Spectacular Spectacles

Somehow, I keep thinking that one of my blog readers might need this set of early 1950's cat eye frames that I found on Etsy.com.  I would get them, but I prefer something from a different decade.  Would you wear them?

Lamp Lust

If you have been following my blog for a while, you might know that I have a "thing" for cool lighting.  And I found another one.  This handmade paper and twig lamp by Tacoma based Etsy shop wyldewoodpapers, totally delights me. It's called "Coming Home".  If you click on this link, you can look at the bottom photo that includes some of the tools that this artist uses.  As an artisan, I always love seeing that.

I wish I were coming home to this adorable little light.

Luscious Feltedness

If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing Shirley's work in person, let me introduce you to the online version.  This is her "Cloisonne Felted Vessel" from Shirley's FlamesandFire Etsy shop.  Yum!  The delicious colors, intricate beaded detail and combined textures all add up into one lovely piece.  Stop by and check it and the other offerings out.

Etsy Selling Tips for Beadmakers

I'm happy to share my Etsy selling tips. And I get asked often, so I thought I'd write down some basics that I recently shared with one of my friends who was asking about them.

I think Etsy is a lower priced venue, for sales. That's why I keep my beads so simple on it. A few higher priced ones sell, but the smaller ones do so much better. It's chock full of jewelry makers who list on there.

A lot of Etsy success stories include listing new items daily. It brings your pieces to the forefront of the lists and be careful to tag them correctly. I list daily and do custom work. Both work well for me. Your photography is as important as the art you do. If it's not good, no one will notice your work.

Remember that the Etsy audience is broad and goes towards the younger than the older side. Find your niche and stick with it. You'll be more successful. I personally think that beadmakers who offer too many styles have a hard time showing their identity to repeat shoppers.

Also there are a ton of very talented beadmakers on Etsy- you have to work hard to stand out. I blog (as seen right here) go on the forums, have joined some Etsy Street Teams and keep my name out there if possible. It's a lot of work for me, but it's my only selling venue.

If you are just consider selling on Etsy, be aware that whatever name you use when signing up, will be your Etsy url address. So be careful. I've seen some shop owners name their shop one thing and have a different address. I know a lot of buyers convert to sellers, and that's the reason, but being aware upfront can help.

I've also seen some wonderful collaborations result from connections on Etsy. Be open to the possibilities. All these creative folks can work well together to create more new items.

If you have Etsy selling tips, please add them in here. I'd love for us to share with others. I enjoy Etsy. It's been good to me and I'm thankful for having them.

No Kidding- Seriously Add Yourself to Your Listings

Happy April Fool's Day. I know, not everyone celebrates it. So that's my public service for today. I'm reminding you to be on your toes.

And I thought I'd mention another selling tip.... adding a little of your personality to your listings.

I can only tell you what works for me, and what I like. But I love knowing a little bit about the person selling the item, especially if the item seems to have a little of the person in it.

Sounds more complicated than it is. Someone selling a tile pendant with a small square of wrapping paper decoupaged onto it is different than that same tile pendant with a small square of someone's original photography. The latter tells me a little of who that person/artist is. (and I do enjoy both items, but I'm trying to illustrate what I'm saying).

You can do this by mentioning that a certain component is a favorite color or shape, or your inspiration for that piece. It doesn't need to be private matters, or too much.

Perhaps you choose to include a photo of yourself at work in your studio, so they can imagine you making their piece that they want to buy.

And sometimes you're just a goofball and have "photobooth" on your Apple computer that takes pictures of you at your desk, but can add a funny background, or you just happen to have the fake mustache and eyeglasses set. (Aw come on, don't you keep one around? I can't be the only one.)

So maybe you nix the silly photos, because you create more serious art. But do consider including small "pieces" of you, so your customers feel like they know you. I have made wonderful connections and even some of my customers have turned into good friends. No fooling.

Jake the Snow Man and Writing Copy for Your Listings

Meet Jake, Frosty's cousin. Jake is a more athletic version of Frosty. He likes to snow shoe, cross country ski and play hockey. He says those are muscles under that layer of snow. (Harrumph, that's what all the guys say!) Jake is hoping that there will be some sort of outdoor Wii programs on the market soon.

Jake is wearing a hat and a scarf, (sure he knows how to layer) and does not have a carrot nose. Being a vegan, he feels that there are better uses for a carrot.

He is close to an inch tall with a 1/16th vertical hole.

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This is a sample of one of my Etsy Shop listings for my sculptural beads. I wanted to show you how a little entertainment may help enhance your beads and what you're trying to convey in them. I think the two little paragraphs help support the goal of presenting a whimsical and amusing snowman. So get a little creative. If you're at a loss for words, go to http://www.dictionary.com. I use it all the time. Not just to check my spelling, but to browse through the thesaurus. Sometimes there's a perfect word out there just waiting for you. And those perfect words may help you sell your perfect piece of art.