I really feel behind.
So behind.
I thought 2010 flew by, I think 2011 is already exceeding it at record pace.I'm literally still on the rush from the holidays. I've been fervently planning a grand circus birthday party for my little Junior Mint who is turning two (!) on the 19th. Two? Where the hell did the time go? I've rented a ramada at a local park and I've invited tons of people. Lots of family and then I did something very unexpected of me...I invited 24 18-24 month olds!!! I invited all the chunky monkeys from Gregory's "Baby School" (it makes me feel *thismuch* less guilty to say this, instead of daycare). My husband looked at me with a deer-in-the-headlights look but was on board.
I'll be honest...I never really thought much of extravagant kid birthday parties. That is until this happened. And reading this everyday, REALLY puts thing into perspective. I used to think big birthday parties were a
waste of money. But, I realized that every year the Good Lord allows me to have my healthy happy babies, I should celebrate them to the fullest. You just never know what life has in store. I don't want to ever be in a
hospital room regretting what I have not done for my kids. They only have one childhood, and I'm determined to make it the best within my means and teaching them lessons about being grateful in the process. If anything, my kids will be grateful.
With that being said, I have planned this party on the cheap. Now cheap doesn't mean less...it just means more manual work. Sure I could spend a couple hundred dollars on premade stuff on websites, but where is the fun in that? I'm the crafty-type who enjoys doing things myself, even if it means a lot of work and staying up very late to get it all done.
I'll have to post pictures later, but so far we will have gunny sack races, fishing game, ball toss, face painting, and a petting zoo. All my games and prizes and stuff for decorations came from The Dollar Tree. The whole purpose will be to play the games and get tickets which they will redeem for prizes. I'm pretty excited for it. The big ticket item was the petting zoo. It's only for an hour, but they will bring 15-20 animals, have a hand sanitizing station, and set up with a white picket fence, and do all the clean-up. If "they" do a good job, I will give all the info later.
In other news...January is proving to be just as busy as December. My hubby's birthday was yesterday, Junior Mint's is on the 19th, our best friends Joel & Paty are coming in for the party, and Joel's birthday is the 20-something-th (I suck, I know!), Penelope is in the full swing of violin again, she has gifted testing sessions coming up in the next two weeks, I have a business to open (hello!), we're trying to find a house to buy, and then work is picking up pretty heavily. I don't know how to keep up. I literally don't have enough hours in the day. And I have a ton of l.a.u.n.d.r.y. And yet, I'm blogging. Awesome priorities ;)
I have a lot of goals for 2011, and blogging is one of them. I so enjoy writing my little online diary, and if I can connect with just one person (Samara!) ;) , then I'm totally happy.
So, stayed tuned...I have a feeling 2011 is going to be a bumpy ride. In all the right ways!
♥
Olivia
Showing posts with label Chaps Buffalino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chaps Buffalino. Show all posts
1.10.2011
12.17.2010
What's That Sound? Oh, That's Me...Pumping The Brakes.
I have decided to push back the opening of Chaps Buffalino by a few weeks. I was totally bummed and I am still a little bummed.
But to be honest, I jumped the gun when I did this. It's so typical Olivia behavior. I didn't really take into consideration some important things like vendor relationships and their holiday schedule, and then we have a few personal curveballs that have been thrown our way. Nothing bad, just unexpected things that have taken up my free time.
So, I've been s.t.r.e.s.s.i.n.g. And, with the self-imposed deadline looming and me seemingly miles aways from the finish line, I decided to push it back. I was starting to bargain with myself and wanting to cut corners that probably shouldn't be cut, and deciding that I "really didn't need to do this or that" or "this can wait". Then last night, I stopped and realized I wasn't going to start Chaps Buffalino this way. I have my plan all written out, I don't want to deviate just to meet a deadline that was probably way to lofty to achieve in the first place.
Now I have to admit something...in the past, this type of realization would've stopped me dead in my tracks and I would have quit. I would have been so mad at that I "failed" that I would have given up and wallowed in self-pity. Pathetic, huh? But I'm learning to get past these issues and I guess that is the important part.
Besides, I have accomplished a ton and I am continuing to do so. I just had this vision and I imagined all this free time, but life happens and gets in the way...craft nights at the school, a clingy baby that isn't feeling well and needs some extra snuggle time, a few late nights at work for the hubby, and the holiday rush. Life gets in the way :) But, I'm still super excited to get the Chaps show on the road!
I think the thing I'm most excited about this week is Greg taught me how to maximize my fabric with minimal waste. I shit you not, he drew a diagram complete with a mathematical equation. My way, would've wasted so much. His way, only scraps! See, this is why it has to be a team effort :)
I am really excited about what 2011 will bring, but mostly I'm excited at how much I'm learning to roll with the punches. I have NEVER been good at this, and it's been a detriment to myself big time. I still have a ways to go, but I think I'm learning to adapt and growing as a person, and to me that is as important as anything else.
Thanks for sharing this time with me!
♥
Olivia
But to be honest, I jumped the gun when I did this. It's so typical Olivia behavior. I didn't really take into consideration some important things like vendor relationships and their holiday schedule, and then we have a few personal curveballs that have been thrown our way. Nothing bad, just unexpected things that have taken up my free time.
So, I've been s.t.r.e.s.s.i.n.g. And, with the self-imposed deadline looming and me seemingly miles aways from the finish line, I decided to push it back. I was starting to bargain with myself and wanting to cut corners that probably shouldn't be cut, and deciding that I "really didn't need to do this or that" or "this can wait". Then last night, I stopped and realized I wasn't going to start Chaps Buffalino this way. I have my plan all written out, I don't want to deviate just to meet a deadline that was probably way to lofty to achieve in the first place.
Now I have to admit something...in the past, this type of realization would've stopped me dead in my tracks and I would have quit. I would have been so mad at that I "failed" that I would have given up and wallowed in self-pity. Pathetic, huh? But I'm learning to get past these issues and I guess that is the important part.
Besides, I have accomplished a ton and I am continuing to do so. I just had this vision and I imagined all this free time, but life happens and gets in the way...craft nights at the school, a clingy baby that isn't feeling well and needs some extra snuggle time, a few late nights at work for the hubby, and the holiday rush. Life gets in the way :) But, I'm still super excited to get the Chaps show on the road!
I think the thing I'm most excited about this week is Greg taught me how to maximize my fabric with minimal waste. I shit you not, he drew a diagram complete with a mathematical equation. My way, would've wasted so much. His way, only scraps! See, this is why it has to be a team effort :)
I am really excited about what 2011 will bring, but mostly I'm excited at how much I'm learning to roll with the punches. I have NEVER been good at this, and it's been a detriment to myself big time. I still have a ways to go, but I think I'm learning to adapt and growing as a person, and to me that is as important as anything else.
Thanks for sharing this time with me!
♥
Olivia
12.07.2010
Red Cup
Yes! I accomplished all things on my "to do" list last night! One small detail, I moved #1 from the list to tonight's list because I forgot about a few school things I had to do with my daughter..and the kidlets come first. But, I did manage to do a few other things that were not on my list, in addition to the ones that were. It feels pretty good to accomplish things, especially when you have a clear cut plan laid out. Plus, I'm a total dweeb and ♥love♥ crossing things off my list!
♥
Olivia
P.S. - Can you also tell I love inserting hearts into my posts, now that I figured it out? Dweeb!! If you want hearts too, just insert this code ♥ into the HTML section of your blog wherever you want the little cuties to appear!
♥
Olivia
P.S. - Can you also tell I love inserting hearts into my posts, now that I figured it out? Dweeb!! If you want hearts too, just insert this code ♥ into the HTML section of your blog wherever you want the little cuties to appear!
12.06.2010
Lists, Lists & More Lists
Have you ever been so busy that you don't know where to start, so you don't start, and then you try to start, but you can't focus because you don't know what you should be focusing on?
Yeah, that's me right now.
I seriously have like a billion "to do" lists, each with different stuff, and all of it seems important, yet I can't figure out where to start!
So, I've broken it down in assembly line sections. One thing I'm stressing about is getting my material prepped for printing. Well, getting it prepped will do me no good if my screens aren't built or burned? See what I'm getting at? So, I've made a list of what needs to be done and put it in order...can't get to "B" if you haven't completed "A". Sounds so remedial as I write this, but I've been struggling a bit the last few days to get into a groove. I'd find myself in the middle of something, setting it down, to only start on something else, and then ending up with two unfinished projects because my multi-tasking abilities apparently suck.
And, not that I'm complaining, I swear I'm not, but I have a lot of other stuff going on besides Chaps Buffalino stuff. Home stuff, getting ready to move in the next two months stuff, laundry - my lifetime nemesis stuff, kid stuff, lots of stuff. If I'm being honest here, maybe I jumped the gun a bit...maybe setting my launch date for 1/1/11 was a bit absurd, but when I ask myself these questions, I answer back with "If not now, when?"
Well, I purchased Elsie Flannigan's (from A Beautiful Mess) Blog Love E-Course, and let me tell you it has lots of valuable information about blogging and how to fit it all into a busy, hectic schedule. I highly recommend purchasing it. I won't go into much detail because that is what the course is for, but I'm putting a few things I learned into action. I've put together a doable "to do" list for tonight only and my reward if I get it all accomplished will be my favorite chai tea latte tomorrow on the way to work. It's not a huge reward, but it does give me a little extra motivation to get my butt in gear and stay on track. I usually save my tea purchases for the weekend, so if I get my "chores" done tonight, I will get a sweet little reward tomorrow! Yes!
Yeah, that's me right now.
I seriously have like a billion "to do" lists, each with different stuff, and all of it seems important, yet I can't figure out where to start!
So, I've broken it down in assembly line sections. One thing I'm stressing about is getting my material prepped for printing. Well, getting it prepped will do me no good if my screens aren't built or burned? See what I'm getting at? So, I've made a list of what needs to be done and put it in order...can't get to "B" if you haven't completed "A". Sounds so remedial as I write this, but I've been struggling a bit the last few days to get into a groove. I'd find myself in the middle of something, setting it down, to only start on something else, and then ending up with two unfinished projects because my multi-tasking abilities apparently suck.
And, not that I'm complaining, I swear I'm not, but I have a lot of other stuff going on besides Chaps Buffalino stuff. Home stuff, getting ready to move in the next two months stuff, laundry - my lifetime nemesis stuff, kid stuff, lots of stuff. If I'm being honest here, maybe I jumped the gun a bit...maybe setting my launch date for 1/1/11 was a bit absurd, but when I ask myself these questions, I answer back with "If not now, when?"
Well, I purchased Elsie Flannigan's (from A Beautiful Mess) Blog Love E-Course, and let me tell you it has lots of valuable information about blogging and how to fit it all into a busy, hectic schedule. I highly recommend purchasing it. I won't go into much detail because that is what the course is for, but I'm putting a few things I learned into action. I've put together a doable "to do" list for tonight only and my reward if I get it all accomplished will be my favorite chai tea latte tomorrow on the way to work. It's not a huge reward, but it does give me a little extra motivation to get my butt in gear and stay on track. I usually save my tea purchases for the weekend, so if I get my "chores" done tonight, I will get a sweet little reward tomorrow! Yes!
12/6/10 To Do List
- Finish making 2 screens
- Clean up station in garage using for burning screen & printing - getting ready for 12/7 print
- Clean finished screens - leave to dry in clean space
- Get artwork 100% ready
- 2 load of laundry completed (washed, dryed and ugh put away...gross) - seriously when will they invent disposable clothes? Either that, or I need a wife ;)
- That huge Christmas party I mentioned in the last post is this weekend, out of town, so I need to start packing for the kids & I, and all the stuff I'm bringing (decorations, games, food, etc.)
- Type out Christmas Party game directions - easy enough, but it's "one more thing"
- Make an email contact list for the party...that way next year's communication will be much easier.
I'll let you know how I did on my list tomorrow! If you have any great tips to staying on task, being organzied, etc., please leave them in the comments below! I would love to hear all about them.
♥
Olivia
Olivia
12.03.2010
Head is Swirling...
Wow. I have 28 days until my launch. And. I still have A LOT to do. But in typical fashion, I proscratinate a bit, and then throw down and get crazy busy and productive as the deadline is looming. It's probably not the best way to work, but for some wierd reason, it really gets the creativity pumping. I remember in college I would literally be up at midnight writing a paper due the next morning. I always ended up getting really good grades on my procrastinated work, and ironically enough, the few times I got my stuff done early, my grades were still good, but not great. Go figure. This only fueled my proscratination. But now, I'm not looking at it as a flaw, but rather, a strength. Even if it only applies to moi.
Since we last spoke, I've gotten a lot accomplished:
At this point, I think I'll rule out sleep. As my husband says, you can sleep when you're dead!
Since we last spoke, I've gotten a lot accomplished:
- New DBA filed
- Updated all business filings for LLC
- In the process of reclaiming a few screens
- Got a smokin' deal on my silkscreen mesh to make my own screens. I bought a whole role for $50 less than the marked price. Come to find out it was mistake on the store's part and the clerk told me the mesh NEVER goes on sale, but she had to sell it to me anyway because that was the marked price. Score! And, yes, I do believe I will take that as one my so-loved signs.
- Settled on my basecloth for my towels and napkins. It's a 100% cotton, natural cloth. It kinda looks like linen as it has "rough" look to it. But it doesn't have the linen price tage. I know a lot of people rave about linen towels, but I'm not a huge fan. At least not yet. I do plan to offer a few linen pieces in the future, but for now...it's all about utility.
- Sourced the vendors/suppliers for my custom twill tape tags
- Decided on my packaging. It's very simple, yet cool. Think kraft & newsprint.
- Have my first collection ready for launch on 1/1/11. I've entitled it Sea of Love. It's my homage to the beach and how I grew up.
- I have a ton more designs ready to go, just need to think of an organized format on how I want to introduce new items to the shop: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly?
- Cut my tea towels and napkins to the correct dimensions so they are ready for printing.
- Configure some sort of drying rack. Up until this point, my printing has been very small runs, so I have not needed anything special for drying. Thinking maybe just a clothesline hung up in the garage. This is so very Mom-n-Pop, I but I think that will be part of the appeal.
- Get my business cards printed.
- Scout out upcoming local craft fairs for 2011 and start the registration/jury process if applicable.
- Nail down a mapped out blogging schedule. It has to be more than my sporadic posts, yet something that is doable between everything else that is going on...namely the two halves of my heart pulling on my pant legs wanting dinner. ;)
- Just get more organized in general.
At this point, I think I'll rule out sleep. As my husband says, you can sleep when you're dead!
11.17.2010
Logos? Check. One Step Closer? Check.
I am so giddy with excitement right now!!!
My dear friend Melissa is a graphic designer in California, and she has created the most A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. logos for Chaps Buffalino! She made a ton of samples, and I narrowed it down to two...but I couldn't decide! So, I have two. One is kinda more official than the other, but both are RAD! And, she was just "playing around" and designed my Etsy banner for me too!! So happy, excited, and THANKFUL!
This brings me one step closer to my goal!
Without further ado...let me introduce my Buffalinos!!
Thanks for stopping by!
My dear friend Melissa is a graphic designer in California, and she has created the most A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. logos for Chaps Buffalino! She made a ton of samples, and I narrowed it down to two...but I couldn't decide! So, I have two. One is kinda more official than the other, but both are RAD! And, she was just "playing around" and designed my Etsy banner for me too!! So happy, excited, and THANKFUL!
This brings me one step closer to my goal!
Without further ado...let me introduce my Buffalinos!!
 |
| This first logo is the "official" one...the one to be used on the website/blog, business cards, correspondence, etc. It so AWESOME! I'm going to get this buffalo tattooed on me!! |
 |
| OMG. Are you in love yet? I am! Isn't he so adorable? I love him! I plan to use this for my packaging, stickers, stamp, etc. Can you just imagine tags cut out in the shape of this buffalo? omgomgomgomg...I am so excited! |
 |
| Perfection! |
11.15.2010
New Beginnings...
I have been drawn to this shape for as long as I can remember.
I seriously doodle this symbol all.the.time. You can find it on tons of sticky notes at my desk, my planner, I doodle this when I'm in work meetings, sometimes when I'm not feeling too creative, I will literally just sit and doodle this symbol over and over on a page. Until recently, whenever I'm drawing this, the thought that always comes to my mind is "Go your own way." I can't really explain why, it's just something that has come to me for a very long time.
Well, I was working on something for Chaps Buffalino, and I was trying to think of a symbol for "new beginnings" for a print I was trying to come up with, and I googled "symbol for new beginnings". This was the image that popped up. It's called a Koru and is used in Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) art. Listen to what it represents (definition from wikipedia):
"Spiral shape based on the new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolizing new life, growth, strength, and peace. The circular shape of the Koru helps convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin."
I love it. I love the meaning behind it. I love how I found it. I love how all along this symbol resonated so deeply in me without my full understanding until now. I really believe everything in my life right now, especially with Chaps Buffalino, is truly being laid out for me because I whole-heartedly believe in it, and I trust in God and His plan for me. I believe in the many signs He lays out for me. He speaks to me unconventionally and it works, His voice isn't loud and clear in my mind. It's me feeling uneasy about something and then I turn to a radio station and I hear a song that gives me an answer...I'm driving down the freeway and I see a billboard or a bumper sticker...I'm blog surfing and someone's post literally feels like it was written just for me. I feel A LOT like Salma Hayek's character in Fools Rush In...always seeing the "sign" in something. It's funny because as I was mulling this post over in my head for a few hours, I read this blog, and the verse at the end was all I needed to know I'm on the right path.
Well, I was working on something for Chaps Buffalino, and I was trying to think of a symbol for "new beginnings" for a print I was trying to come up with, and I googled "symbol for new beginnings". This was the image that popped up. It's called a Koru and is used in Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) art. Listen to what it represents (definition from wikipedia):
"Spiral shape based on the new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolizing new life, growth, strength, and peace. The circular shape of the Koru helps convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin."
I love it. I love the meaning behind it. I love how I found it. I love how all along this symbol resonated so deeply in me without my full understanding until now. I really believe everything in my life right now, especially with Chaps Buffalino, is truly being laid out for me because I whole-heartedly believe in it, and I trust in God and His plan for me. I believe in the many signs He lays out for me. He speaks to me unconventionally and it works, His voice isn't loud and clear in my mind. It's me feeling uneasy about something and then I turn to a radio station and I hear a song that gives me an answer...I'm driving down the freeway and I see a billboard or a bumper sticker...I'm blog surfing and someone's post literally feels like it was written just for me. I feel A LOT like Salma Hayek's character in Fools Rush In...always seeing the "sign" in something. It's funny because as I was mulling this post over in my head for a few hours, I read this blog, and the verse at the end was all I needed to know I'm on the right path.
Proverbs 3:5 & 6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Don't worry...I'm not some fanatical religious zealot. I'm just a God-fearing woman who has a cussing problem...you got a problem with that, take it up with The Big Man yourself! :)
11.09.2010
53 Days...
I have 53 days to realize a really big dream that I've only really talked to my husband about, and maybe to my mom in passing.
I realized yesterday that I can talk a really good game, but don't put things into action. Yesterday, I gave myself a time limit. I told people about it. I'm blogging about it. I don't want egg on my face. I want to succeed. So what better way then by putting it out there? Keeping me accountable, ya know.
So at 12:00 AM on 1/1/11, I will open Chaps Buffalino Urban Textiles on Etsy. What better day to start a new chapter of our lives then on 1/1/11? Love it!
What exactly is Chaps Buffalino, you ask? Well, it really is only a name that has any significance to just my husband and I, but at the same time, it's the only name that fits for this venture. My hubby and I are kinda nerdy, and we find humor in some really dumb stuff. One day we were talking about chaps, and I said chaps with a "ch" sound, and he said that it was pronounced with an "sh" sound, well it struck me as super funny and then he was laughing and somehow "buffalino" got in there, and in between all of that Chaps Buffalino was our running joke of a nickname for each other. See, I told you it wouldn't really mean that much to anyone except us, but that is exactly why it's perfect. From then on, we've had many funny moments, and I always said, "Someday I'm going to open up a tee-shirt business with that saying on it, and I'm going to call it Chaps Buffalino!" Well "someday" is here, and I'm not looking back. I chose Urban Textiles to go with it because I don't want to be boxed in by just tee-shirts. In fact, I'm not even starting with those. Chaps Buffalino Urban Textiles is part comical, part kitschy, part cute, part cool, party nerdy, part baby...everything that is us. We will be doing screenprinted items like tea towels, napkins, canvas bags, prints, and a lot of other stuff as we grow. Starting out, I'll likely just offer a few things and then keep on going. I am beyond excited! And I'm even more excited to be sharing it with all of you. I'm going to add a tab at the tops for Chaps Buffalino, and maybe down the road, it will have its own blog.
I have to tell you, the process of screenprinting is so creatively fulfilling to me that I can't even fully explain it. I don't know how to effectively get all my jumbled thoughts out to get the point across of how happy it makes me. The entire process. All the artwork printed is original works of mine, either things I've drawn or taken photographs of. Now, before you think I'm some artist, I don't really consider myself one. I am a doodler, that if given enough time, and enough inspiration, can produce something that I like. But it takes work, and lots of paper and erasers! But then going from that to burning a screen with that image, and then getting messy with the ink, and then having a final piece encompassing all the steps and processes...it's mind-blowing!! I'm kinda unconventional (limited computer use) in my process, and it's probably more work in the long run, but I love it. Each and every step is mine...from the first spark of an idea, to the many rough drafts, to the final image, to the final product...it is so completely rewarding.
So, please check back often during the next 53 days! On 1/1/11 starting at 12:00 AM, we will be ringing in the new year with a blog party, complete with prizes!
Peace out!
I realized yesterday that I can talk a really good game, but don't put things into action. Yesterday, I gave myself a time limit. I told people about it. I'm blogging about it. I don't want egg on my face. I want to succeed. So what better way then by putting it out there? Keeping me accountable, ya know.
So at 12:00 AM on 1/1/11, I will open Chaps Buffalino Urban Textiles on Etsy. What better day to start a new chapter of our lives then on 1/1/11? Love it!
What exactly is Chaps Buffalino, you ask? Well, it really is only a name that has any significance to just my husband and I, but at the same time, it's the only name that fits for this venture. My hubby and I are kinda nerdy, and we find humor in some really dumb stuff. One day we were talking about chaps, and I said chaps with a "ch" sound, and he said that it was pronounced with an "sh" sound, well it struck me as super funny and then he was laughing and somehow "buffalino" got in there, and in between all of that Chaps Buffalino was our running joke of a nickname for each other. See, I told you it wouldn't really mean that much to anyone except us, but that is exactly why it's perfect. From then on, we've had many funny moments, and I always said, "Someday I'm going to open up a tee-shirt business with that saying on it, and I'm going to call it Chaps Buffalino!" Well "someday" is here, and I'm not looking back. I chose Urban Textiles to go with it because I don't want to be boxed in by just tee-shirts. In fact, I'm not even starting with those. Chaps Buffalino Urban Textiles is part comical, part kitschy, part cute, part cool, party nerdy, part baby...everything that is us. We will be doing screenprinted items like tea towels, napkins, canvas bags, prints, and a lot of other stuff as we grow. Starting out, I'll likely just offer a few things and then keep on going. I am beyond excited! And I'm even more excited to be sharing it with all of you. I'm going to add a tab at the tops for Chaps Buffalino, and maybe down the road, it will have its own blog.
I have to tell you, the process of screenprinting is so creatively fulfilling to me that I can't even fully explain it. I don't know how to effectively get all my jumbled thoughts out to get the point across of how happy it makes me. The entire process. All the artwork printed is original works of mine, either things I've drawn or taken photographs of. Now, before you think I'm some artist, I don't really consider myself one. I am a doodler, that if given enough time, and enough inspiration, can produce something that I like. But it takes work, and lots of paper and erasers! But then going from that to burning a screen with that image, and then getting messy with the ink, and then having a final piece encompassing all the steps and processes...it's mind-blowing!! I'm kinda unconventional (limited computer use) in my process, and it's probably more work in the long run, but I love it. Each and every step is mine...from the first spark of an idea, to the many rough drafts, to the final image, to the final product...it is so completely rewarding.
So, please check back often during the next 53 days! On 1/1/11 starting at 12:00 AM, we will be ringing in the new year with a blog party, complete with prizes!
Peace out!
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