KittenBritches Dolls Are Purrrfect!

I have sold dolls to my first store!!!!

2008-12-04T19:47:00.003-07:00

The sky has fallen and the fat lady is singing, people! Last weekend I had a fantastic show at a local gourmet restaurant. It was a hit as far as sales but an even better hit as far as meeting folks! The owner of a local toy store approached me and said she would be interested in having my dolls in her shop. I was ecstatic to say the least. The following day I met with her and she bought 20 of my lil guys. How rockin is that?
It has been a lovely holiday season thus far and I am sticking to my pledge of all handmade gifts. A little tricky for some family members but the hubby and I are making it work! I will try to stay on top of writing on this more often.
Cheers!

Turkey Day

2008-11-30T20:54:00.002-07:00

Well, we are back from our trip to lovely Santa Cruz. It is always interesting to travel with family- let alone your husbands family. I will leave it at that for my own best interest.

I do love CA, even if it was rainy except for one day. The beach is a wonderful place to regroup and escape. I am a people watcher at heart and CA is the BEST place for watchin'! I love the atmosphere in Santa Cruz that anything goes- from men and women sporting Uggs in shorts to women walking near the beach in heels. The fact nobody bats an eye is a testiment to the wacky and fun nature of the area. If I could afford it, I would live there in an instant! The house we rented for the week was a nice vacation home but on a corner where the house could be demolished by a drunk driver. I guess it has been hit a couple times within the past 2 years. Yikes! It was up for sale and going for 1.2 million. Ummmmm...hello, would you buy a home on the verge of a drunk drivers Indy 500 track- I think not. Good luck to that real estate salesperson!

Sorry it has been awhile since I had updated this blog folks...lots of sales at craft shows before the holiday. It will slow down soon enough and I can get back to writing!

New biz insights....

2008-11-13T14:15:00.003-07:00

As I continue this lil thing called "The Small Business", I am amazed by new things I learn each day. Let me start this by saying it is wonderful to have started a new biz, but a little daunting as well. The amount of paperwork to the government, the new health insurance, upkeep on the websites, etc. Need I say more?
Being green and new to all of this has brought many insights! For instance, attending craft shows that sometimes have the same vendors....some you like, some leave something to be desired. Like the old gal who decided she liked my dolls (so much she asked where I got my patterns and fabric), who then started making them herself and selling them as well! WOW, can you say ballsy? I suppose my naivete came into play by telling her honest answers, but I thought I was being a NICE person. When she approached me about my scarves recently, I kept the lip zipped!! As a little FYI...her dolls are fluorescent colors and a little sore on the eyes, and I have not seen her sell a single one. (Thank God.)
I was not prepared for the ebb and flow of sales- sometimes you are so busy you cannot breathe and other times you are twiddling thumbs. My motto is to build up the inventory so that I am not "stuck" when I get multiple sales. I hope someday I will look back on this blog and laugh because these problems do not exisit...but for now...it is what it is!

It's Election Day!

2008-11-04T13:35:00.003-07:00

Happy election day y'all! I am so happy to live in a country where we are free to vote for whom we want to- with no repercussions for our choice! No matter who you voted for- this election has brought out a fiesty spirit in people that I have not see in years. Loves it! Now we just sit and wait..........

Another quote for the books...

2008-10-25T19:21:00.002-06:00

As Winston Churchill once said- "Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm."

Well, howdy...is this ringing clear with my recent turn of craft shows. The sales have been lagging and the people attending events is dismal. As this is my first year in this little venture of doll making, I am trying not to take it to heart and to keep on chugging! I figure, if I have the desire to make something work and the willpower to keep trying...it will eventually work out.

I do have faith in the "green" movement and really think my eco-dolls are a step in the right direction. Guess it is a matter of finding my audience. I think I may have to bust out a copy of "The Little Engine That Could" and read and re-read! :)

BRRRRR... it's gettin cold out there....

2008-10-21T10:49:00.006-06:00

Well, here is the newest item in the old etsy store. It is a black fleece scarf with a kitty motif. The face and arms are on one end and the legs on the other. I am in the process of making pink bunnies too. Should be a nice addition to the dolls. I am thinking of a special where you buy a doll and the matching scarf to go with it. That way you have the matching set. We shall see- ideas are running through the brain at a frantic speed right now! Toodles!

Another craft show down...

2008-10-19T20:03:00.004-06:00

Well...another craft show down in the books! I had a 2 day stint at Pueblo West Craft Show this weekend. I had a nice time but sales were LAGGING. I know that the Jr. class was put in charge of advertising (hmmmmm...) and they kinda did a poor job. No notice in the paper prior to the Saturday show and then Sunday when it was in the paper...it posted the wrong times! AAAGGH! Every vendor was pretty frustrated.

It is days like this when your humility is tested. You cannot take to heart you do not have a lot of sales when NOBODY is there, right? I am getting good at practicing the old adage "Shake it off!" Oh well...it is all a learning lesson and you can't win 'em all!

Anybody else out there feeling me? Is it the economy or what?

My new guys!

2008-10-15T18:05:00.004-06:00

Well, today was an enjoyable day at the sewing machine. My gal friend Holly and I were brainstorming new ideas and she found a lovely stuffed owl at Pottery Barn- for $30! Ack! I just knew it was feasible to create one at a better and more affordable price. So...here are some new patterns...papa and baby owl. I would like to make tons of different styles, colors and facial expressions. It is so invigorating to get a new idea to run with ! Yippee!

Back from a weekend of camping and a train ride...

2008-10-12T20:51:00.007-06:00

Just back from a wonderful weekend getaway with hubby! We went on a train ride that started in Alamosa, CO. We rode in a beautiful dome observation car, with huge glass windows. We picked the best weekend ever to ride as the leaves were changing and there was a bit of a chill in the air! (Ok, and even some rain as well!) Hoot of a time and so glad we went.

A Great Idea for Gifts!

2008-10-07T17:05:00.005-06:00

I know I have chatted about my friends who own Lotion Bar cafe- we have sold together at nearly every event this summer. (Not only can you save money by sharing space at markets- but you make fantastic friends.) I digress...these 2 gals from Lotion Bar make beautiful and luxurious handmade soap. Trust me, I have used their soap every day since I met them!

With the holidays approaching- if you are looking for a great gift for friends and family- look no further. The soap is affordable and easy to purchase. Take a gander at their etsy site, for just a small sampling of their soaps. I know that they will be continuously updating the online store- so keep checking it out. They do special orders and can prepare baskets as well. Trust me, you would be so very pleased with any of their products!

http://www.lotionbarcafe.etsy.com/

TCM is the best channel ever....

2008-10-05T17:56:00.003-06:00

I have had a wonderful Sunday full of relaxation and hanging out! Rarely does it seem that I am just sitting or lying on the couch. I am almost always cutting fabric, sewing at the machine or hand sewing faces on plushies. Not today! Oh no! Today involved me, the couch, my dogggies and the TCM movie channel. I absolutely adore old movies. Black and White or color. It reminds me of being home sick from school and having it on in the background while I recouperated. Just ask my mom....she is the one that shared her love of the oldies with me, first!
There is something about the filmmaking back then- the actors and actresses were so classy (ok, most of them), the directors were cutting edge for their time, and heck, for even present day (Alfred Hitchcock). If you havn't checked out Turner Classics lately, I suggest you do- there is something for everyone. Ask my husband- who sometimes prefers this channel over the testosterone laden SPIKE tv that men seem to love!! Who knew?

My Favorite Seinfeld episode...

2008-10-01T10:40:00.003-06:00

Does anyone remember the episode where Elaine was in the women's restroom and had to use it...and there was no paper? "Can you spare a square?" Well, I myself had one of those moments the other day at a restaraunt and was chuckling to myself in the potty. I could not resist but to use the infamous line to ask for the tp! Of coure, the gal next to me was about 15 years old so I resisted asking if she had seen the episode. No need to scare the youth of America!

My other fave was the episode when Elaine had Christmas cards made and after sending them ALL out- she realized she had a nip slip!!!! AAAGGGHH! She had sent one to her priest, right? Anywho- THAT is a classic move that I could see myself doing.

Guess you can tell who my favorite character was....

Busy sewing machine, busy fingers...

2008-09-29T15:35:00.005-06:00

Gadzooks! I am almost out of inventory! I sold 3 days in a row at markets, and an open house. I am nearly wiped out. I have shuffled around some items on etsy, but gosh....I need to get cracking on some plushies!!! AAAAGGGHH! If I am not updating for a day or 2- that may explain what I am doing. It is a good thing- and I have the next 2 weeks before more shows- so I have time to recoup. Better get inventory up- gotta go.

Smoochies!!

My newest lil creation....

2008-09-23T20:35:00.001-06:00

I have been a busy bee and creating dolls for upcoming craft fairs and x-mas sales. I kinda like this new girl- she is a fleece tooth pillow! There is a large pocket sewn into the back for a little tooth...and then a little money. I hope the tooth fairy approves!

Did I forget to mention....?

2008-09-23T20:29:00.000-06:00

I know, I know...this is a personal story, but I forgot to mention a great concert I went to last week! My hubby and I saw the Foo Fighters at Red Rocks! WOW! Those boys can put on quite the show. They had postponed the concert from July as the singer was sick. Not only did they play for 3 hours...but they talked to the crowd and really made it feel intimate. It's Red Rocks, it is not that friggin intimate but...boy did it feel like it. Have you ever been to a show where the folks were so enigmatic or communicative that you felt like a participant, not just a listener?

Ohmmm Pa Pa, Ohmmm Pa Pa!

2008-09-21T17:04:00.002-06:00

Just back from Oktoberfest- where sales were brisk and the weather was great! For the past two days I was a vendor at the Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest, located in Woodland Park. It was a hoot and a half. Of course, I had to participte in a couple of toasts with a yummy lager...and sing along to "Roll Out the Barrel." Fun, fun!

My fellow vendor gal pals, Lotion Bar Cafe sold so much beer soap, it was amazing! I have never sold more soap to MEN in my life! If only they would make a Bacon scent...men would be in hog heaven! (Get it...hog heaven...) sorry. :)

Hope everyone is doing well and having a super weekend!

My favorite quote ever...

2008-09-16T17:07:00.002-06:00

"Suncreen and cocktails...in my youth I should have used more of one and less of the other!"

-A smart, older nameless friend

Just thought I would share that bad boy- it makes me laugh to read it.

Fall Happy Thoughts!

2008-09-14T20:01:00.005-06:00

We are back from camping and man, is fall in the air! Don't you just love the smell of fireplaces in your neighborhood? Yum. It has put me in the spirit to unpack autumn decorations and put away the sunny summer stuff. Fall is my favorite season...with my fave holiday- Halloween.

Fall reminds me of being a kid and getting new school clothes, including nice wool tights. It reminds me of walking to school and looking at the changing leaves. The shorter days with earlier sunsets. The delicious candy corns and other goodies to eat! The pumpkin and squash recipies you pull out to use. I could go on and on...

Here is hoping that the rest of you start gettting into that fun fall spirit and really enjoy the changing of the season.

Gone Camping!

2008-09-13T16:35:00.002-06:00

Hi there people!
The eye is better and we are ready to enjoy one of these last few days of sun! Off camping- will post in a couple of days! Yipppppeeeeeee kaiiiiiiiiii yyaaaaaaaaaaayyy!
Adios Amigos!

2008-09-12T11:34:00.003-06:00

Good morning!

I am in the greatest mood as I was able to sleep in today...during a rain storm, nontheless! Normally on Fridays I am in Woodland Park (a mountain town about 40 minutes away), doing a farmer's market. Did I mention I have to be up there by 6am? Gadzooks! Not today...tee hee. It was a lil breakipoo from the normal schedule and I feel blessed. It is dreary and about 55 degrees out...which means it would be about 45 degrees up there! I am cozy and warm in my own home...nothing better, right?

Anywho, I was able to complete a few of those pumpkins I had talked about and posted them online. I think they are fun and kinda sweet. Perchance others will feel the same way. What do you think? This lil guy is called I Vant To Suck Your Blood Pumpkin.

Arrrrgh Matey!

2008-09-09T11:03:00.000-06:00

Good day to you all!
Sorry I have not posted in awhile! Seems that while I was out and about trying to make millions of dollars selling dolls- I have injured myself! I was in a freaky wind storm at one of my farmer's markets on Friday and got a bit of sand in the eye. I had to go to the dr. and was told I have a scratched cornea. Not fun. Well...ok...there is one fun thing out of the whole situation...an eye patch! Man, have the Popeye and Cyclops jokes been flying in my home. I figure I might as well have fun with the injury. This patch may have to carry on over into October...just in time for a great Halloween costume, right? I am already planning. Tee Hee.
While using one eye, I have managed to come up with some really darling pumpkins that I am going to post on etsy. Mind you, it is slow going...but there is some doll production going on. Will post the pics soon. Until then, Swab the decks and Shiver me timbers!
:) Sorry, I couldn't help myself!

Second post

2008-08-26T17:57:00.000-06:00

Good day!
Well, it has been an interesting week. I worked at the Rocky Mountain Fair and made a whopping total of $24. It was poorly advertised and timed! The city's schools started, as well as the state fair in Pueblo. Hello- there were about 100 people total the WHOLE week. Sad. Oh well- lesson learned that folks who attend fairs are more likely to spend a small amount of money on carnival rides and cheap China toys rather than eco-friendly stuffed animals. Wrong cup 'o tea.
I am in the midst of sewing, sewing, sewing. I am gearing up for the craft shows and oktoberfests that abound in the next 2 months. Should be a hoot of a time. Farmer's markets are still going well- really enjoying selling outside.
My next post, I would like to show pics of happy kid customers with their plushies. AAAAAAAWWWWWWW.
Well, thanks for reading- will chat soon!
KIR

August 17, 2008

2008-08-17T16:13:00.000-06:00

Hello out there!
This is my first day of blogging and I am trying to figure it all out. Bear with me if it appears short or confusing at first- You have to start SOMEWHERE, right? I am really getting into my eco-friendly doll biz and am filling up my schedule with shows, markets and fairs. It is almost becoming my new day job!!!
I am taking a year leave-of-absense from teaching to pursue other ventures and to start a family. Life outside of teaching has been exciting and scary all at once. As the year rolls on, I guess we will all see where this new adventure takes me.
Thanks for visiting and will chat with you again soon!