Thursday, December 27, 2012

A New Look!

Well now, how do I look?  I loved my old background and header, but needed a change. This time of year, I like to look at things in a different way. It is good to refresh things, isn't it? The thought of facing the whole winter in the same digs inspires me to rearrange and redo.
 

Still cleaning out things. The only problem is it looks like nothing has changed.  Many of my weedings and sortings are inside cabinets and bins, or in corners that had somehow stuffed themselves with things and stuff!  This week I got rid of the dying exercise bike and cleaned out the old computer armoir (how DO you spell that word?) and made a sewing center in it. It works nicely and tucks away without a mess. I also put a chair in front of my cubey cabinet in the kitchen and cleaned. Without changing the looks of it at all, I filled a whole trash bag! It is amazing how papers pile up and seemingly important things lose their value over time. The thing about cube shelves is having enough matching containers to hide the stuff!


We got a lovely blizzard last night-I got up early and shoveled my way out of the driveway to go to work. I was about 1 foot from the street when my brother Jim came out and said if I waited a while, he'd plow it. Too late-I wanted to get my hours in at work, as I won't get paid while I recover from my knee surgery (Jan 10). I was the only one in the whole building for the first hour. I'm sure it is haunted! That old heating system with its clanking pipes and water dripping sounds...! I work in my old grammar school building, which now contains our Town Offices and Senior Center. I work in the office of the Senior Center part time. A nice little job to supplement my meager retirement.


Craft Fair Rant:  This year I sold my collages and photography at 4 different craft fairs. I had nice matted photo prints, framed photos, and greeting cards. I made a new line of cheeky victorian collages, called "Slightly Twisted," which I scanned and made note cards and gift tags. I used them and my photos to make theme banners. I made nifty bookmarks from the spines of the books I altered to make my collages. I covered little composition books with collage themes. People loved my collages. Many laughed out loud and bought a card or two. If the photos struck a cord with them they looked for a card to buy. I sold many $3.00 cards, some gift tags, a couple of original collages and 3 matted prints in four fairs! I packed my car, set up and took down everything by myself. I had fun with the other crafters and bartered for some nice Christmas presents. So what is wrong with this picture? Well, I spent 2-3 times what I took in on materials. Kind of depressing!


I guess the whole rant really is to say I loved doing those little inexpensive gifty things, but should I continue? I've dreamed for years of having an Etsy store. Just got to take the first step, I guess!


I am trying to look at my art in a brand new way. I hope to be able to make more sincere art-starting with large canvases, painting, texturing and incorporating collage elements to tell a story... I am ready to start my first one and I'm pretty excited about the process. I will keep you posted. Meanwhile I am exposing you to my Slightly Twisted collages.


Have you heard about the Grow Your Blog Party at 2 Bags Full? Check it out here. We hope to meet lots of other bloggers and make many new friends. A great way to expand our blogs. Join us if you can!


I hope you can look at things in a "different way" now and then, too--

Refresh your life!

Hugs,
Sherry

10 comments:

  1. Changing things up is good. Cleaning up takes time. I've got so much stuff crammed into drawers, shelves and cupboards and really should organize but just can't seem to get in the mood for it. As for craft fairs, it really is a market that you have to dabble in to see what sells. Some things do better than others and you just never know -- depends on the crowd. Just think of it this way -- you like to create and even selling something is a good thing. Even if you don't sell, you will still create, right!?? Wishing you a wonderful new year, Tammy

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  2. Dear Sherry,
    it is very late here, and I have to confess,that I did not read all you wrote.....but I wanted to tell you, taht I love your new header, and background...so fresh and lovely.
    Also love your collaged pages, they are all wonderful.
    See you another day! :-)
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  3. Hi sweet Sherry -- I have just loaded your blog into the Grow Your Blog post - you are all set -- latest updates on my blog - see you on the 19th

    Vicki

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  4. I so look for bloggers with a slightly twisted view on life and you've got some interested reads in your blogroll. I am marking your's for a return visit after I am done "hopping around."

    Popped in on the Grow Your Blog hop.

    Give me a visit some time ~
    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

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  5. *interesting* - argh! AND your blog background is adorable ~

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  6. Hello Sherry, I am so happy to meet you! I really enjoyed your party post. You have a good way of writing. I also really enjoy your art/humor! lol! I love that last one the most, but they are all really great. What to do though....I know what you mean about not making much money with your fabulous little gifties. I don't know anything about Etsy....but have thought of that one myself. I think your note cards would be a great item to go commercial with.
    I am your newest follower : )
    Hugs,
    Terri
    artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

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  7. I could have written your post about craft shows! I totally agree with you. Folks are not looking to buy when I sell. So instead I sow what I make! It is a better investment anyhow and I still get to play!! Found you from the grow your blog at vicki's place. and BTW I love green!

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  8. Hi Sherry,

    It is so nice to meet you. Your blog is lovely. I'm still making my way through visiting everyone from Vicki's Grow Your Blog party. I hope you will stop by to say hello.

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  9. wow! very impressive blog re-do; I'm so low tech I can barely turn on the computer.sigh. visiting via Vicki's GYB Party and enjoying your blog. I'm having some giveaways on my GYB post; if you've time, please visit.

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  10. We love the new look!!! Like sunshine on a cold wintery day! As for the "rant" I'm afraid I too can relate to this but rather in a different industry (antiques and vintage). Try as we may there are some things that we cannot change. Rest assured, it's not your product, it's the buyers (or would be buyers). Love your twisted view point - new and refreshing!!!

    Hugs and purrs,

    "her" and Romeo

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