It's been so long, my love.

Here I sit: keyboard in lap, chapstick, cell phone, and now empty bowl of popcorn near by, Queen playing peacefully in the background. Today is already a good day.

The recent days have been intense. All week I rehersed for Oklahoma! at school. Let me confess a tiny thing: I love the stage at my school. But get this straight, it is the crappiest, lamest stage ever. It's lanolium tiles are unforgiving and slick. We never have enought room to do large dance numbers on it so people always end up dancing off in the back corner where nobody can see them (ususally me). There aren't actual seats, the audience sits in what is commonly known as the 'little gym' on chilly folding chairs. Most of the curtains are ripped and discolored. And still I love the stage. It is by far, my favorite place in the whole school. The set pieces have messages from casts and crews past scrawled all over the back sides of them. There are a million and one places to hide backstage and ambush fellow cast members, or sleep. It is like a home filled with all my peers. The drama, energy, and pain resulting only makes the stage more magical for me. Every moment on it makes me smile.

But that doesn't mean rehersal was totally enjoyable.

Also, I have a job now. Two actually. One goes directly to my pocket and the other is for the upcoming Spain/France trip in Summer '09.

This weekend has been really really strenuous. Bubba is sick, so she has been staying home and going a little crazy with the house cleaning thing. As I type, she is upstairs above my head unpacking the rebel boxes from our moving day....three years ago.

Where does the time go? Two years living here already?? Wow. Anyways...

Today I plan on avoiding housework and totally vegging out in front of the computer. i want to catch up on my story that I'm writing. Perhaps I'll do some sewing later.

It's gotten hard to do a ton of crafting, as predicted. Hopefully I'll get a brillant idea for a product that will be small enough to take in my purse and work on at school. lately all my ideas have involved intensive amounts of sewing.

I'll have pics of my latest endevours soon, hopefully my dear sister will let me borrow her AMAZING camera. It's disgustingly good at taking better pictures than my poopy little thing.

Okay, enought rambling. hope you all are doing well, I just wanted to post an update!

All my love,
Carolyn

And We're back!

Yesterday morning, I finally got the guts to re-connect our computer. Yup, it's back with a new hard drive. Hooorahh for that. The printer is now on the fritz though. If it ain't one thing, it's the other!

And that brings us to the Luck, Love, and Hedgehogs Shop News! Da da dumm!
No new items have been listed at the moment. Although I have two new spiffies that are ready to be sold, but I need new pictures of them before they are listed.

Also, some concerns were voiced about my lack of a PayPal option for purchase from the shop. I'd like to say, I am working on it in my round-about way. I can make no promises on a specific date upon which I'll have it up-and-running, but I want you to know, it's in the mix.

On a side note, I started my Junior year in high school today, meaning insanity shall follow making it mas dificil to post updates and make items. Sad sad sad.

So, to recap, things in the shop will be slowing down even more (boo), Blog posts will be getting more sparse (hiss), and my crafting will draw to a near close (other angry noises).

Kids, seriously, stay out of school...

Just kidding, stay in school. But only if your teachers let you crochet in class. (wink wink)

All my love,
Carolyn

Houston, we have a problem...

Our home computer has literally blown up. The hard drive as been dignosed as completely corrupted with most of the files on it being unretrievable. Yikes. That's a major problem for me, because not only do I have my crochet patterns saved on that hard drive, but also all the pictures of my creations, all my pictures of Italy, Prom, and well, everything. And let me tell you, it is driving me bonkers not being able to post pictures or check my etsy. I'm bumming the Internet off of my cousin right now...

In other news, it's straw bailing season here on the farm and you know what that means? Manual labor. I over worked myself yesterday so being the whimp I am, I took the day off of bailing to babysit Eliana and Dylan, my cousin's kids. Tara is doing most of the work, because she's in training to take over as chief babysitter when I go away to school. Fun, fun.

I want my computer back. 

All my love,

Carolyn

Playing Operator, Among Other Things

Since I haven't sold anything at the shop yet I have been forced to get a job. *gasp gasp gasp* At least I'm keeping it in the family, haha. I'm working at my mom's office, probably only for this week. I've got a huge ream of contacts to call and ask them if we have the correct addresses on file in addition to answering the phones here. I know, you are all jealous of my super exciting job. NOT. But hey, it's only temporary and it gets me out of the house. Hooray for that.

In other news, I've been working on the Aardwolf, he now has two legs, eye patches, a detailed tail, and half of his stripes. But no name. Help me out here peeps.

Yesterday I made two new fused plastic bags which will be in the shop soon, I hope. Our home computer has taken another turn for the worst. It won't even start now, and yes, it is plugged in. So, unless it decides to pretend like it's acting in a soap opera and come back to life, I'll have to upload my pictures to this computer at Bubba's office. Don't know how well that's going to work. Oh my, what a luxury technology is.

Hope you all are having an easier time than I am.

Happy hooking,
Carolyn

Mysteries of the Deep, and others

I felt that it was indeed time to get myself in gear and post more stuff in my shop! So, on that note, I've been very busy this morning posing my items and snapping pictures for their Etsy profiles. I even got Tara into the act and had her pose with 'the mystery creature.' Have you guessed what he is yet??

This is my second 'mystery creature.' This time he's beige instead of peach. Fun fun. He's also going to be listed in my shop by the end of the day, be sure to have a look!

Here's my Aardwolf-in-progress:

He's only got one leg at the moment. Along with no eyes and an un-fluffy tail. But I'm working on the lack-of-stripes. He's got a few:

I'm working on it.

Don't forget to check out the shop and see all the spiffy new goodies for sale! Enjoy summer and tell your friends about Luck, Love, and Hedgehogs!!

All my love,
Carolyn

Stuff and stuff

Oh the spiffy-ness abounds! Here's some 'comming soon' stuff just to keep you all on your toes and guessing. Okay, so it's only one thing, but it's really spiffy, I promise:

Care to guess what that was? I'd love to hear it. The answer will be revealed in a later post. Muahaha, I am evil.

As you can see, I've been ever-so-busy. I got inspired to start making some rather...offbeat plushies. Guess what I was inspired by? The National Geographing Big Book of Mammals. I'm working on one right now, it's an 'aardwolf.' Never heard of it? Google image search it. I call it a Zebra Dog, because that's what it looks like. I'll have to post some 'work in progress' pics after dinner. I'm working on thinking of names for him. Maybe after I post pics, you guys could give me feedback? Pweeze?

Speaking of inspirations, check this one out:

It's crocheted! And edgey! Yarn grafitti, if you will. Check out the culprits of this brilliance. Their blog is linked in my left-hand 'Other Awesome Blogs' list, the title is 'Masquerade.' Click the link, and revel, I say, revel. What a crazy way to use up scraps!

That's it for now, I'm hungry and my sister cooked noodles. Hope you are all having fun!!!

All my love.

Carolyn

Lurking

I've been doing some lurking around Craftster and Etsy. During these 'lurking sessions' I've become suddenly inspired to get off the computer and go make stuff gosh darn it!

But first, some craft-related updates:

I received a package in the mail last week from New Zealand. Why, you may ask, am I getting stuff from NZ? Because I met an amazing girl on Craftster who makes pulshies and she and I did a personal swap. And oh boy did she ever deliver!! Bubblegum_Pheonix (aka Sasha) sent me a mini plush version of a Kiwi bird, a hedgehog hook holder (OMGYAYYYYYYYYYY), a nice little post card and a bracelet made of shells (which she bought, but it's still epic).

And I'm closing in on that last few projects from my first swap. I'm sorta stuck on the last large project. My hands keep cramping up and dying a little.

Oh, and I sold something! Not in the etsy shop but at church! My youth director bought the fused plactic bag that used to be listed in the shop. So now I have a little money to treat myself to some new yarn. Horray for yarn!

Other than that, it's beautiful outside and I think I just might go crochet in the sun. Ahhh, the joys of summer.

All my love,
Carolyn

Inspiration and daily life

Good times in the Glenny household. First there was my movie party on Friday night, it went really well. Good fun was had by all. Didn't get to sleep until 2 AM, so no crafting was done Friday. *sadness* Saturday a high school friend of my dad's came over with his family in tow. That was interesting. Got to hear many many stories from 'the golden age' of my father. haha, what a rebel.

And today, no crafting will be done unless I get off the computer right now. Tonight I'm going to say ta-ta to all my friends who are headed to Costa Rica for three weeks. WITHOUT ME!!!!!! *cries a little* But it'sfine, I suppose. I'll just tell them to bring me back crafty stuff...like yarn and beads and loteria cards. Or is that in Mexico that they have loteria?....hmmm.....

The purse show was SPECTACULAR. I was spazzing out at suffering from sensory overload in that exhibit. Lol, Jen you would have done the same. The bags were to die for! Maybe I'll post pictures soon...

Still have three items listed in the shop! Be sure to let me know if I can make anything for ya!

Lots of love and crafty-ness,
Carolyn

Get Well Soon, Computer!

Our home computer has taken yet another nose-dive. The Internet has been s l o w beyond all meaning of the word. This means I will not be able to get on until someone fixes it. I think it might be a virus. Oh dear.

No sales yet, but that's okay. I'm just starting, after all!

Today Tara and I are going with Grandma Beth (sewing hero) to the 'Purses Through The Ages' exhibit at Midway Museum. This is going to be really fun! I hope to get some inspiration for new designs of LL&H purses.

But tell me, is this sad? I'm using my really super spiffy purse made out of old vinyl records when I go out today. Know why? Because I get insane amounts of complements on it. And since we are going to a purse exhibit, there will be purse junkies there who will comment on it, and then I can give them my business card and get more people viewing the shop!!! Bruhahahahahaha I shall conquer the world with my marketing schemes! *ahem* yes. Okay...

So guess what I got today? Sewing Hero Grandma Beth has struck again, this time as the Yarn Hero. She waltzes in to Bubba's office with a Target bag full of beige yarn. Guess how much? Four skeins weighing in at one pound each. WOW. I'll never have to buy skin-tone yarn again! Horray for Yarn Heros!

WoOt!

Two items posted! I'm not going to tell you what they are, though! You'll have to go to the shop and check them out yourself!
What are the first two items??
I'm working on posting other goodies like, oh, say crochet patterns. Intriguing, eh? Hmmmm...I'll have to see what I can dig up. *big grin*
I cannot find the words to tell you how happy I am about this my etsy is ALIVE!!!!
Can't wait for my first sale!
Hope summer is being good to you!
All my love,
Carolyn

Night Update: Etsy Etsy Etsy Grand Opening!!

It's here!!! The official Luck, Love and Hedgehogs online Etsy shop!!!!!!! And yes, that did deserve seven exclaimation points! Horrayyy!!!!
Click here to see the shop front in all its shimmering glory!!
But, there are no items posted yet *group awwww.* Keep looking back in the coming days to see what spiffy new things I post-ificate to sell!
I am sooooo excited about this!!!!!!! And of course I shall be making a lot of hoopla about my new items, maybe even teaser pics. Who knows?
Happy summer, everyone!
Love,
Carolyn

Etsy Etsy Etsy

I need an Etsy! Need need need need an Etsy!
Yesterday I got something that I rarely ever get, MONEY! Horray money! I sold a painting for $125. Nice, eh? I'm pretty pumped about it. It was the same (exactally the same) as one I sold at my school's Art Auction back in March. That was to raise money for my trip to Spain and France in '09. Mrs. Johnson (the Junior High librarian and my friend's mom) liked my painting but didn't win it at the auction. She asked me to make another one and I did. So, she got the 2nd edition of my painting "Muse." It rather ticked me off that I had to repeate myself, but beggars cannot be choosers. And besides, she seems so pleased with it!
So. Since I liked getting that check so much, I feel new motivation towards my launching my Etsy shop. I hope (hope hope hope) that I will have it before the day is out. Cross your fingers for me!
Yours,
Carolyn

Housebound

For the past three days I have been stuck at home. Stranded, really. It's kind of annoying knowing that in my wallet lies my driver's license, the key to freedom, which I cannot use. Both my parents have been leaving early in the morning so that means no car, no truck. The tractors are still here but, tractors are a bit of a stretch...especially driving the 30+ minutes into Rockford.

So here I am! At home, with my younger sister. Sometimes the most random things can come from the boredom of homebound-ness. For example, yesterday I spent the entire day cleaning my room. I mean the entire day. It was...odd, actually. I kept finding yarn under my bed, even after I thought I had it all rounded up, more yarn appeared. Strange, no?

In other news, I'm joining my first ever swap on Craftster.org! After, what, a year or so of lurking? Haha. The name of the swap is 'The Completely Random Swap' so it has the making to be a fine first swap for me. Huzzah for random!

And wow, I was just checking my Craftster account ant you will not believe how many people commented on my prom dress!!!! AHHHH!!!! I am beyond words! People are so freaking nice...it's unbelieveable. It just makes my day that much better. It's...so...great, yeah...great...to get lovely praise and words of encouragement from people you don't know, have never met, and never will meet. It's so reassuring to know that people are supportive of each other, even if they have nothing in common besides the desire to create. That is magic, pure magic and grace. It makes me so thankful that I have some remote talents that I can share...

Okay, I'm rambling. It's just so hard to put down in words how lucky I feel everytime someone looks at my work and says "now that is amazing." I feel so....proud and complete. When you make something, you put part of yourself into it, and when people affirm that what you have made is beautiful, it's sort of like being told that you, yourself are beautiful. I don't know, it's just nice to hear. Maybe I'm self-centered, but this certainly makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Alright, that's enough for now I suppose.

All my love,
Carolyn

Today's weather:

....A chance of not having the Etsy store up and running yet. RAWR!! I need to know if I can use a debit car instead of a credit card for the seller shop thingy-ma-giger. I'll have to look into it...
In other news, my sister is on a dishcloth crocheting frenzy, I guess she's getting ready for the flood, hahaha. It has rained soooooo much here! Perhaps I should build an ark? Can you crochet one?
Just got another bank statement this week, and may I say, yikes? If I don't get this Etsy off the ground successfully, I might have to get a *gasp* job. Ewwwww, jobs. Isn't this supposed to be easy? Trillions of other people just pop onto etsy and get an account and sell stuff in seconds! Maybe I'm just over complicating this....
And just for fun, here are some pics of my latest creation: Kon the stuffed Lion from the Anime show, Bleach...



I posted him on Craftster, too:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=251840.msg2801564#msg2801564

Please post a quick comment if you are reading this, it'd be nice to know I'm not alone...

All my love,
Carolyn

Welcome!

Horay! You are reading the blog!!!

Okay, this is the Luck, Love and Hedgehogs' Official Blog!! *fanfare, trumpets, and confetti* Which is kind of ironic because, technically, Luck Love and Hedgehogs doesn't even exist yet. Heh.

So, here's the background information all in one convenient place for those of you who have never heard of Luck Love and Hedgehogs (which is probably all of you, unless you are some freaky mind reader or something):

My name is Carolyn. I am 16 years old and I have been making stuff since I was born, pretty much. My mother dearest (who is known as Bubba, by the way) is all about the self-employment movement and after some pressuring from her (and people who saw what kind of things I make), I came up with Luck Love and Hedgehogs. It's my business that I will be using to sell my handmade goodies. The products range from crazy little crocheted stuffed animals to pendents made from shrink plastic. It's quite a range, let me tell you!

You may be thinking, "So where does this blog come in to play with this whole...hedgehog...thingy?" Well, I have been raised on the mantra "You gotta get your product out there, or it won't sell" so that's what I am doing. I'm spreading the word! And, once I get the Etsy shop up and running, this will kind of be a little behind-the-scenes place for my rantings about life, money, and anything else that relates to crafting and selling. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a ton of help from experienced entrepreneurs/crafters, since I really have no idea what I'm getting myself into. Yeah....

Thank you for reading and please keep checking back for more updates on the will-be shop and/or craft shows I might be at!

All my love,
Carolyn