A few of my favorites from oktak (which are a little kinder on the wallet - stock up!)...

I actually picked up two for upcoming friends' birthday presents - such fun and personal gifts!  (Tip: while the oktak shop owner is out of town, all orders are discounted!  She also has a website of additional items, including cute baby items!)

But...these next few from redrubyrose are absolutely divine...I'm trying to think up half a dozen reasons to tell my husband to convince him why I deserve one!

(Can I get the silk starburst fabric for a pillow in my bedroom, please?!)

Happy shopping!

i like. a lot.

Ever since I bought my mac, pancake, I've been reluctant to decorate her with decals, skins, and stickers. Some might view white as boring, but I like the simplicity. That was until I found Splendid Vinyl. Recommended to me by the Etsy shop queen herself Jamie.

Splendid Vinyl has an assortment of decals custom made to fit your laptop. And you don't have to settle on black. He offers a few different colors. And they only cost $15!

Some of my favorite designs:

Dove

Splendid Wrist Rest

Thorny with Lily

Be sure to check out his shop and take a look around. I'll be more than happy to let you know which one you can buy me :)

Also check out Oh How Lovely Shops on Monday (August 25) for a giveaway featuring this shop!

Added some new cards to the Paper Parasol shop. I am a bit nervous and anxious as the Renegade Craft Fair approaches.

If you're a sucker (like me) for beautiful stop motion animation with a blend of illustration, craft, and a knack for storytelling, you will love
this. >sigh< It's so beautiful.

I need to figure out some pricing and make an Excel sheet (BORING!). I am totally putting this off.

Find this on ETSY. It's in the Moleskine vein but is completely  original and handmade, says its crafter (NOT me - I wish).  Go here for a look, fellow paper lovers!

In the Etsy forums the other day, there were a couple of posts about getting your Etsy shop visibility in the famed Google search. I thought I might condense some of the information and make it a little easier to implement what appears to be a pretty cool— and free— way to let those outside the Etsy

community know all about your fabulous work!

STEP 1:

First, there's the way Google finds you. According to one Etsian who seemed pretty techno-savvy, while on Etsy, your tags may be your most important search tool, Google only picks up your title. I've noticed that a lot of Etsy shops get creative in their titles but leave out the all-important search words customers are looking for. For example, I have an album titled "Innocence" in my store. It's a baby pic and that title provides the right sentiment. But...in the same title I have Personalized Baby Photo Album, which is what I would expect customers to search. I also have "photo album" and "baby" in my tags, because I think the important search terms bear repeating. Some Etsians try to only use search words in one place. But this isn't eBay and you have unlimited space in your title. What can it hurt to use an important search word twice?

And I know I've said this before but remember to think like a customer when developing your keyword strategy. How would potential customers search for your products?

STEP 2:

There's a tool on Google called Google Base. I've just gotten around to listing my items here, but wow, this is cool. You need a gmail account to access google base, and if you don't have one of these, it's free and there's lots of space and it's userfriendly and keeps the spam out. Get a gmail account and sign into it.

Then, search for Google Base in google.... or just click the underlined google base... I looked and looked but could not find the link through gmail but because I was signed in, I had instant access when I searched for it in the search engine.

Now, you need to go to a website called LetsEts.com

This is a great tool that will pull all of your Etsy listings and format them exactly the way they need to be formatted for the Google Base tool. All you need to do is a "Save As," remember what you called it and where you saved it on your computer. The file is an XML file. Make sure when you do your "save as" you save the document as an XML file.

Next, you're going to go on Google Base, enter the information they ask you for and upload your XML file. You don't need to worry when they get to the formatting part. It's already been done at LetsEts. How cool is that? You don't need to be a techno-geek to do this!

And that's it. Supposedly in just a couple of hours, your items will appear on Google under the keywords that are in your titles. There are great tutorials on Google too for how to do this. I'm a first-timer myself.

So I've uploaded my listings. They take a while to process, but I'll definitely let you know how it went. Don't wait for my results though to do this yourself. It's free. And free google listings are good!

Just make sure to pump up those title keywords!!!

word image is courtesy of wordle.net

I just finished a upcycled, fused plastic tote.  It features a applique, yellow jellyfish with free-moving jellyfish legs. I made this tote out of some great fused plastic bags.  I found two different blue hues and wove the bags together to form a checker pattern, then fused them.  

This tote also has material from as old pair of blue jeans, old hospital scrubs and scrap t-shirt material (all were washed clean).  

I listed the tote on Etsy: check it out.  

This would be a great tote for back to school.  There is plenty of room for a couple of school books, notebooks and a pencil case.  And my favorite part is it's water-proof! (This means you can clean out the inside of the bag easy with a wet towel).

Often times people new to selling online don't know how to use all five photos that Etsy allows, for simple items that don't have a lot of detail.

You can ALWAYS fit 5 photos of any item in if you do certain things.

• Alter your perspective
• Get a close up
• Use a model
• Show product in use
• Use props

Most new shop owners have mostly shots that are taken straight on. Shots are taken with the camera at the eye level of the photographer and the products where ever you have them.

Completely changing the angle that you shoot from can give your photos a real artsy, wow factor.

Get up high and shoot down on your product or get the camera "eye level" with the product. Get ont he ground and photo a model from down looking up.

Either way the customer will be seeing your product from a different angle that is bound to create interest in your product.

If you take a look at the sidebar, you'll notice a cute little ad... it's for The Happy Flowers. After writing my update post on Creativity I really started thinking about the self imposed pressure and ideas I have about the things I do. Why do I not take the flower thing seriously? Yeah, like I said, it's not really expressive for me... but it certainly is therapeutic. I love to draw and coloring helps me reach a light state of mediation. I love trying new things... I love branding =)

Then I started shuffling through Etsy stores, reading articles and visiting sellers blogs and chat rooms. I realized that my stuff is pretty unique, people like it and it lends itself to a lot of fun things... then my brain went wild. I have a huge list of things I want to make and sell that I think people will really like. So why not?

I went ahead and pulled my entire shop (all 7 items) and changed the announcement to say something along the lines of, "Relaunching in October!" I started a blog, began networking and even purchased a domain name. I'm having a lot of fun already. Just letting myself see the true potential of the flowers and allowing myself to follow a path I want to try makes me feel loads better. So the plan is now to relaunch the store in October (probably upon landing on the sandy shores of Oahu) and really let this thing become something.

I'm going to use the blog to advertise, network and most importantly show off what I'm working on. I've looked into things like button makers and how to make vinyl goodies. Stickers and magnets... LOTS of stuff. I can't wait to get started and if you're interested in following, feel free!

Ce petit carnet, porteur d'une histoire et d'une culture qui lui est propre, utilisé par les plus grand, toujours d'actualité malgré le temps. Quelques pages blanches ou lignées qui défient les âges et les modes, symbolisant toujours une sorte d'élégance.

Ses plus grands représentant furent Henry Matisse (1869-1954),Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890),Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), André Breton (1896-1966), Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989), que du beau monde s'il vous plait.

Après cette période faste ou le Moleskine était (mais est encore) l'outil indispensable de l'artiste, le petit carnet noir fait ses débuts au grand et au petit écran. Dans "Indiana Jones, la dernière croisadeI" (1989 ), " Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain" (2001), " Benjamin Gates" (2004), "Les pommes de la discorde - N3mbers" ( 2005), "Le Da Vinci Code" (2006), "Le diable s'habille en Prada" (2006).

Moleskine est passé dans le langage courant ainsi que dans la vie, en espérant que cette popularité ne s'effrite jamais.

Après mes pérégrination habituelles sur le net, j'ai découvert pour mon plus grand plaisir ( des yeux surtout ) les magnifiques customisation de Moleskine proposés par les utilisateurs d ' Etsy ( ce site devrait être interdit, tout est trop beau et pas assez cher ! )

Il y en a pour tout les goûts, sobre, classique, en tissus, coloré, "japonisant", à fleur etc ...

Mes préférés SunFlowers

Japaneese Geisha

Lotus Bloom

Flourescent Pink Brocade

As I was going thru some of my stored "stash" I came across these beautiful dresden quilt blocks I had purchased quite some time ago.  I took one and made a 20" x 20" pillow sham with it and paired it with black polka dots.  I think it frames it beautifully.  Of course, since I had the polka dots out, I had to make a stocking in non-traditional colors for Christmas.  The rest of the quilt blocks, I think I'll list on etsy.  The colors really took me out of my "shabby chic" range, but I had a lot of fun!

retrofied


*sigh* don't you just love the patterns?

I have started my holiday sewing,crafts already. I figure,if I am looking for holiday items so are others...at least that's what I am telling myself ;)

I dont like shoping last minute and the prices always seem to raise around the holidays so I always shop a couple of months before hand.

This year I have been doing most of my shopping on Etsy, I wont disclose what I have gotten, do to the fact that family might be lurking around ;)

Of course there will be some items that I will be making for friends etc.

anyhow, just thought I would let you all know that my shop has some holiday items up for grabs...take a peek,more to come soon! 

Smiles,

Tina

(Still jobless, starting to panic.)

But just to be clear, I don't expect that anyone should buy from me, it's just that if you've been toying with the idea or there's something you like- this would be a great time for all involved.

Another week has passed and life on the KJ Blog seems to be getting better!! Within the past week I featured blog entries on money managing techniquesfrom successful Etsy artists, as well as Blogging Techniques with opinions and comments from successful bloggers.

There's a trend I've noticed: When I post entries on "How-To", the views always shoot way up. I love reading them on other blogs, "how-to promote", "how-to sell"...so I figured I would do more of that on my blog. Guess what, it up'ed my views with minimal promotions. A really cool thing to see!!

My views for this past week got up to 399 without me really trying that hard!

Goal for Blog:

• To have more "how-to" entries!

Ps: That lady is coming to the house tonight to look at my new bags...which reminds me I have yet to show you my newest rendition of the KJ Bag!!...hopefully I'll make a sale or two! Cross your fingers (:

Finally got a call that my apple dots are in!  They sold out so fast out of my shop , it was crazy!  Then they were backordered for a month.  This is the set that was so popular....Sandi Henderson's apple dots!  Of course!

I will probably see them by the beginning of next week and hopefully they are still as popular!

I got my first christmas prints in - very different styles.  I will bet that the person that buys one, will not buy the other - they are that far apart in styles.    and .

Pretty funny!

I've been trying to cut out my next batch of aprons, but had a touch of a flu bug, or the whole family ate something that didn't like us (not my cooking - luckily!), so I haven't gotten any new sewing done.  I have a shirt I need to finish as well.  Lots of project I have  on my list!  It keeps getting longer, and the boys are not helping!  It cracks me up when a new fabric comes into the shop and they want me to make them something out of it!  I have a new dragon print that both boys love - which is strange enough that they actually both like the same thing!  I haven't listed that one yet, but will before they snag it! 

I grew up in a non-cat friendly household. My mother insisted that we were all allergic to anything with fur. We tried (and I have no idea what prompted this lapse in allergen vigilance) for a brief spell to own a kitten named Saul. Saul was a teeny Siamese that used to hide behind things and leap out at you, catching you painfully about knee-height and merrily going for a ride as you yelped through the house. I did not care for Saul. He did not last long.

Now, as an adult, I realize of course that he was just being playful and loved being around us kids. I'm sorry that I wished him to the devil and would now just suggest clipping the claws. But back to the story.

When my Kiddo was oh, about 7, I felt one of my many guilty-single-parent pangs and decided that we needed a pet. I knew that a dog would be too much of a responsibility for us at the time and chose to go instead for the self-sufficiency of a cat...Enter - Bob. I love Bob. We got him when he was 10 weeks old. He was a rescue; scrawny and covered, COVERED, in fleas. He had been tied to a barn. (There is a special section of Hell for people who abuse animals.) After a quick trip to the vet and a night in the half-bath he entered our home and hearts. I insisted that any pet of ours would have a decent "people" name. They have their very own personalities you know and are more lovable and fun than many of the two-legged creatures I know.

Bob is black with a triangle of white fur on the top of his chest and a teeny spot of white on his, uhm, nethers. He is the kind of cat that will look at you and tell you to go suck lemons. The house is his domain to laze about as he sees fit. He's the cat that the other cats pay "protection" money so they don't have their kneecaps busted. In this domain, he remains fat and happy. He's now about 6.

About two years later, we decided that Bob was lonely and needed a playmate. A poster went up at work not long after stating that a family had born fruit and sadly, said fruit was deathly allergic to cats. They needed to find a loving home for their kitty and so I made the phone call. This is how Ely came to live with us. I felt very sorry for the owners. The poor Mom was in tears. Gray and brown tabby Ely arrived with a huge wicker basket, the finest in catnip sockies and a Samsonite carrier. You could tell that he was loved. Bob decided instantly that he was a bit of a sissy. That's mainly true. He needs affection. He whimpers and whines if you don't pay enough attention to him and is very much the lap kitty...(more to come later, it is time to take Kiddo to football practice. But here's a picture.)

Title - "Leave me be Mom, I'm lovin' on my catnip toy"

Catnip toy purchased from Blue Jean Jess at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5756032
They LOVE this toy. Go buy one for your own cats!

I buy most of my fabrics online, and I want to spend a little time featuring one of the shops where I have purchased.  Who knows, maybe this will become a regular post for me!

 I chose to feature Jen from DownShadowLane primarily because she has exhibited all of the reasons why I like to buy online (particularly from the Etsy crowd...anyone noticing a theme here?)  I originally contacted Jen because I was in need of a large quantity of a particular fabric that I was having a terrible time finding.  She did not have it, but she offered to get it for me and for a great price!  This may not seem like a big deal, but any other time I have contacted other shops in search of fabric--whether online or local--the response I have received is simply, "sorry, we do not carry that."  So, to find someone who I did not know but who was willing to help me out like that was a big deal!  She was really easy to work with, and certainly went "above and beyond".

I asked Jen to tell me a few things about herself that I could share with you.  I hope you enjoy getting to know her more as much as I did!

Q: How/why and when did you decide to start selling fabrics?
A:  I started selling fabrics around 1 and a half years ago. I have been sewing for around 6 years, so when I started selling my projects on etsy I thought why not sell some of my designer fabrics that I had to much of.
It pretty much took off from there, now I do more business with my fabric store than my craft site that I sell things like handbags, jewelry, crochet items (yes I am a little ADHD! LOL). It seems that I am addicted to the feel and prints of fabric. I just love all the colors and textures of fabrics.

Q: What do you like most about selling fabrics?
A: I love selling fabric because I get to meet so many people all over the world. I have convo's from everywhere, and it is so nice to chat with such friendly people. Second I love selling fabric because of my addiction to it. It is so much fun searching for just the right color or print and then being able to offer it others.

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer?
A: My favorite fabric designer is definately Amy Butler with Heather Bailey coming in a close second.

Q: Are you working on making anything right now?
A: Right now I am working on the straps for a purse that I have designed. I love to make my own purse patterns. I am really excited about this one.

Thanks to Jen for answering my questions and just generally being so great!  Here's a sneak peak at what else this woman of many talents can do...you can click any of the pictures to see even more!

Just starting something new.  Handivine Blog is made specially for people who like and support handmade.  Here will be featured great Indie Products from Indie Artists all over the net.  I will be posting weekly or twice a month maybe, so be sure to come back frequently to see what's new.

You will find here all kind of handmade stuff I would like to share with you from many sites I usually visit to enjoy myself and get inspired :)

Let's start with Etsy, your Place to Buy & Sell All Things Handmade...  Here are some of them... aren't they adorable?

Adorable Necklace from http://ChrisPrussing.etsy.com

Original Fine Art Photograph at http://prettypetalstudio.etsy.com

Wonderful and delicious soaps from http://aromaticbodyoils.etsy.com  I am currently using the charcoal one and it's amazing...

A couple of notes: For some reason, last week's offering disappeared from the Etsy shop.  It has now been re-listed, so those are available if you're interested.

Once again, these are just $12/piece with shipping included, so grab 'em all and pretty up your space!

Loobylou Crafts is a store on Etsy.com that sells wonderful items made from Japanese fabrics. This crafty lady can turn these fabrics (which are beautiful in themselves) into belts, headbands, wallets, and purses. Not only are the items handmade by her, but designed as well. This is one of my favorites.

I love how the belts are inspired by the obi, the belt worn with the Japanese kimono. The tie is even reminiscent of the obijime, or the cord that's tied over the obi. The colors of the fabrics that she picks is incredible. Each item is a work of art.

The headbands that she's made are right up my alley. I have a really curly hairstyle now (almost an afro) so I have a growing collection of them. They are also made of varying Japanese fabrics and are truly easy to wear. She's attached a band of elastic to the back.

The clutches are just darling. They have a sort of 1940's feel to them and are perfect for an evening out. They have a very convenient detachable strap and lots of room on the inside as well. The wallets are fab as well as you can see. ^_^

You absolutely must check out this shop on Etsy! Loobylou Crafts!

Treasury 20th August 2008

If you've spent any time looking around on Etsy you'll have noticed that the front page is made up of a mosaic of images that usually look really fabulous together. Anyone who is registered with Etsy either as a buyer or a seller can create these collections called "Treasuries" and it is made even easier if you use the Poster Sketch tool to do so. They only last for a few days so you have to enjoy them while you can - but it means that there is a constantly changing collection. They are a great way to make new discoveries - but making them is also a real pleasure  - the chance to curate your own little exhibition depending on your mood. Go on - give it a try. And when you do, let me know the link.

The one above I created today - as long as it is still active I'll keep it linked.

Many of us have heard of “The Lady in Red,” well meet the Lady in Pink.  Now is the chance to decorate your life.  Wraynes Den has a unique collection of ACEOs (Art Card Edition and Originals).  My personal favorite is…well I’m sure you can guess.  Created with a combination of stamps, colored pencils and pastels this beautiful piece of artwork would definitely look great in The Pink Locket showroom.  Check out more of Wraynes Den work on http://WraynesDen.etsy.com.

By:  Kamilah C.

The Pink Locket

http://thepinklocket.com