tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31907300243193770932024-03-05T14:42:00.391-08:00Black Mustardblackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-14959837208896543692009-10-13T23:35:00.000-07:002009-10-13T23:36:58.381-07:00Tuesday Top 12 - Masks on Etsy<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="top 12 masks" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-568" height="420" src="http://blackmustard.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/top-12-masks.jpg" title="top 12 masks" width="316" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV5wwO27XpfjiCHpXpbFhMKitL81_hyphenhypheno5qtHaIvMbJUpuRN_Z-0ILq5IYOrDoARGRHXt1CWPn_08VPMFGkZohyxBkrIm6Em72TNr_0fN9Fyu0Fsqd5SGkUu03kzKoy7v627iE1ZhAU2cI/s1600-h/top+12+numbers+SM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV5wwO27XpfjiCHpXpbFhMKitL81_hyphenhypheno5qtHaIvMbJUpuRN_Z-0ILq5IYOrDoARGRHXt1CWPn_08VPMFGkZohyxBkrIm6Em72TNr_0fN9Fyu0Fsqd5SGkUu03kzKoy7v627iE1ZhAU2cI/s320/top+12+numbers+SM.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31989741" title="Spider Kanzashi pirate Mask">Spider Kanzashi pirate Mask </a> by ccaspia<br />
2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30910078">Fire Spirit Mask in Shimmering Gold w/Glitter Accents</a> by artisanmaskers<br />
3. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32572959">Leather Moth Mask in Irridescent Greens and Blues</a> by beadmask<br />
4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32581429">Rainbow Toucan...Half Face Mask...Masquerade Ball</a> by vintagetrading<br />
5. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18721998">Ivy Mask...Handcarved Original Leather Art Mask</a> by Merimask<br />
6. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32571604">PDF Crochet Pattern - Party Halloween Carnival Mask</a> by ozarknomad<br />
7. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31343254">Ribbons and twigs</a> by prizmgirl<br />
8. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31621477">Lacy Leaf leather Art Nouveau mask in orange</a> by TomBanwell<br />
9. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24090052">Wood Shaman Mask (Om)</a> by CrimsonSpark<br />
10. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31547944">Crochet Masquerade Halloween Mask OOAK</a> by mycrochetgarden<br />
11. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32027150">Black Halloween Cat Mask Paper Mache</a> by sanssoucistudios<br />
12. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32302248">Autumn Leaf Handmade Leather Mask</a> by kennosborne<br />
</div>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-45110450284923612672009-10-12T22:25:00.000-07:002009-10-13T11:53:59.613-07:00Etsy Monday - Handy Hands Corner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRUlFyJoWN0HnOKJi3u6BHidrJAFzcZO-_P5Xb8odbBd6FIkyEtO0NliBbsg-VgmFSYn6m-fTgFnINon71a4pYC9Y2gq1CLhRMA643k628ieXqW9FibR_VxNbLKhlk37sIPY45CGd8xGZ/s1600-h/handy+hands+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRUlFyJoWN0HnOKJi3u6BHidrJAFzcZO-_P5Xb8odbBd6FIkyEtO0NliBbsg-VgmFSYn6m-fTgFnINon71a4pYC9Y2gq1CLhRMA643k628ieXqW9FibR_VxNbLKhlk37sIPY45CGd8xGZ/s320/handy+hands+3.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28559213" title="Circle in the Dark / Embroidered Bag">Circle in the Dark / Embroidered Bag </a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This week's Etsy Monday featured seller is the very talented Magda of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7448097">Handy Hands Corner</a>. She makes gorgeous hand-embroidered bags and the most beautiful batik fabrics. I was introduced to her shop while on the Etsy forums the other day, and instantly fell in love with her work. Her embroidery and batiks are stunning, and I love the minimalistic style of her bags.<br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br />
</div>Magda has taken a moment to answer some questions about her work and share a bit of her inspiration with us. Without further ado, here's what she had to say.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>1. <i>When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist/artisan?</i><br />
<br />
I have been doing different kinds of craft since my childhood. I understood it as a sort of playing and it has always been more a side activity then a real work. I sew, knit and embroider because I can concentrate on something in front of me and think at other things at the same time. It is a relaxing activity.<br />
<br />
2. <i>How long have you been working with your medium and what first sparked your interest in it?</i><br />
<br />
Talking about embroidery, not very long. I made my first embroidered bag few months ago and I sold it right away. It was in fact very juvenile vork but it is this kind of look that I give to it on purpose, it is actually supposed to look juvenile. Batik is of a much older day, I don’t even remember when I started it, my mum used to do batik so I did too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF2r7d7kLa4jp9Ou-TDtw-8-TCIR6B9n6KAR4Ot7BEf9ieTQI11FyC7C4eQlh86ipRYZl1NegdjEGJWvBPHW-kAVZwyPUCk7aBGEXPqsioB_RYvCjFTocGKbMVkQZ0wBShttd0qzSeoFq/s1600-h/handy+hands+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF2r7d7kLa4jp9Ou-TDtw-8-TCIR6B9n6KAR4Ot7BEf9ieTQI11FyC7C4eQlh86ipRYZl1NegdjEGJWvBPHW-kAVZwyPUCk7aBGEXPqsioB_RYvCjFTocGKbMVkQZ0wBShttd0qzSeoFq/s320/handy+hands+2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30580272" title="Silk Fabric / Round Squares / Wax Batik">Silk Fabric / Round Squares / Wax Batik</a> <br />
</div><br />
3. <i>What do you find most enjoyable/rewarding about your art/craft?</i><br />
<br />
I like how a piece is created in front of my eyes. When I know that I am on the right way. And, of course, the biggest reward is when people like it, are kind of surprised when they see it because they didn’t expect I had been doing something like that at all.<br />
<br />
4. <i>Where do you find inspiration for your art/craft?</i><br />
<br />
Japanese Sashiko, the style of embroidery, I even admit it straight away in my work. Japanese textile printing, Oriental carpets, Scandinavian folk art, architecture, both old and new, naïve art, minimalism, childrens art, mosaics, strange and bizarre old paintings and prints.<br />
<br />
5. <i>What message or values do you wish to convey with your art? What does your art say to the world?</i><br />
<br />
Talking about craft, I wish I showed that any hand work could be done nicely and without stressing on being worked out, done properly and showing a long practice in it, that few stitches could be beautiful as if it was a complicated embroidery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8F7SE99dALMWne2tUUmtoMVZB_ZZuNeTHNnBf0dY3-t2AH6pbh1IcvzHmIu65fIN_G7cMpI05grrbTtdj_y695CIjH1wRXTP5F_Gjkv-sF3uXenfili9W_q5-gbiKF5T0zynSBEFQdBv/s1600-h/handy+hands+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8F7SE99dALMWne2tUUmtoMVZB_ZZuNeTHNnBf0dY3-t2AH6pbh1IcvzHmIu65fIN_G7cMpI05grrbTtdj_y695CIjH1wRXTP5F_Gjkv-sF3uXenfili9W_q5-gbiKF5T0zynSBEFQdBv/s400/handy+hands+8.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28559495" title="Blue Circles / Embroidered Bag">Blue Circles / Embroidered Bag </a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30960730" title="Linen / Cotton Bag with a Bird">Linen / Cotton Bag with a Bird</a><br />
</div><br />
6. <i>Are there any other creative outlets that you use to express yourself? What are they and what do you enjoy about them?</i><br />
<br />
Not really. Or everything could be called creative. Playing with blocks with my son? Doodling? Cooking?<br />
<br />
7. <i>Do you have any advice for other artists/artisans?</i><br />
<br />
Believe in what you are doing. If you don’t like it, start over. If other people don’t like it and you do, don’t pay attention to what they say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-FkBQf5VZ1ebLHLgSb1A8snpFPd4dpknE_FjOsh2mFrgmxM07VBLTXR8rCuQiNLzd4pKlZN3I8XUAq9tUwPI2PMmjnbxqlGkag6wPpe3e9SfRodb6-J2ixLl_BYTd_84ST4NXPlfZq5v/s1600-h/handy+hands+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-FkBQf5VZ1ebLHLgSb1A8snpFPd4dpknE_FjOsh2mFrgmxM07VBLTXR8rCuQiNLzd4pKlZN3I8XUAq9tUwPI2PMmjnbxqlGkag6wPpe3e9SfRodb6-J2ixLl_BYTd_84ST4NXPlfZq5v/s320/handy+hands+9.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27577250" title="Bag with Sashiko Embroidery">Bag with Sashiko Embroidery </a> / <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29488480" title="Shoulder Bag / Tote/ Green Circle">Shoulder Bag / Tote/ Green Circle </a><br />
</div><br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
In closing...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Where else can we find you and your work, either on the internet or in person? (ie blog url, flickr, facebook, etc)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bohemiagirl.blogspot.com/">http://bohemiagirl.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
<i>Are there any other websites or resources you’d like to recommend (not just to other artists)</i>?<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Gallery that shows traditional Japanese textile: <a href="http://threads.srithreads.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://threads.srithreads.com/</a> <br />
<br />
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</script><script type="text/javascript">
new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(7448097, 'shop','thumbnail',2,4).renderIframe();
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</div>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-52103647513215711102009-10-07T08:21:00.000-07:002009-10-07T08:23:09.581-07:00Wool Room Music - BowerbirdsThis week I wanted to feature an amazing band called <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bowerbirds">the Bowerbirds</a>. They're a trio from North Carolina, made up of Beth Tacular, Phil Moore and Mark Paulson. They're considered "nu-folk", a genre which I'm loving at the moment. I found them on YouTube originally - I'll share the first video I saw of theirs here. Their sound is warm and so rich, with beautiful vocal harmonies and a gorgeous instrumental combination of guitar, bass drum and accordian. Other songs I particularly like are <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsoe3xt_ico">"My Oldest Memory"</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig0FZVnwec4">"Bur Oak"</a>, both of which are from their debut album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hymns-Dark-Horse-Bowerbirds/dp/B0017TZ8XM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1254928205&sr=1-3">"Hymns for a Dark Horse."</a> Here's "In Our Talons" - enjoy!<br />
<div align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_RCFswPhyY0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_RCFswPhyY0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="324"></embed></object><br />
</div><br />
<a name='more'></a>Lyrics<br />
<br />
And the warblers sing:<br />
(deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet!)<br />
And the sparrows sing:<br />
(deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet!)<br />
Through the wheels, through the wheels on the interstate,<br />
And hear no refrain.<br />
<br />
And the beetles creep<br />
(deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet!)<br />
On the crippled trees<br />
(deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet!)<br />
And they look down to where the soil must have been, wondering.<br />
<br />
And no, youre not alone. No, my cousins, youre not alone.<br />
Youre in our talons now, and were never letting go.<br />
<br />
And the branches bend<br />
(deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet!)<br />
To the growing sea<br />
(deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet-deet!)<br />
And they ask, and they ask it to spread their seeds,<br />
For they know theyre drowning.<br />
<br />
And no, youre not alone. No, my cousins, youre not alone.<br />
Youre in our talons now, and were never letting go.<br />
Youre in our headlights, frozen, and no, were not stopping.<br />
You may not believe, but even we were scared at first.<br />
It takes a lot of nerve to destroy this wondrous earth.<br />
Were only human; this at least weve learned.blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-80275812455296203352009-10-06T11:27:00.000-07:002009-10-06T11:30:25.744-07:00Tuesday Top 12 - Birthday CardsIt's my birthday today, so I thought I'd do an appropriately themed Tuesday Top 12. Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9M8bGE-P1Rdhyphenhyphen8pcz9h1hIthbIiv7Hw2WgRbzX6b50BQ2v9oU_nrGblfmbl-bTyLPDrIyQhjBf65ShVWPt0UINuh-LURATHpHPzKXi059kqN9ZZI_dM7LO6370FT7HWNK6OAA0E60bym/s1600-h/top+12+birthday+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9M8bGE-P1Rdhyphenhyphen8pcz9h1hIthbIiv7Hw2WgRbzX6b50BQ2v9oU_nrGblfmbl-bTyLPDrIyQhjBf65ShVWPt0UINuh-LURATHpHPzKXi059kqN9ZZI_dM7LO6370FT7HWNK6OAA0E60bym/s400/top+12+birthday+cards.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV5wwO27XpfjiCHpXpbFhMKitL81_hyphenhypheno5qtHaIvMbJUpuRN_Z-0ILq5IYOrDoARGRHXt1CWPn_08VPMFGkZohyxBkrIm6Em72TNr_0fN9Fyu0Fsqd5SGkUu03kzKoy7v627iE1ZhAU2cI/s1600-h/top+12+numbers+SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV5wwO27XpfjiCHpXpbFhMKitL81_hyphenhypheno5qtHaIvMbJUpuRN_Z-0ILq5IYOrDoARGRHXt1CWPn_08VPMFGkZohyxBkrIm6Em72TNr_0fN9Fyu0Fsqd5SGkUu03kzKoy7v627iE1ZhAU2cI/s320/top+12+numbers+SM.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>1) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31929363">Robot BIRTHDAY Cards - BDAY</a> by lrhbindustries <br />
2) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32135552&ref=sr_gallery_3&&ga_search_query=birthday+card&ga_search_type=&ga_page=5&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">BEST WISHES, 3D Craft Card</a> by twistywish<br />
3) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26062906">Bake Me Greeting Card</a> by Juliapott<br />
4) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30256312&ref=sr_gallery_2&&ga_search_query=birthday+card&ga_search_type=&ga_page=2&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Happy Birthday Letterpress Greeting Card</a> by twoguitars<br />
5) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12609782">Summer</a> by EllaParry<br />
6) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31114610">Happy Birthday Mums Card</a> by floraandfauna<br />
7) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30206200">But your birthday invitation said smart casual</a> by ableandgame<br />
8) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29541010">Happy Birthday Circles Letterpress Card</a> by paperdragonfly<br />
9) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27535460">Happy Knitted Birthday</a> by fuzzywork<br />
10) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26143477">Happy birthday letterpress greeting card</a> by smockpaper<br />
11) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31352064">Happy Birthday To You Pop-Up Card</a> by tracychong<br />
12) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30215618&ref=sr_gallery_2&&ga_search_query=birthday+card&ga_search_type=&ga_page=9&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">carnival happy birthday</a> by afavoriteblackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-10196826454839716642009-10-05T16:59:00.000-07:002009-10-05T17:53:50.135-07:00Etsy Monday - Twisted Silver JewelryToday I have to privilege to share the incredible work of Mel at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7084315">Twisted Silver Jewelry</a>. She creates gorgeous wire-wrapped jewelry, unlike anything I've seen before. She combines amazingly creative wire wrapping with stunning gemstones to create absolutely stunning jewelry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ89DvEF3QgwDJagO6IunuOk90XUB_J-ED1KKpnyJsA-gAl5d7PSyn4OwOXUM0lzDs1XIIQ23o5ig5Ogj5B6jY3zRUPFijwkc1sSdEwVyS9HR0KGtTzFskqdNienE9hoEBvswxbuI9Nz1/s1600-h/Twisted+Silver+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ89DvEF3QgwDJagO6IunuOk90XUB_J-ED1KKpnyJsA-gAl5d7PSyn4OwOXUM0lzDs1XIIQ23o5ig5Ogj5B6jY3zRUPFijwkc1sSdEwVyS9HR0KGtTzFskqdNienE9hoEBvswxbuI9Nz1/s320/Twisted+Silver+1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29899433">Mechanics of the Ocean</a><br />
</div> <br />
Mel was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions about her work, her process and inspiration. Let's see what she has to say!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>1. <i>When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist/artisan?</i><br />
<br />
I have always wanted to be an artist. I would be content for hours with paper and pencil or some other art project. We didn't have much growing up, which forced us to use our imagination. At the age of 5 I heard a friend of my mother's say that he was "getting rid" of his truck. Not knowing any better, I thought he was throwing it away. I proceded to gather all of the neighborhood kids to create a mural which covered EVERY inch of the truck, including the windows. Found objects are great!<br />
<br />
2. <i>How long have you been working with your medium and what first sparked your interest in it?</i><br />
<br />
I have been making jewelry on and off for over 10 years, seriously for 5. My father took me exploring through New Mexico and Colorado, introducing me to geology and my interest in gems began then.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya6U2RDLpwOtSNH4uReRlmQt3MsJTHXPEPYO6-0_lBCKSwzCW885QSarwsUsdg-yOlzvG0TiuOOx69GVzR9oXqwm0ay8KmLvgNS9OSc3lrMmYhQxzkklUVwhZHurhmeHAx0cANunoScRM/s1600-h/Twisted+Silver+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya6U2RDLpwOtSNH4uReRlmQt3MsJTHXPEPYO6-0_lBCKSwzCW885QSarwsUsdg-yOlzvG0TiuOOx69GVzR9oXqwm0ay8KmLvgNS9OSc3lrMmYhQxzkklUVwhZHurhmeHAx0cANunoScRM/s320/Twisted+Silver+11.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29539396">Watermelon Rainbow</a> / <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24116286">Lining Up</a><br />
</div><br />
3. <i>What do you find most enjoyable/rewarding about your art/craft?</i><br />
<br />
It is very theraputic. I go into a trance and get very relaxed. I get tickled everytime I get complimented, and still don't know how to deal with it.<br />
<br />
4. <i>Where do you find inspiration for your art/craft?</i><br />
<br />
Every shape, curve, line, and color in nature. Dreams.<br />
<br />
5. <i>What message or values do you wish to convey with your art? What does your art say to the world?</i><br />
<br />
I want my art to give off the positive energy that I put into it. I want the owner to feel better for experiencing it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5an_112_bEtX1XSD9L2150m82IrdXaMYG0SnSoUKZn0v3ZCSyYK5WGw8tR1gNMAcxju6iLNM3H4LfEyZVBGsGNL7pE2dHVu8ezzzSGRn7zYczv7qELP7moIQMP9TDgc-7KqZ2dLhpR_9Y/s1600-h/Twisted+Silver+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5an_112_bEtX1XSD9L2150m82IrdXaMYG0SnSoUKZn0v3ZCSyYK5WGw8tR1gNMAcxju6iLNM3H4LfEyZVBGsGNL7pE2dHVu8ezzzSGRn7zYczv7qELP7moIQMP9TDgc-7KqZ2dLhpR_9Y/s320/Twisted+Silver+10.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27748966">Anatomy of a Snail</a> / <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27200585">Seasnake</a><br />
</div><br />
6. <i>Are there any other creative outlets that you use to express yourself? What are they and what do you enjoy about them?</i><br />
<br />
I draw, paint, photograph. I love nature and like to immerse myself in activities like hiking and exploring. I love animals, chocolate and tapas. And of course, anything handmade sparks my fancy.<br />
<br />
7. <i>Do you have any advice for other artists/artisans?</i><br />
<br />
Copyright your name. Do all kinds of research, such as material cost, competition, vendors, shows, etc. The more you know the better! Always try something new, and practice, practice, practice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7npvy1NHwiQGMHz5POqa4gl4g1lyKSKdTDV5pudf6DvszGtfJjNLztD3cl_v_wF70W84zZ2QiSnQVMN8mF9jVkd-jYQh3YscJaWI28mO3brt6t_qFzRXGgJtToLZ352oHwBefr3Vq_h8c/s1600-h/Twisted+Silver+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7npvy1NHwiQGMHz5POqa4gl4g1lyKSKdTDV5pudf6DvszGtfJjNLztD3cl_v_wF70W84zZ2QiSnQVMN8mF9jVkd-jYQh3YscJaWI28mO3brt6t_qFzRXGgJtToLZ352oHwBefr3Vq_h8c/s320/Twisted+Silver+12.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23180468">Caught in a Sea of Blue and Green</a> / <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7084315&section_id=6042448">Rising Waters</a><br />
</div><br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
In closing...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Where else can we find you and your work, either on the internet or in person? (ie blog url, flickr, facebook, etc)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wireartbymel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.wireartbymel.com</a> (a little neglected at the moment)<br />
<a href="http://stores.shop.ebay.com/twistedsilverjewelry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://stores.shop.ebay.com/twistedsilverjewelry</a><br />
and at the Newcomer’s Group of Wheaton, Winf<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(7084315, 'shop','thumbnail',2,4).renderIframe();</script></div>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-24429889748371772112009-10-05T10:56:00.000-07:002009-10-05T10:57:42.985-07:00Featured on Etsy's front page!My Caramel <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31716279">Diamond in the Rough</a> fingerless gloves were on the Front Page of <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a> this morning! Unfortunately I missed seeing it, but I found a screen shot on Flickr to share. It's always exciting to be on the Front Page. Big thanks to pixelcurious for including me in this gorgeous treasury!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltYeQljsdO894YoSaJHddNOuGcXtBX0j2pcLUtbpkXpsItp_cEs0EPUwnPYka3j7PD9BxMhpWKv3BkLy4sXidXigLnrn_-BrNthrb9a71Zu8BGT6jsUtapzHtoLKj_BZikT2_GSMq_DyH/s1600-h/etsy+front+page+caramel+gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltYeQljsdO894YoSaJHddNOuGcXtBX0j2pcLUtbpkXpsItp_cEs0EPUwnPYka3j7PD9BxMhpWKv3BkLy4sXidXigLnrn_-BrNthrb9a71Zu8BGT6jsUtapzHtoLKj_BZikT2_GSMq_DyH/s320/etsy+front+page+caramel+gloves.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Check back shortly for the relaunch of my Etsy Monday feature!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-60923120409369226282009-10-01T21:49:00.000-07:002009-10-01T22:20:52.557-07:00The Button Drawer (.com)<div style="text-align: left;">A couple of weeks ago I ordered some buttons from a site called <a href="http://buttondrawer.com/">The Button Drawer</a>. I'm going to pretend I'm not the last person to hear about this site, although I could be totally wrong. I got my order today and I was very impressed, so I thought I'd pass along the info in case it comes in handy for anyone out there searching for buttons!<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Dom9_FDNgJg-vWPLiqI5U8-IRhiXKYvsdovPzKEkKVlcLN2oRrWq4Y8W7-n4riyZHcHjC5m_-aEX9Y2OkAfUIxD8oNeiq3x9jQdglOjNlfI3qr9dqAgAPc99oEwwxbJKvN3Cy2zNvtYN/s1600-h/buttons+oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkXYz22bk19kM5BwEFGYrhaA_thGNBW2iBpEtBhLypgjVP-6Fo-DcCfCGwoDTTcQreHqoRh4aEILvcw93gW00Xjmwq_FQ4w9ZCE3oPU0doILyPnlBMvSWXY9vdTn_-0OhH6Now8VTn8jg/s1600-h/buttons+oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkXYz22bk19kM5BwEFGYrhaA_thGNBW2iBpEtBhLypgjVP-6Fo-DcCfCGwoDTTcQreHqoRh4aEILvcw93gW00Xjmwq_FQ4w9ZCE3oPU0doILyPnlBMvSWXY9vdTn_-0OhH6Now8VTn8jg/s320/buttons+oak.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>These are the buttons I needed, desperately, and the reason I found buttondrawer.com in the first place. I used them last year for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=11272451">crocheted cowls</a>, and when I ran out, the store I bought them from was not able to get any more in stock.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>They did order them for me, but they've been back ordered from the supplier for almost a year now! I'd bought more of the yarn already and it's been waiting patiently in my wool room, so I really wanted to get ahold of some more of these buttons, Well, I'm pleased to find that they are the very same ones I used, and there was no minimum order required!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCzQHs5FEJw9ffEtGgAQGB9j5NudgXPNFSTANSMKCciNjKt1JRy3XYaqUQKYZ76CD3HkMZCIDqozVG_0u70aA9uoOcHwHSYW_5r8ueCBkhSiTyFWwGxUkkFxo0t-vurDOLBmghjMHmBJh/s1600-h/buttons+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCzQHs5FEJw9ffEtGgAQGB9j5NudgXPNFSTANSMKCciNjKt1JRy3XYaqUQKYZ76CD3HkMZCIDqozVG_0u70aA9uoOcHwHSYW_5r8ueCBkhSiTyFWwGxUkkFxo0t-vurDOLBmghjMHmBJh/s320/buttons+cross.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also got a few each of some different types of buttons to see what they looked like. I really like them both - especially the cross ones. The others are nice and simple and natural looking, and very nice as well.<br />
</div><br />
I was very pleased with my first order from The Button Drawer. My buttons arrived in about 2 weeks to Canada from Colorado, and the order process was quick and painless. I guess the only drawback is that they don't accept PayPal for payment, but I just used my credit card and it was all good! I really like that there are no minimum orders, which allows you to try out different styles without having to commit to buying large quantities.blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-23030663220274865832009-09-30T23:13:00.000-07:002009-10-01T22:20:24.292-07:00Wool room music - Blitzen TrapperI've scored a sweet ipod touch for my birthday (thanks Mom)! My old nano gave up the ghost a while ago and I've been without an mp3 player for way too long. I'm very excited, and to celebrate I thought I'd kick off a new little blog feature. Music is my other passion, and I'm always seeking out new bands and artists to get into. I thought I'd share my newest finds (and old favorites) once a week for you all to check out if you'd like. I'll put songs up in the form of YouTube videos, because that's the fastest way to jump right in and listen!<br />
<br />
Today I'll start with the very first song I listened to on my shiny new ipod. The band is called <a href="http://www.blitzentrapper.net/">Blitzen Trapper</a>, and the song is called Furr (from the album of the same name). They do have other good songs too, but this one is just amazing. For whatever reason, this is the first song I wanted to hear when I turned on the new ipod. I've also included the lyrics after the video (click link to full post). Feel free to comment, let me know what you think, or recommend new bands. Hope you enjoy it!<br />
<div align="center"><object height="324" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bqtlcHiSHTE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bqtlcHiSHTE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="324"></embed></object><br />
</div><a name='more'></a><br />
Lyrics<br />
<br />
Yeah, when I was only 17,<br />
I could hear the angels whispering<br />
So I drove into the woods and wandered aimlessly about<br />
Until I heard my mother shouting through the fog<br />
It turned out to be the howling of a dog<br />
Or a wolf to be exact, the sound sent shivers down my back<br />
But I was drawn into the pack and before long<br />
They allowed me to join in and sing their song<br />
So from the cliffs and highest hill, yeah<br />
We would gladly get our fill<br />
Howling endlessly and shrilly at the dawn<br />
And I lost the taste for judging right from wrong<br />
For my flesh had turned to fur, yeah<br />
And my thoughts, they surely were<br />
Turned to instinct and obedience to God.<br />
<br />
You can wear your fur<br />
like a river on fire<br />
But you better be sure<br />
if you're makin' God a liar<br />
I'm a rattlesnake, Babe,<br />
I'm like fuel on fire<br />
So if you're gonna' get made,<br />
Don't be afraid of what you've learned<br />
<br />
On the day that I turned 23,<br />
I was curled up underneath a dogwood tree<br />
When suddenly a girl with skin the color of a pearl<br />
She wandered aimlessly, but she didn't seem to see<br />
She was listenin' for the angels just like me<br />
So I stood and looked about<br />
I brushed the leaves off of my snout<br />
And then I heard my mother shouting through the trees<br />
You should have seen that girl go shaky at the knees<br />
So I took her by the arm<br />
We settled down upon a farm<br />
And raised our children up as gently as you please.<br />
<br />
And now my fur has turned to skin<br />
And I've been quickly ushered in<br />
To a world that I confess I do not know<br />
But I still dream of running careless through the snow<br />
An' through the howlin' winds that blow,<br />
Across the ancient distant flow,<br />
It fill our bodies up like water till we know.<br />
<br />
You can wear your fur<br />
Like a river on fire<br />
But you better be sure<br />
If you're makin' God a liar<br />
I'm a rattlesnake, Babe,<br />
I'm like fuel on fire<br />
So if you're gonna' get made,<br />
Don't be afraid of what you've learnedblackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-39330961198600585972009-09-29T13:41:00.000-07:002009-09-29T13:51:32.478-07:00Black Mustard is now on Facebook!I've set up a Black Mustard Fiber Arts fan page on Facebook! I'm still poking around to see how it all works and setting things up, but feel free to check it out and if you like, become a fan! This is a great way to get updates on new products, blog posts, promotions and more right to your Facebook homepage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Black-Mustard-Fiber-Arts/140355659860?ref=ts" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtbCAkEC-E_2lLSgwAU6N8PO8xigNdlWNZ3lDX4g8uT3-lasT1IMim7CbVxLHjuml3Ar4CBBR5U2qAnIYgN-_ouGF1dylV9fflNsrQXr8x95TminRDAKZu4vWUvHKzsBb7nRDwYDgqYn5/s320/Screen+Shot.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Click the screen shot to visit the Black Mustard fan page - hope to see you there!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-23765408234805615332009-09-28T12:05:00.000-07:002009-10-06T11:29:52.964-07:00Top 12 - Bags and Purses on Etsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MyFHB8Pl6La6uVMGlxhlMlfKtC1KqOSZptfoH8GaOz_1ENPuBQ6l3r2fLuOoPnreWm9G4FAjpRKblO7zK8Gp5IsIM5krt4FY1V2yQ-ydAGyv5kQWwrvfDL69YyfdOVL8Tf9nzukNQwEm/s1600-h/top+12+purses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MyFHB8Pl6La6uVMGlxhlMlfKtC1KqOSZptfoH8GaOz_1ENPuBQ6l3r2fLuOoPnreWm9G4FAjpRKblO7zK8Gp5IsIM5krt4FY1V2yQ-ydAGyv5kQWwrvfDL69YyfdOVL8Tf9nzukNQwEm/s400/top+12+purses.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0sLGRiONStxYmVg1OapdqHrV1LJDC6r3YHOR8xwCqCMWPa4lpMy1Cp653zm4XmjPNLCr_FMQ0bYk81Q2Og523G6BTb5jpdNrabhZyhjz_UFwX1qvw0_gstZq-oYWHGe6D050uywDCTfa/s1600-h/top+12+numbers+SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0sLGRiONStxYmVg1OapdqHrV1LJDC6r3YHOR8xwCqCMWPa4lpMy1Cp653zm4XmjPNLCr_FMQ0bYk81Q2Og523G6BTb5jpdNrabhZyhjz_UFwX1qvw0_gstZq-oYWHGe6D050uywDCTfa/s320/top+12+numbers+SM.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">1) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31283841">Auvenier XL Bag with Removable Straps</a> by iragranteco<br />
</div>2) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31569078">Batik Plaid Amy Butler bag</a> by hoganfe<br />
3) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31415960">Bent walnut tote</a> by tealandgold<br />
4) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30163247">Tree in autumn Hippie bag</a> by bamboobag<br />
5) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31576962">Blue leaves - Large corduroy shoulder bag</a> by helisengezer<br />
6) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27498131">Plonkas II clutch</a> - retro by dalinda<br />
7) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28140491">The Flap Bag - short linen taupe and lime</a> by Karin Birch<br />
8) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=31616882">Ruffles in grey with leather strap - shoulder bag</a> by lovejanice<br />
9) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28140491"></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=30956955">Chariot horses bag</a> by manibarr<br />
10) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29639975">Point of Light. Reusable Lunch Bag. Sand</a> by shoofly<br />
11) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29639975"></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28710556">Colorful high basket</a> by mishidesign<br />
12) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19863139">Shaggy Coffee Tote - large</a> by ShaggyBaggyblackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-16375930864320857062009-09-27T22:35:00.000-07:002009-09-29T01:17:00.844-07:00The story of my model search<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE49x130oqcT74Ye0VJ3TczCE5rnSuGKbOhIXK4tkCSrFPjWfMtuEVh1goJB31bGHDj5AWuCBmJgWJDEfk9okyVqVzdsTOioBkpS2aMc_KevrOgKV4CSQlimHS2n72lMYiSYbEqh27f0Yp/s1600-h/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE49x130oqcT74Ye0VJ3TczCE5rnSuGKbOhIXK4tkCSrFPjWfMtuEVh1goJB31bGHDj5AWuCBmJgWJDEfk9okyVqVzdsTOioBkpS2aMc_KevrOgKV4CSQlimHS2n72lMYiSYbEqh27f0Yp/s200/DSC_0208.JPG" /></a>I thought I'd share the story of how I found my new model for my Etsy pictures with you all. I think it'll be of interest either to other Etsy sellers or designers who are looking for someone to model their work, or just to anyone who needs a little inspiration when it comes to stepping out of your comfort zone. Here's how it happened...<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Last weekend I had arranged to take some pictures of my new knitted items with my best friend, who has been kind enough to model some of my gloves in the past. When the day that we'd arranged to take the pictures came around she seemed like she wasn't feeling up to it, putting it off until it was too late, and I ended up leaving without any pictures. She told me later that she just really doesn't like having her picture taken (at least right now) and although I think she's beautiful, I completely understand how that feels. So, not wanting to pressure I decided I wouldn't even ask again, and would only have her model if she approaches me about it. But, I found myself without anyone to help me photograph my new items, and I was very discouraged because I'd been working so hard to get pieces ready but now I had no way to get them up in my shop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQplSXrEL26hMvbEHHdpuV-LtwHvG0oJspcebHk9hjub2fZjbZ2qnBjjZZMyxtkDE6wA2cceyJT0JE7nf3uiYYJapYBufnxTeYMP2dpi0yy9cbzzAaI6zQZlWEcmbXaZd2IRRgTN3_ZEi/s1600-h/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQplSXrEL26hMvbEHHdpuV-LtwHvG0oJspcebHk9hjub2fZjbZ2qnBjjZZMyxtkDE6wA2cceyJT0JE7nf3uiYYJapYBufnxTeYMP2dpi0yy9cbzzAaI6zQZlWEcmbXaZd2IRRgTN3_ZEi/s200/DSC_0266.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>My boyfriend had suggested a few times before that I should put an ad on Craigslist for a model. I'd been reluctant to do it because I was afraid people would think I was a creep, or worse, that they wouldn't think my work was good enough and no one would respond. But, with no other options, I swallowed my insecurities and put the ad out there. I was shocked by the response I got! Within an hour or so I had an inbox full of headshots and resumes from local girls ranging to absolute beginners looking to build their portfolios, to experienced models whose photos were amazing and very professional. And they were all interested in working with me! One of the first people to respond to the ad was Isis Wright, who I ended up meeting and shooting for my first batch of items. When I first saw her picture I was so excited. Here was someone who had the exact looking I was hoping for. After a few emails back and forth, we set up a time to meet only a few days after I'd placed the ad. I was a little nervous about meeting with a stranger off Craigslist (we've all heard the stories) but I'd gotten a really good vibe from her and vice versa.<br />
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We met down on Granville Island on Tuesday and we had a great time shooting. She was kind enough to bring all kinds of clothes for us to use, and she was so enthusiastic about my pieces, it was extremely encouraging for me. It was amazing to photo a so-called "real model". Every time the shutter would click she'd move into another awesome pose, and I got so many great shots. And it was nice to see that she really seemed to enjoy wearing my pieces, and was very comfortable having her picture taken. That's the one difference I found between working with her and working with my friends as I have in the past. I think the pictures really reflect when someone is kind of uncomfortable being photographed, and I've always felt a little bad for having to ask that of my friends, even though they were all very gracious about it. But with that awkwardness gone, we could both have fun with it, and I was able to get some amazing pictures!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVSVoY2lAHCUzNfu1jXa-PCVlmUM-Wp5sUc-x6v01xHq4ADeUzHGVIvuJqQ4ZwU_r3Bg2cJvAZWZ9buifgps2O3Q9kGQsdk7Lc0EsMMQlDJTH3gtZFM5_I-OrZDI4QJN3Yoya23AsMfY/s1600-h/DSC_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVSVoY2lAHCUzNfu1jXa-PCVlmUM-Wp5sUc-x6v01xHq4ADeUzHGVIvuJqQ4ZwU_r3Bg2cJvAZWZ9buifgps2O3Q9kGQsdk7Lc0EsMMQlDJTH3gtZFM5_I-OrZDI4QJN3Yoya23AsMfY/s200/DSC_0261.JPG" /></a>This whole experience has given my confidence and enthusiasm a much needed boost. I never expected when I placed my Craigslist ad that I would get the kind of positive response I did, or that someone I didn't even know would be willing to donate their time and talents to work with me. I am so glad that I put myself out there, even though it was uncomfortable to do at first. It was incredibly validating to have so many people come forward to work with me. I've gone from having no options and no momentum to having an amazing model and a renewed dedication to my shop and my work. I'm very grateful to Isis, and to my boyfriend for the idea. If anyone is interested in placing a similar ad would like to know what I said in mine, feel free to contact me! This has really shown me that great things can happen when you take a bit of a risk, and I'm so glad I did this!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-12686304773500917912009-09-24T19:16:00.000-07:002009-09-29T01:29:53.822-07:00New for Fall!I'm very excited to have listed the first of my new Fall items in my <a href="http://blackmustard.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>! Thanks to my wonderful new model, Isis Wright, I now have some great pictures to show them off. It's hard to resist the temptation to list them all at once, but in order to be noticed among all the great artists on Etsy, it's better to spread them out a bit. Here are the first two, which went up in my shop yesterday and today!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM60KV5Z1T-w09q97oKT58qdgC5JCigq2DIR__zqO1GcUfj8MZH-Bl73lukxs9OWnhOfxAFV1DSYa1pTSUwC5s_i76MPxPTXteFFHKVEtp_Pf2HUfmGccdKlzo-hr5ADNDZDKKD6kgc21O/s1600-h/cream+drop+stitch+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM60KV5Z1T-w09q97oKT58qdgC5JCigq2DIR__zqO1GcUfj8MZH-Bl73lukxs9OWnhOfxAFV1DSYa1pTSUwC5s_i76MPxPTXteFFHKVEtp_Pf2HUfmGccdKlzo-hr5ADNDZDKKD6kgc21O/s200/cream+drop+stitch+12.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUmLBBHRxZdBjB4ERL4c6vPsxL_ThtyS3EvYvrKXmY9I0onOHDc3j8X8ZaEJ5noZ4LD8ftjmq98huqHS0fdUCVRvhXdGq34zjzPx_0Ol8tmTCE-cOrsI3cm4GF1TSGytewhcWSemdTlLq/s1600-h/cream+drop+stitch+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUmLBBHRxZdBjB4ERL4c6vPsxL_ThtyS3EvYvrKXmY9I0onOHDc3j8X8ZaEJ5noZ4LD8ftjmq98huqHS0fdUCVRvhXdGq34zjzPx_0Ol8tmTCE-cOrsI3cm4GF1TSGytewhcWSemdTlLq/s200/cream+drop+stitch+14.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=31445461">Cream Baby Alpaca drop stitch scarf</a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't even begin to describe how soft this yarn is! It is pure luxury against your skin. I plan to make more of these in quite a few colors in the next little while!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirj4gaUK0RmemAGzrc-kGG_86V-WmUB7bn-UwOXGSSZjmawtpoiG6VymObOTeBz7WGlv6ljfBUQB70ge8GVbcnYR4D_YpHpgNI64pFevyN7NkFX5iaPPEJbi7-t_IOwatG3x-MuLHuqeFZ/s1600-h/Brown+shawl+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirj4gaUK0RmemAGzrc-kGG_86V-WmUB7bn-UwOXGSSZjmawtpoiG6VymObOTeBz7WGlv6ljfBUQB70ge8GVbcnYR4D_YpHpgNI64pFevyN7NkFX5iaPPEJbi7-t_IOwatG3x-MuLHuqeFZ/s200/Brown+shawl+3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gulyl71LnWD94gKOmZjdXo1bzNtlZa92nS4-yVNJ4VEv4iZV4zXadthJQcyjp_PYcZRTvEI9i8rsqLZp7eh5Ul5oB7bJaHExzzntdyeFp1cytFrPM_PmTHPSIKo50wiXlUuExl29L_Vz/s1600-h/Brown+shawl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gulyl71LnWD94gKOmZjdXo1bzNtlZa92nS4-yVNJ4VEv4iZV4zXadthJQcyjp_PYcZRTvEI9i8rsqLZp7eh5Ul5oB7bJaHExzzntdyeFp1cytFrPM_PmTHPSIKo50wiXlUuExl29L_Vz/s200/Brown+shawl+2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31505057">Brown Alpaca/Kid Mohair lace shawl </a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love Fall colors, and this shawl is perfect for keeping out the chill now that the nights are getting colder. I used a razor lace pattern (one of my faves) to add some feminine detail without making it too frilly. We also photographed this shawl in olive green, which will be in the shop early next week.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am so glad to have found Isis and I seriously cannot stop knitting now! I'll be writing more soon about how I met Isis and the great things that can happen when you step outside your comfort zone.<br />
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</div>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-17030169621749402082009-09-23T06:26:00.000-07:002009-09-23T06:29:02.132-07:00My first shoot with Isis Wright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxhEte2Dx0DBidqWvLbISWAl0rXSXg8BePedwRAX9JyZ7WCCG2V2RGfbvmTcj-Nu8Obb3moz_sqChtSZGbFv2L1mk60_Hq1-pHJ24_SU-VubzOwy6seTOV_HVfttG4iPGijkXmjF9dLyn/s1600-h/cream+drop+stitch+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxhEte2Dx0DBidqWvLbISWAl0rXSXg8BePedwRAX9JyZ7WCCG2V2RGfbvmTcj-Nu8Obb3moz_sqChtSZGbFv2L1mk60_Hq1-pHJ24_SU-VubzOwy6seTOV_HVfttG4iPGijkXmjF9dLyn/s320/cream+drop+stitch+6.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting with model/actress Isis Wright to photograph my new pieces for Fall. I cannot even begin to describe how excited I am to have someone of her beauty and talent to represent my pieces! It was an absolute treat to work with her, both in terms of the shots we got and the vibe we had with each other. I was a little nervous to meet and shoot my first "real model" but she is such a genuine person and really seemed to enjoy wearing my pieces, and I felt extremely comfortable with her. I am looking forward to working with her again in the future, and my mind is racing with new project ideas! I thought I'd share a few of my favorite shots from our session. I'll start listing these pieces in my <a href="http://blackmustard.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> this afternoon, and continue over the next few days! I could say a lot about each of these photos, but I'll let them speak for themselves.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBEuoAsJCIJ2FSN8BtnKf82tCSQM1gZ5JlCCw8CacqfGSOll1UokVuK-ReO9D-0MZF2JrJorJ7IngDQCO5nINoi68RjVDR-Wo3Sk5M0mXOv6IqDiyAm9USw2AjJYh9fF5_7ih9LN9oc-A/s1600-h/Brown+shawl+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBEuoAsJCIJ2FSN8BtnKf82tCSQM1gZ5JlCCw8CacqfGSOll1UokVuK-ReO9D-0MZF2JrJorJ7IngDQCO5nINoi68RjVDR-Wo3Sk5M0mXOv6IqDiyAm9USw2AjJYh9fF5_7ih9LN9oc-A/s320/Brown+shawl+1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown Alpaca / Kid Mohair Capelet<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9xWwka1RvI7-AP9Y9PHUb0Xqc3l7sG_xSVC2554ehAkZ-ejoEkQ_7cgJdAle8yXxzdwW8T7b_T9UBxv-3OkoOwyGnA_0Ol-NdFa015dUHCcFJ1N1lZ__XZ4xVeMoCBx71rSBSQRm5y18/s1600-h/orange+cowl+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9xWwka1RvI7-AP9Y9PHUb0Xqc3l7sG_xSVC2554ehAkZ-ejoEkQ_7cgJdAle8yXxzdwW8T7b_T9UBxv-3OkoOwyGnA_0Ol-NdFa015dUHCcFJ1N1lZ__XZ4xVeMoCBx71rSBSQRm5y18/s320/orange+cowl+1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slouch Cowl in Reds<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8E3KomtIcv269_LTV_T2Ubys7b92WKiQFs3wcupLmstuo0NuNkqMzeo8_AxCChSdPx2472PDr8qVeSKRNI9LDFt5pYpzrVjZm2dQIg50-eLiwdVw-Y2UsoudGAh30Nt-561S03UBQ0qS/s1600-h/blues+cowl+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8E3KomtIcv269_LTV_T2Ubys7b92WKiQFs3wcupLmstuo0NuNkqMzeo8_AxCChSdPx2472PDr8qVeSKRNI9LDFt5pYpzrVjZm2dQIg50-eLiwdVw-Y2UsoudGAh30Nt-561S03UBQ0qS/s320/blues+cowl+1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Slouch Cowl in Rainbow <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks so much to Isis for her time and enthusiasm - I can't wait for our next session!<br />
</div>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-5874137688495287152009-09-20T23:06:00.000-07:002009-09-21T11:15:33.395-07:00Wonderful Warm Earth Tones on EtsyI was able to snag a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=83195">treasury</a> on Etsy last night and I thought I'd share it here as well! I'm a huge fan of earth tones, especially this time of year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpz8hJBOFTsyTzRdBCiT_hU99jsCplSIDTWNPHpQZz1QSAEQKOqdB7dfWyI41S1xgbbtzkBIhvP8aD_D0hxRK5XKgJBCnPHgI3adJIaaRziY2QzFJNIkPgV_7k1Fahvm4wYhG7_KxR764/s1600-h/treasury.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpz8hJBOFTsyTzRdBCiT_hU99jsCplSIDTWNPHpQZz1QSAEQKOqdB7dfWyI41S1xgbbtzkBIhvP8aD_D0hxRK5XKgJBCnPHgI3adJIaaRziY2QzFJNIkPgV_7k1Fahvm4wYhG7_KxR764/s400/treasury.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383957412577867762" border="0" /></a>In other news, I think I've secured a new model for my knitwear! I'm very excited :)<a name='more'></a> Up until now I've relied on convincing my friends to pose for me and I run into obstacles when they're either not available, or uncomfortable doing it. Either way I don't want to be pushy and overstep my bounds with the people I care about. The result is that I'm sitting on about a dozen new items with no way to get them up in my Etsy shop, at precisely the time of year when they need to be in there! I finally took the advice of my brilliant boyfriend and placed an ad on Craigslist yesterday looking for local models. I received about 10-15 emails over the course of the day! I felt a little bit like Tyra Banks with these girls sending me head shots and resumes - it was a little weird but very exciting. I contacted one of the first people who responded to my ad and she seems really cool. She's really excited about helping out a local designer, and she's enthusiastic about fashion so she's going to bring a car full of clothes to play with for the shoot. Nevermind that she's gorgeous! There's also another girl that I'm going to meet with for the next batch of stuff that I have ready. In my experience it's good to not put all your eggs in one basket, especially since I really don't want to be a pain in the butt for these girls. Anyway, I'm getting really excited about filling up my shop now. I should have some photos to share from our session tomorrow. Wish me luck!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-75751319344548116662009-09-15T12:42:00.000-07:002009-09-21T11:16:54.929-07:00Late night knitting success and a blog feature!I stayed up knitting till 3am last night. I'm liking this enthusiasm! I've had some delicious chunky Baby Alpaca in my stash for a while and I wanted to come up with a project for it. It's the same yarn I used last year for my <a href="http://blackmustard.blogspot.com/2008/10/sweetness-cowl-on-etsy-front-page.html">button up cowls</a>, but I've always wanted to use it for a full-length scarf as well. I wanted something simple that would showcase this amazing yarn and accentuate its softness. Yesterday during my brainstorming session I decided I would try a simple drop stitch scarf. I cast on and finished last night (hence the 3am bedtime!) and was very pleased with the results.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS1N0sVY7v9ZOl5bG7VFqImAxR70nBTQwSCzWUU65rKgr5sgQUpgRrZXILX5VdxXjzX9HYs7s71vLt-XoQnnBVbV4Geb4d7wmUw3KyOqA4lx5_-UVC_3rEWvf5dsNyl0y5YPIjmhXIkO6/s1600-h/cream+drop+stitch+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS1N0sVY7v9ZOl5bG7VFqImAxR70nBTQwSCzWUU65rKgr5sgQUpgRrZXILX5VdxXjzX9HYs7s71vLt-XoQnnBVbV4Geb4d7wmUw3KyOqA4lx5_-UVC_3rEWvf5dsNyl0y5YPIjmhXIkO6/s400/cream+drop+stitch+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381794022360586562" border="0" /></a><code></code><a name='more'></a>It's such an understated stitch pattern and it traps a LOT of air in the scarf, which makes it light-weight but really warm. I love it! When I planned to make this proto-type I thought I only had one skein of cream left in this yarn. But when I went to get it from my stash I was pleasantly surprised to find I had one each of blue and black as well! I'm going to knit those next and hopefully include them in my photo shoot this weekend. Then I'll head down to <a href="http://88stitches.com/">88 Stitches</a>, where I saw lots of scrumptious colors!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqL3Vl2gPHnawMXKHkE8qCKkBnjg-gmiEkm18q8rOU7Sqv0z8GczV2xbGba6zOiogBbxP8qC_wl8EUTi3a14a_a_8TzTdLzrVYBBGHny3Zqa-9A2kY-A51lEQ9M5dIrQy6fZ1wrQQINVT/s1600-h/cream+drop+stitch+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqL3Vl2gPHnawMXKHkE8qCKkBnjg-gmiEkm18q8rOU7Sqv0z8GczV2xbGba6zOiogBbxP8qC_wl8EUTi3a14a_a_8TzTdLzrVYBBGHny3Zqa-9A2kY-A51lEQ9M5dIrQy6fZ1wrQQINVT/s400/cream+drop+stitch+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381795487815897666" border="0" /></a>I had another nice surprise today when I found out I'd been featured on <a href="http://www.foundhandmade.com/news/itemize">FoundHandmade.com</a>. My <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30923317">"Diamond in the Rough"</a> gloves were included in a great collection of fingerless gloves found on Etsy. Very cool! I hadn't seen this site before and I'm really glad to have found it - it looks like a great site for discovering new treasures on Etsy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JGwt2HK2KW_bLziiVGS-0P5Jw4phzarCvP0p7qpSswFwaeHC6yKeJmoNuvC5MMGiamJOoevfzVYZWECzLGc8jScf3BtzoFKpwP7aHKWRnMAxm_THx0K91SaUp2HWT7oGzsUkwrwsbGXR/s1600-h/found+handmade+gloves+screenshot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JGwt2HK2KW_bLziiVGS-0P5Jw4phzarCvP0p7qpSswFwaeHC6yKeJmoNuvC5MMGiamJOoevfzVYZWECzLGc8jScf3BtzoFKpwP7aHKWRnMAxm_THx0K91SaUp2HWT7oGzsUkwrwsbGXR/s400/found+handmade+gloves+screenshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381799664887083682" border="0" /></a>All in all this has been quite a productive and encouraging day!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-22519292035276802922009-09-14T12:53:00.000-07:002009-09-21T11:55:29.133-07:00Getting back on trackThis is just a quick post because I'm really trying to get in the habit of blogging regularly. Hopefully the quality of the posts will improve once I get back in the swing of things! I wasn't able to photograph my knitted shawls and neck warmers on the weekend as I'd hoped, but they're all blocked and ready to go. I probably won't get another chance until this weekend now, but in the meantime I've got my mother-in-law's camera to familiarize myself with. And I've cast on for another cowl, so I'll get that ready for the weekend as well.<br />
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Last night I finished another pair of gloves and put them up in my <a href="http://blackmustard.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> this morning. I really enjoy these gloves as a quick and satisfying knit. I've stocked up on all the colors I used last year so I can restock the shop with those while I'm waiting to photograph the new stuff, as it's looking a little bare. Then, I think I'll pick up a few more colors of the merino I use for the gloves and try out a new pattern I've been playing with. There's no such thing as too many gloves this time of year I think! Here's the pair I finished last night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wFNIa5ARasQqfD_Cyq3E5vyGFRrBWoAJV4agsSql6Z_bBOSJJaMp-9LQFuzF7fPCvbKN3IseaYkaokuIFubZn84Fgyc8HFEXFRSG7FSvAZH4Clhkx8yMm9h-B0ooSkCtxWVGwKZGZMxP/s1600-h/DITR+caramel+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381415275383434850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wFNIa5ARasQqfD_Cyq3E5vyGFRrBWoAJV4agsSql6Z_bBOSJJaMp-9LQFuzF7fPCvbKN3IseaYkaokuIFubZn84Fgyc8HFEXFRSG7FSvAZH4Clhkx8yMm9h-B0ooSkCtxWVGwKZGZMxP/s400/DITR+caramel+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><a name='more'></a><br />
Today I'm going to head over to my favorite coffee shop to have a little planning meeting with myself. I like to go somewhere away from home to do my brainstorming and scheduling for my Etsy stuff because it allows me to cut down on distractions and really get some concrete ideas down. After that I think I'll do the housework so the place is nice and clean when my boyfriend get's home from work. It always makes his evening a little more pleasant when he comes home to a nice house.<br />
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Also, I got inspired by a fellow spinner's <a href="http://www.creationsbyuli.com/blog/?p=220">blog post</a> to get my butt back to behind my wheel, so I may do a bit of spinning today. I've got one yarn on the go, and a queue of fiber waiting to be spun, so I think I'll dig in. Hopefully I'll have some yarn pictures to share soon!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-10327027920497376912009-09-12T08:58:00.001-07:002009-09-21T11:56:16.164-07:00Camera set-backs, power knitting and yarn store excitementI am so ready for Fall. We've had a couple of cooler days and I've been bit by the knitting bug again, big time. I've been working feverishly on new items for my <a href="http://blackmustard.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>... and then staring at them in frustration because I don't have a camera to photograph them. My camera bit the dust during the summer when I was at a music festival for the weekend. It didn't get damaged, it just stopped working. It won't turn on now even with brand new fresh batteries. Apparently it's a common problem with this model of camera (note to self: research technical issues before buying next time). The good news is, my birthday's coming up in less than a month and a new camera is at the top of my wish list. The bad news is that my birthday's still <span style="font-style: italic;">almost a month away</span>, and I'd really like to get my Fall pieces listed <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span> (insert foot stomp here)! Luckily my mother-in-law has come to the rescue. She's lending me her sweet digital SLR camera to use this week! So now I'm getting excited - I'm weaving in ends, blocking and getting props ready!<br />
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In the meantime, I started making some more of the fingerless gloves like the ones I sold last year. I had some of the merino yarn left in my stash, and the pictures ready to go, so I thought I could get some of those listed in my shop while I figured out my camera situation. I've been averaging a pair a day for the last part of the week! Although I still really like the styles I had available last year, I'm also planning to design a couple new styles for 2009. Here's one of the first pairs I made this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEFnJriufTuM0L8-WoQIWSx6tAifykdGpWQAuAfFJvi61R_yXeDf6J2c5Hjvg22twHLUL9dQ1m6jBM9NOsxeBPcsFMdmmVhEYYpmimnHO6159OZiD52lzykkqZBP__ijPmc1VMs75-Rch/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.55762977.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380614867049268258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEFnJriufTuM0L8-WoQIWSx6tAifykdGpWQAuAfFJvi61R_yXeDf6J2c5Hjvg22twHLUL9dQ1m6jBM9NOsxeBPcsFMdmmVhEYYpmimnHO6159OZiD52lzykkqZBP__ijPmc1VMs75-Rch/s320/il_fullxfull.55762977.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 278px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Yesterday I went to a new yarn store called <a href="http://www.88stitches.com/">88 Stitches</a> in Walnut Grove, Langley. I'd heard good things about it but hadn't visited yet myself. It's not too far from my house but far enough that it warrants its own trip and isn't on the way to anywhere I would normally be going. I'd seen on their website that they carried a yarn that I've been using, which my normal yarn store has sold out of, so I thought I'd make the trek and check it out. I am so incredibly glad I went! It is absolutely amazing. "Favorite" is such a dirty, exclusive word, and I still love my usual stores with all my heart, but this was so far beyond my expectations I was actually a little shocked! They carry all the yarns I've used in the past, in colorways I didn't even know existed. And they've got yarns I haven't seen locally before. You know those movies where someone represses a traumatic experience until something triggers the memory, and then everywhere they look they have these vivid flashes in rapid succession? Well, that's what it was like. With every new yarn I saw, new projects and ideas flashed in my mind. I was <span style="font-style: italic;">inspired</span> (and a little overwhelmed)! There were some really great merino yarns that I'm going to work into my plans for cowls, gloves and mittens. And one thing that really caught my attention was this unbelievably soft lace weight cashmere, hand-dyed by the owner's daughter in some of the most gorgeous colors I've ever seen. I'm going to make some lace scarves out of that for the Spring I think. I need to pace myself, and take some time to absorb what I've seen there. For now I picked up this wonderful Malabrigo merino yarn, which is already well on its way to becoming a new neck warmer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkZcHKDjbtNOyOKmW7M0aAgvq3wWOA45m6YFiXljakmayw4c6iP4iLCygh1wK-T6rQftA_GZXoV4h7Vqfr1mZn1-IAlJ0gZowJz57EO2n3DAkc4_egykJaL7skPEqNnYvALFC3hhVW1iU/s1600-h/malabrigo+stone+chat+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380660817471098594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkZcHKDjbtNOyOKmW7M0aAgvq3wWOA45m6YFiXljakmayw4c6iP4iLCygh1wK-T6rQftA_GZXoV4h7Vqfr1mZn1-IAlJ0gZowJz57EO2n3DAkc4_egykJaL7skPEqNnYvALFC3hhVW1iU/s400/malabrigo+stone+chat+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>It's so nice to feel excited about my knitting again. The urge to drop everything and run to grab my knitting is back in full force, and at night I fall asleep thinking of new stitch patterns and brainstorming project ideas. Some people in my life don't get it, but I refuse to apologize for my obsession because it is so rewarding! I really can't wait to photograph the stuff I've got done and put it out there for the Etsy world to see. Hopefully this weekend or Monday I'll get a chance to meet up with my best friend / model and take some pictures.blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-47580776149198938562009-08-27T13:50:00.000-07:002009-08-27T14:27:08.611-07:00Playing Catch Up<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7nv90zKjNYBa7kM2-t3ssL-alHpF8y6xDyOu1dWeaCIY8ht-SVkwtTyZHqFQrHOjw_ra0eFvFSHkbS-T7xu0JoEUP2lUIICPBVSKBxzP6hvQJUFUG7Uaeh0vBL4Evkh6RHr1LNZs6vyl/s1600-h/54676138_2a43bbdf2a_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7nv90zKjNYBa7kM2-t3ssL-alHpF8y6xDyOu1dWeaCIY8ht-SVkwtTyZHqFQrHOjw_ra0eFvFSHkbS-T7xu0JoEUP2lUIICPBVSKBxzP6hvQJUFUG7Uaeh0vBL4Evkh6RHr1LNZs6vyl/s400/54676138_2a43bbdf2a_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374756565364911186" border="0" /></a>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/josefstuefer/">Josef Stuefer</a><br /></div><br />This is just a quick post to say hello and let folks know I'm still alive and well. I've decided it's time to renew my blogging efforts (again). I have let it slide once more since I haven't really been doing a whole lot in the way of crafts this summer. For one thing, the record heat we've been having has not exactly made me want to have hot wool in my hands, and pretty much all of the things I do require me to do that in one form or another. Also, I've actually been quite busy with personal stuff this summer, from weddings to music festivals to family reunions. It's been a lot of fun, but it'll be nice to ease into Fall and a pace that's a bit more relaxed. And I'm really looking forward to dedicating more time and energy to my crafts and my <a href="http://blackmustard.etsy.com">Etsy shop</a> again. I'm working on some great pieces for Fall - mini-ponchos made from Alpaca and Mohair and squishy, colorful Merino neck warmers are the first of many warm snuggly things to come. I love Fall and Winter for the chance to really explore my knitting and spinning, and I can't wait to get going again!<br /><br />In the meantime, I've said that I want to make this blog a bit more personal and offer a whole view of myself, my thoughts and my life. So I am going to do some posts that aren't necessarily related to Etsy. I'll probably start by writing about the things I've done this summer. There's no time limit on telling stories of fun times, right? Thanks to those who still read this sad little blog... I hope to have more interesting posts coming at you soon! Wish me luck!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-64749009873056693252009-07-26T17:09:00.000-07:002009-07-26T17:22:58.570-07:00Green Means Go - Handspun SW Merino yarnIt's taken a little while but I've finished the yarn I was working on spinning from my own hand-dyed roving. I'm really pleased with the way this turned out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJvIpmsGuxlzwM6loI_BD2a9ITcVow8ykVpIl6vH29W49bS-8U3JsAzt31SbICrooJNquxkKlqwko-tuSYXIPqxgimjnTM9bA7LdsBIKVzuOLg6xEiTKwlGALZS0iiCYuZMLSgVOM0YFm/s1600-h/Green+means+go+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJvIpmsGuxlzwM6loI_BD2a9ITcVow8ykVpIl6vH29W49bS-8U3JsAzt31SbICrooJNquxkKlqwko-tuSYXIPqxgimjnTM9bA7LdsBIKVzuOLg6xEiTKwlGALZS0iiCYuZMLSgVOM0YFm/s320/Green+means+go+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362927776596739778" border="0" /></a><br />"<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28388722">Green Means Go</a>" is 179 yards of sport/fingering weight SW Merino 2-ply. So soft and squishy! I've just added it to <a href="http://blackmustardcolor.etsy.com">Black Mustard Colorworks</a>, since it's made from fiber I dyed myself. I'm really liking this color combination!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBxHkcgTlzOWIUkUHYjQJt_m2iAEoD7Vd_K3o1VLT_zC-FBV41RNeaK0kzGmkl5GvP064wzjAeLrNfsM9WWJ6ec8La2gQ0rUARUlbNR-XYgclyoVGOuo05AGAVxBy78XlxcvfnPecIJRh/s1600-h/Green+means+go+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBxHkcgTlzOWIUkUHYjQJt_m2iAEoD7Vd_K3o1VLT_zC-FBV41RNeaK0kzGmkl5GvP064wzjAeLrNfsM9WWJ6ec8La2gQ0rUARUlbNR-XYgclyoVGOuo05AGAVxBy78XlxcvfnPecIJRh/s400/Green+means+go+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362927558788545794" border="0" /></a>Next I'm going to try another single-ply yarn. I may start this evening after it cools down a little. Wish me luck!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-35413616849082898452009-07-25T22:08:00.000-07:002009-07-25T22:48:46.416-07:00My first single-ply yarn!That's right, I finished my first singles yarn and I'm pretty proud of it! Ta-da!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIFUAhs7FbaFxJnSmdTjecvgqcGb37LfBbxE5vxKEYcjeMysGaFTM4eCPvl5tbmKqoddIcWd4tXkojj5Yz-7B0Zz4QSIsUn80MdZMXel7dHqGhJvfRcjfdSz6nFuAS2HOqlB4Hw-N5vcL/s1600-h/Singles+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIFUAhs7FbaFxJnSmdTjecvgqcGb37LfBbxE5vxKEYcjeMysGaFTM4eCPvl5tbmKqoddIcWd4tXkojj5Yz-7B0Zz4QSIsUn80MdZMXel7dHqGhJvfRcjfdSz6nFuAS2HOqlB4Hw-N5vcL/s400/Singles+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640037253476258" border="0" /></a>I've been wanting to try making a single-ply yarn but I've put it off because I found it pretty intimidating. I know that to make a decent singles yarn you need to treadle slowly, and I tend to spin at quite a brisk pace. So I didn't know if I'd be able to achieve a nice low-twist yarn. But lately I've been working on being okay with making mistakes. Coaxing myself to try new things even if I can't be sure I'll do them well. I had just received some gorgeous BFL dyed by Kristin at <a href="http://allspunup.etsy.com/">All Spun Up</a> on Etsy, and I couldn't wait to spin it. The colors are quite dark and they're over-dyed on ecru and natural brown mixed BFL so I thought it would be a good fit for a single-ply yarn. I had a feeling that using this for a 2-ply might muddy the colors a bit. Here's a picture of the roving (borrowed from the Etsy listing).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9N3i0kXd1YEz5JfOJIaub_CJ1F9XV9Z4FKimo3XaIVfR3PvYq4UL53TLkaPYRIfa55af4b1q6oVbgSXfjlzySFi6AML7qYgE30RoTWUB2fiVspOyUiIlaDScFeTazeE-XNutJoMb4Pfg/s1600-h/ASU+singles+roving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9N3i0kXd1YEz5JfOJIaub_CJ1F9XV9Z4FKimo3XaIVfR3PvYq4UL53TLkaPYRIfa55af4b1q6oVbgSXfjlzySFi6AML7qYgE30RoTWUB2fiVspOyUiIlaDScFeTazeE-XNutJoMb4Pfg/s320/ASU+singles+roving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640240626269554" border="0" /></a>The stars aligned and I managed to produce a yarn that I'm really happy with, especially for my first try. Don't get me wrong - I still love a good squishy, sproingy 2 ply. But I can't believe how soft and fuzzy this yarn is! And it symbolizes a personal triumph for me - I conquered my inner perfectionist who normally would've chickened out. And especially with such gorgeous fiber - I admit I was a little reluctant to risk ruining it. But I pushed on anyway and I'm so glad I did!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKcVde8vH7OvuGEk72m6diqOhMtAIgtfBcDSTd9HBHj3HeaEmAbP-8wPVl_2qXUfbnkl8yEClOY_2vXqU-x5bnFvPLY-fhjQTJhO4xqsUY7qiRGog6bVTpRCjiTukSg5mh9kQcKR5Omcp/s1600-h/Singles+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKcVde8vH7OvuGEk72m6diqOhMtAIgtfBcDSTd9HBHj3HeaEmAbP-8wPVl_2qXUfbnkl8yEClOY_2vXqU-x5bnFvPLY-fhjQTJhO4xqsUY7qiRGog6bVTpRCjiTukSg5mh9kQcKR5Omcp/s320/Singles+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640711377865634" border="0" /></a>Considering it's my first single-ply and the colors are completely "my" colors, I think I'm going to keep this one. This is the first yarn I've spun that I really can't quite bear to part with. It's hard to imagine it with the heat we've been having but I think I'll make a pair of mittens for winter. I want to make something that makes use of the fluffiness of the yarn. And it only gets cold enough for full on mittens a few times a year where I live, so I'm thinking they'll last me forever! I'll be sure to post pictures of them once they're done (probably in the Fall).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoHGBR-ggrhMwDEbub5odvO7gOb_oYa-VY0W8Y4fpILiqP1NFl4CSqcmVvayPcQ6kVZkxfeAj8tsYoeoiL3m8NmdAz8_rqjvh5AiElh9E23waN4lcUnY6D26Ggt6ObL5-o6-8KCm02ta2/s1600-h/Singles+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoHGBR-ggrhMwDEbub5odvO7gOb_oYa-VY0W8Y4fpILiqP1NFl4CSqcmVvayPcQ6kVZkxfeAj8tsYoeoiL3m8NmdAz8_rqjvh5AiElh9E23waN4lcUnY6D26Ggt6ObL5-o6-8KCm02ta2/s320/Singles+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640703673586962" border="0" /></a>I can't wait to try another singles yarn! I'm pretty excited about this so you may see a few singles skeins in my shop soon (although I also just finished the 2-ply SW Merino I've been working on, which will be hitting <a href="http://blackmustardcolor.etsy.com">Black Mustard Colorworks</a> tomorrow). I think I'll make a few more that are pretty uniform in thickness like this one until I get comfortable with the speed, and then I'd like to try to spin a nice even slubby thick-and-thin singles yarn. Wish me luck!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDHPkqNOFvLqeEZ4_har_W7bqG_24NVRZ6Chjxr8-YHYa8zvtCMWgzVj9uAHQ38XCZ4JfkDAIf2txOg1LcsTuWTld2DlJDroazS_rngaUqdb5fbmHd2gi-pEr1yBur-NsyOjrnKGwHrb6/s1600-h/Singles+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDHPkqNOFvLqeEZ4_har_W7bqG_24NVRZ6Chjxr8-YHYa8zvtCMWgzVj9uAHQ38XCZ4JfkDAIf2txOg1LcsTuWTld2DlJDroazS_rngaUqdb5fbmHd2gi-pEr1yBur-NsyOjrnKGwHrb6/s320/Singles+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640711620744338" border="0" /></a>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-27906545340830102552009-07-11T22:05:00.001-07:002009-07-11T22:34:12.558-07:00Relaxing At HomeToday was a gorgeous day and I spent the majority of it outside in my backyard, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine with my animals. I did a fair bit of writing and gained some understanding about the source of the anxiety and stress that have been weighing on me lately. It was one of those moments where you realize the underlying issue at play and see why changing the external circumstances doesn't create any lasting shift in your situation. For me it has to do with remembering to appreciate the moment and not focus on the uncertainty of the future. I don't mean to sound cryptic - I will go into it in more depth in another post because I think it's something that may resonate with some people. For now I'll just say that I made a point of enjoying the day for its own sake today. My pets seemed to appreciate it - they chilled out with me all day and set a great example. I mean, does this guy look like he's worried about things to come?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUee4Apm3t1v2JK1DIV3DnuwSyY4ero9gzv3RvQIvHPJ1GgEi_GuWlBNyri71FYERKa_Npu5dImQuN23s8QwjYrytxtCG5k75pwK7wOGWMTNfGnQrdbrD6GZ9Ovy2Y8m0YfZNWpqyADoML/s1600-h/Myau.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUee4Apm3t1v2JK1DIV3DnuwSyY4ero9gzv3RvQIvHPJ1GgEi_GuWlBNyri71FYERKa_Npu5dImQuN23s8QwjYrytxtCG5k75pwK7wOGWMTNfGnQrdbrD6GZ9Ovy2Y8m0YfZNWpqyADoML/s400/Myau.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357438728520262770" border="0" /></a>I also did some spinning today, although not as much as I'd planned. It got really hot in the afternoon and the wool was not working for me, even in the shade. I was working on spinning one of my first dyed rovings, which I thought I had half-finished before. Turns out I wasn't quite done the first bobbin, but I finished that today. I'm really liking these colors - they're turning out very soft and creamy, and I think the final yarn is going to be really pretty. Here's the first bobbin full!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdYl97wNlrBoIxEa6SD5LMGyW2xiAuB3tctCy_rdt1Qvv-psk6XRo_9MLhCL1VN7bqcN9X7M7RaPHfdyGcKcoCgg3X_uMVjWI8AqhgtbbZXk4YatHjdMqag6t-VN3RR48vgWO_i6uMy1S/s1600-h/green+yellow+yarn+on+wheel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdYl97wNlrBoIxEa6SD5LMGyW2xiAuB3tctCy_rdt1Qvv-psk6XRo_9MLhCL1VN7bqcN9X7M7RaPHfdyGcKcoCgg3X_uMVjWI8AqhgtbbZXk4YatHjdMqag6t-VN3RR48vgWO_i6uMy1S/s320/green+yellow+yarn+on+wheel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357440129972698034" border="0" /></a>Throughout the day I feasted on the raspberries growing in the front yard. I didn't realize that my mother-in-law (aka my landlady) planted them there last year and I just discovered them recently. I absolutely love eating sun-warmed berries right off the bush in my own yard! There's something so satisfying and wholesome about having food available for free in your own garden. I'd really like to start a veggie garden as well - grow some peas and tomatoes and corn. Yum!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNc7E0Vf_bmx_mEAJ_PRGqtZ66Rk1d3OVsg0WLtMT88npdURavCRSvva7xb0qMQnXpF5SLQhOE5sZZk5Lhf5HYn82IFreqSqQWtE_49GoEePQEVSg1_pUys6nXF14Y-MValk7iyTkINYN/s1600-h/raspberry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNc7E0Vf_bmx_mEAJ_PRGqtZ66Rk1d3OVsg0WLtMT88npdURavCRSvva7xb0qMQnXpF5SLQhOE5sZZk5Lhf5HYn82IFreqSqQWtE_49GoEePQEVSg1_pUys6nXF14Y-MValk7iyTkINYN/s320/raspberry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357441483890210738" border="0" /></a>I couldn't resist snapping this picture. Gotta love summer...<br /><span class="fullpost"></span>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-77793292876902268912009-07-08T16:14:00.001-07:002009-07-08T22:41:01.996-07:00Recharging... with Art!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amanito/719228952/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwZNqhiWZ8KRAGgXkBM3xlF1qilNnLg2kfQkw99J4vqzsaHulvaMh9QTLIwkcoxkS72KEW-SJbFOsmhsVhJHekfL0wod9lw9Qiu5SvJWKl056JuWrI6NDQQ7XPj2KqzX2AxYCjne6cL5B/s320/dim+light+bulb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356255257640701602" border="0" /></a>Lately I've been finding myself in need of some serious recharging and renewal. Without really doing it on purpose, I ended up withdrawing from all the things I normally love doing (knitting, spinning, blogging, etc). And I think it's because I'd managed to turn my hobbies into "work" in the sense that I was starting to feel guilty and stressed out if I wasn't doing them almost all the time. I was putting so much pressure on myself, by turning ideas and goals into obligations and deadlines, until I just had to take a break for a little while. For the last few weeks I haven't done a whole lot in the way of crafts for my Etsy shop - instead I've just been letting myself do whatever interests me. And now I can see things from a different perspective and I think this is exactly what I needed to help breathe new life into my shop and my craft. So, here are some of the things I've been up to...<br /><br />I've been watching tons of videos on YouTube about art and keeping an art journal. There are lots of great videos and channels dedicated to art but the one that caught my attention first and served as my gateway into the world of art-themed videos was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/suziblutube">Suziblutube</a>. I especially love her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=suziblutube&view=videos&query=Art+Journal+Playshop">Art Journal Playshop</a> videos, which offer prompts, ideas and inspiration for journal pages. Her enthusiasm for art is so infectious that I had to go out and get a journal for myself. Another really great one is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/willowing?blend=2&ob=1">Willowing</a>. Her videos weave together art and spirituality and present the idea of an art journal as therapy, which is exactly what it's been in my experience.<br /><br />I've been keeping my journal for about 2 weeks now and I am surprised at how much I love it! I've never really considered myself an artist in terms of visual art - I never even had much of an interest in making art. But I have been enjoying it on so many levels. Because of the fact that I didn't know anything about drawing and painting when I started this, I had no expectations of myself at all. It has been so wonderful to allow myself to be a beginner again and to be okay with making mistakes! It's shown me that I need to show myself patience and kindness and compassion, which is something I think I've needed for a long time. I've heard it time and time again - if you're not willing to make mistakes you can never make anything original. There have been moments while I'm painting in my journal that I've gotten so absorbed in the process that I don't even worry about the outcome, and that is something I have not felt in a long time. I'm hoping to bring this same attitude to my knitting, sewing, spinning, etc. because I really do love it and I miss being excited about filling up my shop coming up with new ideas. I think that's going to be the key to getting my enthusiasm back. Trying new things, and being willing to make mistakes. I've got some yarn I don't mind wrecking - it's time to get bold with my knitting!<br /><br />Anyway, here's a little slide show of my art journal so far. There's only a few pages but I thought I'd show you what I've been doing...<br /><br /><div align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWkV0I3YmQI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWkV0I3YmQI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br />Another thing that really appeals to me about these women on YouTube is that they seem so honest and they share so much of themselves. This is something I've struggled with - finding a balance between being professional in my Etsy shop and sharing personal content on my blog and elsewhere. And with the art I've been making I find I'm able to be more candid because I'm not trying to make a business out of it. And the interactions I've had with some of the other folks on YouTube have been so very authentic and satisfying that I plan to bring some of that transparency into my shop and my blog as well. Right now I'm all about integrating the various facets of myself into a whole representation of who I am and what I'm passionate about. Because afterall, isn't that what drew me to Etsy and the idea of sharing my work online in the first place?<br /><br />So, I'm going to focus on trusting the process, relaxing into it and being patient with myself. I have lots of great ideas and if I don't get around to them all this season, I'll just have to save them for next year... and trust that the time will be right then. When we exert too much control over the direction we take we can end up missing out on some great twists and turns. Basically I'm beginning to realize that if I stop thinking of my life as being compartmentalized into work and play, productive or non-productive use of time, etc. I can look at everything I do as having value and helping me get to where I want to be.<br /><br />Now I'm itching to get back to "work" on my Etsy stuff with a new sense of perspective. I'm going to start with spinning because it is in itself a very meditative process and I think it will be a great way to gently get back on track and get myself motivated to do more. I'm about half way done spinning some SW Merino that I dyed myself - one of my very <a href="http://blackmustard.blogspot.com/2009/04/kettle-dyeing.html">first attempts</a> (the green one) and then I'm going to dive into this amazing roving I got the other day from <a href="http://allspunup.etsy.com/">All Spun Up</a> on Etsy. Isn't it gorgeous?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBhJeYg2j97W1NBTLX7wgrqjnQpdnFagEvrcz4aWGZuITmw369C760vgNBMt3GsFF4ul9WheQxf1f7R7jNdH4XRWL1cyZXTbWND4EAgYHqa7fSlsIwJ5C_czQyEy_1VXuEuHVV_ZHx4EP/s1600-h/ASU+SW+Merino.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBhJeYg2j97W1NBTLX7wgrqjnQpdnFagEvrcz4aWGZuITmw369C760vgNBMt3GsFF4ul9WheQxf1f7R7jNdH4XRWL1cyZXTbWND4EAgYHqa7fSlsIwJ5C_czQyEy_1VXuEuHVV_ZHx4EP/s400/ASU+SW+Merino.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356329955218881874" border="0" /></a>I can't wait to get back into the swing of things. I'm so glad I gave myself this time to reflect and recharge.blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-23667521288333510462009-06-23T18:28:00.000-07:002009-06-23T18:46:39.899-07:00Still here... new dyeingYou know how sometimes life just kind of conspires to take over your best laid plans? That's what this past month has been like for me... From other people's weddings to my own unpredictable moods and other random events, I feel like I've just been along for the ride lately. Now that things have settled down a little I'm looking forward to getting back into some kind of routine. That includes regular blog entries and a lot more energy freed up to put into my Etsy shops. I'm actually planning to put some thought into how I want my blog to be set up - I'm looking for a good blend of Etsy-related content (Etsy Monday, shop updates, etc) and more personal, journal type subject matter. I'm looking forward to that too!<br /><br />For starters, tonight I added a few rovings to <a href="http://blackmustardcolor.etsy.com">Black Mustard Colorworks</a>, the first update in a while. 2 Merino and 2 BFL this time - more fiber coming soon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N7nibWt9Tbx_2CiOrauOfPlkSovgktCAaLv_AMOW-qoH_BlN2CxLjwaz5Yt1LU9ZZ-H8iBFx4k0tac-X3gqtkH11xVbxdq3ll4Qnc_nLqldxVycdJ2K-Synk_tcdCC5GV_vhmXDx-tIx/s1600-h/bmcw_update_june_23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N7nibWt9Tbx_2CiOrauOfPlkSovgktCAaLv_AMOW-qoH_BlN2CxLjwaz5Yt1LU9ZZ-H8iBFx4k0tac-X3gqtkH11xVbxdq3ll4Qnc_nLqldxVycdJ2K-Synk_tcdCC5GV_vhmXDx-tIx/s400/bmcw_update_june_23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350703790817567474" border="0" /></a>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-60668894752478010652009-05-26T11:41:00.001-07:002009-05-26T12:06:31.188-07:00More hand-dyed rovings!Learning to dye has been a hit-and-miss process for me so far - figuring out how to achieve the effects I want and how to work with each type of fiber to enhance their good qualities and avoid felting! It's been a bit slow-going but a LOT of fun and I think I'm narrowing in on a method that will work for me consistently. Updates to the shop so far have been pretty small, as a result I've got a basket of almost-perfect fiber ready to be spun, so keep an eye out for lots of hand-spun yarns coming to the shop!<br /><br />Today I did another small update, with 2 Super Fine Merino and 1 Merino roving.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG4K356wY9F1vOrrX9ZluxoF-Z9cG-j0ZvsDHEAHG7zgxkZgakJzkR-rp3ZbVdZabh8JHFcv_v1_BAeN_K5DdVBfjS779fGVXqTmrabNaeAOJPK66h7vJ2DzjWKXqWHlEZH_Ui__KrgYB/s1600-h/SF+Merino+001+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG4K356wY9F1vOrrX9ZluxoF-Z9cG-j0ZvsDHEAHG7zgxkZgakJzkR-rp3ZbVdZabh8JHFcv_v1_BAeN_K5DdVBfjS779fGVXqTmrabNaeAOJPK66h7vJ2DzjWKXqWHlEZH_Ui__KrgYB/s400/SF+Merino+001+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340209510257987570" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25565314">Super Fine Merino 4.3 oz</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKGWKVR_rMJGKRbLApEJHOxpRO8JuHiGzlaPx0SSRm7H2a5ajB-zt6RgQuNPCCi0_quZ0zaNUcwnNJ3cYv018byiOwvgCAfNYwey6cpqQbjFzGFv1NxC_Orz4lU7lpXwB95rzZ9S6NTAy/s1600-h/Merino+001+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKGWKVR_rMJGKRbLApEJHOxpRO8JuHiGzlaPx0SSRm7H2a5ajB-zt6RgQuNPCCi0_quZ0zaNUcwnNJ3cYv018byiOwvgCAfNYwey6cpqQbjFzGFv1NxC_Orz4lU7lpXwB95rzZ9S6NTAy/s400/Merino+001+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340209946078310466" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=25565519">Merino 4 oz<br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMSGcfM14smJdtmGhn7C7Gx3E9eutuIKtChAqAaEvil6mPb40MAD9Xl9CTrFQpCTfQIPu8iUll8D_Nu14su9MUxn4_jMTro5Gnk8aIVANOduR3KrKqOVUIVxoHlPjRQQDrSsVCneQWuEF/s1600-h/SF+Merino+002+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMSGcfM14smJdtmGhn7C7Gx3E9eutuIKtChAqAaEvil6mPb40MAD9Xl9CTrFQpCTfQIPu8iUll8D_Nu14su9MUxn4_jMTro5Gnk8aIVANOduR3KrKqOVUIVxoHlPjRQQDrSsVCneQWuEF/s400/SF+Merino+002+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340210054079542050" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=25565519">Super Fine Merino 4.5 oz</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'll have some more Merino, as well as some BFL coming soon. I'm hoping I'll be able to do bigger updates as I fine-tune my process!<br /></div></div>blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190730024319377093.post-89981169750750761382009-05-18T18:41:00.000-07:002009-05-18T22:12:12.283-07:00Official Guide to the Black Mustard NewslettersAs promised, here is the run-down on the various newsletters available through my mailing list. This is to let you know what will be covered in each of them so you can decide which ones interest you. Feel free to sign up for any (or all) of them by entering your email address in the sign-up form over in the right sidebar. Just leave the boxes checked for the newsletters you'd like to receive and uncheck the ones you can do without.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIqXXad8s7e6rYi0Rbi64749Xp5SIm5RXhtpi9sBqifIfHintqxuMRelxOnHagugDyKW6BgZpho7cOUma8qi56wjiC4SaVayPFRIuP7MUKL44wkrBP_ev2KZVtz-A50lEkoCg-pctr1iW/s1600-h/screen+cap+monthly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIqXXad8s7e6rYi0Rbi64749Xp5SIm5RXhtpi9sBqifIfHintqxuMRelxOnHagugDyKW6BgZpho7cOUma8qi56wjiC4SaVayPFRIuP7MUKL44wkrBP_ev2KZVtz-A50lEkoCg-pctr1iW/s400/screen+cap+monthly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337356941829994946" border="0" /></a>First we have the general "Monthly Newsletter". This is a basic update that lets you know what's happening at Black Mustard Fiber Arts and Colorworks. It encompasses <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_seller.php?search_type=seller_usernames&search_query=blackmustard">both shops</a>, so you'll find information about new products from knitwear to handspun yarn to new types of hand-dyed fiber. This is also the place to find out about sales, promotions and contests. Also, check out the "What's coming" section of the newsletter for a teaser about the next month's theme or focus. This newsletter will be sent out on or around the 1st of each month.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xL3h9AMquObB1EnY2n1m23aS_geqlldR5D4fA4dlS0PlIUSqKOFpwPiJPTTpy9s9LHEObunU4h4J0WDvX0kLeeM-d_c8wQh_5QCTaerjgLoS0pthuOXkUfT_8UNuzoXFFhS1jXUlNLHN/s1600-h/screen+cap+handspun+preview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xL3h9AMquObB1EnY2n1m23aS_geqlldR5D4fA4dlS0PlIUSqKOFpwPiJPTTpy9s9LHEObunU4h4J0WDvX0kLeeM-d_c8wQh_5QCTaerjgLoS0pthuOXkUfT_8UNuzoXFFhS1jXUlNLHN/s400/screen+cap+handspun+preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337384409356245586" border="0" /></a>Next up is the "Handspun Preview". This is for anyone who'd like to receive a heads up whenever I have a new handspun yarn available. Generally I will send this alert out the day before I plan to list the yarn in either of my shops. It will include pics of the yarn and all the stats, along with the date and time you can expect to see it in the shop. Yarns spun from my own hand-dyed fiber will be for sale at <a href="http://blackmustardcolor.etsy.com/">Black Mustard Colorworks</a>, while those from fiber dyed by others will still go into the <a href="http://blackmustard.etsy.com/">original shop</a>. This newsletter covers both.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTd72b8QPGnarQeb8KgJYYg6Q8qVSE6UrtO3E1Z-SSBR_rsk1Apr80enG2dKxpDBjhDbsgdHUQf_JZkWqac0XQG86gAv_yiMCJ-I0oL5X-PWMs1FLTBcC7kX1RH-QCcapZDagppC3HNdT/s1600-h/screen+cap+hand-dyed+preview+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTd72b8QPGnarQeb8KgJYYg6Q8qVSE6UrtO3E1Z-SSBR_rsk1Apr80enG2dKxpDBjhDbsgdHUQf_JZkWqac0XQG86gAv_yiMCJ-I0oL5X-PWMs1FLTBcC7kX1RH-QCcapZDagppC3HNdT/s400/screen+cap+hand-dyed+preview+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337384664495001170" border="0" /></a>And finally, for the new shop we have the "Hand-dyed Preview". Much the same as the yarn alert, this newsletter will let you know when I plan to have new hand-dyed fiber in the shop. Following the same format, it will have pictures, a listing of fiber content, and the details about when it will be listed. This one will only apply to Black Mustard Colorworks.<br /><br />Well, that about sums it up! I'd be glad to hear any questions or feedback anyone has about these newsletters, or ideas for future editions. Thanks for reading!blackmustardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176143062588469386noreply@blogger.com1