The Frugal Artisan

I am a skating mom (not a soccer mom or a football mom) and spend a good bit of time at the ice rink. Our rink is somewhat out of date and almost closed when the property was sold and slated for new housing about 5 years ago. Fortunately the economic slow down changed the housing development plans and the rink became non-profit. It is now run by a very dedicated group of adults. We parents also help with fundraising and all manner of events.

So it is well loved ice facility and seems to be attracting more families with time!

Inside the rink is a pro shop. The shop is owned separately (leased to the rink) and always has had a small stock of items for figure skaters and hockey players. But recently a new owner took over, a younger guy who loves hockey.

And he really beefed up the place! Take a

LOOK

So being the small biz on the look out for opportunity that I am....

I took him a sample pair of my hand beaded gloves and asked if he would be interested in wholesale!

The answer was 'Sure!' but let's give it a month trial to start.

Now EXCLUSIVELY at Goal Line Sports! Gloves for the skater (or dog walker or playground teacher or...)





KEEP THOSE (beaded) FINGERS CROSSED!

The proverbial golden egg! A sought after treasure and something near and dear to a frugal life stylist. Wouldn't it be fun to give one as a gift? Perfect for the newlyweds! Or as appreciation to a life long spouse who's been saving and providing for a family for years. Even funny for a retiring employee.

I will show you steps in the decorating of a real turkey egg. It's not expensive to do, and if you don't have access to the real thing, there may be artificial ones at craft supply stores. I hope the design will inspire you to give it a try!

It starts with blowing and prepping the egg, and early design planning. See

Steps 1 - 3 for photos.

Step 4. To repeat or not to repeat? Repeated patterns result in a pleasing effect, but I would avoid doing too much of a good thing (it's more interesting to have a few different patterns). I decided the top and bottom areas of this egg will be similar in design, and the central band will be different.

So I glue a strip of gold braid trim around the top third of the egg to isolate where the pattern will change. It makes it easy for me to STOP adding a pattern if the ribbon is there!



The rest of the top pattern will be a second row of crystals and painted black hatches.



The second row of crystals was easy to put in place - they are just alternating in the spaces below the first row! And the little black painted lines around the ribbon are in a sort of wave pattern, but could have been a more simple design.

Step 5. Next I repeat those patterns around the bottom, except I decided to do only one row of crystals and one row of the black hatches next to the ribbon.




Come back for Step 6 in a future post.

If you liked this idea, here's a couple more!

Click to see the Tuxedo Egg

Click to see the Pagoda Egg

Thx for visiting!

A finished jewel adorned egg is wonderful to see, but it's really fun to watch the transformation in progress.

I invite you to visit this blog over the next few days and watch the steps in the third of my original creations.

GOLDEN EGG

Step 1. Starting with a turkey egg (lucky I have a source!), I blow the inside, dry for a few days on the shelf and then paint with simple craft paint. This is a pearl gold color which took several coats.


Step 2. Cut a small piece of co-ordinating fabric (from a scrap) and glue over the blow holes at the tips. I used E6000 glue, a bit better craft glue than white glue. A small triangle or circle of ribbon, or even colored paper could be used instead of fabric.

After the hole covering dries, thread a loop of string through a bead and knot on the bead underside so it does not pull through. Glue the bead, knotside down, at the top of the egg. Glue a decorative bead or two at the bottom tip for a nice balanced look.


Step 3. Plan the design. In this case I decided to start with a pattern at the mid point. I used small decorative stick on body jewels (these are 'bindi's from a store with India supplies). Rather than rely on the sticker, I glued them permanently. I prefer to do the design almost entirely by hand, but these body jewels were exotic and very inexpensive. (You could use any of the huge variety of stickers in scrapbook stores.)

Also, start hand painting little accents. Here I have added hatch marks around the tip. This design extends the fabric circle and is a transition to the next adornment.


Come back for Steps 4 and 5 in future posts.

Click to see the

Tuxedo Egg

Click to see the Pagoda Egg

Thx for visiting!

Making use of things already on hand is a pleasure. Not to mention a frugal and environmental plus. Why spend money or consume more resources if you are thoughtful and smart enough to 'just so happen' to have what fits the need.

Instead of throwing away, I keep a good variety of supplies in my craft storage just for this reason. I don't always know what something's future use will be, but maybe it just seems to be worth saving.

In my desk right now? Some examples:

- clean empty nut containers (with tight fitting lid)
- box of bits of ribbon and trims
- ziploc bag of embroidery threads
- a couple dozen pair disposable wood chopsticks
- odds and ends artificial leaves and flowers

Now a person could overdo it and hoard too much, but I am good with limiting the supply. When the box of ribbons is full, that's it! No more saving until some are used. I also have a strong desire to reuse and visit my supply storage for gift wrapping, school projects, and fundraising donations frequently!

So when I started buying a neighbor's eggs (for better nutrition and to go more local), I just couldn't pass up trying to decorate some of the wonderful big turkey shells.

I already had: a few bottles of craft paint from an old project, some stray beads, some glue on swarovski crystals, and those bits of ribbon!

The first egg was practice, but I loved the results! It reminds me of a pagoda (see pictures on my Pretty Cheap Jewelry Facebook page

here or just click the FB box in the left sidebar. Click on the FB pictures to see the whole thing better, top and bottom).

The second one was going to be even more fancy! Introducing the....

Tuxedo Egg





Painted with black gloss, the top and bottom are capped with a ring of swarovski crystal. Red scallops near the top are duplicated with tiny silver dots. The lower half is painted with a red diamond pattern tufted with tiny swarovski crystals. A hanging thread is included.

Not bad and I only had to buy a $2.79 tiny paint brush!

I'm now working on a Golden Egg (and no, I am not a goose, Mother or otherwise). This time I'm taking progress pictures. You can see steps 1 - 4 already on my FB biz page here and, again, click on the photos to see them better.

Or simply watch here for the story over the next week!

A few months ago we took it out...the grass in our postcard patch front yard. And put in produce. We've had the typical backyard garden for 10+ years (no corn shortage here), and there was nowhere else to expand!

Seriously, putting in a front yard vege garden may be trendy, but it is a logical extension of our personal environmental ethic. A front yard garden:

* makes wise and better use of water, an increasingly scarce resource

* reduces environmental degradation due to transport of commercial produce

* reduces environmental degradation from manufacture and application of commercial farm pesticides and chemicals

* is incredibly healthier for you personally in eating completely fresh and chemical free food

These are just a few of the biggie effects. So here is what it started like:



And here is what it looks like this week:


A rock swale runs up through the middle (to solve a chronic drainage issue on our little lot).

On the right side: green onions, red chili peppers, eggplant (upper right, not shown well)

On the left side: white bulb onions, tomatoes, (head lettuce already picked)

Yes, you can do this too!

About every 1 1/2 - 2 years this unplanned plateau happens to my small jewelry design business. Around that time it seems that I unexpectedly raise the bar in my own design and product line.

It's a good feeling! But sort of makes me nervous! Can I keep this up? Is it going to stress me in the long run to try to outdo myself? Should I just back off and give it a rest if I can't maintain the flow of big ideas?

It happened a couple years ago when I turned out some nice original designed pearl mix rings;

Candy Colored 14K Gold Filled Pearl Ring

Sweet but guaranteed no calories! Lots of pearl and swarovski crystals in gold, peaches, pinks, and whites make a very pretty piece of jewelry. Hand made, original design, size 6 1/4 (not adjustable). The last of its kind, I am not making this type of ring anymore. See the complete details

here

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And again when my right brain geared up and used a spent guitar string to make a pretty neat bracelet;

Honey Brick Guitar String Bracelet

Glass pearl and stone jingle jangle on a re-used bronze guitar string. Adjustable clasp. A great accessory for young adult and musical folks. See the complete details
here

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Or lately with making found bits of sea glass into little treasures;

Sea Glass Earrings

Why does sea glass has such a mystique? Is it from the fact it spends years in nature getting smoothed by the ocean and beach sand? I found a surprise cache of sea glass and used copper wire to bring out the natural color in a pair of earrings. See the complete details
here

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Whatever the item I am hand making seems to be the best I've ever dreamed up!

So it's happened again. Those faberge eggs, y'know with rubies, emeralds, diamonds and the like? We all know them as absolute stratospheric treasures from a past era.

I have been buying backyard eggs from a neighbor (at our weekend house) and she has given me some turkey eggs. They are about 25% bigger than your average chicken egg, and since the turkeys are much more free to exercise, have a much better diet and are not rushed to produce, these eggs have good thick shells.

Instead of throwing the shell out, I just had to try this:

Jeweled Egg

A heritage turkey egg decorated with a budding tree. Completely original and hand made. I've blown the egg (and scrambled for dinner!), painted, trimmed and added glass jewels. Not for sale.

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I am very gratified with the result, and one of the MOST HAPPY aspects of the project to me is that -- I had the supplies already on hand!!

So the cost of the materials? Nil.

I have about 5 more eggs to try. In fact, #2 is in progress and is turning out SUPER BEAUTIFUL. It is formal black and silver with swarovski crystal. Almost like diamonds!

Yes, these will go for sale sometime, but probably locally (I would shudder to think of shipping one).

So what's up after this? I will just not even go there!

Thanks for reading and watch here for pictures of the next one!

You've almost surely seen one. You can google it. It's a bit different, but not that unusual. So why isn't it in the dictionary? Well I learned what the word was in September.

My husband is a earth scientist and teaches world geography at night. He is also the sentimental half of us (read: SAVES stuff and likes neat surprises on his birthday).

In September we were inside a nice consignment furniture store looking for a dresser for my daughter, to my surprise he practically hollered "I've been looking for one of these all my life!"



Oh, really? All your life? First time I knew this.

Anyway, I told him to get on his phone while I continued to dresser hunt, and look on ebay to research going prices for such a thing. This one was about $100. Yes, there was a similar used one for about double the price.

Well he stood next to it for another 30 minutes worrying that someone else might buy it!! I calmly walked about giving it some rational thought.

I had cash (but that was most of my spending money for a couple weeks), but it would be a long standing birthday gift. My decision was to put a deposit on it. The clerk in fact told me I could call the next day and change my mind. Perfect, in case he took a pass after sleeping on it.

As we left, he said "What if some other Geography professor comes in and snatches it up?!" HAHAHA! What a goof ball!

We both did a bit more research the next day online, and were satisfied with the price and item. He found a very similar new one (it is decorative and not meant to be geographically accurate) from Italy for $600.

So Happy Bday husband! And it still baffles me why this word is not in the dictionary.

Another trip around the sun, another time to put on the thinking cap for something that says "You're Loved", that makes my husband feel appreciated, and doesn't cost me $100. Oh, and if possible, isn't little itty bitty and needs electricity!!

How do you give something to someone who basically has it all? Or as my daughter says when we try to make out a little birthday gift list, "Mom, he can just go buy this whenever he wants."

Read on below this picture of what I am doing with colored sea glass lately!

Sapphire Blue Sea Glass Earrings

Sea glass seems so much like a treasure and has a magical quality. Maybe because it is made directly from the qualities of nature; wave and sand action creating the matted surface. And colored sea glass!! A truly rare find. These two nuggets are a pure sapphire blue. I've handmade wire cages and added a bit of gold glass to enhance the gorgeous hue. A really classy pair of earrings.

Tip #1
Secretly take notes during the year about things a person mentions needing or is particularly interested in.

In my situation it's been anything from audio books (on subjects I would NEVER have remembered) to any manner of tools that would have helped on a past home improvement project.

Oh! and as far as the itty bitty electronics, I have finally seen the light and take notes on my PHONE!!!! Yes I use that little yellow notepad and have one note for every subject such as: Michaels, Dad Bday, and so on. Why not? That dang little phone is nearby me most of the time anyway. (don't say 'I TOLD YOU SO')

So here's what's on the note called Dads Bday:

o 5 to 7 padlocks, keyed the same. OK, is there anysuch thing as a locksmith anymore?! I bet this would cost almost $100 anyway.

o Shoehorn. Really! He mentioned this many mornings getting dressed at 6am, and he has just so happened to remember to look when we were on vacation going through antique malls and thrift stores. But he seems to be picky!! No metal. Yes, I secretly tapped it into my phone notepad!

o Bathroom Remodel Handyman Guide. He's going to DIY to ours starting soon {send me patience!}. And this was a cinch for me to get after researching awhile on my paperbackswap and Amazon accounts. A big (used) hardback comprehensive guide is coming to our house for $3.99.

o Big Heavy Gauge Aluminum Stock Pot. First of all, this year he decided to make tomato sauce from scratch. I warned him it is hugely time consuming and we already do it easily with Smart and Final size tomato puree adding seasoning and doing the canning. But he was determined! he:
(1) He planted extra tomatoes;
(2) did a blanching;
(3) screened with his trusty Vittorio machine {AH! a previous gift from me, it is a handcrank mill that de-skins and de-seeds}

We have a couple large stock pots, but one is a lightweight stainless and the other an ancient aluminum. He remarked that he is unsatisfied with both (he burns things too easily) and wish he had one like his mom used to have.

Well, these are about $100. Or more. He looked around already and turned down a fairly good one at Kmart (enameled porcelain). So I will look into what is out there at Sur La Table and/or Bed Bath Beyond.

More tips coming soon, stay tuned.

In the past couple years you've heard about it, free on line courses by very high quality universities. Why are they doing it? How can they possibly afford to do it?

Really!! I was practical and picked classes that were within my interests but would lead to a good living back then. I felt I never was able to study subjects just for the love of it! Honestly, how many ancient civilization majors are out there digging in Afghanistan or Jordan already (and we all know how safe THAT is). And their chance of making that earthshattering discovery is, um, one in how many bazillion? Those folk spend an entire lifetime on the something like 'correlating the fiber in Egyptian ceremonial headdress with nomadic tunics of the 1800s' and they STILL don't get an answer.

No mind. CLEAR THE CALENDAR full steam ahead!

From simply learning basic Chinese to what might be heaven sent help to high school teachers, it took me 2 minutes to find these incredible invites from MIT:

Chinese I
"This course provides an introduction to modern standard Chinese (Mandarin) for the absolute beginner by developing basic conversational ability, reading and writing skills, and an understanding of the language learning process all aimed at allowing students to continue learning on their own."
See

HERE for details.

Astrophysics R Us
"For five weeks during the summer, students come to MIT to participate in this introduction to investigating astronomical systems. Look for the "Teachers' Tricks and Tips" in each section that provide details on incorporating these activities in other classrooms.

Best for: Students in grades 9 – 11 who want to undertake astronomy projects; Instructors who want to introduce their students to the basics of astronomical investigations."
See HERE for details.


There's "History of Western Thought 500-1300"; "Women in South Asia 1800-Present"; "The Middle East in the 20th Century"; "Bioethics"; "The Nature of Creativity"; "Science Communication-A Practical Guide"; "Sustainable Development-Theory and Policy"; "Congress and the American Political Process I"; and I could go on and on. And oh yes, "The Ancient World: Greece".

Here is a link to all the 1000+ classes
MIT Open Courseware

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MASSACHUSETTS OF TECHNOLOGY. Are you kidding?? I can't afford 5 minutes of a live class. I wouldn't get in the school anyway. And I get a whole online class free?? And as many as I want?? WOOOOO HOOOOO Insane.

This is not the only university giving free courses online. It's just the one I found right away.

I want to do this!! Please send me TIME!! Or at least - please please let this still be around when I am ready to devote a routine spot in my life to study for personal fun. Anyone else?

Try something new, I dare ya! Use the offer from Smithsonian to go to any of hundreds museums across the US free on Sept 29.

See here

FREE MUSEUM DAY

There isn't much fine print:
2 free tix per household
Print Out tix must be given at the door

So how about going to an art museum which you'd normally eschew? Or a history museum to learn about your local past? Or a SCIENCE museum!! JUST DO IT!

There are a few near me which are a bit pricey so normally off my routine. But this is a good time to give one of them a look. I usually enjoy and learn something at a museum; really most of the time there is a good reason these points of interest exist.

And here's a point of interest in my Etsy shop:

Roller Coaster Copper Necklace


After making a set of symmetrical, feminine wire pendants, I let loose and just got a little silly. The result is this loopy, curving, fun copper necklace. It is hung on 18" black satin cord. Strategically placed red cut glass dots and tiny leaf green beads are wired on for added interest. Allow it to acquire patina for even more character. See more detail
here

You can use the tweet button (left sidebar) to pass on the free museum info ~

Who doesn't know that retail sales mean boom or bust for stores at the end of the year? Of course, no surprise there. Also no surprise that smart families run an end play around the issue and simply stock up on gifts throughout the year when a good buy is available. (Finding hiding places, though, can be a different issue...)

I also used this principle for years and put the most effort into promoting my crafts and selling at events at end of the year holiday fests. It was a major time sink, and took me away from my family a bit.

But this year I turned the tables and, like a buyer, have emphasized selling throughout the year during calendar highlights. It's working!!

This past weekend was the last outdoor table I did for the summer. It was at the harbor art gallery where a classic car show was also held in the marina. Sales were good, my sea glass designs got lots of attention but fancier higher priced jewelry also sold. The event was well planned, we had artwork that featured autos, we had several live artists doing work at the gallery, and free refreshments for visitors. I even spruced up and got the eye make up on!

Sea Glass Spear Necklace

Simple but unusual shaped piece of sea glass is held in copper wire on a black leather string. A printed wood bead adds to the natural style. Handmade and original. See

here for more pictures and detail.

Was it that I spruced up my appearance at the event? I hope not. Throughout this past July and August I've done a wide variety of events including: teaching a jewelry class, selling at a figure skate competition, and several outdoor dates at the harbor. The combined income is probably going to equal what I have earned at the end of the year in the past.

Two pair of these new fancy earrings sold, too quickly for me to even take a formal photo (this one's from my phone).

Marquise Pearl Edge Earrings

Classic tear drop shape earrings, edged with tiny white faux pearl, have a half band of champagne crystals in the center. Pure elegance. Special order only.

Yippee! And not a moment to late. The most profitable December show I did for years has decided not to continue, and I had opted out of 2 other shows last year due to insufficient sales for the time investment.

So really it was all part of a larger plan for my small biz. I wanted to augment income around the year and also replace what I knew would be less at the end of the year.

Thanks for reading and what do you think of those LIME gloves in the left sidebar?!

I knew in 5th grade I wanted to help the environment and ended up with a college degree in civil engineering. That degree was the closest thing to environmental engineering at the time. In fact, environmental engineering was simply 'Drinking Water Treatment' or 'Wastewater Treatment' back then.

Some years later I did graduate work in Hazardous Materials. It was round about the time of Superfund and the course work was more a study of the rule and what technologies were being used to clean up waste and prevent spills, etc. Not exactly theoretically based science.

In the short 20 years since there has been a proliferation of environmental college majors! In fact, there are MANY specialized subjects and I wouldn't know where to start if I was a freshman.

Just a couple weeks ago I got an email from the state air resources agency on a seminar called 'We Are What We Eat and Breathe, and Build — Preventing chronic diseases and protecting the environment by building healthy communities'. OK, somewhat beauracratic in title, but I saved it to view later.

HOO BOY, I watched it today and is it smart. The presenter is highly qualified of course, a doctor turned professor who is superb at seeing the big picture between health and suburban environment.

"When a large part of the population contract the same diseases (eg diabetes, overweight) it is not the result of personal lifestyle choices, it is the result of the environment they live in."

What impresses is the scientific data to back up "Driving makes you sick" and many many other example issues.

Do you think this is all common sense? But how can change be brought about in the everyday decisions about road building, bike riding, and even soda drinking?!

Here is the video, it's long but even the first 10 minutes are worthy!!

Air Resources Board Chair Lecture Series

If anyone watches, post some of your quotes below. I wish I would've been an Environmental Health major!!!!

Two is the number. Two house projects accomplished. Two big items sold on craig's list. Two craft events left on summer vacation.

When the kids are out of school I don't work at the office. It's a benefit of part time employment (but don't forget there's always the 'no work no pay' clause!). Anyway, those days are a great time for working on house projects. I love the do-it-yourself, low-cost jobs. In the past? Bleach the tile grout! Better arrange the backyard stepping stones and edge pavers! Give the wood and leather furniture a serious treatment with oil soaps and polish!

This year it was time for two jobs: clean up the garage workshop and paint my daughter's room.

Working in the Workshop

My husband's workshop is a great asset, but I can't find anything! He'll use hardware, tools and but put them away 'later' (read: never). Instead of nagging, I just decided to clean it up myself. Click if you remember these:



Here's another classic, worth ~$25 on eBay? (no bids last time I looked though!):



There were buckets of soil (that might contain gold flecks!) and black bags with unknown contents (golf clubs) and memorabilia from the 1984 Olympics.

Most of the stuff was saved, my purpose was to clean up not clean out. But two things went up for sale, one gone already:


Well mission accomplished!

Workout Means Working In Kid's Room
The 2nd big job of the summer was a result of my kid breaking her toe on her metal bedframe when practicing a figure skate move in her room. Oops. I agreed it was time to replace the thrift store frame with a proper, preferably wooden, bed. We started looking on craig's list for a good candidate.

In the meantime, she had asked to paint her room a new color. I resisted knowing how big this project truly was. There was the wall paper border to remove, the diy lace enclosure around her bed that I had hung from the ceiling when she was little. The color was coral, something I had picked out about 10 years ago.

So I made her a deal. If she would clear out a load of clutter, we could paint. I knew that EVERYTHING had to come out and it WOULD NEVER fit all back in. She had way too many stuffed animals, old school artwork, birthday party favor knickknacks.

And...she did it! I knew she was serious about painting. On the next Monday, instead of the office, I got to work in the bedroom. Down with the wallpaper, in with the wall patch, up with the touch up paint.

Off to the paint store. After rearranging the old furniture and with a lowly $30 gallon of we worked together and transformed the place.

Our budget let me go further and invest in a new bed (craig's did not come through this time) for a very affordable price under $400. And though I normally would sew, we shopped and bought a new bedspread and curtains (with 5 or 6 Bed Bath and Beyond coupons).

My kid is happy and I am pleased she made the decisions on her own, not what a friend has or what the neighbors are doing.

Two Craft Sale Dates For the Summer
This Saturday I have a novel way to beat the heat. It's a regional figure skate competition all day at the ice rink and I'll have a booth from 8am - 8pm. Hope these get attention:

Sea Glass Jewelry

One of a kind pieces of sea glass are enclosed by wire in artistic jewelry. I collected this sea glass in British Columbia and used them in my own handmade accessory craft. See more of the collection

here (shown: white spear with mnit green wire, coffee brown glass and stone bracelet with copper wire).

In my early 20s after graduating college, moving to a new city and starting a new career, my next thoughts turned to ... marraige. Not that it was top priority, but of course, this was the time it happened to many colleagues and friends. Time went on and I went on: skiing, kayaking, hiking and even on trips abroad. With different friends! Nothing doing in the wedding department and by my late 20s I kind of forgot about it. In fact, I pursued what was more important - environmental volunteer work. And then SURPRISE! Several years into that mode and the question was popped.

A little deja vu happened this summer...

Building my small biz has been a labor of love, but difficult at times. I've followed a cautious plan of limiting expenses, choosing venues that produce returns, and sinking time into no cost internet and live marketing. It's been a success, not that I am getting rich, but I am making a (small) income!!

One of the priorities of a home based crafter is to have their work in a REAL store. I've been fortunate to have that experience over the years, sometimes by luck but mostly by sheer persistence! Of all the places I've had jewelry, cards, and accessories, many have closed.

In the recent economic era, though, surviving shops have been stressed and less able to add new wares. So instead pursuing new stores, I turned to doing live shows for a year or two. It is a big time commitment but pays off.

But, just like the proposal, I've gotten 2 offers for selling my work in two new places.

One for a collection of painted wood frames and fun collage cards like these:

Thank You Blue
An unusual and high impact greeting!

Available

here along with others.

And a second for sea glass jewelry I am designing and producing from a treasure of supplies found by chance on a vacation to British Columbia:

Sea Glass Beauties
An exciting day! All the white and brown pieces under my hand are sea glass.


Watch for photos of the finished bracelets and more coming soon. Or just follow me on FB (left side bar) to get sneak peeks.

Every 4 months I rotate my inventory between 2 little shops and 2 art gallery shops. It's like playing musical chairs. But not everything just goes around together, sometimes things get pulled out of the shops and go on the website. New things need to get inserted somewhere. And 2 of the shops really need less fancy, less expensive things. The other two need a bit higher priced things.

Throw in a weekend table every couple months and a photo show such as today and it keeps me busy! Here is one of the photos going in today for a 4 month summer show...

Sculpted Water Lily Pads


June 9 Check In
...............
Calories ~ 1450
Exercise ~ Missed this day! Too little of laundry and housework to count
Snackless Eve ~ check

School's almost out and when the kids don't go I stay home. That's the beauty of my part time job. This is the first year I used all the hours of my approved annual allotment at work (I'm approved for exactly 1/2 time or 1040 hours to be used anytime during a 12 month period). Yay! That means when there are school days off I can stay home. But this is the first year the admin is really scrutinizing the part timers and I am awaiting approval of my next year's hours. YIKES!

In the meantime, it is such a relief not having to schedule my kids' summer vacation with mondo activities. They are young teens and don't need constant supervision, camps, or pre-arranged things to do.

In fact, HIP HIP HOORAY for high school track. It is SAVING me psychologically and financially this summer. My son is going out for cross country as a freshman and their practices start this summer! Practically as soon as school lets out! Actually he will start going to practice the day after our vacation. Practice is a couple hours on every M/T/W/F and some saturdays. Whew! Perfect! Two practices are first thing in the morning and will cancel out his sloth'ness playing video games afterward. Tagged after one practice is a session volunteering at a 5K with other teammates. YAY! He needs to do this! I don't have to plan anything else for him, just play some tennis together and trips to the beach.

My daughter is easy. Figure skate and dance lessons go nonstop through summer. There is a special 2 week dance workshop she wants to do and a 1 week Humane Society Camp to add. That leaves only about a week or two without anything scheduled for her but I actually want to hang out together for this, one of the last years, before she becomes a full blown young adult.

Blog Fitness Check In June 7 + 8
.....................
Calories 1525 + 1500

I mentioned once we are very light on beef, and am happy to note that it took a week for the first to appear in the menu, 4oz round steak. Except for salami and ham type meats which are frequent.

Exercise
.....................
1 mile Dog walk, ea day

Snackless Eve
.....................
check

Pretty Cheap Jewelry is in two local stores, small but seen by more eyes than just weekend tables once a month! It's been a few weeks between checking in on the inventory and things are finally moving a little. Just a tremor at the MidTown Emporium (collectibles and originals) where a pair of dolphin charm earrings sold for $7.50 and a little more shaking over at Hair Affair (several earrings and a pair of gloves sold).

In one hand out another! My city business license is due. So relieved that I obtained a 'low income' rate last year. If the sales receipts are below $2400 three years in a row, the business license is a flat $20 instead of a percent of sales.

Blog Fitness Check In - June 5 & 6
..................................

Calories 1575 & 1640
Fitness - Dog Walk (1 mi) and rode my bike to vote!
Snackless Eve - check
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I had a tiny dream to be a photographer once, but was practical enough to know the field in intensely competitive and not a way to make a living. And that was BEFORE digital and everyone became a photographer with mobile phones.

Even so, I enter some of my shots in little exhibits. Starting Sunday I have 4 going up for a summer show including this one.

Here Comes the Sun...Flowers
Montage of small images taken of my yard garden a couple years ago.


All the photos are for sale, and once I even sold a framed water lily at a previous show!

Not discovered yet! A certain person mowed the backyard and did not notice a big blue wheelbarrow under the dog's tattered wool blanket in the corner behind a tire swing. If it didn't happen then, it's probably safe until Father's Day.

Arriving at the local art gallery case this Friday-
NEW! Mosaic to Wear Jewelry. Original, handmade.

Red Ovals
Many little pieces, one beautiful arrangement. Wine red glass and lustrous ivory and gold pearls fill a gold wire oval frame. 24K gold coated hooks. See similar styles on my facebook (click left sidebar). Starting at only about $20.


For the June blog check in-
Calorie Count
.............

2 fried egg = 200
bagel w/marg = 250
coffee w/milk = 25
trail mix = 500
green tea = 0
apple w/caramel dip = 200
pizza bagel = 250

Total = 1425

Exercise
.............
Mild 20 min walk at lunch. Came across this lady in the middle of the pathway. Why she didn't run away from me became clear after I looked back and held still for 5 minutes. There were 5 of hers wading around in the creek to the right. CUTE!



Snackless Eve
..............
Nothing doing and fortunately not a routine.

Yard sales burst out all over nearby streets Saturday, but I was playing taxi driver to the ice rink and getting a cut the hair salon. DRAT! I love to ride my bike around to these, and in fact gave it a try on Sunday, but everyone was closed!!

However, June gift giving is accounted for including a special Ace of Cake order, whew! All father's accounted for, and both parent's birthdays.

And cranked out 2 pair of a new style of jewelry I'm working on.

Mosaic Inspiration
I've always admired mosaics and for the first time done my own take by hand forming a frame and filling with a mix of stone, crystal and pearl. Shown: Pink, green and gold earrings



Watch for oval and double swirls coming next~

For the blog challenge report:

Calorie Count-

coffee w/milk = 25
bagel w/marg = 250
strawberries w/whip cream = 200
trail mix = 500
1 piece cheese pizza = 250
chips & salsa = 350
green salad w/oil & vinegar = 250

Total = 1825
................

Exercise = 15 min or so bike ride searching unsuccessfully for Sunday yard sales
................

Snackless evening = check

Easy to resist the ice cream sundaes the others had because I really don't like ice cream that much!!

QUESTION ABOUT HUMDIFIERS
I am trying to decide between a cool or warm mist humidifier is better. Any experience? It is for a kid's bedroom to relieve dry air and frequent nosebleeds. Thanks.

Got the wheelbarrow!! A really BIG model, contractor size, and Made in the USA. It's one of the low-tech unplugged gifts for Father's Day (read a few posts back on my blog to see what else is coming to Pretty Cheap Jewelry Land for Dad).

So how does one hide a big blue wheelbarrow??

Before...and no it is not going to fit down the narrow path between the kennel and the fence...


After...Wheelbarrow, what wheelbarrow? Let's just hope DH is too busy for the next 10 days to rummage around in the back yard much. That is the dog's old grey wool blanket covering something way in the back corner behind the tire swing/tree house.


Calorie Count
coffee w/milk = 25
large orange juice = 110
cereal = 250
banana = 100
ham/cheese sandwich = 450
coleslaw = 250
froz yogurt = 350
bagel w/olive oil = 185
zucchini w/olive oil = 50
crackers w/ cheese = 250

Total = 2020
................

Exercise = check

Saturdays are housework day here, and I will count changing 3 beds, doing 3 loads of laundry, sweeping and cleaning 2 bathrooms for the exercise. But am active all day and helped carry out a girl scout booth in the afternoon after an event.
................

Snackless evening = check

Declined the fruit parfait my kids wanted to make. I asked for it at breakfast the next day.

You know the free app 'Lose It'? First thing I did for the blog challenge was to put it on my phone to log daily calories and exercise. And HA! my husband already uses it and since we share a phone account I'm not sure if I can use it separately. So am going to look up my calories another way or just calculate them by the ingredients I use.

Fri 6/1 Report

Calories = 1570
................
(bagel w/marg 250)
(coffee w/milk 20)
(trail mix 500)
(coleslaw 250)
(broccoli soup 100)
(ham cheese sandwich 450)

Exercise = check
.................
walked at lunch ~ 20 min
Not very intense because I went into a costume jewelry store and got very sidetracked, and YES came out with a few things. More about that later.

Snackless Evening = check
.................

Today I'm bringing a friend surprise lunch to her hair salon (and getting a cut from her). She's had a tough last few years and I admire her not going under. If it were me I'd have PANICKED and left town a long time ago. What happened? Just the basic: bad marriage with a husband who was irresponsible with finances and he was laid off work when the economy fell, then foreclosed home, then divorce, now with 2 daughters (who go back and forth on weekends) and a tough tough life working like crazy to make it. I thought they should move to a less expensive area when the house was foreclosed but they said 'the girls want to go to school here.' Sheesh. Let the kids make the decisions even subconciously? The upside is she has not given up and I can't believe she is making it. And the bottom line is yes, it is good if the kids can stay in the great school here and my friend's network of support is nearby as well. This is one of the few people I know on the edge and it makes me feel bad that I don't do more for the many others that are needy. To see her doing okay helps me feel less down!!

So at the costume jewelry store there was a 60% off everything for the day because of remodeling. PERFECT rhinestone hair bands for my figure skater! In fact we will ask a little girl to babysit our pet mouse this summer and one of these would be an excellent thank you gift (she's a figure skater too).


Big flowers full of colored rhinestones.

I couldn't resist a pair of earrings for myself and another for the gift closet. Everything averaged out to $4 ea. I let my girl pick one out and she told me I made good choices later!

So one of the pair of earrings is going in the lunch box today for the friend.

Adios!

Anyone going to propose a challenge for June? It's the first of the month and I'm thinking NO DRIVE DAYS or DINNER ON A DOLLAR (easy for us with backyard produce). I won't take the lead this time, maybe later in the year when there aren't trips in the schedule.

Anyway, did you know a wheelbarrow is like a purse? Or even a house. The bigger you get, the more you fill it up without really meaning to. Last post I distressed over the wishes of my husband for Father's Day. He loves gifts and surprises, and has said if it weren't for me, his wife, there wouldn't be big fun gifts in his life anymore. So what's a down-to-earth, practical person to do?

For one, I listen during weeks preceding birthdays, holidays, etc. And jot down a secret list of things that I approve of giving.

A few examples from past years?

a lightweight patio greenhouse Something he always wanted to try, and it's still turning out beautiful lettuce and holding up after 3 or 4 years

fireplace tools/tinder box Amazing how many sets of these at the thrift store!

bike panniers He's been riding his bike 10 miles to do errands and the grocery several times a week and it's not only great fitness, but it is so good for the environment (no fuel burned)

My personal criteria on choosing gifts? Prefer to pay cash (somehow I can't wrap my head around giving him a gift which I charged on a card that he ends up paying the bill!!!!) And I kind of resist tech / electronic stuff. But his requests are important and I consider them heavily.

Unfortunately much of what boys want nowadays is electronics. All kinds of TV, movie, camera, computer, phone and itsy bitsy electronics.

Pfft. It is very hard to think of alternatives. But never fear!! I am superwifey!!

So here's what is coming at him this year (and don't worry, he does not see these posts).

1. Energy saving electronic strip. For the TV/Wii station, he has been saving watts because we have solar panels on the house.

2. A portable hard drive. He increasingly feels his laptop data is vulnerable (his lectures for community college and our rental house stuff for example are on it) and doesn't want to use an online service with a monthly fee. I researched and found choices with high user / tech site reviews and redeemed a hefty coupon at an office store.

3. And finally...a wheelbarrow. We have worn out the average one doing heavy work at our weekend house. Even I tend to overload with firewood or whatever the chore happens to be. So I'm visiting a contractor supply yard and see if there is a model that is not too expensive (under $100). And if so, try to hide it somewhere at home!!

Coming next time...the good, the bad, and (hopefully) the good at our rental property.

What do fathers want? Electronics, electronics, and more electronics. I'm hanging on by a thread trying to figure this stuff out. Jump in anytime and give advice!

iPhone Car Adapter
You heard of this? It's a doohickey that lets you play your phone music (and I presume your subscribed broadcasts) through your car sound system. It also lets you answer/make phone calls through the car sound system (better than talking with than a blue tooth I guess). Husband is interested. I am contemplating. Here is an

example device that has good reviews and obviously from the best source.

What do you think? How long before it becomes obsolete??

Smart Power Strip
These have been around a couple years, and there's even a couple forum threads discussing pros and cons here on SA. I decided to take the plunge and get one. One reason: we are using solar power at home and conserve every watt. My husband has taken to turning off the TV/Wii center lately to save energy to that end.

Funny these are not in hardware or electronics stores much, I had to get this one on Amazon.

Portable Hard Drive
Anyone else have one? *sigh* why do we have to keep adding memory, beefing up our computer resources ad nauseum. This time I am told a portable hard drive is recommended to back up your home computer. Nevermind that I barely got used to flash drives; they are not big enough anymore? My hubby is a community college prof and his lectures are pretty valuable. So he wants to back them up and take the drive to a secure (outside the home) location. I am researching and awaiting a good Staples/Office Depot/Office Max coupon.

In the meantime I plug (or more exactly 'unplug') along making neat things from materials already at hand. For example, I had leftover wool from a kit for making a felted purse. (Felting is when you shrink wool with hot water). I did not want to discard the wool so here's what I made (I have enough wool to make at least 6 pairs):

Felt and Crystal Ball earrings
Pastel felt balls sparkle with a little crystal in these unusual and interesting earrings.

Ask me for more detail!

Fortunately I have a few low tech things up my sleeve for Father's Day. Husband intentionally drops hints about less expensive things that the kids can give him for Father's Day and I listen up secretly!

shoe horn
yes, an old fashioned simple metal one. Any leads where to get one for a few dollars? Have not visited the shoe repair shop yet....

Apron
He is a messy cook, and I am on him to wipe up when he's in the kitchen. Alot! He said he could use an apron and I think a masculine one would be fine. Must be under $20. Send links!

You know the advice to improve an unhappy situation or setback in life by acting as if things were better, and after long enough the acting becomes reality? Well it's happening to me! My environmental subconscious is showing up in my reality more than ever before.

Even though I do many small things on a daily basis, I feel it is not enough. For example, here is a comment I made a couple days about

why I'm not proud of my overflowing recycling bin anymore and the publisher plans to put it in print the next issue (see me about 4th comment down).

And for the first time it came to me to buy my next purse from the consignment store instead of going to the dept store (with a coupon) or thrift store on reflex. Though the thrift has been a destination for me to find purses, it takes several sessions of hunting and not easy to find one that lasts and is a good fit anyway. Aha! There is a very good better quality consignment right near work that will save me time, money and the earth!

Someone give me a Smug smiley face!

Read below about 2 more money and mother earth saving notables from this week.

But first here is a free offer for my mailing list subscribers (sign up left sidebar):

THANKS


Pretty 'cut crystal' vase of dried flowers sends a thoughtful thanks that lasts longer than a florist's and costs a lot less. This card is free - see special offer here and get on the Pretty Cheap Jewelry mailing list.

Saved Notable #1 - Bunco at my house! and instead of collecting $$ for 5 prizes, isn't this the perfect regifting time for those lotion/body sets in the closet? I've gotten one for the bath, one for the feet, one for the hands, and more. Nope, don't use them. Let someone else.

Saved Notable #2 - found an unusual boxed copy of 'Gettysburg' with historic maps and photos on the Library Sale Book shelf. Perfect for a very special teacher to my kid (jr high school American History). He is writing a note already to the teacher to say Thank You I Love You More Than I Love My Parents.

Thanks for reading and laughing with me!

Sometimes redecorating can cost nothing. Nevermind those Design on a Dime -or- Outdoor Living Spaces type shows. I've fixed up my backyard for at least a couple years by simply moving things around that I already had.

Last summer I moved the loads of river rocks in our soil (we dug up constantly the first year) from vegetable row aisles to form a boundary line between the expanding oak tree undercanopy and the decreasing grass areas.

This year I am putting my foot down (or up actually). I really want a chair out there calling my name ... in the sun ... with a spot for a cold drink ... to hang out for an hour or so reading, making jewelry, or putting my feet up!!

I do NOT want to spend much -- but because I've tried everything we already have in every variety of manners I could rack my brain with to fit the purpose, and nothing has worked well -- I will buy ONE chair.

Objective:
An inviting reading, lounging, snacking, photographing jewelry spot in my backyard.

Criteria:
Must be small (NO lounge chair, these are too big and we have one that I've tried to make work for 2 years and just does NOT fit).

Prefer sunny spot, some shade ok.

Must have the ability to put up your feet!

Low to No maintenance. NOT under the birds or trees which bomb the spot with yucky stuff and cobwebs.

Prefer to use stepping stones already owned. (Ugly, but they were given to us free and I can't bring myself to either get rid of them or buy new ones).

Something clever, pretty, don't we see this stuff in magazines and TV shows all the time? Funny ideas so far?

a gazing ball (husband says no),
big umbrella (not really),
water feature (we already have a nice waterfall in the front entry),
gnome(s) (YUCK),
fake deer (HAHAHA that would fit in hilariously with our oak and native landscaping, but I am just not an old lady YET!!)

??

And the answer so far is...

Checkerboard Patch Backyard Patio


Upper right, repurposed stepping stones form just enough surface for an as yet unobtained inviting chair. So far my first choice is an adirondack chair (with footrest). Rectangle concrete pavers (in the wood chips right side of patio) also form a little wandering path to the seating area.

What to jazz up the spot? to the sides are native plants (sage, yarrow), behind is wood chips on uneven ground.

See the line of river rocks between grass and natural under canopy? (last year's project). Big rocks in center of yard serve as 'interest' (I hate them).

Comments welcome!

You know that electricity still flows in your turned off - but plugged in devices, right? Especially guilty are game consoles, computers, phone rechargers, etc. It's been in the news and seems pretty easy to remedy with a 'smart' or vampire killing electric power strip. Simply plug the device into the strip and the strip cuts electric flow when it senses the device is on sleep mode.

Well I'm getting confused. The strips are not available at the basic hardware store, more thought of as a consumer electronic. And I think older models aren't a snap. Here's what I'm finding on Amazon:

from January 2012...
"This unit works as advertised. I have it my work desk and the control port has my 13" inch Macbook charger plugged in to it. When the Mac goes to either sleep or full-off mode, the switched outlets turn off shortly after. (Speakers, Monitor, Phone and other stuff). I did have to follow the instructions and adjust the sensitivity pot, so make sure you do that if you plan to do the same, and keep that in mind if you look at other brands. Make sure they are also adjustable. All in all, very happy with this purchase."

from July 2010 through present
"I have had the replacement LCG3E Smart Strip installed and working for about a month now (ed: after returning the defective unit first purchased), and I am happy to say that the problems have not returned! It now switches everything on/off according to the control outlet device (the desktop PC power) being switched on or off. It didn't require any adjustment right out of the box. I believe BITSLtd realized there were manufacturing or design issues with the previous versions of the strip. Customer service has been prompt and savvy in addressing the problem. The strip has a newer silk screen design, with the controlled outlets colored green, and a redesigned logo by the rocker switch, more evidence that this is a revised design change. So, I'm considering the problem officially solved. Thanks BITSLtd!"

Anyone else use them and if so, what brand/model and tips do you have?

Here comes the ... gift scheming season. Fresh off from figuring out a suitable MIL treat in May (not easy already), comes a load of new challenges in June. Two fathers to honor, and both my parents' birthdays. My dad is getting up there, 78 I think. I usually send a nice box of items and wishes for a combined Dad Day/Both Bdays in June which goes over well.

But this year? They are going to be visiting in person from afar on the dates!

Hmmmm. Something different is needed. Memorable, but not too costly. We can afford modest celebrations but I want to be smart and make it great without spending a ton.

Plans so far for the bdays

My dad (grandpa to my kids) : Family dinner and a special cake from the local 'Ace of Cake' type store. Yes we have one and a really gorgeous bday cake would be about $35-$40. I will have it decorated to be suitable for both parents bdays. The cost is reasonable and I am very devoted to patronizing local businesses. Gift? probably a small ceramic piece from a local artist I know. Must be able to be packed in suitcase safely so it will be SMALL. Cost ~$35. After dinner & gifts we whiz off to the ice rink for my daughter's lesson where they will enjoy seeing her skills.

Mom's bday (a week after dad's after they leave, but close enough to do something as well): Dinner out 2 nights later for all of us at a nice but not extravagant restaurant. Gorgeous alfresco dining in a historic building. Fortunately I have a BOGO coupon for the place! Dinner followed by a great load of laughter at the improv comedy just across the street. Such a well kept secret, the entry is $10 per person for one of the best entertainments around.

Plans for the Dad Day
Husband (dad to my kids): Argh, he wants stuff. Wheelbarrow? Portable hard drive? Accessories to his Victorio Food Mill. Bleh. Even the thing I want to give him is $$. A vampire electrical strip.

My Dad(grandpa to my kids): A trip to a very low key but fascinating animal center not far but out of the city. It's called the Exotic Feline Breeding Center (see

here for details). Not a rescue, nor a zoo. Absolutely something everyone in the family will be enthralled with. Costs very little ($7 and under) to visit, people just don't know about it much.

That last one will satisfy the celebrating aspects of most everything rolled up into one; both Dad Day recipient and mom's bday a little more. I will try to rack my brain for a little gift to bring along for her as a proper (small) bday gift.

Here's a great little proper gift, maybe it would fit your needs for a graduate? (wish I could just give these to my mom!)

Cute as a Button | Pretty as a Picture Earrings

Colorful or fancy! Take your choice of post earrings packaged in a little frame. $6 ea plus shipping.

I've bought flowers maybe once by phone, have you? Take a look at the ad vs. reality article

here written in the online Wall Street Journal. WOW!!

In fact, I am thinking to give my MIL flowers for Mother's Day. There is nothing else to give, she does not want STUFF nor enjoys eating out much. The usual routine is to visit and do jobs around the house for her.

That's one of the reasons I harvest flowers from my yard. And it's not a big yard. Even so, presently blooming and available for cutting:

o Calla Lily
o Iris
o Roses
o Geranium

And I think outside the box to use any manner of supplements such as:

o Sage (smells great)
o Fern
o Orange Blossoms (smells even greater)
o Horsetail
o Ceanothus
o jasmine (SMELL!!)

It also being Teacher Appreciation Day, my daughter insisted on making a home grown bouquet for one of her teachers. I just gave away what I thought were the only roses - 6 long stemmed red beauties - to the ice skate coach this past weekend. But NO! DD made a really sweet bouquet with a coral rose, wine red geranium, big purple iris, and ferns.

If I weren't so wrapped up in getting her out of bed, in the shower, packed for school and out the door, I would have said I was PROUD of her for the smart choice. ARGH! Not to mention she made this bouquet the last 5 minutes of the morning.

Pffft. Here's a sneak peak at my upcoming feature at the art gallery shop in June...

Pretty as a Picture
Stone Heart earrings with a garnet, pearl tassel are displayed against layered tissue and printed salmon paper. Framed in a mahogany stained box. Copper leverbacks.



For sale in June at the Ventura Harbor Village Gallery.

The conversion is complete! We have a small lot (0.22 ac or something) and the front yard is nothing more than a couple strips of green split by a big wide concrete postcard driveway. Our first year we put in a row of dwarf orange trees at the left property line and a few rose bushes next to them. Fast forward 15 years, and it was time to re-evaluate...

Grass lawns are low on the eco scale, wasteful of water, shed chemical fertilizers, and you've heard the song and dance (if not read

this typical article).

Local produce is high on the desirable scale, clean of pesticide, no transport and fuel consumed, not to mention fresh.

My husband is a naturalist (and the Tool Man) so he couldn't see why the front yard should be any different than the backyard. I made only one stipulation: allow for cutting flowers (such as keeping the rose bushes we already had).

His first priority was to increase drainage down the front to the street so he took out the grass and built a winding rock swale. He left the orange trees at the left property boundary but moved the roses up to the front near the sidewalk.

Then had his fun with tomatoes, eggplant, lettuce, peppers and whatever else will follow.

Here's how it looks-



The slim trunk of a tree stands in the middle (put in by the original builder). It's a not very big tree, but we left it.

I'm sure after a few seasonal rotations he'll plant some more perennial species, maybe blueberries? strawberries? herbs? it's ok, I'll probably be out there weeding no matter what.

Hope the passers by don't help themselves!

A customer last time I set up a table for a day in front of the art gallery where I am a member popped the question: Have you ever been sold in a store? "Of course," I answered, "several over the years. But it was HARD to get into stores."

Well she purchased a nifty little Silk Mini Bag and said she'd be interested to have some for HER store. WOOOOOOO HOOOOOO. I set up a time and date to bring some in.

What's not to like?

I admire folks who take the risk and start their own business, especially if there is a monthly rent to meet. And, just like many many other crafters and designers, I dream to be sold in real live stores and have others represent me. It's definitely easier to be in front of customers every day instead of once in a while (weekly? seasonally?) at festivals and events.

I had only 5 of the bags in stock and in fact, 2 sold that day!! (See how much more attention they get in person than online??!! Frustrating!) Here is an example of one left online...

Daddy's Little Purse Strings - Yellow Paisley
Made from a fine retired men's silk tie, is the perfect way to carry your barest essentials. Fits a cell phone, gift card and more.


See more pics and details

here

Anyway I dashed off to produce a small batch of the items for a meeting with the owner the following weekend. It took a number of thrift store visits (jeez have the prices gone up in the last couple months??) but I persevered and successfully found a source of pure silk ties for no more than $1 each. Another trip to Michaels yielded a very good buy on a hefty spool of black suede string for the straps (enough for 25 bags). And I had trim enough from past sewing projects for decoration. It just remained to simply send my husband to our weekend house to retrieve the sewing machine!! (Not really, he was already there and I asked him to bring it back for a week).

On the appointed date, I drove to the shop and ...

... was somewhat let down on its condition. It is a mix of vintage, used and new stock. Which is ok with me. But the presentation needed alot of sprucing up. I am not sure this proprietor has the creative flair for retail. There was not enough to fill the place nor eye catching arrangements. Somewhat dowdy and dull. Poo.

In fact it located on the block of a very large city high school and she get hundreds and HUNDREDS of teens passing by. I made discreet comment to CAPITALIZE on that market. She does not have kids, so I'm not sure she is plugged into that demographic either.

SIGH.

Ah Well. The shop is only a few months old. Maybe it will come along. And maybe I will offer ideas (without her knowing!) how to improve.

No matter what happens, it can't be beat. I invest no costs (providing only inventory that might otherwise be stored for example), take no risk (other than shoplifting) and if something sells it's pure income.

SEND LUCK and may the 4th be with you all today!