PIMPIN'

Yep, more shameless pimping...but something new! It's not just me anymore---now, the bf's got an etsy shop too!

So most of y'all know I quit my job last fall (I know, it seems ridiculously foolish in the economic climate right now, but it was the right thing to do) and, whilst looking for a new gig, have been pouring myself into my creative outlets. I worked really hard to prep for my very first craft fair (as Hexkitten Designs) in February, and I did really well! Made a lot of sales, got great feedback and even got orders to ship out. It was truly a success, even if still just a PT endeavor. I came up with some new products that were really well received, and I'm now shamelessly whoring them here on Tribe: namely handpainted hexes on rustic wooden medallions, and needlework patterns of my designs!

The cross stitch patterns are doing really well---to my surprise and delight---and I've already sold a bunch of them on the new etsy shop. People LOVED them at Pantheacon, so I'm feeling like buying that design program was a good investment. To start, I've created some patterns for my tattoo style designs, and posted them in my new etsy shop: HelloSailorStudio.etsy.com. I also have mini versions of all my hex designs in cross stitch patterns (12 total), though they're not listed in the HexKittenDesigns shop yet. Soon though, soon!

And last but most definitely not least, I'm pimpin' for the boyfriend, too. Joshua makes awesome silver jewelry and accessories, and he's just getting his etsy shop started: LioncraftStudio.etsy.com. He makes gorgeous silver twist hair sticks, penannular brooches (traditional Celtic pins for cloaks, shawls etc), bracelets and other accessories. Please check him out, and who knows...maybe you'll be his very FIRST sale! (hint hint hint)

To summarize...

GO HERE! PLEASE SHOP! SUPPORT THE ECONOMY & YOUR STARVING ARTIST FRIENDS! :)

www.HexkittenDesigns.etsy.com (Hex Signs and Block Prints)
www.HelloSailorStudio.etsy.com (Sailor Jerry style tattoo designs and needlework patterns)
www.LioncraftStudio.etsy.com (Beautiful hand forged silver jewelry and accessories)

Shameless Plug #5 - New Stuff! Pantheacon!

Hello everyone,

Okay, admittedly, I completely dropped the ball on getting any news or promotions out for the Christmas holiday. Being involved in the Dickens fair took up so much time and energy, I just couldn't pull anything together in time. The best of intentions, they say, right? Well, I've been working my tail off since 2009 kicked in, on new designs and stock for an upcoming show! It's called Pantheacon, and it is a 4 day pagan-themed convention with workshops, rituals and lots of really cool shopping! If you can stop by, look for my booth and say hi!

Some of the new items in my Etsy shop:

~ 11 x 14 poster in the Victorian Broadside style (only 6 left!)
~ "Hello Sailor" Mermaid linocut
~ New Hex Designs!
~ Rockabilly Valentines! Get 'em quick while there's still time to send them!

Oh, and I'm working on a new line of the hex signs painted on rustic wooden disks, very folk-artsy and neato. They're not in my Etsy shop yet, but I'll be putting them up after Pantheacon.

The 15th Annual PantheaCon
Feb 13 – 16, 2009
President's Day weekend
San Jose Doubletree Hotel
2050 Gateway Place, San Jose CA
(408) 453-4000

--
www.HexKittenDesigns.etsy.com

Anyone want to come to Pantheacon?

So I am a vendor at Pantheacon this year, and I paid for a helper pass but haven't actually found anyone to come assist me. If you are interested in checking it out, and don't mind helping me out at my booth doing set-up, tear-down and watching the booth for me so I can take breaks, then drop me a line!

The stats:

The 15th Annual PantheaCon
Feb 13 – 16, 2009
President’s Day weekend
San Jose Doubletree Hotel
2050 Gateway Place, San Jose CA
(408) 453-4000

I haven't made hotel arrangements yet (because I am a slacker) and now the hotel is completely booked. So if you want to split a room somewhere closeby, or know someone else who might have space available, let me know. I'd rather not drive home each night...blehhh.

www.pantheacon.com

Last Minute Xmas shopping?

SHAMELESS PLUG #4

Okay, so I was totally distracted by Dickens fair, and didn't get all the wonderful new stuff I was hoping to do up on my Etsy shop for the holiday season. BUT...I still have all the other great stuff that you may have been eyeing since summer!

For anyone that does Dickens fair and wants to buy anything from my Etsy shop this week, I'll refund your shipping plus 10% of the item price via paypal. And I will bring your purchases to fair for you, all ready to get wrapped and go under the tree. Sorry for the late and somewhat underwhelming reminder, but there you have it.

Also, there are still a few Mad Sal's posters available at $20 each. Come and find me Saturday morning to pick one up...don't wait til we close Sunday night, there won't be any left! Limited Edition of 50!

www.etsy.hexkittendesigns.com

Mad Sal's posters are in!

Fresh off the press, here are the details:

Paper size - 12" x 16"
Image size - 11" x 14"
Glossy poster stock
Signed and numbered edition of 50
Price - $20 each

Here is the list of people that asked to reserve one (or more):

Ryan Fresh
Rico Garcia
Carrie Smith
Annika Corley
Dan Morgan
Tracy Bush
Bill Roper
Daniel Aldrich
Robyn Agpalo
Deb Doyle
Denisey (2)
L. Mason
Raymond Van Tassel
Joshua Summit
Rachel (Brass Farthing)
Zach (Absinthe bar)
Nicole Sivell
Rose Carlyle
Tanya Anguita
Janice (?)
Cindy Lu

If you're not on this list and you want one, let me know ASAP! Please come see me before the fair opens Saturday morning to pick up your print! Cash only, $20 even. I will be at Mad Sal's by 10am. If you can't make it before opening, come find me during the day, or message me to let me know how to get your print to you. If you will not be at Dickens this weekend, definitely message me and I'll get your shipping information. You can pay me via paypal.

'Appy Christmas, all!

Holiday Craft Boutique today in Concord!

Hi all,

I realize its last minute, but I am hosting a small artisan craft boutique at my family's interior design showroom in Concord this evening. If you live or work in the area, the event is from 5-7pm, perfect for a little after work tea, treats and wonderful handmade gift shopping. Here are the details:

Join us for a wonderful evening of handmade gift shopping and refreshments!

Suite Designs, hosting
1170 R Burnett Avenue, Concord 94520 (right at the Concord Ave exit off 680)
925-798-6511 (showroom phone number)

Unique & Original Handmade Items! Come on over after work, bring your friends...shop and enjoy this one evening only holiday boutique! We will have 9 different artisans with a variety of items to suit your whole shopping list. 5-7pm only!

~Hexkitten Designs: art prints, cards & accessories
~Karen Morgan & Jane Costa: quilted items, teddy bears & beaded jewelry
~J.B. Wheatley Designs: original silver jewelry, hand-knit hats and scarves
~Little Arlene: retro baby girl clothing in vintage reproduction fabrics
~Lulu's Room: fabric pillow covers, retro aprons, purses
~Nomenclature Bath & Body: handcrafted soaps, lotions & bath accessories
~Small Threads: unique handstitched children's clothing

For fans of Mad Sal's...

I have finished it, finally! The big ambition this year was to design an old Victorian broadside poster for Mad Sal's, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Dickens. And it's finally done! YAY! I will have this available as limited edition signed artist prints for anyone who might be interested. The prints will be 11 x 14, high quality reproductions signed and numbered by me. If you would like one, please let me know so I may reserve one for you; I'm trying to gauge interest at this point to see how many I will want to print. The signed copies will probably run $20-25 each. The artwork may also be printed on the backs of the special commemorative leaflets the fair is producing for the anniversary (though much smaller and not signed/numbered).

Think of your friends who are big Mad Sal's fans for Christmas gifts! (hint hint) Hope you all like it. :)

Brief departure from election euphoria...

Okay, so its time to buckle down and start the job search with my full attention. I'm starting with temp agencies. Does anyone have any recommendations of places that worked out well for you? I live in Vallejo and can commute as far as Oakland or possibly SF. Willing to go 30-45 minutes in any direction...

Students of history...recommendations?

Okay, this is pretty obscure and specific, but I need to find a good account of the history of the IRA. I simply don't have any idea where to begin, as 20th century history is sort of alien to me. Anyone have any good recommendations?