More Savor tomorrow!

I have to finish up a couple of orders tonight, so I'll continue the series tomorrow!

Don't forget to enter my drawing by tomorrow's deadline!

I've got all sorts of exciting good news to share, but will just share this bit right now. In addition to Etsy, Phydeaux Designs will soon also be available on Lollishops. I will be needing to decide soon which items to offer on which site.

Happy Halloween, everyone! Let me know if you dress up with a link to photos??? Or to your kids' photos???

A day with Savor, part II

First, a word from our sponsor, don't forget to enter one or both of the Phydeaux Designs contests that are still running! Here and here!

On to my adventure with Lisa from Savor at Etsy this last weekend!

For many Etsy sellers, and probably many buyers as well, Lisa is well known for her business acumen. I consider several of her Etsy Forum posts essential reading for sellers, including:

• Business secrets (after 5,000 sales)
• Shipping with Paypal and Endicia
• 1,000 sales three months

In fact! It's this last thread that really made me think I really could actually do this. Posted on the same day as my first sale. :) Thank you, Lisa!

But Lisa isn't just a very skilled and creative soapstress + savvy business woman, she also has a huge (and soft) heart with a very sweet soul. Who loves to smile and laugh!

And her home is filled "nearly" from wall-to-wall with soap supplies, business supplies, soap, etc.! When you walk in, you revel in the wonderful fragrances of all of her creations. What a treat to smell them all in person!

On Saturday, Lisa made 100 lbs of soap for wrapping and labelling on Sunday! She sold something incredible like 500 items during her anniversary sale and the following day. 100 lbs!!! Oy!

Needless to say, we settled right in to work (well, she'd been working, it was me who got settled in). I started labelling soap bars that she'd put into shrink wrap and used the heat gun to ... shrink the wrap. Some soaps I knew well, others were new to me. Her new Joie de Vivre soaps are so beautiful! And by the end of the evening, I was FINALLY able to pronounce this correctly (I want to knit a scarf in this color)!

We had a blast visiting and laughing and talking about things we both love. I got to meet her husband, Mike, such a nice, cool and oh so smart guy! (Who asked if my home is as full of supplies as their's ... ummm, yeah ...) Her four kitties very kindly agreed to meet me, while choosing not to bond with me, and I respect their decision. :( (they are CUUUUUTE).

And guess what? I got a LOT of Savor Secrets! Like what blends make which soaps. Or how a soap came to be. We talked a lot about our creative processes ... not very dissimilar! (Those Savor Secrets are going to the grave with me, folks....)

Tomorrow! How a top seller keeps herself organized ... or "maintaining one's sanity, Etsy style"

p.s., I think I rebroke my toe today :( Very swollen, very discolored, can I get a do over???

A day with Savor, Part I

I'll break this up in a few parts, since there's lots to share with you about my adventure on Sunday with Lisa of Savor Soap fame!

I "met" Lisa via Etsy, where I became a loyal customer (love love love her soaps and creme fraiches!) and friend. We both belong to two of the same "street teams" - California Crafter's Club of Etsy, and San Francisco/Bay Area Etsy. We've joked that we were separated from birth, enjoying similar TV shows, books, etc.

Lisa's a "top seller!" Which means she has a lot of sales (more than 7,000!!). To celebrate her one year anniversary, she scheduled a special day of sales last week, and the day exceeded her wildest dreams. I'm not sure what the final count was, but she definitely sold more than 200 items in just that day! And she's not able to take time off from work right now, so I offered to came by over the weekend and give her a hand with wrapping, labelling and packaging. I don't think she really believed me, but I was dead serious, and we finalized arrangements.

I live in the infamous Silicon Valley (southern San Francisco Bay Area) and Lisa lives in the Eastern San Francisco Bay Area, just one hour apart. I'm not that familar with the East Bay, but I was confident (arrogant?) that I could find her place in just an hour with the help of my handy iphone. I was bringing my very favorite Vietnamese food for eats, on the way to the pass that would take me out of my valley and into hers.

Hahaha! Famous last words.

I wasn't really thinking ... only following iphone directions. First mistake. So I picked up the food in downtown San Jose (which is 20-25 minutes from my house), already running behind. Then realized I had to double back to take 880 by following the directions. I thought, "hmmm, I should just take 680 (which would save me 20 minutes of backtracking), but maybe this is shorter in the end." Always go with your first instinct. Thirty minutes later, I was following directions to the letter, finding myself on 680 at a point that would have been 10 minutes from the restaurant. Argh!!!

But, OK, no worries, traffic was pretty light, I thought I could make up for lost time. Kept thinking, "Where is (insert town here)? Am I getting close??" I was suddenly faced with a decision between the freeway to Oakland vs. the freeway to Sacramento, panicked, went Oakland, and realized that had to be a mistake. Pulled off the freeway, iphone, new route. Back track. After 15 minutes, realize I'm too far south. Pull off freeway, iphone, new route. Back north again. Driving like a granny in the far right lane (by now we've exchanged texts - you lost? are you OK? and on the way! any minute!), not wanting to miss my exit! After another 20 minutes, YAY, there it is. Then the directions fell apart. I couldn't figure out which lane was considered the "subtle right fork." Argh!

So, I proceeded to spend nearly an hour overshooting where I knew the next exit had to be (I'm on back roads now), iphone, reroute, shaking fist at sky, lather, rinse, repeat.

Poor Lisa.

So I FINALLY reach what I think might be it, nearly weeping in relief, pulled over in a little parking area, called her, and I found the very parking area I was meant to park in! Yay!

TOMORROW: the meeting and the reality behind being a top seller (working 24/7!)!

Need your email address for the contest!

I should have made sure to say that in my last post - be sure to include your email address, so that I know how to reach you!

New Contest Cuz I Need Your Help!

Exciting news! Phydeaux Designs will be in a few holiday guides/online market/venues in November and December! I'm working on which items to include, but would love your help.

So here's the contest with a deadline of this Friday, 10/31/08 at 12 noon Pacific Standard Time!

Help me decide which items to include by telling me your favorite three items in my shop in the comments below. Be sure to think of which items you think you'd most likely give as gifts! If you love a previously sold scarf that you don't see in my shop, include it! I may just be waiting for more yarn to knit another.

I'll draw a name from entrants randomly Saturday morning (11/1) and announce it right here. The only persons not eligible to enter are my two fuzzy persons (who haven't mastered the computer anyway).

So what will the winner receive? One of my Soft Neckwarmer/Scarflettes (up to a $30 value), and the choice will be yours! I have at least two new designs arriving in the shop this week, and they'll also be up for grabs.

One entry per person, please (but with your favorite three), BUT you can get bonus entries in the following ways!

1. One bonus entry if you join the newsletter (current subscribers will automatically receive the bonus entry, if they enter)!
2. One bonus entry for a referred entrant (maximum one, and they must state in their comments that they were referred by you)!
3. One bonus entry if you announce the contest in your blog (include the link in your entry comment)!

I hope this will be fun for all of you -- it will certainly be fun for me, and I'm already feeling a little less stressed about which items to choose for these very fun gift guides!

I'll post more about the gift guides as the week progresses.

Thanks all!

Where's Fall and what about my toe???

Sunny, hot, yep ... that's October in California. Come on, Fall! It's a wee bit overcast today ... I'm hoping that's a good sign for me.

Y'know, the toe's not doing well. STILL. I spent a chunk of time at the doctor today, but I'm not being taken very seriously. I'm trying to get in to Podiatry -- they usually take me seriously (given my nerve and circulation problems, you think everyone would be trying to figure this one out!).

I had an incredible time with Lisa (from Savor) yesterday! Pix later ... I'm elevating my foot on the sofa right now. I'll write more about the visit and my adventure getting there later, too (a one-hour trip that took more more than three hours - DOH).

The backyard is filled with birds, the girls are glued to the screen door, my foot is propped up, and I think we're on the brink of Fall.

Double success and a Savorathon!

First: there's still time to enter the drawing for my Soft Leaf Scarflette!

And! Tonight's the end of my preholiday sale! Stay tuned for more specials, but I have a lot of goodies marked down right now -- it won't get better than this!

I am so happy! I was up way too late working on reinstalling programs, but ... Photoshop works again! Mind you, I was getting use to Picasa (free download), but dang it, I paid a LOTTA money for Photoshop. Yay! (Crossing fingers and toes)

I'm preparing to trek up to the East Bay to meet my friend Lisa and help her wrap, package, prepare for shipping the eleventy billion soaps that she sold on her one year Etsy anniversary sale this week! (Her sale really was a phenomenal success!) I'm really looking forward to this -- it's so fun to meet someone you've become good friends with via emails, convoes (the Etsy IM/email system), twitter, flickr, etc. I'm perusing the menu of my fave Vietnamese place to bring eats with me. Photos forthcoming, stay tuned!

I keep hearing about cold, blustery, windy, etc. weather. Not so here in California. It's been rather hot, sunny, pretty, but I'm ready for some of that scarf weather too.

Success!!!

I've spent the last 24 hours trying to reinstall Vista on my poor laptop. I'm happily writing now from that very laptop! Success! (Aren't you proud of me, Rich???) Well, I'm getting there anyway. Now I have to reinstall all of my programs. At least I know how to do a reinstall though.

Fingers crossed for photoshop!

Phydeaux Features and a Giveaway!

As promised, here are the details about a giveaway for Phydeaux Designs! See Handmade Showcase, a great giveaway blog created by Lynde of Cozy Sister on Etsy (check out her shop -- such pretty jewelry!). She has an interview with me posted, as well as the details and rules for entering the drawing for one of my very popular (and so so pretty) Soft Leaf Scarflettes!

Also, how exciting, my Soft Embers Scarf is featured today as a Quick Six Pick on Purplepinkandorange (a great indie design blog to read, by the way)! Be sure to check it out!

And, of course, I still have my preholiday sale running strong -- a great time to get that scarflette you've been eyeing for your mom/bff/aunt/coworker/(admit it, for yourself ...)!

This is a good Thursday for Phydeaux Designs!

One more tidbit!

I have a preholiday sale posted in my shop! Through Sunday! Everything in the "preholiday sale" section is already marked off by $5-10! If you have other discounts (newsletter, etc.), they'll be in addition to the sale, so now's a GREAT time to place your holiday gift orders (maybe for yourself ...).

New Giveaway!

A brief drive by posting! Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway this week of a Phydeaux Designs scarflette, from a feature on another blog! More details on Thursday the 23rd!

Because life is not all about work

I've known this, trust me, but this year was a challenge, with my new job + grad school, then new job + grad school + my business, then my job on steroids (budgets and year end close + my business, and now just my job + biz. Sigh. I haven't seen my family or close friends since the holidays! That's redonkulous!

So, off this weekend to visit my dearest bestest friend, Kris and the best guy on the planet (also in dear/best friend status), Rich!

I admit to being a little nervous when Kris was so excited about setting up a weekend of Mikuni eats (sushi and Japanese food, my least favorite food on the planet) and Guitar Hero (yikes!). What a blast!

Drove up to Oakland on Friday to pick her up after work and jet back to Sacramento together. Through rush hour traffic! We made great time! I was a little nervous about getting lost in Oakland, but my trusty iphone gave excellent maps and directions! And, bless her, she brought me an ice cold diet pepsi (hee hee)!

Then off to Mikuni's, where I could finally experience for myself their adventures and love for really excellent sushi. Waiting for a spot at the sushi bar was totally worth it -- so much energy and fun! (Rich, I'm waiting for the day that you add sushi chef to your resume!)

It was also so interesting for me, the neophyte, to watch it being prepared (and what a collection of seafood right in front of us, waiting for slicing!). Hunks of octopus tentacle (err ... yum?)! We ate up a storm and I didn't get photos of the dishes as they came, only of the aftermath ... sorry!

Then an evening of Guitar Hero! Kris and I are major videogame junkies (I think I might have every Legend of Zelda game now ...), so I just kept thinking, "it's just a videogame, it's just a videogame." Ha ha! What a fun videogame! Statements made during play included, "I remember that from my (junior high/high school) dances!" and "who the heck sings that???" and "You rock, dude!" War Pigs just about did us all in, but we were determined. I am so not a metal head, trust me (none of us are), but here we were, determined to be the top guitar for a Black Sabbath song.

Saturday morning was a truly delicious brunch at a cafe that I don't know the name of (Kris? Rich?). I had an incredible beef braised in chili verde with incredible refried beans and a salsa too hot for me (but Kris and Rich enjoyed it). Fork tender, no knives needed, wow! The cafe is right next to Tower Theater, one of Sacto's more historic hangouts, just at the northern tip of Land Park, one of Sacto's beautiful old neighborhoods where the wealthy lived in the early mid 1900's (30's-5o's). I'm pretty sure I saw Rocky Horror there for the first time, say .... 20, 22 years ago? (... oh my ...)

Then off to major retailing! I experienced Ikea with Kris, one of her favorite places on the planet, and I am so happy to have found just what I needed to organize my inventory and orders (more pix later on!). And some great prints and other goodies. I think I got something for each room of the house. Off to Rumpelstiltkins for yarn (Kris took up knitting!!!!), and I picked up a few things there. Kinda small and overpriced, but it's in a great location with a gallery and a jewelry shop. Off to Babetta's in Fair Oaks. Fantastic selection!!! Wow. And they don't take American Express!!! Boo! Mixed feelings there ...

I got home just after dark yesterday, wiped, exhausted, happy, with my stress meter reset. Molly punished me for awhile, but then crawled up on the bed to sleep on the far corner, one eye on me. Then came up for a brief ear scratching and asked to be let under the covers. I knew she forgave me then. She's kept me in eyeshot all morning/afternoon.

Thanks Kris, Rich and the girls and boy (Tiger, Allie, Meepers, Penny)! I'm coming back soon so that Rich can doctor my laptop!

What SHE said

Just back from SUCH a great and fun visit with Kris and Rich! Read about it here, and I'll post my own pics tomorrow! G'nite all!

Twitterpated

I cancelled Facebook and My Space accounts. I stood strong in the face of Stumble Upon and Digg. I'm normally OK not getting sucked into the world of social networking.

Then I succumbed.

I'm officially twitterpated: https://twitter.com/phydeauxdesigns

Loving October

October is my favorite month of all. If I ever get married (I used to say "when I get married," haha), I'll do so in October. I love the colors, the crisp bite in the air, the changing leaves, the earlier dusk, and getting to wear knits!

Vacation's over (boo), and wouldn't you know it? I was terribly sick yesterday, and sick again today, different malady. Argh!!! I still have things to do, but can barely move. Makes the kitties happy though.

I'm happy because I ordered more wool from Aimee at Pancake and Lulu to knit several more Charred Silk scarves! I'm about to start a custom order for one already.

I'm also happy because I have the most lusciously soft Malabrigo in bright orange to knit up. Malabrigo is a gorgeous hand dyed merino wool. My local yarn shops haven't carried it, but just checked out a new shop in San Jose, The Knitting Room, who has a huge selection. Yay! I utilized some restraint, I'm glad to say. I'm sure I'll be back!

I hope you'll check out Angie's blog -- she featured several of my scarves, including Charred Silk (above)! Angie has two Etsy shops: Art by Angie and Jelly Beans. I really love her polka dot paintings at Jelly Beans!

And! She's having a giveaway in her blog this coming week! Be sure to check it out and enter!

...Friday...

Happy Friday! A work in progress, a napping kitty, and a kitty soaking in the rays from a lamp (I'm happy that it's chilly and windy, but the kitties aren't quite as enthralled).

Happy Wednesday!

It's an awesome Wednesday when you get a nice sleep in (middle of my vacation -- or should I say "staycation" week) and wake up to find that you have an awesome feature on one of your favorite indie design sites!

Check out purplepinkandorange -- Amy does a fantastic job of highlighting independent designers and artisans. I particularly enjoy the "scores" she finds, under $20, under $5, etc.

Thank you, purplepinkandorange!

Tuesday treats!

A few treats courtesy from very talented Etsy artisans for you to enjoy (it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas!).

A very sweet little bear, created by manOmine! Check out her sold section for more wonderful and precious creations. And, check out her blog!

One day, possibly soon, I'm hoping to treat myself to this gorgeous bag from DrikaB, a fellow San Franciso Bay-er! I love her photos -- very distinctly hers, no mean feat to achieve.


















Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm (shock) knitting today, but also organizing my supplies and work areas, and roasting a turkey breast! I'll share the recipe tomorrow!

And six more days!

First four days of vackay a success. Much knitting! Completed several custom orders! Working on more custom orders! Completed and listed in the shop bits of knitting that have just needed my attention!

Most important ... filled my fridge with yummy things. Maybe I'll even get to cooking this week!

AND the winner is!

Kamewh!

Well, that's her blogger user name -- her name is Kam and here's her blog: http://blueberriesandpeanutbutter.blogspot.com/ She has some really killer bread and other recipes and great mom tips that many of you will enjoy.

Thank you to EVERYONE who entered ... you're all winners! Just for entering, if you order anything from Phydeaux Designs in October (through Halloween), I'll refund you 10% of your purchase (before shipping)! I already know who you are, but a note to seller on check out would be very helpful to me.

I'll have another drawing this month -- I'll likely get details up next week.

Thanks again everyone! This was great fun.

Things that make me happy

Since it looks like I probably need a new motherboard on my old laptop, and need to reinstall Vista or downgrade/install XP on my new laptop, I'm finding my happy place with another list of things that make me happy.

1. Giving away a scarflette! Still time to enter! I'll draw the winner tomorrow (Saturday, 10/14)!
2. Vacation days, like today! Starting getting myself organized for the holidays, yay!
3. A vacation today largely spent on the sofa with movies, knitting, and napping kitties. Emphasis on the napping kitties.
4. Turkey breast roasted with fennel, tarragon and garlic (trust me on this) -- which I'll be roasting tomorrow!
5. Workday emails and off work IM's from Kris, the bestest BFF ever, who cracks me up and knows me terrifyingly well (p.s., Kris, finally watched Across the University today -- loved it!). And still talks to me.
   
6. Old monster movies -- the true classics, not the Hammer films -- which should start playing around the clock with Halloween coming up.
   
7. Key Largo with Bogie and Bacall (and John Huston and Edward G. Robinson and Lionel Barrymore ... the list goes on and on) -- which I recorded last week and will savor tomorrow -- classic, cool, eery, elegant, absolutely brilliant!
   
8. Starting a new knitting project that goes well, to boot.
9. The smell of Fall on the evening breeze ... le sigh.
10. Sleeping in! My very very favorite thing to do!
    

Happy weekend! I'll post the winner of the scarflette giveaway tomorrow!!!

ARGH

I've been eagerly awaiting a new ac adaptor for my old Dell laptop (mind you, we're talking ONE YEAR old), which blows through adaptors like a chocoholic in a candy shop. The battery's dead, adaptor doesn't work, and that laptop has my family genealogy research (luckily the files are backed up, but not the program) and my only functioning version of Photoshop (which won't install/work on the new laptop with Vista).

I did the dance (well, gimp, the toe's still broken) of joy on seeing my adaptor on my front step tonight.

It doesn't work.

The power light turns on when I plug the adaptor in, and goes out when I plug it into my computer.

ARGH.

GAAAAH.

I can't bear the thought of dealing with Dell chat support tonight. I'll have to deal with it tomorrow. My first day of vacation. Sigh.