CRAFTS :: Catching up, again... Hear what I found...

What to say about my crafting... 

Mostly, I watch videos and explore other creators on YouTube for now.

I have my tools and supplies getting ready, but not able to use them yet.  I keep working on the process.

I just realized it has been since DECEMBER 2020 that I posted here.  I remember posting at my Facebook Crafts page, sorry that I didn't get to posting here.  I found out because I wanted to know if I already share a great resin artist already.  I found her on YouTube one day and was so surprised.

I found the video link to share here...  https://youtu.be/WYPIz8MhxxM

When I checked for her other links it was a mess, but this FOUR minute video is the main thing.  You will be amazed.  I think "art on the wall" is the best appplication of her talent, but some of the jewelry she created is also very surprising.  I am hoping she is successful somewhere.

I am busy trying to build my silk-screening supplies... making my own screens (learning how to make them), and trying to figure out designs I can do on my own.  I found a nice video channel for some of the learning steps called  "Easy" - but also like another guy called Reyes (something).  EASY is a channel with mostly text, from somewhere else.  I am trying to make the "pads" he shows as aids for printing.  They might work for my small art projects, too.

I guess I shouldn't share too much here.  I am trying to make PATREON my main effort.  I need 20 PATRONS for my page -- ART Patrons.  I am looking for $15 supporters.  All help is appreciated... more money means the ability to buy all the tools and supplies I need, plus find a decent workspace.  Please consider becoming one of my supporters.  You can find the benefit description on my page  ::  https://patreon.com/DebsRetirementPlan 

I will be trying to post on my blogs at least once a month... general updates.  It's a long learning curve, but I am getting further down the path every day.  

Join me.

In Christ,

Deb Martin

CRAFTS :: Finding some wonderful old notes about crafting goals!

I have been sorting through LOTS of my "historical records" this month.  In that process I keep finding old notes for crafting projects and videos I watched.  So amazing.  I remember some of them, others are like I am just seeing them for the first time.

I have to make new piles for all the sites I have been trying to build.

These are quite old, today's at least...  2014, 2015, 2016, and even some 2013's here and there.  I can't remember what other dates I have come upon.  I am shredding the things I can't make into scratch paper...  another two shopping bags full so far, going on three.

It is so sad to me that I wasn't able to use many of the things I saved.  I look at them now and I have to say to myself, 'Will I be able to use this NOW?"  Some of my saved papers are only on temporary status.  I have to read them first, then decide.  It is an emotional process.  Good memories, bad memories.

I wasn't able to achieve the goals I had for 2020, but I am finding the problems to fix and working on those.  Making work spaces is beginning to happen.  

I wonder how long business information is good... I'm working on that answer.  I will try to let you know if I find the answer.  I always tell my sons and others that some business information (tips) are just renewed for each generation.

I hope your efforts to make MONEY are doing better than mine!  :-)   With FAITH all things are possible, and Christmas isn't over yet!  I am still working on my selling path and what to focus on.  Maybe by the end of this year I will figure it out... something I can replicate easily, sell a lot of, and make some great profit.  That would be nice!  :-)

In Christ, 

Deborah Martin

https://etsy.com/shop/work2gather

CRAFTS :: Trying to get some designs online with what I have to work with...

Finding the fastest way to sell online is quite a challenge for my life.  I have been trying to list products that are available to me with drop-shipping through PRINTFUL (.com) - this link is connected to my first affiliate link, another effort to increase my income.  

My newest efforts are POSTCARDS, but tonight I added an 18x18 inch framed poster to my ETSY shop as my November discount item.  I want to add more color and other elements to my designs, but don't have that option yet.  I definitely am learning the limits of text-only designs and the Printful design tools.

This is one design I made tonight.  This is a postcard format. I think it can be small art  (4x6)  messages.  I'm trying to get messages that work on mugs, too.

I tried some of the color options for this one.  I don't like the text now that I have it saved.

I was trying to make this POSTCARD design into a listing and noticed the citation text at the bottom got messed up somewhere from design to save.  It has to be done over.

What I ended up for now is this logo design element for Working Together that is also a major statement on our relationship as Christians.  I made it when I first started WT back in 1987.  It represents the theme of what WT is trying to do... get us together as ONE Body of Christ.

This is a POSTCARD format.  I focused on the major words only in the square POSTER I listed.

I may get this onto a t-shirt as a wearable statement for all to see and think about.

I guess I get upset when I see the wonderful colorful art in Christian shops on ETSY.  I wonder what software they have.  I am not able to print in color right now... not sure why my printer suddenly stopped printing color even though all the setting are set right and it has a new ink cartridge.  One of my goals is to get a better computer system, including a better printer. 

It has occurred to me since starting this learning journey that digital art is not as good as selling physical art products.  I want to have some digital listings at my shop, but more individual physical items.

When I can find the best format for my creative expressions, I will not feel so futile in my efforts.  Finding my "zone" is the quest.

Well, this is my first post of November.  My effort to post more often is beginning to take shape.  I want to share my efforts more... and to learn in the process.  I'm moving into video as an online tool.  Once I learn the smartphone, that will be easier.  :-)    So MUCH to learn.

If you have any suggestions for my selling (income) quests, let me know them.

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

This statement helps me to keep going...