Very Vero

It’s finally done. My Tusculum Cowl project using Robyn Chachula’s pattern. It’s easy to do in just a few evenings. You make several granny motifs and crochet them together as you go. I used Caron’s Spa yarn with a a size G crochet hook. It turned out beautifully and gave it a wonderfully soft texture. I found the buttons in my large button collection. I’m very pleased with the results.

I have been working on the Tusculum Cowl pattern by Robyn Chachula. I hope I can finish it before it gets too warm to wear it. I am using Caron’s Spa yarn and a size G crochet. The pattern calls for 13 granny motifs that are crocheted together. Then it has a beautiful chain stich pattern all the way around the motifs. I have 3 more grannies to go! The pattern is fairly easy to follow and Robyn includes the visual crochet diagrams to help those of us who are visual people. I’m really pleased with the yarn I’m using. It has a beautiful sheen. It’s the first time I’ve used a bamboo blend yarn. Now if it could just get cold one more time right after I finish the cowl! Southeast Texas weather can go from winter to summer in no time…

Here are a few tips for working with a CPA or tax preparer. If you don’t know how to find a CPA ask around for recommendations. Always ask them for an estimate before they do your taxes and shop around for rates. Most importantly, find a CPA or tax preparer that you like.

1. Send everything to your tax preparer or CPA during the month of February. This way your return will be completed quickly. Most people wait until March and April. By this time, CPA’s and tax preparers are swamped with work and your return will not get done quickly.
2. Never e-mail anything containing your social security number to your CPA or tax preparer and do not allow them to e-mail you copies of your tax return. E-mail is not secure.
3. Send your CPA or tax preparer all of your information at one time. Do not send partial information. Your fees will be higher if they have to change your return several times because you keep sending additional information.
4. Send your CPA or tax preparer your bank account number and ABA number so that the IRS can send your refund directly to your bank account. Be sure that you provide the correct numbers.
5. Do not send your CPA or tax preparer a box full of receipts and records. They don’t need it. If they have to look for something they will generally bill you to look through your box. It’s best for you to hold on to your box of information and only send them something if they ask for it.
6. If your CPA or tax preparer asks for any business receipts or documentation – send them only copies. Never send your CPA or tax preparer any original documentation. They may lose it.
7. Your CPA or tax preparer is not the IRS. They don’t need to get all of your business receipts and documentation. They don’t have a responsibility to verify most of the information that you send them.
8. Your CPA or tax preparer is not a mind reader or professional organizer.
   1. Do not send hand-written notes or papers with numbers and scribbles on them.
   2. Do not send documents that you think are tax related but are not
   3. Do not send disorganized information. It’s best if you paperclip together (do not staple) similar documentation.
9. Respond promptly to CPA or tax preparer when they have questions. The longer you take to reply to them the more time that will pass. If you wait too long, your tax return will go to the bottom of the pile and other returns will be completed before yours is completed.

Check out my new blog full of business, bookkeeping, and tax tips for creative entrepreneurs and etsy shop owners.

I made this hairpin lace neck cuff for my mother using a free pattern from Stitch Diva. For years I have been wanting to try hairpin lace and finally I learned how to do it. I looked up instructions and videos online and after some practice I got the technique down. The hairpin lace pattern was pretty easy. It also has a crochet edging that I’m not sure if I really made it the way the pattern called for but I was pleased with the result. The yarn was a recycled find from one of my thrifting trips. I’m not sure what kind of yarn it is. I bought the shawl pin a few years ago on a trip to Chile. If you haven’t tried hairpin lace before I highly encourage you to try it.  Check out Stitch Diva’s hairpin lace tutorial page.

I just wrote an article “10 Things You Must Know About Taxes, Bookkeeping, and Business Licenses” just for Etsy and crafts business owners who need help with taxes, bookkeeping, and business licenses.

Download this article and check out my new blog full of business, bookkeeping, and tax tips for creative entrepreneurs and etsy shop owners.

I just found this website 360 Degrees of Taxes. It is a pubic service site designed by CPA’s and sponsored by the American Institute of CPA’s. Be sure to check it out. http://www.360taxes.org/Year-Round-Planning/Tax-Planning-Topics/Small-Business-Owners-Self-Employment

If you’d like to save hours of research online then check out my website for tax, bookkeeping, and business ebook guides for creative entrepreneurs and Etsy sellers. Get free downloads and more. Check it out.

What is Schedule C and do you have to file one? If you sell crafts on Etsy or other online venues you probably have tax questions. The most popular questions that crafts business people have pertain to Schedule C. Here are some basics. Schedule C is the form that you fill out to report “Profit or Loss from Business Sole Proprietorship.” Schedule C is filed together with Form 1040 when you filed your federal U.S. income tax return.  Generally, a small business owner who has chosen to be organized and taxed as a “sole proprietor” or a “Limited Liability Company” files Schedule C. A small business owner must file Form 1040 if the net profit from their business and self employment income for the calendar year (January through December) was more than $400. If you are required to file Form 1040, then the net profits from the business and self employment income are reported on Schedule C.  In order to fill out Schedule C you need to know what your business income and expenses were for the calendar year. For more information, free downloads including a simple bookkeeping worksheet to use to fill out Schedule C, and for ebook guides and resources for Etsy business owners and creative entrepreneurs visit my website at www.MyCreativeCPA.com.

I just got in the mail this lovely yarn – Araucania Rehue- in pink. It’s a baby alpaca, silk blend. Each hank is slightly different from the other because they are hand dyed. I need to find a project for the 4 skeins I purchased. Will it be crochet or knit? I think I may knit it – it has a bit of a curly texture to it. We’ll see…  I still need to finish the cowl I’m working on – it’s my own design! I’m also knitting a scarf with open work – something I haven’t done before. There’s also the hairpin lace project that I want to start. As always – so much to make and so little time! Time to go live my embellished life!

Do you sell crafts online?  Do you sell crafts at fairs and shows?  Do you sell designs and graphics arts?  Are you an indie designer or crafter? If you sell your products or services then you are more than likely engaged in a business. Do you know what the IRS and state and local requirements are for engaging in a small business? Chances are that you are great with creativity but you know very little about business. I’m pleased to announce that I just published my latest ebook guide especially for creative entrepreneurs – “Guide To Setting Up A Simple Bookkeeping, Accounting, And Record-Keeping System.” Make sure you visit my website for a free download of an excert of this ebook. You’ll find it to be an invaluable tool for your business and to help you get ready for tax time. If you’re not how to set up your business for legal and tax purposes be sure to check out my other ebook guide “The Ultimate Business Set Up and Registration Guide.”

Recycled denim vintage fabric apron

I designed and made this apron.  It is totally 100% recycled.  I was inspired by vintage hankerchief aprons.  The denim apron front is from a recycled skirt.  The pocket is from vintage quilt patches I found at my local thrift store, the flounce and tie fabric is a beautiful 1970′s fabric that I also found at a thrift store.  I love to make things that use recycled materials and the best place to find these is at my favorite resale shop here in town.  If you don’t already use recycled materials you should challenge yourself and make something.  It’s inexpensive, fun, and you can find the most unique materials at your local resale shop. 

The “flounce” or skirt is slightly tricky to cut and sew.  I had to use all of my geometry skills to come up with just the right size since the flounce is cut from a square.  I really enjoy designing new things.  I think that’s what I enjoy doing the most – designing and making things that don’t take up a lot of time.

I hope you have enjoyed this.  Now go out an live the embellished life!