Holiday Mess

I have a real knack for getting overwhelmed during the holiday season. I mean really, who doesn't? But it seems to me that the time from Halloween to Valentine's Day is one big blur. Coincidentally this time of festivities coincides with scarf selling season. So being in business for myself makes this situation two-fold. I get busy, find extra things to do, get stressed, and make mistakes. Fixing these mistakes is the extra time that "frosts the cake", if you will.

I've started to consider the possibility that I'm not as busy as I think I am. An outsider (let's say my husband for example) might say that my "to do list" isn't worthy of a freak-out. But if reality is nothing more than your own perception of life, how do I rationalize myself out of this predicament? Do I simply not attempt to do all the things I want to do?

Anyway, I'm just here to admit that I'm getting in my own way. In just three weeks I've made three mistakes. They were all pretty minor. But with this most recent episode I've noticed they're adding up. If you don't mind, I'm going to elaborate on the latest issue so you catch my drift. Someone ordered an item online. I packaged it up for her and mailed it out the next day. The problem is that I packaged it while finishing up a few other pieces, baking gingerbread cookies, and getting ready for a holiday party. Due to this level of multitasking I forgot to confirm that I put the right item in the envelope. So, of course, I sent the wrong item. How embarrassing. What a ding-dong. Luckily I caught it before the customer did. Now it is just a matter of making it right, and trying to get the other piece back. In all this I have created three times as much work for myself.

Since this issue I have been harping on myself because I knew I would get busy and act this way. So I've made a list of holiday conduct.

1. SLOW DOWN!
2. FOLLOW STANDARD PROCEDURES  Don't rush and assume you've remembered item numbers, titles of pieces, or you house keys for that matter. Check.
3. ALLOW YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO WORK Be reasonable. Figure out how much time you have and then realize how much you can accomplish. Do the most important things first. Don't make up extra things to do.
4. DO NOT DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE No matter what.
5. BE CONTENT WITH ANY ACCOMPLISHMENT Everyday doesn't have to be record-breaking. Continue working. Don't cut yourself an unneccessary break, but stop trying to constantly out-do yourself.

Those steps that must be performed immediately are underlined. These steps must be performed without reference to the checklist. When the situation permits, non-underlined steps can be accomplished with reference to the checklist.

(I'm helping my husband study for flight school. I've modeled my list after his study guide. Typing it has made me laugh. I have obviously memorized a few things too. If it works for the army it should work for me too.)

By not following these simple steps I've created more work and stress for myself this week. In addition, I looked like a rookie. Not anymore. I'm shaving this mustache!

Does Color Make You Nervous?

I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and have finally decided to voice my concerns. I think people are afraid of color. They like to look at it, but they don't like to use it. I'm going to list a few examples.

Since the beginning, black cars have sold the most.

Black, brown, and gray are the most popular color choices for clothing, especially jackets. But you can't argue against the fact that the man in the middle is enjoying his outfit the most.

People prefer to eat things that are some shade of brown.

Food is especially delightful when it is brown and topped with something brown.

 Raise your hand if this is you.

I could go on about houses, inside and out, jewelry, this list is endless. Personally I think it is time for a change. Read on and realize how much more appealing the rest of the post is.

Don't you feel rejuvenated from looking at all that color? I do. This is why I focus on color when I make art. I need color. When customers are shopping for a scarf they initially ask for something in black. If I always had a scarf that was all black they wouldn't be very unique, would they?

I work hard to make Florida Scarf like Art on Sedatives. (to stress this point I have chosen to randomly capitolize words) By this I mean that my focus is color contrast and texture. I want to make things that seem alive. Of course, the product needs to be wearable, so I also apply some rules of fashion.

The scarves and hoods are small. It's an easy way to enjoy color. It surprises me how many people are intimidated by even that. I spend most of my money on sale fabrics. These fabrics are the ones that are most outrageously colored. I take it and cut it into my little 5"x30" rectangle and make it manageable. People need time to process. A certain fabric may not stand a chance as a dress, but turning it into a scarf gives it potential.

The same reasoning can be applied to answering the question of why more people don't like salad. I think they see all the color dancing around the plate and assume it can't be good. You can however, get people to eat a single serving of carrots, or strawberries. Again, in small portions color is manageable.

Everyone needs to realize that color gives us energy and life. It can make you more happy to surround yourself with color. Take the holidays for instance. People like color then. They wrap their house in color. The purpose of the holidays is to spread cheer by decorating things. Wouldn't we all be better off if this was the intent year round?

So honk if you love color! Get your lighters up!

This is Sarah Geraci For Color

signing off

Handmade Holiday

Do you like this photo? I made it myself. I didn't just pay a graphic designer to do it for me. Doesn't that make you appreciate it more? The answer to that question is "yes", and this is exactly my point. Never mind that I couldn't size it correctly to fit in the parameters. That is not the point!

People will truely love the gifts you give them this year if you make them. Now I know this sounds ridiculous, so maybe you don't make gifts for everyone. Maybe, make a gift for at least one person. We all have someone we know that we could make something for and they would love. And not just your mom, someone else too. Before you blow me off, it's easier than you think. The internet is full of resources, and so is the library, a book store, a craft store, the supermarket, thrift stores, and hardware stores. People are dying for you to get creative in their name. It's way trendier than buying them a new ipod or Starbucks giftcard.

To give you further inspiration I'll show you what I'm going to make and give out, and no it isn't scarves.

It's a hand-covered light switch! What man on your list wouldn't want these through out his house? All you need is glue and an old issue of Maxim. This is proof that there is a craft for every creative comfort level. A gift doesn't have to be expensive to be amazing.

I could go on with more examples but you get the point.

(I apologize if that example was too graphic)

Despite my winning argument if you still don't think giftmaking is for you, then buy a handmade gift. There are tons of options there. And if you don't mind I'd like to take a minute to plead this case. When items are made by hand they are just, so, amazing. Crafters are passionate and inspired by their world, and they put every bit of their heart into their work. Then you buy it, give it to someone, and you all share in the joy! Unique gifts have character and personality, like the real-life person you give it to. Because artisans are regaining popularity the recipient of your gift will find you more hip and socially aware. And finding a selfish reason to do something is so much more rewarding. 

Seriously, I am going to cut myself off now, but I do encourage you to act on what I've written. Go to the locally owned gift shop in town. Or go online and search "handmade gifts." I can make it even easier for you. Go to http://www.etsy.com/ or http://www.artfire.com/

I can also do you one better. Buy a handmade gift and have all the proceeds go to charity. http://www.rightasrain.org/

I'm shutting myself off now.

                    
http://how2dostuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-make-secret-hollow-book.html

OK, seriously, get out of here now.

My First Business Trip

St. Augustine, Florida, is where Florida Scarf was born. An event called “The Café 11 Trunk Show” was where I sold my first items in 2007. On November 16, 2010, I returned to the same people at the same show and had just as much fun as I’d ever had. It is the farthest I've ever traveled to do a show. I was most excited to use the company card for gas and food. Usually it only sees the light for internet purchases. I was in town for a total of 51 hours, and boy, did I make the most of it. In this post I plan to highlight the most awesome parts.

I did a bit (a big bit) of shopping. But isn’t that what one does on a vacation? (Oops. I mean business trip) I would like to highlight for you my most awesome finds. The first piece I found at the end of my trip. But it is by far the best, a real “once in a lifetime.”

There was a thrift store that was closing. Everything was 75% off. You couldn’t beat it! I have to thank my buddy Tara Ferreira for dragging me there and making this purchase possible. In case you are wondering, yes, it’s a sculpted beer-coozie.

This next piece I purchased at the Trunk Show. It is by Paper Root, a local design company. Ever wonder what you get when you cross Willie Nelson with a Leopard?

I have to really thank Paper Root for this gem of a t-shirt.
P.S. this shirt is not one of a kind. You can get your own at http://paperrootclothing.com/
It’s better if you give it as a gift.

I also got an oversized owl ring. This look isn’t for everyone, but it suits me. The manufacturer has taken a symbol of ancient forestall wisdom and made it out of cheap metal and fake diamonds. Does it get anymore ridiculous? For this piece I apologize to anyone who prefers his or her owls made out of patchwork vintage fabric and sewn onto a journal cover.

Available at St. Augustine Art Glass (if anyone has taste like mine)

I also scored some killer pieces at an American Apparel Outlet Store. I’m psyched about them, but I don’t need to show you. We all know you shop at American Apparel when you need clothes to make you look like you just stepped off the set of FAME.

Not only did I get all this great new stuff, but I also got something returned to me. It’s a totally rockin’ purse that isn’t even big enough to fit my wallet, but I love it. I forgot I was missing it until it was returned. That’s like when you put your winter coat on for the first time and find a bunch of goodies in the pockets. $$

Good Old Boxing Glove-Purse. I've missed you and your gold tooth.
The Trunk Show itself was a blast. This year they had it at a much bigger venue and incorporated DJ’s and a fashion show. Florida Scarf closed the show, so the models really let loose. It was great. I feel like I made some new friends. And of course, it was great to see my old friends. (like the one in particular who stayed and helped me pack up in the dark. Amanda, we know ho you are)

I apologize but I do not have any photos. If you are interested you might check a few spots.
http://www.surfthedrift.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/classicblends
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Saint-Augustine-FL/Two-Hundred-Lounge/115325628516378

If I get my hands on any they will be posted in the future. In the mean time you can see/shop my fashion show pieces. I call them, “ Florida Scarf Couture.” 

They will be at http://www.etsy.com/shop/scgeraci

Thank you very much for reading this post. I trust it was more enjoyable than the last.

Until Next Time. Keep Your Holidays Rockin'

I Never Learned to Juggle

This is the most disgruntled picture of myself I could find.

I am writing this post in opposition to every other post I've read recently. I don't consider myself a pesimist, but I feel like I can't do anything as good as anyone else. The more I read about marketing through social media and successfully running an online store, the more I feel like I don't have what it takes.

At the risk of looking incapable on my company blog allow me to pontificate. I have a website. I have an etsy site, as well as an indiepublic site. I am part of three etsy teams. Two of which I check in with. I signed on for Etsy's bootcamp. I have a buddy. I belong to handmade spark. I have a blog, obviously. I don't blog everyday, probably more like weekly. I am a member of independant fashion bloggers. I have a facebook and a fan page. I have donated pieces to charities and received promotion because of the effort. I have google analytics, but I rarely look at it.....the list may go on, but I can't think of anything else off the top of my head.

I handmake 85% of the items I sell. I have brought on a few other girls to sew a few pieces each season. This project was designed to get me more stock without working through the night, and get the art of these girls more exposure. Each piece is all handmade, sometimes right down to the button, and one of a kind.
I find it is impossible to spend as much time at the computer as one would spend creating. Besides, the creating is more fun. It's why I started this whole business.

It seems to me that I am starting to flood. So I am going to cut this off and ask, "Is there anyone out there like me?"

The only thing I know I do really well is make interesting scarves and hoods. I don't know how to keep up with every other aspect. I am all over the place. Just when I designed a new banner for my Etsy Store everyone is talking about a banner for the holidays. Ahhhh! Just when I may have my shipping down, now we're talking sales tax! I barely keep up with my blog how can I tweet?

I had a nightmare last night. I made my own Christmas stocking and it was really ornate. It was so beautiful because it was patchwork and embroidery- to the max. When it got close to Christmas it was filled with items before it was hung. This was when the dream started to get weird. Then when it was hung, it got put upside down. Everything started falling out. I couldn't catch everything, prevent it from falling out, and put anything back in it. And I woke up in a cold sweat.

Thanks guys. I just had to get that out. Maybe things will be on the up from here. I don't even have kids, pets, or live in the same town as my family. I don't know how real women do it. God bless you all. You deserve a fabulous holiday season.

I was going to write a post about how people should make, or buy handmade, gifts this season. I guess I'll save it for next week. That is, if I don't drown in my to-do list. 

Ski Barn Wayne, NJ

This is an update for Florida Scarf fans living in New Jersey. All four Ski Barn stores now have merchandise. The slideshow featured above is from the Wayne store. Their address is 1308 Rt. 23, Wayne, NJ, 07724. The number there is 201-445-9070. Feel free to phone in an order. They ship everywhere. Check them out on the web too, at http://www.skibarn.com/. It's a great store for all your winter needs.

I've been hearing in the news that it is getting pretty cold in the North. I hope you get lots of snow this winter!

Previous posts inclulde slideshows from the other Ski Barn locations. Browse them all if you've got a second.

Happy Holidays.

Ski Barn Paramus, NJ

This is the Florida Scarf collection available at the Ski Barn in Paramus New Jersey. They are located at 846 Rt. 17 North. The number is 201-445-9070. they are also at http://www.skibarn.com/