Slightly Christmas

I haven't been feeling any of this "Christmas spirit", so I got this little tree.

Unfortunately, I have to keep it in an elevated corner so my cat won't eat it and die. (<--clearly I worry about him going, doing and eating all sorts of things.) I'm also hoping to keep the tree alive till spring so I can take it to my family's house and plant it in the yard.

Woodland creatures, gnomes and a random Pinnochio I got in Florence.

Here's an in-progress shot of another project I'm working on. It's also a long term project that'll probably take a while but I've got a lot of hope for this one being really interesting in the end. I'm not 100% settled on things so I won't give much away but this is just the beginning.

My silk spider visiting the photo shoot and getting comfortable made me think I should include some animals in this too, maybe bugs, maybe birds (they are sorta my thing). We shall see, but a fuzzy caterpillar sounds fun.

The Etsy Symposium, did you see it?

I spent a good part of  yesterday watching the "Etsy Success Symposium," a live-streaming presentation for Etsy selling. It's no secret I'm sweet on Etsy, (it's so sexy, how could I not?) but this was helpful for anyone trying to actualize their small business or utilize social-media in their everyday lives.
If you missed it, don't worry they're working on making them available here.

My favorite speaker was April Bowles-Olin (of Blacksburg Belle), she gave a lot of direct advice that really inspired me to re-evaluate how I was allowing myself to be perceived, (vague and possibly socially inept? *cough*)  as well as tips to optimize the steps I've already been taking to step up my game.

My favorite piece of advice?
"Only do six things a day." 
That sounds counter-intuitive to productivity but she explained how we often get overwhelmed by our long "to-do lists" (they're so long, we don't do anything on them!)
By making a short list, we're more likely to prioritize what needs to be done, we don't waste a lot of time trying to prioritize 40ish things and we actually get to feel accomplished when we finish.
And she's right- it's totally re-energizing, I started today:)

P.S. I'm still working on re-designing this blog but did you notice the shiny new e-mail subscription option? *ahem, nudge*. A great option for those who aren't interested in Readers.


P.P.S  I'm finally making time for my longer term projects involving scenes.
Take a look at my new tree:

The perfect place to hoard your strawberries

Work In Progress- Gatsby Inspired Wedding Topper

I haven't updated in a while but this has been what I call "Family Month" and do you know what happens during family month? Touring the city during record high temperatures, working your regular job and occasionally having enough time to clean up after the mess your cat made (just an hour ago I found out an "earthquake" happened in one of my terrariums). Sigh.

I did get some sewing done though- the P&P topper is complete, pictures to come soon once I'm ready to list.

And I've been working on cake topper 2- Great Gatsby inspired.
Both of these birds were potential P&P male mates but they didn't work out .
They happened to fit well together. If you're lucky, it happens irl too.



The basic base of this is done but it's going to get more leaves, a lining for the inside base, maybe a ribbon around the lace and of course, the couple.

But I do like this tree by itself- Weeping Willows are among my favorite. Maybe this is (another) separate project I can add to the list/ massive pile.