Change

Another grey, murky day in Maine.  The weather forecast is predicting a change and the sooner the better as far as I am concerned!  My gardens are suffering, slugs, mildew, and blight.  I am looking forward to fall!  The first signs are starting to appear.  Asters are in bloom and the wild apple trees are loaded.  This little tree's apples are pretty good.  Looks like I'll get some applesauce this year!

 

A bit of natural spookiness too!  Dreaming of halloween! 

My Etsy life in a bit of an uproar.  I am in the process of emptying my 2 rooms so we can continue the cork flooring project.  It is quite a project!  It is always amazing during a move all the discoveries one makes.  Definitely using the process as an opportunity to purge physically and metaphorically.  I plan to make some changes in the coming year.  I have been photographing tons of vintage items so I can keep listing during the construction time.  I will be setting up my sewing machine so I can sew but something tells me between harvest & floor laying I won't get too much done.  I have set up my office in the living room.  I hope to stay in touch and share some to the floor work.  Here are some photos of some new vintage finds as well as the moving in progress!

I am keeping the photo station up until the last minute!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/240655421/vintage-red-pitcher-tumbler-set

https://www.etsy.com/listing/243246502/vintage-bandana-scarf-backgammon-fabric

https://www.etsy.com/listing/244311599/great-dane-tractor-trailer-emblem

The sewing room is next!

Runa loves the new cork flooring!  Well maybe not, she is just a love!

Living Room Office

~~~~~~~~~~~My Lively Life~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I Spin Yarns, Weave Dreams, & Sew to Mend the Soul

Fiber Art, Weaving, Hand Spun

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoyemporium

Hand Made Eco-Friendly Home Decor, & Toys

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyEcoCutie 

Vintage Collectibles, Buttons, Clothing & MORE! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoytreasures

Beach Finds & Copper Wire Ornaments

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyGatherings

My Blog~~Makings, Musings, & Lifestyle on the Land: 

http://injoyemporium.blogspot.com

http://www.pinterest.com/injoyemporium

www.facebook.com/injoyemporium

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"Be Joyful because it is humanly possible"~~~Wendell Berry

It is PC to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!

Today was another great day to enjoy the sunshine through the window!  Below ZERO again!!  Did my chores and spent the rest of the day working on my NEW computer... and getting used to it...

I have been using PCs since that late 1980's... pre Mouse!  I had no experience with Apple until I got an Ipad in 2011.  When Windows 8 became my PC choice for upgrading from my 2007 HP Vista I decide if I have to learn something new it might as well be a Mac.  It is a bit like teaching an old dog new tricks.  For instance, to go to the end of a sentence I keep hitting the "end" key "ending" up at the bottom of the page and making a sort of expletive sound... instead of doing Command - >.   I have this great book By David Pogue and I have Apple Care on speed dial to help me but, it is my nature to try and figure things out on my own first.  This all takes time.  So I am behind in my self appointed goals...like blogging more frequently.

I wouldn't say I am super computery.  I probably could be if I had more interested in becoming so.  I am more inclined to sew or weave or spin or walk or read... you get the picture.  But the life of an Etsian requires a good amount of time computing.  So I have made a few improvements to my office.  Besides the Mac Mini I got my self a stool for my standing desk so I can sit sometimes....especially while I am reading the manual!  I do like my new computer and I am sure it is good for my brain to be learning the differences.  I think it was a pretty good value.  I am still using my HP VGA monitor which saved me a few bucks.  I traded in the magic mouse for a regular Logitech optical mouse.  I found the magic mouse a bit harder to click and sometime some of its features needed to turned off so I wouldn't go nuts slip sliding through pages!

Also, I was gifted a new Etsy office mascot... this big beautiful Monroe Salt Works Pottery Raven.  If you follow my blog you know I have a special place in my heart for these fine feathered friends!  I give her a pat on the head as I enter and leave this room!  She is starting to show up in some of my listing photos...

Valentine Heart ~ Raven NOT included!

I have been getting used to importing photos and editing them on the Mac and have recently added some fun things to my Vintage Shop ~ InJoyTreasures

Like this Goofy Frog 

Time to get ready for Chinese New Year with this nice Lantern

Or how about a Doll Bench ~ Raven NOT included

Wish me luck and patience (I just did it again with the "end" key...glad you can't hear my swearing!).  I think Thursday I will take more time to sew!  Heading to the loom for awhile after this...Thanks for stopping by!

~~~~~~~~~~~My Lively Life~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fiber Art, Weaving, Hand Spun

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoyemporium

Hand Made Eco and Upcycled Cutie Buntings, Clothes, & Toys

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyEcoCutie

Vintage Collectibles, Buttons, Clothing & MORE! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoytreasures

Sea Glass & Copper Wire Ornaments with things I have gathered

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyGatherings

My Blog~~Makings, Musings, &  Lifestyle on the Land:  

http://injoyemporium.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/injoyemporium

http://instagram.com/injoyemporium

http://www.pinterest.com/injoyemporium

"Be Joyful because it is humanly possible"~~~Wendell Berry

---- Shop News ---- Etsy MaineTeam Cash Mob

 

 Tomorrow is the BIG Day!

MECASHMOB25 is my Coupon Code

 

SAVE 25% in all 4 of My Shops on any $20.00+ Purchase

 

Lots of neat stuff thoughtout the WHOLE #maineteam

 

20,000 items tagged maineteam ~ Lots of Sales and Coupon Codes

https://www.facebook.com/events/489497217856382/?ref=4

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=maineteam

 

 Holiday Finds in My Shops!

 

Feel Free to SAVE 25%

 

InJoyEcoCutie

InJoyGatherings

 

InJoyEmporium

InJoyTreasures

 

 

 

Spinner of Yarns, Weaver of Dreams, & Sewing to Mend the Soul

~~My Lively Life~~~
~Fiber Art, Weaving, Hand Spun 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoyemporium
~Hand Made Eco and Upcycled Cutie Buntings, Clothes, & Toys 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyEcoCutie 
~Vintage Collectibles, Buttons, Clothing & MORE! 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoytreasures
~Sea Glass & Copper Wire Ornaments with things I have gathered
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyGatherings

My Blog~~Makings, Musings, & Lifestyle on the Land: 
http://injoyemporium.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/injoyemporium
http://instagram.com/injoyemporium
www.pinterest.com/injoyemporium

---Shop News--- Buzz Buzz Busy!

 Finally feels like winter around here!  A nice bit of snow and colder temps has gotten me into high gear when it comes to working on Etsy.  I am photographing and listing like crazy, a bit of making is mixed in as well.  I have created something like a schedule for my Self to keep things flowing and somewhat sane.  I usually put in three 10 to 12 hour days working on Etsy now that the gardening is REALLY done.  On those days I do not cook or clean.  Three days I do a mix of Our life work and fun chilling with the DH Once a week I try to get into town for a swim and a visit with some gal pals and do whatever errands need doing.  Everyday Runa & I get out for a walk.  This is probably the most essential aspect to keeping me grounded.

I know we haven't had Thanksgiving yet...but...if one is a maker of things the Holidays need to come early or one will miss the boat, so to speak.  My own house is still decorated for Thanksgiving and Fall and the mood is excitement around seeing our son when he comes home.  Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday...Halloween is #1!  Anyways, I ramble and make excuses for what you are about to see...Christmas!

Playing with a New idea which includes Wire and Wool! More HERE

Vintage "UGLY" Sweaters are all the Rage!  What every family gathering needs for a bit of Fun!

Vintage Holiday Goodies HERE

This is REALLY Goofy!

 

New Icicle Garland in the EcoCutie Shop!

Tendril can be found HERE & HERE 

Still Buy 3 get One Marble Tendril FREE

Selling Sea Glass even Now!

--- Shop News --- Chaos

 Autumn's Chaotic Splendor

 Things are winding down in the gardens so things are winding up in my Etsyland.  Yesterday, while scanning my FB feed I came upon an article that claimed the most creative folks are messy.  I prefer to call it chaos.   I will, openly, admit that my work spaces are chaotic to the neater minded.  This may date me but, my relationship with DH is like Felix and Oscar...can you guess who is who?  It has created a good balance for both of us.... as long as the house is neat and DH stays out of my office, sewing room, & attic.  I won't want my chaos everywhere but, I do find it comfortable in my messy work spaces.

I always wonder about those perfectly neat studios that are featured in magazines and on the web.  Are they for real?  Even if I spent a week tidying my spaces they would never look like those bastions of orderly creation.  Time is one of my arguments that is pro Chaos.  Should I spend time whipping things into shape or making?  I do occasionally clean things up... a bit ...when I am in the mood and usually late at night with music.

Another point in favor of chaos is Nature.  Everywhere I look in Nature there is chaos and messiness.  We humans, for some reason, feel compelled to put things into some sort of order.  I know there is orderly Nature like the bee's honeycomb but, have your really ever tried to get your ducks in a row...not going to happen!  More often than not, one will find chaos in Nature.  I am very much at home in/with nature.  My chaos feels like a kinship.

So how do you roll when it comes to creating? Are you neat as a pin or do you like to mess around?  

 Yesterday ~ My Chaos

Moose Puppets in progress... Coming soon AGAIN to InJoyEcoCutie

Chaos in my Office ~ Posting New Items to InJoyTreasures  EVERYDAY!

Nature sets a good example!  Chaos is beautiful!

Ok~ I planted these Sunflowers... go figure!?

And a poem about Chaos::::

Chaotic order

Repetition

Repetition, repetition, repetition
A dancing circle...
Round, around, round
Sun, rain
Sun, sun, Rain rain, Rain, sun.
Repetition
Life- Death, Death-Life
All as part of one.
Repetition...

by Paula Sullaj

~~~~~~~~~~~My Lively Life~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fiber Art, Weaving, Hand Spun

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoyemporium

Hand Made Eco and Upcycled Cutie Buntings, Clothes, & Toys

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyEcoCutie

Vintage Collectibles, Buttons, Clothing & MORE! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoytreasures

Sea Glass & Copper Wire Ornaments with things I have gathered

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyGatherings

My Blog~~Makings, Musings, &  Lifestyle on the Land:  

http://injoyemporium.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/injoyemporium

http://instagram.com/injoyemporium

http://www.pinterest.com/injoyemporium

"Be Joyful because it is humanly possible"~~~Wendell Berry

---Shop News--- Photography Lighting

Shop News!  Yes, I am still keeping 4 Etsy Shops going.  I am not just a grower of groceries.  Though, I have to admit I am way behind when it comes to my Etsy goals. I spent this afternoon roasting and freezing tomatoes.  I am down to my last bushel.  I plan to save a few for eating but I am giving the rest away.  There is still a pretty long list of garden chores...SEE what happens to me!  I get totally distracted by gardens that I forget that I have FOUR Etsy shops to keep going!

One of my major challenges is photography.  Like everything else I do I am pretty much self taught.  I would take a photography class at this point if I could find one that was handy.  I am always checking the Adult Ed at the local schools but no luck so far.  Guess what  I am trying to say is that I am no expert by any means.  I have this big pile of vintage items I want to get on my www.injoytreasures.etsy.com among other things ready for photography.

LIGHT! I am always chasing the light.  I am always thinking about light.  There are many pensive moment in the gardens when the LIGHT is perfect...but by the time I get to my camera it is too late.  I have spent a lot of time trying to edit photos or having to re shoot because the darn light wasn't right.  So finally, I decided to purchase some umbrella lights.  I had been putting it off because, my work space is rather small and I didn't really want to be tripping over them.  Well, they came on Monday and I have been playing with them every chance I get.

I bought these at Amazon and they are  pretty reasonable. I had no trouble putting them together with the very minimal  instructions.  They are pretty light weight and I don't think they would travel well.  I just hope they hold up to being bumped into and tripped over! I tried to find some tutorials online but nothing was really specific to my needs or it was over my head.  So I just decided to play with them.  Here are my first results:::

 These deer antlers were the first thing I tried.  I only had a little time before I had an appointment with a friend for a walk.  I am pretty happy with the results.  The light yesterday was pretty low and I would never have gotten a photo like this without the new lights.

These Napkin Rings are my usual past result.  

A lot of time editing & still an uneven background.

Now the next test...NIGHTTIME!  This is when I have time and energy for my computery  Etsy tasks.  Night photo shoots were totally out of the question in the past.  But it is a new day ....or night!  

I took all of these photos last NIGHT!  I am happy with them.  I spent less time fussing with the editing.  The photography went a lot quicker too.  I just might get caught up this winter!  At least lighting and gardening won't be my excuse!  Another benefit of these lights is that I think my reflexes will improve...I have already had some pretty good saves after little trip ups!   If anyone wants to share their photo tips with me please do!  

Garlands

Ghosts Finger Puppets

Jack-o-Lantern

Bats

~~~~~~~~~~~My Lively Life~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fiber Art, Weaving, Hand Spun

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoyemporium

Hand Made Eco and Upcycled Cutie Buntings, Clothes, & Toys

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyEcoCutie

Vintage Collectibles, Buttons, Clothing & MORE! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/injoytreasures

Sea Glass & Copper Wire Ornaments with things I have gathered

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InJoyGatherings

My Blog~~Makings, Musings, &  Lifestyle on the Land:  

http://injoyemporium.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/injoyemporium

http://instagram.com/injoyemporium

http://www.pinterest.com/injoyemporium

"Be Joyful because it is humanly possible"~~~Wendell Berry