Getting set-up on Etsy

Back in 2006, a friend urged me to get an Etsy account. I had a lot of fun setting it up, but there was no movement of my work. Of course, Etsy was still young then. So I decided to pull out. Fastforward 5 years and I have decided that I would like to set up an Etsy store-front.

Imagine my delight when upon enquiring, I was told that I could have my first profile re-activated! So I am in study of Etsy and it's ways. There is a lot of fabulous info on what you need to know and do to be successful there. It is exciting to see how far Etsy has come in the time since I was initially involved, and I am looking forward to being part of that dynamic community.

I will share my profile there as soon as I have it all up and running! I will also share any good ideas/hints/tips that I learn along the way!

Leather Working supplies in Vancouver area

A friend recently showed me her son's latest hobby: leather working.

For Christmas she had bought him an awl (at MEC of all places!!) and a large piece of tanned leather. It was by far his favourite Christmas present, and he has been busily making wonderful things since!

It got me to thinking about leather-working, and wondering where in the world you could get those kinds of supplies. Here is what I discovered:

In North Vancouver, there is a company called: Lonsdale Leather Warehouse. They don't seem to have a website, but here is what the Canpages profile says about them:

Profile: We have the largest selection of Leathers Hides, Belt Buckles, Handbag Hardware, Fasteners, Rivets, Snaps, grommets, Leather working Tools, Leather Dyes, Leather cleaning and conditioners, Lacings in Kangaroo Suede Calf Latigo Deer. Regular Leathers. Cow, Pig, Goat, Lamb, Tooling Veg, Latigo, Shearling, Waterproof, Exotic Leathers Hides. Crocco's, Stingray, Ostrich, Kangaroo, Deer, Elk, Buffalo, Industries we service. Belt & Handbag, Garment, Motorcycle, Industrial, Shoe, Ortho & Prosthetic, Craft, Film, Furniture Upholstery, Designer,

Lonsdale Leather Warehouse
Phone : (604) 873-6556
Fax (604) 873-6500
Address : 21 5th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T1G7

The other promising option appears to be a larger retail chain throughout Canada and the US called Tandy: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/ Their site has lots of info. Unfortunately, the Vancouver area location is in Surrey, which is a little far for me to go.

Operation Glitter the World has begun!

Boy am I pooped!

I single-handedly glittered what feels like half of Bowen Island at Bowfest today. Mostly the female half, for the most part under the age of 15. Although I was very busy, it was so much fun, especially when all the little ones crowded close in their excitement and I couldn't move or see what I was doing!

I will post some pictures shortly of my booth, but here's a picture in the meantime of a free-form, temporary glitter tattoo that I created.

Art and Mothering

The Painter's Keys arrives in my inbox regularly. This week was a discussion about Motherhood and Art. The following link was recommended, and I agree. The writer truly summarizes the division that splits artistic Moms in two:

http://www.parentingexpress.com/Stories/Stories/0044.htm

In reflecting upon my life, now more than 10 years into parenting, I suspect I have channelled my art-making into home-making, and because I feel a certain guilt for being supported by my husband (uncomplainingly at his end, I might add), my creativity dreams up new schemes for making money from the things I love to do, which never work, because I haven't got the time to pursue business when what I really want to do is be artistically expressed. So mediocrity seems to be the land I live in.

I suspect the most important thing for artist-moms is to be gentle with ourselves and keep on creating/expressing, no matter the form or voice that expression takes. Every experience we live contributes to the selves we bring to our work, and there will come a time for all that stored-up creativity to finally find its expression in intentional works of art.

needle felting fun

My daughter and I have discovered needle felting, and we love it! Since I introduced her to it a couple of days ago, she has created several pieces. I really love this alien in a spaceship piece.

I like needle felting because it makes for fast and fun colour. I also like the embellishment possibilities: embroidering, appliqué, sewing sequins and beads. Making mini, gorgeous tapestries!

Spring has come, with some frost

I have been pruning roses, the cuts on my hands prove it. I hope the Queen Elizabeth rose will bloom abundantly this year. I am taking out a lot of the older wood and training in the new branches.

The chickens have begun to lay again, and it is wonderful to have fresh eggs once more. The downside is their incessant digging in the garden beds which has already cost more than one plant it's happy start. I am torn, I love to see them free-ranging in the yard, but they will not stay out of the garden beds.

I have yet to start my seeds indoors. The one exception being the sweetpeas that are nestled between damp paper towels. I harbour visions of incredible gardens, full to overflowing with beautiful, scented beauty! Perhaps I will never succeed, but the dream calls me out every Spring.

Home Again

Okay, back on Bowen, and it is SPRING here!! Thank the Maker!

Had a great time in the East, but now I am very tired and needing some quiet time to re-coup.

No go on the gallery front, but there is still a lead to follow-up on. We'll see what evolves!