Update

I haven't even thought about updating this blog in a while - things have just been so busy. But when I created my item of the week listing, I thought I'd better update on what's happening, especially since the last post had no closure (about the water in the basement).

The water is gone. We had a sump pump installed, and that's doing a bang-up job of keeping the workroom dry. Things are still moved around down there, and there's still a huge pile of things in the garage. My tablecloths and dressmaking mannequin probably all smell like gasoline because the generator (in the garage) had a gas line leak the other day. But, c'est la vie. I'll run things (that I can) through the washing machine to take the stink out.

Actually, moving some of my stuff back into the basement is on my list of things to do. I just can't seem to get motivated to do them. Stupid Facebook has become my new obsession. Not Facebook in general, but a few of the games. *sigh* If only real money poured in at the rate of $10 million an hour, like my imaginary mafia money. But anyway, I'll have a chance to go through some things when I reorganize the basement and maybe put together an actual crafty area where I can work on things and see what I have at a glance. I couldn't believe the pattern/idea books that I had (past tense) that were just lying on the floor down there. If I make a real effort to keep things on shelves and organized, then I can track what resources I have and be more efficient when I work on things for my Etsy shop.

Speaking of Etsy, I found a couple of great sites that are a must for any Etsian looking to streamline a bit. They were featured recently in a "Sellers Helping Sellers" email, but I found them a while back. And of course, I meant to blog about them... before they were famous. One is Craftcult*. Their site tracks shop and item hearts, as well as front page, Storque and gift guides, so you can see how much love you're getting from the Etsy community. My favorite part is the item hearts. I used to go through every listing in my shop to see if they had any hearts. Now I can see them all at once.

The other must-see site for Etsyians is Etsyhacks. The site itself, while clean and easy to navigate, doesn't seem that interesting. But it's the brainchild of an Etsy spouse, who has created little programs that streamline many common Etsy tasks. They work in the Firefox browser, using an add-on called Greasemonkey, and they're wicked awesome! My favorites right now include "Copy listing" that allows me to create a new listing by copying another one. Then I just change the applicable text, upload new pictures, and submit. SOOOO much faster than doing it from scratch! The other one I think is super-slick is the Printable Receipt Enhancer. It uses style sheets to change the standard Etsy invoice, so that I can make it match my other materials and branding - and print on a single page instead of the 2 that the standard format needed (save my paper and postage money). Ian at Etsyhacks is also super-helpful - I'm having an issue with one of the hacks, and he's been great about keeping me updated.

Well, I guess that's enough rambling on for now. Enjoy Spring - and go out and play!

* Fixing the link colors in this layout is another thing on my to-do list. The issue is that I need light links on the side columns, and dark ones in the center. And I just haven't felt like CSS-diving to update the colors.

Etsy Item of the week, April 17

This week's item, (and, yes, I know it's more like "this month's item") is a sparkly yet restrained crystal jewelry set. There's a necklace and matching earrings. They're made from Swarovski crystals, in a relatively new color called Cantaloupe. And this color is gorgeous, because it changes in different light, going from grey in natural light to pink to green. Grey sounds boring, but it has a little bit of peach to it, as if the crystals want you to know that they're complex.

The necklace is about 17", and falls right at the collarbones. Round crystals, in graduated sizes, create the main strand, with tiny round and cube-shaped crystals dangling. The earrings are comprised of multiple round crystals forming a drop. Everything is accented by silver wire and findings.

The color and elegance make this a perfect set for prom or bridal wear.

You can view more details about this item at its listing. Check out the rest of my shop while you're at it. I'm in the middle of a 30 listings in 30 days challenge, so there are a lot of new things.

Etsy item of the week, February 25

I figured it was time to get back into the habit of featuring something from my Etsy shop on a regular basis. Especially now that I've been listing some new things.

This week's item, in honor of Ash Wednesday, is a handmade rosary made with jet black fire-polished beads and sterling silver crucifix and center. The color and Sacred Heart center are fairly masculine, but this rosary is small enough that it would be appropriate for a woman, too.

You can view more details about this item at its listing. Check out the rest of my shop while you're at it. If you do decide that this rosary is right for you, mention this blog post and I'll add a rosary case for free. Just indicate whether you would like white, black or red.

Goodness!

I've heard from other Etsy sellers that the way to stay visible, and therefore make more sales, is to list items often. Newly listed items are shown on the Etsy homepage, and will also show up in their really cool feature known as "Time Machine." Many Etsy browsers will click on the newly listed items that catch their eye. That's a whole new group, separate from the people who know what they want and search item tags/keywords.

Yesterday I relisted some items that had expired, and finally got some new things photographed and listed, too. I think I listed/renewed 9 items.

Well, my shop visits went through the roof! I've got Google Analytics installed in my shop, and it's fun to look at the various reports. I can't see the complete story for individual visitors, but I can see that someone from Italy stopped by, or that 4 people got to my shop from online searches. I've been averaging 4 visitors a day for the past couple of weeks - yesterday I had 40. 40! And that doesn't include me, because I've excluded my IP address from the tracking.

Now, if someone would only buy something instead of just looking.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In case you've been living in a cave, or haven't seen the plethora of pink items on store shelves, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So? So I'm doing a few things this year to help raise funds for this cause.

I'm walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on the 18th in Detroit. If you're interested in walking with me, click the "Join my team" link to the right. Not near Detroit, or can't walk? I accept any and all donations. Despite what the thermometer indicates, I'm about halfway to my goal of $500. (The thermometer only shows donations made by people who clicked the thermometer.) All of the money donated goes to the American Cancer Society. If you have a spare $5, please consider donating it.

My Etsy shop is helping me raise money, too. Through the end of the month, 100% of the proceeds from sales of breast cancer items will go to the ACS. And profits from the sale of all other items. So get some Christmas shopping done - buy someone some jewelry, a scarf, or a rosary.

The kitchen tools company with which I'm affiliated has pink items available in October, too. Email me (through my profile) for a link to my website. I'm not allowed to post a link to my page with them for shopping - but I do appreciate any and all sales that I get this month. The pink items ARE charity items. $1 from the sale of each will be donated to the ACS.

And? So? The research that's funded by the ACS helps more than just breast cancer patients. Advances in treatment often cross over to other cancers. Early detection programs, including mammography for underprivileged women, increase survival rates and help keep families from losing someone. Your support, even in these uncertain economic times, can help strengthen families and help people for many years to come.

A great collection of Michiganders

Another Etsyian from Michigan has included one of my items in a treasury of things made in Michigan. Check it out!

I'm constantly amazed by some of the creative things that my fellow mitten-dwellers come up with. I've seen handmade jewelry, beads, dolls, and candles. Silk ties, soap, and incense. There are so many talented people living here, all with a unique point of view.

Today is errand day, and then a girls night out at a friend's house. I haven't seen her in a few years, so it will be good to catch up. Have a great weekend!

Another treasury!

Cool! I got another treasury on Etsy. Check it out: Treasury. The treasury will only be available until 1:20 am on Monday, June 2.

Cool! Etsy Treasury Time

So cool! I got a treasury on Etsy. Treasuries are groupings of items that someone, known as the curator, puts together. They can be a theme, like earrings, or a color story, or things that include a specific word in their titles. Etsy has a limited number of them available, so the competition to grab one when they're available can be pretty fierce.

The one I put together is full of items for breast cancer awareness. There are some gorgeous items out there on Etsy by some really talented artists. Check them out!

Do you like...

The treasury will only be available for 2 days, so only through Sunday, May 11.

SALE at my Etsy shop

It's a sale at my Etsy shop!

Frankly, I don't feel like storing scarves until the fall, so I've marked them down by 25%. You can get a great handmade scarf (or two!) at a great price.

If you do decide to get one, put a note in the comments when you check out that you read my blog, and I'll toss a free gift into the package with the scarf. Or whatever else you decide to purchase.

You can find the scarves quickly by clicking the "Crochet" link on the right side of the shopfront. But, please, browse a little, too.

Etsy item of the week. January 24

Faux Fur

It looks like fur, but isn't. Keep yourself toasty warm and fashionable at the same time with this crocheted scarf. It's made from easy-care acrylic yarn, so you can toss it in the washing machine. Some Fun Fur scarves are thin and wimpy, but I made this one with Fun Fur and a worsted-weight yarn held together, so it's dense and warm.

The eyelash yarn that makes it look like fur (Fun Fur brand) is black and grey. I combined it with black yarn to bulk. You can't even see the black under the "fur," it just looks rich and cozy.

To purchase or for details: Faux Fur.

Etsy Item of the Week, December 14

Jester Crystals

These earrings came about as a way to put together some crystals that I got on variety strings. Buying them that way is great for me, in that I'm not stuck with 50 that are all the same color. But I have to get a little creative to use the colors that come on each string. These came out so well. In fact, if they don't sell, they'll probably end up in my own jewelry box.

Each earring has a round purple crystal bead with a gold-plated ring below it. There are 5 small crystals dangling from each ring. They're not flasy, but will add sparkle and movement to any outfit.

To purchase or for details: Jester Crystals.

Through the end of 2007, get free gift wrapping on any item ordered from my shop.

Etsy Item of the Week, Nov. 30

NaBloPoMo day 30

How out of it was I yesterday? I completely forgot to post my item of the week.

Gypsy Earrings

I've got these in my shop in both gold and silver versions. Each one has an intricately cut plated shape with tiny crystal beads dangling from the bottom. They look bold, but are very lightweight.

To purchase or for details: Gold, Silver.

Through the end of 2007, get free gift wrapping on any item ordered from my shop.

Phew!

NaBloPoMo day 23

Thanksgiving was a big success! Hooray! Car Guy's family seemed slightly confused by the non traditional dinner at first, but soon got into the hang of it. I've got one whole dish of crab dip prepped that wasn't baked and eaten, but I'll take it to my mom's today.

There is one thing that happened yesterday that just boggles my mind. Diesel, our 4-year-old nephew, brought DVDs with him in his toy bag. He and his parents were fairly insistent that he be allowed to watch one on our TV, so we put one in for him. Then he threw a fit when we wanted to turn it off so we could visit. It makes me feel really old to say this, but back when I was a kid, there was no way something like that would have been tolerated. The boy also apparently cannot just SIT on the couch when watching TV. He had to be climbing all over people, almost kicking the glasses and crystal on the coffee table. I'm choosing to view it as another reason Car Guy and I don't have any kids.

My plan for today is to do some visiting. No shopping for me, except maybe to get some chips to go with the crab dip. If you were out shopping today, I hope you survived the crowds OK and got everything from your list. If you still have a list, may I suggest purchasing from one of the many fine artisans at Etsy, starting with me.

Happy Thanksgiving

NaBloPoMo day 22

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. There's no gifts, which means no shopping nightmares nor greedy relatives. It's just a time to reflect on things for which we are grateful, something we should do more often.

It would be nice if everyone had the day off today to enjoy it as they want to, whether that's with friends, family or alone; with a big traditional meal, or a bowl of cereal; in quiet contemplation or watching hour upon hour of football. Unfortunately, some people do have to work today, mostly in service positions. So if you interact today with someone who is working, please be kind. Go easy on the complaints. Say "thank you" an extra time. Tip generously. Give them something to be thankful about.

I did finally get my menu for dinner nailed down. I'm serving a non-traditional meal. The kids will probably love it, but I'm not sure how the adults will react. We are having:

• Li'l smokies (smoked sausages) in BBQ sauce
  
• Swedish meatballs in gravy
  
• Mini bacon and cheese quiches
  
• Crab Rangoon dip with Chinese Mustard flavor wonton chips
  
• raw veggies and French onion dip
  
• olives and pickles (2 kinds of each)
  
• Mini turkey panini sandwiches with cranberries; gravy to dip them in
  
• Pumpkin pie
  
• Cranberry Apple Cookie Cobbler
  
• milk, pop, beer, wine, cider, coffee

If there are any funny but postable reactions, especially from Car Guy's parents, I'll post them tomorrow.

Have a relaxing day!

No Etsy item of the week today. But I am running a sale in my shop this weekend. Stop by and get some Christmas or Chanukkah shopping done!

Waaay too much to do

NaBloPoMo day 17

There's way too much on my "to do" list today, and what am I doing? Sitting on the couch writing this so that I don't miss a day of NaBloPoMo. I know you don't actually care, but what's on my list today?

• Unearth the dining room table, which is currently buried under business materials for my home business and craft supplies


• Clear off the buffet, currently home to serving dishes that are seldom used


• Go to the bank to deposit some cash


• Put together 2 mailings, one a catalog for a new customer and one an item I just sold on Etsy


• Go to the post office and mail them


• Clean the living room


• Unearth the kitchen table


• Bake fruitcake, so it has time to properly age before Christmas


• Bake mini quiches for Thanksgiving

In preparation for all that, what have I already accomplished today?

• Measured out raisins and currants, mixed them with brandy and set aside to soak


• Cut 2 pounds of candied fruit into small pieces and mixed with 1 pound of chopped nuts


• Had breakfast: a slow cooker casserole recipe I found online. It was less than inspiring, and the leftovers will probably be put out in the backyard for the neighborhood critters.


• Showered (don't laugh! Some Saturdays it's 1 pm before I drag my butt into the shower)


• Printed a receipt for the Etsy purchase

Looking at that top list depresses me, so I'm going to go get dressed (I'm still in my jammies) and start on it. Have a great Saturday!

Etsy Item of the Week - November 15

NaBloPoMo day 15

Beaded Kitchen Tools Charm Bracelet

This one was just too fun to make, and it's a blast to wear (I had to try it on to make sure it wasn't too heavy or too big). It's a silver-tone chain with 30 two-tone crackle glass beads and 13 pewter charms (lead-free!). The charms are miniature representations of kitchen items: a box grater, colander, muffin pan, etc. They are just the cutest things ever!

To purchase or for details: Etsy.

Etsy Item of the Week - November 8

Topaz Crystal Drop Earrings

I love topaz. It's such a rich-looking stone. These earrings are made from topaz colored crystals, for some sparkle. They're just right for this time of year. And mustard yellow/gold is hot right now! Dress up your earlobes for fall.

To purchase or for details: Etsy.

Lookie!

I got my second treasury on Etsy this morning. It was so exciting! I went into the treasury to browse, and the little box was there, indicating that I could create one.

Check it out: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=13807

Etsy Item of the Week - November 1

Sunshine and Bubblegum

Get ready for winter with this soft and bright scarf. Made of acrylic, it's machine washable, so you don't need to worry about getting it dirty. I just love the bright colors of this, and think it would look stellar with a dark or neutral coat.

To purchase or for details: Etsy.

Etsy item of the Week - October 25

Pink Awareness Ribbon Chandelier Earrings

I thought I'd post these for the last Item of the Week in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

These are fun and dangly, and will show your support. Each earring features several glass beads in assorted shades of pink and clear, swinging from silver-plated chandelier frames. As a finishing touch, each one also has one opaque white heart-shaped bead with a pink ribbon on both sides.

These would make a great gift for a survivor, and will come packaged in a white cotton-lined box.

To purchase or for details: Etsy.