A Word About Historical Accuracy...

It's hard to find fabrics that are historically accurate or at least reasonably close that aren't incredibly high priced. Lately, the best I've found is actually in the "Home Decor" section. That is where I find the most natural fiber and classically printed fabric. The fashion section of the fabric store seems to to be mostly spandex, sequins, bold prints and poly blends.
I suppose I should also be more mindful taking down the serial numbers and the companies that create the fabrics I especially like, it's so hard to find them again once I've used them up. Unfortunately, I find myself in a difficult position with the fabric I made the Country Maid chemise and blouse out of- it was made from some fabric a friend gave me, so I have no idea of where or when she got it or who makes it. I'm starting to run low on it now, but I adore it. It has a beautiful texture and a nice natural color.
My quest to find more must now begin...

First Soap Shop Sale

I'm very pleased that my second shop, Morning Valley Soaps has made its first sale: a bar of Sweet Mint Soap. Hopefully this is the first of many.
My biggest problem lately is that I have plenty of costume and accessories to photograph, but no models at the moment and my computer is still not fixed, so downloading photos is a problem, I can't do that on the friend's computers I briefly borrow to check in on things.

I also need to order my text books.... I probably should have a few weeks ago.

Etsy Bloggers Anniversary Weekend Sale

*If you would like to purchase something from my main shop, Blackbird Crafts (items available for view in my Etsy Mini to the right) convo me and mention the Etsy Bloggers and I'll remove all shipping fees for this weekend only!
*Buyers from my new soap shop will get a small sample of my homemade potpourri with order this weekend only as well!

Most Etsy Bloggers are participating in the sale, so visit the blog
Or the main web page for more info.

"What are you doing this weekend? Let's go shop @EtsyBloggers 3-Day WEEKEND SALE!"

I hope to add more soaps soon, but I haven't been able to download any new pictures because my laptop died, so I'm on a friend's computer this week.

Featured Etsy Blogger for August: Patch

Patch is a blogger and the purveyor of fine goods on three Etsy shops. She has a hand in every section of Etsy, handmade (with beautiful jewelry), vintage and supplies.

In addition to her Wordpress blog, she has a blogspot account entirely dedicated to her Wedding Guide. Some really beautiful stuff. Here are some of my favorite of her designs:

This is an item from her vintage shop, apparently all clothing of her mothers'. Very cute.

It's a little crown, how cool is that? This item is in her handmade shop.

Please check out Patch's shop and support Etsy Bloggers!

Breaking News!

I've just been accepted as a member of the Etsy Bloggers Team. I've had a long and crazy day, so I'm waiting until tomorrow to begin my membership tasks such as writing about their featured member and participating in their "Blog Carnival"- I also want to add their bagde to my site.
Hopefully this will assist in my networking and boost more traffic into my shop.
It's quite exciting.

Meet Morning Valley Soaps

I just opened my bath and body shop on Etsy, Morning Valley Soaps. I listed four soaps and hope to list more soaps and some of my homemade potpourri soon.
My primary shop was just too crowded and the clothing and accessories were the dominant product, no one was really looking at my soaps in there. I think I have enough varieties set aside to branch out and hopefully start making some money. I've only sold about four bars of my soap so far and I have a huge box full of my creations cluttering my craft room. I have given a few away as gifts, and had friends and family give me feedback. It's been very positive so far.
Hopefully this will be the beginning of some Etsy greatness.

New Listings

My friend is back, so I staged two mini photo shoots for my Knight in Shining Chainmaille Cuff and my Owl Eyes Pearl and Chainmaille Necklace. I think they look nice in my Etsy Mini. Later this week I'll shoot some of my new garments on friends and family I force into modeling- my brother modeled the chainmaille cuff.
I really hope sales pick up soon. I've had another offer for a swap, but I've mostly stopped buying jewelry (the main products of the other seller) in lieu of only wearing my own creations. I also need some more supplies, I'm trying to think of projects that will use up fabric I still have, I'm out of most of my soap and jewelry supplies now.
Well, hopefully the craft show for the fall will come together. I want to do one more market before the summer is out, my friend Amy and I will probably team up and share a table again.