New Rule

I've been having issues with my crafty to do list just growing and growing. It's now bulging at the seams! I have so many projects that I want to work on, but "no time" to do everything.

There are tons of legitimate non-crafty tasks that consume much of my day (running around after a toddler, working out, cooking, cleaning {sometimes}, grocery shopping, business stuff, etc.). Even though I have legitimate time-consuming things to do, I also know that I waste way too much time on random time-sucks, like Pinterest (finding more things to add to my crafty to do list!) and watching TV - usually those two together.

I know I can't give myself crafting deadlines or schedule specific times to craft each day, but I did institute a new rule for myself. If I'm watching TV, I have to be doing something crafty (or for my shop) at the same time. Out with surfing Pinterest and stalking people on Facebook. In with sewing, designing, cross stitching, blogging, sketching, etc.

If I can hold myself to my new rule, I should be able to get more crafting done, finish new designs for the shop more quickly, and be better about blogging more frequently.

I'm watching TV and blogging right now, so I guess that's a good start!  :)

Shop Makeover

I've been getting a little antsy with my Etsy shop and decided that it needed a bit of a makeover. Running around after a 15-month-old, cleaning the house (sometimes), cooking dinner, and filling orders (especially after my magazine mention!) really cuts down on the amount of time I have to work on my shop. So, even though I have a long list of changes I'd like to make, I've been trying to stick to small changes or changes that can be broken down into smaller chunks of work/time-commitment so eventually it will all get done.

Here are some things that have been done:

1. New shop banner (new font):

2. New packaging (trying out a few things) - stitched parchment paper:

Here are some things I am currently working on:

1. Update all pattern files
 * This is a HUGE task, so I have broken it down into steps. I think I'm about a quarter of the way done, but right now the light at the end of the tunnel is very dim.

2. Launching a new product line

3. Setting up monthly giveaways through the end of the year (or longer if I like them!).

In Need of a 12-Step Program

I love lists. I'm a master list-maker. If there was a job where all you had to do was make lists and then list out all of the lists you made, I would be a shoe-in. I have lists that have sub-lists. I am addicted to color-coding my lists (which is a sickness itself). I have lists in multiple locations, some of which list the same things as other lists. When Apple added the Reminders app to iPhone, I was excited because I could have all of my lists with me wherever I go.

My top ten best (longest) lists are for:

• General Crap To Do
• Things To Buy (separated by store)
• Things To Return
• Gift Ideas
• Crafts To Make
• Reviews To Write (for Amazon)
• Blog Posts To Write
• Deep Cleaning List (separated out by frequency of cleaning - weekly/monthly/seasonally)
• Home Improvements To Make (separated out by room/zone)
• My ever-lengthening Shop To Do List.

Whew! Uh oh. I just realized that is another list of lists.  :-/

If only list-making resulted in actually getting stuff done. By the time I pull out my list(s), cross off the very minimal amount of items I have completed and re-evaluate what's left, I don't have time to actually do anything on the list! I think list-making might be the ultimate procrastination technique. You get to put off actually doing work by thinking about all the work you have to do. Maybe it's time for a mid-year resolution.

Weekend Wrap-Up

I've been slightly more productive since my last WIP post. Besides the regular shop stuff, I reorganized my supplies (in a haphazard sort of way, so I'll have to do a better job next time) and finished two custom patterns. I've also made a teeny, tiny dent in the huge "Patterns To Be Finished" list and managed to squeeze in a little stitching.

Here's what I'm working on now:

A little QR Code love  :)