas I've been thinking about experimenting with: stretching my minis over canvas stretchers. I really love the effect; I love minis as they are - art! - but somehow they seem more official on a canvas like this. You can expect to see a lot more of these and the birds too, I guess. I really could make birdies all day long!

next steps

Actually, in the last week, the only steps I've taken have been outside... ahhh, hiking does this body (and brain) good. It's nice to take a mini vacation from the sewing machine and let the creativity build up again in my hands. I'm still plotting some possible new directions - an Etsy store? More craft shows? Putting together some kind of art show myself? But it's wonderful to be still for a moment, sit on the front porch with my best gal Baby, and count the cars that go past. Here's to porch sitting and it finally feeling a little more like summer!

post show glow

The Big Crafty has come and gone... I had a blast but gosh, it was a lot of work. Here's a shot of me with my wares.

What's missing from the photo is my little table setup... seriously, I could have read some tarot cards. Maybe next time... yeah, I think they'll be a next time. This show was such a good learning experience. And best of all (besides the fact that Tia - campfollowerbaglady - stopped by while she was in the neighborhood... from Australia! Thanks, Tia!), I've got a ton of ideas for where I'm headed next with my minis. And boy, oh, boy, I'm excited to experiment. After a small break, I think.

all about the merch

...andising, that is. Digs and bean stitched business cards, bags, and official craft show signage, all bound for the Big Crafty show tomorrow. The bags are my favorite: they were a total last minute, matter of necessity creation, but I'm all for free and handmade!

I love stitching on paper, but I'm not sure how my sewing machine feels about it. When I think about all the sequins, papers, impossible amounts of fabric layers, and various fake fur items I've run through my poor machine... I think she's probably due for a little servicing soon, after 25 years of dependable operation.

show time!

This installment represents the last of my craft show creations. Even now, having spent most of my holiday weekend in crafty exploits, my mind is still racing with things yet to make. So sad to actually have to cut yourself off from something, but it's for the best. My hubby and my doggy miss me! As does my very hairy house! Regardless of these and other pressing "adult tasks," I'm pretty happy with the way these turned out, just in time for digs & bean's Big Crafty debut. More pics on my flickr page.

I'm really excited to move onto some different kind of projects. It's just a different way of thinking: making stuff to make stuff and making stuff to sell. I like the process though - working on lots of little quick projects - but I'm ready for something slow and involved. Maybe some experiments with image transfer? Maybe some abstract pieces shellaced onto wood? Who knows... but house cleaning first!

my half of the table

I claim this end, bedecked in crafty mess though it may be, in the name of digs & bean! The other end is claimed by my almost-finished-with-nursing-school hubby: he's studying for a take-home test - a novel idea to me, at least. I'm in final preparations for the Big Crafty in July. Once I finish framing these prints up, I'll be officially done. This has been a lot of hard work, but I'm really proud of all the stuff I've made in the last few months. I've been meaning to make a tally... or at least post some photos of my stash. Maybe someday soon...