Finally getting busy!

Hooray!!!!!

In magic news:

The freelance gigs are finally starting to pick up. I have 2 coming up this month, and 2 that still have to be confirmed. I have been stressing about the economy all summer...and I didn't know if the lack of work was because Summer is inherently slow or if the economy was taking its toll. So far, so good...

In Statue News:

I actually have a statue gig at Caesar's this weekend for a Canadian company. They seem really nice and I really hope that I live up to their expectations. It's going to be 3 days of hard work (yes, standing still is really hard work), but I think it will be worth it in the end.

In Knitting News:

Sales have finally started to pick up! In fact yesterday I sold not one but two doggie sweaters to the same woman. It's my first multiple order. Yay!

I also finished a custom order and listed it. I didn't charge a deposit (which I know I should have...I know...), so I really hope he buys it and that it wasn't just another waste of my time....I should know today.

Remember to tune in tomorrow to see what the submissions category will be for the "Friday's Favorites"!

Discount Tuesday!

It's been a while since I held a sale, so I figured I'm a little overdue. Today's sale is: buy this Upcycled Sparkle Blue Wrap and get a $5 rebate via paypal.

All you have to do is type in the buyers comments $5 rebate and by the end of the day (West coast time), you will get a refund via paypal. What could be easier than that?

Don't forget to tell your friends if there in the market for this elegant wrap.

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Now I'm off to fill in for my friend as living statue. Though it will be nice not to move all day, it would be better if I was doing it on the couch.

Sunday Funday Video of the Week!

We've seen a lot of animals doing cute stuff, we've seen alot of bloopers with people doing stupid stuff, but it occured to me that we haven't seen a lot of babies. My friend posted this on her facebook yesterday and I thought it was too cute. She (might be a he) is a true dancer in the making. Keep an eye out for this one on "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2027!

Orange Sherbert

Who likes orange sherbert?

I'm not really a fan, but as a kid I always thought it looked so pretty...and so when I saw this yarn, it totally reminded me of it. That's why I made this new entrelac scarf (ok maybe it's about time I lay off the entrelac for a while, but I'm kind of addicted). I really love how orange can accent a fall wardrobe...I hope others feel the sam way. You can click on the picture for a better view.

I actually listed it on Wednesday, but with Friday's Favorites and submissions and stuff, this is the first opportunity I've had to blog about it.

Tune in tomorrow for the Sunday Funday video of the week!

Friday's Favorites...and Jean Claude?

As I said in yesterday's post, brown is often a forgotten color, so this week we are celebrating it! Remember, chocolate (most people's favorite food) is brown, so it's got to be good right?

Here they are! Give some hearts to the items that you like, or even buy a few!



In Jean Claude news

Yes, I mentioned Jean Claude...and I'm talking about Van Dam!

My friends have decided to watch every one of his movies and have started to write a blog about it. They haven't gotten too many hits yet, so if you all would be so kind and check it out...they (and I) would really appreciate it.

www.JCVDProject.blogspot.com
Go ahead, and feed their obsession!

Brown: The forgotten color (Submissions)

Yup, it's time for submissions again. This time I was thinking about fall and all the beautiful colors that it has to offer. One of my favorites is brown; it looks great on redheads (like me) and really warms up a pale skin tone (like me).

Often it is easy to forget what a wonderful color it is, I mean, even the name sounds kind of boring...colors like magenta, well they sound exciting.

So this week, I thought we should give brown its due. Post your brown items in the comments for tomorrow's "Friday's Favorites" feature! Lets show everyone what brown is made of!

Life as a Freelance Magician

Sometimes it can be difficult to find freelance work. Yes, I perform at the Venetian, but that alone doesn't pay the bills. Doing special events, parties, conventions and stuff does...a couple of them a month and I don't even need to work at the Ventian.

One of the things I do everyday is look on craigslist. I've found a number of good gigs on there (a lot of convention companies don't like to go through agencies), and even if I don't, there's always something on there that will give me a laugh. Of course mixed in with the good gigs, are your usual scams and "adult" ads that aren't supposed to be there, but you really don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out which ones to stay away from.

Just today there was an ad that said:
"Sign language interpreter for live sex show"

I took me awhile to stop laughing...I mean, I've never been to one of these shows before, but it seems to me that it would be pretty easy to follow what was going on...Even if you were audibly challenged!

There was another one a few weeks ago looking for people for a reality television show. If there's anyone left on the planet that thinks these shows are really reality, I'll tell you that the last line of the ad said, "Improv and acting skills a must"....Really?? First of all, it's supposed to be "real", and second of all, have you ever seen a reality show where they actually had acting skills?

Well, off I go to find more work...or at the very least, another chuckle.

Book Review

I finished reading, yet another, Jeffry Archer book...this one was: First Among Equals. I must say that I think I must have read his best book first, and now these others are somehow lacking. In this one, it starts out really slow, and it took me a while to get into. The middle, however, was great! It was exciting with many twists and turns, and I knew I'd be saddened when it actually ended. The ending, though, was a disappointment. The plot became clunky, and then it stopped rather abruptly.

I keep reading Archer because I love his characters. For the time that I'm reading the book, they kind of become a part of my family, and even when the ending isn't satisfying, I feel that I'm saying goodbye to some close friends.

Synopsis

Charles Seymour, second-born son, will never be the earl like his father, but he did inherit his mother's strength -- and the will to realize his destiny... Simon Kerslake's father sacrificed everything to make sure his son's dreams come true. Now it is Simon's chance to rise as high as those dreams allow... Ray Gould was born to the back streets but raised with pride -- a quality matched by a sharp intellect and the desire to attain the impossible... Andrew Fraser was raised by a soccer hero turned politician. Now it's his turn for heroics, whatever the cost.

From strangers to rivals, four men embark on a journey for the highest stakes of all -- the keys to No. 10 Downing Street. Unfolding over three decades, their honor will be tested, their loyalties betrayed, and their love of family and country challenged. But in a game where there is a first among equals, only one can triumph.

Tuesday will be a blog break day, since I have an early statue shift...see you on Wednesday!

Sunday Funday --Scuba Kitty!--

Since I'm on a whole scuba kick right now, I was thrilled when I found this video of the world's only scuba cat. So cute! And she doesn't even seem to mind it at all.

I know if I had done this with Betty, I would not be here right now to blog about it...She would have been pissed!

I don't even think my dog would like this...although, my doggie is a chihuahua and they're not known for their love of the water.

New listing...and a wedding!

First of all, the wedding is not mine....my friend is getting married today, so I'm only performing for a half a day so I can attend. They actually met at the Venetian where they were both singers (she is still there, he now performs at Bally's), and it was as pretty close to love at first sight that you can get.

It should be lots of fun...I love weddings, but I always think the ceremonies are kind of boring until the end when I always cry (even at weddings where I hardly know the bride and groom), but the reception should be lots of fun.


NEW LISTING

I finished these fingerless gloves a while ago, but hadn't had time to photograph them or list them until Thursday. Even though, I've had gloves like this in my shop before, I never really got into them until recently...now, I think I'm going to have to make myself a pair for when it gets colder.

Give the picture a click if you like for more info about them.

Sea the Friday's Favorites

In honor of being a certified scuba diver now, I made this week's theme: things inspired by the sea. There are so many beautiful sea stuff right now...it kind of lets you hold on to summer just a little bit longer.

Go ahead, give these wonderful artists some clicks, some hearts, and maybe even some sales. It's never too early to start Christmas shopping...

Submissions!

Scuba diving was great yesterday, but now I'm completely exhausted. We saw some cool stuff down there...a huge beach umbrella, a street light (from before it was a lake), and lots of cute little fish.

I'm now sunburnt, and sore, and I think I want to spend most of the day on the couch...somehow I don't think that's going to happen though.



In honor of scuba diving, this week, I'm looking for items inspired by the sea. (yes, I know I was diving in a lake, but sea inspired just sounds so much better). If you have anything in your shop that is inspired by the sea, post the link to your item in the comments.

Remember to check back tomorrow for the "Friday's Favorites"!

Scuba Scuba

We decided to come home for the evening instead of staying over at Cottonwood. It was a lot closer than we originally thought, and with the dog and things to do at home it just seemed a whole lot easier.

We're leaving soon for our final Scuba class...this one will be a boat dive. The hardest part for me has been equalizing my ears. When we go down in the water I feel like I'm on a plane that's landing too fast. It took a while to get the hang of it, but by the end of the day, I was equalizing like a pro (or how I'd imagine a pro to equalize).

In other news:

I might have gotten a really great statue gig. I'm not sure if I can get coverage yet at the Venetian, and I still need to get ahold of a costume. Of course there's a ton of people I need to call to make this happen and the best time to call them...well, I'm scheduled to be underwater. Hopefully I'm not too late when I can get all my ducks in a row and call them back for confirmation.

Tune in tomorrow for the submissions category of the week!

Monday Blog Break

Today is a blog break day....

Tues, and Wed I'll be on a scuba trip.

Tune in Thursday for your regularly scheduled blog.

In the mean time, there's always shopping!

Sunday Funday!

It's double the Sunday Funday today! Not only do I have a hilarious video for you, but my "Poncho Style Capelet" was featured in this treasury! It actually sold shortly afterward (Yay!), but it's still featured for now.

Sunday Funday Video of the Week

These news bloopers made me laugh out loud. Reporters are always so serious, so it makes it doubly funny when something out of the ordinary happens to them.

Tying up loose ends...

I realized that with all of the favorites and book reviews, I've probably left a few things dangling.

Women in Magic

The "Women in Magic" thing was actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be. They seemed to pick up the tricks I taught rather quickly...and even the moderators were asking a couple of good questions too. If I hadn't been so tired on my day off, I would have stayed for the whole thing.

Utah

Thursday the boyfriend and I took a looooooooong motorcycle ride up to Utah. We stopped at my favorite breakfast place (Cracker Barrel...if you live in Nevada, you have to drive out of state to get to one) and then on to Zion National Park. It was so beautiful and romantic, but on the way back, my butt was in agony. When we got home I couldn't even sit down on the couch...Note to self: 14 hours on and off the bike might be just a tad too long.

Knitting

I've finished with a scarflet, but haven't had the time to list it yet...still...I'm shooting for tomorrow. I'm almost finished with a set of fingerless gloves too.

*******SALE*******


I haven't held a sale or special deal in a while...so today, get a $5 rebate via paypal when you buy this Pink and Grey Bolero Jacket. Just type in "$5 rebate" in the buyers comments and you'll get the jacket plus five dollars! You can click on the picture for a better description.

Not right for you? Then tell your friends!

Friday's Favorites

I put my neck out on the line for this one...lol

Actually, this weeks favorites is all about stuff for your neck. Whether you want elegant jewelry, or something to keep you warm, I'm sure you'll find something to your liking...

Don't you and your neck deserve something special?

Or maybe something for your friend's neck?

Looking for Submissions!

Last week, two items from the "Friday's Favorites" sold! Congratulations PilliPillihandmade, and LocalGringos.

I hope we'll get some more sales this week.

Since I just finished making a scarf (which I haven't photographed or listed yet), tomorrow's theme is going to be stuff for your neck. It doesn't matter what craft you do, as long as your items are for a neck (could be an animal's neck or human neck).

Post the links to your items in the comments...and tune in tomorrow for the "Friday's Favorites!

Book Review

I finished reading Hell's Angels by Ralph "Sonny" Barger. He's the guy that started the Hell's Angel's Oakland Chapter. It was a really interesting book. Not a straight through storyline, per se, but more of memories and stories from throughout his life. Some are extremely funny, while others are kind of shocking. It was really cool to read about the most infamous motorcycle club from an insiders perspective, rather than from the law inforcement side like you get on all of those specials on the history channel. Though I don't agree with everything that they did, often I found myself agreeing with why they did it.

This book might not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of the TV show "Son's of Anarchy", then you should definitely pick up a copy of this.

Synopsis

In this most intriguing and insightful look into the highly controversial, five-decade-old Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC), Barger chronicles the formation, history, and colorful events that have led to the mystique and outlaw image of this free-thinking organization. In 1957, Barger (a technical consultant on several biker films, including Hell's Angels on Wheels and Hell's Angels '69) formed the Oakland chapter, which would become the foundation and serve as headquarters for the entire club. In his own words, Barger shares stories of pool hall fights, motorcycle runs, the importance of loyalty and honor, and relentless battles against the government efforts to destroy the HAMC. He also tells his side of the infamous 1969 Rolling Stones concert at Altamont Raceway. The many photos provide additional glimpses into this wild and dangerous American subculture. A most interesting book that is recommended for popular culture collections.

Women of Magic

There's a class going on in town this week for women in magic. I went to the dinner last night. No magic was performed, per se, unless you count the cullinary magic of fondue. I love fondue (the cheese and the chocolate kind...the main course kind I can take it or leave it)...How could I even talk to these people? My mouth was stuffed the entire time....Oh no! I think I'm getting another fondue craving again.

Today I'm supposed to go over there and teach a class called "Tricks for Chicks". I decided to go with close up magic, since very few female magicians do close up. I tried to pick stuff that goes with their skill level...we shall see.

I think it's very important as a stage magician to do close up magic too...even if it's just a few tricks. When people find out you're a magician, the first thing they ask is, "Can you show me something?"...Now if you don't do close-up, what are you going to do? It's not as if you can carry a sawing-the-lady-in-half in your purse. (And when I say lady, I just call it that because that's what it's called because of course, you could always saw a man in half).

And just to clarify, for those that might be confused, close-up magic is magic that's done, well, close up. Usually it's done with cards and coins but it can be done with anything that you can reach at a moments notice....Stage magic is usually much bigger. A lot of times it can mean the big box tricks, but anything that's done on stage for a large number of people is classified as stage magic.

Enough with the magic for now...tune in tomorrow for a book review!

Blog Break

It's a Monday break again...Tune in tomorrow for your regularly scheduled blog.

New Stuff, and Video of the Week!

Remember this sweater?


Well, I've just finished making a Doggie Sweater to match. I based it off the sweater pattern, and I'm really happy how it turned out! They can be purchased together or separately. You can also click on the pictures for more info about each of the items.








Sunday Funday Video:

This week I found a video of two cats talking...I've always wondered what they say when we're not around.

Book Review

I finished reading The Lazarus Project by Aleksandar Hemon, the other day. It was the first book I read on my Kindle.

As far as the book goes, it was interesting. Not interesting in a bad way, when you're trying not to say anything negative, but interesting in a good way. Though I wouldn't say it was a page turner, it did keep you curious enough to turn the page (or in my case, press the button)...that is, until the end. To me the ending seemed that the author had run out of things to write, and so just ended it. Since I read this for book club, I'm curious to hear what the other's in the group thought.

Synopsis
MacArthur genius Hemon in his third book (after Nowhere Man) intelligently unpacks 100 years' worth of immigrant disillusion, displacement and desperation. As fears of the anarchist movement roil 1908 Chicago, the chief of police guns down Lazarus Averbuch, an eastern European immigrant Jew who showed up at the chief's doorstep to deliver a note. Almost a century later, Bosnian-American writer Vladimir Brik secures a coveted grant and begins working on a book about Lazarus; his research takes him and fellow Bosnian Rora, a fast-talking photographer whose photos appear throughout the novel, on a twisted tour of eastern Europe (there are brothel-hotels, bouts of violence, gallons of coffee and many fabulist stories from Rora) that ends up being more a journey into their own pasts than a fact-finding mission. Sharing equal narrative duty is the story of Olga Averbuch, Lazarus's sister, who, hounded by the police and the press (the Tribune reporter is especially vile), is faced with another shock: the disappearance of her brother's body from his potter's grave. (His name, after all, was Lazarus.) Hemon's workmanlike prose underscores his piercing wit, and between the murders that bookend the novel, there's pathos and outrage enough to chip away at even the hardest of hearts.

And in other news...

There was a feature written about me on justnibbles.blogspot.com...I would love it if you guys would go and check it out.

Friday's Favorites!

Yesterday I asked for some cute items for todays blog. I got some from the comments and some from the forums, and all, I hope, will make you go awwww!

Take a look and buy something...you know you want to...come on, everyone else is doing it...Don't you deserve it?



In other news

My doggie sweater was featured in this treasury. If you have the time, please stop by and show it some love.

More Scuba and Submissions

The boyfriend and I are off on our first swimming pool lesson for our open water certification! We finished the classroom part over a week ago, but this was the first time our instructor had free to do the pool part. I'm so excited! it should be lots of fun!

Submissions

Since I'm on a whole cuteness kick right now, this week I'm looking for your cutest items. It can be any craft, any style...the only requirement is that it makes you say, "Awwww".

Post your links in the comments and check back tomorrow for the Friday's Favorites!

Doggie Cuteness

Remember this sweater?




Well, now I've just listed a doggie sweater to match! Same soft yarn, same colors, and now you can match your fur baby! They are sold separately, just in case you don't want to match the dog, or in case you like the sweater and don't own a dog.

I'm in the process of making another one right now to match a different sweater in my shop.

In other news:

Here's a link you guys might like...Since we're on a cuteness vein today, it's all about a giant knit bunny that you can see from an airplane! Now that's something you don't see every day...

Click here for the giant bunny rabbit

Something New!

I just posted a new Entrelac Scarf! This one's made out of wool, and has beautiful shades of roses and coffee...Who doesn't love roses and coffee? (If you are a non coffee drinker, substitute coffee for chocolate in the previous question).

You can click on the picture for a better description and measurements and stuff.

I'm also almost finished with a new doggie sweater and have a couple more in mind to make. If time permits, I'll list it tomorrow....also if my lovely model can be bothered to pose for some pupperoni (note to self, buy doggie treats for the model).

It's my day off, so after a little computer promo, I'm off to take a nap.