Not only are gas prices sky high. But I just received my car renewal. Guess how much?
Here's a hint: Last year it was $55. So guess.
NO! How about $75.00. I know that isn't much compared to other states, but when you look at the increase of nearly 50%, that's a lot! Okay, 36%. But isn't that a lot?
Douglas county's property taxes have doubled. A couple of years ago we were reassessed and told they couldn't do it again for 10 years. Well, guess what, they reassessed our back lot again!
Now, don't get me wrong, I believe in paying my share of taxes and all that stuff. But it's come to the point where I'm thinking about taking all the siding off my house and covering it with tar paper! Ma and Pa Kettle were better off in their shack. That's how I feel.
Let's see, what else can I do to get my taxes lowered. I could dig up the sewer and put in an outhouse. I could log off the back 40 acres. We can let some trees grow up into our driveway, and we can fill the fields with cattle.
June 02, 2008
May 30, 2008
Summer craft/art sale season is here!!
I had to make a difficult decission today: to sale or not to sale? (I know, SALE was spelled that way intentionally, lol)
I had to take into account the gas prices (boo to every oil company that is making billions of dollars at the expense of the poor Americans), the distance I have to travel, the booth fees and the energy I have to expend.
So let's see, gas is now $3.89/gal. I have to drive 2.5 hours. I have to get up at 4 a.m, and I have no energy or inclination to travel that distance at those prices to be let down and lose money because everyone else is in the same boat as me. CAN'T AFFORD GAS!
So, I've decided that I will only be entering into juried art sales this year. I will most like only be doing about 2-4 sales.
I know this may seem drastic to some. And although I usually do fairly well at these sales, I have yet to meet the percentage of sales that is required by the professionals to make the events worth while.
So, I will be taking those gas funds and trying my hand at some sort of advertising. I know, I know... these sales ARE advertising. However, I don't feel that I have many return customers from these sales. So to me, at least, I don't feel they have much of an impact except to make a couple extra dollars on short notice. And now, with gas prices what they are, I don't want to take any chances.
Please, feel free to leave a comment and let me know how your craft sales have done, if you have attendend any!
Good luck, I hope you all do well this summer! :)
Edited on 6/1/08 to add:
I just spoke to my sister, who I do the craft sales with, and she also has decided not to do many shows this year. For her knit items, she gets a ton of repeat customers who call her directly. And for my beads, I do pretty well online. So I feel a whole lot better! SMILES :)
I had to take into account the gas prices (boo to every oil company that is making billions of dollars at the expense of the poor Americans), the distance I have to travel, the booth fees and the energy I have to expend.
So let's see, gas is now $3.89/gal. I have to drive 2.5 hours. I have to get up at 4 a.m, and I have no energy or inclination to travel that distance at those prices to be let down and lose money because everyone else is in the same boat as me. CAN'T AFFORD GAS!
So, I've decided that I will only be entering into juried art sales this year. I will most like only be doing about 2-4 sales.
I know this may seem drastic to some. And although I usually do fairly well at these sales, I have yet to meet the percentage of sales that is required by the professionals to make the events worth while.
So, I will be taking those gas funds and trying my hand at some sort of advertising. I know, I know... these sales ARE advertising. However, I don't feel that I have many return customers from these sales. So to me, at least, I don't feel they have much of an impact except to make a couple extra dollars on short notice. And now, with gas prices what they are, I don't want to take any chances.
Please, feel free to leave a comment and let me know how your craft sales have done, if you have attendend any!
Good luck, I hope you all do well this summer! :)
Edited on 6/1/08 to add:
I just spoke to my sister, who I do the craft sales with, and she also has decided not to do many shows this year. For her knit items, she gets a ton of repeat customers who call her directly. And for my beads, I do pretty well online. So I feel a whole lot better! SMILES :)
May 26, 2008
Please leave POLL comments here!
Feel free to comment and elaborate on any of my polls or my Etsy webiste! I'd love to hear from you! Don't forget to take the polls on the right side of the screen!
Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? Or, better yet...
...what the heck have I been up to that I've neglected my blog for so long? Totally unacceptable!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
- A view from my shop window: pics of my corner-of-the-garage studio
- Ventilation 101
- Mandrel, what's that?
- What's a glass rod?
- How did that rod of glass turn into that?
- What's next?
What would you like to see? Let me know!
For now, check out my Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/glasstastic_treasures/
February 16, 2008
February is a short month?
That's what the calendar says but I don't belieive it. Not this year!
It has been below zero in northern Wisconsin most of this month. February is supposed to be the warm up month, short and sweet, to make up for a horrid January. Not so this year.
There is nothing longer then a dark and cold month. Even if it only has 29 days. Today is the 16th and it just seems like it will never end.
Although the sun is shinning on my computer screen as I type, the wind is howling and shaking the windows. It's finally been above zero the last couple of days yet the wind plunges it right back down.
I feel like popping vitamin D like valium! I'm grumpy and depressed, and want nothing to do with anyone or anything. That is definately not my personality!
So my best friend, coffee, and I will cuddle up and watch a comedy. See if that helps. Hope everyone elses February is shorter then mine.
It has been below zero in northern Wisconsin most of this month. February is supposed to be the warm up month, short and sweet, to make up for a horrid January. Not so this year.
There is nothing longer then a dark and cold month. Even if it only has 29 days. Today is the 16th and it just seems like it will never end.
Although the sun is shinning on my computer screen as I type, the wind is howling and shaking the windows. It's finally been above zero the last couple of days yet the wind plunges it right back down.
I feel like popping vitamin D like valium! I'm grumpy and depressed, and want nothing to do with anyone or anything. That is definately not my personality!
So my best friend, coffee, and I will cuddle up and watch a comedy. See if that helps. Hope everyone elses February is shorter then mine.
February 12, 2008
Hearts: not just for Valentine's Day!
I love hearts. Doesn't matter what kind: metal, glass, clay. They're fun, and always unique. Why should they be just for Valentine's day? I say hearts are for every day!To the left are dainty sterling silver heart shaped charm earrings, with genuine tourmaline dangles. Very sweet little earrings for any age.
Next I used thick copper wire, hammered for texture, and shaped into a heart. What a delight to wear. More copper embelishments on a black satin cord. This necklace will go with any outfit, casual or dressy. All hand shaped wireworking, by me!
Last, but not least, I have my glass lampwork hearts. Hand made by me, using a torch and soft glass rods. Hearts are so fun to create because you can shape them traditionally, or add a little twist and tail. How about a little swirl for added interest! The possibilities are endles.
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