Something New This Way Comes...

Brynwood Needleworks - Working On A New Website

 

Bags are unpacked, and the contents are put away. On our driving trips, Handsome and I get to talk about many things. So today, I decided to put one of our discussion topics into action.

I've been watching other Etsy sellers discuss the new fee structures, including new added fees on shipping costs. I understand that Etsy wants to cut down on low item prices with outrageous shipping fees, but it's ultimately cutting into my bottom line - and every time I put actual shipping costs on my listings, I get a message from Etsy saying they're too high. Any lower, and I'd be losing money on my items and shipping costs. It's a real conundrum.

 

Then, they also took away our stand-alone PayPal accounts, to make sure all income goes through their site. Another slice of the pie. sigh

Yesterday morning, I decided to do some research into setting up my own website. I already use the Square app, stand, and processing terminal when I do in-person sales, so that's where I went to look into creating an online shop. As Square is secure and accepts all forms of payment, it seemed like the natural place to look.

I've started playing with the platform, and will continue to work on it in the coming days. Once it's ready to launch, I'll remove the items in this shop from the Etsy shop - mostly my bags, wallets, and other handcrafted creations, however I will continue to sell my fabric, kits, etc. through Etsy.

I also want to get back to bag making in the near future. I need to restock wallets, totes and other new bag styles I'm adding to my lines. Destiny has to go in for service, but thankfully, most of what I do with regard to my cork projects is done with my Jane machine. Destiny can take a break.

Today, I'll be continuing to build my online shop, and then I may get some sewing preparations done. That way, when I'm ready to sew, all the pieces and parts will be ready to roll. 

Can you believe it's already the end of another week? I really can't believe how the time flies around here. Happy Weekend! Spend it well.

Recombobulating...

Brynwood Needleworks - Clearing Skies

 

We drove through some rain yesterday, but the nearer we got to home, the more the skies cleared. We stopped to pick up a reluctant Corgi, and then traveled the rest of the way home. The farmhouse was a welcomed sight.

We're tired. We're glad to be back, and I'm going to take the rest of today to get my feet under me again. I know you understand. I'll be back tomorrow.

Handsome Surprised Me...

Brynwood Needleworks - HotBrush's Signature

Well, darned if Handsome didn't have the biggest surprise for me as we drove for home on Monday morning! Sunday night, he was busy texting someone when I walked in the room, but I just figured it was one of his musician friends. I noticed him typing away on Monday morning, too, but I was artfully distracted by our hosts (who were in on the surprise). I didn't think anything more about it as we left our home-away-from-home by 9 am.

As we neared Dade City, Florida, Handsome declared that he was going to stop at a gas station to fuel up before we went any further. We had a half tank of gas, but hey...he's the pilot. So we stopped. He filled up the tank, and walked away toward the building. I stayed in the truck, knitting away on my current sock project.

A few minutes later, he returned and said, "Guess who I found!" I turned to see our old friend, Dave "Hotbrush" Hendrickson, standing outside my window. I said, "Hotbrush!"

Brynwood Needleworks - My Tag Yeti

I asked how he's been, and he said, "I've been working on this project for a sweet lady I know", as he pulled this Yeti™ go cup out of the fabric sleeve he was holding. Slowly, he revealed the artfully airbrushed image of a Corgi, and then I saw the name at the bottom. It took a minute to register. Tag?

Brynwood Needleworks - My Tag Yeti

Then, he turned the cup over to reveal my nickname, uttered by only about five people in my life. It was then that I was sure. Dave had created this gorgeous piece just for ME!

I soon found out that Handsome had contacted him about a month ago with this idea, and our friend set about to have it finished by the time I came down to travel home with my husband. I was so tickled.

You see, Dave had detailed one of my first Florida Explorer's with Kes' paw prints and some pinstriping. He also did an incredible job with a custom paint job for Handsome's Harley-Davidson Heritage Softtail Classic motorcycle. We think he's a major talent with an airbrush and paint brush. 

Having this new piece, which will be practically attached to me from now on, is a gift from both my husband and our friend. I will cherish it always, and, if you're reading this, Dave, please know that it means the world to me that you created this beautiful custom piece for us. I love, love, love it, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you're interested, you can see Dave's work HERE. You'll be impressed. I guarantee it!