New Ventures, New Website Link, Digital and New Inventory Products

 

Some new things.  This is a PDF instant download file, the Mandala Coloring Book . It's 1432 rather basic black and white 8.5x11in pages to be able to print out yourself.  I will have a bunch more of this kind of stuff, not sure about a separate blog/website, as yet--this one is a bit slow, and I haven't otherwise started one.  A lot of all the newer products and updated links are on Pinterest , if you'd just like to see the Promotional items (where this is linked), that is directly here .

So, uh, hola.  It's been a long time. Long story short, I moved at the end of last summer, with the help of a friend.  Disastrous, and I had no idea it was going to be that bad.  This move did affect everything, business, personal......my overall sanity.  I got out of there as quickly as I could, which was still several months.  A lot of bad things out of my control, and I had to lay pretty low and whatnot, couldn't be helped.  I even did some delivery driving just to be out, and make some needed money to move. (Please tip your delivery drivers, it's not sustainable work to bring you items, without it, almost no pay.)  I did get to move in January, another semi temporary place for about the next year.  I've spent the last couple months just trying to get things re organized and on an even keel.

Sigh. Nothing like re learning life lessons that I've pretty much already learned.  But, if anything, then, of course, is that I need a better grip on my own personal choices, financial moves, etc, to not have such difficulties going forward. Which means, new products, new directions, inventory, digital items, links, sites, etc.  Trying to go as fast as I can, but only so many hours in a day.

The beads are still for sale.  I haven't offloaded many of them, as I took down the store subscription from ebay.  I still have items, there, but only rotating as a few hundred of everything I have, which is more of the diamond drills, etc, not nearly as many of the beads, until I have the allotted space to post a few more at a time.  All the beads are on Bonanza, everything I had of stock.  Fire polish, crystals, stones, delicas, etc, I had as a backup there years ago.  My newer items are on a different Bonanza store, all the dropship jewelry, perfume, the diamond drills in their entirety, etc.  I will not be re opening the ebay store, I am past that, on a different pace.  So, Bonanza, my website, links like from Pinterest, and I will re open Etsy pretty soon.  

If I have updated links, they will mostly be here, if not on various Twitter / X (new account), links, IG, etc. I really don't have time to typically be posting or showing new products in constant posts.  The main website link is also different, please update and look for that, I did change the domain linkage several months ago, and do not have control on any of the content of the original store link; the new one now has a dash in between words.  

New products.  The above item is an ebook, I have access to many of those of all kinds, coloring, cross stitch patterns, gardening, health, etc, and I will keep adding as I get time.  I am still geared to be ordering things direct from China, I just haven't.  More diamond art items, some stones, jewelry making pieces, etc, especially during their 11/11 sale. Not as dropship, although I still have that, but as on hand items to immediately purchase from the US.   I am still adding dropship, a few from China on the website, but also US only name brand items, that are on Bonanza mostly, too.  I am eyeballing some makeup type liquidation things, auction lots, etc, that should start trickling in over the next few months, for Bonanza, at least.  And I have an account for items directly from Japan, also in the wings, some of their fabrics, Hello Kitty, food, decor etc, I am chomping at the bit to get started to ship to me, to make available.

Anyway, I may post a few more of these promo links, some of the clothing, decorations, etc are rather cute, and I'd like to see some traction there.  Working on a bit better, healthier life, I hope everyone else has been finding their way; easier said than done, I know.

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. 

Santa Hearts Diamond Painting Finish, less ebay, more local shipping

 

A finish.  A diamond painting that I call Santa Hearts.  It's a partial, 16+in with the clear and special shape rhinestones. Sparkly, fun, a pretty design that I will make more of.  I added the green washi tape on the edges.  It's on ebay and also etsy .  I bought 3 of these at one time, and I expect to make the other 2, myself.  I will keep ordering these, from China, so I can stock more to make and sell, and I'd like to add them to Bonanza, and likely the regular website, when I can get to it.  Soon. Unfortunately, it will not be cheap, with the increasing shipping prices.  Larger sizes, bigger than this, have to ship priority mail, which is ranging close to $9.

Ltns.  I know. It's been an incredibly hectic year. Some good, some not so good. While I will try to be nonpolitical, etc, there is some serious rant here, and it may be offensive.  The lack of ability for empathy is astounding.  I'll try to keep it brief.  Email.  Until I saw the protests online, I could not figure out the near death threats, especially on a first hello email, on order statuses.  Surely, not just me? China? Assume I'm stupid?  No. Not just me, across the board on a lot of small sellers.  Threatening my near life and business, over a craft kit.  That's nothing close to normal customer service--and it won't be tolerated. And not passing that on to someone else, I could not be responsible for the mental health of that kind of influx.  Find manners.  Not sure when I will open the emails again, soon, as I am adding more expensive and quality items, so I apologize for those that had real issues.  The tracking.  Everyone gets an auto email of tracking(check your spam).  17track.net is pretty good for the out of country tracking.  Please use it.  Tracking is unreliable and slow, even though most orders are correct and arrive.  At one point, China orders were at 100 days for delivery, and US orders were about 45.  It may go back to that.  Have patience. And it is on YOU to follow up with USPS etc, if an order is showing shipped and near or already delivered--that is what they are there for.  In the meantime, if you cannot handle waiting, on your own, for long delivery times, and possibly incorrect tracking, that may run into 2 months or more, perhaps you should not order.

And I mean that in all seriousness.  Life is not going back to how it was.  A lot of this is out of the seller's control.  Last year was some of the most harrowing time as a seller, in decades of selling.  I've had years to build a few sites, and they all went crazy at the same time.  But so did my suppliers.  Cancelled, out of stock, late shipping, borders closed, warehouses shut down, or just disappeared.  Days that I could barely get through a few orders of the dozens and dozens. Complete exhaustion for months.

It's nice to know that it all works.  And zero time for crafting, most all year.  But I will need to make some changes, as that pace was beyond any normal capability---while the regular day to day pace is a little too slow.  And like most, juggling many things.  Small business. This is not corporations, often not even family operations.  Most sellers are here because they need this, this is their income and life, as something else was lacking.  They've turned a skill or knack into a job to make ends meet, with some business savvy and trying to be fluid.  They aren't going away.  But life was already hard, maybe balancing illness, special needs family, living out in BFE nowhere with nothing convenient.  Usually no hiccups, but small glitches here and there. This pandemic has exacerbated these problems and more. It's great if it seems like there are sellers with no issues, kudos.  But many are struggling, trying to keep a smile.  Please think outside your own box of priviledge, if this last year has taught you anything.  We don't all have the same options, plan B, assistance, to fix some things.  Just because you may live within 15 min of a post office, Walmart, can drive, are healthy, have helpers, etc.......doesn't mean many of these sellers do, at all.  In the meantime, this has also created extreme strain on whatever WAS normal life.  Kids, work, spouses, being at home, less income, food, etc, and perhaps their own illness, immune problems, death, grief, trauma...This has been a time like no other.  AND, they don't necessarily owe you all those explanations and transparencies, while you rattle off a nasty email.  If anything, especially for women, the bullying, harrassment, cancel culture, outing, stalking, drives them even more protective and underground.  I know, without a doubt, this falls on deaf ears, for so many, horrifyingly so, but I would really beg that you think, and sit back and be patient.  Almost everything arrives and is fine, most of the time, we are constantly working and trying to make it all work right. We have to, this is what we do....this other stuff is real PTSD type stress and unneccessary strain, clogging the efforts of getting real work done.

Anyway. So.  I've been mildly "lucky" that my personal strains have been on the more minimal side, and I have been able to keep that separated rather well, most of the time.  So far. However, I do have to re evaluate, again, what is and isn't working, as so many things in the business landscape have changed, and I expect at least half of it to be permanently not returning. That's a lot. My business model, my personal life, my individual needs and goals, have washed away and have to morph a bit more into something different, also protecting from such mayhem panic in some repeat future.  First off, my health.  Many know I already struggle with some physical issues, and those were not quiet this past year.  Excessively at the forefront.  I'm struggling to find the right mix of meds, food, de stress balance, etc and it's a battle; some days now I'm starting to win, but many days are lacking. I have to do things that are making this easier.  A harder/smarter approach.  And if anything, I need it even more than I did before.  So I will be concentrating on more streamlined, more effective things.  I have changed my ebay store to be smaller.  Limits me on how much I can list, so items will be parked on Bonanza and the website if possible, in much greater quantities. I've had enough of some of their treatment, so most everything will at least be on Bonanza, if I can.  I will also not be sourcing as many bead items, and what I do, I will be getting from China, direct.  The Swarovski crystals are mostly a dead item. I did order some as the sales started, not listed yet, but I won't be buying more. I am not thinking about adding Czech, but probably China, the better ones, at least, to sell as immediately available, along with many of the stone strands and cabochons that I've already started to collect.  I do have all of the diamond drills in both sizes, slowly adding and trying to keep that in stock. I also have a few supplies for the diamond painting, and will be adding those as I can get to it.  My picture editor was using Flash, so I am needing to relearn some editing, etc, pics will be a bit delayed.  In the meantime, my computer died last summer, and I bought a cheap one, only thing I could get.  I simply haven't logged in to many apps, etc that I had going, and at this rate, I may need a different computer, as I'm already beating this one to death. 

So the main gist is that I will not be selling most of the glass and US beads that are still up now.  Those will be replaced with China beads and stones, and some diamond painting and other craft kits from China.  My main US craft kit supplier went belly up.  The local kits I wanted to add, are not possible. I will be sourcing a few in the needlework category, etc, as I sift past some other items, pretty soon. I'd like to carry a few of the diamond painting kits, but unfortunately, they will have to be small.  I do still have a few larger ones, not listed, and I don't the the box shipping is viable. I need to be able to send small ones as 1st class mail, or it doesn't make sense. So that is probably not more than a 30x40cm size. China prices have increased significantly as well, and I don't expect that to stop, along with shipping fees now, and some tariffs. I hope this will ease some things on my health and wallet, and fees, and make this more manageable for me.

In the meantime, this absolutely does not mean I will be selling less.  If anything, I need to be selling much more.  The outside world is placing more demands on me.  For now, I have created and bulked up the China Corner, and sorry, all China things will be going there, it will be unwieldy.  But I will be cutting down a bit on the diamond painting kits, and make more room for some other crafts and makeup, shoes, home decor, etc.  I've also had access to US dropship for a few years, and I am going to expand that significantly. That gives me more options to add perfume, US brand name designer items, assured genuine jewelry, and food. With delivery times that are about 10 days, most are US lower 48 street addresses for ground shipping, only.  Again, look to Bonanza first, for those.

The other thing, is the crafting.  I miss it significantly, and it was a solid piece of my business plan. It's the only other thing that comes so directly from my own labor. I was pretty appalled that I could not get a single project finished, out of the stacks of things here. That changes this year, I must have that as part of my business offerings, and for going forward in a few things personally. So expect to see perhaps a few quiet days here and there, and several new projects being added.  Don't forget I am open to doing commission work on nearly anything offered. Needlepoint, latch hook, felt kits, diamond painting, cross stitch, beadwork, etc, are all easily doable. I will be adding some options on that, but likely not until next year, as a plug and play request, but it's always available now, if you see or have a kit you would like done up, in nearly any size, from where ever.

That's plenty for now.  I should have another diamond painting finished very soon, it's almost ready, so I will have more to add with that update.  Stay safe, be well.

Red Christmas Bells, been forever

The Red Christmas Bells Drawing diamond painting.  Finally finished.  Sorry, it was not a sunny day, and we aren't going to have a nice day for about a week.  This is a full square, 35x35cm from one of the 3 kits set I got last year.  I do still have the other two for now, details were in my FB and they are up online(ships from the US).  Now that I have finished this one, if the others aren't purchased, I will dig in and make those, as well, to be offered as finished art like this one.  I added the forest green washi tape, looks very light once on the canvas. Sprayed with some gloss sealant. I have put it on ebay and etsy  already. This does come in different sizes, you can still go to my shop and order it yourself in bigger or smaller sizes.  Remember that it will take about a month to get, from the shop orders. (I have noted that most all XMAS gift type things should be ordered by Nov 25, to ensure delivery in time, not much later will work.)

So, uh, blah.  I did get really sick over the entire summer.  I was fighting a nagging infection, ended up that I got a secondary infection--from the medicine.  I eventually went to the hospital and spent a little time there.  It's been a long road to recover, and I'm still feeling a little fragile, not sure if that will go away.  I've been taking it a bit at a time, all the important stuff for shipping and packing orders, as a priority.  I think I otherwise slept the entire summer, no joke.  I am tentatively getting back into my routine, including from having turned most communication off beforehand.  I am not sure what it is, younger crafters etc, but emails were outright bullying.  Writing an intro email to someone you are looking to help you, that sounds nearly like a death threat, isn't the way to go about it, sorry, and my stress levels cannot deal with that, and a lot of the toxicity of social media. 

I hope to have things back on an even keel, including contact for people that have actual problems with the orders.  There is tracking assistance all over the web, I cannot respond to everyone asking again for the status, when it's all been sent, or I'd never get anything done. If I get through the emails, it will only be on the TurquoiseRoads one, most all the rest, I never even see, as it is, those filter to junk email accounts from the payment processors and hosting, etc.

Next?  Good question.  I've now had a couple years to assess what is working and what's not.  Dealt with a few family issues that have seemed to resolved finally.  My health seems good, except for energy level, and I have to take that into account for what I can get done.  And for the first time in a long time, a relationship that may be blossoming into something worth setting aside some time and effort for. Still in a wait and see mode, at my age, I am not keen on rushing anything, and it's been buzzing around for a few years already, only recently becoming more apparent.

All of which means I need to be working smarter.  I will be trimming things that seem to be wasteful. I plan to downsize the ebay store when it is due, Feb 1? Most of the beads are not a productive item at this point.  If you want beads, this is the time to get them.  I will start lumping them into clearance bulk sets as the winter goes along, and moving them into auctions. I do have them on Bonanza as well, but I will try to push as many through on ebay as I can, before going into a smaller storefront.  A lot of the US dropship on ebay will also have to come down. Craft kits, threads, etc, will have to come off, probably not even enough space to auction.  Those are all on the TR Bonanza, again, you can still find it, but not if ebay is your preferred go-to, at that time.

I will be adding more China produced items in the bead space, ordering direct to have on hand. It's all stuff that populates US marketplaces already. However, I start to hit some issues on where to host items, conflicts on which platforms to use, and I cannot be spending hours every day in doing this.  The TR website is set to international shipping, which I cannot flip back and forth on items. I do not want to shut off international customers, that is about half my base.  But ALL of the items I have on hand, I will only ship in the US, it's much easier.  

So whether that is regular beads, China beads on hand, US sourced dropship, or the crafted items, I don't have a nice place to put all the overflow.  I am working on ideas to open another shop, for that.  It will only be available to US addresses---and quite possibly, no APO, PO Boxes, or even AK/HI, as many of the dropship will not accept those address formats.  Many are shipped by ground methods only.  Some of this is exciting for me, as I can add food items, perfume, etc, which I have not been able to offer before.  I do not have a firm date to start this, but possibly not until Jan 1.

In the meantime, it's time for a lot of site cleanup, and quiet nights of more crafting, as I hopefully recover a little more strength. (This includes the diamond paintings, as the super hot interest in those has waned a little; I will be cutting several of those slow movers out completely.)  I am quite disappointed in not being able to finish projects this year, especially since some are leftovers from last year. I am still working on the birds and maple pixel, ready to pick another type of diamond painting, and a few small cross stitch in the works. Not feeling like I have a lot of time to rest, needing to push so many things forward. 

My next update shouldn't be nearly so far, only a few weeks, if that.

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.

Halloween Pumpkin Finish, China Holiday

Another older finish, to some extent.  Halloween Pumpkin, from Artiste. 5x7" on 16ct white aida, full coverage 2x1 cross stitch. Some partial stitches, and I left off the backstitch, kinda looked cheesy. And wow, did this take a long time. Not just how long I've had it, but the actual stitching, as it's 16ct not 14. And it's all full coverage, and very few of these tiny charts ever are.  But I love it, rather stunning for only 3 colors. It's up on eBay  and I will give it a little bit before posting to Etsy.

Nothing much on the other pumpkin, the diamond painting. I am still waiting for missing drills to arrive, and have set it aside for now.  I may not pick it up again until the spring, to be worked on in advance of next holiday season.  I'm going to pick out a Christmas one this week, which will be one with extra kits, to also sell direct once they arrive.  This is just on the FB page, as I am not ready to add to the Ebay site until after the main holiday season for me is done.

I also have square diamond drills #310 and #318 already shipping to me.  Those will be available in a week, or so. Also, preferably through FB, although I have added to a stationary Bonanza site for those, as it is much slower, and some other perks that eBay doesn't have.

I'd suggest if you've been waiting to place some orders, that you do that soon, for diamond paintings or other items on my shop site.  The October Festival in China is Oct 1-7 and they are closed all that time.  And from what I remember last year, seriously closed. Nothing happens.  Which means you need to order a few days before then, so the order can be processed, sent to the shipping containers, and out to sea, before Oct 1.  Some of my suppliers are MUCH faster than others, but of course, you don't know which ones, beforehand..... So, considering that also falls into a weekend, before that, I'd suggest you place orders by Sept 24 or before. If not, it could be 6 weeks before you get your items, as they will be backlogged as well.

In the meantime, the weather has been giving me some fits, but it is storm season and the change into cooler weather. I do hope to have some other finishes posted soon, but with a few of those issues, and it being well into my selling season, there are only so many hours in a day!  Be safe out there.

Pink Goldfish in Bubble, merged sites

A little late, both on finishing and on posting.  Hard keeping up with social media when there is so much to do.  And social media is not the most fun place to hang out, of late.  Maybe after the next election?  But, so here is the Pink Goldfish in Bubble diamond painting.  40x40cm, full square.  I added some lavender bubble looking washi tape to the edges, as it was a bit sticky.  It's up on Ebay and Etsy, too, already.  Fun, I just got distracted near the end with some family issues, and that last mile.....lol.

But, my observations, I think I either like the small partials, or I would need the massively big diamond paintings as projects.  I like the small really 3D sparkly look, or it would need to be huge so it looks like a painting, for real.  This middle of the road pixel look, loses the effect, I think. And possibly, I just prefer the round drills, not square.  So I think I will start ordering some small partials, for me to do and list, quickly. And browse for some massive ones, for later in the year(maybe NSFW? I have my eye on one or two mild ones).

I do also already have some other kits here, and a Halloween one coming, cat and pumpkin diamond painting, but I will save all that for another post. The Goldfish I do still have 2 kits on hand, and the Halloween cat, I will also have extra kits, maybe next week. Please check the FB page in the meantime.  I will also post when I have ordered more drills, black 310 in round and square and one of the whites, when I have actually done the order.

Progress is just a little slow.  It's been an odd, rambling, hot, summer.  And it seems to be ready to ramp up for XMAS.  So when things are a little more liquid, stuff will move a little faster.  I am still ordering beads, however, you may notice that the name has now changed for sales.  Ebay is now TurquoiseRoadsUS, and a few links have been changed.  I am merging almost all of the sites and pages together. A few things that are craft related will likely stay separated, as it's not quite as contemporary and such, (eyeroll) as the new manufactured items. I have a page on most social media outlets.

The Yellow Rose cross stitch sold.  I do have more supplies, patience, I will list again.

And I do have another finish. A nice one. It's already done, but I will save that for another post.

WIP of Pink Goldfish diamond painting, plans

Excited.  I took on a big(certainly for me, anyway) project, and jumped in.  Sticking with it pretty well. This is my Pink Goldfish in Bubble diamond painting.  My first square one, I think I like round better, but I've adapted pretty well, not as scary as I thought.  And it's 40x40cm(16x16), the largest I have done, and it is full coverage.  I was pretty nervous to see the amazing sea of pink drills that were in the package.  I had thought there were some more variations in the colors, but not really. I am plugging away, a few hours here and there, this is pretty close to about half done.  I would like to have it finished really soon, like a week, and up for sale. I have other projects of diamond paintings waiting, as well as a couple needle projects in the works that are also calling, for a bit of a break. I;m pushing to try to do some items on commission, as well, a bit of interest for that.

If you would like to purchase one of these kits, they do come in different sizes, and you can buy it from the shop link, which will take 2-3 weeks to arrive, many countries and paypal accepted .  Pink Goldfish   or I also have 2 of these in the 40x40cm size ready to ship immediately in the US. I've counted the drills, and with paypal, they are ready to go.  Please find me on the Facebook link for TurquoiseRoads for details.

I am on most social media with those pages, if you just search.  I have a few to change or update. Life has still been crazy, and not in a good way.  So I have been pacing myself for increasing shop responsibilities.  When I have the Pink Goldfish done, and up here, I will announce some of my plans and start finalizing some links and cross over things.

So, more updates soon!

Tie Dye Roses Diamond Painting, beads gotta go

So yay, a finish in a decent amount of time! For me, anyway, lol. And it was a little bigger than I remembered, this is 30x48cm. (about 12x19in). I need to be finishing projects a lot faster right now, some things have changed---some related to the online censorship underway.  So, I'm starting some real hustle.  This is already on Ebay, if it hasn't sold really quickly, I'll get it to Etsy. This is a partial diamond painting, done with round drills.


Next diamond painting is probably a pink goldfish, should arrive any day.  I have 2 extra of that kit, I ordered to be able to sell direct. I will quality check that all the drills are there, before sending out or listing elsewhere for sale.  This is full square, 40x40cm. Can check out my TurquoiseRoads Facebook page for the details. I also have some round drills that have already arrived, listed on Bonanza. Will be taking requests for more to order, I'll add those a few at a time.

In the meantime, I am growing the website tremendously. Not just diamond paintings, but getting around to listing some more jewelry, makeup, a few more dresses, and even some cellphone bling cases.  About as quickly as I can get them listed, in between everything else going on.  I'll be able to pace myself to be a little slower, once the summer is in full swing.  I'd like to concentrate on more crafting by then.

And the beads, still need to go. A lot of inventory on The Blushin Rose, that really needs to go. I'm trying to add more items to the auction side, but it's not moving fast enough.  I have a lot of other items that I want to start listing, and some changes to make. I might put them on sale soon, but not yet. I will not be re ordering, 95% of what's listed, will be gone.

More updates soon!

Hot Corvette Diamond Painting Kit, plug links

Diamond Painting Hot Corvette Car in Desert   from my TurquoiseRoads  shop.  Just one of the many random craft kits and women's items being added. I wish I had more to show for my own progress on the diamond paintings, but I am not able to spread out and get that going right now.

Since I don't have much of any updates, I thought I would put a few plugs out there, as I am quietly still working on my storefronts, etc.  A few hiccups with some slower shipping times, which may continue for a short while longer, but otherwise, MOST business as usual.

One of the things not as usual, is my crafting.  Not only do I not exactly have the time, but my mental and emotional health is a little frazzled.  The past few months have been extremely stressful, and trying to sit and craft, when I feel like there are so many other things to be doing, and frankly, not able to relax, at all.......just not really working.  So if anyone has been watching my FB on The Blushin Rose, etc. that's why there have been no updates, and unfortunately, pretty ignored.  My interpersonal brightness just isn't around again yet, sorry.

For those watching the ebay things for dropship, the upheaval of the summer, and the storms, put me in a precarious spot, and the ebay storefront is closed, for now, on that. I have slowly been moving them, on relevant items, to The Blushin Rose space on ebay.  I have opened an additional Bonanza site, to list all of that inventory, and more, as it moves slower, and there are very little restrictions.

Busy.  It's plenty for me to plug away at, moving and sorting items, it's a tedious process to list items from scratch.  Real bead, kits, crafts, growth etc, is in a holding pattern until next year sometime, spring at least.

On that note, my personal situation has not resolved, at all.  Not sure what I am doing in a new town, so far from where I was. Not getting much assistance anywhere, and can't get settled.  So if anyone feels like being nice and letting me have some relief,  please feel free to go shop and make some purchases.  If you'd simply like to donate a few dollars to the cause, I've used some old links and brand new, to set up a little funding.  Paypal  and ko-fi  have been set up.  I will be in some real need until at least mid January minimum.

Blessings, hopefully I have some better news soon.

Golden Lilies Diamond Painting, A Farewell, and New Start

Golden Lilies Diamond Painting.  It looks nothing like the picture they advertise, a very striking gold with soft flowers, but eh, it's China.  I wasn't expecting a much more dull print, somewhat country, primitive even.  Not exactly my style, but it came out well, and I think it would be a nice addition to many environments.  This is a small one, almost 22"x12", one of the smallest of this size.  I really am going to have to stick with bigger and better!  It's been on ebay  now for a bit already, I will update etsy pretty soon. I do have another one started(a kitty!), putting these little dots on canvas, is really fun, it goes quicker!

But.  It's been a while, since I posted. A long while, longer at least than normal.  And I still struggle with even posting, now.  Sometime back, I recall posting about.....people, take time to appreciate the ones you have around you.  Even when they are sick and struggling.  There are no really big problems, usually, especially with someone sick, it's all small stuff, and just one day at a time.  Unfortunately, perhaps, my tenure with that is over.  I lost one of the best friends I have ever had, earlier in the summer.

That has caused a snowball of more serious problems, for me, as we lived together.  With some urgency, I have had to move.  So I packed up, with all my stuff, and moved another few states away.  I am facing some challenges, with having to do so many things on the fly, so please bear with me, on the business end.  I have not even had time to deal with the loss, in having to make so many changes at once, with all my things packed up, and some uncertainties in front of me.

So.  A very rough summer. I am hanging in here, for the fall and hopefully an okay XMAS season.  Not quite on such a roll as I was, before the world flip flopped.  (Somehow, this always happens to me.)  I am hoping to be settled, a bit, soon, and maybe get a handle on cranking out some good work, once I get a breather for a minute.  Hang tight, everybody.

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. 

All that glitters Diamond Painting Swans with Roses

So here is a new obsession and addiction!  Since I thought I would start selling the diamond painting kits on the dropship site (see the TR links or FB) that I should try it and see what it was like.  I bought this one on ebay, still from a seller in China.  It took 2 weeks to arrive.  This is just a partial one, not full coverage.  I call Swans with Roses, as there are no real names.  This is like a very lightweight banner material, vinyl, with adhesive and markings for where to place the faceted rhinestones.  This one has round stones, stick them in place with a sticky pen.  It took me 2 days to do this one, a miracle for a slow poke like me. Added to Ebay for now, Etsy at the beginning of the month if it lasts this long.  I have to figure out shipping tubes, etc.  And I do think they are heat sensitive, to extreme temps, so I will not be shipping during the summer months.

But it's fun, quick, and pretty interesting, sparkly! so I will be making more, probably steadily.  Like most any of the other crafts, I can do commission work on these, if you find something you like(or they do convert your own photos.)  Always the option of purchasing one and holding for cooler weather to ship, as well.  The other idea that was brought to my attention, was to perhaps bulk order a few, and keep them in stock and sell.  Likely through ebay.  A few popular ones, no waiting for long shipping and weird tracking from overseas.  Noodling on that one.

Riolis Baby Bunny Rabbit w pink ribbon

Finally, another little finish.  This one was tougher than I expected, and I won't be making it again.  From Riolis cross stitch kit, Baby Rabbit.  It's 10ct white aida, done 3x1 with wool.  Gah.  (and somewhere, I dropped the original needle.)  A challenge I really didn't expect.  But anyway, done, very cut, Easter, a baby, little girls might love it.  It's up just on Ebay for now, will have to see if it lasts long enough to go to Etsy. 

In other news, my dropship TurquoiseRoads is up and running, getting a little traction. You can find me on FB etc if you look.  I did order 2 of the small diamond paintings, for myself, (to sell), so I can get a personal idea of what they are like.  That way I know for sure I can answer questions, about shipping, suppliers, timeframes, supplies, techniques, etc.  As most of these are all from China, the English and correct help, is pretty lacking. So, on to a new venture.

I do hope to be putting out more finished work very soon, a lot on my plate right now.  I am downsizing the beads a bit on ebay, see link for The Blushin Rose, to make room for a leaner and smaller, better working storefront. Firepolish, drops and flower beads etc are going to make room for more Swarovski crystals, cabochons, the crafts, etc. 

Vervaco Four Seasons Winter Cross Stitch, Powerseller

Yay, finally!  The last of the Vervaco Four Seasons kit, Winter.  Another tough one.  But I love how these look.  Listed now on Ebay and Etsy . I will be creating a listing for the entire set, as I think that is a possibility to sell that way.  I would like to do these again, especially since they are so small(3x4.5" on 18ct)  I just don't know when. 

I forgot to mention, somewhere back there, that I made Bronze Powerseller over the fall.  Maybe because it doesn't exactly mean anything, lol!  But I did, and I did notice, actually, for a somewhat dismal year, in some ways even to the end, that I had a pretty good Christmas selling season.  So nice, even that it continued at least half way into January, and I was hotfooting it to make a few more sets of those felt Christmas ornaments, who knew?  I would have gotten the cross stitch here done quicker otherwise!  So it looks like I will still be working on some XMAS stuff, here and there; if I can get some more done soon, I will go ahead and be listing, as it seems relevant completely year-round. 

Anything I can get done and out of the way(early!) is a blessing.  I have been lucky that things have been working, just enough.  For now, the independent dropship site is a little put on hold, as there are plenty of things to figure out.  I had thought I would list several niche type women's items, but I am going to have to launch with less.  When it's ready, I will have the diamond paintings, and some cross stitch kits, craft items.  The general women's categories will have to wait until I get a handle on things, and some time to work with listings. 

Four Seasons Fall Cross Stitch, Numbers, Dropship

Finally!  The Vervaco Four Seasons Cross Stitch, in Fall.  This is probably my favorite, but boy, did it take a long time.  Find it on Ebay  or Etsy .  I will be starting the Winter one very soon, but I have a heart item I am trying to get finished first, somewhat Valentine's Day related.  I think I need to start projects sooner!

I've had a chance to look over my sales number for 2016, and it's not as good as I expected.  I was pretty busy, and I know I increased stock, including some more expensive items.  Kinda scratching my head.  I think I've finally started to move the older, cheaper stock.  While the end of the year kind of went into a tailspin with some personal problems, those were my best selling months.  Eh, I am not really sure what happened.

But, I need a more successful year.  MUST.  I have loaded up some more beads, and have several stitching projects working, but it doesn't look like that is cutting it.  I am still struggling with recovering from mono, as well.  I feel fine, just a mandatory rest period, overall, that is almost done, I hope. No guarantees.  So, I started a dropship account, mostly last year, 2, poking into that, to see if that works.  For now, just kind of a catch all for some different stock, and a few suppliers, on Ebay . I've been dinking around with it for a bit, and I think I need to try some different things, a different website.  Success isn't going to come from the set up I have going there.  So, stayed tuned, in the next few weeks, I hope to launch a full website of my own growing selections of items that all ship straight to you.  More on that next time.