tag: etsy

pink and green inspiration

August 26, 2010

pink and green inspirationpink and green inspiration

{dreamy pink peonies}

pink and green inspiration

column 1 :: pink lace stockings, bib tassel necklace, handmade wedding guestbook, double band cuff braceletfabric reform sticker

column 2 ::  green fiber ring with stitchesgreen butterfly vintage collage necklace, ahhh, balloonsbubble gum pink typewriterbalancing act

column 3 :: teacups and a rose, blue martin, pick and mix sweetspink picnic

one of my favorite color combinations: pink and green! xo, bonnie

wrap up: {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {}

7 comments

the maiden vintage

August 3, 2010

Posted by bonnie in vintage finds

the maiden vintage | vintage apparel

welcome to the maiden vintage! i think lindsay riddell has done an amazing job of capturing the essences of long ago.  yes, pictures are everything because she has completely made me want all these dresses that i probably would have passed up on the rack!  that shows my lack of imagination- as she’s turned each of these once-loved treasures into something truly desirable. best of all? she’s having a sale! visit her blog for all the details.

wrap up: {} {} {} {} {} {}

2 comments
Posted by bonnie in indie biz

etsy shop help

sometimes, being a craftster can can mean being lonely.  many of us work out of our home and sell solely online, so it can be hard to even see the light of day!  often times family members or other professionals simply don’t understand crafting, let alone leaving the workforce to pursue it full time.  the good news is, there are many of us who do understand!  with craft communities and forums popping up all over the place, it’s easy to find like-minded supportive people, doing the same thing you are.  today, i’m going to share some of my favorites with you!

craft community

the first craft mafia was founded by 9 crafty gals in austin, tx.  now there are groups located in over 30 cities and new ones being started all the time!  craft mafia is a community of indie biz owners in the handmade market out to serve other entrepreneurs by meeting together and empowering each other’s craft.  they offer resources and advice through their website and even give you the opportunity to start your very own craft mafia in your town!

craft community

craft sanity is a unique blog and podcast site for the craft community where you can tune in to hear your favorite artists interviewed and latest books reviewed.  the site is dedicated to all the crafty souls out there, so you’re sure to  feel right at home!

craft community

crafster is a nationally renowned online community where people can share hip diy projects and get involved with the crafting movement.  it’s the largest online community indie crafts and is regarded by many as one of the cornerstones of the recent renaissance in crafting known as the “indie craft movement.”

craft community

get crafty is an online forum where you can create an account, post pics, share your blog and discuss topics with other crafsters in a forum setting.  with plenty of articles on projects, a diy guide and stories from around the community- you’ll be busy for hours!

craft community

supernaturale is an indie site dedicated to the diy culture in all its glorious forms. from simple afternoon home improvement projects to radical lifestyle choices- everyone is welcome.  they celebrate ingenuity, creativity and the handmade and with an online magazine, a bbs and group blog called glimmer, they’re a bursting community ready for you to join!

craft community

the switchboards is a place for indie business women to get together and talk ‘shop’ in a creative, supportive atmosphere.  founded in 2004, they’ve done a lot to publicize creative women in business through using forums, product displays, mutual link sharing and joint advertising.

craft community

whip up is a community of artists, crafsters and makers who share ideas in a central space. it’s about experimentation, innovation, self expression and the sharing of information and ideas.  take time to create and let them support you in moving life into the slow lane to better enjoy the experience of it.

craft community

cafe handmade is where the craft community can come together, discuss topics, share their blog, shop, join groups and even attend a virtual craft show! with tons going on and lots of ways to get plugged in, you’ll find a spot for you in no time.

what are your favorite ways to get involved?

wrap up: {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {}

6 comments

streamlining production

July 21, 2010

Posted by bonnie in indie biz

etsy shop help

now that your craft room is organized and your creativity is nourished, let’s talk about some tips on how to streamline your production and be most effective at your craft!

stream line your handmade production

vintage samsonite suitcase

sometimes i find myself walking from one end of the room to another to gather different supplies, not being able to find something, or just taking a haphazard approach to my craft production.  instead, i want to try to envision my process as a big production factory and figure out which things they would streamline.  would they cut out all the appliques in one sitting? outsource an item that would save me money?  hire extra hands?

stream line your handmade  production

4 corning pyrex cups

first, figure out your craft from the inside out.  the first time i make something, it usually takes me forever and i make numerous mistakes.  but, by the 10th one i’ve made, i’ve usually figured out better approaches to take, how to save on materials, and in what order i should do the steps.  it’s not until you really learn your craft that you’ll be able to start streamlining it.

stream line your handmade production

fabric moth ornaments

crafting in batches. if you’re making one item at a time, break it down to see what the quickest method to make it will be.  can you do 3 steps in one area of your room before you move to the next?  if you’re making 10 (or 100) at a time, it will most likely save you time to set up a production line and work on all 10 items at once.

stream line your handmade production

club chair

time yourself. grab a clock and time the different approaches you take to production over the next week or so.  which method saved you the most time?

stream line your handmade production

mason jar votive

organize, organize, organize! think through your materials and supplies and keep them in sequential steps throughout your room, or have them all conveniently located in one place.

stream line your handmade production

bubbly basil wobbly bowls

get help. do you find yourself using most of your time printing postage and packaging goods? cleaning your room?  consider hiring help for tasks that take away from your production (and creativity).  here’s a great article by megan aumen on how hiring can boost your sales.

stream line your handmade production

a  day at the museum

minimize. are you making every part of your product, when in fact you could outsource some parts to save yourself time and money?  even something as simple as business cards are worth consideration for outsourcing if handcrafting them is taking up too much of your time.

stream line your handmade production

box-0-trix

set goals. once you’ve determined your most efficient production method, set quotas for yourself.  it will help you stay on task, focused and extra-efficient.

how do you remain most efficient?

wrap up: {} {} {} {} {} {} {}

6 comments
Posted by bonnie in handmade

ashley pahl

woodland animals and touches of feminine lace are found throughout ashley pahl’s adorable store of handmade note cards, wall art and stationary.  dreamy colors and pretty cutouts make for a shop that will keep you clicking through the pages, where you’ll be inspired by her love of nature, geography and natural history.

interested in advertising on going home to roost? click here to find out more!

wrap up: {} {} {} {} {} {} {}

0 comments
Posted by bonnie in photography

did you have you a good weekend?  the hub and i went to lextingon, nc where he got to race and i got to meet up with some dear friends.  we left in plenty of time to get to asheville yesterday for the big crafty, where artist after artist blew me away.  i’ll be back later today with some snapshots of the show and what i purchased, so stay tuned!

the light fantastic photograhy

mandy from the light fantastic describes her photography as sleepy and dreamy, can you feel it? i’ve been daydreaming since i started browsing her shop, and love the vintage inspired scenery and beautiful muted colors she uses.

elsewhere :: {shop} {blog} {facebook}

wrap up: {} {} {} {}

1 comments
Posted by bonnie in home decor

olive etsy shop

isn’t this a sweet shop? whimsy pastels, and dreamy patterns make it feel so warm and inviting.  i love all the beautiful color choices and the pretty places she’s chosen to take her photographs.  visit the olive store for pillows, brooches and home decor, then head over to her blog to find inspiration and crafty tutorials.

wrap up: {} {} {} {} {} {}

7 comments
Posted by bonnie in indie biz

etsy shop help

your about page (and profile page in your etsy shop) is usually the most visited page on your website. it’s your chance to tell your story, and give the very important first impression.  it allows you to let your readers, browsers and buyers know who you are and whether or not they can trust you.  it’s where many decisions will be made: do we have anything in common? will i purchase from you? continue reading? do you have anything of value for me?  though it’s often hard for us to write about ourselves, it’s your chance to shine and give your horn a little toot (it deserves it!).  so join me today in learning how to craft a better about page!

aicia bock

polaroid photograph – yellow and white

there’s an art to writing well and allowing people to feel comfortable in your world.  making readers of your about or profile page feel important, cared about, and well educated on you and/or your business is a great starting point on building a relationship with them.  often times the about or profile page is the first page i go to when i visit a new shop or blog.  sometimes they’re great and sometimes they need some work.  if you own a etsy shop, don’t think that people aren’t interested in or aren’t clicking on your profile.  etsy sellers and buyers (and blog authors!) are very interested in you, what you do and how you do it.  i’m always so sad when a sellers profile is left empty or only refers me to their website.  it feels cold and uncaring, and i would much rather prefer to feel warmth and love!

love pillow

yellow love pillow

so how do we write a great about page?  there are some certain answers people will be looking for.  who are you? what do you do? where do you do it? why do you do it? and how do you do it? crafty people are always interesting (weather you know it or not!) and we are all interested in learning about you and getting your fresh perspective on the world.  if you’re a seller, make sure to include:

- what do you sell

- what’s different or special about what you do?

- a little about your personal story

- anything unique to you or your products

- share on why or how you make your items

give your browsers info about your shop and your products, then give them some personal info as well.

keep calm

keep calm, recycled wood sign

if you’re a blog author, first off make sure you a) have an about page and b) it’s really easy to find.  make sure to include:

- what do you write about?

- who are you and where do you live?

- what do you do?

- what’s the easiest way to get in touch with you?

this is your chance to turn the first time visitor into a loyal reader.  tell your story, be engaging and be friendly- did you say hello?

leaf magnets

triplet leaves magnets

if you’re still having trouble coming up with what to say, try interviewing yourself, then turn your answers into your about page.  it also helps to write as though you’re writing to your best friend, most loyal blog reader or most frequent buyer.  write as though you’re writing to a friend, instead of the entire world and you’ll come across as friendly and approachable.  last but not least, don’t forget to proof read!

ready for class participation?

 
 
if you would like us to review your profile or about page leave us a link and we’ll give you some feedback. if you would like to see mine, you can check out my about page here and one of my profile pages here.  it’s not so easy to write about myself either, so feedback and criticism are always welcome!

Related Posts with Thumbnails

wrap up: {} {} {} {} {} {}

41 comments