My shop will be closed from July 4th to August 6th because I will be in Bordeaux for a class that will help prepare me for graduate school. Then, I will be moving to Tennessee in mid-August. I have not yet decided how I will handle the time in-between, but I feel I should warn everyone: certain items, if they do not sell before I move, will not be available when I open my shop back up from Tennessee. I simply cannot bring my entire inventory, so some of it will be given away or sold locally. For a discount before I leave for Bordeaux, see Etsy Secrets!

I returned from a short trip to Knoxville about a week ago. I will be going to graduate school there in the fall, so I wanted to check it out and familiarize myself with the area. It is definitely different than New Mexico. The campus has lots of tall brick buildings, and the air is thick from moisture and the lower elevation, almost hard to breathe after getting used to living so high up; the hills do not help either. I never thought I would say this, but I will miss my old university, most importantly the people who have taught me so much. Part of me knows it is time to move on, and part of me wonders what I have gotten myself into. I suppose I will just have to adapt. I was hoping to share a couple pictures, but I have not developed them yet (yeah, I know, old-fashioned). I still need to find a place to live (feel free to recommend apartment complexes). I could live in the university apartments, but I am hoping for a place closer to the university and more pet-friendly. I am still waiting for responses on a grant and a job, so I am hoping everything will turn out for the best. On the bright side, one of my good friends is in Ohio now, so maybe I will be able to visit her during spring break or some other time.

I am taking advantage of the time I have before I leave for Bordeaux to pack up what I plan to bring to Knoxville, as well as what I plan to leave, since I will not have a lot of time when I get back. I cannot bring much because of the high gas prices and all that, so much of it is staying in Albuquerque for the time being. Packing the stuff that will stay is like putting together time capsules, since I do not know when I will be able to open these boxes again. I think perhaps the hardest part of packing is choosing between my books. I could not possibly bring all of them, yet I hate to leave 'old friends' behind.

I will be moving in August after I get back from Bordeaux. Thus, I need to seriously decrease my inventory before then. So I have been placing certain items on sale and offering coupons.

Currently, I have a "Buy One Get One Free" coupon posted on Etsy Secrets. It is valid until June 5th at 11:59 PM (US Mountain Time), so hurry! I will be posting other coupons later.

I really cannot take all this inventory with me, so if you really like an item in my shop that it is a little out of your price range, please contact me on Etsy.

I will be out of town shortly from June 7th to 11th, so any orders made during this time will be shipped when I get back.

I did it. I finished college. Everyone keeps on saying "Congratulations!" and "Good Job!", but to be honest, I do not really see why I should be congratulated. I did what was expected. I got the predicted GPA, nothing more, nothing less. It does not seem to be an achievement. I thought I would be relieved once all the exams and projects were finished. But on the contrary, I find it is easier to bury oneself in a mathematical proof or the development of socialism in France or the exact meaning of a word in "Beowulf" than to face the real world, to deal with things that were more or less neglected during the semester.

This morning I received a set of eight absolutely gorgeous cards in the mail from Coffee Bean Cards! Each has "danke" or "merci" written on it ("thank you" in German and French, respectively) and has amazing detail. And, of course, I just love black and white!

Here are a couple of my other favorites from the same shop:
Earth Tone Cards
Birthday Cards for "Grownups"

Since newbies tend to get a lot of the attention, here is a brief homage to the founding members of Etsy, those who have stuck with it through the years. I wish I could feature you all, but as that is not possible, here are ten shops that have been on Etsy for at least a year.

Happy Owl: fused glass - joined 22 June 2005
Hyena: recycled clothing, bags, and more - joined 8 Oct. 2005
(Her vibrant "Maison" Recycled Handbag is pictured above and comes with a cute crocheted mushroom!)
Operation Papercut: paper goods - joined 25 Mar. 2006
Loose Wire Studio: metal jewelry - joined 14 Sept. 2006
Art by TR: copper switch plates - joined 19 Sept. 2006
The Funky Felter: hand-felted items - joined 19 Sept. 2006
Miko Design: clothes, cushions, and more - joined 30 Nov. 2006
Light Leak: photography - joined 28 Feb. 2007
A. Drauglis: woodwork - joined 5 Mar. 2007
Ellen McCorkle: pottery -joined 15 Mar. 2007

I decided I want to get another dwarf hamster, so I have set out to look for a decent cage. Unfortunately, most hamster cages are too small, difficult or tedious to clean, poorly ventilated, unsafe for dwarfs, too heavy, marketed to children, not escape-proof, or some combination thereof, so this is proving to be a bit of a quest. I am planning on moving this summer, so I do not want to get any hamsters beforehand, but that does not stop me from looking for the best dwarf hamster cage ever!

So, here are a few that piqued my interest, in case anyone else is having the same problem. I wrote out some thoughts on these cages, but keep in mind that this is just based on internet research. Let me know if you have found any better ones or have other remarks to make!

Marchioro Jack 72 Hamster Resort

Pros: This is one of the largest cages available that could work for a dwarf hamster. Given the size, the price is reasonable. It is available in the United States, though I may have to order it online. It is large enough for all the accessories one could want. As far as I can tell, it looks pretty safe.

Cons: As far as I can tell, it only comes in yellow. Does this look like it will even remotely match my decor? I might go as far as to call it ugly, and I do not mean that in a good way. A separate smaller cage would be necessary to keep on hand for transportation. The size may make it difficult to clean.

Questions: Are the tubes removable for cleaning? Does anyone have more detailed pictures, so that I can see the inside better?

Hagen Habitrail Ovo Series

Pros: The cage is cute and attempts to imitate the natural burrowing system of hamsters. Furthermore, it is expandable. A clear distinction can be made between sleeping area, potty, etc. This may be a good addition to a larger cage. It is compatible with other Habitrails. The pad can be separated from the rest of the setup and used for transport.

Cons: Too small for any creature bigger than a dwarf hamster, and even then, one would need to buy many pieces to have enough space for the hamster, which could get expensive and tedious to clean quickly. Since dwarf hamsters are likely to have trouble with vertical tubes, one would need a fair amount of table space. The wheel has a dangerously wide slot. It will have to be replaced. This cage, though cute, still does not match my decor.

Questions: Will Hagen make other products in this series to improve it? Is there a way I can replace the wheel with a better one? How durable is the cage? Is the pad ventilated enough? Are the doors secure?

Savic Hamster Heaven Metro

Pros: Another one of the largest cages available that could work for a dwarf hamster. It has plastic ramps and shelves rather than ones with metal bars, so no hammie feet falling through! As far as I can tell, it looks pretty safe, but the picture is hard to see.

Cons: The designer failed the color-coordination section in art class. The only supplier I have found so far offers the cage for more than $150! A separate cage would be necessary to keep on hand for transportation. The size may make it difficult to clean.

Questions: Are the tubes removable for cleaning? Does anyone have more detailed pictures, so that I can see the inside better?

Primitive Earth, an Etsy soap maker, just introduced a new tool called Etsian Blogs! Every hour, this website searches through blogs written by Etsians for updates. So if you like readings blogs, go there and take a look at all the new posts by Etsy members!

This cantaloupe soap is one of the all-natural soaps from Primitive Earth. It is made via hot process with olive oil, coconut oil, natural red clay for coloring, and a refreshing cantaloupe fragrance. Each bar is at least four ounces.

Ships from the United States. International shipping is available.

Here are ten Etsy shops with some awesome items! A couple of these sellers helped me out with an interview I had to do for a school project, another helped me promote Etsy Secrets, and the rest of them just look like they deserve a little word-of-mouth, but all are very talented crafters and artisans!

From Heart, by Hand: greeting cards
Inki Handmade: lots of different stuff
Cafe Baudelaire: collage prints - The Parisian chandelier print in the top corner is an example of one of these!
Moth to Flame Studios: artwork and items decorated with artwork
Tangente: clothing and cards
Sheri Crawford: artwork, magnets, and tiles
HTG's Crafty Critters: pet supplies
The House Of Mouse: felt mice characters
Denis Bouchard: black-and-white photography
Gotham Fairy Godmother: fantasy and fairy tale costumes for children

There are those days when one feels so busy and yet accomplishes very little. Today was one of those days for me. I stayed up too late last night to wake up early this morning, and my classes run late on Mondays. Anyways, I thought I would list what I did today in the hopes it would make me feel like I did not waste a day. Besides, if I do not start pushing myself to blog, I am afraid this poor blog would die away:

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter and that those who were on vacation adjust back to everyday life without too much to do! I always find spring break too short. It seems that one needs at least two weeks to both recooperate and to catch up on schoolwork. After one week of trying to do both, I always find myself having not fully completed either. Anyways, here is a picture of some of my feathered friends at the university to get you into the spring spirit!

Remember back when we had to do school fundraising selling those entertainment books full of coupons? I sure do. Well, I recently started a blog based on this idea, but much cooler, because: one, it does not cost $35, or anything in fact; two, it is online, so it will be updated with new coupons; and three, the coupons are good for items on Etsy! The blog is called Etsy Secrets, and it is a place devoted to coupons valid at Etsy shops!

Basically, how it will work is:
- Sellers who want to post coupons on the blog will contact me, so that I can send them an invitation to become a contributor.
- Then, they can post their coupons on the blog.
- Lastly, customers can browse the blog for great deals on Etsy items!
Cool, huh?

Since I have interviewed several other Etsians, I thought it would be fun to let some of them interview me! Yesterday, I started a thread on Etsy looking for questions. So here are the questions, those who asked them, and my responses. Enjoy!

Yoboseiyo: Can a dragon *really* be in knots?
Perhaps not the European-style dinosauresque ones, but a long slender Asian-style dragon could get itself into a bit of a knotty predicament!

Bijoutery: How did you find Etsy and why did you decide to open shop here?
At the time, I was selling online on another site. While networking with other crafters, I heard about Etsy and eventually took a look at it. The listing fee was only $0.10 back then, so I decided I would spend $1.00 and then see what would happen. My shop started getting views and hearts, and well, you can figure out the rest.

GriffinGear: Why do we wear one shirt but a pair of pants? Two arms go in the shirt, 2 legs go in the pants?
That is an interesting question. I have not yet seen that construction in another language. The ones I know just use the singular. The word "pants" is probably a borrowing from the French word "pantalon," judging from the similarity and the history. This word was likely borrowed during the Middle English period, but I honestly cannot say whether the construction predates or postdates the borrowing. I have not seen this construction with regards to "pants" in Old English, but quite frankly, I do not think I have ever read anything in Old English on the subject of pairs of pants.

StartsandFits: What has owning your own handmade business taught you and how has it affected your life?
Pre-Etsy Dragon in Knots was started when I was about 18, so I definitely had a lot to learn about being in the real world and about life in general, and having a shop has taught me quite a bit. It has helped me to plan a little better and to improve my people skills. And I think I am starting to gain some patience and confidence. Also, it is very reassuring to be a part of something: a community of artists and crafters, and also simply a part of my own handmade business, which is a small accomplishment in itself.

Charming Darling: How many black t-shirts do you have?
Maybe a dozen total; I have a lot of babydoll-style black t-shirts, probably more than any another type of shirt. They are a good staple for the college girl. They do not stain, and wrinkles are not an issue. They can go with many colors of pants or skirts. They are casual, while still having a clean-cut look that the loose-fitting t-shirts tend to lack. And they are chic and cute!

Canadian Woodcrafts: What do you think makes handmade items so much more appealing to so many people as opposed to mass produced items that are less expensive?
I think people have different reasons to be attracted to handmade items. Some are artists and crafters themselves, so they want to support others like them. Other people support the idea of small businesses and/or simply want to "stick it to the man," a.k.a. large corporations. Still others want to purchase items that are unique or special somehow or just cannot find exactly what they want in big stores. And some are just sick of the poor quality and bad customer service that is common in large chain stores and are excited to see a new generation, a modern version, if you will, of the old-fashioned "Mom-and-Pop" stores.

Lundberg: What type of crocheting injuries have you sustained and how many pints of blood have you lost from them?
Not a whole lot actually. Crocheting tends to be pretty safe. I have however cut myself on papers and on the tape dispenser while packaging items. I have not lost too much blood from it yet!

Coconutty: Why is a nickel larger than a dime? A dime is worth twice as much, so what's the deal?
Sometimes good things come in small packages! Like dwarf hamsters, diamond earrings, and dark chocolate truffles...

Thank you to everyone who contributed questions! This was a lot of fun! Some of you really made me think!

The question for our second poll was "Which time period in European history do you find the most interesting to study?" Voters were allowed one vote each, and the results were:

Dragon in Knots has reached 501 hearts! Many thanks to all its customers and visitors!

I have started making more wrist cuffs to prepare for the spring and summer and to help raise money for my trip. None of the new ones are listed yet, but they should start to appear over the next few weeks.

While I was busy crocheting, I realized that there are so many possible combinations. Thus, if you are reading this, please leave a comment with the yarn/ribbon/size combinations you would like to see!

Here are the options:

Yarn: Rose Pink, Light Blue, Lilac, Dark Plum Purple, Deep Red, Dark Brown, Black, [colors I do not have yet that could be possibilities: White with Silver Sparkles, Dark Gold, Cream with Gold Sparkles, Cherry Red, Multicolor]

Ribbon: White, Cherry Red, Burgundy, Pale Pink, Gold, [other color suggestions welcome]

Sizes: These can be made to fit any wrist circumference!

Thanks for your input!

I am happy to announce that Dragon in Knots is inching its way towards 500 hearts! I would also like to welcome Margins and Smile 4 Katie, two new sellers on Etsy!

I have been browsing a lot of blogs by other Etsians to get some ideas about what to talk about here. One of the blogs I read (sorry, I cannot remember which one) mentioned Pet Finder, which includes a searchable database to help people find pets to adopt. It is awesome to see that someone has taken advantage of modern tools to help people find the perfect pet and to help pets find a loving home. One of the groups that posts profiles of adoptable pets on Pet Finder is Life Long Tails, which I find particularly cool because this New York based organization rescues and finds homes for small animals. The general push for pet adoption tends to focus on dogs and cats, so it is wonderful to know that someone is looking out for the little creatures as well. Life Long Tails cares for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas, ferrets, sugar gliders, degus, birds, reptiles, hermit crabs, amphibians, and more! And for those of you who love blogs, they have one as well for events, newcomers, adoptions, and other little tidbits of information.

As requested by Nate and Cate Designs, here is a photo of some of my graduation announcements. A pack of vellum paper, a pad of black-and-white patterned paper, a paw-print hole puncher (for the university mascot), a standard hole puncher, a pair of sharp scissors, some red ribbon, a computer and printer, and a paper cutter... equals instant announcements... okay, well not quite instant but relatively painless, relatively inexpensive, and very cool! And with so many different patterns, each recipient gets to feel extra special!

If all goes according to plans, I will be spending July and the beginning of August in Bordeaux as part of a language program to strengthen my French skills to help in my future studies. I know it is a little early to be announcing this, but I feel that I should for several reasons.

First of all, unfortunately, Dragon in Knots will most likely be closed during this period, as my inventory is far too large to bring with me, and I do not currently have any volunteers to take over operations temporarily. So if there is anything you are eyeing in my shop, here is your advanced notice to purchase it before I leave. Otherwise, you will have to wait until I return. I will be putting some items on sale in the months before I leave to help raise some money for my trip, so if you are interested in a good deal, be sure to browse periodically.

Secondly, any happy thoughts and prayers sent my way, both during the planning process and the actual trip, would be much appreciated! There are still some logistics and details to be worked out and as always, financing the venture is a major issue. Please pray that everything goes smoothly!

Thirdly, I want you to know a little more about the person behind Dragon in Knots, since the personal touch is what makes handmade crafts extra special. I am unsure about what sort of internet access I will have in France, but I am hoping to be able to update this blog while I am away, to keep Dragon in Knots alive while my shop is down and to let you know about some of my adventures. If this is not possible, then I will tell you about the trip when I return.

I do not really have exact dates and such, as of right now, but I will post more information later.

Random travel tip: Before traveling to another country, find out your shoe and clothing sizes in their sizing system. Even if you do not plan to do any shoe or clothing shopping abroad, you never know if you will find an outfit you "have to have" or if your walking shoes will wear out. A few minutes of research now could save you quite a bit of frustration later.

I went to the graduation "fair" at school today. It is really just a collection of tables with people selling paraphernalia for graduation. For some reason, the people in the bookstore would not just let me buy the few things I needed before said fair. So, I got my tassel and my cord (Am I the only one who finds some black humor in the university encouraging over-achievers to wear a rope around their neck?). I did get some amusement by calculating just how much someone could spend on graduation. The "official" graduation announcements are quite boring and would cost a fortune (unless, of course, you have a short mailing list.) And the rings start at about $230. That is for a plain model with engraving around it, made from a material of which I have never heard. I already have a ring like that. It says, "One ring to rule them all..." So, my solution was a trip to Hobby Lobby and some browsing around Etsy. My sister and I put our creativity together, and now I have some of the coolest graduation announcements ever, at a fraction of the cost. I also found some really beautiful and unique rings on Etsy.
Here are a few top picks:
Zig-zag Lattice Ring
Freeform Garnet Ring
Garnet and Silver Ring
Vine Ring

On Etsy news, I finally got around to listing the Earthstepper Scarf. I made it using some wonderful wool yarn from Wool Handcrafts! Furthermore, Jason of JJMFinance recently interviewed me for his blog! Along with a couple typical interview questions, he also asks Etsians about the business side of their shop, so if you are interested in how Etsy sellers handle this aspect of crafting for a profit, I urge you to read the other interviews he has done. He also has a shop on Etsy that offers Excel spreadsheets to help small business owners stay organized.

"Amantes sunt amentes!" or at least that is what my Latin phrase-a-day calendar says for today. Our third and last segment for this Valentine's is for confirmed bachelors/bachelorettes and those clinging less adamantly to singlehood but willing to have some fun along the way! So grab some chocolate, a few strawberries, and a glass of wine, and take a look at these great items!

So what exactly does it mean to be single? This scrabble charm by Found and Made Designs has all the answers! Made from a salvaged Scrabble letter tile and a silver bail, it features the dictionary definitions of the word "single." Singlehood is no longer considered a contemptible state. Show off your singleness with pride!

Not afraid to be alone? Take a look at this interesting t-shirt from Cackle! An unusual, and somewhat more positive, spin on the "I'm with Stupid" shirts, it declares, "I'm with Myself." Available in grey or white, this shirt would make a great gift for anyone who is comfortable with himself/herself and quite content to spend some time in solitude!

Want the ring but not the significant other? Take a look at Shade Jewelry's selection of unique titanium rings! In particular, this graceful diamond and titanium ring is a show-stopper and a refreshingly distinctive piece in a world of déja-vu jewelry! A diamond may not be a girl's best friend, but it does not hurt. If you are looking for a more masculine piece, I recommend this striking ring that was inspired by jewelry hand-forged in the days of yore. By the way, Shade Jewelry's diamonds are non-conflict, so you can enjoy their beauty without offending your conscience (yay!).

Before everyone complains that I skipped the best part of the holiday, here is a piece inspired by my favorite Valentine's Day activity, eating chocolate! This chocolate love bubble charm from The Cutting Edge reads, "forget love, I'd rather fall in chocolate." Which is better, chocolate or love? You decide. Hmm... what about falling in love with chocolate?

Have a wonderful romantic or non-romantic Valentine's everyone!

Of course, there are those of us who are not content to stay in the single state. The second part of this series is for those who are looking for "the one" and those who think they have found him/her and are not sure how to suggest expanding the relationship from a friendship to something more. What better time is there to make this step to a romantic friendship than on Valentine's? Just be sure to make dinner reservations early!

This purse made from a recycled book with a rather unusual title was not quite what I intended to feature when I chose the theme of singles looking for love, but I could not help laughing when I saw it! I am sure most of you can sympathize (guys, just replaced the word "Guys" in the title with "Girls"). I know of very few people who did not go through an awkward phase at some time or other when positive attention from the opposite sex seemed nothing short of miraculous. If you are interested in other repurposed and vintage items, take a look at Retro Grandma's other items! (I cannot believe I actually recognized a few things in the toy section...)

This gorgeous silver "Oui" necklace from Meg Leigh Designs would be appropriate to wear next time you are hanging out with that guy who needs just a wee bit of a hint (no pun intended)! Alleviate his fears about asking you out by letting him know that he will not receive a "Non" or the dreaded "Peut-être." This simply elegant piece is a combination of a sterling silver filigree heart charm, a sterling silver round "oui" charm, a 17" [43.2 cm] sterling silver chain, and a Karen Hill Tribe silver toggle clasp.

If you think your prospective new sweetheart requires a more straightforward approach, try this gamer-inspired card by BS Angel! The front of the card reads, "Your friends list is full.", and the inside concludes with "May I add you to my more than friends list instead?". The teal and brown color combination allows this card to stand out in the Valentine's sea of red and pink, so that it will be noticed by "you know who."

Valentine's Day is often reserved for children and those who are in romantic relationships. So instead of putting together a traditional Valentine's Day Gift Guide, I decided this year to focus on those of us who are usually ignored this time of year, that is, the singles. Whether you spend Valentine's Day with friends, rejoicing at having escaped yet another year still single, alone crying over a box of chocolates, staking out potential sweethearts, chasing away wannabe worshippers, or oblivious to the fact that the holiday even exists, this series of posts is for you!

One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine's Day while single, if you do decide to go ahead and make the most of it, is, of course, to spend it with other singles.

Our first poll closed yesterday. The question was: "What characteristics are the most important to you in selecting a scarf?" Fifteen people voted in total, but they were allowed to select multiple answers.

The choices, in order of the number of votes they received, were as follows:
- soft - 9 votes (60%)
- cute or stylish - 8 votes (53%)
- uniqueness - 6 votes (40%)
- made from natural materials - 5 votes (33%)
- easily washable - 2 votes (13%)
- matches your wardrobe - 2 votes (13%)
- warm - 1 vote (6%)
- other - 0 votes (0%) - I guess that means I thought of everything!

Thank you to everyone who voted!

On other news, I am hoping to post a Valentine's Gift Guide as soon as time allows. It will be a little different than last year's...

I was once told that black-and-white photography is antiquated, that it has been replaced through technological advancements. I could not disagree more. It is as if saying that prose has replaced poetry.

Christina Perdue, our third interviewee, is a very talented photographer and Etsy seller, who obviously shares my love of black-and-white photography. Her shop currently offers fine art prints, mugs featuring her work, and other items.

Tell me about your art.
I mostly do infrared and black & white photography. I also have a couple of graphic design items in my shop and hope to expand to painting soon.

When and why did you begin selling?
I began selling in late August. I love my photographs, they make me happy, and the thought of them hanging in someone's space puts a smile on my face.

Looking back to when you began selling or crafting, do you have any regrets?
Well since it's not been that long I can only regret I didn't start selling sooner!

Pick one item from your shop, and tell me about it.
I passed these stairs on an outing in February of 2007. If you climb to the very top step you'll find that it leads to nothing. I found this fact intriguing and decided to take a photo. I actually return to these stairs every so often; I like to sit on the top step.

What are your long term goals, for your business or personal life?
I would like to obviously keep selling my prints. I want to continue taking photos and branch out into other forms of art. My hope is that I can make a living doing what I love and I plan to try my hardest to do so.

If you could personally thank anyone, living or dead, who would you thank?
My mother. She's always been a big inspiration to me and she believes in my talent and photography.

If you were granted two wishes, one realistic and one unrealistic, what would they be?
I'll start with the unrealistic because those are always more fun. :) I wish I had free unlimited art supplies. And for the realistic I wish to simply sell my art.

Is there anything you would like to ask me?
I see you run a successful shop, what's your biggest piece of advice for me?
Your photography is beautiful, and your shop is put together well. So, I think you have what it takes to build a successful shop, but it usually requires a lot of time to establish a reputation online and to begin to sell consistently. Therefore, my main advice for you is to be confident in your work and yourself as an artist. From personal experience, I know that it is easy for artists and crafters to fall into doubt, to begin to question whether their work is good enough to sell, when often their work is wonderful, but they just have not reached a large enough audience. So, keep promoting, keep listing, and above all, keep creating!