MNH Designs

Pileated Woodpecker

2009-03-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

Windblown

2009-03-12T04:39:00.000-07:00

Patient

2009-02-24T03:17:00.000-08:00

Pussywillows patiently awaiting the arrival of spring.

Soft

2009-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

The delicate beauty of a winter pussy willow.

Cold

2009-02-17T03:33:00.000-08:00

A little chickadee being blown by a strong wind.

Nuthatch

2009-02-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

Isn't he just the cutest little guy? He's taking a good look at me while I snap his picture

From The Back

2009-02-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

A gorgeous blue jay turns his back on my camera. ;)

Tragedy In Australia. One Way We Can Help

2009-02-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure that everyone is aware, Australia is currently experiencing the worst natural disaster in it's history.

Hundreds of people are dead. Entire towns and communities have been destroyed.

It's destruction on a scale that most of us can't even begin to imagine.

A shop has opened on Etsy.com that is taking donations of items to sell. All proceeds from the sale of these items goes to the Australian Red Cross.

If you have an item you can donate, or if you would like to purchase something to help out, go to OzBushFireAppeal. Contact Emma if you're interested in donating or do some shopping to help out our Australian friends!

Black Capped Chickadee

2009-02-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

A little Black Capped Chickadee grabs a quick bite on a snowy day.

I'm Having a Sale!

2009-02-06T04:22:00.000-08:00

All prints in my Etsy shop are Buy One Get One Free!!

Just check out as usual with both prints and I will refund the second print of equal or lesser value through Paypal.

Sale runs through to midnight, Sunday February 8.

Painted Sky

2009-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

The morning sky in all it's wonder.

So Excited!

2009-02-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

I am so excited right now. I'm featured in three gorgeous treasuries on Etsy right now.

Check them out!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37617
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=42096
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=42166

It's so exciting!!

Wistful

2009-02-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

A female Downy Woodpecker gazes wistfully at the suet hanging above her head.

Win an 8x10 Photograph Print!

2009-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! I'm offering one lucky winner a Free 8x10 photograph from my Etsy shop. All you have to do is tell me which photograph you would like and why you would like it. That's it!

Here are your choices:

Dark Eyed Junco
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20140456

Purple Morning
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20113774

Happy Cat
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20118926

Frozen Milkweed
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19391065

The winner will be drawn Sunday February 7, 2009.

Have fun!

Taking Off

2009-02-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

A Black Capped Chickadee is just about to take flight off the chain holding a birdfeeder

Dreamy

2009-01-31T05:51:00.000-08:00

I have to wonder what this little finch is dreaming of, hanging off a chain, getting covered in snow.

Weekend Sales!

2009-01-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

I've decided to a weekly feature on Fridays to promote sales on Etsy and Artfire. I've asked on both forums for shops that are having sales, picked 5 from each venue and am posting them here for you to shop from and enjoy!

Shades Jewelry

30% off your entire purchase, plus free US and Canada shipping. Offer good from 1/30-2/1

Blessed Mommy of 1

25% off the entire store, due to the new CPSIA law

Adorn You

10% off everything in the Valentines Section

All Over Art

FREE SHIPPING on all wearable art orders $40 and under.

FREE SHIPPING and 10% OFF all wearable art orders over $40.

Sale ends Feb 14.

Yarnlovertn

20% off until Feb 10. Convo before purchase to have listing price changed

Happy shopping everyone!!

Winter Tree in Sunrise

2009-01-29T04:12:00.000-08:00

A spectacular sunrise glows behind the bare branches of a tree in winter.

Dark Eyed Junco

2009-01-28T04:06:00.000-08:00

A gorgeous Dark Eyed Junco sitting just outside my kitchen window. He's been an elusive one! I've been trying to get a photo of him for a very long time.

It's Time To Get Off The Fence, Etsy

2009-01-26T06:50:00.001-08:00

It's time to take a stand Etsy. You're running out of time.

On February 10, a law will come into effect in the U.S. forcing anyone who makes anything geared for a child under the age of 12 to test their product for lead content. It's a sweeping law that is too broad and is forcing small business out.

You can read more about the new CPSIA law on the Etsy forums if you're interested. Or go here for more information on the law.

I've yet to see a direct stance from Etsy in support of their sellers. Time after time they come into the forums and say yes, we hear you, yes we support you. But time after time I see those same sellers left to hang in defending actions that are supposedly approved by Etsy Admin.

One example being hypothetical pricing. Basically what some sellers have done is take an item in their shop and list it, with an explanation, at the price it will be after testing is done according to the new regulation. You can see an example of this type of listing here.

These listings have caused all kinds of wailing and gnashing of teeth on the forums. Some are for some are against them.

Admin, in one thread stated that the listings had to be taken down and then just a few pages later said leave them up until we have a meeting.

The meeting was held and apparently the shops were told they could keep said listings up until Jan 30.

No one else was told about this. So, people continue to wail and gnash their teeth, flag the item and so on.

All Etsy had to do was make an announcement that they were supportive of these listings until the time stated. That's it. That would have solved all sorts of heartache for everyone.

But no, they let their sellers hang over the weekend while they enjoyed themselves and worked up a Storque article that not everyone will read.

Seriously, Etsy Admin, it's time to stand up and state your position. Are you for or against it? This is tearing our beloved community apart. The poor sellers are left to fight this battle on their own with no public support from you.

Either you are for or against this Etsy. Which is it? We'd all love to know!

And The Winner Is.....

2009-01-26T03:40:00.000-08:00

Glamorosi!!

Congratulations! You will win a free 8x10 print of your choice "Alone".

Thanks to all who voted. As a thank you to everyone who took the time to vote on a winner, I am going to offer you free shipping should you decide to purchase your choice in either my Etsy or my Artfire shops. Just put Giveaway in the message to seller, and I'll refund the difference through Paypal.

If you would like to be kept updated on future giveaways, be sure to sign up for my newsletter using the signup box on the right hand column. You'll also receive special discounts and sales for being a subscriber!

Thanks again and have a wonderful day everyone!

Giveaway #2!

2009-01-22T04:51:00.000-08:00

Last week's giveaway was such a grand success, I've decided to host another one this weekend.

Same rules as last time apply. Choose one print listed below and leave a comment telling which one you would like and why. I will choose the winner of a free 8x10 print Monday morning and let you know who it is. Easy!

Here are your choices this week:

Forgotten
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=60537

Alone
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=60349

Frozen
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=63246

Winter Stream
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=50946

Have fun!

Frozen

2009-01-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

A cold night, a frosty morning and a sunrise all worked together to give us a spectacular morning, filled with icy sparkles.

Icy Jewel

2009-01-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

A tiny jewel of ice clinging to the branch of an evergreen tree.

And The Winner Is.....

2009-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Drumroll please......

The winner of my very first giveaway is......

NiftyKnits!!!!!!

Congratulations NiftyKnits, you have won an 8x10 of Morning Glow! I will have it in the mail for you today.

Thanks so much to all that entered. And thank you very much for all the kind and wonderful words about my photography. Those meant so much to me. ;)

Because of the rousing success of this giveaway, I have decided to do more. I will be having a giveaway every two weeks. If you would like to be kept updated on when the giveaways will be, sign up for the newsletter in the signup box in the right hand column. It's super easy to do and I have special sales for subscribers too!

MNH Photography Giveaway!!

2009-01-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

I've decided to have a giveaway for all my loyal blog readers. One lucky reader will win an 8x10 print from the list below!

Here's what you have to do.

Leave a comment here telling me which print you want and why you want it. That's it!

I will draw the winner's name on Monday, January 18, 2009.

Here are your choices:

Bird http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19103278

Stuck http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19643944

Blue Jay http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19179617

Morning Glow http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19100131

Have fun!

I'm Having a SALE!

2009-01-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

I'm doing it, I'm having a sale!

All prints in my shop are Buy One Get One Half Off! Just pick the two prints you want, and I'll refund through Paypal.

Don't miss out! This sale is only on until Friday January 16 at 4 pm Eastern!!

(discount is applied to print of equal or lesser value only)

http://MNHPhotography.etsy.com

Featured In Two Treasuries

2009-01-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's a good day! I just found out that I'm featured in two different Treasuries. The first one is here, created by LindaButterfly. It's a grouping of some of sellers on Etsy who are working together to promote each other. For now, we're the Collaberators, but soon I think we'll be called Cahoots or something similar. Be sure to stop by Linda's shop and see her wonderful items!

The second one is here, created by ArtMind. It comes from a thread in Business Topics, discussing how we like to have our orders shipped and how we like to ship them. Stop by and have a look at ArtMinds shop and the thread too!

Thanks to both of you for featuring my products in your treasuries. It means the world to me!

Stuck

2009-01-13T04:11:00.000-08:00

A piece of melting ice stuck between two thorny branches.

I've Been Featured on a Blog!

2009-01-12T03:38:00.000-08:00

I love features! I'm always so grateful and honoured that someone would choose my shop to feature on their blog. It's a wonderful feeling!

So, here is the feature on Black Rose's blog.

Be sure to stop by her shop too and check out her amazing items!

Horse

2009-01-10T08:12:00.001-08:00

A shot of a horse that came to the fence to visit with me on a walk one day. I haven't decided if I should put this one up in my shop or not.

What A Great Day!

2009-01-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's only 1:31 pm and I've already had the best day!

My little Etsy shop has been featured twice today! Once in a Storque email and once in Editors Picks!

That has led to over 300 views in my shop so far today, 22 new hearts and 4, yes 4 sales!

I'm having the best day!!!

Downy Woodpecker

2009-01-08T13:25:00.001-08:00

Every day this male Downy Woodpecker (affectionately reffered to as "Papa Pecker" here at home) comes to feed at our suet cage.

Off Centre

2009-01-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

A gorgeous blue jay sitting pretty on a snowy day.

Frozen Milkweed

2009-01-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

The sun came out after a bout of freezing rain. The shine on everything was absolutely glorious! I found this opened milkweed at the back of our property.

Huh??

2009-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

There was a very interesting and extremely informative thread on the Etsy forums in regards to copyright infringement by using trademarked materials such as Disney fabric.

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5983185&page=23

Etsy admin has closed that thread under the guise of "calling out".

I'm sorry, but what?

Where else are we supposed to discuss this sort of thing? Isn't that what the Business section of the Etsy forums is supposed to be about?

If we, as sellers, are not allowed to discuss incredibly important issues such as copyright infringement there in case we offend those who are breaking the law, then what's the point? Why should be bother even being interested in what is best for the Etsy community as a whole?

Honestly, I'm very, very disappointed with Etsy right now. Closing that thread was wrong. Just plain wrong.

I've Been Featured on a Blog!

2009-01-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy right now!

Thanks so much to GubFactory for such a wonderful feature! You can read it here, if you like. Be sure to stop by her shop and see what adorable items are there!

Reflections

2009-01-05T04:17:00.000-08:00

My son and I were out for a walk one day and found this little stream just down the road from us. Neither of us had any idea it was even there. I love finding little treasures like this!

Well, The Holiday's Are Officially Over

2009-01-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

The kids go back to school tomorrow, hubby goes back to work. The holidays are now officially over.

Am I happy? Yes, I'll be able to get my routine back. It went straight out the window as soon as everyone was home.

But, I've loved having everyone here. It's so nice.

We're a very close knit family as it is, but having everyone home all the time has just been fantastic. I'll miss them tomorrow.

And I'm not looking forward to getting up at 6 am to get my daughter off to school! ;)

Opinions on my Business Card

2009-01-04T06:54:00.001-08:00

I've designed a business card and I would like some opinions on it

What do you think?

Three Stand Alone

2009-01-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

My son and I were out for a walk yesterday and I saw these three stalks sticking out of the snow

My First Sale!!

2009-01-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

I made my very first sale in MNH Photography today! I'm so excited and honoured that someone liked my photo well enough to actually pay money for it! LOL!

It is a 4x6 print of the Blue Jay in the post right below.

Yay!

Blue Jay

2008-12-31T12:45:00.000-08:00

Isn't he gorgeous! There he was sitting in a tree just outside my kitchen. What a beauty!!

Out of the Fog

2008-12-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

A few days ago we had the heaviest fog I've seen in a very long time. It was amazing. This tree stands in our back field. It just looked so alone and yet strong at the same time.

Morning Glow

2008-12-29T06:54:00.001-08:00

Just click on the photo to see the listing and the rest of my Etsy shop!

This stunning sunrise is what greeted me in my backyard yesterday. I couldn't help but snap a few photo's of it!

Chickadee

2008-12-27T14:55:00.000-08:00

This little fella was grabbing a quick bite to eat at my suet feeder on a rainy, foggy afternoon.

In The Loop

2008-12-27T04:55:00.001-08:00

My newest scarf!

I had so much fun designing this one. I started out wanting something lacey and ended up with this. Not lacey so much, but loopy and stretchy and oh so much fun!

Winter Grapes

2008-12-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

My newest photograph for sale in my Etsy shop. I called it Winter Grapes.

This is a barb wire fence post that has fallen. Tangled in it are wild grape vines with shriveled grapes still hanging on it.

My First Photo's For Sale!

2008-12-26T05:20:00.001-08:00

I did it! I've got my first few photographs up for sale. I'm so excited and proud of myself. This is something I've wanted to do for so long!

Here are a couple of examples:

Red Berries on Blue

Cedar Post in Sunset

I have more in my shop and am adding more today. I'm also planning on adding poetry and Bible verses to some of them as well as making postcards, greeting cards, bookmarks, etc.

I'm so excited!!

I Got A New Camera!

2008-12-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

I'm so exicited! I got a gorgeous new camera for Christmas!!

It's a Canon Rebel XSi and it's the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen! I love, love, love it. I've already started taking some photo's and have opened my shop on Etsy http://MNHPhotography.etsy.com It's empty right now, but I'm going to be adding some photo's I took today sometime tonight or tomorrow.

This is something I have wanted to do for so long! I love taking pictures but have never had a decent camera to do it with.

I really, really love my husband! LOL!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T06:32:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to be on much today or tomorrow with all the running around I have to do for Mom and Dad now that Dad is in the hospital for Christmas. Add to that the things I need to do to get myself ready, it's going to be a busy day today.

Tomorrow will be presents in the morning, hospital in the afternoon then rush back here to make our dinner.

So, because I won't have time to be online or update much, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!

A Conversation With My MIL

2008-12-23T03:35:00.000-08:00

The phone rings last night and I see that it is my MIL. Here is a portion of the conversation.

MIL: Are you all ready for Christmas?

Me: Well, I pretty much was, but then Dad went into the hospital on Monday. So now I have his shopping to do as well as finish up my own. (Background: my dad is terminally ill. He has conjestive heart failure and has been sliding very quickly the past three months or so)

MIL: Oh, dear. Is it his heart:

Me: It's pneumonia this time.

MIL: Do you think he'll be getting out?

Ok, so here is the first "What??" moment in the conversation. Let me just note here that she's not trying to be insensitive, she just has no tact.

Me: Well, I certainly hope so!

Seriously, the next thing she says is:

MIL: Well, I hope you're still planning on coming to (my husbands sister's house) after Christmas.

Me: Well, I guess that will depend on how Dad is doing.

I pretty much ended the conversation there.

Honestly, she's not trying to be insensitive or cruel, it's just her way.

But, that conversation was pretty much the worst one I've had with her. It was like all that mattered was the darned get together they have planned for the 28th. No matter that my dad who is dying is now in the hospital with pneumonia. No matter that my life (and as a result my husband and kids lives) is in turmoil right now because of it. Nope, just make darned sure you make it to the get together.

Needless to say, I was a bit put out. ;)

One Pathetic Puppy

2008-12-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

My husband has a puppy. I say my husband because he wanted it, he drove 3 hours to buy it, he paid $500 for it. Not me. Him.

The puppy is almost a year old now, and is a chewer.

So far he has destroyed:

• our daughters retainer
• two books I've had since high school (I'm 38 years old now, so that's a very, very long time)
• two pairs of glasses. Both mine, the second pair being a replacement for the first pair he destroyed.
• a Christmas decoration that belonged to my Grandmother who passed away a few years ago
• my watch that my husband bought for me last Christmas

He's also scratched the top of my antique kitchen table and side board as well as the hood of my van by jumping up on them.

I've had it. As far as I'm concerned the puppy needs to go. Notice that everything he's chewed (and that's not a complete list, just what I can remember off the top of my head) other than my daughter's retainer belonged to me? Yeah, he likes my stuff.

So, because I'm the one that is home all the time and has to put up with this puppy and has to clean up his messes and is the one who has all their stuff chewed up, I bought a muzzle.

And he hates it.

I couldn't be happier. ;)

Just kidding. I really don't like to see the puppy upset, even though I don't particularly like him. But, I can't stand it any more. I'm tired, really, really tired of wondering what he's destroyed every time I go to bed or whenever I leave the house.

So, from now on, he'll be muzzled.

I came home and put it on him and you've never seen a more pathetic looking dog. He danced around for a while trying to get it off, then just laid down and panted. At one point he sat up and looked at me with those big brown eyes of his but it didn't do a lick of good. Hehehehehe.

I feel so much better knowing that my belongings will be safe while I'm gone.

What Is It??

2008-12-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

I posted a few days ago about teaching myself how to knit. I purchased a "how to" kit to help with that.

In it are a few things I'm not completely sure what they are. But one thing in particular has me completely baffled. It's cylindrical in shape, my knitting needles will fit through it and it has numbers on either end of it with a dial to change those numbers.

Stitch counter? Maybe?

Ideas?

I'm Doing It Again!!

2008-12-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

I'm off to the malls again today or tomorrow. Why, oh why have I done this to myself?

Actually, this time it's not my fault. My father was admitted to the hospital yesterday with pneumonia and hasn't finished his shopping for my mom. So, to make sure that she has some presents on Christmas, I'm heading out to do the shopping for him.

I just hope and pray it's better out there today.

What Was I Thinking??

2008-12-21T05:29:00.000-08:00

We're getting right down to the wire for Christmas shopping. There are only 4 shopping days left and I don't have everyone done yet. I seriously have never left it this long. My stress level is rising by the day!

Friday we had our biggest snowstorm this year, which made it impossible to get out to do any shopping at all. Today is another huge storm, at least as big as the one on Friday. So, that made yesterday, Saturday the only viable shopping day this weekend. The last Saturday before Christmas, the only day this weekend where people could safely get out shopping.

So, I headed to the mall.

What was I thinking??

It's about an hour drive for us to get to any mall to shop. We live in a very remote community, out in the middle of God's country. My daughter and I hopped in the van yesterday and happily started towards our favourite mall.

My first clue was the backed up line of cars at the last set of lights before the mall turn. The cars were lined up all the block and around the corner. Yikes.

It took about 10 minutes or so to make it through that set of lights. Then a short jaunt into the parking lot and score a spot. No problem!

Inside the mall really wasn't that bad. There were a lot of people there, but everyone was in such a good mood! I was really quite pleasantly surprised. Everyone was smiling and laughing as we bumped into each other. It really was a very pleasant experience.

Then it was time to leave.

My daughter and I got into the van at 3:15.

We got out of the parking lot at 4:00.

I couldn't believe it! It was absolutely insane. I can't even begin to explain how crazy it was.

Really everyone was very patient and courteous. Everyone waited their turn and no one was overly aggressive. There were a few, but you'll always run into those.

Seriously, though. Forty-five minutes! Yikes!!!

Next year? No way, no how am I going anywhere near a mall on the last Saturday before Christmas. No way. No how.

I'm Going To Rant A Bit

2008-12-19T04:15:00.000-08:00

So, if you don't want to hear it, don't read any further.

A bit of background before I start. I've been selling on Etsy now as The Banner Queen for just over a year. I work very, very hard to keep a positive attitude and persona on the forums there. It has benefitted me immensely. I'm kind and courteous and above all I try to be helpful.

I've been noticing a disturbing trend lately.

I always click on the titles that say things like "Need Banner Help" and if I can, I offer what help is needed. I've even been known to take their banner, tweak it so it works and send it back to them, free of charge of course and move on with my orders.

What I've been seeing lately is this. Anytime there is a "Need Banner Help" there are a ton of helpful posts by other Etsy shops with links and whatnot. Then there are the rest. Those who sell banners and other design work who are just dropping links to their shops.

It's awful. I just cringe when I see these posts.

It's hard enough to not be seen as promoting myself no matter what I say, do or post in the forums due to the nature of my shop. But when the other shops are only thinking of themselves and their own self interests, it ends up looking bad for all of us. It's not right.

Please, if you design banners for Etsy shops, put yourself aside for one second and think of the person that is asking for help. Offer the help without a "Hey, look at me!" link drop. You will gain much more respect from the Etsy community and as a result likely more sales. Spam is spam, no matter how you cut it. It's gross, and no one likes it.

/rant.

Tis The Season

2008-12-18T04:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Christmas concert time at both of my kids' schools. I do love this time of year. Kids' concerts are always so cute!

Because of a flash freeze last Wednesday, my daughter's concert had to be rescheduled to yesterday, which unfortunately was the same day as my son's concert. Luckily his school has two performances, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, so we were able to attend both concerts. I honestly don't know what I would have done otherwise!

Anywho, here is my son reciting his poem at his school

My son is the boy on the right in the white t-shirt.

And here is my daughter at her very first recital for music. She's in Grade 9 this year and decided that she wanted to play the flute. And really, she's gotten very good at it!

Please forgive the quality of the photo's. I seriously need a new camera! LOL!

All in all it was a wonderful day filled with amazing performances by all ages. I loved it all!

Learning New Skills

2008-12-17T04:18:00.000-08:00

I've been crocheting since I was about 5 years old. Which, in reality is a very, very long time. I don't even have to think about what I'm doing anymore. I can phase out and create while watching tv, talking to someone else, it really doesn't matter anymore.

Last night, I picked up knitting needles for the first time in my life.

OMG! I feel like I have three left hands and no thumbs!!

Since I've decided to concentrate on only making scarves now in my shops, I thought it would be nice to have a mix of crocheted and knitted scarves. Each has their own use and beauty and not everyone likes both, right? So, why not offer the best of both worlds and hopefully satisfy as many people as I can.

It's going to take a while before I have knitted scarves available in my shop! LOL!

I started with a basic stockinette stitch I think it's called? Anyway, you knit one row, purl the next. It's going pretty well, the stitches are nice and even and the tension is good. It's just taking a very, very long time! I worked on it last night for about 2 hours and got about 2 inches of the scarf done! LOL!

I did notice my speed increasing after a while, and I understand it's just going to take some time to become proficient at it. It's just so odd for me after crocheting for so many years.

As soon as I master this stitch, I'm going to work on a cableknit scarf. Now that's going to be nice!!

Christmas....Spirit?

2008-12-16T03:33:00.000-08:00

So, it's almost Christmas time. Yikes! Do you know I don't have one thing bought yet?

So, we're off to brave the malls this close to Christmas.

It really bugs me that we've left it this long. It's really starting to stress me out. But what's even worse than not having any presents yet is that I'm not prepared!

I'm not in the Christmas spirit at all. I have none of the excitement and anticipation I generally have this time of year. It's like it's the middle of January for some reason.

Ah well, what's a girl to do? Christmas will come and Christmas will go with our without my spirit. ;)

So long as the kids have fun that's what's important.

I'm Looking For A Canadian Supplier of Handmade Yarn

2008-12-15T03:29:00.000-08:00

Well, as the title states, I am looking for someone in Canada (preferably even in Ontario) who makes their own yarn to build a professional relationship with.

I would honestly prefer alpaca, as wool makes me itch, but I'm open to trying anything. I have an alchemy request up on Etsy, but so far, no bidders.

If you or someone you knows spins and dyes your own yarn, please, let me know. Thank you!

Yesterday Was A Great Day!!

2008-12-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

One might call it a banner sales day! Of course that would be a bad joke, since I'm talking about my day in The Banner Queen shop. ;)

After a relatively quiet week in that shop, I had 3 sales on Friday and 4 sales yesterday! My eyes darned near popped out of my head. Well, not really, but I was very excited! LOL!

Now if only Etsy had stats so I could find out where these sales came from. I do have some advertising out there in internet land, so it would be wonderful to know if the sales came from that, from Etsy searches, or just from my posting in the fora.

Ah well, I won't complain. Much. ;)

I'm Featured In Another Treasury!

2008-12-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am right now!

I was noticing a lot of views in my shop today, so just for snicks I went looking through the Treausries to see if I was in any other ones. Much to my intense joy I found that I was!

Thank you so much TheFreckledHound!! Be sure to stop by her shop. Her wall decals are stunning!!

Click on the image of the Treasury below to take a look at all the fuzzy goodness!

Argh! Networking!!

2008-12-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

Blogs, Flickr, My Space, Facebook, Twitter, where does it end?

It's enough to make your head spin!!

So, where is the most effective place to market yourself? I don't know, do you?

I'm doing some research right now as to what is best. This is a new venture for me. In my Banner Queen shop, I don't have to do any of these things. I market myself on Etsy, throw a few ads out and about on some blogs and Craft Cult and that's it. It's a no work shop.

Of course MNH Designs is different. I need to get out there and make people notice me if I want to be a success. The problem is, everyone has a different idea of what networking site is best.

So, for now, I blog and I'm on Twitter.

Next I'm thinking about Flickr. I've been really getting into photography the last little while, so it seems like a good fit.

The problem is, how am I supposed to find enough time in the day to fit all those in?

Argh! ;)

I'm In A Treasury!

2008-12-11T10:46:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! I just listed my neckwarmer this morning and it's already been put into a treasury! Thank you so much mygreatauntsophie! Be sure to stop by her shop for New and Vintage Goodies from Around the World!

And don't forget to check out the treasury too! Just click on the photo and it will take you right there!

Now I'm dreaming of front page wonder! LOL!

Etsy and Artfire

2008-12-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

There's been a lot of buzz about ArtFire on the Etsy forums. If you haven't been there yet, you really should go take a look!

I've been on there for just under a week now and I have to say, I'm loving it. I haven't had any sales yet, but really, the shop is very new.

So, what is exciting about ArtFire?

Personally, I love the fact that for right now, you can become a Charter Member and only pay $7 a month for life for unlimited listings. It's a fabulous way to start out your new shop. It's affordable for every budget.

They also have a referral system that is absolutely fabulous! If you refer 10 members to ArtFire, you will receive a Free membership for life! So, if you're thinking about signing up, don't forget to tell them that MNH Designs sent you! ;)

For me, though, the most exciting part of it is that I'm in on the ground floor of something that is going to be very big. The ArtFire staff has great plans to grow their site and become a success.

Now, what about my shop on Etsy? Am I planning on closing it? No way! Are you kidding me? Etsy is so much better known around. Yes, they have their issues right now. There are about a bajillion sellers on there and it's like being at the bottom of a big pile of successful sellers, trying desperately to crawl your way to the top. But I get more views in my Etsy shop for now that on ArtFire.

Etsy also has much better toys to play with for now. Like the Etsy mini. It's a fabulous promotional opportunity and free to boot!

I think it's a better idea to expand your online presence and list in as many places as your budget will allow. So, I will definitely be keeping both shops open.

Who knows, maybe MNH Designs will be the next big thing on both sites! LOL!

Extra Long Scarf In Blue

2008-12-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

A brand new scarf in my shop, with my lovely daughter as the model again. ;)

I hope you like it. ;)

Snow Day!!

2008-12-10T04:24:00.000-08:00

It's official! It's the very first snow day of the season for my kids. Actually, it's their very first snow day ever! Where we used to live, they walked to school, so they never got days off because of weather. They're so excited right now.;)

Actually, I'm pretty excited too, because that means my daughter will be home today. That means I will have my scarf model (you can see her in the photo's for The Browns) which means I can retake some photo's and list some more items. Yay!!!

Post Number One

2008-12-10T04:18:00.001-08:00

You know, I always hate this very first post. What is one to write about?

I could introduce myself, but that's just boring!

So, I think I'll just ramble on a bit about what I could post and call it a day. ;)

Or better yet, you could give me suggestions! If you have a good idea of what I could post, let me know in the comment section. I'll take the wackiest suggestion (family friendly though!) and run with it.

Have fun!

Deon