Signal Boost Appreciated: [link]

Many of you may know that my dad, 58, lost his job in August 2012 due to his company closing. He had that job for 40 years. He still has not been able to find employment even though he has applied to at least 100 places since then, probably much much more.

Last night someone broke into my father's truck and stole all the tools he had in there. I know that may not sound like much but tools are expensive and if it had not been for me needing his help earlier in the week his tools wouldn't even have been there to begin with. I feel at fault.

All of my Storenvy and Etsy purchases from 1/20 - 1/22 will go towards buying some new tools for my dad. I can't replace them all but I can replace some of them. I am also be taking donations.

>>[link]<<

Donators who will be included on the card:
Kathleen
Pickled In Time - Aisha
Sara
Scott
Bianca
Etienne
Che
Bethany
Roberto
Soda*Pop*Kidz

If you would like your name left off this list or the card, please let me know.  

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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

My shop has reopened!

ETSY: [link]

Thanks to everyone for a successful holiday season!  I was so busy with orders during December and prepping for two conventions that I might have appeared to drop off the face of the planet.  I did.  At the end of MAGFest (which was fantastic) I got a really bad sinus and ear infection so it took me a bit to recover! But I am back.  I will be listing some new stuff in my shop this week that is already made and ready to purchase.

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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

My shop will be closing tomorrow morning (Friday, December 7, 2012).  Please get your orders in now if you want them.  Store will reopen on or before December 24, 2012.

ETSY: [link]

:thumb339139330:

Here is the holiday shipping times for my Etsy and Storenvy shops.

HOLIDAY SHIPPING SCHEDULE:
International cutoff is December 1, 2012
Domestic (USA) cutoff is December 7, 2012

Please keep in mind I only work Monday - Friday and I ship twice a week. (Typically on Monday and Wednesday)  ALL ITEMS TAKE A WEEK TO MAKE/PROCESS ONCE PAYMENT HAS CLEARED.  Items that take longer will be noted in their description.

Some items are in limited quantity in my shop or I will not remake them until after the holidays once a certain number of orders are reached (example: Pokeball bracelet, Dango Family Set).
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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Commissions:
Commissions are open.

They are limited to 5 spots.  
Minimum $25 order.  
First come, first served.  

Your spot is locked in when you have paid.  Turnaround time is 2 weeks for most items.  Shipping will be quoted in the price.  Please SEND ME A NOTE for price inquiries.

1. ~squirrelization PAID
2. Christian PAID
3. Renata PAID
4. Lynnette PAID
5. =pinkplaidrobot PENDING

Commission Info: [link]

If the spots do not fill completely, commissions will be closed on November 1, 2012. They will not be open again until next year at this time.


QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

CLEARANCE SALE
Etsy Shop: [link]

GENTLEMAN OCTOPUS PLUSH SALE
Storenvy Shop: [link]

Commissions:
Commissions will reopen on October 12, 2012 on a first come first serve basis.  Minimum order is $25 and it will be open to ten spaces.

A new journal will be created when they open and a list will be made. Since it is first come, first served. As you pay you spot is confirmed.  Otherwise you will move down the list until you have paid.
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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Gentleman Octopus Plush and Pocket Watches are now available for sale on my website!  All proceeds will go to help my parents pay for medical bills.  

My dad recently lost his job at age 58 and with it their insurance (company bankrupt).  My mom is disabled and both my parents require surgery they cannot afford.  I am trying to help them get new insurance while my dad is looking for a new job.

GET ONE HERE: [link]

**You do not need a Storenvy account to purchase anything on the site.  Just checkout as a guest!**







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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

As part of the Breast Cancer Benefit and Silent Auction I am making a Under the Sea gift basket with a myriad of my Octopus stuff including plush, wallet, jewelry, etc. to raise money for the cause and for a patient who was diagnosed with the disease and needs surgery.

I am trying to get two tickets to the National Aquarium in Baltimore to include in the basket. However they are $30 a piece. I don't have that kind of money right now.

I have collected $25 out of the $60 needed. Every dollar counts! My PayPal is kellyskeychains [at] gmail.com be sure to mark the item as donation. I also accept cash but I have to get it before Friday so I can purchase the tickets online for the basket. 

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Etsy coupon is still good until August 31, 2012.
10% OFF your entire order
Code: BESTBACKTOSCHOOL2012
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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Back from Otakon and I am exhausted!  I am going to be working on photos this week once my camera is returned safely to me - it was broken and I had to send it out for repairs.  My shop should open on Wednesday pending no problems arise between now and then.

I will also be sending out my questionnaires for Kickstarter to fulfill those items! Tons of boxes in my house, lol.

My husband was sick during Otakon so I had to do a good deal of it by myself.  Thanks to my friends "Chair" and Dani for watching my table while I had to potty or run an errand.

Thanks to all the wonderful people who came by to visit me and shop.  You guys make my con experiences wonderful.  All my art pieces sold in the art show and two people cam by to thank me in person for making those items!
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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

My table location is near the bathrooms! Come check me out.  You know you will have to pee sometime!

:thumb313274930:

Here are the coupons I will be honoring at the convention!

:thumb316181947:

Etsy:
My Etsy store will be closed June 25, 2012 to July 31, 2012 while I prep for and attend Otakon.  If you would like something please order soon.

My Store: [link]

Thanks so much for your understanding and I look forward to creating some awesome stuff to show you!
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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

My Etsy store will be closed June 25, 2012 to July 31, 2012 while I prep for and attend Otakon.  If you would like something please order soon.

My Store: [link]

Thanks so much for your understanding and I look forward to creating some awesome stuff to show you!
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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

I made it into Nekocon! Thank you for the last minute orders yesterday it allowed me to pay for my badge and my table so Nekocon is a go! <3

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Kickstarter:
I made my Kickstarter goal.  Thank you all who supported me not only financially but through social networking as well! <3

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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Well positive thinking worked! The node in my lung appears to be just tissue and benign!  She said that my lymph nodes are swollen in a strange way that appears to be caused by my sinus runoff.  I have an appointment to see an ENT at the end of June!

MY KICKSTARTER! [link]

I made my goal! But that doesn't mean you can't donate if you want too.  Money will be used to fill rewards and to buy more plush than I had originally aimed to get! <3

How does Kisckstarter work?
If you don't know how Kickstarter works you DO NOT get charged until IF and WHEN my project gets funded.  Meaning you won't be charged until June 3, 2012.  If I am not funded you don't get charged at all! All payments are paid through Amazon Payments.

Why should I donate?
Every dollar helps.  I really mean that!  Getting plush made and child tested is very expensive.  Well beyond my means.  I offer some great rewards for your support so you don't walk away empty handed.  Every donation is met with sincere gratitude and thanks.  I will remember this forever.

Can't Donate?
Please help spread the word! [link]

This is fantastic! I love fan art. Thank you!
:thumb301804613:

Also check out this awesome photo by


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Facebook:
Be sure to LIKE my Facebook page. I am holding a giveaway now!

QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Got this email today via my Kickstarter!

"Hi. I was linked to this page via the Laughing Squid story about it. The design is great but it's too bad that it isn't your original design. I notice they look VERY similar to an artist in my area who has been selling her octo-plushies for years.

LINK REMOVED SO PEOPLE WON'T BE MEAN TO ANYONE!

As an artist myself it is incredible frustrating to watch someone's hard work and effort be ripped off by someone else. I hope that you find success in life with YOUR OWN ideas & not by copying another person's work."

As you can see I have been designing jewelry since 2007.  I designed Atticus Kitsch back in November 2009 along with my Pirate Octopus, Zombie Octopus, Demon/Vampire Octopus and Robot Octopus.  In April 2010 I made them into jewelry.  He has never changed color and has always been purple and fun.  I chose purple because it represents nobility and thought it was a good fit, plus purple is cool! He got his top hat and monocle in October 2010.



In Novermber 2010 he got his name: [link]



These of course were not my first ventures into octopus themed items.  I made my Ninja Octopus before these in October 2009 from clay. His name is Ninjapus and he is black - don't confuse him with The Great White Ninjapus though because he will be mad.



I never saw this person's plush and when looking her up on Etsy see that she does indeed make octopus plushies.  I think EVERYONE should make octopus plushes because they are fantastic. In fact there's another person who makes octopus plush on Etsy and here and she's fantastic too!  I love octopuses and I always will!

Did I steal her design? No.  Did I take the design from Powder Puff Girls? No.  I never have seen her work, nor the Powder Puff Girls in my life. I was only alerted to her work a few months back when someone let me know about it and I love her stuff! By that time though I had already put my octoplush into production.  I starter selling them in April 2011 when I had saved up enough money.

Where did Atticus come from? It was my best friend ~pronouncedyou who inspired me for Atticus with her adorable octopus art (as far as I know it dates back to 2007). so I attribute all his success to her.  She's even the one that taught me to use Photoshop.

I find it mean spirited and rude to contact someone via their Kickstarter with a message claiming that I stole someone else's idea, especially when you created your account for that sole purpose.  It's just not very nice.

Have a nice day though because I just can't be mean about it!

MY KICKSTARTER! [link]

I made my goal! But that doesn't mean you can't donate if you want too.  Money will be used to fill rewards and to buy more plush than I had originally aimed to get! <3

How does Kisckstarter work?
If you don't know how Kickstarter works you DO NOT get charged until IF and WHEN my project gets funded.  Meaning you won't be charged until June 3, 2012.  If I am not funded you don't get charged at all! All payments are paid through Amazon Payments.

Why should I donate?
Every dollar helps.  I really mean that!  Getting plush made and child tested is very expensive.  Well beyond my means.  I offer some great rewards for your support so you don't walk away empty handed.  Every donation is met with sincere gratitude and thanks.  I will remember this forever.

Can't Donate?
Please help spread the word! [link]

This is fantastic! I love fan art. Thank you!
:thumb301804613:

Also check out this awesome photo by


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Facebook:
Be sure to LIKE my Facebook page. I am holding a giveaway now!

QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

MY KICKSTARTER! [link] I need $394 to reach the next tier of my campaign, please help out!

How does Kisckstarter work?
If you don't know how Kickstarter works you DO NOT get charged until IF and WHEN my project gets funded.  Meaning you won't be charged until June 3, 2012.  If I am not funded you don't get charged at all! All payments are paid through Amazon Payments.

Why should I donate?
Every dollar helps.  I really mean that!  Getting plush made and child tested is very expensive.  Well beyond my means.  I offer some great rewards for your support so you don't walk away empty handed.  Every donation is met with sincere gratitude and thanks.  I will remember this forever.

Can't Donate?
Please help spread the word! [link]

This is fantastic! I love fan art. Thank you!
:thumb301804613:

Also check out this awesome photo by


------------------------------------

Facebook:
Be sure to LIKE my Facebook page. I am holding a giveaway now!

QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

My Etsy shop is open [link]

I am working on redesigning my website to a simple WordPress

I had my PET Scan and CT Scan and they showed something but nothing definitive.  I have to get a biopsy Tuesday.  The PET Scan showed just inflammation - doctor still has to see it in person but called me to read me the report.

As a result of my ongoing tests, my son going into Pre-School next year and just rampant life I am a little overdue on orders - I really apologize for this and I hate getting behind.

Promotion of the Moment:
FREE random Dalek Personalities print with every order in my Etsy shop! Whiles supplies last. [link]

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For those who do not know I was sick last week.  It turned out to be more than my normal sinus infection.  They found a small nodule on my right lung.

I went to a pulmonologist for my first visit.  She reviewed my CT and she does not know what it is but wants me to go in for a PET scan and another CT this time with contrast.  They have to call me to set up the appointment on Monday.  Until then we do not know what it is but it's about 1cm in size and placed on the outside of my bronchial passage on the right side of my lung.  It could be something minor, it could be something major.  

Right now I feel a little bit reassured as the pulmonolgist says it's so small and if it is a carcinoid tumor it is a very slow growing cancer. If my PET scan comes back active I will need a biopsy.

I didn't want to leave my Etsy store closed to keep me occupied while I wait, plus the week I took off has hurt our family financially as we rely on the income.  Thank goodness I had a few dollars set aside for such a case.

Thank you all for your understanding.

Facebook:
Be sure to LIKE my Facebook page.  I will be having giveaways there from now until Otakon.  I will also be releasing new item "mock-ups" in my Facebook gallery.

QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Winner of the $10 Gift Certificate (via Random.Org) is Kelsey Zetsubousensei Wailes. Please message me so I can give you a coupon code for Etsy.

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Anime Boston:
Anime Boston was a blast! I had so much fun.  I debuted my new pouches and they went over well!  I also sold out of my last Gentleman Octopus Plush.  It was hard to see them all go but they found good homes!

Here is the last buyer with her plush! [link]

I don't know if and when I will reorder them.  I am pretty sure I won't be because I can't justify the money when I have a child.  If you think I should please voice your opinion

I also attended PAX East this weekend and it was fun too!  It was nice to be able to step away from the work aspect of a convention and enjoy myself.  Usually when I sell at conventions I stay in the artist alley the entire time and my evenings consist of showering and getting as much sleep as possible to do it all over again.

Thanks to everyone who came out and purchased from me!  It always makes me so happy to know people enjoy the things I make.

I have some pieces planned for Otakon's Art Show this year and I will be working on them and posting photos of progress as the summer approaches.

Etsy Store:
My Etsy store has re-opened! [link]

Stock up on items with FREE SHIPPING on orders $75 and up! Coupon Code: 75SHIPANDSAVE Please enter coupon code upon checkout. $75 is before taxes - taxes are only applicable to Maryland residents. I ship worldwide!

New items to my shop will be coming shortly as I take photographs.

QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Anime Boston:
My friend ~MoonYen and I will be attending Anime Boston Artist Alley again this year!  This will be your chance to pick up some stuff from us in person.  We often have things we do not sell online.

My Store: [link]

Her Store: [link]

Anime Boston
April 6 - 8, 2012
Hynes Convention Center & Sheraton Hotel



COUPON:
:thumb289063741:

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Otakon:
I will be at Otakon Artist Alley this year! I will keep you posted as the date approaches.

QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

COMMISSIONS:
I have decided that my commissions may be closed indefinitely due to regular shop orders, cons and problems arising therein.  I apologize for this in advance but I have had too many issues with custom orders lately and I need to focus on keeping my store replenished and prepping for upcoming big conventions.  If I find the time again I will re-open them.  Thank you for your understanding.

Commission Slots Current (CLOSED):
1. Anonymous (Shipped)
2. Anonymous (Shipped)
3. Anonymous (Shipped)
4. Anonymous (Shipped)
5. Bryan F. (Paid - Waiting on Parts)
6. Bryan F. (Paid - Waiting on Parts)
7. ~calixtis (Shipped)
8. *HappyKittyShop (Complete)
9. Jennifer H. (Shipped)
10. ~amubleu (Shipped)
11. ~ChibiMoon91 (Paid - Complete)
12. ~ChibiMoon91 (Paid - Complete)

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TURNAROUND TIME is two weeks unless otherwise noted via our conversation.

My Etsy Store: [link]

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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

I am back from Katsucon and I had so much fun with my friends and meeting great people!  If you are new following me and picked up my business card, I thank you.

The next convention I will be attending is Anime Boston!  

Also - My commissions will be opening this week.  Be on the lookout!

Mt Etsy Store: [link]

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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.

Close to 2500 sales on Etsy!

Etsy Store: [link]

For the person who is number 2500 you get an awesome gift with your purchase!  Thanks so much for buying from me guys.  It not only makes me happy as an artist but makes my son happy he gets to eat candy with mommy's hard earned money.  He loves you too!

The next anime convention I will be attending is Katsucon, in National Harbor, MD (dates below)  I will be offering a coupon soon for those stopping by!

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QUESTIONS? Like where do I get my bottles? Please check my FAQ at the bottom of this journal for answers.  If you do not see your answer please note me.