It's the little things.......

I was redirected to a wonderfully simple blog by accident today - about the little things in life that give us blissful moments. Click the link above to take a peek...

Some of my favorites in no particular order:

"Who Wants to Go Camping?"

 

Vintage Camping Equipment found on Etsy 

My Husband and I just returned from a fabulous camping trip on an island off the coast of Georgia.  The only access to the National Seashore is by ferry, so packing light is essential due to the long walk from the ferry to designated campsites. We aren't known for camping "light", just the opposite actually, we typically look like the Beverly Hillbillies arriving at the campground with gear lashed to the top of the SUV and me squished into the passenger seat holding overflow items from the cargo area in my lap. We carefully open the doors so gear doesn't spill out when the pressure is released.  No, we're not known for camping light.....   

Vintage Camping Equipment found on Etsy

 Lightening the load was a challenge; we both like to camp comfortably.  How was I suppose to survive without a plush rug under my feet when I got out of bed in the morning? For that matter, how was I suppose to sleep without a camp cot covered in soft linens selected for their breath-ability? And just how was I going to cook our gourmet breakfast without my 15" cast-iron fry pan that is so heavy it takes two hands to lift it...hmmmm?  

Well after sorting through our gear three times, we did come up with a good assortment of must haves that wouldn't weigh us down too much.  WE successfully survived 5 days without most of our beloved gear.  You are probably thinking that we will continue to camp "light" in the future, but some habits die hard...LOOK what I found on Etsy today!  All are must haves and shouldn't take-up tooooo much room in the SUV.

See you on the road, we'll be in the vehicle that looks like it might explode...

I love to camp! Cheers!

Links to the Etsy items featured in first image:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70821085/vintage-kerosene-lanterns-electric-blue?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=6&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73557743/vintage-boy-scout-handbook-circa-1966?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=26&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59963872/now-were-cookin-vintage-coleman-camp?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage


http://www.etsy.com/listing/74202743/skotch-kooler-mint-condition-with-box?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=15&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

Links to the Etsy items featured in second image:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74418083/vintage-lot-lantern-flashlight?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=11&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/72431941/vintage-fishing-lure-repurposed-keychain?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=15&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74766340/coffee-on-the-farm-2-vintage-blue-and?ref=sr_gallery_30&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74737820/vintage-camp-pocketknife?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

Logging My Favorites......

This is the sixth 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.

Key West, Florida

 

I love Architecture; Key West is home to one of the largest collections of intact 18th century homes. The Key West historic district, with quaint tree lined lanes and stately mansions, is a national treasure to be savored.

I love history and culture; The Island has superb museums as evidenced by the Lighthouse Museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum. I even love the annual Ernest Hemingway lookalike contest and the friendly cats at the Hemingway House.

I love to people watch; Key West was once a landing spot for rum-runners from Cuba during the prohibition era. Even after all these years it has maintained its persona as the perfect place to party and Duval Street is at the hub of it all. Duval Street is one mile of the most fascinating array of great places to dine, fashionable shops and art galleries, nightclubs, Ghost Tours, street performers and exotic animals. It's a people-watching paradise and you'll be entertained for hours!

I love breakfast; At the Blue Heaven Cafe it is especially pleasant sitting outside under the shade of the banyan trees enjoying the banana pancakes with maple syrup.  Key West's free ranging chickens are welcome at Blue Heaven. In fact, they feel right at home. In this supremely laid-back restaurant in old Bahama Village, cocks, hens and chicks roam along the dirt-floored patio pecking for bugs or the occasional scrap of pancake offered by a diner. It’s not unheard of for a particularly bold rooster to hop onto the back of an unoccupied chair at YOUR table and crow to wake you up in the morning; works better than a triple espresso.

And last but certainly not least, I love Key Lime Pie; Key West is renowned for many things, not the least of which is Key Lime pie. Story has it that William Curry's cook, known as Aunt Sally, first created the pie in the late 1800's. The lack of refrigeration on the island led local cooks to develop their own way of doing things, and condensed milk "cooked" by the acids in key lime juice produced a very tasty pie. Although Aunt Sally is given a lot of credit, many believe she merely perfected a recipe that had been knocking around among area fisher folk for years. 

There are many other reasons why I love Key West; the tropical setting, the gardens, the locals, the artsy feel of the community, the seafood, etc...etc...! Too many to list.  I Love Key West!

Why shop locally?

Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, considerably more of your cash is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to build up the economic base of your community.

Where I shop, where I eat and have fun -- all of it makes my community home. One-of-a-kind businesses are an important part of the distinctive character of my neighborhood. I try to do all my shopping from local  businesses.  I've made some connections for my business and I've enjoyed several new friendships with other small business owners.  It's just a win-win situation.

Tourism businesses also benefit from buying local.  “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust 

Take a peek  at these great finds on Etsy from my local community…Atlanta, GA:

1. No-Bottle Shampoo and Conditioner Pack - http://www.etsy.com/listing/73658925/no-bottle-shampoo-and-conditioner-pack
2. SAHARA-Necklace and Earrings with African Trade Beads OOAK - http://www.etsy.com/listing/73695130/sahara-necklace-and-earrings-with
3. NEW Double White and Light Pink Satin Flower Fascinator Set Clean and Bright - http://www.etsy.com/listing/72698476/new-double-white-and-light-pink-satin
4. Wherever You Go, Go With All Your Heart Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/listing/72993421/wherever-you-go-go-with-all-your-heart

Negative Feedback….YIKES!

Have you ever gotten negative feedback in your Etsy shop? Do you think it had an impact on your sales? Two months ago, I received negative feedback on four items from a seller. I paid quickly for my items using paypal, did not ask for a refund, and I left the seller positive feedback on each item. I could not understand why they gave me negative feedback.

After many emails I determined the seller was upset that I had sent a message asking about the finish on one of the items I had purchased. I did not give him negative feedback or ask for a refund, I was just asking a question. For two months he refused to change the negative feedback, the seller said I was “a trouble maker”. Contacting the Etsy support team was not successful; they could not help me because the seller did not leave a comment, he just selected negative for each item. In my opinion this is a bad Etsy policy. Maybe the feedback system needs an overhaul.

After some research on Chinese traditions and more emails to the seller about bad Karma and losing face, he finally changed the unfavorable feedback to positive this week (two months later).

 

Today, I had my first sale since the negative feedback was changed. I do feel that potential customers may have been lost during the time that my score was not 100% positive. During the two months that I was negotiating with the upset seller, I did not have one purchase.

Please give me your thoughts on the effects of negative feedback. Would you purchase from a seller that has less than 100% positive feedback?

Thanks for your comments in advance…..

Hello, What's Your Project?

Ahhh…the never ending side project. Possibly it's a long term effort, or maybe it's something you can get done over a weekend. Whatever the project might be, whether it's a new jewelry design or gardening, or some kind of family project, it's the thing that's on your mind, the thing you want to get to, the thing that you really enjoy working on.

While working for The Home Depot I was trained to always ask “What’s Your Project?” It became a natural reflex when I saw a “weekend warrior” wandering the aisle. I loved the way people communicated when they described their creative projects — I was inspired not only by their ideas, but also by their passion.

I no longer work in the aisles of Home Depot, but I do ask crafty friends and I constantly ask myself, "What's your project?" It's my way of searching for inspiration, of reminding me to get to work on the idea that is bouncing around in my head.

SO, I’m asking you…….”What’s your Project?”…..please inspire me; I’m in a creative rut (again).

I love little surprises....

I’m not only a part time Etsy seller; I’m a full time buyer. (Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a little… I'm not shopping all the time). My very favorite thing about buying on Etsy is getting packages in the mail — it's like a mini holiday each time a package arrives. Not only do I receive wonderful hand crafted goodies, I also get to open the creative packaging Etsy sellers put together. Ribbons, stickers, stamps, extra little goodies, oh my… What a pleasure!

So, dear sellers, why not show this off in your item listings? Use one of your five listing photos to let your shoppers know how beautiful your packaging is. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it's also good to let your buyers know your items will come ready for giving. In the photo above, I've selected a few packages that I love! A simple bow to an Elaborately decorated window box. They are charming and add a special touch.

Spring has Sprung in my Etsy Shop

Spring in Atlanta is a short-lived event each year.  The full-on flower blooming, pollen covering, light jacket in the morning and drinks outside on the terrace in the afternoon kind of spring weather lasts for about 90 seconds before the harsh heat of a Southern summer settles over us. And every year, just a few weeks before the daily temps soar; we get to enjoy the blooming flowers and sounds of nature while strolling through the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  Below are some of my jewelry designs reminiscent of the spring colors in the garden...



We're Living Out of Boxes.......

We're doing a lot of living out of boxes these days. Only 4 more days until the moving truck arrives to take us to our new home across town.  My studio is packed so my Etsy shop is on vacation until March 30th.

During my down time while packing, I found these great Moving Announcements available on Etsy. I Love them all. I think I'll order the "living out of boxes" set to send to friends and family: it best defines how I'm feeling today. LOL

Links to the items features above are can be found here:

Top Left -  http://www.etsy.com/listing/53463476/mayfair-moving-announcement

Middle Left - http://www.etsy.com/listing/65228281/50-moving-announcements-new-job-new-home 

Lower Left - http://www.etsy.com/listing/48304324/packed-and-moved

Right - http://www.etsy.com/listing/52651601/4-packs-shredlines-moving-announcements

HTTP or HTTPS? It's all greek to me...!

From my "Techie" friend....

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transport Protocol, which is just a fancy way of saying it's a protocol (a language, in a manner of speaking) for information to be passed back and
forth between web servers and clients. The important thing is the letter S which makes the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.

The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure".
If you visit a website or web-page, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://.  This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.

This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an http website! 

But if the web address begins with https://,that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.

You understand why this is so important, right? If it doesn't say `https://’, never enter sensitive information like a credit card number.

How can I make my workspace inspiring?

Life would be sweet, if my workbench tools could find their way back to the rack on their own....



The quickest way to destroy my motivation is to have a messy workspace.  At times I have tried to work through the clutter, but it never fails to effect my inspiration and plague my motivation. Next week we are moving and I’ll have a bigger, brighter, workroom.  I need help getting my jewelry making workspace more organized so I can stay motivated and connected to my projects.  I’ve been thinking about how to create a motivating space and would love to hear some of your ideas!

Really......in the bathroom?!?

My loose beads find their way everywhere; they end up in rooms I never took beads into, like the bathroom!?! They get into my shoes; they hide under the fridge, and get into the hardwood floor cracks. Once I have them safely contained in their storage location, they seem to breed. If just one bead escapes, it splits into two beads and those two breed. Eventually, there are lots of little beads rolling and rattling everywhere. Our vacuum cleaner consistently sounds like I’ve been vacuuming a gravel road.

But the most frustrating thing is that none of these randomly reproducing beads match. Their little beady offspring don't resemble either parent. Oh, no. These beads will be random colors, shapes, and sizes, and none of them will go together. There will be beads that I swear I never bought, and yet, there they are, lurking under the entertainment center or on the stairs leading to the basement.

Beads; they’re taking over!  I’ll show them, I’ll turn them into bracelets if they’re not careful!

Analyzing My Etsy Online Jewelry Sales

To make some sense of my Etsy sales, I did a sales analysis of my shop...

First:  I made a simple chart listing prices $25 apart, and made tick marks to indicate the prices of all my sold items. In 5 minutes or so, I had my answer: I offer jewelry in a price range from $10 - $125, my sales are very much concentrated in the $10 - $50 range.

(items I've sold in this range)

But what category of jewelry is selling best in my shop?  How should I concentrate my efforts to make the best use of my time and materials?

Second: I made another chart listing the types of jewelry I sell: necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other.  Again, I made a tick mark for each piece sold, and in less than 5 minutes I learned that my online jewelry sales are concentrated very much in necklaces and ‘other’ (bookmarks, pull chains, and key chains).  I found this really interesting, because at shows, earrings are usually my best sellers.

(Earrings I've sold in my shop)

Was I selling jewelry in proportion to the amount of items listed in each category?Do I sell more neckwear and ‘other’ because I’ve listed more of these items?

Third:  So, back I went to the chart for an answer. I listed the number of bracelets, necklaces, etc, in my shop, and compared them to the number of sold items in each category. I did a quick % calculation on each: # of items sold divided by the # of items listed.

It turned out that I got a surprising answer; I’m not selling in proportion to what I’m offering. I sold a much higher percentage of necklaces and ‘other’ items. Earring sales are very low compared to the number of earrings I have listed.

Using What I Learned from My Jewelry Sales Analysis.

Based on my findings, I need to be designing more necklaces and ‘other’ items in the $10-$65 range. Hopefully I will be providing what my customers are interested in purchasing online. I hope to see my sales numbers improve as a result.

Make a couple of sales charts and see what you can learn. What changes in your Etsy shop will you make based on what you find?

Don't forget the Kitty .....

 

It's official, we will be moving within the next 30 days. Our cat is a little anxious about moving again, he seems to be making sure that he is not left behind. No worries Beau... you're going with us.

I'm excited about the move; my lampwork studio will be back in business.  For the last two years we have been living in a townhouse that does not have space for my studio, and every room has automatic sprinklers. I didn't want to take a chance by firing up the torch, kiln, and other heat producing gadgets; sudden rain inside the house is never good!  The new house will have a room just for my studio...Yippeee!

Love is in the air.......

"Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker." - Author Unknown…… Happy Valentines Day! :)

 

Color inspirations #2....

Steven DeGraeve, of DeGraeve.com developed a great tool that I use to generate a color palette from my favorite photographs.  I simply enter the URL of an image to get the color palette that matches the image. This tool is useful for coming up with a color palette inspired by nature. 

Example: I can't drag all my beads down to the beach for color matching, but I can take a picture and use this tool to define the color pallet when I return to my studio. I love this tool, experiment with it the next time you are in need of color inspiration!

dull #555544 #aa9966 #6699cc #aaaabb #667788

vibrant #777755 #ccbb88 #88ccff #ddeeee #7799aa

Bead Giveaway.......

 

Take a peek at the bead giveaway over at Gardanne.  Anne needs some advice on bead show display; just give her some tips and you'll be entered to win this lovely collection of beads. 

Don't delay, the giveaway ends on 2/16/11. Cheers!

Color inspirations...

I find my inspiration for jewelry color combinations everywhere I look. My biggest inspiration is nature; for example, butterflies are a wonderful source of both bold and understated color combinations. I also look at fashion designers work, and my favorite artist's work for inspiration.
Pictured below are my most recent bracelet design and the Monet painting that inspired the color combination:

Take a look at the photo below. How do the colors make you feel? See how they blend together and contrast each other. The photo was taken on Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia. The seashore has always been one of my inspirations for color and texture in my designs. My next jewelry design will be inspired by this lovely photo. I’ll post a photo when I’m finished.



It's Bead Show Day!

If you've never been to a bead show before - it can be awe inspiring and even a little overwhelming. It can definitely be sensory overload if you're not prepared. So when the day seems a little overwhelming, I stop take a deep breath and relax. I'm prepared for a wonderful day of shopping....

1.  Get the coupon -check!

2.  Find my bead show canvas tote bag - check!

3. Prepare a list of supplies that I want to restocking - check!

4. Put small ruler and pen in the tote bag - check!

5. Look for my walking shoes under the bed - check!

6. Set the budget for the day - check!

Departing soon, have a great day!

Bead 'shoppers' by Aaron Macsai: http://mddavis.homestead.com/aaronmacsai.html 

Just not very interesting.....

“Just because you start with one idea doesn't mean you need to stick with it.”  - Michelle Mach

I planned to rework this Necklace (shown below), but as I worked, I realized that I just don’t like this design.  It’s not anything that I would wear and based on the number views I got while it was listed on Etsy, my shoppers didn’t like it either.

I tried to think back on why I was inspired to make this necklace in the first place. At the time I was selling a lot of multi strand necklaces and bracelets.  I liked the color but the design just isn’t working; basically it’s just boring.

I want to revamp this piece and make it more interesting….any ideas?  I need a push to get going……