Coolness- craft fair in Faneuil Hall this December!

I signed up to be a vendor in Boston this winter. This will be very cool- it's not til December, but this gives me even more motivation to get some more inventory out there....

http://therockinshop.nashdigital.com/blog/

I also got Deb to sign up (yay) and my new crafty bud Barbie (yes, that is her real name and she's a great gal). I have put some more recent designs on Etsy, too..."Bump", a gal who is preggers- good for a baby shower or to congratulate the mom-to-be; "Pleasantville", my homage to one of my favorite movies, and lots of other things that I am way too tired to write about.

I was asked to write a bio today for the "Rockin' Shop" (the December craft thing)- it is hard work trying to make yourself sound good- LOL.  Oh well, it has been an interesting but creative week.  I am still one of the ungainfully unemployed; I hope that changes soon!  The only good thing, like always is that I have plenty of time on my hands to create and make a mess (much to the chagrin of my boyfriend).

Tomorrow I am off to a lia sophia/costume party.  I am going as Octomom!  I know, it's already been done, but I figured it was a cheap and easy idea.  Pictures will be on my facebook only (sorry to disappoint you, I know you are so bummed- yeah right)- I am sure they will be way embarrassing!

Nighty night...zzzzzzzz

RIP Big Boy

Sheesh, it's been one heckuva year!  Came back from running errands yesterday and went to feed the three turtles...one of them, the infamous "Big Boy" (the one who had the neck infection) wasn't moving from the bottom of the water.  So I picked him up and noticed that his eyes were closed and his little legs were all stiff and sticking straight out.  Ugh.

I am not sure what he died of, but I was so sad.  After having such a lovely weekend, meeting new vendors/friends/connections at the craft fair this past weekend, I was thinking positively and getting inspired.  Right now "Big Boy" is in my freezer in a ziploc baggie awaiting to be buried at my mother's, just like our dog "Pokey" was in August.

I did take many pictures of my turtles, and "Big Boy" always was a ham for the camera!  I will post some new designs and also some pictures of the fair when I am up to it.  It was sooo windy there on the farm! Hope you all enjoyed the holiday weekend. 

New Vintage Stuff

I uploaded a  bunch of new designs to Etsy today and placed them into a section titled, "Vintage Photo Cards".  I actually had acquired a bunch of old 1940's/1950's black and white photographs about five years ago.  They were from my dad's side of the family...relatives he had lost touch with, passed on, and what not.

But I knew that someday those pictures would be used in a future art project.  Once I created one, I was addicted.  I am definitely going to start scavenging through some antique stores for new material, as I have already used up what I had "in stock".  It bums me out because a few years back when I had decided to launch Razberries, I had bought some old photographs from a bin at an antique store somewhere up in Maine with the idea that they would somehow be made into cards. This was before I even owned a decent printer, Photoshop, or a scanner. Of course, I have moved so many times, that I either threw them out inadvertently, or they've been misplaced.

I distinctly remember the bin  at the antique shop being labeled, "Create your own family." I thought it was a funny little sign, but I was intrigued, so I dug right in.  I sifted through at least fifty photographs.  Ones of families, of children, of pets, and special moments...It was a bit sad but interesting at the same time.  Sad because someone had taken those photos, and at one point, those people and things in those pictures meant something to someone. To have had them last so long and be in the condition they were in, I believed that there was perhaps a little old lady who had passed away, and had no living relatives, and her items were just thrown wherever into the universe.

I guess I am overthinking it too much.  I personally love photographs, especially old ones, because they help remember what you did years ago, how you used to look, friends and places of your past that you may have forgotten about...Anyhoo, here is one of my favorites.  I have two (!) interviews tomorrow, so wish me luck!  I am so sick of being unemployed.  Have a good night!

Crafters and Artisans Site

My fellow Etsian (KnitsForKids), whom I met on Twitter, of all places, is doing something very special for online artists like myself. Cecile, founder of the "Crafters and Artisans Directory", has kindly linked my Razberries site to her site/blog.  She is also an abundant source of knowledge.  If you would like to be a part of her artist community, feel free to shoot her an email.  To pay it forward, perhaps you could mention her on your site or Etsy page, as well as click on the Google ads, which help keep her site running.   Here is her site: http://www.craftersandartisans.com/

Over the weekend, I created 22 different photo card designs, as well as 2 new prints, which I will be debuting on Etsy in the near future.  I just got done editing all of my photos this morning, now comes the tedious (but fun) task of adding to my shop.  All I have left to work on are some more Christmas/winter holiday items as I would like to have those at the craft fair.  People always seem to buy ahead, don't they? I usually start Christmas shopping now, but then again, I am a little bit nutty.

Funds are tight this year, as I am one of the many people who are still unemployed in this country.  Which bascially means that some of my gifts to friends and family will most likely be homemade.  I am fortunate enough though, that most of what I give to people, I think they actually enjoy (I hope?).  It is so exciting to create a personalized gift for a loved one, and there is no better feeling than when you see someone's eyes light up when they receive your gift. 

Well, I am off to Etsy to upload some photos and create some listings, while I am watching my favorite soap, "Days of Our Lives".  I told you I was nutty, didn't I?

"The Beatles" in clay- featured in an Etsy treasury!

A fellow Etsian kindly included me in their treasury of all things "Beatle"...check out the link here and help support my fellow artists in this category:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=70523

Was also flattered by someone's comment (see last comment below)- pasted here for your convenience :-)

It is funny because today I was working on inventory for an upcoming craft fair this coming Columbus Day weekend, and thought I should add some prints of "The Beatles" as well as my other clay figures, and was working on different prints/sizes, etc. Just deciding on whether I should sell them as cards or prints. While in the midst of that, I did re-shoots of  my clay designs "Chilly", "Jack" and "Gobble".

What a nice surprise it was to log into Etsy for the sole purpose of uploading the new photos, and find that I not only had another sale, but was also featured in a treasury today!  This made it worth getting up at 4:45 a.m. this morning to make 8 turkeys, glaze all of my pumpkins and snowmen (that I was up late last night creating) and print a bunch of stuff, etc.  Hopefully my hard work will eventually pay off, but in the meantime, I am really just enjoying doing what I love.

It has been a dreary, rainy day but it was a perfect day for me because it motivated me to create some stuff.  I hope you all enjoy what is left of your weekend, too!

Sorority Girl

Okay, so I know when most people hear the word "sorority" they cringe...well, for me, pledging 14 years ago was one of the best things I ever did.  Besides just being a great way to network, I have met some of the most interesting and loveliest women on the planet.  I have been to their weddings and baby showers.  We have shared secrets and have been there for eachother when maybe nobody else could be. 

I used to think that sorority girls were just party girls who liked fraternity guys and were ditzy.  So not the case.  Our sorority has women of all different backgrounds, colors, shapes, sizes, you name it.  Although we are all unique in our own way, we all have our sorority in common. I am so proud of our organization, and was really excited when we had the chance to celebrate at our 40th Anniversary party last night.

Sisters in their 20's and sisters in their 60's all co-mingled and reminisced.  It was such a memorable evening.  A slide show played for the duration, and a dj played hits old and new.  It was just like being at a wedding reception.  There was dancing and joking, and for most of us, it was just like old times and we had never missed a beat. 

For those who couldn't make the event, they were very much missed.  About 60-something sisters were in attendance, but over the years almost four hundred women have passed through the doors....that's a lot of sisters!  I had such a great time with all of the sisters and I look forward to our next anniversary/reunion.

If anyone is considering joining a sorority or fraternity, it is a very personal choice, but from my own experience I can tell you this- I have made friendships that are lifelong. Those tv shows/movies that glorify hazing, etc. are just that- a glorified misrepresentation- I would never put myself or anyone else in harm's way. I am horrified when I see reports on the news about what is going on with college hazing nowadays- it really saddens me. I even recently saw a commerical for a horror movie about sorority girls and had to laugh (of course I will probably view the movie just for the giggles).

I remain the geeky, artsy, weird, outspoken girl with my own different sets of friends outside of a sorority, yet being a sister has definitely enriched my life and I have learned so much from all of the people I have met in the process.

Snowmen, Turkeys and a sick Turtle

We just got my 3 red eared slider turtles back from my mother's the other week...they reside in a man-made pond in her back yard during the summer. When it gets a bit chillier, they come inside to my place.

These turtles have been on a "time-share" for 4 years now. I would like to get them into a bigger tank, but with renting and space issues, I am not sure when that will happen. In the meantime, my 2 turtles (Leo and Raquel) and mom's 1 live in a big ol' Rubbermaid tote.

Big Boy has a neck infection, so every day I have to quarantine him after I jab him with a cotton swab full of silver sulfadiazine cream. He had the infection before and it healed up- thankfully I had a lot of the cream left.

I created two new "clay beings" designs last night- one is "Gobble"- a turkey for Thanksgiving, and then I also created a snowman named "Chilly." Trying to get out of this art funk I have been in, plus I really need to up my inventory because I will be trying to sell my wares at yet another craft fair on Columbus Day weekend. This one looks to be promising, as it will be on the grounds of a farm, where they sell the seasonal stuff like plants, flowers, pumpkins, etc.

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful fall weather- this is definitely my favorite time of year!

Showcase stuff

I just changed the image in the Etsy Showcase I had previously mentioned below..."Beatrice the Mermaid" is now featured instead of "Preppy".  Just doing an experiment to see if more people will be interested with a different image.

Which gal do you prefer, anyways?

Etsy Showcase

I should be in bed right now, but just wanted to give a quick mention to my Etsy Showcase...check the link out here, and also check out my fellow artists in this category!

http://www.etsy.com/showcase.php?ref=fp_banner_showcase_main

When you get to the showcase page, from there go to the pull-down menu labeled, "Art".  My "Preppy" print is featured.  Thank you in advance for looking!

I have a few more clay projects in the works and hope to have them posted in the coming days.  Night night, all!

Antiques, etc.

Helped out with a "Lanterns 'n Lace" photoshoot today- 100 photos!  I am almost done editing them all...here are a few of my faves.  Be sure to check out her Etsy site to buy these great items!

Site Under Construction

Well, kinda sorta.  If my blog page's layout or colors begin to look wonky to you, it is because I am in the tedious/annoying process of trying to convert this blog into a 3-column page.

I am definitely no HTML expert, so I am trying to read and understand online tutorials...they make it seem so easy, but when you finally try to do it yourself, it's a disaster.

As soon as I find a nice, easy way of doing it, I will definitely credit that person/s on this site!  More to come...

Never forget...

My heart goes out to all of those that lost a loved one this day, eight years ago.  September 11, 2001 is one of those days that we all remember...it touched all of us in such a profound way.

Do you remember where you were, or what you were doing that day?  I luckily didn't lose anyone, but still cried like a baby at all of the constant footage that continued that day and thereafter.  I remember being in shock that someone could organize something so evil against this country.

I was working in Boston at the time, and I recall most companies and buildings were evacuating, because they didn't know if all popular U.S. cities were going to be targeted.  It was a very scary day- I called my father and siblings who also worked in Boston just to check in on them. 

I really can't imagine the horror and shock that went through the minds of those families who lost someone they loved.  I am so fortunate that I have my health, and my family and friends are still with me.

As bad as things get in my life, I try to remain grateful for what I have, and who I have in my life.  I hope you do the same, and are able to get through this day with both grace and strength.

Long Live the Beatles!

To celebrate the remastered release of The Beatles music as well as the debut of "The Beatles Rockband" (both on 09/09/09-how cool is that date?!), I decided to have a little debut of my own...introducing the clay version of The Beatles, available on Etsy.  So much fun to make, hope you enjoy the picture! 

The Brady Bunch

Added a new clay set to Etsy today- "The Brady Bunch"...check out the listings on Etsy for more photos/details
http://www.razberriesdesigns.etsy.com/

Lanterns 'n Lace

I just finished creating a banner and avatar for my boyfriend's mother's site on Etsy.  She will be selling all of her vintage finds, as well as her own artwork!  I took a few photos at her house today and then came home and played with the layout.  What do you think?

Here is the link to her site, so you can view the banner...I am sure she will have some items in there very soon!  http://www.lanternsnlace.etsy.com/

Wicked Witch featured in Etsy treasury!

Yay! Someone featured my Wicked Witch from my recent Oz collection...so exciting!  Check out the link and see what my fellow artists have created, as well...
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=80540

Finally Finished!

I just finished posting all of my new clay creations to Etsy less than an hour ago...I'm pooped!

It was so fun to photograph them- I may just end up making photo cards from the photo shoot of "Oz"...they are so cheerful.

I didn't even realize when doing my Wizard of Oz research that at the end of September it will be the 70th anniversary of the movie...how exciting!  I must have had a hunch, who knows?

Lions, & Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

Just got finished baking the Wizard from the Wizard of Oz...whatta evening I have had!  I feel that my newest clay set is complete, yet my sister mentioned, "You should make a winged monkey, too."

I am thinking this project will culminate with me creating the entire Emerald City!  So far in the past two days I have created:  Dorothy (two versions- the first one I didn't like so I had to make another), Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion,Wicked Witch, Glinda, the Wizard (who I had also forgotten-the namesake of the story, sheesh!), Toto, and the 3 boys from the Lollipop Guild, or as I call them the Lollipop Kids.

So it's been a busy time!  Tomorrow I have TONS of photos to take, but first I need to think of a backdrop.  I may have to create a yellow brick road and a rainbow, etc...I knew this was going to be a big one.  But it is so much fun and I just love that movie and the books.  I am not creating the backdrop in clay- if someone wants to special order that, that would be another project in itself.

Maybe in the future I can create more characters, but for now I think I am done.  I will see how I feel about the monkey tomorrow.  The monkey would look cute with the witch! I will post the photos on Etsy as soon as I am able- may not be til Friday because I am visiting some friends and may run out of time.  But for now, though, it's simply goodnight and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

King Auger

Yay! Someone on Etsy just picked my new "King Auger- Mergnome of the Sea" design and is featuring it on her Etsy Treasury!

Here is the link...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=79393

Gnomes, etc.

Today I finally took out this huge multi-pack of Sculpey that has literally been kicking around in my posession for three-plus years. I thought that it had probably gone stale and was afraid to even open it because I felt guilty about the possibility of having to discard of it.

Since I have been making so many prints lately, I figured I needed a new diversion. Which brought me to the package of Sculpey...I thought, if it's stale, then it's less clutter in my art room. I opened one section up and kneaded it between my fingers. It was super pliable. I tried two initial designs- one of a flat mermaid which I thought could be made into a magnet (but her head fell off and now needs superglue), and another of a little sitting girl...but I just wasn't thrilled or enthused with how they came out....so how excited was I when I realized I could make an army of gnomes?

Yes, gnomes. I think they have started to pick up in popularity again. I realized this on Etsy after the fact! I hope mine stand out enough though that people will see my design is somewhat different than the others. I thought up the design from my head and then saw similar- here I thought I was being so original- oh well.

After I made my initial design, I called both my sister and my friend and asked them their opinion via cell phone pictures. Both of them told me that those gnarly little gnomes needed noses. I tinkered with the design some more and came out with batch number two. Then I thought, since I am on a roll, why not try sculpting some other creatures?

I also sculpted a bumble bee (may be hard to ship, it's antennae are pretty fragile) and a sunshine which included a hook for hanging as an ornament. Tomorrow I will have them uploaded to Etsy after I have a "gnome photo shoot". The initial photo shoot went well, but those were with the old designs. Out with the old, in with the new, I say!