January 21, 2008.
I am always on the look out for new blogs to read and lose myself in. I wish I had more free time I would honestly spend all day reading and commenting on blogs. I was told when I started JPD Mom that it would become addictive - I said to self, "ya right!". Well, I honestly can say it is very addictive and it also hard to keep up with all the other stuff I do.
It is hard to come up with good posts, great ideas, advice, stories - I try to avoid the whole "Puppies & Rainbows" posts too. Not that there is anything wrong with that - it is just not what this blog is about and um, even I get tired of getting sunshine blown up my you know what all the time. Come on - you never have a bad day? A headache? Your kids only say the cutest, sweetest , most adorable things? You make crafts everyday? You always work out? You never lose your cool? And um - I do appreciate the positive thoughts and inspirational posts - just sometimes you gotsta put on ya cranky pants. Am I right? And, just to be clear, I am saying it again "Not that there is anything wrong with Puppies & Rainbows"...okay? Don't yell today, because I DO have a headache.
Just a Taste of Advice
Speaking of advice - Sarah Jane left a great question on the comments last week - and I apologize for not answering it sooner....but I already told you about last week. Anyhoo - Sarah Jane wanted to know about accepting credit cards from large channels and what she needed to do for that.
First of all the companies may or may not give you a credit card, I do first orders by credit card (like a boutique that picked up a large amount of samples) and I insist the first order is by credit card - trust me on this - and I WILL blog about it. I have been burned one too many times and it won't happen again.
You do not need a credit card machine, you will just need to process the cards through something like Quick books. The company's may just cut you a check after the products have shipped - and the bigger the channel, the longer you will expect to wait for the check. Catalogs are known to be 30, 60, even 90 days net (that is 90 days after the product ships you get paid) - and you have to wait for the money. If you do not mind waiting for your money - just take checks, personally I like getting paid as soon as the product has shipped (but who doesn't?).
These Are a Few of My Favorite Blogs....Today
Artists, Illustrators and creative folk share the stuff on their desks. Artisans and designers, or just plain creative types are asked to send photos of their work space, with little blurbs about why they like the space, or what they are working on, or just amusing commentary. I love getting glimpses into other people's worlds - it helps when I think my work area is a mess...
This is a very talented artist and illustrator that gives a humorous and honest look inside her life. She has been licensing her art for the past seven years. Her designs are on every thing you can imagine - to see how a painting can be changed into a bowl, very inspiring!
A great read and a good luck at what it takes to be a professional artist (some friend once said to me "gee I wish I could sit around and paint all day and not have to work"....ya sure)
Carrie Sommer is the owner and of Sommer Designs. She is the designer and manufacturer of 
designer handbags and accessories. She makes these all in her studio in Southern California. Her blog has great tips (okay good recipes too!) and some fabulous insight into...you guessed it - running her own business. Check out her press - very impressive!
This woman is amazing, she does it all - photographs, interior design, product development, store owner - she puts me to shame with her impressive resume. I do get a bit exhausted just by reading her posts. Check out her information and her inspiring drive. Check out her photo to the right - gorgeous right?
We Have a Winner
Thanks to everyone for all your great comments, I know from the stats (just like other bloggers) how many readers just lurk and read the blog. I wish there were more comments (I mean who does not want more?) but that is okay - glad to know so many of you are enjoying it! The more the merrier - 2 years sounds so short - but oh it's been long!
Congratulations to Randi-Sue Deckard of Designing Diva - my kids just pulled her name out of the bowl - it kept them busy for a few more minutes. Congratulations - I can ship them tomorrow! And, don't worry I have some other items for tomorrow - so stay tuned, I am feeling super generous!
Yeah! You just made my day; I can't remember the last time I won something!
:)
Randi
Posted by: Randi-Sue Deckard | January 21, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I just found your blog through Sarah Jane's and I've really been enjoying reading through it. You are an inspiration to all Artist/Entrepreneurial Moms out there. I'm determined to make this the year that I take big steps forward and reading the example of others is a big encouragement. :)
Posted by: [email protected]~The Art of Life~ | January 22, 2008 at 07:32 AM