Make a DIY Floral Crown with flowers from your garden.
Add floral print to your outfit.
You can also use floral print patterns in crafts or to decorate your home.
See more floral inspiration on my Pinterest. How do you celebrate spring?
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Floral Inspiration
With spring here, flowers are out. Here is some floral inspiration:
Make a DIY Floral Crown with flowers from your garden.
Add floral print to your outfit.
You can also use floral print patterns in crafts or to decorate your home.
See more floral inspiration on my Pinterest. How do you celebrate spring?
Make a DIY Floral Crown with flowers from your garden.
Add floral print to your outfit.
You can also use floral print patterns in crafts or to decorate your home.
See more floral inspiration on my Pinterest. How do you celebrate spring?
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Movies I've Seen Recently
These are some movies I've seen recently. I like renting movies off my DVR:
What movies have you seen lately?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Saving Money Tips
I've been trying to save money lately. Here are some tips I've learned about saving money:
- LearnVest has a system for budgeting money. You spend 50% on needs (housing, food, transportation), 30% on wants (clothes, going out, fun stuff) and 20% on financial savings (like you're savings account and retirement).
- And Then We Saved talks about doing a spending fast to get out of debt. You don't spend money on anything except things you absolute need for a certain period of time. You can do a big spending fast for a year, but if you just want to save some money, try doing it for a week. The blog also has a lot of other ideas on how to save money and ideas for things to do for free.
- For grocery shopping, it helps to plan meals ahead so you don't buy things you don't need.
- For beauty products, you can make DIY products with items you already have in your home like using baking soda as toothpaste or olive oil as makeup remover.
- Coupons can be helpful, but only use them on items you need so you're not buying extra. Also, check out online coupon websites if you're buying online to find coupon codes. Look on sites like Groupon for local deals.
- For buying online, I like using cashback sites such as Fat Wallet so I earn money on each purchase I make.
What are your best tips for saving money?
- LearnVest has a system for budgeting money. You spend 50% on needs (housing, food, transportation), 30% on wants (clothes, going out, fun stuff) and 20% on financial savings (like you're savings account and retirement).
- And Then We Saved talks about doing a spending fast to get out of debt. You don't spend money on anything except things you absolute need for a certain period of time. You can do a big spending fast for a year, but if you just want to save some money, try doing it for a week. The blog also has a lot of other ideas on how to save money and ideas for things to do for free.
- For grocery shopping, it helps to plan meals ahead so you don't buy things you don't need.
- For beauty products, you can make DIY products with items you already have in your home like using baking soda as toothpaste or olive oil as makeup remover.
- Coupons can be helpful, but only use them on items you need so you're not buying extra. Also, check out online coupon websites if you're buying online to find coupon codes. Look on sites like Groupon for local deals.
- For buying online, I like using cashback sites such as Fat Wallet so I earn money on each purchase I make.
What are your best tips for saving money?
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Sold Greeting Cards
These are some cards I sold recently.
I sold this birthday card at a craft show I went to last week.
I sold this card to my mom. I actually ended up just giving it to her as a gift for Valentine's Day, but I didn't end up writing in it so I think she's going to use it.
Have you made any sales or bought anything on Etsy recently?
I sold this birthday card at a craft show I went to last week.
I sold this card to my mom. I actually ended up just giving it to her as a gift for Valentine's Day, but I didn't end up writing in it so I think she's going to use it.
Have you made any sales or bought anything on Etsy recently?
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Selling Artwork Online
Even though I already sell crafts online, I am thinking of trying to sell prints of some of my artwork. I found this website that has 125 places you can sell your work online.
These are some of the places the article mentioned and some other sites I think are good to sell art online:
DeviantArt - DeviantArt is a site where you can post photos of your artwork, but you can also sell your prints
AbsoluteArts – AbsoluteArts is the most trafficked contemporary arts site. You can choose a free or paid plan.
Craigslist - Craigslist a good place to sell large artwork because you can sell in person. I didn't sell my own artwork on Craigslist, but I ended up selling a piece I had by someone else. I suggest you have the buyer bring cash and meet in a public space if you're worried about safety.
eBay - eBay is an auction website where you can sell used items, but you can also sell crafts and original artwork.
ArtFire - ArtFire lets you sell handmade, supplies and vintage. It costs $13/month, but there are no fees.
And of course Etsy and Storenvy are good places to sell your artwork or crafts online.
Do you sell artwork online?
Have you ever bought or sold artwork online?
These are some of the places the article mentioned and some other sites I think are good to sell art online:
DeviantArt - DeviantArt is a site where you can post photos of your artwork, but you can also sell your prints
AbsoluteArts – AbsoluteArts is the most trafficked contemporary arts site. You can choose a free or paid plan.
Craigslist - Craigslist a good place to sell large artwork because you can sell in person. I didn't sell my own artwork on Craigslist, but I ended up selling a piece I had by someone else. I suggest you have the buyer bring cash and meet in a public space if you're worried about safety.
eBay - eBay is an auction website where you can sell used items, but you can also sell crafts and original artwork.
ArtFire - ArtFire lets you sell handmade, supplies and vintage. It costs $13/month, but there are no fees.
And of course Etsy and Storenvy are good places to sell your artwork or crafts online.
Do you sell artwork online?
Have you ever bought or sold artwork online?
Monday, March 17, 2014
St. Patrick's Day
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Now is the perfect time to shop for green colored products. Here are some of my favorite green items in my shop:
Green Bird Mini Journal
Green Leaves Coptic Stitch Mini Journal
Map of San Francisco Journal
Find more green items here.
Green Bird Mini Journal
Green Leaves Coptic Stitch Mini Journal
Map of San Francisco Journal
Find more green items here.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
St. Patrick's Day Inspiration
St. Patrick's Day is coming up. Here are some ways you can celebrate the holiday.
How about wearing a green dress with a touch of gold like this one? Or wear a green dress with a gold accessory.
St. Patrick's Day is the perfect time to experiment with nail art. Try green, gold or rainbow nail art.
Dye pancakes green to make St. Patrick's Day pancakes. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.
How do you like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Outsourcing and Using Freelance Websites
Recently, I've tried out using freelance websites and outsourcing. Outsourcing means you are hiring somebody else to help you do a job. A freelancer is somebody who helps you outsource, but is not committed to a particular employer long term.
Sofar, I've used oDesk to outsource someone to help me find blogs I could advertise on and find shops I could sell wholesale to. I've used eLance to get someone to help edit my photos. Both were helpful for my business. Some tips are to make sure you are really clear with what you want and have the person you hire do a test round first so you can make sure everything is correct.
Here are some other examples of tasks you can outsource on freelance websites:
*Have someone respond to email
*Help with social media websites
*Leaving feedback
*Shipping items
*Filling in spreadsheets and getting information
*Finding cheapest places to buy certain items
*Arranging travel plans
*SEO
*Advertising and promoting your business
*Writing blog posts
Here are some freelance websites to try:
oDesk - oDesk is a good site to start out with and is pretty easy to navigate.
eLance – eLance is a good basic freelance site if you're just getting started.
Freelancer – Freelancer is another freelance site to try. One downside to Freelancer is a little harder to navigate and it costs money to take qualification tests if you want to freelance.
Fiverr - On Fiverr, you can sell or buy gigs for $5. This is a good site if you don't have a lot of money to spend because you can find outsourcing jobs that are inexpensive.
If you want to earn extra money, you can also offer your own freelance services. You can be a virtual assistant, edit photos, do data entry, help with sites you are good at and a variety of other tasks. I've done a few freelancing jobs. They help me make a little extra money and I also learn new things.
Have you ever used freelance websites?
Sofar, I've used oDesk to outsource someone to help me find blogs I could advertise on and find shops I could sell wholesale to. I've used eLance to get someone to help edit my photos. Both were helpful for my business. Some tips are to make sure you are really clear with what you want and have the person you hire do a test round first so you can make sure everything is correct.
Here are some other examples of tasks you can outsource on freelance websites:
*Have someone respond to email
*Help with social media websites
*Leaving feedback
*Shipping items
*Filling in spreadsheets and getting information
*Finding cheapest places to buy certain items
*Arranging travel plans
*SEO
*Advertising and promoting your business
*Writing blog posts
oDesk - oDesk is a good site to start out with and is pretty easy to navigate.
eLance – eLance is a good basic freelance site if you're just getting started.
Freelancer – Freelancer is another freelance site to try. One downside to Freelancer is a little harder to navigate and it costs money to take qualification tests if you want to freelance.
Fiverr - On Fiverr, you can sell or buy gigs for $5. This is a good site if you don't have a lot of money to spend because you can find outsourcing jobs that are inexpensive.
If you want to earn extra money, you can also offer your own freelance services. You can be a virtual assistant, edit photos, do data entry, help with sites you are good at and a variety of other tasks. I've done a few freelancing jobs. They help me make a little extra money and I also learn new things.
Have you ever used freelance websites?
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Handmade Market March Craft Show
Here are some photos I got from the craft show I did for Handmade Market Chicago. I didn't have my good quality camera with me so the photos aren't as good quality.
I did a couple shows for Handmade Market Chicago and this was my last one (at least for this year). Overall, the experience was pretty good, but I didn't sell enough to cover the costs of the show. Have you been to any craft shows lately?
I did a couple shows for Handmade Market Chicago and this was my last one (at least for this year). Overall, the experience was pretty good, but I didn't sell enough to cover the costs of the show. Have you been to any craft shows lately?
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Handmade Market Chicago Craft Show
I am doing a craft show today for Handmade Market Chicago. It will be at the Empty Bottle in Chicago starting at noon. If you're in the area, stop by!
I hope I am able to make some sales. Have you been to any craft shows recently?
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Handmade Business Packaging Tutorial
Packaging is important if you're selling handmade items online. Here are some packaging tips I've learned from selling on Etsy.
Pick a Mailing Method
Make sure you are using the best mailing method. Choose a mailing method that is affordable, but gives you the services you want. Look at services from USPS and FedEx. I use USPS First Class for my products because it is the cheapest option and is easy to ship. I set a Schedule a Pickup with USPS so I don't have to go to the post office and I can just print out a shipping label and put the package on my porch.
Packaging Materials
Get good packaging materials like bubble mailers, cardboard boxes or anything else you might need. You can find a lot of affordable packaging on eBay. Search for Craigslist in your area and see if anybody is offering free boxes or mailing supplies. You can sometimes get free packaging from the post office, but you might have to use certain services if you use that packaging (for example, if you get free Flat Rate Boxes from USPS, you have to use that service with those boxes). You can also upcycle packaging materials. Save boxes, bubble mailers, peanuts and other packaging supplies you get in the mail from things you order. If you save old boxes, you can redecorate them with decorative paper or wrapping paper to make them look new and personalized.
Business Cards and Samples
Include business cards, coupon codes, stickers or anything else to help the customer remember you. Include enough that they can also give to their friends who might be interested. I like to put 2-3 business cards in my packages. I use Moo to make my business cards. I use the smaller version of Moo business cards to make coupon codes for repeat customers. You can make your own stickers by printing your logo on sticker paper.
Include a personal note. I use left over scraps of decorative paper and fold them to make mini cards. I use these cards to write a thank you note to the buyer. Adding a personal touch will make your customers feel special and will make the transaction more personal. If you have samples or freebies, include a sample or two with each order. I don't personally include samples in my order, but I love getting them.
Be Unique and Define Your Brand
You want the packaging to go along with your product and define your brand. I like to match the wrapping material to the item. For example, if I sell a blue journal, I will use matching blue tissue paper to wrap it. If I still have that decorative paper I used in the journal, I might use that paper to make a mini card to write my personal note in. This gives unity to my packaging and makes everything look nice. Make your packaging unique and be creative. You can google "unique packaging ideas" to find more ideas for packaging your product. How you package an item will depend on what you're selling and how you want to define your brand.
Protection
Make sure your items are well protected. I wrap all my items in tissue paper. I also have the protection of the bubble mailer envelopes so everything is safe. If you are using large packages, make sure there is not too much space for the item to move around. If your item is fragile, use extra protection like wrapping your items twice in bubble wrap.
Pick a Mailing Method
Make sure you are using the best mailing method. Choose a mailing method that is affordable, but gives you the services you want. Look at services from USPS and FedEx. I use USPS First Class for my products because it is the cheapest option and is easy to ship. I set a Schedule a Pickup with USPS so I don't have to go to the post office and I can just print out a shipping label and put the package on my porch.
Packaging Materials
Get good packaging materials like bubble mailers, cardboard boxes or anything else you might need. You can find a lot of affordable packaging on eBay. Search for Craigslist in your area and see if anybody is offering free boxes or mailing supplies. You can sometimes get free packaging from the post office, but you might have to use certain services if you use that packaging (for example, if you get free Flat Rate Boxes from USPS, you have to use that service with those boxes). You can also upcycle packaging materials. Save boxes, bubble mailers, peanuts and other packaging supplies you get in the mail from things you order. If you save old boxes, you can redecorate them with decorative paper or wrapping paper to make them look new and personalized.
Business Cards and Samples
Include business cards, coupon codes, stickers or anything else to help the customer remember you. Include enough that they can also give to their friends who might be interested. I like to put 2-3 business cards in my packages. I use Moo to make my business cards. I use the smaller version of Moo business cards to make coupon codes for repeat customers. You can make your own stickers by printing your logo on sticker paper.
Include a personal note. I use left over scraps of decorative paper and fold them to make mini cards. I use these cards to write a thank you note to the buyer. Adding a personal touch will make your customers feel special and will make the transaction more personal. If you have samples or freebies, include a sample or two with each order. I don't personally include samples in my order, but I love getting them.
Be Unique and Define Your Brand
You want the packaging to go along with your product and define your brand. I like to match the wrapping material to the item. For example, if I sell a blue journal, I will use matching blue tissue paper to wrap it. If I still have that decorative paper I used in the journal, I might use that paper to make a mini card to write my personal note in. This gives unity to my packaging and makes everything look nice. Make your packaging unique and be creative. You can google "unique packaging ideas" to find more ideas for packaging your product. How you package an item will depend on what you're selling and how you want to define your brand.
Protection
Make sure your items are well protected. I wrap all my items in tissue paper. I also have the protection of the bubble mailer envelopes so everything is safe. If you are using large packages, make sure there is not too much space for the item to move around. If your item is fragile, use extra protection like wrapping your items twice in bubble wrap.
What are your best packaging tips?
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Top 5 Favorite Items in My Shop
These are my top 5 favorite items in my shop:
Blue Marbled Coptic Stitch Journal
Mini Wedding Greeting Card
Iridescent Pink Box
Pink Flower Collage Coptic Stitch Mini Journal
Wavy Blue and Gold Bird Greeting Card
If you have a shop, what are your top 5 favorite items? I tag you to write a blog post about it.
Blue Marbled Coptic Stitch Journal
Mini Wedding Greeting Card
Iridescent Pink Box
Pink Flower Collage Coptic Stitch Mini Journal
Wavy Blue and Gold Bird Greeting Card
If you have a shop, what are your top 5 favorite items? I tag you to write a blog post about it.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Turquoise and Blue Inspiration
Here is some random photography inspiration that uses the colors turquoise or blue. I love the color combination together.
What colors/color combinations inspire you?
What colors/color combinations inspire you?
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