A couple new things

A few new products... lots more to come! Go check out my etsy shop for more!

For your buddy

When it comes to Christmas shopping, buying for my friends and sister/sister-in-law is my favourite part... because you can basically just pretend you're shopping for yourself, and buy awesome stuff you'd usually not allow yourself to buy.  Here are a few things I've picked out on etsy to gift to my (self) friends...

Amazing scout-style merit badge from TheScoutProject 

Stacking ring holder bowls from MadgeDishes + Awesome painted pouch from emmyreis

Poppy phone covers from yours truly, of course

Pretty packaged soaps from HelloSoap

Constellation print from BranchandOlive

 Too early mug from Emily Mcdowell Draws + Beautiful scarves from Link collective

... and don't forget, if you've not shopped on etsy before you can use this link to get £5 towards your first purchase!

My other favourite thing to gift at the holidays are books.  Have you setup a Goodreads profile? It's a great way of keeping track of books you've read and books you've been recommended.  You can check my list of books I want to read here.

This year I'm actually trying to rebuild my collection of books I've read and leant out and never gotten back or lost. It's nice to have copies of your faves on the shelf.  Here are a few of my all time favourites that I think would make lovely gifts:

Other failsafe ideas: stripey socks, massive jars of coconut oil, beautiful manuka honey.  Licorice, special salt, coffee. You're welcome and happy holidays!

xo

Custom orders - get this memo!!!

If you're thinking of ordering a couple/family portrait to give someone as a Christmas gift, please get your orders in EARLY! I'm going to be cutting off all custom orders from November 7; I will not take any more custom orders after that date for the remainder of the year.  From November 7 my etsy shop will remain open for greeting cards and selected items only and I will be on Maternity leave!!!

Get carded!

I HAVE A NEW RANGE OF GREETING CARDS!  Introducing my extra-special Autumn 2014 collection.  Full of bright colours, crabby cats, and good vibes.  All now available online.  This week only I'm also offering 30% off Yearly card subscriptions (Use the code CHEESETOASTIE )  and free shipping on the four card lucky dip.  Go for it, fill yer boots.

Learn to do it yourself

Do you make cool stuff at home but not sure how to sell it online?

This summer I will be teaching a very special EtsyCraft Entrepreneurship course to help guide beginners in the Manchester area through the process of starting a new business, photographing products and getting setup online.

The course is every Wednesday morning from July 16 - 20 August (6 weeks) 10.30-12.30 at Oldham College's brand new learning hub.  Unfortunately it's open to Oldham residents only.

To register just contact madeinoldham@oldham.gov.uk or call 01617703480

On Teevee

A couple weeks back I travelled down to Wimbledon studios in London to take part in the first Etsy TV advert. I was chosen from a whole bunch of individuals (1200 apparently), probably to fill the 'very tall person' quota, and spent the day with 66 other etsy sellers on set as part of a cool 'street party/market' scene, as we did take after take (after take after take) to get the ad just right.  You can now see the advert on tv and if you pause it just at the right moment you can see my blurry profile (behind the two guys carrying the chair.)

You can in fact spot me a few times in this super behind-the-scenes video made by the nice people at Mollie Makes:

People make etsy

Last week I was lucky enough to be chosen to take part in Etsy's first UK TV advert.  It was a pretty cool day, most of which I have to keep hush hush until it makes its debut on screen but here's a shot of all the etsy sellers who travelled to London to be a part of the advert.  Unfortunately as a tall person I always have to stand at the back of photos so you can only just see my eyes, right behind the person wearing red sleeves.  Brilliant.

Anyways, as it's the weekend I thought I'd offer free postage on all UK orders. Just use the code THANKSALOT.  Thanks a lot!

It's easier than it looks

My etsy shop is nearing 4,000 sales and as I sit at my folks house in France with plenty of time to think (and plenty of time to eat loads of bread as well, I've found.) I just realised it's been 6 years since I started on etsy.  Just the other day my Not On The High Street storefront went live and it's pretty awesome to think this is how I can afford to feed myself, clothe myself, etc.  If you're daring enough to scroll back to my very first etsy sale you'll see some fine photoshop work on my listing photos! Everyone has to start somewhere!

Etsy is offering 40 free listings to anyone interested in getting started selling online.  Have you been thinking of setting up your own online shop? Give it a try! I dare you.

National Mommy Day

Year of the horse mobile + Two Geese Mug

March 30th is Mothers Day in the UK.  Show some love and support to the wonderful mommies in your world.
Here are some gift ideas I love.

Suzie soft doll + Porcelain necklace + Botanica Facial Care Set

Watermelon pillow + lucky piggy + Baby card

DIY cowl knitting pdf + Pink circle print

Spend that paperrr

Yo! Exciting times. You can now make purchases with your credit card in my etsy shop.  This means you don't need paypal. This means you can buy loads of kitty pillows and not worry about paypal getting all up in your business. In celebration of this here's a coupon code: CHACHING for free shipping all weekend.

Etsy does run gear

I'm a massive Etsy advocate - mainly because it's where I make my living and how I pay my bills but in all honesty I do most of my shopping on Etsy nowadays.  There is an absolute goldmine of awesome products to be found with amazing, creative people behind the products ready to answer any questions and help make your shopping experience a personal and enjoyable one.  

Because it's pretty much summer and I'm getting excited about my marathon training which starts next week I wanted to point out some of the awesome kit that can be found on etsy.   So much rad stuff, I may have to treat myself to a few new additions to my running wardrobe.  

After all, money spent on health and fitness is spent guilt-free.  Girl's gotta look good when she be sweating.  

 Be The Example Print + Neon yellow tee + Braided Headband

 Don't feel sorry for yourself print + Beast Mode Tee + Celestial Rust Leggings

Fire Tank +  Flowered leggings 

Fo yo pocket

Some new pretty pocket mirrors in my etsy shop.  Treat yo self!

Free gifts for people

I've almost reached 2000 sales in my etsy shop. I can't be-friggin-lieve it, can you?  I'm giving a FREE GIFT with every order until the 2000th sale. These are the gift options here.  Also, the 2000th sale will be receiving a YEAR'S SUPPLY OF GREETING CARDS. That's exciting! I'm excited.

VALENTINE'S DAY is next week.

Here are some gift ideas.  For me. I mean, for your girlfriend.

▲ Anatomi Red Teardrop Geode Ring ▲ Tuesday Bassen Nose Ring Holder  ▲  Noble Beeswax Votive Candle ▲

▲ DEADWEIGHT Stop Worrying print ▲ Kate Madeira MegaBabe Patch ▲ Giulia Sagramola Daschund League purse   ▲ vitrifiedstudio earthy bowl ▲ flatearthstudio Grasp Vase ▲

Running and gangsters and cake

Hello! It's Tuesday.  Yesterday's errands and drawing and making vegetarian chilli didn't really count as exercise so in the spirit of Janathon I did some crunches and thigh work (while the Simpsons was on the tv...) last night.  It was a 'rest day' on my marathon training plan and as I had done 9 miles on Sunday with run club I felt I owed my legs a day off.  But hey my 100 crunches must count for something.  Especially since my taco kitty tote bag was featured in the 'treat yo self' etsy newseletter (ayyy!!!) on Sunday and I was feeling in the spirit.

Today I spent the morning packing up orders and listening to UhhYeahDude.

Did you see my illustration for issue 105 (December 2012) of Whitelines Magazine?  This is it:

These cats sold out over Christmas.  This week calls for some sewing and stuffing (and maybe some cake.)

Run club again tonight.  My legs are ready.