tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28549685770057403382024-02-19T16:36:55.212+00:00Val's Work In ProgressSchemes and dreams of a hungry artistVal Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-86278932609709816772013-01-23T20:44:00.001+00:002013-01-23T20:51:36.485+00:00My Super Duper Superstore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking back on last year's lack of updates to this blog, you'd be forgiven for thinking I've been idle for the last 12 months. Well you'd be wrong. In between looking after Mum and keeping the house in a reasonably hygienic condition (I will NEVER be houseproud) I've been plotting.</div>
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It's been a big plot and it's taken most of 2012 to get it into a shape where it's presentable enough to unveil to the world. It's still not perfect but it's now in a good enough state to let you have a look at it.</div>
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Well my big news is... <b>I've opened a brand new megastore over at Café Press!</b></div>
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When I first joined the site, if I wanted a shop that would accommodate more than one design I had to pay for it. Obviously that didn't sound like a good idea so I stuck to the basic shops, which were free to use but limited to a single graphic. So each time I wanted to offer a new design I had to open a new shop, each with its own individual name and URL. Having them all so disconnected made them difficult to manage and didn't offer a very easy shopping experience to my customers.</div>
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Now, thankfully, Café Press have removed the up-front charges for their premium shops so I've taken advantage and brought all my designs together under one new site.</div>
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The shop's called <b><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/valselectricoctopus" target="_blank">Val's Electric Octopus And Friends</a></b> and here's my handy guide on how to find your way around it, starting with the home page:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5u37TRD1bRecWSKgGym6pdxnVPOMINmTPzqNJcSXnQO9b7lveK7074flT_lyJaS7dOr__fOwMzbWpz_68tqjV3hWmc-CgJyfRpQaPGYQ9qfrKT-3fFnKpMOun0ykGbpLPOT87OmZvRSO/s1600/Premium+01+-+Home+page.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5u37TRD1bRecWSKgGym6pdxnVPOMINmTPzqNJcSXnQO9b7lveK7074flT_lyJaS7dOr__fOwMzbWpz_68tqjV3hWmc-CgJyfRpQaPGYQ9qfrKT-3fFnKpMOun0ykGbpLPOT87OmZvRSO/s640/Premium+01+-+Home+page.png" width="512" /></a></div>
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1) This is a big shop with lots of sections, so never get lost thanks to this handy <b>navigation bar</b> allowing you to jump easily between designs and products. This is available to use on every page in the store.</div>
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2) The octopus logo on the home page and the blue title in the navigation bar take you to my Facebook page <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Val-Woodhouse-Art-Design/334046889970721" target="_blank">Val Woodhouse Art and Design</a></b>. Give me a Like on there to make sure you're always the first to find out about any new happenings in the shops, this blog or anything else I might be up to.</div>
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3) The old style basic shops will still be open, so feel free to use them if you just want to look at one design. Clicking <b>"Learn More"</b> will take you to a page with links to my basic shops.</div>
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4) All the existing designs are in the new store, grouped together by themes:</div>
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<b><i>Electric Animals</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Christmas</i></b></div>
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<b><i>More Designs</i></b></div>
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5) The new premium shop makes it so much easier to add new designs, so I'm launching mine with 3 band new <b>Scribbly Rainbows</b>. You'll currently find these in the <b>"~NEW & Exclusive~"</b> section - keep an eye on this for more new designs as the time goes by.</div>
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The Scribbly Rainbows are my lively, vibrant take on one of the world's favourite natural wonders. Many causes have adopted a rainbow as their symbol, including Christian groups, LGBT Pride and Autism awareness. These products are perfect for any of those or, of course, anyone who just wants something happy and colourful to brighten up their day.</div>
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<b><i>The full Scribbly Rainbow on a women's long sleeved T shirt.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GcFQrrwko7o4FGz5qvifp9Y1sxlra7lhhADTWtj0sS5eNKYsOUXbYMT5iU_JsqnKk-tKpWRwOZhSk0xtSnjry4Wt857CRtKN9FyQdvetQvInDYMm3ROe5V1tFuwYyKRfpJ3oUvr5DP3s/s1600/scribbly_rainbow_down_stein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GcFQrrwko7o4FGz5qvifp9Y1sxlra7lhhADTWtj0sS5eNKYsOUXbYMT5iU_JsqnKk-tKpWRwOZhSk0xtSnjry4Wt857CRtKN9FyQdvetQvInDYMm3ROe5V1tFuwYyKRfpJ3oUvr5DP3s/s320/scribbly_rainbow_down_stein.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Matching pairs, such as these decorative steins, make a beautiful gift idea for a favourite couple - "the other half of my rainbow".</i></b></div>
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When you click on the design you like, you'll be taken to a list of departments - Menswear, Womenswear, etc. This is similar to the layout in the basic shops but I've changed some things around to make locating products as logical as possible.</div>
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Clicking on a department then allows you to see everything in that category displaying the chosen design, eg. this is a sample from the Menswear section featuring the new full Scribbly Rainbow.</div>
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One of the advantages of the new premium shop is that I can include more than one copy of a product. I loved how the half rainbows fill the small goods like these jewellery items, so I've given you both the zoomed in and zoomed out versions to choose from.</div>
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6) What if you know the sort of item you want but you're not sure on the design? Well now I've created a brand new section that allows you, for the first time, to compare products side by side featuring all the different graphics. For this you click on the <b>"Browse By Product"</b> link.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih1AM-AKMLEssvH0so5lFcXlJ2AtCWVuNxpJIFyagCIxfk33Jb8YrL0iSA6KY1q8_KRaCOJeWBD0cAd1XSzFsWlj0w517bwOfY-au7A2JVCo2qZyDl4dChfXtqhrHLA12xhXGQfemZR3H/s1600/Premium+10+-+Products+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih1AM-AKMLEssvH0so5lFcXlJ2AtCWVuNxpJIFyagCIxfk33Jb8YrL0iSA6KY1q8_KRaCOJeWBD0cAd1XSzFsWlj0w517bwOfY-au7A2JVCo2qZyDl4dChfXtqhrHLA12xhXGQfemZR3H/s640/Premium+10+-+Products+Montage.png" width="344" /></a></div>
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<b><i>All the departments are laid out in a similar format to those used in the other sections.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This time, larger sections such as Menswear are divided into subsections, in this case based on styles of shirt.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLy_aN3Gs3ZrCHIhEfnIOIpcWXQvsl6xOGssOAUY8S5mpkk2HAbDDaGSzGvV6eGBpgSYH59D5WCBzHp2eVLNHxWwVR1QjN40ECy8a5dwx7HrNDZMNcl8wBrlX0gt3cysKXxqLLd3bsG-_/s1600/Premium+14+-+Men's+Light+Tees.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLy_aN3Gs3ZrCHIhEfnIOIpcWXQvsl6xOGssOAUY8S5mpkk2HAbDDaGSzGvV6eGBpgSYH59D5WCBzHp2eVLNHxWwVR1QjN40ECy8a5dwx7HrNDZMNcl8wBrlX0gt3cysKXxqLLd3bsG-_/s640/Premium+14+-+Men's+Light+Tees.png" width="545" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Within each section, all the similar products are grouped together so you can compare the designs side by side.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDSErTdQL09ZiH-XS2OqgK1bXjbJsqKKlniXy5dIchMj9JcNERXFnWmxKNc-wpki_Hre6wesHHv0UfXHh6VIrdi3ZyAz2pjI5hYVYcmD-M49r0BLI5YQRfkcr8v_Q2La4vlk-cI65Gpim/s1600/Premium+16+-+Order+Page.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDSErTdQL09ZiH-XS2OqgK1bXjbJsqKKlniXy5dIchMj9JcNERXFnWmxKNc-wpki_Hre6wesHHv0UfXHh6VIrdi3ZyAz2pjI5hYVYcmD-M49r0BLI5YQRfkcr8v_Q2La4vlk-cI65Gpim/s400/Premium+16+-+Order+Page.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Clicking on the product you're interested in takes you to a new-look ordering page.</i></b></div>
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So there you have it! There are still plenty more tweaks to be made and lots of new products I can add but my new megastore <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/valselectricoctopus" target="_blank"><b>Val's Electric Octopus And Friends</b></a> is now officially open for business. (Truth be told, that hasn't stopped a couple of people already finding it by accident and I was hardly going to turn down their trade!) Come on in, have a good explore round and - better still - treat yourself or a loved one to some of the goodies on offer. It's been a year's worth of work so I hope you like it!<br />
<br />Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-21888775913423988302012-12-25T13:47:00.000+00:002013-01-21T23:27:31.239+00:00Happy Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time for my annual treat for the few of you who ever bother looking at my blog!</div>
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This year I'm dedicating it to all those new friends we've made this year, especially those who we found in the most unusual places, who've brightened our lives up and made us look at the world in a new way.<br />
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The star of my cartoon is Miss Rosie Muhlbauer, one of several dogs rescued from an unethical back yard breeder in California this June. Despite having many congenital health problems caused by inbreeding, Rosie stole everyone's hearts thanks to her fighting spirit, happy personality and unconventional cuteness and now she has over 32,000 fans on Facebook.<br />
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So here's Rosie enjoying her first proper Christmas, being spoilt rotten as well she deserves!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4BrPkAU8Umt1kPPFrz00OO6DlCJppwavMxDNUYbUyUH33tVqs7SvVfGF6G0IUNgSrwxvZnOIWVA_DD_bJFVF2HJwY-mWdF7Eb-GJMqVnfKE7quwXvN9_B7Q33zp3-V0i8xukCUZQkRSK/s1600/2012+Xmas+Cartoon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4BrPkAU8Umt1kPPFrz00OO6DlCJppwavMxDNUYbUyUH33tVqs7SvVfGF6G0IUNgSrwxvZnOIWVA_DD_bJFVF2HJwY-mWdF7Eb-GJMqVnfKE7quwXvN9_B7Q33zp3-V0i8xukCUZQkRSK/s400/2012+Xmas+Cartoon.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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So a big Happy Christmas to all of you I'd never heard of 12 months ago but now couldn't imagine living without.<br />
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• You can learn more about Rosie's story from her <a href="http://www.everythingrosie.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MalibuRosie" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Follow the progress of the dogs rescued alongside her at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HelpStillNeededCaHoarder?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Help Still Needed CA Hoarder Facebook page</a>.<br />
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If you want to see my other Christmas cartoons, here's <a href="http://valwip.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/last-post-in-time-for-christmas.html" target="_blank">2010</a> and <a href="http://valwip.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">2011</a>.<br />
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<i>Join me back here very soon when I'll be kicking off 2013 with a MASSIVE new project launch!</i><br />
<br />Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-69566906747946030372012-12-15T00:57:00.000+00:002012-12-15T01:06:31.495+00:00Nice Shiny Dangly Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
December marches on apace and most of you have no doubt already bought your tree or got the artificial one out of its dusty box.</div>
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Sorting through the baubles is always one of the nicest parts of the festivities, I find, because the best ones last for years and evoke so many memories. This year I'm taking the opportunity to buy a few from some of my favourite crafters on Facebook because they've been such good friends and supporters. A couple of pounds seems a small price to pay in order to help their businesses out and have a little something to remember my friends by. Photos may follow providing my ancient old camera batteries behave (which they rarely do).<br />
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What's that you ask? Do I, amongst all the hundreds of products available in my Café Press stores, happen to have any Christmas decorations? Why yes indeed I do.<br />
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I have 4 Christmas designs: a snowman, a Christmas tree, I Love 25.12 and the American version I Love 12.25. They have already been made available on 2 ceramic ornaments and 2 Christmas stockings.<br />
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Now I'm delighted to announce that 5 more ornaments have been added to the range.</div>
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This group of decorations are made of hard wearing aluminium making them virtually indestructible. Meaning your tree can be dressed in something unique which you can treasure for many years to come and then pass down the generations.</div>
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I've already put my order in, well it wouldn't feel right for my own tree not to carry my handiwork!</div>
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If you're tempted, best order them NOW as it's pushing the deadline for Christmas ordering if you select standard delivery. Of course seeing as your tree will be up until after New Year you needn't panic too much about that! If you want other products from Café Press though, especially if you need them for gifts, don't delay, <b>get those orders in TODAY (literally!)</b></div>
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(Please note that the standard delivery deadline from my other shop on Zazzle has already passed so please don't order Christmas stuff from there.)</div>
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Regular readers will know the drill by now - check on the left of the page for the design you like, click the button and you'll be transported to the shop. As you can see from the pictures above, the new decorations have automatically been loaded into the New Products section but will eventually be moved down to Seasonal to join their older counterparts.</div>
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Thanks everyone, now it's time for me to go and prepare my Christmas surprise for you...</div>
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Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-16604616720945784802012-12-02T14:00:00.001+00:002012-12-03T20:42:00.847+00:00Warning - I'm About To Say The C Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
December's here again and the countdown begins to another Christmas (there, I said it). So, whether you love it or find it one big chore, now's the time to start getting everything ready so as to avoid the last minute rush.</div>
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Thankfully I'm here to help you shop from the comfort of your own armchair. I have hundreds of products available in my online stores, all custom printed with my original designs. Time's ticking away though and you have less than 1 week to guarantee standard delivery in time for Christmas. Please place your orders by <b>Saturday 8th December</b> to be on the safe side.<br />
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You'll find the buttons to take you to my Café Press stores on the left of this page, simply click on the design you like and you'll be able to see it on around 200 different items of clothing, homeware, gifts and novelties. Also on the left you'll see some sample products from my Zazzle store. You can also click on the words <b><i>Come Shopping</i></b> near the top of the screen. This will take you to all my online shop links on one page. Alternatively there's an album called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.334155666626510.72151.334046889970721&type=3" target="_blank">Designs For Sale</a> on my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Val-Woodhouse-Art-Design/334046889970721" target="_blank"><b>Val Woodhouse Art & Design</b></a> which shows a comprehensive list of what you can have printed on your choice of products. Each image contains the link to take you straight to where it's sold.<br />
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For this Christmas I have some new designs to share with you. When I was in the process of writing my business plan last year, a big part of it concerned designing greetings cards. It's a major ambition of mine to get a greetings range in the shops and, even though personal circumstances have got more difficult this year, I'd still love to pursue that.<br />
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For now I can experiment with ideas, put them in my online shops and, who knows, hopefully take them further and get them developed professionally in the future. My idea was for something with a simple, random, geometric inspiration but which would look very sophisticated. I wanted a design that men would enjoy receiving, because they're very under-served in the greetings card market but I know women would appreciate them too. I often play with geometric shapes, the basis for this work is a top secret master design which has almost limitless permutations and could keep me supplied with original patterns for the rest of my life! By adding a few festive shapes, I've come up with these 4 designs for my 2012 Christmas card range:<br />
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Why the boxes at the bottom? If you read my <a href="http://valwip.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/making-mug-of-myself.html" target="_blank">last blog post</a> you'll remember me telling you how to customise a Zazzle mug. Well these cards have been designed especially for you to personalise in the same way. Write a special dedication to your loved one in the space I've left for you on the front cover. Then use the blank insides to add whatever kind of greeting you'd like, from a simple "Merry Christmas" to a festive outpouring of poetry. You can even put a photo on there if you like, these cards are yours to customise however you see fit. My Zazzle graphics are always there for you to experiment with and create something unique.</div>
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These cards cost £2.20 each + P&P, from <a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse">http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse</a></div>
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I'll be back here very soon showing you some more Christmas must-haves!</div>
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Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-41357950531847574052012-11-17T21:00:00.002+00:002012-11-17T21:02:54.438+00:00Making a Mug of Myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So another 9 months pass between blog posts and what the heck have I been doing with my time, you may ask? I often ask myself that too.</div>
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Sheesh. 9 months. I could have had a baby quicker. (I didn't, by the way.)<br />
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Thankfully Mum's regained some of her mobility but there remains plenty she can't do any more. So although I don't have to follow her round the house all day I still have to be there to do the urgent housework, answer phone calls (or rather slam the phone down on call centres) and remind her what day it is. Oh yes and still empty the piss bucket of course.<br />
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Strangely enough this has a plus side. It means I'm eligible for Carer's Allowance so I no longer have to worry about finding work or running a business. There's a limit on how much I'm allowed to earn on top of my benefits and I was never anywhere near hitting that so I can now get on with the fun side of doing the artwork as more of a hobby. If I happen to sell something, great. If not, it doesn't matter so much any more.<br />
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Things have been helped no end by a successful appeal against mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance on my credit card. If you've never had your PPI checked it's well worth doing but make sure you approach your lenders direct and don't go through any of those blood-sucker companies that take up pretty much every advertising slot on TV. Start by filling in the <a href="http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/technical_notes/ppi.html" target="_blank">Consumer Questionnaire</a> from the Financial Ombudsman and send it to your lender. If you hear nothing back within 8 weeks, don't just assume you've failed. At this point you're entitled to enlist the Financial Ombudsman to chase the lender on your behalf, which is what I had to do and it certainly helped my lender get their backsides into gear! My refund was hardly a fortune and I'm sure it will soon get spent but it's been enough to cushion me against my bills for a few months, lift that terrible depression money worries always cause me and free my mind up to plan new projects, buy materials and enjoy my creative time. Which is exactly how life should be.<br />
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So now I'm pushing ahead towards Christmas and I'll be updating this blog with the latest news from my online shops. I've become a big advocate of supporting micro-businesses, who are people using their creative talents and their spare time to make something unique and meaningful, for little reward. I'd much rather support a talented mum stuck at home than throw my cash at big corporations and it would mean a heck of a lot if people took that attitude to me too. Every "You Made A Sale" Email is like winning the lottery!<br />
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The first thing I'm going to tell you about in these updates is that I recently added several new mugs to my Zazzle store, this time featuring the scribbly flags that are already available on T shirts, badges, keychains and magnets.<br />
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Click the caption below each picture to be taken to the shop and the products for that country:<br />
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/australia+gifts" target="_blank">Australia</a></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7LauCI3pTWhVJcEUdlVHHEdQeaU-lzJDaGkXrSOZGb9Hy2YWz91DPUd4d5UhgD416sVNT5ygQk55qVP6WBKzkrw_UR14ESw_dPp9XJmZrQmfgjuaGqpsiESgjj7lRyVR4_e60IAViZv_/s1600/Mugs+Grab+Canada.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7LauCI3pTWhVJcEUdlVHHEdQeaU-lzJDaGkXrSOZGb9Hy2YWz91DPUd4d5UhgD416sVNT5ygQk55qVP6WBKzkrw_UR14ESw_dPp9XJmZrQmfgjuaGqpsiESgjj7lRyVR4_e60IAViZv_/s400/Mugs+Grab+Canada.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/canada+gifts" target="_blank">Canada</a></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgdQaTQi3Q3Q8NBLNMfhlkXAcvN7qa4kdRsgiyEho4XmfLrgPjwExuQXhYPJbXjNFZHU77MQXn9m_6GsdGMUBCBE3lWHv-Gj3j4CrUje_VvqQuiVatodSjpxXBflvnWpWjE7RYGoGPXW_/s1600/Mugs+Grab+France.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgdQaTQi3Q3Q8NBLNMfhlkXAcvN7qa4kdRsgiyEho4XmfLrgPjwExuQXhYPJbXjNFZHU77MQXn9m_6GsdGMUBCBE3lWHv-Gj3j4CrUje_VvqQuiVatodSjpxXBflvnWpWjE7RYGoGPXW_/s400/Mugs+Grab+France.png" width="331" /></a></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/france+gifts" target="_blank">France</a></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1JULlF9453S6CO5HKDx05GeeWI4Kxof0iT3waMGfliJOR5wLCkzej1YhnefFSUdETNT0gDTgfsjQTBUKjwDSe6zg1LmexRwwOh73WO-tqx1sy3jXIFI-X4KN4U2NNddNiXpil7xiiyqU/s1600/Mugs+Grab+Germany.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1JULlF9453S6CO5HKDx05GeeWI4Kxof0iT3waMGfliJOR5wLCkzej1YhnefFSUdETNT0gDTgfsjQTBUKjwDSe6zg1LmexRwwOh73WO-tqx1sy3jXIFI-X4KN4U2NNddNiXpil7xiiyqU/s400/Mugs+Grab+Germany.png" width="342" /></a></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/germany+gifts" target="_blank">Germany</a></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoxINGcaI2AH9VLMJaoEMQ77QYOrGsigZDpRlnM592Cp3_ssgeiIYf_r_BjHA89OM4GffluevQRN_oZjJvfOhic1TUZkU4zl0U3bLVD-w7yWXsRpqE822Fe2sNOLlsppWoYEmHSHHDKMd/s1600/Mugs+Grab+Ireland.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoxINGcaI2AH9VLMJaoEMQ77QYOrGsigZDpRlnM592Cp3_ssgeiIYf_r_BjHA89OM4GffluevQRN_oZjJvfOhic1TUZkU4zl0U3bLVD-w7yWXsRpqE822Fe2sNOLlsppWoYEmHSHHDKMd/s400/Mugs+Grab+Ireland.png" width="342" /></a></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/ireland+gifts" target="_blank">Ireland</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/italy+gifts" target="_blank">Italy</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/japan+gifts" target="_blank">Japan</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/new+zealand+gifts" target="_blank">New Zealand</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/south+africa+gifts" target="_blank">South Africa</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/uk+gifts" target="_blank">UK</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/usa+gifts" target="_blank">USA</a></b></i></div>
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There are 7 types of mug to choose from for each design, which you can compare by clicking the "7 styles" link below the thumbnails, as seen in the pictures above. That brings up a screen like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0pRXOPegtIBmjrxB570tehJgEbs6NKgraQq347XJ6JxK8IyL4g6R3VMKDmVPdt5kXXoIMeVTgSbnTZE6oHV6xP_QLHo3qcR-ZYSeT8-PqCxYKUbBGlm5deLoV7hiMs5rJ407Jp_71dpP/s1600/Zazzle+Mug+Styles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0pRXOPegtIBmjrxB570tehJgEbs6NKgraQq347XJ6JxK8IyL4g6R3VMKDmVPdt5kXXoIMeVTgSbnTZE6oHV6xP_QLHo3qcR-ZYSeT8-PqCxYKUbBGlm5deLoV7hiMs5rJ407Jp_71dpP/s400/Zazzle+Mug+Styles.png" width="345" /></a></div>
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Choose from:<br />
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<li><b>Classic White Mug</b> - 1 colour, 2 sizes</li>
<li><b>Ringer Mug</b> - 6 highlight colours, 2 sizes</li>
<li><b>Two-Tone Mug</b> - 6 highlight colours, 2 sizes</li>
<li><b>Morphing Mug</b> (print revealed when hot) - 2 highlight colours, 1 size</li>
<li><b>Stein</b> - 2 highlight colours, 1 size</li>
<li><b>Travelling Mug</b> - 2 body colours, 1 size</li>
<li><b>Frosted Glass Mug</b> - 1 colour, 2 sizes</li>
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Your choices don't end there, though. As with most Zazzle products you can personalise them with your own text or even a photo to make a truly individual gift for a special loved one or a treat for yourself. Once you've picked your mug, here's what to do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv7NsGdUEbFJ9jCfvVkanOJ6Pmo93zFXHPuLRUtmMwQcF144FLlj0pGDKVanA_j7FyYHseD4kirwdkJOeWEWd9BuZ-zFSgyk5s9BMBqz4f7iMFCyO5WppVoK32EO-KROwZjPme48Oe0Tt/s1600/Mugs+1+Customise+It.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv7NsGdUEbFJ9jCfvVkanOJ6Pmo93zFXHPuLRUtmMwQcF144FLlj0pGDKVanA_j7FyYHseD4kirwdkJOeWEWd9BuZ-zFSgyk5s9BMBqz4f7iMFCyO5WppVoK32EO-KROwZjPme48Oe0Tt/s400/Mugs+1+Customise+It.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HFkz3AkPHZHciRyaT4AV-W9hMVe4R3yWrmXCFCi3h0QMZmPrxD4YPBFnSFuNcx2-XIgw36Pr3OiGk6vmEPUPOCwBOtptAGDqccpKjHvI0NeCP-BLxOrmXegEzpdamQldtKf6ZPM5xTpa/s1600/Mugs+2+Customise+Tools.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HFkz3AkPHZHciRyaT4AV-W9hMVe4R3yWrmXCFCi3h0QMZmPrxD4YPBFnSFuNcx2-XIgw36Pr3OiGk6vmEPUPOCwBOtptAGDqccpKjHvI0NeCP-BLxOrmXegEzpdamQldtKf6ZPM5xTpa/s400/Mugs+2+Customise+Tools.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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All the graphics are centred but you can move them to one side if you want to add something else or if you would prefer a left handed or right handed display.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFdQYtjs-6fwyDZb_Reby1Mb9oaRSYKNC86ibt1lsOP1cANjrfDBvFNhOAxZOpa8Mvyp7sjC9u4Ehgyub0bWbwFEQKI-1HyrTHxiCVZoT7MLoxaUHbDTj3s91qD18kxL07j4JImVdVUt1/s1600/Mugs+3+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFdQYtjs-6fwyDZb_Reby1Mb9oaRSYKNC86ibt1lsOP1cANjrfDBvFNhOAxZOpa8Mvyp7sjC9u4Ehgyub0bWbwFEQKI-1HyrTHxiCVZoT7MLoxaUHbDTj3s91qD18kxL07j4JImVdVUt1/s400/Mugs+3+Text.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Add Image button allows you to include your own photo or other graphic (just remember not to pass my artwork off as anyone else's, thanks!) The Add Text button brings up this dialogue box to type in what you want to say. Use the Enter key if you want your message to run on more than one line, as in this example.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U405hlwAiyDPEAuqJvFdnfQIaTvDJBmq1ztqlUdiORD-h_mdkM0rAAXAPu2JdpCFcQzwhUUxqhkTkJlw16ucrDRyLZ-F0pqHrDldjHuwsyoteRjUGHK_Bco5nCa4HB2Di4VkH2TEYbr4/s1600/Mugs+Grab+04+Fonts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U405hlwAiyDPEAuqJvFdnfQIaTvDJBmq1ztqlUdiORD-h_mdkM0rAAXAPu2JdpCFcQzwhUUxqhkTkJlw16ucrDRyLZ-F0pqHrDldjHuwsyoteRjUGHK_Bco5nCa4HB2Di4VkH2TEYbr4/s400/Mugs+Grab+04+Fonts.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Click the ƒ symbol in the tool bar to make your selection from over 300 fonts and dingbats. I've chosen the charmingly named Horse Puke.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHc9KU1-Les-ilpJyfd5cobM_hsYDYX_R6bEYd9ZwwHG_de_9WoyN8Za4JG235Wl0C1FiS1KVVK3znRorLDZffw5nM7R2AMqM6tq8T-R64SlFPMEg0jeOjtoyDWH2CnLM_D-dG__KogUY/s1600/Mugs+Grab+05+Colours.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHc9KU1-Les-ilpJyfd5cobM_hsYDYX_R6bEYd9ZwwHG_de_9WoyN8Za4JG235Wl0C1FiS1KVVK3znRorLDZffw5nM7R2AMqM6tq8T-R64SlFPMEg0jeOjtoyDWH2CnLM_D-dG__KogUY/s400/Mugs+Grab+05+Colours.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Choose your font size, colour and alignment and your one-of-a-kind mug is complete!</div>
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Prices start from £10.95 +P&P for a classic white mug, with discounts for bulk orders. Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse/gifts?cg=196458734363502192" target="_blank">Font Island</a> mugs too, which are screaming out to be personalised. Your special someone will love you for making a gift especially for them and, as you can see, it's so easy to do.<br />
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I'll be back very soon with some more wonderful ideas for gifts and greetings to make this Christmas extra special!<br />
<br />Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-8554089066338522642012-02-14T22:23:00.002+00:002012-02-14T22:57:06.374+00:00Sometimes Life Hands You A Bucket Of PissHello dear readers, welcome to another blog post firmly under the label of Rants.<br />
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A month ago tonight, The Accident That Was Waiting To Happen finally happened. Mum slipped over in the kitchen and fractured her hip. It was a straightforward, clean break (resulting in 2 pins and a thigh-length scar) but it's totally thrown our lives up in the air.<br />
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I'm a creature of habit and for almost 30 years our front room has been my little world - my office, my living room, my dossing space. Now, with 48 hours' notice, 30 years of clutter had to be bagged up and shifted upstairs into Mum's tiny box bedroom so she could have her bed downstairs. At least we've been able to come to a room-share agreement so I can still use it as my office (with there being absolutely no more room for furniture upstairs) but now I have to get booted out at 10.30-ish so she can go to bed. The arrangement sometimes works the other way round. Some nights I'm really shattered and would love to turn in early but I can't because I need to be available to help her get into bed. When you're middle aged it rankles a bit when your Mum goes back to dictating your bedtime!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWaFJLYrrf-RGsv-5lDbuWKOi_tgMZc0gZIXzNhbNc_rxNQ6xLKQURcY4hK3QgJ3KOR9JLzY_cRn0lKF7mAlr6tyJoVuAiXobrr8CJPyh808QQg2fFEZzA4SnUU-7kpxq4Bbk9caK4yBk/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWaFJLYrrf-RGsv-5lDbuWKOi_tgMZc0gZIXzNhbNc_rxNQ6xLKQURcY4hK3QgJ3KOR9JLzY_cRn0lKF7mAlr6tyJoVuAiXobrr8CJPyh808QQg2fFEZzA4SnUU-7kpxq4Bbk9caK4yBk/s400/P1010001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The living room that is now a bedroom.</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0um2bTQFqlt1uOsFlyD8I3PtFOcC_DFurnsOcKdkQAhf2cG8b0HUQj4ie4p3m4BeIS_6uvAQmnLEt11wBBUruD34IpKZoHUnIay0ad7sdoDSgbF0ZvGmBquIa57l4IKcq4j-hmH4Ca6-/s1600/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0um2bTQFqlt1uOsFlyD8I3PtFOcC_DFurnsOcKdkQAhf2cG8b0HUQj4ie4p3m4BeIS_6uvAQmnLEt11wBBUruD34IpKZoHUnIay0ad7sdoDSgbF0ZvGmBquIa57l4IKcq4j-hmH4Ca6-/s400/P1010003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The clutter that used to be in the living room that is now a bedroom and is now in the box bedroom that is too small and too cold to be any use whatsoever. Yes, I know it's a tip. I'll tidy it up when I find that elusive 25th hour in the day.</i></b></div><br />
Thankfully she's fairly mobile now, she can get to the downstairs toilet and back unassisted, using a walking frame. Often she's up before me and can get dressed and washed on her own. But mostly my day consists of making sure she's OK getting in and out of bed; brewing endless cups of tea; not letting her starve (because she insists that if I do her so much as a slice of toast she's being a burden); struggling with fitting her compression stockings (so tight they almost wrench my thumbs out of their sockets); putting up with her moaning as I make her take her tablets and do her exercises; tackling the housework (it's amazing how little you can get away with and still not look like a pigsty); reassuring her that, no, she HADN'T been stupid in falling over and it could have happened to anybody; overseeing the nurses (thankfully no more visits after yesterday) and emptying the overnight doings in the commode.<br />
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Ah yes. The commode.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrExfmc_8lr7RNRjI_3tjro0V1DCDMBYj347mT9I3huppuwboF_U3rkuZ8kdQ0ePnzcdZBtsMLNV4PuUceTK68z-smBBKRCqF9crCPtHAJKMcP2v_PcxgpUPcijvm5vHr0MWTMG9FarsIS/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrExfmc_8lr7RNRjI_3tjro0V1DCDMBYj347mT9I3huppuwboF_U3rkuZ8kdQ0ePnzcdZBtsMLNV4PuUceTK68z-smBBKRCqF9crCPtHAJKMcP2v_PcxgpUPcijvm5vHr0MWTMG9FarsIS/s400/P1010002.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><br />
If a seat that conceals a piss bucket could talk, it would greet me every day with a loud, camp <b><i>"goooooood moooooorrrrrrrniiiiiing!"</i></b> It certainly commands the attention. So it's on with the lid, trudge up to the bathroom, dilute, empty, rinse, empty, bleach, dilute, slosh, empty, rinse, empty, flush, trudge downstairs, disinfect. It's not dignified but neither is cleaning up after a dog. I'm also the only person available to do it so a piss bucket kind of sums up my life now. That's why I decided to work from home, because I knew the day would come when I would be called upon to flush my mother's piss.<br />
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But the bucket is the least of my worries. I don't begrudge doing that or anything else to help Mum get along. She's done plenty for me over the years, time to pay the debt back. No, Jean-Paul Sartre is the man who summed up my problem perfectly - Hell is other people. By other people I of course mean my brother and sister trudging in and out of our day thinking they know best. So, for the record: I really can't be arsed to grab every penny you think we're entitled to, even given your bizarre logic that if [RACIST INSULT DELETED] the government would fall over themselves to give us millions. I haven't done that string of worthy but non urgent chores you're suggesting because I haven't found a 25th hour in the day. Getting your mother to do leg exercises does not make you homosexual. I, unlike you, am not going to second-guess how Mum will recover and start ranting about scenarios that may never happen. The physiotherapist has years of medical training, you do NOT know more about the workings of the human body than she does. Crutches are a sign of progress, not a stigma. We have our house the way it is and not the way you think it ought to be because it's OUR house and you don't frikkin' well live here.<br />
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Honestly, if anything ever happens to me I DO NOT want Negative Nancies like that hovering over me telling me I ought to know my place and not push myself to get better. Too many opinions, no consideration for the person actually trying to recover or the one who sees what really goes on all day.<br />
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So that's been my month. Absolutely no time for anything else, never mind work-<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"To remain entitled to New Enterprise Allowance, you must provide evidence of continuing self-employment when we ask you... Please send your evidence to reach us by 03/02/12. If we do not have the evidence by this date, your payment will be suspended."</i></blockquote><b>AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH! NOT NOW! CAN'T YOU SEE I'M BUSY WITH A BUCKET OF PISS?</b><br />
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</b>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-81302605846754771112012-01-10T17:49:00.003+00:002012-01-11T10:19:37.279+00:00Whither Fiddle-Farting?Welcome back, I hope 2012's kicked off to a great start for you all.<br />
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Well Christmas was as crummy as I expected it to be in a house full of boredom, depression and short tempers. For once I'm not talking about myself! I've decided to put a bit of money away each week by hook or by crook and go somewhere - anywhere - else next Christmas. I don't care if it's just the hotel on the other side of town!<br />
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With the mood miraculously lightening as soon as the decorations came down, I really needed a break to get over the holiday stress. So I wrote off last week as a warm-up session to get back into gear. Some decluttering to make the most of the extra Christmas recycling collections (always a foolproof way of getting into a good frame of mind) and a bit of light creative work.<br />
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Fun with patterns...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...cack-handed attempts at bead-sewing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU70A6MiRjOiQBtoyP1Rb49K52Rd-GbaLZhceFVqKRNncsWHSuqnABfcUIBYCeJzMTWXmHKI_5e_O0WGwLKpmeuKbHrW4iiaCv2JbjD5EzWlL7smKn8aZ7vowvp410d2co2TBJJLAH1If/s1600/P1010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU70A6MiRjOiQBtoyP1Rb49K52Rd-GbaLZhceFVqKRNncsWHSuqnABfcUIBYCeJzMTWXmHKI_5e_O0WGwLKpmeuKbHrW4iiaCv2JbjD5EzWlL7smKn8aZ7vowvp410d2co2TBJJLAH1If/s320/P1010007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...and helping my friends over at <b><a href="http://www.colinschicks.com/" target="_blank">Colin's Chicks</a></b> redesign their forum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQZEaRqjKEwi5UntHvEjLIsbwFmxy9qZpG0JeLSn_zSTf_YI4mm0460iqJkZkVuRz5KSBMQxpF-ZFYE04VQfbH_lApiC13_gDvJ6d4604UW1e38c3oJciWO_RE29CpqUC4LCAp3SALh68/s1600/Chick+Forum+Grab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQZEaRqjKEwi5UntHvEjLIsbwFmxy9qZpG0JeLSn_zSTf_YI4mm0460iqJkZkVuRz5KSBMQxpF-ZFYE04VQfbH_lApiC13_gDvJ6d4604UW1e38c3oJciWO_RE29CpqUC4LCAp3SALh68/s320/Chick+Forum+Grab.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If, like me, you're a massive fan of ITV1 show <b>Dancing On Ice</b>, this is a fun and friendly website dedicated to the 2011 runner-up professional skater Colin Ratushniak. As he's had to miss this year due to other commitments, the Chicks are working on keeping his fans informed of the projects he's working on these days, as well as letting the Powers That Be know that there's a big demand for him to come back in the next series.<br />
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Also over the new year, I learned a brilliant new verb.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Fiddle-farting</i></b></span></div><br />
Used in a sentence:<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2d2b; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">RESOLVE to stop fiddle-farting around on the Internet or with the TV remote control and start dedicating myself 100% to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2d2b; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2d2b; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/the-tower/" style="color: #8d281c; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="The Tower by Chris Guillebeau">my life’s work</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2d2b; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2d2b; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></div>Taken from the list of 12 artists' resolutions posted on <b>ArtBizBlog</b>, the website of art business coach Alyson Stanfield. Feel free to <a href="http://www.artbizblog.com/2012/01/12resolutions.html" target="_blank">study the list</a> for yourself and download the poster. Plenty of food for thought on it, whether you're an artist or not.<br />
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Which of us is never guilty of fiddle-farting at least a couple of times a day? It's very likely you got alerted to this blog post during a fiddle-farting session. In fact you probably only clicked on the link because it had the word "farting" in it!<br />
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For someone like me, working from home, it's an occupational hazard. There's no start and end time, no one to tell me what to do. Home life and work life get blurred into one. I can work whenever I feel inspired and take downtime whenever I feel tired.<br />
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My business depends on a bit of constructive fiddle-farting. If I'm not on Twitter I might miss a link to a really useful website. If I don't check Facebook I could lose the chance to leave useful advice for a fellow freelancer who would then, in turn, give me feedback on my own work. Doodling my pencils over a colouring pattern is an exercise in creative problem solving and colour experimentation. It isn't just me desperately avoiding growing up, honest! In fact, let's be brutal, I write this blog not because I'm obsessed with sharing my innermost thoughts but because I hope someone takes pity on me and buys a T shirt.<br />
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So when you're your own boss, success or failure hangs on knowing when to be disciplined and when to indulge in a few minutes' fiddle-farting.<br />
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Time to take my own advice then and get prepared for a brand new year. What have I got planned? Well getting the ideas is always the easy part! I'm working on improvements to the online shops which will make it much easier for you to buy my art from me, so look out for some surprises on that front very soon. I'm also going to put together some previews of all the projects I want to work on over the year and hopefully this will help me with fundraising. There's also the big challenge of trying to branch out into getting clients from local printers and small businesses (that's really scary when you're pretty much housebound and out of practice in dealing with actual real human beings!)<br />
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The rest of the time can be spent sniffing around for new networking opportunities, showcases for my work and any other chance to flex my creative muscles. All of which, you might guess, will come from a productive session of fiddle-farting.Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-23278167732196496982011-12-31T18:02:00.002+00:002011-12-31T18:06:59.305+00:00Goodbye 2011As the sun sets on another year, time to reflect on what's happened to me during 2011. It's been a challenging year, one where my financial problems have continued to drag me down and hold me back. A year when family relationships have continued to deteriorate and I'm being pushed into making some decisions that will make me very unpopular. But it's also a year where I've made lots of new friends, been charmed by some very positive people and finally been handed the chance to get off unemployment benefit and into self employment.<br />
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So here are just 5 important lessons I've learned over the past 12 months which I'll take with me into 2012 and beyond.<br />
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<b>1) You might see something as your destination but it turns out to be a stepping stone.</b> You'll meet someone or do something and you'll feel it's the most important thing that's ever happened to you. Then it turns out not to be as good as you thought it was going to be. But on the way you've made new friends, done something you never imagined you would do, or set yourself up to take on an even bigger challenge. So don't feel bad if the thing you originally thought you wanted didn't turn out to be so good. Look at the positive outcomes you got from it and be happy for those who got what they wanted too.<br />
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<b>2) Take baby steps towards your goals.</b> If there's something you really want to do but it seems too daunting and massive, just do one little thing towards it every day. Even if it's just a couple of minutes, if you're consistent in doing these things they'll soon add up. Before too long, living the dream could become a reality!<br />
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<b>3) Respect yourself, don't wait for others to respect you.</b> Sometimes it doesn't matter how much you do, you can't make people think better of you if they really don't want to. So don't worry what they think, just always ensure your own conscience is clear.<br />
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<b>4) Positivity is contagious.</b> Get to know people with a can-do attitude to life instead of those who just want you to know your place (even if relentless positivity can come across as naive!) A little gesture of encouragement is better than a thousand put-downs. Make the most of that energy boost like a surfer rides a wave.<br />
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<b>5) It's better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all.</b> Life is far too short, will you honestly be able to look back on your time and say you had a go at everything you wanted to? That you used your talents to the fullest? That you lived to work instead of worked to live? Not all of us want to do the same things and we should never give in to peer pressure because we want to live our lives in different ways. <b>Be yourself, not a sheep!</b><br />
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Whether you look back on 2011 as one of your favourite years or one you'll be glad to get rid of, I wish you all a very happy, successful and fulfilling New Year. Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you'll join me on my big creative adventure in 2012!Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-38296669180000442032011-12-25T17:39:00.002+00:002011-12-25T17:42:56.793+00:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following in my long tradition* of Christmas cartoons, here's a little offering to wish all my friends and followers a very happy Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6pJ7BMgMYsUhVjH_Q6Y0ZJUYRH97tamlGV3zeDy6tz86iDjW9iS0hdzhXLcomEHmRm7PGJ8_hsxlSbF_UaPIdwcv4RDKQrBwiI3lm_qOA9sHGGq5fxfpia45gvCpQwAYlfg8kpCj2qcQ/s1600/Skating+Bears.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6pJ7BMgMYsUhVjH_Q6Y0ZJUYRH97tamlGV3zeDy6tz86iDjW9iS0hdzhXLcomEHmRm7PGJ8_hsxlSbF_UaPIdwcv4RDKQrBwiI3lm_qOA9sHGGq5fxfpia45gvCpQwAYlfg8kpCj2qcQ/s400/Skating+Bears.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However you mark the festive period, I hope it's a happy and fun time for you. Sadly that's not the case for many people so please take a moment to spare a thought for those who find it stressful, lonely or who are feeling the loss of a loved one.</div><br />
My best wishes to everyone who takes time to look at my little ole' blog, thank you for your support and I'll see you back here very soon.<br />
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<i><a href="http://valwip.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-post-in-time-for-christmas.html" target="_blank">(*Est. 2010)</a></i>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-57450231569592319102011-12-23T23:16:00.002+00:002011-12-24T13:55:28.729+00:00IOU 2 Illo'sIt's December (you might have noticed). Being the case, I'm holding my breath every time I turn on this computer because, for the past 2 Decembers, my darling laptop has broken down. (Excuse me as I reach for the nearest wooden object and give it a quick superstitious knock.)<br />
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The first time this happened, the blog was in its infancy and I'd just embarked on an ambitious festive project, illustrating my own daily advent calendar. For 2 of those days I could only run on the battery and just had enough power to make a plain version of the graphics, with the intention of completing them later.<br />
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It hardly seemed appropriate to post Christmas graphics at any other time of year but, last winter, I was without my computer for over 3 months so I totally missed that window. So now, a mere 24 months late, I'm very proud to present the final 2 illustrations of my 2009 advent calendar!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://valwip.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9jhmrNUPghTDjXOEmnDY30Ei2AGS1KPS9WnSZ0XMEZX7CvPQN8vAFCWFghjNCB-B-briRH4-ZSFTMfCeawoj8_TCB_rAwvw-9bWV_nsVDto-nEdSvm0oGvGfOhYkbfBAjX0qDf_o_cyn/s1600/04-illus.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://valwip.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHzuvo3qRyLzBo-yvA3rJKehR82ZCES93fQQypnpNaGa0Dng5ta3zUDxNLluTXrhOZNXhaTd8nB6rMydtRs4sVC20Pw9MUyN2h1YKstgXt7Rt5GtalU3Q1MhQJM-y_NsiStI5Y-xwR4i2/s1600/05-illus.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time, if you click either picture, you'll be taken back to the December 2009 archive. I've checked all the links out and updated a couple that no longer work, so click away and explore all the fun Christmas surprises I found for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-54446091287664441972011-12-09T23:14:00.006+00:002012-01-07T12:23:28.558+00:00Last Orders Please!Well this is it. This weekend marks your <b>LAST CHANCE</b> to order from Café Press if you want to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. You could always leave it up until about the 20th and pay extra for express delivery but I really would hate to see you forking out more money than is necessary. Not if it isn't coming into my pocket, at any rate! (Incidentally the standard post deadline from my Zazzle shop has passed so it's express delivery only now.)<br />
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So do please take a few minutes to browse my shops and treat a loved one (or yourself) to a unique item of giftware and clothing. You won't find them anywhere else but here and you'll end up with something that no one else in the world has got, for only a few pounds! Just like the lucky recipients of these sales which I made this week:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZDfjyecIHlSqHERwsz6d7_dcU5LP-G-9r2GjhONs9Wxz0w0ImORMoyMtOfAmRA5nzWZvfMVqFDGA6fPzKb4wHHkIVEni8onYWfCbv-efKVoyxZrSIGAX-LrHxW3Z0ilw8RE8Iwk7CII6/s1600/Octopus+Dk+Wm+T+Carrib+Blue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZDfjyecIHlSqHERwsz6d7_dcU5LP-G-9r2GjhONs9Wxz0w0ImORMoyMtOfAmRA5nzWZvfMVqFDGA6fPzKb4wHHkIVEni8onYWfCbv-efKVoyxZrSIGAX-LrHxW3Z0ilw8RE8Iwk7CII6/s320/Octopus+Dk+Wm+T+Carrib+Blue.png" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Octopus Women's Dark Tee Shirt in Caribbean Blue, £18.50 reduced from £22.00 - </i></b><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/+octopus_womens_dark_tshirt,591229857" target="_blank"><b><i>Click here to buy one</i></b></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKbWammE-LEBPX-GZlMpZseRNSb0VF8yGc-lne62uYBJgEoEAIfP3THM9zHQR73BlHiru69SF2-YJjHWQ8nRDIMFoykGhdoFycFv_yy5AK9FWxi5_xI6fo4LAEfWpHhPZknja6-6HsEyV/s1600/Octopus+Wall+Clock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKbWammE-LEBPX-GZlMpZseRNSb0VF8yGc-lne62uYBJgEoEAIfP3THM9zHQR73BlHiru69SF2-YJjHWQ8nRDIMFoykGhdoFycFv_yy5AK9FWxi5_xI6fo4LAEfWpHhPZknja6-6HsEyV/s320/Octopus+Wall+Clock.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Octopus 10" Wall Clock, £11.00 - </i></b><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/+octopus_wall_clock,236037861" target="_blank"><b><i>Click here to buy one</i></b></a></div><br />
So all the shops are now fully stocked with the latest products and here's my pick of what's new in store.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yCtfEbo2nkH4FRNVbPCvuwAROvnnlW4p41GNULZqh1zHz0_7hlK5QM4DG8oowT6MmACtXIqt2VECXdNuuVPcE3JRb9RupISp4e_QmdKOiQzVWBI5CXpm5Q1ja8zt3yuEC3WRM1YiOcLW/s1600/Apple+iPad+2+Cases.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yCtfEbo2nkH4FRNVbPCvuwAROvnnlW4p41GNULZqh1zHz0_7hlK5QM4DG8oowT6MmACtXIqt2VECXdNuuVPcE3JRb9RupISp4e_QmdKOiQzVWBI5CXpm5Q1ja8zt3yuEC3WRM1YiOcLW/s320/Apple+iPad+2+Cases.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>iPad 2 cases join the growing list of gadget accessories</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx3K9tb2ijvMncE2eh51urU4sxkMi_-DvjIUXatvbssetfoz-vJoF-znbHX0nErH_y-Hqmb3Mq0hGfJi6rP_g8uwbSiJMkEwFlSN03FyPx5Pt3GC04Xd8HTrWSzv3Txpc_0sBNYUfxqDq/s1600/Cat+Kids+Pyjamas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx3K9tb2ijvMncE2eh51urU4sxkMi_-DvjIUXatvbssetfoz-vJoF-znbHX0nErH_y-Hqmb3Mq0hGfJi6rP_g8uwbSiJMkEwFlSN03FyPx5Pt3GC04Xd8HTrWSzv3Txpc_0sBNYUfxqDq/s1600/Cat+Kids+Pyjamas.png" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Kids' pyjamas are back in store after being temporarily unavailable.</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HOBq1HY6ia9JFO-b4FgJdB92aoxJncumFlPEKHF3JyC8Bes4mBgIPZMxXIG9KJ8bOWlz2crUbxoRNDTwgVr9QlDTJgyvaz4P5Vq0qMyf5yTfU3etWaDLiHR6ue_2TYvBRizmiEn_lT8X/s1600/Dog+Blankie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HOBq1HY6ia9JFO-b4FgJdB92aoxJncumFlPEKHF3JyC8Bes4mBgIPZMxXIG9KJ8bOWlz2crUbxoRNDTwgVr9QlDTJgyvaz4P5Vq0qMyf5yTfU3etWaDLiHR6ue_2TYvBRizmiEn_lT8X/s1600/Dog+Blankie.png" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The ultimate in cosiness for a long, cold winter.</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_O53YVyyhe-NwudNpapEFBRJZrdsn8U6arqMT86vwFZ4bwYhJ2RI-7tlfsM3-30goqlsNwlWHAB7XK17wD2O9P6E6wra2fmUzPPn8kbFDlrt10tzHfCnoaRdCz6E-7taoudyPBw6sTHn/s1600/Dog+Suede+Pillow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_O53YVyyhe-NwudNpapEFBRJZrdsn8U6arqMT86vwFZ4bwYhJ2RI-7tlfsM3-30goqlsNwlWHAB7XK17wD2O9P6E6wra2fmUzPPn8kbFDlrt10tzHfCnoaRdCz6E-7taoudyPBw6sTHn/s1600/Dog+Suede+Pillow.png" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Luxury suede pillows in a choice of colours</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU9vjHvFC6eiGKgKGEZSGcqIJH0M5slzbD-Ho_r_4m_lE7JhDURVZmHeuAHLFF5l8jvUvE0UpNxFEtUILHtAdRdH8yX9WSLaVydCvIOFoHnzx3RK5Fj9FQnt6hVkD1lpXJUvVlo85JCbL/s1600/Asst+Bags+Dec+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU9vjHvFC6eiGKgKGEZSGcqIJH0M5slzbD-Ho_r_4m_lE7JhDURVZmHeuAHLFF5l8jvUvE0UpNxFEtUILHtAdRdH8yX9WSLaVydCvIOFoHnzx3RK5Fj9FQnt6hVkD1lpXJUvVlo85JCbL/s320/Asst+Bags+Dec+11.png" width="242" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b><b><i>A wide range of purses, bags and gadget sleeves</i></b><br />
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</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gxoIrcTlf30Z0KRSTyC6rLv_rfl7zZOUtFjOTlCGGLEYfqcbK05rrD2Jci-LVA3MIj8Nx91pguvxnoz0zNrbaBB3yavEY6QQl0eIJgErmmevxX-OU2sqFp_5kQxvX00yR5lAL_Vx2_nN/s1600/Giraffe+Wm+T+%2526+Nightie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gxoIrcTlf30Z0KRSTyC6rLv_rfl7zZOUtFjOTlCGGLEYfqcbK05rrD2Jci-LVA3MIj8Nx91pguvxnoz0zNrbaBB3yavEY6QQl0eIJgErmmevxX-OU2sqFp_5kQxvX00yR5lAL_Vx2_nN/s320/Giraffe+Wm+T+%2526+Nightie.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5fcJzFw6s7MMnzjXk8sJp3POxDpvZBnHahgrkGEGu4UUnGZoDZWS8Lb8I4GHi4on97_zgdyuEdNOUFyfGxpTOj2fIdvLo4XryOP_s6_AP9vYdena15Dsu0G29CLXG_UkRGknVwk1B3ky/s1600/Ball+Tank+Tops.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5fcJzFw6s7MMnzjXk8sJp3POxDpvZBnHahgrkGEGu4UUnGZoDZWS8Lb8I4GHi4on97_zgdyuEdNOUFyfGxpTOj2fIdvLo4XryOP_s6_AP9vYdena15Dsu0G29CLXG_UkRGknVwk1B3ky/s320/Ball+Tank+Tops.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>New shirts in the womenswear and menswear departments</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39A9TUrR3aUgHj5NYUIdV6Ppo3r-5ujrDgqBTneo7SGZtCQUcBxCfhj01BTrzTPn86PkUU7SXipThyphenhyphenusyWvYrU_Evu4VWCvbpWL-e6yvzGUH2SiNAMeZL6S1Go7zdu4Xr8lbDxeKqWxRI/s1600/Cat+Kids%2527+Bottles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39A9TUrR3aUgHj5NYUIdV6Ppo3r-5ujrDgqBTneo7SGZtCQUcBxCfhj01BTrzTPn86PkUU7SXipThyphenhyphenusyWvYrU_Evu4VWCvbpWL-e6yvzGUH2SiNAMeZL6S1Go7zdu4Xr8lbDxeKqWxRI/s320/Cat+Kids%2527+Bottles.png" width="320" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Quality reusable bottles for hot and cold drinks</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxNOJ6joI7q5fjLTGM9xfOkdtffohi1boStyf0-x_ddE5iJJSOrBCDvatcf-fUnjSfVqA33g4KCdqatf8hPFqGtEewuv0gX4w-5vT8V9_wbQwxUcqEUZiXWIv0x1UxXxvL6-d5euhVfT_/s1600/Heart+Jigsaw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxNOJ6joI7q5fjLTGM9xfOkdtffohi1boStyf0-x_ddE5iJJSOrBCDvatcf-fUnjSfVqA33g4KCdqatf8hPFqGtEewuv0gX4w-5vT8V9_wbQwxUcqEUZiXWIv0x1UxXxvL6-d5euhVfT_/s1600/Heart+Jigsaw.png" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>30 piece jigsaw puzzles for a little light brain training</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><u>Note</u>: Prices in UK£ are converted from US$ and subject to change based on daily exchange rates.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As usual, look to the left of this page where you'll see each of these designs has its own button. Just click on the one you like and you'll be taken to its shop where you'll find all the goodies in store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do have a good look at what's on offer and don't forget to share a link to this page with anyone else who would be interested in my range of unique clothes and giftware. Just don't forget to place your orders by <b>THIS WEDNESDAY, 14th December,</b> if you want to receive them before Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next: watch out for a few little festive treats as we head towards the holidays. I hope to see you back here soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-63493883955812967382011-12-04T13:21:00.006+00:002011-12-04T21:28:02.624+00:00One Week On - The Adventures Of Frosty The SnowperveSo there ends my first week officially trading. Not that my bank balance would know it. I've still got to master that tricky little job of getting people to part with their money.<br />
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It's strange not having to go to the Job Centre, the Chamber of Commerce or anywhere else they might want to shunt me. It feels like I've forgotten something and I'm going to be punished. But no, I really am getting the New Enterprise Allowance, it's gone into my bank at the first time of asking which is a rarity! It's creepy how institutionalised those couple of years of being unemployed has made me, without even realising it. It's a big leap in the mindset to get used to being totally responsible for my own fate from now on.<br />
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I'm progressing with updating the Café Press shops, I need a big push to get those finished in the next couple of days. That would still give me time to get a Christmas project started although I think I'll have to scale it back and do the full release next Christmas instead.<br />
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My priority for now is just to get people aware that I've got lots of great Christmas gifts for sale, so that means daily promotion on Twitter and Facebook plus trying to find places to promote this blog. I can't stress enough, I really need YOU to help me by sending my links to anyone who might want to buy from me. My Enterprise Allowance is just a little safety cushion and already it's been gobbled up by a sort-of unexpected £140 bill. (Sort-of in that they've had 6 months to chase me up for it but of course the obvious time to do it is 3 weeks before Christmas!)<br />
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So over on Café Press I've achieved my main aim of getting my 4 Christmas shops updated. This has been a massive job because nobody's going to look at them before November so they're not worth doing earlier in the year. Last Christmas, as you may recall if you've been following my story, I was totally without a computer so I couldn't have done it anyway. So that's 2 years' catching up I've had to do. It happens to have been the busiest year I've known on that site in terms of them adding new products, so I've had over 300 of them to install, then individually tweak the print sizes and retail prices.<br />
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I've also had a bit of a problem with one of my designs in particular. This guy...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAI9fiGObIhCtyHF5np7SppchfikadFn3q7vuqN3taQ5Tcbx3FHl046uxGmaAlp9_SQ8MxERb6adVLVtuxt5y03DLcQxTdKa7JRKkFQMvDG2znScYY0jAf0x_ARbPV8DvbeFkwQ_i2Whc/s1600/Snowman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAI9fiGObIhCtyHF5np7SppchfikadFn3q7vuqN3taQ5Tcbx3FHl046uxGmaAlp9_SQ8MxERb6adVLVtuxt5y03DLcQxTdKa7JRKkFQMvDG2znScYY0jAf0x_ARbPV8DvbeFkwQ_i2Whc/s400/Snowman.png" width="390" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheery and cuddly he may be but he was giving me a headache. You see, the Café Press graphics tool doesn't give you the option to scroll your image around the product. It's automatically centred. Which meant that on the women's shirts his twiggy hands ended up in a rather unfortunate position. Let's just say I ended up calling him Frosty The Snowperve. So I've had to tweak the old fella and now the women's tees have him with his hands firmly by his sides and out of trouble! <i>(Click on the illustrations to see them in more detail.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYwCGraciqALNvgknSJi5NBrFtPbDbCIrotfFKjOVzl6j8P4jHVuB3qygaHOuu1K2UsdE9WsD-qF2pYobNYQ3c5ONW7avH5FLUiU6xcx37p3cjqbr_1s-uCjJw010OjC19Y6DgCS3JgEo/s1600/Snowman+Women%2527s+Tees.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYwCGraciqALNvgknSJi5NBrFtPbDbCIrotfFKjOVzl6j8P4jHVuB3qygaHOuu1K2UsdE9WsD-qF2pYobNYQ3c5ONW7avH5FLUiU6xcx37p3cjqbr_1s-uCjJw010OjC19Y6DgCS3JgEo/s320/Snowman+Women%2527s+Tees.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The category that's had the biggest overhaul this season has been the bags. You'll find a lovely range of 13 new bags, wallets and purses, including gadget sleeves for Kindles, iPads and Nooks. These bags are perfect for getting you in the mood for Christmas shopping, so much so that 4 of them...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIKxX5m004LwA43ERnHeUYfjv59WLjRwVtuYGs_7ocrD7PPhIr_CZkEA0YctyQvC9kMQxLjcTGrgKDw_AABA8ALqdTT9DvYPRA8jugExDesIvWWnWT4UcGJ6TIMPO8j-ZZ1gevxIumT5s/s1600/Xmas+Tree+Bags+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIKxX5m004LwA43ERnHeUYfjv59WLjRwVtuYGs_7ocrD7PPhIr_CZkEA0YctyQvC9kMQxLjcTGrgKDw_AABA8ALqdTT9DvYPRA8jugExDesIvWWnWT4UcGJ6TIMPO8j-ZZ1gevxIumT5s/s320/Xmas+Tree+Bags+Montage.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...come with a little extra surprise...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCLe_OvnS8Kz7nkSrM2GjnlHx6Z7wlsGIfZ_HQ5ytXrw83dHBhpeeNPCKKAmBD7IjLW0CoKEZzg5JapzQaU5WBjA0uYLjgxOo-17wSs3kew6vqcveE3XNBxKgtaI1ZN_MA1YaXtJs3gJs/s1600/Xmas+Bags+Back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCLe_OvnS8Kz7nkSrM2GjnlHx6Z7wlsGIfZ_HQ5ytXrw83dHBhpeeNPCKKAmBD7IjLW0CoKEZzg5JapzQaU5WBjA0uYLjgxOo-17wSs3kew6vqcveE3XNBxKgtaI1ZN_MA1YaXtJs3gJs/s320/Xmas+Bags+Back.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This bonus image, printed on the reverse side, is ONLY available on these 4 products in the 4 Christmas shops and is bound to put a smile on everyone's face on a busy, cold December High Street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hundreds of little snowflakes in this design inspired the other 2 shops, which are variations on a theme depending on whether you'd prefer a British or American date format. Here they are on some more winter must-haves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixICYDPr1vgq1ExQj1eeoD_sl8xwYKzGhM4GHW1geXOZh4ESebkCwbF3dYFFvyfSIziU6Bn_DOD-cFy5E-5THUMGrX_C_Y45EwO83LdZfpUCUW-enJLHDJMGoNc-1wS8oTjXAiLv9rw33I/s1600/2512+Pyjamas+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixICYDPr1vgq1ExQj1eeoD_sl8xwYKzGhM4GHW1geXOZh4ESebkCwbF3dYFFvyfSIziU6Bn_DOD-cFy5E-5THUMGrX_C_Y45EwO83LdZfpUCUW-enJLHDJMGoNc-1wS8oTjXAiLv9rw33I/s320/2512+Pyjamas+Montage.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The best-dressed way to open presents, in special Christmas nightclothes.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO44UgPcH34zfDdtZE51_NHBT8BE69LFw252rPFGClKFypf8or5BpT5ap3r16E-ZdDVTTl59t3-_diCrTpKbSKUUvEz_89NOmVudjnDrdVHXRS4CKmzZvKAfGwgotVhl6hNNPgmc6svCmN/s1600/1225+Thermos+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO44UgPcH34zfDdtZE51_NHBT8BE69LFw252rPFGClKFypf8or5BpT5ap3r16E-ZdDVTTl59t3-_diCrTpKbSKUUvEz_89NOmVudjnDrdVHXRS4CKmzZvKAfGwgotVhl6hNNPgmc6svCmN/s320/1225+Thermos+Montage.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>When it's cold on the outside, keep warm on the inside with a range of Thermos products.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOgKv4ugl6bkQ7rkECur0xC3aexKt4uR3YHCJK6ctvThZuMiePlkIuXuGcs27P8px3hsBL-YZGzMnwxsURs9wRux2oltYgiDKERFqSlNiIpx7ZkZ-USdcFGcODpOBJtkAAaObU8HPIHYh/s1600/1225+Stockings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOgKv4ugl6bkQ7rkECur0xC3aexKt4uR3YHCJK6ctvThZuMiePlkIuXuGcs27P8px3hsBL-YZGzMnwxsURs9wRux2oltYgiDKERFqSlNiIpx7ZkZ-USdcFGcODpOBJtkAAaObU8HPIHYh/s320/1225+Stockings.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Also exclusive to the 4 Christmas shops are these special gift stockings. The one on the left is also available in green.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To shop for any of these products, which aren't available anywhere else, look to the left of this page and click on the design you like.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm currently in the process of getting the latest products into the other Café Press shops. Watch this space for more news and my pick of the goodies on offer. Better still, follow me on Twitter or send a Facebook friend request (mention that you found me via this blog) and you'll be the first to know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a great week and happy shopping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-32854754897602694352011-11-28T23:00:00.003+00:002011-11-28T23:10:14.799+00:00Happy Mega Monday!It's the last Monday in November, the day that some bright spark with a marketing degree has dubbed "Mega Monday" (also known as "Cyber Monday"). The trend over the last few years is for this day to be the busiest of the year for internet retailers, marking the start of a 2 week online shopping spree. Being the first Monday after the November payday, everyone knows exactly how much they've got to spend on the festivities. In America, it's the first Monday after Thanksgiving, which is when the nation's psyche switches towards thinking about Christmas. Ordering now also gives plenty of time for goods to be delivered in time to be wrapped without a last minute panic.<br />
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Visa are predicting 4.8 million British people will buy online today, spending around £303 million on their credit and debit cards. It's also expected to be the first year when Christmas shopping on smartphones becomes mainstream, with an estimated 12.2% of purchases made on mobile devices.<br />
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So if you're one of those browsing the web for gifts, this is a good time to remind you to shop around and don't just go to the obvious sites. The world is full of small independent traders who depend on your purchases much more than the major companies do. You'll end up with very unique arts, crafts, clothing, food, furniture, etc which your loved ones will treasure a lot more than all the mass-produced stuff you'll find in the big retailers.<br />
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So, in the hope you'll want to spread a bit of Christmas cheer my way, here's my handy guide to everything you can currently buy from me. Just click the pictures to take you to the appropriate stores:<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Café Press:</span></b><br />
13 individual stores, each one containing around 200 clothes, gifts, homeware and more. All the products shown here are available in each of the stores.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricapple" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34cjv5jSe7hyiCiiaELkfcw1zczT7Ykao1FpCtmjLd_ZFTdmLVYMrLeqpHuoIGBegtauTof7Rrc_rAFpM4Vbtc4gAO75ki_gdJll83eQ2EIIwlzi-0XwH6wCrbJnNeQuory9T1UMOqZHJ/s320/Apple+iPhone+Montage.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricball" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a8GUrO36KMjMzmA6TZ6M2Gbl_UrxSTE1wmj2hguLjdYKar3dElqc49_gCUKK80x8U4rmPgdqe5iICBrnnlKhtVUFoj7I5ghPdunsUn1Ivr32vD7NIS0m44U8nViHk02DweeIpLrwp6Tz/s320/Ball+Bottles+montage.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electrickitty" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIT4aPTKj2HFHRoXdTOgVGmABbCO-WBCNvlC9QMzZAZ14FoIm-puv0PjKgl2Ko-BGAxEyRz5a_M5XU-UbKH16SiFA-VrO305wMhznkd7puy_q4WtPIW3WS8VhRWMO9vxV59EtxBub6oMa/s320/Cat-Baby-Grab.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricpup" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjog7jnPri_vNrTtT13EFhZHeWLOokjGxAWPDsyhdlcW5QLCCzlMpKweCuXLr9t1itzCzOAMRYzDteeMvCBpoLidTSAoVh3UgYHoP286h37zsUfFVPR_Sk6VGTNmkpHGVptveQGYH11NysK/s320/Dog-Misc-Montage.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricellie" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOujhkeTC4a8vOoLL4mkb6y4M_PBk5mFmgZbhGAv8D-1xWObOqEz2fRPjegJh_0iZcQpzcHK3vS2MkEVxYgMohQNvpP8lPn_g2Xv4AOs9kO_4rJH2TfXYHiOmS05OUFg_9apUko0Fupgc/s320/Elephant-Misc-Montage.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricfishy" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC7dKW0wlmge8zMRltkyh0tr3Jb9r5-pfJ8KGTDKqoLptxOuQDKayFTlrl1Nfbnc4xF8Ktb_ZF6DJvIeAJltl3CsvBatVNUeDBIEMuZ3IZizLBENK3rQSupJW4Q_0ArzB-QPqHR12huhu/s320/Fish-Thermos-Grab.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricgiraffe" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TNxxes4HftQXaql7RKL5Eja98hVA3STZ-3BO2oGTPn7NAkFFuP01sgj2VrCyZzEBmI6ZyAffm32gq0yoQMca7Tw6F9YYJ3AsBWH4jBUCKCVqPWWKiRABbAfKzF-SJAiQgKecOdeTpKK-/s320/Giraffe+Montage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electrichearts" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcB7A0T6HKOdx2JuADuRj29GyUiA-faLTVRlB929andrvR10AsfhNyNDBcNgxv9zw665pmpX6XVTTvPM1DK-KdMwa9fTWQYs-PJ-VYJzyntqc59bEOErp0N0257EdywnrYO3vym7MQU3j/s320/Heart+Jewels+Montage.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricoctopus" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-H_fdWtFcNiibuuoRsXQC5T34_5nPEB65gSOeT0oPsj7uv5FUfZUzXtXFxIPPiHFQ9oXGH8qMNmj3o2uW1Nu2p4cHWj4MmO9ozVrJVEBrgGL6-wOpPpDkKvnSg2HV7Q8PjMdBAYcD718/s320/Octopus+Pyjama+Montage.png" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are 4 special shops for Christmas. Here you can stock up on unique Christmas cards and decorations...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricsnowman" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhh7n9p47MroHRvlu-V99zbooZAYWoXaEheAS9DevWwE50cDAmQlmTRv4A1sgUp52INijgPvEV9k4yx-QDqMyl6AxOvY_3aE0LwARd0eBNwXnQCeEPMA_r1FoxPANKrJlKjLy6L9GKRC-/s320/Snowman+Decorations.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...winter warmers...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electrictree" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-05LjoJ0kOKokO1TFgRJRAHBxuuupPXoJ4MlDedGfSQOTe6UO1Zun_9R9inryBPuQvjQs78KghGRQoBOnFcelYZlEcuwE8gQlVIGsyHUAuMug8XpNbpvGl_pcgABlIwMxr0o9YxZYWQ_s/s320/Xmas+Tree+Hoodies.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...essentials to get you through the festivities...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electric2512" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqBHMSoeMzWt4ejGWLs8729wzAbmMwGnGwRWYLyQUMsUgW1CBs6-SmLxFzZSpVrfC_J1uDwK0rEk3FflpR2d2EAE7KYv2SqJlMPKnB6PcBMyYT1QwtNNNpbdnT19wvTHx-lP9qofjIdyn/s320/25-12+Montage.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and mementoes of baby's first Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electric1225" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsv1wN12vzgAJ9hRtj9IA_Q1ozq-n6AjXWASGdralwzeOPrPlaZIl3gRFQbuR68ES8v5Q2CAnOdDypdx2b_P5zp29FcrBa4-bWBdYSu1lblwDSD7dQNg2p3iWPRVMiyOdAQ63XBZgiJrn/s320/12-25+Babywear.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>•Note: Prices shown in GB£ are converted from US$ are may therefore vary due to international exchange rates.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zazzle:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse" target="_blank">My Zazzle store</a> currently stocks 3 product ranges.<br />
<br />
<b>Font Islands:</b> Stunningly detailed and realistic 3D graphics available on mugs (which can be customised with the recipient's name), mouse mats and shopping bags.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse/gifts?cg=196458734363502192" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKDCmP15e1N7mwza6j0xLRjlRoOuH3qi_A5VN9pliX-PhPJyxJXFSxJFJFyZGKvMC1clm273DlVY0Ut7Lv6vukcT_GfRwuAbe2PoKcbcirtJEtLS1bRP1ksyB0SJdIY3KBXF8CxAv7RmY/s320/Font-Islands-Montage.gif" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<b>Flags:</b> Grungy flags on a variety of background colours can be bought on badges, magnets, keyrings and an assortment of T-shirts. Currently available for the UK; USA; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; South Africa; Japan; Canada; Australia and New Zealand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse/gifts?cg=196112293899163059" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWukan6UsBzmh6Ab6h48mT5Uz11j_jC9EZecittibAg9-2Bs8nCcZD73sSa_LZNBvXHC5_Fpot6Htdqhj6qS6zAdLKMWpWpNM9FMdznofUFlg23ZPFQVJzcrrusYDWaaKyjBiil4bgBe_S/s320/Shirt+caps+-+UK+%2526+USA.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Animal T-shirts:</b> Illustrations based on a salmon, peacock and stag.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse/gifts?cg=196387839545093173" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxYOJgNh_ozpJSmfrnG4OnPASV30rCiSxzZGHW1SU9FT8-oCT8vbLeW9kTQ5m-vHfg3nVMp7GQ16y5MvRjPBRE2LtAyKBISh9JRbn1xLp68SbsoLUhHn7BCroX65YNlcRohbkp0-9gazv/s320/Shirt+caps+-+animals+only.png" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">DeviantArt:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lot of the work in my <a href="http://valwoodhouse.deviantart.com/gallery/" target="_blank">DeviantArt portfolio</a> is also available for purchase. This can be bought on wall art; greetings cards; coasters; magnets; mouse mats; mugs; postcards and puzzles. Look for the little bag symbol to see what's for sale, here are a few samples to whet your appetite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/print/5440222/?" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxYPa3MAlJo3a9CQO1ATchyiB48h41IMQVCSJl4ekOZ_3CqPQMtf3k_u2YxNrHrIxa3207XW5ZFinwv0UHFNcFqSlrPnV5FxdyPpM7RdxdwvTmt2L774uR777Y0ZHvXYdpgknTn9Ta_jP/s320/ABC+symbols.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/print/5398262/?" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ENvX8lZYh4x2rvm6tv19FLVR22-SCM6u8FWmWamZWz-JRtQ4RwLl_-pe0aLQ4YgKvXRisTbAwOdWaGjzkXu2_zo4MufCUnbwQLsTI3e2GQyoL-9o_ppJ4dbogl_-cLxGB1KQ72MuBFc7/s320/Guinness+wall+cropped.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/print/5345386/?" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEnFcEWwodAKp6RUTD8J5NodkLm3Ok3G0BmQBAF3il8n4K2EdcPSUy4vUIW07kv20Bz95SE5OYhHdL32MSwcUe4l4HeZoFUx0sW7e400OTnY4Qzk5xZSDh2vvbll0I7HGjvybvCaji4Gd/s320/Obstacle.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/print/5610576/?" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhzpyThdT9IU8xIxedW8nrywuWryIWLwRMrx6IDtAQPm9wnRoR1FbPlU3qvY6gxJWXhLicvSrPQmzDDP_jQLoBcWbwOQ4MbM-4d02mNEYlQkYMtdA86AGb69hwkeIpf5bg0uotP6vEI8G/s320/17+Duck+Flying.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/print/5761629/?" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RgZPPI5NHjYZZvUAp3p_0TPFGVDbBBGW5jUTjVDq-4e_7XUojQG9l9nUfjAhjUsUfnavx3Z9jAcs_b5Mn_VaPVPNRCsDqxm54vULAAlVWBr7OkSaGcWdWrm3e3HBny785K-XJOGKvUYL/s1600/Bodoni+Dandelion.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/print/5345340/?" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsTeGInJaY4P3zq4pPWzEOhdnyY9wmkcBHhii5zlstBZeRWSQm85Ln0I60FiB_RVrERbIVUPyu6n4e8UwDgcPQJL69der_cfnPAZ2b46l7-ZDZL86YQqWe1u8nlcWQZIC8Ea8zrzXIYtP/s320/Path+Apple.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy shopping!</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>• </i></b><b><i><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/nov/27/mega-monday-christmas-shopping-deals" target="_blank">"Mega Monday To Kick Off Christmas Sale Season" - The Guardian</a></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-12489998413119026202011-11-26T18:03:00.003+00:002011-11-26T20:34:43.893+00:00Sink Or Swim!After 2 long weeks of being told "wait until your next appointment and they'll sort it then," on Thursday I actually managed to sit down with an advisor at the Job Centre and made them sign me up for the New Enterprise Allowance scheme (NEA).<br />
<br />
You can imagine the look of bewilderment on the man's face as he clutched entirely the wrong forms and had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. Even though my clearance had been sitting on their computer for a fortnight. I had to feel sorry for him though. He'd just come back from being off long-term sick, so hey, who better to administrate a programme he's had absolutely no experience of?<br />
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Cue the typical arse/elbow recognition lesson. It took 3 members of staff before anyone knew which buttons needed pressing, but even he couldn't tell me those tiny little details like... well... when the heck I can expect to get any money. I guess it's going to be lucky dip at the cashpoint for the next couple of weeks!<br />
<br />
Eventually, the forms were signed, I'd taught the advisor a bit about how to do his own job, the little signing-on booklet that's been my constant companion for the last 2½ years got left on the desk and I walked out of that Job Centre officially self-employed.<br />
<br />
Oh boy.<br />
<br />
Even though the NEA provides me with a benefits cushion for 6 months, I know that time will soon fly by and I've got to make sure I'm in a strong enough position to strike out and survive on my own.<br />
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That's the scary bit I mentioned in my last post. The trouble that could trip me over and see me end up finally bankrupt. I've got to master something I have absolutely no idea how to do and which frustrates me when people don't respond in the way I need them to.<br />
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I've got to get people to part with their money.<br />
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I'm not one of those charismatic sorts that has people hanging on my every word. I haven't got a cute sob story to trade off. I've never had people rushing to my aid when I've been in trouble or who'll go singing my praises to someone who could be a great help. I don't have thousands of Twitter followers or get long streams of comments on my Facebook. I've only got 12 people following this blog and another 3 on the Electric Scrapbook.<br />
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All that's going to have to change if I'm to get enough trade to make a living. I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to make people care. Am I coming across as a whinger by saying that?<br />
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Please don't confuse that with me having no confidence in my work. Far from it, I love what I do! I have my big ideas, hone them to perfection on this computer, upload them to my shops, post the links to all my readers, then... nothing. That little masterpiece I thought everyone would go crazy for just sits there gathering virtual dust.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK-Ssb4D5G9VY35FT_MgaYBi7cpp_nls3E1eE28PmLQL1ecSb2cuPPaNyIXow1sZn7RumSBT2Z5poG-0VtvqUFME2MM7O1oAxqt8460yFLwgK5hGB6J0WSsF94U2T2Ukyts_1W3kQsRFZ/s1600/SalmonVGI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK-Ssb4D5G9VY35FT_MgaYBi7cpp_nls3E1eE28PmLQL1ecSb2cuPPaNyIXow1sZn7RumSBT2Z5poG-0VtvqUFME2MM7O1oAxqt8460yFLwgK5hGB6J0WSsF94U2T2Ukyts_1W3kQsRFZ/s320/SalmonVGI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ktdWEfVc0mfPK-rEiGr1S2gX12lKlNXyAdfmGyMlY0Q59_4-wV8xCilR2AS4wBCeiZWCoCFmbNYKN165ASzCRQkCYyYfElCl5OQj_BwTB4e5MvbB9y5dVcTFj3s2nhaC5stf5EM0a7W_/s1600/Aus+NZ+Canada+Mocks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ktdWEfVc0mfPK-rEiGr1S2gX12lKlNXyAdfmGyMlY0Q59_4-wV8xCilR2AS4wBCeiZWCoCFmbNYKN165ASzCRQkCYyYfElCl5OQj_BwTB4e5MvbB9y5dVcTFj3s2nhaC5stf5EM0a7W_/s320/Aus+NZ+Canada+Mocks.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNjgIVXM-OEQ5E6LDJ27HXBoprO24DFGaozyR_eJK4k6DYGO98GLUJn4xhLDOGwmNOol8dC0qWrstYjN-e_dDcHeymwg9iJqxIsVJ2gcBqdn7zNNM0JhTGPMi1SrQmGVvvRHPJcgwFQQY/s1600/Font+Island+Grab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNjgIVXM-OEQ5E6LDJ27HXBoprO24DFGaozyR_eJK4k6DYGO98GLUJn4xhLDOGwmNOol8dC0qWrstYjN-e_dDcHeymwg9iJqxIsVJ2gcBqdn7zNNM0JhTGPMi1SrQmGVvvRHPJcgwFQQY/s320/Font+Island+Grab.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>A few little reminders of some of my favourite designs, none of which I've ever sold. These are all available from my </i></b><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse" target="_blank"><b><i>Zazzle store</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course I have a few notable exceptions who have been excellent supporters. They know who they are and how much I appreciate them. I just wish I had many more of them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now I have the challenge of working out how to make people want to spend their hard earned cash with me. I really want the art to do the talking. I want everyone to see they're getting something very special and unique. It's not often you get the chance to own something that literally nobody else in the world has got, but if you shop with me you will do. Owning a one-off original would normally cost thousands but here you can get it for a couple of pounds. What's not to love?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm currently loading lots more new products onto Café Press. The <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electricsnowman" target="_blank">Snowman</a> and <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/electrictree" target="_blank">Christmas Tree</a> shops are now complete, I'll finish the other Christmas shops over the weekend, with the remaining designs to follow during the week. I'm also planning to squeeze in a couple of new Christmas card designs if I can do them in time, which will mark the start of a major new (and VERY unique) art and greetings project over on Zazzle. Then I've got another big surprise to launch over at Café Press which will give you a whole new shopping experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm already lining up my new projects for 2012, some of which will be totally unlike anything you've seen from me so far. Getting the ideas is the easy bit. Getting the money to bring those ideas to life is a heck of a lot tougher.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Christmas is fast approaching and this is the perfect time to get involved. If you bought even one little gift from my Zazzle or Café Press stores instead of the big retailers you'll get something extra special and thoughtful for your loved one and you'll be doing me a massive service. Even if you can't afford to buy something yourself, please pass this link along to someone who you believe would be interested. I can only make my business work if YOU help me out. Yes, you. Not that other person. You. Yes. Thank you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i>• To visit my Zazzle store for flags, Font Islands and animal T-shirts, </i></b><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse" target="_blank"><b><i>click here</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i>• To visit my Café Press stores for hundreds of clothes, gifts, homeware and more, click on the design you like from the buttons on the left hand side of this page.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-79151724355834175602011-11-21T17:05:00.003+00:002011-11-21T17:27:14.580+00:00The Tide Turning?It's been 2 months since I last wrote to you but rest assured I've not been idle. The rare quiet time I get has been spent on a very important task. One that could launch me to a whole new level of success. Or see me down the nearest bankruptcy court. One or t'other.<br />
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If you remember (or can be bothered scrolling back to previous posts) there are health issues within my family that make it unwise for me to leave the house for long periods of time every day. That's assuming I could find a damn job anyway, which is a lot easier said than done.<br />
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I've spent most of my adult life working for myself and it was always my aim to get back to being self employed. It's true what they say, once you've worked for yourself it's really hard to enjoy working for someone else. Since I left college over 3 years ago I've always put my efforts into starting projects that could lead me back to self employment. The only stumbling block has always been money. To be precise, the total lack of it in my bank account.<br />
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Considering that for about 4 years we've been in a recession/credit crunch/whatever other fancy name economists want to put on it, you'd think the government would have wanted to do whatever it could to encourage people to start their own businesses so they can use their skills and initiative to graft their way back to solvency. It's always been my attitude that if someone didn't want to take me on then I'd make some sort of opportunities for myself. Yet up until recently the help offered to get the jobless to try self employment has been pretty poor. You had to be signing on for between 6 and 12 months only, attend a start-up course at the local Business Link centre and then you'd be entitled to about £50 a week for a certain amount of time. So that's fine if you could guarantee to make up the £15 a week you'd be losing (or more depending on your benefits). For an art and design business, where my cash flow would consist of larger but irregular payments, that was too much of a gamble and I didn't have a cash reserve to fall back on.<br />
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That and the fact the 2 guys running the course were idiots.<br />
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Now though things have changed and this year saw the reintroduction of the Enterprise Allowance, which actually helped me start my first business back in the late '80s. This time you have to attend regular mentoring sessions at your local partner agency (in my case the Black Country Chamber of Commerce - the disappointing Business Link service thankfully no longer exists although <a href="http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/" target="_blank">their website's still up</a> and actually very useful). Over the space of 8 weeks you're guided through filling in a template for a business plan and, once that's approved, you can decide whether or not you really want to start your business. If so, you're passed back to the Job Centre who'll switch you from receiving Job Seeker's Allowance to New Enterprise Allowance. This is the same amount (£65 a week) as JSA for the first 13 weeks, then drops down to £33 for another 13 weeks. There's an optional cut-price loan of up to £1,000 if you need it and you can continue to get help from your business mentor. So at least I won't be any worse off for 13 weeks plus obviously I can keep whatever I earn. Whilst unemployed, if I'd cashed in any of my royalties from my online shops, for example, that would have been deducted from my benefits so in effect I'd have been working for nothing.<br />
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Creative people tend to have a phobia of business plans. Too many facts and targets for our expressive brains to handle. Thankfully this mentoring process made it pretty painless. I could easily complete the sections where I explain the vision for my business - oh boy do I have LOADS of ideas I want to try out! My mentor Sarah then broke down the market research questions into bite sized chunks and told me exactly what type of competing businesses to look at and what sort of information I should be finding out about them. Having a check list to tick off made it a lot more focused and manageable. Then for the REALLY scary bit, the financial planning, it was just a case of filling in a form listing my incomings and outgoings and she ran that through an Excel spreadsheet to form a 12 month financial projection. Phew, I'm glad she tackled that one for me!<br />
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The process of writing the business plan turned out to be a useful way to mull over my ideas and put my priorities in order. Projects which I thought would form an important part of my business got put on the back burner when I realised others would be easier to expand and reformat to use in various different ways. So I now have a business plan template I feel comfortable using and I can rewrite it whenever I want to examine the feasibility of a new project idea.<br />
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All I need now is for the Job Centre to get their backsides into gear and sort the paperwork for me. It'll have been 2 weeks between the end of mentoring and my next Job Centre appraisal. It should have been today but I got a phone call postponing it, literally 10 minutes before I was due to leave the house. At this time of year, when I was hoping to start the business off with a big Christmas giftware push, that's a lot of valuable time being wasted!<br />
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Of course, a business plan can't prepare you for everything. In my next post I'll explain the bit I'm REALLY not confident about, which is why I started this post by saying my gamble could land me in the bankruptcy court!<br />
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<b><i>•If you live in England, Wales or Scotland and have been unemployed for over 6 months, you may be eligible to apply for the </i></b><a href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/programmesandservices/DG_198864" target="_blank"><b><i>New Enterprise Allowance</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b><br />
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</i></b>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-10509715486220453892011-09-17T13:33:00.001+01:002011-09-17T13:35:57.058+01:00Letraset Colouring ChallengeAfter my post yesterday, this follow up is to post my entry to the latest <a href="http://letrasetblog.com/craft/colouring-challenge-3/">Letraset colouring challenge</a>. The template is yet another masterpiece from Carlton Hibbert at <a href="http://www.patternsforcolouring.com/blog/blog.php">Patterns For Colouring</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV075_hSVnJMThNiuO1NZVPXHDLYczKvs2YXWl5UmFFKRZ-JoapwpU_wrYaBFLD915P_fnzThSqvNWP0humYEpnSeHVNfhgZ-cwrt71P2LbIRCS3Fns0D-AiZsdrI3XfxIoYid17CGDNne/s1600/Letraset-Val-Woodhouse.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV075_hSVnJMThNiuO1NZVPXHDLYczKvs2YXWl5UmFFKRZ-JoapwpU_wrYaBFLD915P_fnzThSqvNWP0humYEpnSeHVNfhgZ-cwrt71P2LbIRCS3Fns0D-AiZsdrI3XfxIoYid17CGDNne/s320/Letraset-Val-Woodhouse.gif" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Click on the image to enlarge it.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div>Although the tulips would normally have me reaching for my brightest pinks and yellows, as it's September I thought I'd see what I could do with just an autumn palette.<br />
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The closing date is this Wednesday, September 21st, with sets of Letraset ProMarkers up as prizes. I've seen some of the other entries, they're all amazing so it's a good job the winner's chosen at random!Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-42067822808656147902011-09-16T17:30:00.001+01:002011-09-16T17:33:07.709+01:00Keep Calm and Colour In<b><i>This post is my contribution to </i></b><a href="http://www.speakoutwithyourgeekout.com/"><b><i>Speak Out With Your Geek Out</i></b></a><b><i> week.</i></b><br />
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It's coming up to the first anniversary of my laptop power supply burning out. From October to January I was warped back in time to the 1990s when we didn't have home computers and had to make our own entertainment.<br />
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All winter I dabbled with paintbrushes and sewing needles, I tore my hair out over 16x16 Sudoku puzzles, I read magazine articles I'd shoved into a bulging "read me" folder. Yet the thing I ended up hankering for the most was a book that had been gathering dust in a cupboard for 15 years or so.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaNBtg7oRgJnWPYCAtm9lwvuvPuXOrLU6WSbmGw_XCzHoJmm-9a1OUbAuLjg6oZVs8u6s0YtziIDa0cuWkMley-opYvz48veviAewSi2reyytHrOfUfTv1SEhhGgcJaNdIrInQaXYY958/s1600/Altair-Cover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaNBtg7oRgJnWPYCAtm9lwvuvPuXOrLU6WSbmGw_XCzHoJmm-9a1OUbAuLjg6oZVs8u6s0YtziIDa0cuWkMley-opYvz48veviAewSi2reyytHrOfUfTv1SEhhGgcJaNdIrInQaXYY958/s320/Altair-Cover.gif" width="289" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Don't be fooled by Little Miss Cutesie. She's on a break from curing cancer.</i></b></div><br />
I would have been at art school when I bought this, being initiated into the joys of graphic design. Unlike fine art, a designer needs a logical, problem-solving side to their brain. The sort that gets a kick out of a 16x16 Sudoku, indeed.<br />
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<b>Altair patterns</b> are based on 10th century Islamic mathematics. They work on the principle that a simple repetition of very small basic shapes (triangles, squares, hexagons, etc) can add up to create incredibly complex patterns. The Altair templates (developed into their present form by biologist/geometrician Ensor Holiday) can be coloured in a countless number of ways, creating a vastly different pattern every time. This book contained 2 copies of 8 different patterns.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUJ5v6PB_lQ3TzdzdLIrUyjkvAHBTTxsDUDA6Zrd_p8uPM9LiWpFW-fRbZcb4cnFjvDjo8o0HExGCrfHl1JVoGjDB9Zxs3HXB-oDvjlnBP73iD28JhaKYcB8Nbp_fbeoW8KBwQo0iViNO/s1600/Altair-10-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUJ5v6PB_lQ3TzdzdLIrUyjkvAHBTTxsDUDA6Zrd_p8uPM9LiWpFW-fRbZcb4cnFjvDjo8o0HExGCrfHl1JVoGjDB9Zxs3HXB-oDvjlnBP73iD28JhaKYcB8Nbp_fbeoW8KBwQo0iViNO/s320/Altair-10-1.gif" width="278" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0O4i0dcktUrhfphyphenhyphenmGNxhi-3-vxxnzbry_ytMjleIcqOkozb7ZHaxo4B6gt0vuhtO-EMKe8R1hu-cx7CRdbK1SJ18tXP588xeDvmU0nK9B5x17WzH0rIwpSJHkAstncO7gvvQxNEUw1/s1600/Altair-10-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0O4i0dcktUrhfphyphenhyphenmGNxhi-3-vxxnzbry_ytMjleIcqOkozb7ZHaxo4B6gt0vuhtO-EMKe8R1hu-cx7CRdbK1SJ18tXP588xeDvmU0nK9B5x17WzH0rIwpSJHkAstncO7gvvQxNEUw1/s320/Altair-10-2.gif" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>My 2 interpretations of Altair pattern No. 10.</i></b></div><br />
Altair colouring pads can be bought from all good online book stores or your can download 3 free ones from the <a href="http://tinkeringtimes.typepad.com/tinkeringtimes/2007/02/patterntastic.html">Tinkering Times blog</a>. There's also an <a href="http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=106101118506&sk=info">Altair Pattern Designer application</a> on Facebook and you can check out other pattern fans' efforts on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=altair+patterns&w=all&s=int&referer_searched=1">Flikr</a>.<br />
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Having finished off my Altair book, I found 2 excellent value pattern pads in Wilkinson's. They're not available in all branches but I've also seen almost exactly the same book in Ryman's.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVlELd8eegwepJKiG-sDOvGdyfKUa-kz6O8MTR0Us0F38x5mVLUINwEJW4BknP3Sn7To_4tiNBmiFnnJNYCGzI89buSM-n-8VcB-kodm9DADQYe8tT0AZ0sW2oGrm9zhfExiMXnczo8YW/s1600/Doodle-Pad-Covers.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVlELd8eegwepJKiG-sDOvGdyfKUa-kz6O8MTR0Us0F38x5mVLUINwEJW4BknP3Sn7To_4tiNBmiFnnJNYCGzI89buSM-n-8VcB-kodm9DADQYe8tT0AZ0sW2oGrm9zhfExiMXnczo8YW/s320/Doodle-Pad-Covers.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The designs are very different to Altair but they still offer a huge number of challenges regarding colour combinations and repeating shapes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXajCxO6pDTfetK2MjQGksG43j2eSTg0eKprKVw86K8gf-vGDzib_AwOd6vpMy-EzNTp1CK6nXTaikDQSinRGvK8AH7pQ5eT61xoBEuw3CVsLTUuFQXN_0mDKgfjnzDthcrsYnFdEbcq7T/s1600/Colouring-Peacock.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXajCxO6pDTfetK2MjQGksG43j2eSTg0eKprKVw86K8gf-vGDzib_AwOd6vpMy-EzNTp1CK6nXTaikDQSinRGvK8AH7pQ5eT61xoBEuw3CVsLTUuFQXN_0mDKgfjnzDthcrsYnFdEbcq7T/s320/Colouring-Peacock.gif" width="295" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Some colour schemes choose themselves, such as this peacock-inspired pattern.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42ckWQfFAd7U1PFW94OZvG65-8TQLq0-qGgpHexPsxl1OwYsynJzOwOWxrMAArT9Qrdf28ZRVnlzdonC1kNkB6M5w37KjfsvT1Nd7GC1aM_rigGJi-uIEmDl2g_R6Ad0Qqk_86CZaAX7z/s1600/Colouring-Pink-%2526-Grey.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42ckWQfFAd7U1PFW94OZvG65-8TQLq0-qGgpHexPsxl1OwYsynJzOwOWxrMAArT9Qrdf28ZRVnlzdonC1kNkB6M5w37KjfsvT1Nd7GC1aM_rigGJi-uIEmDl2g_R6Ad0Qqk_86CZaAX7z/s320/Colouring-Pink-%2526-Grey.gif" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Or pick a couple of pencils out of the box at random and test out a combination you would never have thought of, like the pink, olive and grey used here.</i></b></div><br />
A tip for best results: Place a sheet of scrap paper between each page of your book to stop your masterpieces smudging into each other!<br />
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My other favourite resource is <a href="http://www.patternsforcolouring.com/blog/blog.php">Patterns For Colouring</a>, a blog by designer Carlton Hibbert in which he shares his own geometric patterns for all to enjoy, along with contributions by guest illustrators. There are currently 201 images on there to suit all ages. Simply download the files, print them out and get those pens and pencils working! I'm printing them out at A3 and at some point would love to get them framed and on my walls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31NTVFkZoYiF2Xf-ndhm6HetivrrZhOstsHQMBcGLLgwFKmzl-Jk9cBlzALuHX2Gl9_blbXeV1H2PTatZYTyMIYIfwRL7UuY6tPM6JJNKBsFxqBlpOnxQGUQpf5sS6l1r-xQVBmoI3AjJ/s1600/001+scan+flat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31NTVFkZoYiF2Xf-ndhm6HetivrrZhOstsHQMBcGLLgwFKmzl-Jk9cBlzALuHX2Gl9_blbXeV1H2PTatZYTyMIYIfwRL7UuY6tPM6JJNKBsFxqBlpOnxQGUQpf5sS6l1r-xQVBmoI3AjJ/s320/001+scan+flat.png" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>A stylised garden design prompted this study in green.</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3t4L_jh58PoTvrS6KVfnmKpkD7xzv2DU__uZSwyjqvcPZzkJM0svBx470_t19PMWDCBzT7T1Ap88mfunOiqKybkWp2KDLns1aKLWmMRP1rgA4ui-PNsMQgKjIVDSXMfNr0dRQI6-QChG/s1600/002+scan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3t4L_jh58PoTvrS6KVfnmKpkD7xzv2DU__uZSwyjqvcPZzkJM0svBx470_t19PMWDCBzT7T1Ap88mfunOiqKybkWp2KDLns1aKLWmMRP1rgA4ui-PNsMQgKjIVDSXMfNr0dRQI6-QChG/s320/002+scan.png" width="230" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>A rainbow spectrum can be a good starting point for a colour scheme.</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlrQ2mq-A4QHzpjposrUCY-28qRUx9OAXzwu_jnBQDxPkow6mmJZgRm0esNhWkMA7Oo9tRnGIVWAoHRcajNRaFit6dzdfhTB7H1SWchb-6kElQCfEXFQ8un848_9jWpMiiQt4n5P7L0Ls/s1600/003+scan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlrQ2mq-A4QHzpjposrUCY-28qRUx9OAXzwu_jnBQDxPkow6mmJZgRm0esNhWkMA7Oo9tRnGIVWAoHRcajNRaFit6dzdfhTB7H1SWchb-6kElQCfEXFQ8un848_9jWpMiiQt4n5P7L0Ls/s320/003+scan.png" width="230" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I interpreted this as an abstract sunburst.</i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81XtSJDKjLURR2FIg6jQeAiO0TJSe2fFOsQxJODsqgQnD_o9M6v7uVZasde9dWomJBlq1P9-45tVgI-kKFhuMRT3BEs34Ia56eS5p_-QFbHvpHFF1PfEGiDeQSVdRGpG9j6OovOnA_AKj/s1600/160+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81XtSJDKjLURR2FIg6jQeAiO0TJSe2fFOsQxJODsqgQnD_o9M6v7uVZasde9dWomJBlq1P9-45tVgI-kKFhuMRT3BEs34Ia56eS5p_-QFbHvpHFF1PfEGiDeQSVdRGpG9j6OovOnA_AKj/s320/160+photo.jpg" width="320" /></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>A guest design by Steph Baxter, which I later framed for my niece's birthday.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As much as I enjoy creating my own artwork, I still find it just as creative to take someone else's outlines and put my personal spin on them. I can experiment with different colour combinations, layouts and repetitions. It's mentally and visually stimulating, keeps your mind sharp and improves your hand-eye co-ordination. By adding even a cheap frame you can transform your finished designs into unique works of art to brighten up any room. Or why not take them off the page and use them for greetings cards or needlework patterns? In fact the only rules are respect the work of the original artist and don't use it to make money for yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So if you're looking for a low cost, rewarding hobby, dig out that neglected pencil box (or, for quality and value, I recommend a pack of 24 Crayolas), get a nice shiny new sharpener and unleash your inner brilliance. Whether it's for a calming 5 minutes alone or an afternoon with the family, colouring doesn't have to be just kids' stuff!</div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-50683923985110399932011-07-28T13:14:00.003+01:002011-09-16T12:48:16.087+01:00A Scanner's TaleOnce upon a time there was a scanner in a happy working relationship with a Millennium-chic tangerine iMac. They hooked up from time to time and the scanner would happily chug away, shining a light on random pieces of paper that needed turning into pixels.<br />
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Artwork, college research, old photos, applications forms, pretty things in magazines - all this and more fell upon the scanner's gaze and passed into the bosom of the iMac's hard drive.<br />
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Together they worked, USB in USB, until the iMac grew too slow and weak to keep up with the world online and was usurped by a cocky, flashy, whizzy laptop.<br />
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But the scanner found it too hard to get on with the laptop and stayed loyal to its old friend, giving it a reason to live until the day the poor, ancient 9 year old iMac went "fzzzzzt" and smelt of burning.<br />
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To this day... oh you know how my story goes by now. Two years later and I still can't afford to get my iMac mended.<br />
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That still left the problem with the scanner. The company who made it have decided, in their wisdom, not to write a Mac OS 10 driver for it because, obviously, us Mac owners are rolling in cash and can't resist buying all the latest gadgets the second they hit the shops. Or something like that.<br />
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I've used the scanner at the library but you can only guarantee getting it if you book in advance, which means knowing virtually down to the minute what time you're going to arrive. Not always convenient. Neither is the one hour a day time limit, lack of elbow room and inconvenience of lugging all the paperwork around (assuming, of course, you haven't forgotten something).<br />
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So scanning has been a neglected job over the past couple of years but, in order to get my portfolio up to date for potential clients, I've had to catch up.<br />
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Thankfully I had a brainwave and realised the answer had been staring me in the face all along.<br />
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Mac OS 10 (at least on the older versions, not sure about nowadays) also has Mac OS 9 lurking in the background. One click and the flashy new desktop reverts into the clunky old one that was once so futuristic and Millennium-chic. Perfect to avoid chucking out all the old software that you can't or don't want to upgrade. Not entirely glitch-free but hopefully good enough to make the scanner talk to the laptop.<br />
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So I hunted out the CD, set up the scanner and clicked Install. Not easy to do with crossed fingers. The computer went a bit weird and tried to load certain things twice but - joy of joys - it worked and I can now do scanning on my laptop!<br />
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It's not a perfect set up. I can't access the scanner through Photoshop, which means I'm lumbered with everything saving as a memory-hungry TIFF (remember them? I can't recall the last time I used a TIFF. PNGs have long since stolen that part of my heart devoted to file formats.)<br />
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I've enjoyed a good trip down memory lane over the past couple of weeks, looking through my archives. It's occasionally a bit cringeworthy as a lot of the stuff I made a decent living from just hasn't passed the test of time. I've almost finished tidying up the scans and am currently uploading them to <a href="http://www.coroflot.com/valwoodhouse">my Coroflot portfolio</a>. Some of the best ones will also be added to my Facebook albums too. When time allows I'll be back on here telling you the stories behind the work. You'll get to see techniques I've used which aren't reflected in the digital art I've shown you already so come back soon and expect a few surprises!Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-53877216427299738302011-07-12T05:30:00.004+01:002011-07-12T13:07:03.179+01:00Commonwealth GamesBack over to <b><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse">Zazzle</a></b> this week, where I've had the cyber-hoover out to clean the place up ready for some new arrivals.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNjgIVXM-OEQ5E6LDJ27HXBoprO24DFGaozyR_eJK4k6DYGO98GLUJn4xhLDOGwmNOol8dC0qWrstYjN-e_dDcHeymwg9iJqxIsVJ2gcBqdn7zNNM0JhTGPMi1SrQmGVvvRHPJcgwFQQY/s1600/Font+Island+Grab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNjgIVXM-OEQ5E6LDJ27HXBoprO24DFGaozyR_eJK4k6DYGO98GLUJn4xhLDOGwmNOol8dC0qWrstYjN-e_dDcHeymwg9iJqxIsVJ2gcBqdn7zNNM0JhTGPMi1SrQmGVvvRHPJcgwFQQY/s320/Font+Island+Grab.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Neat!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Time to unveil (or should that be unfurl) some new flags. I was keen to get a bit more ambitious with them, as I can now do the basic tricolour in my sleep. The next country I really wanted to get my teeth into was Australia...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RKjZsuPJA-ASU94Wp_-9PfSaCOyWFpxeW5Uea5u2LFXRNgu1sA8i50KdF_mQiKqeVBxSTSXAA06VUgG_FxyaXEbOWPEtE_Mbud2bycCl5Wrmkye3kF0nPq2_wgLhyphenhyphenSjUj8PQy15C85XV/s1600/Australia+Black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RKjZsuPJA-ASU94Wp_-9PfSaCOyWFpxeW5Uea5u2LFXRNgu1sA8i50KdF_mQiKqeVBxSTSXAA06VUgG_FxyaXEbOWPEtE_Mbud2bycCl5Wrmkye3kF0nPq2_wgLhyphenhyphenSjUj8PQy15C85XV/s320/Australia+Black.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Australia just needs a few tweaks to turn into New Zealand...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaBoHY-1x88dr5QHd_LZIAqmAtMQEJsQxD_4BrFrO_0h7PrfesYGl6RM-Bo2yTo3Ohq_6swPxD-Gdyw6DWIdcJMi4XyFMv-fp84b8kAGwCmQTW3PjtqMSf1QLVv665xFAh3lG9IT9Dd2Y/s1600/New+Zealand+Black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaBoHY-1x88dr5QHd_LZIAqmAtMQEJsQxD_4BrFrO_0h7PrfesYGl6RM-Bo2yTo3Ohq_6swPxD-Gdyw6DWIdcJMi4XyFMv-fp84b8kAGwCmQTW3PjtqMSf1QLVv665xFAh3lG9IT9Dd2Y/s320/New+Zealand+Black.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and if I'm doing Australia and New Zealand, why not chuck in Canada and make this a Commonwealth set?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAnJ1SaIX66PpMPGDzutzoQNVR2u3GJ2NF9pZwl1pgknQb7TGS2s4VOoQRNe0UCqLkooMG-I7wwYbjWF9e6zIx3UGHjfibDwDSlj3Ij1FtKfyX03Yklp871DqI3oaNN57eTmdO9TxY1Ya/s1600/Canada+Black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAnJ1SaIX66PpMPGDzutzoQNVR2u3GJ2NF9pZwl1pgknQb7TGS2s4VOoQRNe0UCqLkooMG-I7wwYbjWF9e6zIx3UGHjfibDwDSlj3Ij1FtKfyX03Yklp871DqI3oaNN57eTmdO9TxY1Ya/s320/Canada+Black.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Australia and New Zealand had to be distorted a bit to fit a rectangle into a circle. The key was that the Union Jack on the real flags fits exactly into the top left hand quarter, so once I'd done that the stars just had to fit round it proportionately. The stars themselves were a new challenge, especially the New Zealand ones as I would have to knock out the red and white sections separately depending on the background. I created the stars using an outline filled with a set of lines stretching point-to-point, giving a splattered, ink stamp effect.<br />
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Although the Canadian layout is quite simple, the maple leaf has several fiddly details which took several attempts to get right using my continuous line technique. The key turned out to be never overlapping the red and white lines, bending them round each other where necessary whereas I normally like to keep them straight. The brush effect means a couple of the corners fade out but, as it's symmetrical, your brain fills in the gaps (why should I do all the work for you?)<br />
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So there they are, my 3 new countries. As usual they don't just come on black backgrounds, there comes the fun part of deconstructing them onto different coloured backgrounds. Behold the full set:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ktdWEfVc0mfPK-rEiGr1S2gX12lKlNXyAdfmGyMlY0Q59_4-wV8xCilR2AS4wBCeiZWCoCFmbNYKN165ASzCRQkCYyYfElCl5OQj_BwTB4e5MvbB9y5dVcTFj3s2nhaC5stf5EM0a7W_/s1600/Aus+NZ+Canada+Mocks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ktdWEfVc0mfPK-rEiGr1S2gX12lKlNXyAdfmGyMlY0Q59_4-wV8xCilR2AS4wBCeiZWCoCFmbNYKN165ASzCRQkCYyYfElCl5OQj_BwTB4e5MvbB9y5dVcTFj3s2nhaC5stf5EM0a7W_/s320/Aus+NZ+Canada+Mocks.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As with the other flags, these are available to purchase on keychains and various sizes of badge and fridge magnet. They're as small and affordable as it gets so if you're struggling to choose then why not collect the whole set? They've also been scaled up onto tee shirts if you'd rather wear it loud 'n' proud.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4ydyK2jquXao-KWem6rUZ32r28B9uyVeyYZgBpih2QPxhbKNVEYCl2HaW0Zc1ljmzMOKig_jjGgfPLhTThEijkHj2ZDe_WKjg1K_-PgiNuI2M_yrzIm3QIa-dC2z-7_qtgPUuhyphenhyphenBmGys/s320/Shirt+caps+-+Canada+%2526+NZ.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNJiaJFyzqA9WVHPMv9KTxdqBU2SHo3ZYnfidbglb9WrRqqwYmSnjqbMBP0D5SIGAFTO2OLWHnBWBmxPwfqEruiuT5Rtcb3QoZ2Y2CY-x6x8OSsu0qU8MqtNPY3El1QpxRHM9-Z2YZg9v/s320/Shirt+caps+-+NZ+%2526+Aus.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>As always, you don't have to settle for the shirt style I've laid out here. You can check out how the design looks on all types of long and short sleeved tops for men, women and children. Get creative and make something totally unique to yourself.<br />
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Now that I've tidied up the shop, you'll find my new additions on its home page and also in the New Products category. All the other countries are now listed in "Flags" under "Browse This Store". You can choose from:<br />
<ul><li>France</li>
<li>Germany</li>
<li>Ireland</li>
<li>Italy</li>
<li>Japan</li>
<li>South Africa</li>
<li>UK</li>
<li>USA</li>
</ul>So here's that link: <a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse">http://www.zazzle.co.uk/valwoodhouse</a> or click the Zazzle panel on the left of this page.<br />
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While you're busy browsing, I'm off to dust down my old scanner and see if I can make it work on my laptop. A few surprises from the archives are waiting for you...Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-56941965979791020572011-07-04T12:50:00.003+01:002011-07-04T13:01:20.409+01:00New Café Press Goodies - Part 2As promised, the second part of my big Café Press overhaul is now complete, with another total of around 150 products added. So here's a look at the designs that have just been updated, with a few more picks of the best new clothes, gifts and homeware.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIT4aPTKj2HFHRoXdTOgVGmABbCO-WBCNvlC9QMzZAZ14FoIm-puv0PjKgl2Ko-BGAxEyRz5a_M5XU-UbKH16SiFA-VrO305wMhznkd7puy_q4WtPIW3WS8VhRWMO9vxV59EtxBub6oMa/s1600/Cat-Baby-Grab.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIT4aPTKj2HFHRoXdTOgVGmABbCO-WBCNvlC9QMzZAZ14FoIm-puv0PjKgl2Ko-BGAxEyRz5a_M5XU-UbKH16SiFA-VrO305wMhznkd7puy_q4WtPIW3WS8VhRWMO9vxV59EtxBub6oMa/s320/Cat-Baby-Grab.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>My cartoon animals look adorable on the latest baby clothes and accessories.</i></b></div><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_xmC8RIupXGZGj7YyOCQMc8sBatTNrH-ZfXkr7EymvrvGqT0rTBdQNhyphenhyphen0_KWdpKrpBQWpTnPBu0USU8o4Iqg21uECfFNS58vI-xfuiLt91wuMFyLexBznioSUzcICpfMvUnh0RN0Cs5X/s1600/Giraffe-Stickers-Grab.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_xmC8RIupXGZGj7YyOCQMc8sBatTNrH-ZfXkr7EymvrvGqT0rTBdQNhyphenhyphen0_KWdpKrpBQWpTnPBu0USU8o4Iqg21uECfFNS58vI-xfuiLt91wuMFyLexBznioSUzcICpfMvUnh0RN0Cs5X/s320/Giraffe-Stickers-Grab.gif" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>These wall stickers are a quick way to brighten up your kids' rooms. The large format (sizes in inches) shows off all the details of this cuddly giraffe.</i></b></div><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC7dKW0wlmge8zMRltkyh0tr3Jb9r5-pfJ8KGTDKqoLptxOuQDKayFTlrl1Nfbnc4xF8Ktb_ZF6DJvIeAJltl3CsvBatVNUeDBIEMuZ3IZizLBENK3rQSupJW4Q_0ArzB-QPqHR12huhu/s1600/Fish-Thermos-Grab.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC7dKW0wlmge8zMRltkyh0tr3Jb9r5-pfJ8KGTDKqoLptxOuQDKayFTlrl1Nfbnc4xF8Ktb_ZF6DJvIeAJltl3CsvBatVNUeDBIEMuZ3IZizLBENK3rQSupJW4Q_0ArzB-QPqHR12huhu/s320/Fish-Thermos-Grab.gif" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>This range of Thermos branded picnic ware is just the thing for a day out at your favourite beauty spot.</i></b></div><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjog7jnPri_vNrTtT13EFhZHeWLOokjGxAWPDsyhdlcW5QLCCzlMpKweCuXLr9t1itzCzOAMRYzDteeMvCBpoLidTSAoVh3UgYHoP286h37zsUfFVPR_Sk6VGTNmkpHGVptveQGYH11NysK/s1600/Dog-Misc-Montage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjog7jnPri_vNrTtT13EFhZHeWLOokjGxAWPDsyhdlcW5QLCCzlMpKweCuXLr9t1itzCzOAMRYzDteeMvCBpoLidTSAoVh3UgYHoP286h37zsUfFVPR_Sk6VGTNmkpHGVptveQGYH11NysK/s320/Dog-Misc-Montage.gif" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Some more of the new products. The laptop skins are fresh in store and have been added to all non-Christmas shops including those featured in my last update.</i></b></div><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOujhkeTC4a8vOoLL4mkb6y4M_PBk5mFmgZbhGAv8D-1xWObOqEz2fRPjegJh_0iZcQpzcHK3vS2MkEVxYgMohQNvpP8lPn_g2Xv4AOs9kO_4rJH2TfXYHiOmS05OUFg_9apUko0Fupgc/s1600/Elephant-Misc-Montage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOujhkeTC4a8vOoLL4mkb6y4M_PBk5mFmgZbhGAv8D-1xWObOqEz2fRPjegJh_0iZcQpzcHK3vS2MkEVxYgMohQNvpP8lPn_g2Xv4AOs9kO_4rJH2TfXYHiOmS05OUFg_9apUko0Fupgc/s320/Elephant-Misc-Montage.gif" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Don't forget this cute elephant!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the designs are available on almost all the products and several of them come in different colour options. This gives you hundreds of choices across all the stores. Just pick the design you like, click its button on the left of this page and discover all the treats for yourself or a loved one.</div><br />
The four Christmas designs will be getting their update in the autumn, in plenty of time for Santa.<br />
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Next up, I'm putting the finishing touches to three new flag designs. If you like the ones I've done so far, these are going to blow you away because they're the toughest ones I've done yet! They'll be added to my Zazzle store in a few days so watch out for that.<br />
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I'm also hoping to get my old scanner working so I can add lots of archive work to my portfolio. Let's hope it plays ball otherwise I'll have to lug all my sketchbooks and folders down the library!Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-87100799182443309332011-06-19T21:52:00.004+01:002011-06-23T17:22:43.537+01:00A Friend In Need<b><u>UPDATE 23rd June 2011</u></b><br />
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I've taken the decision to remove this post. Unfortunately I have not received a very good response to it and I'm not prepared to bare my soul and tell you lots of deeply humiliating personal secrets if it's just going to be met with a wave of apathy.<br />
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My circumstances are still pretty dire. I'm currently appealing the decision that led me into trouble and I've managed to arrange a payment holiday on my loan, so hopefully that will help me along a bit.<br />
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I'll keep the payment button on my blogs and I would still ask you that if you enjoy anything you see on here or the Scrapbook then please try and find it in your heart to leave me a little donation. Anything you could afford would be gratefully received and will be a massive boost towards getting my life back on track.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I would like to sincerely thank the few people who did come to my aid and offer help in various forms. Your generosity will not go unrewarded and forgotten. It's times like this you really get to learn who your friends are.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i>Thank you.</i></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-15927157091597920642011-06-14T12:11:00.002+01:002011-06-14T12:33:08.104+01:00New Café Press Goodies - Part 1Those busy bees over at <b><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">Café Press</a></b> have been sourcing dozens of new products for us to offer our customers, so right now I'm in the process of updating all my shops (apart from the Christmas ones which will get an overhaul in the autumn).<br />
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With nearly 50 new items to add, design and price-check, this is no quick job! Four of the shops are ready to re-launch, so here's my pick of what's screaming "buy me" right now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-H_fdWtFcNiibuuoRsXQC5T34_5nPEB65gSOeT0oPsj7uv5FUfZUzXtXFxIPPiHFQ9oXGH8qMNmj3o2uW1Nu2p4cHWj4MmO9ozVrJVEBrgGL6-wOpPpDkKvnSg2HV7Q8PjMdBAYcD718/s1600/Octopus+Pyjama+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-H_fdWtFcNiibuuoRsXQC5T34_5nPEB65gSOeT0oPsj7uv5FUfZUzXtXFxIPPiHFQ9oXGH8qMNmj3o2uW1Nu2p4cHWj4MmO9ozVrJVEBrgGL6-wOpPpDkKvnSg2HV7Q8PjMdBAYcD718/s400/Octopus+Pyjama+Montage.png" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Sleep with Kevin the Octopus! Pyjamas available in a range of styles and colours for men, women and children.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcB7A0T6HKOdx2JuADuRj29GyUiA-faLTVRlB929andrvR10AsfhNyNDBcNgxv9zw665pmpX6XVTTvPM1DK-KdMwa9fTWQYs-PJ-VYJzyntqc59bEOErp0N0257EdywnrYO3vym7MQU3j/s1600/Heart+Jewels+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcB7A0T6HKOdx2JuADuRj29GyUiA-faLTVRlB929andrvR10AsfhNyNDBcNgxv9zw665pmpX6XVTTvPM1DK-KdMwa9fTWQYs-PJ-VYJzyntqc59bEOErp0N0257EdywnrYO3vym7MQU3j/s400/Heart+Jewels+Montage.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>As if all those teensy little hearts weren't cute enough, now you can wear them on a fun range of costume jewellery.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a8GUrO36KMjMzmA6TZ6M2Gbl_UrxSTE1wmj2hguLjdYKar3dElqc49_gCUKK80x8U4rmPgdqe5iICBrnnlKhtVUFoj7I5ghPdunsUn1Ivr32vD7NIS0m44U8nViHk02DweeIpLrwp6Tz/s1600/Ball+Bottles+montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a8GUrO36KMjMzmA6TZ6M2Gbl_UrxSTE1wmj2hguLjdYKar3dElqc49_gCUKK80x8U4rmPgdqe5iICBrnnlKhtVUFoj7I5ghPdunsUn1Ivr32vD7NIS0m44U8nViHk02DweeIpLrwp6Tz/s400/Ball+Bottles+montage.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>3 new water bottles add to the Sigg bottles already in store. A great choice of must-haves for your favourite sport.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34cjv5jSe7hyiCiiaELkfcw1zczT7Ykao1FpCtmjLd_ZFTdmLVYMrLeqpHuoIGBegtauTof7Rrc_rAFpM4Vbtc4gAO75ki_gdJll83eQ2EIIwlzi-0XwH6wCrbJnNeQuory9T1UMOqZHJ/s1600/Apple+iPhone+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34cjv5jSe7hyiCiiaELkfcw1zczT7Ykao1FpCtmjLd_ZFTdmLVYMrLeqpHuoIGBegtauTof7Rrc_rAFpM4Vbtc4gAO75ki_gdJll83eQ2EIIwlzi-0XwH6wCrbJnNeQuory9T1UMOqZHJ/s400/Apple+iPhone+Montage.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>If ever an accessory screamed to have a rosy red apple on it! Perfect for jazzing up your beloved gadgets.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't forget all these designs are available on all the products, feel free to mix and match to your heart's content. The five remaining animal designs will be getting upgraded next, so watch out for news on that and my second pick of the best new products.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To browse the stores, look for the buttons on the left of this page and just click on your favourite design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy shopping!</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div>Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-70025239399518160862011-05-22T23:02:00.001+01:002011-05-22T23:16:28.874+01:00Patriot TeesHaving made my first set of Zazzle tee shirts, as shown in the last post, I really got in the mood to do more. Spring's made an early start here in the UK and we're all on the look out for nice cool clothes and hopefully plenty of chances to show them off.<br />
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What should my next range be? Well I have <a href="http://valwip.blogspot.com/search/label/flags">all those flags</a> I'm really proud of. Although they were designed to go on little round things like badges, there was no reason why they couldn't be scaled up for a bigger product. All it needed was to resize the files and knock out the background colours.<br />
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So now all my existing range of countries - UK, USA, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan and South Africa - can be worn proudly on your chest on a wide selection of colours and styles for men, women and children.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWukan6UsBzmh6Ab6h48mT5Uz11j_jC9EZecittibAg9-2Bs8nCcZD73sSa_LZNBvXHC5_Fpot6Htdqhj6qS6zAdLKMWpWpNM9FMdznofUFlg23ZPFQVJzcrrusYDWaaKyjBiil4bgBe_S/s1600/Shirt+caps+-+UK+%2526+USA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWukan6UsBzmh6Ab6h48mT5Uz11j_jC9EZecittibAg9-2Bs8nCcZD73sSa_LZNBvXHC5_Fpot6Htdqhj6qS6zAdLKMWpWpNM9FMdznofUFlg23ZPFQVJzcrrusYDWaaKyjBiil4bgBe_S/s320/Shirt+caps+-+UK+%2526+USA.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A snapshot of just 6 of my new tees.</i></b></div><br />
Almost all of them are available in the same colour combinations as the badges - one neutral background and one for each of the flag colours. Due to the range of shirts offered by Zazzle, unfortunately at the moment I'm not able to offer Ireland on an orange shirt. This still leaves a choice of 30 unique designs, something for almost every day of the month!<br />
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There's also the flexibility to customise the designs with text if you want. Plus, apart from the black and white tees, there's also the option to choose another shirt colour. So don't feel bound by what I've laid out, get creative and make yourself something that's totally one of a kind.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC0hTDVFjrkgTtqyZQ8Ww3CglDC22XeyQ-m1NBqzIEowPGIdsFGnLeadUE-SZmlgCk0rBNoIwppbkjEcwdBRuvehVRFzaBH8SjiM8BHhNi_jxDr8DAaOeZ077e86_gxB_0IRTFVCYkEjT/s1600/USA+White+Tee+for+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC0hTDVFjrkgTtqyZQ8Ww3CglDC22XeyQ-m1NBqzIEowPGIdsFGnLeadUE-SZmlgCk0rBNoIwppbkjEcwdBRuvehVRFzaBH8SjiM8BHhNi_jxDr8DAaOeZ077e86_gxB_0IRTFVCYkEjT/s320/USA+White+Tee+for+blog.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Grunge outline added to the stars to make the American flag work on a white tee.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyI4HyEGwrvLgnHh_uLNOVfOL-oRUFJoYakkAxbiMvftHwBoU261_aVJmAk6E3tqYqW0_tWJQmN0mPeuWxS5yINTNHW7zxzYcsg3_CwFwqyn81Ozt3E0DLX79Wh9WRKNxV8qFDqURrl1u/s1600/Japan+Black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyI4HyEGwrvLgnHh_uLNOVfOL-oRUFJoYakkAxbiMvftHwBoU261_aVJmAk6E3tqYqW0_tWJQmN0mPeuWxS5yINTNHW7zxzYcsg3_CwFwqyn81Ozt3E0DLX79Wh9WRKNxV8qFDqURrl1u/s320/Japan+Black.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The badge of my Japanese flag on a black background unwittingly became a best seller following the tragic earthquakes and tsunami in March. Now it's also available as a tee shirt.</i></b></div><br />
To see the full range visit <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse">http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse</a> and search for tee shirts. Don't forget all these flags are also available on badges, magnets and key chains. More countries are in the pipeline, I'm looking forward to showing them to you!<br />
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I'm now working on giving my Café Press shops an overhaul. The company has added lots of new products recently so this is going to take some time! Watch out for my pick of the coolest must-haves over the next couple of weeks.<br />
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Also I'll be taking you on a trip through the archives as I'm sorting out some of my old work to scan in for my portfolio. It'll be interesting to see how much of it has passed the test of time!Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-59370529735905689062011-04-30T00:50:00.002+01:002011-04-30T08:56:10.296+01:002011 - The Story So FarYo blog, long time no see. How's things? Crikey, where's the time going?<br />
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4 months into 2011 and this is my first post of the year. Stuff has happened in that time which has forced my hand professionally but hopefully in a good way.<br />
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For family health-related reasons, it's now no longer a good idea for me to be out of the house doing a 9-5 job. I could see the day coming and maybe that's why I've been a bit reticent about throwing myself into applying for jobs. So I'm no longer prepared to compromise, it's becoming a home-based freelancer or nothing.<br />
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Money has always been the stumbling block stopping me from going for it. Hopefully that's about to change as the government is about to introduce an updated version of the old Enterprise Allowance Scheme (which helped me start my first business in the late '80s). This should offer more of a financial cushion to support me with materials, marketing, etc, if only for a few months. The trouble is nobody knows when this scheme's starting or exactly what it's going to offer! So right now I'm badgering the Job Centre every time I visit and I've been booked in with a new business support group who will hopefully be more use than all the other idiots I've been shunted off to see over the years! Ah well, we'll see.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm giving my online shops a spring clean and over the next few weeks I'll be adding new designs and products for your purchasing pleasure.<br />
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First up, I've taken some designs I originally submitted to T-shirt design competition site <a href="http://allmightys.com/"><b>Allmightys</b></a> and added them to <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/valwoodhouse">my Zazzle store</a>. They're inspired by 3 of my favourite animals and are bound to turn heads as part of your summer wardrobe.<br />
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(The following images are mock-ups. The finished products are available in a variety of styles and colours although I have presented them on the colour I feel suits them best.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ5_ZTFq9OK0kOwjiC1fixSSi6GiF5nfCvqLbISh8i9h75Xz8_uHYJky_h6XaPrT7KhezK0emP2-EwgxdS9WmJRg4O7EBn6By-yyxaFLZiK975Ko4OgA7mkIxgqCLehZHmn3Fz3lONHWi/s1600/FeelingLuckyVGI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ5_ZTFq9OK0kOwjiC1fixSSi6GiF5nfCvqLbISh8i9h75Xz8_uHYJky_h6XaPrT7KhezK0emP2-EwgxdS9WmJRg4O7EBn6By-yyxaFLZiK975Ko4OgA7mkIxgqCLehZHmn3Fz3lONHWi/s320/FeelingLuckyVGI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A mean-looking red deer stag confronts his opponents with his vicious antlers, ready for the rut. Shirt available in light and dark formats.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL__Xupn_WC2zoHWG0EKj0fmwifpnlYLC9NuyCjVsqnxQqO2nXjur5UGdWqExq7CGVwyhn2-28tqYa3JFOPWa_6b0CyW2s-BuBNwdn6hZa1-FpwoWlY7zcIABHXAKiqAxDn7zmZtgC73pn/s1600/Tailfeather+VGI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL__Xupn_WC2zoHWG0EKj0fmwifpnlYLC9NuyCjVsqnxQqO2nXjur5UGdWqExq7CGVwyhn2-28tqYa3JFOPWa_6b0CyW2s-BuBNwdn6hZa1-FpwoWlY7zcIABHXAKiqAxDn7zmZtgC73pn/s320/Tailfeather+VGI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Hundreds of individually-drawn feather details on this glorious peacock, strutting his stuff for the hens.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK-Ssb4D5G9VY35FT_MgaYBi7cpp_nls3E1eE28PmLQL1ecSb2cuPPaNyIXow1sZn7RumSBT2Z5poG-0VtvqUFME2MM7O1oAxqt8460yFLwgK5hGB6J0WSsF94U2T2Ukyts_1W3kQsRFZ/s1600/SalmonVGI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK-Ssb4D5G9VY35FT_MgaYBi7cpp_nls3E1eE28PmLQL1ecSb2cuPPaNyIXow1sZn7RumSBT2Z5poG-0VtvqUFME2MM7O1oAxqt8460yFLwgK5hGB6J0WSsF94U2T2Ukyts_1W3kQsRFZ/s320/SalmonVGI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A salmon makes a death-defying leap up a raging waterfall to reach its ancient spawning ground.</b></div><br />
The shirts cost from $22.95, giving you a practical, hard-wearing garment and also a unique piece of artwork you will never find anywhere else. So if you enjoy reading this blog or my Scrapbook, or if you like to follow me on Twitter or Facebook, please do what you can to support my shops and spread the word to new followers.<br />
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Next in my shop spring clean I'll be adding new products to my Café Press stores, putting some of my Zazzle designs onto new items and also unveiling some new additions to one of my ranges. Watch this space!Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854968577005740338.post-1475963283732370282010-12-23T11:56:00.001+00:002010-12-23T11:57:39.834+00:00Last Post In Time For ChristmasWell it's been a tough few weeks with my darling iBook being poorly. Apparently it needs a new DC-in board which I haven't dared price up yet. I've just managed to borrow a PC so I can get some internet access, more than the couple of hours a week I'm allowed at the library!<br />
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Of course with my Mac out of action I can't do any artwork, which scuppers my plans for world graphic design domination somewhat. So please accept this Olde Skool scribble as my little Christmas card and thank you for following me this year. Click on it to see it in all its glory.<br />
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If you want to check over at my Electric Scrapbook in the next few days I'll post you up some nice goodies to see you into the New Year.<br />
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However you're spending the holidays, have a great time, don't abuse your liver too much and try not to get into too many family squabbles.Val Woodhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11368598549299628877noreply@blogger.com0