.Land.

As it turns out, I have two big announcements (yesterday I said I only have one)! Life is such an adventure and this is a great month through and through!

My announcement for today is: 

I have my own domain! 

www.happytessa.land

Baahahhaaha! Happy Tessa land? Adam and I think it flows nice. I'd totally do happy.com, but it was taken. I would've done happytessa.com, but that was taken too.

The host I'm using has so many suffixes to choose from, it's unreal. I had no ideal those existed. There were options like .holiday, .Christmas, .ninja, .company, .co.br, and probably 20 others. I tried "happy" dot ANY suffix, but someone beat me to them. /sadface Once I saw .ninja, I totally wanted to do that, but Adam quickly talked me out of it.

Silly to be excited over something so tiny, but hey, it's a big deal for me! I'm really making my brand and sticking my head out there for all to see. I just wish I had more time!! MORE TIME, PLZ!

So feel free to take a gander at the products, and if you feel like shopping, my Etsy is tied right to that page as well. Just click the second button "shop" on the menu at the top of the page! 

Tomorrow I'll share with you my other adventure!

<3

Heat.

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG...

OMG.

I really have no time to post but hey, I never do. And right now I'm just FREAKING THE EFF OUT AND HAVE TO SHARE!!!

I'm getting my heat press next week!! This is the next step in my growing "business"! (if you don't know about this, read to the bottom links.)

(A heat press is like a giant iron and is used to professionally customize T-shirts, onesies, sweatshirts... even flip flops!)

I ordered it weeks ago and it was on back order. ("but Tessa, why not order one that's already in stock if you want a heat press so bad?") Because after months of researching and saving up the $$, I wanted to buy **THE ONE**. 

I've been impatiently waiting for it to be in stock and to be shipped. Yesterday I realized I don't have something sturdy to put it on (it weighs 60 pounds), so now there's a quick hunt for that... but truly I don't even care. I'm going to use it even if I have to put it on the floor! 

I've also ordered a ton of clothing to start. Even though I got some shirts for as low as $2.00, it adds up FAST! You have to get men's small, medium, large, extra large (and how large do you go? Do you go up to 2XL? 3XL? I went up to just 1XL), then women's small, medium, large, extra large, then every children's sizes, toddler sizes, and onesies. People go CRAZY for onesies! Oh, and you have to get everything in more than one color, right? I kept everything white except I got black and red shirts in the adult sizes. 

I have so, so, so many ideas! It's killing me! I have 4 other orders that I have to finish before it comes! They're being worked on, but it's so hard to not get distracted!

If you want to see my distractions, things I'm working on, and ways to see more products and follow my business, you should look at and follow these:

1. Etsy: The best way to see updates here is to create an Etsy account and "Favorite" my shop and the items in my shop that you like

2. Facebook: make sure you actually "follow" my page, not just "like" it. That way you'll actually see my updates.

3. My "Always-Under-Construction" Website: I'm starting with a free but wonderful host (is that what you call it?) until I get everything constructed and working the way I want it. 

IF YOU HAVE A CRAFTING NEED BUT DON'T SEE THAT I OFFER IT, ASK ME ANYWAY! I do a lot of other things than are listed in any which link. I'm trying to make everything cohesive and flow, but right now it's just not happening. I like to do a lot of odd-ball orders, so please, ask!

I have a HUGE announcement that I'll share in a few days! Hang tight, peeps!

<3

20,000.

Huh? 20,000 page views!? I haven't be able to update this blog in a long time! Thanks to everyone that looked at my blog at one point or another!

Decal.

How to Apply a Vinyl Decal

Forewarning: I suggest you read the entire page before adhering your decal. If you think you don't need to and just slap it on, just let me tell you the number one rule:

GO SLOW!

Step 1: Clean and dry the desired area using rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Do not use Windex or similar products because it will leave a residue behind that will prevent the decal from adhering well. Decals will stick best to clean, smooth surfaces. *This step is crucial for application on things like a mirror because if left, dust will be noticeable on the other side.

Step 2: Rub the decal with the card provided or a credit card to be sure the transfer tape is properly adhered to the graphic. This removes any air bubbles that may have formed and makes the decal cling to the transfer tape.

Step 3: Remove the paper backing slowly, making sure the graphic stays adhered to the transparent transfer tape. If the decal clings to the backing, slowly replace the paper backing and repeat Step 2.

Step 4a: For a "dry" method application, use the card provided or a credit card to make sure the entire graphic is fully adhered to the surface. Don't attach it all willy-nilly, because this will cause bubbles or wrinkles, which will cause you to cry. Make sure you position your decal where you want it before adhering, because once it's down, it's down. For best results, wait 24 hours before moving to the next step.

- - OR - -

Step 4b: For a "bubble proof" application, (and the only application I personally ONLY use),  you can use the "wet" method: Mix 1 cup of cold tap water with one drop of dishwashing liquid (Dawn, Ivory, etc.). I suggest pouring this mixture into a clean spray bottle, though a lint-free rag or sponge can be used instead. Apply the water mixture liberally to the surface to which the decal is being applied. This wet method permits you to work from the center to the outside, smoothing out the decal and eliminating wrinkles or air bubbles.

Once the decal is in place, let it dry for about 15 minutes and then carefully peel off the backing paper. If an edge of the decal lifts from the surface, use the credit card to smooth it back down and wait a couple more minutes for the further drying.

Step 5: Slowly remove the transfer tape at an 180 degree angle, making sure no part of the graphic remains on the transfer tape. If the decal pulls away from the surface, repeat Step 4.

Step 6: Check for air bubbles or wrinkles. In most cases, air bubbles can be worked to the edge of the decal with the card you've been using, but if not, a pin hole will allow the air out and become virtually invisible once the bubble is gone. You can also try to use a hair dryer to heat the surface, and then try to work out the bubbles as before.

Tips:

• Go slow. If you think you're going slow, you're not going slow enough.
• Seriously MAKE SURE that you clean your surface properly. This extends the life of your decal.
• Do not apply in extreme hot or cold temperatures
• If applying to a car, do not wash your car for at least three days after applying the decal, which will permit all of the application fluid to evaporate completely.
• If you need a replacement decal, possibly because you didn't read the instructions ;), you can purchase another one for either half the price you originally paid or at cost of the materials, whichever is greater.
• Go slow.

Let me know if you have any questions!

-T

Email: happyhappytessa@gmail.com

or you can message me on my facebook page: facebook.com/tessaishappy

Keychains.

(I know, key chains is two words, but I only use one word for my post titles. Deal with it.)

I've been meaning to post about more exciting things! Being unemployed really makes you busy! 

....lol. 

No, it's my sleeping. My sleeping pattern has been off for almost a year now - since I opened Etsy and got a few sales near Valentine's Day. I worked so hard and so much that I wasn't sleeping entire nights. I was working straight through them and then working a full day at my day job. 

Come the weekend though, it was filled with sleeping. 

Really, just that. Sleeping.

My record is approximately 62 hours of sleep, accumulated from Friday night after work until Monday morning when it was time to go into work. I was always so tired that I couldn't stay awake for longer than three hours. 

To my defense, it wasn't all my Obsessive Compulsion Disorder which made me work incessantly on Etsy orders, but my brain medication (for bipolar, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and whatever else I can't remember) was all sorts of out of whack this year too. 

My brain medication is quite better now. Adam is very kind, understanding, and is helping me to get my life back on track like an everyday person. 

The struggle to have a normal life is real.

-----

I'm done complaining today. I'm going to share with you my latest product that's not quite up for sale on Etsy yet, but I've been making several for friends around town and trying to catch up on Etsy orders before they go up, but they shall be soon!

CUTE, CUTE key chains!

with so many different styles and backgrounds to choose from, and there are going to be even more soon!

(that's a copyright image, not a Chicago Bears logo)

I made the first (12) key chains for a friend - a sample of what they looked like is in the first picture. She took the key chains to the parents and aunts/uncles in her family to announce that she was pregnant! Howe so, so cute!?

Next up, I'm almost done with an order for one of Adam's coworkers. She ordered five and she went all-out. We added a metal charm and also a bead charm to each one! It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work, too! I made almost 30 bead charms (so that she could have a variety to choose from) and had to teach myself how to make them. FUN, FUN! I love new stuff. Love, love, love it.

Candid photos of her key chains (because I'm too excited to wait until they're *actually* done to show you!):

I should finish up my 2 coupon book orders. That'll make me feel better about being behind.

Contact me if you want a custom key chain order!

Enormous.

This turned into an unexpected, unintentional, enormous post. However, I have pretty pictures, and that makes it okay.

I should really be working right now, but I'm not. I'm here to say "TWENTY-FIVE (25) VISITORS ON MY BLOG TODAY SO FAR!" Whuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut? Since when did I have anyone looking at my blog besides the 52. (52 Reason I Love You) post!? I'm an internet sensation! Ha. I'm hilarious and you know it.

I also see that I'm getting some visitors via Pinterest to my Legoman. post where I shared this awesome card I made for my brother last year:

It's a Lego!

The visits on my Legoman. post are from a pin with over 70 repins! You know what that means? It means that other people like my work. It means I have something in me somewhere that can come up with good stuff now and then. It means that I'm getting better. It means all of the fails for the past (almost) 28 years have been worth it because I have learned from my mistakes and I have grown from them. It means I'm awesome.

How exciting is that?! This used to be a nothing blog. A place where I put my thoughts down and sometimes a picture. I documented a lot about my crafting failures. NO ONE visited my blog. No one except for a dear interweb friend from Australia (I can never spell Australia), Michelle from Amusing Michelle. She's sincerely nice and personable, and very, very good at what she does.

My real joy and excitement in regards to visitors is my Etsy store. One day in June I got 250 views!!!!!211)%$@*&W$)%!!! I have screenshots to prove it! That's a lot for me! I only have a few items in my store, and they're not very common items that everyone is looking for, y'know? 

I just about died when I saw that number go up and up. As you can see, I stayed up past 1:00 A.M. the following day to see what the final number was for that day.

Not only that, but there's a Pinterest pin out there that has 500 some repins! NO JOKE.

----------

I think I've done enough bragging for today. I think now I'll get back to work.

Today will consist of:

• Mailing out a chalkboard coupon book (maybe I'll tell you about that drama tomorrow), which looks a little something like this on the inside:

(I'm paranoid about other people stealing my work, so I put a huge watermark
over any screenshots I take. Sorry for the annoyance.)

• Cutting white vinyl for a HUGE project, which I'll share later,

• Applying to 4 jobs as required by the State of Wisconsin for those unemployed that are receiving unemployment benefits,

• Taking pictures of 2003974 pieces of paper for a custom order to create a custom sized binder. Yes, yes. I have to take pictures of pieces of paper, edit them, upload them to a photo sharing website, then the customer gets to choose what she likes, and THEN I can make the binder. SO. MUCH. WORK. I didn't charge enough... lol...

• Continuing work on my second order of my new Vintage Pink Love Coupon Book (!!!), which will look something like this:

• Sanding a deck of teal colored cards for a 52 Reasons I Love You order, which will look similar to this: 

• Typing reasons into the computer for a reverse blue deck of cards for a 52 Reasons I Love You order, which will end up looking a little something like this:

• Doing other things that I forgot,
• Kicking Nuke (my cat) out of the Craftination Station a few dozen times. He likes my beads. and to jump in my light box. and pens. and my Silhouette Cameo. and stepping on paper. I may or may not want to strangle him sometimes.
• And hopefully I can do the dishes like I've been meaning to for two days. (DO NOT judge me. I will smite you with a curse if you do.)
• Oh, and hopefully do a load of laundry.
• And fold Adam's laundry that he refuses to put away.
• Maybe a little food in there too. 
• Probably a panic attack or three.

If you were me, what priority would you set these items at!? I DON'T KNOW, EITHER! 

/off to go turn in slow circles a few times, trying to figure out what to do first, and then sitting back down with a feeling of dread and hopelessness. Where to begin?

/sigh

Returned.

Well that whole Adoption blog was a bust. I wasn't sure what I could post and if anyone would be interested and if **I** would even be interested... so I never bothered posting anything. lawl.

Despite me deserting my blog for the better part of the year, this place has been quite active. How? Thank you, 52 Reasons I Love You (most colors, blue/teal, & Star Wars)! Dude, those things are so popular! All I did to get where I am was blog about it and link up to 52 Reasons I Love you original maker's website. And because I linked up, tons of people are clicking on my picture and coming to my blog! Not even just that, but some people are going to my Etsy store from my blog! And visitors, as we all know, equals sales (sometimes), which equals money, which equals a newly unemployed Tessa very happy!

There has been SO MUCH crafting going on 'round here. SO MUCH AWESOME with little fails mixed in. Okay, a lot of fail (wait until I talk about the dreadful purple binder). 

I want to document all of this so bad, and I thought Facebook was a decent way of doing so. But it's just not cutting it. I'm pretty sure that I can share whatever I want about my crafts and the sales on Etsy that I've gotten, as long as I don't give names. Right? Does anyone know anything about this? 

Here's to hoping I don't get sued. 

/cheers

Blog.

I created a separate blog for the Rathsack Adoption Option stuff. Mostly it has a ton of info about the 52 Reasons I Love You decks that I've been selling like crazy on Etsy. Not much else has been on there. There are like three blog posts, but I don't care. It is what it is. Rainbows, unicorns, babies, and love.

If you feel like it, help yourself!

LINKY HERE

or click on the picture below

Feelings.

Redhead Can Decorate, a mildly successful blog, and also has a Facebook page. 

Julie, the blogger, posted a picture of a "spy mirror" that she has in her house. It's a mirror on the landing of her stairs, which allows her to look down the top of the stairs and see exactly what's happening in the great area at the bottom. Feel free to click on the link to see what I mean. 

I don't agree with the total idea of a mirror. I'm not fully able to verbalize what it is that bothers me. I just think that kids aren't meant to be monitored all the live long day. NO ONE should be spied on! What a violation of privacy! 

I totally understand checking up on kids and making sure that they aren't up to no good, but they should probably be aware that you're checking up on them, no? How CREEPED OUT would I have been growing up if I saw my mother staring at me through a mirror? Around the corner? A camera? Seriously. Creeped. Out. 

I guess I am able to verbalize what bothers me about it, and now it makes me more upset!

BUT. When I first saw the picture, remember, I didn't know what it was exactly that I didn't like. All I was able to say was "Huh. That's... weird.".  I didn't think my comment was offensive, out of line, or even mildly rude. Is that rude? You tell me.

Apparently Julie the Redhead thought it was completely unacceptable, because not only did she promptly delete my comment, but she also banned me from making any comments on her entire Facebook page.

Honestly?  

True story.

I wanted to contact her to see if she really was mad at me, but I cannot send her a private message through her Facebook page. 

I was able to find her email from her blog, and I sent her a short, sweet and innocent email:

"I'm confused. I'm pretty sure I commented on your spy mirror post on your Facebook page. I went back to it to see if anyone else had commented on it, but my comment isn't there. Now it seems I can't comment at all anymore.  

In case you deleted it, I didn't think my comment was controversial. I thought my comment was perfectly objectionable but not rude.  

Did you block me? Did I not post it? Why can't I comment on anything else of yours?"

To date, she has posted several times on her Facebook, yet I have not received a response. I'm upset by this - moreso than a normal person should be, I think. I'd love to throw out a slew of curse words, a few degrading sentiments, and a plethora of angry words directed at this woman, but instead I'm just going to say one word:

Rude.

You don't like something I say? It seems the only logical response is to shun me from the entire group of fans that she has. Delete my comment, prevent me from ever commenting on any post again, don't return my email, and certainly don't explain anything. Censor my words and ban me entirely from your entire Facebook page.

Talk about a slap in the face. 

I'm sure she'd ban me from her website if she could figure out how. She'd block my emails, too. They might already be automatically directed to her trash or spam folder.

I wonder if she deletes EVERYONE'S comments that don't 100% agree or omfglovebowbow at her. Not only do I not agree with her mirror, I don't agree with they way she conducts her business or how she treats people. I can't believe people actually behave this way.

Resourcefulness.

I like to say that I'm resourceful. The truth is that I'm not.

One of the most recent things going on right now is my hatred for grocery stores. Walmart is the place that I shop. I love the idea of it, but I hate spending so much time, spending so much money, and being around such stupid people. So I've been avoiding it at all costs.

I've been slowly digging through the pantry, cupboard, fridge, and freezer, trying to find anything that looks halfway decent and not two years expired. I think it's been about four months or longer since I have done an actual shopping trip. Adam does one every other week or so, but his system is to not use a cart... just one basket, fill it up, and use whatever his hands can carry. Last time he went, just a few days ago, he got two frozen pizzas, 10 frozen pot pies, apples, juice, jam, and a bag of candy. Last time I went, it was for soda, and I also picked up a pre-made croissant turkey and cheese sammich, and some extreme clearance chocolate leftover from Valentine's day.

We're all out of anything useful, such as eggs, meat, bread.

Our fridge consists of the apples and juice Adam bought, some almond milk, butter, two half-full jars of spaghetti sauce, baking soda, and some condiments on the door.

The fridge is even more parse: chocolate chips, vegetables in bags, a few pot pies, and an ice pack.

As for the rest...

Add some flour, sugar, beans, syrup, spices & herbs... that's all, folks.

I think I have about two days left in me before I break down and go on the shopping trip.