Summer carnival

What brings back summer memories more than a carnival, with its bright lights, the cry of the barkers, and the fragrant perfume of corndogs and cotton candy?

Image credits: The Zipper, by Suspicious Pie at Etsy, $15

Experiments in spinning

You might remember that just a bit ago (OK, months ago), I decided to learn to spin.

Shockingly, I never seemed to have time to learn properly.













But a few weekends back, I figured it out! This is my first successful attempt (the very first ones were total flops). Looked great here, in my humble opinion!

Then I washed it (essential part of the process - to set the spin). Oy. Every instruction or tutorial I found online contradicted every other. I think I ended up felting it, or maybe I spun it too tightly to begin with. In any case, I'm pretty unhappy with my initial results.


















But not enough to give up! I have more gorgeous wool just waiting for me ... like this from bemiceelf at Etsy! Stay tuned for more!

Big wire kitty

Love this wire kitty in all its quirky charm and beauty!

The BIG CAT . wire sculpture by De Beaux Souvenirs at Etsy, $253

Fray

I really love Fray's scarves, cowls and capelets. Especially her capelets. How sweet is this? Velvet ribbon, lovely beaded flower. Clean lines with wonderful craftswomanship. This just screams for a lovely little summery dress and sandals!

Organic cotton sweetly simple capelet, by fray at Etsy, $82

Growing up as a business owner

Running a small/indie business is hard.

It's hard work, when you're the sole designer and maker, business manager, photographer, shipper, etc.

It's often emotionally hard, when you're questioning what you do and why, whether your time could be better spent chucking it all and going to Cabo, when you're trying to ignore the several other folks who've become a little too inspired by your original creations of photography styles, when you finish a huge wholesale or custom order and just want to take a day off but the next order is waiting.

It can be physically hard, as the compressed nerve in my shoulder would tell you after a marathon day of knitting. Lifting heavy boxes of mailers (use good back mechanics, folks!). Repeatedly stabbing your thumb with a needle (or is that just me?). And sleep deprivation during the holiday season.















However, running your own design related business is also incredible! Exhilarating! Recharges my soul! Taps into crucial parts of me that were completely shut off in order to finish my degree while working fulltime for so many years! So rewarding!

A year and a half into this, I often feel like I'm pretty clueless on the business side of things, while also feeling more confident every day, particularly as I tie in all of my real life business and financial management experience. That said, I used to despair about ever understanding online advertising, photoshop use, how to use my digital camera, or international shipping. (I'm pretty to very comfortable with all of those things, now!)

At the same time, continuing to learn and grown and master new skills in my craft (and how to find time to do that given all of the above) has been incredible and so much fun.

In my business life, I often talk about increasing your baseline skills so that you can focus on the skills you might not have thought attainable. To me, life is about learning and growing - I can't imagine stopping either! How boring would life be if I wasn't stretching myself to learn something new?















This introspection is because I was marvelling this morning at where I am now, compared to where I was a year ago. I'm getting a little bolder in where I'm promoting. I just learned a new photoshop skill that has completely changed my life (well, my phydeaux life, anyway). I don't even blink over international shipping anymore.

Of course, I'm also tired, full of more ideas than I can possibly execute, more than a little panicky over Fall and the holidays, and really wishing I could hire a wee bit of help. Maybe that's normal. Or is that wishful thinking?

What about you? Where do you fall on the "growth chart?" Am I completely normal in what I'm experiencing and feeling right now? Or off the deep end?

p.s., the photos are just ones I've taken since April that I really like.

MSO Joie

I was so happy to see Maria Sanchez Oms as Etsy's featured seller last Friday. Her work is astonishing!

Here are a few of my favorites. I just love her Flor de Lotus line, like this incredible ring (above).

















I also love her chunky silver jewelry with "raw" gemstones, like this Aquamarine ring. Lovely!

I hope you'll take a look at the rest of her collection. As for me, I'm saving up for a ring!

Craft Venture: SMART goals

My Craft Venture post for this week is up! I'd love to hear about your experience using SMART goals. Don't know what a SMART goal is? Go read up!

Image credit: On the road again, by JaredKS at Etsy, $15

You can live without many things, but ...

Not without a functioning computer and retain your sanity!

My poor baby crashed on me last Tuesday or Wednesday night. I don't mean crashed, I mean CRASHED, spectacularly crashed without letting me restart without crashing again. Sigh.

I brought out my other baby, which has been on reserves because of a broken keyboard. Missing letters and everything. Including "h," which you might not think is used as much as it is. My fix has been to copy an h, then copy/paste every time I need it. Don't laugh, it works! Kind of. Slows down my typing by about 500%. I'm also spoiled by my full size keyboard on my not in reserves baby, including keypad over to the right.

So, I've limped along since last week - not very well, I might add - slow and cranky typing, missing my files and newer programs, not wanting to update Firefox (I updated Firefox just before my computer crashed, so wasn't going to go there on the reserve).

I spent a lot of time troubleshooting and finally figured that it had to be registry errors, based on the few seconds of info I could see in my event viewer before my computer would crash once again.

Suffice to say that I kept chipping away at the problem, allowing my computer to stay on for longer periods of time, until I was able to download a registry repair program (very reputable one), then run the program, and voila. Computer nearly functional again!

Spent tonight uninstalling unessential programs, disk cleaning and defragging, blah blah blah, but YAY, I'm actually typing this on my hopefully healed computer.

Good thing, because I have a knitting pattern to finish and lots of new creations to list (hopefully tomorrow!)!!!

How did we survive without personal computers? Can you believe that we didn't have PC's or Macs when I was a kid (and I walked five miles to school everyday, barefoot in the snow)? My folks got a computer when I was 19 or 20, that you had to boot up with a 5.25" floppy disk in the disk drive, then every program required insertion of a 5.25" disk. Those were the days ... in fact, I think I'll start a regular series on "the good old days - the 70's and 80's!"

Pasta you can't possibly regret eating

I loooove pasta. Beyond belief love it. I could eat it all day long, but that would obviously be a bad thing, given so many carbs.

Good thing for me, I developed my own seriously good for you pasta recipe years ago that I can eat any time and as often as I'd like, given how healthy it is. I also love that it changes every time I make it, depending on what's in season and in my fridge. Great way to use your backyard or farmer's market veggies!

The roots in this particular pasta, I must confess, started with an old and dear friend, Phil, though my version(s) are quite different (wanted to include full disclosure!).

I don't actually have precise measurements - make this in the volume you're used to/need for yourself and/or your family. The magic comes in what you add, not the pasta noodles or the base sauce (which you can make yourself using your own recipe or your favorite store/artisanal sauce).

So, without further ado:

Whole wheat linguine
Your own homemade sauce, or your favorite store bought, farmer's market, etc. sauce
Local, organic, fresh veggies

Accoutrements like:

• marinated olives (I love fat local olives marinated in lemon and garlic)
• capers
• toasted pinenuts (trust me - delish)
• cooked beans (lentils, garbanzo/chickpeas, scarlet runner beans or fava are particular faves for me)
• cheese (my faves are crumbled feta cheese or shaved parmesan)
• mushrooms (grilled portabello all chopped up, sauted or fresh crimini, etc.)

Fresh herbs:

• basil leaves (roll up like a cigar, slice very very thinly)
• chopped up italian flat leaf parsley
• whatever else you have on hand that you love

Meat (optional):

• turkey meatballs or crumbled ground turkey, cooked
• artisanal sausages, sliced thin (you can almost always find delicious sausages at your local farmer's market)
• clams, shrimp or other shellfish (fully cooked)

A few extra spices/flavorings:

• Red chili flakes, to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper
• A few crushed cloves of garlic
• Lemon or orange zest (trust me, but don't use too much)
• A splash of fresh lemon juice (really brightens things up)

So, cook your pasta, and if you're including veggies that need a blanching, add them to your pasta water for the last 30-45 seconds of cooking. Drain the whole pot, and immediately toss with lots of really good extra virgin olive oil. Add you extra spices and flavorings, give it a good toss, then your veggies, again toss. Add your meat/shellfish, toss. Finally, your sauce. You can add your cheese now or later when you serve.

I made this last night with an organic (but store bought sauce), whole wheat linguine, parmesan, pepper, chile flakes, parsley, asparagus, zucchini and baby patty pan squash. Delish! I often enjoy over a bed or arugula or spinach, and have been known to add quinoa before adding the sauce.

Now I'm hungry for more! I hope you enjoy this if you try it out. :)

Handmade goodness: play with your knits

Brilliant! Knit backgammon set using recycle wool and vintage bakelite and mother of pearl buttons. I love the colors! If you like this, you should check out the matching chess set!

Travel knitted backgammon set from Lazarus Knits at Etsy, $65

Dress for success: handknit loveliness

I am such a fan of Silvia66's work! (My mom, by the way, nearly swoons over her capelets and collars!) I can just see this lovely shrug paired with a tiny silk slip dress and slinky heels. Le sigh.

Aracne lace shrug by Silvia66 at Etsy, $285

Ten hanky alert!

Oh, I'm excited! The Time Traveler's Wife opens pretty soon, with Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams! I gushed over the book some time back, right here, and am still a little traumatized from the my sobbing in the car on a busy freeway during the commute home from work at the end (not in a bad way, don't worry, it's an incredible book with a powerfully emotional ending - I can't recommend it highly enough!).

Here's the trailer if you haven't seen commercials yet! Have any of you read this wonderful book? What did you think?

Handmade goodness: peonies

Oh prettiness! I love old fashioned peonies - love to have vases full of them throughout my home. A peony pillow? Even better! Wouldn't several of these be lovely nestled atop a soft green throw?

Peony pillow by pillowhappy at Etsy, $58

And the winner is ...

Katy! Yay!

Katy is the winner of WendyZ's hoot owl giveaway and has been notified (Katy, check your email!). I hope you'll join me in congratulating her!

Just remember ... you're all winners! Because WendyZ very generously offered a one time discount to Phydelle readers of 10%! Just enter "phydelle" in the message to seller. As the proud owner of one of her adorable bunnies and several beautiful wrist cuffs, I can attest to how fabulous her creations are!

Stay tuned for more interviews and giveaways!

Supply addicts: lush handspun

Am I the only one with a serious addiction to new supplies? Worse yet, handmade supplies? Yeah, I didn't think so. :)

Instead of buying more yarn (I have to use up more of my stash before getting more!), I thought I'd share this lush, gorgeous summery yarn with you!

Watermelon handspun yarn by Oz Knits at Etsy, $26

A great chili recipe for folks on the fly

I used to be the Queen of making healthy and filling meals from a can and a bunch of fresh ingredients. I particularly like to throw together something easy to make, good for me, while seriously delish, the night before I need to go for more groceries (you should see the sad state of my nearly empty fridge).

Like this fab chili that I wolfed down, I mean daintily nibbled on, tonight for dinner!

Brenda's Chili

1 can dennison's turkey chili (it's also good with veggie or beef chili, but best with turkey)
1 small can roasted, minced green chiles
1 lime, squeezed (lemon's good too!)
To taste (this is the fun part):
- fresh cracked pepper
- crushed garlic
- jalapeno jack or sharp cheddar (or both) cheese, shredded
- chopped up, fresh cilantro
- chopped up, fresh flat leaf parsley
- chopped up, fresh green onions
To taste, if you have it (any or all - this is called cleaning your fridge out!):
- chopped up, fresh bell pepper (I think red is best)
- chopped up, fresh heirloom or grape tomatoes
- frozen or fresh (LOVE fresh) corn (if fresh, slice it right off the cob)
- fresh spinach or arugula leaves

Throw everything that's not fresh produce or cheese in a pot over medium heat OR in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot and bubbling, or cook over medium heat until same (stir to make sure it doesn't burn!).

Take off heat/out of microwave. Add cheese, stir well (cheese will melt quickly). Stir in all fresh produce except spinach/argula and stir well - the heat will lightly cook the veggies, but they'll stay nice and crisp.

Serve over the spinach or arugula (if you use it) - delish! Also delish over quinoa. I always have a few warmed whole wheat tortillas for my complex carbs. Delish and rather healthy - great fiber, lean protein, and lots of antioxidants and chlorophyll from the veggies!

Holiday planning: Basics

This is the time of year that I start panicking about the holidays. Decisions have to be made and acted on for packaging, marketing, promotion, and inventory. Seems to early to think about the holidays, doesn't it? But in retail, large stores have already made and are implementing these decisions!

It's also not too early for buyers to start their holiday shopping; in fact, I know people who complete their shopping by early August!

I'm working on my own holiday marketing, packaging and inventory plans right now - how about you? Shipping priority this holiday season? Order your flat rate envelopes and boxes now (free from USPS)! Want to ship first class international without going to the post office? Subscribe to and get used to using Endicia or similar shipping software now (Lisa from Savor has great tutorials at youtube!)!















Think about holiday-themed photographs for your shop. Use some holiday-themed props, like Christmas or Hannukah ornaments, candles, or evergreens.

Which blogs and websites do you want to advertise on leading up to the holidays? Ad space may sell out quickly - don't miss out!

Speaking of which, now's the time to work on (or hire a designer to work on) banner ads for the holidays. One less thing to worry about going into November!

More tips later this week! If you have your own tips you'd like to share (as seller or buyer), email me! You may just get your own quote and shop or blog link.

Image credits: (1) Vintage Christmas lightbulbs by Red Bess Bonney Too at Etsy, $6; (2) Christmas in July - Ice - Olive oil soap by Savor at Etsy, $3.50 (limited time)

Blogs to add to your roll: The Bakery

I read a lot of blogs. A l-o-t. Which is kinda funny, considering that I don't really like to read online. I love the act and ritual and process of reading books and magazines. But honest to heavens, who has time for that anymore? (And how does that even happen, that we don't?)

So I thought I'd share some of the tidbits I find out there in Blogland.

I had another completely sleepless night last week (I'm working on that, trust me), and was SO grateful to find this really interesting, chock full of fantastic information, and fun to watch video over on The Bakery.

If you're not familiar with The Bakery, this is a great resource for anyone who owns or manages (or who wants to either or both) a business. This is a collaboration between Jaime Derringer (Design Milk!) and Erin Loechner (Design for Mankind!), full of tidbits and bites of good stuff.

Back to the video! You may or may not be familiar with "The 4-Hour Workweek," a best seller written by Tim Ferriss, who has an extremely popular (and very interesting) blog of his own. (I picked this up myself some time ago and just started reading it - definitely worth a look - you might get hooked!)

Ferriss is quite the character, which makes him an engaging speaker (important, since this is a long video!). His video is about "How to build a better blog." Well, honestly, who doesn't want a better blog? If you're blogging, you're doing so in order for folks to read your blog. I'm always looking for new insights or perspectives about better blogging, even if I don't have time to incorporate them!

I wouldn't have found this great video if The Bakery hadn't posted it on their blog. They found it on Ferriss' blog. This is the whole beauty of blogging and social networking (to me): finding new sources of valuable information or learning something new or just sharing knowledge, all via the internet, in a positive, legal and nondestructive way.

So if you have an extra chunk of time, I strongly and heartily recommend this video!

And I'd love to hear what you thought about it! Love it? Hate it? Did you try anything that he suggested? Share with us down below in the comments, if you watched!

Vintage goodness: lemon chiffon

How incredible is this lovely hat? And the price can't be beat! I just love the swathes and layers on lemon chiffon silk. Hmmm, now I want lemon chiffon pie ... or ice cream!

How to Wear a Lemon Chiffon Dessert - On Your Head, by Carmen and Ginger at Etsy, $14

Dress for success: ruffles

I have such a crush on this pretty blouse of salmon pink ruffles! Sheer perfection for July and August evenings.

Romantic Ruffle Cascade Swirl Halter in Salmon Pink from Prizy Sebastion at Etsy, $60

Renegade tomorrow!

I get to go meet Shana and Shawn tomorrow!

I mean, I get to go to Renegade tomorrow! And yes, indeed, I'm sooo excited to meet Shana from Coo-koo-ri-koo and Shawn from Pixel Party tomorrow at the event and then have fun together after - it's so great to make these wonderful virtual friends and then meet in person!

Can I get a YAY for Friday? One more week to vacation!!!

Renegade in SF!

This weekend is the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco. I don't get to participate in the Summer arts/crafts shows because it's my busy season at work, but I loooove to go and meet my fellow designers and peeps! It's a fantastic line up of artists from across the country - if you live the Bay Area, you should be sure to stop by!

I'll share lots of photos on Sunday and next week (I'll be there on Saturday!)! I'm so excited to meet Shana from Coo-koo-ri-koo and Shawn from Pixel Party either tonight or tomorrow - it's so great to make these wonderful virtual friends and then meet in person!

Who else is going to or vending at fairs/shows this weekend??

Handmade goodness: dining in style!

I want this dinner setting! Oh my goodness, I am in love. I love that rich red, almost like lacquer. Sigh.

Organic stone dinner setting by kariceramics at Etsy, $99 each setting

Handmade goodness: adorably clever!

I adore everything in em's shop of bears'n'such! Seriously, please take some time to read through the product descriptions - so very creative and phenomenally clever!

Pink bear with crystals in paw, brooch, by em's shop of bears'n'such, $37

Terrarium decor: new trend?

I've been seeing more and more terrariums in indie land, and not just at Etsy. Sigh. I have to make my own - can't ship terrariums to California! This adorable little gnome clothes line was just spotted on Etsy's front page - I had to share!

Gnome wash day, by Doodle Bird Designs, $12

Upcycled goodness: Buttercupbloom!

I am so very delighted to introduce you to WendyZ from Buttercupbloom at Etsy! I love how WendyZ brings her own special magic to her many wonderful characters - bunnies, radishes, carrots, hoot owls, kitties, etc. I know you will enjoy getting to know her a little via this interview. Read all the way to to the end - we have a very special giveaway and a Phydelle reader discount!

Your name: WendyZ
Your shop name: Buttercupbloom
Your twitter account: Buttercupbloom
Your blog name: Buttercup in China
Your flickr ID: wzgrrl

Tell us a bit about you: who are you, who do you want to be, what do you make, what makes you unique?

A little over three years ago, I joined the blog scene in an attempt to connect with other families waiting to adopt a child from China. Our timeline to parenthood went from a nine to 12 month wait to now a likely four year wait due to an unforeseen slowdown within China's international adoption program. It's been tough. With some luck we may travel by the end of this year - early 2010 at the latest.

I have had a lot of time to explore the social networking world via International Adoption blogs (there is quite a community out there). Over time, I found myself spending more and more time lingering at the craft and style blogs (e.g., Wee Wonderfuls and Soule Mama) and soon became fully enamored of the creative marketplace that is Etsy. It took a while to muster the courage, but with some friendly nudges and much excitement I opened Buttercupbloom in November 2007.

Creating and sharing my work on Etsy has been unexpectedly therapeutic. It has given me a fantastic and colorful diversion during a frustrating period of my life. For this, I am very grateful.

What do you think it is about you that makes your shop(s) successful?

A little bit of my heart and spirit goes into each and every thing listed in my shop. One person told me that she thought my Hoot Owls were "eternally smiling" and that she imagined me to be the same way. That one made me chuckle, for sure. Maybe it is an inner smiling? Anyway, I think that people connect with that energy. With the smile. Call me crazy, but I think its something like this.

If you’re comfortable sharing, what is your fulltime job? Do you plan to continue working fulltime or is your goal to join the ranks of the Quit Your Day Job artisans?

I work with troubled teens, families with a lot of conflict and trauma and kids with unique mental health issues. It can be energizing and exhausting all at once. One day I do hope to take a really, really long break from work when my husband and I adopt our child. Hopefully that will be sooner than later. As far as quitting my day job? I seriously doubt it. It is a good job and as tough as it can get at times, I am very grateful for it.

Do you have partner(s) , employee(s) or family members who help with your business? If so, what roles do they fill and how do they make your life easier?

Sometimes my husband will go to the Post Office for me, haha! I do have a fabulous USPS "Business Line" card, so that job isn't as bad as it could be. My niece and nephew are my official "quality control" peeps - they get to test almost all of my designs first. Yes, I am the best Auntie Evah.

Which do you prefer: artist, artisan, crafter, maker or other?

I love it when people refer to me/my work as creative vs. crafty. The "crafty" word (when someone other than the Beastie Boys uses it) kinda makes me cringe. After having the good fortune to vend at the Maker Faire in San Mateo this year - I started thinking of myself as a Maker. It feels more broad and more fierce. I've also been flirting with the idea of taking a blacksmithing or welding class. Just because. One of my frequently spoken phrases is "I can make anything." So, yeah, Maker works for me.

Tell us what “upcycle” means and how you do that with your business?

This is my personal definition for "upcycle" - the one you'll see in my shop and on my business cards:

upcycle [uhp-sahy-kuhl] verb: To salvage and transform otherwise cast away items into unique, functional, fresh bits of art and whimsy.

The act of upcycling is taking something long forgotten or two steps away from the garbage and making something beautiful (or more useful) with it. My favorite items to rescue and upcycle are colorful sweaters with unique texture. I'm always on the hunt for cashmere, lambswool and merino when friends offer hand-me-downs or as I troll through second hand shops. Little holes and small areas of wear present a welcome challenge and make the end result all the more satisfying for me.

Also, what does upcycling mean to you? Does it affect the rest of your lifestyle and if so, how so?

Nicknamed the "Recycling Queen" in college, I've long been a Green Girl. I wore a "Love Your Mother" button way before it was hip and cool to do so. Nowadays, I feel a greater sense of urgency about reducing waste and protecting the Earth. I can get quite overwhelmed by it at times, to be honest. So you can imagine how incredibly satisfying it is to use my creativity and the etsy venue to share my love of recycling/upcycling with so many people. It's good for the Planet and it is good for me.

How did you learn your particular art/craft form?

I grew up wearing clothes that were hand sewn by my grandmother. A stationary sewing machine was an important part of the home's landscape. She taught me how to knit when I was about 10, but I think I inherited the sewing gene from her. As well as a true love for handmade.

My father is also extremely creative and made amazing, authentic Revolutionary War uniforms for himself back in the 70's - sewn entirely by hand. Upon reflection, I think I inherited his fearlessness in tackling a creative project. Thanks, Dad.

My husband gave me a "starter" sewing machine about 10 years ago. That machine necessitated my first class at the adult school and inspired countless curtains and drapes in the years following. I got quite skilled at sewing a straight line, haha! I'd also like to think that the many ceramics, watercolor and art therapy classes I took in college and after influenced (and will continue to influence) my work and creative life.

When do you fit in working on your business???

Weekends. I do flex on Fridays - which is another reason why my job is a keeper. Hit the post office during lunch break. Usually I do things in spurts - so if I have a free chunk of time, I will cut a bunch of fabric. Then I can do preliminary sewing with my next chunk of time. When I was preparing for the Maker Faire, my husband happened to be out of town so I had a massive marathon of Making over a super long weekend. Many owls were sewn, many dvds were watched and many coffees were consumed.

If you sold last holiday season, how did you survive!? What was your biggest lesson learned?

Next year I will prepare ahead! I was so surprised (and thrilled!) by how busy I was. What became the most overwhelming was the panic I had upon realizing I hadn't gotten to my own, personal Christmas making. Next year I will plan better and "fold in" my own projects as I work on holiday Etsy listings.

What stresses you out the most about your business?

That I don't see myself as hugely business savvy or commercially minded. Sometimes people suggest I do this or that to "take it to the next level" and such - and I find that a little stressful. I get so much out of doing what I do, at the level that I am doing it and am happy with how it enriches my life. That's pretty much where it's at for me.

What gets you the most excited?

Playing with color. Putting fabrics, textures and stitches together that work. Seeing
the finished product. Getting props from my mother, husband or my sister. Hearing that a gift purchased from my shop was well received. Seeing pictures of or hearing stories of my little creations being cuddled at night, being shared with loved ones and being seen as heirlooms. That is what gets me excited.

Do you take actual vacations and holidays away from both jobs? Or do you use vacation time from your day job to work on your business?

This is a funny question. Haha! I took sketchbooks with me to Mexico on our last trip. Most of my "time off" (read: long weekends) has been consumed with creative work. And, I'm thinking that I really do need a break. Balance is one of those life's challenges for me.

How do you find materials for your creations? What’s your process?

As I mentioned above, I utilize charity shops and secondhand establishments to procure fabrics for my upcycled creations. I've also been known to stake a claim on
friend's/family clothing at totally inappropriate times. "Just let me know when you are finished with it," I'll say.

I wash everything in super hot water with a light detergent (read: not overly perfumed). My fingers are crossed when it comes to the wools that I've snapped up. Most of the time they just get softer with washing - some felt more readily than others. With very few exceptions, I choose 100% cotton and other natural fibers for my work. It just feels nicer. The felt that I use (called EcoFi), however is made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. Love that.

How do you find time for marketing? Any tips or tricks to share?

Relationships are important. And, etsy teams! I am a proud member of CCCOE (the California Crafter's Club on Etsy), Trashion and a brand new member of Eco-Etsy! These communities are a lot about relationships and a little about marketing. Promoting each other feels great and I am so grateful to have been on the receiving end from time to time! Thanks.

Do you get enough sleep every night? If not, how do you compensate?

Getting enough sleep isn't as much of a problem for me as getting enough exercise. Sewing is not exactly a Presidential Physical Fitness Award-Winning sport. And, my butt is suffering. So, I need to find more balance in this arena, for sure.

Share one of your personal guilty pleasures?

Just one...? Iced mochas, leggy glasses of Cabernet, crisp glasses of Pinot Grigio, Tivo'd MTV shows like Real World and The Hills, McDonald's fries, blasting Missy Elliott in my car and acting way tougher than I really am, long lunch breaks at ThriftTown or Target and the salad bar at Whole Foods. And, shopping late-night on Etsy.com, lol.

Do you shop handmade? If so, what was the last thing you purchased?

I've recently purchased bars upon bars of soap from Savor (the Earl Gray is a fave), this very special pendant from MaidOfClay (her work is so thoughtful and special and some lovely (& upcycled!) coasters from RikRak.

What else would you like readers to know about you and about running an online creative business in addition to working fulltime and even having a personal and social life?

The ways in which I continue to approach my creative online business are as follows: Have fun, make connections, feel energized, seek inspiration, share insight and leave the world a better (& prettier!) place having done so.

Thank you, WendyZ!!! I love how your innate joie de vivre shines in all that you do!

One very very lucky Phydelle reader will win an incredible Buttercupbloom hoot owl, pictured above, specially made for Phydelle readers and this giveaway! How incredible is that??? (I looooove this hoot owl - such pretty and soft colors!)

In addition, WendyZ is generously granting Phydelle readers with a 10% discount to her shop! Just mention Phydelle in the message to seller on check out (one time use!). Refund sent via Paypal following transaction.

To enter, share with us your favorite piece in WendyZ's shop (check out her "sold" section, too!), including URL.

CRUCIAL!!! You must include your name (at least first name) and email address OR Etsy shop name!!! If your entry is missing that information, you aren't eligible for the drawing (I'm so sorry, but compiling entries is hard work - make it easier with your name and contact info, por favor!).

Bonus entries for:

1. Following this blog (Phydelle)
2. Subscribe to the Phydelle/Phydeaux mailing list (top left corner of this web page)
3. Follow WendyZ on Twitter
4. Blog about this interview and giveaway, with a link back to this contest post (and add the link to the comments below)
5. Tweet about this interview and giveaway, with a link to this contest post (cc me on the twitter for verification - @phydeauxdesigns )

Entries end 9pm PST on Sunday 7/19/09 and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 7/21!

Handmade goodness: sweet smelling

My oh my, Savor soap's new Courtesan bath and body products are wonderful! I'm completely addicted to her Crema in this lovely fragrance: the perfect body butter in the lightest cherry blossom scent. I can't stop smelling my hands (I just used some!). Divine!

Maid of Clay Gift Certificate Winner!

Congratulations to ...

Donna!

Donna has been contacted about being the winner of the $35 gift certificate to Maid of Clay's wonderful shop.

For the rest of us, never fear, a new spotlight with giveaway starts tomorrow morning!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

My very favorite bean salad

I've been making this salad for years and years, based on a black bean fuul recipe that I first made way back in the early 90's - nearly 20 years ago! Good lord.

Fuul, or ful, in case you don't know, is a traditional recipe in Egypt and the Sudan. Usually a breakfast dish made with fava beans, olive oil, lemon, garlic, parsley and onion.

My own recipe, I think, was from The Enchanted Broccoli Forest or maybe a Moosewood Collective cookbook. Made with black beans, garlic, olive oil, lemon, tomatoes, parsley, basil and slice hardboiled eggs. I was trying SO hard to learn to like olive oil - this dish helped me like it a little better. (Now I can't imagine life without it!)

My version has evolved over time and is one of my summer time staples. You can make this with all, or nearly all, locally grown ingredients!

Brenda's Black Bean Fuul

• One can cooked black beans OR two cups of cooked black beans (I get mine from Phipps farm in Pescadero - the most wonderful little stop filled with dried beans and herbs, and fresh produce, along with an aviary, petting zoo and nursery)
• One medium sized heirloom tomato, chopped (keep the seeds and juice - everything goes in this dish!) OR a couple of cups of halved grape tomatoes
  
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste (around 1/4-1/3 cup)
  
• One lemon, zested and juiced
  
• Two to four cloves of garlic, minced or crushed (depending on your taste)
• Pinch of kosher salt
• Several twists of fresh cracked pepper
• Good handful of organic flat leaf parsley, chopped finely
• Good handful of organic, fresh basil leaves, rolled up like cigars and sliced thinly (chiffonade)

SO easy. Beans in a big bowl. Add tomatoes with their seeds and juice. Add garlic. Add lemon zest and juice. Salt and cracked pepper. Parsley and basil. Toss well. Drizzle olive oil over all and give it another good stir. Cover and refridgerator for at least an hour to let the flavors bloom (incredible if you can wait for the next day!).

Delicious over a bed of spinach or arugula. Add a little feta cheese and you'll be in heaven.

Vacations

I've been a little MIA since last week, with the long weekend followed by a very very busy work week with folks away on vacation.

This coming week promises to be the same!

Never fear, I'll announce the Maid of Clay gift certificate winner on Sunday. We'll have a NEW spotlight and giveaway on Monday - one that is very exciting, combining On Top of Your Day Job and a new spotlight series on artists who upcycle, recycle, reuse.

Hope you all have an incredible weekend - I do promise to bring a few more goodies to share with you.

Photo credit: Beach babes handpainted collage by Magic Markings Art, $15

How NOT to make a steak

I enjoy a nice steak or london broil, just on the rare side of medium rare. I'm very particular about the cooking of said beef. I don't like fried steak (I don't like fried anything all that much - not a huge fan of greasy food). NEVER got the point of chicken friend steak (shudder). BBQ or broiled or grilled makes me happy.

But I keep watching cooking shows that tell me that The Perfect Steak is fried/grilled with a little butter.

?

So, I tried it out tonight. Had three beautiful tiny little steaks, smoking hot pan with a fine glaze of olive oil, simple salt and pepper on the mini steaks, couple minutes a side with a cute little slice of butter.

Patiently let them rest the full five minutes and another minute for good measure.

And ... nothing special. In fact, I was very distracted by the fact that my lovely medium rare steak had the slight taste of butter.

Well, ya gotta try something before you can decide if you like it. I'll stick with my occasional non-buttery, lean, cleanly seared and just on the rare side of medium rare steak. :)

Handmade goodness: glass nests

I was immediately enchanted by Heather Palmer's wonderful glass bowls when I first saw them earlier this year. Mesmerizing!

Nest, small aqua, by Heather Palmer, $60

Work life balance?

As a manager in my professional life, I've always cringed when I hear those dread words, "work life balance." It usually means an employee who isn't that focused on work in the first place, wants to focus even less on work and more on home.

But I've been thinking about these words, and their implication, quite a bit during the course of this last year, as I've been juggling my more than fulltime time, my business, and any semblance of "life." (and don't forget, I even tried to go to grad school last year - what a loony tune I am!) Life is always the thing that gets shorted, as my family and close friends will attest (they've forgotten what I look like!)!

I don't have any answers or insights for myself, but am much more aware of the need for down time away from all forms of work - both day job work and business and knitting work. I think I'll likely start by giving myself one weekday evening "off" to just relearn how to relax and have fun! Read a book for the sheer pleasure of it - decadence!

Does anyone else struggle with this one? Any insights to share with the rest of us?

On another note, Operation Health Clean Up is going well! I've lost weight and am eating darned well, if I say so myself. I feel better - cutting sugar WAY down makes such a difference!

Upcycled goodness: dress up your ears

I love Shixie's shop at Etsy filled with wonderful jewelry made of bits of recycled or upcycled bits of vintage tin or other goodies. I particularly love the earrings - this pair is perfect for this weekend. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Recycled Vintage Tin Mini Dress Earrings- No. 40b- Red and White Stripes w Aqua, by Shixie on Etsy, $26

Updates in both shops

Finally! I have so many half finished, three-quarters finished, just needs buttons and they're finished, goodies. But I've been finishing them all off (many more to come). And getting the first Fall pieces out - after all, it's Winter down under!

Make your own: felted baby bunny hat!

Now seriously ... I do like many things besides the adorably cute, but geesh! Can you blame me? I see a lot of animal hats and caps for babies - this one takes the cake. I love the carrot orange color and those long quirky ears. And you can make one for yourself - what great baby gifts!

Felted baby bunny hat pattern, by four little sparrows at Etsy, $5

When the Universe seems to be against you

Wow, what a frustrating day I had today! I apologize in advance for complaining - I try never to do that on the internet - but today was SO remarkable.

1. Car wouldn't start, tried multiple things. Roadside service couldn't find me (hello, GPS?). I was desperate to get to work - my boss will be on vacation for two weeks!
2. Once again, after failed jumps, I had to have my alternator replaced. Again! I asked them to look at the electrical system - this shouldn't happen twice in the space of a year.
3. Walk home (yep, walk, their loaner was ... being loaned). Left my cell phone at home, so I couldn't do anything useful like answer email. Sigh.
   
4. Once home, I was pretty hot and miserable (it's a mile or two or 10, not sure ... it's all a blur now). Quick cold shower, turn on the computer and ... no internet. Gah!
   
5. Refusing to lose my mind, I reset my cable modem and patiently wait. Yay, internet returns!
   
6. Let work know the sitch and that I'd be working at home. Get cracking on the work!
   
7. Just an hour and a half into it, email stops working. We'd received the alert that email servers would be down for 30 minutes at 2pm, but it's only 1:30. Sigh. My outbox is filled with a queue of unsent emails.
8. Well after the time email is supposed to be back up, I'm still down. Apparently, not the only one. Find my happy place and work on things that don't require email.
9. Yay, I'm getting email! Oh, I can't send email. Argh! Use my gmail account to send off a few urgent emails.
10. Mechanics call ... car won't be ready until after 4:30 or tomorrow morning. Man.

Amazingly, up until that call, I honestly thought I could still spend some time in the office. But that's when I finally embraced my situation and kicked back and realized that the University wants me to stay at home. I have no idea why. If I'd been on the road, I might have been involved in an accident or caught bird flu walking in to my building or maybe my car would have been broken into.

Instead, I was forced to kick back and do work things that didn't require constant response, which is rare and incredible. I immersed myself in reviewing accounts and correcting financial transactions. Not very exciting, perhaps, but it was just what I needed. And maybe that's what the Universe was trying to tell me.

What about you? Universe been talking to you lately???