Esty Newsletter and One Year Anniversary

Well two things I would like to post about today!

ONE - It was my one year anniversary on Etsy on February 19, 2011!
TWO - I made it onto the Etsy Newsletter for February 21, 2011!

ANNIVERSARY!

I was so excited to find out that I was going to be on Etsy for an entire year! Not only was I happy that I have been a part of the online selling community for a year, but I was also so excited to discover all I have learned as well as grateful for all the people I met.

In true, one year anniversary form, I would like to thank all the people who helped me get this far!

My mom has helped me in more ways than I can express on this blog! She has provided me with packing supplies, materials, egg dye, eggs, ideas, support, and so much more. She checks out my shop and sometimes knows I made a sale before I do. Withour all the help she has given me, I don't think I would have been able to run my online stores while in law school.

My sister Mary has taken me on numerous shopping escapes for craft ideas and items and talks with me on the phone weekly. She gives me ideas, support, and sadly the desire to go to craft stores daily. I am lucky to have such a creative sister who can help me grow my creativity!

My boyfriend Rob. This guy not only makes earrings for my craft shows, helps me at the shows, and lets me steal his car, he is always there as my support to help me get through tough days. He also is my business manager and talks me out of some bad business ideas. Also, he makes sure I don't sell my work short. Sometimes I feel my art isn't wanted and I try to cut prices to where I wouldn't be making any money, and thanks to Rob I haven't revisited that technique in awhile.

Family - My family in general understand how insanely curious I am to try new things, and I'm so lucky they never tried (too hard) to stunt my desires to break into a new craft. I cross stitch, knit, crochet, etch eggs, make cards, and jewelry. In the end, I love every craft I have ever tried and sometimes wish that it would be my sole profession. Regardless what I end up doing in life, I'm glad I got to try everything crafty I wanted to try so far... quilting... hmmmm I want to try quilting!

Etsy Newsletter

After my anniversary came and went, I as a little bummed I did not make it to 100 sales or 1,000 shop hearts. However, my sadness was gone when I saw on the Etsy Newsletter 1-21-2011 my etched egg! I got views, hearts, and even a few sales! I hope the sales and hearts continue as Easter approaches.

Thanks again for reading and I hope you check out my shop sometime!

Successful I Made it Market! Weekend!!!!

I want to thank the I Made it Market! people for allowing me to be a part of their two events on February 11 and February 12!! Both craft shows were a great success and not only did I have fun and make some sales, I met some wonderful crafters from around Pittsburgh.

I Made it! Original on February 11, 2011 at Pittsburgh University had a great crowd of crafters as well as a wonderful student turn out! I myself broke down and bought wonderful coconut bath bombs and vegan citrus lipbalm.

I Made it! Mine on February 12, 2011 was a different event in an open house of a new apartment building complex. I was positioned in an apartment's living room with a silk screen artist as well as a jeweler. Tim (artist) and Florence (Jeweler) were the best room buddies I could have asked for. I hope to feature both on my blog in the near future!

Tonight is my final show for a while. It is for the Love of Friends Pittsburgh and will be held at the Space Gallery in downtown Pittsburgh from &pm to 10pm. I hope to see some familiar faces as well a sell some eggs!

Wish me luck!!

CRAFT SHOW In Pittsburgh!!! I Made it! Original 2-11-2011

In Pittsburgh next weekend there will be several opportunities before Valentine's Day to but your loved ones some wonderful handmade items to show your unique love!

I Made it Market is a indie handcraft organization that works with local crafters in order to both help self business people as well as share handmade items with the public. February 11 and 12, 2011 are two opportunities to see artists from Pittsburgh and make special purchases as well as have fun!

I Made it! Original is February 11, 2011 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at the University of Pittsburgh several vendors who make different items like knitting, felting, soaps, scents, jewelry, metal art, paintings, and more will be displayed and sold. Crafters will have Valentine's Day items as well as Spring items! Come on over and look for birthday presents, Mother's Day presents, Easter presents, or just presents for yourself!!!

I Made it! has information on all crafters who will be there. Click on the link and go to the artists button for the February 11, 2011 show!

I will be there! If you mentions the blog I will give 10% off an egg purchase you make!

Happy Funny Valentine!!!

Here is another fun treasury! The fun and funny Valentine's Day items! Not the traditional roses or hearts. These items transcend the ordinary! I got a kick out of looking for these fun items! Please click on the picture and check out the treasury! THANKS!!

Wonderful BNR Treasury for Tonight!

Here is a fantastic BNR treasury for Etsy that will povide you with not only wonderful deals for a little light shopping, but also a great way to pomote your own items and sales!

So come along and check out the BNR, shop some, and sell some too!

Click on the picture below to be linked to this wonderful opportunity to meet sellers and see some fantastic items!

Cards in the Making

It's the love season! Valentine's Day is coming and everyone is searching for the sweet sentimental gift! Even though my eggs are more for the Easter, I have a few Valentine's day eggs for sale. However, my second shop AllThingsEclectic is selling OOAK hand made cards!

I am trying to add more to my shop, but currently I am not home during the day when it is best to take pictures. I find I have to leave all photo taking until Saturday and Sunday when I don't have school or work.

Here is my newest Valentine's Day card for you to check out!



This is a heavier card, but I love the layers and sparkles!

Maybe a bell is more Christmas-y but it works with this card. The silver glitter works well with all the shades of red and pink!



This was an ornament but I like how it works on this card! The L is turned into "Love" and makes a great focal area!

Thanks for looking at my newest card! Hopefully I will have more cards to list and share with you soon!


this card is for sale on my website for 5.25

Treasury Challenge

Dreamy Creamy Treasury! Click on the pics and comment around the treasury! Great items! Thanks for looking!

** If you comment on here and on the treasury you will have a chance to get into the next treasury I make this week!

Thanks!!

Working to get on the front page! Thanks for your help!

Making Your Mark - Signing Crafts

When a artist finishes a work of art, the final touch more often than not is to sign the work. Picasso, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt always signed their completed works. The same should be true today with any artist or crafter. A work is never completed until it is signed.

Signing a craft not only personalizes it for the person who purchases it, but it always allows for extended promoting after the craft is sold and with its new owner. Though today the business card takes on the job of speaking for the artist when he or she is not there to take credit for a work, the business card falls short of always staying with the object itself. A person may lose the card, place it somewhere else, or simply decide not to keep it. Signing the object itself always keeps the artist with the product.

Today, it is important to take pride in one's work. No matter how small or simple you believe your work to be. Taking pride in your work not only makes you more excited with your finished product, it also adds a special feel for the purchaser.

It is also important to date the item you created. You easily provide the purchaser a remembrance of when they purchased from you. If the item becomes a present it also helps to aid the recipient's memory of when they received the present.

All items should be signed. Even if you think your item cannot be signed without ruining it, take a good look at the item, most likely, there is a place perfect for your John Hancock.

How to Sign Difficult Items:

Knitting - Use an embroidered piece of fabric and sew into the inside or corner of the item. Even if it is something like a scarf, a sewn initials piece of fabric is not a nuisance for the purchaser.

Cards - You can either invest in a personal signature stamp or buy "handmade by" stamp for sale in several craft stores, then sign your name. People love to see that the card they bought or received was made by a real person, and was not picked out at Hallmark.

Ornaments or small figurines - Underneath the item, use a small pen to write you initials or shop name.

Miscellaneous items - Try to look at you item to find an area that would either been unseen or out would nor mar the overall look of the item. Use wither your initials, name, or shop name.

In the end, signing your work, is a most important step to take before deciding your item is complete. You provide addition promotion, remain connected with your work, and add importance to this handcrafted item.

People appreciate seeing signatures for the sheer fact that that signature is proof the item they bought was handmade by someone, and not a mass produced item. Instead, they own something completely unique and special.

When you finish your next creation, make sure to place your signature on it. Take pride in your work and attach the mark to pove what you made is one of a kind and special to whoever buys it.

New Photo Layout - Spring Brights!

Now that its time to work on Spring listings I decided to work on my photos for eggs. I needed something lighter than my past pictures that have a lot of black and white in them. Instead, I though it would be great to incorporate the Shabby Chic element of a dusty white. I used white birds and a glass jar of different eggs:

What do you think? I tried my best not to lose the egg in the busier background. Any suggestions to make this better?

The Key to BRIGHT Photos:

I realize how difficult it is to not only change up your current photo style for Etsy listings, but also to change it in a way that benefits you most for the current season. Take my attempts to brighten my photos for Spring... Now that the dark reds and rich greens of Christmas are slowing ceasing, it is time to embrace the lighter more pastel colors of Spring.

One way to do this is to all white and light to your photos. I added shabby chic birds and the light colors of eggs to my photos. I also took the photos only when a lot of light is shining through my window. In addition, I used a sprig og berries to add some dimension, color contrast, and a feel of Spring to the layout.

It took me several tries but I was satisfied with this final product. Even darker eggs pop well with this bright surrounding theme:


In the end, I think this is an effective theme, that is versatile for many shops.

In the end:

Keep it light
Keep it bright
Keep it simple!

Thought of the Week #1

And it's time once again to get moving with something. Spring seems far away, but it right around the corner in the salesman's head.

Now that 2011 has come, snowflakes and icicles are a thing of the past even though it is still freezing outside. The thought of little chicks, pastel, bunnies, and the beginning of new life floods my head.

Today's Thought of the Week

1. Start earlier than you think.

Now is the time to start posting for Valentine's Day and Easter! People want to look at items and mull over ideas in their head before purchasing. You will lose business thinking it is okay to post in a couple weeks. People have a hard time making quick decisions when it comes to internet purchases. They think, "Do I really like it? Or am I buying it just to buy something?" "Will I receive it in time?" "Maybe I'd like it more if I could customize it a little."

All these issues cause shoppers to second guess and you... lose the sale! Posting items now allow people to think about your item, question you, ask for a small change, or even ask you to make more if you have only one of an item and someone needs more. I found early postings allow for parents who want one for each child to contact me in time to make that request.

The sooner you list the better chances you have! Also if items sell you have the opportunity to relist them. Who knows, you may have the next best thing in your shop and EVERYONE wants it! Wouldn't it be great to have it out on the market longer?

So today's moral is to list earlier than you think. You have to think about the way you and the majority of people shop online, and time os of the essence!

Newest Obsession - SWAP-BOT!

I discovered through etsy friends online a new website where you swap any number of things through e-mail or snail mail in order to make new friends, get little goodies in the mail, etc.

SWAP-BOT is this wonderful site where you can do anything from sending a handmade card to someone on the other side of the world to swaping homemade soup recipes in the mail or online. Not only do you receive great little goodies without spending much, if any, money!

The site is pretty advanced in the fact that it allows people to rate their items/e-mails they receive so to weed out people who sign up to receive and not give the same level of effort as others. In addition, if you make an extra special effort people can comment and give you a heart... with extra special thanks so people know how much you love doing the swaps!

Don't see something you want to join? Well make a swap for yourself! There is an option for people to create their own swap. I saw one a couple days ago where people swaped magnets from the fridge!

Also you can make your profile so detailed in order to get people to understand your personality, like and dislikes in order to ensure your goodies are in tune with your personality! Even if you don't like everything you get, you can use it to reswap in the future

It's a wonderful free site to join! Not only do you get little goodies, possible penpals along the way, but also if you are a crafter you get another tool to market yourself! I have included my business card in my swaps and hope in the future people will get to know me through the swapping!

Check it out... maybe one day you'll get a swap from me!!!!

HOW TO BLOW OUT AN EGG!

HELLO!

I know I haven't updated in a long time. I started school and will be even more busy than I already am! However, based on the fact I am part of a craft show this Sunday in Pittsburgh, I wanted to write a little bit about egg etching in general.

I thought I would use this entry to give the basics of how to start the process of etching an egg. Where best to begin than to explain how to blow out an egg!?!

In your arsenal you will need:
- A straight pin
- a round file
- an egg pump (this is optional and I will explain both how to blow out an egg with and without the pump)
** there are several types of pumps - for these directions I'll will be using THIS
- a chicken egg without bumps or cracks
- bowl

Blowing out an egg WITHOUT a pump:

1. Alright, now that you have your egg and your supplies, take the egg in your hand. Using the pin poke a hole at the tip of the egg and well as the bottom so you have holes directly above one one another. Be first but DO NOT have a death hold on your egg!

2. Once you have these two holes you will want to make them larger, that's where the round file come in. Line up the tip of the file with the pinhole. Rub the file back and forth between your fingers to file the hole larger until it is the size of the file's width.

3. Repeat this process with the other hole.

4. Now make sure you cleaned your egg so you won't get sick with this step! put your lips on the egg and blow hard (EYES CLOSED) and get the contents out! You may save the contents to make scrambled eggs or bake.cook with immediately if you desire.

5. Run some water (trickling from the faucet) into the egg... shake... and blow out to clean out remaining yolk.

6. Let your egg dry before moving on to using your egg in crafts!

BLOWING OUT WITH A PUMP:

1. You will repeat steps 1-3 from the above directions!

4. using the pump place the circular rubber on the egg with the hoel lined up with your filed hole.Insert the metal pin of the pump into the hole.

5. Holding pump firmly against the egg and holding the egg firmly in palm of hand, pump the handle of the egg pump to empty the contents.
** NOTE ** Sometime the yolk is harder to pump out. Be patient and keep pumping!

6. Run some water (trickling from the faucet) into the egg... shake... and blow out to clean out remaining yolk.

7. Let your egg dry before moving on to using your egg in crafts!

If you have any questions or comments about this process please comment!!!

FEATURE BLOG 4 - SoonerDesigner!!!!!!

I'm so glad to present a great paper crafter!!! Her shop has wonderful offers and great original items!!

SOONERDESIGNER

1. What's your shop name?
soonerdesigner.etsy.com
2. Introduce yourself (name age and a little info).
My name is Kristina, I'm in my 20's & am a student/housewife.
3. Why do you do what you do on etsy?

I love making papercrafts! I used to have way too much trouble looking for cute greeting cards. The handmade cards in my small town were not good quality & were priced too high, so I started making my own. I received lots of compliments & it was suggested that I try selling them so I decided to give it a shot!

4. When and Why did you join etsy?
I actually joined etsy a year before I started selling. I was browsing a shop while looking for wedding supplies & wanted to ask them a question about their product. Since you have to have an account to send a convo, I created one. In April of this year, we were hosting a birthday party at my house & several people suggested I try selling my cards on etsy which is when I first started using my shop.
5. What have you learned about yourself during your business endeavor in selling on etsy?
I've learned that I (like many other people on etsy) have a really hard time pricing my items!
6. What do you do by day when you're not etsy's soonerdesigner?
By day I'm a mild-mannered student/housewife, but by night I'm a card-making superhero! LOL Really though I really spend most of my day making items for my shop, photographing them, & editing my photos in an effort to improve my shop.
7. What are your thoughts about selling on Etsy?
It's tough, but fun nonetheless.
8. Explain your craft and your crafting style.
My favorite cards to make are bright & feminine. I prefer to make cards that can be given for all occasions. I also include a picture with all of my listings showcasing messages that may be added to the cards to make them occasion-specific. This service is free of charge.
9. What are some of your favorite pieces?
I absolutely love my hand bound envelope books! ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/50056554/hand-bound-envelope-book ) I carry one around in my purse for coupons & constantly get compliments about them. As for my cards, my "Vintage Style Clipping" card is definitely my favorite. I love all of the bright colors & the big pink flower. ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/45734115/all-occasion-card-vintage-style-clipping )
10. Is it hard to part with your items once sold?
Not for me because I am just so excited that someone else loves them enough to give them to a loved one. It really makes me proud!
11. Explain how you got started in your craft.
I never could find handmade cards that fit my style, so it was out of necessity in a way.
12. What's your working space like?
Mobile. I keep my supplies in art boxes that I move between my office upstairs & my workspace on the coffee table downstairs. I prefer to work wherever I feel comfortable at the time.
13. Is your craft your job or your hobby? (explain)
I guess you could say it's a hobby that I hope to turn into a profitable job. I truly enjoy making my items & would love to be able to earn a living from them.
14. What's your personality and how does that reflect in your craft?
I'm a bit of a mix. (Aren't we all.) I love the classics that never go out of style (pearls, lace, black); vibrant items that fill you with energy; & just enough trendy things to keep you on the lookout for the next big thing. I think all of these things are showcased in my cards. (Classic: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45732821/weddingall-occasion-card-flower-and-lace ; Vibrant: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49903698/all-occasion-greeting-card-blue ; Trendy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50068440/miniature-card-set-8-modern-designs )
15. Do you do any other crafts?
I do sew a little, but I mostly stick to papercrafting. Some of my crafts that I hope to have listed soon are altered notebooks & handmade notepad covers.
16. Who taught you to do this craft?
I'm self-taught & constantly learning more.
17. What are some of your favorite shops?
There are far too many to name, but I especially enjoy BrixtonStudios.etsy.com & DECAcandle.etsy.com .
18. What else would you like to say about anything and everything including yourself and/or your craft?
If anyone likes the style of my items, but doesn't see a card or book (would you rather have pretty papers instead of envelopes fill the book?) that fits their need please do not hesitate to convo me. I love custom orders! Also, if you buy more than 1 item in my shop any additional cards (including sets) ship free!

SHOP OF THE WEEK THREE!!!! EDNA!!!!

Time for another shop of the week feature... I'd like to present EDNA!!! A crafter I met months ago when she won a set of my eggs without even trying, and a person I'm honored to present to you!!!!

1. Whats your shop name - Ednabelle

2. Introduce yourself (name age and a little info) - I am 78, born and raised in WV

3. Why do you do what you do on etsy? - Because I really like it and it's important to me to stay active.

4. When and Why did you join etsy? - I joined Etsy 6 months ago. Actually a wonderful Etsian, TheLittleGreenButton, purchased from me through another venue (but we're not calling names), told me how friendly and wonderful Etsy was and invited me to come check it out. I very much liked what I found here and it hasn't let me down. It is a wonderful outlet for my creative side.

5. What have you learned about yourself during your business endeavor in selling on etsy? - I've learned that my hobby is a great way to supplement my fixed income.

6. What do you do by day when you're not etsy's turtleXIII? - I'm an old fashioned gal who cooks and cleans for her family. I have 4 children, 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a couple of local doctors who all like to spend some time with me from time to time.

7. What are your thoughts about selling on Etsy? - I'm proud to sell on Etsy where the artistic community makes me feel like I also have something valuable to contribute.

8. Explain your craft and your crafting style. - I have a passion for old things and cringe at the thought of throwing any useful away, even if it does need a little love before it can live again.

9. What are some of your favorite pieces? - My favorite offerings are always the re-purposed pieces made from vintage broken parts, like this necklace made from a lonely earring http://www.etsy.com/listing/44039945/vintage-repurposed-retro-enameled or this necklace and earring set made from a broken bracelet http://www.etsy.com/listing/41077295/ooak-vintage-repurposed-carved-black.

10. Is it hard to part with your items once sold? - I'm attached to everything I sell since they are the pieces I have collected over a lifetime, but quite a few buyers have sent me a personal note telling me how much they love and appreciate the pieces they've purchased, sometimes with stories of the dear loved ones they remind them of which warms my heart and makes it much easier to let go.

11. Explain how you got started in your craft. - My bio says it best: My name is Edna. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia. Having grown up during the Depression with eleven brothers and sisters crafting new items from old ones became a way of life for me. As early as I can remember mother had shown us how to use old feed sacks, discarded sheets and small scraps of wood to make our own toys and later our own clothes. I developed a love of found objects of all kinds for the useful and interesting things they could become. Seems no matter what I see ideas begin popping into my head regarding the new life it could take on.

Ednabelle's shop on Etsy is becoming my creative outlet. It is a place where
I can distribute the items I've collected over a lifetime (after all I need
some work space here) and a place where I can find those who appreciate the
items my mind and hands create from the discarded goodies around me. It is a
passion I share with all three generations who have come behind me. My
daughter helps me with the shop. One of my granddaughters, who is a working
mom and student is creating works of her own to sell in my shop to help her
through school. One of my great granddaughters has modeled for me and she
and her brother have contributed many items that are made by eager hands not
yet talented enough for the public - but their time will come. And many of
the vintage handmade items in the shop were made many years ago with the
help of most all of the grandchildren when they were little.

It does my heart good to know the art of thrift and creativity is being
passed along and appreciated in our family and that so many of you are
taking the time to share them with your own children. My children and grand
children alike tell me that just as I have such wonderful memories with my
own mother some of their fondest memories involve crafting with me when they
were growing up. Such a precious thing to pass along.

I've been out of the work force now for many years so Etsy has filled my
days with much more stucture and activity than I have known for quite some
time since none of the little ones are living nearby. My daughter and I now
spend many hours sorting, creating, photographing and listing with a little
packing and shipping thrown in. While you will find some of our created
items in my shop already, you will also find lots of vintage items which
haven't been altered as I attempt to claim much needed work space. I hope
that you will stop in and help us clear this area, then come back for more
of the crafted treasures to come.

12. What's your working space like? - It's a small portable table set rather permanently in an otherwise unused corner of the house.

13. Is your craft your job or your hobby? (explain) - For me it is my passion. It is the thing which takes my attention each day and keeps me moving and alive.

14. What's your personality and how does that reflect in your craft?

15. Do you do and other crafts? - I can't think of many crafts I haven't at least tried over the years. Needlework, sewing and crochet were my favorites until age began stealing both my eyesight and the steadiness in my hands.

16. Who taught you to do this craft? - I am self taught, always learning through trial and error.

17. What are some of your favorite shops? - I never met a vintage or craft shop I didn't like.

18. What else would you like to say about anything and everything including yourself and/or your craft? I love life and I love to live.

Here are some great articles to read please!!!!


Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement:
great article to read and learn something new!!!

Free Local Advertising in Pittsburgh (WELL ANYWHERE)
great for anyone who wants to increase shop traffic and sales without spending a lot or anything!

European Egg Art: Pysanky Vs. Lithuanian Etched Eggs
awesome article if you want to understand a little bit more about the art I do and it's differences from psyanky egg art!


Please check them out and write your comments here or after the articles!! thanks!