Crafty Chik @1craftychik - Tumblr Blog

Changing Focus & Moving On

Ok, I have tried several times to get a new post written out, and Tumblr keeps refreshing on me...which causes me to lose my entire post. The first time, I was almost done...the next few, about half done...not going to chance losing it yet AGAIN...so here’s a short and abbreviated version.

I’m going to be working on some new ideas and plans for me. I haven’t been focusing too much on the jewelry and such lately because of some of the hard times my family is going through right now. I’m still working on my cross stitch. That doesn’t mean much now, I know, but it will. In a sad turn of events, I lost the majority of my inventory, so I will have to restock myself once we come out of this bump. That is where the “changing focus” part comes in...but more on that later I guess because of this refreshing issue.

I am also going to start looking at moving my blog away from Tumblr. I have been finding myself wanting to “vent” more lately about life issues, and while this has been a great “practice” forum for me, I think I will want to try something else. Again, more on that later because of refreshing issues.

So, before I lose this again, I’m going to close this and see what I can work on for dinner. Until next time, do what makes you happy and keep crafting!

Cori

#changingfocus #movingon #newprojects #hardtimes #refreshing #lifeisgood

Life as we know it.....

Well...unfortunately, “life” has crept into myworld as usually. I am plugging away with things as best I can, but life has thrown my family some nasty curve balls the past few months. And, with that, comes the heartache of moving on as best we can.

I feel, in part, that our recent struggles are my fault in not planning ahead and getting prepared for a sudden downfall. We’ve always been able to bounce back quickly and overcome whatever obstacle is before us, just this current obstacle seems more oppressive than others have. And I feel more sadden by the fact that I DIDN’T prepare better for my family.

We are doing what we can in the meantime, and knowing that things will get better.

I am still creating in order to help with my stress, but more focused on my current cross stitch projects than creating new jewelry pieces. I have told myself that when things get better, I am going to make a more concerted effort to get my items sold and open up new opportunities for me.

I was invited to come meet with a Girl Scout Troupe next week to teach them how to make jewelry. I know that my pieces are not what you would call grandiose, but I am honored at the opportunity. I was a Girl Scout for two years in my youth, and we are thinking of putting our daughter into the program as well. I could not have agreed to help faster than what I did!

Until next time, please continue to express yourself in whatever artful fashion that speaks to your soul. Some it is through music, some through poetry, and yet others through paint.

Cori/Crafty Chik

Still plugging away

This is what, only the 2nd week of the new year? I feel in some ways that I’ve already fallen behind on things I wanted to get done, but yet I feel like I’m ahead of the game in some ways too.

I have been working on trying to get my planner video done. I’ve done a few shots and I’m trying to get them edited down and/or redone. I knew this was a LONG process and now I understand the dedication and commitment it takes some of these “hardcore” YouTube people to post multiple times a week.

Yes, I understand that they probably have multiple shoots within a day or week period to edit and voice over, so they’re not actually doing so many a week, but even still. I never full understood, I guess, what all goes into those videos.

But, have no fear, I am working on things! My planner is being used to - hopefully - it’s fullest potential to help me be better organized and more OCD than I already think I am. :)

I will catch up with you next time...keep an eye out on my shops as I will be adding and/or changing things and (keeping fingers crossed) have a YouTube video soon.

Happy Creating!

Cori

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year to all of my family, friends and followers!

I know I’m not the greatest when it comes to blogging something on here every day or even as often as I know I should. I guess I’ve been going through a bad “phase” this past year where that is concerned.

I try not to make resolutions because resolutions, while appropriate in trying to change personal habits, seem to me at least, harder to keep. Rather, I try to make more small and manageable goals and then strive to complete those. Plus, by setting smaller goals throughout the year, it makes it seem like you’ve accomplished more over the entire year.

I’ve created a new planner for myself to use, and because of things that I’ve got going in my personal life, I am using it more. I think this may be the first YouTube video I may try creating before I get too much personal information added to it. I’m compiling a list of all my measurements and where I got my inspirations and such in order to to make sure I have everything ready. There are a few things I need to create myself as well. My kids go back to school next week, so right now my plan is to try and tape it and then upload it shortly after.

I haven’t added anything new to either of my online shops as of yet either. I know I’ve said a few times I need to do that, but unfortunately, I never did. That is something that I need to change and work on as well. Again, more goals to work on and fix. I got so involved in working on family things for birthdays and holidays that I lost focus on everything else but. Another goal I need to work on, bettering my time management skills. Maybe another page for the planner?

Well, I think that I’ve rambled on long enough here for now. I’m going to see what trouble I can get into with my kids and hopefully can get more of the house cleaned up. With the nicer weather we’ve been having, we started spring cleaning a bit early.

As always, take care of yourselves and remember to do something for YOU every day. It may not seem important, but it is. Even if it’s just 5 or 10 minutes alone in a quiet corner to meditate or just veg.

Happy New Year and Keep Crafting!

Cori

A little bit of everything....

Well, it has been a while since I last posted anything here, but that is sometimes how life goes.

To start with, life has recently thrown us some curve balls, so some projects and plans have been temporarily put on hold. But that is ok. Just means I have longer to plan them and get ready for them.

Turns out, we recently received a call and my daughter got into one of the elementary school’s Pre-K classes. Which means now that all of my kids are in school, I now have time to concentrate on doing things I want to do. Whether that is my crafting, cleaning the house (which, let’s face it, is a CONSTANT with kids) or maybe even finding a part time job. She is so excited and happy to be in school like her brothers. I just hope her joy and enthusiasm never falter when it comes to school.

I am still in the process of putting things up in my Etsy store. I’m trying to look at things and make smart decisions based on what I have and the direction I’m trying to go with it all. One small step at a time and with everything else going on, while some decisions can be placed on the back burner so to speak, I also know that I need to get my focus and direction going too.

On another side of things, I have been doing a lot with my cross stitch lately. I’ve been working on some smaller projects more than my bigger ones. Which is a good thing, as well as a bad. Good in that I feel like I’m accomplishing more, but bad in the sense I’m not getting the bigger projects done. And even then, some of my smaller projects are not quite finished because I need to get additional supplies.

One of many Tinkerbell’s I’m working on as a gift for my sister in law.

Jack Skellington #1 I did for my eldest.

Jack Skellington #2 for my eldest. I’m currently working on #3 and #4 like these 2 that he’ll probably get for Christmas if I can finish them. Along with a 5th Jack that is different. Did I mention he wants me to make something for his girlfriend for Christmas? I think I’m going to be busier! :)

January theme birthday sampler. I have all 12 of these different cakes that I’m going to do and then make a wall type calendar so we can put up birthdays and anniversaries. Not sure how quite do do that as of yet as I have a few ideas, but as soon as I get these all finished and framed, then I can work it out. And, I need to get the beads, the right aida cloth and some other colors of embroidery floss I didn’t have on hand in order to finish some of these.

February’s cake. I had to add an extra candy heart on this one because one of my kids put a marker mark on it that I couldn’t get out. So, I covered it up the best I could.

Then I jumped to August because I had the materials to mostly complete it on hand.

But, at any rate, onto the rest of my day and to see what kind of trouble I can get into. I hope you all have a great day and happy creating! And don’t forget to check out my stores on Etsy and Storenvy.

Thanks,

Cori

www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyChiksCreations or www.craftychik.storenvy.com

Crafty Chik turned 2!

Wow! Two years on Tumblr already...which means I’ve been trying to turn this vision and dream into something more for the same time. I know I don’t always post a lot of things on here...or do it on a regular basis...but I am trying. I’ve recently been making changes to my stuff and trying new things. Not to mention, coming up with some new ideas for things to try adding to my evolving lines.

One change that I have made is the addition of an Etsy store (under Crafty Chiks Creations). I know, I know...why another front? Well, I’m trying to broaden my horizons if you will and try to get my things out on a wider market. And while Storenvy is growing in popularity, I decided that I wanted to hit a broader market. Within the month of October, I also want to try and have some things up on eBay as well, under the Crafty Chik name.

Well, onto my work hours. Going to see what I can get done while I can and see how the rest of the day goes.

Thanks to all who have supported me in this crazy dream of mine. Please make sure you go check me out and know that the Etsy store is a work in progress! :)

Until next time,

Cori

www.craftychik.storenvy.com

#tumblr birthday #tumblr milestone

Life Continues

As I’ve noted before, I tend to use this as an outlet to give updates not only on my crafting journeys, but also for my life and personal journeys too. I’ve had many highs and lows in both, but have managed to keep going. I love my life and wouldn’t change a thing about it. My kids are happy and healthy and my husband and I are almost like we’re those two high school lovers we were 20 years ago. I also believe in sharing my life with you all so that you know I’m just as “human” as others and that I am able to share my struggles and my joys.

Right now my crafting “business” is nothing more than a place for me to try and sell some of my creations, which I am okay with. I’m considering trying other option for not only selling, but trying to get my brand out in the market for more to see. I have been slow in creating a lot of new things because I’d love to see some of my other stuff sell first, but at the same time, I have a lot of ideas floating through my head on things to do and/or make.

There is a lot going on right now in my personal life right now, too. My husband and I never had a “real” wedding, so we’re planning one for early next year. We’ve been married for a while, first as common law and then officially, for a while, but we wanted to be able to share our joy with our family and friends. And yes, if you know me, you know that I’m going to be DIY’ing as much as I possible can....including my dress.

My kids are about to go back into school within a month, so my time here should be able to increase. I have one going into high school, one going into 1st grade, a kindergartener and hopefully a pre-k’er as well. Pre-k here in our area is mainly based on a lottery system, so unless we’re lucky enough to get a lottery pull, or find a private pre-k with space, I may have 1 home with me, but that is okay too. I love all my kids and can’t wait to see them grow and learn as the next school year starts.

I will keep you posted on things as they progress and how my life continues, both personally and crafting.

Until then, happy crafting and don’t forget to check out what I’ve got in my shop at craftychik.storenvy.com

Cori aka Crafty Chik

Update on Cross Stitch WIP

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve done an update on my current cross stitch works in progress. Yes, I said works, lol. I have taken time to get a couple of other “little” projects done amongst my bigger ones, but even one of those is now a “work in progress” because I don’t know exactly what I want to do next.

That project is creating a wedding sampler for my husband and I. I did a “no no” in that I created an outline of the shape I wanted it to be in first, rather than coming up with the entire design first. But, then I tell myself, I WANT that to be the focal shape, so outlining it was not a “no no” at all. I haven’t taken pictures of it yet, but will eventually....maybe.

My giraffe project I did finish, however, I needed to get it into a box that was going to my mom, so I neglected to get a final picture of it. However, I did a Google search and found a picture of the one I did, so I have included that so you can see.

My angel cross stitch project is coming along nicely. I took some time and actually filled in some of the smaller areas and “forced” myself to do some of the fill in work. I usually wait until I have a lot of areas that need the same color, especially if it’s only like 1 or 2 stitches here and there. Or, like in the case of this project, where I have the metallic threads as well. But I was at a point where I wanted to see more area filled in and less “open” spots, so I made myself work on that stuff. As you can see, I have left some threads “dangling” as I move around the piece. I still have a LOOOONG way to go because of the overall size of the finished piece, but overall, it’s coming along.

My wolf family project is also progressing nicely. I don’t think I’ve done as much on it as I think/feel I have, but it is coming along. From my last update, it will probably seem like I’ve come A LONG way though. Again, I’m forcing myself to go back and start filing in smaller areas and get more of it done. I may start doing some of the minor detail work as well as I finish areas and move on. It’s all in how I feel that day when I work on it I guess. I know I have one wolf completely done and the mom is not quite half done.

I’ve added a new project to the mix, which is my daughter’s birth announcement. I’ve done one for each of my kids, and admittedly, I fell WAY behind on my two younger kids because I had a hard time finding samplers that I like and that I thought represented them. My oldest 2 kids were easy, mainly because theirs matched the theme of the nursery/crib bedding we bought. One was Baby Looney Tunes and the other was sports themed. My youngest, however, I had a hard time. Well, for my daughter is was mainly finding the “right” one for her because I knew I wanted something princessy (if that is even a word?? lol). Ultimately, I found what wanted for them. I’m not sure if I’m going to include pictures of her’s yet or not though. I have taken a couple to highlight the progress, but not sure if I’m going to include them here.

Last but not least is my Blackwork Memorial piece. That I have done some work on, and while the updated picture will show that I’ve worked on it quite a bit, it’s taken me hours to get where I am. Each square can take a minimum of 2 hours to work on, depending on the intricacies of the pattern. I have started to go back through and start adding the metallic/light effect thread to the areas. And while I’ve changed my mind slightly on how I’m going to handle the threads, I’ve decided overall to run with what I’ve already got going and I’m not taking out what I’ve already done to change things up to match. I figure this one is for me anyway and I’m the only one who will truly know what the “problems” are. I know I’m a glutton for punishment because I’m still considering making another one for my mom. At any rate, I’m still a LONG way off on this one too, but I know I’m getting there, albeit slowly.

I think I’m going to wrap this one up for now, and I shall catch you on the other side of things. Please let me know if any of you would like more “in depth” looks at any of these projects that I’m working on. I’ve been taking more pictures that what I’m posing here...with the thought that I’m going to piece them all together maybe into a YouTube video or something.

Until next time, happy crafting and remember to go check out my store for some of the other great creations that I’ve made.

Cori, aka Crafty Chik

#crossstitch #blackwork #workinprogress

Life Updated

Wow...I guess I fell off the band wagon pretty hard when it came to keeping this jewel updated. As much as “life got in the way”, I have to admit that art of it was due to my own laziness. There are some days where I only feel like laying on the couch and reading/playing lazy. And, I’ve come across other little “projects” that need to be dealt with rather than working on the stuff that I need to be working on.

My kids are out of school, so I’m going to try and keep to a similar schedule that I’m already used to so that I can use the quiet of the mornings to get things done. So far, even if I fall back asleep, I wake up with plenty of morning to go, but my kids are up not too long after me, so there goes my quiet productive time in order to record videos, etc. But, I have not given up! (It’s hard to deny that sleeping in just sounds good some days!)

I’ve been trying to sell some of my creations in other markets other than my Storenvy shop. Hoping to get some of my older inventory cleared out so I can make room for some of the new stuff that I have created and is waiting to be photographed, edited and uploaded. Who knows, maybe you’ll see sneak peaks on my Twitter feed....

Not much else to report right now. Shall keep this one short for now and make plans to do a Cross Stitch WIP update in the next day or two. Have made a little progress here and there on a couple of the projects. And have finalized some of the details I was trying to work out in my head as far as my Blackwork Memorial piece, so that (once I start working on it again) should start progressing a bit faster.

Until next time, happy crafting and don’t forget to check out my store.

Cori aka Crafty Chik

www.craftychik.storenvy.com

I made key chains out of the charms from my friend's wedding favors. Hope she likea the additional reminder of her special day! #reused #wedding #favors

#favors #reused #wedding

Weekend Sales Event

This event starts tomorrow February 13th!!!

Please go check out all the awesome merchants that Storenvy carries. There are all kinds of products to go with any style or personality. There are even some great options if you're just looking for that "gag" gift for someone. So, please go shopping and see what new things you can discover!

Thanks,

Cori

craftychik.storenvy.com

#sale #holidaysale #valentine

I'm not sure where to go with certain things, so I guess I'll just put it all down and go from there.

While I know I put this blog under my hopeful business name, I know that I end up blogging more about what is going on in my personal life than my "work" one. I guess I see this as a way to just get things off my chest, if you will. Some days I'm more Crafty Chik and other days I'm more "me". That housewife/mom who just seems to go through the monotony of the day. (You know, daily chores, kids, cooking, etc.) While in some ways, I wish my life was more exciting or "news worthy", I am also glad to have the life that I do.

I have been on a path of discovery, I guess, lately in that I'm trying to find my way through the "darkness" of trying to get not only myself, but my home/work lives more organized so that I can feel like I've actually accomplished something at the end of the day. I'm considering doing a YouTube video here shortly to further chronicle part of that journey. I was going to start taping this morning, but decided that I wanted to get a few things in order first and get more of an outline of what I want to put into this video first. I know me, I'll end up rambling some anyway, but at least this way I can have a clearer idea in place before I start.

And I want to compile some things together because I'm going to start doing some DIY type videos for Crafty Chik. Stuff that will hopefully bring more viewers to my storefront, and possible relate that into more sales. I love my hobbies, but I'd also like to see some more come out of it than just a bunch of pictures on a store front website. That kinda goes along with this crazy idea of a dream I have to work for myself!

So, onto my other endeavors for the day, including checking things off of my To Do List that I created for myself for today. This marks another thing done, so I'm off to a good start so far. I am ever so optimistic and hopeful. And, I know a lot of it is my mindset too. If I can change that enough, then who knows...maybe I can rule the world someday!! Hahaha!! (Ok, so at least better rule my life and my household! Give me at least some credit! LOL)

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Cori

craftychik.storenvy.com

Cross Stitch WIP Update

Well, it's been since late November/early December that I did my last cross stitch WIP update, so I thought I'd derail from my usual diatribe and do one of these. Once I get a project completely finished, I plan on compiling all of the pictures from that project into a YouTube video/slide show and posting it there. It may not get any views, but hey, it's a start, right? So here goes!

My Giraffe project, again, has no "in progress" pictures because I was half way done with it when I decided to start documenting my progress. However, that being said, I will make sure to post a picture to one (or various) social media sites so that you can see what it looks like. I know (and can see) that I'm almost done with it, so I've been on a creative "push" if you will to get it done. Getting frustrated too because of some of the early mistakes that I made in my counting! I'm glad I've developed a better system now for keeping track of my work and progress better. Didn't have this system when I started it!

My Christmas Angel project is also coming along. I've made some big jumps in progress with it when I see the "timeline" of photos, but it's also very time consuming at times because of the amount of little areas that only have 1 stitch of so of any given color. I usually try to wait until I have 2 or 3 areas that need that particular color before I go back and fill them in so I don't have all kinds of threads and such hanging around. This picture is from 1/17/15 and unfortunately shows the "dirt" ring from when I moved the hoop. :( I will have to carefully clean that before I go too much farther!

My Wolf project looks like I made HUGE strides in. Partially because there have been times when I was literally on a roll and got a lot done. And the other part is, like I mentioned in the other WIP update post, I did a lot in white, so once I got the darker colors on around those white areas, it looks like I made a big jump in my progress. I'm about 1/2-2/3 done with the bottom fourth of the whole sampler, so going good. This pictures is as of 1/18/15.

My Blackwork Memorial project has taken a little bit of a back seat admittedly. Not for lack of wanting to work on it, but I also know that it's a very detail oriented project, so if my kids are running around, or I know that I won't be able to focus like I'd like to, then I don't bring it out. I have done some work on it, but I haven't worked on any big/huge chunks of time with it. Toying with the idea of going back and finishing out my outlining. And considering doing one of these for my mom too, but on the 14 rather than the 18 like mine is on. This picture is from 12/10/14. so it's been a over a month! Guess it's time for me go get some work done on this one again!

At any rate, onto my other endeavors for the day! Hope you all have a good one. Happy Crafting and until next time!

Cori

craftychik.storenvy.com

#crossstitch #blackwork #wolves #christmas angel #wip

50 posts! Already?!?!? Wow. Seems like not too long ago I was getting "celebrating" the 25 post milestone. I know I don't post as often as others, and maybe more than still others, but hey, I do what I can! Well, here's to the next 50 posts!

#50 posts #tumblr milestone

Technology....

Well, I haven't been doing much for the past week - give or take - because our internet/cable crashed....kaput...not working. Well, the cable in my bedroom upstairs was working just fine...it was the cable and internet from the hookup downstairs that took a nose dive. Needless to say, as much as I hate to admit that I'm an internet/computer junkie....i know that I am. I felt lost and adrift for that time we were down. Yes, there are places in town that have free WiFi, but not always convenient when you're trying to balance kids, home, school schedules and other general "life" issues.

So, needless to say, I got some cleaning done, some more organizing done and a few other odds and ends. I got a new organizer too this weekend, so I was able to consolidate a lot of my beading materials into 1 case rather than multiple. Really it's a big fishing tackle box, but it works beautifully for what I need. And it's easier to tote 1 case to/from future shows rather than the 3 I had before. Think of it as streamlining.

I also got my personal organizer done and finished, so will probably be doing a blog to highlight that. Nothing fancy, but it's working for me. I'm trying to get things done and organized around here better. Get rid of clutter that I don't need/use, etc. Will probably start selling some of my extra supplies that I don't use or need anymore. All kinds of fun stuff, you know.

Onto my next adventure of the day. I have some spreadsheets that need updating and then I can work on getting some more odds and ends done. Like adjusting sale prices on my store, getting some new things up. I've been telling myself that I need to make a more conscious and hard effort to get new things up, put things on sale, move things over to Ebay, etc. Will see what I can do to get things accomplished. I'm setting a goal and darn it, I want to meet it!!!

But until next time, happy crafting!

Cori

craftychik.storenvy.com

Happy New Year!!! And other random stuff......

A little belated, but Happy New Year to all of my followers!

I admit that I have been down and out the past week or so unfortunately. After Christmas, one of my nephews was here for a week and we enjoyed his company immensely. In fact, my little ones were sad to see him go home. I also came down with a monsterous sinus cold that is still hanging on for some reason. Taken all the necessary medications, but it's lingering. Afraid me and the little kids may be passing it around a little. Yesterday was by far the worst, so hoping that it means things will be getting better on that front. Don't they usually say things get worse before they get better? Hoping the same goes for this darn cold....I am breathing better today, so keeping my fingers crossed.

With this cold and my nephew over, I was off as far as updating my store site and such. I did check in on it, but I wasn't doing anything "actively" on it. I was, however, taking time to work on a few new things that I will be taking pictures of and adding shortly. Also contemplating adding a few other lines and such to my store, try branching out a little. But also looking at ways I can continue the climb with my store. May mean making a few "sacrifice" purchases and testing the waters out so to speak. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

I love my hobbies, but also know that while I'm trying to turn them into something more, I also have to make sure not to lose sight of what is most important to me, that being my family. And while I love sharing my creations with all of you, I also have some creating to do just for me and my family. Case in point, I have many years worth of scrapbooking to catch up on!!! And my honey and I have got some plans in the work that will require a lot of my DIY attention as well. More to come on that as things go along, but not quite ready to say as of yet!

But needless to say, I have plenty of ideas on how to make things better, and I am hoping to implement some of them soon. The school aged kids go back soon, so hoping that once they do, I can start focusing more on what I need to get done in a lot of different areas. As bad as that sounds, it's the truth. With them being out of school still, I don't need to get up for the school bus run in the morning, so I have been playing lazy and going back to sleep after the hubs goes to work. But then again, with me being sick, I need the extra rest, right? Lol.

At any rate, off to my next adventure of the morning. I hear my kiddos playing upstairs, so know that they will be venturing down soon wanting food. Can't say that I blame them, I'm a little hungry myself!

Until next time, happy crafty and creating!

Cori

craftychik.storenvy.com

#new year #family

Merry Christmas

Admittedly, I've been off for a while between Christmas preparations and everyone in our family getting sick.

However, even with the festivities of the day surrounding me, and preparing the sauce for my lasagna dinner, I wanted to take a moment and wish all of you a very special Merry Christmas. May you all have a special one celebrating with family and friends that you hold dear to your heart. I hope you have a peaceful day and may the new year be filled with many new and wonderful surprises.

I hope to be doing some new things and specials in the coming year for my store as well. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for future products and/or promotions, please let me know! I am not against any suggestions at all. If it's within my scope of expertise or realm of possibility, you never know what can happen...may even mean free or highly discounted things for the suggestion!!! Just to dangle a carrot or two! :D

Until next time, Merry Christmas and happy crafting!

Cori aka Crafty Chik

craftychik.storenvy.com

#merry christmas

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