Well, 2010 is just around the corner, and I feel abuzz with the possibilities it may bring in with it. I’ve spent some time looking over my new years resolutions from 2009, wondering if any of them have come to fruition. Here they are:

1. Find innovative ways to use up my growing piles of fleece scraps.

Have I done this? In a word, no. I have a giant tub that’s filled to the brim with fleece scraps. While I do my best not to add to it at this point, I have yet to find a good way to USE these remnants. Since I know I can’t use it as a substitute for polyfill stuffing, perhaps I could try to work it into my designs? I guess I’ll revisit this in the coming year.

2. Work on completely new designs.

Well, I’ve done a ton of this, with great success. Last year around this time I was tinkering with variations on my maggots, which I still do, and I had just completed the Hurdy Gurdy Man, still a favorite of mine. But over the past year I’ve come a long way from Maggots and Spawn. I’ve branched out into entirely new designs – like the Phobes, the Birds, the Order of the Lumberjack, and bunch of different keychains. Success!

3. Learn new techniques.

Well, let’s see. I’ve begun using much more felt for small details and applique. That counts. My embroidery has become much more sophisticated. That counts, too. I’m explored my sewing machine a bit, too. I’ve done my first buttonholes on my machine this year. I’ve also begun using child safety eyes this year instead of buttons, which is new and different in application and effect. Do I have more to learn? Yes! I’d love to take a class in which I learn how to make clothing – I feel like those skills would translate to some wild new plush creations. . .Now that I think of it, I’d love to take some drawing classes, too!

4. Get a business license and use it! I’m ready to take PterodactylPants to a new level.

Well, PterodactylPants has a business Tax ID #, and is registered in the state of Illinois. That’s a pain in the ass, to be honest, but an important step towards a solid future in the plush business. Success!

I’m surprised there weren’t more. I feel like I’ve done a lot more! But there is still such a long way to go.

Let’s consider what I’d like to accomplish in 2010:

1. Complete a business plan for a retail/gallery/studio space

2. Find a retail/gallery/studio space

3. Get some money to buy retail/gallery/studio space

4. Participate in at least 3 craft shows this year

5. Reach 100 sales on Etsy

6. Start a PterodactylPants Newsletter

7. Get PterodactylPants items in at least 10 retail locations

8. Explore print advertising

9. Figure out what the point of PterodactylPants Facebook and Twitter pages is. I have both of these, but I don’t know what to do with them!

10. Gosh, I feel like I have tons more! I’m super excited to see what this year will bring. Any thoughts/ideas/advice from you all would be greatly appreciated. You know I couldn’t have done half of what I’ve done this year without your support.

Happy New Year! I wish you all a happy and healthy one – and may all your resolutions come true!

Well, I’m back. I made it through my first “big” show, and it was a success!

(check out the booth next to me with the umbrellas – that was a craft show first for me!)

All the pieces of the puzzle seemed to come together at the last moment – despite my nerves. I found some crates and shelves, some thrift store fabric for the table (which will be made into plush shortly), and I had the banner custom made through Etsy (of course!). I just let the plush do the rest.

Please touch! I think this helped break the ice with more than one shopper. I wanted my table to be welcoming to all – plush is made for touching!

The keychains hung out front and center and got a lot of attention. If you’re still looking to pick one up for yourself, they should be available in my shop later today.

I did contend with some kooky characters and a lot of strange comments about my pieces. One man wanted to know, “What does it dooooo?” and another held up one of my Lumberjack Grizzlies and asked “What is the purpose?” (Isn’t it obvious!) I just shrugged and smiled. Someone thought my potatoes were peanuts. Some people thought my maggots were trees. Everyone seemed to think the Spawn were teeth. You know what I said to them? Yes! Sure! Whatever you want! If you want to snuggle with a giant tooth, then yes! Why the hell not?

I was surprised and tickled pink by the whole thing. I learned a TON and hung out with some crafty heavy-hitters (I bought some great soap from these people). I can’t wait for my next show! Thanks to all of you who helped me out last weekend – you know who you are! I couldn’t have done it without your help.

Another member of the Order of the Lumberjack – The Sage. This wise old logger sits on the panel of elders, a much respected figure in the lumberjack community.

How many years has he been roaming the forests? No one knows!

He has many lumberjack secrets hiding in his beard. Some say he has wrestled over 100 grizzlies in his lifetime!

He bears the special mark of the Crosscut Saw – reserved for a special few of the Order.

(Come to Cleveland next weekend and take him home with you!)

A Wise Old Haiku:

Redwoods climb high and

Empires rise and fall with a

Snap of my fingers.

I’ve been slaving away and neglecting you all, so I thought I’d give you a quick glimpse of the goods. Consider it a preview of some of the loot you can come buy from me in Cleveland on December 12th and 13th.

Keychains! Mini bits of fuzzy fun. Trinkets and treasures!

I have jumped on the moustache train. I know! It seems like everyone’s doing it! Here’s how I feel about it: Moustaches are cute and funny, when they’re not attached to a human being! Attach one to your keys instead. Give them a bit of panache.

More bananas! I’m freaking out a bit, worrying that I won’t get everything ready before the Bazaar Bizarre. But since it’s my first show I have no real idea of what “ready” looks like. Yikes! I’m trying to remind myself that success in Cleveland is not going to be selling out of all my stock (although that would be sa-weet!). Success will be putting myself out there, learning the ropes, meeting some of my fellow crafty folk, and getting some first-hand feedback from my target audience. That sounds terrifying! I can’t wait.