#short selling for beginners

[officialpenisenvy]

gio officialpenisenvy's DIY packer tutorial

are you transmasc and tired of shoving socks down your boxers? did you lose your penis in a freak accident and wish you could have your bulge back? do you know the basics of sewing and want to find out how to make a packer? you've come to the right place! i have been making and selling packers for a year, and this is my tried and true method for hand-sewing a packer in roughly half an hour, to results such as these:

MATERIALS NEEDED: felt in your choice of colour (if you want to use fabric, go for a jersey knit so it won't fray, and use more stuffing to make up for the lack of structure), sewing thread in your choice of material and colour, stuffing of any kind (i use acrylic batting, you can use an old pillow, cotton balls, fabric scraps cut into tiny pieces...)

SEAMS USED: a backstitch or running backstitch is the only seam you really need to know; i employ a gathering stitch and a whipstitch as well for aesthetic purposes, but if you only know how to backstitch you can absolutely make a slightly uglier version of this packer. if you're an absolute beginner, here is a helpful tutorial: just double up the thread and knot it for a stronger seam.

STEPS:

cut a piece of fabric approx. 25x25cm or 10x10in wide and fold it in half vertically, then draw a shape on the fold like the one pictured above, with the widest point measuring roughly 12cm or 5in and the smallest point (the shaft) measuring roughly 5cm or 2in

carefully pin the fabric and cut out the pattern along the shape you've drawn, leaving a small seam allowance of approx. 1/2cm or 1/4in (if you feel unsure in your ability to follow a small seam allowance, you can cut it larger and trim it to size later; if you're using fabric, a larger seam allowance is recommended)

sew alongside the seam of the shaft with a tight backstitch or running backstitch; you can tug on the thread after every stitch, so the seam will pucker up and give the shaft a more natural curved-inwards effect

close the top part of the shaft (the head) and the bottom part of the sac (roughly up to the marked X in the picture) with a tight and multiply-reinforced gathering stitch, almost like a drawstring effect; you can use a backstitch here, but it won't look as natural

turn the packer inside out and put your stuffing inside the shaft, packing it quite full (but not so full it has no give, as real soft penises are somewhat squishy); this might be tricky to do if you have short fingers like me, so you can use a pen or your scissors or any other thin elongated tool to help you get to the tip

stuff the sac a bit less than the shaft, and try to make two balls with your stuffing (you can see i have cut out two strips of batting in the first picture) so they look like two separate testicles

sew the sac closed: i used a whipstitch and pulled the thread tight so the fabric would gather and pucker like a real sac, but you can use a ladder stitch or a backstitch at your preference

to further separate the testicles, sew a few stitches down the middle of the sac, so the two balls will lay separate with a flat seam in the middle (pictured above you can see how the stitches should look from the back)

optionally, you can secure the very tip of the shaft to the very bottom of the sac with a few stitches, so the packer will stay folded and won't run the risk of opening up (of course, you can skip this step if you want your shaft and your sac to be able to separate like a real penis)

and here you have it, your packer is finished! you can wear it in your underwear directly on your skin, or sandwiched in between two pairs of underwear, or however you prefer. direct contact with water should be avoided as much as possible; the packer doesn't need to be cleaned daily, but a spritz with rubbing alcohol will kill most germs and get rid of any funky smells, and if it gets stained you can spot-treat it with a little water and soap and make sure it dries thoroughly.

[syntheticcy]

Reminder, you can always use your creations to help people.

Even if you believe that your art is "ugly" or "useless" it's not. Please don't tell yourself that. As an artist, you impact the world in ways you cannot even comprehend. People see your art, they see what you pour your love into. They get inspired by your work and build so many beautiful and deeply moving things. Whether it's a game, an animation, a drawing/sketch, or even a book or movie. Sometimes even a show.

Stop selling yourselves short, your creations breathe life into spaces. Not just fandoms, but entire lives. So many people love you and what you create. You just may not know it yet. You believe that your art doesn't much, but it means everything. It's just a small stepping stone for now, but even so, you should be proud— Proud of your art, proud of you. You've created this. You thought of this. You've sunk hours into your thoughts about this. Whether you're a beginner or a long-time artist, you've created something wonderful.

Please love your art and give it the care it deserves. Don't give up just yet. You have so much to do and make. It always brings me to tears when I think about all the artists who gave up. Love your emotions and love your self-expression. I know things are scary and I know it's only going to get scarier. But that doesn't mean you should drop everything and run. You still have time. You can still be yourself. You can be you. You're allowed to. At least here you are.

You and your art are more than you could ever know.

[eightyuh]

do you sell stickers online? i would love to buy some! especially for wick's end!

short answer:

thank you so much for asking! 😭 currently, i only vend my stickers in-person at conventions, but i would love to have an online storefront! i'm totally open to suggestions!

long answer:

i'm touched that even though i only have 1 pilot, 2 legit chapters, no canon update for almost a year, and a trillion aus, that you would want such things 🥺😭🖤 thank you for asking, it makes me feel special

i've been researching beginner-friendly options that are NOT print-on-demand (Redbubble, etc) or Etsy/Ebay to sell my stickers + digital ringtones. i currently use a Ko-Fi store but wouldn't wanna continue with them for that sort of expansion.

in ADDITION: my sticker cutting machine actually broke the day before my last event! so i sold it for parts... and i do not have a cutting machine at the moment and haven't invested in a new one (all the money made from that comicon is set aside for it ... just haven't finished researching and pulled the trigger :"") its been busy). In between getting a Siser or a Silhouette. Cricut sucks btw.

i've also run a poll in the past asking if ppl would honestly order WE stickers if i made them ... and the result was no! which is completely fair; im not consistent or talented enough to merit such a demand at this point. i would love to earn that in the future ... but hearing you would want such a thing despite this makes me feel very happy. thank you <3

[astra-ravana]

The Perfect Tarot Deck

Finding the perfect tarot deck is a deeply personal journey. With thousands of decks available, choosing one that aligns with your energy, intuition, and reading style can make all the difference in your tarot practice. This guide explores different types of tarot decks, where to find them, and how to determine if a deck resonates with your energy.

Understanding the Different Types of Tarot Decks

Before choosing a deck, it’s important to understand the different types available.

Traditional tarot decks

Most tarot decks follow one of these three classic systems:

• Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) – The most widely used tarot system, featuring detailed imagery that makes intuitive readings easier. Ideal for beginners.

• Thoth Tarot – Created by Aleister Crowley, this deck has esoteric symbolism, astrology, and Kabbalistic influences. Best for those with advanced occult interests.

• Marseille Tarot – A historic tarot deck with simple, pip-style Minor Arcana (like playing cards). Ideal for traditionalists and those interested in historical divination.

Themed and Artistic Decks

Many tarot decks incorporate different themes and artistic styles:

• Fantasy, Mythology, and Folklore – E.g., The Tarot of the Divine, which uses myths from around the world.

• Gothic, Dark, or Occult – E.g., The Deviant Moon Tarot, perfect for shadow work.

• Nature & Animal-Based Decks – E.g., The Wild Unknown Tarot, focused on nature’s wisdom.

• Pop Culture & Modern Decks – E.g., The Modern Witch Tarot, a contemporary take on the RWS deck.

Oracle Decks vs. Tarot Decks

Tarot decks always follow a structured 78-card system. Oracle decks have flexible structures and meanings, great for freeform divination but not interchangeable with tarot. If you’re new, sticking to a tarot deck based on the RWS system is a good idea before branching into alternative styles.

Where to Find Your Perfect Deck

Once you have an idea of what kind of deck you want, you’ll need to find the right place to get it.

Online Marketplaces & Specialty Stores

• Amazon, Etsy, & Bookstores (Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, etc.) – Great for mass-market decks with reviews to help you decide.

• Independent Creators & Publishers – Many artists sell decks directly on Kickstarter, Instagram, or their own websites.

• Metaphysical & Occult Shops – Shopping in-person allows you to physically handle a deck before buying.

Secondhand & Gifted Decks

• Buying Used Decks – Some believe secondhand decks carry previous owners' energies, but cleansing them can refresh their energy.

• Receiving as a Gift – A common superstition says your first deck should be gifted, but this is not a rule. Buy your own if it feels right.

DIY & Printable Decks

• Make Your Own – Some practitioners create their own decks by hand or digitally print custom images.

• Printable Decks – Some artists offer PDF tarot decks for purchase and printing at home.

How to Tell If a Tarot Deck Resonates with Your Energy

Once you have a deck in mind, you’ll want to check if it aligns with your energy and intuition.

First Impressions Matter

• Look at the imagery – Do the colors, symbols, and style speak to you emotionally?

• Hold the deck (if possible) – If shopping in person, feel the deck in your hands. Does it give you a strong reaction?

The Deck Interview Spread

Before fully committing to a deck, try a short reading to understand its personality. Use this 5-card spread:

• What is your personality?

• What kind of readings will we do best together?

• What can you teach me?

• How should I best work with you?

• What is our long-term potential?

If the responses feel clear and meaningful, the deck likely resonates with you.

Physical & Energetic Sensations

Some people feel a tingling or warmth when holding a deck that connects with them.

If a deck makes you feel uneasy or drained, it might not be a good fit.

Try a Simple One-Card Pull

Ask, “What do I need to know about working with you?” and pull a card. If the message is clear and insightful, it’s a good match. If it feels confusing or off-putting, you may need more time with the deck—or it might not be the right one for you.

What to Do If Your Deck Doesn’t Feel Right

Sometimes, a deck doesn’t resonate immediately. Here’s what you can do:

• Cleanse and Reset the Deck

• Smoke cleansing (sage, palo santo, or incense).

• Moonlight charging (place the deck under the full moon).

• Crystal cleansing (place with selenite or clear quartz).

• Knocking the deck (tap it three times to reset energy).

Give It Time

Some decks require time to bond with. Spend a week shuffling and pulling daily cards before deciding.

Trade or Rehome the Deck

If it still doesn’t click, consider trading it with another reader or gifting it to someone who might connect with it better.

Finding the perfect tarot deck is a journey of intuition and self-discovery. The best deck for you is the one that feels right in your hands, speaks to your intuition, and makes readings feel natural. Whether you’re drawn to a traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck, an artistic indie creation, or a secondhand find, trust your instincts and let your deck choose you as much as you choose it.

[alicenpai]

hi! ive been a big fan of your work for a while now, and i was just wondering if you have any tips or anything for selling merch online? :>

hi anon! so you want to be a con artist huh 👁👁 ...

^ a real con artist..

i’m not sure if you wanted online specific tips or general merch tips, but i compiled a bit of both! (also not sure if you're a beginner to art in general, there's a difference between a more experienced artist doing merch for the first time + beginner artists trying merch for the first time bc the risks involved are different)

i wrote more on the subject but i cut some out because it seemed too long.. and i tend to ramble ^__T it's hard to answer questions like these because they're so generalized, but if you had any more specific questions feel free to send another ask!

^ random image for visual interest

general tips for beginners(?)

merch can be fun, and it is! but in the end always remind yourself you're running a business, and it's real money you're going to be spending. it's good to take risks (on things like, new product types if you think your art is ready for it, or less popular series/more experimental designs, etc.) as you learn a lot from them, but always think over financial decisions carefully at the same time.

what helped me grow a lot as both a merch artist (and as a general artist) over 10 years is - a lot of reflection. and i mean a LOT of it. in terms of art in general i don't personally do a lot of studies (which is probably my downfall and i need to get back to it) but i think im pretty observant and introspective which helps me improve a lot. i often write my silly little blog posts on tumblr, I'll write notes on my phone if i have a train of thought i need to get down quickly.

i also often discuss merch things with friends and it really helps to get varying perspectives. (though i admit i should really share wips more, i used to but not as much anymore. blame the working life haha, not as many people have time to discuss non-work art anymore ;_;). all of these things keep me on my toes and weigh my strengths and weaknesses. if anyone is interested i could write more on the specific topics i reflect on after every con/shop opening.

stick to the tried and true 5-10 copies per design for beginners! this range sounds too little, but don't forget the big picture as well... you'll likely also have multiple different designs, across different product types.

e.g. 5 copies x 4 characters/designs, and let's say you do this for every product type (e.g. postcards, stickers, charms), 5 x 4 x 3 = 60 individual pieces of merch. that's a pretty solid number for a first timer!

i also personally print 5-10 copies of designs im doing for a test print run, or for characters that don't seem particularly popular.

15 is the average amount for me for a short run product (1 con season)

i certainly reprint often + go higher sometimes if i dont mind the product being in my catalogue for years.

15 is not too many in case the design is unpopular and doesn't sell, and it's also not too little that it won't be enough sales to break even.

promo images & taking photos (online specific)

i'm not a professional photographer and these photos might be absolute ass to some people. i will accept that, and honestly id agree with you. this is just my advice for straightforward, simple photos.

good quality and clear photos are best. it's great fun to use props in photos, and they can certainly turn your photos from plain to impressive. but it's easy to get carried away with props and fancy scrapbook paper imo, and i prefer to let the artwork speak for itself. honestly keeping it simple can be the best option sometimes. i used to take a lot more photos back in 2022 when i had less new products, but nowadays i find that i have too many products to take photos of, so i prefer to just keep my photos simple with a white piece of paper as my backdrop. i just. shrimply cannot be bothered taking out all of the props anymore...

above: the backdrop in this photo is bad, it's distracting and takes away from the artwork. (fe charms from 2016)

this are photos taken on a sunny day.

if you don't have a good phone camera (mine is ~5 years old), ive found that taking photos on a sunny day, either inside or outside, work great for me, as it shows off the natural colour of your product best. i either take it to the garden or i like to find a patch of sunlight filtering through the window. be wary of glare or too much light reflecting on your merch in photos though, because it can be distracting and take away from visibility on the product. but i can understand if a bit of glare ends up on one's finalized merch photos.

this is an example of utilizing light at a certain angle to show off the holographic film on this charm.

sunny photo vs cloudy photo.

taking photos inside on a cloudy day during daylight hours is also a popular option, especially if you live in an area where there isn't much direct sunlight/cloudy season, but for me personally i find cloudy day photos come out a bit dull and do take a bit of colour correcting. all of my cloudy day photos are tweaked and i find the colours to be a bit off from the original products, but that's just how it is with taking photos i guess.

because i don't have a great phone camera, my personal alternative is to make graphics! i just think of it as a collage to use fun textures and PNGs! im obviously not a professional, and these probably look very bad in a professional's eye. but i think it's fun. i like to incorporate the aesthetic or visual style of the series into the graphic if i do make em. ^_^

store platform

each one has their pros and cons. many store platforms have trial periods/free plans for people to try out.

bigcartel is what i use and i'm familiar with, and i would honestly recommend it. (i'm too lazy to move or try another platform right now...) for big store openings ill pay for a month or two of the basic $15 plan. ill use the free gold plan on bigcartel if im only planning to open my store for a limited time and don't want to commit to a full monthly plan.

storenvy: i've used storenvy from about 2014-16. i moved from storenvy for issues such as charging customers fees for purchasing from storenvy's marketplace page (and not from your actual personalized storefront) and urging me to use stripe even though it wasn't supported in canada at that time. im not sure if theyve fixed these issues but they were pervasive issues at the time that honestly forced me to quit. it also has a kind of outdated UI (e.g. can't zoom into pics on mobile?).

i think storenvy is a very easy to use platform for beginners because it's very basic! but i wouldn't recommend it if you have a great number of products, or if you're looking for more advanced features.

tictail isn't available anymore, i couldn't recommend it for that reason. i used it from around 2016-18.

i don't have any experience on shopify or etsy. shopify i heard is great because of all of the neat features you can implement, which you can use to really make your store yours. etsy has a huge marketplace which helps discoverability, but i have also heard there are many fees, so a lot of artists unfortunately make their prices a bit higher on etsy.

ecwid is also one that i've heard pop up. some also host shops on weebly or squarespace.

shipping

if you don't already have a kitchen scale, it's a good idea to get one if you think you'll be using it a lot to weigh packages! a postage scale is probably better. i just have a kitchen scale because it's cheap. as long as the measurements are precise (don't use a bathroom scale with a dial like me when i started out lmao).

thermal labels are also a good investment if you think youll need em!! i actually don't personally use them, because i have way too much hand-me-down stacks of paper in my home, so i don't see the need to make an extra investment. the downside to printing shipping labels on paper is taking the time to cut and stick them on packages.

i'm from canada (surprising the amount of people who think im from the US T__T) so these tips will be canadian specific, but you can hopefully get the gist.

when i was starting out, i used canada post (usps is the american equivalent) to send out store orders. however shipping labels from your govt post office can be pricey. which is why it's a good option to join their small business program if they have one, where you'll receive discounts on shipping labels. i don't use canada post shipping anymore, but i will use them for countries that my shipping agent doesn't ship to.

also take advantage of their free shipping tuesdays for domestic packages in october!! i believe you can receive 2 free labels per tuesday, up to 4 or 5 tuesdays for the entire month = 8-10 free labels in october.

next step is shipping agents!! if you live close to a chitchats or stallion express facility, they're great, and they usually provide tracking on shipping by default. in my opinion, tracking on orders is a MUST, so customers can have peace of mind! (minus like sticker-only shipping because that could be sent with postage stamps)

they also do home pickup if you have a bunch of packages in bulk/can't get to a facility. i believe americans have pirate ship.

you print and stick on your shipping labels at home, then you just travel to the shipping facility and throw your packages in the right bins (e.g. domestic, US, international). that's it! easy as pie!

i personally use chitchats because that is closer to me. i had heard stallion provides better rates for international shipping, which i'll have to look at at a later date.

most of my orders come from the US and canada. (funnily enough it is unfortunately cheaper to send packages from canada to USA, than it is for me to send packages within canada.) international orders are a bit of a pain, and you will need to know tariff codes for your product types (e.g. prints have a diff code than buttons) while writing the customs form. people in some countries will get taxed on all imported packages (e.g. packages marked as "sold goods" and not "gifts"). an alternative to this is to use etsy, so that customers can pre-pay for the tariffs before the order is processed. this is something i'll also look into for the future.

posting

wow now you're now done organizing your shop and promo images and you're ready to post! a good strategy is to post across multiple platforms to see what sticks. it takes effort and time but it can have a solid turnout! (i forget sometimes, don't be like me)

i don't know if this is true, but a lot of keywords words such as "shop", "store", "link" and etc. are apparently suppressed on social media (particularly twitter). don't take my word for it however.

shop posts don't generally do as well as regular art posts for most artists. but disregarding censored words for a second, it can also be attributed to psychological reasons, generally people don't like to be advertised to. (e.g. tumblr doesn't have an algorithm and shop posts usually dont do as well here either. tumblr users are just not receptive to clicking on links apparently).

personally, writing alternate terms like "sh0p" just isn't for me, but no shade though, bc i do understand workarounds are hard and everyone needs to make a living somehow. ill instead use words like, "leftovers are in" or "new items are up!" something more vague, but with the accompaniment of merch images, will still be clear to people that it's a shop update.

sharing your shop promo posts in artist alley discord servers also help a lot, especially if you don't know too many artists when starting out. they're a great resource and community full of passionate individuals who will boost your art. if you're not familiar with them, you can find some public ones on google or maybe even artist communities on reddit. a big one is Artist Alley Network International.

if there are some topics you think i've missed, feel free to send em over to my inbox!! ill also think more about this in the coming days and edit this post as i see fit 🫡

[blackthornwren]

What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to the occult?

I could probably write a book on it at this point, and unfortunately, there's not just one pet peeve - it's a laundry list.

Let's start with the oversaturation and the capitalism of it all. So a few short years ago, you could get a divination reading for like next to nothing. And then people started charging way more with the promise of some unique variable that made their readings more special somehow.

Cut to present day: Everyone selling divination services promises some special, unique thing that totally justifies why they're charging $200 or more for a reading. The people who actually started it are now left in the dust, wondering why they can't get customers. It's because the customers have moved onto the next hottest thing - lineages, closed traditions, unusual methods, who knows. Maybe they fart on the tarot cards and people are into that. I don't know.

There's a small handful of people actually good at divination, and actually deserving of what they charge. And if you think it's just divination, please feel free to check out all the shops that now sell nightshade flying ointments (and refuse to disclose their ingredients because they'd rather someone have a severe reaction than share The Secret Knowledge), tinctures, and truffles and ask yourself, I wonder how that all started?

So when that stopped bringing in the money, everyone went to the next step in the playbook of how to monetize your craft: Patreon.

Sign up for a monthly subscription for...for what, exactly? To be included in the promise of a vague group ritual? To join a discord? Again, there are a few that are worthwhile - I'm not discounting all of them, but they are far and few in between. For the most part, people are paying monthly so some rando with a youtube channel can show you how to stick pins in a fucking candle or give you the most watered down beginner's 101 you never knew you needed.

[unabashegirl]

Meeting her || H.S

Author's note: The following piece is based on The Golden Boy one short from earlier in the year. This story will be how Harry and Y/N met. This took place before the World Cup . This is going to be a three-part story! This is part one. I hope you enjoy! The next part will have smut. Let me know what you think

PS: these IA pictures are getting out of hand.

masterlist

word count: 5.1K

As the autumn leaves danced in the crisp Manchester breeze, Y/N found herself lost in the beauty of this new city. Having recently moved here, her life felt like a blank canvas waiting to be painted with new experiences and adventures. One such adventure awaited her on a chilly evening, as her friend Emma invited her to dinner with her new boyfriend, Harry.

They first met in college during their second year. Y/N got invited to her first party but didn't know anyone. Everything turned around when Emma bumped into her in the kitchen. As the years went by, their friendship got stronger. But when Y/N switched her major to art, things took a turn. Emma didn't like the decision and started keeping her distance.

Y/N came back to Manchester after spending nearly a year in Italy. During her time there, she learned a new way to paint and work with ceramics. Even though her family was closer, she felt a bit out of place, like a foreigner, in her own native country.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Y/N's phone buzzed with a message notification and a follow request on Instagram from Emma. Curiosity piqued; Y/N opened the app to find a warm greeting from her old friend. Emma had just learned that Y/N was back in town and was eager to reconnect and catch up on all the happenings since their last meeting. Ever since, they've been regularly meeting up for lunch dates, dinners, and various events.

Emma had been excitedly telling Y/N about Harry for weeks, and tonight was the night she was going to meet him. She kept going on about how he was a professional football player, having just joined Manchester United, and how his salary was sky-high, potentially making him extremely wealthy. Emma was evidently proud of this and made sure to let Y/N know, almost bragging about it.

They met at a cozy, dimly lit restaurant, where the aroma of delicious food filled the air. Emma was beaming with excitement, introducing Y/N to Harry as he greeted them with a warm smile. He was handsome, with kind eyes that seemed to reflect his genuine personality.

"Y/N, this is Harry," Emma said enthusiastically.

"Nice to meet you, Harry," Y/N replied with a friendly smile, extending her hand for a handshake.

"The pleasure's mine," he responded politely. "I've heard that you're an artist."

Y/N nodded shyly, "Yeah, mostly into paintings and ceramics."

“Anything that we might have seen?”

"Nothing. She's just a beginner, honey," Emma interrupted before Y/N could respond. "She just returned from Italy from picking up a new skill, hoping it might help her sell and turn a profit. You know how it is in the art world – always searching for that breakthrough.”

Y/N felt a momentary offense, a twinge of embarrassment sweeping over her. Not everything Emma had said was entirely accurate. While it was true that everyone aspired to a breakthrough, Y/N had already experienced one, prompting her journey to Italy. Having been invited there, she returned to Manchester with a renewed focus on opening her first gallery. Whispers of her name began circulating in the corners of the art world.

"Fortunately, Harry has already had his breakthrough," Emma added before taking a sip of her martini.

Emma's chatter mostly revolved around Harry's career, the glamorous lifestyle associated with professional football, and the immense potential for wealth. While Harry remained modest and humble about his achievements, Y/N could sense a hint of discomfort in his eyes.

Y/N was someone who valued depth in conversation, she yearned for more than just the superficial. Emma's constant emphasis on Harry's financial prospects was getting on her nerves, but she held her tongue, not wanting to jeopardize her friendship. It was rare for her to have friends, and she didn't want to ruin this budding friendship.

Throughout the evening, she observed Harry, realizing that he was a genuinely kind and down-to-earth person. He seemed uncomfortable with the focus on his financial success, preferring to discuss other aspects of life. Their conversation flowed naturally when they discussed their interests, hobbies, and favorite books.

As the night progressed, Y/N found herself connecting with Harry on a deeper level, appreciating his humility and kindness. Despite the initial annoyance caused by Emma's bragging, she discovered a potential friend in Harry—one who valued genuine connections over monetary gains.

"So, how was Italy? Is it everything that people say?" Harry inquired, his curiosity evident. Having not yet ventured outside the country, most of his experiences were rooted in local settings, particularly in the realm of his games. Eager to hear about Y/N's international adventure, he leaned in, genuinely interested in the tales she might share about the enchanting country he had yet to explore himself.

Y/N smiled, taking a sip of her drink before launching into her narrative. “It is everything and more. The art, the history, the landscapes – it's like a dream. I ended up indulging in the most amazing pasta dishes. And the art is in every corner.”

Harry's eyes widened with interest, "Really? What kind of art did you see?"

Y/N's enthusiasm bubbled as she shared, "Everything from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary street art”.

As the evening came to a close, she felt a sense of contentment. She had made a new friend in Harry, someone who shared her appreciation for genuine conversations and meaningful connections. Little did she know, this chance encounter would mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship that would enrich her life in more ways than she could have imagined.

Throughout the week, Emma continued to invite her to various events, eager to integrate her into her social circle. One evening, she invited Y/N to attend a football game where Harry would be playing. Y/N was genuinely excited about the prospect of watching a live game and supporting Harry, but Emma's comment about dressing up and putting on makeup stung.

"You should definitely come to the game! It's going to be so much fun. Dress up a bit and maybe put on some makeup—you never know, you might catch someone of Harry's caliber," she said with a wink, attempting to make it sound like a lighthearted joke.

Y/N forced a smile, masking the hurt she felt. It was clear Emma was implying that Harry was out of her league or that she needed to "improve" her appearance to even be in the same league as her or him. She wasn't confrontational by nature, so she simply replied, "Thanks for the invite, Emma. I'll see if I can make it."

As the day of the game approached, Y/N debated whether to attend. The comment had left a lingering discomfort, making her question if she should subject herself to such superficial judgments. But her curiosity to watch the game and support Harry won in the end.

On the day of the game, she wore a casual yet presentable outfit, wanting to feel comfortable and confident in her own skin. She met Emma at the stadium, where she greeted her with excitement.

“I'm so glad you made it! This is going to be amazing," she exclaimed.

“Yeah, I'm looking forward to it," Y/N replied, attempting to infuse her response with enthusiasm, though beneath the surface, nerves churned. Anticipation mingled with apprehension as she contemplated the upcoming interaction. Y/N couldn't shake the memory of previous encounters, where backhanded comments and thinly veiled compliments had become a common thread.

As they took their seats, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The crowd's energy was infectious, and she found herself caught up in the excitement of the game. Watching Harry play was impressive—his skill and passion for the sport were evident.

Amidst the cheers and celebrations, Emma leaned over and said, "Isn't he amazing on the field? Imagine being with someone like him."

Her words struck a chord, reminding Y/N of the shallow perspective she seemed to have about relationships. She chose to focus on the game and cheer for Harry, pushing aside the hurt she felt. Deep down, she knew she deserved genuine connections and friendships that weren't based on appearance or someone's profession.

As the game ended and they made their way out of the stadium, she appreciated the experience and the opportunity to support Harry. However, she also realized the importance of surrounding herself with people who valued her for who she was, rather than making her feel inadequate or lesser than because of societal standards or external perceptions.

She continued to focus on her art, pouring her heart and soul into the canvas as she prepared for her upcoming art show. Emma's persistent invitations and comments had left a mark, and she found solace in the therapeutic strokes of her paintbrush. To protect her mental health and maintain her sense of self-worth, she began gently declining Emma's invitations and started distancing herself from her.

One afternoon, while heading to the art supply store, she unexpectedly crossed paths with none other than Harry. Her hair was up in a messy bun, glasses perched on her nose, and she was wearing baggy clothes slightly adorned with paint stains. She greeted him with a warm smile, surprised yet pleased to see him.

"Harry! Fancy running into you here," she said, a genuine smile lighting up her face.

"Hey! How have you been?" he responded, his friendly demeanor putting her at ease. Sporting athletic attire, he appeared in the midst of post-run casualness, on his way back to his apartment.

"I've been busy with work, preparing for an art show. It's been quite hectic," she explained.

"That sounds amazing! An art show? I'd love to see your work," Harry exclaimed, genuinely interested.

"Sure! You and Emma are more than welcome to come. It's on Saturday evening," she extended the invitation, acknowledging his enthusiasm. Including Emma felt like the courteous thing to do, although she harbored no intention of having her presence at the event.

"Where are you off to?" Harry inquired, his eyes drawn to her appearance and the sizable tote bag slung over her shoulder. He found the sight rather adorable. Harry admired her confidence and the unique way she expressed herself. While he hadn't seen her art yet, he was convinced that if it reflected even a fraction of her personality, it would undoubtedly be incredible.

Curiosity sparked in his eyes as he awaited her response, eager to understand the purpose behind the tote bag and the destination that had captured her attention on this particular day. The genuine interest he took in her pursuits was evident, a testament to the budding connection between them.

"I'm headed to the supply store. Ran out of a few things in the middle of a painting session," she explained, a hint of frustration in her voice. Having to cut her creative session short was always a predicament, leaving her feeling somewhat scattered. "That's why I look like such a mess," Y/N felt compelled to clarify, a touch of self-consciousness in her admission.

"Mind if I tag along?" Harry inquired, his reluctance to head to his apartment evident. The idea of being alone didn't appeal to him, and his living space still carried the lingering feeling of belonging to someone else.

"No problem. I just hope it won't be too boring for you," she said, a sudden nervousness creeping in. It felt akin to introducing a boyfriend to her parents, as he was about to witness a small yet intimate aspect of her life—her painting ritual. Despite the nerves, a giddy excitement bubbled within her. Rarely had someone shown enough interest in her work to accompany her in such moments.

As they strolled, they exchanged stories about their lives—his experiences with football, her passion for art, and the challenges and joys they both faced. Harry shared the excitement and pressure of being a professional athlete, and she talked about the joys and struggles of being an artist.

And Harry asked with genuine concern, "I noticed you've been a bit distant lately. Is everything okay?"

She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to share her feelings. But seeing his kind and understanding demeanor, she decided to be honest. "To be honest, Emma's comments have been bothering me. It felt like she was implying that I'm not good enough” Y/N shook her head, attempting to banish the same thoughts that had haunted her for years. "Or maybe I just misinterpreted her words," she mused, a flicker of uncertainty lingering in her mind.

Harry's eyes softened, understanding the weight of her words. "I'm so sorry you felt that way. Emma can be a bit... oblivious at times.”

His words warmed her heart, reassuring her that true friendships were built on understanding and mutual respect.

"We're here," Y/N announced, swinging open the door of a small but charming store. "Hi, George!" she greeted, waving enthusiastically to the elderly man stationed behind the counter at the back.

"Ms. Y/L/N! Good to see you! How's that collection coming along?" George, a familiar face and one of her most significant suppliers, recognized her immediately. He had even gone the extra mile to order specific brushes and paints for her, a testament to his belief in her talent.

"Oh, it's going!" Y/N chuckled, making her way to the paint aisle. "This is my friend Harry, George." Harry beamed, waving like an excited child being introduced to a stranger.

"Mr. Styles! Number nine in Manchester, right?" George exclaimed, recognizing him. "Great season you're having! It's good to have you."

"Thank you," Harry responded shyly, still adjusting to being recognized and receiving compliments from strangers.

"You're not going to swap me for Harry, are you, George?" Y/N teased as she bent down to reach for spatulas and sponges on the bottom shelf.

"Never. Still my favorite," George assured, prompting chuckles from both Harry and Y/N as they continued their joint venture, collecting items from Y/N's list and heading towards the checkout.

As Y/N gathered her art supplies, Harry couldn't help but admire the quaint charm of the store. It was filled with the rich scent of pigments and the subtle aroma of wooden easels. The artistic ambiance enveloped them as George continued to chat with Harry, discussing his recent successes in Manchester.

As they bid farewell to George, the doorbell chimed, marking the end of their visit. Stepping back into the bustling street, Y/N couldn't help but feel grateful for the support she received, not only from her favorite art supplier but also from Harry, who had ventured into her world with genuine interest and a bright smile.

"That was wonderful. Thank you for taking me," Harry commented warmly, carrying Y/N's tote bag through the lively streets. The cityscape buzzed around them, a backdrop to the shared experience they had just enjoyed.

Y/N smiled in response, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "Thank you for coming. It means a lot," she admitted, a subtle vulnerability in her tone. "No one has ever accompanied me to these sorts of things."

Harry's smile broadened, understanding the significance of those words. The weight of being the first to share in a part of Y/N's world tugged at his heartstrings. As they walked side by side, the city lights flickering overhead, an unspoken connection blossomed between them.

They found themselves enveloped in a comfortable silence, the echoes of their shared laughter still resonating in the air. The streets, alive with the rhythm of urban life, seemed to dance to an unspoken melody that mirrored the newfound understanding between Harry and Y/N.

Harry accompanied her all the way to her apartment, insisting on ensuring her safe arrival.

"I'll see you at the art show," Y/N said, her voice carrying a mixture of anticipation and gratitude. She gave him a quick but warm hug before disappearing into the foyer of the building. The promise of their reunion at the upcoming art show lingered in the air, a shared moment they both looked forward to. As Y/N disappeared from view, Harry couldn't shake the feeling of contentment. The day had been filled with meaningful conversations, different from his usual exchanges with his girlfriend.

On the night of the art show, the venue was buzzing with people who had gathered to appreciate and celebrate art. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with an array of colors, emotions, and creativity. She was both excited and nervous, eager to share her work with others.

Not only were her paintings displayed on the wall, but her ceramics pieces adorned the space as well.

As the evening progressed, Y/N noticed Harry and Emma arriving, accompanied by a couple of Harry's friends. She greeted them warmly, hoping for a pleasant evening. However, it didn't take long for the mood to sour.

Emma's disapproving looks and hostile demeanor became evident as she roamed around the exhibition. Her discomfort seemed to intensify with each piece she viewed, as if she couldn't bear to see Y/N in the spotlight.

"What am I even looking at?" Emma whispered to Harry as they stood amidst a sizable crowd gathered around one of Y/N's largest paintings. "And why is everyone gawking? It's not a big deal; everyone can do it." Harry stayed silent; his attention fully absorbed by the intricate details of the artwork.

"Stop it," Harry gently pulled her hand, attempting to hush her down. "You're being rude." However, he couldn't deny that Y/N's creation was something truly unique. The canvas held an amalgamation of colors and emotions that seemed to dance and intertwine, capturing the essence of her artistic vision.

As the crowd marveled at the masterpiece, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for Y/N. Her work, a reflection of her passion and creativity, had garnered the attention and admiration of those present. He admired the way she fearlessly poured herself into her art, creating something that not only spoke to him but resonated with a broader audience.

Despite Emma's dismissive comments, Harry recognized the significance of Y/N's talent. He hoped that, with time, Emma might come to appreciate the artistry that captured the attention and imagination of so many.

“Let’s go. Why are we even here?” Emma turned to Harry and his friends, “She is not even that close of a friend. She is just a struggling artist”.

Unbeknownst to Emma, Y/N stood silently behind her, absorbing every single word that had slipped from Emma's lips. The gallery buzzed with the murmur of impressed onlookers, blissfully unaware that the subject of their discussion was right there, an invisible presence in the sea of admirers.

Y/N's heart sank at Emma's dismissive comments, her vulnerability exposed to the unintended audience. The weight of those words settled on her shoulders, adding a layer of discomfort to the pride she felt for her creations. Yet, she chose to linger in the shadows, absorbing the unfiltered opinions that echoed in the gallery space.

“Emma, that’s enough” Harry interjected, his voice carrying a mix of anger and concern.

As Emma turned around, her gaze met Y/N's, and the air grew thick with an unspoken tension. Y/N, having overheard every word of Emma's critique, stood there, a silent witness to the candid commentary. The sudden realization that Y/N had been present all along cast a veil of nervousness over Emma.

Caught off guard, Emma's eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed with a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. The vibrant atmosphere of the gallery seemed to dim momentarily; the weight of the words exchanged lingering in the space between them.

Ignoring him, Emma cleared her throat, her voice sharp and accusatory, "You've been avoiding me, Y/N. I don't appreciate being treated this way, especially after everything I've done for you." Caught in the discomfort of the moment, Emma felt the need to assign blame. Admitting fault was inconceivable, especially in front of Harry and his friends; maintaining a positive image was paramount. Emma couldn't afford to be perceived as a negative force, and so, the instinct to shift responsibility to another party took hold. The desire to preserve her reputation and uphold a facade of positivity outweighed the need for genuine self-reflection.

Y/N tried to maintain her composure, choosing her words carefully. "I've been busy preparing for this show and focusing on my art. I never meant to make you feel ignored."

Emma's face twisted into a bitter expression, and she snapped, "You think you're so special with your art, don't you? No one cares, Y/N. I stopped talking to you in college because of these same reasons. You need to realize that you made a mistake by changing majors. Art is not going to feed you.”

The threat stung, hitting close to home. Y/N took a deep breath, trying to stay calm and collected despite the rising humiliation. "Let's discuss this later, privately."

She was relentless, determined to exert her dominance. "No, we'll discuss it now. Harry, tell her she's out of line."

Harry, torn between loyalty and what was right, looked conflicted. "Emma, maybe now's not the best time—"

Emma cut him off, her voice venomous, "Oh, so now you're siding with her? Fine, have it your way."

She stormed off, leaving Harry visibly troubled and Y/N mortified in front of his friends and other attendees. She wished the ground would swallow her whole, but she reminded herself that she had done nothing wrong.

Harry approached her, his eyes filled with apology. "I'm so sorry. She was completely out of line."

She forced a small smile, trying to brush it off. "It's alright, Harry. Let's not let this ruin the evening."

Deep down, she knew she deserved better than Emma's toxic behavior. As the night unfolded, she chose to focus on the genuine appreciation she received for her art, determined to rise above the negativity and continue pursuing her passion and genuine friendships.

After the tumultuous confrontation with Emma, the art show continued, and she tried her best to immerse herself in the joy of sharing her work with appreciative art lovers. The support and admiration she received from the attendees helped ease the sting of Emma's outburst, allowing her to refocus on the success of the evening.

As the night came to a close, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Several of her pieces had been sold, and the positive feedback had boosted her confidence as an artist. She was both proud and grateful for the experience.

As she started to wrap things up and close the gallery, she noticed Harry waiting outside. His presence was a comforting sight after the rollercoaster of emotions she had endured throughout the evening.

"Hey," she greeted, trying to offer a genuine smile despite the lingering discomfort.

"Hey, congratulations on a successful show," Harry said warmly, genuinely pleased for her.

"Thank you. It means a lot," she replied, feeling a sense of relief knowing that the worst was behind her.

"Look, Y/N, I'm really sorry about Emma's behavior. That was completely uncalled for," Harry apologized again, sincerity in his eyes.

She appreciated his concern and understanding. "Thank you, Harry. I know you tried to intervene, and I appreciate that."

Harry nodded, and then a soft chuckle escaped his lips. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving. How about we grab a bite to eat?"

A pang of hunger reminded her that she had skipped dinner in the whirlwind of the art show. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."

They found a nearby café and sat down, the atmosphere much more relaxed and pleasant than earlier in the evening.

Harry's presence was a balm to her earlier distress, and she was grateful for his kindness and understanding. Despite the events of the night, she felt a genuine connection with him, appreciating the way he had handled the situation and his willingness to stand by her.

As the night came to a close, and she bid Harry farewell, a mix of emotions swirled within her. There was a flutter in her heart, an undeniable attraction that had grown stronger throughout the evening. She had started to like Harry more than just a friend, and it made her nervous.

Y/N knew the reality of the situation. Harry was Emma's boyfriend, and pursuing anything beyond friendship with him would be a betrayal of their relationship. Loyalty and respect were paramount, and she wouldn't compromise those values for her own desires. She couldn't deny the chemistry and connection she felt, but she also understood the importance of boundaries and staying true to her principles. It was a delicate balance between her burgeoning feelings and her commitment to doing what was right.

In the following days, she wrestled with her emotions, trying to put distance between her heart and the potential complications that could arise. She focused on her art, pouring her feelings into her creations, finding solace in the brushstrokes that paint her emotions on the canvas.

That was until one day when she found herself at home, and the intercom unexpectedly rang.

"Ms. Y/L/N, there's a Harry Styles wanting to see you," the voice on the other end announced. Shock rippled through her; it had been a few weeks since she had last seen him. Y/N had purposely kept her distance, fully aware of the feelings that had developed within her.

"Yeah, let him in," she replied, a mix of anticipation and nervousness lingering in her voice. As she unlocked the door, she settled back into her painting, attempting to distract herself from the whirlwind of emotions.

The front door creaked open, and soon, a soft knock echoed through the space. "Y/N?" Harry's rough voice called out, filling the room with a mixture of familiarity and uncertainty.

"In here," Harry heard from the foyer, prompting him to close the front door behind him. He followed the sound of her voice, traversing through the space until he finally located her. There she was, sitting on the wooden floor with legs crossed, her hair fashioned into a bun, and wearing glasses that complemented. her.

Harry cradled a warm brown paper bag, emanating the aromatic allure of Chinese cuisine. He knew of this particular restaurant that served delectable dishes, a tantalizing choice for his unhealthy food cravings. Eager to share this delightful find with Y/N, he approached her with a welcoming smile, lifting the bag in presentation.

"I brought some food," he announced, the tantalizing aroma wafting from the bag.

Curiosity sparked in Y/N's eyes as she inquired, "What is it?"

"Chinese," Harry nervously replied, hoping that his culinary choice would meet her approval.

"Good choice," Y/N commended, setting aside her brush and rising from the floor. It was at that moment that Harry couldn't help but notice her attire – a pair of overalls, worn with an easy casualness. However, the revelation didn't stop there; the absence of anything beneath the overalls exposed the side of her breast, a subtle detail that heightened the air of intimacy in the room. The vulnerability of the moment lingered, as did the tempting aroma of the Chinese delicacies. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah” he cleared his voice, “just hungry” Harry didn’t know if he meant for the meal or fo the sudden urge that he had to feel her breast. He recognized that Y/N had distanced herself, a mirror to the sentiments he harbored toward her. The desire to be close to her lingered within Harry, fueled by a genuine fondness. He admired her, not just for her presence but for the profound connection that blossomed in their conversations.

Harry appreciated the way she listened, her attention genuine and unwavering. In those moments, he felt more than heard; he felt understood on a level that transcended the superficial. Y/N held the key to unraveling his thoughts and emotions, creating a unique bond built on mutual understanding and genuine connection.

"How have you been?" Y/N inquired, taking the lead as she guided Harry towards the living room. The air was charged with a mix of anticipation and a hint of vulnerability. "I saw your match last week. You played really well."

Harry's response held a touch of concern, reflecting the echoes of unanswered messages that lingered between them. "I haven't heard from you since your art show. I thought you were mad at me," he confessed, revealing the worry that had gnawed at him.

"I just thought it would be best to gain some distance between us," Y/N explained, her movements deliberate as she set plates on the coffee table. The unspoken complexities of their connection hung in the air, entwined with a hint of secrecy. "I-I am sure that Emma wouldn't like to know that we are spending this much time together."

As soon as the word 'distance' left her lips, a palpable tension surged through Harry. Panic set in, triggering a rapid response. He hastily placed the bag down, reaching out for Y/N. In a swift motion, he grasped her wrist, pulling her towards him with a sense of urgency.

"Harry," Y/N cautioned, her hand pressed against his chest, attempting to maintain a boundary. Yet, defiance glinted in his eyes as he refused to relent. He freed her wrist, wrapping an arm around her waist while the other found its place behind her head, gently pushing her closer.

"No," he declared, the word hanging in the charged atmosphere. His lips met hers with a hunger that spoke volumes, a fusion of longing and passion. Initially resisting, Y/N succumbed to the intensity of the moment, reciprocating the kiss with an equal fervor. The living room became a stage for a silent exchange, where unspoken emotions and lingering desires found expression in the fervent embrace of their lips.

“Yeah, that’s exactly how I’d imagined it”

QUESTIONS OF CHAPTER (answer below) Do you condone Harry and Y/N’s actions? Do think Emma deserves get cheated on?

[sexydreamgirl]

Advice on starting an loa blog?

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Here are my top tips as an experienced law of assumption blogger:

There are three qualities you absolutely need in order to run a law of assumption blog: 1. patience 2. empathy 3. MORE patience. If you're posting content that centers around application, naturally people will come to you to ask questions if they don't understand or need advice. Questions may range from trauma dumping to hate to disagreement and beyond. If you don't have the qualities mentioned, you may want to reevaluate.

GET ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION FROM NEVILLE! Having a platform is such a huge responsibility, that's why it’s so important to be mindful of what you’re sharing with your followers (especially when it comes to the law of assumption) You don't want to unintentionally spread misinformation, limiting beliefs or both. Refrain from regurgitating information from another person if you don't understand it. Neville will always be your safest bet!

Tied to the previous point, be wary of your sources. Be careful what you learn from others and carefully evaluate whether or not you choose to share that with your followers. Keep their best interest at heart.

Stand out from other blogs. There might be a million posts on states, living in the end, fulfillment, etc. but you may be able to articulate yourself in a way that will help make it click for somebody else, you never know! Don’t sell yourself short by thinking that just because there are already plenty of posts out there that you don’t need to make one yourself.

If you’re comfortable with it, speak from experience. It can cultivate a sense of trust and relatability to your followers and you’ll help them learn from your mistakes.

Make friends in the community! It’s always great to rant to somebody else about running a blog and even having somebody to address your doubts if you ever have any. We're like a little family in a way, so don't be shy to socialize!

Create a connection with your followers. Get to know the wonderful people that follow you and if you’d like, you can always ask them for feedback on what to post next. They'll always be your best guide when it comes to what to post next.

Think about what you wish you could’ve read as a beginner if you ever need to come up with post ideas.

You’ll receive the same questions over and over again, be patient or set up a FAQ so you don’t lose your patience.

Watch how you convey your message and don’t lose sight of your moral stance when you answer questions. You’ll probably get a controversial or problematic one at some point, advise as best as you can but if you’re feeling conflicted you can simply delete the question. If you don't know how to answer, be honest (this applies to any question).

Set boundaries/guidelines with your followers and cherry pick your asks. Be clear about what you do and do not allow people to send you. Helping people can be taxing at times, never sacrifice your time or comfort and don’t do anything you don’t want to do.

If needed, taking a break is always an option. If you’re ever overwhelmed or experiencing burnout from making posts or answering questions, do not hesitate to log off. Your well being always comes first.

Remember that you’re under no obligation to help people and not everyone can be helped. Some people struggle more than others, it’s not your fault nor is it your problem. You're doing this for free (I think), after all. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t help.

Have fun! The community is full of so many diverse and lovely people and being part of it can be such an enriching experience. Running a blog is a hobby not a job so make it as enjoyable for you as possible!

Lastly, know that your bff Hera is here for you if you ever need anything ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭ :༅｡♡｡༅:*･ﾟﾟ･⭑ Happy blogging!

[fuwungi]

hey so weird ask but something I genuinely wanna look into :3

if i wanna make my own kofi shop, how do *you* go about actually getting products to people?? due to weird parental circumstances, i like.. kinda need to make a shop to sell stuff and I was curious how it worked since I saw your Ko-fi had a shop section to it.

better yet as a small artist, how would I go about pushing things out because I feel like the algorithm is never in my favor even when im pandering towards it.

ty for your time >:3

I don’t think it’s a weird ask at all! :]

I’m not gonna answer this in order shhfjsk but I wanted to first say that I don’t do anything special in terms of algorithm 😭 it’s diff on every site & ever changing it feels like, so I just don’t bother with it (when I prob should ngl, so if I find anything IF I decide to look into algo stuff I’ll be sure to share!). Only things I really make sure is that it’s tagged for things relating to it or me so if ppl are searching for it they’ll see it :D

ANYWAY onto all the shop stuff!

SO: I definitely recommend ko-fi for hosting your shop on! Ive found it to be very easy to understand and use, and there’s no hidden crazy fees or anything like that, just the standard that PayPal takes (also be sure to have a PayPal acc or something to connect with ko-fi to receive payments but I feel like you might’ve already know that.. BUT JUST in case you didn’t djjdjsk 💦 figured I’d mention). I’d like to think ko-fi is very beginner friendly :] it’s also really effortless to set up, you don’t have to like apply or wait for anything you can just click a button that says to open a shop or something like that. I don’t remember what it was exactly but it was like.. wildly easy.

As far as getting things to people, I would just take everything to the post office & have it shipped out from there!

I’d obv recommend at least having stuff like mailing parcels for getting started so you can have something to put peoples orders in. And if you’re able to I would TOTALLY recommend getting a label printer (especially if you’re seeing more orders come in & more often) it makes trips to the post office SUPER short (you just drop off the packages and leave). They tend to be like around $70-$120 so I understand not having the cash for it (I didn’t either I just lucked out getting it as a gift 😭).

Um trying to think of anything else jcjfkks im hoping literally even a crumb of this could be helpful but idk if it is or not lol

Either way if you have anything more specific you have questions about/curious abt/etc I’m more than happy to help :]

[mahamid110]

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[iridesca-conjurecraft]

Hello! I hope all is well with you. I've become interested in spirit keeping and spirit work recently, and I noticed that spirits can be purchased on Etsy? Maybe that's not the right way to phrase it, but essentially you can adopt a spirit and the seller binds them to you (or an object.) Is this legit? I was hoping to purchase one but I really don't want to end up wasting money. The seller in question has like 1000 positive reviews.

Thank you for your time!

Hello!

So as far as "spirit keeping" i generally dont use this term do to its original negative connotations versus "spirit work". As spirits do not need to be "kept" if that makes sense?

And spirit shops are a legit thing. As a retired spirit shop owner. Some practioners use discord but others use etsy or any other e-commerce platform.

When you want to adopt a spirit, the seller usually does a ritual that binds them to you or an object, aka "vessels" normally this requires the consent of the spirit itself. Alot of spirit shops have to go through a lengthy process of "vetting" a spirit throughout a certain time span to make sure that spirit is who they say they are before even getting to the pairing process.

I believe i touch more on those topics HERE and HERE

But as far as etsy goes and any other shop the only advice i can give is to check the reviews (which youve already done) BUT ALSO look at the particular listings.

Some things to think about (potential red flags) when looking at the shop are: ⬇️

What species of spirits do they have? Are they selling entites of a closed species from closed cultures? (species from closed cultures are not to be messed with. Theyre closed for a reason)

Are they selling entities that are classified as children? If so i would avoid at all costs.

Are the prices reasonable? Personally i wouldnt pay for a vessel that costs over $200+ depending on the spirit and any exlcusive add-on packages the seller offers

Do they they have a multitude of the same species that looks like theyre being mass produced? Spirit conjuring takes alot of energy and is not easy. The likelyhood of a person housing a 1000 spirits at a time is not realistic. Ex: Sanguine Vampires and the product says that have a 100.

Do the profile prompts look copied and pasted? Does the information look the same but just reworded differently? No spirit is one in the same.

Does the species abilites look to good to be true? Ex: Spirits CANNOT heal you/alter or interfere with any form of your health physically or mentally. They cannot cure physical sickness. Most can only aleviate and heal energetic pain or most likely provide energy rebalancing, and aid in specific forms of magic.

Whats their binding ritual like? Do they provide any information about their vetting and binding processes? Are they transparent and professional when interacting with potential clients? (ime i would let the spirit form a bond with a client or object naturally as i always felt the bond was much stronger vs. an artifical binding)

But this is just a short list of things to look out for. Its really up to you to decide if your ready for a spirit companion. Personally i wouldnt recommend getting one until a deep dive of research is done. Especially considering of what type of entity you want to interact with.

Assuming you might be a beginner i usually recommend local elemental spirits as i find theyre the easiest to work with.

[sergeantsporks]

Hi sporks! This is kiiinda a weird ask but do you have any ideas/resources for beginners learning to sew?

I know you've been at it for awhile, and idk where else to look lol

Oooo, okay, so I have Resources for Free Patterns

CholyKnight has a bunch of free patterns, and they're also rated by difficulty, so you can find ones that work for your skill level. There's also some explanations of how to do sewing stuff like darts and whatnot. Definitely great for beginners.

Mood Sewcity, more free patterns

Free Sewing, Patterns, these you can adjust with your measurements

Fleece Fun, these are relatively simple. It's where I got my cloak pattern. You do have to sign up for emails, but lots of patterns for free, and fleece is relatively inexpensive. Fleece is pretty good for starters, too, because it's a relatively strong fabric that doesn't fray but isn't too thick to sew through

As far as actual resources for learning, I don't really have much because I was taught to sew by my older sister and my mom, and I figured most other stuff out on my own. So I made some short things of basic stitching stuff

This one is called a running stitch. It's the first one I learned, and is really easy. Just back and forth through the fabric. I made the stitches pretty big here and in opposite colors from the cloth for visual reasons, but you want to pick thread closer to your cloth color, and the smaller your stitches are, the stronger they'll be. There is an exception to this, it's called "basting" and it's basically doing the running stitch but really big and loose. It's supposed to be temporary and just holds pieces in place until you do something else

This is just a way to anchor your running stitch with a knot. I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to do this, but I'm paranoid about my stitches coming out, and when you're doing it by hand as a beginner, they probably WILL come out, so. Yeah.

This one's called a "whip stitch" (I learned recently. I've been doing it for ages, didn't know the name). You're basically popping the edges together and sewing in little circles around them.

This one is a ladder stitch/slip stitch/invisible stitch, and I'm doing it kind of messily here, but the objective is to make your stitch invisible when you pull it tight. You're sort of sewing on the "inside" of the fabric, folding it over and making the thread go behind the fold so it's hidden, then pulling it over to the other side. I use this one to close up my plushies mostly.

Other Random Tips and Stuff:

A "seam allowance" is how much extra cloth you can put on the other side of the seam

You don't need a special cutting board/table for your fabric, I literally just use the floor or the kitchen table

Tacky glue is great for tiny pieces you don't want to sew, like eye shines. It does take some time to dry, though. I put books on top of the fabric to press it together. It will wash out, though, so don't use it on things you intend to throw in the wash

Get pretty good at hand sewing before you try messing with a sewing machine

Fabric scissors really do make a difference in cutting from regular scissors

If you look up "free fabric samples" a lot of cloth places will send you a few little squares of fabric. These are great for practicing and also figuring out different materials, and you don't have to pay for them

Felt is also pretty inexpensive and you can get it at most craft stores, even if they don't sell fabric by the yard. It's also good for details on plushies, like eyes. It is scratchy, though.

Pins are very helpful, but watch out because they will stab you

Little details and things are usually easier to sew by hand rather than machine, especially if there's curves on it. It's just not worth the hassle.

If you're making a plushie, pull the stuffing apart before you stuff it, or the stuffing isn't as soft/it clumps up.

Don't start with a huge major sewing clothes project. My first sewing stuff was making dresses for my barbies when I was 10 and they were literally just tubes with straps on them. I was pleased with this. Trying a big project first will probably just be frustrating, so get used to basic sewing stuff first.

Yeah, I think that's most of it! Let me know if you have any other questions or let me know what you end up making! Other sewing people feel free to add on

[honeylashofficial]

Dear writers,

STOP SELLING YOURSELF SHORT!!

Even beginning writers receive an average of $0.10 per word ($100 per 1,000 words!) and a lot of you are easily able to fall under the category of intermediate. Not beginners. Do not pass up such small amounts of income for your hard work!

1k words should not be worth only $10 bucks! Just like art commission workers, we cannot fold just because we see our work as "not as polished as others". The people who commission you are commissioning because they like your style and how you specifically capture a narrative. Your writing, and just you in general, are the selling points. The price should have nothing to do with that.

Do not hand out 1,000 words like it's lint from your pocket. It's hand-crafted art. Please treat it that way.

[manifestingprincipessa]

the beginner's guide to making money by investing in stocks (part 2)

After discussing some basics in part 1, I will now run you through everything you need to know when making an investment. Please be aware that my posts are meant as education not as investment advice! Always inform yourself thoroughly before making investments. I will start by showing you what it looks like in eToro when I make a new investment:

As you can see, you can specify an amount you want to invest - often there is a minimum. The app also shows you how many shares you can buy for the money.

Stop-loss

Many online brokers allow you to determine a stop-loss when you buy stock. This is the maximum amount your stock can lose in value before it is automatically sold. The purpose of a stop-loss is to minimize your losses - it means you can't lose all of your money in case a stock plummets because the broker will sell the stock before.

A stop-loss may also backfire, though - for example when a stock goes through extremes a lot. The broker might then sell your stock which means you lose money even though the stock may recover at a later point.

Leverage

Leverage allows you to borrow money to increase the potential profit you make from an investment. You can set the leverage in your broker app. If you invest $ 100 with a leverage of x5, the money behaves as if you invested $ 500 which means all gains, but also all losses you make are multiplied by 5. This means you can ake money faster if a stock gains value but you can potentially loose a lot of money as well.

Take profit

Similar to stop-loss, you can also determine at which amount you want to sell a stock if it makes profit. So when the stock crosses a threshold value it is automatically sold to 'lock in' the gains.

Short-selling

Short-selling is a practice that has gained notoriety during the past few years - see the Gamestop saga or the Wirecard case. Opposed to 'normal' investing or long-selling, where you hope a stock gains value, short-selling means that you speculate that a stock will lose value. Now you may wonder how you could make money off of that and that is a bit complicated but bear with me:

The way investors make money off short-selling is by buying a stock and selling it to a third party for a fixed time period. After this time period passes, the investor buys back the stock. Ideally, if the stock has lost value, the investor buys it back for less than they sold it for. The difference is what they make in profit.

A simple example: I have bought stocks for $ 1000 and I believe the company will lose value within the next six months. I sell the stock to you for $ 1000. Over the period of 6 months, the stock loses 30% of its value. I buy back the stocks for $ 700 and have made $ 300 profit.

You can short stocks in most online broker apps but short-selling is more risky than long-selling. If the company gains value you can technically lose more money than you have invested. Nonetheless, people have made a lot of money off short-selling so I thought I'd mention it.

Copy-trading

Copy-trading is a service that some online brokers offer. It means that you directly copy the investments of a (more experienced) investor. Instead of picking stocks yourself, you set a fixed amount and the app automatically invests that amount in the same way that the person you copy invests. This can be a nice option if you don't want to spend a lot of time informing yourself about what to buy.

Hope you learned something!

Best,

Em

[shit-talk-turner]

I’m not a fangirl of Louise who praises every step and kisses the ground she walks on. But I’m passionate about art. Various fields. Criticize her all you want, nothing can stop you. But taking away her credibility as an artist, calling her lazy or fake is completely ridiculous for someone who understands art. Her being a partner of a successful musician is not helping here. People call her talentless but I’m sure she won’t let soulless creatures dictate her worth. Pointless. The problem is that not all talents are visible at first glance. And there’s no definition for an artist. Fuck you Cambridge Dictionary! Being an artist is inconsistent. Doesn’t require releasing music every few months. Because it doesn’t have a DEADLINE. In fact, you can be an artist and never release anything. Business is not art. Industry is killing the real meaning of it. Some people enjoy composing and the creative process more than publishing. It can be more about the journey rather than final product. And the satisfaction and fulfillment comes from creating, not selling it. They do it for themselves. And they’re still artists. Artistry is in your heart. So what that she hasn’t released anything in a long time? Again. I’m not her little minion coming here to defend her. I gain nothing from that, she doesn’t know I exist. But for the love of God, think outside of the box. For a second. It’s not guitar skills, genres, vocal techniques that make you a „real artist”. Who cares if she’s a beginner or expert? As long as there’s a story, emotion or anything she wants to express IT’S VALID and artistic enough. And she doesn’t need to share it now, in 5 years or ever to prove it. Her voice is not perfect? So fucking what. Do you know how many bad singers still made it? And they play shows and found their audience. Let’s study music genres and then fucking shit on them. Fuck rules. Experiment. Have fun. Live. Creativity is FREEDOM. For me the magic in Arctic Monkeys is the mystery. But journalists and fans want short answers, names and dates. Is it about Arielle, is it Alexa?daaaamn. Louise gets a deadline to prove herself as an artist. Alex gets constant demands for explanation. Everything is being ruined by nosinesss. No wonder why he stutters all the time having to avoid questions. Man protects his art. So yeahhhh. It is what it is. But destroying art and freedom of expression with such generalization should be fucking illegal. There are so many problems in the creative community and to see something like this coming from fans is just heartbreaking? I suppose for an artist it’s like asking a friend for a comfort hug and getting slapped in the face instead. But I guess I expect too much from fans. And I’m naive to think you care about art. It’s not Louise, it’s a bigger problem and she’s just one example. So if you’re an artist and you’re reading this: I see you. You’re not lazy for taking time. If you struggle with procrastination or lack of inspiration - I see you. You don’t make money or big numbers on Spotify? I see you. If you lost your spark you’ll get it back. World is cruel but your passion is stronger. If you feel rejected or useless - I believe in you. If you ever thought about conceptualizing an emotion that’s enough for me and your sincerity is all I need to believe in you as an artist. You are important. Your vulnerability is needed. I need it. You help me when you don’t know it. Because world is lacking humanity. So take your time. Amen. And to all ignorants: I dance on your bitter heart. I hope you’ll grow. Find the courage to shine. Fall in love. Appreciate life. I’m not angry. I’m heartbroken but also hopeful. I believe in your improvement. We live in an era of AI takeover. It’s scary. It’s stealing jobs. The pursuit of perfection is killing us. But I believe humanity will win. Emotions are stronger. Always hopeful and forgiving. Even when you try to kill creativity and put it in a box. There is always someone who understands, someone who will take time to read your script even if it’s long. So please. Think. Thank you

Yes, no one can take away the fact that Louise is an artist if she's making art. There's just no evidence she IS making art. We have zero issue with her making art/music/whatever for herself and never releasing it if that's what floats her boat either. We just wonder how she's supporting herself (I mean, we know, but you know what I mean). We also aren't demanding a deadline from her?

Also, people here who think her music or her voice is bad are entitled to that opinion. Just like anyone who thinks her music or voice is good are entitled to THAT opinion. Someone having a negative opinion of your art doesn't make you less of an artist. It comes with the territory of BEING AN ARTIST.

Thank you for your manifesto but we're not sure why you felt the need to share it here as no one is saying someone who makes bad art or unreleased art ISN'T an artist. Both mods make art in some form that will likely never see the light of day (we hope otherwise, obviously) and that someone somewhere would probably hate. We're fine with it. We're not defensive about being called artists or not though.

[almightyramtha]

I've bitched to my friends but I'm going to vent here too because you know what, I'm not over it!

My house has really poor energy efficency, had bad windows which I'm in the throws of replacing, and I've had to be on this energy plan that evens out the bill over the year, and yet it's still averaging about 200 a month. Got a pretty inefficient furnace on top of it (i can only assume), but I keep the temp like 65 max a few hours in the morning and and few in the evening just to warm up the house upon waking and before bed. Not even for me. For my roommates. Otherwise like 20 hours of the day it's at 63 and the windows bring in more heat from the sun. House was like 75 yesterday when it was about 65 outside as an example.

So what do I find this month?

I get my new bill, and it's 300 dollars. This is the new averaged bill.

The energy usable DOUBLED from this time last year for April.

Turns out the roommates have been running a space heater non stop for the last month because both of them have been off work for the last 6 weeks "because they needed it."

They've been walking around in shorts and tank tops.

They've had the sun facing window in their room blocked off for months by a tall headboard and blackout curtains. And just never open the blinds.

They apparently just REFUSE to wear sweats, sweaters, socks or anything of the like (not that I've brought this up specifically but I never see them wearing them at all)

And now my bill is 300 dollars a month for the foreseeable future. Because again. It's evened out from a longer period.

I was aware that they're were apparently needing to run this heater at night. I had to get them to switch from an open faced heater with coils to an oil heater I had because they're slobs with a beginners level hoarder messy room and I was afraid of them catching the house on fire. But apparently that old heater had a temp dial on it and they kept their room 70 degrees all night.

Do they not have blankets????? Do they not have socks????

Why do I have to life coach two arrested development ass funko pop millennial losers like this!! One of them is significantly older than me!!!!

Before you say "kick them out" brother if I could have afforded to kick them out I would have ages ago.

But it's going to take some time. It's going to take me paying off some debt and replacing these windows and it's a pain enough trying to get anyone in here bc my landlord is an insane borderline slumlord who says I'm "not allowed to sublet" and thinks any roommate contributing to any bill is subletting (my house is a mobile I bought right before covid that i thought fixing up would be a good investment and starter home when things were unaffordable otherwise, I wanted to fix this place up, sell it, and use the profit as a down payment for a real foundationed home.... now house prices are double what they were when I started....) (also I'm trying to talk to the city about this idea of no roommates. Hell, she apparently told a neighbor she couldn't have a home health aid (excuse me???) And some other guy wasn't allowed to have his wife move in (no idea if that got resolved but regardless) landlord is insane? Even if i say "yup this is my... cousin nope they wont pay a cent to anything" she's still impossible to get ahold of in a timely manner and actually work out her required bg checks and all that. She will just ignore you sometime.)

Back to the roommates though as they're my immediate woe.

I asked about the registers and if they were covered. "Idk" was the answer. Hell i was sitting there nearly in tears and the one roommate goes "idk what i can even dooooo. I GUESSSSSSsss i could stop using the heater😒🙄😩"

GOD, YOU THINK????? YOU THINK MAYBE TRYING A SWEATER OR OPENING YOUT BLINDS MIGHT HELP???? BLANKETS?!?!?

I've not had a heater in my room since last fall. I work from home! I'm still alive! The window did a number on the heat retention! It's why I'm focusing on them so heavily now.

I had to tell them later that they needed to clean their room (it's been years of me saying this and they barely get anywhere with it) because it was the only way I'll be able to replace the two windows in their room that I can't get to otherwise.

Like, I can't even make THEIR STUPID COMFORT a priority at any point because they make it fucking impossible to work towards.

And I HATE THEM. I CATER TO THEIR NEEDS SO FUCKING MUCH AND NOW I HAD A 300 POWER BILL BECAUSE OF IT.

Yes. They are going to pay the difference. It's 100% their fault. I've made them agree to this.

But this whole situation just pisses me off so much. They don't clean, they hoard, they're disgusting, leave food out, leave little space for me to do anything, are adult children, blare v tubers in the living room, pay rent late, never wipe the counters or sweep up their messes, leave spills on the floor, do you know how many washers and dryers I've had to buy or repair because they can't remove chains and shit from their garments! Oh it's more than two!! THEY HAVE THREE CATS IN THEIR ROOM THEY NEVER LET OUT (I can't even get started on that) AND HAVE REPEATEDLY LIED ABOUT LETTING THEM OUT REGULALRY.

BITCH I WORK FROM HOME. NO YOU DON'T. AND THEY MAKE IT OUT LIKE ITS SOMEHOW MY FAULT WHEN I WAS THE ONLY ONE QUESTIONING WHY THEY ARE ABUSING THEIR PETS LIKE THIS.

But no. It's my fault. Everything is my fault because the two of them have absolutely no ability to hold themselves accountable for anything and im the only other person in the house. They ruin my things, spike my bills, don't say anything when something is broke and then IF they finally do, I have no ability to fix it because of the messes they refuse to clean. I literally have to keep my dishes in my closet bc if i dont store them here they will use them and i'll not see them for over a year. "We only like to use plastic dishes bc theyre easier 😌" THEN WHY DO YOU TAKE MY GLASS AND CERAMIC AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY OVER YOUR ADULT TODDLER DISHES EVERY TIME????

"Oohh ohh we're so embarrassed by our messsss! WE'RE SO SOWWY" BLOW ME!!

You're not! Simply saying sorry for you is like a complete absolvement of all responsibility and guilt and I'm left to pick up the fucking mess. Fuck you both!!!! I look forward to the day I can afford to kick you out!!!