Logging my favorites...

This is the second installment of a ongoing log of my favorite things. Once a month I will post a favorite. It might be a person, or a place, or even a event. Hopefully it will help you get to know me a little better. I'd love your comments and I hope to make some connections through our mutual enjoyment of these treasures.

Cumberland Island, GA

My greatest and most lasting memory of the Island is its ability to change me in just a few hours. It is my place of transformation. Whether sitting on the beach gazing out to sea, probing around the edges of the marsh as fiddler crabs scurry for cover, or simply walking down one of the many tree lined roads of the Island, I am changed. It is this intangible quality that seems to be the most important benefit which Cumberland Island holds for me. This spiritual quality is what, year after year, I seek and find comfort in. The most consistent message delivered by those who know Cumberland best is one of being "touched" by the Island and being somehow affected by all the natural, cultural, and historical values of this extraordinary place. It is my safe haven, my place of rest, and my favorite camping destination.

Stand Out in a Crowd...

How many business cards have you received in the last year and how many do you still remember? I’m learning that business cards should look professional but still have flair to them. That means not having too much going on as far as graphics while still being attractive. My business card is an extension of my work and I want to be able to market myself the right way. Here are some tips I’ve learned while researching business cards:

• Only choose the best paper for your business cards. Thicker heavier paper is better as it looks more expensive and professional.

• Use colorful printing; prices have dropped, it does not cost much more than standard two color cards.

• Use a tagline that will quickly let the person know what your product/skill is.

• Put a picture on your business card. Studies have shown that people are more likely to hold on to a Business card with a photo on it. It could be your picture, a picture of your product, or a combination of both. Picture cards get attention!

• Do not use a premade business card design called templates. The more people who use these templates, the more your card starts to look like everybody else’s. You want to have a business card that stands out, not one that gets lost in the crowd.

I’ve learned that if I want to use good business etiquette and good marketing then I need to start handing out more of my business cards. This will help me to conduct my business in a much more professional and efficient manner. There is nothing easier or more profitable than using business cards in my marketing strategy.

Hot or Not?

I’m learning that just because I think my product is great doesn’t mean others will. Some of my favorite jewelry designs which I assumed would sell ‘instantly’ didn’t sell at all. I found it very helpful to look up Etsy shops selling similar products and see how they are selling. It was a good exercise in price and product comparison. Taking a look at what we have in common and what is different or unique to each shop. I have sold quite a few items, but it is taking some time for people to “find me”. I’m starting a new marketing approach by: 

•  Handing out business cards
• Making fliers and posting them wherever I can
• Networking on Facebook and Twitter
• Listing or relisting at least one product each day
• Giving my jewelry as gifts and donations, with my business card
• Posting more often about my store/designs on this blog

Etsy is a great place for selling your handmade products and it is a wonderful way to make money from home doing something you enjoy.

Whew…it’s HOT outside….

Glen Falls near Highlands, NC

The weather is stifling here in middle Georgia. I'm staying inside today to try and stay cool today. 

Here’s a list of small measures you can take in lieu of cranking up the air conditioning:

-Take a quick, cool water shower (if you have long hair like me, this is the best possible means I’ve found of cooling off in a hurry).

-Keep yourself hydrated, dehydration increases your heart rate which will warm you up and contribute to your overall discomfort.

-Keep the kitchen cool by grilling outdoors, blending up cold soups like gazpacho, and eating cold pasta or egg salads.  Eating lighter on hot days will limit the amount of energy (heat) you generate digesting a big meal.

-Make use of public swimming areas, whether that’s the ocean, a lake, a creek, or a mountain stream. Georgia and North Carolina are overflowing with wonderful clear clean streams, Glen Falls pictured above,  is just one of my favorite 'cool' spots.

-Pull your hair up into a floppy hat when outdoors. It provides shade and sun protection.

-Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Light colors will help deflect the sun rays away from you.

-Make every attempt to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.  I work on my blog, design a new piece of jewelry for my Etsy shop, or research new lampwork techniques in the cool house when the heat is overwhelming (like today).

-Got any tips for cooling off? I’d love to hear about them.  Stay cool!

Who are you?

When listing your Etsy item, descriptions don’t need to be long, but they are more attention-grabbing if you include a bit of uniqueness or a human touch. One reason buyers enjoy handmade items is because of the connection with the artist. A description that reads like a scientific list of components doesn’t create a connection. A short line or two sharing your inspiration for the piece, or perhaps what you like about it, or perhaps just a conversational tone can do a lot to add a personal feel.

Two examples of bad descriptions (in my opinion) found on Etsy:

1. Would this listing encourage you to buy a pendant from the seller? A bit too impersonal and clinical in description.

“Approx. size: 1 3/8" (35 mm) in length
the price is for the pendant pictured.
THE BEAD PROCESS:
- Individually hand-crafted
- Dried and then smoothed with a sponge
- Bisque fired to about 1850 degrees F (1000 C)
- Glazed with about 3 coats of glaze
- Fired again to about to 2200 degrees F (1240 C)”

2. Would this listing encourage you to buy a bookmark from the seller? Where did the birch bark come from? Did the seller craft these? What is the size?

“Set of 3 Birch Bark bookmarks. Tied with recycled ribbon on top. One of the bookmarks has several pinecones woodburned onto it. The second one is just a plain bookmark. The third has a pack basket woodburned”

Two examples of good descriptions (in my opinion) found on Etsy:

1. This description gives a little history and a nice description of the necklace.

“In ancient times jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits. This necklace is a stunning collection of picture jasper chips, round and rectangular jasper beads, accented with matte onyx. They are circled around a gorgeous 2” picture jasper pendant. The necklace measures 21" long and closes with a Nouveau Swirl toggle of natural brass. This is a gorgeous piece that connects and grounds us to the beautiful world around us. Pair this piece with my appaloosa earrings.”

2. This description gives the item a human touch and an overall conversational tone to the listing.

“This pendant is just so cute! I hand crafted this little bird from fine silver and then gave him a beautiful little textured wing. Bigger than my other tiny birds, he measures 3.5cm (1 1/2 inches) from beak to tail and 2cm across his tummy. His wing is textured with a really delicate leaf pattern. The pattern has been oxidized to create a dark patina, which I've protected with jeweler’s lacquer. He is made from recycled silver, making him a fantastic environmentally friendly choice. He is hung from a 45cm (16 inch) sterling silver ball chain, and attached to the chain with a very plain petite sterling silver bail.”

A quick word about copying: Copying someone else’s description does not mean you will achieve the same Etsy success. Personal means a reflection of you, not other sellers. Find your own way to present your listings and a way to stand out by doing something different. Good luck and happy selling!

Logging my favorites...Annie Leibovitz

This is the first installment of an ongoing log of my favorite things.  Once a month I will post a favorite.  It might be a person, or a place, or even a event.  Hopefully it will help you get to know me a little better.  I'd love your comments and I hope to make some connections through our mutual enjoyment of these treasures.

Photographs by Annie Leibovitz

Leonardo by photographer Annie Leibovitz

 The Ladies of L.A. (Sharon Stone, Anjelica Houston, Diane Lane) by Annie Leibovitz

Obama Family Portrait by Annie Leibovitz

She is "a photographer of celebrities who has herself become a celebrity." For the past 25 years, no photographer has delivered more photographs of the people we most want to see than Annie Leibovitz.  Her pictures are recognizable for their intense lighting, and above all, for their unique and surprising poses. In magazine spreads and advertising campaigns, Leibovitz has demonstrated that she is a master of projecting the popular culture of our time.

The clock is always ticking!

Time is a precious resource in all types of business.  When it come to managing time when running a partime craft business there never seems to be enough of it.  With marketing, designing, listing, shipping, and so on on my plate time management  is a must. 

• Time Management Tip #1: Make it easy to do your job.

As a jewelry artist, the key to successful time management revolves around creating new items for my shop on Etsy. To make that easier, I decided the expense of a dedicated studio space in our townhouse was well worth it. I juggle a professional project management career and running a small partime business.  My creative time would be far less if I didn’t have a work space set-up all the time.  Whenever I have a few minutes to be creative I can just sit down at the workbench and create without having to drag all the supplies to the kitchen table. My time is spent creating, not setting up a work space. This is how I make it easier to be creative.

• Time Management Tip #2: Break things down into smaller tasks.

I simply cannot predict when and how much time I'll have to work on jewelry.  Because of unpredictable business interruptions and family obligations, I have to do my Esty tasks in small chunks. This allows me some small chance of completing things in one go rather than having whatever it was that I was doing interrupted. I set time for marketing, designing, photographing, listing, shipping, etc. as separate small tasks throughout the week.  I get a feeling of accomplishment when I complete each of the small tasks toward the end goal.

No matter how hard I work at my time management skills, there is always room for improvement. Working from home, having an online business, being on the computer all day, make it way too easy to get distracted and loose my entire day answering emails and convos, chatting on twitter, checking your shop etc, and I am guilty of all these things.  To be successful and make money, I had to learn to buckle down and be productive. I'm still working on this but the steps above have been a step in the right direction...

You don't have to be the schmoozer....

If you are looking to expand your Etsy business by social networking but haven’t been seeing the results you want, keep these four principles in mind:

1.  Networking is about making a connection with people, not making a sale on the spot.
2.  Be your natural self.  People can smell a put-on or sales pitch a mile away.
3.  Look for connections you can make for your new contact.  Focus on being helpful to your new contact rather than focusing on what they could possibly do for you.
4. Prioritize following up.  Set aside time each week to periodically reach out to your contacts to see how they are doing and what you could potentially do to help them.

Networking is about building a strong network; it is not about collecting business cards or making sales. The best networking tips to remember are to be authentic, be professional, and be selfless.

I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours...

So, like so many other folks out there I'm starting to think about holiday shopping. ( I know, I'm way ahead of myself again),  I'd like to do most of it on Etsy this year.  Thing is, I find Esty a bit overwhelming unless I have a particular shop or item in mind.  But there's so much great stuff lurking there!  So I thought I'd ask you seasoned Etsy shoppers: what are your favorite Etsy shops?  I'm always looking for undiscovered treasure.  I've shared a couple of my favorites below....

 Left to right; top to bottom:

1. Amber Alexander, Dancing Bears: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49685166/dancing-bears-waltz-print
2. Tea Party Hats, Spring Lavender: http://www.etsy.com/listing/39866872/spring-lilac-lavender-cloche-hat-with
3. Ali Bali Jewelry, Silver Bird Pendant: http://www.etsy.com/listing/40063880/silver-bird-pendant-with-leaves-wing
4. X Moon Bloom, Pet Hat Monster: http://www.etsy.com/listing/38444988/pattern-crochet-pet-hat-monster-pdf
5. Noble Gnome, The River Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/listing/46247347/polar-expidition-crystal-clear-quartz
6. Pogo Shop, Jacob: http://www.etsy.com/listing/14646064/jacob

Mother Nature Knows Best.......

These are Geode Agate Slices that I acquired on my recent trip to Colorado.  I've used them in my latest necklace designs.  As you can see, the gray, gold, bronze, purple, ruby and white tones which swirling through the Geode stones are proof of Mother Natures' unique talents as an artist - not too hurried, but outstanding workmanship. Like a lot of us artists, we never seem to make more than one of a kind - neither does she!  The center of each Geode is lined with sparkling tiny crystals which are called druzy. Druzy is formed by water droplets collecting and calcifying on the host gemstone. The result is a collection of tiny glistening crystals that reflect the light beautifully.  These enticing pendants are sure to attract attention, and speaks to the unlimited and unmatched beauties to be found on our planet.  Check out my Etsy shop for additional information about each pendant.

Lori's Glassworks on Etsy - Click here! 

How to make a photo mosaic...

There are lots of options for making photo collages. You can do a Google search for "photo collage" and find a bunch. But here is what I do: I use a site called Big Huge Labs to create mosaics.

Once you have picked the photos on flickr or from your personal photos file, go to Big Huge Labs and find the Mosaic Maker. Then let the fun begin. ;)

Here are some directions to make the layout that I used for this mosaic – four pictures, with a gray frame.

At the top of the page, you will see the command "Choose Layout." Click on the drop down menu and choose the option – 2+2 with shadow.

You can choose the colors for your frame by clicking on the white boxes that say background color and border color. A color wheel will appear, and you may scroll over it and click on any color you like (I chose white background and grey border).

For "Space between Images" I usually choose 2 pixels which gives a rather narrow border, but this one is totally subjective -- use whatever you like.

You will be asked to choose 4 photos to fill this layout. Note that they go across from the top row #1 & #2, second row #3 & #4, etc.

Once you have chosen your photos, click "Create." If you wish to edit it, click on "Edit" at the top of the mosaic. Then you can go back and delete or change any photos, background colors, etc. When you are satisfied, click on "Save" at the top of the page.

I hope this helps all of you who want to learn how to make a photo mosaic.

She's such a "Debbie Downer".....

Just a quick comment about the Etsy forum: Enter with Caution! I try not to get caught up in the emotional bickering that sometimes goes on there. I always respond to forum questions with a positive, supportive reply. I believe that a nasty gram response does not help anyone, least of all the person sending it. Remember, everything said on the forum, stays on the forum forever. Getting noticed on Etsy should be because of your great product, not your ‘Debbie Downer’ attitude! Treat others how you would like to be treated, it works every time.

Keep it "Fresh"....

 

Favorite Artist:

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/40083943/petter-rabbit-002-vintage-style-scrabble

Your listing description shouldn't say that your beautiful handmade item has a lovely pastel palette perfect for Easter - in September!

If you have a seasonal description, you should update it seasonally. The above was a really blatant example, but season descriptions can creep in subtly. Minor changes to make your listing "fresh" can make a difference.
Prior to last Mothers Day, I listed my bookmarks under the Tag of "Mothers Day", complete with a holiday-themed description. I ended up selling a few bookmarks, but none have sold since. I don't want to stop listing my Bookmarks in my shop - they really can be a great gift any time of the year. So, I’ve Just reworked the listing and wrote a less seasonal description. Hopefully by updating the description and renewing the listing I will get some additional sales.

Remember keep it “Fresh” and renew often to bring more traffic to your Etsy shop.

It's easy being GREEN......

Each trip to the grocery store ends with “paper or plastic?” For those with an armload of fresh veggies and juice boxes – with no canvas bag in sight – the handiness offered by the grab and go plastic bag may possibly win out. But then what?

Plastic bags are most often compared with that prehistoric pest of the earth, the cockroach; once in the home, they’re a crunchy nuisance that refuses to exit quietly. Both will outlive the human race by thousands, if not millions, of years. Both tend to harmoniously cohabitate (and multiply) in the dank, dark, space under the sink. I believe it is time to eradicate the pests.

On your next shopping trip, reconsider your use of plastic bags and take one of the fabulous canvas totes or fused recycled plastic bags available on Etsy. I love the totes that I have featured above, and there are literally hundreds more available; I’m sure you’ll find one that strikes your fancy. Our planet and future generations will thank you.

Rock Hunting in Colorado

I just returned from a wonderful vacation in Estes Park, Colorado.  The area is a rock hunters paradise.  I purchased several geode agate slices to transform into pendants for my Etsy shop.  I love the deep colors that were available in the West. I will post pictures as soon.

What is "Lampwork"?.....

Some of my work contains my handmade lampwork beads. Lampworking (flameworking) is the art of melting and manipulating glass in a flame. The glass rods that are used are different types of glass ranging from “soft“ to “hard” glass. 

The glass is wound as it melts around a steel wire welding rod (called a mandrel) that has been coated with a clay based material called “bead release”. This prevents the glass from sticking to the metal rod. After laying down my initial layer of glass, I shape my bead by using gravity. At this point I can decorate the bead by rolling it in frit (crushed glass), adding dots of glass, or laying down strings of a different color glass.

When I have finished shaping and decorating my bead, I then place it into a kiln (small oven) that is turned on and set to the annealing temperature for the type of glass I was using.  The kiln slowly brings the temperature of the bead down so it does not crack.

When the bead is at room temperature, I remove it from the mandrel and clean the clay out of the inside of the hole. I usually break off the bead release first over a garbage can and then soak them in water. Once clean the beads are ready to use in my jewelry design. Lampwork beads are one-of-a-kind pieces of art.

Sometimes it’s exhausting….

I’m learning that it takes a lot of time and energy to have frequent sales on Etsy.
Success on Etsy does not just happen. Keep in mind that you're not just acting in a creative and production role, you're now taking on the roles of business owner, marketing rep & sales person, photographer and order fulfillment. In addition you have to learn the ins and outs of the internet and become savvy about internet shopping. If that seems like a lot, it is. Welcome to the world of the small business owner. :)  Fortunately my sales are picking up a bit and it gives me additional motivation and drive to create new items for the shop.  Take a peek at my bookmarks…

Savannah, GA... a weekend adventure...

  Ahhhh.... Savannah, one of the prettiest cities in the South. My Husband and I spent the weekend there and toured the many sites and attractions.  We ate fresh seafood and sipped chilled cocktails on one of the many verandas available to just sit and watch the world go by.
  Thinking I might be able to find some interesting beads in a new location; I struck out with my map in hand to find the "Beadstro" bead shop. After an hour of searching the street it was suppose to be on, I gave up and headed back to the Inn to check the shop's web page.  I called their phone number and was connected to a shoe shop.  Thinking I had the wrong number I called 411, got the same phone number as the shoe shop.  To make a long story short I never found the bead shop, evidently it had closed and they never bothered to delete or update their web page. I was disappointed and had wasted some valuable vacation time searching for a ghost.  So, I did the next best thing...I went shoe shopping!  When one door closes another one opens, sometimes it's filled with wonderful shoes. :)

Trends in Jewelry.....

We all know how important it is to keep up with jewelry trends if you're in the handmade jewelry business. It certainly would not be in your best interest to be selling bright, colorful neon designs in a year when the trend screams black and white! Not that you want to completely alter your jewelry line based on trends; BUT, it is important to be aware of jewelry trends so that you can make subtle changes to your line based on demand.

Right now long chain necklaces with some embellishments are popular, also multi strand necklaces and bracelets are selling. Fashion magazines and trend watch publications are very helpfully when adjusting your shop to draw attention to the latest style. One good source of jewelry trend information for jewelry makers is Bead Style Magazine. Each month they have a trend watch section.

Take a peek at two of my current trend designs:


http://www.etsy.com/listing/44701432/handmade-lampwork-bead-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45148143/ultra-long-amethyst-and-chain-link

I’d love to quit my day job….

…But it’s not time yet.  My day job allows me to purchase quality supplies and fund my internet connectivity which is essential for my success. I could have taken out a small business loan, but with no loan payments to be made, I’m able to perfect my designs, my packaging and my business identity at my own pace.  Today the income from my day job (Project Manager for a Fortune 100 company) allows me to take money earned and put it back into the business by buying supplies in bulk, upgrading packaging and participating in shows. Sales on Etsy have helped us through the lean times when my husband was out of work and allowed us to go camping when a break was needed. In this troubled economy, I am thankful daily for the chance Etsy has given me to grow my small business. And yes, someday, maybe I will be able to quit my day job. But for now, keeping my day job while Lori’s Glassworks grows is the right choice for me.