still crafty after all these years

Imaginary blog readers (IBR): Vicki, why have't you posted lately, have you stopped crafting?

Vicki: heck no. I am very busy crafting some holiday projects. I'm making Christmas Cards and also creating cool packaging for a gift.

IBR: Let's see the pictures!

Vicki: I can't post pictures because the recipients might look at my blog before they get their cards in the mail.

IBR: Darn, we love seeing your blurry low-resolution pictures!

Vicki: Have no fear, I'll post a pic of the packaging on Monday and the card a few days after they mail.

IBR: So we have only your witty banter to look forward to reading?

Vicki: I guess so. Here are some links to keep you occupied:

Cotton ball goodness over at Wee Wonderfuls.

Gift-giving guides at Thimble

Christmas cuteness at Moki's

I'm in the Black!

I am now officially in the black.

I've been tracking my Net Worth since July, and I now, for the first time, have more assets than I owe. I have a net worth of...... $39.30!

I know. It's exciting! ;)

In other news, I made a little holder for my ipod and bus pass. This camera phone doesn't do the colors justice. It is actually a very attractive yellow and yellow-striped fabric.

Ipod, Bus pass holder
Originally uploaded by vreitz.

another goal met

I did it. I saved up $269 for Christmas presents. I am stunned by how painless it was. Most of it was rebate money, ebay money, and cashback bonus money. I really only took $60 out of my checking account to start it.

The next short-term savings goal will be to save up for a digital camera -- but that's a project for next year. So any unexpected money will go straight to the emergency fund, which is not growing as fast as I'd like.

I spent the weekend in Kentucky with Mike's family, so i have no crafty news to report. I need to catch up with the laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping.

2006 New Year's Resolution

I tend not to make "resolutions." I tend to create goals and projects for myself throughout the year. (Hence Project Vicki)

So I'm not really making a new year's resolution, I'm merely making a goal for 2006.

Here it goes:
I want to get published in 2006. I want to sell my craft ideas to magazines, get them published, and get paid.

Minimum:
The minimum goal is to have at least one thing publish.

Ideal:
I'm aiming to have one design published a month.

Reach for the stars:
And the best goal would be to publish enough to pay for a membership to the Society of Craft Designers. ($135) I was a member for one year, but it's too pricey for me.

I've decided that I will spend my commute time on the bus designing and writing instructions. I figure one idea a week is reasonable. After all, I'll be rejected more often than i'm accepted.

Status:
Feb 21, submitted Wedding card takes the cake to Paper Crafts Mag, by electronic submission.
March 31, submitted Wedding card to Fred Flare's next best thing.
June 21, submitted Bride's day (hand-carved bride stamp) to Paper Crafts Mag by electronic submission.
July 3, submitted Santa's Suit Favor Bags to Crafts N' Things magazine
July 18 - SUCCESS! Pack-o-Fun magazine wants to publish my santa's bags!!! I'm so tickled.

Sept 27 - received contract from Pack-o-Fun. Goal complete!

Goal complete!

I finished crocheting the hat.

Unfortunately, I didn't do a swatch before i started, so the hat is too small!

Here's what it should look like:


And here is what my hat looks like:


If anyone knows someone with a small head who would like a pink hat, it's theirs. No charge. I'll even mail it to you. Leave a comment. :)

Newspaper article quotes me! Yes, ME!

I just discovered an article which I was interviewed for a few months ago: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/08/28/news/californian/21_21_128_27_05.txt

That is not what I said! Makes me sounds like a dufus, doesn't it?