Forum Madness

I love the Etsy forums. Maybe too much, really. They keep me occupied when I should be working. But, they can be fun.

This evening, someone asked about what we think the trends will be in 2010 (we've seen a ton of owls and cowls this year). Of course, I had something to say about it:

Gnomes, of course! Seriously, the Underground Gnome Revolution will surface very, very soon. I can tell. They talk to me. The Gnomes. They're telling me to get back to work.

I hope everyone had a grand holiday weekend! Viva la Gnome Revolution!

In other news, some new Gnomes were listed in the shop today, as well as a new Piggy, and the Holiday Gnomes are coming. I'll get several up over the next couple days. Want a preview? You got it!




This next one, while not a holiday Gnome, is a much anticipated release here. We at the Gnome Garden have been toiling so hard on this line. I hope all of you will like it as much as we (that is the we that is I) do!

Gnomes and Piggies for less

It's not really a sale, but I'm here to tell you that now is the time to buy that Gnome or Piggy that you've been wanting! Prices are going up at the end of the holiday shopping season. They won't be at these prices for much longer!

Treasuries Are Addicting

They must be because here is another one!

This treasury reflects my passion as a doll maker and collector. I could say something about each of these wonderful dolls, or I can let you have a look so they can tell you their stories themselves.

I hope you enjoy it! Etsy crashed just as I was creating it, very dramatic. Thankfully, I got in just in time!

Story Time

Well, I'm sorry to say that I can't get this screenshot of my treasury any bigger without it getting fuzzy.

I wanted to tell you about this treasury, and why I chose the items I chose.

Some of you may already know, I am a sailor. I started sailing in 1995. My father crewed on a beautiful 36 Catalina called Gone with the Wind that was owned by one of his coworkers, Paul. When he invited me to go on a short weekend sail, I jumped at it.

I became a part of the regular crew for the sailing association's Wednesday night races. I even stopped taking violin lessons, which were on the same night, because I wanted to sail. I crewed for Paul, who became a very dear friend to my father and I, until his death in 2005. In addition to the races (which we only won once, Gone with the Wind was not a racing vessel!), Paul took his crew out for a weekend cruise once a year at the end of the season.

For two seasons after Paul's passing, I crewed on another boat, Tzatsky Too, that was owned by a long friend of Paul's and a member of the sailing association. His boat was smaller by eight feet, and a different make, though I don't remember it now. It took some getting used to after 10 years on Gone with the Wind.

The reasons I stopped sailing aren't important here. Circumstances make it not possible now, and I think my father still sails on Tzatsky Too. My father was also once a member of the US Coast Guard, so ships, the sea, and all things nautical are of great interest to us.

Some of the items in my Treasury are cool ships and fun pirate things and really creative jewelry. I particularly love the paintings, and the photograph in the bottom center that reminds me of some of the images I captured of sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay from the deck of a sailboat. Like this one:

© EMB 2004

The journal in the left of the first row is another favorite. I love the "map" cover. The lighthouse plaque was included because, while it's not a ship, lighthouses are also one of my passions and very important structures in the days of sail. Benjamin Franklin says "lighthouses are more helpful than churches."

Etsy has some truly awesome maritime-themed items. I was wishing that the Treasury was not limited to the 12 items I've shown, because I would have showcased many more. They all take me back to that wonderful time in my life when I was surrounded by friends, with wind in the sails and land far in the distance.

Where the ocean meets the sky, I'll be sailing.

I Don't Believe It

If you've ever wanted to make a Treasury, it's not as hard as it seems!

Here it is, my first Treasury! Filled with things that remind me why I love sailing.

I'm so excited because I got it on the first try. None of this coming back days later to try again stuff. Nothing frustrating about it, really. It's all about timing. (And, shhh! don't tell my boss, I did this at work!)

Enjoy, and have fun!

Gnome Sightings!

Have you ever wondered why I make Gnomes? If you missed the story here, or in my shop profile, you can find it at the wonderful blog of Shade Tree Studio! And the super-cool things at their Etsy store!

Unfortunately, I can't seem to comment on that blog, so I'll have to try again on a different browser. Be sure to check out all the other awesome shops they've featured!