storque article

the storque published my article today! here is the link:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/silver-sparrow-designs-dream-seeds-studio-needs-and-good-dee-3018/

it's basically the same story posted here on my blog, but still, it's cool.

YAY!!!

I DID IT. i completed and shipped all of my holiday orders in time. i was up until 2:30 in the morning, but i mailed them all out yesterday, guaranteed to arrive by christmas! i can't believe it...

and, the storque will be running my article on tuesday, dec. 22nd! i will post a link once it is up.

me, the elf

hazel was watching "santa claus the movie" (remember that one from the 80's, with dudley moore?) and a couple of things struck me. the first was that i am just like a little elf myself, out in my workshop, working away by my fire, day and night, so that folks can have their gifts in time for christmas. somehow it cheered me a bit and put a happy light on all this stress. the other thing that was funny was that the movie was like a sumbliminal advertisement for etsy. one of the morals of the story was that handmade is far superior to mass-produced!

the one, the only, rachel (a.k.a. mernie)

here is my wonderful, fabulous, amazing, (and, obviously, beautiful) "office manager", rachel. or mernie, depending what day it is. she has saved my life and my business. i don't know what i'd do without her, organizing, making spreadsheets, filing, packaging, babysitting, she is just incredible. THANK YOU, mernie, a million times!

sam at the post office assured me that if i had all of my international orders in the mail by tomorrow, they would reach their destinations by christmas. and that is going to happen. yay! now i just have 60 picks and 10 other pieces to get in the mail by next friday and i will have accomplished this monumental task!

success at the pub!

woohoo! i had an awesome day at the annual dolores river brewery(http://doloresriverbrewery.com/) arts and crafts show yesterday. it was a great turnout and a really good time. it was cool to share my work with the local folks, drink delicious beer, and it didn't hurt that i made just over $1000! here's a photo of me at my "booth" at the end of the show.

apprentice appreciation

so this photo's not very good (taken with my phone), but i just had to pay homage to my wonderful apprentices, shanti, katie, and sarah. they have had to learn fast to help me prep for all of my guitar picks! they are quickly becoming expert filers and cutters. plus it's just fun to hang out and have a good time while i am working. thanks so much, ladies!

i am moving right along with my orders. my "office manager", rachel (photo coming soon) sent out a big e-mail for me letting everyone know that i am a bit backed up, but they will receive their order in time for christmas. everyone was very understanding. and now i have a strategy for getting it done!

i've also been getting ready for the big annual show at the dolores river brewery this saturday. it's always a lot of fun. i am excited to share my work with local folks!