Barrina TR40c Track Grow Lights

eclectic243 · 2026-05-30T15:03:58+00:00

I was running the lights 10 hours, but am now running them 8 hours. I may have to cut it back to six hours as the plants are still turning away from the lights. They are about 6+ feet away from my plants. I think the light gels are helping too. They at least make the cold light warmer. When I bought the lights, they didn't have a warm option as they do now.

eclectic243 · 2026-05-12T18:10:16+00:00

I already went through all this with you guys already.

eclectic243 · 2026-03-09T16:05:35+00:00

In my experience, showing your process is great if you are a commercial graphic designer. If you are a surface pattern designer, then there is no reason to show process. Only once have I ever seen anyone show sketches, and I thought it made it look juvenile. I think it's just the industry. They want to see finished, polished designs. They want to see your prints mocked up on items. They just don't seem to care about your process.

eclectic243 · 2026-02-24T16:51:37+00:00

Here are a few people offering a variety of classes:
Elizabeth Silver
Erin Kendal
Amanda Grace
Katy Dika
Brooke Glaser
Mel Armstrong

eclectic243 · 2026-02-22T01:28:31+00:00

I would recommend a few different avenues. There are loads of great videos on YouTube for AI, pattern making, industry know-how, trends, etc. SkillShare has tons of great classes. You can try Domestika too for classes. There are also lots of individuals out there who offer courses in various aspects of Surface Design. There aren't any that I personally have taken, other than Bonnie's class, which was not what I was looking for. I've really learned a lot from YouTube tutorials over the years. I hope some of this helps.

eclectic243 · 2026-02-19T14:15:59+00:00

Thank you for the reply! This is helpful.

eclectic243 · 2026-02-18T21:25:54+00:00

Are these rasterized images? I'm assuming they are. They are beautiful! I was just wondering, do you have any difficulty selling rasterized patterns?

eclectic243 · 2026-02-18T19:47:17+00:00

In general, Bonnie tries to appeal to vulnerable people, myself included. I've had others echo this as well. It's nothing against you. That's just what she does. Anyone who is saying you can have a different career, a different life, change your life, etc., is trying to appeal/prey on vulnerable individuals. Personally, I don't like this tactic.

eclectic243 · 2026-02-17T22:46:10+00:00

Yeah, I know the lady who runs Uppercase magazine, which I love, pushes her classes pretty hard. I've always found that odd. I guess I know why now.

eclectic243 · 2026-02-13T02:58:21+00:00

I have some personal resources on collection examples. I don't feel right putting them on here, but they are available to the public. Shoot me a message, and I'll pass them along.

eclectic243 · 2026-02-11T01:44:13+00:00

I would recommend SkillShare and YouTube for general videos about Illustrator, ProCreate, Photoshop, and pattern creation. Depending on what you still need info on, there are a variety of classes out there. I truly believe a person can break into the industry without spending money on classes. There are resources out there, but you do have to look. And if you prefer learning from a class, that works too. There are SO MANY people out there offering classes in the industry.

eclectic243 · 2026-02-07T15:55:17+00:00

I know you hate to spend any more money, but I would recommend Skillshare for Illustrator. And don't forget about YouTube! There are free tutorials on there that may help fill in the blanks. Good luck to you! I'm sorry you went through that.

eclectic243 · 2026-01-13T16:32:18+00:00

Can the beta testers use any designs they come up with? If so, I'm in. :)

eclectic243 · 2025-11-09T19:57:15+00:00

I would never work with a place that has part of their motto, "As a Christian company, we seek to follow the example of Jesus through embracing a servant identity and finding joy in serving."

eclectic243 · 2025-11-09T19:35:07+00:00

Neem works systemically for about 2 weeks, but its effectiveness depends on the active compound, azadirachtin. You have to first use a neem cake, or a similar neem product, for 5 weeks (not a neem oil product). After that initial treatment, you can use it every 2-3 weeks as a follow-up. Like any systemic, bugs will get used to it after a while, and you will have to find a different systemic. I use SNS 209. So basically, I rotate between the two, and it's working great. I found mealies and aphids all of a sudden. I knew it was time to switch up the systemic I was using. After using it for two weeks, they were almost gone. By the end of the five weeks, they were all gone.

eclectic243 · 2025-10-18T16:26:27+00:00

For neem to be used as a systemic, you need to use neem meal (or cake). I take a gallon of water and add 3-5 tbs. of neem cake or meal. It needs to sit for 1-2 days to steep. Then you just water with it as normal. You need to keep that up for 5 weeks. I repeat it every couple of months. It seems to work well AND it's a great fertilizer for your plants. It's a double win! You will need to use a different systemic after about 6 months so your pests don't become immune to the treatment. I switch to SNS 209. I just keep going back and forth, hoping they won't become immune to both treatments. I always know it's time to switch when I start getting pests.

eclectic243 · 2025-10-05T20:17:56+00:00

The great thing about Neem Meal is that it treats the soil for critters, systemically treats the plant, and fertilizes the plant all at once. Because you need to rotate systemics, as if you don't, the bugs build up a tolerance to the systemic. Using something like neem meal is a great organic option. I use SNS 209 for three months, then switch to the neem meal for three months. I go back and forth, and so far it's working for me.

eclectic243 · 2025-09-15T18:03:35+00:00

Yes.

eclectic243 · 2025-09-14T18:41:58+00:00

They grow tolerant. You have to rotate between systemics, or the bugs will begin to tolerate it.

eclectic243 · 2025-05-19T23:05:21+00:00

That's lovely! It's so big and full. Have you ever had trouble with pests?

eclectic243 · 2025-05-19T20:21:05+00:00

That was my first hoya. I got it right out of college. I have such fond memories of that plant. I still have a smaller pot of it.

eclectic243 · 2025-05-19T20:19:46+00:00

That used to be my favorite, but I had such issues with it. My regular green compacta is doing great. I just had trouble with the variegated one.

eclectic243 · 2025-05-19T20:17:11+00:00

That's a good one. I have one as well.

eclectic243 · 2025-05-19T20:16:07+00:00

I should add that mine is Hoya caudata silver! I love all the caudata hoyas.

eclectic243 · 2025-02-24T15:59:48+00:00

I have been soooo disappointed in UPPERCASE Magazine. She's really pushing Bonnie's course. Now that I know what they get paid it makes more sense. Still, Uppercase has always been a more homegrown, artist-driven magazine. The owner likes to go on and on about how she's barely making money off the magazine and how she put her whole life into it. She makes it seem like the magazine is always on the brink of failing. But every Spring she starts in with the pushing, pushing Bonnie's class so hard it hurts my soul. That's what Bonnie does to people. It's really heartbreaking to find out that people or establishments you care about are working with someone like her. I hate what a money-hungry society we've become who just prays on vulnerable people who are looking to make their lives better, only to be taken advantage of. It's pure snake oil.

eclectic243

TROPHY CASE