The Jointed Puppy pattern is coming along nicely. As usual I had some issues with the photographs not being up to par : ) I am almost ready to list the pattern for sale and then I will start to work on the kitty one. I will do a single color kitty but add a pattern option for one with "socks".

Finished puppy

 

Etsy has been running some wonderful workshops on shop optimization, Search Engine Optimizing and even shop design. They are really a great resource for an artist to build a business and they have so many tie ins to places like Moo.com for business cards. These discounts sure can make a difference to an artist starting out. You do not need to sell on Etsy to access a lot of their sellers handbook so if you want to start a business there is all kinds of advice from people doing that very thing. Great steps and advice on what works and what does not. I am also aware, thanks to them, that it is time to start building stock for Christmas and Black Friday sales. I plan to do a larger range of my small stocking stuffer puppies, some accessory pouches for kindles, smart phones, key rings and eye glass cases. Plans are there but in this Texas heat it is hard to get the motivation. I am also discovering in a huge way the Steampunk Art Movement. There are a lot of sellers that dedicate themselves to this fantastic idea. Modern equipment and ideas but in a Victorian setting. I really do not do it justice with that description : ) My favorite site to visit (since Halloween is around the corner and I want something different) www.steampunkemporium.com. Now to plan some animals that can exist in this type of fantasy...

 

Flu has already been doing the rounds at our home and it sure has slowed progress. Nothing like flu in the summer! I am so glad Tamiflu works well as E is no longer sleeping but back to bouncing on the couches and doing cartwheels. No more fever so back to school for her. Phew.