Saturday, July 21, 2012

Fancy Beasts

I can't believe it's almost been a month since my last post. It's not easy having a blog when you have a short attention span. I hate how easily distracted I am. I'll get on the internet with every intention of updating my blog but then I'll get sucked into the vortex of cute animal photos. I honestly could look at pictures of animals all day. I don't ever get tired of it. Anyway, let me get back on track here...

So I think in my last post I had a job interview...welp, I didn't end up taking that job. The position was for an Assistant Manager of a toy store and although it paid really well, I just didn't feel like it was the right job for me. First of all, I really don't have any experience in managing anything. I was a key holder at a toy shop 7 years ago but I didn't really have any major responsibilities. I simply put the money in the drawers in the morning, turned on the lights and music, and Windexed the doors. I trained the new hires since my boss was always hiding in her office but that was it. It was probably the easiest job ever.

This job I was offered though, was way more than I could handle. The GM was looking for someone "aggressive" (nope!) who could whip everyone's lazy asses into shape. Apparently all of the associates had bad attitudes and the store was in chaos so she needed a new sheriff to lay down the law. I'm the most passive, docile girl on the planet who also happens to look like she's 18 yeas old. Who is going to listen to me? No one. I get bossed around by cats for Pete's sake! There was no way that I was going to be able to manage 14 women. It just wasn't going to happen. On top of that, the AM was also responsible for managing the entire Toy Department. I would've had to create and promote all of the events that the store provided and the success of the store would've been on my shoulders. I don't know how to manage shit. If I would've taken this job I would've gotten crazy stressed out, the store's profits would've gone down the toilet and I most likely would've gotten fired. That's all I need, the horror of being fired from my first job in Seattle to haunt me. I'm the type of person who would rather avoid certain situations than fail at them.

So, yeah. I'm still unemployed. The good news is that I have another interview next week. The position doesn't pay very well, but I think I'd be much happier at this store. It's an art and craft store and I applied for a sales job in the craft section. I've looked at many Yelp reviews and people fuggin' love this store. It looked absolutely adorable and I'd be in my element. I've always wanted to work in a craft store and it seems like it'd be a low stress/chill work environment. I hope I get the job. I really do. I'll probably end up spending all of my money there though...it's a slippery slope!

Other than stressing over money and jobs I've been pretty productive lately. I've made a buttload of new hoops. I've made two dog portrait embroideries and a friend of mine suggested that I start taking commissions from people of their pets. I thought it was an excellent idea so I added a new section to my Etsy shop called "Fancy Beasts". People can just send me a photo of their pet and I'll make a fancy portrait that will immortalize their pet in style. Here's some examples:

 Sophie the French Bulldog
6 inches
felt, buttons, embroidery floss

Penny the Boston Terrier
7 inches
felt, buttons, embroidery floss

If you'd be interested in commissioning a portrait of your dog, cat, or bunny just send me an email to iggystarpup@gmail.com or convo me on Etsy at www.iggystarpup.etsy.com. I'll need a head shot of the animal, the sex (to determine if it should be clothed in male or female attire) and any color preferences you might have. Pricing will be determined on a case by case basis but generally will run between 35-45 USD.

Here's some other hoops that I've done since my last post:

  Two Totoros and Soot Sprites
6 inches
felt and embroidery floss

Sad Red Panda
7 inches
felt, buttons, embroidery floss

Hedwig
7 inches
felt and embroidery floss

I don't know what I'd do with all of this free time if I didn't have my art to work on. Bless it. Even with art to distract me it's been difficult to stay sane. I've been trying to walk a few miles everyday. My walks are probably the most enjoyable part of my day. Everything in life just seems to simple when I take my walks. It's very Zen. The downside is that when I walk I usually end up stopping in stores I pass along the way. Shopping is my weakness. I don't spend exorbitant amounts or anything but we all know that spending little bits of money here and there can add up pretty quickly. Gawd, I need a job. Spending money when you're not having any coming in is an awful awful feeling. But hopefully, by next week I'll be back on the workforce. (Crossing fingers!)

Okies, welp, I better get back to sewing but I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Laters!