How to Craigslist like a pro

I have found the majority of my home furnishings on Craigslist (Kansas City). I have come to realize that a lot of people do not know how to properly use Craigslist, so here is how to find treasures for cheap:

1- Get google chrome as your browser

2- Install Craigslist Preview extension to chrome

3- Visualize a clear image of what you want to find or print out a photo of something that is the style of the piece you are looking for. Know the dimensions that you need for your space.

4- If you are looking for an antique (for ex. antique sofa), look first in the antiques section of craigslist for "sofa", "settee", and "couch". Then look in the furniture section for "antique", "antique sofa", and if you know a general style, try that too- such as "Victorian".

5- Repeat this process once/day. You can leave a tab open for each search (one for antique section and one for furniture section) and refresh it each day to look quickly at the new pictures that come up.

6- When you find what you want, email the seller that you are interested and if you think they have something listed for too much $ (or beyond your budget) you can always offer less up front, but most people will not come down more than 30%.

If something is already well priced don't try to bargain. Do not expect garage sale prices either- there are way more viewers to compete with on craigslist so give your best offer.

7- If you don't have access to a truck you can ask the seller if they are willing to deliver (sometimes for another $10) if you go there and help load it and have them follow you back to your house.

8- You would be surprised at the stuff Kevin has managed to ratchet strap to the top of my tiny hyundai accent. use a blanket to protect the car and drive slow ;)

the Lunar Amulet

I love making perfume but everything that goes into a new one is pretty time consuming. Writing copy, setting up photo shoots, designing packaging and sourcing materials are all challenging things that I love to do, but creating the perfume itself is the heart of my artistic expression. I often spend a few weeks coming back to the same blend I am working on, making several different versions containing dozens of plant essences. But sometimes after making repeat batches of the same perfume it begins to feel like a "product" instead of my "artwork", which made me realize why visual artists usually offer limited editions of their prints. I wanted to do the same.

Ever since I began working in tandem with the moon, my self-employed life has become balanced, productive, and focused. I thought it would be perfect to create a new limited edition perfume throughout every moon cycle and then share it with others as a way to induce awareness of the lunar phases in their own life. This also gives me the freedom to share new blends easily for the strange and adventurous.

fieldtrip

Michelle hand-prints and cuts my packaging design with her crazy machinery from the industrial revolution... remember when Mr.Rogers would go on trips like this?