Being willing to adapt...

One can have expectations for life, plans and projects, but sometimes things change, times pass and you have to adapt, do things in another way. Sometimes it´s hard, frustrating and disillusioning, but it can also be a pleasant surprise that makes you look at the world in another way and make you grow as a person...

This is all pocket philosophy. In my life it has a lot to do with having tons of ideas but too little time. Having a little kid has a tendency to break up the time you have for different project into fragments, ten minutes here and there and maybe two hours on a good day.




So here is the story: I started making this jacket to be in the spring. I constructed the pattern too big for him so he could use it in the fall with a sweater under. Things went well, I dyed the fabric, cut it and then I got busy. Time flew as it does in summer. The sun was shining and we were having fun playing with water on the lawn behind the studio. Then fall came and still no jacket. It got cold so we bought a jacket for the little fellow. Mom really wanted to knit a scarf but ended up with letting him wear one of her own.




But what about the sewing project THE JACKET... ??? I had to adapt, you see and so did the jacket. Seth had gotten a lot bigger during the summer and no way would it fit him over a sweater so I forgot all about the sleeves and made a vest... So if there is anyone out there with long lasting projects like mine and needs a pair of sleeves for something, you know who to call...




Teddy bear: Dress style info : Crocheted pants from a kids vintage store worn with a high waist....hip !

DESK

The desk area in the shop is finally finished. The desk itself is a gift from a friend. It was in a real bad shape with lots of stuff to be fixed and painted and I made extra shelves to fit the needs. This area is all very white but hopefully soon the wall behind it will be filled with lots of things to sell.

Because of the big doors this place can have a rather strong draft... I would actually call it windy... So I have rocks to keep the paper in its place and all little things are in the metal box .

The desk had some very malfunctioning drawers, so they were removed and I went to the baker and got some of those confectioners boxes. They are of great size, and real easy to move around. They contain whatever I need, like extra tape, prize tags and so on. I placed a curtain there to hide bigger things like extra packaging material.




Above the desk is a dispenser for gift paper. This one is a gift from my dad he gave to me when I opened my first studio and shop some 10 years ago. He made it of an old chair and table. I have used the same type of gift wrap for nearly 10 years. What can I say else than I really like it... The curly ribbon is white and has a satin surface. I used to wrap my pots in newspaper and cover it with the gift wrap, but now I use white silk paper. The scissor is old and fits well to my hand. It is on a leash because somehow it always seems to disappear for me.




I am satisfied now and I like standing behind that desk talking to customers.

Oh... the picture below, dinner: You guessed right, it is beetroot. I got to tell you, this is not the only picture I have after eating beetroot. I just think it looks great. It dries up in beautiful spots. I sometimes get a new view looking at my plates in use... This could be just another bad excuse for not doing the dishes but really it isn't.

Small business marketing...

Having a small business run just by one person leaves you with two choices when it comes to marketing. You either have a lot of money to buy different services or you make all the things possible yourself. I belong to the latter category and lucky me I find it interesting to have my hands on all parts of the process.

I have found this place that makes printed papers in small numbers and at a reasonable price. I customized the posters with a fringe of little business cards to bring home. Of course I had to use the sewing machine for this. It is fast and involves no sticky glue. I like the look of the bright yellow thread that separates the professional poster and the homemade looking business cards( that was my intention... if anyone should wonder ). It also adds a little texture and feeling of maybe a dress, a shirt who knows...





I have put different materials in a basket in my car so it will be easy for me on my way around to put up a poster where ever it could be a good idea...





Oh I have to tell: I MADE A TABLE...( or at least the tabletop) I found the two Ikea adjustable table legs at my parents attic. Yeps I made the technical drawings... calculated the materials and actually built it. For a long time I have wanted a sturdy table in the studio. I wanted it to be adjustable in height, have a white plain surface that would leave no marks on whatever I am working with... It is finished and I am pleased with it. I will probably never see it this empty againg...