In with the New Year, Out with old Designs

A new year is here!  I'm excited to welcome 2016 and all it may bring.  But, at the same time, I need to say goodbye to a few of my older designs.  
Not that they aren't still cute, and I'm still proud that I created them.  But, just as I clean out my closets, or pantry, I need to clean out my wealth of designs.  No one wants to rummage through hundreds (yes hundreds) of my designs to find the one they have to have. So, I'm trimming the fat and letting go of my License Plate designs, and a few others.  

I will still sell several versions of my North Carolina designs at Craft shows and in local stores.  

My Dog Brother and Sister designs have long been my best sellers.  So, I will concentrate on getting more breed designs done.  And there are SO many.  And within each breed, there are variations; ears up, ears down, short hair, long hair, etc.  So happily, I have my work cut out for me.  

   

I am so very grateful for all of my customers.  It is because of them that I am able to do what I love to do.  I am running a small business, being creative, and participating in local craft shows.

And, it is through my sales, that I've been able to contribute to the ASPCA.  A heartfelt THANK YOU to all my customers.  

Happy New Year.

 

A Gathering of Witches, Warlocks, Devils and Angels.

I was inspired, by a Witches hat, to do a group of Halloween themed onesies.  For me, one symbol of a Witch is a black hat.  So, I came up with a cute Witches hat and put it on a Lavender onesie.  I love pairs (being a twin), so I came up with my Warlock design.

 
And Halloween isn't normal with out a Devil design.  So, I added the word, and a pitchfork.  Cute.  Next, of course there will be an Angel design.  I have it all done, just not printed out yet.  The Devil and Angel designs will be a nice twin set too.

I'm sure as Halloween draws closer, I'll be inspired even more.  Too bad Halloween is only one night.  I love all the designs.

First School begins, then Halloween!

School has begun.  The days are getting ever so slightly longer.  My grandson will soon discover the world in a classroom.  I'm anxious for him to become an eager reader.

Judging from the catalogs and stores, Halloween is around the corner.  But there's lots of time to ponder what your little one will want to be. Plus, it's just fun to dress up in Halloween stuff right up to the very wicked day.  Here are some ideas to think about.!

  These are just a few of my favorites.  

         

Who wouldn't want to be a doctor!

 And let's not forget Harry Potter or Star Trek!

Tote Design number Two!

I decided to do another Tote design.  I love the Seagull Tote.  And, I've gotten several orders for it!  That thrills me.
I did a Toucan design that I originally thought I'd put on a tee shirt.  But, it so lends itself to a Tote.  So, I added some fun summer words to the background, and put my fun Toucan in the front.  I think it's adorable.  The Seagull is beachy and the Toucan is tropical.



 I think both of them are must have's for anyone with a beach towel, or vacation "stuff".

I'm excited to have created a new product.  A tote bag that's SO cute.  First of all, I love seagulls.  My mother gave me a copy of Jonathan Livingston Seagull years ago.  I love the message it sends "I can because I think I can."  
I created a large seagull and put him in front of a list of words.  Words of summer, that all start with the letter "S".  It's amazing how many words worked.  Summer, Sun, Sand, etc.  
Over all the design works, I think.  And the media I use, a vinyl material, adds to the strength of the bag.  The plasticity and non staining quality doesn't hurt either.  

If you find you can't live with out this cute Seagull tote, here's a link.

And guess what.  Inside the tote is a smaller "Jonathan".  Sort of a Rhoadworks signature.  

All things Red and Pink

 It's that time of year again.  For hearts, and cards, and all things Red and Pink.  I'm thinking that this new design of mine will do the trick.  If I was a baby, or even a tween, I'd love this.  

The Holiday rush is over and I think the people are relaxed enough to just shop for things that they just want.  No presents, no gifts, just cute things for the kids.  Here are some designs I hope they put on their wish lists. 

I'm getting excited about the possibility of participating in some Craft Shows this Spring.  I miss the person to person contact.  And, I have to say that my garments and designs are cuter in person.  It's also very inspiring to be around a creative bunch of crafters. 

Here's hoping old man Winter doesn't over stay his welcome.  I'm looking forward to all the design ideas that Spring has to offer. 

 I always think there's room for a "Funny Valentine"!

Pink Problems

Red and White make Pink..Right?  Well, I'm finding out that it's not that easy.  My Personalized Batgirl design depends on the logos being nice and pink.  But I'm having problems finding the right Pink.  
I first did this design about two years ago.  No problems.  No complaints.  
Then I got my new computer, and printer.  A printer that uses different ink than I used to. These days,  I would say that at least 15% of my 'work' time is spent on adjusting colors.  
I thought I had it.  For several months I sold, printed and shipped out garments with  my Batgirl design. I got reviews and thank you's from my customers.  Then I got a review that crushed me.  (I take my reviews very seriously)  It said that my Pink looked more like Salmon.  I took a good look at it, and..it did. 

So, I adjusted it down to a nice pinker Pink.  I changed all the Batgirl designs in my system to the new color.  All's well.  

Yesterday I got another disappointing review.  It said my Pink was more Lavender.  I know you can't please everyone all the time.  But I feel that I need to keep trying for that perfect Pink.  

This entry is not a confession, but more of a statement or declaration.  I'm going to try and please everyone.  Everyone that buys my Batgirl design, that is.  Wish me luck.    

Spring Twin Designs

I'm not sure if it's the extended Winter we're having, or the hope that Spring will surely come.  But my creative juices have been flowing lately.  And mostly toward designs for Twins.  
Spring makes me think of Easter, and Bunnies, and Chickens and Eggs.  So, here are a couple of my Easter inspired designs.

   
All Twins are born, first one then the other.  But which came first? This graphic poses that question is a humorous way.  I love it.  By the way I was born second. Does that make me the Chicken or the Egg, I wonder?
I love my little Bunny's.  It makes a really cute set, but I think they could also be worn separately too.

I've also done a couple of what I like to call my Farm Animal Designs.  My first one was a Horsey, with some horse shoes on the back.  The second one was a Moo Cow, with her tail on the back.  I am already planning on doing a Sheep, and maybe a Chicken.  I thought a Pig would be cute.  That curly tail and all.  But, I'm not sure a pig would send the right amount of "cute".  

I haven't forgotten my Dogs.  A customer asked me to do a dog breed I had not heard of before.  An Italian Spinone.  I had to look it up.  What a beautiful dog!  It was a task, with all that beard and hair, but he turned out pretty good.  
Another customer asked me to do a Newfoundland.  Beautiful dogs also.  

Well, I'm going to go back to the drawing board and wait till Spring really arrives.  Maybe the Spring will bring lots of baby showers! Take care.

Rhoadworks is Back Again..

Several months ago I had to have shoulder surgery.  I never intended to ignore my blog.  But time goes by fast and I simply got busy. 
Good things really do come out of bad sometimes.  For instance.  I am going to get a new heat press.  The one I use now, and for the past 6 years, is a hand press.  It's not hard to use and I've loved it.  But I guess after so many years, things wear out.  Like my shoulder.  
I had to close my shop for almost two weeks.  It almost killed me to not work on customers orders.  But, I opened back up and between physical therapy sessions, I kept up with the orders.  It's amazing how many things you can learn to do with your left hand!
I am researching what kind of "automatic" press to get.  And I can't wait.  It will allow me more time to design and work. 
I love the way these Crows look on Black and White onesies and tees.

Super Heroes are still a hot item.  I'm looking forward to a busy Halloween season.  I have lots more Toddler Tee sizes and colors now.  

 My dogs are growing in numbers too.

 They continue to be popular.

I have even started working with customers pet photos.  Here are three that I did recently.  Love them!

 

Well, I'll sign off with a promise to be back soon.  

New Designs for the New Year

It's a New Year!  And I've been inspired to do some new designs.  You never know where your inspiration will come from.  I was listening to a radio station that only plays comedy.  Hince the Knock Knock - Who's There design.  I love it.  Personally, I think it would look great on tee shirts too.

My iconic Super Hero designs continue to dominate my sales. (Thank You!)  They're really cute and current.  But I want to come up with my own Super Hero designs too.  I've been doing research into all the DC Comic heros.  Lots of ideas are out there to be done.  I've noticed a lack of female Super Heroes.  So, I came up with Pink Power.  I plan to do more for the ladies, but this is my first.  

And of course we all know it's Tax Season.  Sorry to remind you all.  But it's a perfect time to buy my "Daddy's Little Deduction" onesie.  I've had the design around a long time.  But it's always been done on Black.  This year I've brought it out on Green..the color of money!  And it's long sleeve.  It is also available as "Mommy's Little Deduction" upon request.  This green color is a new addition to my line up of colors.  I'll have fun putting designs on this..especially with St. Patrick's Day coming up.

 And of course there have been more dog breeds to do.  Most of them 
have been requests from my dog lov'n customers.  Here are just a few.   

 

Strategy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

I've decided to really try an participate in the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday foray.  Frankly, I typically just depend on the "Holiday Spirit" and a few online sales to get my site numbers up.  But I think it's time I offer my customers something more.  
Here's my strategy.  I'm going to offer Free Gift Wrapping, Free Gift Card, and Free Gift 2nd Party Shipping.  I'm also going to offer, for a price, Upgraded Shipping.  
After all, that would entice me if I were trying to find a gift online.  
After doing some Etsy Blog and Forum reading, I realized that tweaking some of my photos may not be a bad idea either. Some of those photos were taken 4 years ago, with a fairly cheap digital camera.  Why not put my best foot, and onesie, forward.  
As if that weren't enough, I keep getting requests to do more and more breeds of dogs.  Hey, I'm thankful.  My only problem is that there aren't enough hours in a day.  
My dogs are overrunning Rhoadworks.  Somehow I need to work them into their own little niche.  I'm thinking that an upscale Pet Boutique may be interested in selling them.  

.
After Thanksgiving, and Christmas..and when those extra hours show up.. I'll pop my head in a few dog boutiques and give my Dogs a whirl.    Here are my latest..

  Yes.. I do a kitty here and there.  

Craft Fair Memories

I am going to be in a craft fair in November, and I'm so excited.  Currently, I do all my sales off my Rhoadworks.Etsy site.  And I am addicted to checking my email, and touching base with my customers via email.  After all these years (6 years plus) I still love the process of designing on the computer, printing, cutting out, and pressing.  But..

I miss the personal contact with customers.  There's nothing like sitting behind a table of your wears and watching people stroll by.  As it happens, some of my designs are humorous.

To see folks smile or giggle at my designs is like getting a pat on the back for me.
When someone says "Awh! That's adorable.", they've just given me confirmation that what I'm doing is worthwhile.

If any of you reading this are thinking about getting into business with what you've created.  Try selling it at craft fairs first.  It's a good, and inexpensive way to get feedback on your product.  I made the mistake of starting out with my own web page.  Most of the time it's wasted money, and not necessary.
I can't say enough good things about Etsy.  After hearing "what store do you sell these in?" over and over, I decided to sell on line.  And I actually do sell my onesies in a few gift shops.  I continue to be amazed at how far reaching my market is.  I've sold to customers, through Etsy, to England, Australia, Canada, and even Hong Kong and Mayalsia.

November can't get here quick enough.  I'm ready to set up my table, put out my onesies and enjoy the show.  The sales are so simple.  Customers like what they see, hand you some money, and you literally hand them their order.  No shipping envelopes or postage.  I can't wait.

Just Two Cute

I was inspired to do a Batman and Robin themed onesie set.  Needless to say the Batman part was easy.  But I never really paid much attention to what Robin wore.  Sorry Robin.  So, when I looked up images, I was happy to find out how very simple it was.

That black circle with a large capital R inside it, isn't that easy to do.  Most R fonts look lopsided inside a circle.  So, I basically made an R myself.

When the simple iconic designs are put on my black and red onesies, they come to life.  And how cute they are together.  

 

I wish I had a set of little twins to put them in.  (Not to raise.. just to photograph..ha)


Here is the set along with my other Twin designs.  I hope my customers like them, because I sure enjoyed making them.
 Twins are just TWO cute

Like these? Then check out the rest of my twin designs on my site.  

Cinco de Mayo Story plus one more Dog.

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone.  I remember on this day, in years past, arrangements would be made to meet all our friends at the nearest Mexican restaurant.  We'd gather to talk, party and drink Margarita's.  I know there is a much more historic meaning to this day.  Especially if you're of Mexican descent.  Interesting how society markets holidays. 
Several years ago, I decided to make a Cinco de Mayo design to put on my onesies.  I used my little baby face, added a mustache on him, and put the Mexican flag in the background.  I thought it looked cute.  For a couple of years I sold the design pretty well. 

Then one year a customer bought the design, but asked if I'd correct the flag.  The color sequence should be Green, White, then Red.  Mine was Red, White, Green.  Seems I'd been selling (and my customers had been buying) a Cinco de Mayo design with the French Flag on it!    How embarrassing.  
I immediately corrected the flag.  This year I offered my design about two weeks before May 5th.  I sold exactly zero.  You never know..  Maybe I should change the flag back??

Speaking of all things French.  I recently got a request from a customer to do a French Bulldog.  What a cute breed.  I did some research and found that these pups come in several different color variations.  
My customer sent me a picture of her French Bulldog.  He was black and so cute.  It was really fun working on him.  
Now I want to get busy and do another one.  Maybe a white one.  Or two tone.. anyway, here's how he turned out.