Inspiration Station – March/April 2013

It’s Spring!!! Finally! Damn it took long enough. Flowers are beginning to push up through the soil, the air feels cleaner, and it is now light out when I come home from work.

I love Spring-can’tcha tell?

Still working on my new stitch project. Had to take a break due to a reoccurrence of trigger thumb. Trigger thumb is when the tendons in the thumb become entrapped. It becomes difficult to bend the thumb, and sometimes effects the rest of one’s hand. I’ve had one cortisone shot. This go- round I tried acupuncture, magnets, traumeal, and hot water. The hot water is the most effective for now.

My radio show is hoppin’!  This past Wednesday we dished on “If you had unlimited funds, what would you do?” You can take a listen here.

If you have a podcast, or small business/hobby and wondered what was tax deductible, check out Roger Noriega’s show tonight. “The Tax Man Cometh-part 2″ 

I’m also looking for craft fairs/festivals in the NYC area–preferably Queens. One of my goals for this year is to participate in at least one or two.

Well, I’m off to listen to Roger’s show.  Guess I’ll really need to buckle down and do my taxes this weekend. Blech. :)

Cheers!

Inspiration Station – February 2013

Baby it’s cold outside. It’s just February, but I’m already wishing for April.  The nice thing is the cold forces me to stay in and practice my peyote stitch and market my work.

The not so nice: all the plants are dormant, so no wonderful colors for a few more months.

Peyote stitch, the mainstay of beading, was my nemisis for a long time. Every attempt at lining up beads, then keeping them even fell flat.  The rows never held up. The effort resembled a twisted cord of beads and thread. Of course I tried to salvage and create a new twisted lariat out of the hysterical error. No dice. Finally, I decided to walk away from peyote and focus on any other method, paticularly bead embrodiery.

At BeadFest last year, I found the solution. The woman who invented this is a saint.

Quick Start Peyote guide

Quick Start Peyote cards re-introduced the elusive stitch. They are so easy to use anyone can learn the basic stitch.  (Click the name to visit Deb’s website for more information.) The packet includes a group of cards for different size beads, and a very clear instruction guide to follow.

It took a little practice, but now I am confident in my basic peyote.

Here’s a peek at a new bracelet in the making:

Peyote stitch, here I come.

In other news, I’ve been very busy on the radio, filling in for the illustrious Roger Noriega at NDB Media. Visit the website and check out the listings. There’s something for everyone, especially if you’re a sports fanatic.

Before  hitting the hot cocoa, here’s a special treat:

From now until February 28, use the code “FBVAL” at my store, and receive  10% off any order of $20+

Stay safe, stay warm, and stay loved!

Inspiration Station – January 2013

Baby it’s cold outside! However, winter is half-way over and we just received our first cold snap and a little bit of snow. We have no right to complain.

Updates updates:

My Adventure in Health:

I had to pause my workouts for a bit. Without going into a heap of TMI, my body wants a checkup. So I see a new family physician this week. Not that worried, though. Still losing weight–everyone’s commented on it, and another pair of pants has become too large. Since the workouts have stopped, not sure why I’m still losing.

The Store:

After a few hiccups, the store is chugging along. Lots of new art, in addition to some originals from the early store. I even have a newsletter again. To subscribe, visit the store and sign up. Newsletters are sent at the end of each month, only once a month, so no spam. And I do NOT rent or sell my mailing list.

Click the logo to visit:

Radio Show:

Yes, I’m back! My regular show is January 30, 10PM EST.  Show topic: Internet hoaxes, Facbook annoyances, and whatever current event I feel like dishing on. Hosted by NDB Media on Blogtalk Radio. The link will be posted shortly.

Inspiration Station – December 2012

Holy Moley! 2012 is just about over. Blink–it’s gone. What a year. Some of us had a great year, some of us just want it over. Last night, my compatriot Tanya M discussed resolutions on her radio program (Raise Your Glass). She refuses to make resolutions. First, people make them and don’t keep them. Then, if you need to change something in your life, why wait until the year is over to do it?Good point.

My feeling is people need a starting line. Folks need that sense of “okay it didn’t go this time, but I’m starting again”. Resolutions are a promise to “do over”.  I do agree with Tanya however. Don’t wait for January 1–just do it now.

Speaking of January 1st: join me as I fill in for Roger Noriega on Tuesday Night in America on Blogtalk Radio. I’ll discuss the top ten resolutions people make, but don’t necessarily keep–and offer some positive advice to start 2013.

How was the Holiday Event, you ask?

I met some lovely people. My table looked just the way I hoped:

My display at the Holiday Event.

Unfortunately, the turnout was very light. We vendors supported each other after the initial crowd left. It was a positive learning experience. I know I’ll be ready for the next event. Square worked great with my new tablet. Most of the “lookers’ gave positive feedback on the designs:

“Very different!”

“This is outside the box.”

“You’re going to do well. This is not your average jewelry.”

 

Next Radio Show – Open Mic Night 10/31

Join me for my next episode of “The Eclectic Experience“.  I’ll wrap up the Home Depot Saga, dish on some cool things I like, and discuss the goings on about one of my favorite “reality” shows. 10PM EST 10/31

Come join the fun! Happy Halloween!

Not At Home at the Depot – 2

Last time our heroines (my mother & I)  were left high and dry with a non-functioning refrigerator. Most of you read my tale last time, and heard about it on a special edition of my radio program, The Eclectic Experience. (If you haven’t heard it, click the title.)

It has been 1 week. Not only did I blog, broadcast, Tweet, FBook. I also filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

That is what finally got their attention.

I receive an email and phone calls from Home Depot’s corporate “Excecutive Escalation Team” and the local store. I returned both calls. The manager of the local store wasn’t free, so I left a message.

However, I did speak with the corporate representative. She advised me that the local store could have contacted Magic Chef then and there. She offered to have the store send a loaner fridge, and advised me to file a warranty claim for reimbursement of spoiled food. I told her that what was really troubling was the dismissive attitude of the salesperson.

The rep called me today to make sure the technician arrived(as she promised).

The techician told my mom that the part that collects the run off was broken. The new part has to be ordered, and it’s going to be another 2-3 days.

Tomorrow I am ordering a mini-fridge from Sears. After visiting our local store and looking at the options; we decided instead of spending another paycheck, we are purchasing a mini fridge for me, one for my brother (which will stay in the basement) and Mom will keep the fridge for her use once it’s fixed.

We are nearing the end of this saga, but it still comes back to: If you help the customer up front, this can all be avoided.

Thank you all for your support, especially my buddies at NDB Media,

Stay tuned!

The Pandorica Opens 09/30 by SciFiPulse | Blog Talk Radio

The Pandorica Opens 09/30 by SciFiPulse | Blog Talk Radio.

Join Ian, Raissa and myself as we discuss the mid season finale, “Angels Take Manhattan”, the final episode of the Ponds.

The Eclectic Experience – Sept 26 10PM EST

Join me tonight on “The Eclectic Experience” via NDB Media!

Tonight’s show is for the renovation addicts: (click to join the show)

DYI Do’s & Don’ts

When do you do it yourself? When to call a professional? And more!

Inspiration Station September2012 – Say Cheese!

This year at BeadFest Philadelphia I took Jim Lawson’s photography workshop. He demonstrated a basic lighting set up, and why a tripod and off white paper is important in jewelry photography.  I fell in love with the software he uses, but alas, it is only for Mac, not PC.

It’s been a while, but I finally received my new tripod ($29 from Amazon), and found PhotoScape, a free software for PC’s.

I love Photoscape! It has more enhancement options than the software that came with my camera. (Olympus FE-210). As a matter of fact the Olympus software is now obsolete. Good thing I found Photoscape. So while building my new store I played around with Mr. tripod and Photoscape. Here are some of the results:

They are much much clearer than when taken without the tripod. I used sunlight, and off-white sketchbook paper as the background. I did some clean up with the software (sharpened, cropped, some white balance).  If Mr. Lawson teaches at a BeadFest near you, I highly recommend taking the class. He was generous answering questions. I believe he’s planning an advanced workshop–if it happens, I’ma be there!

In other news: my next radio show is tomorrow (9/16) 7PM EST with Ian & Raissa on SciFi Pulse’s “The Pandorica Opens”. We’re discussing the new Doctor Who Episode “A Town Called Mercy.”

My normal show “The Eclectic Experience” is Sept 26 10PM EST. It seems the topic will be about beading, craft business, and other stuff.

Retrograde? or Just Crazy? – August 2012

“Mercury is in retrograde. That’s why everyone’s nutso.” This was the reason offered by a friend when she heard me talking about the weird things happening during the week.

Perhaps the planets do influence u, either via gravitational pull, electromagnetic activity.

Today a subway “preacher” ranted on about men’s pants hanging too low, and women’s tops rising too high. How we are ignorant and cuss at each other faster than being polite to each other. And he cursed the entire time. Yep the “preacher” cursed one sentence, then prayed the next.

Then one person decides to stand still on the left side of the escalator. Here in NYC, the left side of the escalator is for those who want to keep moving. If you can’t, the unspoken rule is to stay to the right.  This woman decides  she’s standing on the left. The man behind her screamed in her ear for her to move.

“Lady, EXCUUUUUUSE ME!! MOVE OVER!!”

She turned to stone. For a moment it seemed he was going to push her. Instead he huffed and rolled his eyes until they reached the top of the platform.

Then he pushed her. She just walked away. No cursing, no yelling, no swinging the umbrella into his crotch.

Now that was weird.  I’m going to stick with “people are just crazy”.  There cannot be any gravitational pull strong enough to make someone act like that.

While the freaks come out at night, allow me to update a few projects.

This coming Sunday August 12, 7PM EST  is the second installment of  The Pandorica Opens - a Doctor Who discussion show on SciFi Pulse via NDB Media.  This week we’re discussing David Tennant’s tenure.

My excercise/wellness plan is in it’s 2nd month. As of today, I’ve lost 3 pounds, and up to 2miles/week on the treadmill.

My new store Pond’s Edge Designs is under construction.  It’s taking longer than planned due to technical difficulties with the credit card processor. But it’s resolved so now I’m adding inventory.  I hope to be open before I leave for BeadFest Philadelphia.

Speaking of BeadFest- I can’t wait to visit my favorite vendors again. This year I’m taking a photography refresher class. With a new store it’s time to step up the photos.

Last but not least, my regular show on NDB Media is scheduled for August 29, 10PM EST. Have no idea what the topic will be yet, so stay tuned.