I had a minor meltdown this week when I started doing some number crunching and realized how tight things are going to be this summer (theater work pretty much comes to a stand still down here in the summer). I started brainstorming some more ideas for work and am also thinking about having a sale in the shop soon (so follow the blog so you don't miss it!). Despite the small anxiety attack... I still found some simple joys this week.
The garden bed is coming along nicely. Actually, I have to post another update because we worked on it some more yesterday. I'm so excited to have a home for my herbies!
My 30 Days of Creativity started out a little slow this week when I was pretty much too exhausted to do anything on Sunday and was without my muse on Monday. Thankfully, things picked up from there with some experiments in the kitchen, an herbal concoction, and a new planting. Some of this stuff I would have done even without the 30 Days project, but I may not have made an effort to do something everyday. I also felt like I was "cheating" a little by following recipes and instructions but realized (thanks to some twitter brainstorming) that not only was it a creative process, but also that everyone does things differently and brings a sense of self even when following instructions. Regardless, I'm still having fun with it!
I joined the Etsy Blog Team this week and have been having fun getting to know the members via their blogs.
I became a Silver level certified framer this week. There was a big hullabaloo getting there which I won't recount here, but it's fun to have reached another certification level.
My copper Gaia Chain Maille Bracelet was featured in a treasury. There it is in the bottom row, far left.
I got a great deal for movie tickets through Living Social this week! I basically got two tickets for the cost of one (at $9)! I got a similar deal from Groupon recently, which is how we saw Thor. We love going to the movies (and I'm constantly looking for ways to save), so this was a really great score.
What were some of your simple joys this week? Share below or write your own blog post (we can exchange links!). I'd love to hear!
Showing posts with label Athena's Armoury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Athena's Armoury. Show all posts
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Announcing Athena's Armoury & Apothecary
I'm very excited to announce that I've started incorporating the Apothecary into the Armoury!
This has been a long time in coming. I've been fascinated with the medicinal use of herbs for as long as I can remember. In historical stories (whether it be books or movies), I've always been intrigued by the knowledge of the apothecary and the seeming magic of the village wise woman. Although I've always had an interest, I started studying the herbs in earnest nearly two years ago when I was doing a lot of soul searching to get out of my horrible job. Lots of reading and researching ensued in addition to concocting, growing, and just getting to know the plants. As any herbalist will tell you, we never stop learning but I do feel like I'm at a place where I can start sharing what I know about herbs. After all, herbalism is the people's medicine.
In the future, I hope to share with you simple ways of incorporating herbs in your every day life; not just as remedies but also as nourishment. I will share some plant profiles with you as well as recipes and projects that you can do with them. I'll continue to share with you what I learn about growing herbs as we continue the raised garden bed project. But also, I want to hear from you. Herbalism is the people's medicine and we should be able to share our knowledge in this community.
The shop is only in the beginning stages of herbal goodness right now. So far, there are a few different kinds of soap listed in my Artfire and Etsy shops. I've been testing different recipes on myself and others for months now and have had my testers asking me to start listing it. Once I get through the remainder of this stock, you will start to see a more unified size of soap, but this is what we have to start.
Coming soon, you will see salves including my sore muscle salve (with a new name!), sleep pillows, bulk herbs, incense, herb beads, and much more.
To celebrate the Apothecary, you'll see a new banner in my shops and the beginnings of a makeover here on the blog. Also, once there are a few more items in the shops, I'll be hosting a giveaway of herbal products. You don't want to miss this, so if you're not a follower yet, now's the time (Google Friend Connect and e-mail subscriptions are both available on the right side bar).
I'm so excited about this herbal journey that I'm on and look forward to sharing it with you!
This has been a long time in coming. I've been fascinated with the medicinal use of herbs for as long as I can remember. In historical stories (whether it be books or movies), I've always been intrigued by the knowledge of the apothecary and the seeming magic of the village wise woman. Although I've always had an interest, I started studying the herbs in earnest nearly two years ago when I was doing a lot of soul searching to get out of my horrible job. Lots of reading and researching ensued in addition to concocting, growing, and just getting to know the plants. As any herbalist will tell you, we never stop learning but I do feel like I'm at a place where I can start sharing what I know about herbs. After all, herbalism is the people's medicine.
In the future, I hope to share with you simple ways of incorporating herbs in your every day life; not just as remedies but also as nourishment. I will share some plant profiles with you as well as recipes and projects that you can do with them. I'll continue to share with you what I learn about growing herbs as we continue the raised garden bed project. But also, I want to hear from you. Herbalism is the people's medicine and we should be able to share our knowledge in this community.
The shop is only in the beginning stages of herbal goodness right now. So far, there are a few different kinds of soap listed in my Artfire and Etsy shops. I've been testing different recipes on myself and others for months now and have had my testers asking me to start listing it. Once I get through the remainder of this stock, you will start to see a more unified size of soap, but this is what we have to start.
Coming soon, you will see salves including my sore muscle salve (with a new name!), sleep pillows, bulk herbs, incense, herb beads, and much more.
To celebrate the Apothecary, you'll see a new banner in my shops and the beginnings of a makeover here on the blog. Also, once there are a few more items in the shops, I'll be hosting a giveaway of herbal products. You don't want to miss this, so if you're not a follower yet, now's the time (Google Friend Connect and e-mail subscriptions are both available on the right side bar).
I'm so excited about this herbal journey that I'm on and look forward to sharing it with you!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
What Kind of Promotional Products Do You Use?
I've been doing a lot of reading, research, and work on promoting my shop and blog lately. Ultimately, most of the work I've done and ideas that I've read about have been for online promotion. That said, I have an event that I will be vending next weekend (more on that soon!) so I was also thinking about promotional products. To date, I usually include a little charm like this with all of my orders:
It's a little something that has a minimal cost involved so far as the metal goes, but it does take time to make a significant batch of them.
Recently, someone suggested to me that maybe I should think about doing something like promotional pens or customized mugs when I add teas in the apothecary section of the shop. The idea of doing mugs sounds somewhat appealing to me but I think it's a bit out of my price range right now. Not only is there a cost for the item, but most places have some kind of logo charge and set up fee.
A lot of small, crafty businesses either make their own promotional items (as I have or like some graphic artists who put their artwork on magnets and such) or they buy stickers, scratch offs, etc. from other small, crafty businesses. What are some things that you do to help promote your shop? Do you have ideas for fun little promotional products that customers can walk away with that will make them remember you when they get home from the fair or remember to reorder from your shop? Let's share some ideas!
It's a little something that has a minimal cost involved so far as the metal goes, but it does take time to make a significant batch of them.
Recently, someone suggested to me that maybe I should think about doing something like promotional pens or customized mugs when I add teas in the apothecary section of the shop. The idea of doing mugs sounds somewhat appealing to me but I think it's a bit out of my price range right now. Not only is there a cost for the item, but most places have some kind of logo charge and set up fee.
A lot of small, crafty businesses either make their own promotional items (as I have or like some graphic artists who put their artwork on magnets and such) or they buy stickers, scratch offs, etc. from other small, crafty businesses. What are some things that you do to help promote your shop? Do you have ideas for fun little promotional products that customers can walk away with that will make them remember you when they get home from the fair or remember to reorder from your shop? Let's share some ideas!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Simple Joy Sunday
Last week's lack of a Simple Joy Sunday post was due to what I was calling booger brain: allergies have been really bad off and on for the past month. I was feeling better this week and so was a bit more active and have a few simple joys to share...
With everything that's been going on these last few months, I hadn't really made much time to devote to my mailling. This past week I made a couple new copper maille bracelets, including coiling & cutting rings. It made me realize how much I miss working with metal. And it also reminded me that I need to get my Jump Ringer; I don't know what's taking me so long since I was given money for it as a present last year! Here's my new Shaggy Loops Copper Confetti Chain Maille Bracelet available in Athena's Armoury on Artfire and Etsy .
In attempting to make herbal candy (didn't work out so well this time for some reason) I spilled 300 degree liquid on my hand. Very, very not fun. I made a burn salve for it and wound up with no redness or inflammation with the exception of one blister. It feels good knowing that I have the ability to treat myself and others.
I started talking to a graphic designer friend about creating a new logo for me so that I can start adding some herbal goodness to the shop. It was a lot of fun talking about the world I see for Athena's Armoury & Apothecary and I really look forward to seeing what she comes up with!
We'll be getting our fence done within the month (it really needs to be done, so yay!) but that also means that our drainage project & my herb garden will be following shortly behind. So excited!
I haven't borrowed a book from the library in a very, very long time. Maybe not since college and then it wasn't for enjoyment but my studies. I did this week, though, and I can't tell you how happy it made me. I don't know why. Maybe it was the smell. =) But that also led me to spending a very enjoyable day making my lemongrass chicken soba noodle soup and indulging in reading most of the day. It was a good day.
Oh! We have a rain barrel! Scott was able to finish it up this week (after not being able to find a part locally last week). Of course, there's not rain in the forecast anytime soon but that's okay. So excited to have rainwater available to me for the plants to drink!
What were some of your simple joys this week? Share below or write your own blog post (link back here & I'll do the same for you, just let me know!). I'd love to hear!
With everything that's been going on these last few months, I hadn't really made much time to devote to my mailling. This past week I made a couple new copper maille bracelets, including coiling & cutting rings. It made me realize how much I miss working with metal. And it also reminded me that I need to get my Jump Ringer; I don't know what's taking me so long since I was given money for it as a present last year! Here's my new Shaggy Loops Copper Confetti Chain Maille Bracelet available in Athena's Armoury on Artfire and Etsy .
In attempting to make herbal candy (didn't work out so well this time for some reason) I spilled 300 degree liquid on my hand. Very, very not fun. I made a burn salve for it and wound up with no redness or inflammation with the exception of one blister. It feels good knowing that I have the ability to treat myself and others.
I started talking to a graphic designer friend about creating a new logo for me so that I can start adding some herbal goodness to the shop. It was a lot of fun talking about the world I see for Athena's Armoury & Apothecary and I really look forward to seeing what she comes up with!
We'll be getting our fence done within the month (it really needs to be done, so yay!) but that also means that our drainage project & my herb garden will be following shortly behind. So excited!
I haven't borrowed a book from the library in a very, very long time. Maybe not since college and then it wasn't for enjoyment but my studies. I did this week, though, and I can't tell you how happy it made me. I don't know why. Maybe it was the smell. =) But that also led me to spending a very enjoyable day making my lemongrass chicken soba noodle soup and indulging in reading most of the day. It was a good day.
Oh! We have a rain barrel! Scott was able to finish it up this week (after not being able to find a part locally last week). Of course, there's not rain in the forecast anytime soon but that's okay. So excited to have rainwater available to me for the plants to drink!
What were some of your simple joys this week? Share below or write your own blog post (link back here & I'll do the same for you, just let me know!). I'd love to hear!
Friday, March 11, 2011
My Disappearing Act
Wow, it has been way too long since I posted here and I have a lot to catch you up on! To give you an idea of the last few months... Life was insane last year as I trained & fundraised for the 3 Day and then it took some time to get life back to normal afterward (after all of that, you kind of go into withdrawal for a little while!). In December and January, not only was there the usual holiday craziness going on but I was also working a part time job on top of my hellish full time job (the tree was up with a topper & only one ornament). Finally mid-January, I quit my full time job and, yes, it was a long time coming (it felt very surreal at first!). Since then, I've continued to work my part time job as a framer at a popular craft store & I've also started working as a stagehand (which is new to me because I've always been management).
I've been enjoying getting back to myself (it's amazing what a bad job can do to you) but also somewhat disconcerting. I've never not had a full time job or a career that I've immersed myself into, so it has been an adjustment. I must admit that I don't know what's next for me, but I took a big step just getting out and I'm sure I'll figure things out. In the meantime, I'm enjoying working as a framer because I get to work with customers designing their custom order & I actually get to be crafty at work when I build the frames & assemble the orders. Working as a stagehand has been great because it's allowing me to stay involved in theatre which is what I've done for more than a decade. I really hate being stuck at a desk and this is far from it: I'm on my feet, working hands on building shows. The first show I worked as a stagehand I was props but every show since then I've been an electrician. I must admit: I'm really enjoying it. =)
I've been spending a lot of time just getting things done around the house and also reorganizing & purging my workroom. It's not exactly what I want it to be (that would cost more money than I can spare right now; lol) but it's getting to a point where it's much easier to work in (and that IS the point afterall, isn't it?). Along the same lines, I also have a little shop update... I have some new maille that needs to be listed and new packaging! I've also been taking steps to make the shop an armoury AND apothecary. I must admit, my biggest stumbling block to making that happen is working on graphics, blog redesign, labels, etc. Once I get that figured out, you can look forward to seeing soaps, salves, bulk herbs, teas, incense, and more!
We've also started tackling some house projects, too. Among them, is dealing with our room that floods. It hasn't been a problem since last summer, but we also haven't finished putting in a system to deal with it yet which means that all of the furniture & electronics are still in our living room (it hasn't been fun). We have a plan in place and have taken baby steps already. I can't wait to get going though for a few reasons. First of all, I really can't wait to get things somewhat back to normal in the house. Secondly, having this system in place will give both of us peace of mind. And, last there a few yard projects that will go hand in hand with this. One is replacing our fence; which desperately needs it. The other, is a raised bed that Scott is going to build along the fence! It's going to be filled with all kinds of beautiful, edible, & medicinal herbs! There will probably be some shrubbery & flower plants in there, too, but I get a HUGE herb garden! I haven't got a clue how to design one & I'm sure it's not going to happen overnight, but I'm really looking forward to this!!
So, it's been busy. But I look forward to getting back into the groove of things. I've missed it. I hope things are going well for all of you and to hear from you!
I've been enjoying getting back to myself (it's amazing what a bad job can do to you) but also somewhat disconcerting. I've never not had a full time job or a career that I've immersed myself into, so it has been an adjustment. I must admit that I don't know what's next for me, but I took a big step just getting out and I'm sure I'll figure things out. In the meantime, I'm enjoying working as a framer because I get to work with customers designing their custom order & I actually get to be crafty at work when I build the frames & assemble the orders. Working as a stagehand has been great because it's allowing me to stay involved in theatre which is what I've done for more than a decade. I really hate being stuck at a desk and this is far from it: I'm on my feet, working hands on building shows. The first show I worked as a stagehand I was props but every show since then I've been an electrician. I must admit: I'm really enjoying it. =)
I've been spending a lot of time just getting things done around the house and also reorganizing & purging my workroom. It's not exactly what I want it to be (that would cost more money than I can spare right now; lol) but it's getting to a point where it's much easier to work in (and that IS the point afterall, isn't it?). Along the same lines, I also have a little shop update... I have some new maille that needs to be listed and new packaging! I've also been taking steps to make the shop an armoury AND apothecary. I must admit, my biggest stumbling block to making that happen is working on graphics, blog redesign, labels, etc. Once I get that figured out, you can look forward to seeing soaps, salves, bulk herbs, teas, incense, and more!
We've also started tackling some house projects, too. Among them, is dealing with our room that floods. It hasn't been a problem since last summer, but we also haven't finished putting in a system to deal with it yet which means that all of the furniture & electronics are still in our living room (it hasn't been fun). We have a plan in place and have taken baby steps already. I can't wait to get going though for a few reasons. First of all, I really can't wait to get things somewhat back to normal in the house. Secondly, having this system in place will give both of us peace of mind. And, last there a few yard projects that will go hand in hand with this. One is replacing our fence; which desperately needs it. The other, is a raised bed that Scott is going to build along the fence! It's going to be filled with all kinds of beautiful, edible, & medicinal herbs! There will probably be some shrubbery & flower plants in there, too, but I get a HUGE herb garden! I haven't got a clue how to design one & I'm sure it's not going to happen overnight, but I'm really looking forward to this!!
So, it's been busy. But I look forward to getting back into the groove of things. I've missed it. I hope things are going well for all of you and to hear from you!
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