Gee How Quaint

Tea for Three tote

Totes are so clever and handy.  I have an entire drawer over-stuffed with the things.  Choice is important as I don't want my nicely-put-together-outfit being destroyed by an ill chosen bag.  No clashing, unless it's part of the ensemble.

My latest addition to the Gee How Quaint empire includes totes, printed in one of three delicate prints.  The one featured is a personal favourite.  Shimmy on over to www.geehowquaint.com to see the others.

Bespoke Bride Travel Set

 

 

They're here!  They're here!  The first order for a bespoke 'BRIDE' travel set has arrived and I am lovin' it!  This order was especially made for a dear friend of an even dearer friend, for her wedding day. 

How can you get your pretty, dainty fingers onto your own Bride gift set?  Simply click on www.geehowquaint.com and visit the 'Wedding and Wedding Party' Section to make your purchase.  Please be aware that these are bespoke bags.  You decide (yes, you!) on the lining colour and ribbon colour.  The nifty and super fabulous thing about this is that you tell us the Bride's wedding colours and we use those colours to make the bags!  Hurrah!  O Happy Joyous Day! 

The outer shell is white and printed with that fun and fluid (yet somehow boxy, too) print. 

Please be aware that it will take up to 3 weeks from the date of your order to the time you receive it.  These are hand printed and handmade and completely adorable.

Becky's at the Beach waterproof swimsuit bag revamp

 

Previously, I have mentioned getting rid of the old and coming up with something new, now, more vibrant, more interesting.  It seems that Becky has lost a popularity contest and is no longer wanted.  Such is life.  We live.  We learn.  We re-ajust.  And we move on.

As in life, so also in art.  Here is the new Becky design.  You may notice that we have strayed from the usual single colour background and have gone for something in pattern.  You can thank your lucky stars and Amy Butler for this geometric design.  It wouldn't be a Cassandra product if it didn't have a little linear detail, thus the addition of the retro swim wear... when bottoms were adequately covered and halter necks began the rage.

These will soon be on offer at the usual place: www.geehowquaint.com

Sometimes labels are good

Today's update, brought to you by the letter B.  Why the letter B?  Because my Back is aching after sitting very hunched over my sewing machine all the day long.  Label after label after label.  But you know, those Authentic Tea Shirts don't label themselves, so I must stick a label on for them.

The bees have been busy at GHQ HQ finding, creating, slicing and dicing up new images for more t-shirts.  There is one idea in particular that I think will take off, right out of its cage.  We are also antici....pating the arrival of freshly made aprons.  With designs and printing machines at the ready, we are like little giddy school children waiting to make pretty marks with pretty colours that will look quite, uhm, pretty. Tidy.  And possibly quite gorgeous. 

I can say 'we' now because GHQ has a good little sidekick (not to be confused with Psychic, although that would be helpful) in the form of Josey the mascot, as well as busy fingers Candydoll Couture star Emma. 

Hello, Dollface

With Gocco supplies becoming more and more scarce, I have been buying in as much stock as my little business bank account will allow.  This has been a difficult, yet necessary decision to make as it has meant curtailing some much needed new designs and designs on bags.  That money has instead had to go to preparing my little business for the death of Gocco. Selah.

The Work Placement student is doing just fine.  She had a go-go on the Gocco and realised that it can be a game of luck.  One of her screens didn't flash properly. We did begin to print her new fabric and I tell you, Dollface, it is going to be smashing.  Super cute.  Very candy-coloured and fun.  But that's what we are all about here at GHQ HQ.  Producing fun, cute, quirky and a bit of madness.

Work has also begun with creating a website to feature my artwork.  My plan is to create art pieces that are more affordable (ie; without heavy, expensive frames).  Updates will follow regarding that progress.

Bespoke Bridal Bags is on the agenda for next week.

Over and out, little buddy.

Imperfection doesn't sell

 

What's a girl to do when an order goes terribly wrong?  For some reason, the print did not come out clearly on the fabric AND the bag has been made too small.  I won't sell it.  At all.  At any discount.  I have my good name and Gee How Quaint's reputation to keep in mind.  So, the only thing that I can do, am willing to do, is give it away for free.

Here's your chance to win a FREE imperfect Florie Shoe Bag and matching Knicker Bag!  Whoo hoo!  Simply make a little comment at the end of this entry.  I will be left with your email info and will contact the winner on Friday.  It's as easy as that.  And you don't even need to be based in the UK.

Matching Candie Knicker Bag

 

Here's the new design to match the current Candie Shoe Bag.  This is fresh off of the printing press and I just know that it's going to be a great addition to the 'Candie' Travel Set.  Rest assured, the colour that appears on your screen is not an exact match.  The background is a pistachio and not this nasty yellowing dying grass version.

 

www.geehowquaint.com

Mr Site is Mr Fabulously Easy

 

Today's Completed Task: Print 35 knicker bags. 

 

Current Task:  Re-create website using Mr Site Pro.  Feeling: Fine and stable.  I have not once wanted to throw my laptop across the room.  When it comes to computer design artiness, I am generally not a fan.  Give me a pencil and my Gocco supplies and I will most happily get on with creativity.  Expect computer website and/or graphic design genius and you will get one flustered little pup. 

 

Due to some sort of hosting issue and x-cart template blah blah blah zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (I bored myself right into a sleep just then) Sorry about that?  Where was I?  Oh yes.  I am having to re-create my website.

 

Mr Site, you sexy beast.  They may as well call you Mr Fantastic.   The steps are clear and easy to follow.  I haven't made anything amazing just yet, but I believe with a bit of tweaking here and a bit of colour change there, the new site will look even better than the old.

 

Be website design fabulous with Mr Site.

 

Side step to a side note:  I am fighting other demons today.  The other day one of my closest friends decided to a bit too real with me and basically told me I will never make a living through my business or my artwork.  Why would you say that to someone?  It's been difficult to push through that massive sheet of negativity and to just get on with printing.  I'm not usually so easily tripped up by stupid little comments.  And quite honestly, I wouldn't be pushing forward with things if I thought it was all nonsense.  This isn't the first time and I am certain it won't be the last I receive such a comment.  What a disheartening way to start a new year. 

A surprise Best Seller

 

 

The last minute Christmas rush has had me running to my sewing machine and cranking out more of these.  The Greco the Gecco Swim Shorts Waterproof Bag has been the saviour of many a checkout basket on www.notonthehighstreet.com and my own website at www.geehowquaint.com .  Why so sudden? you may ask.  I have no idea! I may answer.  I introduced this particular blokey bag this time last year.  This has been the case with many new items.  It seems to take a few months before people catch on, dig it, want it, buy it.   Last year my Christmas Best Seller was my Soleil Swim Bag and the year before that it was the pink Nicole Knicker Bag.

Today I sent out what I think will be my final Christmas orders. You never know...there may be some panic buying tonight.  After all those happy weeks of processing 3 to 5 orders a day, I will feel the after-Christmas slump.  My reason for being from January till next October will be to create even better and far more groovier bag designs, re-do the website and plan, plan, plan for knicker bag world domination.

Mwaha ha etc. 

Monday morning diary meeting

 

I saw a seal in the Tyne River yesterday.  The little guy was a bit lost I think, bobbing its way into the city, letting the tide carry him in.

Monday morning diary meeting.  I have been sitting here with myself and my big cup of coffee  planning for the rest of the week.

Today: General running around, buying fabric, posting orders, sewing Polka Dottie Swim Bags because stocks are low

Tuesday: More of the same, plan shopping party for mid-December

Wednesday: Prepare for Christmas shopping events for the end of the week (print tags, prepare bags, make info posters)

Thursday: More of the same.  In the evening I am helping a friend with a Ceidlidh (kaylee) at The Cumberland Arms in the Ouseburn Valley.  This is a charity event.

Friday: Work at special needs school all day, post orders late afternoon

Saturday: Continue working to prepare for Christmas shopping events.

Sunday:  Freeze my backside off at the Nordic Frost Festival in Gateshead.  I am one of 26 exhibitors pitching up my tent just outside of The Sage (pictured above).  The event is going to be chalk full of music, dancing, more music, and some more dancing for three days.  I am only there for the Sunday.

Monday next: Diversity Fair at Northumbria Uni.