GETREADYSETGO.ETSY.COM

the Blog is MOVING!!!!!!

2010-07-24T14:11:00.004-04:00

hello everyone!
it's time for a fresh start. so i'm retiring this blog BUT you can find my new one over here:
http://grsgvintageluggage.blogspot.com/
please come by and follow so i can follow you too:)
the new blog is going to be a mix of shop talk, music, photography and my favorite finds on etsy. i'm excited!
see you over there
rachel

Where have I been?

2010-04-20T06:49:00.003-04:00

oh my, where have been and where do i start?????

i've been bustin' the lens on my camera (NOT on purpose), listening to Kashmir like mad, washi taping everything in sight, shooting photos of my little sis with awesome luggage, making a rad bag for urbansoule............ well, that's all the photos show but in truth that stuff has been a small, very small, teeny tiny little fraction of my life. where i've really been is in la-la land. i've been sick and had probably one of the roughest moths of my life. i wanna delve into more but i can't because guess what? i'm tired. blech! always tired. i will explain more but for now know that my mental well-being has been far from well. BUT, i am on the road to recovery, taking things slow. learning to be positive. mental illness is a nighmare and i plan to delve into it here. the blog is gonna be changing up for the next few months- maybe longer. i need to change it. i wanna help others and be completely honest about the trails i've been facing with prescription drugs, NONE of which i've ever abused. ALL of which i've just followed my dr.'s instructions on. for over 10 years now. but this train is stopping. i'm getting off. one by one and taper, taper, taper. i love you all. i am so thankful for your encouragements and well wishes. your comments, convos and emails have been TREMENDOUSLY helpful. thank you thank you. now really, my hands are sore, my arms are sore, my back is sore. stupid benzo detox...........
GRSG out kids!

HEADACHES N STUFF

2010-03-12T15:48:00.002-05:00

it's been raining like no other for days here.
the change in barometric unfriendly pressure has been killing my head.
the above photo is me trying to re-charge with my macbook power chord and it's not working. i also realized that my eyes are so sickly and swelled from the headache that i look like i got bit by a wild spider. i am currently completely wiped out to my very core.
off to pound pound pound the water and the coffee.
i hope my head starts to get fixed up right really soon. i'm very much desiring to share this illness of the brain with everyone but i'm not sure how to go about it? soooo many details. such a long saga. where to begin and how much to share is where i get stumped.
i may just start.
but not until this throbbing goes away.
have a happy weekend kids:)
xo, rachel

i'm taking out my STITCHES!

2010-02-15T10:45:00.004-05:00

.....and no, this post has NOTHING to do with valentine's day. i waited until today to post it to avoid any confusion.
so here i am..... 2010 well on it's way, GRSG still open, i'm back in the full swing of drawing and the luggage is still selling!

i tend to vent, rant, complain etc. on my blog. i don't mean to. i just let my brain unwind here and reflect. it's never my intention of using this blog as a dumping grounds for my trails. so today it's all about the good news.......

2009 ended on a sour note for me, details as to why NOT coming, but it threw me into this bizarre artistic hole. it caused a forced halt unlike anything i had ever experienced. it was a time for me to really look at my business. re-evaluate, toss around what-ifs, toy with new ideas, draw new designs, draw NOTHING AT ALL, take lots of pictures, hang out with my brother, try to draw, fail, try to draw, finish a bag, think about closing shop, actually putting the shop on vacation mode, opening back up even when i felt artistically cleaned out! i digress but only to get to make the ending that much sweeter.

the people of the etsy community, as well as the ones in my personal life, whispering in BOTH of my ears was a GRSG life-preserver if you will. i don't remember a specific day but this line from one of my favorite movies sums it up:

"You know the great thing, though, is that change can be so constant you don't even feel the difference until there is one. It can be so slow that you don't even notice that your life is better or worse, until it is." George (Kevin Kline) from Life is a House

so, february 15th 2010 is what i woke up to this morning, yes i know, we all did that. but here's the thing, i've been knocked off my feet in the best possible way. i crunched the numbers last night....
55 sales in January
33 so far in february
ACK! i couldn't be happier. that's some SERIOUS FAVOR for me and my shop.
and shop talk aside i could make a list a mile long of all the good things i've got in my life. so upward and onward! i don't want to make others feel as though my life is a bowl of cherries and i live in la-la land. i'm just choosing my focus right now- some days that's easier to do than others, i PROMISE i know. but GetReadySetGo isn't going anywhere! any thoughts i may have had about mnimizing or closing have been kicked to the curb and taken away by the garbage trucks.

so yes, i'm taking out my stitches! if you look real close the scar looks like one SPECTACULAR STAR! yeah, i'm fully aware i might be seeing things but all that matters is what i see.
and from where i'm standing.
the view is PHENOMENALLY BRIGHT WITH POSSIBILITY!

xox to ALL of you lovely faces (boys can be lovely faces too- just so ya know), you keep me going on the darkest of days:)
GRSG OUT!

crash n burn

2010-02-09T22:32:00.004-05:00

ughhhhh. i got nothing done today. where is my mind? seriously?!? i do love the above train case i made last week. and i randomly made an Alice in Wonderland train case that i finished today. it was out of nowhere. i started with no idea and it just morphed.

i could really use a dose of smart pills because today i was apparently fed stupid pills. i suspect they were slipped into my coffee. i have no leads as to who put them there. i have nothing interesting to say but i thought i would try to keep up on my poor neglected blog and show those who read this but maybe missed the green treefingers case in my shop.

i want to live in a room that is painted bright teal and has white christmas lights and the biggest fluffiest bed in the planet. i want this room to look like the crate & barrel magazine i looked at this morning- and i NEVER EVER look at those. but everything was so clean and organized and comfortable and cohesive. my mind is craving all of those things. meanwhile our featherbed needs to be flipped and fluuffed as it's falling down in our sheets and bunched up over the bottom of our matress. i know, i know, i tempt you so with that image.
okay, off to fix the bed and then fall in it.

HELLO, my name is Rachel and i am a Blog Neglecter

2010-02-05T07:46:00.002-05:00

..... no seriously. a few of us etsy kids were tweeting about this last night. if there were blog-protective services they would have come and snatched this thing right away from me and put me on the blog-neglecter list. i would never be allowed to own a blog again!

that being said, i have been living life. it's been 29 kinds of rough but as always, i get by and i'm confident in EVERY single thing having its purpose. this is how i sleep at night. this is why i get up day after day and keep trucking. there is so much beauty in this mixed up world. i am fortunate to be able to see it and feel it.

i could go on but i am up at 7 AM!?!?!?! and i have yet to put any coffee into my bloodstream, both things are recipes for a blogging train-wreck!

my friend kristin just started a blog. it's brilliant & you should follow:
Shout out Loud
so i leave you with a link and of course a giant XOX

~GRSG OUT!~

i could die trying......

2009-11-26T02:11:00.004-05:00

BUT I DON'T CARE!

where have all the photographs gone? where has my life gone?

yes, it's been a rough year in MANY aspects, and i'm still NOT through the woods, but i WILL get this back. i spent tonight going through all the photographs of the past year and even some of the year before. i haven't been shooting randomness lately. my life is too fast and too rushed and too much. but it's changing and my business is changing and i will put a stop to this crazy runaround. i love my job. i do. but i need to love my life more. it's my business and i say how it goes right? i need to force myself to break! i will get this back. i will get this back. i will get this back

EVEN IF I DIE TRYING! it's WORTH IT!

Something's gotta give...

2009-10-20T22:00:00.002-04:00

....and something has GOT to change!
there is so much to tell and so much i want to write, there always is. i can't explain it since i can barely keep it straight in my own head.
but it's time to Hit The Switch (sweet bright eyes song)

get ready everybody, big changes coming for 2010.
place your holiday orders sooner than later- pretty please!
it will help to keep me sane unlike last year.

hope to be hearing from you guys soon.....
GRSG out!

Missing the Mark?

2009-10-13T10:43:00.003-04:00

i just want to hit the center of that nautical black and red star!

am i missing the mark? i've got too many ideas and i'm feeling awfully indecisive.

it's fall, and i LOVE fall.

but

i sit in my office with 5 pieces of luggage in front of me

my pen in hand

and i grab one then put it back, grab another

put it back

get up and get a drink of water, come back

my 5 pieces of luggage.

grab one

put it back

grab another

and repeat.

JUST DRAW RACHEL, JUST DRAWWWWWWWW!

EveryTHING All the TiMe

2009-10-02T08:46:00.002-04:00

here is a random video i made. it's abrupt, choppy and the speed is increased. i think it is a good representation of how i've been feeling lately and perhaps gives a peek inside my crazy mind when it comes time to draw........
anyways, that's pretty much it. most all of my artwork is all copyrighted now. circle trip keep your mitts off!

MiXeD TAPE!

2009-09-19T00:34:00.004-04:00

hey friends! it's been a while i know- i am NOT the worlds best blogger. but i do have some exciting news to share. i am going to be in Poppytalk Handmade's MIXED TAPE Market from sept 21- oct 16! i am super excited and super over-worked- which, as always, is my very own fault! i guess it's better than having nothing to do but i need to learn how to not eat, sleep and breathe luggage and art..... nice try rachel.

i remember making mixed tapes. getting one tape to record onto another and getting the timing just right between songs. those were some good times. all set up in front of all of my fathers black music equipment. 2 tape decks a record player an equalizer? i didn't know how half of the stuff worked but i knew how to make a mixed tape. i'd make them on the weekends. they would fill up my time. and the music would fill up my head and heart and take me away from all the pain and confusion of growing up. music = escape.

i couldn't ask to be in a cooler market. it's called mixed tape for cryin out loud! sweet. excited. overwhelmed and taking an airplane trip soon. to gather some of my friend's ashes and his camera.
october will be here before we know it. i will say hello to michigan for you. i will take many many pictures.

until next time.....

THIS IS HOW YOU ARE

2009-09-05T01:54:00.006-04:00

tonight i went rollerblading while my brother rode his trick bike bike beside me. we both had our ipods on and the summer night here in florida was just right. the air blew off the water in every kind of perfect way as the sun set. i wanted to be 14 again but then i didn't. i didn't want to be 29 either. i was listening to yes, i will admit it, alanis morissette's jagged little pill. you know when you hear songs for the first time at a new age? like where was Mary Jane when i was young? i knew it was sad but nothing in it rang too true as the angst and screaming we could all belt out on our way to school or in my best friends basement.
there was this line in the song.....
"Are you happy
Please don't censor your tears"
it just kept playing on a loop in my head.
i don't know why and i'm not going to analyze it. i'm so sick of analyzing these days. i don't like to brush things under the rug but when you feel like emotional garbage and you know you just have to wait it out, well, what's the point in analyzing? it just makes the awfulness more severe.
emotions.
i feel out of breath, i feel like i'm fading.
can't i just stay in my brother's room watching tv shows on dvd, drawing, ignoring all of etsy and why this and why that?
i think i want to walk right off this chair.....

ESCAPE & COLOR my WORLD

2009-08-30T00:57:00.013-04:00

when Cat of POLARITY on ETSY
asked if she could use some of my photographs for her Etsy Artists Locket series i was pretty much blown away.
honored, yes, HONORED indeed.

she has put together 2 photographs and a word to make a genius, SMART and completely unique piece of art n' jewelry

this first series above is called
ESCAPE
one of the coolest things is that Cat has chosen some of my most favorite photos and given them a whole new meaning. i can think of nothing better than when another artist finds ways to show you more art in your own artwork!
i love how much meaning a word can hold. sounds rather obvious but if you stop and think- really stop and think of all the meanings for a word...
STOP, think about it.
pretty mind-blowing.

the next series is called:
COLOR my WORLD

it's been another wild and scary week for me so i lack the ability to type much more.
thank you for this Cat.

one of the things i love about Etsy is the community within. i am amazed how Cat has brought EVERY SINGLE type of artist together with these lockets.
she's a BRILLIANT GENIUS & a MAD COOL SCIENTIST
all rolled into one!
we are lucky to have her.
please check out her other RAD shop:
UNCORKED on ETSY

(random thought for the blog: i hate the feuding. really, i do. i hate to hate. vengence is nasty. i am both a victim AND a culprit. i'm not proud to say it, but it's true.)

Levi Weaver PART COMPLETE

2009-08-28T17:10:00.008-04:00

DONE DONE AND DONE!

JUST SOME PHOTOS OF THE WORKING IN PROGRESS

ABOVE PHOTO SELF-EXPLANATORY

HAPPY TOURING LEVI!
and for everyone else:
find out if Levi is coming to a city near you- HE WILL BE ADDING DATES FREQUENTLY SO BE SURE TO CHECK BACK OFTEN- it will be well worth your money:)
CHECK HERE

Levi Weaver MERCH Case Part BEGIN

2009-08-22T18:43:00.005-04:00

so far, SO fun.......

after this next part i had to put the utensils down because my forearm was pulsating and my hand was frozen like the claw.....

artwork to commence this evening with the appropriate music T.B.D.
have you still not listened to Levi's music????
get to it, go on now
i will make it sooooooo super easy
JUST CLICK HERE!

MERCH Case Part Levi Weaver

2009-08-20T01:05:00.004-04:00

second merch case is being made....

and i couldn't more excited.

i cannot remember how i got to talking with levi. it was quite some time ago- at least 5 years i want to say??? and yes, it was over the internet. random but not so much any more. i've watched him over the years make phenomenal music and tour with other talented musicians- imogen heap is the one that comes to the front of my mind. he's unique and one of my favorite things about his music is that it cannot be put into a genre- at least i refuse to believe so. he is folk, electronic, indie, dare i say bluegrass? i can't explain his music but it's the kind that moves and has a somewhat magical quality to it. you guys know i can gush about things i tuly enjoy but i will bite my tongue and

STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to listen to his music- i am STUCK STUCK STUCK on
"We're Tornadoes When We Dance"
LISTEN HERE

soooo, moving forward......
i suggested my making him a merch case and he was game.
we got a rough mock-up and drawing shall begin very soon

in the words of Levi

"it's going to be SHARP!"

it's also going to be RAD!

psyched?
who me?
HECK YEAH I AM

GRSG out kids!
(photos of case in progress to come)

FALL PREVIEW GOODNESS

2009-08-10T16:13:00.009-04:00

yes, that's 1 red wallet w/ ladybugs and a set of mushrooms:), 1 orange pebbled soft side samsonite suitcase with crow and skeleton keys, 1 olive green featherlite train case w/ dandelions on it and 1 caramel brown soft as butter purse with a crow on it!

next up we have 1 soft as butter sand colored purse w/ 2 small mushrooms on it, 1 dark cranberry messenger w/ a white leaf, 1 cocoa brown messenger purse with a black octopus and 1 cherry red purse w/ a bow and kaleidoscope flowers!

words cannot express these next 2. THEY MATCH- THEY ARE EUROPEAN VINTAGE AND THEY ARE IN MINT CONDITION! 1 is cherry red and the other is jet black!

some plain pieces for your consideration.... 1 caramel brown vegan portfolio briefcase, 1 sweet olive green vintage bag that says "brendan tours" on both sides, 1 navy blue messenger perfect for school and 1 mustard yellow giant suitcase with orange and yellow stripes, 2 wheels and a pull handle!

above is 4 shots of an ANTIQUE Seafoam Circular Suitcase. A most fabulous photo prop, use for home decor & storage. it's ABSOLUTELY Stunnnnnnning:)

a few more blank pieces for your consideration.... 1 cherry messenger purse, 1 dark marine blue messenger with a marble to it & a buckle, 1 cobalt blue messenger from samsonite and 1 cherry red amelia earhart tote.

Remember, this is just a preview- my garage is jammmmmmmmm packed with much more blank cases and bags so shoot me a convo on etsy or an email here:
GetReadySetGo1980@gmail.com
let's get ready to Kick off this new year with a rockin travel BANG!
later my friends:)

Back 2 School ALREADY???

2009-08-02T17:04:00.004-04:00

seriously??? it's august???
my husband teaches honors physics and he goes back august 18th. everywhere i go there are college sales for the dorm room going on. summer always flies too fast.

the goal over august is to continue to stock up the shop! the goal and focus of my blog will be to show you ways to use luggage for school and everyday life! if you're a teacher, a homeschool mother, a freshman. sophomore, junior or senior at BOTH college AND high school! a crafter? do you own your own etsy shop? i'm here to help with your storage solutions and add some fun and personality to your spaces and for when you travel.

so check back often....... here comes fallllllllll
GRSG OUT friends!

How 2 Let Go....

2009-07-29T04:13:00.008-04:00

there is no way to let go of someone you love without pain.
it's with you all the time.
when it's morning
and your bare feet hit the cold of your kitchen floor for the first time that day
and you think of coffee- you think of the last time you got coffee together.
a song plays, the lyrics float through your head, the photograph hanging above your desk, the cover of a dvd you saw together in the theater. it's there when you roll over in bed and without realizing it
you are stuck
because you remember...
you remember that he's not there any more.
that you can't call and tell him the funny thing that happened when you went to the store at 2am, or the fall you took over your own 2 feet because you were so excited about something ridiculous. you can't make fun of your quirks with him any more, or laugh at the weird habits you both still have even though you live thousands of mile apart.
and you lose your breath.
"and i'm fractured from the fall. and i wanna go home.... "
-ryan adams-
as many of you know, last week my dear friend david passed away. at the young age of only 29 he was taken from so many people.
we met at age 11 and became fast friends. he was the boy who first held my hand, who gave me my first kiss, who first told me he loved me. you don't "go out" with someone for nearly 2 years in middle school but we did. and after that ended we stayed the closest of friends.
even when i went to a different high school for a few years he was there.
and for the years we lost touch during college he was there.
and in the summer of 2007 when we reconnected- WE WERE THERE.
we fell right back to being friends like we were when we were 12.
i never knew i'd only have 2 more years. i never knew the last time we took pictures at the park would be THE last time. never knew that our last trip to the cider mill for cider slushies would be THE last one we'd drink together. you never know when it will be THE LAST.
i never got to say goodbye.....
but over these past 2 years we made it a point to always tell each other
"hey, you matter to me, you're an amazing friend, i have been and will always be here, i'm soo glad things are back to the way they used to be. we made it through growing up and we're better friends for it."
all things stupid we'd done- erased, forgiven, forgotten.
we were living in the present, living for the future.
we'd talk about when we both had kids they would play together. they would be friends.
i would knit his family matching hats n scarves- not the dorky kind but ones that are super cool- because knitting is cool!
and he wore the cuff i made him even when it stretched out
he just wore it higher up on his arm.
there was so much left to do.
but i am thankful. thankful that i got to say all the things i had wanted to say. sure, there is always more but the basics were said.
the important part of my life that he was- that all things between us was understood.
that is what i will hold onto- til the day that i die.
so for him i will smile, because i know he would want me to. and my memories will never fade. sometimes i hate how clear my memory is.
but not today.
today is a day for remembering.

"What I used to be will pass away and then you'll see
That all I want now is happiness for you and me"
-ELLIOTT SMITH-

i needed to post this. so thank you readers for reading and for your constant support of me. if it's in my day to day life or in my buisness and new endeavors. you guys are always there. and it blows me away every time.
i will never stop loving- even though it can hurt so badly.
the loving is ALWAYS worth it.
Rest in peace David Edward Peters.
you will ALWAYS BE LOVED.
and now you're free. free from the burdens and the pain.
"the boy who stopped the world and made his own"
-AARON SPRINKLE-

POLARITY POSTIN

2009-07-12T03:59:00.008-04:00

so last week, i'm losing track of days so forgive me if i'm wrong, in my mailbox there was a tin can full of lids for my spectacular magnetic locket that i ordered from k. cat- as i like to call her- who owns the uber sweet shop on etsy:

POLARITY

aren't they pretty? i was blown away by these little pups. k. cat also included some lids with a few of my FAVORITE photographs that i had shot and posted on my blog. talk about making me feel special.
my house may be a wreck, the laundry may be waaaaay behind & i check to see if i'm still sane at least 5 times a day but in the end it's all good. i've got people in my life that love me lots. some of these people i've never even met.

head over to Polarity,
you know you wanna.
and then hang your locket from your neck or from your red locker.
either way you will be grinning silly!
www.Polarity.etsy.com

today is a day for drawing!

SQUIRREL MECHANICS PART DONE!

2009-07-07T21:50:00.008-04:00

THE CASE IS FINISHED AND ON IT'S WAY TO THE SUPER COOL, KID FRIENDLY
INDIE-ROCK BAND

"Lunch Money"

THE CASE WILL ALSO HAVE 3 BAGS INSIDE,
1 FOR CASH MONEY, 1 FOR SHARPIES & PENS AND 1 FOR STICKERS!
THE SMALL POUCH IS A HIPPACK TO CARRY ODDS AND ENDS.

LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING ON MORE OF THESE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.....
HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A GREAT WEEK!
-GRSG OUT!-
P.S- THE STORAGE & STUDIO MAKE-OVER IS COMING ALONG....
SLOWLY BUT SURELY!

Squirrel Mechanics part III

2009-07-05T04:20:00.011-04:00

MANY MORE PHOTOS TO COME OF THE FULLY FINISHED CASE BUT HERE'S A PREVIEW OF THE 1ST TIME INK HIT CASE........

2 CUSTOM PIECES

2009-06-30T13:30:00.005-04:00

IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHY I HAVEN'T ADDED ANY NEW PIECES TO THE SHOP LATELY, HERE ARE 2 OF A FEW REASONS WHY......

I AM STILL PLUGGING AWAY ON THE SQUIRREL MECHANICS RECORDS CASE BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD POST THESE 2 OTHER LITTLE NUMBERS JUST SO YOU KNOW THAT I'M NOT GIVING UP ON THE SHOP AND EATING BON BONS ALL DAY. JUST DRAWING LIKE MAD- AS USUAL- AND DRINKING HEAVILY....... DRINKING COFFEE THAT IS. I'M SURE I DIDN'T FOOL ANY OF YOU WITH THAT ONE.

SO MUCH NEEDED RAIN COMING DOWN IN FLORIDA. ON MUSIC TAP FOR TODAY: ELLIOTT SMITH WITH A MIX OF THE SMITHS...... SOUNDING GOOD OVER HERE!

PROJECT PART 2

2009-06-27T19:23:00.006-04:00

PART 2 OF THE UPDATE ON "LUNCH MONEY" MERCH CASE.

I CLEANED AND POLISHED THE CASE I WILL BE DRAWING ON.
YES, I HAD TO TAKE IT INTO THE SHOWER AND BATHTUB AS TO NOT SPRAY WATER ALL OVER MY KITCHEN FLOOR.

BUT THE RED IS SMOKIN HOT AND ALL READY FOR ART!
YAAAAAAAAAY

DRAWING DRAWING DRAWING

LISTENING TO THE NEW PETE YORN & PER USUAL, WANTING MORE COFFEE.

TALK AT CHA' SOON

CURRENT PROJECT

2009-06-26T17:01:00.006-04:00

I GOT A SWEET CUSTOM ORDER. THOUGHT I WOULD POST A BRIEF UPDATE.

I AM MAKING A MERCH CASE FOR THIS SUPER AWESOME BAND! IT'S GOING TO HAVE THEIR LABEL LOGO ON THE FRONT AND INSIDE WILL BE ALL THEIR T-SHIRTS, STICKERS, CHANGE ETC. I AM MAKING SOME COLORED MONEY BAGS THAT WILL KEEP THINGS INSIDE ORGANIZED.

SO SUPER EXCITED. WOULD LOOOOOOOOVE TO DO MORE OF THESE.

I MADE MY BEST FRIEND A TRAIN CASE FOR ALL OF HER PIANO CHORDS AND STUFF FOR WHEN SHE PLAYS SHOWS/TOURS. I NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MARKET THIS....... ANY SUGGESTIONS?

OKAY, BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR ME.

HAPPY FRIDAY. HAPPY SUMMER.
GRSG OUT!

1 Sick Vacation

2009-06-17T19:56:00.006-04:00

i am not big on shooting flowers. they are pretty, they smell wonderful and they are fascinating but i am never drawn to photograph them. the reasons why are too long and boring to list.

this past week we've spent our "vacation" on the water of st. pete with my family ( i think it's more of sick leave for me). my dad thought it would be cool for me to take a photo of this flower that he loves every day as it bursts open. i've only taken one photo- haven't made it out there since sunday- but as i was lookin over my pictures this one struck me. it's a picture of how i'm feeling......
i was SOOO ready to kick back and relax this week. instead i'm barely able to move from one room to another.
and now i feel ready to burst.
i can't draw, i can't take pictures, typing is exhausting.
i found this quote in my journal and i don't remember where it's from but it seemed fitting.
so, in someone else's words, here it is:
"i have never been an ordinary artist, for as long as i can remember i have made sense of things on paper. i sketch images that run so close to the edges of the page, they are in danger of falling off. and sometimes things are revealed in my drawings that i do not understand. when i look back at my drawings from when i was a child i am always surprised. i have sketched things i should not have known, secrets that have been revealed. when people see my drawings they seem fascinated. they ask me if i know what these things mean, but i never do. i can draw the image, but people have to face their own demons."

ANATOMY of a Blue Bat Case

2009-06-16T00:29:00.012-04:00

i am on vacation. well, visiting a portion of my family across the state. 3 hours from all of my baggage so to speak.

i've had a wicked fever, cold and sore throat since late friday night- not ideal for my week off.
been working on this new train case for the shop- or possibly my brother because it doesn't seem my buyers are much interested in the bat- though i must say- i'm obsessed with it and so is he.

i finally was able to get out of bed today and snap some shots of my brother and this new case. the light was supreme, the camera felt like it weighed 10lbs. because i am so weak from the illness that has been ravaging my insides for the past 4 days. i quickly got back into bed and fell asleep. i've been napping like crazy but it's never the kind where you wake up feeling rested.

the etsy-versary last week was a HUGE success and my head is still swimming in a pool of love that rained down on me and the shop.
does thank you ever get old? is thank you even enough? i don't feel like it is. but i never will be satisfied with the amount of love i attempt to return. i just wasn't built that way.
i've got new ideas brewing for the shop but that's nothing new. i know it's summer but i feel it's end approaching fast. so i'm hitting the brakes.
more medicine to digest, more tea to drink, more restless naps to be taken.

GetReadySetGO!'s 1 Year ETSY-Versary SALE and Giveaway GALORE!

2009-06-06T11:27:00.015-04:00

A HUGE THANK YOU TO AMY OF thePeachTree FOR COMPOSING THIS BRILLIANT VERBAGE & LAYING IT ALL OUT. YOU ROCK PEACH!

Attention Ladies and Gentlemen Alike!!It's GetReadySetGo's 1 year Etsy-Versary and she's having a Helluva Hoopla over at her ETSY shop! For 5 days only, she's combining her luggage AND her Clutch shop into one MASTERPIECE of an EPICENTER!!

MONDAY through FRIDAY (6/8 - 6/12) take $5 OFF EVERYTHING in the Shop. We're talking the most incredible UP-CYCLED Train CASES, luggage, CLUTCHES, Messenger BAGS each with it's own personal character, charm, and hand drawn art to boot!! .... need I say more??

OH but I WILL!!

Not only will you receive $5 OFF every item but you will ALSO get a stunningly JUICY pair of PEARL earrings, with EACH purchase, from ThePeachTree including a 10% OFF coupon for her shop!

Still not enough?? If THIS doesn't show you how much the Etsy community loves Ms. SetGo, I don't know what will!! So you're getting the $5 OFF and ThePeachTree PEARL earrings, and you will ALSO receive a SURPRISE gift from one of the 8 amazingly GRACIOUS and TALENTED artisans below!!

A SNEAK peak of what you could WIN!

10 pairs each of the Bobby Pin Sets above

1 in your size Collective Names of Animals - Mens Grass Green
1 in your size Collective Names of Animals - Mens Asphalt
1 in your size Organic French Pet Lobster Shirt - Dijon
1 in your size Japanese Star Moss

8 Handcrafted Wearables by Fray

1 pair of Victorian Charm - Silver
1 pair of Victorian Charm - Bronze

1 Vintage Scarf

1 Little gnome home
Three Sets of 4 Beep Boop Oop - Robot Greeting Cards

1 pair of Greenwitch Earrings
1 pair of Dervish Earrings
1 pair of Goddess Earrings
1 popstar bracelet

1 of each plushie seen above

1 Brass lotus hoop necklace and earring set
1 Silver lotus hoop necklace and earring set
1 Springtime Sparrow Necklace silver
1 Flutter Necklace
1 Brass Bow Tie Necklace
1 Reversible Locket Necklace

To Recap:

1. $5 OFF ALL GetReadySetGo's sweet sweet bags
2. Pearl earrings from ThePeachTree
3. A 2nd SURPRISE gift!!

Now RUN, don't walk over to GetReadySetGo!! And remember, have fun people!!

**Lovingly Hodge Podged by ThePeachTree.etsy.com w/photos by GetReadySetGo.etsy.com**

ETSY-VERSARY.....

2009-06-06T10:12:00.002-04:00

COMING IN THE NEXT HOUR

MY ETSY-VERSARY POST WILL BE UP!

I HOPE YOU ALL WILL COME CELEBRATE WITH ME THIS WEEK BECUASE IT'S GONNA BE A BLAST AND EVERYONE WILL WIN:)

BACK TO POST DETAILS VERRRRRRRRY SOOON.......

NO A/C FANS ETC

2009-06-04T13:29:00.006-04:00

THAK GOD FOR ELECTRICITY. ABOVE IS THE CEILING FAN IN OUR BEDROOM THAT KEPT ME BREATHING LAST NIGHT, THOUGH I DID NOT SLEEP WELL.
NO AIR CONDITIONING IN JUNE IN FLORIDA= CRANKY PANTS ME AND A HEADACHE.
NEXT UP IS A PHOTO OF THE FAN IN MY OFFICE, WHERE I'M SITTING AT MY DESK WITH A WET PILLOWCASE WRAPPED AROUND MY HEAD BECAUSE FOR SOME ODD REASON I THOUGHT THAT WOULD WORK BEST. CLEARLY I AM A DELERIOUS FROM THE HEAT.
AND HERE IS THE CEILING FAN IN OUR LIVING ROOM. I PULLED THE CHAIN OFF ON ACCIDENT AND IT'S STUCK ON LOW. BETTER THAN NOTHING RIGHT?
OKAY, MOTHER-IN-LAW JUST CALLED TO SAY THE REPAIR MEN ARE ON THEIR WAY. TIME FOR ME TO PUT SOME PANTS ON. AND JUST SO YOU KNOW- THERE IS NOTHING ATTRACTIVE ABOUT MY NO-PANTS LOOK. I MEAN COME ON- I'VE GOT A SOPPING WET PILLOWCASE WRAPPED AROUND MY HEAD. I'M SWEATING LIKE AN ANIMAL AND LITERALLY SLUMPED OVER IN MY CHAIR DRINKING ICE WATER AND LETTING IT FLOW OUT THE SIDES OF MY MOUTH.

BUT IN ALL SERIOUSNESS I DO HAVE LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR:)

Bats N Birthdays.....

2009-06-01T20:32:00.004-04:00

A. don't tell me that girls can't rock the bat bag? cause caroline is up there looking pretty darn FANTASTIC with that picece of red hotness hangin across her body.

you can find it in the shop or just continue to drool here....

B. i was notified today by the talented & awesome KRISTIN FRIESEN over at
{Sweeter Than Me}

(please check out her shop & her sale!!!)

that my 1 year etsy-versary is on the 12th of THIS MONTH!

i had no idea that was coming- but i managed to round up the troops and i've got some super serious sweetastical plans for the big day! and i'm not a fan of the one day birthday so we're gonna get this party started early. monday, june 8th, the games are ON! they will go till friday- the 12th, which is MY ACTUAL etsy-versary- until midnight.

not only will there be a SALE in my shop BUT there will also be a SUPER SWEET GIFT that is going to be given away WITH EVERY PURCHASE- a gift that has been donated by another shop. i'm not telling you whose shop just yet. where's the fun in that?

so clap your hands and say yeah- cuz we are going to have a really fun week.

p.s.- i'm trying to load up the shop in the next few days w/ great fathers day gifts-camera bags etc. so be sure to head over and tell all your friends

later all!

1 Fish Red Fish You Fish Draw Fish

2009-05-29T02:57:00.005-04:00

DONE FISH. ALL FISH!

FINALLY FINISHED THIS CUSTOM ORDER BAG FOR A CUSTOMER LAST NIGHT. IT WAS SUPER FUN, SUPER LOTS OF WORK AND MY HAND WAS SORE! I'M LEFT-HANDED BY THE WAY. RANDOM FACT THROWN IN FOR NO GOOD REASON OTHER THAN TO THROW IN A RANDOM FACT.

I KNOW I SAID I WOULD KEEP YOU ALL UP TO SPEED ON MY NEW COLLABORATIONS BUT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ENDED UP BEING A KILLER WEEKEND FOR SALES IN THE SHOP SO THE OTHER STUFF IS ON THE BACK BURNER. I ACTUALLY DON'T LIKE THAT TERM AT ALL. IT'S NOT GETTIN' BURNED BACK THERE. MY GOODNESS I SHOULD HOPE NOT! IT'S JUST WAITING PATIENTLY- SOMETIMES NOT SO PATIENTLY. IT CALLS OUT TO ME EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE.... BLOCK PARTY PRESS TREES HOLLER COLLECTIVELY AS A FOREST AND IT KIND OF REMINDS ME OF THE WIZARD OF OZ. TOO MUCH RANDOM INFO? OH WELL, THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN I BLOG AT 3:OO IN THE MORNING. PROBABLY MORE INTERESTING THAN WHEN I'M "COHERENT", WHICH I DON'T THINK IS A STATE OF MIND I KNOW VERY WELL AS OF LATE.

DID I MENTION SAMARIA PROJECT AND HER SWEETASTIC SUITCASES THAT SHE RE-LINES ARE COMING TO THE SHOP? OH YES, THAT'S RIGHT FRIENDS. COMING SOON TO GRSG- SUITCASES WITH A BRAND NEW INTERIOR IN ALL KINDS OF FUNKY FABRIC! ARE YOU EXCITED? CAN I HEAR YOU OVER MY WHOOPS OF EXCITEMENT? WHILE YOU ARE OVER AT SAMARIA PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND PICK UP A PLUSHIE- MAN ALIVE I LIVE WITH MINE! AND I'M NO STUFFED ANIMAL LOVER, THESE ARE ON A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL OF COMFORT GOODNESS.

LETTERS ARE UP NOW.

GOING TO DRAW MORE..... IS IT WRONG THAT I WANT TO PUT ON A POT OF COFFEE? I JUST MAY.....
YOU GUYS ROCK!

THANKS FOR PLAYING!!!

2009-05-18T23:41:00.007-04:00

Well, i need to say another huge THANK YOU to ALL who participated in the giveaway AND for all of your awesome design ideas. they were so helpful and interesting. i got quite a wide range which makes it much easier for me to branch out- because there seems to be something for everyone!

i may start doing a bunch more "PICK YOUR POISON" pieces, which basically means you get to pick out ALL the designs you want on a bag, train case, suitcase etc. i will definitely still be drawing and listing pieces all ready to go but definitely be on the lookout for more plain pieces just waiting to be UPCYCLED with whatever artwork you may desire.

ALSO, i am super DUPER excited about the etsy artists i am going to be working with on designs and such. my goal over the next week or so will be to post a few of my favorite designs from things they have in their shop so you can see even more designs that can be added to your LUGGAGE and CLUTCHES and CASES and CARRY ON BAGS!!!!

who are these brilliant artists you ask?????

i won't keep that from you

so, in ALPHABETICAL ORDER, here they are:

1. BLOCK PARTY PRESS

CREATOR OF

Bright Colors, Bold Textures & Unique, Original Designs

MADE INTO ALL KIND OF FUNKY AND FUN JEWELRY

2. ELEPHANNIE

CREATOR OF

UNIQUE ADORABLE AND SUPER CUTE VINYL DECALS

3. PAPERSPARROW

CREATOR OF

Functional Art and Stationery

WITH ADORABLE CRITTERS OF ALL KINDS

4. TASTYSUITE

CREATOR OF

SUPER COOL

Vinyl Decals - Wall Decals - Stickers - Urban Symbols

GET READY..... THE FUN IS JUST BEGINNING

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

2009-05-11T13:11:00.005-04:00

WELL, I'M ALL KINDS OF EXCITED TO BE DOING MY FIRST GIVEAWAY OVER AT

THE UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME BLOG BY

LILLYELLA

it's a 2-fold giveaway!

first up you can enter to win 1 of 2 clutches
brand new fresh off the sewing machine clutches made exclusively for my new shop- Get Ready Set Clutch from TenthStreetSaks. made out of soft vinyl, sewn to give a 3d effect on the front and UPCYCLED by me! all artwork is hand drawn using waterproof ink. clutch measures 10 inches wide x 6 inches tall and comes with attachable wristlet handle.

You'll have plenty room for whatever you want to put in this fun clutch: makeup, phone, ipod, money, credit cards, and more. perfect for everyday use, concerts or just a night on the town!

you can also enter to win a $20.00 gift certificate to my luggage shop

A HUGE THANKS TO NICOLE @ LILLYELLA FOR SPOTLIGHTING ME.
YOU SHOULD ALL FOLLOW HER BLOG BECAUSE IT'S FULL OF artist interviews, recipes, craft projects, daily fashion finds & more! THEN, YOU MUST GO TO
HER ETSY SHOP
AND BUY YOURSELF SOME JEWELRY FOR ALL THOSE SUMMER WEDDINGS- AND WHILE YOU'RE AT IT YOU CAN BUY YOUR FRIENDS SOMETHING TOO!
allllllllright. get your shop on and enter to win free goods:)

DO NOT SUPPORT COPIERS!

2009-05-10T16:33:00.017-04:00

i have been thinking about this post for quite some time now but every time i went to write it i just didn't think it was right. recently a few other etsy sellers have sent me some information and photos of other people getting copied by the same person as me and not getting an once of credit for it. so, this time when i sat down to write it all made sense.

below are a bunch of photos.

all the photos on the LEFT are that of different etsy sellers, mostly decal shops.

all photos on the RIGHT are pieces of luggage which pretty much have the EXACT same design and GIVE ABSOLUTELY NO CREDIT to the decal shop from which they stole the image.

take a look:

this next one is a piece from my shop on the left and her's on the right.

when i confronted her about this she responded by saying:

"I did this on purpose so you could feel the same way I did, you add a bird, I reverse the picture and every time you copy me, I will just copy you right back."

now the problem with this is that i had already drawn birds on branches and on wires before- they had sold and weren't currently for sale in my shop. it might have been a good idea to check my sold items before claiming that i stole hers.

the nasty response i received isn't worth writing but the fact of the matter is that she did indeed copy my work and is copying other work as well.

this last little cube is basically a rip off of a decal artist and one of my bags that she combined and called her own. again, work on the left is mine and another decal artist while work on the right is hers.

We MADE it ALL the way HOME.....

2009-04-30T02:38:00.011-04:00

"CONGRATULATIONS, cause we made it.
all the way home
all the way home...."
EISLEY

so here's what's new:
i'm busting at the seams with excitement. but i fear it's too early to explain!
oh well, here goes nothin'.........
many of you have seen my new extension shop
WWW.GetReadySetCLUTCH.etsy.com

it opened so quickly and then i got slammed at the other shop with custom orders, then my family came into town, then i got a migraine..... soooooo i wasn't even able to blog about it. shame on me!

anyways, i am excited to announce that the clutch shop is soon going to be filled with colorful goodies of brand spanking new custom made clutches from a most fantastical new shop
www.TENTHstreetSAKS.ETSY.COM

my new buddy jay is one sweet sweet little elf! she is in the process of creating a clutch not so brilliantly named by me- the GRSClutch!
but just because the name isn't brilliant don't be fooled-
THE PRODUCT IS!
the clutches are coming in a variety of colors
Pink, Red, Purple, Yellow & Green to start

each clutch can be customized with whatever drawing you want. i will be making a set of about 16 or so options for you to choose from and as always, i will be more than happy to do a custom drawing should you so desire.

i wish i had photos. i am trying to be patient but i had to let all of you know what's coming.
hopefully i will be selling other travel goods with artwork on them in the near future.
thanks for reading and
Get Ready for my partner in crime and i to stir up some
wicked- cool CLUTCH MADNESS VERRRRRY SOON.
good night, good morning
will keep you updated!

(anons have finally been blocked- phew!)

ETSY ARTISTS UNITE!

2009-04-23T20:33:00.007-04:00

i've been meaning to blog about this for some time now.... it seems like i blink and a month has flown by.

i recently have gotten the opportunity to work with some of my fellow ETSIANS and their fantastic designs.

below is a piece featuring

www.ELEPHANNIE.Etsy.com

i drew the elephant and then a row of poppies!!!

i was in love with the case and it turns out someone else fell quickly in love too because it sold within 2 hours of it being listed! i'm currently working on another case using this design and others from her fabulous decal shop!

next up is this SHABBY CHIC Silhouette of a Lady with a Parasol from the radically cool

www.NESTAHOME.Etsy.com

the above tote was the first piece i used her on. then i tried her out on a train case....

SHE'S BEEN A HIT!

Nesta came up with naming her Scarlet and i think it's so very fitting!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO BOTH OF THESE ETSY ARTISTS & THE OTHERS WHO HAVE GRANTED ME PERMISSION TO USE THEIR DESIGNS.... COMING SOON TO THE SHOP!

a Broken FOOL.....

2009-04-18T22:20:00.004-04:00

if you read my blog, if you've read a few entries of my blog then you know that i don't just blog about the shop. i often blog about the insanity inside my head. maybe that is about my shop though? because it's out of that insanity box that comes my ideas for new pieces, new drawings, new photos, new uses for a train case etc.

either way, not the point of this post.
my all time FAVORITE quote, it inspired this post

"Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
C.S. Lewis

i know i wear my heart on my sleeve. i know it irritates people. i know i will be a target for certain people to hate. i was recently called brave.... and it really got the wheels in my head churning more than usual. sometimes i feel brave but most of the time i feel foolish.
but here's the thing,
i'd rather be an honest FOOL if there is ANY remote possibility of my honesty helping another to feel less alone, than unbreakable and safe in my casket.
some people may not understand me, why i chose to write the things i write. sometimes that bothers me. but when i stop- really STOP and think about it- i wouldn't change a thing. i will keep on coming back for more of the punches because it's worth it.
because i'd never want to let go of feeling love.
i've felt the pull of general malaise quite often in my life.
and i can say with absolute certainty,
that feeling nothing at all is
far worse
than feeling intense pain.
love hard, love even though it will hurt sometimes.

and that's all i am going to say for now.......

SLACKER KID PART 2

2009-04-16T02:47:00.007-04:00

no, this doesn't count as a real post- more of a continuation of my SLACKER KID post from yesterday..... just 3 more shots i had fun shooting, thought i would share.

i will get back on this blogging thing

for real......

take em or leave em

SLACKER KID!

2009-04-15T02:24:00.006-04:00

this is absolutely unacceptable- my blogging is shameful! i've neglected this space so much i'm surprised i was even allowed to log in and type here. a really good post is coming i promise.....

wedding ideas and graduation gifts galorrrrrrrrre.

for now i will leave you with some incredibly fun shots i have taken over the past few days.

all my apologies for being such a slacker kid!

Lucky Lobes

2009-03-26T12:46:00.004-04:00

look what I GOT! just take a gander......

like a kid in a candy shop with a smackdown of REBEL!

so the above earrings are from the fantastically talented AMY at
www.ThePeachTree.etsy.com
now, these are all going to be gifts- 3 for my mother, 1 for my awesome assistant who just bought herself a pair of rockin YELLOW vans. these treats are going to make my lovelies very happy. their LOBES ARE GONNA BE A SHOUTIN'!
if i could wear earrings these would be what i'd be wearing. but seriously, if you could see me these days...... i get so excited and frantically artistic that i actually run into walls when i move from room to room because i don't take the time to think about things spacially. knowing me i would get these things caught the latches of a new suitcase and probably rip off my entire lobe. oh wow, gettin to graphic.

POINT IS:

who doesn't want a little color in their lives? these gems are fabulous for everyday or a night out. for adults and kids. they are dazzzzzzzling. they are NOT to eat but yo may find yourself attempting to put them in your mouth as it's watering for a jolly-rancher.

go buy
a pair for your mom, a pair for your best friend, and a pair for yourself!
because not only are these pieces GORGEOUS but they are affordable.

thank you amy, for making us all able to let our inner rockstar out at a price completely justifiable!

feeling faint....

2009-03-23T17:16:00.015-04:00

do you ever feel like giving up?

on getting up, on moving forward? do you ever just lack the will?
and i'm not just talking about etsy. life on this earth in general can be a living hell.
so often feelings don't match up with the facts.
sometimes emotions hit you like a train barreling at a speed far too fast.
and it's so hard to separate what's legitimate and what's foolishness. i've got supportive people in my life, i've got soo much, i've been given more than enough but still i'm beaten down.
i'm not playing with a full deck right now so my emotions are ALL over the place. it's all i can do to hang on. the negative thoughts can be so dang invasive. in the front of my mind i know it's vital to keep the mentality of "this will pass" and "push forward"...... but what happens when lose your grip on these thoughts? i feel like i'm fumbling around for something in a pitch-black room- and on top of that i think i'm looking in the wrong room.
i feel like i've just come undone.
thank you EVERYONE for your support, for your CONSTANT friendship and encouragement, for the time you spend writing me a note here and there. for your life-giving love. i get overwhelmed when i can't pour out a fraction of what you've all given me. again, i stop and remind myself- that if i weren't me, and i was looking in on my situation i would tell me, don't worry- that's what friends are for. but we are always 10 times harder on ourselves right?
some photos- some old old old old photos.
(for the Anonymous person who keeps emailing me and telling me how i need to think about others and that i'm pouting and there are people more talented out there- please- just leave me alone. you don't know me, you only know what i choose to share on here and other places on the web- you only know a sliver of my life, of what i've been through, of the whole picture. so i beg you- please, just leave me be. hate me and think all the negative thoughts you want but do not share them with me. it's unbearable)

ummmmmmmmmm

2009-03-22T21:08:00.004-04:00

seriously, i should NOT be allowed to make videoblogs! it's pathetic the amount of times i say ummmmm...... i hope you are laughing- i had to make this to show my pure idiocy!

it's video time again.....

2009-03-21T22:10:00.005-04:00

hi eveyone! no dance moves this time- sorry.

and to NestaHome i say NestaHome.com when in reality it's www.NESTAHOME.etsy.com

sorry about that friend:)

have a great rest of the weekend

again, DOUBLE CLICK SO YOU CAN SEE THE WHOLE SCREEN!!!

GET MY ETSY LOVE ON

2009-03-19T02:50:00.006-04:00

okay, so here are some things i think you should have, or that i think someone should buy for me. first up, supporting my home town is this SWEETASTIC

DETROIT MAP LP RECORD WALL CLOCK- BLUE

from Citybird on etsy

then i must have a locket from this RAD shop i stumbled upon a couple weeks back

i thought i was going to get the red shutterbug one but lately it's looking like this guy may be the winner

GOING SOMEWHERE

by Locket2You on etsy

oh and then there is this bracelet- i can never own enough red jewelry and here's the other thing. i go into this shop and literally i want to eat everything i see. this jewelry shop has within it a red bracelet that makes my heart skip beats! also this girls metalwork makes me want to cry it's so good

SARA KATE (BRACELET)

by Smashing on etsy

happy thursday.

read a book, shop on etsy, listen to some good jams, drink a good cup of coffee and let the good things in your life sink in......

something REAL

2009-03-17T03:13:00.004-04:00

i was going through some of my favorite photographer's work last night and it made me crave photographing something real. i thought i might jump out of my skin if i couldn't snap something soon..... something human and something with emotion behind it. i didn't know how i was going to go about it but my heart was in a headlock.

how do you capture pain?

how do you evoke it?

i figured out a way and who knew that these photos would tell the story of my evening.

here goes a long photographic tale. i will say nothing more- let the pictures speak for themselves.......

CustoM OrdeR FUNNNNN

2009-03-13T16:10:00.004-04:00

alright so it's been a bit wackier than normal over here in the G.R.S.G. workspace. i've got slammed with a bunch of custom orders- which i LOVE but my brain was having a difficult time focusing because i had to channel all of my head on one thing at a time without thinking about the other.

anyways, i thought i would share......

descriptions to follow

this WONDERWOMAN CASE i got to make for a little girl who loves superheroes- wonderwoman in particular:) i put a bunch of stars all over this case and then her initials on the back. the best part was that when i sent the photos of it to her mom she said her daughter was going to freak out and LOVE it. things like that fill my heart up with joy.

here's the next one, and i've only done the front....

so this bag is for a 16 year-old girl who came to me wanting to get her best friend a bag. and let me tell you she wanted it CUSTOMIZED to the MAX! i'm working on the back, which is going to have just as much, if not more, artwork as the front. apparently her friend is completely obsessed with the nightmare before christmas. at first i thought this was going to look like a huge mess but the more i think about it and look at it..... the more i think about being 16 and sporting this wicked bag around school the more excited i am for her friend to get this.
hope everyone is off to have an awesome weekend!
thanks for tuning in and another video to come soon when i don't look as though i've been hit by a semi!
-rachel out-

Miss Misery.....

2009-03-12T00:06:00.014-04:00

"do you miss me, miss misery like you say you do?"

i love elliott smith. i could just lie hear listening for days....

i'm sick of the drama- it's draining me and blocking my artistic flow.

so back to elliott and some photos i love

because i'm over talking about it

and i'm over thinking about it

"angel in the snow"

"bled white"

"figure 8"

it's all gonna

"bottle up and explode"

and so

"tomorrow tomorrow"

it's a

"question mark"

and i want so badly for

everybody to care & for everybody to understand.......

300......wHaT????

2009-03-10T00:07:00.007-04:00

i'm wiped out and crashing from my high....

but it feels GOOD.

today was one of THE craziest days on ETSY i have EVER had

again, in a great way

i reached 300 sales just before the stroke of midnight.

and as excited as i am my mind can't shake this feeling, not that i want to at all, of being so grateful to all the people i've met on etsy. i seriously would have thrown in the towel soo very long ago had it not been for the people who support me in all that i do

those who boost me up when i'm down,

who are constant shots of energy and positive injections

into my veins.

i wouldn't be here, doing what i ABSOLUTELY adore doing if it weren't for these people.

the list is long long long and so for those of you i haven't gotten to thank personally this blog is for YOU.

i can only hope i will have the chance to return a sliver of the favor at some point in my life.

THANK YOU ALL YOU BIG-HEARTED FRIENDS.

you ROCK my socks to the moon and BACK!

love, rachel

TGIF... FRIDAY FINDs.......

2009-03-06T15:54:00.004-05:00

this weeks friday finds utter INSANITY............

seriously- i cannot believe i am posting this but it's friday so everyone needs to kick back, relax and bust out some good 80's moves!!!!

all in good fun i bring you a treat for the eyes and the ears

DOUBLE CLICK THE VIDEO TO SEE THE WHOLE THING.....

Here Goes NOTHIN.....

2009-03-03T19:38:00.007-05:00

okay, here is my first attempt to make video blog. it's all over the place but i'm thinking it's fun and for sure it's funny!

hope you enjoy me being og so strange......

DOUBLE CLICK ONCE YOU HIT PLAY SO YOU CAN SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE:)

Never-ending FUNDS....

2009-02-25T03:08:00.005-05:00

okay, so i guess you don't need never-ending funds for these items i'm about to show you, 'cause for how cool they are, they are priced unbelievably well! i guess if i could, i would buy one of each for all my friends and family. that's maybe where the endless money would come in handy.

but enough of my explaining. i bring to you just a sliver of my absolute favorite items on ETSY...

CALLOOHCALLAY

does some of the most mind-blowing things with vintage buttons and i'm a sucker for pendants. i'm not even posting my fav for fear someone will buy it. i plan on purchasing it after i post this blog

shop link for above item:

"Silver on Grey Vintage Button Pendant"

next up is a seller i fell in love with from the moment i saw her photographs. and then her clothing was equally as brilliant. anyone who knows me knows that red and black are my favorite colors so check out this stunning dress

LARIMELOOM

shop link for above item:

"black cotton dress"

ready for the coolest felted necklace you've ever seen????

not only will this stylish piece lay oh so elegantly on your neck but it will take a simple outfit and turn into a SMASHING one!

OLLIESWOOLIES

shop link for above item:

"Woolly Bobble Branch Necklace"

these next 2 pieces make me drool.

call them steampunk, noir, whatever- they are fantastic.

the chain on this first piece is my newest jewelry obsession. the weight and dark color is right up my alley.

LEAVES OF GLASS

shop link to above item:

"Grenade Bracelet"

and then the red gem on this beauty with the swallow is vintage inspired yumminess!

GINGERONI

shop link to above item:

"Rich Ruby Red Vintage Inspired Necklace"

and last but not least, the staple in my wardrobe, right next to my t-shirts, is this RED hoodie with birch TREES! please tell me how you can even begin to go wrong with this one.... you could try but guess what? i wouldn't believe you for a second!

NEW DUDS

shop link for above item:

"City Tree Zip Hood Cranberry"

well, i hope you enjoyed some of this eye-candy and i really hope you go check out these shops and support HANDMADE!

thanks for checking in

and now i'm checking out!

Holy MAC.......

2009-02-23T23:18:00.002-05:00

in every single way.....

she got here today.

been 6 and some odd years i've been waiting for this day.

and i'm loving my brothers red hi-top converse on my desktop.

oh yes, and i've got insomnia, for those of you who were wondering. it's pretty awful. at least i have 900 and sum odd cds to import into my itunes.

that's all i've got left.

brain dead me

LOOKBOOK WHATbook????

2009-02-22T15:31:00.007-05:00

sooooo, i joined http://www.lookbook.nu/ after noelle of http://www.xenotees.etsy.com/ convinced me to do so. i am glad she did. there is a wealth of fantastic photography of people all across the world just being themselves and having fun doing it. the last thing i need is another online addiction but when it comes to photography and stylin' it up with your own flavor i just canNOT say no!

here are my 4 "LOOKS" i've posted so far

as well as my lookbook link:

http://lookbook.nu/user/25649-Rachel-B

baby, you're a lost cause

Guitar and Video Games

Let's get out of this town NOW!

Such Great Fierce Heights!!!

Time takes it all

2009-02-19T01:26:00.009-05:00

it seems i get on here when i'm all worn out....

and now i'm quoting the most random of authors for me

"Time takes it all. Whether you want it to or not, time takes it all away, time bares it away. And in the end, there is only darkness. Sometimes we find others in that darkness, and sometimes we lose them there again."

+Stephen King+

lately i keep running into roads

i read about them

i think about them

i dream about them

and i know that in the end there isn't darkness

but sometimes it feels as such

and this red umbrella isn't protecting me from anything.....

you know that saying,

there is nothing to fear but fear itself

i want to pack the past up tight. bury it.

but my little hands aren't capable

not even 3 pairs of them.

so can't we just kick up out feet

throw back our heads in the grass

lay side by side

and walk this journey together?

why is it that people have to leave?

she's gonna travel the world....

2009-02-16T21:15:00.005-05:00

my sister is here- well, both of them are. we had a fun day of shooting some new luggage and i'm pretty much in love with these shots as well as this case.

i thought i would share.....

ahhhhhhhhhh luggage

sNeakeR GeeKs.....

2009-02-05T03:35:00.006-05:00

yes, we are in love with our cool sneakers

with our artistic routines, our bizarre sleeping schedule, our lists...

but her focus and her joy, they are contagious

where would i be without this beautiful friend,
without this stunning shattering light hitting her face

as it sets

in my back yard.

these people are few & you don't come by them often

grab on. hold tight.
dear friend of mine

Blown Away

2009-01-29T15:09:00.005-05:00

i am truly speechless at the AMAZING feature that the ever so talented macri.photography
just posted on her blog.

i really don't even have words to express.....
here is the link and my favorite photo of hers:

THE BLOG
macri's photo
VERTIGO

SketcHes oh SKETCHY

2009-01-28T04:22:00.004-05:00

so here are some of the pieces of my sketchbook that i'm thinking of putting to luggage.....
what say you friends? too out there?

Time 2 Get out of the RUT

2009-01-26T02:03:00.008-05:00

here is a preview of things to come
pieces just waiting to be upcycled and
customized for all of you

cool kids out there- all ages!

i'm super excited...... and this is just the tip of the ice!!!!!!!!

STUCK AND COLD

2009-01-24T01:51:00.004-05:00

I FEEL WASTED
alcohol free and wasted by this life i lead......
i feel vacant
so vacant that i guess i really can't feel anything at all
like the photo i snapped up there
.VACANT.
but i still know how to love
"i'm in love with anything that's living"
if you know that quote off the top of your head i will
give you 2 hundred million fake dollars.
i'm here to blog and i've got nothing to
say at all...........

Let's Travel Back in Time.....

2009-01-20T01:21:00.004-05:00

above is a phenomenal photograph

"A shot of some old Vintage Luggage taken at a restored steam railway"
titled: Cargo (3) by

BillyCurrie.ETSY.com

i've been researching vintage luggage, how it came to be, what

it's made from, what it used to be made from etc.
so here are the interesting facts i dug up......

Back in the 1920's and 30's, to have a set of custom-made luggage was a luxury afforded only by the rich. The concept of travel was different then too. Young men traveled the world to finish off their educations and women traveled to get some relaxation time from their hectic and straining social schedules. Most luggage was made from wooden boxes and covered in the finest leather cowhides. All trims were hand stitched and lined with silks and canvas. A good set of luggage wasn't high up on the list for the average girl during those times
In addition to clothes and larger items kept in huge trunks, a minimum of eight pairs of shoes were kept in shoeboxes alone. Women had a separate, usually much smaller, piece of make-up or toiletries luggage. Make-up was fairly expensive and women had to special order their shades through pharmacies and department stores so that their shipments made it several weeks before it arrived. It was not uncommon to spend several hundred dollars on specific types of luggage for all their personal needs.
Luggage was bought mainly by women as part of her obligation to her "man". One of the obligations of new brides, according to an article from Cosmopolitan magazine in 1935, was her responsibility at making sure that the "box room" or luggage room was well maintained by the servants. It was her responsibility to make sure that the luggage was well-taken care of - waxed, polished and cleaned inside and out.
The average cost of one piece of luggage during the 30's and the late 40's (before Samsonite) was about $350.00 - the current price for a shoulder bag from Louis Vuitton (which, today, is made of cardboard and canvas). Women would pay these exorbitant amounts because their luggage sets would last them a lifetime. Most of the luggage being made today is disposable within a few years of using it.
During World War II, most luggage manufacturers were discontinued because they moved away from the high expense of leather. In the late 40's Samsonite factories starting making camouflage for the army with industrial sewing machines until the end of the war.
The entire market changed when Samsonite discovered that they could use canvas for luggage, and completely took over the competition. A popular model of the 1950's was the white hatbox, used for things like gloves, scarves, and hats. It became known as the "model's hat box"-because, one supposes, every model needed to have a white Samsonite hatbox with all of the aforementioned items.
The idea of "keeping luggage" changed during women's liberation. Although many women in the 1950's and 60's were still carrying their mothers and grandmothers matched luggage sets, it had less to do with status than it did convenience. The world began to see fewer hard wood leather cowhide pieces of luggage, and more cardboard for "bargain prices".

*all of the above info i got from a really awesome article
to read the entire thing you can go here:
http://www.gonomad.com/womens/0406/how_to_refurbish_vintage_luggage.html

well, since that was quite the list of info i won't rant on too much,
but i find it fascinating how life evolves,
the way things change, how we are so fast-moving these
days, that we have massive machines
that just spit out cheap and NOT so duarable
luggage with zippers that break on their second pull
and why oh why are they all black or a bad
floral design? not all floral
is bad but they seem to make them ugly
on purpose with those designs!

hope this blog finds your mind stimulated....
does that sentence even make sense?
oh well, i don't care
you get my point.
luggage upcycler out kids!

1 piece of advice, of the musical sort:
go listen to RYAN ADAMS song DEAR CHICAGO
off the album DEMOLITION.
you are welcome in advance:)

CusTomiZing CASES.....

2009-01-17T16:19:00.007-05:00

i don't have all that much to report but what i've got is GOOD!

the whitty, talented, jewelry wizardess (and yes, i
believe i just made that word up)
Amy of
ThePeachTree
bought this fabulous LIME GREEN train case from
my shop last week. together we picked out a most
gorgeous design to add a bit of a kick with a side of
feminine! now, i just steered her to a few places to find
a design but ultimately she chose this unique image.
i cannot wait for her to receive this bad actor!
it's going to look so majestic sittin' pretty
in her studio apartment
a place i would love to be right now
sippin tea and sharing laughs
man, i LOVE my job
i get to draw in my pajamas
in my cozy office
elliott smith blastin' from my ipod dock
with a warm cup of coffee to sip on

now kids, go to amy's shop and buy yourself
some jewelry!!!!
go on now..........
or tell someone in your life who
may be buying you a valentine's day gift
that you want something from her shop.
HAPPY SATURDAY AFTERNOON FROM FLORIDA!
smooch to you amy:)
and to everyone else of course.
here's my favorite piece from amy's shop right now.....
~MARTINI~

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16056030

EXPRESSIVE CHALLENGE FEATURE

2009-01-13T19:21:00.010-05:00

hey hey hey!!!

i got an email from the creative & nicest nicey rikrak of

RikRak Studios

she was writing to let me know she is going to feature me in her blog. the challenge she extended was a creative challenge indeed.

here were the guidelines:

"choose 4 things that most inspire your art or craft. the things will need to be in image form (a photo or drawing or some sort of visual jpg) ...it might be a material. it might be an idea: like patterns. it might be a colour. it might be a tool. it might be a song, a person, a shape, etc.. then explain why"

here are my 4 photos and answers

i'm looking forward to see what she does with it all:

(ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY ME)

1.Red Letters Case because the COLOR of my case & the WORDS because language gives all an outlet to artistically express and move the soul

2. POSSIBILITY because that is ENDLESS & this photo is of my sister, my flesh and blood, the ties that bind astound me

3. MUSIC Express HER because music inspires me minute by minute. this is taken of my best friend. the pain in her eyes represents the daily struggles of life, her expression looks of someone in anguish but who is emotionally purging. it's cathartic.

4. Pick-up & JUMP because that is what i want to do. to just give all of my heart to those around me. to pick up myself and jump off to a place of giving it all away.....

5. i didn't get to use this last photo- it was up in the running but didn't make the final cut.
this photo is youth, color, light, childhood, the dreams i had in the magic black of the night

6 RANDOM FACTS

2009-01-07T19:47:00.006-05:00

okay so i've been tagged but the talented and hilarious Lillyella to share some random facts about myself.

The Rules:Link to the person who tagged you
Post the rules on your blog
Write six random things about yourself
Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
Let each person know they've been tagged

i'm up for playing so here it goes.....

1. i have a nose ring and 2 small star tatooes 1 in each ditch of my arms. what's a ditch you ask? it's like your elbow pit- right below the bend line of the inside of my arm- the highest point of my forearm basically.

2. i have anxiety issues and am thankful for knitting. i seriously went through a period in my life where i was incapable of focusing on anything other than my anxiety and that's when i found knitting- the most cathartic thing EVER! i literally don't think i would have gotten through back then without it. oh yes, i'm ocd too but i like that part:)

3. i never graduated from college. i was torn between my focus being pre-med or art. talk about polar opposites! i was taking both psychology classes and drawing classes at the same time and decided i was never gonna finish or commit to one. i ended up reading through all of my abnormal psych book after i finished the class and still do lots of research and reading on the web- but i would never want to be a doctor. people and their minds just FASCINATE ME SO VERY MUCH!

4. i am left-handed

5. music music music music is life-giving. i NEVER EVER listen to the radio- i despise it in fact. people always say "you know that song on the radio" and really i don't because i ABSOLUTELY REFUSE TO LISTEN TO IT! i don't even know stations.

6. i hate tv BUT i love tv on dvd- only on dvd. my favorites include 24 and Felicity- oh i love felicity and jack bauer is so freaking stealth and hardcore i can't take it. also, i want david palmer to be president. enough with the all-state commercials- run for pres already!

okay, that was fun.
now i gotta tag 6 people? here they are.... i'm off to let them know
Samaria Project
The Vintage Closet
The Peach Tree
Walrustusk
F2Images

TURNING MY TRICKS

2009-01-04T04:09:00.006-05:00

2 choices i have, perhaps 3

what to do, what to do?

i thought that when 2009 hit the answer would drop like a bomb into my lap- no such luck.

but i don't believe in luck.

i wish my head was as organized and clear as this photo

i worked so hard to open my own photography business- 2 years of clicking my heels and digging my hands into the water and mud. then i found a place to put my stuff. a place for my photos, my knitting and now an exhorbitant (sp?) amount of luggage. but my rapidly fraying rope gave out in december and here i am. new year, new start, NO CLUE!!!!!!!!!

i want to curl my fingers around the answer, around the decision, around and around.
but all i've got right now is bright red palms, fingertips stretched out to the ends of this earth and sticky joints.
but hey- this light and window is cool looking right?
someone, please, draw all of my lines.....

happy joy merry go round my mind

2008-12-25T16:02:00.014-05:00

here is my christmas post

1. i'm feeling quite neurotic as of late so i couldn't help but shoot this

tin of mints that my father had in the office

2. i knitted this cowl for AroundNBrightlyWound but asking my brother to model it was

not the most profitable thing. but it did make him happy as can be which

is far better than money. he hasn't taken it off since monday- except for sleep and shower.

3. of course i found some suitcases to clean and draw on- i can't stop this madness

5. i found myself inside this guitar with my fancy old skool magnifying glass6. i gave all of my family memebers XENOTEES for christmas. not a frown to be found.

collections of animals has never been so cool7. i made another bag. lime green candy apple messenger.

i keep sleeping but still i'm tired. i'm over christmas- the whole production and craziness with no chance to enjoy the moments of life. maybe it's just me? i'm not grumpy about it

i'm just OVER IT!

forget the presents, feed me my family.

hope you all are getting some down time

some quality time

some sanity.

merry happy joy merry go round my mind!

-r-

NEW MERCH!

2008-12-18T23:50:00.005-05:00

allllll-RIGHT:
today i cleaned about 25 pieces of luggage. i figured i would get them all prepped for painting, upcycling etc. the colors and pieces are just all kinds of joy, though i must admit that it's a bit overwhelming. i have decided to take out one piece at a time so my head can focus on each piece and give it exactly what it deserves.

i'm so super geeked about the new ink delivery i have found so i can get way more detailed in my designs. the bag above was a custom order for a girl who wanted her tatoo to be the design on her piece. it was so incredible to work with my new tools- i just opened the wardrobe to narnia......

next up is a photo i took of hannah- i think she is deep in thought about what GetReadySetGo will have in it's shop come january........

yes, we are all wondering around here- myself included.... how much new? how much old?
well, my crafty hands need to get sketching in my moleskine and firm up some new drawerRINGS. i love black pilot pens extra fine point pens- ohhhhhhh how i drool over them when i sketch!

that's my update. see ya on the flip side guys.

SIT BACK & ENJOY THE SHOW

2008-12-12T16:05:00.005-05:00

so i'm getting by....

hannah came and rescued me from mechanical breakdown and death of my artistic side. that's what friends are for right?

well, the garage is full full FULL up of new stuff- new stock! lots of colors, lots of new designs ...... ooooooooh i am super pumped.
now i am going to sit back and
ENJOY THE SHOWWWWWWWWW!
my SHOW is life!

2 movies, my knitting needles and sleeping in tomm.
PERFECTION- well, close to it

later kids. later onnnnnnn. later when i'm not gone????
also, please go do your ears and soul a favor--- listen to my best friend annie........ i promise- she will do you good.
http://www.anniestela.com/
~me~

creative machine incapable of repaying.....

2008-12-03T01:30:00.007-05:00

here's to everyone... buyers, sellers, browsers, addicts

how it feels on the inside- which is numb....

i saw a woman last weekend at my father's surprise 50th birthday party (daddy if you are reading this, i love you and cherish every moment we share together). both she and her husband have played a huge encouraging roll in my endevour to further my photography business (my other job alongside luggagemania). i inevitably had 3 pieces of my luggage so the questions came. and my gushing followed. over etsy and how it's changed my life etc. a few days later i received an email from her. she had checked out my shop and coined me as "a creative machine"

no doubt it was a compliment but it struck a chord. staring at that phrase i felt like i had the machine part down, but the creative part was lost in the woods. i decided it was time to go searching for that part that makes us artists tick- that creativity we thrive on.....

well, my trip got completely ripped to shreds!

last night, or rather morning, at 2am i found myself on the floor of my workspace in a pile of tape and shipping labels, my hands covered in permanent marker and i was gone. after packing up 13 pieces of luggage in the past 24 hours i could barely remember my name. right now, as i write this incoherent ramble, i'm thinking about that creative drive.... how to get it back, how to be less of a machine? i'm not in need of answers...... i know they will come. i'm in need of balance..... but that too will come.

be creative- keep it up kids

don't be a machine.

now i am going to finish poster-sketching my treasury- which is painful at this point because i have left soooo many INCREDIBLY TALENTED ARTISTS out- for that i am sad- i am more than sad. how did this happen? how did i get to a point where i feel so incapable of EVER even coming close to repaying all those who have made me a part of their cube? i returned from picking up my dear friend from the airport to see that i had 13 new convos- none of which i have been able to return. it's left me feeling cold.

and tonight, in florida, it's actually cold enough where you can see your breath in white puffs against the black sky.

i am so incredibly thankful and so incredibly incapable.

i'm holdin' on to what i know.

and that is how i will get by tonight

and tommorow

and the next day.....

WILL I EVER?

2008-11-30T10:14:00.006-05:00

............post again??????
that's sort of what i've been wondering as of late.

but i will, i will i WILL!

in the meantime, i have been thoroughly enjoying

this photo of creepy beauty that i took of caroline with a piece from the shop

and my new custom plushie from

http://www.samariaproject.etsy.com/

be back soon guys, really, i would never go away and not return. i promise!

new stuff coming

2008-11-17T02:24:00.003-05:00

guys i've got so many ideas my head just might bust! but quotes are coming on the cases. i am wiped beyond- the dark circles under my eyes are a good indicator...... but so much is coming. so much luggage goodness.

p.s- i looooooooooove you etsy sellers so much. you rock my world. who wants to do an interview??? i want to feature someone here and i will tell you right now my questions will NOT be standard- well, maybe a few will be..... but there will be sum real randomness. enough of rambling about myself on this thing!

love, me

is that alright with you?

2008-11-12T01:10:00.006-05:00

laying... laying... laying...

i'm laying on my floor

damien rice is crooning and the saltdrops roll into my eardrums

and i'm looking up at this.....

and remembering what "it's" all about.
why i love what i do, why it's such hard work
but with such unexpectedly beautiful benefits
for the husband who has me brand his wife's name on the side of a train case for christmas

for the girl who is giving her best friend a treasure that is so much more than a place to carry her clothes for a weekend away.
why she is having me handprint a quote that makes those tears flow down my cheeks

"our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again, we had longer ways to go,
but no matter. the road is life"

it's not about "notification of payment received"

because we know if it was, we wouldn't be doing it.

trying to fill with money will leave me poor.

making the numbers climb in my bank account will leave me empty.

this place is about people

this place is about living

this place is for giving

this place is spinning

and now i remember

just why i wound up laying on the floor

tears piling up beside me

and now they are sugar sweet.

A RANDOM STUMBLING

2008-11-05T21:02:00.008-05:00

so, last week i believe, rebecca sent me a link to this UNBELIEVABLY PHENOMENAL photograph that was on the Front Page of ETSY. here it is.....

it is titled "Sentimental Journey"

shot by the amazing Irene Suchocki

*** WWW.IreneSuchocki.ETSY.COM ***

please visit her shop- all of her work is stunning!

here is where the story gets cool.....

i wrote her a convo. just to tell her how much i adored the photograph, being a photographer and completely obsessed with the vintage luggage etc. you can imagine how it went.

she wrote back

it was a piece of luggage she bought from the SHOP- one of the first times GRSG was on the Front Page in July she bought the train case! i have it pictured below. i thought that was pretty darn sweetastically awesome and weird. what are the odds ya know?

anyways, as the saying goes, "what a small world"

and round n round we go.

Halloween is over NOW it's...

2008-11-01T00:21:00.000-04:00

NOELLE'S BIRTHDAY!!!

we made you colored garlands of lights to celebrate
and wore them for you of course...

we also carved a pumpkin and named him Einstein
(after the plushies i'm craving from samaria project)

we drank BLOOD ORANGE Jones Soda

caroline made a flower head piece of the coolest kind

and we ate lights instead of candy....

welcome to november

2008

Walk through my head

2008-10-25T02:05:00.001-04:00

in complete random order and with notes.

i'm glad this day is done for sure!!

12 Boxes isn't enough....

2008-10-24T01:14:00.000-04:00

how do i repay all the generosity? i'm out of breath trying to cover my bases. and my nerves make me nervous, and my nails they get bitten.....

my fellow etsy friends, you know what it's like:

you're scrolling through treasury lists and you see that beautifulllll golden star- your heart jumps a bit- what's inside those boxes? which item from your shop fills one of them up???

lately i've been wanting my treasury box to look like this- where every pane is a cube

i've been making reciprocation lists to no end but i just can't keep up at this pace

all of this pressure i put on myself is running me ragged

i would start a list of the people who have made my days brighter, those who have made 30 minutes of my day a higher- sometimes even an hour..... or 2! but if i start the list i will surely forget. and i just can't bear to leave someone out

i've worked myself up to this.

i wonder if anyone else feels this way?
perhaps these thoughts are mine and mine alone?

my feet are tired from standing, my limbs are sore from leaning

these sleepless nights keep on adding up.

so to all of you brilliant artists:

i LOVE and appreciate ALL you have done for me. please know it does NOT go unnoticed and i'm trying my best to pay it forward.

really, i'm trying with all that i am

but i'm growing weary....

-rachel-

PLEASE listen to my bestest friend ANNIE STELA! she's getting me through right now
here is her newest song that will be on her next abum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbkGkwgoRqA

p.s.- the new ray lamontagne has some sweet jams but i think my all time favorite album will always be "til the sun turns black" because never will there be a song that hits so close to home as EMPTY. if you don't know it i strongly advise you have yourself a listen.

HOME

2008-10-13T16:17:00.000-04:00

yep, the midwest, the mitten, michigan- it was beautiful and now i'm waiting in an airport with a super delayed flight and wanting nothing more than to be in transit back to my bed....

we drank cider from our cider mill- jumped on trampolines in xenotees, went down alleys of graffitti, watched a healthy dose of guilty pleasure television, bought killer comfortable hoodies and t-shirts and cuddled up in cozy beds and on cozy couches.....

~BEST CIDER EVER~

home will always be where i grew up but i know

"you can't go back now....."
staring out the window at the grey michigan sky and remembering why....

~LEAH JUMPS IN XENOTEES- NOELLE WE LOVE YOU SO..... ~

~ROBERT DUNKING DONUTS IN HIS CIDER... MAKES HIM HAPPY!~

~HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CIDER SLUSHY? THEY PRETTY MUCH ROCK MY SOCKS!~

and..... 2 hours later- still in the airport!!!!!!!!!!

Can I PLEASE Have Your ATTENTION!

2008-10-08T13:39:00.000-04:00

Samaria Project my hat goes off to YOU!

ETSY strikes again- another friend i have made and let me just tell you- what she is doing with luggage has blown me away!

have a look at the vintage pieces that she has gone to town on- making them ultra super FANTASTICALLY DELICIOUS. then read about her below.....

Here is a little bit of her profile and a link to the full thing- which i suggest you read- and a link to her fantastic shop where you will find the coolest plushies ever:

Essentially, Samaria Project is me....Jess...Me, being a big mess of nerdiness, artist, and all the other in-betweens. Samaria Project was born out of new beginnings and a new way to look at life. I felt our products should reflect that.
We don't always have to be what we started out as :) The items I make are things that someone would normally pass up without another thought; a rock, an old tshirt, or a pair of jeans. I love the challenge....READ MORE HERE
http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5247561

AND BUY JESS'S MERCH HERE:
WWW.SamariaProject.ETSY.com

My XENOTEE is helping me get by....

2008-10-05T18:58:00.000-04:00

alright- so the update is this:

rebecca and i are not partners anymore- it's QUITE sad yes, but it's best for the both of us and MORE importantly our friendship is still in perfect working order, cause in the end, that's all that matters anyways.

so i'm moving forward, and we all know i've got more than enough bags and suitcases to do so, but it's more a turtle pace right now. there are many reasons for this but i'm determined and fearing not!
pictures speak volumes- i like em better. what's getting me through you ask?

MY SAW BLADE TEE FROM MY NEW ETSY FRIEND NOELLE!

if i can give anyone a GREAT piece of advice it would be this..... get your bee-hind over to this girl's shop and buy something for yourself and all your friends! here are the details.

1.THE GOODS ARE MADE OF AMERICAN APPAREL- SWEATSHOP FREE & MORE COMFORTABLE THAN ANY OTHER T-SHIRT ON THE PLANET

2.THE DESIGNS ARE KILLER COOL- PEOPLE WILL STOP YOU ON THE STREET AND COMPLIMENT YOU ON YOUR STYLE

3. THERE AIN'T NOTHIN' BETTER THAN SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS!

WHERE CAN YOU GET ONE ASAP, CAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE DYING FOR ONE:

http://www.xenotees.etsy.com/

and here's one more photo for the road....

happy sunday friends!
-rachel-

you know...

2008-10-01T02:47:00.000-04:00

so just do it. you know you wanna

night night my darling friends

sweet luggage dreams

-r out-

9 days, no post & cat power

2008-09-30T01:13:00.000-04:00

i'm too tired to write but check out this old skool photo- to me this is joy!

more soon.... i promise

RADIOHEAD & TREASURE BOXES

2008-09-21T00:03:00.001-04:00

listening to the new radiohead album and a bit of o.k. computer mixed in while pondering what to blog o blog about- when i should be sleeping- but i need my radiohead fix and my insomniac brain must move forward.....

THIS EVENINGS TOPIC = Train Cases

they are like those clear plastic steriline boxes for crafting supplies... ON CRACK!

they look awesome wherever you put em' & you can fill them up with treasures- gypsy treasures, colored pencils, buttons, beads, spools of thread etc. just picture one of these pieces in your office or living room looking cool as cool can be and then opening it only to light up even more with what's inside. here's a visual.......

GET A GUY SOMETHING COOL!!!

2008-09-19T22:50:00.000-04:00

.....i mean really, if there is a guy in your life that you adore then get him something to show it!

the term "briefcase" doesn't have to be boring! my husband is a high school teacher- NO SMALL JOB, EVERYONE TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE TO GIVE HIM AN AIR HIGH-FIVE- and he carries his tie briefcase with him just about everywhere. people are constantly stopping & asking where in the world he got it?!?! it's cool when your high school physics teacher is so shockingly suave in the midst of his brilliant geekery- and don't be mistaken, GEEKERY is HOT! feast your eyes.....................

i leave the rest up to you......... i'm wiped and gotta list more sweet sweet luggage on ETSY!
good night to all
-r-

The Shop Got FEATURED!

2008-09-17T17:44:00.001-04:00

5 Uses for Vintage Suitcases

Hard-shell vintage suitcases aren't hard to find in thrift shops, and their compact design makes them versatile pieces in the home. We've published a few ways to use them on AT...

• At the foot of the bed, use a vintage suitcase on a folding luggage rack or on top of a bench to hold extra blankets.
• Store out-of-season clothes in vintage suitcases underneath the bed or up high on a shelf to create more space in your closet.
• A stack of small, flat-topped suitcases can serve as a nightstand with built-in storage next to the bed.
• Take the top off a vintage suitcase and stuff it with a pillow for a DIY pet bed. Click here for the how-to.
• Pair a suitcase with legs to create unexpected furniture, like these chairs or this ottoman.
Let us know your ideas for repurposing vintage suitcases in the comments below.
Photo: Suitcases from Ready Set Go

Comments (15)

1. a vintage cosmetic bag works great as a sewing basket

2. i have been using my two vintage samsonite suitecases as a bedside table for years. it's a great storage system as they hold my winter clothes in the summer and my summer clothes in the winter.

3. I have a pair of 60s Samsonite suitcases in a lavender color with the prettiest pink satin interior. I use mine as.. suitcases! They're the perfect size for weekend trips! and much, much more stylish than anything else currently out there.

4. i've been meaning to buy a train case to serve as a key/wallet catchall for our landing strip.

5. I use a Tiara train case as a sewing basket. BTW, a nice coat of Armor-all really makes an old suitcase look good.

6. I'm totally insane about them.I have 3 stacked on a closet shelf storing linens. In the bedroom I have one for belts, one for hats, one for headbands, and 2 for sweaters. In the sewing room: 6 for fabric, and 2 trunks for fabric/bits&trims.

7. Use a large one to store wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, gift bags, and all your gift wrapping goodies.

8. I *just* saw pictures of vintage hard shell suitcases on a design blog and had an "aha" moment. I've been looking for a way to store old family photographs. I'm not a person who cares that they're in any order, especially as time goes by. When I saw the light blue Samsonite, it reminded me of family vacations and I thought it would be the perfect "box" storage for loose photographs.

9. Anthropologie has been using old suitcase as tables - attaching wooden legs to the bottom and painting them. I snapped a picture with my cellphone here:http://renovationtherapy.wordpress.com/2008/04/30/furnace-floor-financials-finalized/

10. design sprout shows how to use one to make a dog bed. so cute. basically buy an old dog bed that fits in there, cover with vintage blanket/afghan.. there you go. very cute.

11. My room mate in college was a graphic design major and she used her vintage suitcase to hold all her gorgeous work when she went on interviews. It made a great unique first impression.

12. I use a hard shell suitcase to store DVDs.

13. I have a few- one is an old tweed covered one that I've used to heighten my lamp on a side board, and the other one I'm using as a case for our turntable- it's a dj model, and I hate the way the cases look for those, so we drilled a few holes into a vintage blue samsonite I found on the street and voila- a stylish turntable case!

original article link: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/travel/5-uses-for-vintage-suitcases-059341

i get to be Mary Poppins

2008-09-17T17:44:00.000-04:00

so i'm sitting in my "office" chair and the floor is literally covered in luggage, ribbon, scraps of duct tape, paint, inks of all sorts, scissors, glue, saran wrap, bubble wrap- a.k.a. the shipping supplies- and i'm editing photos of all the newest- the latest- the GREATEST of luggage to bring to the masses on ETSY and i'm about to pass out from the recent sales- i'm not complaining. no, i'm far too tired for that. i just glanced across the room to see what's pictured above and snapped a photo for this post.

that's MY BAG- sort of what got me started on this whole thing. should i start a story now? naw, i'm wiped but my bag is RED- my most favorite color of all- and inside, it's like being mary poppins for just a day! and the uses for luggage.... well my friends- THEY NEVER END!

more to come. nap to cat power and wait for a man to call me in the middle of the night so i can connect with some freight agents for a client in SINGAPORE! i never thought i'd be doing something so cool and weird all at once for a living. but i love it.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE---------- BUY IT ALLLLLLL ON ETSY!

-rachel-

the first post....

2008-09-17T02:54:00.000-04:00

WELCOME- to the inside of 1 crazy head bursting at the seams with creative ideas. i guess i will start out by posting this super cool blog someone wrote about the shop- wow, i never knew i were so cool- or maybe i thought i was but didn't know that others thought i was too! so this is where we jump off:

I Have A Crush On…A Couple of Upcyclers.
Upcycle - such a funny/silly/trendy word for taking something old and reinvigorating it. Remember when we used to just think of it as making something that was crappy & old — cool & new again? Ahh well, whatever you call it…I love it. Here’s a few of my recent Upcycle obsessions…
Vintage suitcases. I love a good train case and Get Ready Set GO on Etsy has done some really fun graphic applications to old school suitcases. If my old-lady-back didn’t require a bag with wheels, I’d be all over these. Still, could be fun storage…

(many thanks 2 RenovationTherapy http://iloveupstate.com/ for writing such an awesome piece!)