The Saints Are Going to the Superbowl!

Happy New Year!

The start of a new year is a time for stepping back, reviewing the past year and making plans for the coming one. It’s been an interesting year. As I’ve continued growing and developing Bobs and Bits, I’ve learned so much. The learning curve has been steep at times, but I do love a challenge – and it’s so much more rewarding to be learning new things for my own business (and pleasure) rather than for someone else’s. That said, I’ve also been thinking about the positive side of working a “regular” job, namely a much higher salary and regular contact with people. This year I will be striving for a better balance between creating, earning money (which is necessary for me) and interacting with people in “real time.”

Ultimately, I’d like to find a part-time social worker job (I do miss it) to fill those gaps, but such a job (a decent one) is difficult to find. For those of you who are able to get yourselves up and dressed, get your kid(s) up and dressed, take them to school/daycare & make it to work on time (every day), without losing your minds, I salute you. I also don’t know how you fit in all the other things (shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.). As someone who has always needed “alone” time, I can’t imagine how I could make it work without a total meltdown. Been there, done that. I hope I don’t have to do it again until my son is older.

With yet another month-long overseas trip on the horizon (July), I’m unsure about which direction to take. There will not be such a trip in 2011, so I’m contemplating waiting until I return to make major life changes. At that time we will also know if my son will be going to public school, private school or staying another year where he is. This information factors greatly into the economic equation. While Bobs and Bits has been “successful” (i.e. lots of orders), I really can’t work anymore than I already do. It’s been fulfilling to my creative side, but I have been unable to make enough cash to meet our day to day needs -- and I’ve realized that there are not enough hours in the day to do so. Many of you creative types know what I mean. You are never, ever able to charge enough for the time spent.

Anyway, I don’t know what the future holds, for Bobs and Bits, for myself or for my family. All I know is that change, in some form or another, looms ahead. I'm sure that Bobs and Bits will continue on, in some form. For now, it remains the same. The shop will be re-opening on Monday. Happy New Year!

* Original art print entitled "The Choice" can be found in Shirae's Etsy shop. *

Bobs and Bits is Closed for the Holidays!

Bobs and Bits is now closed for the holidays, but will re-open on Monday, January 4th. I've had the privelege of making many special gifts for many special children this season. It gives me great pleasure to imagine my creations underneath someone's tree or arriving to someone's home in a big box for them to open. These are the gifts that people remember, the ones that they keep forever as keepsakes. A heartfelt thanks to my customers for their trust (or leap of faith) in their purchases. See you in January!

Wendy

P.S. Photo is courtesy of Knock Knocking's blog. Her blog & Etsy shop are a feast for the eyes, so check it out. Incredible aesthetic she has.

Holiday Trunk Sale in Mid-City

Last chance to snag hand painted Christmas goodies by Bobs and Bits! This has been a very busy holiday season for sales, despite my not participating in many markets or trunk shows, but there are still some items left. There will be a two step Saints step stool, several one step step stools, a potty chair, bird mobile, a growth chart and some photo frames. And, how can I forget, the Versailles-inspired yellow side chair! I will also be taking orders for non-Christmas items.

This trunk show will be a laid back, home-based party atmosphere. From what I understand, most of the other participants are graphic designers. There is even a rumor that there will be handmade Drew Brees wrapping paper (although I can't confirm that). Come out and say hello. Support New Orleans artists and artisans. There will be food and drink as well...

The Hand Painted Rocking Horse Has Made Its Debut!

This design is a modern take on the classic heirloom rocking horse and makes a wonderful holiday gift. The shape and style are traditional, but the colors are fresh and modern (a vibrant, gender neutral scheme), combining the best of both worlds. Available for purchase in both my main and Etsy shops.

EtsyBABY is Having its Annual Holiday Hunt!

EtsyBABY is kicking off the holiday season starting November 7th with their 3rd Annual Holiday Hunt Promotion!!!!! Candee Cayne, EtsyBABY's Holiday Helper, loves to play Hide 'N Seek! EtsyBABY needs YOUR help to find where Candee Cayne has hidden! We need her back in the EtsyBABY nursery by November 30th, to help EtsyBABY members prepare for all of the holiday goodies that are purchased! She has hidden in multiple EtsyBABY Member shops (including this one) and the shop owners are generously offering rewards! For participating shops, please follow this link: http://shopetsyBABY.com

IF CANDEE IS FOUND IN BOBS AND BITS' SHOP, A 10% OFF DISCOUNT WILL BE OFFERED ON THE LISTING WHERE SHE IS HIDING (HINT, THERE ARE A FEW). You must complete checkout and add in the comments to seller "10% EB Holiday Hunt." 10% will be refunded via PayPal.

The Versailles inspired Chair is Almost Complete!

It's been a long time coming (since summer, actually), but this design is almost complete. I searched high and low for the perfect fabric, then the perfect balance of sunny, lemony yellow with "gilded ornateness." A chair fit for royalty!