Promoting...

Since I entered the world of on-line sales I have learned about so many ways to promote your item, your craft, yourself. I have taken advantage of many areas such as this one, blogging, and many others. But being a bit old-fashioned, I always felt the newspaper would be a great area to pursue. Back in 2007 I launched a fairly regular letter writing campaign to get my shop on etsy and etsy in general in the news. No one even had the courtesy to answer until about 3 weeks ago. I e-mailed a journalist in the regional newspaper who focused on my town and she responded immediately. A photographer was dispatched to my house to take pictures...don't ask how long it took to clean up the studio!- and the result was in the paper this past Tuesday. It was a generally a good article except that ALL ABOUT THE BUTTONS wasn't even mentioned....ugh! Hopefully anyone coming to etsy through the article might search clocks and I'll be there...hopefully! Speaking of clocks, here's a new one to be listed soon...

Out of the box!

I've been trying to think of some new items/projects that would appeal on ETSY. My daughter-in-law gave me a "Knitting Day By Day" calendar last year that has been really terrific. It was produced in England & sometimes the patterns are confusing but generally I can figure them out. I had noticed fingerless gloves and hand warmers on etsy and then a pattern on this calendar so I gave them a shot. I can see the use of them when driving, working in a chilly environment or whenever you need good dexterity that gloves prevent. They are very comfortable. I altered the pattern by adding the eyelash yarn on the bottom and of course, I had to add buttons. These are truly a vintage set as I have had them for at least 25 years. What do you think of my new item?

I'm giving it up!

I've waffled and wavered and said yes as often as no BUT finally.....the clock I made for the book I was in, Button!Button!, is up for sale. I really don't have a great emotional attachment to it even though I am pleased with the final results. It truly doesn't fit anywhere in my house, and needless to say, I have plenty of clocks soooooooooooooooo here she is! But maybe I should ke............NO!!!! For some reason, the book photos washed out the beautiful grain of the wood. The bottom photo is more true. Hmmmm............NO! It was on the back cover....




The other items of mine in the book were bookmarks and I think that talented Angie from Calabash Creations has bought every one! I do have more in the shop. Now about that clock.................

August

When I was a teacher, August was a down month since the start of school was creeping up fast. In addition it was a hard month because of the weather...hot-hot-hot! No special days or events take place in August. So it was with great joy a 'holiday' was added to my August when my son was born. And then many years later, his son was born in August as well. So even though I no longer worry about the start of school and the heat is still unbearable, it's a special time with the birthdays of 2 very special males. We all had dinner out last night and all was great until B attacked the chocolate birthday cake...never has such a small piece of cake caused such a great mess on such a small person and those sitting nearby. I literally threw everything I was wearing into the wash as soon as I got home! The picture is dark as the restaurant was dark but as I snapped he was saying "Wash me,please!" Big brother is behind him, neat as a pin!

Happy Birthday J and B! Hugs and kisses,too!

I'm Hooked!

ACEOs are so much fun! I have always loved little things and have an extensive miniature collection. Making ACEOs fits right in with that collection but I can add buttons and ribbons and beads,oh my! They also may tell a story or evoke a mood.

Here's my latest but I must start by giving credit to BellaColle, a wonderful artist who created the paper I used and allowed it to be copied for free. She's a doll! The mother of pearl rose heart was purchased from CraftDiner and the fabulous dotted boot is from HighPie...so cute! It is listed in the shop.

Printer Update

Well, dear husband insisted on 'researching' the latest and greatest printers, online, Consumer Reports, blah,blah,blah. I did want a multi-function since our fax is on its last legs and I wanted a new scanner. He said a particular Canon was great but hard to find and I was leaning towards the HP. I won!!! We found a highly rated model that had a $30 rebate and I had a $30 off coupon so the price was more than fair. We're a bit stumped with the fax set-up but he'll work on it when he gets home. The print quality is great. Thanks all for your input. I definitely took it all to heart and now I'm techno problem free.....for the minute! Maybe now I can work on a new business card for etsy.

Time for a change?

The change I'd REALLY like would include a trip to the beach. It hit 102 yesterday but it seems the time has come for me to get a new printer instead.

Are these factors telling me to replace my machine?

1-A light you never noticed flashes constantly?

2-The print comes out reversed-mirror image?

3-You set the printer for 20 copies and 75 are spit out?

4-The book you go to for troubleshooting says it is compatible with Windows 98 ?

5-You have a deadline for 120 copies of something and all of the above is happening?

6-Your husband needs business cards yesterday and it won't turn on?

7-Obviously sometimes I can get it to work but not NOW!!!!!!

Ugh, after just replacing the computer this was not an option I wanted to face so soon after that installation. Thank goodness all my etsy materials are printed (business cards,thank yous,etc.) so I'm covered there. I'm thinking about an all-in-one machine. I have been an HP user for years and the 4-in-ones seem to be better lately. Anyone have any input?