Welcome 2012

It's a new year and time for some changes.
I'll be updating the blog in the next couple of days. This means a new look, better organization and a few additions. I want to organize my online presence so I can be a better blogger this year.
Hopefully you'll all like it. :)

Alright - off to work!

Busy as a bee...

I've been gone for a little bit because I've been busy. I don't have time to post much now, but I promise I'll be back soon with wonderful news, brand new shiney things and updates galore.

Until then...

Happy Crafting!!!

Hello June...

I'm back. It's been a nice little break, but I'm missed my blog and all you wonderful crafters and craft supporters out there.

So what have I been doing? Well during my little hiatus, I have enjoyed a variety of books about soldering, Chinese knot work and Victorian costumes. I've watched movies like Topsy-Turvy and Gosford Park for inspiration on Victorian/Edwardian fashion. I began a 365 photography project and started an inspiration journal. I've visited the coast, went on a mini "safari" and gave my mind the chance to relax, ponder and dream.

After all this, I can finally say that I've made it past the conceptual stage and believe I'm ready to produce my new line for inkstrand. At least I hope I'm ready, because certain events have given me a very set deadline. I have the pleasure of participating in two craft fairs this summer (and hopefully a few more before it's over). The first is June 25th and the second is July 17th. I'll do an official announcement when things are more finalized.

I'm sure you've figured out already that one of those deadlines is less than 10 days away. Originally, I planned to start my craft fair season in July, but the opportunity in June was so perfect that I signed up for it as well. I'm looking at the event as a test run and a way to get myself prepared early for the show in July.

Ten days isn't really a lot of time to prepare, but I'm up for the challenge. On the bright side, my designs are mostly finalized and nearly all of my supplies have been ordered. In fact, many of them have already arrived or are on their way. Still, it's definitely going to be an interesting 10 days.


Happy Crafting!

Happy Belated New Year!

Happy New Years, folks!

I was an incredibly holiday sale season and a great holiday. I spent some time with my family and boyfriend and enjoyed a bit of necessary R&R (partially why I've been so MIA lately). But I've been busy working on some projects, which includes new items for the shop. I can't say more yet, but I promise it'll be worth the wait.

Until then...

Quick note...

This has been one incredibly busy week, but a good one. I've had quite a few custom orders for the Holidays and I've been working on some new items, which should be posted very soon. In the meanwhile, I wanted to post about some important dates for the holidays.

Holiday Shipping Cut Off Dates:

Winter Snowflake Tags by FairestLJ on Etsy

Domestic Orders
Last day for custom orders: December 13th
Last day for regular orders: December 20th
This is based on First Class Mail shipping times.
You can upgrade to expedited shipping - contact me before placing your order.

International Orders
Last day for custom orders: December 6th
Last day for regular orders: December 10th
These shipping dates are for First Class International Mail.
You can upgrade to expedited shipping - please contact me for the new rate.



Happy Crafting!

Update: Moving delays

Hey folks,

A little update. I recently moved into a new place in Portland (used to live in Vancouver, WA--just across the river), which has been both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I have a brand spanking new workshop/studio (pictures to come soon!) but it also means that almost all of my Etsy stuff are in boxes waiting to be unpacked.

There may be a few delays until everything is in it's appropriate place, but I'll still be keeping up with my orders.

Things should be back to normal soon, so I'll keep you posted.

Until then... Happy Crafting!

Gearing up for V-day

That's right folks, I'm frantically working away to create some jewelry and duds for Valentine's day sales.

This will definitely be my first attempt at a sale on Etsy, so I'm excited and nervous at the same time. They say if you build it (and publicize it), they will come. So I shall and we'll see how that goes. Anyone have any other tips to Etsy saledom?

Alright, enough business rambling...

A few new things in the works. The colors are a little off (I took better ones later but haven't uploaded them yet). Anywho, take a look:


Blue anatomical heart pendant.


Custom silhouette pendants.


Vintage diver pendant


And some of my faves from others on Etsy:

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade inkstrand.etsy.com

New project and Etsy mini-update

Halloween (my favorite time of the year) is right around the corner, which means a new sewing project. Hooray! This year I've decided to go as Little Red Riding-hood with a Steampunk/Victorian twist.

I'm not entirely sure what the full outfit will look like, but the essential riding hood will be a hooded long-sleeved shrug [a variation of my previous "swap" shrug] with a detachable cape.

Here are a rough sketch of what I'm planning:


As for progress, I've constructed the hood, collar and parts of the jacket. I hope to finish the shrug tonight and I'll post pictures when I do. The cape should be done this weekend.


Quick Etsy update: I've had 4 sales so far--hooray! I'm pretty excited considering I haven't had time to publicize yet and the shop is still unfinished. Seriously, moving has really put a damper on getting Inkstrand up to its full potential. But I'm done moving, so things should improve. I'll post a more detailed update later.

Til next time!