Yummy Yellows Great Finds

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Yummy Yellows Great Finds

A new look is coming for Soul Shine Arts

New upcycled items

It's been a while, so I thought I'd share just what it is that I am trying to do with my business.  As you read, I have links to the different places I'm talking about.  They should open up a new window for you, if you want to browse them after you read.

I feel like I've been on a roller coaster the last five years, becoming a Mom to three fantastic children and trying to start and maintain this business.  Along with trying to do a vintage site with my Dad.  I don't talk about that much, but you can go check it out here.

So, here is my plan, tentative as always!  Ah, the life of a stay at home mom, or any mom for that matter.

Fabric Banners and Childrens Decor

* Organize my shops so Craftcafe has all the random crafts, things I don't plan on making anymore, older pottery, mismatched or pieces that are the one left of a set.  All buttons, pendants, rings, and pins. Etsy will be for my new lines of pottery, which I have not started to work on yet.  Also for my new upcycled pillows and possibly buntings and other sewn items.

*To get to the end goal, I need to first clean up the shops (DONE).  Then I need to go through, box by box, all my pottery.  When I list it, I need to inventory it, including which box it is in, so I know where it is, easily.  I also need to keep the boxes organized for what I like to bring to craft fairs.  Keeping track of items will allow me to put my mind at ease when doing a show.

Bright Colors Collection

*I need to find free ways to advertise other than facebook.  I need to keep postings in facebook down or I will loose fans.  Dont know why, but that seems to be a factor.
                    *Pinterest - keep a pinning category of my items so others may easily pin my items.
                    *Twitter - I would like to tweet specific items in my shop weekly, but concentrate on the things I'm doing to go vegan and just about living a vegan lifestyle.

Natural Garden Collection

                    *Facebook - I will post weekly about items new to the shop (Fri.) post weekly any sales or promos for the shop (Mon.)

*Stay Calm, don't freak out about not being in the studio for so long.




That's all! For now...

Starting Fresh

Me with my coffee at my sewing machine

  I have started a new blog to help me maintain my new improved lifestyle (going vegan).  You can see it  here. I will be keeping this blog as well, but posts will be focused on my pottery, my process, my lines of work and my inspirations.  

The new direction

 

   I am trying to do the whole out with the old, in with the new thing!  I have been working hard to inventory all my wares, pottery and felt item, and listing them on craftcafe.  I am having a sale until the end of March.  The coupon code is SPRINGFEVER for 25% at either craftcafe or on etsy. 

My kiddos

   

  My goal is to eventually be creating a few different lines of pottery which I work on at specific times of the year.  Throughout the year, I also plan to continue to create fabric and felt items as I feel like.  I will not be taking custom orders, as its just too stressful with trying to care for my kids and maintain a somewhat clean house.  

Starting the day with homemade vegan muffins

Well, I've decide that for the new year I really am going to be vegan. I have been a vegetarian for 17 years now, so it's time!

So this morning I decided to make some vegan muffins and they came out fantastic! I'm always trying new recipes and making up my own with not always the greatest outcome. But today I'm happy with them and better yet so are my kids!

If you want to try them, here's my modified recipe!

1 3/4 c unbleached white flour
Half of 1/3 c agave syrup (I know this is very technical stuff)
2 t baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/4 c applesauce (homemade)
3/4 c soy milk
1/4 c veggie oil

Mix ingredients in bowl then add

Some raisins and chopped apple (one)

The batter is thick and lumpy. Bake in preheated oven at 400 for 18 mins or in convection oven on 375 for 15 mins.


Hope you like it!

In Memory of my beloved Clay Kitty, Athena

One of my cats, Athena, has no been missing for just about 2 weeks.  Anyone who knows me, also knows I have a huge place in my heart for my cats.  I am sure that she will not be coming back, as I think she was taken by a fox.  She is the second cat on the street to have gone missing this summer and multiple neighbors have seen a fox about, due to the nearby chicken coop.

I needed a place to show how near and dear to my heart she was and will always be.  She indeed was the best clay kitty ever.  You'll know what I mean as you see the pictures!  She loved clay and could always be found sleeping on my clay tables.  I will miss her...

Update on Craft Fairs

Here it is.  I have sent in for all these and should be confirmed shortly for all. 

Upcoming Shows

Sat. October 15, 2011 (rain date Oc. 22nd)  - 11am to 6pm (Crafters set up after parade, so stick around!)

Saco Spirit Pumpkin Harvest Festival

Main Street, Saco, ME 

Sat. Oct. 22nd - 9am to 3pm

Kennebunk Harvest Fest

Main Street Lot between Sunoco & Kennebunk Inn

Sat. Oct. 29th - 9am to 3pm

17th Annual Harvest Craft Fair

Somersworth High School, Somersworth, NH 

Sun. Oct. 30th - 9am to 3pm

Thornton Hockey Boosters Harvest Fair

Thornton Academy, Saco, ME

Sat. Nov. 5th - 9am to 2pm

York County Retired Teachers Craft Fair

Kennebunk High School, Kennebunk, ME

Sat Nov. 12 - 10 am to 4pm

& Sun Nov. 13 - 10 am to 3pm

USM Gorham Arts & Crafts Fair

Costello Sports Complex - Gym

Sat. Nov. 25th - 9am to 4pm

& Sun. Nov. 26th - 9am to 3pm

Christmas in the Country

Bonney Eagle High School

Standish, ME

Upcoming Craft Fairs

This one is definite

Mildred L. Day School Craft Fair

Arundel, Me

9am to 3pm

Sent application in to the Following/Waiting for Confirmation, but I should be in them!

Saco Spirit Pumpkin Harvest Festival

Main Street

Sat. October 15, 2011 (rain date Oc. 22nd)

Kennebunk Harvest Fest

Main Street Lot between Sunoco & Kennebunk Inn

Sat. Oct. 22nd 9am to 3pm

USM Gorham Arts & Crafts Fair

Costello Sports Complex - Gym

Sat Nov. 12  10 am to 4pm

& Sun Nov. 13 10 am to 3pm

Still Looking into or waiting for funds to apply to them

October 29 - Thornton Hockey Boosters Harvest Fair Thornton Academy, Saco, ME  

November 5 - York County Retired Teachers Craft Fair Kennebunk High School  from 9am to 2pm

November 19 - Many options, I have not decided yet

November 25  9am to 4pm   &  Nov. 26 - Christmas in the Country   Bonney Eagle    9am to 3pm

 December 3 - Cape Porpus, ME