Animal tracks, VIP treatment, and being cool!

G'day passengers of The Hobo Train!  

I've got country living, my new Facebook group, and the coolness factor of handmade on my mind today.  Read on and I'd love to hear some feedback in the comments.  

Stay beautiful and thanks for riding The Hobo Train! 

* COUNTRY LIVING * 

I live in the country, near the end of a dirt road in a valley flanked by the incredible Green Mountains.  Every Friday in the winter I have a regular snowshoe date with some friends and we plough through the woods motivated by the pot-luck lunch that follows.  This morning was glorious - a true cold winter day with a bright sun and deep blue sky.  We saw some exciting animal tracks: snowshoe hare, fisher cat, deer, mink, and lots of mouse activity.  Check out these snowshoe hare tracks next to the long shadows of the trees:

* NEW FACEBOOK GROUP * 

I recently started a Facebook group, which is different than a Facebook business page... who knew?! This new group is a VIP club where I will be pampering my much-loved and kind-hearted customers with some awesome sales events.  Members of the VIP group will received top-notch treatment and first dibs on the best of what I have to offer.  Not to mention it will be damn fun.  I will be hosting my first sales event next Wednesday, March 9th at 7pm EST.  Join in the party!  Click 'VIP CLUB' below and then click 'join' at the top of the page: 

VIP CLUB

(I'm also having a giveaway there TODAY!)

* THE COOL FACTOR OF HANDMADE *

I hear a lot of talk about handmade artisan products.  People say that it's good to buy handmade because of the quality, that they last longer, or because it helps a small local business survive, or even because handcrafted items usually come with a unique story of the artist's process, life, and personality.   But one thing that often gets overlooked is COOLNESS.  Handmade items are downright cool.  They are a means of self-expression and when you are able to express your inside on the outside, that equals COOL.  So let your freak flag fly my friends!  Take the opportunity to buy handmade when you can and boost your cool factor.  People know it when they see it and they won't be able to miss it!  'Cause nothing says cool like handmade! 

As always, I love and appreciate you all.  Comment below and I'll be over the moon!

Much love!

Renée <3 font="">

Sweet art of the soul!

Sweet art of the soul!  

I came across this painting by Octavio Ocampo as I was researching visionary art.  Stunning!  The age-old theme of time mixed with love and music.  It also reminds me of how many elderly people say that they don't feel old inside.  It's only their bodies that are old.  Inside each of us is the lovestruck spirit of eternal youth that sings out the swoonful serenade or is drinking it in.  May that spirit live strongly in all of us and therefore keep us spirited and youthful! 

Another visionary artist that I'm particularly fond of is a fellow Canadian -- Autumn Skye Morrison.  I met her first at the Filberg Festival in Comox, British Columbia.  We were both participating artists of that show.  I recall being struck by some of her works that incorporated sea shells.  I later started following her online and she is an inspiration!  Here's one of my faves, entitled 'Pura Vida':

Visionary art is art that transcends the physical realm and touches on themes of spirituality, mysticism, divinity, and other-worldly concepts.  I would love to incorporate some of these themes into my craft.  I'm not sure how yet.  I have experimented with painting on fabric and then making it into something.  I do infuse a spirit of WILDNESS into my work, if not in the fabrics and colour choices, then through a transfer of my energy into the work itself.  

Stay wild!

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** NEWS **

I've started up a newsletter to stay updated on all The Hobo Train's adventures!  Follow the link for a quick and easy sign-up!  You will receive one juicy update per month along with sneak peaks, promos, special coupon codes, and some surprises!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Do you like visionary art?  Who are your fave fine artists?  What brings out the wild in you?  I'd love to hear from all of you!

Much love,

Renée

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** 'Cause nothing says cool like handmade! **

Not another GIVEAWAY?!?!?!

All aboard The Hobo Train!  Okay, this one will be short and sah-weet!  Giveaway started now.  Please enter to win.  Easy peasy.  Cool prize.  You in?  

Yes it's true!  As usual, I'm running the GIVEAWAY through Rafflecopter.... a few summersaults will get you MANY entries to win.  Who doesn't love gymnastics anyway? 

I like having giveaways because it brings more traffic and fans to my pages, but it's not entirely self-serving.  lol  Actually the MAIN reason by far is to give back to the people who help me live a life so free and creative.  And hosting a giveaway is downright fun!  So thank you to all of you! 

By the way.... what time is it?  .................  It's..........

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Please share this post if you think this giveaway needs to be experienced by other lovers of handmade items, or just anyone who loves a good giveaway.  If you'd like to subscribe to my blog, scroll down to the bottom of this page and enter your email under 'get my posts delivered right to your inbox'.  That will keep you updated on all The Hobo Train news!  I love any and all comments and read every single one. 

MUCH LOVE!

Renée 

HAPPY NUDE REAR!

HAPPY NUDE REAR EVERYONE!!!  

Sending some New Year's loving to all of you who give me the greatest gift of being able to be a creative spirit in the real world.  THANK YOU!  I am going on 9 years of being a full-time artisan and can honestly say that I am one lucky gal.  I am broke most of the time and damn-near close for the rest of the time.  haha!  But I answer to no one and am able to infuse my imagination and creative soul into my daily work.  High fives all around!

2014 was an extraordinary year for me, both in my work and my personal life.  It was full of synchronicity and serendipity, magic and awe, great friends and new friends.  A friend of mine was just remarking yesterday that she really fostered her son's imagination when he was young and now he is a really adventurous person.  She said that he can think to pursue these adventures because he can imagine them first.  That was very significant to me.  I think it's so important to live partly in our imaginations because that is what will allow us to achieve extraordinary things -- the fact that we can first imagine them.  So, let 2015 be a year of imagining!  No limits!

A real powerful mate for imagination is persistence.  My fave brand of persistence is slow and deliberate.  Taking baby steps might seem elementary but I think that subtle progress is usually the most strong and permanent kind.  One little tiny and sure-footed step in a certain direction can inevitably change the entire trajectory.  Backed-up by the fuel of clear intention and you're really on your way!  

As you can see, I'm really waxing philosophical today.  haha!  Leaving my head for a minute, I am happy to say that I have some great new products coming at you online in 2015.  Many of these I already have been producing and selling at craft shows, but will now be available online.  Yay!  Here is a booth pic from the show I just did in Ottawa in December.  

I was ready for business and had an awesome show.  I am getting to know my Ottawa clientele now that I've done the Christmas show 3 times and the spring show once.  I am happy to say that my newest upcycled products were a hit!  Legwarmers, armwarmers, hooded cowls, hats, and skirts all sold quickly, leaving a few customers empty handed when they came back to buy what they had seen a few days earlier in the show.  

UPCYCLED SKIRTS -- What a hit!

The above pic shows some of my skirts made from recycled sweaters.... super fun, super cute, and one-of-a-kind.  

These are my armwarmers made from recycled sweaters, too... funky, warm, and very affordable.  Will post some model pics in the near future so you can see how sexy they look on.

All for now.  I will leave you with this awesome pic that I took yesterday at a nearby beaver pond.  It is an incredible spot located in the Green Mountains Reserve (more on that magical place soon!).  Beavers sure do work hard!

Again, all the BEST to you in 2015!  I would love to hear your feedback on your outlook for the New Year, so please comment below and feel free to share this post with others if you've enjoyed it.  THANKS!!!  Much love!

Renée

p.s.  I will be posting some new stuff in the shop next week but in the meantime there are some AWESOME bags still available.  Get bagged in style!  Take me to the shop..... www.thehobotrain.com

GIVING AWAY FREE SWAG!

Hellooooooo my lovelies!  

Yup, it's that time again.  SWAG + FREE = AWESOME!  I'm having a GIVEAWAY!  It is ridiculously fun to give stuff away.  I love giving back to my amazing customers and followers, as they give me so much already..... *grabs kleenex*  This GIVEAWAY is pretty much exactly like the last one for those to participated last time.  I am giving away an awesome skull and roses regular-sized hobo bag.  However, the winner can choose to have that bag or their choice of any regular-sized bag in the shop.  Of course, I will also ship the bag for free to anywhere in the WORLD!  Ya baby!  Here a pic of the swag bag....

A real beaut for sure!  There is a maximum of 25 entries per person.  Yes there are a few little hoops to jump through to obtain the entries, but that's the fun part.  There will also be some surprise chances at BONUS entries over the next couple of weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!  The giveaway ends on September 24th and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter.  The winner is picked randomly by Rafflecopter, so it is truly anyone's win!  

Here is the widget...

a Rafflecopter giveaway



If you have any questions at all, feel free to message me or post at the bottom of the page.  You can email too via thehobotrain@yahoo.ca .  And there's always the FB page.... THEHOBOTRAIN .  Check it out!

If you want to see what new stuff I have in the shop, please have a visit.... SHOP THEHOBOTRAIN

THANKS in advance to everyone who participates!  This is going to be a good time!

HOBO BAGS + FUN = THEHOBOTRAIN

Renée

CANADA15!

Hellooooooo!  As it happens I'm part of an awesome team on Etsy that is called Montreal Etsy Team and is filled with amazingly creative artisans.  A bunch of us are teaming up to have a spontaneous sale.  Yup, you heard right.  SAH-WEEEEEET!!!   Use the coupon code CANADA15 to get 15% off your purchase in any of the shops HERE .  Of course this includes my bag SHOP, too.  Ya baby!  I think we'd all agree -- it's time to buy ourselves a prezzie.  lol  I'm always encouraging people to be good to themselves.  Treat yourself well and you will feel well.  :)

I was just perusing the other shops that are participating and I have to say:  HOLY WOW!  There are some talented artists out there.  Here are a few items and their corresponding shops that you might wanna check out.  So inspiring!  :)

From Polymer Clay Bijoux , these are gorgeous Celtic design earrings for only $14, plus 15% off using the coupon code CANADA15.  No brainer!

From BLPhotography, put your herbal tea down on one of these gorgeous coasters and then Namaste your way through the day.  

From AelaDesign, brighten your day with some painted bohemian jewelry.  Total wow factor!  Love this colour combo and can't beat the price.  Thirteen dollars, before even using the coupon code CANADA15 for 15% off.  Sweetness!

On another note, I can't resist posting this leopard print bag from my shop.  It will surely bring out the animal in ya!  I'm even keeping one for myself, too..... like I said, gotta be good to myself.  lol   RAWR!  Click here to see the full listing..... LEOPARD PRINT BAG!

Speaking of animals, check out one of my newest backyard neighbours.  What a beauty!  I'm hoping he will leave a few feathers behind, as they look so gorgeous.  He is usually travelling in a pack of 10 or 12 others and the other day they were napping at the edge of the woods.  Pretty funny!

All for now.  Have an awesome day everyone!  Please feel free to spread the word about the CANADA15 coupon code.  The coupon code is valid until February 25th.  Again, to see the list of shops participating, check out this link:  CANADA15 .  THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Maybe a little tune before signing off?  A great reminder by the great Van Morrison never to let your spirit die.  Enjoy!

Love to all!  Please comment below.  Love hearing from you guys!

Renee :)  

www.thehobotrain.com

FREE.... what an awesome concept. :)

Well then, is there anything better than free stuff?  Is there?  The answer, of course, is YES!  There's tons of better stuff.... like friends, family, love, creativity, adventure, excitement, relief, and more.  Also better than free stuff is BEING free!  I have to say that I am incredibly fortunate to have a freer lifestyle than most.  I work for myself and enjoy what I do.  I am able to have flexible hours and do as much or as little as I want.  It's pretty awesome and suits me well.  I wouldn't trade it for anything right now.  There is a trade-off, though.  I don't have a guaranteed paycheque.  I work alone (great a lot of the time, but kinda lame sometimes too).  I am entirely responsible for the development of my business.  And I don't have a path to follow.  There is no clearly laid out plan for me.  My biggest goal is being as free as possible.  After that I would like to make enough money to pay my bills and a few extras.  And I would like to keep my work interesting, so that I don't become bored with it or resentful of it.  I haven't been able to find a manual for this type of living, but I suppose that would go against the MO of it all anyway.  I kind of enjoy that the details are fuzzy.  lol  On that note, let's have a musical interlude that follows on this theme.  The group is called FREE and the song is All Right Now.  Enjoy!

                                        

And getting back to free stuff.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm hosting a giveaway.  I am giving away this bag:

It gives me a lot of pleasure to make someone's day, so I'm gonna do it dammit!  This giveaway will also bring me some new traffic and exposure, which is always cool with me.  And it's just downright effing fun to do.  Who doesn't like free swag?  Here's the rundown on how to gain entries into the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, if you're hanging out on my blog and have 1 extra second, please scroll down to the bottom of the page and participate in the survey question (to the left of the contact form).  Many thanks!

Good luck to you all!  The lucky winner will win the above bag or a same-size bag of their choice from my shop -- whichever they prefer.  This giveaway is open to anyone in the WORLD.  Ya baby!

Have a great night!

Renee :)

Great Handmade Blog

Hey everyone!  I'm involved in a great giveaway that I mentioned over a week ago.  It is being hosted by Jolynn's Hobby Shop and I'm giving away one of my skull and roses hobo bags.  The giveaway is still on and ends of Friday -- so, get your buns over there and enter to win.  Here's the link:  http://jolynnshobbyshop.blogspot.com/2012/02/giveaway-friday-win-handbag-from.html

Well in promoting my giveaway, I stumbled upon an awesome blog:  http://www.handmadeables.com .  This site has also posted the giveaway -- THANKS handmadeables!  This blog has great gift ideas and focuses only on handmade stuff.  One more point for handmade. 

In other news, I'm still on my cauliflower kick.  Ate 3 whole cauliflowers last week.  Well, and they were on sale for $1.67 at the restaurant supply store so that may explain why I bought so many.  lol  I've been making my own salad dressing (garlic, oil, vinegar, spices) that I just can't seem to get tired of.... *tooting horn* 

Goodnight,

Renee &hearts;

Peek into my Messy Workshop...

Hey my little hobo peeps!  Just dropped by to post a pic of my messy workshop.  lol  This is where all the action takes place.  It's awesome to have a space I can totally 'take over' and extra awesome that I have a 16-foot window right next to me.  Renee

Cauliflower and Upcycled Clothing

Hey Peeps!  So this week I've rediscovered my love for cauliflower.  I've always been a veggie lover but sometimes I get in a rut of eating the same thing over and over.  I've been trying to eat as raw and as cheaply as possible.  Cauliflower was on sale at this FANTASTIC restaurant-food supply store, so I bought me a large head.  I've been putting chunks of it in my salad along with spinach, onions, avocadoes and tomatoes, topped off with my homemade oil and vinegar dressing.  So this is basically all I've been eating this week.... a fresh start after falling off the wagon last week, eating chips, cookies and old-fashioned cooked food.  I'm already feeling a lot better.  I will post more regularly and more specifically about raw food in the future... for now it'll just be a few ramblings here and there.

In other news, I've been working hard on my Etsy shop: see http://www.thehobotrain.etsy.com .  I've struggled with taking good pics and am finally getting the hang of it.  I've been making bags for almost 6 years now and am looking to diversify.  I think upcycled clothing could really be a hit, especially since it's not a saturated market and has a specific target group.  (Listen to me with all that biz speak! lol)  I've already got a few pieces done.  It's been tough since I'm not a patternmaker.  I will post pics very soon.  Fingers crossed that it'll be a hit. 

All for now.  Please check out my Etsy shop http://www.thehobotrain.etsy.com and fan me on facebook... http://www.facebook.com/thehobotrain ... if you really want to go to town, follow me on Twitter... www.twitter.com/thehobotrain .  THANKS!

Wanna know what I'm listening to in the workshop today... Van the Man!  Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44wDwMQVqCc

Later hobo peeps,

Renee

HANDMADE SWAG + RAW FOOD... The beginning.

Hey wait a sec!  Crafts and food don't go together.  Oh yes they do.... 

And so it begins, here is my new blog that will embrace handmade artisan products (my own and those of others) and curious adventures in raw food.  I've been an artisan for 6 years now designing and making purses and a few other crafty things.  I appreciate the work, time, attention, love, sweat and originality that goes into making things with your hands, as well as the joy and despair that goes with being self-employed.  I support handmade as much as I can and think that it's a great way to develop community and human connection (I guess that's kinda the same thing, non?).  The root values of this way of thinking have to do with knowing where your purchases come from and paying a fair price.  This means making an effort to be accountable for what your dollars are supporting.  It's kinda like voting with your wallet.  It also means not taking for granted the stuff that you buy.  I don't know about you guys, but I seriously sometimes feel like a prisoner of STUFF... a mule to my things.  What the hell is all this shit?  It's in boxes, on shelves, in drawers, under the bed, collecting dust in the corner, etc.  You get the picture.  So, yeah, I'm a work in progress...  lol 

And so what does this have to do with food?  Well, I enjoy eating and I'm trying out this accountability thing with my food.  I know, I know... can't I just buy and eat what I want when I want?  Yeah, that's a very westernized way of thinking and I'm totally guilty of it and being responsible is kinda boring.  lol  But really I've found that the consumerist mentality in general just doesn't make me feel good as a person.  It makes me addicted to things and self-centered, too.  And when it comes to food and blind consumerism, the consequence is not feeling good as a body.  The effects of eating whatever you want whenever you crave it will always come out in your health.  So what does it mean to be accountable for what you eat?  Well, for me it means being aware of where your food comes from and what your food is.  It's kinda like voting with your fork.  The long-term picture for me is to eat an organically-grown (as locally as possible) raw food vegan diet.  Yikes!  Sounds daunting.... it's even scarier when I see it written down.  What does it all mean???  lol  How I got to this conclusion for myself will have to be saved for a later posting.  I'm not there yet, but that is the path I'm on.  I've played around with raw food for a couple of years now and have been a 99% vegan for 3 years.  I do believe that raw food veganism done properly is the best way to achieve optimum health.  (Of course, I'm no doctor, so don't take my word for it).  More on the goods and the bads of all this stuff later.

Hopefully you've enjoyed reading my little introduction.  Feedback is welcome.  I intend to use this blog as a casual conversation (assuming people answer me; otherwise, it will be more of a casual soliloquy) about the main things that interest me: handmade swag and raw food.  Please join me if you share these interests.  There always room on The Hobo Train... all aboard!!!  TOOT!  TOOT!  (Kinda cheesy? lol)

Thanks!

Renee

p.s.  By the way, here are the links to my handmade world:

www.thehobotrain.etsy.com 
www.facebook.com/thehobotrain
Twitter:  #thehobotrain
Pinterest: under thehobotrain