Favorites For Friday

If you have followed my blog for a while you will know (though maybe not remember) that I actually started blogging right after I lost my job (laid off) at the beginning of 2009. Also, if you follow the news at all you will know that Las Vegas has an unemployment figure of 14% so as you can imagine, I was one of MANY looking for work and without much success. So I spent my time blogging and doing what I could with my Etsy shop, living in hope that I was not on the scrap heap. Well, last week I started a new job (only took 2 years and a bit). That is why this weeks Favorites For Friday only includes one item from Etsy and it is a photo of my new employer. Yes, I waited all that time only to get a job at the historic Las Vegas Hilton!! I am working in the retail department and so far I am really enjoying it. Of course, it is just great to not be sitting around the house all the time in my pajamas but I actually am enjoying working there as everyone (so far) has been really friendly.

Las Vegas Hilton Matted Fine Art Photograph - Angels Time

Hopefully now I will be more in the mood to blog and also have more to blog about as I know I have been a bit lax other than my Favorites posts. I will also have to find the time since I am now back in the workforce :).

Favorites for Friday

I don't know about anyone else, but I do know that when I'm down one of the few things that can make me smile and forget all my troubles are animals. Not sure exactly what it is but they just do, mostly it has to be their expressions and yes, animals do have expressions as some of these photos will attest to. I hope some of these photos will make you smile like they did me when I was searching through Etsy for animal photos.

Where's My Carrot? - Angels Time

Raccoon Family - Sara Montour

Ooops - Little Odd Me

Chillin' Polar Bear - Nature Is Art Photography

This last photograph was one that I spotted in today's Etsy newsletter and was the reason for today's Favorites. That face just made me smile and the story behind the otter's good behavior made me laugh - he's being good as there is food involved!

Otter says PLEASE - An Alliteration

Hope you enjoyed these cute photos from a few of the talented photographers over on Etsy. I also wanted to apologize for only posting on Fridays but to be honest, there hasn't been much to share. Hopefully that will change soon.

Almost Time....

for me to re-open my shop. On Etsy at least. One thing I've been mulling over in my time off has been whether or not it is worth having three shops. I know that some people seem to do real well having more shops on several of the handmade sites but I found that I didn't feel like I was able to put in enough time on each of them to make it worth it. Might just be a good idea to try to be a success at one THEN I can consider having 2 or 3 shops.

Another thing I've been thinking a lot about is branding. You know, logos and the like. I really liked the idea of my photos of my little treasure chest with my jewelry in it as my little trademark but then again I'm not so sure. Also, was thinking since my shop is actually called tstreasures.etsy then I was considering sticking with that as opposed to Theresa's Treasures. I know it means the same but maybe just sticking with it to be more consistent. These are things that I'm torn about so any opinions are appreciated.

I'm thinking about the beginning of June for re-opening. I'd like to have a few new items to go with the old items so that when I do re-open it isn't just all the same old stuff. That is another thing I've been trying to do. Of course, I'd like to get a real handle on my photos and am trying to get a better light box together.

My biggest problem so far has been I have SOOO many ideas of designs but no resources to make them. One of the things about chainmaille in particular is you need rings....lots of them. OK so aluminum is pretty cheap but I think people see it in the description and think of pop cans. It is such a great metal to use but I seriously think people have a negative outlook on it. Maybe it's me or I'm being super sensitive. I love the stuff.

Anywhooo, watch this space and I'll let you know when the big day is.

Still Here!

I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. I think with the Thanksgiving holiday I got so side-tracked that I forgot about my poor blog. I've been working on a few custom orders and was playing around with Picasa. I had to re-take the photos of my little chest and wanted to try some new fonts. Not sure if I like them at all. I would love to find someone who can draw and have them draw up a treasure chest rather than have the pics. If I had GIMP or Photoshop then it might look better and I could come up with some better editing. I really need to get some more memory on my poor computer first then download something like GIMP.

So, I hope everyone in the States had a great Thanksgiving and I'll try not to neglect my poor blog for as long next time.