Pixel Cactus, and another hop, change in work habits and platform

 

Another little quick finish.  Cactus from Pixel Hobby.  A one plate design, 4x5", with black frame.  So it's all finished and ready to go. This was not a daylight pic, hard to get, right now, so I may redo that. 13 colors, nice little cute add in a Southwest style. It's currently up on ebay .

And, about ebay.  I may be not selling on there in dunno, another month or so, have to see how it goes.  If so, nearly everything I have is already loaded to two sites on Bonanza, plus a lot of other things on my website, which will be continually getting a revamp.  I may reactivate etsy, as well, once ebay is perhaps mostly gone.  

The main problem is stress.  The last couple years have now been incredibly difficult to keep up with, both on a personal level, and a reseller level; some of the worst of my life.  And I seem to be paying for it, now, physically.  I need to do a nosedive out of the extreme stress levels, or I'm going to have some severe phsyical symptoms, beyond what already seems to be appearing.  Ebay does not cycle for renewal until February, but I don't think I can wait that long; they are my biggest stressor.  My website is not in shape that I want, so many China sellers and items have not survived the pandemic, and a lot of the listings are now somewhat obsolete, or taking forever, again, to get. I've been adding some US derived items, or steadier suppliers, working on a new email and site offerings, for some time, and I expect it to take a bit longer, but a lot of the remote China offerings, (including diamond painting kits), will be taken down, and I am not sure which items I may keep, as yet. My new back office app for that is also quite challenging, nothing working there how I would like--and I have tolerated an extreme amount of lack of info, miscommunication, delays, service failures, disrespect etc. that I'm just done with. So I have to manage nearly everything, in a different way. It is what it is. And, about time, that I can start doing more craft projects. I have some small items that are nearly ready to go, before I dive back into some bigger items.  I've also bought some inexpensive jewelrymaking supplies, beads, again, to get back into some easy jewelry making; it will be a little bit before I buy more of the quality items.

In the meantime, I've moved....again.  Starting to lose track of how many times I've bounced around, this year.  And this place is temporary, as well. Not very quiet, and not exactly on my own schedule, which is not ideal.  Estimating I will be here a few months though, so I'm trying to make the best of it.

Anyway, I will have another update quite soon, as I'm almost done with a little purple butterfly cross stitch, and I do want to showcase all the finished work, so I'll check in again in a few days. Be well!

Christmas Bunnies Pixel Mosaic Finish, another hop, more new things

 

Christmas Bunnies.  A pixel mosaic from Mosaic Magic, Sunrise Crafts & Hobby. A pretty old kit, maybe one of the first of this type of craft to come out.  And rather maddening, the pegs have the nubby male end, not the baseplate, as PixelHobby etc, do. So much more difficult, and it was already a rather challenging project. I'd kind of like to see this worked up in cross stitch, I think it would still be adorably cute.   This is the finished project only, 4 baseplates, 8x10in design.  This kit also had the adhesive foam layer and a foamboard, so those are attached and included. And yes, I know, this is an expensive type of craft. It's up on ebay. 

And for those paying attention, an extra boost on getting that done, is that it was started when I was in a period of severe relationship and general life trauma.  It's the first project from that era that I've been able to work on and finish.  I have more items that are half finished from that time, that I'd like to get a jump on finishing, as I can, a bit at a time; I think I'm ready. At least for the ones I can do....if you know, you know.

In the meantime, I've started adding more US dropship items, getting some items tweaked and ready for Christmas, as yes, it is getting to be that time. Seasonal, holiday items, and general uptick of gift things and cooler weather, back to school, yes.  Most suppliers, if the are up and running, and anywhere near at regular time capacities, have raised their prices dramatically.  Many are up 15% in item cost, and an increase in some shipping fees. If it seems expensive, it is, and I don't jack up prices.

As well, I am still eyeballing some various China adds to the website. A few different crafts and other type items. It's a little on the back burner right now, as I had to change back office systems, so I'm working on some other things.  And in the middle of that, I have moved my stuff again, about 2 hours away from where I was--and I'm still not really confident that it was as wonderful of a move as it was made out to be, and may not last much longer.

I also have an opportunity to purchase some bulk makeup lots, and I would like to do that, as soon as things settle down a little bit.  It's actually makeup, some department store type jewelry, maybe some other hygiene care items.  It would be nice to keep that in a steady rotation.  For now, that will all also be going to ebay.  AND, I'm looking at importing some Japanese items.  Direct from Japan, fully branded items, including food. I've seen some lovely oriental fabrics and other things that would be my top choice, so stay tuned for that, definitely more towards the fall. I'll have more updates on that, and other winter ideas, as it gets closer.  Stay safe--and strong, out there. 

Mermaid and Friends Finish, Loss of a friend, more hustle

 

A diamond painting finish. From Diamond Dotz, a kit Mermaid and Friends.  The photos looked good, but still look washed out being uploaded, a little more blue tone needed, I think. 55x45cm kit, technically a partial since the woman's body isn't worked.  18.5x14.5 size, edged with shiny turquoise blue green washi tape. Round drills, pinks, purple, coral, blues and a lot of white.  Up on Ebay now, will get it to Etsy in a bit.

I plan to have more posts soon, so this will be kind of short. The cycle of life and living has been strange for most, I think.  I've had my share of ups and downs of real stress in the past two years, more than my normal.  Regular things, pandemic things, health things. I keep thinking I'm on the edge of having nailed some stuff to a nicer pattern, and it always changes.  The latest, has been a real doozy. Finally hoping to breathe, and somehow suspecting that I would get caught short again, I've been working really hard all summer with trying to get more of the diamonds listed, cabs etc.  I do have all the diamonds, square and round, and Ebay relaxed some rules, so I'm going as fast as I can, already.

And then, overnight, life changed. I chatted with a long time friend of mine on a Saturday night before bed, and Sunday morning never came. 20 years, just over.  Perhaps the virus hanging on, maybe just COPD type things, I knew things weren't quite well.  But a huge shock to be right now, it's never a really good time.  And I usually might not mention things like this, except that it impacts my business and life, greatly.  This was my biggest cheerleader, and a bit of constant financial impetus so I could keep going.

Devastating. This impacts the business end of things, as it's been a drain on my personal bills and living situation.  Hard to concentrate, which is what I need to be doing, to properly stay afloat, right in the midst of my main Christmas season.  It's been a slow start, thankfully and somewhat predictably, but not particularly helpful, either.  If you've had your eye on some things, it's a nice time to make some decisions, if you can.  I am downsizing most of all the glass beads from ebay, and moving beyond that, so those will not be replenished.  That would be the Miyuki delicas, and most firepolish, odd shapes. I will still have a few, certain suppliers meet varied needs that I didn't have before. I will be expanding more of the stone strands and cabs, I still have a lot from China that aren't even up yet. I plan to be buying more for 11/11, if I can, as well as some diamond painting drills and supplies, if I can.  I think I've also decided I'm really not a fan of the square drill kits, myself, and may list more of my extras, I prefer the round drill immensely more.

Long story short, I'm hustling. All of my sites are getting as much added inventory up as possible, including Bonanza with some nice perfumes, jewelry, and things I don't really put on Ebay. In the meantime, I'm trying to find some hours to craft, I need that as a solid add to my income now, more than I ever did.  I have a cross stitch Stormtrooper in the works, I hope that is next, and my maple pixel mosaic, who knows. But expect a flurry of new crafted items, I'm as busy as I can be.  Be well, be safe.

Butterfly and Roses Pixel Mosaic, illness

A finish I thought I would have ready a while ago.  Butterfly and Roses pixel mosaic(non XMAS!) 10x8". 4 plates, 64 colors.  I somehow got stuck at the very end, just for the finish. While that happens sometimes, mostly it was because I wasn't feeling well, and just couldn't get that last oomph to get it done.  It's up on Ebay and Etsy already.


I sold the pink tiger head diamond painting.  I'd like to make another of those, but I really don't want it to be pink, so I am not sure I will order another one.  It was fun, so maybe sometime later, pink or not.

In the works?  I have a huge pixel of fall birds I would really like to get cracking on. I have a few small Christmas things that keep hanging around in my face, that I will probably shuffle around and work on.  I'd like to be fitting in one more non holiday type item soon, perhaps an oriental theme cross stitch.

But, in the meantime, I've been dealing with some serious illness. Not sure if it's really been noted much before, or it was way back, that I am not totally healthy. Chronic illness things that will never go away.  Hence, my foray into totally online craft and women things with the auction and website formats.  It's how I need to make money--- and how I can work and still take some downtime, as needed.  That bears repeating, the flexibility of crafting and working from home, lets me work around many types of scheduling issues.  Sorry if it's not always on the customer's timeline. Lately, it's been worse, and I've been more delayed than even I would like, but it couldn't be helped.  I've developed a severe secondary issue with my stamina, after being so sick with colds all winter.  It's not under control right now, but a bit better.


So---right now, most all of my energy is only on the most critical items. Usually listings and processing orders.  And I must, that is my income.  Other things will be processed as I can find the energy and strength.  (usually resolving itself before I get to it.)  

Add to that, shipping times have been extended.  I am not sure what happened to the Chinese New Year Festival, but it didn't seem to go that well, on their end.  Multiple issues with stock, delays, processing, message responses, etc.  Standard regular shipping has now been pushed to 25 days delivery.  Ouch.  It used to be 12-20.  Nothing I can do about that.  PLEASE start planning ahead, especially for holiday ordering, this could create quite a backup in October and beyond.

Anyhow, we seem to be at the edge of summer already.  I am busy still re-sorting from the Festival, and getting links updated, and adding items in several more categories.  I do not expect to do much crafting right now, but with several projects that were almost finished, I hope to have some more updates soon.

Be sure to check out the beads on ebay, I am clearancing a bunch of those out, permanently.  Older items that I have decided to drop, probably won't replace.  I will have some new items in the fall, to add, but it will be different beads, as well as more diamond supplies and dropship craft items, etc.

Candy Cane Pixel Mosaic, slow going

I have been working on other things!  Another finish, from a couple weeks ago, so the listings are already active for both Ebay and Etsy.  Candy Cane pixel mosaic.  This is only one plate, 4x5", but it also came with a plastic frame to set it off, so it's ready.  Pretty sure I will source another one, in pieces, cute idea, just not yet.

LTNS.  I have spent the entire winter going from one cold to the next, including right now. For me, that requires serious rest, in between what I can get done.  So I am still behind.  You will continue to see several Christmas projects coming out, as I did not get to get them done before Christmas.  And well, I think this year will mostly be a continuous Christmas, as those are my best sellers, etc, and it will be upon me before I know it, for this next year.  And, I really need to make things work.  On the more personal side, I continue to have a few things boomerang and chip away at my energies, that I thought were mostly done.

And, it's been the Chinese New Year.  That's been my time to dig in for some serious rework on website items, other listings, research, etc.  As the suppliers do not work or respond at all.  A few are just now coming back to work, but not that many, and they are swamped.  I am still processing orders, including some as custom(the regular listing was gone from them), so please please please be patient.  I haven't even had my email up this week, as I have no answers or updates, and no suppliers are answering until now, so, sorry, I will work on that as well.  Many listings will change, so please use the search function if you were looking for a specific diamond painting kit, or ring, etc. I will keep the names the same, but many have changed to alternate suppliers.

On that note, all emails etc should only be coming to the website.  I do not read or have direct access on a lot of other email accounts(including the payment processors), social media, or even mail etc.  It's yahoo  as TurquoiseRoads .  That's the only one to get you a (mostly) prompt reply and address your issue.  Orders, missing drills, tracking, artist removal requests, (at least from my site, I cannot control what China is producing), additions, etc, EVERY THING. Anything else unfortunately may be not seen, appear to be ignored, misrouted, or blocked. I streamline everything to that account only, online, for my health and sanity. Please use it.

In the meantime, omg, I am looking for warmer weather.  I hope that will ease a few of my cold issues and my work and productivity.  I do have another pixel mosaic in the works, and it's a spring/summer theme!  But then I will be right back to XMAS as I ponder a few other quick projects, or not so quick, that are more general in nature.

Jolly Santa Pixel Mosaic finished

This is a cute one.  Jolly Santa, a 10x8in pixel mosaic. 4 baseplates attached to make the picture with the plastic pegs. It should have gone a whole lot faster, but I was surprised with some family arriving in town--for a long stay. I have it posted on Ebay, next week to Etsy if needed.

I will have to take a pause on the pixels, as my diamond painting of the Red Christmas Bells has arrived.  It's later than I expected, so I will have to rush to get it done.  This is the one that I bought 2 extra, so they are here now, if you haven't checked out the FB page for TurquoiseRoads for the details on how to purchase the ones that are available to ship in the US right now, $23.99.  And of course, you can purchase any of the sizes for yourself, on the website here. This is a 35x35cm full square drill, hopefully a smaller, quicker project.  I am always open to work on these kits on a commission basis, as well, these in stock, or any that are listed, just like any of my other crafted items.

I had to stop on the Merry Christmas crossstitch text, just not enough time to get it done and make it available. I'd like to give people plenty of time to frame, and it is an odd size, so professional framing might be the norm.  I haven't wanted to put it too far away, but, never know.

I did start a new re-do on the Four Seasons cross stitch birds I had up.  The Fall and Winter birds had sold.  I have made the Fall bird available again, on ebay and etsy, the Winter one will be a few weeks. (I will also be making the Spring and Summer ones again, but they hadn't sold yet.) I won't keep reposting links to previously seen items, though, it kind of clutters this. I also have the Yellow Rose cross stitch up, again, if I didn't mention that previously.

Excited to get some new projects going though, with a couple finishes soon! --It's too cold out already, to be out goofing off.

Winter Stars pixel mosaic finish

A big finish!  Winter Stars pixel mosaic.  This came out really nice, I was afraid it would still look rather too pixelated, but just needed to be put together!  This is 15x12" and 9 plates of work. 38 colors. It's on Ebay, and I will add to Etsy in short order. Warning, yes these are very expensive, even if I were to source my own supply parts, it's just not a cheap craft.

I have a Santa pixel to start next, and I am working on a complex Merry Christmas cross stitch piece that I will have to be hustling to get done in the next week or so. Busy, busy, sales are bustling, so it's a rush for the next few weeks.

Poinsettia pixel mosaic, holiday things

So this was my next finish. This is a pixel mosaic, really enjoying these, just wish they weren't so expensive. Possibly I can get materials to make more, a little cheaper. This is Poinsettia, 4 baseplates that come out to 8x10". It's on Ebay  as well as Etsy already.  I am working on another one already, a winter but not necessarily Christmas one, lots of blue. And I ordered another Christmas one, best chances of selling some of these, for now. I'll branch out into other types as I get into next year.

Holidays.  Somehow, this is creeping up really fast.  It's been a somewhat quiet, yet furious year of work. And somehow, not ever catching up!  So there won't be a lot of holiday crafts from me this year, not much more. Everything I currently have slated in front of me, is about it. And from a selling prospective, for crafts, but even general living, it's time to start thinking about that. As a crafter or seller of them, it's time to be ordering those supplies, if you haven't already.  My China items take nearly a month to arrive, so if you are looking at diamond paintings for Halloween and into Christmas, it's time.  The winter chill will be arriving in some parts, soon, so I am starting to stock other items, as well, warmer and some party dresses, jewelry, etc. A month to arrive, on average--.

I'm also starting to see about trying to get some beads direct, from China, on hand, and misc related stuff. Not a lot, but trying to see if there is more than a small desire for them. I tend to stay for the higher professional market, but I am getting requests for cheaper beads and smaller packages, so I may see if I can accommodate at least a few things. Only so many things I can expand at a time, until I see more growth, and right now, that is in the spring. In a few weeks, I will only be busy filling orders and trying to get a couple crafted things out the door.

Right now, I have two pumpkin things in the works, I'll show some pics on the next postings, as one is a diamond painting kit that I have 2 of, that are on hand for immediate shipping. (Can check my FB for that info.)

White Tiger Head, pink, Diamond Painting Finished

Another finish.  This is a 30x30cm full coverage diamond painting.  Round rhinestones. A white tiger head, that isn't white.  It looked white, but no.  No whites in the kit, and trying to source those are rather difficult.  It's pale pink, purple actually, DMC antique violet.  I did let the seller know, but I don't think that will change anything.  So buyer beware, if you plan on buying this one as a kit, it's widely available, to make for yourself. No white or cream, but 2 shades of pink.  It's a beautiful chart otherwise, so I just keep thinking he's in the sunset, lol!  The oddities of buying things from China. Listing for Ebay and Etsy .

I have started another diamond painting, some lilies.  Not nearly as pretty as the stock image, but it will still be nice when it's done.  That one should be done pretty soon. And yes, I do have another after that, I am liking these. 

I have also gone back to my XMAS puppies pixel kit, I only had one plate done sometime last year.  Much more complex than the poinsettias that I just finished, but it's coming along nicely.

I really thought the summer was going to be slow, that I could get a lot of crafts done, but this has been a bang up month for selling beads. Awesome!  But somehow it's working, the trade off of selling and crafting is smoothing out a little. 

Poinsettia Pixel Finish

Yay, another finish.  And somewhat of a hard one.  This is a pixel kit, plastic pegs about 2mm that stick into plastic board plates, forming a mosaic.  This has 4 plates, lined up and attached, and taped, underneath.  10"x8" total, 15 colors.  I've had a couple of these kits, but my first finish of one.  And wow, they are expensive. (Getting my own supplies isn't much cheaper.)  This is called Poinsettias II, from PixelHobby.  Can't believe I got a totally fresh start and finish, in reasonably early time for Christmas.  The backing seems a bit flimsy, they definitely need a foamboard or something type reinforcement, but I love the finished look.  A different kind of durability than a cross stitch.  It's up on Ebay and Etsy. 

I am almost finished with my white tiger (pink) diamond painting. I decided to knuckle down and get through that one.  So I will have more to post soon.

Diamond Painting Fairy Cat, and other finishes

I had gotten this diamond painting off of Ebay, had a last minute coupon that I used.  I had no idea of the size or coverage when I bought it.  I was a little nervous to see how small it was, and a bit pixelated.  It's the 30x25cm size, and it's only a partial.  This is round drill rhinestones, 11 colors.  It's a nice design, I think I may want to do the much larger size, and do it again.  Anyway, it's up on Ebay and I will add to Etsy soon.  The kit, if you are interested, I have listed on the Turquoiseroads  site, full coverage and bigger.  Magic Fairy Cat

In the meantime, I sold the Swans with Roses diamond painting.  I haven't seen another partial one, exactly like that, so if I do it again, it will be slightly different.  Or I could do the full one, also listed on my TR site,  Swans with Roses

In the meantime, I've finished on of my pixel mosaic kits. I just don't have it all assembled, etc. yet, but that will be coming soon. It's nice to see at least a few finishes, after being so mired down with being sick. 

Super Tiny Witch Hat Halloween XS

So, I have been scattered and impatient lately, the personal circus is not helping for me to get things finished.  I picked up a couple tiny fridge magnet type(but not magnetic) cubicle cross stitch, hoping to spur on some progress.  So, Artiste kit of Witch Hat. Cardboard mounted and plastic yellow frame.  14ct aida, about 2.5" square cross stitch design.   I hope to make a few of these, as long as I can find the supplies.  It's up on Ebay . I'll add to Etsy soon.


Very close to some other finishes soon, so I hope to have more up here pretty quickly.  Pixel work, cross stitch, diamond painting, regular paint, felt, etc....soooo close. I need to get around to some finishing touches.  The quietness of the summer already seems to be descending.

Moon Lake Pixel WIP, Mono

It's been a while since I have posted just a WIP, and since I am behind schedule, I thought this one would be nice.  It's a pixel kit, Moon Lake, a white tiger against a midnight background.  Loving the colors.  Baseplate 1 (2 is also finished) of 12 plates.  I was hoping to be done in January with this, but it's not on track.

I also sold more of the heart ornaments, which I hadn't made....oops.  So I rushed to get those done in one busy night already; nice to know I could get them done that fast. I prefer not to have to work like that, though!   I haven't had a chance to finish others, and since I am behind, I may keep cranking on making them and listing them.  It's very hard to move on to other projects when these were doing so well----and taking up space. I'd probably make a mess putting them away, too, that somehow the beads and sequins would spill, thread would be tangled......sigh.

Mostly I am behind, because I got sick.  I broke out in a bad case of what appears to be mono, right before Thanksgiving.  Ouch.  Not much to do, except rest, and rest, and rest.  The fatigue can last for 3 months, contagious for...oh, who knows, a year and a half.  Sheesh.  I don't know how I could get a dang sickliest type cold to drag me down when I need to be working on things nearly 'round the clock, but that would be typical of me. 

I am slowly back to working on things, so I think whatever I can work on, much less get finished, has to be listed, even if it's off season.  I just feel lucky that so far, the holiday season has mostly been a good one; some very special connections renewed.

Pixel Mosaic, XMAS Puppies, a Christmas start

I thought I would try to get a little more holiday type stuff going, so I started a pixel mosaic kit, (tiny plastic pegs on a board).  This is Christmas Puppies.  The first plate is finished, there are 9 plates total, that will connect when done.  So 15x12", 91 colors total. I am really liking the effect.

I have a few more projects that are close to being finished, so I hope I will have more pretty soon. 

Pixel Mosaic XMAS Bunnies

First plate of my pixel mosaic XMAS Bunnies finished!  Only 3 more plates to do before I can put it together.  This is plastic pegs that fit on a clear acrylic pegboard. Tiny, tiny.....like 2mm pegs.  Whoever said one of these baseplates could be done in 4-7 hours is off their rocker!!    Faster than cross stitch??  Not by much.  Anyway, love it, frustrating, challenging, but addicting.


Real work...eh, that's gone by the wayside, at least for now.  At least making some progress on these other things, bit by bit.  I've changed up sites, I will need to adjust all the links......took down the store, and for now putting everything that is finished, on a WordPress site. Maybe that will be easier for a while.   And as always, still looking for people that want to cross stitch from home!

Working and Poppies in Vase

More progress on Design Works Poppies in Vase cross stitch. The entire vase part is finished, starting to work on the flowers. I still need to fill in the white on the vase, too, haven't done any white yet.  Maybe a decent finish in my near future!

I've actually made some progress on a few things, but getting around and taking pictures, getting organized, well that seems to be another story.   I've been real life working a little bit, and considering my health still being poorly, well, I am just beat these days.  I get to stitch a little when I am just too tired to do anything else, but haven't gotten up to go to bed.

Maybe next time I'll have a picture of my one panel of pixel art done, even.  It's just been a while since I posted, wanted to make sure I had something up here.  Really liking the pixel mosaics, frustrating, but fun.

Looks like I will be changing websites, too.  I just don't see being able to afford to renew the full shopping cart site, we'll see, not a year's payment at a time.  And I still need to work on that some, it's not all that loaded.   So I have started a free WordPress site, to start showcasing finished and pre order options, see how that works without even a shopping cart.  Blushin Rose Market Portfolio   nothing on it yet, but I hope to list some products very soon.  (Always able to directly paypal a payment; I don't expect these to go flying off the shelf.)   More news about that as more progress is made.

While it doesn't mean much in S. FL......hopefully some of you have cooler weather!

Pixel Art, Mosaic Magic

So I've taken a little break.  Too many things going on to keep my head sorted straight. (does anyone not have major personal drama going on right now??)  And I ran across a kit that I got some time back.  And thought it might be a nice diversion from my other projects.  HA!  I've worked with the very small Japanese beads, the delicas, a lot, and these pegs, are about the same size.  Wow, just a glutton for punishment.  2mm plastic pegs that I must use tweezers for, to get lined up in the hole.  I think I've only lost 2 pegs that went flying so far.  This is a Christmas one!!! no less.  Christmas Bunnies, that will be on 4 panels.  I thought this would go faster than cross stitch, but I don't know.  Hard on my hands, and this is after three short nights of working on it.  I think I will be hooked, though.  -----Anyone have a kit they can't do and that they will part with??

Anyway, um, no, just not going there on the personal drama right now.  Life is totally upside down from where it was---where have I heard that before?  Enough already.   I am down to strictly making it from a small amount elsewhere, and what I can make now online.  I am burning the midnight oil at both ends. Unfortunately, even though I am restricted to being at home, most of it isn't crafting of much of any kind,  right now.  Sooooonnnn.