Hi.
I'm sure all of you have given up hope on this blog ever being updated. (i dont blame you)
But- I do have some news.
First off, my shop is undergoing some changes. I feel that I need to establish a new look for the shop. So, I plan on redoing a lot of the photos and listing a lot of new pieces in hope to establish a 'BRAND' look to my pieces. I want to feature some sort of prop throughout each photo and I need to figure out what it is that I wish to repeat.
Anyone have ideas?

In other news-
Im starting a NEW BLOG.
This current blog is pretty much dead. My new blog, PardonmyFFrench will be a bit more personal- commenting on things I do on a day to day basis, random reviews on different products or movies and of course- pimping out my store.

I hope that the changes in my shop will prove to be positive ones at that!
thanks for reading!

November 11, 2008

I seem to be constantly running out of time lately- yet I have all the time in the world. Yes, Im fully aware that this must mean im wasting my time somewhere down the line. But, I guess its okay. Ive been rather driven on some aspects. For instance, I'm going to move to Oregon, or at least I know I want to. I want to major in photography at Pacific Northwest perhaps. Its a beautiful and amazing school- and thinking about it makes me want to go there right now. But of course my ambitious and rash thoughts are always cut short by my reasoning. Maybe 2009 will be my year of great achievement. Im okay with that. :)

In other news, I am hosting an event at my Starbucks location in which I work- this saturday. Its called Strung Out: A yarn and coffee event. Hopefully, appealing to the younger generation and sparking a new wave of knitters or crochets to carry on the joys of the craft. I know a few people that enjoy it as I do, so why not sit around, chat and drink some coffee while doing so? Also, the plan is that hopefully people will be willing to teach others that do not know how to crochet or knit to do so. I have a lot of etsy advertising that I will present at the event as well as some door prizes and such. Nothing too crazy- but hopefully just enough to maybe inspire future events like so. I made a much overdone flyer for the event and put them up in a few neighboring locations. I just plan on enjoying my night and if you live in the area- I encourage you to grab a few friends and come over and do the same! ♥

October 19, 2008

Finally, the fall crisp air is making its way to this overheated California county. Its been so long since the weather here required a coat, and I couldnt be more welcoming to the cold afternoons ahead. With the fall weather comes new inspiration, a time where my crochet hooks and sewing binges become a force of its own- as I begin creating new things obsessively. Im excited for this fall season, with no absolute reasons as to why I should- but Ive decided to embrace all that it has to offer since Ive been in longing for it to come all year long. Last night, a few girlfriends and I got together to carve pumpkins! Being something I havent done in a long time, I was excited for the juvenille event! What a perfect way to embrace the season.

School usually will consume my life- especially right around this time. And all the while- even though my posts on this blog have become so scarce- I still write my thoughts. I find myself with so many ideas; things I'd love to see be created- but in reality I dont have the time. Starbucks, (my day job)I believe has caused so much stress lately (&breakdowns/depression) that I now have episodic TMJ. Its painful- but I made it through (thanks to the meds!) Im hoping to use some of my vacation hours soon- just for the hell of it. Because I really dont know how much more I can take before I snap. Its never a good feeling to know your approaching an edge of a cliff. But, its an even worse feeling to not do anything about it and let yourself crash. I think I'll get lost in some books, ideas, thoughts, and maybe emerge a few days later. I just wish there was somewhere I could go away from home- that would settle this undying need to be alone. Ive got so much bottled in- I can't wait to let it out.



p.s
I do apologise if this post feels too personal. I promise- Im normally a lot more light hearted. I just felt you all ought to know where Im coming from currently.
xoxo

Paypal- the faster, easier way to pay your Etsy bill!

You CAN pay your Etsy bill with PayPal!

Yes, its true! Ive been doing it for a couple months now and it wasnt until recently that I noticed people complaining in the forums that they wished they could pay with their paypal balance rather than just their bank accounts. Well, I thought I would share exactly just how I am now able to do that!

Here's what you do:

Go onto paypal and look for ad or tab on their site talking about the paypal debit card. Apply for it! They will require you to be verified and have a backup account attatched just in case of insufficient funds or whatever. Once approved they will send you a ever so nifty paypal debit card with your own pin number and everything! So now- making sales on etsy just got better! Instead of waiting for those money transfers to clear through your bank, (which could take anywhere from 3-6 days) you instantly have cash! I use it to pay for all my shipping, packaging, my etsy bills, supplies, etc! I love it and couldnt be more happy with it!

Hope this helped all of you Etsians!
xoxo

Sometimes I find myself staring at my cluttered room and/or workstation and not an ounce of creativity will ooze from my pores. Its a really frusterating experience- especially when you know that there are so many things sitting right in front of you with endless possibilities. Lately, ive felt an overwhelming amount of that and hoping that I may be finally reaching the clear skies ahead- Im happy to show you some things I've been working on.
First is an off-shoot of the Featherly Felt Headbands that I have featured in both; VintageEtc and ClosetMob. Instead of felt- I have upcycled awesome vintage ties and buttons and made some adorable hair accessories.

(click the pics to see the listings!)

I also created quite an interesting bag. Taking the recycling concept to a whole new level- i used scrap vinyl from an old project and filled it with shredded newspaper, sewed it shut and added straps. Thus creating a very alternative way at displaying the contagious waste less lifestyle. An interesting twist that hopefully wont be looked at as a possible symptom of insanity. lol

While the weather has been rather warm, it sure hasn't stopped me from searching for some awesome new pieces to add to the shop or even inspire me to create some unique pieces for our ClosetMob shop. Thursday happened to be a day filled with AMAZING finds! First it started with finding a parakeet in our tree right outside our house! While not the most exotic bird, you definitely can tell that it didn't belong in the wild! The attempts were fruitless and the bird flew off- fortunately or luck changed when it came to everything else! Now, while many pieces are not listed yet- (I'm working on it!) take a look at some key pieces! If interested please contact me about reserving. Some of these items are just soooo amazing!!!

On a different note..

At the grocery store I cant help but feel trapped when the courtesy clerk turns to me and asks; "Paper or Plastic?"
Well, this has encouraged me jump on a whole new project! Its called the NEITHER Bag.
You don't have to say ANYTHING! Just hand the clerk your VERY adorable bag with the answer to this thoughtless question and feel good about the fact that you did not just contribute to the troubling amount of waste in our world. There is only one of its kind right now- but soon Ill be posting myself at my sewing station to whip out some more for my fellow waste less fashionistas! To purchase one or request a custom made one, visit my new shop: ClosetMob.

Happy Saturday!

A New Chapter

Sometimes life gets the best of me- and im afraid thats what happened when I disappeared from the blog for the last month. So time to catch up! Summer is here--and boy are we feeling it here in Southern California! But with the summer heat brought inspiration! I have finally launched my second shop on etsy! Entitled- ClosetMob. This is the sister store to the ever so amazing-VintageEtc. Here we feature a variety of favorite restored vintage pieces and a one-of-a-kind handcrafted collection made with vintage, deadstock, and surplus materials; all to aid us in the wasteless lifestyle without sacrificing our senses of style.

WHY?

Well, while suffering through the recession here in the states, its made many people conscientious of our delicate environment and inspired others to do something about it. When the word "Recycling" is ever brought up, the only words that come to the minds of most are "bottles", "cans" and "time consuming". While all may be true- there is so much more that we could do to eleviate the amount of trash or junk we throw out. For instance- have you ever thought twice about the millions of plastic bags you throw out from the local grocery or convenience store? Well- Amanda of Etsy labs sure did! And with the step by step instructions, she shows you how to fuse all those wasted bags and make some incredible re-usable grocery totes, wallets, and cosmetic bags!

Another all time favorite eco-friendly fashionista is Etsy seller Heather of Found and Made. Combining one-of-a-kind vintage remnants into delicate and timeless pieces of treasured jewelery- Heather offers her customers a unique heirloom of reconstructed history through story book pages, dictionaries and maps from centuries ago all sealed under a glass bauble to cherish forever around your neck, wrist, fingers and so much more.

The act of recycling is more than just something Captain Planet tells us to do- its become a humbled lifestyle amongst most, hoping to better the environment we live in by breaking one bad habit at a time.

I hope you enjoy our new shop and all that we have going on!

xoxo

jl.



Happy Recycling!

Asking YOU for a favor :D

Hey guys!
Okay, so my friend is in this band called 'The Living Suns' and they've recieved the honor of being one of the semi finalists on Mark and Brians Radio Show for the "Battle of the Fans" Contest. It would mean SOOOO much to us if you would vote for them! You can only vote once a day, but the contest is going on until June 6th-- so every vote counts!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

Here is the link:
http://www.markandbrian.com/markandbrian/

Just click on where it says: "click here to vote and watch the videos" -- and then cast your vote for The Living Suns!

Also, if you do this-- just send me an email or a conversation via Etsy and let me know! So that with your next purchase you will recieve a FREE GIFT! :D

thanks again everyone!!

xoxo
jl

Well, its been far too long since Ive updated this blog. I should definitely put an end to that. ;D
Life seems to be zooming by! Its crazy how May will be over in just a short time! and then.... here comes summer. Summer has always been a bitter sweet for me. For instance, it means my birthday is here! (june 14th) But.. it drags along the heat! Today hasnt been a very proper example for the upcoming season, its been pouring rain, thundering and lightening. All things I enjoy...just in the appropriate season. With weather like this though, it always inspires me to clean, organize and create, and boyyyy did i neeeeeed it!

Yes, this is my room and apparently I am a slob. Don't worry, its all clean now. :D
Also, I took on the sewing machine (its been a while) and made some simple and adorable headbands.

I put them up for sale on etsy, to see if they sell. That would be nice, seeing as to how I spend more money than I make. (dang shopping trips!) Well, I personally find that this thursday was QUITE productive. This weekend I will be attatched to my film camera at all times, since Ive got multiple assignments due within the next following weeks for my class. I will be sure to upload some when Im done!

xoxo
Jl.

I normally hate Ebay...

They are overpriced, complicated and stressful. But... I am selling my old cell phone (Sidekick ID) and I couldnt think of a better place to put it. Lets hope I make some money back!
Also, I listed a few items in my shop the other day. They are rather cute and some of my favorites, but unfortunately, (most likely because everyone is dirt poor) nothing is selling. :(

Tough times, kids.



xoxo
jl

no, I have not died.

I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been so busy! I've noticed how sales have been drastically slow! :( that is never a good thing. I really do need to setup another photoshoot and list items more consistantly. Working two jobs and going to school is so time consuming! But I will get it done soon! I promise!

Xoxo
Jl

Bamboozle Left

Bamboozle is an annual rain-or-shine, two-day music festival normally held in New Jersey. Fortunately, the west coast got a taste of all the fun at the second annual Bamboozle Left!
This year headlining bands- All American Rejects and My Chemical Romance, drove thousands out in the sun for a two day special with 60+ bands!
Although, I may admit I am not a real big fan of the headlining bands, the smaller bands were just as much a reason to go! One such band of great example would be The Dillinger Escape Plan. Dillinger, is a progressive metal band from Morris Plains, New Jersey- that has a knack for stirring up trouble wherever they may play. From fire breathing, stage dives, breaking guitars and climbing the sets, Bamboozle and all its guests were definitely unprepared for what Dillinger threw at them. (..literally.)

Another great band featured at Bamboozle Left was LA's original pop punk band- Goldfinger. Bringing back all the memories, I got to enjoy John Feldmann as he rocked out to some of his all time classics including the cover of Nena's "99 Luftballons". Keeping the crowd jumping to the beat and crowd surfing until the last note played, Goldfinger definitely didn't let us forget why they always were- and will be, a favorite.


Needless to say, I enjoyed myself at the bamboozle left festival and hope next year it will have an equally stellar lineup.

xoxo
jl

Pay it Forward: Starbucks Style

Friday mornings are always chaos- partners running around trying to dodge each other and still manage to handout the hot coffees and teas to their pre-caffeinated customers and still keep their composure in such a high volume atmosphere. It most definitely calls for a large helping of patience and caffeine to get through these crazed morning rushes. This past Friday was no exception, although my partners and I got to experience such an amazing event during the rush. With cars wrapped around our drive-thru line, we pushed for excellence in getting all of our drinks out fast and with exceptional customer service and precision. We all found ourselves dumb-founded and taken aback when a customer at the drive-thru asked to pay for the car behind her. While this was common during the Christmas season, (it was a promotional thing) we hadn't seen it done on a whim in quite some time. Gratefully we accepted her kind gesture and wished her a good Friday. Once the next car pulled up to the window and they heard the news about the generous car in front of her, they were as shocked and happy as we were and then offered to pay for the car behind them! This went on for THIRTY SEVEN cars! It has honestly been the highlight of my month to have been able to be apart of something so heartwarming! Here in California, I find all too much that people seem to only portray the shells of a human being- with no compassion, love or general kindness for one another. So, to witness such a random act of kindness and watch it flow down the line through thirty seven cars... was amazing! I encourage all of you to try this out at one point or another! What may be a mere five dollar expense for you, could make someones day, week or even month! ...and who knows, maybe one day you'll be behind someone that does that very same thing for you.


xoxo
jl

GH

I sucked at beginner level of guitar hero.
&this eight year old kid just blew me out of the water.


holyyyyyyyyyycrap.

sneak peak lovers

3/25/08

BRAND NEW ITEMS! MOST NOT EVEN LISTED YET!
CHECKKKKK THEM OUT, BABIESSSS.




(contact me for first dibs)

xoxo
jl

3/21/08

So- thanks to Perez Hilton I stumbled upon this hilarious and adorable little music video for the hit song "You're so Gay" by Katy Perry! Its too funny!
I hope you enjoy as much as I sure did!







xoxo
--jl


P.S-
I ADDED NEW ITEMS! CHECK IT OUT!

3/20/08

It's almost friday! Thank god. Today has been quite interesting. I had to file my first abuse claim to etsy today. Im not one to leave negative feedback or lash back at people, but this was getting out of hand! I purchased an item back in early december and still have not recieved it. (I KNOW!) and now he refuses to give me my money back or send me the item. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE MAN. It seriously made me not want to shop online! But, I quickly overcame that and bought this awesome bottle opener keychain from Kate Black!

(I purchased the lime green one)
She's got some amazing stuff and I know that if im not careful, I could easily get carried away on a shopping extravaganza.
Tomorrow is payday and it couldnt have come at a better time! YAY! MONEY!

xoxo
jaelynn

Pointless 3/19/08

Sales on etsy have been dreadfully slow. Ive been contemplating launching my own site seperate from etsy, and while this may take a while to complete... I still think it could only improve sales...right?!

Nothing too exciting to report for now, Im sorry. Tomorrow I have class bright and early! I've got multiple pictures to develop too. I will surely amuse you then.
:D


goodnight.

xoxo
jaelynn

I'm great at counting money, making change, balancing a check book.
It's Easy stuff.
But place me in an algebra class for thirty minutes with a board full of numbers and letters with a monotone math professor attempting to explain them... and I'm contemplating how I might look in 15 years and thinking about all the things I need to get done.
Yes, I'm terrible in math. Its not that I truly don't get the math (okay...it might be that too) but I just don't understand the use for it AT ALL in an art major's career. I'm sure I'm not the first to complain about this, in fact- my best friend is in culinary school and has to take it too...and she isn't very excited about it either. But seriously, its a waste of money and time and I couldn't feel more passionately about something. I'm not sure how many times I will fail this class (so far only once) but lets hope I get done with this soon. :)

Today I will attempt to list a few more items in my shop. With the spring weather hitting us, (at least here in cali) i'm excited to add some more funky dresses, slouch hats, novelty tees and crop sweaters. So be on the lookout! Also, lately I've received numerous requests for different items.. So if you are looking for specific type of item let me know and I will keep an eye out for it.
I will be stopping by the thrift store today to see if I find any goodies. :)
Wish me luck!

Xoxo
Jaelynn