Feels like Monday...

I realized today is Tuesday, but it feels a lot like Monday.
Mr. RedMarionette is gone for the week and I have the house to myself.
I worked on the computer last night. I edited paintings I scanned in to turn into Holiday Cards, postcards and Bookmarks.
I am pleased with how they came out and then realized they were scanned at 150 dpi. Anyone who does graphics says that things should be scanned in at 300 dpi. I thought I could make it work at 150. No such luck. I need to go back and rescan everything tonight.
They look grainy. Soo 300 it will be.

I also started a tree skirt prototype for my display tree.
I am pleased so far with how it is coming out and I will have photos to show soon!

I have more ideas for monster stockings and some critter pillows I will need to get to work on prototypes soon! Times ticking!

Saturdays Random Posting - Number 1

I have decided that Saturdays will be a day for very random postings. Nothing business related, just something obscure, fun or otherwise out of left field.
Todays random post is:

I finally have my cookie monster blue nail polish. For years I have enjoyed funky colors on my toenails. I have seen a deep rich blue in stores before and have never purchased it. I finally got my color! It is going on my toes right now. :)

The End.

Practicality Overrode

Well.... I broke down and took advantage of a good sale before the end of the month was up.
I couldnt justify waiting another week until July to miss out on a discount on some of the fabric supplies I needed.
I feel I have done very well so far this month, so I am 4 days before my deadline....well I feel pretty okay about that considering I saved myself some money. :)

Michael Miller was calling my name and I answered with debit card in hand! hehe!
A co-worker had a brilliant idea yesterday that I will try to make a prototype. I wont tell you what it is yet, but I can tell you two words. Monsters. Stockings.
Take that and stir it around....

Off to do some hand sewing! Have a wonderful Friday!

Update on June Goals

It is June 24th at 10:30 in the morning.

I have 6 day left in June to reach my sales goals. FOUR more sales by the end of June.
I know I cant make sales happen, but I can promote my store, advertise and talk about my shop to drive traffic.
I am about half done with the wallets I am working on and I have cut out a lot of the pieces parts that are needed for the huge batch of ornaments. I am on my way to meeting those goals.
I know this isnt the season for a lot of what I have listed, Ornaments. But it keeps items in my store for those that think about Christmas in June and July! :)

I remain optimistic that I will meet most of these goals.
And here is a little shameless plug.

I have a super sale going on right now on my tote bags in my store. www.redmarionette.com in the sales section.

Jeepers!

Goodness!
The year has flown by! I cant believe it is nearly July!

Now is the time to announce that new Holiday items will be listed in the store in September. You have to wait only two more months for the goods!






I am working on some new stuff to introduce this year, notice the poll at the right side of the screen. You all are helping me decide!

I am very excited for the Holidays this year! Christmas is my favorite.

Last year I had nearly sold out of my Pocket Peeper stockings, you can choose an ornament to perch in the little pocket, or use it for additional goodies in your stocking such as gift cards or jewelry.
I do intend to introduce more varied colors this year. Brighter colors. Teals, Blues, Reds, Pinks. A wider selection!

On another note, my self imposed supply restriction is up soon! I intend to do some shopping the weekend of the 4th! I cant wait to order some of the super cute Holiday fabrics a couple of posts back!


Fabric, felt, ribbons and paint here I come!!!
So if anyone has joanns/michaels coupons for the weekend of the 4th, please let me know! :)



Included in the supplies I will be purchasing will be the envelopes and sleeves and everything I will need to start printing out my card designs!
These are exciting times!


I also wanted to say Happy Birthday to my Mom and Dad, their birthdays are four days apart in June! So Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!

Crept past 200 Posts and Personal Goals

I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who reads my blog! I just snuck past my 200th post without realizing it! Yay!

I normally dont delve too much into my personal life on the blog.
Oooo just you wait!
I feel like I am at a wonderful point in my life. I am married, I have a wonderful job, life is good. I was told that I would gain some weight when I married. I didnt believe it.
Lo and behold I gained it before the wedding and the last few months.
I now have 20 pounds that need to go away. I discuss business goals on here fairly often so I thought why not combine the two occasionally?
My rear end has spread and I have developed jigglies on the backs of my arms and thighs.
Its not pleasant.
And honestly, you all didnt need to know the specifics. I just want to clarify that I am doing this for my health, not necessarily aesthetics. I just dont FEEL healthy.

So.... I have a goal that is a pound a week weight loss (which I am told is healthy) and I am sure you all will do me the favor of holding me accountable, yes?
And now that I put it out there I will feel like I need to report. :)
Oh the psychological things we do to motivate!
20 pounds of me gone by mid-November!
Hooo-HA! (Isnt that what they chant in the military for motivation?)

Super Special Secret Doodad

Today I am working on super special secret doodad that will be rolled out soon....hopefully.

I didnt have a blog post for today as not a lot is going on aside from super special secret doodad and helping to plan a show in St. Petersburg, FL which as of right now is still super special secret and the information will be rolled out soon...

Im just a fount of information today, arent I?
teeheee!
Everyone likes surprises!

'Ding'

Sometimes there are moments where you stop what you are doing and say to yourself "You know, I am really freakin thankful for..."
Well maybe you dont say it quite like that...but its a bit of a 'ding' lightbulb in your head that you really have some very valid things to be thankful for. I had that this morning on the way to work.

I was toodling along on the toll road to work and realized that this time last year, I was in a job that payed well, that I didnt enjoy and that had the overhanging stress of layoffs due to lack of work...hmm....I am on my way to a job I absolutely love, pays enough to make ends meet and encourages my artwork.
'Ding' number one.

I have a loving and understanding husband that is willing to roll with the punches that the world gives me. (he wasnt a husband this time last year, hehe)
'Ding' number two.

I am part of a wonderful group of people (Florida Etsy Street Team) who encourage our artistic abilities and another group who allows us to sell them in a nice online venue (Etsy).
'Ding' number three.

I have my health to be able to go to work. To be able to keep creating.
'Ding' number four...

So that was my highly reflective morning.
What are your 'Dings'?

They are back!

They're Baaaaaack!
I know I said I wasnt going to make any more of them from the first batch I worked on, but I couldnt resist their cute little faces.
They are all hand sculped and each one is so different...
I love these little guys.
I have a cat hanging in my rear view mirror of my jeep. Someday soon I shall get a photo for you all.

Moose, octopus, penguins, bears, sleepy owls, a kitty and a snake!

Have It Confections - Feature!

For some time now I have been oogling this shop.
Have It Sweet. http://haveitconfections.etsy.com

Their tag line is: Purveyors of Confectionary Excellence. We're often organic, always all natural, gluten and preservative free.

Yum!
This photo is their Heavenly Spiced Vanilla Caramel...

A husband and wife team run this shop. Chef V is a French trained pastry chef and Bethany handles everything else to do with the shop! What a wonderful thing to be able to work with your significant other in something you love!




This photo is French Almond Nougat.

We received in the mail a sample of their Anise Caramels.
AMAZING!!
Mr. RedMarionette said they are some of the best caramels he ever had. The layering of flavor and the licorice-like aftertaste was an amazing compliment to the sweetness of the caramel.






Lemon Meringue Swirl Marshmellows!

Oh. My. Goodness!
I dont normally care for marshmellows but this is on my list of favorites!

Here is a little blurb from their shop announcement where you may be able to try out some of their goodies for Free!

"It may seem like it's a long way off but well be at 1000 sales before you know it so as a special gift to our 1000th customer Have It Sweet will send the winner an "Everything Extravaganza" along with their order. They will also receive free shipping. Thanks for helping to make Have It Sweet a success on Etsy."

Awesome! Lets all help them make it to 1000 quickly!

More card painting Sneak Peeks!

CARDS are fun to paint!
Being that the are little paintings they technically be art prints as well. I am already trying to work out the logisitics and pricing of each one.
They may be blank on the inside too so you can create your own clever message.












More sneak peeks of the painting in progress!
Phillip the penguin with scarf and ear warmers!
What do you all think?

I know, a little creepy without the pupils, but I do those last minute.

Adding the snowflakes is my favorite part!






Nester the Bear and his little birdy friend!

Day 14...No Spending

Day 14 of not spending any money on supplies.
I have been tempted.... oh boy have I.
I think its more difficult when you know you arent allowed to spend. :)

I have been busy busy. Working on sewing ornaments, painting card designs, listing and working on some special upcoming things for this fall!
Here is a photo of me Multitasking. Felt, Computer time and painting all at once. :)

I have a huge stack of unfinished ornaments and finger puppets (over 150)
I have two more card designs to paint.
I have two stacks that are 6 inches tall of Pocket Monsters that are cut out and need to be completed.
I have a mass of about 20 clutch purses halfway started.
I have a stack of over 30 wallets and small clutches that are midway done.
I have over 10 stockings cut and ready to sew.

I dont have a problem making things, I just have difficulty finding time to finish things up!
So yeah, I really dont need any new supplies for new projects until I finish what I have started.
So I will keep on with the June Supply Ban. Ill refer back to this post when I think I need more stuff to start. :)
Happy Sunday Everyone!

Holiday Cards - Sneak Peek!

YAY work in progress photos!
I finally listened to the people who were telling me I should be making cards of my critters.

Since the third green owl has a pile of snow on his head and he is frowning on the inside it will say "Be Merry".
The moose will have garland with a cheesy bow strung across his antlers. I am thinking the inside will say "Be Jolly"...

These are painted in acrylics.
I am going to scan them in and see if my printer at home is good enough quality. If not, its off to Kinkos for professional printing.

What do you think?

No. No. No....

I... am having a difficult time refraining from purchasing Holiday Fabrics for my stockings this year. I have searched through etsy and covet several (MANY) styles.

I have to keep telling myself, No. No. No.

I really only need half yards and some full yards of fabric but they are all so pretty! I couldnt decide even if I wanted to!

I intend to purchase holiday fabrics for the cuffs on the Pocket Peeper stockings I will make this summer.


These first two Fabrics are Sheri Berry. I love the fresh mix of teals and pinks!











Michael Miller is by far my favorite for Holiday patterns. His bright funky colors work so well with my felt creations. I am sure come July I will be purchasing some of this stuff!

These patterns remind me of an elegantly decorated sitting room in an old fashioned house. Sitting in a big squishy chair in front of a crackling fireplace and a stunning and sparkly christmas tree.

More michael Miller!
Does anyone give quantity discounts?? Hehe!































New from Alexander Henry this year. I think this will be a MUST Have!


My name is Kelli, and I have an addiction!

Its a classical music day

For some of you what I am about to say will make sense. For some of you it wont, but sometime in your life you will surely experience it.
Today, I am in a classical music mood.
I want to listen to the beautiful music and disappear into my own thoughts. I'd rather not be bothered by the outside world. I want to turn off my brain...I dont want to deal with my daily responsibilities. I want to listen....and be carried away.

Lets hear it for Goals!

I havent been giving myself goals since December.
I think its a good thing to have as it offers motivation and drive. Even if you fall short of a goal you at least had something to strive for for the month.
I think its due time I get back to giving myself monthly goals. Now, more than ever, I have so much going on in my life. ....its busy!
I think that setting a goal at the beginning of the month will help me stay on track!
So here I go...
I would like to get to 290 sales by the end of the month. ( I am currently at 286)
I would like to finish the large batch of wallets I have in process.
I would like to finish cutting out parts for the large batch of ornaments and finger puppets I have underway.

I think that is ample to start with.
Oh yes, and list at least 4 items a week!

What are your goals?

Day 7

Its day Seven of No spending for Red Marionette.
Ive had several moments of "Oh! OH! I HAVE to have more of this! Im running out! Noooo!"
Yes, its about that dramatic.
I have been doing a lot of cutting out of ornaments and pocket monsters and I find that there are several colors of felt I am running low on.
Some of these colors are from Michaels, Some are from Joanns, and some were from a trip to a Hobby Lobby in Kansas when I saw family for the Holidays. (Yes, my suitcase was full of shocking pink and other colors of felt that they didnt sell at Joanns or Michaels.)
My! You guys are learning a lot about my passion for supplies!
The closest Hobby Lobby is 1.5 hours away. Might have to make a roadtrip in July....
Soooo I already have a list started and its only day 7!

Wish me luck for refraining from buying til July! :)

How do you feel about Sets?

It hit me today I havent listed an ornament set since the Holidays.
How many of you would be more inclined to purchase a set of ornaments if well matched as a group?

I listed very few sets last year, but each time they DID sell.... so I suppose my question would be, what kind of animal sets and sets of two, three, four or more?




Id love to know what you might be more inclined to look for and in what color combination?

Please leave me a comment, Id love to hear what you think?


Here is my set of three bears, Mama, Papa and Baby bear.
Below are the bios for the sets I had listed. :) Enjoy and Thank you!



Terry, Larry and Mary are a Singing Quartet.
Yes, I had to explain to them that Quartet means four, but they wouldnt hear of it. They dont like the word Trio, so they insist to be called a Quartet.
uhm...kay.
They enjoy singing Barber shop style tunes and listening to classical music. Surprisingly Mary does a spot on Madonna impression. It is quite something to see her sing "Like a Virgin".





Say Hello to Nester, Nelly and Ned!
The three of them are best friends.

They spend their summers together at a Clothing Optional "How To" Resort for Adults.
They teach anything from Basket Weaving to Archery, and you dont have to wear your clothes! Their favorite class is the one where they make catapillars out of pom poms and pipe cleaners.
They gave me a brochure.
Sounds interesting, but I would wear clothing.

Todays Feature: NotMoira

Say Hello to Amy from NotMoira!
I absolutely love looking through Amy's shop as she keeps it fresh with something new on a regular basis!
My family still talks about some of the Christmas Cards I got from her last year!



The Recipe cards in Amy's shop are some of my favorite items!

I purchased these recipe cards for my
Sister-In-Law who does a serious amount of cooking. She loved them! They are sturdy and very professionally done.


I love that you cant get items like these in the stores! This, to me, is the true essence of handmade. Clever, well made and something I cant wait to show others!







This card made me giggle when I saw it. On the outside it looks rather normal makes you kinda wonder why there is a stop sign on it. On the inside it says "HAMMERTIME!"
I have several friends who would get this and if you are of the right age you would get this too!









This card says HOLLA in American Sign Language! How clever!











NotMoria can be found at:
http://www.notmoira.etsy.com
and
http://twitter.com/notmoira

Please visit her shop and support handmade!

Interviewed and Little Shop of Horrors

http://macaroniandglue.blogspot.com/2009/06/featured-artisan-red-marionette.html

I was Interviewed! YAY!

I Netflixed Little Shop of Horrors the other day. I had forgotten how charming yet disturbing the story is! :)
Steve Martin is my favorite character!
If you havent seen it ever, or in a while, its a good one to revive!

Happy Tuesday!