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I don't really do New Year's resolutions. It's not that I don't have things to work on but I figure my long term goals should be on my own terms and not because I have one day to pick something and try to commit to it. I like to set mini goals that I would like to learn or work on that will not end in a sobbing mess!

This year I am going to plan on improving my crafts by learning more, organizing more, trying new things and having fun. My goal for my store is to work on improving my products and working on my photography - my boyfriend and I bought a new camera so I am happy. I also have plans of getting my stuff in more physical stores and trying some of the bigger craft shows out there.

If you have crafty goals for 2010 may I suggest trying local craft stores for classes, the library for books and some of the links below. I wish you luck in the coming year whatever goals you set out to reach!

YouTube: lots of random videos - from knitting to sewing!

Crafty Chica: lots of glitter and fun!

Craftster: ideas ideas ideas....

Martha Stewart: I watch her on TV for elegant crafty ideas.

Got the perfect gift? Now you are looking atyour gift wrap choices at the local mega mart and gasp with horror overall the sacarin  sweet snowmen, angel bears, Santas....What are you todo? Make your own!

Some craft stores sellplan bulk paper (you get cut in the fabric department) by the yard. Ihave seen it in various colors. You can also search around craft storesand office supply stores for class room paper or what some call'butcher paper'.

From here you can gocrazy with things like glitter glue, skull stamps, left over Halloweenstickers, photo copied images and sharpies. Have fun here. Let some ofthe stamps and paper craft ideas I picked out on Etsy inspire you!

Last night as I was sitting up my booth at a show my shop name that I hand painted on ceramic fell off the table and broke! Argghhh!  Next show I am going for something that is not so 'handle with care'...

Over on abigailshopedesigns you can get a custom fabric banner made.

If you want something that can handle spills check out the vinyl and many color combos over at precisionengraving.

Making your own can be awesome and if you know of any tips please post them. I loved my ceramic idea but I figure I need something that can handle a fall!

You got mail! I think email killed the art of the written word a bit. I still have some great pen pals though and there is something about receiving a letter or a package on a day when things are not going so well, it is just comforting.

When sending out Etsy orders I incorporate my years of pen pal-ing knowledge with my orders. Here are a few ideas to get your package out the door in style.

-Write clearly, if you are not printing out a label remember clear handwriting is a must!

-Double check the address.

-Wrap things or use bubble mailers so your items stay safe. I am not a fan of the overly packaged item, I do not need layers of pretty tissue paper that will get tossed. Newspaper is good as well as a shredded magazine that you already have read.

-As I said I am not a fan of packing materials that will be tossed. There are fun packing materials that add style without waste. I love decorative tape and stickers. Search out ‘deco tape’ on Etsy or check out the seller iwawa for some cool style.

-Address labels come in handy or a address stamp if you have a steady hand.  Check out etsy seller sweetpaperie for skull-tastic graphics.

-Remember include a note or invoice with your item. I usually try to write a thank you note instead of printing something out.

I hope these tips help you get your package to it’s destination in style!

Business cards are a must if you are promoting yourself. In fact business cards are one of the easiest and most affordable tools in business . If you do not have business cards already here are some tips and ideas.

The internet has a lot of sites that offer great prices and fast turn around. My personal favorite is Vista Print (http://www.vistaprint.com/). They are constantly having sales and have loads of customizable options. Even with the slowest shipping rate I had my cards within a month. People often rave about Moo Cards (http://us.moo.com/) and when I first saw the mini cards I wanted them for myself. I placed a order that had to be printed three times and still was never right so after the company refunded my money I tried again and picked one of their artist lines and it went through. I just found waiting for over a month for a simple font design to be rejected three times annoying. Checking out individuals who print via Etsy (www.etsy.com) is also an option.

Printing locally is a great option if you are in a rush and do not have the time to wait on shipping. You can also see options in person.

Printing yourself is easy if you have a nice printer and graphic knowledge. You can buy perforated card stock at most office supply stores. All you have to do is set up your printer program and upload text and info in a graphic program.

There is basic info you cards should contain. First is your shop’s name and website with contact email. After that you can include your name. If you feel funny giving your card out to strangers with both first and last name you can just use your first name and last initial. If you want to include your MySpace or FaceBook page remember the cards are going to potential customers, do not include your networking sites if they include you getting naked on vacation and drug usage! Phone numbers are also not needed, if you do need to give someone a phone number leave the back blank for phone number input. This rule does not apply if you are doing local business and the products need to be ordered in advanced. I run a small vegan baking business that deals with local customers, my phone number is included on the card. I also am against putting your home address on cards (I have seen it before). I rent a P.O. Box for business needs and use that on my cards.     

These are just the basics. If you have any more ideas please share them.

If you haven't been around the last couple days, you've missed out on some really awesome news! CreepyQueen Magazine will be releasing it's first ever print issue!

The issue will be release January 2010. We will update this release with an actual release day , and will be hosting a badass online launch party full of tons of prizes, chatting, and more!

Because we are going to print, we gave the site a mini-makeover to make it a little bit more sophisticated (and easier to read!)

But the real point of this post is to inform all you CQ fans that CreepyQueen is staying true to form. This magazine will and has alway been about promoting and featuring you!

So we've created a submission page where you an submit your products, articles, stories, etc., conveniently via online forms!

You'll also find our discounted advertising rates for the first ever issue, whoch you can easily reserve and purchase online via paypal!

To view this page and submit your content, click the 'magazine' tab' in the top navigation, or click this link:

http://www.creepyqueenmagazine.com/magazine.htm

We're only accepting submissions and advertising until early December, so be sure to get your stuff in!

Although we aren't able to feature everyone in this issue, we hope to be producing another, and then another, and another if this release goes smoothly.

Thanks to everyone for all of your support, love, and generosity so far, CQ would be nothing without you!