ok, so...

I have finally gotten my butt in gear and did something new!

Hello!

Yes, it's true; I have finally sat down with myself and worked on jewelry for the first time in a long while and I'm rather proud of myself for it.

For some reason I have previously neglected to make necklaces of any sort (pendant or otherwise) and I feel extremely stupid for it. So, yes, I'll be working on getting those things up and running (hopefully before the new year, but I can't be sure).

On the other hand, I have never been more exhausted in my life during the holiday season and I hope all that passes by soon.

Remember the sale in my shop is still going on through the 25th. **Please see previous posts.**

extended christmas sale...

Hello!

Yes, yes, it's true! I have extended the Christmas sale in my shop through the 25th of December! The sale starts back up December 15th at 12:00am with the same great deals. Get to my shop so you can take advantage of these awesome prices too!

These past two days have been filled with gift buying and wrapping and hustling and bustling in, out, about and around busy shopping departments overloaded with awfully jolly people going on their merry ways, and I'm quite thrilled to be in the midst of it. XD

I have even treated myself to a few Christmas presents that I feel I deserve after a long 2010! XD

Holidays, here we come!

Thanks for reading!
       -Laura =]

oh, i've been so bad...

...so I'm obviously not getting any gifts from Santa this year. XD

Hello!

I apologize for not posting in a week, but Christmas time is keeping me extremely busy. I have not gotten around to getting Christmas stamps and the like in order to keep enough money to buy gifts for my friends and family. (Sorry, but this has to come first.) Hopefully, at the end of the season, I'll have enough money to purchase these things and create some after Christmas goodies that you can stock up on for next Christmas at awesome discounts!

The sale is still on in my shop and I've already had some people take advantage of the great prices, so get to it! lol.

On another note, I am so ready for snow to come and Christmas to get here fast! I look forward to enjoying the end of this wonderful year with my friends and family. =]

Thanks for reading!
         -Laura =]

crazy, crazy...

Hello!

I am in the midst of figuring up money things and trying to get myself through the holiday season without going bankrupt (and alive). XD

Right now, I have just ordered stationary boxes and will be ordering stamps this evening if all goes well.  Hopefully I will not get sick anymore this year because this past week has been hell again. If you read my previous posts I had a severe sinus infection and had to go to the hospital and was on all kinds of meds. Well, my sinus infection is still here and I'm taking round 2 of antibiotics and still on nausea medication as well. Plus I got pink eye the first day off of my antibiotics the first time. (haha.)

On the other hand, I'm super excited for the holidays and I really can't wait to spend time with my family and fiance and his family. Woo! =D

Anyway, the Christmas sale in my shop is still going and there are tons of great deals, so check that out.

Thanks for reading!
        -Laura =]

holiday sale starts today...

Hello!

The holiday sale in my shop started today (happy December 1st by the way!) and almost everything is on sale (imagine that). Card sets are 15% off, jewelry is 20% off and photography items are 50% off. If you want an extra 10% off of your entire order on top of the sale prices, just email me at laura.incognita@hotmail.com with "10% coupon" in the subject line.

I just got around to photographing my new items and will be posting them in the shop hopefully this evening. However, I have not gotten around to ordering my new stamps and they probably will not be coming in until (again, hopefully) next week.

I'll keep you updated on what's going to the best of my ability (providing I am still sane and coherent the closer it gets to Christmas).

Thanks for reading!
        -Laura =]

holiday sales...

Hello!

I have set the sale details for my shop sale from December the 1st to December the 14th! Jewelry will be 20% off, photography items will be 50% off (this will include custom orders) and card sets will be 15% off.

USPS (which I use) has announced their 2010 shipping mail by dates to receive your package by the 25th. You can view them here . However, I will NOT guarantee these dates; please allow ample time for your order to be processed and shipped. I will NOT refund your money if you do not receive your packages by Christmas. Sorry for any inconvience.

And I'm am changing my Saturday blog to a Sunday blog, seeing as it is the only day I have a slight break in work and plans. Thank you for understanding.

Thanks for reading!
         -Laura =]

after being sick for a week, inspiration is hard to get rid of...

Hello!

I'm finally up and kicking again!

After a week of being rather ill, seeing the doctor, getting tested for strep, getting antibiotics for a sinus infection, still feeling nauseated, going back to the doctor, being tested for mono, having a blood count, getting a urine test, having the doctor feel all around my face and my stomach and looking up my nose, in my ears, and down my throat, having a second doctor check me out, confirm I need to go to the hospital for a CT scan to check for a sinus infection that got into the bone or something, then reporting to the hospital and getting pumped full of contrast IV and having the scan, waiting around for the results, being told that it is a sinus infection behind my eye, but not serious enough to be admitted, filling three new prescriptions and staying drugged up beyond all comprehension, I am on the road to recovery. Or so I hope.

Enough of that though, back to business. So after all that mess, I finally feel up to creating new items. However, I have misplaced my camera (a fricking Olympus E-30 DSLR, how do I lose that, right?), so until I locate it, I will have no new items up for sale, as I can not take pictures. Go figure, right?

Needless to say, I am excited about getting ready to kick off the Christmas season with new items for the holiday spirit.

Remember the Black Friday Sale in my shop on (you guessed it!) BLACK FRIDAY!!! You can see my other posts to see what I'm talking about, as I am rather tired from being sick. (More like just laziness, but well deserved laziness.) XD

Thanks for reading!
        -Laura =]

sorry...

Hey!

I've been sick for the past few days, so I will resume blogging probably on Tuesday.



Thanks for reading!
   -Laura =]

the busiest time of the year...

Hello and sorry! I've been skimping on my blogging duties, but let me defend my butt by saying the cliche : "It's rather tough to work full time, plus four hours overtime during the holiday season AND managing my home business AND keeping up with a social and  home life." Sorry for the excuses, but it's very true.

Moving on, then.

I have further organized my work space and am in the process of gathering up funds to replenish my depleting stock of supplies. Again, I should be getting in new items at least by the first week or so of December.

Remember, the Black Friday Sale in my shop; jewelry is 30% off, photography items (including custom orders) are 50% off and cards are 15% off. And to receive an extra discount see this post and then contact me at laura.incognita@hotmail.com ; all inquiries will receive a discount!

I have set a date for a before Christmas sale as well. From December the 1st to December the 14th select items will be on sale for the holiday season. (However, I have not elected which items are for sale and how much they will be on sale for, so keep checking back.)

On another note, last night I attended Fall Fine Arts Night at Broadway High School and I give my congratulations to One Act play, the band and all the art students who put their work on display; you all did a wonderful job!

Thanks for reading and keep checking back!
        -Laura =]

Black Friday is just around the corner...

...and I'm having a sale in my shop!

On the 26th of this month (Black Friday!!), I will be having a huge sale in my shop on most items. Jewelry will be 30% off, photography prints will be 50% off and cards will be 15% off for one day only!

As an added bonus, I am offering everyone interested a chance to receive one of three EXTRA discount "coupons" to use in addition to the sale prices on Black Friday! If you are interested in receiving an extra discount, contact me at laura.incognita@hotmail.com and refer to the Black Friday Extra Discount Chance. (Awful name, but it works!)

Interested persons will be "entered" one time into a "drawing" to receive one of these three discounts: an extra 10% off, an extra 15% off or an extra 20% off. My little brother will do the honors of drawing and the first person drawn will receive 10% off, the second will receive 15% off, the third will receive 20% off and we'll continue drawing and awarding until we reach the bottom of the bucket. SO EVERYONE INTERESTED WILL RECEIVE AN EXTRA DISCOUNT!!

Just remember, laura.incognita@hotmail.com and Black Friday Extra Discount Chance and you're on your way to saving a bunch of money in my shop on Black Friday.

Thanks for reading!
      -Laura =]

how time flies...

Hello!

Currently, my work space is "under construction" as I'm reorganizing and attempting to make it more efficient and less of a dump.

I have made a few new items, however, the photos of the jewelry I made were taken later in the day and the lighting is all wrong so I must redo them. I did go ahead and put up a new card I made for the holidays, so I'll give you a little information on what is going on with the new holiday line.

My holiday cards are handstamped with (mostly) acid free ink on acid and lignin free cards and envelopes. (I just got awesome new stamp pens and I'm not quite sure if they are acid free yet.) By the time I pay my car and insurance payments, I will be ordering new stamps to work on gift tags and envelope stickers as well.

Here are some "sketchy examples" of the stamps I will be getting in.

ENVELOPE STICKER EXAMPLES.

GIFT TAG EXAMPLES.

(Thought it'd be cute to give those parents whose kids still receive presents from Santa a break from having to strain themselves to create new handwriting.)

If you don't see something you like, message me and we'll see what I can find to suit your needs. Perhaps a custom stamp with a symbol of your choosing and your own text; just ask!

Here is the newest addition to the card line!

And of course, I can always change what the envelope says to make a custom order for you!

Thanks for reading!
      -Laura =]

Christmas will be coming 'round the mountain...

Hello!

Yes, yes. I know I've said it, but I'll say it again; Christmas may be a month and a half away, but it will be here before you know it! Stock up on cards, wrapping paper, gift tags and, well, the gifts, of course!

Scene 1:
*(slightly irritating) popstar-esque teen*: I, like, wish someone would totally, like, get me something super awesome for Christmas that no one else has so I can, like, rub it in their faces.

*incognita. elf* What's this? You desire a gift that will compliment your poppy, teen fashions, but would rather receive something not everyone else will have after the holidays? No problem! Just tell your friends and family to head down to incognita. and pick out a modern piece of jewelry that hasn't hit the shelves in Kohl's, JCPenny's or Wal-Mart. After Christmas break, all your friends will be asking, "Where in the, like, hell did you get that?! It's so, like, totally rad!"

Scene 2:
*unique (fancying the organic and handmade) flower child/indie kid*: For the holiday season, I think I'd like to have something handmade or perhaps vintage.

*incognita. elf* Alas, sweet child! Send your friends and family to Etsy , where they can find all kinds vintage and handmade goods. And while they're there, have them stop by incognita. to browse through our selection of jewelry and cards.

Scene 3:
*eccentric art fanatic/art enthusiast*: blah, blah, blah....ART! blah, dee, la, blah....ART SUPPLIES! la, dum, dee, rum, chum....PHOTOGRAPHY! AHHHH!!!! PHOTOGRAPHY! THAT'S WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS!!!

*incognita. elf* AHHHHHHH!!!! YOU CAN GET SOME REALLY AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS AT INCOGNITA. !!!!!

-fin-

So if you didn't get the numerous hints in the paragraphs above, you are truly hopeless. (Just kidding.) Basically, incognita. has something for everyone including that popstar-esque teen, that unique indie kid or flower child and even those crazy art freaks. And for people on a budget, it's just as great.

In addition to all this, I have just ordered supplies to make handmade gift labels (even a To, From version "signed" by Santa so your children can't figure out it's really you.), holiday cards and evelope seals. All these items should be up (hopefully) next week.

Thanks for reading!
          -Laura =]

oh, lovely day...

why must you end?

ha.

The holidays are coming and it's starting to look a lot like Christmas, folks! Yes. I know, I know, it's only the first week in November, but it's closing in fast! As families get ready for Thanksgiving dinners and vacations, shops are preparing themselves for that inevitable holiday rush. You know, those procrastinators, the college kids who have too much on their plate already, those lousy boyfriends who use up all their spare time trying to figure out what to get her and then dash to the local jewelry store in the waning hours of Christmas Eve and end up buying a run-of-the-mill diamond heart necklace that most of us make a fuss over and then secretly tuck it into the deepest pocket of our jewelry box because it's just not us? That rush.

Luckily for most shops, they have the convenience of a widely-used household name and hoards of employees plus a sea of applications for seasonal part-timers. Although incognita. does not have all that glitz and glamor, it is a wonderful option for your holiday shopping. Here's a little window shopping for you.

"hydrangeas." Photography Print

Black Jasper and Blue Stone Sterling Silver Earrings

Indie Owl Card

Blue Stone and Pink Coral Sterling Silver Bracelet



Dyed Red Howlite and Black Jasper Sterling Silver Earrings

"ripplewood." Photography Print



Now, I know what you're thinking and stop thinking it! =] "I didn't see anything I really, really love." Hold it right there. You have only seen five items for sale in my shop, so first, what you really need to do is to click this link right here and look around some more. Secondly, why are you only thinking about yourself during the holiday season?! Shame on you. =] Know someone who would appreciate a handcrafted gift from incognita.? Click that link above!

You can always check incognita.'s Facebook page for exclusive offers and discounts by clicking here and keep up with me here for more offers and discounts.

Holiday sale dates and the like will be up sooner than you think!

Thanks for reading!
         -Laura =]

the great possibility of a "new" jewelry line coming out...

Hello!

Yes, it's been awhile since I've written, but I think now I can actually get into some sort of routine with the past few weeks behind me.

Last night was spent trying to figure out what customs forms I need to ship items to Canada. Needless to say that they also require Registered Mail, which turns out to be almost twice the amount of the item I'm shipping. Bothers me, really. Not that I'm paying for the shipping, but someone has to pay that much to get a six dollar pair of earrings. (Which has nothing to do with opening a new line of jewelry...)

BACK ON TRACK!

This morning I thought (I don't really know what compelled me to think at 7am, but here we are) opening a line of crystal point and let's just say religious without meaning religious (can I do that for the sake of conversation?) jewelry in my Etsy shop . Of course, it will take some time to get a "line" up, perhaps a month or so, because of expenses. However, I look forward to adding new items and hopefully uping my traffic.

As for personal life, I finally got my new Trailblazer (that runs and has enough room for me to haul my things to craft shows!) and I still have money in the bank. I also got my custom coat from Oblivion Clothing and it is absolutely stunning! I promise to post pictures as soon as I can.

Thanks for reading and keep checking the shop!
         -Laura =]

behind the scenes...

are things you'll wish you never saw. However, since you're already here, you might as well look.

I actually got around to a behind the scenes "preview", if you will, and needless to say it was rather fun. I took some photos, spun around in my computer chair and was generally annoying to the population. Read on!

First things first, if I were actually to give you a "real time" behind the scenes I would have to show you my work space. Now, all artists should enjoy time spent in their work space, correct? Of course. Do I? In a sense, yes. I thoroughly enjoy sitting at a desk that I can stick my elbows out and touch each side underneath a shelf I most always hit my head on that is stuck in the corner of a dimly lit room I share with a person as equally annoying as myself. Not so much. In other ways, it's my space where my disorganized ass sits after a long day at work, figuring up numbers, ways to advertise and birth my creations. No, I did not clean prior to this event; I don't believe in facades. Enjoy!

I also took the time to gather up some of my "unsellable" creations that I will always keep for myself. First off, 2D art:

Starting from the left most side and working our way to the right:
A Digimon airbrust triple print (!!), a charcoal still life of cloth over a chair, a pastel "fantasy" of a tree with a double yellow line, two "fantasy" portraits of my friend, Becky, a marbeled print of a tree (I know it's half out of frame, but that's what it is), and a marbeled print on a newsprint comic strip which I have done a close up of to show detail below:

Next up, 3D art and/or craft:

From left to right:
A sculptural clay piece (turned out with a large crack, but hey, it happens), 2 clay pumpkins, a handmade paper face and a clay leaf bowl.

And finally, (when you thought it couldn't get any worse) here I am, doing what I do best!

Yes, that is what I do best. Being an artist and experimenting with photography. XD

Not exactly. But it does remind me that I have to gather up money to purchase equipment to shoot meteor showers at the end of the year. To see the line up of annual meteor showers, click here . To see meteor photography, click here . You'll see the similarities I'm talking about in the star trails.

Well, that's a beginning. I promise to keep you all better updated!

Thanks for reading!
              -Laura =]

RAFFLE WINNERS!!

Hello!

Since I had no one buy raffle tickets on the last day, I am giving out the winners early.

First place and first choice goes to Molly!

Second place and second choice goes to my Mom! XD

Third place and final winner goes to James!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners!

I have not got around to doing a behind the scenes yet, but will be working on that tomorrow since it is my lovely day off; I'll post it as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading and keep checking back!
                -Laura =]

EEEK!

Hello again!

I seem to be having the worst time keeping up with my posts as of late. Truth is, although I love my blog, other things of higher priority have been keeping me busy.

I do want you to know that my shop will be closed on the 16th for the craft show in Broadway, VA. Also, you can still purchase tickets for the raffle. (To see prizes and pricing info, please check here ) In addition, I encourage everyone to wear purple on the 20th in honor of the many LGBTQ people who have taken their lives because of bullying.

I feel like there are so many updates to write, but we'll continue just the same.

During the craft show, I will be taking donations for Shelter House ("Shelter House, Inc. is currently serving 43 families in our shelters and transitional housing program.  We also help an additional 20 previously homeless families maintain their housing, so they do not fall back into the shelter system") and if you would like to donate funds, you can click here , if you would like to donate items, you can click here for a list of items the organization can take and the donated goods operating times, if you would like to donate your time, you can click here for more information and lastly, if you would like to be employed by Shelter House Inc., you can click right here.

Second to last, congratulations to my cousin, Sarah, and my cousin-to-be, Ben, on their wedding on the 23rd of this month! May Thor grant you bountiful babies!

Very last announcement, I promise! I will be doing a behind the scenes at incognita. (hopefully!) this Saturday or next Tuesday. Just be sure to keep checking back!

Thanks for reading!
            -Laura =]

OOPS!

I haven't posted since Tuesday! (Life has just been crazy right now.)

However, the raffle is still going on. Prizes are a matching pink coral and peridot cat's eye bracelet and earring set, a framed 8x10 photography print and a set of hand-stamped cards. Three people will win! $1 for 1 ticket, $4 for 5 tickets, $7 for 10 tickets. Email me at laura.incognita@hotmail.com to purchase them.

Remember to keep checking the shop for new items and be sure to check it out before the craft show on the 16th; I can't be sure if anything will still be in stock, so get it while it's definite!

Make sure to keep checking back for new posts here as well! I know I haven't got much, but once things start turning around for me, I promise to put up more how to's and possibly videos. Plus, I will always have some sort of contest or raffle for everyone to win wonderful prizes!

Thanks for reading!
         -Laura =]

cure for the blues? english toffee coffee.

Hello!

I don't have much to write today. My car broke down and is costing an arm and a leg to fix, so my output will be far less than usual. =[

I do hope to, however, put up a few new things in the shop , so keep checking!

Thanks for reading!
   -Laura =]

Saturday Paper!! (and it's on time)

Hello!

Today was generally great and in celebration of all things great, I am going to give out some trade secrets. (Ok, they're not really secrets, seeing as most jewelry makers could do it.) Read on and learn, my young padawans.

How to Make a Simple Set of Dangle Earrings

Things you'll need:
Round nose jewelry pliers
Jewelry wire-cutters
2 ball and hook earwires
2 head pins
Selection of beads

1. Slide the beads on the head pin in the order of your choosing and cut the pin about 3/8 of an inch from the top of the last bead; make a small, secure loop with the end of the pin using the round nose jewelry pliers. Repeat with other head pin and beads.

2. Open the hook part of the earwire, so it's not touching the part that slides into your ear, and push the loop from the head pin onto the ball; reclose the hook. Repeat with other earwire. See photo.

3. TADA! Your earrings are complete! Now go enjoy some cheesecake.

Remember! Raffle is still on!

Thanks for reading!
       -Laura =]

koala, koala, koala...EMU! EMU! (find me at the Broadway-Timberville Chamber Fall Festival)

That's my new marco polo game. XD

I'm really at a loss for what to write today. I can tell you that incognita. is attending the 46th Annual Broadway-Timberville Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival and Car Show . It is being held on October 16th from 9am to 3pm on Main Street, Broadway, VA.

I can also tell you about a custom coat I ordered.  Oblivion Clothing is designing and creating a custom military-styled, dress-coat for me. She has been so helpful and willing to answer all my questions, so check her shop out!

Remember, the raffle is still on! I will be selling tickets at the craft show, also. For more information, see the raffle info blog .

Thanks for reading!
        -Laura =]

ah, burger king is full of good times...

Today was a good day in general. I got a $1.00 raise at work and ended up talking to a super interesting man at Burger King.

This is his story...

So, I'm standing in line debating on whether or not to get the new seattle's best mocha iced coffee and decide to get it. The man behind me proceeds to tell me that it is really good coffee and that his kids forced him into drinking it. From here on out, the story gets better.

This mystery man (age probably 50 or so) tells me that he has 9 children (7 boys and 2 girls) and that he wants each of them to have 3-5 kids. At this point I tell him that I would like 6 (not an odd number because then there will be an oddball). He stops his story to tell me that he would like to "hook me up" with his son who just broke up with his girlfriend of 5 years because she didn't want kids. I showed him my engagement ring and he was obviously disappointed.

He continued his story, stating that the government is destroying kids' lives and that he wants to move out west, or to Ireland or perhaps get his own island. Furthermore, all of his sons have claymores and one of his sons almost died at war. Then he went on about how people should die defending their country like good southern men.

Nearing the end of our conversation, he informed me that he wanted 30 grandchildren total and he would homeschool them all because he is a last year retired ("thank god" he said) physics and math teacher and does not want them to have to deal with the political shite that goes on in schools.

To top it off, as he was filling up his soda, that the son he wanted me to meet is an ex-Marine and extrememly beefy. I suppose that was his last attempt to change my mind. =]

All in all, he was a wonderfully interesting individual and I am quite vexed by the face that I didn't get his name.

As a reminder, I am hosting a raffle and have sold a few tickets, but would love to sell more! Here are some FAQs and their answers. For more information, please feel free to contact me at laura.incognita@hotmail.com or see the raffle post .

Question: How much are the raffle tickets?
Answer: $1.00 for 1, $4.00 for 5 and $7.00 for 10. If you want more than that contact me and I'll give you a price.

Question: How do I purchase the raffle tickets?
Answer: Shoot me an email to laura.incognita@hotmail.com specifying your name, address, if you would like to send a personal check or pay with Paypal and the number of tickets you would like to purchase. I'll send you an invoice and as soon as I receieve payment, I'll mail you your tickets. But hurry! I will stop taking raffle orders on Monday, October 18th.

Question: When and how will I know if I've won?
Answer: Winners will be contacted first by e-mail and then announced on this blog (first names only) on Monday, October 25th.

Thanks for reading!
          -Laura =]

your saturday paper came late...

Sorry!

Yesterday was extremely hectic what with the craft show and work. Of course, I made up for it with a thin crust pepperoni pizza, cheesy bread and boneless kicker wings. =D

However, this morning I feel up to writing a "Saturday" paper. So the activities will now commence.

I am going to host a raffle. Three prizes from my inventory will be given away. The first ticket drawn will be given first pick of the three prizes, the second will be given second choice and the third will receive the final prize. Prizes are as follows:

A sterling silver peridot cat's eye and pink coral bracelet and matching earring set.

A framed 8x10 fine art photography print, entitled "hydrangeas."

A set of 20 hand-stamped blank cards with matching envelopes.

Question: How much are the raffle tickets?
Answer: $1.00 for 1, $4.00 for 5 and $7.00 for 10. If you want more than that contact me and I'll give you a price.

Question: How do I purchase the raffle tickets?
Answer: Shoot me an email to laura.incognita@hotmail.com specifying your name, address, if you would like to send a personal check or pay with Paypal and the number of tickets you would like to purchase. I'll send you an invoice and as soon as I receieve payment, I'll mail you your tickets. But hurry! I will stop taking raffle orders on Monday, October 18th.

Question: When and how will I know if I've won?
Answer: Winners will be contacted first by e-mail and then announced on this blog (first names only) on Monday, October 25th.

Thanks for reading!
          -Laura =]

Questions? Contact Laura at laura.incognita@hotmail.com .

british accents and boxes lead to brilliancy...

Hello again!

Today, whilst pondering how to make the boxes I package my jewelry kits in, I came across stamps. Not the collecting kind, the artsy fartsy kind. A little ways down the same aisle were blank cards and envelopes. Put me in the midst and WAHLAH! AN ARTISTIC IDEA OF EPIC PROPORTIONS WAS BORN!

Not exactly, seeing as I'm not the first to think of custom cards. However, it was an idea that I enjoyed the thought of, so here we are.

I have decided (with little thought) to start a card line. Greeting cards, holiday cards, get well cards, etc, etc, etc. I've already played around with my first seven or so and I've found that I enjoy it much more than I thought I would. (Especially since my fiance allows me to stamp up his arms.)

I have also contemplated changing the name of the shop (after I get married) to ehrmann eccentrics. Like? Just a thought if I can't have incognita. when I actually become a "business" instead of a "hobby".

Thanks for reading!
          -Laura =]

when 9 to 5 has got you down...

CRAFT!

Although I’m tired and my fingernail is threatening to fall off, I have managed to summon the energy enough to write.

This week is going to be filled with errands waiting to be run and things waiting to be done as I prepare for the 11^th Annual Grottoes Harvest Festival and Car Cruise-In and 2^nd Annual Chili Cook-Off. As I wait for Michael’s to restock bracelet displays so I can snatch one up (just one, I swear!) and for the UPS man to bring everything I ordered last week, I have been busy typing up flyers, getting jewelry and photography ready for show and doing 500 other things entirely unrelated to craft.

On top of this, I have been tossing around the idea of raffle tickets, contests and charity donations. However, I am stumped for prizes for raffle tickets; I have considered an item from my shop and gift cards to department stores. I think I will end up offering a donation box at my booth, giving a dollar for every 10 dollars spent and donating it to a selected charity.

Any ideas for prizes, any other ideas or tips along these lines are welcome.

This evening was spent making the dangle parts of earrings for my cup of earwires hath runneth dry. I also converted a pair of Halloween earrings into a darling necklace for my mum. On a side note, I found that the Pumpkin Spice Latte from 7-11 and the Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino from Exxon do NOT taste the same at all. Both are yummy, one just is not Pumpkin Spicy.

And...
on another side note, I find the British-American Culture Gap quite amusing.

Our story begins with John, a hard-working American man, and Marty (imaginary name for this man whose name I do not know), an equally hard-working British man, conversing over a watch brought in to sell for gold.

John: You should test that to see if it is gold.
Marty: It is gold. My father got it from a British nuclear factory he worked at for 25 years.
John: Just because he got it from a nuclear factory doesn't mean it's gold. I've seen people who got ash trays for their 25th year at work.
Marty: It's from a BRITISH nuclear factory.
END.

Turns out, the watch WAS gold. The Culture Gap just made me laugh a bit.

Thanks for reading!
        -Laura =]

it never hurts to try something new...

Hello and welcome to my new blog!

First of all, I have NEVER blogged and decided to wing it; it would be much appreciated if you just went with me on this. It never hurts to try something new. =]

This blog will be dedicated to the going-ons, roundabouts and shenanigans of my shop, incognita.. And be warned, I may thrown in a thing or two not at all related to the shop.

Our story begins with a young girl forced into Michael's wielding only her fiances' wallet. And you can assume what happened from there. HE had to file bankruptcy. The End.

Ok, ok. He didn't really go bankrupt, but he absolutely HATES going craft shopping with me now.

All right, down to business. incognita. is a smorgasbord of handmade jewelry and photography prints by me; hopefully one day I will be able to include many more craft items such as cards or decor.  I enjoy what I do and the fruits of my labor, even though not all my fruits are sales; compliments and suggestions are some of the nicest benefits I receive as a crafter.

My jewelry ranges in style as well as price; I have many eccentric, earthy pieces as well as some more modern, chunky pieces. I can't really pin down the styles of photography I offer because it has quite a range taking inspirations from macro and industrial to landscapes and abstract.

As of this moment, I only sell through Etsy and can be found at some craft shows around the Harrisonburg, VA area. I have high hopes for the future and hope to one day open my own shop, if not selling my art, helping other artists showcase and sell their own.

Question: How often will I post?

Answer: Twice a week at least. Most likely Tuesday and Friday. And perhaps I'll throw in a "Saturday paper" filled with random fun things, a contest here or there and some exclusive offers and discounts.

I also offer a monthly newsletter; if you are interested please shoot me an e-mail at laura.incognita@hotmail.com.

Thanks for reading!
             -Laura =]



Questions, comments or just want to chat about incognita.? Shoot me an e-mail at laura.incognita@hotmail.com.