A Bunch of Grapes Box . . .

My daughter made a couple suggestions on the lid to this box and I am posting a picture of it here for her to see how well it came out.  I still have to paint the sides to this box, but I think the lid is done . . . at least I am not going to mess with it anymore.  I'll be interested in your comments Val.

I've discovered Folk Art . . .

I just created this box using a new Folk Art style that I discovered recently.   I am really excited about the style.  It isn't limited just to fruit, but to a whole range of Country Folk Art themes, like roosters and birds and country houses, etc.  I plan to try my luck with as many different styles as I can.  The box pictured above isn't finished yet -- I still need to affix the hardware and line it, but I thought I would post it here on my blog for all to see.  It isn't really a jewelry box. ( I don't know how many women would want fruit on their jewelry box.)  So, I am just going to sell it as a Folk Art Box and let the buyer do with it want he or she wants.

A Floral Box . . .

My daughter wanted to know what I have been making lately, so I am posting a picture here of my latest box creation.  I made it last week, but didn't post a picture of it until today.  It was a fun box to paint and I just hope that someone buys it who really likes it.  It is listed in my Etsy Shop and is now for sale.

I'm trying something new . . .

Last night, I attended my first woodcarving class.  Yep, woodcarving.  I have never done any of that in my entire life, but thought I would give it a try.  This feather is my first attempt.  I know it isn't much, but I am proud of it.  I also started work on a buzzard, but I don't think I am going to finish it, because it is way too hard for my skill level.  I don't think I am going to sell my wood carvings, but just do it for fun.

I'm making stuff again besides boxes . . .

Yes, it has finally happened. I have set aside making boxes for awhile and have started to make some other stuff to sell. I made two of these lawn chairs yesterday and all they need is painting to finish them off. My mother said she wants to paint them, so I may just let her do it. (She does pretty good for an 81 year old!!)

These chairs are pretty easy to make, but as lazy as I have been lately, they are a real project for me to work on. They aren't a real fast seller -- at least they haven't been in the past, but at least they are something for me to set out by the side of the road and attract customers.

I was getting pretty sick of making boxes. Besides, they don't sell all that well, even though I did get an order last week for three boxes from a lady who visited my Etsy shop. She was very nice and I really appreciated her order. I don't get nice orders like that very often, so her business was greatly appreciated.

I haven't much else to write about today. I plan to make a small table to go with the chairs I made. It is easier to sell a set of furniture rather than just a chair or two. I have made the mistake of giving the tables away as a way to close sales. I cannot afford to do that anymore. I will keep close tabs on my costs for the table and mark it up a little so I don't lose money on it. Too often I tend to be Mr Niceguy and end up giving my stuff away. I need to be a little more hard nosed, I think, and make a little profit on what I make.

A Personal Word from Me . . .

I think I've been focusing this blog a little too much on my Etsy Shop lately. Sorry about that. I just wanted to build up sales in my shop and thought my blog readers might want to go there and buy something. I'll try to be a little less "Etsy Fanatical" in the future.

I'm kind of jealous of my daughter's blog though. She writes such interesting posts and puts in such imaginative photos. I think I focus too much on making money. That's me however. I like to make money with my crafts and creations. I have no use for tons of boxes or footstools sitting around the house -- so I have found it best for me to create things and then sell them. That way I can enjoy the creative process and make a little money to boot. Maybe you feel the same about crafting as I do. If you do, I'd love to read your comments.

Discount Etsy Coupon for Visitors to this Blog

If you go to my Etsy Shop and make a purchase, you can get a 10% DISCOUNT on your order by entering the following coupon code when you make the purchase: BOBSBLOG41

This coupon discounts the cost of the item only and does not discount shipping. Coupon may be applied to sale items for additional savings. Coupon is good for a limited time and will expire at midnight February 29, 2011, so if you want to buy something from my shop, take advantage of this discount now.

Thanks for coming to my blog and hope to do business with you at Etsy.