Keeping Things Organized

Hey everyone. I had to take yet another small break from posting. I had lots of issues I had to deal with. Plus, I was waiting for my desktop and laptop to both get fixed. Now they are! Though I have lots of documents missing now =/

 So, what do I want to talk about today? Well I recently got an email asking how do I keep things organized? Especially considering I do so many crafts. Well here is my answer: A binder.

Yep, this is the lovely binder that keeps me organized and mostly stress free. Inside, I have it all sectioned off with dividers and folders. There is a section for holding business cards, receipts, ideas, patterns, etc. (see below). I found this a great way to keep things organized and within reach. Also, if I am going somewhere, I can just grab my binder and stuff it in my bag. 

 
Each card I get, I make sure I have a few of them. This way, if people ask about something, I can just hand them a card. Also, the front and back pockets hold patterns that I haven't used yet.


I also have sections that keep drawings I've done safe. Anything from fashion figures I've come up with and need stored until I have to trace them. Why do I trace them you ask? Well, I like things uniform. Some days I just can't draw to save my life. These drawings just save me a lot of time because all I have to do it pull it out and trace the main figure, then get on with drawing what needs to be drawn. After this section, I have a few more of these clear protectors holding drawings for costume sets I came up with. Each little packet has the main drawing, then more detailed drawings for each piece. Then, the last page of each packet has fabric I have picked out for each piece of the costume.

Then there are sections for jewelry, crocheting, baking, and then there are just some clear folders and sheet protectors. This makes it very easy for me to just flip to where I need and start working. Sections house pictures of inspiration I have found in magazines, clippings that other people have given me, and detailed writings of ideas that have come to me.

I will be posting more on ways I keep things organized and easy to grab for me. What are some ways you keep your things organized? Leave a comment or email me with your ideas :)

Daydreaming of New Craft Room....

So, I have a guilty pleasure. I like to find a nice spot to relax in and day dream. Not just day dream, but day dream about the perfect crafting space. I travel between my bedroom and a spot in the basement to get all my work done and honestly, it's tiresome. I dream of a space that I can call my own, where people aren't going to take up all my table space with boxes, where people aren't going to move my supplies around and drive me crazy when I can't find them. I want a space that is NOT in my bedroom! I've been wishing for a space that can house all my supplies and tools and do it in a visually appealing way.

I wouldn't mind if it was in my room, but there is just not enough space for me AND my craft stuff. I've been having to put all my craft things away, where I can't reach/see them and therefore, haven't worked on anything. So, I decided to take to the internet and get some inspiration for craft spaces. I do have a variety of crafts that I do for money, and some I do just because they're fun and a hobby.

Click to be taken to how to make this

The first space I found that really caught my eye was from the Martha Stewart website (gawd, I love that woman :D ). This is a hidden office space. I love it! All it takes is a few things and some small bookshelves that you hinge together. This would be a great computer space for me, there is enough room to hold my desktop, or I can just make it a home for my laptop. The shelves would be awesome to hold all my binders, writing supplies, movies, and blank CD/DVDs. There just isn't enough room for all my craft supplies to be housed together. I guess I could also use this to house my sewing machine and all my sewing notions and tools.

Another thing I found on the internet was using a vintage suitcase. This is so cute and looks so easy to make. I think when I find a suitcase big enough, I'll do this to make a traveling sewing/jewelry case. This also seems like a good way to store things I always use and that I need to carry between my room, the basement, back to my room, then to wherever I'm going. I would probably ask my dad (or do it myself) to build some small wooden compartments that fit snug into the suitcase and have a lid to them. I'd be worried that all my stuff would start mixing together and I'd spend most of my time cleaning it up. Maybe add a few removable "shelves" that hold things would be nice.

Then I found a picture of a room and was floored! It's so similar to the office I have pictured in my dreams.

This room is almost what I want. Besides a different color theme, I would like actual bookshelves in the room too. My bookshelves have been so helpful to me. What do you think though? Which of these should I try to aim for? 

Back to School

It seems that summer was over far too quickly. I remember for years that summer would drag on. I'm not sure if it was because of back-to-school dread, or if it was because I had nothing to look forward to for three months. Summer has officially ended and the kids are all back to school. The summer went by so fast and I feel I did a LOT. Now that the school year is back, there are lots of crafts that I have in mind. My youngest niece has started her first year of school, so I know I will be called to help her with all her artsy homework and being volunteered to make things for her class.

Back to school also symbolizes the beginning of Fall season and the holidays to come. I have already started preparing for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Hopefully items will be finished before the end of the month and put on Etsy. My current project is crocheting a hat for the newest edition to our family, my great-nephew, Christian. I hope to have this pumpkin hat done before the end of the month so he can wear it all of October.  Interested in making your own for a special baby in your life?  I got my pattern from Favecrafts.com. If you want the link, click here and just follow along. I will post pictures as I get into the project. For now, I have to run. I hope to get back into posting at least every other day. :)

Until then, live life, enjoy, and be happy. ^___^

Heading Home

My stay in Maryland and DC has come to an end. I will be heading back to Chicago today and arrive in the morning. I will get right back on a constant posting schedule. :)

DIY I want to Do

So, as my trip is coming to an end, I've decided to take the time and share with you some DIY projects that I hope to do once I am back in Chicago.

The first project comes from Ironspy's Tumblr.  The instructions are easy to follow and these look awesome to make. I'm hoping to find some cheap comics when I get back home (and hopefully get my hand on some ModPodge to do these). The hardest part about this? Deciding what theme to do the shoes. Should I do a Marvel or DC themed shoes? :O







Another project I want to do? This adorable Fleece Fox Scoodie I found on "Cut Out + Keep" website. What is a scoodie you ask? It's a scarf and hoodie hybrid! This seems like an easy project to do, though I might make the ears a bit bigger and add some pockets at the end. This would make an awesome thing to wear once the weather gets colder and the leaves start to fall.

One of the last tings I want to do involve making something for my young niece (5 years old) would have fun helping me make and then have fun playing with it. This is by far, the simplest project to do. Water, food color, and a cut up plastic bag. SIMPLE! yet awesome and seems like it would still be a cool and fun project for children. 

I know I haven't been keeping up with posting, but I promise to keep posting. I still have things I will post up once I'm done writing and editing them :)

For now, enjoy every day. Get out, find inspiration and be happy! <3

Social Media Links

I have had a lot of questions about where I can be found over the vast interwebs. So, I have decided that I shall make a post with all my links and then I will make a page with all the links so they can easily be found.

Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueensOfOz

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/QueensofOz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/QueensofOz

Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/queensofozcrafts/


As I make my presence known on more sites, I will update my links. I will also link to the page containing all updated links :)

It's that Time Again

Packing Time! 

So, it's that time again where I head off to Washington D.C. Some people have asked me, "Why do you keep going to DC so much? What's out there?" Well,  I got for a variety of reasons. My boyfriend currently resides in DC, so whenever I can, I head over to see him and spend time together before I have to come back to Chicago. This time, I'll be spending a longer time and really enjoying myself. So to get ready for this trip, I started packing already. To pack, I tend to throw everything that I want to take, or am thinking of taking, onto my bed and shuffle through everything. I have never had to pack before. Vacations were not abundant in my family and the most we did was take a days trip and travel to various flea markets and thrift stores around Indiana, and sometimes into Michigan.

It hasn't been until the beginning of this year that I've had to practice my packing skills. I own a duffel bag, a carry on suitcase and some backpacks. That's it. I will be in DC about four weeks this time around, but I have decided not to pack much. My trusty suitcase (which can hold up to a weeks worth of stuff) has been packed already. Somehow, I was able to pack everything I needed without over stuffing it (like last time) and there is still some room, just in case I get a few more things. My duffel bag is also partially packed. I'll be taking a lot of my crafting things this time. That way if anything sells, I have the item to be shipped out quickly. Also, the train is cold, so I've packed a small blanket I made a few weeks ago.

Also in the duffel bag is some sewing project kits I've made. I was making tote bags and ran out of time to finish them. Instead, I am writing up the instructions and selling these kits. There are only a few of them right now, but I am in the process of making more. The kits will come with all the fabric precut and the straps already folded and ironed. Also included in these kits will be small spools of thread that coordinate with the fabrics.

I leave on Tuesday, so I will not be able to post anything until Wednesday afternoon, once I'm in DC and settled down. Until then, enjoy your day and week!

And Remember:

No Matter how bad you think your day is, just smile and relax in the thought that at least you're not this guy 
:)

Taken at the Smithsonian Natural Museum   ©Melissa A Cardenas

Planning a Crafty Party

     Today, as I was going through all my craft supplies and  I have come to the realization that I have no idea what to do with half of the supplies. So a thought hit me, I should have a craft party! This has a double purpose: 1.) I get to rid myself of supplies and have them be used  and 2.) I have an excuse to get all my friends into one place together and hang out. I am currently in the process of planning this whole event out. However, I have already found some projects that seem like they would be fun to do. There are some that require skill with a needle and thread  or a sewing machine, while others are for a complete novice.




One thing I found was turning a plan hoodie into a dino-hoodie. The tutorial is simple to follow and you don't need a sewing machine at all. This tutorial could easily be modified to make a variety of animal styled hoodies and/or shirts. For the tutorial, click here and you'll be taken to the Ginger & George Blog to find the step by step tutorial.


Two other sewing-based tutorials I found come from the Martha Stewart website. The first is to make a simple Beach Towel Tote-Bag. I have yet to try this one, but the instructions are easy to follow and only requires simple stitching around three edges of the towel. The other is to make a Roll-Up Beach Towel with pockets. Since summer is here, these seem like they would be a great thing to have.

The last sewing project I found also comes from the Martha Stewart website (can you tell I'm a fan?). It takes any old pillow case you have laying around your house and transforms it into a cute bag.  Click here to see the directions. It's cute and if you needed it to be more study, adding interfacing and a lining fabric would be very easy to do.

There are lots of other ideas I have that do not include sewing at all, perhaps making some jewelry or paper crafts. Have any ideas of what I should do? Feel free to comment below or send them to queensofoz@gmail.com

Find of the Week - a tad bit late :)

This was written while I was in DC but I didn't get a chance to post it on time. So here it is! 

The first Find of the Week is brought to you from Washington D.C. I've been spending some time with my boyfriend and I had a day free to roam around by myself. I found my way to the DuPont Circle neighborhood. After a fun train ride – by fun I mean getting lost and almost taking the wrong one – I found myself at my destination. I decided that it would be best to stick to the main street and look at the stores along the way. After a few minutes of walking around aimlessly, I stumbled upon a few stores. My favorite of store was Looped Yarn Works, located on the second floor of a building, above a restaurant.

Picture belongs to Looped Yarn Works

The store is a cozy spot with all types of yarns and notions for crocheting and knitting. The shop has three rooms. You enter into the center of the store and are instantly greeted by the lovely ladies working at the counter. It was so nice that they started an actual conversation with me and pointed me to some yarns that I might like. The other two rooms are home to all the various types of yarns (they have a list of the types on their website). I spent most of my time “inspecting” (aka feeling all the soft lovelies). Each room had a section for people to work in. In the first room I entered, there were people sitting, conversing and crocheting. It was nice because there were two people helping the third learn more about how to read crochet patterns (something I swear I will learn...someday). In the other room, there were even more yarns that I just HAD to feel. There was also a knitting class going on (another thing on my to do list).

After careful consideration, and lots of touching, I finally decided on which yarn was coming home with me. Out of all of them, the Classic Elite Yard; Katydid, 100% organic cotton ribbon won and made it's way into a bag. I fell in love with this yarn ( I got it in green) but decided that it was too lonely in the bag. This store is great because it also has knitting needles, crochet hooks, buttons, and various notions to pick from. As I thought I wasn't going to find a friend for my new yarn, my eye caught a glint of steel. Down, at the bottom of the peg board, I found it! A Susan Bates Bamboo handled Crochet Hook (size 2.75mm). I love my purchase completely.

So, if you're in the DC area, you should head on over and give them a visit.

You can find out more information about Looped Yarn Works at their site: http://loopedyarnworks.com

Nothing Catchy :)

I am currently in the last few days of my trip to DC. I am not ready to go home but I know I have to. Since I have time to myself, I am taking advantage and getting a post up. I was originally trying to post at least once a week, but things happen. I am looking forward to being back to my workshop because I have so many ideas for new projects. I have sketches and plans for projects that I am confident I can make. I have been debating posting images of some of my designs that I'm sure I wouldn't mind other people attempting to make.

I often hear stories of designers posting some drawings to get feedback and instead, others take those designs and claim them as their own and start profiting from them. I'm not saying that my designs are so great that someone will take them, but it is always a worry of mine. Once I have some of my designs cleaned up, changed around and have a sample product made, I will post images of the the various drafts that I have did to get to the sample. I usually do go through two or three of them before I even make a sample item. I doubt I am the only one who does this though :)

Well, that's all I have for today. I will try to have a post ready for next week, I'm still working on one that I mentioned in the previous post. That will be posted too.

And Remember:

No Matter how bad you think your day is, just smile and relax in the thought that at least you're not this guy 
:)

Taken at the Smithsonian Natural Museum   ©Melissa A Cardenas

Off I go Again!

I'm heading to D.C. for a while. I leave in a few hours to take a 23 hour train there. Why a train? Because I'm petrified of heights. I will be blogging as much as I can while I"m there, just not sure how much. D.C. has become a second home to me. I promise to write more and upload pictures! But, must finish the last minute packing :)

Day in the Heat

Sorry I didn't write earlier this week. I am currently working on something that I will eventually share with you all. Today was such a fun, adventure filled day. There was the "Garage Mahal" in Indiana today! I don't think I went to half of all the sellers today but I did get a lot of cool things. I got a whole big bin filled with fabric - I still have to go through them all and see what I am going to make with each, but everything has potential. I also manged to pick up a few things for my little office. I promise to have pictures up of everything soon. 

While scouring around the different sales, my eyes caught a desk. It was an Ikea desk (no wonder it called to me!). I love Ikea, I think the furniture has great designs and is affordable, making me love it more. However, the desks construction didn't live up to my standards. The overall layout was great and gave me tons of ideas, but like my Dad told me "We can make you one just like this, but out of whatever wood you want!" Which is 100% true! Thankfully, as I was growing up, Dad knew it was best that his kids learn how to make things themselves. So, we drew a rough sketch of what the desk looked like and continued on our way. 

I think I spent a total of $30 and got many, many nifty things. I also am totally sunburned on the face, neck and part of my chest. I have decided that once I go through all the things, I will make a haul a post it on youtube, then link it here of course :) 

That's all for now! Time to go cool off in front of the fan and keep on working. 

The Beginning of a New Chapter.

Why did I decide to start a business? What brought you to this point in your life?

These are great questions and I promise to try and make this as short as I can. I always dreamed of owning my own business. At age &, I had decided two ultimate dreams. I wanted a museum and zoo combo. I was tired of traveling long distances (at least to my short legs) to get to my two favorite places. Why did they have to be so far apart anyway! I craved one place that held my ultimate getaways. I wanted a place that housed the best museum and had the ultimate zoo attached. . I had drawn a layout for the museum and zoo attractions. I had a name, different places I wanted to feature. I kept that dream for about three years.

I had forgotten about it over the years, until 10 years later, when another idea struck me. How about my own bakery and bookstore? Surely, that would be the ultimate place. Books were the new museums to me. Why walk around when you could immerse yourself in books for hours more, even after the museum has closed? It would have been awesome. But alas, that dream lasted for about 5 years before I gave up on it. It's not that I didn't want to do it anymore, I just understood how much it would take to start that dream.

I gave up on thinking of new businesses. I wasn't sure what I was good at anymore. I was still baking for fun. I had more books than bookshelves. My fondness for zoos and museums never disappeared, but doing anything with these four things would cost a lot of money and more experience with working in these settings. Then college came and my time was torn between social, academic and work life. Although I have been a crafty child all my life, my college years did not provide me enough time to explore how crafty I was. It was not until a few years ago that I started working with anything craft related.

I was mending clothes and was bored out of my mind. My dog was laying on the sofa and looking bored too. The poor thing had destroyed all of the toys we bought him. I threw a water bottle and missed the trash can, instead, Moses jumped off the sofa, tail wagging and pounced on the bottle. I covered it with some sleeves from a shirt I had just cut to make rags. INSTANT HIT! I started to make toys for my dog as much as I could. This eventually led me to making stuffed animals/pillows for myself. I was bored, was out of school and unlucky in finding a job. The pillows offered me an outlet to do something and get my frustration out. Plus, pillow are comfy.

Then the unexpected happened, I moved back to Chicago. It's not that it was a bad thing, just unexpected. I started sewing more as a way to escape my depression. I figured if I could keep my mind long enough on these small projects, that it would be over before I realized it. Once school started, I realized I had no jewelry. I had a few pieces, but not many. I was sick of being boring and wanted something that was me. I went shopping and couldn't find anything. Too much plastic or too much nickel (I have a nickel allergy). So, my then partner, decided to get me a small jewelry kit and some beads. After finishing homework, I used every possible moment to make jewelry and it stuck. This was something I loved doing.

When Christmas arrived, I got a surprise from my Dad. He bought me a sewing machine! I was so happy! No longer would I  be forced to sew by hand. I could do more in my limited time and accomplish projects I put on the "Maybe in the Future" list.  I kept making jewelry and started fixing my clothes to fit better. My friends took notice and were all interested in the new things I was doing. When I showed them some of the things I had made, a few of them bought jewelry from me. Other friends paid me to mend some of their favorite clothes that had torn. Once I saw that people were interested in it, I kept going. It wasn't until this past April that I decided to make it an official business.

I'm still learning and progressing. I don't expect it to be an easy road for me. I have a small support group that  is completely honest with me and whether something I made has potential for sale. So, there's the short(ish) version of what brought me to were I am today.

Welcome

Hello and welcome! My name is Melissa and I have been crafting for the past 13 years. I am attracted to all things cute, funky and odd – as can be seen in many of the products I make. I started making jewelry when I couldn’t find any pieces I really loved. It was out of sheer frustration that I picked up a small amount of supplies. From that day forward, I have loved every moment of it. I also specialize in cute hats and a variety of crocheted items. I have been sewing by hand for the last 3 years and with a machine for almost 2 years. Although I am still learning, I take great care and time with each of my products.


I decided to start this blog for a variety of reasons. This site will mainly serve as a place to collect my thoughts and discuss my journey of starting and running a business. Another point to this blog is to give tips and advice that I have found useful in my journey. Most importantly, the blog will be something that I can look back on and see how much I have accomplished on my journey.