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.

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.

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.)

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!