MASHULU by Artina...eat, create, sleep, repeat.

Come out and see me...

2011-11-26T13:39:00.000-05:00

If you ever wanted to own a piece by MASHULU, there's no time like now! I'm trying to destash in order to get ready for the next phase of MASHULU. I will be moving more towards hand-dyed textiles and re-purposed leather accents. Prices on the day of the Handmade Holiday will be REDICULOUSLY low! After the show whatever merchandise is left will be available on the MASHULU etsy site with free U.S. shipping until Christmas! What can I say...I'm a giver!

2011-09-07T21:51:00.000-04:00

I'm in the mood for another merchandise overhaul... I can't help myself.

All of this textile design and re-design I've been doing has me really inspired to do the same thing for my bags. Designing my own textiles (in limited runs, of course) will make my bags even more original and truly exclusive. I'm going to also start using leather accents as opposed to my usual marine vinyl.

I'm exited about the possibilities...and it all starts with this:

Stay tuned...

Style File 8/14/2011

2011-08-24T20:52:00.000-04:00

It all started with this:

Essie nail polish in "Clam Bake"

Then I saw this:

So of course I'll need to get these:

I purposely didn't list where I saw these...wouldn't want anyone to scoop them up before I do, now would I?

2011-07-26T10:33:00.001-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while. For some odd reason my school's Internet was blocking all images from the blogger site and I just didn't feel right blogging blind. I tried to find other alternatives; I signed up for a Tumbler and a blog on Word Press. But Blogger is what I know so I'm going to stick with it for the time being.

ANYHOO...A while ago I made some crochet earrings and they did pretty well. With school and working I couldn't even think about taking the time to sit and crochet. Since I decided to dedicate most of the summer to work on my art, some time opened up. I need to take better pics, for sure...

I wish I could make them like this again, but I have no idea where I got the beads and I don't know where to find them. I'm still looking though:

Also, during my summer "break" I have managed to indulge in my growing textile design addiction and I sewed up 11 more doll bodies...woohoo! That brings my total to 21 (23 if I count the two I've done for art trades). All of them are not stuffed, but the "hard" part is over so it's all good. I feel like I'm in a good place to get back to making bags and accessories. My mind is bursting at the seams with ideas for a different direction for MASHULU. In case you didn't check out my single solitary Tumbler post, here's a couple of the many pieces I've dyed this summer. I am so in love with the colors!

This one I went over with a simple silk screen design. I'll definitely be doing something like this again:

Next is to dust off my fashion design skills to design and create a collection of garments, which will also be part of my solo exhibition for grad school. Fortunately, season 9 of Project Runway starts this week so I will be PLENTY motivated! Speaking of which, I just realized I only have about 3 semesters to go! That went by kind of quick...

MASHULU for sale at the VMFA!

2011-06-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

If you are in or around Richmond, VA be sure to stop by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts gift shop! Here you'll find a plethera of artful goods including MASHULU by Artina handmade handbags! Enjoy!

Look What I Can Do...

2011-06-02T12:26:00.000-04:00

I am meeting with a buyer for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts next week, which means new MASHULU items are on the horizon! I'm looking to post new bags as soon as next weekend...it's also the weekend following my birthday. Yippee! Here's a sneaky peek...

the CHAMPAGNE clutch

I finally took the time to take relatively decent photos of a couple of dolls I've made. The first one is for an art trade with one of the undergraduate students I met here at NSU. She had this painting that I loved but had trouble pricing it. She saw one of my dolls and I offered a trade. Of course, she picked my fave so I offered to make one similar for her. I have not titled it yet, but it is inspired by corset piercing. I think I may have shown y'all the original before, but these pics are better than what I posted before:

In case you were wondering, I made the stand myself...in the future I think I will paint them white though. I also made the jump rings myself because at the time I couldn't find any the right size. I originally used some of doll artist Patti Culea's patterns but I have since tweaked them a bit to make them my own. These are about 21" tall, not including the stand. The larger ones I'm working on will be a bit over 36"! I'm exited at the possibilities a larger "canvas" will afford me.

Here's the one I made for my art trade:

All of the fabrics used to make both dolls were hand dyed and printed by me. I think I'm coming along nicely, don't you?

SEW Inspired 6.1.2011

2011-06-01T09:45:00.002-04:00

Hello folks! I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend and that you took the time to remember our service men and women who have fallen while answering the call of duty as well as the ones who currently serve.

I'm still working on dolls as part of my solo graduate exhibition. I know the show is going to be at least a year away, but I find myself thinking about it all the time...trying to find the perfect venue, how I'm going to set up, how many people will be at my opening, and what I'm going to wear. Folks, it feels like I'm planning a wedding. The way I stay locked up in my studio, it may very well be the closest thing to a wedding I will have!

At any rate, I wanted to share with you the work of an inspiring fashion designer named Andrew Yang. He makes these fabulous fashion rag dolls. They really are quite amazing! He makes the bodies out of cotton muslin and hand paints the faces. Then he dresses them in all kinds of fashions straight from famous designer runways using sumptuous fabrics and trims. He calls them Kouklitas. Take a look:

Retail Therapy

2011-05-07T16:32:00.000-04:00

It's Spring, classes are done for the semester (the most nerve racking one so far), and I'm finally letting go of my stressful part-time gig. I think I deserve a few treats, don't you? PLUS Mother's day is tomorrow...extra justification! I looked through Etsy and did a little earring shopping. I should probably be working on my summer wardrobe, but earrings never dissapoint, unlike that outfit that looks awesome on the mannequin but not so awesome on my bod.

These I got SUPER fast from Decorate the Diva by Renee Bowen. I absolutely ADORE them!

I'm exited about these beauties from Tribal Style. They are designed to look like the wearer has guaged ears. This is what they look like when worn:

These are going to take a while to get to me since they are coming from Bangkok, Thailand. I think they will be worth the wait, don't you? Find more stunning pieces in the Crafitti shop on Etsy.

MASHULU Tuesday, April 26, 2011

2011-04-26T23:10:00.000-04:00

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Trunk Show went GREAT! I got a lot of good feedback, made great connections with Crystal of Crystal J. Silk and Jay Sharpe, and even made a few sales! I almost shed a tear when a couple of my friends who live in Northern Virginia stopped by to support, sporting items from their own personal collection of MASHULU goods! Thanks Nikki, Angela, and Miss Nyla! I feel my mojo returning...

MFA and MASHULU News

2011-04-12T15:49:00.001-04:00

Well, it's over...my review went VERY well last Friday. I am officially a candidate for the Master of Fine Arts degree! So now I just have to prepare and defend my thesis and make enough work for my solo exhibition. I'm so exited! I forgot to take a pic of my set up though. I had the dolls hanging from the ceiling! Here's a pic of my favorite:

The body started out as a dress for an oversized doll that I made. It is waaay more interesting as a doll itself. I dyed it with spots of red, green, and blue RIT dye, which is why the colors are not as strong as the "ties" are. The ties are made of shredded gauze that I tie dyed using Procion and Dylon dies. The print was from a stencil that I made and designed, inspired by a stylized Maori tattoo pattern. I need new batteries for my camera so I can photograph the others.

Now I will get back to MASHULU so I can have all new and African inspired accessories for my next event:

If you're in the Richmond area, come check out the trunk show!

MFA Monday: T Minus 5 days...it's goin' DOWN!

2011-04-03T12:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, for real, it's Sunday but so much is running through my mind that I'm kind of doing this to think out loud. Whaaat? An MFA Monday post a whole day EARLY? Pure madness!

Okay folks, on Friday, April 8, 2011 it's goin' down: My portfolio review that will determine if my journey will stop with a Master of Arts degree or continue towards a Master of Fine Arts degree. From what I've heard, this particular review can be brutal, so cue the acid reflux. True to form, I've come up with more ideas that I want to try to crank out at the last minute so I'm in my studio dyeing and printing MORE fabric. What the ham sandwich is wrong with me? At any rate, here's one of my works in progress:

I started with this:

I bleached it out and got this:

Then I dyed it using Procion MX dye in Rasberry:

I designed a logo that is basically made up of my initials (AMS):

I used the above design to make a pattern on a silk screen and then

printed over the re-dyed fabric:

And here it is in doll form:

Of course it isn't complete. I'm just waiting for inspiration to strike to add just the right "extras" and then I have to pose it. I'm still not sure how I will display them...I was going to try to build a clear acrylic box to display them in, but I don't know.

So that's what I've been up to. Wish me luck on my review on Friday. I'll let y'all know how it went on next Monday.

P.S. Congrats to the VCU Rams on their STELLAR basketball season! I do believe my degree has gone up in value! lol

I DYE!!!!

2011-03-19T13:10:00.002-04:00

I have been on a fabric dyeing bender for the past couple of days. Tye dyeing is especially appealing to me because at first it seems like you're in control...you pick your colors and apply them in random spots of your choosing. But then the dye spreads and blends and works its own little magic within the twisted and folded areas. So untying and rinsing each bundle is like Christmas morning!

Here's a quick peak at the results of my latest fabric dying adventure...

I can't WAIT to cut these up and turn them into something...probably art dolls. We'll see. More on Monday!

MASHULU Tuesday 2-15-2011

2011-02-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

I am proud to announce that I have been invited to have a MASHULU trunk show on April 23, 2011 in the gift shop of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA. Along with the fabulous Crystal J. of Crystal J. Silk, I will be selling new pieces inspired by the exhibit entitled, "Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria".

Save the date and come check us out!

MFA Monday, 2/7/2011...sort of

2011-02-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I feel like this whole weekend was a waste. Since my car is still on the fritz, I can't go back and forth to campus as I would like and I had to work all weekend (work is a 3-bus commute from campus).

After the ordeal I had to go through to secure an on-campus apartment, you can imagine I was in no mood to post on Tuesday or Thursday. I don't have all my stuff moved in yet, but at least i have the keys. Now, once my boss honors my request to work only three days a week and once my car is fixed, my plan should yield some results productivity wise. Part of the reason I decided to move on campus was so I would be able to be closer to my studio and so that I wouldn't have to work so much so that I could focus on my studies and MASHULU. All so that I can finish this program in a timely manner!

I didn't do a lot today except make a wristlet...but that's MASHULU Tuesday news!

MFA Monday 1/31/2011

2011-02-01T10:50:00.001-05:00

I now realize why all of my friends that attended HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) seem to have so much hustle and drive. I promise you I am getting a crash course in extreme persistence! I spent the better part of yesterday LITERALLY running paperwork around campus. I've decided to move into on campus housing until I complete my degree. Financially and academically it makes the most sense. The hoops I had to go through were somethin' else though! All the while I'm thinking: "are these different offices not connected by fax?" Luckily I had the presence of mind to get some Orthopedic inserts for my shoes which had me walking pretty close to normal speed. One more hoop to jump through today and I will be set. So I said all of that just to say: Here's my Monday post...on Tuesday...again.

I tried my hand at screen printing last week...I love! I used the screen painting technique. For my first experiment I made a design loosely patterned after a microscopic image of skin cells, which I thought would be appropriate since my work was first inspired by modified skin.

First I drew out my design on paper:

I put my screen (that I made myself) on top of the design and painted the design onto my screen with screen painting fluid.

After that dried I applied screen filler. After that dried I used cold water to rinse away the areas where the screen drawing fluid was applied. I let that dry and then I was ready to roll. My first boo-boo came when I forgot that I read somewhere about having to have a different mesh to use paint with glitter in it. Oops...had to re-wash the screen and let it dry again, as the flecks from the metallic paint I was using COMPLETELY clogged my screen. Subsequent passes got lighter and lighter because of the clogging.

Using my Jacquard fabric paints, I mixed up a deep teal color and took another stab at it:

SUCCESS! I am SOOO getting into this fabric re-design stuff! Next I want to try the photo-emulsion technique, which allows for more sharp details like lettering and stuff like that. I once thought it was a technique that required too much equipment, but I found an awesome , low-tech tutorial here.

Well, I went on to mix up a deep plum color and made a few passes with that. Then I layered it with sheets of cotton cheesecloth that I hand dyed. I am going to use this fabric to make another art doll, this time using the "cut away" treatment that I used on the clutch I showed you in a previous post. Here are the parts, pre-snip:

There's a layer of pinkish cheesecloth on top of a paprika colored cheesecloth, on top of the cotton that I screen printed my design on. I used cheesecloth so that the pieces wouldn't get too bulky and hard to turn right side out. Also, these layers are going to shred beautifully.

Of course I'll post pics when I'm done...

Moody Blue

2011-01-27T15:00:00.000-05:00

In the event that you've noticed, I haven't kept with my blog schedule. In all honesty, I have been in a pissy mood and haven't been motivated; my car is acting crackish, the weather has been crappy, my knee is swelling, and I was just feeling all around broke down. But I'm snapping back slowly but surely. I'm doing a lot of fabric dyeing and experimenting so I will have a fresh MFA Monday post for your reading enjoyment on Monday. See you then!

MFA Monday 1/17/2011

2011-01-17T19:10:00.000-05:00

It is Martin Luther King day. One of my Facebook friends stated that "Its a day on, not a day off". So I'm in my studio working and reflecting on how blessed I am to not have to endure as much of a fight as Dr. King and others before me had to.

Sooo...the goal is to bleach out some more fabrics, create some stencils, and come up with some new re-mixed printed fabric to work with. I really need to nip my usual creative "traffic jam" in the bud today. That's when I have so many ideas that I end up spending a great part of the day thinking and end up getting nothing done. My major review will be here before I know it.

I recently played around with free motion embroidery and reverse applique. Here's what I came up with (of course I must go through the steps):

I started with a pre-printed fabric:

I bleached it out and dyed it in Khaki Rit dye. I dyed a lot of fabric on this day to get rid of all of the Rit dye I had. I'm upgrading to Procion dyes...the good stuff!

I cut the shape of a simple long clutch and layered the brown fabric (I used the wrong side as the right side), a pre-printed fabric, white cotton muslin that I hand dyed, and a layer of heavy interfacing.

Here's a close up of the free-motion embroidery (through all layers) I think it came out pretty good for my first time and the fact that I didn't have the correct foot for this type of embroidery.
I'm going to purchase one though...and better thread.

Here I cut through the brown layer to reveal the red, and the red to reveal the pink.
I want to fray it up some more.

Here's the (somewhat) finished product.

I admit, I rushed through this because I wanted to see what it would look like after it was made into something. I didn't even line it yet, and the white zipper has got to go. Overall, I am pleased with the outcome. I can see some beading being added to make it look a little less like scarred up flesh (even though that was the inspiration).

Already my mind is going wild with the possibilities. I'm toying with the idea of going back to my fashion design roots and incorporate some full scale art garments into my body of work. I can see using this technique as a detail of some sort...even better, I can definitely see myself working this into some MASHULU merchandise. Hmmm...

Thursday Style File for 1/13/2011

2011-01-14T11:28:00.001-05:00

Yep, you are reading correctly. This is a Thursday post being posted on a Friday. I was not struck with the necessary inspiration yesterday so now that I am, here ya go.

This Sunday, January 16, 2011 marks the 91st anniversary of the founding of my beloved Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Our colors are Royal Blue and white. Please know that this organization (as are other NPHC sororities) are about SO much more than stepping, chants, and parties. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is also about serving the community through signature service projects such as the Stork's Nest and Z-H.O.P.E (Zetas Helping Other People Excel).

That being said, I have put together a party outfit. LOL! Ninety one years of scholarship, sisterly love, service, and Finer Womanhood is cause to celebrate! Happy Founders Day to my So Sweet Sorors!

In my hair:

hair clip by Baroque and Roll on Etsy

My jewelry:

earrings by Anna Bellagio

cuff by Carissa

blue cocktail ring by Sandra

My dress

one shoulder black party dress by BCBG

Now, I know what you're thinking..."Ummm...Artina that's a LOT of black". Well honey, that's for the sole purpose of setting off these lovelies:

discovered in a Google search for blue heels...Thank goodness

I don't know where to buy them!

MFA Monday 1/10/11 AND MASHULU Tuesday 1/11/11

2011-01-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

It would appear that I am doubling up on posts because I didn't do the one I was supposed to do yesterday. That is partially true. Actually, MFA Monday and MASHULU Tuesday kind of bleed into one another so it makes sense that I make this post a two-for. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Any artist knows the importance of having an artist's statement. As I may have stated earlier, I was kind of floppin' around and unsure of who I was as an artist, as I am surrounded by painters and sculptors. I sew. In trying to find myself I have been exposed to exactly how vast the world of fiber arts is. Very Exiting. So I've finally come up with my artist's statement and it really opened things up for me. I finally feel like I have found my niche. In a nutshell, my work focuses on the transformation of the surface. I'm doing a lot of re-vamping of fabrics that I already have and making them my own. Case in point:

I started with this...cute, but too cute.

Add a little bleach, some stamping, and texture rubbings and you get:

I love how this came out! I haven't used it yet. I cant decide if I want to use it for a bag or a doll.

I'm using this time to really explore with fabric manipulation and embellishment of all types. It's really helping me to develop a different aesthetic. I am seriously considering incorporating these techniques into my bags for MASHULU. I have been trying to think of something to really set my bags apart. They will be a little more time consuming to make, but the techniques I'm experimenting with really lends themselves to the creation of one-of-a-kind bags and clutches. Of course I will offer more sensible options for things like travel and baby bags, but still with a little edge to them. Just to give a taste of what I'm talking about, here's a pic of one of the bags I'm working on as part of my school work:

It's a work in progress but I used free-motion embroidery, reverse applique, trapunto, textured gel medium, and fabric paint. My mind is about to burst with new designs to make for sale...maybe slightly less "out there" than this one, lol.

Thursday Style File 162011

2011-01-06T16:15:00.001-05:00

So I'm reading the latest "Quit Your Day Job" article on Etsy and the person they were interviewing mentioned a shop called CosmoBeets (cosmobeets.etsy.com). I decided to click the link and I was immediately struck by these beauties:

So, if I may take a moment to style myself (which I rarely do in real life, but I'm real good at dressing others), the first pair I am envisioning with a simple white tank and some dark denim gauchos and these Jessica Simpson shoes:

Hmmm...methinks I need to find a way to make this happen...

I WANT IN!

2011-01-06T10:39:00.003-05:00

So, I've decided I want to be one of those cool blogger folks like my girl Denise and some others. I seem to be hung up on whether or not to have a separate blog for things not directly MASHULU related. On some good advice from one of my Sorors, the ridiculously talented, paint slingin' SYM1 (http://sym1didit.blogspot.com/), I've decided that part of the buying handmade experience is getting to know who is attached to the hands that makd the merchandise you've paid for. Therefore, I feel it is only right that I put more of "me" in these posts. Those who know me know that I am very much a people person and have too much personality to not share it with the masses.

With that having been said, I think it's feasible for me to commit to 3 days of regular posts. Do you think that's too much? I know I get hype when I see that my fave bloggers have posted more than once in a week. In my head, this is my blog schedule:

Mondays= MFA Mondays - Here I will talk about things I'm working on as I endure this Master of Fine Arts program. I will also include works by others that give me inspiration.

Tuesdays= MASHULU Tuesdays - These posts will be mainly MASHULU focused...maybe I'll do some giveaways and give more detailed info on works in progress or already created merchandise. I think this could be a cool feature, especially since I am considering creating more "artsy" pieces. Some of the things I'm making for school have really caused me to infuse my art more into MASHULU merchandise.

Thursdays= Thursday Style File - I'll be talking about stuff I have purchased or want to purchase that I feel will make my life exponentially better.

Do what do y'all think?

Bye for now mashulu757.com...

2010-12-01T16:06:00.001-05:00

After much debate, I've decided to do away with my main site, mashulu757.com. Not a big deal I suppose since I've been re-vamping it forever and I haven't had time to make what I consider to be enough merchandise to populate a dedicated web site. The demands of being a full-time Fine Arts graduate student have become too great. It has become apparent to me that I need to bone up on my Art History and crap like that and I need to be doing more to step up my paper writing skills. I will admit I have slipped through the cracks as far as research papers go, and it is biting me in the hiney...but I digress.

This is not the end of MASHULU by any means...I will just be selling on Etsy or via my blog or the MASHULU Facebook Fan Page. I may even entertain the thought of going back to MySpace marketing. I have a few new pieces that I'm exited to show. Having that main site made me feel pressured to produce more at once and I just don't have the time. I mean, it would look pretty shabby if I had a big ole pretty website with only three pieces of merchandise. With Etsy I can just add new pieces as I make them. Long story short, I still get to make great stuff for you to admire and eventually buy, but just with less pressure.

With that being said, if you Tweet and you aren't following @MASHULU757, then you don't love me and you never did. Aside from that, you could be missing out on some super scoop...like early notifications of new stuff, maybe even a coupon code type deally. Go on and follow...it won't cost you anything! Thanks for all of your support and for reading my posts. I don't do it for nothin'!

P.S. Here's a peek at something new. I will be posting it on Etsy soon...

The EPITOME bag in "Embers" (Red)

I'll introduce the EPITOME bag in better detail a little later. Stay tuned!

She's Cute, Right?

2010-11-10T07:28:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but I just wanted to show it off before I make it more "artsy". I'm sure my professors would have a field day with the "cuteness" of it. I must admit I wasn't pleased after the first few strokes of paint (I am not the most confident painter), but after some reassurance (i.e. a stern talking to) from one of the professors on my committee, I pressed on and I am proud of myself. I'm not sure what I'll add to it to push it further, but I'm sure it will work itself out.

FINALLY Making Progress...Sort of

2010-11-04T10:05:00.000-04:00

So...as some of you may know I am in graduate school striving towards my Master of Fine Arts degree. I am now about a year and a half into the program and I am JUST starting to produce work! I tell you, the mind is a powerful thing. I have, up until now, worked myself into a lather because of my insecurities. Currently I am the only fiber artist amongst sculptors, painters, and photographers in the graduate program. Of course I feel like they're looking at me like "Umm...you have a degree in Fashion Design. Lat-tee-dah...but are you an ARTIST?" Like I said, that's how I FEEL. They could probably care less. Up until now I would answer to the title of seamstress, even designer. But now I'm a fiber artist and that sounds way sexier! LOL

Anyhoo, our solo exhibition (which I am working towards) and thesis is expected to revolve around a central theme. I've chosen to base my work on skin modification like tattoos, piercing, implants, etc. Truth be told, I chose that because it seemed like something that wouldn't be too hard to write a 20+ page thesis about! Of course since my Bachelor's degree is in Fashion, The obvious thing would have been for me to make clothing. But the goal is to make Fine Art and I didn't want to use a lot of time and materials to make garments no one would probably wear. So long story short, I decided to do dolls. After I got the hang of making them (thanks to Patti Culea's fabulous books and the Internet) that's pretty much all I was doing and soon I had a big ole basket of doll parts!

They took so long to make that I was scared to paint on them for fear of messing them up. So, fast forward to now and I am proud to say I just took the leap and I am pleased with how it's going so far.

First of all, for styling, I was inspired by Insectivora Angelica, a performer at Coney Island

And here's a head shot of my first (mostly) complete doll endeavor:

I promise you that when I read about addictive doll making is, I totally believe it now!

Now that I've accomplished this much, I think I deserve a break...and by that I mean taking time to work on new bags for MASHULU!

I PROMISE you I'm working...

2010-10-20T17:25:00.000-04:00

I'm thinking that since I'm practically living in my on-campus studio, which has free wi-fi, I may as well blog more often. This semester I have two classes that require several page papers and a lot of reading as well as one studio class. I promise you I would be ripping my hair out if I was still working in bridal hell (I'm still injured from that unfortunate moon bounce incident I blogged about earlier). I am trying my darnedest to produce this "Elemental Collection" before Spring...as it's supposed to be a Fall/Winter line! At the heart of this line will be attention to details such as seaming and top stitching. My usual colorful print fabric offerings will be in the "Stylistic Collection", more on that later. It seems like everything I'm doing (as far as school projects AND MASHULU) is so complicated. I wish I could just whip something all quick, but that would make too much sense I guess. I just hope all of the work I am putting into these is appreciated...and by appreciated I mean I won't hear any gasping at the prices, which will still be ridiculously low for all of the work that goes into each item.

At any rate, here's a new clutch I will (eventually) be introducing. It's called the AUDACITY and it's pretty darn big. It closes with a twist lock and has a zippered pocket inside. The one shown will probably end up on Etsy, so keep your eyes peeled if you want it (or hit me up on email and let's make a deal). Making this one out of vinyl is a pain...not sure if I will do it again. We'll see...

On the Come-Up

2010-09-14T17:25:00.000-04:00

First of all, I would like to thank Meg of buttonsoupjewelry (buttonsoupjewelry.etsy.com) for including my STILETTO style clutch in "Slither" in her season-perfect Treasury!

Check out her shop on Etsy when you get a chance!

This weekend I will be having a test photo shoot with an actual photographer. He's actually somebody I know so it's a win win...he gets stuff for his portfolio and I get some professional lookin' pics...because clearly I don't have the time to play around getting the perfect shot. I do want to be able to take my own photos eventually. If these come out well enough, I may even apply to trunkt.com again...we'll see.

Oh yeah, here's a little sneaky peek at what's coming up for Fall/Winter 2010:

What do you think?

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you...

2010-08-28T17:41:00.000-04:00

A LOT has happened since last post, which one would expect with such a large gap between posts. Due to an unfortunate incident involving myself and a moon bounce room, I have been out of work for going on three weeks. I DO NOT miss it, aside from the check. My second year of grad school has begun and i love how I have more time to spend working on projects in my on-campus studio, since I don't have to report to Bridal Hell.

The above pic has a bit of a "Final Destination" feel to me...in the background is the previously mentioned moon bounce room where I most unmercifully did some type of damage to one of my knees. Doesn't it look like its smiling? Spoooooky!

Anyhoo, quite a bit of shifting has occurred in my life as of late. What this means for you is new merchandise, soon and very soon! I'd love to give a date, but with my luck, my arm will fall off or something, halting production (God forbid). Stay tuned!

Six months in the hole...

2010-06-08T13:10:00.000-04:00

Wow...So much has been going on that I have neglected my poor blog. I hate when I check up on my favorite blogs and there's nothing new, so shame on me. Here's a bit of what's been going on:

*School is kicking my arse! I have, however, discovered that my fear of criticism is severely impeding my ability to create projects. Then I was assigned a 20 page paper and I fell apart! Luckily, my professors are giving me a chance to pull up my boot straps and get back into the game. C'mon girl, this is GRAD SCHOOL for Pete's sake!

I'm still rolling with the art doll idea...this is as far as I've gotten:

Shameful. I keep getting stuck on how to clothe them because I'm afraid my professors won't think its "artsy" enough. But I know I can't get better until I let someone give me some criticism.

*I. Need. A. New. Job. Period. I guess I've gotten complacent in Bridal Hell because it's pretty much flexible, which I like since I'm in school. But the pay sucks as well as the fickleness of the available hours. Time for a full-on 9-5...preferably with benefits!

*I am still convinced that I can do school, work, and MASHULU...I just have not figured out how. Well, that's not 100% true...I have a sinking feeling that it has a lot to do with my time management skills. But I WILL do it all!

*I made a small batch of new bags made exclusively for consignment in GYA Arts Gallery in St. Lois, Missouri. Check out their blog here: http://yeyoarts.blogspot.com/2010/04/mashulu-exclusively-carried-gya.html. Here's what I came up with:

And with that I ran out of one of my most valued materials. That's another reason why I need another job...to fund my biz! I know I need to look into some sort of small business funding, but when the heck would I find the time? (Sorry for the crappy pics, but I also can't seem to find the time to figure out how to use my camera properly, lol.)

*I have given Twitter another chance and I am just about in love! I use it mostly to keep up with my favorite celebs (mostly fashion industry folks and drag queens). Not like I need another distraction! Internet service at home is sooo not in my budget, but when I do get it, I will definitely get an account for business purposes.

*Aaaand FINALLY.... It's my Birthday! Woohoo!

Just wanted to say...

2010-01-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

...that my blog is looking EXTRA sexy right now, if I do say so myself, lol. I am very satisfied. Shout out to my daughter who showed me how to properly use the clone brush in Paint Shop Pro, which is how I added the hints of peacock plumage to my logo image. I love it! Now I'm off to rework my main site, hang tags, business cards, etc. I'm exited!

In Development: the BOSS tote

2010-01-11T14:13:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to take time out to show you all something I've been working on. I call this tote the BOSS. It would work in a number of situations...it can go from baby bag to beach tote to carry-on bag without missing a beat.

The prototype shown I made for myself as a school bag. I can carry my sketch book, my camera, pens and pencils and whatever else I need for my day. It's even roomy enough to put my purse in, in case I don't feel like carrying everything and the kitchen sink with me when I want to go grab lunch. The shoulder strap area is such that it may comfortably fit on one's arm, even if they were wearing a coat. In the prototype I made two welt pockets...the final version will have four. They can hold a multitude of things that you need to get to pretty quickly like your MP3 player, cell phone, metro pass, etc. These pockets are just deep enough to also hold a standard bottle of water, soda, even baby bottles!

Inside there is a spacious zippered pocket, a keyholder strap, a large patch pocket (just right for holding a sketchpad or a magazine), and a gusseted pocket (I use mine to hold my camera and battery charger). On top of all that, the bag itself is plenty roomy...just look at the pics!

Since this bag is made to put in work, I think I will stick to fabrics like duckcloth canvas, heavy denim, and maybe upholstery fabrics because they are so durable. My favorite marine vinyl wold work also, but I'm thinking it would be a bear to work with when it comes to the strap.

MERRY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-01-09T00:06:00.002-05:00

Sooo...I'm pretty much just posting because I haven't in a while. I have been WAY too involved in keeping up with the blogs I follow when I myself need to get back into the swing of things.

I feel great, dispite some recession-forced decisions. School is going well and I have had my first EVER straight A semester...YEAH! Here is a short list of some things I could have / should have blogged about...I may go into further detail at some point:

1. Gearing up for the second semester into my MFA program. I am less nervous and more confident about being a seamstress/fiber artist in a sea of painters, illustators, sculptors, and photographers.

2. My daughter is turning 17 tomorrow. I have given up on plucking out gray hairs as it appears they are ganging up on each other.

3. I started my hair locking process over...AGAIN. Thanks to YouTube I have seen some good ways to wash my twists without them all unravelling completely, so that helps. Good thing because there is NO way I could go more than two or three weeks without washing my hair.

4. This extensive layoff from work is REALLY making me not want to go back. This is definately fuelling the flames of my hustle.
5. Oh...the joys of trading! I made my first ever trade with the super cool and talented Sarah, the fashionable femme behind Looks Good From the Front (http://looksgood.etsy.com/). I traded her this:

for this:

I will admit that I thought it was a bit fancy for me, but after I took this picture I realized this little lovely is too fly NOT to wear. I'm still waiting for an event worthy of this hotness. By the way, the earrings I'm wearing I got for trade also from another Etsyan, Nyblaque-- http://nyblaque.etsy.com/. Here's a closer look:

This pair was obtained on Etsy as well from http://satindollco.etsy.com/ :

So...I'm realizing this is a great way to refresh my jewelry stash. I'm mostly interested in interesting earrings. I usually don't wear necklaces because I have a tatt in the center of my chest. However, when I saw the piece below from Funky Artsy (http://funkyartsy.etsy.com/), I HAD to have it! SOOO many creative, unusual pieces in this shop. When I get some money, I will have to snatch up at least two more of her designs!

When I wore this, I just couldn't stop looking at it, which probably made me look weird...but whatever.

For my next trading adventure, I will be enlisting the services of artist, entrepreneur, and fellow Zeta Phi Beta Sorority sister, Symone Morris (http://sym1didit.com/). I will be designing and making two bags just for her in exchange for her hand-painted awesomeness. Here's a sample of her skills:

Of course she does more than just sorority and fraternity themed items. Check her out!

Well would you look at that...this turned out to be a pretty full post after all! *pats on the back*

P.S. I'm re-designing the look of my main site again. I can't help it!!!

SHOWDOWN!

2009-11-30T17:55:00.001-05:00

After agonizing and working and re-working my logo/brand identity...I think I have changed my mind...again. This time it's not by much. I feel like what I've come up with for my main site (http://mashulu757.com/) and matching blog, Twitter, and Etsy shop is "pretty" but doesn't say "MASHULU" to me. I want to convey a more funky but not too cliche message at a glance...like a good logo should. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my owl/adinkra symbol logo. It finally looks like I want it to. I think my main issue is my font, the flowery filigree accent and maybe my color choices. I know I want to keep the idea of black and white and two other colors. I've been playing around with the basic components. I'm still figuring out how to incorporate color...here's one of my ideas up against what I have now. What do you think?

On another note, my shop is almost empty again...and my camera batteries died just in time for Cyber Monday (boooo!). It's even hard to sell REDICULOUSLY priced custom bags without pics I guess. But what I love about calling all the shots in this situation is that I can have another rediculous sale whenever I want! I feel like having a contest about this logo thing...hmmmm...

What Da Heezy?

2009-11-11T14:37:00.003-05:00

I don't know if it's the rain or if there is something vicious lurking around inside my computer, but I'm having a time trying to upload pics...I'm TRYING to (re)introduce the GRAND STASH wallet. Since I can't seem to be able to list it on Etsy at the moment, I'll just show it here:

Here's what it looks like closed. Hook and loop tape (Velcro) keeps everything together.

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This is an inside view: two large pockets for checkbook, cash, maybe even some coupons and receipts. There is a pocket for your pen, and three cardholder pockets

that will each hold about 4 to 5 cards.

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This is the back where the zippered pocket for coins is located. The strap may be worn around the wrist, belt loops, or around the strap of a larger bag to keep it within reach.

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This fabric not your cup of tea? No worries! I am working on other fabric choices, and as always, feel free to find the fabric of your choice online. I will order it and whip one of these babies up just for you!

Don't want to order through Etsy? Email me! custom@mashulu757.com

Oh...how did I forget?

2009-11-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

By the way, I was featured as the Handbag Designer 101.com Designer of the Day Wednesday, November 4th! It's one of my favorite sites to visit so to have a feature is AWESOME! Check it out:
http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/designer/516/mashulu_by_artina_slaughter_artina

GASP

2009-11-06T12:22:00.001-05:00

Wow. This has been a decent week, aside from the Recession Monster chasin' me down every five minutes. I sold FIVE pieces from my Etsy site this week! Since joining I have never done that much in one week...I'm exited. I must say that I was pretty aggressive on the online marketing. Imagine what I could be doing if I beefed up my real-time marketing?

So, I think I will start having a frequent feature type thing...I will call it my Weekly Big Wish. I absolutely LOVE earrings, especially since I recently cut my hair down to it's natural texture. They really jazz up my look now that I can't hide behind hair tricks. Here lately mass produced earrings have lost their shine in my eyes so I turn to Etsy when I want pieces that I know will start up a conversation. I came across Maria Goti Joyas's shop (http://www.mariagotijoyas.etsy.com/) and wow! I not only fell in love with her FABULUOUS handcrafted earrings but her necklaces as well. As soon as I get a large chunk of change, I am going to treat myself!

The Waiting Game

2009-11-04T00:25:00.002-05:00

Now that I have finally got some new stock in my shop, now what? Aside from the perk of avoiding face-to-face rejection, selling online is hard! I've put the word out on MySpace and Facebook and of course my blog...I'm not 100% sure what to do next. Well, I take that back. I know word of mouth and real time self promotion is next...I'm just avoiding it. Not good, I know. I'm working on it though. OH! A giveaway will get me some attention! More on that later...

In other news, I really need to start producing some work for my Master's program. I'm so used to having assignments that this independent study thing is giving me a bit of a fit. I've also been consumed with getting things into my shop so that has given me a bit of a creative block as far as school projects go. I think that my next move Etsy wise will be to list bags that can be made to order. Actually, I wish I would have thought of that first! Then I could have just made one of each style and let customers pick their own fabric. Not re-inventing the wheel with that concept, but you get the idea.

In case you were wondering, my theme for my body of work is body modification. I plan to draw inspiration from various forms of modifications like tattoos, scarification, branding, etc. The thing is I am not sure what I want to make first...a clothing item? A soft sculpture? A wall hanging? See...someone who has trouble making decisions like me should not be left to their own devices! Well, I should stop whining because I am going for my terminal art degree so it's time I get into my "artist's mindset". Since I hate posting sans pics, I will leave you with a couple of images I have collected as inspiration towards my school projects...

www.mashulu757.com

2009-11-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

*Whew* I'm finally done with the main site AAAND I have some items in my Etsy shop. Of course the main site is basically a fancy link to my Etsy shop. I just didn't want to fool with all the shopping cart stuff. I am thinking about adding a la carte custom bag designing capabilities at some point. That way Etsy can be for the items already made and mashulu757.com could be for custom orders. We'll see. I still have a few things to photograph and list.

After laboring over quicker, cleaner ways to create the handles on my HONEY style bag, I have found a solution! I am pleased that it now takes a lot less time to make them than it did to find the right method! Here's an example of what the original handle looked like:

As you can see, the opening was square and I found the handle to just be overall kind of bulky...hard to sew, too! I think I used two layers of vinyl, two layers of PELTEX, and two facings...PER HANDLE. Leave it to me to make life more difficult. Now it looks like this:

It keeps its shape like I want it to (meaning, it doesn't get bent out of shape when you put stuff in the bag) and its a lot less thick looking. I love the colors in this bag. Of course I'm a day late and a dollar short of Halloween, but for most folk, skulls are in style every day!

Slowly But Surely...

2009-10-29T12:52:00.002-04:00

On a personal note, this week has been pretty crappy...I lost my jump drive, my favorite pair of glasses, AND my BlackBerry (grrrr). After a bit of moping, I'm back at working on newness. I have a bad habit of changing patterns right after I finish a project, so that's slowing me down. I really want to have a lot of pieces to show for the re-launch, but I don't want to wait forever. I'm eager to see what response I will get. I will just continue to add 2 or 3 pieces a week for a while until I beef up my Etsy Shop.

It's supposed to be kinda warm today, so I was hoping for some good picture taking sunlight, but alas it is cloudy. As a sneak peak I would like to introduce my latest clutch bag. I wasn't sure what to call it, but I think I'm going to go with "the Sugar" clutch because I want to make a wristlet version and call it "the Cupcake" or "the Muffin" or something like that...we'll see. Enjoy!

YESSSS 100%!

2009-10-20T22:54:00.005-04:00

As you can see, my header is now showing up and I am SOOO happy! I'm proud of myself. This is entirely due to the How Can I Do That? blog. With a few suggested tweaks to my html, I was able to get rid of some bad code so that you may now be able to view the fancy new header that I created using a 30-day trial version of Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ulitmate. I must say it's pretty awesome. The next thing on the agenda is to figure out why I can't load images into my posts...hmmm.

YESSSS...kindof

2009-10-20T06:08:00.003-04:00

FINALLY I am satisfied with the look of my blog...kindof. I made my background but the header that I made (which is pretty cute if I do say so myself) won't show up! GRRR! I'm pretty sure I'm doing it right...anyone out there have any technical advice to offer? Well, here's what you're missing:

Okay nevermind...It won't even give me the option to upload the picture at the moment...did I mention GRRR?

In less frustrating news, my main site is finished too and I am pleased! I have decided that it will be more of a portfolio site and all purchases will be made through Etsy. I may eventually add an ala carte custom design feature to the site but I'm not sure yet. Now all I have to do is get all these great bags off my cutting table and into my Etsy shop! The bridal biz is slowing to a crawl so I will have plenty of time to work on new merch this week. I am DETERMINED to re-launch before this month is out!

Sigh Me and My Gemini Mind...

2009-10-13T22:25:00.003-04:00

Once again I am slowed down by my lack of ability to make decisions...a typical Gemini trait. I can't decide on how I want the new site to look. I can't decide on how I want my blog to look. Should they match? What will MASHULU's signature colors be? Should the colors be bright and fun or moody and modern? Does MASHULU need signature colors? Which bags will I debut first? Maybe I should make one of each? Will folks be turned off to know I have a hard time making decisions?

All of this is well and good...but my Etsy shop is still EMPTY! The good news is that the one bag I did have in there was sold at Eklectik Funk Boutique! I do have three bags fully cut that I can't wait to stitch up, so that's a plus. I want to give myself a deadline, but I have a bad habit of breaking promises to myself...I know I plan to be back in action by the end of the month...which is getting pretty close.

In the end I hope that you will see that all I go through in my head is worth it, lol.

Quick Update...

2009-09-22T16:59:00.002-04:00

In grad school.

Decided to grow out the 'fro once again...trying to wait to make "the chop" until December...we'll see.

Still working on new logo (fell out of love with the one I blogged about a while ago).

Working on all new stuff for Etsy and main site that will be back in full effect next month...with a slightly different address...

New blog design on the horizon...so irritated with how I left it...very NON artsy (bleh).

That's it for now. See? Told you it would be quick!

Sc'yooos My Mess...

2009-07-21T18:46:00.003-04:00

Look...I have been perusing blogs all day and I am NOT happy with how mines looks. There. I said it...so if you see some oddness going on, now you know why!

Of course it would make TOO much sense to just ask the oodles of creative folks I have access to via Etsy for some advice. I love trying to figure things out on my own (but I would NOT turn down any offers to help or some tips...thanks in advance, lol.)

By George, I think I've GOT IT!

2009-07-18T14:40:00.005-04:00

So I've been trying to come up with a new logo for MASHULU. I wanted something that, once put out there, would be a symbol by which no name needed to accompany it...you know, like the Baby Phat cat or the Nike swoosh. I am big on symbolism so I wanted the logo to have a little bit of story behind it.. I knew that I wanted to incorporate the Adinkra symbol Ananse Ntonan, which represents wisdom and creativity, and an owl, because in Egyptian hieroglyphics the letter "m" (for MASHULU, get it) is represented by an owl. I also wanted it to incorporate color that could easily be changed. I change my mind so much I can't stick to a set of signature colors. My first attempt (check older blog posts) seemed to fit the bill...until I ordered labels and decided I was not as in love with it as I thought!

During my research I found an article on good logo design and one of the things that stuck out to me was that a great logo looks great no matter what size, so if you shrink it, it's still as recognizable as if it was larger.

At last, I think I've come up with an image I can stick with:

What do you think?

I got so caught up in all this redesigning that I am behind on production...I WILL have new merchandise in my Etsy shop by the weekend!

Custom Made

2009-06-30T18:23:00.006-04:00

I recently had my first custom order experience on Etsy. A buyer fell in love with a bag I had made a looooong time ago (before I discovered the joys of magnetic snaps, lol) and wanted one for herself. Of course it was a remnant and I had no more of the fabric. I began to look through my stash and take pictures of fabric combinations that exited me...then I had to step back and realize that EVERYONE does not want their bag to scream, lol. I tend to gravitate towards very "on purpose" colors and patterns. So when I found a combination that fit my customer, I was initially disappointed at how "regular" it would be. However, after I finished the bag, I was surprisingly pleased and satisfied with how it came out: The bag she originally liked has been modified into my WHIPLASH style. The addition of pleats at the bottom make it deceptively roomy. It has two flap welt pockets on the outside, perfect for carrying a cell phone, metro pass, MP3 player, or other small items that you need quick access to. Inside there is an ample zippered pocket and a key holder strap. It closes with a magnetic snap.

I love how classy it looks and will be opened to creating other "toned down" styles. I will admit that the flap detail was my contribution of "flair". She absolutely loved the bag, which gave me such a relief (I am a worry wart, what can I say). This was an awesome custom experience and I want to thank Dana in NC for helping me explore my "less loud" side!

It's been a long time...

2009-06-26T14:54:00.006-04:00

I hate posting without really good pics...hence why I haven't blogged in a while. My computer never recovered so I'm using my daughter's laptop. I will have to see if i can make it work with my All-in-One printer. *sigh*

The Biz...
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I am currently working on some new bags and things for my July 3rd trunk show at
Eklectik Funk Boutique in Downtown Portsmouth, VA. I'm having a hard time focusing, however. As I'm working on one thing, I'm thinking of developing something else. I'm really interested in perfecting my patterns to help with my speed in contstructing them. I spent a LOT of time trying to develop a more clean and efficient way to make handles for my SOCIALITE bag and I am VERY satisfied with the results:

After I get done with the trunk show I have GOT to get to work filling my Etsy shop...it is shamefully empty! Of course I'll keep ya posted...
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Personally. . .
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When I was younger I was a Michael Jackson FIEND! Very few things stick in my mind like how I would get all giddy and weak-limbed whenever I saw his image. I remember rare times when my whole family would actually sit together watching television...one time was for the premeir of "Thriller"on MTV and MJ's performance on the Motown 25th Anniversary show. I remember just the joy and exitement that I felt, as well as my family. Great times! And personally, that's what I want to think about.

I just wanted to say that much and leave a link to of one of my favorite Jackson songs/videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1fXL3s7bk

GRRRR!

2009-04-30T12:53:00.004-04:00

Well, It's been a while since I've posted...thanks to the recession I had to give up having the 'net at home for a while. So just when I'm able to get back online at home, wouldn't you know it??? MY COMPUTER starts actin' all funky. I don't know what it could be, but I'm considering taking it to a PC Doctor or something because I know I can't afford to get a new one. It's always something, I swear. More later!

(un)Sweet Dreams

2009-01-22T07:42:00.007-05:00

So I have this one dream that I have every so often that my teeth are falling out. One time they just slid out...another they crumbled like chalk. Night before last it was another "damn my teeth feel loose" dream but only I was at work, which of course didn't look like the place I work, but a lot of the students I teach were there. One after the other I, a bit too easily, pulled out a tooth that had a ridiculously long root. Kinda looked like how when you suck on the straight part of a candy cane and it's all sharp. Weird. Anyone know what this means?

On the MASHULU side of things, I've finally played around with the checkbook wallet pattern I made a looong time ago. Now, I realize I didn't just invent the wheel, but I've had some difficulties before. Finally it's not all bulky and it's actually quite quick to make, once I get past the dreaded cutting out phase. So I have several cut out. I can't decide whether or not to use this as an opportunity to use up all my kitschy fabric (you know, the stuff with pictures on it like cupcakes or monkeys and stuff like that) or make them to coordinate with bigger bags....hmmm...The first five folks who respond to this blog will get one FREE...but you have to say more than just "Great Blog". That sounds fair, right?

Good Times...

2008-12-31T11:46:00.007-05:00

This pic represents simpler times. Before bills and a job and all that icky grown-up stuff you have to deal with. When you're young and have siblings you never really think you're going to be apart for so long. My father comes from a family of six children, many of them spread out. Never did I think that "us 3" would be in a position where we could not see each other whenever we wanted.

My brother left for the Marine Corps a bit over ten years ago. He ended up in California after finishing his four years. A few years after that, my sister joined the Marine Corps also and ended up in North Carolina. My sister is back in Virginia Now, and my brother is now in Tennessee. Due to lack of money and a whole bunch of other stuff, I hadn't seen my brother in over seven years.

Thanks to the generousity of one of our old high school mates (thanks Brian), my little brother (so what he's 30 and buff...I'm the oldest so he'll always be my little brother) has come home to visit. I present to you a photo I have been waiting over seven years take. . .

Y'all have a Happy New Year and I'll be back with actual MASHULU updates very soon!

New Look

2008-12-21T13:31:00.007-05:00

Okay, so for the longest I have been trying to design a logo that can stand alone without text and eventually identify my brand. I started out just using the Adinkra Symbol that symbolizes wisdom and creativity. I couldn't figure how to jazz it up and it ended up looking a little to plain for my taste. I'm all about symbolism and things relating to each other so I am pleased to present my new logo:

As you can see, I've had a bit of trouble trying to decide what my "signature colors" will be (you are looking at a screenshot of my color auditions, lol). So I've just decided to change them according to the seasons and holidays! I like it because it just looks a bit random in the beginning until you realize that it's an owl (cut in half). Now here's the breakdown: 1. The eye of the owl has the above mentioned Adinkra (Ananse Ntontan to be exact) in the center 2. The symbol represents wisdom and creativity 3. the owl is a symbol of wisdom and 3. in the hieroglyphic alphabet, the letter "M" is an owl. So it caters to all my needes...simple, stylized, and chock full of symbolism!

As soon as I get new labels (which I will get from MommieMadeIt...recommended on the Carried Away Blog), I will have a big sale to move items with my old labels on them. I can't wait!
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Straight off of the front page of Etsy I saw this eye-catching print. So I go to see what else is in Yellena's shop and lo-and-behold I find yet another piece of work that would KILL as a print on fabric.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I'm going to send a convo and see if they'd be interested in going to Spoonflower.com to make another one of my fabric fantasies come true!

Just a Touch of Love

2008-12-19T14:12:00.007-05:00

I recently joined the Carried Away Etsy Bagmaker Team. I've been wanting to join a team for a while and this was just so right for me. Since this big ridiculous paycut I've had to endure at my job I've had to scale waaay back, including my internet (sucks when you're trying to run a small business online). So after I get the 'net back at home I'll Join the Hampton Roads Artisan Street Team. That way I'll be able to participate in chats, etc.

Since I don't, at the moment, have any of my own pics to put in this post (and I hate posting without pics) I'll take this time to do a little something I'll call "The Sylistic List". This is where I'll do a little feature on some things that have caught my eye:

I noticed Jessica Torrant's (livefunky) Etsy Avitar in the forums once and It made me want to check out her work. After seeing pieces like the one shown here, I felt compelled

to let her know about Spoonflower.com. On Spoonflower.com you can design your own fabric (no minimum order) and I would just love to make some bags and other accessories out of fabric with the above image as the print!

Take it Easy...

2008-12-02T15:18:00.003-05:00

True to form I have worked myself into a lather.

So much is going on with me working two jobs, trying my best to not neglect my teen, working to put together a fine arts portfolio to apply to grad school, and trying to keep a steady flow of new bags out in the open. After thinking long and hard, I have decided to do away with mashulu.com to focus on selling on Etsy. I can feel some relief already, lol. This way I won't have to worry about keeping up with codes and site design, etc. , not to mention worry about the monthly fee I was paying for my own domain. To be honest, I sold many more items on Etsy than my main site anyway, so I'm hoping this will be a great move since I won't have to split my computer time up between trying to decipher and write proper html. Selling on Etsy also makes me feel more free because with the MASHULU site, I felt compelled to keep my designs urban to keep with a certain mood. Etsy is a breeding grown for eclecticism so I feel comfortable catering to some of my more kitch sensibilities. Scaling back will also give me more time to promote, promote, promote!

I feel so silly cutting the site off RIGHT after re-launching, but I think it will be for the best. I'm looking forward to a successful year ahead. My goal is to be "Etsy Popular"* by the summer!

*the term "Etsy Popular" is a term I use to describe someone within the Etsy community that is basically a star...like you see them at a craft show and you're like..."gasp! That's Fort Cloudy or Cubist Literature". Yeah...I wanna be THAT girl, lol.

Back in stride again...

2008-11-28T15:03:00.003-05:00

I just experienced that exited twinge I used to get when I rounded the corner of the family room and saw gifts under the Christmas tree. Why? I FINALLY re-re-RE-launched my http://www.mashulu.com/ site! I hope there aren't any major glitches...I did hook it up at quite a hurried pace. I wanted to put 10 new pieces up, but only managed to come up with six. They are a good six, so hopefully it will be enough to tide folks over. I want to open up a new section and add some earrings by December 5. After I get some sleep I'm pretty sure I can make that happen, lol. Maybe I will have enough time to re-shoot some of my images. I'm not 100% satisfied but I really wanted to put new stuff up. I think I have to play with my camera a bit more.

Check me out, won't you?

FYI, this one is from my "Strip Tease" series. I am WAY too thrilled at how it came out and I can't wait to try it out on other bag styles and in different color combinations. My previous "Strip Tease" was an attempt at random piecing. I must say the even strips aren't as boring as I thought they would be.

Back in the Saddle...

2008-11-26T19:32:00.009-05:00

WHEW! Feels like forever since I last blogged. I'll fill in the blanks as they are relevant to whatever story I'm telling at the time.

Never before has the word "economy" meant so much to me than now, lol. I'm living a life a bit more scaled back than i like, but I am thankful for a great place to live, a job (however unsatisfying), my health, and a healthy, well adjusted soon-to-be-16-year old *gasp*.

I am hoping that I can still get some Black Friday love, despite the forced financial conservatism of our country. That being said...I'm just about done with my latest batch of accessory goodness. I am exited in the progress that I see in my work. I'll be re-launching the http://www.mashulu.com site on Friday, November 29 at about noon...maybe a bit before. I'll be offering my new bags (custom and stock) at 30% off! I haven't decided if it will be a 12 hour, 24 hour, or weeked long sale. Here's a quick peek of what's to come, modeled by the aforementioned youngster:

I realized a bit too late that she was holding it backwards, lol.

Just wait 'til you see the front...HAPPY THANGSGIVING!

SUMMER IS HERE!!!

2008-06-03T19:01:00.010-04:00

...And it's hot as hell! I've been tossing and turning in a thin dressing of my own sweat these past few days. I shouldn't complain cuz Lord knows I asked for it!

Hmmm...whats been going on...

FINALLY finished the MASHULU mainsite revamp. I am sooo pleased with it. I'm loving the bags I'm coming up with now also...so far this is my favorite:

I did two shows within a few weeks of each other...very interesting. Of course I did the Spring Bada-Bing in Richmond. This time it was at Plant Zero, which was a really cool space. It rained like crazy but there was a really great turnout. I did okay...funny thing is everything I sold was sold to people I already know. It's all good, but it's just something I took notice of. This was one of the favorite bags I made for that show...I'm usually opposed to re-creating stuff, but I gotta make another of thses, for sure:

Then a few short weeks later I did the May Fair Craft Show by the Virginia Craft-on-istas in Arlington, VA. Again, it rained...but this time the turnout was not great. Whatsoever. Had it not been for a couple of my friend Nikki's pals, I wouldn't have even made back the show fee (which was $75, though I got $35 worth of space to use). It was a difficult day, but it's always great to hang with Nikki, PLUS I was able to meet some new pals and do a second muslin fitting for Nikki's wedding dress (I wish I could put pics up but I must wait for the big reveal). Like I said, it would have been a wash had it not been for two custom orders I got towards the end of the show. Thanks Angela and Tara! See y'all at the bachelorette...

Here's some pics of their order, reluctantly modeled by my daughter:

My new goal is to give this blog some lovin' on Wednesdays. This post should tide y'all over till then!

Blog Neglect

2008-04-06T06:38:00.002-04:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I've been terribly negligent...this blog is in need of sooo much love right now. Just to show folks that I have not completely fallen off the face of the earth, I'm just dropping a few lines to pacify (like you were just DYING for me to make a new post, lol).

Mentally I have been working like crazy to finish this first wave of new bags to put up on my site. Now if I could just get that in line with what I've been doing PHYSICALLY...lol. Admittedly I have a bad habit of spending waaay too much time designing and re-drafting patterns and not enough time working on and end product. I also tend to make things difficult...I was drafting a pattern for a simple coin purse to add to my merchandise line and ended up adding card holders and all this other stuff. I think it's going to be sooo cute and useful, but why can't I just make a ding-dang coin purse with just a zipper? Anyhoo, you'll love it, I promise!

And now for a few quick updates:

1. Purchased a new digi cam...YAY! 8 mega pixels this time. I was a bit ignorant when I got my first one, which had only like 4 I think. It served me well though. Can't wait to see how much better my merchandise shots will be.

2. Dyed my hair black yesterday. It's a little harsh, but I will have to work with it because I've been dying my hair too much lately and I don't want to press my luck! Which reminds me...I need to change my pic...I'm wearing my hair straight again. But who knows? My hair may get fed up with all the chemical experiments I've been doing and just start breaking off, in which case I may just cut it all off again and grow another 'fro.

3. I will be vending for the second year in a row at Spring Bada Bing in Richmond VA on Sunday, April 20th. I'm sooo exited! Which reminds me...I don't have a DAMN thing ready...what the hell am I on the computer for???? More later...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-13T17:51:00.000-05:00

Good thing I didn't make blogging one of my resolutions...I'd be off to a crappy start!

Here's another patented re-cap:
1. Moved into my new apartment LOVE IT! The amount of space and quiet nights are well worth the spectacular view of the graveyard my grandfather is buried in. I'm still not unpacked for real...bad for productivity.

2. I'm working on my main site...AGAIN! I need to get my studio set up so I can crank out some new bags. I think I have some designs folks will really get into. I'm trying to be a little more abstract in my design concepts.

3. I believe that at 5:01 AM on January 9, 2008 a few new gray hairs sprouted...my daughter turned 15.

I think that covers the major stuff...OH YEAH! I finally went and got a membership to my local YMCA. My fella and I meet up there so it's great motivation cuz I know I'mma catch it if I don't show! The first day was rough...I forgot all about how much anxiety I get when I enter a crowded place without having someone with me. My hands started sweating and everything! I found my beau (who was already working out) and promptly told him I didnt feel good and I wanted to go home. I told him how I was feeling and he worked out alongside me for a few minutes untill I didn't feel so anxious. Crisis averted! This past week I worked out for 5 days straight! I have a family membership so my daughter can come and work out with me as well. FINALLY some quality time that won't get interrupted when she sees someone from school! It's exiting because this is the first time in 7 years that I've actually been in a gym. I have been unhappy with my body for at least 12 years...I feel like I'm finally going to break through this apparent fear of success that I have and start making more of this one life I have to live...

MOVIN' ON UP!

2007-12-22T06:52:00.000-05:00

I'm exited, stressed, irritated, AND relieved at the moment...oh YES, it IS possible! I'm finally moving to a bigger apartment, one with 3 bedrooms so I can finally stop calling my bedroom or dining room my studio, lol. Nothing lets you know you have ton of stuff like when you're trying to pack it up!

ANYHOO...I'm exited because an old college classmate of mine (who is a freelance designer for Polo) really gave me some good motivation and inspiration to change up my style as far as my bags go. So I'm eager to set up my studio once again and get crackin'. In the meantime...back to packin!

See ya in '08!

Re-cap

2007-11-29T14:38:00.000-05:00

Man, I need to get better at updating... nothing too exiting going on. So I have my second craft show under my belt. VERY MUCH a learning experience. I didn't do as well as I would have hoped, but it's all to the good. I didn't realize I made as much as I did...my bigger bags ended up being squished onto one rolling rack. I noticed folks were looking at the first 5 or so bags and then just moving on when there was still more hotness to be seen! So I learned I need to step my booth game up. I could do with some bells and whistles I think. Of course my girl Nikki was there to help me out so of course it was a good time. My self esteem took a real hit, though. I thought I really made some stuff folks wouldn't be able to resist. I'm gonna press on though. Making these bags brings me so much joy and satisfaction. I just need something to catapult me to the forefront you know? I am in dire need of a confidence boost. This is one of my favorite pieces created for that show:

Well, at least I have newness for my main site.

I'm home sick today...turns out I have quite a nasty lil' kidney infection..YAY! Is it sick for me to be glad that I am ill so that I don't have to report to my job? I'm thinkin' that's a sign...

WHEW

2007-10-27T06:36:00.000-04:00

So it ended up taking a week to get over the busiest week I've had in a while. I got picked to vend at the HANDMADE PARADE! This wil be my second show, so I'm exited... OF COURSE I'm behind as far as how much I wanted to have done by this time. It's all good. Let's see if I can catch up on my blogging...

Well, my fella and I had a bit of a falling out, so naturally to distract myself I got another tattoo:

We worked it out and I'm back on cloud 9...he doesn't like ink like I do, so needless to say this was NOT a pleasant surprise for him. Too bad 'cuz I really want to get the Sankofa Adinkra symbol in the same size on my left wrist...oh well. It's a small sacrifice to make.

I managed to finish those Mandarin style jackets I was working on. Thank GOD I did a muslin! It was my first time doing that kind of jacket and they fit soooo well. I can feel acid reflux coming on at the thought of the amount of alterations I would have had to do if I didn't make a rough draft first! I thought I left my camera at work so I didn't take any pictures. I did, however, assure my client that I would hunt her down if she did not take photos and make sure that I got copies. I've got to get a portfolio together, folks!

I swear when my daughter got to high school I thought I'd be coastin' till maybe Junior or Senior year...then she had to be all "Miss Freshman Supa-Star"! Maybe it wouldn't have been so overwhelming to me if I didn't have all that other sewing to do. I'm proud though, I can't lie...it's so exiting to see her do things I was too shy to do and to carry herself with all the confidence I WISH I had at her age. I'm also extremely BLESSED that I had my step mom to help! My fabric stash came in handy too (I made her parade / game dress).

*tear* Time is going by waaay too fast!

OOH! I almost forgot...One of my friends in NOVA (Northern Virginia, for those who don't know) saw the "Dangerous Doll" BATELA style bag that a friend of another friend purchased from my main site and was very impressed with my work. He wants to help me promote in that area because he knows a lot of NFL cheerleaders and folks of that nature that would love my stuff. YESSS! Lord knows I love making stuff, but selling is not one of my strong suits (I used to buy my OWN band candy so I wouldn't have to go around soliciting, lol). We'll see what happens...

Cha-cha-cha-Chaaaanges....

2007-10-05T20:02:00.001-04:00

Sesa Woruban - Adinkra symbol of West Africa that symbolizes change or transformation of character

Man...now I see why I've stayed single for so long. Men are too dang distracting! I haven't blogged, haven't been working on my Etsy popularity, and Lord knows I haven't been preparing for Handmade Parade, just in case I get in. As I try to get past love's sweet hangover, I realize I've got MAD work to do! My main site needs new merch, I just got hired to make some outfits for a client who is going to a convention, and my BABY GIRL was voted Freshman Sweetheart so I'll be making her coronation gown! AWWWW...

I'm feeling restless lately. I want a new day job sooo badly! My spirit is being crushed, I'm not learning anything new, and there is little to no support for my department. Yeah I know...cry me a river. I'm just not sure what else I would be suited to do in this area. I guess I'll be gettin' my Monster.com on! In light of all this unrest, I'm feelin' kinda drastic...time for one of my patented changes! I would really love to get some new ink, but finances do not allow...so I'm gonna relax my hair instead. I will be disappointing my many naturally nappy friends out there, but this is who I am. This is what do...I change my appearance when the mood strikes...I transform.

Shoot...who knows? Maybe if me and the "man" break up I'll feel drastic enough to shave it off and start over...again!

It's good to be me

2007-08-26T18:56:00.000-04:00

Where to start? Well, I finally finished the first wave of improvements to my site (http://www.mashulu.com). I'm satisfied (for now) with how it looks...now all I have to do is make more stuff.

As of late I have been quite pleasantly distracted by a certain fella...which makes it hard to be productive, lol. Tall, dark, handsome, and juuust complicated enough to keep me on my toes so it's all g-o-o-d. 'Bout damn time...let's see how it goes.

To top off this fantastic week I've had, my old college roommate told me a friend of hers had a sewing machine that she never really opened and wondered if I would like to have it. Sure...why not? She wasn't really trying to charge me for it, so in exchange I offered to make a custom bag for her as well as a bag that I already have in stock that she saw in my Etsy shop. So, I get the machine and lo and behold...it's a BERNINA! WHOOOO-HOOO (insert exuberant happy dance here)! I've wanted one for the longest! It's crazy basic, but a BERNINA nonetheless. I am too exited and I can't wait to use it!

That's it for now...I feel like I should insert a picture or something..so enjoy this pic I took last weekend at the 17th street market in Richmond VA:

I'm a failure...

2007-08-07T15:32:00.000-04:00

...or at least that's how I feel. I didn't get the job. That's my fourth interview for a teaching position. I think I give up. Maybe it's a sign. I am starting to regret my fashion design degree. For me living in this area, I may as well have graduated from clown school. I don't know what to do.

But you know what I'm NOT a failure at? THAT'S RIGHT! MAKIN' STUFF! Here's my latest bag, to be added to my main site soon.

Ball o' Nerves

2007-08-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to feel sick. I have a nasty habit of freaking myself out.

I am DESPERATELY trying to get the hayle up out of the job I am working. I have come to the conclusion that it is truly damaging my spirit. According to one of my daughter's journals (what? she left it out...I think she meant for me to read it) working there is ruining our relationship, too. I am frustrated and disgusted and just overall unhappy because I feel stuck. which really is rewarding. But recently things have gotten crazy and it's starting to take a toll. Due to confidentiality, I won't go into detail about the incident that proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back...plus I'm still so disgusted that I don't want to repeat it.

So I applied, for the second year in a row, to teach for the public school system. Here it is August and I noticed that all the listings for Art teacher have been removed from the site and I've had no interview. I'm frustrated and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm trying to think about what else I can do...as far as I know, there aren't very many options in my area, especially from a creative standpoint. I feel defeated...

Thursday I got a call to have an interview with the Fine Arts department for Hampton City Schools. HALLELUJAH! Talk about the 11th hour! I was so exited...until I was told to bring in a portfolio. HUH? Oh Snap! I don't have one...at least not one that I think will land me the job. I'm thinking they want to see my Fine Arts type stuff...I haven't done fine arts stuff since college (I graduated in '01)...the only thing I've drawn or painted is this:

And this...

All I've been doing is sewing. So I'm sooo worried. All I can do is take new pictures of the things I have, present the HELL out them, and hope that they can see that I'm a capable artist and that I am hella passionate about art and creativity. Shoot. I dunno...

...Back to the beat

2007-08-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

So, nearly a year ago one of my students did something that my mother didn't have the patience to do: teach me how to crochet. In doing so, a monster was created. I had little granny square patches all over the place as I experimented with color combinations. I even made granny square earrings (see my Etsy shop and my main site). Then, through gaining a small collection of books and pamphlets, I learned how to do different squares, even hats!1. first hat finished EVER 2. first hat w/brim...it looks better on a bigger head (from Get Your Crochet On by Afiya Ibomu)

Naturaly I would start doing some crochet bags...They are a bit time consuming, but gratifying nonetheless...

I love how this came out...I still need to put a lining in it.

I was making this for a "Black, White + another color" creative challenge, but never finished.

Some works in progress...

I'm in the mood for a journey...

2007-08-02T20:57:00.000-04:00

...a HAIR journey!

So, a little over a year ago I cut my hair down to like about 1 inch or so, to get rid of all the relaxed parts in order to grow my hair out with it's natural texture. It was the third time I'd done it (the other two times I punked out a few months shy of the one year mark). Finally I settled in nicely to my naturalness and have been sporting a blow out 'fro and loving it.

Many of my friends have been growing beautiful, neat, highly style able locs (can you spot the FIVE lovely loc'd ladies in this pic? HINT: I'm not one of them...I'm wearing braids). I admired how it afforded them the best of both worlds...natural texture as well as length. It seemed like they grew over the course of a couple of months, when in actuality it took them 4+ years to achieve the glorious lengths that they sport. Everyone I ask says the same thing...that it's a journey. Could I possibly have the strength or patience to embark on such a journey?

should I or shouldn't I?

*ahh* we've had some good times my 'fro and I...

*sigh* but I'll MISS my cornrow/'fro combo.

let the journey begin...

P.S. Coles, thanks for the gentle nudge *wink*.

The Fabric Whisperer

2007-07-28T22:40:00.000-04:00

Two posts in one day? OH SNAP! Anyhoo...

I feel like I am getting more and more in tune with my creativity. I saw this vintage-looking fabric at Hancock a little while ago. I liked the colors, but I wasn't exactly sure what I would use it for. I got like, 1/4 yard or something.

Fast forward a month or so later, and I'm trying to work on another KILA SIKU style bag (I changed the design, by the way...it's now like a short version of the ZITO style... http://www.mashulu.com/ to see what I mean). All of a sudden, that vintagey (is that a word?) fabric pops into my head and I'm overcome with bouts of restlessness! I cannot focus on the task at hand, haunted by this old school fabric. All of a sudden all I could think about is how I was going to make a bag with that fabric. I just stopped what I was doing and ended up creating this:

I was going to use lace on this bag (where the read meets the black vinyl), but then it hit me...YELLOW PIPING! Luckily I actually had some on hand (what are the odds). GOD BLESS 50% off notion sales!

It's basicly the shape that was the original KILA SIKU (see the pink, black, and white bag a few posts down), but I made it shorter and put a faux welt pocket on the inside (my zipper supply is getting low, lol). I'm going to add it to my main site's line-up. The shape kindof reminds me of a canoe so I'll call it BATELA. It means "small boat"...or at least I HOPE that's what it means, lol.

My rainbow moment(s)

2007-07-28T21:25:00.000-04:00

I'm almost POSITIVE that there's a shorter, more interesting way to tell this story, but I just gotta get it out, so it is what it is. I'll try to create a much cooler post later, lol.

I worked Saturday school today for a few extra dollars and something happened that made me so disgusted and depressed that I won't even go into it. I was feelin' like crap so I came home and fell asleep.

Later in the day I met up with a lady (who found one of the business cards that my daughter cleverly posted at the fabric store...apparently she carries them around, lol) who needed a Mother of the Groom outfit. She was telling me about how she just moved here from Philly and didn't know where she could get her hair (which she wore natural, no chemicals) styled...out of nowhere Nadia, my step-mom's hairdresser (and a whiz at styling natural hair) appears. So I introduced the two and apparently made the lady's day.

Then, after I finally got the lady....Barbara...to decide on a style, for some reason, I had chocolate brown crepe trimmed with a late colored brocade of some sort (the wedding colors are Chocolate, Late, and Orange). I was hoping I wasn't going to have to order it because the wedding is like in two weeks. Not only did I find the PERFECT chocolate brown crepe in abundance, but for the trim I found this Late brocade fabric with little orange flowers on it!

(I TOTALLY need a new camera...pic doesn't do the fabric justice at all.)

ANNND the crepe was on sale for 50% off so Barbara got so exited that she grabbed a couple of other colors, just in case she wanted me to make her something else and she even got picked up some Royal Blue and had some cut for me, despite my protest, lol. I don't have one solid Royal Blue dress, which I should since it's one of my Sorority colors, so I'm exited.

But true to form, I ended up undercharging her for labor...maybe she'll give me a tip? DOH!

After that I saw Karen, who I used to work with at David's Bridal. She's like a Master Artisan or something so I gave her my card because I'm really ready to take my sewing to a whole other level...then the clerk cutting my fabric told me that they need teachers for basic sewing classes. YES! I was just thinking about how much more satisfying it would be to teach serious students.

It was at this point I realized that it is SO past time for me to push myself harder to make my sewing more profitable for me. I have to shake this shy thing and get serious about networking and selling myself. I am being forced to face my fears about taking the plunge business wise...I always worry about getting too much work if I cast my net out too wide. Just thinking about how OVER my day job I was made me want to pass my card out to every ding-dang person I came in contact with.

I'm reminded of a helpful concept that was first introduced to me in high school when I was learning how to twirl a flag. . ."don't think. . . just do".

Let's recap, shall we?

2007-05-28T11:35:00.000-04:00

Well I've been a lil slack with the posts. To lower the risk of this not being read, I will TRY to keep it brief but thorough, lol.

APRIL 23, 2007...SPRING BADA-BING!

Where to start? Well this was the first craft show I had participated in. It couldn't have gone any smoother! All of the research (i.e. reading lots of Etsy forum posts) really paid off because it went off without a hitch! I didn't get to make everything that I had planned to take, but I was satisfied that what I did bring represented my business well. It was also awesome to see so many people who's online shops I have seen so many times. Pear was right across from me and I also saw Holland Cox, Faerwear (she's the bestest), and others. There were many other bag designers there, but the styles were so different from each other that I didn't feel intimidated...there was truly something there for everyone. There was more of a sense of community than competition.

I'm proud of my set up...one of my students made a sign for me in wood shop and it came out PERFECT! I also used the fabulous wire tree that I purchased on Etsy from janedean and of course the awesome business card holder from hojpoj. I read somewhere that folks like candy, so I had that goin' for me, too!

I had my old college roommate (and one of my best friends) Nikki there with me and she wrote out all the receipts and took money from customers. all I had to do is look friendly and promote the product! lol. She was a blessing and truly enhanced the experience for me.

I am definitely going to apply to this show next year and some others. It gave me such a high...after I set my table up I took a look around, called my dad and said "I want to do this EVERY day!"

more pics from the show may be viewed on my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mashulu/

What a week...

2007-03-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

So...I applied to participate in Spring Bada-Bing, a juried craft show sponsored by the Richmond Craft Mafia. Monday I got my rejection email. It's so funny because I was kinda hoping that I didn't get picked because I was freaking out a little on the inside. I mean, this would be my FIRST show...so much prep involved...of course I like to work myself into a nice lather with worry, lol. So the rejection should have given me a bit of relief, right?

Nope.

I was once rejected from Arts in the Park, another juried show in Richmond a few years ago, basically because by the time I entered, they had soooo many bag vendors they said. That time I was okay with the rejection because I wasn't where I wanted to be creatively AND the fee was like $250 or something. This time was different. I was disappointed and curious as to why I didn't get in. Not like I think I'm the innovator of the handmade purse or anything. I was just wondering what I needed to do to step my game up this time. I was kicking myself because when I applied my main site wasn't finished. I am so proud of it that I thought "Man...they would have picked me if they saw the site".

Strangest thing...Wednesday I got an email saying that I got the wrong email...so I actually DID get in! Crazy, right?

To top it all off, VCU beat Duke last night in the first round of the NCAA tournament...can you imagine?
(Even though they won, all the stuff I've seen on the 'net has pics of Duke...hey! Give us our P's! Let's be fair and praise the winners! Would it kill you to put a VCU player on the front page, YAHOO?)

GO RAMS!!!

Could I possibly be having the best week EVER?

My Eyes Are Bleeding

2007-03-05T10:42:00.000-05:00

I NEED SOME SLEEP!!! And tonight I'm going to get it! Since I put the word out that my main site will be up and running today, I HAD to get it done. Well, it's not ALL the way done, but it's functional. I at least have a good foundation to where I can add little by little. Between this site and Etsy, I'm going to be a busy gal...here's my favorite new piece so far, modeled by my sister:

If you haven't already, check out what I have so far: http://www.mashulu.com Let me know what you think.

Once again, Etsy has shown me the way...

2007-03-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

Wow...I'm slow. So I wasn't all that hyped on keeping my blog updated before because I wasn't sure how folks would see it other than being linked to my main website...which isn't done yet (see below posts, lol). Once again Etsy forums have provided me with the answer. DUH! How 'bout you TELL people about it? Also in viewing the blogs of others I noticed that I should drop a few pics up in here.

That being said, let me take time out to profess my love for Etsy and the beautiful creative folks I have met through that site. There are quite a few and I'm gonna give them their proper credit in other posts.

First of all, CJ (http://www.hojpoj.etsy.com/ ) is a star. I saw that she made stained glass business card holders and inquired as to wether or not she did custom orders. I thought that would be a cool way to hold business cards for when I start doing shows. She asked lots of questions, just like I would if I were custom making something for someone. Here's what she came up with:

Nice, huh? Needless to say I was too exited.

Next I just HAVE to say thank you to Mandy (http://www.millymollymandy.etsy.com). One of my sorority mascots is the dove and I noticed that a lot of her prints had doves in them. Recently I checked out her shop and she had this series called "Contemplation" and I fell in love with it! It is such a sweet drawing...the line quality is just beautiful. I contacted her to see if it was possible to get that print with my sorority colors and she hooked me up...

I cannot wait to get this! Thank you Mandy!

GRRRRRRR!

2007-02-28T22:10:00.000-05:00

I just KNEW I would have everything ready so that I could launch the site March 1, but 'twas not meant to be...I even took the day off of work to finish out the first set of bags I wanted to present. But of course, I slowed myself down by trying out new designs rather than sticking to the list I made. Also, I think I was beig a bit ambitious (as usual) to think I could get 6 pieces, photo editing, shopping cart, etc. done in a day or two. MAN! That is so frustrating...but I really want to have a decent amount of pieces to start out with so the site won't look so bare. DOGGONE IT...I am relaunching by the beginning of next week, come hell or high water!

Maybe I should stop planning...

2007-02-13T06:27:00.000-05:00

Of course the plan mentioned previously fell by the wayside...it was a good plan though.

I am exited because I started a good motivational thread in the Etsy forums a few days ago. I wanted to know what worked for other bag makers as far as production goes. Many of them do things that I do (or had planned to do). As much as I hate cutting, I went ahead and cut out enough bags to stock my main site for re-launch. I have two done and they look pretty good, I think. I should be able to make at least one bag a day during the week and a few more on the weekend. I think I will re-launch on the first of March...which will be almost a year since I put the site up in the first place.

A plan I can stick to...

2007-01-19T12:47:00.000-05:00

I'm exited. I've finally come up with a reasonable production plan. I've been so tired from work that I just veg out when I get home and I don't make anything. Then I'm left with the feeling that I have wasted my day when I go to bed. Since my social life is *pfffffffft* at the moment, I'm going to kick in the afterburners from Friday till Sunday so I can post something new on Etsy at least once for five consecutive days. During the week I will work on my main site for no more than 3 hours at a time.

I think that's a plan I can live with, but I'm great at making plans and horrible at following them. We'll see.