WEIRD & WOOLLY: crafting a life

* ACEO “Art Cards, Editions and Originals”

Don’t be fooled by the size of this miniature art card; it packs a punch of color & pattern! Hang a grouping of these colorful cards on a wall, display it on a mini easel or frame it in a 5x7 frame. (This listing is for the 1 red & gray card).

Standard trading card size: 2.5”x 3.5” (6.3 cm x 9 cm)
Prismacolor markers on marker paper, mounted on acid-free mat board
Sealed with semi-gloss protective finish
Original drawing; not a reproduction or print
Signed & dated by the artist
comes in a cellophane archival sleeve inside a rigid mailing envelope

See other Weird Woolly Designs here

Craft Show Booth Prep: Part 1

2011-10-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

DISPLAY BOARDS

Displaying and selling my work at a craft fair is something I've wanted to do for a long time, but it seemed like an overwhelmingly time consuming and expensive prospect. When I was presented with a spur of the moment opportunity to have a booth at a brand new art/entertainment venue in downtown Louisville a few weeks ago, I jumped at the chance.

AN EASY DECISION

Deciding to participate in this art show was a no-brainer. The entry fee was only $30, the table & chairs would be provided and no tent was required since the event would take place under a covered area (in a court yard under a bridge).

The fact that it was a last minute thing strangly added to the appeal for me. This meant that I would have only 2 weeks to make all of my preparations, purchases, and to design and make my entire booth set-up. This time crunch was actually a good thing because there was no time to sit around and stress out over how much work there was to be done. I simply had to spring into action, which is exactly what I did...

MY FIRST ITEM ON THE AGENDA

I started with the most challenging & time consuming element of the project: to design and make my table top display boards. I needed somewhere to hang and display my embroidery hoops and wall art. This is what the display boards needed to do:

re-create the effect of my pieces hanging on a wall (without a wall)
give some height to my table top displays
show off my goods from a distance
draw some traffic to my booth

THE DESIGN

First, I came up with a triangular, tripod design for the boards. To create the structures, I immediatly thought of the cardboard that I'd been hoarding in my basement (I knew that I'd eventually have a use for that!).

CORDUROY MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER

After the structural element was taken care of, I just needed to find something to cover & beautify the cardboard with. Corduroy seemed like the obvious choice to me since I frequently incorporate it into my designs and it seemed like a perfectly neutral yet interesting backdrop (and frankly I just LOVE CORDUROY!).

Next I needed to find a way to attach & hang the hoops onto the board. This was possibly the most challenging part of the whole project. After several unsuccessful attempts, I ended up using a combination of picture hanging wire & jewelry making supplies.

My final task was to get approval from my studio assistant.

...No complaints there.

THE FINAL PRODUCT

Although some improvements and additions will be made to the boards in the future, for my first show, the final product looked pretty decent and did the job.

**Check back soon for photos of my complete booth set-up.**

See more Weird Woolly Designs HERE

Miniature Art Card- Birds Nests

2011-10-18T22:00:00.001-07:00

See more Weird Woolly Designs here

0 0 1 44 254 Weird Woolly Designs 2 1 297 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Don’t be fooled by the tiny size of this miniature art; it packs a punch of color & pattern! Hang a grouping of these colorful cards on a wall, display it by itself on a mini easel or frame it in a 5x7 frame.

0 0 1 6 38 Weird Woolly Designs 1 1 43 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

* ACEO “Art Cards, Editions and Originals”

an original drawing; not a reproduction or print. Signed & dated by the artist.

0 0 1 35 205 Weird Woolly Designs 1 1 239 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Size: 2.5”x 3.5” (6.3 cm x 9 cm) Standard trading card size
Draw with Prismacolor art markers on smooth marker paper
Mounted on 1/8” thick ,acid-free mat board
Sealed with a Semi-gloss protective finish
This listing is for 1 mounted card
0 0 1 13 78 Weird Woolly Designs 1 1 90 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE
Comes in cellophane archival sleeve & shipped in rigid mailing envelope

0 0 1 4 25 Weird Woolly Designs 1 1 28 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Wood Grain Embroidered Art

2011-10-17T21:00:00.001-07:00

A Soft Wood, 3" Mini Hoop

This adorable little hoop livens up any room with it's rustic color, texture and whimsical design! Display this little cutie on a mini easel, hang it on the wall (by itsefl or in a grouping) or frame it in a shadow box for added impact.

Wood grain stitched in brown accented with (moss-like) green knots
Framed on a 3" mini brown stained embroidery hoop
Light weight & ready to hang!
Signed & Numbered by the artist (me!)

See more Weird Woolly Designs

Even more Patterny Goodness

2011-10-14T06:14:00.001-07:00

Flying Onions: Embroidered Wall Art

Hand painted wall, Design Sponge

This is art that you'll want to see & touch! The 3-dimensional lines & vibrant color pops right out from the fabric! This whimsical cube adds a pop of color & fun to any room’s decor! It’s an original design & hand stitched!

Use it to decorate a shelf or hang it on the wall in a grouping or by itself
It’s ready to hang (with a picture hanger on back)
Vibrant shades of Black and White
Mounted on a 5½ x 5½ x 1½ ”cube

Pattern Crazy!

2011-10-14T06:09:00.001-07:00

Here are some fun (mostly spotted) patterns for a Friday morning. Enjoy!!

Weird Woolly Designs, Fabric design adapted from a painting/embroidery pattern

Rachael Taylor Designs

Modern Embroidery Art: Lifeline in Blue

2011-10-13T05:13:00.001-07:00

0 0 1 75 434 Weird Woolly Designs 3 1 508 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Buy it here!

Use it to decorate a shelf or hang it on the wall in a grouping or by itself
It’s ready to hang (with a picture hanger on back)
Vibrant shades of Blue & Red
Mounted on a 3½ x 3½ x 1½ ”cube
Signed and numbered by the artist

visit Weird Woolly Designs Etsy shop for this cube and much more!

Veggie Loving Amoebas

2011-10-12T05:31:00.001-07:00

0 0 1 91 521 Weird Woolly Designs 4 1 611 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Amoebas on Salad

buy it here

This vibrantly colored, hand embroidered art is a fun & beautiful addition to any room’s decor!! This is art that you'll want to see & touch! The 3-dimensional lines & French knots pop right out from the fabric!

Display it by itself or as part of a set of hoops! (This listing is for 1 framed hoop.)

Vibrant shades of Red, Orange, green & brown
Dimensions of the stitching: 2 ¼” X 2 ¼”
Overall Dimensions: 4 ½" black embroidery hoop

Do you like the embroidery pattern but WANT A DIFFERENT FRAME or want it in DIFFERENT COLORS? Just contact me to discuss it; WeirdandWoollyDesigns [at] Yahoo.com

See this hoop and other Weird Woolly Designs here

Who Doesn't love STICKERS!

2011-10-06T06:35:00.001-07:00

Weird Woolly Stickers are here!

Stephanie Troutner

WEIRD WOOLLY DESIGNS

See my latest Designs & Wall Art at...www.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Follow my Crafty Adventures at

……..www.WeirdandWoolly.posterous.com

Etsy Pricing Calculator | Craftybase

2011-09-23T16:18:00.001-07:00

About • Tour • Blog • Contact Us • Press • Terms • Privacy

Handcrafted by Nic & Nath Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter

Etsy Fee Calculator • Etsy Pricing Calculator • Soap Maker Software • Jewelry Maker Software

The term 'Etsy' is a trademark of Etsy, Inc. This application uses the Etsy API but is not endorsed or certified by Etsy, Inc.

via craftybase.com

Here's another great (and free) Etsy tool!

Hand Embroidered Art Cube: Red Beans

2011-09-23T08:19:00.001-07:00

Red Beans Cube

0 0 1 74 425 Weird Woolly Designs 3 1 498 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Use it to decorate a shelf or hang it on the wall in a grouping or by itself
It’s ready to hang (with a picture hanger on back)
Vibrant shades of Red & Black
Mounted on a 5½ x 5½ x 1½ ”cube
Signed and numbered by the artist (Me!)

shop for Psychedelic shells and other Weird Woolly Designs

Psychedelic Shells 3D Art!

2011-09-21T08:16:00.001-07:00

This is Hand painted & embroidered art that you'll want to see and touch! The 3-dimensional lines & vibrant color pops right out from the fabric! This whimsical cube adds a pop of color & fun to any room’s decor! It’s an original design and hand stitched!

buy it here

Use it to decorate a shelf or hang it on the wall in a grouping or by itself
It’s ready to hang (with a picture hanger on back)
Vibrant shades of Orange & Turquoise
Mounted on a 5½ x 5½ x 1½ ”cube
Signed and numbered by the artist (Me!)

Win a $35 Gift Certificate to Weird & Woolly's shop!!

2011-09-21T07:43:00.001-07:00

Modern Typography: Weird Woolly GIVEAWAY & Meet the Artist Interview!

Go on over to Modern Typography's blog to enter for a chance to win this great gift certificate!

You have until Sept. 29th to enter!

Stephanie Troutner, WEIRD WOOLLY DESIGNS

Glowing Green Smoothie: for health not halloween

2011-09-21T07:30:00.001-07:00

CT Farm Fresh Store

I recently came across the idea for this healthy smoothie while watching an episode of The Cupcake Girls (of all things!). I can't say for sure where the recipe originally came from but there's a similar one on Kimberly Snyder's Health & Beauty blog.

You don't have to be a vegan or a raw food dieter (I'm certainly not) to enjoy this healthy breakfast drink. It's a great way to start the day and to get all of your daily veggies in 1 shot (it's actually more than I would normally eat in a day).

The most time consuming part of making this smoothie is washing & chopping up the fruits and vegetables. But if you get everything prepared ahead of time, it's a snap to toss it all into the blender in the morning. We like to prepare everything over the weekend for our weeks worth of smoothies by washing and divide up the veggies into 5 neat ziplock bags.

RECIPE

1/3 bag of spinach

1/4-1/3 bunch parsley

1 bunch of lettuce (preferably a darker green variety)

3 celery stalks

1-2 cups of water

2-3 fruits like apples, peaches, pears (sliced & cored)

1 banana (optional)

1/4 cup lemon juice

Roughly chop the fruits and veggies so that they blend a little bit easier. Mix the ingredients in the blender- starting with the water and lettuce. Next add celery and apples, followed by the parsley, and finally add the banana and lemon juice.

Drink Responsibly!

You might want to start out slowly with your portion size (esp. if you don't normally eat a large amount of veggies). The recipe is for 2 large servings. I'd recommend having about 1/2 of a serving (1/4 of the recipe) on your first day and working your way up to the BIG GLASS after a few days.

The Adventures of ArtsyNina: Friday Shop Hop #7

2011-09-16T06:49:00.001-07:00

via artsynina.blogspot.com

This is a fun Friday shop hop of great artisan finds!

Embroidered Mini Art : fireworks at the lake

2011-09-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

0 0 1 71 409 Weird Woolly Designs 3 1 479 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Embroidered Mini Hoop

This is hand embroidered art that you'll want to see & touch! The 3-dimensional lines and knots pop right out from the fabric! This tiny, whimsical embroidery piece adds a pop of color & fun to any room’s decor! It's stitched with yarn in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, blue and gray.

An original design & hand stitched
Light weight & ready to hang
Framed on a 3½” diameter embroidery hoop
Signed & Numbered by the artist (me!)

This mini hoop and other Weird Woolly Designs can be found at: www. Etsy.com

String Bling!

2011-09-13T05:36:00.001-07:00

Here's a collection of beautiful and unique stitched jewelry and accesories!

www.etsy.com/treasury

Embroidered 3D Art

2011-09-13T05:17:00.001-07:00

This whimsical art cube adds a pop of color & fun to any room’s decor! It’s an original design & hand stitched! This is art that you'll want to see & touch! The 3-dimensional lines & vibrant color pops right out from the fabric!

Use it to decorate a shelf or hang it on the wall in a grouping or by itself
It’s ready to hang (with a picture hanger on back)
Vibrant shades of Purple & Black
Mounted on a 5½ x 5½ x 1½ ”cube
Signed and numbered by the artist

Shop for this hoop & more Weird Woolly Designs at: www.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Adorable Mini Art!

2011-09-12T05:56:00.001-07:00

Mini Embroidered Hoop Art, from Weird Woolly Designs on Etsy

This adorable little hoop brightens any room with its vibrant colors, textures and whimsical design!

Stitched in vibrant shades of yellow, green and orange
Dimensions of embroidered section: 1 ¼” x 1 ¾”
Framed on a 3 ¼” black embroidery frame
light weight & ready to hang!

Do you like the embroidery pattern but want it in a different setting (mounted on a cube vs. framed in an embroidery hoop? Just contact me to let me know!

View this hoop and other Weird Woolly Designs on Etsy

Creating Avatars

2011-09-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

I needed some new graphics to act as ad buttons (or avatars) to use on the sidebar of a blog.

For this first image (above) I took a photo, imported it into Powerpoint, deleted the background from the photo, then added some text and saved it as a JPEG.

I created the graphics for the second button in Inkscape, imported it into Powerpoint where I added the grey text box & text then saved it as JPEG.

Which one do you like the best?

Stephanie Troutner, WEIRD WOOLLY DESIGNS

Cool new Etsy App: etsy cheap tricks

2011-09-08T22:00:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty excited about this cool new free App by WiseStamp that automatically adds a link and a picture of you latest Etsy Listing to your e-mail signature!

The only issue with it is that it only works through web mail. I hope to also be able to use it with Apple mail sometime soon (you can sign up to be notified WHEN it's available on Apple products).

Stephanie Troutner, WEIRD WOOLLY DESIGNS

If this isn't NEAT...

2011-09-08T12:09:00.001-07:00

...then I don't know what is!

The Etsy Needle Arts Team blog (NEAT) just did a lovely feature on Weird Woolly Designs.

***Have you always wondered what the inspriation is behind Weird & Woolly's Designs?

***Are you dying to know how Weird & Woolly first got into crafting & stitching??

Well here's your chance...

www.EtsyNeat.Blogspot.com

Embroidery HOOP ART: wood w/ a twist!

2011-09-07T09:06:00.001-07:00

Rainbow Faux Bois Hoop

This adorable little hoop brightens up any room with it's vibrant colors, textures and whimsical design! Display this little cutie on a mini easel, hang it on the wall (by itself or in a grouping) or frame it in a shadow box for added impact.

• Stitched in vibrant shades of yellow, green, blue & orange
• Framed on a 3" mini black embroidery hoop
• Light weight & ready to hang!
• Signed & Numbered by the artist

Shop for this hoop & more Weird Woolly Designs at: www.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

I want candy!

2011-09-06T17:21:00.001-07:00

...and who doesn't?? Feast your eyes on this Etsy Treasury!

Stephanie Troutner, WEIRD WOOLLY DESIGNS

Latest item on Etsy: Miniature Art Card- ACEO Birds Nests

$10.00 | Buy now | Visit my Etsy shop

Get this email app!

Signature powered by WiseStamp

Fun & Simple DIY Pattern

2011-09-06T09:20:00.001-07:00

Fall Hula Hoops Pattern on ETSY

Tired of stitching those old-fashioned embroidery patterns? Are you looking for something Fresh & New to stitch?

Here's a modern-style, fun & simple PDF Embroidery PATTERN! This is the simple 2-page version with just the basics that you need to complete the embroidery project. There's also a more detailed 6-page version HERE for anyone wanting extra instructions, embroidery tutorials, and more!

After purchasing it on ETSY this Pattern that will be e-mailed to you as a printable PDF document within 24 hours of payment. Nothing will be physically mailed to you. It will be sent to the e-mail address you have listed on PayPal.

IT INCLUDES:

The pattern in 2 sizes, a chart with suggested embroidery thread colors, Links to resources (where you can buy supplies). If you want more details? Check out the 6-page detailed version of this that is geared towards Beginners; including very specific instructions, supply lists, bright pictures, diagrams and links to 6 additional tutorials on the basics of embroidery!

6-page Detailed Pattern

SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED

BEGINNERS: This is a simple pattern that uses only 1 stitch. If you can do a split stitch, than you can follow this pattern. ADVANCED STITCHERS: Many variations & embellishments are possible with this pattern.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Got questions about downloading a PDF pattern? Want me to mail you a copy instead of e-mail it? Need me to send your PDF to a different e-mail than whats listed on your PayPal account? Want to request a finished or custom embroidery piece instead of pattern?

Please feel free to CONTACT ME any time with the above questions -or any others- I'm always more than happy to answer them!

CONTACT ME

Cat in the Hat- Dr. Seuss Style

This pattern is for personal use only. It is not to be used in any form for commercial use. Do Not reproduce or redistribute without permission.

IRRESISTIBLE FUR...to make you purrrr!

2011-09-02T08:53:00.001-07:00

You know I can't resist the kitties! Check out all of the great feline action here on Etsy.

Stephanie Troutner, WEIRD WOOLLY DESIGNS

Too Cute Fridays: CATS N' HATS!

2011-09-02T08:14:00.001-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner, if you're like most cat owners, you've probably already started planning for your cat's costume. Here are some awe-inspiring ideas from Scooter Knits;

Candy Corn Cat Hat

Are these not the funniest, cutest things you've ever seen?!

This is what Scooter Knits has to say about her adorable creations: "A sweet treat for your feline's head! ...This hat is for enjoyment purposes only (of course), although my cat model Winston lounged in his hat for hours today".

I would love nothing more than to dress up my handsome tuxedo cat, Beans, in a big striped, knitted Dr. Seuss hat-

...but I think I'd rather keep all of my limbs! But if you Do happen to have a cat with a Reasonable sense of humor- I'd definitely give it a try! ...and make sure to send me pictures!!

Stephanie Troutner, WEIRD WOOLLY DESIGNS

Truly Inspired Art!

2011-09-01T09:58:00.001-07:00

A handmade collection of inspired words on jewelry and art prints;

http://www.etsy.com/treasury

Fun With Photo Editing

2011-09-01T09:36:00.007-07:00

I just discovered Picnik, an on-line photo editing site, and I've been having a lot of fun messing around with some of my photos (maybe a little too much fun?). I even dressed up some Weird Woolly Designs (and of course the kitty) in black & white for Halloween!

(In the last 3 photos I converted them to black & white and then re-applied color to the object only- leaving the background color-free.)

Stephanie Troutner

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

More"Help" in the Studio from a furry friend

2011-09-01T09:36:00.005-07:00

Beans loves stitching!

Looks like he approves of his new cat bed.

What he really does best!

Stephanie Troutner
www.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Crafty Philosophizing: Tell Me, What Does It All Mean??

2011-09-01T09:36:00.003-07:00

This thought-provoking Etsy treasury is entitled "Tell me, what does it all mean?" http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca79d5963448eef416ac0c7/tell-me-what-does-it-all-mean

www.CitrusTree.Etsy.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/virginiakraljevic?ref=top_trail

Crafty Philosophizing: Tell Me, What Does It All Mean??

2011-09-01T09:36:00.001-07:00

This thought-provoking Etsy treasury is entitled "Tell me, what does it all mean?" http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca79d5963448eef416ac0c7/tell-me-what-does-it-all-mean

www.CitrusTree.Etsy.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/virginiakraljevic?ref=top_trail

A Handmade Birthday for Jimmy Carter!

2011-09-01T09:35:00.013-07:00

An Etsy treasury featuring peanuts & Jimmy Carter related designs in honor of Carter's 86th birthday!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/artfriedl?ref=top_trail

To see this clever treasury visit; http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca5e58529de6d9123d2fd27/its-jimmy-carters-86th-birthday

Weird & Woolly Travels to Australia!

2011-09-01T09:35:00.011-07:00

Last week I send my "Blue Bubbles Embroidered Hoop" to a customer in Australia! That's the furthest a Weird Woolly Design has traveled so far! This was also another first for Weird Woolly Designs; It was my first Etsy Trade.

I swapped this hoop for a miniature portrait of my cat Beans by an awesome Etsy artist www.BlueDayDesigns.etsy.com who specializes in mini children's portraits! I was super excited to see Bean's new look on canvas and when it arrived yesterday he was excited too- or at least he put up with me taking his picture with it!

Stephanie Troutner

Micro-Mini Art! A Sneak Peak

2011-09-01T09:35:00.009-07:00

A sneak peak at WeirdWoolly Designs latest collection of 2" cubes of Micro-Mini Art...

Stephanie Troutner

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

A Perfect Saturday Morning

2011-09-01T09:35:00.007-07:00

Some Farm fresh apples

That soft spot on Bean's head

Finishing some fresh new designs

Stephanie Troutner

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

A Devil of aTreat!

2011-09-01T09:35:00.005-07:00

Sometimes you (or I) just have to put down the glue and step away from the craft room for a little while. At times like these I usually end up in the kitchen with my hands buried elbow deep in flour, sugar & butter. (Idol hands are the devils workshop and all...)

Here's a fun and super delicious recipe for chocolate mini cupcakes. The recipe is adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe so you know it's not necessarily going to be quick or easy, but it will be exceptionally delicious!

Now this isn't just any old chocolate cake, it's devil's food cake. If you don't know the difference, it's time to find out. (the Very, Very Vanilla frosting is pretty amazing too!!) So give it a try. As is usually the case with homemade from scratch baked goods- it's well worth the effort!

Tasty Little Devil's Food Cake; Mini Cupcakes

Serves 10 to 12 (I usually make ½ a recipe when I make mini cupcakes)

**You need plenty of mini cupcake pans. When I make ½ a recipe I use 4 pans.

Cupcakes

3 sticks unsalted butter

1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ¼ cups hot water

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 ¼ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 ¼ cups granulated sugar

4 eggs

1 ½ tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

Directions For the cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line your pans with the mini cupcake liners.

Whisk the cocoa powder and hot water together until the powder is dissolved.

Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

Melt the butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from pan and beat on medium-low speed until it's cooled (for about 5 minutes).

Add eggs (to the butter sugar mixture), one at a time, and beat briefly until combined. Beat in the vanilla and the dissolved cocoa-powder. With the mixer speed on low add the flour mixture in two parts, alternating with the yogurt in between. Don't over mix! Beat just until combined.

Bake APPROXIMATELY 10-12 min. Always keep an eye on those little buggers & test with a toothpick when they start to look puffy & done.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Very Very Vanilla Buttercream

2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature

6 to 8 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Cream the butter until it's very creamy, for about 3 minutes.
Add 6 cups of powdered sugar (with the mixer on low speed).
Add the milk and vanilla. Mix until it's very fluffy and light .
Add additional powdered sugar, if necessary, depending on how firm (& sweet) you like your frosting.

**Always wait for the cupcakes to cool thoroughly before adding the frosting unless of course you're going for gross puddles of melted frosting for Halloween.

Stephanie Troutner

ww.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

Make 50 By Friday Challenge!

2011-09-01T09:35:00.003-07:00

I'm challenging myself to make a large number of items for my Etsy shop this week- a much larger number than I would in a normal two week period.

I've heard from successful Etsians, as well as Etsy admin. "Hey Michelle" on a recent Virtual Lab shop critique, that having a good number of items listed in a shop can be one of the key ingredients to having a successful shop and a high number of sales. (Of course continually adding fresh items and keeping the quality of products top notch are essential as well).

Currently I have 21 items listed at www.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com and 50 is my goal. I'm challenging myself to have another 29 items made by Friday 9-24 .

Currently I have 16 pieces that are very close to being completed- so I have to finish those 16, start another 13 projects, take photos, write up descriptions and list all 29 items on my Etsy shop within the next 10 days!

Can I meet my goal?

Will having more items listed in my shop boost sales?

I'll keep you posted.

Stephanie Troutner

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

Corduroy Heaven!!!

2011-09-01T09:35:00.001-07:00

2 Weird Woolly corduroy items made it into this awesome treasury! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8939ed13128eefdb2c2dbb/corduroy-wonderland#4c89503513128eef12ad33bb

Stephanie Troutner

www.ReviveYourBath.etsy.com

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

Tree Lust

2011-09-01T09:34:00.005-07:00

Daniel Boone Nat'l Forest- Hike to the old water tower

On the grounds of the Lowe Art Museum in Coral Gables, Florida

EXTRAORDIANARY ETSIANS: A Passion For the Business of Soap

2011-09-01T09:34:00.003-07:00

One day last week I put up a notice on an Etsy forum asking for anyone who was interested in being featured on my blog to send me a note telling me a little bit about their shop. I got a good number of responses from some intriguing shops, but in the end I found Revive Bath & Body www.ReviveYourBath.etsy.com to be the most interesting of them all.

So what was so intriguing about this shop?

Well first of all the name of the shop is great, but the names of the products are even more alluring. For instance; "Sweet Citrus Lime, Tangerine, Orange, and Thyme Milk Bath Powder Soak"... Now tell me, who wouldn't want to jump right into a soothing milk bath after hearing that?

Second of all, Caitlin, the owner of this shop, is just 18 years old. She's a self-described college student that's had a passion for soap making & entrepreneurship since a very early age.

As Caitlin describes it; "...my mom had asked me...What would you like for Christmas this year? Well, I have been interested in homemade soaps my whole life. My mom told me about how I would beg for her to buy me a new bar of homemade soap at the outdoor market when I was little. I had been doing some research and saw an online company offered cold process soap making kits. Of course! That's what I wanted...Once I completed the kit and successfully made my first batch of soap, I was hooked."

How cool is it that she discovered and recognized her dual passions (for soap making and business) right around the same time she was entering college; "In the fall...I will be starting my freshman year of college...My plan is to graduate with a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. Starting Revive really helped me decide what I wanted to major in. Every bar that is purchased is either being put back into the company, or helping me get through college."

It sounds to me like this18 year old has a clear vision for what she wants for her Etsy shop and her future. (For some of us it takes many years after graduating from college to decide what we want to be when we grow up!) Good for you Caitlin!

Visit Caitlin's blog, Revive Bath & Body http://reviveyourbath.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-survived.html , to learn more about the story of this college student starting her very own business.

You can also visit www.ReviveYourBath.etsy.com, to buy some awesome handcrafted soap and at the same time help a young, creative entrepreneur further her education. Now what could be more refreshing than that?!

Stephanie Troutner

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

Crafting my Etsy shop: Daily Social Media To-Do List

2011-09-01T09:34:00.001-07:00

One of the hardest things about having an Etsy shop is figuring out how to balance the creative/designing/making tasks with the on-line marketing and promoting tasks. As any Etsy seller knows, spending time doing on-line marketing & staying involving in multiple social media sources is just as important as making new items for your shop.

But it's Soooooo easy to sit down at the computer with the best of intentions- planning to simply list a new item on Etsy, promote it on a few sites and get off line and on with the day- only to loose focus, get side-tracked by some interesting blog or tweet & get swallowed up by the computer. So what's the solution?

For me I need a plan. I need to commit to spending a certain amount of time each day doing on-line marketing, have a limited number of specific on-line tasks to do, have a written plan (prepared ahead of time) in front of me and commit to sticking to the plan NO MATTER WHAT!

I've made up a little spread sheet of my daily on-line promotional tasks so I can hold myself to doing No MORE and NO LESS than 4-6 tasks per day.

What do you think of the To-Do List? What would you add to it or change about it?

To-Do_List.rtf Download this file

Stephanie Troutner

Weird & Woolly Is Famous: Heart Handmade Feature

2011-09-01T09:33:00.009-07:00

Weird Woolly Designs (along with Beans The Cat) has been featured on the Heart Handmade Blog! http://www.hearthandmadeblog.com/fun-unique-and-fibery-art/

Stephanie Troutner

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

Pastry Breaks: Even MORE Perfect Pie Crust!!

2011-09-01T09:33:00.007-07:00

Check out the recent updates & improvements to the "Perfect (with a little practice) Pie Crust" Post from July 30th. Let me know what you think!!

Stephanie Troutner

Circles www.etsy.com/treasury/4c035158c42b6d910fea3d54/circles#4c03516bd24c8eef55d7efe7

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

A Little Craftivism

2011-09-01T09:33:00.005-07:00

I believe it's important to spend time helping others and (for me at least) it's Essential to spend time Crafting... So who says you can't do them both at the same time?

Here are 2 Craftivism opportunities that I've recently gotten involved with that have given me the excuse to do just that;

The 1 million Pillow Case challenge

I was so excited to learn about this. I had heard about people making & donating quilts to sick kids & thought it was an awesome idea but since quilting is the 1 craft that I have yet to try, that seemed a bit too overwhelming for me... but making a pillow case to donate- that I could do.

A Sort of sad story with a happy ending...

I tried throwing a pillow case making party and even though my cat & I ended up being the only attendees, We managed to make 4 pillowcases to send off to the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps (for sick kids).

...If you like simple sewing projects check this out to see how you can get involved; http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/index.html

Right As Rain "A unique non-profit that is out to change the world one craft at a time. We help real people who are in an unexpected crisis by selling donated handmade crafts and art."
www.rightasrain.org

I was recently approached to donate one of my Weird Woolly Designs to this awesome organization & here is the one I chose

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Weird & Woolly Is Famous: Some Awesome Etsy Treasuries

2011-09-01T09:33:00.003-07:00

red goes round http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c69cec7c7c26d913d08c04f/red-goes-round

All things Microscopic http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c6057e6d2856d91cfac54aa/all-things-microscopic

A Few More...

Fresh Blueberries!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/6c85ea1dae3ece4bb9889c00/fresh-blueberries

Point, Line, Plane

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c49ed4f4e2a8eefe56ab998/point-line-plane

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Fun, Unique & Fibery Art!

THIS JUST IN: Pop Art for your Purse!

2011-09-01T09:33:00.001-07:00

My Latest Creation

Stephanie Troutner

raccooncatcreations' shop

Alive and Well Artists... Imagine that!

2011-09-01T09:32:00.005-07:00

Check this out...

Some artists are actually taking matters into their own hands, instead of sitting around complaining about how bad the economy is and how hard it is to get their work out there! They've started this group in Houston called Alive & Well Artists. The idea behind the group is a bunch of artists getting together to support each other, to create their own venues to display their work and (perhaps most importantly) to focus on what they CAN do instead of dwelling on how hard things are.

It's very inspiring, but knowing the creator of this group (Linda Posey a published author, successful business owner, artist and all-around Can-Do person) I'm not surprised.

To see the article Not all artists are poor and starving, right? Visit; http://networkedblogs.com/6trgA

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Weird Woolly keychains are here!

2011-09-01T09:32:00.003-07:00

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

"Help" In the Studio

2011-09-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

That's only 40 hours of work that he's sitting on! (the bed of nails can't be too comfortable either!)

If he weren't so darn cute...

If he's going to sit down in the middle of the photo shoot anyway he's going to be put to work!

Stephanie Troutner
WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

What Makes Them so Darn Successful?

2011-09-01T09:31:00.011-07:00

This morning I found myself asking the same thing that many Etsy sellers ask themselves regularly- The million dollar question; "Why are some Etsy shops selling so Darn many items while others (myself in particular) are not". So I did what I normally do when faced with a dilemma- I turned to my cat and asked; "What's going on Beans?" And since he refused to share any helpful info (useless fur ball) I decided to conduct a bit of research for myself.

I decided to compare some Etsy shops that have gotten a good number of sales to some that are getting few sales (my shop & one other).

My criteria for comparison would be;

For the high selling shops in the comparison, all shops must obviously have had a good number of sales (ranging from 30 items per year to 425).
All shops must have a substantial percentage of products/art that is comparable to what I sell at Weird Woolly Designs, namely embroidery hoops.
All shops must have the highest quality products, wonderful craftsmanship and highly aesthetically pleasing pieces.
They must all have good, eye-catching photography

So assuming all of the sellers in this comparison (the high sellers and low sellers alike) all posses these same admirable qualities, then what elements of the Etsy shop experience does that leave for us to examine? After giving it some thought I began to see a rather large gap between the pricing and variety in products offered at Weird Woolly Designs and that of the highly successful 4 sellers.

THE ANALYSIS:

Weird Woolly Design's PRICE RANGE

Considering only my embroidery hoops, my prices range from $30-$80

The price range of all items in my shop is $10- $80

Another (Low) Seller of beautifully crafted embroidery hoops PRICE RANGE

$26-$40

The 4 Comparison Shops' PRICE RANGES

All of these other shops offer product pricing starting in the single digits and going up to the triple digits. The average price range amongst these sellers is about $5-$150 (an average of about $15-$40 for embroidery hoops).

Weird Woolly Design's PRODUCT VARIETY

I currently have 17 total items in my shop, 14 of which are embroidered hoops. Not much variety there.

Another (Low) Seller of beautifully crafted embroidery hoops

No variety what-so-ever, 100% of their items are embroidered hoops

The 4 Comparison Shops' PRODUCT VARIETY

These shops offer a wide variety of items. Although their embroidery hoops may be the strongest items (no bias there) they do offer a wide array of other products as well, such as stationary, antiques, jewelry and stuffed animals.

Hmmm... Makes me think about expanding my product offerings just a bit.

One More Consideration...

I was reading a blog this morning that mentioned what a turn off it is to potential international buyers to see that a seller does not offer International shipping, or doesn't display International shipping rates in their shop. Let's see what my 4 star Etsy sellers are doing on that front;

Oh look at that, they list shipping rates for Canada, US and Everywhere else.

MontclairMade's shop

Yep. Shipping rates for the US and Everywhere else.

itsastitch's shop

How about this one- FREE WORLDWIDE shipping! (With 425 sales/year there just might be something to this!)

mydarlingdinosaur's shop

Nope US shipping only

Conclusion

While there are limitless factors to take into account when an Etsy shop is not doing well in sales, at this point there are a few obvious places for me to start as I update Weird Woolly Designs. Adding the International shipping option could be well worth the effort as well as expanding my product line, range of prices and product variety.

Well I gotta run. It looks like my to-do list for today just got a lot longer and I have some fast and furious crafting to do...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53305938/embroidered-pop-art-peanuts-on-ice

Thumbnails left to right; raccooncatcreations' shop, itsastitch's shop, MontclairMade's shop, mydarlingdinosaur's shop, www.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

by Stephanie Troutner,

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

This Just In: Peantus on Ice

2011-09-01T09:31:00.009-07:00

The latest in my painted embroidery series...

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

All things Microscopic

2011-09-01T09:31:00.007-07:00

Check out this cool treasury;

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c6057e6d2856d91cfac54aa/all-things-microscopic

Weird Woolly's Shipping Dept.

2011-09-01T09:31:00.005-07:00

All it takes is one little shelf to have an organized shipping department! Who knew!

Stephanie Troutner
WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com
Sent from my iPhone

Weird Woolly works in progress

2011-09-01T09:31:00.003-07:00

Stephanie Troutner
WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

A Fresh Spark

2011-09-01T09:31:00.001-07:00

I just got a mini-site on Handmade Spark because supposedly "Handmade Spark is one of the best things going for Etsy sellers"

http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/handmade-spark-is-one-of-the-best-things-going-for-etsy-sellers/

It's supposed to help with SEO & increasing traffic to your site.

We'll see if it works for me...

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Ode to Kitty - Some Knotty Embroidery

2011-09-01T09:30:00.007-07:00

My latest work...

"Ode to Kitty" embroidered pop art

http://www.valerieroybal.com/

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

EXTRAORDINARY ETSIANS: Modern Stitchings

2011-09-01T09:30:00.005-07:00

Here are some of my favorite modern needlework artists;

By Prairie Dog Inc; http://www.etsy.com/listing/52107679/embroidered-abstract-grid-in-red

By Valerie Roybal;

freehand drawings with thread

By Clair Baker, Montclair Madeaire

Sweet & simple pictures, using a mix of hand embroidery, machine embroidery and repurposed (a.k.a. recycled) materias.

lhttp://www.etsy.com/listing/51997388/paper-airplane-embroidery-hoop-wall-art

By Sam Gibson;

Intricate illustrations with needle & thread

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48713913/eye-original-stiched-illustration-wooden

By Wall Work;

Modern, simple, eye-catching cross stitchhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/wallwork?ref=top_trail

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Painted Embroidery

2011-09-01T09:30:00.003-07:00

Some of my latest embroidery work using fabric paint & a combination of wool and cotton thread:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeirdWoollyDesigns?ref=top_trail

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeirdWoollyDesigns?ref=top_trail

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Painted Embroidery

2011-09-01T09:30:00.001-07:00

Some of my latest embroidery work using fabric paint & a combination of wool and cotton thread:

http://alaska-in-pictures.com

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Some Crafty Philosophizing

2011-09-01T09:29:00.005-07:00

A fun challenge from Scoutie Girl http://www.scoutiegirl.com/2010/07/handmade-versus-homemade.html; "For this week's We Scout Wednesday, let me know how you define handmade versus homemade or any other this versus that you're passionate about."

The difference between the concepts of Handmade and Homemade are subtle yet, in my mind at least, there is a difference. I define this difference in the same way that I create my art- by my gut feeling. When I sit down to design a new embroidery pattern, I dump out my box of 100+ colors of yarn & jumble them around on the floor until just the right color combo. pops out at me & I know it's going to be just right. So when I jumbled around these 2 words Homemade & Handmade this is what I came up with;

Handmade brings to mind my embroidery creations

This is Handmade;

Mini Mother's Day Flowers & Independence Day Hoops http://www.WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Homemade, to me, means my baking creations

This is Homemade;

Yum

So my conclusion after spending a few minutes philosophizing about these 2 terms- WHO CARES! I'm not saying it wasn't a worthy question, but Handmade vs. Homemade... While they do have their differences, they're equally great and life would be meaningless without both of them!

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Perfect (with a little practice) Pie Crust

2011-09-01T09:29:00.003-07:00

Perfect (with a little practice) Pie Crust

Makes 2 crusts

all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1-2 tsp sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter

¼ cup ice water (Use a little less it's forming a ball sooner, use a little more Only if absolutely necessary!)

My pie crusts never turn out right when I'm in a rush or if I don't feel like doing it- So make sure you're having fun with it! Remember: No matter what happens between now & then, there will be pie when you're done!
Make sure your house/kitchen is as cool as possible.
Measure out the flour, salt & sugar into a Ziploc bag & put it in the freezer (for 20 min. or longer)
Cut up the butter into small cubes, put on a paper plate & loosely cover w/plastic wrap. Put it in freezer (for about 20 min. not much longer or it gets too hard to work with)
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the frozen butter for a few seconds to break it up into tiny pieces (wear ear plugs- this is LOUD!).
Add the flour, salt & sugar and process until the mixture looks like coarse meal (8 to 10 seconds).
With machine running, add ice water slowly & steadily through the feed tube. (The less water you use the better, but the dough must hold together in 1 ball- this takes a little practice to get it just right).
Pulse until dough holds together in one ball without being at all wet or sticky (it still has kind of a dry, dusty look to it); be careful not to process more than 30 seconds.
To test the dough, squeeze a small amount together: If it is too dry & crumbly, add more ice water, (just 1 tablespoon at a time).
Divide the dough in half & wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap (shape them into round, flat discs.)
Refrigerate the dough balls for at least 1 hour.
As long as you follow the steps pretty closely, even if it doesn't turn out exactly perfect, this crust always tastes good! Homemade pie always tastes good!

Some Extra Tips for Baking Pie & Making a Filing

Combine these ingredients for a mixed berry pie filing;

Rolling out the crust;

When the dough balls are done resting in the refridgerator for 1 hour, roll out your bottom crust. Don't hesitate to stop what you're doing at any time during this process & return the partially rolled out crust back to the refrigerator to chill if it is getting at all warm. Once the crust is rolled out, gently place it in the pie dish, press it against the edges, trim excess crust from around the edges. Use a fork to punch a fewholes in the bottom & sides of the crust. Spinkle some tapioca balls on the bottom crust before adding the filing (to prevent soggy crust). Before adding the filing or rolling out the top crust place your pie dish/bottom crust in the fridge to chill while you roll out the top crust. Add the filing, place your top crust on the pie, trim & tuck the edges under & cut a few pretty vent holes on top.

Baking the pie;

Bake the pie in the bottom 1/3 of the oven at 425 for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 & bake in the middle of the oven for 40-50 minutes. Enjoy your awesome HOMEMADE pie!!

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

4 cups total of cut up mixed fruit (stawberries, blueberries & pitted cherries)
Take 2 cups of the cut up fruit & mash it (to release extra juice)
Add 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar (1 cup makes a very sweet filing & I sometimes even use a little less than 3/4 cup of sugar)
Add 1/4 cup of tapioca (I use Reese brand, small pearl tapioca) I like the look & texture of tapioca in pie filing. You can substitute corn starch or flour if you don't like tapioca.

Beautiful Butterflies

2011-09-01T09:29:00.001-07:00

We saw so many of these beautiful butterflies while on a hike yesterday. Doesn't it look like someone actually painted on his back? I wonder how I could come up with an abstract embroidery design from this. Hmm.... I'll keep you posted.

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Amoebas Eat Salad & Get Some Attention

2011-09-01T09:28:00.005-07:00

My "Amoebas on Salad" embroidery hoop made it to Etsy's front page on June 11th! Yeah! That's always exciting & it brings extra traffic to my Etsy shop.

Check out this Etsy front page treasury;

http://www.craftcult.com/vault_list.php?list=12553&userid=&fm=2&esn=weirdwoollydesigns&m=7&d=13&st=2&pagenum=1&ls=0

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

For the love of a cat; The Atticus Project

2011-09-01T09:28:00.003-07:00

I came across a blog posting today that was really touching. This blogger/photographer's cat has cancer & she's decided to raise money for the cat's chemo treatments through her Etsy shop. I kind of hate to say it but...It's touching because most people wouldn't go to that much trouble.

If you're a cat lover you MUST check this out http://www.piewacketblog.com/journal/2010/6/22/the-atticus-project.html

You can visit her on-line shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Octochick. All proceeds go to the treatment of her cat Atticus's cancer treatments.

Whether you like cats or not she has some really nice photography & vintage items for sale. Her blog http://www.piewacketblog.com/ is also really awesome if you like pie, cats & photography (who doesn't love those things??) you'll like it for sure!

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdWoollyDesigns.Etsy.com

Extraordinary Etsians: Red Hot Design Meets the Machine Gun

2011-09-01T09:28:00.001-07:00

"Hot Pink Embroidered Machine Gun Pillow" - Words that you wouldn't expect to see together in the same sentence, but that is the actual title of a listing in this awesome Etsy shop; www.Threadquarters.Etsy.com ...and it's not at all what you'd think it would be.

Threadquarters' has been one of my favorite shops on www.Etsy.com (a one-of-a kind marketplace for all things handmade) for years now. These well-designed pillows and handbags are certainly pretty to look at. The amount of detail and skill it took to create them amazes me, but it's the wild contrasts that draw me to these functional pieces of art more than anything else; Pure white cotton, delicate mother of pearl buttons, satiny pink thread...and there it is, front and center...a machine gun!

Not just any girl can carry a machine gun handbag & pull it off, but Threadquarters' makes me want to strive to be the kind of girl who can!

Stephanie Troutner

WeirdandWoollyDesigns@Yahoo.com

Homemade & Home Grown

2011-09-01T09:27:00.001-07:00