Major Site Revamps

If you've been following me on Twitter and Facebook you've definitely heard me flutter about concerning my store and all the changes I've been going through.

If not, or perchance you just caught the edge of the conversation here's the skinny...

• I did a complete re-launch of my business, to include a new logo and name change...

• I've been collaborating the entire time with Business Coach for Creatives Laura C. George who has been rocking my world and lighting that creative fire to get me out of procrastination mode
• In working with her I've re-hashed my pricing, adopting "Resonate Pricing" and letting go of some of the hang ups artists can have about placing monetary value on their work
• I've worked to simplify the layout and design of my store front
• And finally I've made tons of changes along the same lines of my website to include purchasing the domain...

So it's been a lot and there's even more to come!  I re-pricing and checking back through project sheets (yes I'm the meticulous type who records everything) I found at least a dozen pieces in that need to be listed.  And while I've gotten a major monkey off my back about getting some of these things done, it's paved the way for bigger & better things!

So Happy Crafting till Next we Meet!

Aradia

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Aradia's Hand

Looming Ahead...

Okay, so I couldn't resist the urge to try out a clever title, whether it worked or not is another matter...

So call me a knitting snob (although I don't believe I'm that far gone as I know some who are much more, shall we say "particular" than I) but I never really thought I'd get into looming.  To be perfectly honest, I felt it was in a way "cheating".  Okay now for those who want to argue that the loom is a tool, just as a crochet hook or a set of knitting needles - yes you are right there.  But then again with the mechanics of knitting being what they are, using a loom is the "easy way out".  I prefer to do things "the old fashioned way" when possible, and while intrigued by the notion I didn't fancy it as any more than an idle curiosity.  Of course I am in love with all fiber arts, so you knew I was going to try it...

*blush* I think I like it.  Not really omgs like it, but definitely enough to keep it up.  Afterall, dropping your loom isn't nearly as traumatizing to your work as dropping a needle can be.  And it seems infinitely less likely you would drop a stitch.

So thus far I've completed a sock puppet which I will not assail your eyes with...it was my first and I fudged it's little nose royally.

And yes, notice the baby hand where my son insisted not once but twice to be in the picture, lil rascal...

Then I managed this concoction, which only took me 3+ months to make because I kept procrastinating it for work projects and idle laziness:

Sky Blue Loom Knit Scarf

Now tonight I've gone and started another loom project and I find the craft useful for when I want to be productive but thinking is "too hard", such as now after I've finished with some major store revamps.  While there isn't much to see yet (I've only got a few rows finished) I thought to shoot to share anyways :D

I'm calling it (tentatively) "Early Americana"

given the colorway reminds me of all that rustic, folksy Americana art

I should have a few more progress pictures as I move along and you can always find my plethora of work on Ravelry!

Happy Looming!

Aradia

of

Aradia's Hand

September Pattern/Tutorial - Loom Knit Messenger Bag by Melli's Mish Mash

This month's pattern was submitted by Melli's Mish Mash and originally posted here.

Materials:

Loom hook
Plastic looming needle
Yellow long loom (if using knifty knitter brand looms, if not, use the second largest loom in the series)
Yarn
Spool Loom for strap

This bag was made entirely out of looms, except for the loop part to close the bag. That is a simple crochet chain.

You start with the body of the bag. Depending on how wide you want your bag, is the Long Loom you will use. I used the yellow Long Loom, Knifty Knitter series. This is the second smallest loom in the series. I used two skeins of Simply Soft by Caron and doubled knitted them. The colors were Ocean and Blue Mint. You can use a single yarn, or do both. I liked the texture of the two yarns together and how it was bulkier. This is how it will look to begin:

To begin, you will cast on with the double-knit stitch, or the basic scarf stitch. At first the bag will look like a long scarf. You will continue to make the “scarf” until it is the desired length of the bag body. Continue working on the body until you have enough to create a flap that will close the top of the messenger bag. This is my halfway point:

When you reach the desired length, cast off using the crochet hook. Now you will take your knitting needle that is provided with your looming kit. String some of the yarn you used on your bag and begin sewing the sides of the bag to create the bag part. Do not stitch the sides all the way up, leave enough for a flap to fold over.

Once both sides are sewn, this is the time to add the bead or button for your closure. I used a 20mm wooden bead, and using the needle, sewed it onto the body of the bag. For the loop closure, I crocheted a simple chain, and attached it to the bag where it would loop over the bead.

For the strap I used the Spool Loom (Knifty Knitter brand). I also double knitted these and followed the directions as per a simple Icord. Leave enough yarn on both sides of the strap to attach it to the bag. You can tie it on with the extra yarn at the ends of the straps that you left.

And there you have it! A simple messenger bag, made completely from looms! Good luck, and please share your completed projects!

Here are more finished pictures:

Stepping On Toes...

Statue of the Charites; Maymont Park, Richmond, Va 6/3/10

I was reading a wonderfully insightful post by the fantastically creative yet succinct Laura C. George today.  It reminded me of some thoughts I've been having as of late as I focus on the store's re-launch, re-branding and just general overhaul as well as the personal interactions I have with others in the creative sector.

Now love my creatives as I do, I'm just as hot-headed and opinionated as the next person.  Perhaps a little too much at times.  And while I can admit this it doesn't necessarily go a long way in halting my reactivity from occurring *soft chuckle*.

What gets me into trouble?  I like to help, and sometimes it comes off as a "little pushy" (now I'm sure someone out there may call that an understatement but, eh).  From my point of view I'd love to see every other artist and crafter out there be wildly successful.  On the other hand, being a very sensitive type it pains me to see someone struggling so needlessly in their creative business over things that I see as "so simple" (eg.  photography, poor descriptions, or inexperience in marketing oneself).  Just as much as not though I get the feeling that my solicitous-ness is taken more along the lines as biting criticism of "how they do things" rather than an attempt to help.

Deal with this yourself?  My advice, follow Laura's advice and take a step back, and repeat my personal mantra:  "It's not about you, it's not about me.  I release all anger and frustration."

And remember, an ounce of kindness is worth a pound of criticism sometimes.  Everything in its place and time!

September Update!

Happy Kalends of September everyone!  The business re-vamp launch so far has gone a little shakily with hiccups here and there, but overall is going well.  I did some major re-branding which still has a few things within it to work out, namely a new profile picture because I want to keep my image up to date.  I have some additional plans to meet with my photographer for some in progress shoots to illustrate my handiwork with photos that I just cannot take myself.

I've renamed the business officially, something that better resonates with my message and offers a bit more clarity as well.  This includes changing my tag line as well.

Although several edits are planned after this, most of them are merely "fine tuning" (eg. a slight change in the color palette).

I've continued to add some of my "hidden stock" to the store fronts on Storenvy & my new official site, even making a few new products.  The new watermark is in effect and I've been making use of it as I do some re-shoots of products for better display and to fit my new branding.

With the new branding there are several updates to my web presences:

Aradia's Hand

Shop Aradia's Hand on Storenvy

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter

Connect with me on Google+

Follow Aradia's Hand on Goolge+

Read my blog

Follow me on Pinterest

Follow me on Tumblr

Follow me on Flickr

Have summed up my working relationship with Laura Roeder and her crew I started some work with Laura C. George who has been a wonderful catalyst for many of the changes that have been undertaken through August.

What I've got planned for this month...

• I'm doing a mass overhaul on my pricing system.  It's going to be a more intuitively based pricing, with some considerations in mind for the "bottom line" that I believe will suit me better.  Instead of the onesies & twosies I've been able to re-price this will be EVERYthing.  Some things will go up, others down, and I'm sure some things will stay around the same - so if you want to get something on the current pricing get it now!
• After pricing will be an updating of some copy, I have to admit being less than pleased with some of it but that will soon be all in the past : ).
• My website will be undergoing some additional changes to simplify the buying process, which will be coupled with some changes in my shipping policies (there will be no shipping outside of the US on my official site, although it will still be available on Storenvy.)
• A continuation of some general and behind-the-scenes revamps in my business processes.

And for our special blog followers our Mabon/Autumn Equinox coupon - this is valid 9/11 through 9/18, allowing an order to be placed, received, and shipped to arrive by the sabbat!  Use "M4B0N" at checkout at StorEnvy, or Our Official Site* for 30% off anything in the store - Limit one use per buyer!

*Coupon will be applied to the most expensive item after order is complete and refund will be sent with the Paypal email you have used.

Happy Crafting,

Aradia

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Aradia's Hand

A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament.
Oscar Wilde