Lady With A Unicorn
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Getting Ready for the Holidays
Actually, this probably should have been written in July or August as it's never to early to get your holiday items made and ready to list. I've been trying to follow this advice myself.
For me, it's not the creating part I have trouble with...it's the photography and the listing itself. Being creative, I see this as mundane and repetitive. I know it's vitally necessary, but I don't have to like it. So, I've come to the conclusion that it's my attitude about it that has to be changed. Instead of it being a chore, I'm going to be really excited about presenting my latest creation to the world.
So, I'm committing right here and now that I'll get that part started in the morning...ok, maybe the afternoon.
I ALSO REALLY WANT TO EMPHASIZE...
As I've written before, I like to give miniatures that I mail out an extra special touch. Recently, I've been asked how I do it without spending too much money and cutting further into profits.
First of all, I'm a coupon freak....if there's a way to get a deal on something, I'll find it. I also look in the wedding departments of stores like Michael's and Wallmart. I've found amazing deals on favor packages, little bags and beautiful stickers and ribbon. I also check baby sections, home accessories, etc....you never know what treasure might be waiting in the most unusual places. Sometimes I've saved as much as 90% making these lovely wrappings more inexpensive than plain little boxes. Also, need I remind readers to shop I have actually received miniatures (from a very well known high end shop) where the items were each wrapped in toilet paper!!! These were expensive collector items which should have been treated with more respect. I wouldn't dream of sending out something wrapped like that! It also makes me think twice before ordering from them as it makes me wonder how well they care for their inventory.
ON THE OTHER HAND...
The other day I received an order from a favorite mini shop on Etsy and the packaging looked familiar.
It was the same heart shaped box, covered in tulle with white ribbon and a silver thank you. It was the same packaging I'd sent her! That gave me my chuckle for the day....I do the same thing:...recycle special wrappings that have been sent to me. I also save ribbons and other special little pieces...flowers, etc. and I like to make different combinations.
Perhaps some will think this is a little overboard, but I think the package should be a total experience for my customers.
So, as the holidays approach, dig out some of your Christmas tissue paper and skinny ribbon you bought
from Michael's or JoAnn's with the 40% coupon and make your customers really feel that holiday spirit.
You might even include a little treat, like a Hershey's kiss or miniature...which, of course, you bought with a coupon!
For me, it's not the creating part I have trouble with...it's the photography and the listing itself. Being creative, I see this as mundane and repetitive. I know it's vitally necessary, but I don't have to like it. So, I've come to the conclusion that it's my attitude about it that has to be changed. Instead of it being a chore, I'm going to be really excited about presenting my latest creation to the world.
So, I'm committing right here and now that I'll get that part started in the morning...ok, maybe the afternoon.
I ALSO REALLY WANT TO EMPHASIZE...
As I've written before, I like to give miniatures that I mail out an extra special touch. Recently, I've been asked how I do it without spending too much money and cutting further into profits.
First of all, I'm a coupon freak....if there's a way to get a deal on something, I'll find it. I also look in the wedding departments of stores like Michael's and Wallmart. I've found amazing deals on favor packages, little bags and beautiful stickers and ribbon. I also check baby sections, home accessories, etc....you never know what treasure might be waiting in the most unusual places. Sometimes I've saved as much as 90% making these lovely wrappings more inexpensive than plain little boxes. Also, need I remind readers to shop I have actually received miniatures (from a very well known high end shop) where the items were each wrapped in toilet paper!!! These were expensive collector items which should have been treated with more respect. I wouldn't dream of sending out something wrapped like that! It also makes me think twice before ordering from them as it makes me wonder how well they care for their inventory.
ON THE OTHER HAND...
The other day I received an order from a favorite mini shop on Etsy and the packaging looked familiar.
It was the same heart shaped box, covered in tulle with white ribbon and a silver thank you. It was the same packaging I'd sent her! That gave me my chuckle for the day....I do the same thing:...recycle special wrappings that have been sent to me. I also save ribbons and other special little pieces...flowers, etc. and I like to make different combinations.
Perhaps some will think this is a little overboard, but I think the package should be a total experience for my customers.
So, as the holidays approach, dig out some of your Christmas tissue paper and skinny ribbon you bought
from Michael's or JoAnn's with the 40% coupon and make your customers really feel that holiday spirit.
You might even include a little treat, like a Hershey's kiss or miniature...which, of course, you bought with a coupon!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I got nuthin...
The other day I logged in and just stared at the screen. After a significant amount of time, I shrugged my shoulders and said "I've got nothing." I felt saturated, so totally engrossed in miniatures that I'd drawn a blank.
When this sort of thing happens to me, I know it's time to step back. When you're as passionate as I am about miniatures, it's easy to get lost in it sometimes. I'll sit down with a project and totally lose track of the time. I'll think it's only been an hour and it's really more like five or six. Next thing I know, I'm scrambling to get dinner started, chores done, errands run, etc.
Vacation time!! As much as I wish it were some exotic location, it's just a little time out at home from what I love to do.
There are other things I love...music (I'm a vocalist) and gardening...our three dogs...lunch with my husband.
So....believe it or not, I've begun scheduling time away from miniatures. It's not as easy as it sounds, and it was difficult to do at first. I'd want to paint "just a half hour more" or repair that leg on a table.
It's like this with everyone. Life has gotten too busy. Especially now with this economy, people are driven to do more and cram as much in as possible.
I've now managed to take two whole days off from EVERYTHING...miniatures, housework that could wait, cooking dinner. It's not impossible to do!!! (I just said that because I heard you say "I can't do that"!)
Now I'm back with a fresh perspective and new ideas. Halloween miniatures are calling!
When this sort of thing happens to me, I know it's time to step back. When you're as passionate as I am about miniatures, it's easy to get lost in it sometimes. I'll sit down with a project and totally lose track of the time. I'll think it's only been an hour and it's really more like five or six. Next thing I know, I'm scrambling to get dinner started, chores done, errands run, etc.
Vacation time!! As much as I wish it were some exotic location, it's just a little time out at home from what I love to do.
There are other things I love...music (I'm a vocalist) and gardening...our three dogs...lunch with my husband.
So....believe it or not, I've begun scheduling time away from miniatures. It's not as easy as it sounds, and it was difficult to do at first. I'd want to paint "just a half hour more" or repair that leg on a table.
It's like this with everyone. Life has gotten too busy. Especially now with this economy, people are driven to do more and cram as much in as possible.
I've now managed to take two whole days off from EVERYTHING...miniatures, housework that could wait, cooking dinner. It's not impossible to do!!! (I just said that because I heard you say "I can't do that"!)
Now I'm back with a fresh perspective and new ideas. Halloween miniatures are calling!
Monday, August 22, 2011
how we want our shop to be different
Of course we want our shop to be a reliable location for popular well known miniatures, but there's so much more we want to bring to the miniature public.
I love discovering little known talent. (or at least new to me.) Maybe someone just starting out that has a few pieces listed and doesn't realize just how good they are. I'll usually buy a piece and analyze it. If it meets my expectations, I may contact the artist and see if they're interested in being featured in the shop. Then we come to terms and hopefully it benefits both of us.
While we are still working out the website kinks (aren't we always?!?!) we are in the process of featuring several of these amazing miniaturists.
Among them is a terrific miniaturist...Ann from Ann's miniatures. She makes unbelievably tiny wrapped candies, cookies, etc. I swear she has a shrinking machine, because they are perfectly proportioned and realistic!
Another, who is just coming on board is Melody Lamb, a gifted whimsical animal and faerie artist. You have to smile when you see her creations and she's been kind enough to offer them to me in 1:12 scale.
One of my favorites (ok...I'm prejudice) is my husband Steve. There's never been a dull moment in our marriage and it comes through in his art...full of life and character.
So, when looking for miniatures, take the time to explore a stores artist sections, if they are lucky enough to have one. I've seldom if ever been disappointed.
If you're as passionate about miniatures as we are, you'll be amazed at the whole other world of miniatures ready to be discovered.
I love discovering little known talent. (or at least new to me.) Maybe someone just starting out that has a few pieces listed and doesn't realize just how good they are. I'll usually buy a piece and analyze it. If it meets my expectations, I may contact the artist and see if they're interested in being featured in the shop. Then we come to terms and hopefully it benefits both of us.
While we are still working out the website kinks (aren't we always?!?!) we are in the process of featuring several of these amazing miniaturists.
Among them is a terrific miniaturist...Ann from Ann's miniatures. She makes unbelievably tiny wrapped candies, cookies, etc. I swear she has a shrinking machine, because they are perfectly proportioned and realistic!
Another, who is just coming on board is Melody Lamb, a gifted whimsical animal and faerie artist. You have to smile when you see her creations and she's been kind enough to offer them to me in 1:12 scale.
One of my favorites (ok...I'm prejudice) is my husband Steve. There's never been a dull moment in our marriage and it comes through in his art...full of life and character.
So, when looking for miniatures, take the time to explore a stores artist sections, if they are lucky enough to have one. I've seldom if ever been disappointed.
If you're as passionate about miniatures as we are, you'll be amazed at the whole other world of miniatures ready to be discovered.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mini points to ponder...
1. When there are mini glasses of juice, why is the mini pitcher still full?
2. When making little pumpkins, why do people think bright orange color and evenly scored lines looks even remotely real?
3. Who decided that miniatures and toys are the same thing?
4. Why do well meaning folks buy me "little" things no matter how ridiculous and HUGE even when I've explained what I do many MANY times?
5. Why do I think of silly thing about miniatures and ponder?!?
OK...I admit I'm a little obsessed (ok...a lot) with miniatures. What is it about these precious tiny treasures that captures me everytime? It's not lust the size, it's the true artistic value and attempt at realism that fascinates me. It's the purposeful imperfection of a piece...the dead leaf on a plant, or scuffs on little shoes.
I've been hooked since childhood.
I can pick up any item...button...string...plastic clothing tags and automatically try to think of a "mini" way to use it. I suppose it's easier to hide my hoarding because these things are so small. (did I really say hoarding out loud?!?!?!) Once in awhile I'll go through a box of these odd little things and get the same kick as I get when I look at old cards and letters. They will bring me back to the time and place when I found it. I'll also come up with new ways to use it.
I have come to a point, however, when I can not save every little string or bottle cap. I don't save outrageous amounts of multiples anymore either.
I feel that way about collecting my mini's as well. Remember when you first started collecting? I don't know about you, but I had to buy EVERYTHING!! These days I've become much more selective, much to the relief of my checkbook.
Go dig out a little box of your own...see what it reminds you of...you'll catch yourself either smiling or shaking your head.
2. When making little pumpkins, why do people think bright orange color and evenly scored lines looks even remotely real?
3. Who decided that miniatures and toys are the same thing?
4. Why do well meaning folks buy me "little" things no matter how ridiculous and HUGE even when I've explained what I do many MANY times?
5. Why do I think of silly thing about miniatures and ponder?!?
OK...I admit I'm a little obsessed (ok...a lot) with miniatures. What is it about these precious tiny treasures that captures me everytime? It's not lust the size, it's the true artistic value and attempt at realism that fascinates me. It's the purposeful imperfection of a piece...the dead leaf on a plant, or scuffs on little shoes.
I've been hooked since childhood.
I can pick up any item...button...string...plastic clothing tags and automatically try to think of a "mini" way to use it. I suppose it's easier to hide my hoarding because these things are so small. (did I really say hoarding out loud?!?!?!) Once in awhile I'll go through a box of these odd little things and get the same kick as I get when I look at old cards and letters. They will bring me back to the time and place when I found it. I'll also come up with new ways to use it.
I have come to a point, however, when I can not save every little string or bottle cap. I don't save outrageous amounts of multiples anymore either.
I feel that way about collecting my mini's as well. Remember when you first started collecting? I don't know about you, but I had to buy EVERYTHING!! These days I've become much more selective, much to the relief of my checkbook.
Go dig out a little box of your own...see what it reminds you of...you'll catch yourself either smiling or shaking your head.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
GLUE...The bane of my existance.
You've been there...you're so careful with every aspect of your creation, and then you see it: THE BLOB. (scary sounds from Psycho ring in my head).
It was supposed to be easy to apply, great controll and dry crystal clear. Not only does it do NONE of these things, it's not even holding very well. What a waste of time and effort. Now I sit with my tweezers and straight pin trying to remove the little dried bits without ruining all my hard work.
My shelf is full of bottles, jars and pastes representing my glue graveyard. $$$$$ down the drain.
There is one, however, I'm having great success with: Ultimate Glue. It's found in craft stores and sells for about $3.99. I've glued everything from paper to wood and even fabric. I transfer some to a little squeeze bottle and it has good control. I'm able to obtain the thin line I need and it doesn't drip. I like it much better for fabrics then adhesives made specially for that purpose.
I'd like to tell you that I discovered this myself, but I owe this great discovery to morezmore.com.
There I've not only found amazing suggestions, but gorgeous dolls and the tools to make them. Lovely faerie fabrics, beads...the list could go on forever. The sight is fascinating. It takes you through the entire doll process...from armature through final accents. They also tell you what the products are used for and show you how to use them.
With that said, is anyone out there interested in some slightly used adhesives? I have a vast collection, you know.
It was supposed to be easy to apply, great controll and dry crystal clear. Not only does it do NONE of these things, it's not even holding very well. What a waste of time and effort. Now I sit with my tweezers and straight pin trying to remove the little dried bits without ruining all my hard work.
My shelf is full of bottles, jars and pastes representing my glue graveyard. $$$$$ down the drain.
There is one, however, I'm having great success with: Ultimate Glue. It's found in craft stores and sells for about $3.99. I've glued everything from paper to wood and even fabric. I transfer some to a little squeeze bottle and it has good control. I'm able to obtain the thin line I need and it doesn't drip. I like it much better for fabrics then adhesives made specially for that purpose.
I'd like to tell you that I discovered this myself, but I owe this great discovery to morezmore.com.
There I've not only found amazing suggestions, but gorgeous dolls and the tools to make them. Lovely faerie fabrics, beads...the list could go on forever. The sight is fascinating. It takes you through the entire doll process...from armature through final accents. They also tell you what the products are used for and show you how to use them.
With that said, is anyone out there interested in some slightly used adhesives? I have a vast collection, you know.
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