Etsy, Etsy... so many things to say about Etsy. I've learned a lot these past few weeks, some good, some not so good! Still no sales yet, but BIG news...
One of my sweaters made it to the FRONT page of Etsy! That's big time, I tell ya... with the millions of items listed there, I feel HONORED to say the least.
I've been listed in several Treasuries this week by other shop owners and I made it to a blog tonight with over 800 followers, so that's exposure. All these things are great!
I've gotten emails asking if I could make a dress currently listed in a different size, which I knew may be a problem... but that's the nature of the beast I guess. If I am trying to create one of a kind hand crafted items, using 99% recycled materials there usually can't be one in every size... you know? It's something that may or may not work on Etsy, but I've gotten great feedback. People like what they are seeing, and when they tell me they are looking for a certain size, I am able to create something similar in the size they are looking for.
All this is so new, I really in the scheme of things have no idea what I am doing, but that's OK... I'm working on it and learning things along the way.
I'm adding some vintage things to the site as well to diversify my offerings. We'll see how that goes!
Some things are in the works for the fall... so I've got to be pretty busy sewing, which I love and that's good. I've said it many times: the more I sew the more myself I feel. My favorite thing to do is sew while listening to a Fred Hammond or another gospel singer on Pandora. Talk about inspiration...although, one time I almost stitched my finger to the garment because I was dancing. Scary, I know.
Today Alana of Nala Photography came over... talk about talent. She is amazing, and just one of the sweetest hearts you'll ever meet. Don't get me started on her baby yall... just adorable. We took pictures of a bunch of stuff for Etsy. I can't wait to see how they turn out!
So, things are moving. I've been praying for direction with this whole thing... so we'll see where this leads, if anywhere.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Princess Procurement
Thankfully, my soon to be 4 year old can't read all the words in this post yet... but I have a confession to make:
Gulp. Here goes nothin'.... Every single present Grace is getting from us for her birthday IS or is directly related to a Disney Princess.
There. I said it... I admit it. I am embarrassed now, but feel better that I got this off my chest.
I have no idea what other family members or friends will get Grace for her birthday, but I will be OK if every single thing she gets has to do with princesses. Why? Well, I'm not sure. She loves them, that's all she talks about and because I want her to like her gifts and feel special because we listened to and value what she thinks is cool... I don't know, I guess that's it.
Confession #2: She is getting 2 princess shirts, but they will be night-night shirts only, and I think it's OK that I am setting that boundary.
So, there you have it.
On a totally unrelated note, listen to this song. If you are on facebook, you probably saw that I posted this link there too... but man, wow... this is my prayer.
Sometimes you feel like you need a fresh touch from God... like everything around you is stale and icky. Well, this song came on Pandora today, and was exactly what I needed to hear. Like a cool drink of water and a breeze on my face... Refreshing. Take a listen. Good stuff. I love Fred Hammond.
Gulp. Here goes nothin'.... Every single present Grace is getting from us for her birthday IS or is directly related to a Disney Princess.
There. I said it... I admit it. I am embarrassed now, but feel better that I got this off my chest.
I have no idea what other family members or friends will get Grace for her birthday, but I will be OK if every single thing she gets has to do with princesses. Why? Well, I'm not sure. She loves them, that's all she talks about and because I want her to like her gifts and feel special because we listened to and value what she thinks is cool... I don't know, I guess that's it.
Confession #2: She is getting 2 princess shirts, but they will be night-night shirts only, and I think it's OK that I am setting that boundary.
So, there you have it.
On a totally unrelated note, listen to this song. If you are on facebook, you probably saw that I posted this link there too... but man, wow... this is my prayer.
Sometimes you feel like you need a fresh touch from God... like everything around you is stale and icky. Well, this song came on Pandora today, and was exactly what I needed to hear. Like a cool drink of water and a breeze on my face... Refreshing. Take a listen. Good stuff. I love Fred Hammond.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
random thoughts
It was a great day up until tonight, I had not one, but TWO children who were throwing a royal hissy in the church nursery as I was trying to get plugged in with the women's ministry.
Awesome. So, I tried to bring both girls into the meeting with me, but Harper proceeded to SCREAM (the blood curdling, she must be dying kind) at the top of her lungs and I had to take her out twice, finally she calmed down, but after a few minutes, I was still asked to leave (SO EMBARRASSING) because they were being too disruptive.
Chris was in the men's meeting, so I could not leave when we were kicked out. They ran the halls for an hour and a half and I sat against the wall trying not to cry or throw a hissy myself.
I have totally dropped the ball on the etsy thing right now. Since last week was wedding week, I totally wasn't thinking about it. (Because who really wants to think about anything but a wedding on wedding week, right?) So, I am trying to refocus and see what I can do here.... if anything. That was probably the WRONG time to open the shop, but what am I going to do now...??? We'll see. I'm not totally worried about it which is probably good and bad. Good in the since that it's not consuming my thoughts, but bad in the sense that my motivation to work on it has waned (is that the right spelling?).
Thankfully I have a sweet new friend who is going to help me with photography. I am going to try to get the button on my blog but for now, check out Nala Photography!
She is really creative and talented and has one of the cutest babies I've ever seen.
I am just slightly done with motherhood right now... so I am zoning out in front of the last episode of Project Runway, and Chris put the kids to bed. I love this show.
It rained today and we had a great playdate with some friends, so those were 2 good points. We'll end on a good note!
Awesome. So, I tried to bring both girls into the meeting with me, but Harper proceeded to SCREAM (the blood curdling, she must be dying kind) at the top of her lungs and I had to take her out twice, finally she calmed down, but after a few minutes, I was still asked to leave (SO EMBARRASSING) because they were being too disruptive.
Chris was in the men's meeting, so I could not leave when we were kicked out. They ran the halls for an hour and a half and I sat against the wall trying not to cry or throw a hissy myself.
I have totally dropped the ball on the etsy thing right now. Since last week was wedding week, I totally wasn't thinking about it. (Because who really wants to think about anything but a wedding on wedding week, right?) So, I am trying to refocus and see what I can do here.... if anything. That was probably the WRONG time to open the shop, but what am I going to do now...??? We'll see. I'm not totally worried about it which is probably good and bad. Good in the since that it's not consuming my thoughts, but bad in the sense that my motivation to work on it has waned (is that the right spelling?).
Thankfully I have a sweet new friend who is going to help me with photography. I am going to try to get the button on my blog but for now, check out Nala Photography!
She is really creative and talented and has one of the cutest babies I've ever seen.
I am just slightly done with motherhood right now... so I am zoning out in front of the last episode of Project Runway, and Chris put the kids to bed. I love this show.
It rained today and we had a great playdate with some friends, so those were 2 good points. We'll end on a good note!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Oh Happy Day...
Happy, radiant, confident and peaceful. I have never seen a bride more calm, cool and collected on the morning of her wedding. She was beautiful. She was so relaxed in the chair getting her hair and makeup done, I swear I thought she was going to fall asleep! 
I felt so honored to be there! The day included a trip to the salon, a forgotten veil, a little lunch, a little Ellen, some ridiculously expensive (but delicious) drinks at the Oak Bar, a few tears and some sweet conversation. 
A couple hours before the wedding we walked over to the reception site to check it out. It was breathtaking... I cried...but I am a baby like that. Everything was SO Amy...
How lovely was the day! Full of love and hope and peace and it was breathtaking, the whole thing.
The day started with a beautiful bride and ended with an awe-inspiring pink sunset as the bride and groom were saying their vows. Truly breathtaking, indeed. Love you Chris and Amy!!!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A hard thing...
Well, this new thing is turning into a hard thing! I guess I am realizing how much time and effort goes into etsy. I was chatting in some etsy forums this morning and wowza... these people are serious.!!
Here are some tips I heard (read) from today:
-post new items every single day, at different times each day
-re arrange your items several times a day to stay at the top of the feed
-blog and link around the blog-o-sphere so that you will become well known
-basically pay a professional photog. to take pictures for you
-marketing, marketing, marketing...
-create interesting blogs like tutorials with professional pictures none the less
-spend money to make money
-consider paying for advertising
-buy lots of things on etsy so you can get good feedback
I mean the list goes on and on... So, when do I actually get to sew and create things and do what I love to do? I don't know.....but supposedly to be successful on etsy you've got to do a lot of side work to get things going... it's apparently tough in the beginning, but it gets better once the wheel is turning.
So, while I try to figure out my strategy and marketing and all kinds of crap that makes my stomach hurt... tell people that I make really cute clothes!!!
OK, that's all... just a little rant. Thanks for listening....
Here are some tips I heard (read) from today:
-post new items every single day, at different times each day
-re arrange your items several times a day to stay at the top of the feed
-blog and link around the blog-o-sphere so that you will become well known
-basically pay a professional photog. to take pictures for you
-marketing, marketing, marketing...
-create interesting blogs like tutorials with professional pictures none the less
-spend money to make money
-consider paying for advertising
-buy lots of things on etsy so you can get good feedback
I mean the list goes on and on... So, when do I actually get to sew and create things and do what I love to do? I don't know.....but supposedly to be successful on etsy you've got to do a lot of side work to get things going... it's apparently tough in the beginning, but it gets better once the wheel is turning.
So, while I try to figure out my strategy and marketing and all kinds of crap that makes my stomach hurt... tell people that I make really cute clothes!!!
OK, that's all... just a little rant. Thanks for listening....
Monday, August 9, 2010
A new thing...
Take a look on the right sidebar...
" When you are unsure which course to take, totally submit your own judgment to that of the Spirit of God, asking Him to shut every door except the right one. But meanwhile keep moving ahead and consider the absence of a direct indication from God to be the evidence of Hi s will that you are on His path. And as you continue down the long road, you will find that He has gone before you, locking doors you otherwise would have been inclined to enter. Yet you can be sure that somewhere beyond the locked doors is one He has left unlocked. And when you open it and walk through, you will find yourself face to face with a turn in the river of opportunity- one that is broader and deeper than anything you ever dared to imagine, even in your wildest dreams. So set sail on it because it flows to the open sea."
-from Streams in the Desert
Yes, folks... I've done it, finally. Stay tuned... more to come.
Pray for me yall....
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Oh Harper.
Spirited lover of life
Lovely mix of tomboy and girly girl
A little mischievous, a lot sweet
Boot-scootin, booty shakin', dare devil
sassy and scrumptious
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