No Halloween is complete without this!

I'm a member of the EtsyBloggers Team, and we periodically write about certain themes. This time it's spooky/scary stuff, so I thought I'd introduce this...


Looking for something really unique for your Halloween decor?

This is my skull treasure candle. As it burns, hidden treasures, such as crystals, stones, and charms will be revealed.

Mwahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!

Seven Random Facts

I was tagged by Nicaeli! This means I have to reveal seven random facts about myself, then tag someone else to do the same. So here goes...

1. I'm afraid of spiders. I think the older I get, the more creepy experiences I've had with spiders, so the fear just perpetuates. Here's the worst: My brother stepped on the back end of one of those hairy, dark brown, quarter-sized spiders, and it's front end reared up in the air, it's mouth opened wide, and this little squeaky noise came out! Talk about fodder for nightmares! :((

2. I'm a total slob. I have stacks of craft supplies and packing materials everywhere in my little 756 sq ft place. And there are stacks of papers all around my desk, since I keep putting it all off. It's a total disaster! Fortunately, my cats (Balthasar and Romeo) don't seem to mind. :D

3. I'm a bit of a geek. I actually designed a couple of websites using html CODE, before I learned how to use Dreamweaver. It's a really geeky thing to do, but it was a great education!

4. I watch too much TV. I love ER, watch nearly every episode of Days of Our Lives, and enjoy A&E, Discovery, TLC, and Animal Planet. Yay, DVR!!! At least I'm usually sewing while I watch. :D

5. I love my kitties! I've always been a cat person. Right now I've got Romeo (age 8) and Balthasar (age 15). I can't imagine a life with no cats. They're my babies! (There's a pic of them in my Tahoe post below)

6. My next cat might be a dog. I know, I'm a cat person! But I've recently met some really cute little dogs that were part chihuahua. If I could find one with soft fur, I might just adopt it. They actually are more interested in snuggling in my lap for long periods of time than my cats are. And I can take them out with me for walks and on little road trips etc. Now if I can just be sure Romeo won't play too rough with a doggy who's smaller than he is...?

7. I long to support myself by doing something I love. Right now, I don't sell NEARLY enough on Etsy or on my website to pay the bills, so I have a day job as a secretary at a local school district office. I love the people, but typing all day doesn't exactly make my heart sing. People keep saying I should market my stuff more, but I haven't figured out how! :(( Any suggestions?

OK. That's the first seven random facts that popped into my head. How'd I do?

A Gift from a Squirrel?

First off, I live in a condo that's three floors up from the ground. Secondly, I've seen squirrels come down the wall from the roof (I'm on the top floor) to my deck, just like Spider Man.

This morning, I went out to water my plants and found this weird thing in one of the pots. My first thought was that it was a big, dried up banana slug. But those don't really hang out here in Mountain View, CA. Then I thought it was a big poop. But how the heck would THAT get up here?!

Upon closer examination (I finally touched it), I found that it was a somewhat chewed up seed pod. I really wish I had witnessed Spider Squirrel staggering down the wall with THAT hanging out of his mouth! Silly squirrel!

I wonder if it will sprout? And what exactly it will grow into?

A Question for You...

OK. I've got a question for you all: Why don't my photo note cards sell well?

My listings show which photos are in each set, so people know what they'll be getting. (You can click the image above and see the listings.) And I think the photos are all very clear. What am I doing wrong? Is the price too high perhaps? What can I do differently?

I'd really appreciate your honest opinion on this.

Remember that your response will enter you into my monthly drawing! ;)

And the Winner of My September Drawing Is...

... Nicaeli !

She posted a response to my baseball game question and has won a set of my note cards! :) Nicaeli has a wonderful Etsy shop called Nicaeli Designs, featuring wallets made with recycled leather and other very unique items. Here's a screen shot from her shop. Just click and you can check out all her wonderful creations...

For October...

I'm offering the same drawing. So just respond to any of the questions I pose in any of my October posts (like my Tina Goes to Tahoe post below), and you're entered to win a set of my note cards!


Have a great day! :)

Tina Goes to Tahoe!

I've visited Tahoe with my family off and on since I was five years old. I love it! We rent a cabin right on the water, so we can hear it and nothing blocks the incredible view.

This time, I was there with my dad and my brother. Here are a few pics:

Me on the breakwater.



The sun is setting.



We're not sure what this is. Marmot? Mink? Marten?



While I was there, I made a bunch of needlepoint pincushion
ornaments to sell at upcoming holiday faires.



A wonderful Tahoe sunset.



My Welcome Home Committee! :-)

I hope you enjoyed my photos. :)

Now here are a few opinion questions, if you've got a minute:

1. Would people buy the sunset photos on Etsy (in higher resolution, of course)?

2. How much should I charge for the ornaments I'm going to sell at holiday faires?

3. What the heck is that critter?!