Back to Business

Well, Folks, I did it.  Yesterday afternoon, around 3:30, I reached my goal of 50,000 words and became a NaNo winner.  Actually, my grand total was 50,162 words, and I did it in 27 days - not to brag or anything...

Oh, heck.  Who am I kidding.  Yes, I'm bragging.  But I like to think I've earned it.  =P

The funny part?  I had my whole plot outlined beforehand, but before I could get to the main plot, I had to do some setting up and explain some things.  In the process, I discovered a whole host of new characters and subplots, and I didn't wind up getting to the plot I had planned until a couple of days ago, about 45,000 words into the story.  So it's starting to look like I might be writing a trilogy rather than a single book.  Which would be pretty cool, actually.  I kind of have a thing for trilogies...

But I digress.  I bet you're wondering what's happening on the crafty front.  More than you might think, actually.  Yes, I've been focusing on my writing, but I have made a few things as well.  And I took a lovely trip to Hobby Lobby a couple weeks ago to stock up on supplies, so I have plenty of new stuff to work with.  And boy have I got ideas! Here's a peek at what's coming:

• Zipper Pulls & Keychains - I'll be listing these in the next day or two, and I'm quite excited about them, so I'm keeping the details secret until then.  Suffice it to say, they're another dose of geekery for the shop, and I think they're really cool.  

• New Polymer Clay Pendants & Necklaces - I say polymer clay because that's what the base will be, but I'm actually envisioning these as sort of a mixed media mini-collage.  They look really cool in my head, and I can't wait to actually experiment.  Hopefully, I'll be able to whip one up in time for the holidays!  

• Monthly Freebies - This is an idea that's been bouncing around my head for a while now, and I've finally decided to do something about it.  In fact, I'm going to get to work as soon as I've finished writing this.  As a way of saying "thank you" to all the awesome folks who read my blog and/or subscribe to my newsletter, I'm going to offer up a themed set of printable freebies every month.  One sheet will be up for grabs here with a second available only in the newsletter - so be sure to subscribe!

So there you have it - a taste of what's to come and proof that no matter how busy I may be with other things, I'm always thinkin' crafty.  :)

Now tell me, how was your November?  Did you eat too much turkey?  Go turkeyless?  What have you got planned for the holidays?  Talk to me people!

Related articles

• NaNoWriMo (fromtheashgrove.blogspot.com)

Thursday Threads: Ballet Beauties

Happy Thursday, Folks! First off, I want to share a little something I whipped up the other day...



It's not in the shop yet because, well, this one is mine (I always keep the "prototype"), and I ran out of chain.

I decided to name this one Coppelia. The pink and white made me think of tutus and toe shoes, and though I think it's rather elegant, there's also a certain playfulness to it. It's ballet with a sense of humor. Like Coppelia.

I love ballet. And I love fashions influenced by the art. Hence, today's Thursday Threads features ballet-inspired items (in shades of pink to match my pearls *wink*).

One of the first ballet-inspired fashions that springs to mind is ballet flats. DeBonisOrquera has whole shop full of these lovely shoes, many of which are made in bright, fun colors and patterns that are more "bold" than "ballet." But there are softer, sweeter styles as well, such as dear Helen here...



I just love these! The color scheme gives them a distinctly "ballet" feel, but the pattern makes them modern and just a little funky. They would go just as well with a t-shirt and jeans as they would with a pretty, pink dress. Or your leotard and tights.

Speaking of pretty things to wear your new shoes, how about this gorgeous tank from clairelafaye:



This just looks like it came straight from the stage, doesn't it? That shade of pink, those ruffles, that bow... And for a dash of unexpected glitz, that rhinestone pin and chains. Magnifique! And to think it all started with a simple tank top... This is but one example of clairelafaye's beautiful designs. Be sure to check the rest of the shop too!

Now, then. I bet you're expecting a tutu, aren't you? I have to be honest. I did consider it. There are some truly lovely tutus floating around the Estysphere, after all. But in the end, I decided to go with something a bit less obvious and a bit more practical. Like this beautiful skirt from lauralyn:



I love the colors and the pattern and the "poofability" of this skirt. It's shown here on its own, but it could also be worn with a petticoat for that wonderfully fluffy, cupcake-y look. Check out the rest of lauralyn's shop for this same print in dress form, more wonderfully "poofable" skirts, and plenty of other adorable items.

I'm gonna go pirouette my way to the kitchen to have some of the scones I baked this morning! Au revoir!