Thursday, August 27, 2009

Are you ready to go back to school?

It's that time of year once again. Time for Moms and Dads to run around town stocking up on paper, pencils, and folders for the kids first day back to school. At least this is the first picture that pops into my mind when I hear the phrase "Back to School".

There is a whole lot more to back to school than paper and pencils and elementary classes. What about all of the College students heading back to University after a summer break. One of the top priorities from them is "How do I look"? Well, you are in luck today (wink, wink).

In a back to school tribute, I would like to show off some of my super simple, but eye catching jewelry. Perfect for those mornings when you rolled out of bed just in time to run a brush through your hair and make it to class right before the professor starts his lecture. (I am an expert in this subject!) The right jewelry can take that thrown together look and make it look planned.

Earrings that go from jeans to night out at the coffee house after class:



Super slick necklaces to help balance out any outfit:


This is just a small example of some of the things in the Indigo Orchid Design Shop that can help you start the school year out right! Don't forget to have your most important supply with you when you start back to school this year... your style!

Want to read about what other Eclectic Artisan Team members are doing to get ready for school? Check out DivaDea's blog to continue the back to school fun!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Why Etsy?



That's a good question! Why DID I chose to set my shop up on Etsy? Well first I guess I should tell you about what motivated me to look for a place to set up shop.

As you have heard me talk about in the past, I had been designing jewelry for my own enjoyment and use for several years before I decided to venture into the world of sales and custom work. One of the biggest motivating factors for bringing my work out into the public market was the hope that it would offset some of the financial burden brought on by my decision to be a stay at home mom. Being at home with my girls is hugely important to me and my husband, and I would make the same choice even if I didn't have a way to try to contribute.

After I had done my research on supplies and what I would need to start an official business with a tax ID, I started the search for the best way to get my product out in the market. Immediately the online marketplace stood out as the perfect option.

Since My primary job is to stay at home with my girls and make sure that my house runs smoothly, being able to sell online was ideal. It gave me the freedom to create and list my items as well as "keep shop" while the girls were asleep or having movie time. Freedom and flexibility were a must! This is when I was introduced to Etsy.

In one of the forums I post to I was always hearing the name "Etsy" brought up. Finally I decided to check it out. BINGO!! Etsy's fees were well within my price range, and it was available whenever I have a free moment to post. Another big factor for me was the community support network available through Etsy. The forums, teams, and news letters were a great source of information and support for me as a newbie. I have been with Etsy for almost 6 months now, and am very happy with my experience so far!

Speaking of a great network of artists... Want to read other Etsy set up stories? Go visit the Eclectic Artisans Team Blog and see what motivated some of the other artists in our team to join Etsy.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Can it "B" Tuesday?

Best Friends, baby-food and Basset hound puppies.

An eclectic mix of happenings today!
Best Friends:

Tuesdays ( and Thursdays) are fast becoming my favorite weekdays. The reason being that my best friend, Ali, comes over and has coffee with my before she heads off to work. I get to have true girl time before the morning rush of feedings, whining and dirty diapers begins. It is a refreshing way to start the day, and it helps me get my head on straight so that I can deal with my girls the way I need to the rest of the day! Thanks Ali! Woo woo woo!

Baby Food:

Today's menu item of choice for Aliana was banana cubes coated with crushed multi-grain Cheerios. I have to say it was a big hit (Once she figured out that she could mash them in her hand before she ate them.

Here is a little video of her post banana, giggly self!



Basset Hound Puppies:


In other random cuteness... On my families recent trip to Indiana we had the fortune of playing with some of the most adorable and cute Basset Hound puppies! Here are a few pictures so that you can Oooo and Ahhh for yourself!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Mondays were made for saving - money that is!

I have decided to dedicate my Monday blog feature to all of the great deals that I have found out there in the handmade world. Each week I will list links to all of the great places you can save money on your favorite things. After all, with summer coming to a close and Christmas peeking around the corner it doesn't hurt to find a great deal on a great item!

The Eclectic Artisans Team on Etsy has a weekly post to feature all of the great sales going on through the week here.

If you are in the market for some very cool handmade lamp work beads, don't miss the sale at MelissaBeads Artfire shop. Today only, she has her prices marked down 20%!!

Bluepisces76 is having a BOGO sale on their handmade soaps. Looks like they have some great stuff!

Claudia's Creations has these absolutely marvelous butterfly plantable handmade paper gift tags on sale 50% off!!! Once the gift has been given, the tag can be planted and wildflowers will grow. Talk about a gift that keeps giving! Lopts of other great deals at her shop too, a definite must see!

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great deals on handmade! Have you found a great deal latley, or would you like to feature a sale on my blog? Email me and I will add you on to the next Monday Feature!



Thursday, August 6, 2009

"What's my motivation?"

Sounds like something you would here from an actor on a movie set, doesn't it? Well, maybe it is something that we All need to ask ourselves everyonce in a while. Lately I have been haveing some... well.. motivational problems concerning my jewelry. I get to wrapped up in promoting this, and posting that... etc. I have forgoten what started me on this adventure into the world of jewelry design and sales. So, If you will bear with me for a few paragraphs I will illuminate.

Back 5 years (or so) ago, I discovered some pieces of silver work that my maternal Grandfather (Pawpaw) had created almost 50 years ago. From that point forward my interest was sparked! I had found something that gave me a dual purpose- to continue in my PawPaw's legacy, and to give me a hobby and skill that I enjoy using.

Back in March I decided to take my work to the public. My motivation had changed slightly though. While I had always wanted to be able to share my visions with the world, I now was seeing it also as a way to help support my family. With the economy being what it is right now, and my husband displaced from his job, I had to find a way to contribute to my families income while staying at home with my girls. After all they are my greatest treasure and motivator.

It was at this point that I found Etsy. It has given me and outlet to try to build a business out of something that I enjoy doing!

You see, my motivation, in all aspects has always been my family. I started trying to do something to further my PawPaw's legacy and have continued on in order to leave a legacy of my own to my kids by giving them a future through somehting I love.

Now it is your turn to tell me what motivates you! Please leave me a comment and let me know what some of your motivating factors in life are!

We have some really great Artisans at the EART team, and they have some great motivational stories too. Jump on over to Jennifer Nilson's blog to see what gets her motivated!
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