Pretty In Punk

Oh hai... I'm back. I'm still alive, even if only barely. Today is the first day in 6 weeks that I feel vaguely like a human being. Other than having had OK sleep for a few days now, a lot has to do with the fact I found time to dye my hair on Saturday and get my nails done yesterday. These two acts of self care help me more than even I understand! No doubt Instagram will show this post to no one as I've been absent for so long BUT if you happen to see it please say hi or give me a 🖐🏻 I'd also love to know what I've missed in my absence! #prettyinpunk #yesihaveaquamarinehairnow #yesiusedafilter #ilookdead #undead (at Teltower Vorstadt, Brandenburg, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxKDzFYBcXq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=etbujlqsqy4n

THE SHOP CLOSES IN 2 DAYS!!! • #sale #finalsale #enamelpin #patch #enamelpins #patches #brexit (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFrfA4hJ9A/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hhluzvovzhxx

I intended to post regular updates on stock levels and items that were close to selling out over the last two weeks but I just couldn't keep up with things in real time. These patches are *extremely* low in stock right now, as are the Queer Punk patches, so here's a little warning ☺ • #embroideredpatches #patchesandpins #patches #punkwitch #queerpunk #patchgame (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwChDNlBvnB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ykovy78e1bwv

Literally me today 🖤🖤🖤 #prettyinpunk #gothmeme #allblackeverything #alwayswearblack #morticiaaddams #theaddamsfamily (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv9F1XTB72R/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pjrixrr9gdsx

I have a bunch of B and C grade charm seconds in the store in case you've missed them - they are in the miscellaneous section but I don't think many people look there 😄 • When they were restocked last I had very few that I deemed perfect so I have a lot of imperfect ones remaining. The majority are B grade and their only imperfection is that the silver has been oxidized a little unevenly (they're supposed to have an antiqued silver finish) • Remember that the shop closes on FRIDAY! 😲 • #charm #protectioncharm #pentagram #witchaesthetic #witchcrafts #witchesofinstagram #protectionspell (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6vEjOhJl8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q5hn9m3du69n

In case you missed the memo... the shop will close a week tomorrow. #enamelpins #enamelpin #patch #patchcollector #pincollector #punkpatches (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv2MrjqhYQR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17t5sts9jmsfk

I haven't posted to the grid in a week and what a week it has been! The amount of support I've received from all corners of the internet has been amazing. I'm truly thankful to everyone who has placed an order, written cute notes at checkout, sent a sweet email or DM, and shared my posts. I didn't know what would happen when I launched the Final Sale but it's been very positive to date. • I'm still stuck in this twilight zone, however, dealing with no less than 3 different governments, moving home, closing up shop and wondering about what the future holds, i.e. where does future income come from. I'm diassociating HARD from what's going on and it feels very strange to even admit that. Until yesterday I didn't even realise it was what I was doing and now I know it's freaking me out a bit. It's reminiscent of the old days of deep and dark depression where I felt nothing at all. I'm excellent at distracting myself when the going gets tough but this feels like next level stuff. • Anyhoo, I wasn't sure exactly what to post to the grid over the past week as I didn't want to simply say BUY ALL THE THINGS PLEASE every single day, but I guess that's what I'm saying now hahahahah. The pictured patches are still in stock, some in very low quantities, and can also be bought in a bundle for a suuuuuuper low price of 3 for 11€. • A lot of patch and pin designs have sold out already so if you don't see something listed that's because it's already gone. Only those items that are still in stock are accessible from the home page and main menu, making it easier to scroll through everything. But as always if you have any questions just let me know! • • • • • #prettyinpunk #pastelpunk #punkwitch #queerpunk #patchaddict #patchgame #modernembroidery #patchcollection #patchcollector (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvw8K-yl-oI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=311o0p5qk004

Imagine! John Bercow replacing Noel for a truly thrilling special edition of Deal or No Deal. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.S. Don't ask me how long it took to make this whilst I *should* be preparing myself personally, professionally and physically from being thrown out of the EU.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #brexit #brexitmeme #brexitmemes #yesthisisoffbrand #butitissorelevanttomerightnow #dealornodeal #johnbercow #noeledmonds #theresamay #commons_speaker https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUH2FMJGfR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g02se9lblgmi

Yesterday's #meetthemaker prompt was 'mistake or lesson' and I've decided to mention pre-orders... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For the first 18 months or so of running this business the only items I opened up to pre-order were the #allblackeverything patches and pins in between restocks. But then I decided, on a whim, to open up pre-orders for other restocks and new releases, each of which I regret in one way or another. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The thing about pre-orders is: you have no *actual* control over the timescale within which you'll receive the items, nor the quality of said items when they arrive. In almost every single instance of running a pre-order, certainly for enamel pins, I have disappointed customers. In most instances it's because I received the items late and in turn shipped them out late, but on occasions it was because the manufacturer had made a mistake and I was unable to fulfill the order as planned. It can be easy to forget that these situations cost a lot of money, not only in paying expedited or tracked shipping fees, from adding extra items to the order to make up for the delay, but also from lost customers. Individuals are far less likely to reorder from a business, small or not, who seem unable to fulfill orders (this is, after the foundation on which the business exists). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of something - especially when it's your customers who are getting excited about a new release - but it's so incredibly important to keep a handle on that so you can effectively manage people's expectations. This is one of the most important lessons I've had, and still have to, learn; and let me tell you the easier you learn it the better. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Signed, someone who perpetually disappoints ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • • • • • #prettyinpunk #witchaesthetic #witchesofinstagram #punkwitch #emogirl #nugoth #nugothstyle #gothicgirl #occultism #occultart #metalheadsofinstagram #enamelpin #lapelpin #enamelpindesign #pindesign #softenamel #pinstagram #pincollection #pincollector (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMv4tMBG-K/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17rv7paj5ti85

"ALL I NEED IS COFFEE AND WIFI" • I'm late posting the last two prompts for #meetthemaker - I have been a massive grump the whole weekend and wanted to avoid projecting this grumpiness onto everyone else - so I'll do a short and sweet round-up here. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Saturday's prompt was 'workspace'. I have two desks in different rooms in my apartment at present but I don't actually have one fixed workspace; ultimately I can work anywhere as long as there is coffee and WiFi! Sometimes I need peace and quiet to be able to think, and other times I want to put something on Netflix or Maxdome in the background. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sunday's prompt was 'what I'm working on'. I stopped sharing my #workinprogress on Instagram a while ago - I noticed that it only seems to fuel imitation - but I will be sharing #wip on my Patreon when it launches in a couple of days. I guess it's also quite apt that I mention this, as it is literally what I'm currently working on right now?! Does anyone who has a Patreon already have any top tips on setting it up or maintaining it effectively? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • • • • #prettyinpunk #allineediscoffee #allineediswifi #coffeeandwifi #workspace #marchmeetthemaker #meetthemaker2019 #patreon #whatimworkingon (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvKdB8xhwSl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13ga8sc79khro

Yesterday's prompt for #meetthemaker is photography. I resort to the hold-pin-or-patch-in-hand-against-white-or-black-background shot more often than not, and why not? It's simple! I hold the item in my left hand and take the picture on my phone using the right. It's easier to find good lighting because I can move around the apartment looking for that sweet spot, plus there is significantly less editing to do; and whilst this may not be the most awe-inspiring post, it's the reality of the situation. One of the most important parts of running a business alone is finding little hacks that make your job easier, and this is one of them... which is relevant to today's prompt: 'how I learnt'. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Anyhoo... you can still pick up one of these pins in store. Note that there is currently FREE SHIPPING on all domestic orders over 15€ and free shipping on all international orders (outside of Germany) over 40€. There is also an extra 20% off all items in the End of Line section. For details on all of these offers simply click the banner at the top of the store's homepage! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • • • • • #witchaesthetic #gothicstyle #darkstyle #emogirl #nugoth #nugothstyle #gothicgirl #enamelpins #lapelpin #pin #pingame #pin_post #pinlord #pinlover #pingamestrong #pinstagram #pinsofig #pincollection #pincollector #pinoftheday #pincommunity #pinbadge #wearableart #wearabledesign #allblackeverything #blackheart #blacklikemyheart #marchmeetthemaker @pinoftheday @pin_post @gothicfanclub @matteblkk @childrenofthenight9 (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_v_YqhIGo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=90iu8fh9nrwj

... and this doesn't just refer to yesterday's blackout. Instagram was established on the principle that you could *instantly* share a snapshot of your day with everyone who was following you. You'd receive posts in real time and were able to scroll through all of them in reverse chronological order, giving some perspective of when one post had been shared in relation to others. But all of this has changed, and will continue to change, and there is no going back. I, for one, am mad and sad. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sidenote: I normally say that "the problem with common sense is: it's not so common anymore" WHICH IS ALSO TRUE. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • • • • • #instagram #instagramblackout #yourekillingmeinstagram #notsointsaanymore (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_dRcKhr2r/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17s1v54usids5

I have tried something new for today's #marchmeetthemaker prompt which is 'hands at work'. I recorded a time lapse of me drawing a ridiculous collection of punk paraphernalia. It was inspired by a @skillshare class that I took this morning that I'll link in my stories. ✏🖌🖍 • Please excuse my super basic drawings! I wasn't trying to create a masterpiece, just creating something fun 🖤🖤🖤 I have also never shot a timelapse before so it's not cropped well on the screen, but that's a skill I can hone another day 😄 • Do you recognise anything from this drawing? Did you also collect any of these quintessential punk items? I almost certainly got all of mine from Camden Town, back when it was only just beginning to commercialize and gentrify. I don't think any of the shops I used to go to still exist 😭 • • • • • #meetthemaker #meetthemaker2019 #handsatwork #timelapse #timelapsevideo #punkparaphernalia #prettyinpunk #camdentown #skillshare #skillshareclass #skillshareambassador (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6Dk6YIWqB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18aipq7t76pu6

I have just opened a Threadless store for apparel* and as of today they are offering FREE SHIPPING for the rest of the month!!! I will be adding the link and code to my stories a little later, so you just need to follow the link which will take you directly to my store and then enter the code at checkout. [Conditions do apply which are detailed on the Threadless site.] • * note that I have only enabled apparel right now because 99.99% of what I have sold to date in my TeePublic store is apparel. If you do want a design made available on something else however (e.g. coffee mugs, stickers, etc) then let me know. Note also that the prices are the same as in TeePublic, the only difference right now is the free shipping. • • • • • #prettyinpunk #witchaesthetic #witchesofinstagram #punklife #witchlife #punkwitch #supportyourlocalpunkcoven #punkcoven #bikerboots #lavender #pentagram #emogirl #nugoth #nugothfashion #nugothstyle #grungefashion #gothicgirl #occultism #occultart #printondemand #threadless @threadless (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu4eKkfhjjy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=safjwwxaedx7

Today's prompt for #marchmeetthemaker is 'reducing waste' and there are so very many things that could be shared on that topic! For now I'm just going to reiterate that I don't keep apparel in stock anymore. I do have a handful of items left from previous print runs, such as the pictured #allblackeverything roses design* that isn't available anywhere else - it was a limited edition design so won't be added to print on demand stores - but as of last year I switched to using third party print on demand companies such as TeePublic and (as of today) Threadless. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One of the reasons I decided to do this was to eliminate waste. When everything was being screenprinted I had to guesstimate the number of shirts I needed, as well as specifically what quantity of each size, and there would *always* be shirts left over. Selling items at cost to shift stock is always an option but it is still a waste of resources; and in an industry that is built on exploitation and waste, that didn't sit well with me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ * the only size left in the All Black Everything Roses and Nostalgia Is a Seductive Liar shirts is XS - you can swipe left for the size guide - but there are M/L/XL left in the circular All Black Everything design. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • • • • • #prettyinpunk #witchaesthetic #allblackclothing #blackeverything #gothlife #emogirl #nugoth #nugothfashion #nugothstyle #grungefashion #gothicgirl #printondemand #teepublic #threadless #screenprinting #reducingwaste #organiccotton #fairlytraded #fairtradeclothing #waterbasedink (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu4TXHOBvBz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=154xo4s1r0lkl

Today's prompt for #marchmeetthemaker is 'you'. If you've seen my stories in the last 15 hours you'll know I've been awake since 3:34 AM thanks to little baby Bruce (the cat) and I'm t i r e d; consequently I've taken the liberty of posting an old photo. Not only is it a photo from spring but I'm sporting pink hair (currently I have a shaved head) and it must have been laundry day because I'm wearing a light grey top and not all black... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Anyhoo... I'm Caro - I use they them pronouns - and I have run this small business since 2016. Instead of rehashing the same information I figured I'd share a few random facts with y'all. • 1. When I was 7 years old I wanted to be a police officer, but only to be able to direct traffic. This is generally something I DO NOT mention, to anyone, ever. • 2. I didn't live with a companion animal until I was 29 years old!!! I once lived with four dogs, six cats and one rat; now I "only" have three cats. • 3. I really love pizza - it's the one food I have consistently loved my entire life - but mac 'n' cheese is a close second. I never understood anyone's obsession with fries but I will eat a chip butty any day of the week. • 4. I spend a lot of time thinking about and (mentally, at least) prepping for the zombie apocalypse. In day to day life I flail around making a lot of noise, much like a zombie, but I think when push came to shove I could "keep it together". • 5. I am a very competent swimmer and have trained as a lifeguard etc; however in the last 5 years I've slowly developed an extreme fear of water. In the past year or so it's got so bad I can't even look at water on TV. • + BONUS FACT: I didn't use Instagram until 2014, less than 16 months before I would start this business ON Instagram. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • • • • • #prettyinpunk #pinkhairdontcare #meetthemaker #meetthemaker2019 #factsaboutme #fivefactsaboutme #mychesttattoowastheabsoluteworst #ialmostcried #thankdogionlyhadtodoitonce (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu1ncBtBiGr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gfv0t1tzqfq8

Today's #marchmeetthemaker prompt is 'less glam side' and whilst there are so very many things I could talk about I feel I'd be completely remiss if I didn't mention the COMPLETE PAIN IN THE ASS that is dealing with copyright and intellectual property violations. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is the part of running a small business that has left me the most haggard. I feel absolutely diabolical when I see someone else selling these #allblackeverything patches or posting this very photo* (and others, of course) without tagging me in the caption and image. You know when you get bad news and your stomach drops? and it takes a while for you to regain your balance and to lose the accompanying sense of nausea and panic? Yeah, that's what it's like and it happens ALL THE TIME. But it's not just a "bad feeling" - dealing with it is also a complete waste of energy and resources. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ * Fun fact: I remember taking this photo at about 9:30pm at night in poor lighting. I debated whether or not to post it on Instagram because I knew it wasn't good - I didn't have the energy to edit it and at the time I had no smart app on my phone that would help - but I was SO DAMN excited that the patches had arrived that I posted it regardless. I woke up the next morning to 3,000 likes and the post had a life of its own. HAD I KNOWN I would have ensured it was a better photo!!! and yes, I am reposting the unedited version now for posterity! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • • • • • #prettyinpunk #gothlife #alternativexfashion #alternativefashion #emogirl #nugoth #nugothstyle #grungefashion #gothicgirl #patchaddict #patchgame #modernembroidery #patchcollection #patchcollector #allblack #blackeverything #allblackclothing #allblackalways (at Pretty In Punk HQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuFgUQh8q5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y7wzuid9gq06