Trying a New Craft

I like to do crafts. Always have. I don't like doing the same thing over and over, which may not make the best business sense. On etsy, some of the more successful sellers seem to find their niche and become apron queens, or scrabble pendant makers, or make lots of tote bags. Once I conquer a design, pattern, or technique, I'm ready to move on. Well, instead of fighting it, I recently embraced the itch to try something new.

Inspired by one of my fellow challengettes, Jennifer of iWunder, and her beautiful yarn, I began to wonder if I could learn to crochet. Before we left for our Tennessee vacation, I headed to Michaels, and stocked up on "how to" books, a kit with multiple sizes of hooks, yarn and crocheting thread. With no sewing machine in the hotel room, I began the journey. Here are a few pictures of my early efforts. Oh, and youTube come in pretty handy, too. The rectangles are rows of different stitches, which I am not sure are entirely right. They look a little lumpy to me.

The etsy Hookers have nothing to worry about. I'm not ready to start competing with them... yet. The little pink flower below (or a similar one) will be showing up on an ACEO very soon.

Full disclosure. Sometime in my previous life, I learned a little bit about crocheting. But it had to be at least 25 years ago, maybe more. I even came across a crochet hook that I already owned. I think I used it for some other sewing thing though.

The Giant Hamster Ball

A quick post and some pics... my family is on vacation in the Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee and we are having an awesome time. Hiking, Dollywood, family togetherness... the whole nine yards! Today we did something that was so unique and unusual I just had to post about it right away. We went on the Zorb. What, is that, you might ask? Well this started in New Zealand, and I first saw one on the Amazing Race (a reality show that I love). I could write more, but really a picture is worth a thousand words here!



Yes, I am really in this giant ball, turning and flipping and hanging on. The sensation is scary and awesome and amazing all at the same time! If you ever get a chance, you just have to try this!

Thank You, Stormy Designs

Ever since I started seriously blogging again, I've wanted 3 columns in my blog. I'm really just not that computer savvy... I can do the basics, but anything that starts with the letters H T M L has me shaking in my boots. I've gone to various websites that have blog templates, saw the "easy" instructions, and left just as quickly. Until now. You can see that I have 3 columns. Through a series of events that started with joining Etsy Bloggers, was found Stormy Designs. She was the one who accomplished this for me, and as a little thank you, I want to do a quick feature on her.

Stormy is a polymer clay artist who fashions unique sculptures, art and art jewelry, and home decor among other things. She is also a key contributer to Etsy Bloggers, and helps keep us all on our toes. She is truly a giving person, ready to help a newcomer to the bloggers at a moment's notice. She answers emails and convos quickly and professionally, and did not mind my questions at all. So, thank you Stormy for making my blog look its best.

Here are a few of my favorite things from Stormy's etsy shop:

Business Card Couch

Holly Tin

MG Collar Necklace

A Keeper's Jackpot--EtsyBloggers Featured Blogger

If you read my last post you know about my joining EtsyBloggers. The second assignment is to write about a selected etsy shop owner and fellow blogger, and this month's lucky girl really hit the jackpot! OK, all groans aside, it's Jackie, from A Keeper's Jackpot. She's a jewelry designer from upstate New York who is interested in wire wrapping, wire crochet and polymer clay. She also reports, from her profile, that she's exploring the art of decoupage. I can't wait to see the decoupage pendants she will create.

Here are a few of my favorites from her shop:

Black Widow's Web Necklace

Orange Creamsicle Candy Earrings (Yum!)

Cinnamon and Sugar Bracelet

Besides making jewelry, she works full time as a medical technologist. Her other passion is hiking, which is very evident when you read her blog. It is loaded with beautiful pictures of her hikes. Visit her blog at akeepersjackpot.blogspot.com. She is doing 2 giveaways as a thank you for being featured this month, so comment on the appropriate post, and mention you read about her here.

Raindrops on Roses...

I've often been known (mostly by my family) to break into song without the slightest provocation, but I'm very excited to have been approved as a member of Etsy Bloggers (you can see their cool graphic along the side here), so I have reason to sing. They have assignments, which will hopefully help keep my blog fresh, and me more motivated to write.

The official name of THIS assignment is the Blog Carnival, and the theme is one of our own favorite creations. I like everything that I make, but my most favorite right now is a custom apron that I made for one of my fellow "One a Day Challengers". You can see information in posts on this blog, and our roll call is here too. Well, this apron turned out so well, that I would love to make more. It's completely reversible, with a large pocket, divided into 3 sections on each side. If you have 2 shops, this is perfect, because I can machine embroider a shop name on each side.



The other thing I love about this apron is that it really is comfortable. I have other, non-reversible aprons in the same style in my shop, and made one for myself. The ties cross in the back and tie around your waist, so there is no annoying tie at your neck. If you didn't want your custom apron reversible, I can make it just like these others in my shop.

I've always loved making things for other people, and working with artists to customize an apron just for them is very rewarding.

Get to Know at Etsy Artist, devancarol

I've previously posted about the One a Day Challengers, and want to introduce you to Devan, the owner of the etsy shop, Chasing Lilies, which you can find at devancarol.etsy.com. She gets the name of her shop from the names of her 2 children, Chase, 4 and Lily, 7 months. The combination is a perfect shop name!

Devan is originally from a small town in Virginia named Wise, but she and her family currently live in Knoxville, Tennessee. Besides her etsy shop, she has a very important job as a stay at home mom. Sometimes she does find it challenging to get things created around the kids' schedules, and she also finds the marketing that a new etsian encounters challenging.

About her crafting, Devan says, "I've been crafting about half my life. I learned to sew sitting on my Grandmother's lap and watching her enjoy what she did gave me the passion to create." She is also motivated to keep on going when someone says, "I love that".


I love Devan's shop because of the unique items that you find there, from jewelry to gifts to upcycled items. One of her favorites is the Scrabble Memo Board. It is unique and clever, and she tells me, fun to make. I love her Multicolor Teardrop Twist Bracelet, and her Upcycled CD Clock, as well! She loves creating and making things that she thinks others will enjoy. After the sale, the best part to Devan is imagining the buyer wearing her jewelry or using her memo board.


She enjoys being around her family when she isn't creating, and loves how they make her a better person. When she has time, she also loves to read and watch movies. As if that isn't enough, she recently added one more thing to do, a blog, Sleepy Mama Times. Check it out!

Finally, Devan is the easiest person in the world to talk to, and if you have any questions for her, or want her to make something just for you, just ask!

Some Yart Offerings from the Challengettes

The Challengettes? That would be the One a Day Challengers listed to the left. If you like any of these items, click on their shop in the list! Note: just looked at this... I know the picture is too small, but the items are from me, dmriceart, cricketscreations, jjmckillip, coryelldesign, meagansdesigns, lolabear (this one may have sold already), and devancarol. Check them all out!

Who are the One A Day Challengers?

I've featured one of the One A Day Challengers, but what is the whole group. Others have blogged about us as well, including one of my previous posts, but here's my current take...

Started on April 15 by Chrissy of Bittersweets, the basic premise is to make an item and list it every day. The original goal was to do this for one month, but, hey, we bonded and couldn't let go. So on we go. Life does get in the way, so the rules are not strict. Sometimes we can list every day, and sometimes we can't, but we all just do the best we can.

I'll expand on some of these characteristics in future posts, but here's a profile of us:
There are approximately 20 of us, and of those, there are 15 jewelry makers, 3 who knit or crochet, 3 who sew, 1 paper artist, 1 graphic designer, 1 bath and body guru, and 2 who sell vintage. You can see those numbers don't add up to 20... lots of us are multi-talented and at least 4 of us have more than one shop.

Lolabear has been selling on etsy the longest. She joined on January 22, 2006. Devancarol is the newest member, joining on March 28, 2008.

We have 2 Canadians, 2 Aussies, and represent 14 different states, clustered in the northeast, the southeast, the midwest, and 2 western states. And one day, we'd love to all get together and meet in person!

That's enough to digest for now. But rest assured, we are all kindred spirits, and in some weird, crazy way, in a short time, we've become good friends.

Reflections on May 2008

It may have been noticed by some that I have not posted an entry in this little blog for almost a month. I'm sure it has happened to many bloggers... the good intentions to blog every day, then once a week, and then, well, it just doesn't seem worth the trouble. Well, I know it can be worth the trouble for a whole host of reasons, and it's time once again, for me to include blogging as one of those things that I do.

The main reason I did not blog much in May was the graduation of Kyle, my second and youngest child, from high school. There's the whole family in the picture: me, Kyle, Roland and Laura (who will be entering her final year at the University of Georgia in the fall). This process is a whirlwind of activities and parties, culminating, for him and the majority, I think, of his classmates, in a beach trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina. For those of us seemingly left behind in the dust of what was, I offer up this letter from Leonard Pitts, columnist for the Miami Herald, A father's letter to his daughter on her graduation. Did you cry? I did.

Get to Know an Etsy Artist, Meagan's Designs

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned the "One a Day Challenge". Well, it's taken on a life of its own, and we have really enjoyed getting to know each other. One of the group, Meagan, is featuring different members of the group on her blog, ......., so I wanted to feature her! Meagan actually has two shops, meagansdesigns and kaedankrafts.

Her first shop was Meagan's Designs, which she opened last October. This New Jersey girl and mom of 3 has an eclectic shop filled with her crocheted and knitted gifts, and some of her photography. Check out this crocheted market bag... eco friendly, and functional as well as adorable.

She opened her second shop, Kaedan Krafts, for her Baby Diaper Cakes. Since this shop is all about the babies, she named it as a combination of her own 3 babies' names, Kaeleigh, Aidan and Danyella. And what exactly is a diaper cake? Popular at baby showers, these are centerpieces or baby gifts made from useful baby items such as diapers, receiving blankets, pacifiers, and onesies. Meagan can customize the diaper cake to your specification, and makes them in different sizes, so you can find one in your price range. Her creativity really shines in her diaper cake creations!

And after you check out her shop, go read her blog, too and learn about some of the other One A Day Challengers. It's listed under Kaedan's Krafts in my blog list, or you can just go right there from here.

My First Sale

It has finally happened. I made a sale! There it is over there... the little red bag. Cute, huh? Totally excited. I know I should just take it all in stride, so I will ... the next time. This first one, well, I printed all the orders, payments, etc. Maybe over printed, gotta save a tree here and there. I also need a system for packing, printing the shipping label, etc. After waiting almost 3 months I had, well, not really given up, but decided it might jinx it if I got too organized. Not really particularly businesslike, I realize. Maybe even a little superstitious. So, I will set up a system. One sale, does not an empire build, however, so I think I have a little time.

In the meantime, the smocking progresses. One smocked dress has already been listed, but the design took way too long to be profitable. Back to the drawing board, and now I've designed a halter style dress with smocking only on the front. The prototype is almost finished, and I hope to have a completed dress by the end of the weekend. The one in the picture, currently listed. The smocking goes all the way around (but the flowers are only on the front).

One a Day Challenge

The best thing that has happened to my shop is a challenge that was started in the forums by Bittersweets. The premise... make an item every day and list it in your shop. So far so good. I was off to a bad start (though the reason is explained in the post about buying new supplies). I posted 2 items the next day, and have managed to do one every day.

So why is it the best thing? Well, first of all the exposure has been great. I think at one point yesterday I was in at least 3 treasuries. (I made one of my own today... they are such fun). But even more important than that, has been the discipline. It's made me plan, and have some small things. Little bags that are quick to make have been the backbone of my challenge, and I'll make more to fill in. My smocking is coming along though, and I plan to list my first smocked dress tomorrow!

But even better than all that... the friendships that are developing among the other challenge participants (I think we need a name!). Everyone is so talented, and I have lots on my wish list now!

Here's a treat from the woman who started it all...

Get to Know... MonkeyBuns

I’m starting a new feature, “Get to Know an Etsy Artist”, a fun way to know a bit more about who is selling on and creating for etsy, and for other venues. It’s a way to see the person behind the art.

Today, I’m introducing Krystal, the owner of the shop MonkeyBuns, who joined etsy in March of 2007. She has been making jewelry for about 15 years, since she was about 10 years old. She has been bead weaving for a year now, and most of the pieces in her shop are woven. She is completely self-taught. Two of her most popular pieces are Stain Glass, which she designed and copyrighted:

And Oil Spill:

Krystal is from Iowa, born in Clear Lake, and now living about 10 minutes from there in Mason City. She has a son, who is the inspiration for the name of her shop. When he was born she started calling him Monkeybuns. She finds bead weaving to be very relaxing after a day of chasing a toddler around. She also loves the satisfaction of seeing the completed piece. When she isn’t making jewelry, she loves playing with her son.

But that’s not all she does. Besides her etsy shop, she owns a drop shipping business.

If you ever find yourself in Mason City, Iowa (about halfway between Minneapolis, Minnesota and Des Moines, Iowa, just off of I-35), check out the MacNider Art Museum, where you will also find Krystal’s jewelry in the museum’s shop.

In the meantime, here is one of Krystal’s favorites:

And take a look at the Emerald Shimmer Bracelet that she just added today. I love it!

Update: A message from MonkeyBuns to my readers... if you buy one of the items featured here today, she will give you a 10% discount. Leave a comment for confirmation and tell her you saw it here... I'll convo her to let her know. What are you waiting for?!

Buying Supplies

Today was tax day (well, not for us... tornados in Fulton County, Georgia... deadline extended... yay). OK, it was tax day for most of the country. My favorite quilt store, Dragonfly Quilt Shop, in Watkinsville, was having a tax day sale. I went. I shopped. I got lots of great deals. She had marked all Westminster Fabrics (including Amy Butler!) 20% off. And the clearance fabrics were all 75%(!) off.

Since I'm still not ready to buy wholesale what with minimums, etc., finding great deals is really important to me. I've posted a poll to see what other etsy artists do about finding supplies.

My apologies for the stilted tone of this post. I'm really tired.

Coming Soon... Featured Artist

One of the ways that my blog is changing directions is to focus on etsy and the business of my shop... and other's. I'm starting a "Get to Know an Etsy Artist" feature, and the plan will be to have at least one artist a week featured (maybe more if I get good at this!). So, every Thursday you can get to know an artist. The first one to be featured is MonkeyBuns. She asked on a thread in the etsy forums about how to get featured, so she seemed like the perfect candidate. Plus, I LOVE her shop's name. And, just a little teaser... it's a nickname for her son. How cute! I love when the shop name really means something special, and I love learning about it.

Etsy has so many members that I hope that I can make even just a few your new best friend, that just happens to be fabulously artistic!

Finding Your Niche

I've been thinking a lot about this, as I have yet to make the first sale. Two things happened yesterday that have spurred me on to write more about my own niche and about doing business on etsy in general.

The first was a comment by a fellow etsian who was making a critique about my shop. It was basically (and I'm paraphrasing here) to think about one genre of sewing... he liked my aprons. More on this later. The second was a thread dedicated to the idea that before you open a shop on etsy, you should be able to answer 8 specific questions. These were put forth by the phenomenally successful littleputbooks, so she knows a thing or two about doing business. And they are great questions... here they are:

1. Can I create something unique, well made and marketable?
2. Can I make that item affordably and sell it within a competitive price range?
3. Do I know my target market and is it here on Etsy?
4. Do I take good photos and write good descriptions?
5. Do I have an avatar, a banner, a profile?
6. Do I offer decent shipping rates?
7. Do I know how to mail items efficiently and quickly?
8. Is my business & product ready to show off?

So, what about me? I can answer yes to all of them except the second part of #3. At least I think I can. Now, like many fellow crafters I'm certain, I did not major in business in college. In fact, the only other time I tried to start my own business, it ended in failure. Mostly, due to the fact that my partner and I did not know how to market ourselves, and she, in particular, was not willing to spend the money that was necessary to do any marketing anyway.

So... again, what about me? and what does this have to do with finding your niche, and why does that matter. Well, of course, I sew. And I sew pretty well, and can do a number of specialized techniques, i.e., clothes making, quilting, smocking, home dec. I'm not trained to tailor. OK, that's fine, but let's say I'm a painter... again, in a number of techniques, but I've looked around, and right now dog paintings are hot. I paint a bunch of dogs... price them competitively... market, advertise, participate in forums, etc. ... and then nothing. OK, what do I need to do to improve. I take better pictures, change my banner and avatar, advertise off etsy, and still nothing. Maybe the dog lovers aren't buying right now. So I second guess, and start painting cats, and then I draw a few illustrations and make some cards because maybe that would work.

Do you see where I'm going here? Sometimes you can answer yes to all the questions, and you still are not successful. Maybe it really is the economy. Your product is beautiful, but the market is saturated, or has dried up. Maybe the day you opened your shop, 200 other dog painters also opened up, all having done their homework too.

There is another aspect to all of this as well, and that has to do with littleput's question #1. Can I create something unique? Well, I think I can, and I love what I do. I'm not going to look around and see what sells, and try to make that, too. Because there are lots of things I can do, like many other creative people that have dabbled in other genres. The bottom line for me... I'm going to keep plugging away, learning day by day what works and what doesn't, and in the end, by happy that I have tried.

"I'd rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate."
--George Burns (1896-1996)

So, thank you to littleputbooks and unlesssomeonelikeyou for inspiring this post. As I continue with this business of selling on the internet and on etsy in particular there will be more and more fellow artisans that I will have to thank, and more and more that inspire me in many ways.

New Direction for this Blog

OK, I surrender. Not really. It's just that the more I learn about running a business on the internet, and specifically on etsy, the more I realize that this blog could really be a valuable marketing tool. However, it's not a marketing tool if I'm talking about my family, my kids, other aspects of my life. So... that's going to be moved to another blog. No name for it yet, but I'm working on that. In the meantime, I'm brainstorming with myself about the direction I want this blog to go.

Ooooh, A contest

Wow, two posts in one day! Not really like me, but I was catching up on all the "blogs I like to read" and came across this contest by Persimmons Gal to celebrate more than 10,000 views! Wow, again. While I think maybe 3 or 4 people might read my blog, if you happen to read it, go check out Miss Persimmon and enter her contest! That's what I'm going to do!

Sunday afternoon blahs

I'm kind of bored this afternoon... everything is quiet. I've been practicing my smocking, and working on a duffle bag for Laura's roommate, so that's good, but I feel a bit distracted and unfocused. The good thing is that the smocking stitches are coming back to me. It's been about, ummm, 12 or 13 years since I last made anything that was smocked. But part of what I love about it is that really, it's not that difficult, it just looks that way.

Ok, so, we've all caught up on our sleep since the trip to Parris Island, and I've debated about the pictures (which one or two to use... close up or the whole platoon, etc.). So, here is the proud Marine and his mom and dad...Way to go! We're all so proud of him, and a little anxious, too.

Whirlwind Trip

Mood: Exhausted... but:

Round trip from Atlanta to Parris Island, South Carolina: 25 hours
Time spent in car driving: 14 hours
Time spent in semi-sketchy hotel near Savannah: 4 hours
Time spent for breakfast and dinner: 2 hours
Time spent at the graduation ceremonies (and lunch) for my nephew, a brand new marine: 5 hours

Seeing Aaron beaming (or trying really hard not to!): Priceless

Pictures tomorrow.