tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84614326457644970302024-03-15T11:00:31.996-07:00Julie Townsend StudioCreating Art to Make You SmileJulie Diveley Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827900439935204947noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-53765460120213560252024-03-15T11:00:00.000-07:002024-03-15T11:00:00.248-07:00Hanging with "The Girls"<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ipx-KNQRwitm-UcfviN-PBYNEUyyqDTJx8YYc-2eajydn0d14ITarOh-ueNZK0oMHklb8f3jqnQYU1pmgI2PGTBX9BciyDnmh-FQrvZU1aN4xI3Pz93XCxszZiWMOQhDbVnl8bSM4vh9XGPLcx38H209yaE5Fj1pj4YJ7rdAqviy5v0jSqrH_LehLYQ/s2100/Flash%20Back%20-%20The%20Girls%20-%203-15-24.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="2100" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ipx-KNQRwitm-UcfviN-PBYNEUyyqDTJx8YYc-2eajydn0d14ITarOh-ueNZK0oMHklb8f3jqnQYU1pmgI2PGTBX9BciyDnmh-FQrvZU1aN4xI3Pz93XCxszZiWMOQhDbVnl8bSM4vh9XGPLcx38H209yaE5Fj1pj4YJ7rdAqviy5v0jSqrH_LehLYQ/w400-h400/Flash%20Back%20-%20The%20Girls%20-%203-15-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-14692bb0-7fff-23bc-49b3-1db317899106" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is another favorite painting that I did in 2020, during the long days of lock down. It is amazing just how creative that year was for me. I remember just trying to block out all the crazy that was going on around me and keep my focus on creating. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This original piece was painted on a panel of old wood that Brad put together for me. Painting on old boards adds an element of challenge to the painting process, but I think I pulled it off.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These girls are just so sweet and I love how the middle girl is crowding her way in to see what is going on. Maybe there is a visitor at the fence or they are standing at the food trough. No matter, she is determined to be in the center of the action. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here I am, holding the original painting before I have to package it up and ship it off to its new home. I actually had that painting hanging in my entryway for sometime and felt a bit of sadness when these girls were no longer serving as my welcoming committee. I just hope they are loved and appreciated in their new home. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fkSuSl1gV8ctiLWwS_7w5D3uRzNEjSvX_hGtCr_fchO8cX7rvF5Z4dFk6lN0ZX1SMj-NckSs69w5I9s0vFpmzOoogSNUou76fCmOdmusoqQRu-31RzWGGmLQklrMAFMEAT88vvkEAO5MyStzAhoHtdfhLmi1IZOM26gIbI1DwtiIciAI-wZFKt6fkEU/s1114/BE084AEF-9C61-40A4-91C2-7E44F95CA505(1).JPEG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1114" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fkSuSl1gV8ctiLWwS_7w5D3uRzNEjSvX_hGtCr_fchO8cX7rvF5Z4dFk6lN0ZX1SMj-NckSs69w5I9s0vFpmzOoogSNUou76fCmOdmusoqQRu-31RzWGGmLQklrMAFMEAT88vvkEAO5MyStzAhoHtdfhLmi1IZOM26gIbI1DwtiIciAI-wZFKt6fkEU/w400-h353/BE084AEF-9C61-40A4-91C2-7E44F95CA505(1).JPEG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has been some time since I've picked up a painting brush. I've become obsessed with drawing digitally on my Ipad. Whether the medium is acrylic paint, colored pencils or drawn digitally, I am still featuring cute cows in my art. If you want to check out my online website shop you only have to hit this link to browse to your heart's content.</span></span></p><p><a href="http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/shop-here.html">Julie Townsend Studio Shop Here</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-50348381242686538122024-03-08T13:58:00.000-08:002024-03-08T13:58:44.007-08:00I'm Not at all Adventurous but Check out these Two <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hK62nrmoWrKTSEv3e6DeH_iTLDGty5Y84LBdgrIGTNPhAoFuPkTfOOQYEkizCV41w4uw7g2OTrnzVBBfjAOYn161OBRZBWHqCfmFbG0Q4-zQProt5HmVUL54TVkXMQr_Lfkq-lY7pf0Ej2aG0Kv9NnHwicioLWQspWSGkZ1qYFKUOQLxGn4ktKmW-H4/s2920/Oopies%20Daisy%20mockup%2022.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="2920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hK62nrmoWrKTSEv3e6DeH_iTLDGty5Y84LBdgrIGTNPhAoFuPkTfOOQYEkizCV41w4uw7g2OTrnzVBBfjAOYn161OBRZBWHqCfmFbG0Q4-zQProt5HmVUL54TVkXMQr_Lfkq-lY7pf0Ej2aG0Kv9NnHwicioLWQspWSGkZ1qYFKUOQLxGn4ktKmW-H4/w400-h400/Oopies%20Daisy%20mockup%2022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oopsie Daisies Art Print<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /> This is the first piece in my new "Mousey Adventures" collection. I'm calling this one "Oopsie Daisies" and I'm in LOVE! I have always loved drawing little mice and while some may not appreciate this series as much as they like my cows or goats. I'm excited to see where this series develops. There are just SO MANY cute possibilities because mice are so small. </p><p>You can see that these two cuties have decided to deliver the spring flowers via air mail. Things appear to have gotten just a bit out of control and they are losing their load. Being the adrenaline junkies that these two are, they are taking it stride and hanging on to enjoy the ride.</p><p>I've designed not only art prints that always have a note card and a magnet included, but I have worked out the details on both a set of smaller A2 size cards and stickers. Of course, that isn't the end of these two. They are certain to appear on my cute items and so you will have plenty of mousey gift giving opportunities very soon.<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzTV_1BLHLsOM2d4duyg6r-0TiyX8w3yvrcevRVjkpJePwHDgbzWT6OHA5dbqbZ7QRjj1073bJyRNeu8aCbnZ-v5mCmfBBtcy6FqjiT_pDbq3QV0321B4NhfL_OwT7iQZDn97jcTVDdJK108dVoAbtsuJbaQEbZKLchSc0aZxmkjZVqlfkcmTgVGirWc/s2540/Sticker%20Mockup%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2540" data-original-width="2540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzTV_1BLHLsOM2d4duyg6r-0TiyX8w3yvrcevRVjkpJePwHDgbzWT6OHA5dbqbZ7QRjj1073bJyRNeu8aCbnZ-v5mCmfBBtcy6FqjiT_pDbq3QV0321B4NhfL_OwT7iQZDn97jcTVDdJK108dVoAbtsuJbaQEbZKLchSc0aZxmkjZVqlfkcmTgVGirWc/s320/Sticker%20Mockup%208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oopsie Daisies Vinyl Sticker<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIil59xtUYN4uajrLGOuzJp868M_U9i2EFaYCnGd1W2wShbjoBujstB9yNjsoY_jIFfEwLfQV-tPQKkOQvXSvog-slkDLRDodNoOHhb3iTd7ITRg8UFoCQ6OXbeRMg9QJXhwAwsH72_5PfRyxMXXnYTKSFPemKk4NbLdGD9v1KNJJHjol36ufcyc_xHi0/s3413/Oopsie%20Daisy%20-mockup%209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="3413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIil59xtUYN4uajrLGOuzJp868M_U9i2EFaYCnGd1W2wShbjoBujstB9yNjsoY_jIFfEwLfQV-tPQKkOQvXSvog-slkDLRDodNoOHhb3iTd7ITRg8UFoCQ6OXbeRMg9QJXhwAwsH72_5PfRyxMXXnYTKSFPemKk4NbLdGD9v1KNJJHjol36ufcyc_xHi0/s320/Oopsie%20Daisy%20-mockup%209.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oopsie Daisies Bookmark Gift Set<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas6V0R-u1-jSwokSSi4YUhj38tLECT964ImLj025ei2bkScgxJtixbj_FlDwwadpghjy4qdQaCqGte3JlRSpMR1387Ro3qN9jZ5hm6oU4D7DIZpbY7CnoQ5yezkJOMW1AG63ssGGtTBh7ajuQ8uR8cMJEGje3-28q_7rmpMkAF4_iMpEWKav2NLVm6so/s3413/oopsie%20daisies%20note%20mockup%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="3413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas6V0R-u1-jSwokSSi4YUhj38tLECT964ImLj025ei2bkScgxJtixbj_FlDwwadpghjy4qdQaCqGte3JlRSpMR1387Ro3qN9jZ5hm6oU4D7DIZpbY7CnoQ5yezkJOMW1AG63ssGGtTBh7ajuQ8uR8cMJEGje3-28q_7rmpMkAF4_iMpEWKav2NLVm6so/s320/oopsie%20daisies%20note%20mockup%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oopsie Daisies set of 10 little note cards<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>You can find the whole collection on my website shop. I promise there will be new things to see there often - Just remember, to be sure to hold on the rail, watch your step and stay safe when you come to visit!</p><p><a href="http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/mousey-adventure-collection.html">http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/mousey-adventure-collection.html</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-86642191150102831322024-03-08T11:30:00.000-08:002024-03-08T11:30:00.135-08:00I've Got Your Goat<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThEi__WDfBPAwfZ_kommjkVrUcL9-sLbI-TG7CUsqSp1utvFbx06iU4YPe1FuC33hM9E6X8YKUoK3cRRLYHsy8WHhNxS9PSuMx-LE02MeuCxsOntnjT2EFEOk2tooPNua38P_7X0_Pj2jMwjAaNnM0NSQO_S-AL8RD16UjDgGIfZdqQHugtfebGcSbBg/s2100/Flash%20Back%20-%20Buttercup%20-%203-8-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThEi__WDfBPAwfZ_kommjkVrUcL9-sLbI-TG7CUsqSp1utvFbx06iU4YPe1FuC33hM9E6X8YKUoK3cRRLYHsy8WHhNxS9PSuMx-LE02MeuCxsOntnjT2EFEOk2tooPNua38P_7X0_Pj2jMwjAaNnM0NSQO_S-AL8RD16UjDgGIfZdqQHugtfebGcSbBg/w400-h286/Flash%20Back%20-%20Buttercup%20-%203-8-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've made no secret of the fact that I just LOVE painting and drawing goats. I've always dreamed of owning a goat and now I have come to the conclusion that the goats that live in my studio are way less trouble to clean up after and cost me nothing to feed them. I still haven't given up on my dream to have some chickens someday, but goats are probably not going to be a reality.<p></p><p>They really are such cute critters, with huge personalities and get themselves into some real predicaments. I'll just stay content to watch them on my social media feeds.</p><p>This piece was special to me just because I loved the depth and interest that the doorway gives to the piece. Not to mention the fact that this goat is just bursting with personality. I hope you enjoyed taking this little journey back to 2019 on this episode of my Flash Back Friday. <br /><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-38130080613505676502024-03-06T11:30:00.000-08:002024-03-06T11:30:00.208-08:00Spring Under Wraps this Year<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VxJ9l2fc37TcHbUrUf-F4J5y5mjB0nnmhvVuEbKX5pPe1lb5arRAyIW4i7FBwvTgmxZP7vg1mnh4d3aNj4hHw7KlgK7nWOabmjFTb2Rk4TV11CdOKkmjftbUWDG2tChNPExrAx0BGpaFr6zFuQjoGp2U-OKaBB-xJEKPbXw9ePV89BaXjW0lpnLHKNM/s1800/spring%202024%20launch%201.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VxJ9l2fc37TcHbUrUf-F4J5y5mjB0nnmhvVuEbKX5pPe1lb5arRAyIW4i7FBwvTgmxZP7vg1mnh4d3aNj4hHw7KlgK7nWOabmjFTb2Rk4TV11CdOKkmjftbUWDG2tChNPExrAx0BGpaFr6zFuQjoGp2U-OKaBB-xJEKPbXw9ePV89BaXjW0lpnLHKNM/w400-h400/spring%202024%20launch%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Launch - April 12th 5:30 pm (PT)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-9e52f287-7fff-73f1-057f-2dbb3983ede2" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring under wraps this year. I should clarify that I mean to say, "I'm keeping my spring collection under wraps." </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me tell you that it takes some willpower to not show all the cute things that I am working on but I'm determined that for 2024 I'm going to have a number of new art launches throughout the year. This will help me stay more focused and create collections of art and then show them off all together. How exciting will that be? </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've set April 12 tentatively as my spring launch date. I'm hoping to have 2 collections finished by then but for sure I will have my "Mousey Tea Party" collection finished. I've given you more hints that I probably should have by just telling you the name of the collection. Yes, it features cute little mice and tea. I hope that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the next 37 days. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't worry. I will do my best to keep you informed of my progress. Just no peeking allowed!</span></span></p><p></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-59299233543701321642024-03-01T11:48:00.000-08:002024-03-01T11:48:00.185-08:00Flash from the Past Fridays - Hogs and Kisses<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3136gC3DYG5SgwWoHal7_jN47NOeXju6R95MMG3QS4RaC49y25o7kdqdeu-R3tzVLbdPUkkFXH_P3U828Pf9fDgV0t6BusBYqVFDBxvwds96GoN15Ve65bopHiealgop5qe_S3SDaL0DeQkD3mM2kD00EvmN_PgjRLQL1MDQMksUZx6_N6FreJM42w4/s2100/Flash%20Back%20-%20Hogs%20and%20Kisses%203-24.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3136gC3DYG5SgwWoHal7_jN47NOeXju6R95MMG3QS4RaC49y25o7kdqdeu-R3tzVLbdPUkkFXH_P3U828Pf9fDgV0t6BusBYqVFDBxvwds96GoN15Ve65bopHiealgop5qe_S3SDaL0DeQkD3mM2kD00EvmN_PgjRLQL1MDQMksUZx6_N6FreJM42w4/w400-h286/Flash%20Back%20-%20Hogs%20and%20Kisses%203-24.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm really going to enjoy these Friday posts where I can poke around in my archives and dust off some much loved and almost forgotten pieces and show them to you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My journey has now exceeded a decade and I've started to amass quite a few past works. Even though, I haven't picked up my painting brushes for the last few years, I have a number of paintings and color pencil illustrations that are dear to my heart. Some of the pieces are still available and some, like this piece has been sold. Selling an art piece is like having your adult children leave your home, they maybe all grown up but they will always be your babies. That is what it is like to be an artist. You put all your heart and soul into that creation process and then someone shows up that loves and appreciates your piece almost as much as you do. You're happy that your art is appreciated but a tiny bit sad that you won't be able to see that original piece again. If you are a busy artist like me, you would soon run out of room to store your art and you would run out of wall space quickly. That is one positive about switching to digital art. My Ipad doesn't take up much room. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It seemed fitting to talk about this piece since today is National Pig Day. I don't draw pigs as often as I do cows or goats, but they have a sweetness about them that just make them irresistible. I LOVE drawing their wrinkled snouts. We often underestimate them because of their love for the mud. I understand they are very intelligent creatures and can make great pets. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would love to hear your own pig stories. Do you have pigs or grew up with pigs? I would love to see any favorite pig photos you have. <br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> </p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-46132144048294739282024-02-25T09:15:00.000-08:002024-02-25T09:15:00.141-08:00My Generation doesn't do SELFIES<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebvlmE81SLiHTO5kVAhvw1YKIzI59smMr_mGqpOG3fH5puK2FB7Xb4h3ZtyLUAqzXiGPQWzD_oL6KPZgJMtsKMs7w9l7eHC39KzcRc0FCEHqhuqMGBkUR-B1MT6cIzKKw5yps2nfmpRoa98O8MopcAJjlPcVVGASJjaCLveDI7Wwomq2-I1GoaI2LxNw/s3088/FFC431BE-91F0-4684-8CE2-EAD1E9E84961.JPEG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebvlmE81SLiHTO5kVAhvw1YKIzI59smMr_mGqpOG3fH5puK2FB7Xb4h3ZtyLUAqzXiGPQWzD_oL6KPZgJMtsKMs7w9l7eHC39KzcRc0FCEHqhuqMGBkUR-B1MT6cIzKKw5yps2nfmpRoa98O8MopcAJjlPcVVGASJjaCLveDI7Wwomq2-I1GoaI2LxNw/w400-h300/FFC431BE-91F0-4684-8CE2-EAD1E9E84961.JPEG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's SELFIE SUNDAY<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-95e940b5-7fff-47f6-57b7-156315d8c1dc" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was doing a bit of research into the origin of the "Selfie". I was surprised to find that the word is supposedly used for the first time in 2003</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna is given credit for taking the first teenage girl selfie in 1913 using a brownie camera and a mirror. Who would have guessed it would be a teenage girl. According to what I could find on Wikipedia, the first published online use of the word is recorded in 2001 and did you know that "Selfie" was the 2013 Word of the Year? It has quite an interesting history for use. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know that I never feel completely comfortable with this forward facing camera option and even with my fancy selfie stick, I still feel a bit of anxiety. I'm always squinting and never really sure how to tilt my head. So you might wonder why I would designate Sunday as "Selfie Sunday" on my new marketing plan for 2024. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, I have several reasons that I have convinced myself that this is a good idea. 1. It is proven that people want to see the face behind the art. To effectively sell art, you really have to sell yourself. People are more likely to purchase from you if they feel a connection to you. So selfies are a way to get myself out there. 2. They document the time when I created the piece. For some time now, I have tried to take a picture of myself holding a new piece of artwork when I finished it. This gives me a memory of the piece and is something that will help me promote my art down the road. I guess I have been doing selfies for a while, except I have my husband holding the camera. Does that count as a selfie? 3. Taking selfies is going to improve my photography skills by looking for fun and creative ways to take photos. It will get me out of the house and out into nature or always looking for cool or fun places to take a photo. I promise that I will not be doing any risky selfies on the edge of a ledge. You know that this girl is scared of heights!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, my first Sunday Selfie to share with you is this one that I took back in September of 2019. This is a picture of us off of Pole Line Road in Ely, Nevada. That particular year we enjoyed staying at the Valley View RV Park for a whole 2 months. This was the last year that we were able to find a long term space at the RV park because once COVID broke out, there was never any space for us. I guess we showed them, because in 2023 we purchased our own 5 acres just a stones throw from there. We just fell in love with the little mining town and the beautiful mountains and all that amazing wildlife. Quite a contrast from the Wild Life you find living in Las Vegas. </span></p><p><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-13125185312419933472024-02-12T09:30:00.000-08:002024-02-12T09:30:00.136-08:00I Love Me a Good Spreadsheet - 5 spreadsheets that I use to run my small business<p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3kJ4qftBoYDEvbEmSCs3xYXG8knV70tacUTupFovv305dFIahExpBchE8WcylnA9zbqkUAe7CYGDHvF6kOJ1aed01p5l3qsgmq9x8vA8p3ccyTXDpMqtRg4yRc8npyi1RnCE0UrMMI6o6pOiKH4jcU_CyzC1WGEmuia5OFXvktPVBIVBs_pXjMIS8aM/s5202/stellrweb-djb1whucfBY-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3465" data-original-width="5202" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3kJ4qftBoYDEvbEmSCs3xYXG8knV70tacUTupFovv305dFIahExpBchE8WcylnA9zbqkUAe7CYGDHvF6kOJ1aed01p5l3qsgmq9x8vA8p3ccyTXDpMqtRg4yRc8npyi1RnCE0UrMMI6o6pOiKH4jcU_CyzC1WGEmuia5OFXvktPVBIVBs_pXjMIS8aM/s320/stellrweb-djb1whucfBY-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br id="docs-internal-guid-e45494d6-7fff-8adc-d817-9894c2566267" /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have always loved a good spreadsheet. I remember the first program I tried to learn was called Lotus 123 but that was just too hard for me to figure out and since I didn't have a good practical application for it at work at that time. That was so many years ago and I was one of those girls that would grab a green column work pad and my trusty Monroe adding machine to keep track of my numbers. Do you remember those really long pads that had like double pages in them? I sure do. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, it wasn't too many years and I was converted to using an Excel spreadsheet. I was never a master at it but I sure loved how it could do calculations along with sorting numbers. I used spreadsheets often in my daily career. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I retired from the church and decided to start my own small business from home, the need for spreadsheets was even greater. I didn't want to spend lots of money on accounting software so I just started keeping my books on Excel. Eventually, my version of Microsoft Office became obsolete, so I was more or less forced to switch over to Google sheets. I'm actually glad because I love the ability to have access from any computer and even my mobile devices. Very handy.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So you might wonder what spreadsheets that I depend on to keep my business running smoothly. Here are the 5 main spreadsheets that I use on almost a daily basis.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">📈1. I keep my books on a spreadsheet. I have sheets for each month that I track the revenues and expenses on. I can see how much sales revenue is generated from my website, Etsy shops, royalties and other sources. Each deposit to my bank account is there and I then spread that revenue out into specific categories. I know how much I have sold in stickers, greeting cards, recipe cards and so on. I do the same with all my expenses. Each monthly report is rolled into a one page summary report that I use when I calculate my schedule C for my income taxes. I even have a sheet that calculates my quarterly sales tax liability to make it easy for filing my state reports. I would be LOST without this spreadsheet!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">📈2. Mileage Log - I have my business mileage log set up on a spreadsheet and it has been a game changer when it comes time to calculate my taxes. It is so much easier to keep a perpetual record when I can just enter my odometer reading into the spreadsheet on my phone each time I head to the post office or to and art gallery. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">📈3. Cost of Good Sold - I keep a spreadsheet on all my supply costs and have that roll into a finished product sheet. It is amazing how you think in your head how much something costs you to make but this way, I know for certain. When purchasing more paper or shipping supplies I can just update the per item cost and it will automatically adjust my finished product costs. This allows me to price my art and gift merchandise accurately and I know my profit margin.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">📈4. One of my newer spreadsheets that I have started using is one I call my Art Inventory. I have so many online listings between all my shops that I can't remember what I've gotten done and what I need to be working on. This spreadsheet gives me a focus. When I make a listing I document the name, the date I created the listing, and then if I have added the item to all of my online shops. I also have a column to track if I have posted Pinterest pins, updated mockups and videos for each of the items. This spreadsheet has really become an invaluable time saving tool for my business.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">📈5. My most recent spreadsheet that I have created is one I use more like a vision or goal board. I know there are programs that I can pay to track my schedule and keep track of my goals and daily to do lists but I don't really want to learn another program or pay for another monthly subscription. So I decided I could accomplish much of the same thing on a spreadsheet. I love how it looks and there is just something about tracking your goals for each month and quarter. It is available for me no matter where I am and I LOVE that. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are interested in getting more information about any of these spreadsheets, I would be happy to help. Just send me a message or leave a comment below. Just remember, if you are a small business owner, A SPREADSHEET IS YOUR BEST FRIEND!</span></span></p><br /><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><br />Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-65566383909431648062024-01-29T17:34:00.000-08:002024-01-29T17:34:50.537-08:00I'm Drowning Over Here! I'm Up to my Eyeballs in Old Inventory<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-67bb2204-7fff-7f74-a737-4e2ca6a5b73c" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-67bb2204-7fff-7f74-a737-4e2ca6a5b73c" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuo1zybX_cHj8JIv1i23_pGtOGaRE-yINwTn2LF_yE_putR3lnY7GgK_U1iWVjf420O99Da9TwsZ7E9mFNNPKSDRKThDrYX48twAETSUPEgBUvwztuQlt_Ja4YFqyLqR8ZZX2LSdu38fRTEhXHCFPjMIt7xqrwx26vFYVXrkUNdxcN8DABNrZ4hVZUlg/s2100/Blog%20Memes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuo1zybX_cHj8JIv1i23_pGtOGaRE-yINwTn2LF_yE_putR3lnY7GgK_U1iWVjf420O99Da9TwsZ7E9mFNNPKSDRKThDrYX48twAETSUPEgBUvwztuQlt_Ja4YFqyLqR8ZZX2LSdu38fRTEhXHCFPjMIt7xqrwx26vFYVXrkUNdxcN8DABNrZ4hVZUlg/w400-h286/Blog%20Memes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm up to my eyeballs in critters<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I wish there was a time in my life where I just knew how to do a process right the first time, but that just isn't the way life goes. You spend countless resources and materials and time just to realize a year or two, and in my case 10 years, that there is a better way. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That has been my art journey in a nut shell. I have spent the last few weeks going through old art prints and cards trying to organize them into categories. Most importantly, get them out of the bins with all my current work that is currently available for sale on both my website and online shops. It's been overwhelming to say the least. You don't want to pitch them into the waste bin, after all these meant a great deal to me just a few years ago. I had great hopes of crowds gathering around my cute critters inside my tent space at some show and selling out. Well, those were certainly nice dreams but not my reality. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Art shows are exciting to participate in. The thrill of talking about your art until your voice is gone, meeting followers face to face and making new friends. With all the pros, they are a tremendous amount of work, and in my opinion, should be left to the younger artists. Schlepping all that arts, heavy grid panels, tent and tubs of artwork are definitely for the young and young at heart. Not to mention the adverse weather conditions you may have to contend with. No, at this stage I think I'm done with trying those outdoor venues. So, what should I do with all those prints and cards that I have clogging up my studio space?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>MYSTERY BAGS</b>! Offering mystery bags is my attempt to spread some joy and smiles that this older art around and recoup just a little bit of the material costs that I have tied up in the printing and paper. Oh, and postage is no little thing these days. It is over $6 to mail a 16oz parcel almost anywhere in the USA. So I settled on the price of $35 to help me cover my costs. There are 8x10, 5x7 and 4x6 prints in the bag, along with note cards, bookmarks, stickers and the kitchen sink. Just kidding about the sink.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I've added a listing to both my website, Etsy and Makerplace shops in hopes that I can share some of this cute art and add a few more bucks to my bank account. Do you think I will have a rush on these <b>MYSTERY BAGS</b>? Probably not, but I am a believer that "SLOW AND STEADY" pays off.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/store/p1047/studiomysterybags.html">Mystery Bags for Sale on my Website</a><br /></p><p> </p><p> <br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-48441950526933814052023-11-05T09:59:00.001-08:002023-11-05T09:59:00.158-08:00How I Make Mockups<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QgBRE26JktWi74IgraUMb3i-oKVQQXrwmkOYuNWMmJMmCiTWlisJWIHn9TRF15MQ5nPRG1Me7g_pp7-zj-v9tUSORXwslfuFFL84-X5x4Dq6heiCCTKrbrp-dDnkus74GGBjjJnCHyqJBAMBun09ZL6s9w0V0O1HLQwtIfQXm9e2DBsOw5DWniFc2F8/s1920/Blog%20Post%20Banner%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QgBRE26JktWi74IgraUMb3i-oKVQQXrwmkOYuNWMmJMmCiTWlisJWIHn9TRF15MQ5nPRG1Me7g_pp7-zj-v9tUSORXwslfuFFL84-X5x4Dq6heiCCTKrbrp-dDnkus74GGBjjJnCHyqJBAMBun09ZL6s9w0V0O1HLQwtIfQXm9e2DBsOw5DWniFc2F8/w375-h211/Blog%20Post%20Banner%20copy.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />What a rabbit hole that mockups can be for me. I can spend hours just looking at all the thousands of photo options that pixabay.com or unsplash.com (my 2 favorite reference photo sites) have to offer. So many choices. I find it very mesmerizing and a huge time sucker. <p></p><p>I've recently made the commitment to step up my game when it comes to my listing photos. Every Etsy expert on YouTube mentions that your photos are one of the most important aspects of your shop's success. To get fresh eyes on the subject, I bumped up my monthly membership on Erank.com to the Pro account level so that I could compare more of my competitor shops to my own. I sell a variety of items so I really had to find a couple of shops for each category so that I could see what a successful sticker shop or say a bookmark seller looks like. It has been rather an eye-opening experience because they have SO MANY more sales on a weekly basis than I do. Now you can't let that discourage you, but rather use that information to help you set higher goals for yourself. Erank.com allows you to track your competition and to see what keywords they use in their listings. It a wonderful research tool and I can't recommend it enough. It's an essential tool for any online business, especially in the current economic environment we are navigating through as small business owners.</p><p>I mentioned before that I could spend hours finding just the right background photo to use as a mockup and so recently, I've actually purchased some mockup sets from other Etsy Shops. I've not been disappointed, especially when you can find them on sale for just a few dollars. I'm going to show you what I've done with mockups that I've purchased and with those that I have created completely on my own.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvO0ePaG20Lv_ZpQ2Dxcs24MqMJ4HUbnpbccgTqrakDZsUKUr9pJkKMpn8uTXhgfweAZ8pVdPRcL-FYC5zYOMdZtUv_XEQwAYUVNEoq0DcMY6UO2Fl9LSyRzzwb-IUUd-pdmToth0XKo60VnYC2Xm_yTBph0VifJeHK7xRjj3WviSBommIRPXXxyBTGw/s5677/sarah-shull-pBYgLDVGmkM-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5677" data-original-width="3970" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvO0ePaG20Lv_ZpQ2Dxcs24MqMJ4HUbnpbccgTqrakDZsUKUr9pJkKMpn8uTXhgfweAZ8pVdPRcL-FYC5zYOMdZtUv_XEQwAYUVNEoq0DcMY6UO2Fl9LSyRzzwb-IUUd-pdmToth0XKo60VnYC2Xm_yTBph0VifJeHK7xRjj3WviSBommIRPXXxyBTGw/w140-h200/sarah-shull-pBYgLDVGmkM-unsplash.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><br />Let's take a look at a framed art print mockup with a Christmas holiday theme. Here is one of my favorite ones this year that I on unsplash.com for free and I absolutely love it. It matches my art style very well and at the same time the artwork is the well seen. It's a perfect 8 x 10-inch frame with no objects that are interfering with the framed area. Most of my artwork is at a vertical orientation so this is perfect. But for those few pieces that are at a horizontal layout, this wasn't a difficult to adjust. I simply rotated the whole picture 90 degrees counterclockwise, and I've accomplished maintaining a cohesiveness to my listing photos that I love. This is my primary listing photo for all my Christmas art this year. I love it! Let me show you how it turned out.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHjz9HKaHwVYo9cFJE0t0Z2DEy9akK7HaOcOIMyCJI_8Om-hQc_6ed3u6D9ZFv3GqYEsyto22EYNrO1vxkBU6YVL3PT4ndiP3JQbuzFrA2ntMtxV0xYrAgiunxvoHuhMstbI4r4eSVW2EO7zCAWDK06bYVep3qozSj_ab3nUN5hHq7u7pNw01_L1lYOA/s5677/Merry%20Christmoos%20mockup%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5677" data-original-width="3970" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHjz9HKaHwVYo9cFJE0t0Z2DEy9akK7HaOcOIMyCJI_8Om-hQc_6ed3u6D9ZFv3GqYEsyto22EYNrO1vxkBU6YVL3PT4ndiP3JQbuzFrA2ntMtxV0xYrAgiunxvoHuhMstbI4r4eSVW2EO7zCAWDK06bYVep3qozSj_ab3nUN5hHq7u7pNw01_L1lYOA/w224-h320/Merry%20Christmoos%20mockup%205.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>This is my adorable highland cow drawing I did earlier in 2023. I've put sunflowers on her head but here I've given her a Christmas doo. She is just the sweetest and I'm in love with that shy expression on her face. I have so many favorite Christmas pieces this year, but little "Sunshine" is way up there on the list. All I did was add the photo inside the frame and put my branded watermark on the bottom. Be sure you save all your photos that you are going to use on your listings at a lower resolution so that you don't make it easy on all those Gypsie's, pirates and thieves that are out there that are lurking in the cyber shadows. If you don't you will find your artwork all over the place faster than you can say, "Bobs your uncle."<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE18mjI5JCwFts42_I4t4GeXkiL0kDEuauN57x5qyamzGuAr4Myz8INpJscryYHvWwUX2pnl5gViJ9SDywDZV4G_O0WwFiezTV5B1PbEDiI4Vub1jYbc4xxxMAwsCSJnHDmJj2hggsl8IE-1Awl5ihW4L9szaXphp8r_oKGEmtcIRif93J1Kjw65BUrw/s4825/Christms%20on%20the%20Farm%20mockup%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3970" data-original-width="4825" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE18mjI5JCwFts42_I4t4GeXkiL0kDEuauN57x5qyamzGuAr4Myz8INpJscryYHvWwUX2pnl5gViJ9SDywDZV4G_O0WwFiezTV5B1PbEDiI4Vub1jYbc4xxxMAwsCSJnHDmJj2hggsl8IE-1Awl5ihW4L9szaXphp8r_oKGEmtcIRif93J1Kjw65BUrw/s320/Christms%20on%20the%20Farm%20mockup%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I mentioned that some of my Christmas artwork has a horizontal orientation and so I just wanted to show you an example of how I took this same photo and flipped it on its side to make another great mockup option. You can't do that with every mockup but this one was perfect. This piece is called "Christmas on the Farm" and it a compilation of all the cute Christmas Critters in my 2022 collection. It is SO cute! I just love how this one turned out. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVF3VrJEtr_PREDsKabAZq2JGjTgdusJ1BRjKqOFhm-qxr_ootmWhcl3vvLpmeCd5fV2qpmSm5lqU9Bg6C4HfLGt2oA_zh7V2zYyxUjqwu7klNEp7dH2tw3hP9AbB_XjBHBx2SNPgrLSO1qPhOhmY2CLqLbFwqMNWFsV6iolAQnMNvM6ZiM2QmhNfxfw/s3000/The%20Girls-Recipe%20Card%20-%20Mockup%2026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVF3VrJEtr_PREDsKabAZq2JGjTgdusJ1BRjKqOFhm-qxr_ootmWhcl3vvLpmeCd5fV2qpmSm5lqU9Bg6C4HfLGt2oA_zh7V2zYyxUjqwu7klNEp7dH2tw3hP9AbB_XjBHBx2SNPgrLSO1qPhOhmY2CLqLbFwqMNWFsV6iolAQnMNvM6ZiM2QmhNfxfw/s320/The%20Girls-Recipe%20Card%20-%20Mockup%2026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I can talk about mockups all day but let me show you another example of one that I purchased and why I decided to do that. Recipe cards are a good seller for me, and I love all the cards I have designed in the past few years. In order for them to stand out on any online platform that first primary listing photo has to be stunning and honestly, I've struggled with that, but that struggle is now a thing of the past. Here is my newest recipe card mockup that I purchased from the Esty Shop- Studio 163. Just how cute is that? Simple, bright and yet very eye catching. I paid about $2.50 for this mockup and let me tell you that is a real bargain if you factor in all the time, I will have to spend trying to find something that is even close to this. I actually purchased 2 mockups from this shop for my recipe cards and I think this $5 investment will pay for itself hundreds of times over. In this mockup I just added a little text at the top right corner to clearly explain that you are getting a set of cards and their size. Finally, I just added my branded watermark, and I was done. Of course, I had to do this like 40 times so that all my recipe card listings had a fresh new look. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH5-PSkfZDyMj6sLej59QCfZVg9AlgJEUSr6oQHZaw26c9uSBqTYv-d9plVt5ECxtRfNEN5WdMwoswFxCs55-y_-f9B1wZVQG7j8oTUYKVgByJtfggTvsZI1SkrKQBX9f1tiMNTBdJeh57JWbwwEt-jmnFdK1WCs8bhCOgPBSqRKicwP27zTH1VL6pMY/s3000/Chicken%20Coop%203%20x%205%20mockup%2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH5-PSkfZDyMj6sLej59QCfZVg9AlgJEUSr6oQHZaw26c9uSBqTYv-d9plVt5ECxtRfNEN5WdMwoswFxCs55-y_-f9B1wZVQG7j8oTUYKVgByJtfggTvsZI1SkrKQBX9f1tiMNTBdJeh57JWbwwEt-jmnFdK1WCs8bhCOgPBSqRKicwP27zTH1VL6pMY/s320/Chicken%20Coop%203%20x%205%20mockup%2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I do sell one 3 x 5 card so all I did for that was add a white rectangle to the easel to cover up the predetermined 4 x 6 size. I then just added my recipe card design and just made it appear a bit smaller on the easel. It is amazing what you can accomplish if you just learn a little Photoshop.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you weren't too bored with all this mockup mumbo jumbo, but I can't stress just how important good photos are. I do hope to start actually taking a lot of my own product photos and videos in the next year and I'm sure I will be blogging lots about that journey so follow my blog for more content like this. Let me know if there are any questions you have. I LOVE sharing my limited knowledge with other artists. </div><div><br /></div><div>My art makes great gifts so hop on over to my website and check out all my cute critters. <a href="http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/">JULIE TOWNSEND STUDIO</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-17633417031263354992023-11-03T07:20:00.001-07:002023-11-03T07:20:25.180-07:00Set Up Your Own Website Shop Yesterday!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqo71nD5Al6wmYW4yQPrSHnTUqW90ES-tlHn_F_-UvTAz-DDz075gaOIhphTKoIuBQNBcS_QVfjHhZxqmXAbVeEeFR-QCkRNHVmv4zLR9iCHL-VMj4ASeWPpAtNTU4jidIFM6B0q5f8lwpu2z6yXJwJuPA4i16sl8kaJ3QCMDILflXkJ2Vz6P-wksqj0/s1920/Blog%20Post%20Banner%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqo71nD5Al6wmYW4yQPrSHnTUqW90ES-tlHn_F_-UvTAz-DDz075gaOIhphTKoIuBQNBcS_QVfjHhZxqmXAbVeEeFR-QCkRNHVmv4zLR9iCHL-VMj4ASeWPpAtNTU4jidIFM6B0q5f8lwpu2z6yXJwJuPA4i16sl8kaJ3QCMDILflXkJ2Vz6P-wksqj0/w400-h225/Blog%20Post%20Banner%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Do you have an online shop? Maybe you have an Etsy Shop like I do. I actually have been working hard to gain a presence on several new online marketplaces along with my own website shop. The internet is full of Etsy horror stories. That old adage, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" has never been truer. If you don't have a website up and running yet, then I strongly suggest that you get started today setting it up. <p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I've actually had a website for years through Weebly.com. I used it mostly like an artist's resume, but about two years ago, I decided rather than just directing the traffic from my website to my purchases on my Etsy Shop, that I needed to set up my own store and sell my art myself. There were two events that occurred around that time that brought a real urgency to this decision. One, I had discovered that the images of my art had been stolen from my Etsy Shop and were all over the internet, especially on Amazon. I found some even on other Etsy Shops too. I was devastated to say the least. In most of the pirated images they didn't even bother to remove my name from the art. These thieves were so lazy that in many cases they just threw up the images and even stole the mockup photos I had created. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Months of work went into reporting them and getting their listing taken down with Amazon. I had an attorney write a cease-and-desist letter for those listings that were not on Amazon. I went back into each of my listings and recreated the mockups by adding a watermark and lowering the photo resolution to less than 1mb. I was no longer just handing over my work to these unscrupulous thieves but making them really work for it. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvCLLTUtuSa_5Cr7NPnaQmAMwVmLH73Deo365Vd6pt7X6OOmcyVm0QhVIeDiQLQWh4Ip3gUiLR5-c6kinLh3WmZUagwbzFipA3mqyryKHenQy70_rd8jh8MFGKrmfCJAqg6j01yln5I31RfqehAqc7EUuzOGen3DjtzB5vyFmrSGPnBUi7ogC67SEuZ0/s1800/Plushy%20Piggy%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvCLLTUtuSa_5Cr7NPnaQmAMwVmLH73Deo365Vd6pt7X6OOmcyVm0QhVIeDiQLQWh4Ip3gUiLR5-c6kinLh3WmZUagwbzFipA3mqyryKHenQy70_rd8jh8MFGKrmfCJAqg6j01yln5I31RfqehAqc7EUuzOGen3DjtzB5vyFmrSGPnBUi7ogC67SEuZ0/w213-h320/Plushy%20Piggy%20watermark.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's that Naughty Pig</td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br />The second instance was that I received a trademark infringement letter from Etsy regarding one of my listings. I was in complete shock because I am very careful to create all my own artwork. It wasn't that I had stolen an image or had something Disney or Taylor Swift in my shop like so many other products for sale on Etsy that you find. I had unknowingly titled one of my little nursery art drawings "Percy Pig". I just wanted a cute name that started with a "P" and Percy popped into my head. What I didn't know, was that Percy Pig was a trademarked candy company based in England. I think I would have been okay if I hadn't used the name of the artwork in the searchable title in my Etsy listing. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I contacted the individual via email that had brought up the claim with Etsy and apologized for my mistake and assured them I had already renamed the artwork. This should have resolved the issue, in my mind, but this company refused to remove the complaint with Etsy. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxqbRBGC8WB8LayyZu9wbyr0p3qkl3Bf0gI-nBnTAniOzVbYF47RjRKxAHPS_xzKlrbc4y2cGLJwML-vzkEPdfboPLOWik16537FhZ-giWl9HRBm17erTWUjuHgiWjshuzT7Hol5Hm3OFzg9dkvxg8UiEwv_PGmq1BlAFRU8lOkd_j0Ig0GXIRiEI8aw/s778/etsy%20jail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="778" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxqbRBGC8WB8LayyZu9wbyr0p3qkl3Bf0gI-nBnTAniOzVbYF47RjRKxAHPS_xzKlrbc4y2cGLJwML-vzkEPdfboPLOWik16537FhZ-giWl9HRBm17erTWUjuHgiWjshuzT7Hol5Hm3OFzg9dkvxg8UiEwv_PGmq1BlAFRU8lOkd_j0Ig0GXIRiEI8aw/s320/etsy%20jail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the Hoosegow</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was placed in what I call "Etsy Jail" for 90 days on account reserve where a large percentage of my money was held until I could provide a tracking number for each of my orders. That shouldn't have been much of an issue for me because I mail out my orders within one day and I use the Etsy mailing label option even for my 1st class postage orders. There is a tracking number assigned to every order I ship out. However, Etsy had a glitch in the process and none of my 1st class postage orders were processed as delivered with the USPS. A month into this account reserve issue, they were holding over $200 of my money and refused to release it even after I proved the item had been received. It was a nightmare and one I NEVER want to repeat. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J4s0YD4_VniwC-vKLJ9DORiNXHAVZeM7NabFnR0Ur2oAzduQ5wTPBhqgqyMwurbM2TE0NI5I7kTNsqUrqhEhJNe2pjau0wzSzK_fm9lGLbQgDkmlB65S4jVa73wX6W_4f8lmHuuocThlBLE8ice6Bjxh_2Fx36MipYSMghtt2KEELzH3FSAXnD9OREA/s1280/fox-6086929_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J4s0YD4_VniwC-vKLJ9DORiNXHAVZeM7NabFnR0Ur2oAzduQ5wTPBhqgqyMwurbM2TE0NI5I7kTNsqUrqhEhJNe2pjau0wzSzK_fm9lGLbQgDkmlB65S4jVa73wX6W_4f8lmHuuocThlBLE8ice6Bjxh_2Fx36MipYSMghtt2KEELzH3FSAXnD9OREA/w200-h200/fox-6086929_1280.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br />What is clear to me is that I already have that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>one strike</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> on my account and therefore I feel they could close my shop down for basically no reason. I can't depend on Etsy to treat my shop in a professional manner because they rely heavily on botts and not a human with reasoning capabilities. I felt like I'm out there </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>skating on thin ice</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> that will never be solid again.<br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">That was a real wakeup call and so once, again, I combed through all of my listings looking for any keyword or searchable term that might cause me an issue. Hours and hours spent, once again not creating new content but rather covering my butt. It is exhausting.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-64a90b7d-7fff-0dba-8b96-807cb7fe417a"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">It was that moment that I made some real changes in my business plan. Market myself by directing all my social media traffic to my website rather than to Etsy. That includes all my Pinterest pins going forward. Also, to create as many selling options as possible so that I can have my art appear all over the Google search engine. In the past few months, I've worked to open Julie Townsend Studio shops on the following marketplaces -Tedooo.com, Goimagine.com and the new Michaels marketplace called MakerPlace.com. There is a lot of work involved and I have yet to see many fruits, but I hope these shops will start producing sales during the upcoming holiday season. That is my goal, at least. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My closing advice is to get a website TODAY! I've got a great idea! Why not check out my website and follow this blog for more of my old lady art journey. <a href="http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/">Julie Townsend Studio</a></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-29961067983350369692023-07-16T06:57:00.001-07:002023-07-16T06:57:08.102-07:00Razzle Zazzle Don't Get in a Frazzle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxgrR_3jpxD0jbmQZ8J1XEs09EQZm4IIeTC3foL6zjYbhhO0uRq0c5wqd4vycXGwRiapJXsqrJ-g_okrgzRmUEwfPu2o1M45ylBLnIyhgcHFN1RmlDkGrAWunU_GZPM9wNlGoB1PUiSmqQFMcLw2rNcUuR-Caw9G-C9lMZP7VeSq-uRBSWQMGLzFRwsmM/s500/crazy_about_the_farm_pigs_set_of_3_file_folder-r8211f3e7d89b45fd853b8b46ebac10ab_e1mac_1024%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxgrR_3jpxD0jbmQZ8J1XEs09EQZm4IIeTC3foL6zjYbhhO0uRq0c5wqd4vycXGwRiapJXsqrJ-g_okrgzRmUEwfPu2o1M45ylBLnIyhgcHFN1RmlDkGrAWunU_GZPM9wNlGoB1PUiSmqQFMcLw2rNcUuR-Caw9G-C9lMZP7VeSq-uRBSWQMGLzFRwsmM/s320/crazy_about_the_farm_pigs_set_of_3_file_folder-r8211f3e7d89b45fd853b8b46ebac10ab_e1mac_1024%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've been selling on Etsy now for sometime. I actually opened the shop in 2010 but that was just the beginning of my artist journey. Back then I hadn't developed my skills or found my niche as an artist so the shop just set there until 2017. I had to work to create a brand and build an online following first. In 2020 I opened a 2nd Etsy Shop so that I could add downloadable art and print on demand gift items. <p></p><p>I had high hopes for both these shops and my partnership with Etsy. I've done all the right things to get my shops off the ground and to sell my art on this platform. I made the decision to open and push my website shop and in 2022 put in the hard work to get all my listings up there. This year of 2023 has been a tough one. Etsy sales have slowed way down and just sort of trickle in. I think it is the economy and the fact that the country is back open after the 2 year crazy COVID time. </p><p>Whatever the reason, I've decided to reevaluate my time and focus. I spend far too many hours creating the art and marketing myself for such little monetary rewards. I can't have all my eggs in one or two Etsy baskets. Afterall, Etsy just isn't the only platform out there. </p><p>This past month or so, I've gotten kind of excited about creating designs on the Zazzle marketplace. I opened a <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Zazzle</span></b> shop many years ago but found it not to be very user friendly and I quickly shut the door on that shop and let the cobwebs take over. The exciting thing about Zazzle is that they have over 1500 cute products that you can put designs on and they can all be personalized. It's a go to site for fun gifts and invitations. </p><p>Now with over 1500 products it is easy to go down a rabbit hole and waste a lot of time designing random products that just collect dust on the shelves of your Zazzle store. I did some thinking at the beginning about what I'm passionate about and I just kept coming back to office supplies. This girl walks into a store and heads straight to the office supply aisles. I love looking at all the paper, pens and file folders. I decided to focus right now on creating collections of desk accessories. I mean, who wouldn't want all my cute critters hanging out with them at the office? I think your desk could quickly become the envy of all your co-workers or the fascination of your students in the classroom. I've got some pretty cute ideas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ePkZlrw1t6jUXV8qdF9uR2uUARtBlT-cNAZ9ixfYaYteeOQ52xIaH4i7MAE9sehb1NU_ccBN-_VxIKwEZB-3QSt_10sWbTbON1ntqpL6RlmYAwnWZwukHon4B6dVbnuwWw3o0BaeicgaRw0zbxYgELL84iMyJtZNvj-XhLc-95MOFmYAmY5yLEbHSykG/s3500/8.5x11%20Weekly%20Planner%20floral%201%20mockup%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ePkZlrw1t6jUXV8qdF9uR2uUARtBlT-cNAZ9ixfYaYteeOQ52xIaH4i7MAE9sehb1NU_ccBN-_VxIKwEZB-3QSt_10sWbTbON1ntqpL6RlmYAwnWZwukHon4B6dVbnuwWw3o0BaeicgaRw0zbxYgELL84iMyJtZNvj-XhLc-95MOFmYAmY5yLEbHSykG/s320/8.5x11%20Weekly%20Planner%20floral%201%20mockup%201.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><p>So far my focus has been on notepads, sticky notes, file folders and large desk mats but there are so many more things I can add to each of the collections. I also want to expand to party supplies and garden decorations down the road. </p><p>Go on a head and check out what I've been working on this past little while and be sure and follow my Zazzle store so you can keep up with all my new designs. Let me know what you think!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/store/julietownsendstudio?rf=238584376346894601" target="_blank">Julie Townsend Studio on Zazzle</a><br /></p>Julie Diveley Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827900439935204947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-17035789645569728622023-05-08T07:11:00.000-07:002023-05-08T07:11:09.222-07:00Studio on the Go<p>It seems as if I have spoken about our purchase of 5 acres in Ely, Nevada last fall many times already. Well here I am, talking about Ely once again. For you that don't know, Ely is a small mining community about 240 miles northeast of Las Vegas and has been a wonderful summer retreat for us in the past. A few years ago, pre-pandemic, we spent a whole 2 months enjoying the cooler temperatures, the beautiful sunsets and all the wildlife. Because the town of Ely is at about 6500 feet in elevation, the summer temperatures are always 20 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas. Even on the hottest days the evenings cool right down and are wonderful. </p><p>The 4 separate summers we have spent extended time there, I've always referred to them as my "Art Sabbatical". It is such a inspiring place, that even stuffed in a tiny camper, I felt a surge in my creativity while we stayed there. Now we have options and can actually work towards moving there and maybe only coming back to Las Vegas for a visit or to load up on supplies. It's going to be a big adjustment year for sure.</p><p>One thing I know is that I don't want to loose any momentum as a small business owner. I've worked so hard and enjoy my time sharing my little critters with you all. My old laptop was just unacceptable and since I needed an upgrade, I decided now was the time to take that plunge. I really wanted a MacBook but decided that would just have to wait. This is an HP and I'm already impressed with just how quickly it turns on and how fast it is. You can't see this but the laptop is a dark teal color and so I had to splurge and get a aqua keyboard and mouse. I also invested in a nice teal microphone. I'm still committed to growing a video audience in this next year and the microphone will just add validity to that goal. To complete my set up I have a large screen monitor on order and it will be here soon. </p><p>The unknown now is just how reliable the Verizon network will be for me. They assure me that there is a strong 5G service there and that I should be able to work without any issues using my phone as a hotspot. I guess if I run into issues, I can always go the Elon Musk's Starlink route. I know that I have seen many Ely residents raving about that service but it's a big initial investment and another monthly bill to pay. </p><p>I'm sure you will be seeing lots of photos and videos in the future of my little studio set up. I'm planning on sharing our journey with you. It feels like we are going to be little pioneers. I might even get some chickens and grow some vegetables.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HuHqaN_KOE9uZFiCNwFAcWa25WgFnldl8FL7CyL6uwavYiVuFo_OO3xxZTfXcBluPPpJjT3sI2rf1KgpMh2FulD0pGub2CAhyaAmK7MD2hI2L4Qlxn4VVaOonNnpIAuLT9qGvYW17VRZDElsI_UlvI2bbbIRxeKKopjAQFlWf0tazi2rc4APsypfzA/s4032/1BBE03A6-776B-4507-BF86-81BFB741A719.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HuHqaN_KOE9uZFiCNwFAcWa25WgFnldl8FL7CyL6uwavYiVuFo_OO3xxZTfXcBluPPpJjT3sI2rf1KgpMh2FulD0pGub2CAhyaAmK7MD2hI2L4Qlxn4VVaOonNnpIAuLT9qGvYW17VRZDElsI_UlvI2bbbIRxeKKopjAQFlWf0tazi2rc4APsypfzA/w640-h480/1BBE03A6-776B-4507-BF86-81BFB741A719.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Julie Diveley Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827900439935204947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-2448431067566331162023-05-06T18:56:00.001-07:002023-05-06T18:56:25.968-07:00I Couldn't Let a Cute Design Go To WasteYesterday, I wrote that I had started drawing some graduation designs but realized that I was really too late to be working on them since it was already the first of May. I was kicking myself once again for not having a well mapped out plan for my art for the year. Instead, there is LOTS OF LABOR and LITTLE FRUIT at times and this has to be changed. I need to work smarter BUT I couldn't just waste this adorable graduation cap that I had drawn. I spent a little time yesterday coming up with these 6 super cute graduation card designs. They are now on my website shop and maybe someone out there is just starting to shop for cards. <a href="http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/store/p917/funnyfarmgraduationcards.html">Graduation Card Collection</a><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-0AREN3aT6TJevdh2mO2BRSFvSWy4nh8EFVMWqOmLRv3GfjxiZcsxTvpMF4DbTEOfCQPBlXn3PvalzXBzmPRstEYVuJCz0ONvnQ3nfa0S5OnCe6Vhtmhq5YdPAysjieEb6T5MoW020SnRYnZJcUWekooxspoxDgXlDVpc2ZRMb1nKdqa-TsqJF1RSQ/s3300/Note%20card%20ledger%20mockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-0AREN3aT6TJevdh2mO2BRSFvSWy4nh8EFVMWqOmLRv3GfjxiZcsxTvpMF4DbTEOfCQPBlXn3PvalzXBzmPRstEYVuJCz0ONvnQ3nfa0S5OnCe6Vhtmhq5YdPAysjieEb6T5MoW020SnRYnZJcUWekooxspoxDgXlDVpc2ZRMb1nKdqa-TsqJF1RSQ/w400-h309/Note%20card%20ledger%20mockup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let me know which design is your favorite</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div>Julie Diveley Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827900439935204947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-90190955527954202732023-05-05T06:33:00.001-07:002023-05-05T06:33:36.381-07:00I've been gone far too long<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Writing has always been a part of my creative process but in the past few years I have neglected this very important step. To write your thoughts on paper requires extra concentration and focus that just isn't there for me on a normal day. I feel strongly that I need to start fresh giving my gray matter a daily workout here on this blog. I'm hoping it will help me become more focused and purposeful with my creative efforts. I feel as though I've gotten into such a runt of just throwing the proverbial "Paint" on the wall to see if it will stick. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">One day it's "I've got to start this shop" or "I need to create this design or listing" or "Print on demand has to be my future." I find myself running around in circles so much these days that I'm making myself sick. It has become increasingly clear to me that as an artist I need to slow down and have my work become more carefully planned and researched out. I can't completely forget about the numbers but I have to change my focus to be more on the "creating process" and not so much numbers driven.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">So with those two rambling paragraphs out of the way, I can get to the good part. What I'm working on right now on my iPad. I started sketching elements with graduation coming but now that I look at the calendar I realize that I'm really too late to work on that. This is the lack of planning and researching that I was talking about earlier. I guess I can change that "3" to a 4 on the gold charm and have a head start for next year. </span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-25f68c3a-7fff-290b-cbfc-09b90ee2863c"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">This week I was told that one of the best places to do trend research is the Target.com website. I personally don't shop at Target but many of my friends do. I didn't realize this but the creators at Target.com are really good at predicting what will be popular with their styles and colors. So earlier this week I was checking that lead out. I saw they had a denim collection and I was immediately overjoyed at that prospect. I've always loved denim as a fabric and adore those little denim flowers made from scraps. Let's not forget just how amazing embroidery on denim looks. So the other night I just started working on my first denim flower clip art. I plan on adding a number of single flowers that I can then arrange together in Photoshop to make pretty patterns with. This should be a lot of fun. I will be sure to share more of my progress in the next few days. </span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_Knopr0yNe6GO1Vt6YR2vOLoR5N6hP-vC8JAYbrDnKPGKwoNsAh933k4MPIntdYZC5BO0pYZ4jm-XnbvPDUzZI_z-XJ-4Xmy9567zPdl8uTswA8cZMiP7mQRFgfm2hc7RafewdqcPp7bWZIm1bZS5tk-vkAZuI4eoFhhs4JONwbzw0iD4ypRfYdy8Q/s4200/Untitled_Artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_Knopr0yNe6GO1Vt6YR2vOLoR5N6hP-vC8JAYbrDnKPGKwoNsAh933k4MPIntdYZC5BO0pYZ4jm-XnbvPDUzZI_z-XJ-4Xmy9567zPdl8uTswA8cZMiP7mQRFgfm2hc7RafewdqcPp7bWZIm1bZS5tk-vkAZuI4eoFhhs4JONwbzw0iD4ypRfYdy8Q/w400-h314/Untitled_Artwork.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my current sketch page I'm working on in Procreate</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Julie Diveley Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827900439935204947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-47288840905599371272022-10-07T06:19:00.003-07:002022-10-07T06:19:53.545-07:00I Think I am Ready<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXVEsJnogCwsyUx-Vs5JGfysMdFLsmGUYHCYmDyYuKVlumYuOaO2-Kcz1rsKYdvowv9SSeNmMMSV1fOgg5hpxttb17RdqI6IWL3zVV2PFLRStGOJ_HTEm734CWMbvqfi_XsCfig-v_mwtHPg7lJES4dUnzxVnQLaK2KN-a2SMk6Ejqysl4-spWLEqxw/s2100/FB%20Christmas%20Launch%202022%20live%20event.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXVEsJnogCwsyUx-Vs5JGfysMdFLsmGUYHCYmDyYuKVlumYuOaO2-Kcz1rsKYdvowv9SSeNmMMSV1fOgg5hpxttb17RdqI6IWL3zVV2PFLRStGOJ_HTEm734CWMbvqfi_XsCfig-v_mwtHPg7lJES4dUnzxVnQLaK2KN-a2SMk6Ejqysl4-spWLEqxw/w400-h286/FB%20Christmas%20Launch%202022%20live%20event.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first product launch and it is tonight</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p> I'm up early this morning and I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I'm most definitely stepping out of my comfort zone and into the the camera zone. I know this is my next step to growing my audience and I'm just determined to take it. </p><p>Tonight, I will be hosting my first every FB product launch with my new Christmas on the Farm collection. It has been so hard on me not to show off these 6 new cute Christmas designs but finally, the wait is over. My daughter-in-law is coming to help me so I don't get too flustered trying to do all those things at the same time. It should be fun and I just need to remember that I'm talking to my Facebook friends.</p><p>I hope to see you there. </p><p><br /></p>Julie Diveley Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827900439935204947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-1007351399072601002022-05-19T06:35:00.005-07:002022-05-19T06:50:26.674-07:00Do You Call them Rain Boots or Galoshes?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6we95RmoSbrueU1CzkHk9bwjDuSeKwXMvgksgY8yAs-bWflSiLXq7mDax7WkbbjEky2BQq0_Z0lEg-KJhr_H3PvBEOLc8v3UYYQk6QnGz9GvMObOgxJVu3DaKgF9cSrM2lKdpwTLba8ne1OZ9LrmD5z_EpyhnSIcupDXm8s5geO-v4ik8VTJLZ48X/s1800/Cow%20in%20Galoshes%20watermark.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6we95RmoSbrueU1CzkHk9bwjDuSeKwXMvgksgY8yAs-bWflSiLXq7mDax7WkbbjEky2BQq0_Z0lEg-KJhr_H3PvBEOLc8v3UYYQk6QnGz9GvMObOgxJVu3DaKgF9cSrM2lKdpwTLba8ne1OZ9LrmD5z_EpyhnSIcupDXm8s5geO-v4ik8VTJLZ48X/w266-h400/Cow%20in%20Galoshes%20watermark.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you remember wearing galoshes as a child? Maybe you call them rain boots, mud boots or rubber boots. I have a strong memory of me wearing mine. I was maybe in the 1st grade and it was actually a whole set. There was the boots, a rain coat and an umbrella. They were all matching, red with little yellow flowers. I wish I had a picture of me wearing it. My brother had a yellow set and we would have to wear them to keep us dry on what I remember was a long walk to school in Richland, Missouri. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No real need for any rain gear here in Las Vegas. If it is actually raining outside you can't find your umbrella if you own one because it was so many months ago that you last used it you will have forgotten where you put it. I also don't own a winter coat. Sweaters and jackets are usually enough to just go from the car to where ever it is you are going. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I looked this up the other night and wasn't really surprised to learn that Las Vegas is the driest city in America. It makes sense because It hardly ever rains here. The weather forecast is always "HOT AND SUNNY". The statistics I saw said that it rains <span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">on an average of 26 days per year. They must be counting every sprinkle that falls on the west side of the valley. Did you know that our average rainfall per year is only 4.2 inches? The Las Vegas valley is home to over over 2 million residents and let's not forget the 42 million tourists that drop in each year. Water is a pretty big deal. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Oh and did I mention we are in a horrible drought? It's been going on for over 10 years and the west is in trouble. The rivers and lakes are drying up. Our own Lake Mead is at it's lowest level since it was created. So many states depend on Lake Mead it is scary. I think about this every time I turn my faucet on.<br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">I've lived here for 44 years and have seen lots of flooding and desert rainstorms during that time. Many summers we would have what they call monsoon weather and you would see the rain clouds rolling into the valley every afternoon. The funny thing is that it can be washing cars away on one side of the valley and be as dry as a bone on the other. The streets are covered in months of oil residue and so when you add a little water to that watch out. Driving here in Las Vegas in the rain is a real hazard. No one slows down and there are just tons of accidents.<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">The flooding used to be so bad back in the 80's. We might get just a fraction of an inch of rain fall but the streets would have rivers flowing down them. The local governments have done a really good job creating detention basins to hold the flood water and a vast network of flood channels so that water runs underground until it gets to the washes and on to Lake Mead. <br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Mud isn't much of an issue either like I remember growing up in Missouri. The ground is so dry that it soaks it up immediately. Not to mention that everywhere you might need to go is paved in cement or asphalt.<br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">It has only snowed a handful of times in all the years I have lived here. It is truly an event when it does. The town comes to a halt and everyone is outside trying to make a snowman in the skiff of snow that has fallen in their yards. <br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">All this to segue into writing about my newest art series. I'm calling it "Rainy Day Critters" and so far I've just got one piece finished but because I had so much fun drawing this one I'm calling it a collection. I already have the idea in my head for my next drawing. <br /></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Isn't this cow just the cutest thing ever? I'm so happy how she turned out. I drew this digitally using my iPad, Apple pencil and the drawing app Procreate. </span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you would like a print or a note card of this piece, it is now available for purchase on my website store - <a href="http://www.julietownsendstudio.com/store/p469/cowingaloshes.html">Cow in Galoshes</a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-91309526228386548622022-05-08T13:00:00.001-07:002022-05-08T13:00:00.228-07:00Sweetness and Sugary Delights<div class="separator"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18h7bMV-7G5LcCDJ6i92ZMvd1t5SReZiI" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18h7bMV-7G5LcCDJ6i92ZMvd1t5SReZiI" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have been the focus of my drawing attention this week. I feel I must include a favorite candy bar or two. What is your favorite candy? What candy is connected to your fond childhood memories? </span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-9a142668-7fff-6d80-8c6f-1cd7dcbc2ca4"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My grandmother often would have a "Sugar Daddy'' sucker in the drawer for each of us when we would come to visit. Those kept you occupied for such a long time. Their long thin slab of caramel would take forever to consume. I haven't seen a Sugar Daddy sucker for years but I guess they are still a thing and are now part of the Tootsie Roll family.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another candy that was a favorite of my grandmothers was "Whoopers". She loved those little chocolate balls and always had a dish of them on her coffee table when I got older. I knew they would have to be one of the first candies for me to draw. Now, I'm thinking my sweet tooth might need an Almond Joy or a German chocolate cupcake. </span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-19371248859466655192022-05-08T08:50:00.001-07:002022-05-08T08:50:09.050-07:00Why Did I Wait SO LONG<p>I have wanted a dedicated shipping label printer for the longest time. I just kept telling myself I hadn't reached that level and after all I was certainly able to stand up and switch printing paper for 4 x 6 labels in my Epson printer. I mean it is only a little extra work but you would hear me scream in frustration when I would realize that I had forgotten to put the paper back in and I had wasted expensive label paper. </p><p>It was just a few months ago that I decided to finally invest in a label printer for my business. There are so many options and while price is a consideration I also wanted something that had very good reviews. After spending some time researching, I made the plunge and purchased this model of label printer. It's a thermal printer so no more printer ink, printing on labels by mistake and I can get my shipping labels free from UPS. I always compare shipping carrier rates using Pirateship.com and sometimes I do ship packages using UPS when they are less expensive than USPS </p><p>Everyday when I print out my shipping labels I say to myself, "Why did I wait so long?". The printing of the labels is lightening fast, the labels stick so much better than the inkjet labels I used to use and I'm not wasting supplies. It may have cost me $120 but it has saved me time and lots of frustrations. My advise to every small business owner, "Stop putting it off and buy yourself the equipment you need to grow your small business."</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/julietownsendstudio/list/VAD7ZYK7R05U">My Studio Equipment Recommendations</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlHreGx_nkcO2d_cS_SkErkAz_w0CjGCw7tIqg-jH0JvqXHWUiwqqi1UbU9j2YprBvAZGvAxDwOmqsFW-rCHqBpBsGJC5h5_ritd5WJ-IKL7HueZD2_v11URmRMPduyQetaUuwfyQoi29qxeaa_gugfibjcpIMCwEWGkrXltp7iHaomO4RvGpyT5s/s771/812eUaIsu4L._AC_SX679_%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlHreGx_nkcO2d_cS_SkErkAz_w0CjGCw7tIqg-jH0JvqXHWUiwqqi1UbU9j2YprBvAZGvAxDwOmqsFW-rCHqBpBsGJC5h5_ritd5WJ-IKL7HueZD2_v11URmRMPduyQetaUuwfyQoi29qxeaa_gugfibjcpIMCwEWGkrXltp7iHaomO4RvGpyT5s/s320/812eUaIsu4L._AC_SX679_%20(1).jpg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-20276534169953526922022-02-18T08:35:00.003-08:002022-02-18T08:35:53.763-08:00Branding and Recycled Shipping Boxes<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcsurULn0G8CG3HCAF6_EWLvTzfdCvL10D90lptHMUDxNOCj7BYLHVlGKXFsO_5cLpYjwCzwukEKzIiKx_PyqnJMjroGmjdwC4kA4wgKF-U_HYkMsh3MEWcSNArPrMvc_xADKXf0uNIS1BiBxenUtCf4Bhp2TyoconqXDSO5TlczY__Lc8rlPfivca=s4288" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4288" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcsurULn0G8CG3HCAF6_EWLvTzfdCvL10D90lptHMUDxNOCj7BYLHVlGKXFsO_5cLpYjwCzwukEKzIiKx_PyqnJMjroGmjdwC4kA4wgKF-U_HYkMsh3MEWcSNArPrMvc_xADKXf0uNIS1BiBxenUtCf4Bhp2TyoconqXDSO5TlczY__Lc8rlPfivca=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yesterday, I was making an attempt to pull off shipping and hazard labels off several recycled shipping boxes that I have received in the past from Amazon. It was very tough going and the labels were winning. This frustrations got me thinking last night about a solution and I thought I would share that with you.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4d49bcb7-7fff-4ef7-3ffe-b1bb948dd734"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First you might ask, "Why not just buy cardboard boxes for my Etsy business?" I would agree with you if I were shipping out large quantities of boxes each week. Most of my sales fit into one of the 3 sizes of rigid shipping envelopes and 2 sizes of 1st class mail envelopes. In 2021, I made it a focus to up my branding efforts when I ship out art prints, cards stickers, recipe cards and other inventory that are rather flat. Check out all my cute art on my </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8461432645764497030/2027653416995352692#" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ETSY SHOP - JULIE TOWNSEND STUDIO</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* I hand write a small message on the outside of each envelope</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* I print cute stickers to have on hand to decorate</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* I stamp my own wrapping paper using rolls of painters paper that you can buy at the hardware store</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* I cut tiny confetti pieces of my original artwork with my Cricut just to give that extra WOW factor</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have this part well covered and receive positive reviews that specifically mention these little efforts. 5 star ratings is what it is all about!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I just can't at this point buy boxes when they are arriving almost daily at my door. I break down the smaller boxes or the ones I feel would fit my smaller canvases in and store them in my inventory room. I even roll up all the brown packing paper and some of the bubble wrap to add to my shipping supplies. Here I would like to say that I would use the word </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FRUGAL</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to describe myself but my kids would tell you that I was </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CHEAP</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-SSmM3io7aehowmxB1Q7u_ZxxXPcwUmnYprOpcLYr17w-GsUAb9ub5FNR1eXFk-ojiFiVUMto67YTIbVUSltcPIEIh_v_Isy3T3q2XAk3mPNQlyWx1BWW6GyWrZO7XP_vdvKqaB4lO-KvzxVu44U3MXdYYmgik5s4umR9OgouMyTYQEOVC7QKrxHL=s6000" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-SSmM3io7aehowmxB1Q7u_ZxxXPcwUmnYprOpcLYr17w-GsUAb9ub5FNR1eXFk-ojiFiVUMto67YTIbVUSltcPIEIh_v_Isy3T3q2XAk3mPNQlyWx1BWW6GyWrZO7XP_vdvKqaB4lO-KvzxVu44U3MXdYYmgik5s4umR9OgouMyTYQEOVC7QKrxHL=w266-h400" width="266" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SOLUTION</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: I decided to design a full sheet sticker that actually looks like cardboard. I don't want to wrap the whole box and the Post Office doesn't want you to use shipping paper anymore. Besides, I have never been good at wrapping boxes! I then added faint graphic images to make the stickers pretty. I came up with 3. The first design is using farm animals of course. I have to go back and make sure but I think each of these farm animals came from a public domain site and are free to use and since I'm not selling these, I'm good to add them to my sticker. 2nd design was a pattern of flying bees that I downloaded off Pixabay.com and finally, the 3rd design is actually my little bees and doodlebird drawings. They are all so cute and now I have chooses when covering up nasty shipping labels.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">STUDIO PRINTERS</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - I might make a mention about printer ink here and I get asked often about my printers. I have 3 printers in my studio - 1. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Canon Pixma Pro 100</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (I use this for all my art prints and is expensive to use) 2. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> HP 8035</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (This one prints cards, stickers and other small items. Quality is okay and I have it set up on the HPInstaink program for 500 copies a month $18.99) The ink cartridges are sent to me automatically and are included in the monthly fee. For a business I think this is a good choice. My last printer 3. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Epson ET 2650 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is an Ecotank printer that I purchased probably 5 years ago from Sam's Club. It came with bottles of ink at that time and I purchased an extra set of ink refills and if you can believe it, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I STILL HAVE INK. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm getting ready to pour the last of each bottle into my printer soon. The print quality is not art level by any means but for all the household printing, packing slips, shipping labels and now these shipping stickers, it's as if I'm printing free. It's the perfect printer for just this type of label printing. I do have to run the print head cleaning utility pretty often but it has been a good investment.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I promise this is the last thing I'm going to mention today about my CHEAP branding efforts. I just ordered some rolls of brown packing tape that will fit on my tape roller so that I can even cover up the Amazon logo tape and more tape never is a bad thing when it comes to shipping. I'll let you know how that works.</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #7b8c89; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-6848395113404513172022-01-05T09:43:00.005-08:002022-01-05T09:44:50.396-08:00Spring is on My Mind<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2021 is now gone and along with the completion of all the holiday preparations and stresses. Well, that is unless you are now trying to pay off all the additional credit card charges you incurred for unbudgeted gift buying. If that is stressing you out then let me recommend you start out this year following financial advisor <a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/shows?utm_source=google&utm_id=go_cmp-197939186_adg-10546208306_ad-482007255969_kwd-42626442_dev-c_ext-25025906_prd-&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoNWOBhCwARIsAAiHnEiPVO7U_5PXZSEqE1Kvbd1fkPTZgRrpdG6exy-tXloE8tjEfmjvv4saAm4eEALw_wcB">Dave Ramsey</a>. What better New Year's resolution than to start with baby steps and begin working to create a solid financial plan for you and your family? This has nothing whatsoever to do with art but being debt free is something I am passionate about.</div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ6gmqpwpmXaXKyjDd99kpzqghKpN3HLam0bLkkYmq4zuwq06Te4zKIdvIkAQyaBBpHjhoKrmDI2bMDg0Km5m-Zoasqqa_VET4VzVx2qOLHpNS8Pf45aQxjUnAebdlOuMdY3GAU8Mmc1v5lPLpPtTYBoB_FP1eim5GKdYT5QlsYldF10sn3O9jMYrU=s3500" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ6gmqpwpmXaXKyjDd99kpzqghKpN3HLam0bLkkYmq4zuwq06Te4zKIdvIkAQyaBBpHjhoKrmDI2bMDg0Km5m-Zoasqqa_VET4VzVx2qOLHpNS8Pf45aQxjUnAebdlOuMdY3GAU8Mmc1v5lPLpPtTYBoB_FP1eim5GKdYT5QlsYldF10sn3O9jMYrU=w256-h320" width="256" /></a>Please forgive me for rambling this morning and let me get to my initial point. I brought up the topic of spring so I can segue into introducing my first art drawing for 2022. I'm calling it "A Taste of Spring" and by now I would imagine most of us are tired of the cold and snow. We long for spring. This piece is just so adorable that I had to show it off. I can almost feel the warm fragrant breezes of spring when I look at this funny cow. It's a perfect piece of art to brighten up a room, give as a gift or send as a note card. I'm sure she will bring a smile to your face because she sure does on mine.</p><p>This print is available on both my Etsy Shops in 4 easy to frame sizes. There are also note cards and magnets available. Let me give you the link so you can stop in and browse around. I have tons of cute critters just waiting to meet you.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/JulieTownsendStudio/listing/1140405030/a-taste-of-spring-art-print-signed-art?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1641400443302">A TASTE OF SPRING - Julie Townsend Studio Etsy</a></p><p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/TowncoStudios/listing/1154388299/a-taste-of-spring-art-print-instant-cow?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1641400515191">A TASTE OF SPRING - TownCoStudios Etsy Shop</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(downloadable files to print yourself and other gift items)</span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-63603233293318634752021-12-22T12:59:00.003-08:002021-12-22T12:59:31.783-08:00Don't Mess with Momma Bear<p> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5M9eXnhK5eLtwR8OiMuTW1Y036NoABv4L9J8cFzGWBIuyWmQZZQyRb5_5pHW0Qb7LYM5OPx0yQ2zKL5hPwXzbJiBYNdcXpkHyWFqIbK7uTzT2SyUFubNXHxe6DXorc7_j6dhaL9GN1CwYmdvnqNeBdD6Yiz2cI5wgdDpnYM59PQjJkhDQtPbJ66qN=s3500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5M9eXnhK5eLtwR8OiMuTW1Y036NoABv4L9J8cFzGWBIuyWmQZZQyRb5_5pHW0Qb7LYM5OPx0yQ2zKL5hPwXzbJiBYNdcXpkHyWFqIbK7uTzT2SyUFubNXHxe6DXorc7_j6dhaL9GN1CwYmdvnqNeBdD6Yiz2cI5wgdDpnYM59PQjJkhDQtPbJ66qN=s320" width="256" /></a>The other day my realtor daughter-in-law asked if I would consider creating a special piece of art that she could use as part of her thank you gift basket when she closes on a house. That got me to thinking about just how popular BLACK BEARS are there near Knoxville and the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. I jumped right in a came up with this cute design.</p><p>I decided to call this piece "Grin and Bear It" because I thought the MOMMA BEAR had her paws full with these 3 busy cubs. Just remember that you NEVER MESS WITH THE MOMMA BEAR! </p><p><br /></p><p>This print is available in 4 easy to frame sizes and also comes as a note card or a magnet. Here is the link to my Etsy Shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/JulieTownsendStudio/listing/1145334077/grin-and-bear-it-signed-art-print-black?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1640206675673">Signed Art Prints</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/TowncoStudios/listing/1131359760/grin-and-bear-it-coffee-mug-momma-bear?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1640206731392">Coffee Mugs</a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidPa_DLygrYZQr9ldEWw8pd-HmOY6Hh3kw98VW6f9ZHjgY_YPI5kvKTy5oiqQ415mW1hv780qSb-le9PYCxF0x4ovQmJqrXQv3edF_Xq9BEgIXVjtbDkRjLJvQ3rAbAiQMsQwGKBWxaYMjx5Vmc_n2EXI93TthMvkYB6tuuJ7bQyRmU67RpQsWrJUL=s3500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidPa_DLygrYZQr9ldEWw8pd-HmOY6Hh3kw98VW6f9ZHjgY_YPI5kvKTy5oiqQ415mW1hv780qSb-le9PYCxF0x4ovQmJqrXQv3edF_Xq9BEgIXVjtbDkRjLJvQ3rAbAiQMsQwGKBWxaYMjx5Vmc_n2EXI93TthMvkYB6tuuJ7bQyRmU67RpQsWrJUL=s320" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhdFwOg-wJ04GOoIelEXEmM4SBEquf9utoaEKQOsCpTqzM21nbkXKnT8wdaVWrWXsI6g-S6hIVvqk8R7NlQXV3rbipc47IXniK4M1wLsFTR5mmGgnMxLlquSQeV5xJRxiHsA7YpdexYEG5FxB8ju5qnTGB3iNqL0JqYuygKPXlWvS7PziGdQvK0Yxm=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhdFwOg-wJ04GOoIelEXEmM4SBEquf9utoaEKQOsCpTqzM21nbkXKnT8wdaVWrWXsI6g-S6hIVvqk8R7NlQXV3rbipc47IXniK4M1wLsFTR5mmGgnMxLlquSQeV5xJRxiHsA7YpdexYEG5FxB8ju5qnTGB3iNqL0JqYuygKPXlWvS7PziGdQvK0Yxm=s320" width="320" /></a> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-49994223798403988032021-07-05T08:06:00.006-07:002021-07-05T08:06:56.738-07:003 Etsy Shops- Am I CRAZY?<p>Sometimes, I wonder that myself, because keeping up with all 3 Etsy Shops consumes a great deal of my energies. There is a thought and some logic behind this madness. Well, at least that is what I've told myself. I thought I would just explain what each shop is about. I know that there might be some confusion since I have moved a number of items from my main shop over to the TOWNCOSTUDIOS shop. Let me just take a moment and clear it all up for you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm8PgWdPaWKizPkLBlF8pq3ABgtT8hZPBAlNYwSQdBobMUAoNIfbg0Q5j8-0WwjEJ3y35tvqIFmPtPWRsuRhAnh3taaDfB0gGS2oxwJbi3043pqFpZ3hvC6wMeJGNFP11Rj8rvqqLXfk/s760/Etsy+Shop+Banner+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="760" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm8PgWdPaWKizPkLBlF8pq3ABgtT8hZPBAlNYwSQdBobMUAoNIfbg0Q5j8-0WwjEJ3y35tvqIFmPtPWRsuRhAnh3taaDfB0gGS2oxwJbi3043pqFpZ3hvC6wMeJGNFP11Rj8rvqqLXfk/w400-h53/Etsy+Shop+Banner+2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JulieTownsendStudio"><span style="font-size: medium;">Julie Townsend Studio- Etsy</span></a>- (SIGNED ART PRINTS, STICKERS, CARDS AND SUCH)<br /></p><p>My first and main shop was created way back in 2010 but I had no clue what I was doing with my art back then, and didn't get serious about Etsy until the first of 2016. My very first sale was a little 4 x 6" chickadee print in March of 2016. I also had my first commission drawing that year sold through my shop. I continued to sell a number of small prints and stickers in 2017. Sales really took off for me in March of 2020 when I started creating my "Wash Tub Series". My Facebook followers really grew that year too and that has helped with many of my sales. Now I'm almost ready to hit the 1000 sale mark with 997 total sales showing today. </p><p>I have poured myself into this shop and work hard every day to build it up. It features all my art prints, cards, magnets, stickers and so much more. <b>Anything that I print myself or ship out of my studio is listed on this shop.</b> I have worked hard to create a special brand that reflects my personal touch. I make my own wrapping paper, free thank you gifts and the cute little pig and cow confetti that I sprinkle in each order. <b>My love and DNA is all over these items! LOL!</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbXyuaevYQGT_H1tNavXzkjLBHexTMs8IuGy2622C2SwIKGfwIYw_wG-hNsxqgs0gBOvkFMW3ZnCa0RAu6FvXBNcKv2IMxptb4_4VXFcbPtkukcGq7pKN-uKlH81J3thrGrO7AeYzUqM/s760/Etsy+Shop+TOWNCO+Banner+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="760" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbXyuaevYQGT_H1tNavXzkjLBHexTMs8IuGy2622C2SwIKGfwIYw_wG-hNsxqgs0gBOvkFMW3ZnCa0RAu6FvXBNcKv2IMxptb4_4VXFcbPtkukcGq7pKN-uKlH81J3thrGrO7AeYzUqM/w400-h53/Etsy+Shop+TOWNCO+Banner+2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TowncoStudios"><span style="font-size: medium;">TownCoStudios- Etsy</span></a> (PRINTED GIFTS- MUGS, MOUSEPADS & BUTTONS ALONG WITH TONS OF PRINTABLE INSTANT ART)<br /></p><p>The second shop, I opened in February of 2020 and it was supposed to be a joint venture with my son but that didn't really pan out like I hoped it would. I've just recently gotten a clear vision of what I want the shop to be. The shop motto is "Faith, Family and Farm Art to Make You Smile" and is mostly an extension of my first shop. There is a lot of my own artwork here but it isn't limited by that. I have lots of graphics, quotes and mottos and font art here as well.</p><p>I wanted a shop that would provide complete passive income and so I've recently done a lot of rearranging of these two shops. <b> All my outsourced printed gift items, such as coffee mugs, mousepads and such are all listed on this shop. I also have lots of downloadable art that you can print out for yourself. </b> The whole idea behind this shop is that when we are traveling in the camper with no WIFI or on vacation and my printer is at home, the shop can continue to generate income because all the listings are either processed through dropship or are downloadable. It's a great idea and I'm working hard to see that come to fruition. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJK5EGn7O5ftN6gErf0UQPXHdxd7BK6fyZh8AFRZKerGWkEV720VAUVC0hOE7uRvIARe71fHhYJpz9PqH70qHU7-M7rHlLyogdUckHUUf4PbNGuCCDzDl2EuH-zBs7xwnqnJ1gpPJCFU/s760/Dusty+Boot+Finds+shop+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="760" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJK5EGn7O5ftN6gErf0UQPXHdxd7BK6fyZh8AFRZKerGWkEV720VAUVC0hOE7uRvIARe71fHhYJpz9PqH70qHU7-M7rHlLyogdUckHUUf4PbNGuCCDzDl2EuH-zBs7xwnqnJ1gpPJCFU/w400-h53/Dusty+Boot+Finds+shop+banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DustyBootFinds"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dusty Boot Finds- Etsy</span></a> (VINTAGE ITEMS)<br /></p><p>This final shop was opened in July of 2020 and is now at 50 sales. I am pleased as punch with how this shop is going. Nothing listed here is handmade, rather there is an assortment of <b>vintage items</b> that we have collected over the years that I decided that I needed an outlet to sell them. Mostly things we have collected that are just lying around here collecting dust. I raided my jewelry box, the garage, the bookshelves and we have even picked up little things out in the desert. Hence, the name DUSTY BOOT FINDS. It has worked rather well over this past year. I have a dedicated shelf in my inventory room where I house all the listings in numbered bins. The hardest part is finding the time to create a new listing from the piles of items I have gathered up that I want to add to the shop. </p><p><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-52578080298734936752021-06-19T10:02:00.001-07:002021-06-20T12:03:24.468-07:00Sticker Storage Solutions- I'm Obsessed<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdzA9qvX-6jIJFIRmbbguhDPE8wkN60p1qrt70VdO46a6fXyY12hARTd746FyukaJ5HhSNVXXMIWDSYQjzfsNxutv9DCFt5E2jS0_N-tMGYvoHZPlzfGLR2l0VCsoZ38VheyqZh148LY/s2048/28C7F3DF-8862-40B7-97FE-BEBAB49C7F82.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdzA9qvX-6jIJFIRmbbguhDPE8wkN60p1qrt70VdO46a6fXyY12hARTd746FyukaJ5HhSNVXXMIWDSYQjzfsNxutv9DCFt5E2jS0_N-tMGYvoHZPlzfGLR2l0VCsoZ38VheyqZh148LY/w400-h300/28C7F3DF-8862-40B7-97FE-BEBAB49C7F82.jpeg" width="400" /></a>I have searched high and low on Pinterest for ideas on how to better store my Etsy Shop sticker inventory without spending a boat load of cash at IKEA. Well, yesterday I figured it out and I'm so excited I just had to share it with you. I wanted a storage solution that would allows each sticker design to be stored separately, protected safely, be convenient and still allow for the stickers to be viewed by the public if I'm at an event or a festival. I have a unique inventory number that I use on my Etsy Shop and I'm not fond of the idea of having to sort hundreds of stickers when I return from a weekend show. I needed a way to keep them together but make them easy to flip through. Let me just say, that once I started transferring my stickers to this new storage solution, I didn't stop until I had finished with my whole inventory. I was obsessed! I'm in LOVE how it is working out so far.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAMmAzdXPS53Q3mt2BAwyRG9zaQwFCavyyCSdOea1VpRmEMqc22Nda-jYvsSWG2mt9kUdm7sf9z6SDTk8AoU2hf0VvYTSU8HEbA3hdCnkK5TMOsR6kIeYjOE878hKKhCCTruyzJeFdyA/s2048/8F33A04A-F7C8-4DD2-938A-F97263222288.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAMmAzdXPS53Q3mt2BAwyRG9zaQwFCavyyCSdOea1VpRmEMqc22Nda-jYvsSWG2mt9kUdm7sf9z6SDTk8AoU2hf0VvYTSU8HEbA3hdCnkK5TMOsR6kIeYjOE878hKKhCCTruyzJeFdyA/s320/8F33A04A-F7C8-4DD2-938A-F97263222288.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sticker inventory stored by #</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As usual, when I try something new, I can't keep it to myself. I love sharing my discoveries with you as I'm on this journey to grow my art business. I'm sure you are asking yourself, "Why does she even bother with stickers?" I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't tell you that I have wondered that myself. Let me just say that having stickers on my Etsy Shop in the beginning was a great decision. It is all a numbers game. If you look like a brand new shop with just few sales and not many positive reviews, then potential shoppers may hesitate to purchase more expensive item, such as original art from you. If they see lots of sales and 5 star ratings in your shop, they have much more confidence in you as a business owner. Customers are more willing to take a risk with a new shop when only spending a few dollars. Stickers definitely helped me get my shop up and running.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, unless you have at least 100 listings, Etsy doesn't really rank you very high in their SEO searches. You want to get your shop listing to 100 or more as quickly as you can. Designing stickers and offering them on my Etsy Shop was good way to accomplish that. Not to mention, I sold over $400 in stickers in 2020. Those $2 or $3 items do add up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Will I always take the time to print and cut stickers for my shop? Probably not, but right now I'm still enjoying the process. Now back to my cute solution for storing my inventory.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPHj0wZVj-gkipsuximRrq2a-0gnV6LpejU_U1xiUchdXaqtoOUzJIj_ZSF0xK1UMEWFDCnnbtDr5ycn-OkOk6FvW-lw4JKDS-XmVp51oLUdD-wT-MT12EYYAji9EiQQBvosQnNE9QgA/s2048/3508B4CD-F1AE-4846-A8CD-EC4E5C75ADD3.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPHj0wZVj-gkipsuximRrq2a-0gnV6LpejU_U1xiUchdXaqtoOUzJIj_ZSF0xK1UMEWFDCnnbtDr5ycn-OkOk6FvW-lw4JKDS-XmVp51oLUdD-wT-MT12EYYAji9EiQQBvosQnNE9QgA/s320/3508B4CD-F1AE-4846-A8CD-EC4E5C75ADD3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of a finished sticker envelope</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the kraft brown A7 envelopes that are sold at Hobby Lobby. Regularly priced at $14.99 for 100 of them, I want until they are 40 or 50% off and then buy several boxes at a time. I use these sturdy envelopes to mail out all my small order items. Anything that will fit and isn't over 1/4 inch thick goes inside these envelopes. I write a cute little message on the flap and add an equally cute sticker to decorate the envelop before I drop it in the mail. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I decided to do was to use these envelopes to store my stickers in. I cut off each of their flaps to make sturdy little pockets that my stickers fit perfectly into. I then wrote the inventory # and the title on the top edge of the pocket. I attach an example of each of the stickers on their respective envelop so that it is easy to see what style of sticker is inside. To make this envelope more sturdy and help keep the stickers clean, I covered it with a few strips of packing tape. I think this is going to work beautifully when I go to my next event. I will certainly keep you posted. </div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8tcvTOcZD5hhq_BdVcjMtf74vSUsB7GcLOQqB8PJLJpnS9NgSz_qU0czCiXKFIyE_HIVu5_0k2AKP9j2n2BiuE8nN0EC870L0oi84mPmyIjj8fBgARJlJNyph-RPsbuDwyGtYNMlePM/s2048/Binder+Cover-+Sticker+Catalog.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8tcvTOcZD5hhq_BdVcjMtf74vSUsB7GcLOQqB8PJLJpnS9NgSz_qU0czCiXKFIyE_HIVu5_0k2AKP9j2n2BiuE8nN0EC870L0oi84mPmyIjj8fBgARJlJNyph-RPsbuDwyGtYNMlePM/s320/Binder+Cover-+Sticker+Catalog.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cover page for my catalog</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Finally, I decided it made a whole lot of sense to create a sticker catalog of sorts. I just finished my creating a portfolio binder and since I loved how that project turned out I decided to create a similar styled binder with thumbnail photos of each of my stickers, and have them organized by animal categories. I can visualize customers filling my tent and taking the time to flip through my catalog and portfolio. At least that is what I hope happens. </div><div><br /></div><div>My first festival since COVID is coming up in November and all this is in preparation for that weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Want to check out more of my whimsy artwork? Why not head on over to my shop and poke around? Maybe like my FaceBook Studio Page @JulieTownsendStudio.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the Etsy link to both of my shops:</div><div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/JulieTownsendStudio">Julie Townsend Studio on Etsy</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/Towncostudios">Townco Studios on Etsy</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHKn1nZHvXaMafgczDkGZNA836BkJchSXq1jfr4nMBRLJtEx162oaMJPFQqXz5WFXa9eYrXadL__XSBTXDlpwbrKSogVNu7fC_36ZowGZTZgzLaiFCKkaMJwfD8BLWE0c1K_fdt6PQRA/s2048/F70E60F4-04A3-4C6E-9D1E-44FFFBBD7B1F.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1854" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHKn1nZHvXaMafgczDkGZNA836BkJchSXq1jfr4nMBRLJtEx162oaMJPFQqXz5WFXa9eYrXadL__XSBTXDlpwbrKSogVNu7fC_36ZowGZTZgzLaiFCKkaMJwfD8BLWE0c1K_fdt6PQRA/s320/F70E60F4-04A3-4C6E-9D1E-44FFFBBD7B1F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">page 1 of my sticker catalog</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-32958298007906352282021-05-10T06:09:00.002-07:002021-05-10T06:09:16.329-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF90CE6B3zuiZflO7_jo3LM5qiGeJt0gdcL0UCKalFUwnv6_eeYw9rE1YEBXePlBPoL-GPykNKLm9ncwNCZSnNfGhgQzoDFful-NqVP06NMQTU3MhHG912UBxXe7P57R9stp33hTbe0K0/s1920/lettering-884607.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF90CE6B3zuiZflO7_jo3LM5qiGeJt0gdcL0UCKalFUwnv6_eeYw9rE1YEBXePlBPoL-GPykNKLm9ncwNCZSnNfGhgQzoDFful-NqVP06NMQTU3MhHG912UBxXe7P57R9stp33hTbe0K0/s320/lettering-884607.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Have you read any good books lately? Or should I ask if you have read any books at all? What is that one book you have read and you consider it to my your all time favorite book? For me personally, I love to read but I consider myself a slow reader. I will confess that it has been a while since I have read a book. These days my time is pretty much taken between creating art, marketing my art and watching grandchildren. I do miss reading so I might try to re<div><br /></div><div>Over the years, I have read many books that I thoroughly enjoyed. I have actually read the book "Shepherd of the Hills" by Harold Bell Wright 5 times over the years. It is a great story and I would consider to be one of my favorites. Other good books that jump to mind are "Christy" buy Katherine Marshall, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte', "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery and anything written by Jane Austin or Janette Oke. </div><div><br /></div><div>I may not have read a book recently but I have included them in several art pieces. You might find them entertaining so let me share them with you. I hope you like mice in artwork because it seems that if I draw a book I must add a mouse sitting on top. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo8I93tj3wxwfFpSIQxc2dZCSlFOJvz7lb_5n35Bw6uJuSnIBcXzwjGcdh8ENSsg1PparP4MlAIg3OzXI6fihgvbZxVBSGVtn3rb6rvJNgDQuLX55nV5HWG6g2AGMderf9NbPCrHlAvE/s1800/Tea+Time+in+the+Library+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo8I93tj3wxwfFpSIQxc2dZCSlFOJvz7lb_5n35Bw6uJuSnIBcXzwjGcdh8ENSsg1PparP4MlAIg3OzXI6fihgvbZxVBSGVtn3rb6rvJNgDQuLX55nV5HWG6g2AGMderf9NbPCrHlAvE/w213-h320/Tea+Time+in+the+Library+watermark.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdfEAAb1XViBzJ7co2MzA2brDaMm0H1s7H4amwegBTklOXO-ROxucd7YJqDrZF7baVW0OrxNX4XmnlKFQFJpcb8rffQHYE3HQ-zy1YVf9Pvbnvj0A6JGMvwZxE1Z3DazsGAiZhv7Iqow/s1800/No+Shelf+Control-+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdfEAAb1XViBzJ7co2MzA2brDaMm0H1s7H4amwegBTklOXO-ROxucd7YJqDrZF7baVW0OrxNX4XmnlKFQFJpcb8rffQHYE3HQ-zy1YVf9Pvbnvj0A6JGMvwZxE1Z3DazsGAiZhv7Iqow/w213-h320/No+Shelf+Control-+watermark.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfRz84EOLwTMhyNIBO_tK3P6CosBYxlTmvQufGXKuCbU_3gUfKZTZmYOG1k8F1JGjGRmiMwfdT8bkyr0KhGpM-Kwg08D6BmD-VQ-aN8l43KVxnuGJGBZWt5l2W8xXOkYzEMAXVnOyoTg/s2048/Enjoying+the+Classics+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfRz84EOLwTMhyNIBO_tK3P6CosBYxlTmvQufGXKuCbU_3gUfKZTZmYOG1k8F1JGjGRmiMwfdT8bkyr0KhGpM-Kwg08D6BmD-VQ-aN8l43KVxnuGJGBZWt5l2W8xXOkYzEMAXVnOyoTg/w320-h256/Enjoying+the+Classics+watermark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHbj-ZFFlp24rvxBz9VQaV0YI4iHr8umqi2SogxQH-kLUPRDFNhzErt29xOdT9bI3NQRFzUr4-dmq-laXoeOI4ujgTI_W1c6fhaREV_SzuRevWM4iwtpu9V9DCvWXrEpr6P0m9U86lJQ/s1800/Little+Scholars+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHbj-ZFFlp24rvxBz9VQaV0YI4iHr8umqi2SogxQH-kLUPRDFNhzErt29xOdT9bI3NQRFzUr4-dmq-laXoeOI4ujgTI_W1c6fhaREV_SzuRevWM4iwtpu9V9DCvWXrEpr6P0m9U86lJQ/w400-h266/Little+Scholars+watermark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461432645764497030.post-54751664571402970012021-05-08T11:47:00.002-07:002021-05-08T11:47:57.720-07:00First Painting of 2021<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQfYmHoJyMgm12ctDXgu30ZHn3NXnGsDcwMVBO9IJbapaFimAbZFUX98XY5hVPjMTnDQGnaPzCIN5ghSTEyzbTNtRle1yhXFzPAecPuj6ruu2m4F7BT-zK3YfaXI0tjoSo157O8ssktI/s2048/F57648AB-50DA-4137-89C0-83BF01E3086F+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQfYmHoJyMgm12ctDXgu30ZHn3NXnGsDcwMVBO9IJbapaFimAbZFUX98XY5hVPjMTnDQGnaPzCIN5ghSTEyzbTNtRle1yhXFzPAecPuj6ruu2m4F7BT-zK3YfaXI0tjoSo157O8ssktI/s320/F57648AB-50DA-4137-89C0-83BF01E3086F+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bitsy"- 11 x 14 x 1.5 acrylic on canvas</td></tr></tbody></table><p> It's hard to believe that we are already into May of 2021 and I'm just now talking about my first painting of the year. Now don't you think that I've been sitting on my artist laurels, because that is far from the truth. You see, I invested in a new iPad Pro tablet and my very first Apple Pencil at the end of 2020 and I've just been having a blast learning how to use these new tools. I've added a ton of new drawings to my inventory along with 2 more coloring books. All thanks to my iPad and the amazing app Procreate. </p><p>As much as I enjoy this new medium, there is something about picking up a painting brush or pencil and covering the white of a canvas or paper. No, I'm not going to abandon my first loves. So that is why we are almost half way through the year and I'm just now talking about my first painting. </p><p>This cute little goat is one of the new spring goats birthed at Galloping Gerties in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. I think her name is Gumbo Lil but for my painting I decided to title it "Bitsy". Katie Lenni takes the best goat pictures ever and I'm blessed that she lets me use them as a reference for my artwork. You are AWESOME Katie! Give her Etsy Shop some love and check out all her great goat soap- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GallopingGertie">Galloping Gerties- Etsy</a></p><p>I do have this original painting available at the moment as well as prints, cards and magnets of this little sweetie. Here is a picture of me holding the original painting for a little family photoshoot taken out towards Lake Mead. If you would like to give "Bitsy" a new home or want to get cards or prints of her then just hop over to my Etsy Shop- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/JulieTownsendStudio/listing/1008891017/goat-print-baby-goat-goat-farm-goat-kids?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1620499010697">Bitsy -Julie Townsend Studio Etsy Shop</a></p><p>Let me end today's blog with a picture of the cutest art model ever. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yjdWetOLCahuF7Dl2OxBXiLZsin9nPstp3agtfnC7Q2cYfPqPNF6jxrMDbAKMrkw-ydYR6Oz2-HNmdfP-T4yfGEAMnCDC0WHeJshsKEhGQvXwolhQQHCgnjYLEhB10EEQzAQzvD4YR0/s2048/B16F8D12-1EF1-49AA-AB81-5F1794F964CC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yjdWetOLCahuF7Dl2OxBXiLZsin9nPstp3agtfnC7Q2cYfPqPNF6jxrMDbAKMrkw-ydYR6Oz2-HNmdfP-T4yfGEAMnCDC0WHeJshsKEhGQvXwolhQQHCgnjYLEhB10EEQzAQzvD4YR0/s320/B16F8D12-1EF1-49AA-AB81-5F1794F964CC.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Julie Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02795055772830815753noreply@blogger.com0