San Juan River Music: Day 10

Hi dearies!


It was a success on Saturday when I volunteered at the San Juan River Music Festival. There was a decent crowd for the first year running, and I was glad to be apart of it. I was in charge of the kid's tent, which consisted of painting and whatever else I could think of. I love coordinating events because I get to choose crafts I enjoy just as much as the children do. 

One of the craft projects. 

A majority of the day was spent painting huge canvasses that we had no trouble filling up. The turn out was perfect. Not too many kids, but not too little. The day ended at just the right time, and I even sold a necklace and a pair of earrings at the end. It truly makes my day when I sell something.

Sold on Saturday!

On top of that, I went with my boyfriend and his brother camping on Sunday afternoon. We came back home today around 3pm. In the 2 or so days that we spent camping, all four weather seasons were experienced. You always have to remember to bring layers when camping in the mountains. I'd post pictures, but I completely forgot my memory disk for my camera before we left. =(

Sold today with coupon code!

When I got back home today, I was very happy when I checked my phone and I had received a text message stating my mermaid ring had sold! I was so glad that someone utilized the sale I had. This week I am having a 50% off sale at my store AnotherUse. Half of my pieces I have had for over a year. I am hoping to get rid of a good chunk in order to make room for more. Now that I am back to civilization, I will be updating more jewelry in the next couple of days.


Thanks everyone!


Stephanie

Etsy Business Help: Day 9

Hi dearies!


I was having some technical difficulties this past 24 hours, but I just figured it out. Oy! Anyways, I've been making a lot of updates on my Etsy site, AnotherUse. I was waiting on some supplies that finally arrived, so I've been able to put together about 10 more pieces. Head on over to check it out! I have a 40% off sale going on now with coupon code AUSAVE40. Use it at checkout.

Eco Friendly Sparkly Ring

In this blog post, I wanted to share a number of useful websites that have been of great use and help to me. I am a huge fan of Everythingetsy and Handmadeology. They have awesome advice and links to many other awesome blogs. A very important tip that I firmly believe in is leaving comments on other blogs. This has definitely helped to bring viewers to my blogs, and I am learning so much by looking around at other blogs.  

Vintage inspired mermaid ring

If you join Everythingetsy, I highly recommend checking out Etsypreneur. At Etsypreneur, you can add your shop or website to the Everythingetsy Directory. I've only recently started learning how to utilize these sites, but they are a great way to get your name out there. 

Vintage Inspired Flamingo Ring

Etsysaver and Heartsy are wonderful places to advertise if you are having a sale or want to host a sale. Heartsy offers items up to 60% off in featured shops. You can vote on stores you would like to save money at, as well. There are many stores working on being featured, so it may take some time before getting a sale offer. Etsysaver also offers coupons and shop owners to post their coupons. Click on the About section to learn more about this cool site.


Thanks everyone!




Stephanie

Mermaid Cameo Ring: Day 8

Hi dearies!


Here is my newest favorite ring. I finally was able to assemble this beauty today, and I am so happy I did. This gorgeous vintage inspired mermaid cameo ring by AnotherUse is adjustable, which means it will fit just about any finger. Cameo measures 1" wide.

Angle 1

Angle 2

Adjustable filigree silver plated ring

Thanks everyone!


Stephanie

40% OFF End of the World Sale!: Day 7

Hi dearies!


I'm featuring an item from my etsy shop today for my End of the World 40% OFF Sale. Below are pictures of my upcycled fairy green necklace. 

Use coupon code AUSAVE40 at checkout.

Upcycled components

Approximately 16" in length

Braided green faux leather strap

Lobster claw clasp with 2" of chain for adjustment

Statement necklace

Find this and many other one-of-a-kind pieces on sale in my etsy shop, AnotherUse. Everything will be 40% off until the end of the week. New sale starting next week!

Thanks everyone!

Stephanie

Blog Button Tutorial: Day 6

Hi dearies!


I sat in bed all evening yesterday and worked on trying to figure out how the heck to make a button for my blog. It was very frustrating, as I am terrible with html. If you make one mistake, the whole thing won't work. I'm not so great with that. But after many attempts, since I am very persistent, I accomplished my goal. I found this wonderful video to share with you on how to make a blog button. 


Here is mine so far:

blog button

Button HTML code from video
Button with code:
<a href="http://fiftyflutters.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll208/lyndsayjohnson/FiftyFluttersButton1.png" /></a><textarea rows="2" cols="20" readonly>
<a href="http://fiftyflutters.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll208/lyndsayjohnson/FiftyFluttersButton1.png" /></a></textarea>
Button Only:
<a href="http://fiftyflutters.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll208/lyndsayjohnson/FiftyFluttersButton1.png" /></a>

Buttons made from personal images/photos would have to be my favorite option for making banners and buttons. If you don't have any photos that you are satisfied with, try looking at coolwebstock.com. There are so many awesome png files, I was so excited to see what I could play with. I made three banners last night with these images in the free editor, GIMP. 

Check out my store, AnotherUse, for one of my other banners. I'm having a 40% off sale right now with coupon code AUSAVE40. It's the End of the World Sale!

Thank you so much!

Stephanie

Vote on Heartsy Deals: Day 6

Hi dearies!

Want to get awesome deals on jewelry from my etsy shop, AnotherUse?

Vote for me on Heartsy!

Vote for savings on this item.

Here is another item you can save on.

Vote for savings on these adorable vintage flower earrings.

Get awesome savings on Marilyn necklaces when you vote.

Gorgeous ring you can get incredible savings on. Vote here!

Thanks for looking and voting!

Stephanie

Upcycled Finds: Day 5

Hi dearies!


I recently found a store, HotGlueHangover, I really like because it is funky and she includes upcycled items. Check out her shop!

Sparkly Robin-12 inch by HotGlueHangover

When did you open Isabellaphenix? 
So I just opened this new shop HotGlueHangover (transferring from isabellaphenix) and I opened it May 19th, 2011 (it's a girl!) My old shop was opened March 19th, 2011.

Hot Pink Zebra-12 inch by HotGlueHangover

How long have you been making art?
I have been making art for as long as I can remember, maybe because it was free and kept me out of trouble. In fact the last time my husband and I went home to my parents house he got the joy of seeing my fabulous 1996 Olympics Scrapbook...It was pretty incredible. 

When did you start reusing components in your artwork?
I love the idea of reusing what is already beautiful and already available. Being a history teacher there is something about the history of old jewelry or fabrics that is just so interesting to me! it's not just a brooch anymore it may have been someone's wedding piece or someone's favorite shirt. The possibilities are endless. 

Bird on a Tree-14 inch by HotGlueHangover

What do you find hardest about running your own store?
The hardest thing about running my own store is that unfortunately Angelina Jolie will not adopt me and let me just craft all day. Multitasking is hard and being creative and "crafty" is not really how I feel everyday. It's about finding the balance between doing what you love and staying on top of your game.

Sale///Chalkboard Flower Bling 12 inch by HotGlueHangover

What do you love most about running your own store?
What I love most about running my store is the networking. i love being inspired by other people's work and seeing the new ideas pop up on my newsfeed. It makes me push the boundaries of what I was originally thinking or would be inclined to do. Plus custom orders are always fun! Its like a puzzle - trying to find the perfect mix of your style and their ideas. Plus growing up it was a family rule to never leave a puzzle unfinished so I basically think about custom orders day and night until they are done.

Lace and Burlap 14 inch by HotGlueHangover

What is your biggest accomplishment?
I would say my biggest accomplishment in terms of crafting would be finally taking that step to do what i really enjoy. I love teaching, even though their hormones drive me crazy, but what I tell them everyday is to make a goal and go for it. What kind of educator would i be if I didn't follow my own words. It's mighty scary to start your own shop but i've found that Etsy provides you with such a support team that once you get connected you really don't feel alone. It has not been easy and very time consuming but there is something about putting your heart and soul into something and it being recognized that really there are no words for. You like me, you like me, you really like me!

Pink and Cheetah-14 inch by HotGlueHangover

What advice can you give others about making and selling their artwork?
I would gives these words of advice for future sellers on Etsy:

a. Pick a catchy shop name that people will remember - watch your spelling (made that mistake the first time =)
b. Coupons and discounts - think of why YOU would shop somewhere.
c. GET CONNECTED - join circles and teams - support your friends and they will support you!
d. Make Treasuries - It's FREE advertising, plus it opens your eyes to new shops, circles, and items that will push you to be better.
e. Customer Service - always thank for inclusion in treasuries, messages, circles, teams, etc. Customers remember if your nice. 
f. Be Creative when you can fully be creative. What I mean by that is don't force something. I can tell when I made something to just make it and then when I made something because i really wanted to. If you are no enjoying it or it is not "speaking" your vision you need to find something else to make / do.

- Natalie (HotGlueHangover)


Thanks Natalie and everyone else!


Stephanie

Rapids and Rhythm Festival May 21: Day 4

Hi dearies!

Tomorrow is the Rapids and Rhythm Festival in Pagosa Springs, CO. It has been a couple of weeks since I was able to setup and sell my artwork with Jen. Now we are back at it, with a little rocky start. The event is from 10am-6pm. From the looks of the forecast, we should have the sun I was hoping for. After all of the clouds and rain this week, I am looking forward to a little sun.

There will also be the San Juan River Rod Run Car Show. This time of year the town is flooded with over 100 cars. The town is buzzing this time of year, and a great way to check out Pagosa Springs.

Hope to see a wonderful crowd!

Thanks!

Stephanie

Vintage Inspired Betty Boop Steampunk Necklace: Day 4

Hi dearies!

Because I am so proud of it and it is my first attempt at steampunk design, I wanted to share my vintage inspired Betty Boop steampunk necklace with you. It took several weeks for this project to transpire, but I am finally satisfied with it. Betty Boop is an upcycled piece actually used as an ornament, and the chain is handmade with upcycled beads and vintage clock parts.

Vintage Inspired Betty Boop Steampunk Necklace

Betty Boop is about 4" in length. The necklace has a length of about 17" and there is about 3" of adjustment for comfortability.

Vintage Inspired Betty Boop Steampunk Necklace

This project was a lot of fun for me because I had to hunt out a clock in order to find these wonderful gears. I participated in the Community Rummage Sale here in Pagosa Springs, CO and found a wonderful mini mantle clock that looked quite old for $3. I'm horrible at bargaining, so that's what I paid for it and my friend, Mike, who has a love of taking clocks apart, worked diligently as I watched him pull away beautiful part after beautiful part. 

What do you think of my Betty Boop necklace?

Thanks everyone!

Stephanie

Continued Collaboration for Music Festival: Day 3

Hi again!

As plans have continued to grow, I am learning more about how the kid's tent at the San Juan River Music festival is going to run. Supplies are mostly covered at this time, and it appears that our largest project is painting beautiful 10x4' canvasses. It is very exciting to be working on such a big project. Many ideas are running through my head, but I can't seem to decide what will be the best idea for painting these canvasses. I would love to have the kids paint with their fingers and/or feet. These ideas have yet to be approved. =D In the meantime, I have been hunting out more Marilyn Monroe photos in my magazines and am in the process of constructing 10 necklaces!

Weminuche Wilderness

Pagosa Springs, Colorado is such an inspirational place for creativity. It makes me wonder how so many people don't know about its splendor, and how I was once one of those people. Never had I heard of Pagosa once in my life until a friend moved here, and now I feel, sometimes, that I never want to leave. I was sitting in the parking lot at the City Market grocery store yesterday when I heard a woman tell her husband as he came back to the car that there is a falls here in Pagosa. I wanted to run out of the vehicle I was in and tell her that there are actually four or five, at least, here in Pagosa. If it wasn't for the intensity of Anna Karenina, I would have.

Four Mile Falls

I am truly confident that finally, after so many years, the Chimney Rock natural stone structure will become a national monument. It would be nice to see this area receive the recognition that it deserves. Although I would love to keep this spectacular place all for myself, the many people struggling in this economy could use more people coming through this area. Let's hope it gets the recognition it deserves.

Chimney Rock silhouette.

Thank you so much!

Stephanie

Donations Needed By May 28: Day 2

Hi Everyone!

I am volunteering my time on May 28 at the San Juan River Music festival in the kid's tent in order to get my face out in Pagosa Springs a little more. Jen and I will be trading off throughout the day coordinating kid's activities and selling artwork at our booth. Working with children is something we are both very good at and eager to plan.

Indian Head near Pagosa Springs, CO.

We have never been to this event before, so we are unsure the amount of children that will be there. At this point, we are to obtain supplies that are red, white, and blue themed, such as paints and crayons. The children will be painting 4x12' canvasses, and we need to collect paints and paintbrushes. If anyone is willing to donate, please let me know. Items can be mailed to Stephanie Casey:

875 Cloud Cap Ave
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Mountain range near Silver Falls outside of Pagosa Springs, CO.

I was also thinking we could make recycled magazine or newspaper bead necklaces, along with painting rocks. I have hosted these projects before and they turned out successful. It's also important that since most of mine and Jen's items are recycled, we pass on this trend to others. We could also use donations for this project, as well. Tape and glue are also required for these projects.

Four Mile Falls outside of Pagosa Springs, CO.

Thank you!

Stephanie
Facebook: AnotherUse
Twitter: anotherusestore

Commencing Day 1

I decided that since my classes are over for the semester I would make more effort at blogging.  There are many days after I have completed my courses when I feel like I am not accomplishing enough.  So this is my solution.  Blog for at least the rest of the summer until the fall semester starts.  If I get into a rhythm, I'll continue on through for the rest of the year.

Jen and I have been working on a lot of ideas in the past couple of weeks.  I was able to get into her store and take more photos of items she has made herself.  These items can be found on my Etsy shop site.

Green Galaxy Glass Fused Necklace

Live the Life You Love Recycled Record Bowl

Vintage Vinyl Record Wine Holder

Recycled Bike Tube Feather Earrings

Jen is a big fan of reusing things to create something new.  We're really great at bouncing ideas off of each other and we work well together.  By the end of the month we have a number of things planned that I will write about in later blog posts.  

For now, we struggle as everyone in these hard economic times, doing all that we can to keep sane and happy.  And at the end of the day we know we can smile, because of the beauty we are surrounded with, and the fact that we at least still have a roof over our heads.  Things are looking brighter as summer nears.  In the meantime, we still have snow in the middle of May.  Oy!

At the home front, Leikos and I have decided to start making our own cat food.  We have two dogs and two cats; Jackson is a lab mix; Tiki is a Yorkshire Terrier; Blues is a Tonkinese-like cat; Cinema is an Earth Day giveaway kitten.  Fishing is one of our most favorite past-times, and we thought we could make our furry friends wonderful meals of fish and rice puree with our catches that we may not eat.  Our oldest cat, Blues, is not such a fan, but our youngest can't get enough of it.  I consider it one less trip to the grocery store.  And it's healthier for our animals.  Yes, we do give the dogs a little every now and then.  

Blues on the left and Cinema on the right. 

Thanks everyone!

Stephanie