Herxheimer Reaction.

Hello my lovely fellow bloggers and Etsyians.

I just have to tell you, I did Not forget about some of you guys!!! I promise. Your features and critiques are waiting for me in my conversations at the store.

And I do apologize for the long wait that some of you have been forced to experience, however, your going to have to wait a bit longer.

I have to take a break for a little while because I finally achieved herx status!!! Yay(and OW) for me =]

For those of you who don't know what that is, here is a short definition about the herxheimer reaction.

"The Herxheimer Reaction (die-off reaction) is a short-term (from days to a few weeks) detoxification reaction in the body. As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea or other symptoms."

But let me tell you people, it hurts like a mother. There is so much more to the herxheimer because different people experience different things.

I am one to experience the joint and muscle pain, body aches, flue like symptoms, severe nerve pain, emotional distress, brain fog, etc etc.

So you see why I have to take a break.

But don't fear! I will be back(hopefully stronger then the last time).

Love and Energies to all.
Kayla

CWinspirations

So I took a little break from my feature business, but I am back and ready to roll with my next Etsy shop owner Ceanna of CWinspirations.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6749868

Feature:

Walking into Ceanna's shop reminds me a little bit of myself! Her pieces are all sorts of different shapes, sizes and colors and that is what adds to her shops charm. Just as my name says, I do believe she has earned the description of eclectic!

Ceanna informed me she has always loved crafting from knitting and crochet to painting and ceramics(definitely another one of my attributes)! "I finally found my niche while searching for a unique gift for one of my bridesmaids."

From that first charm bracelet, she was hooked, and six months later opened her Etsy shop. A newbie to the Etsy world, I think she hit the ground running! Four sales already since January 09!

Her husband supports her leap into the beading world and apparently, you can even find him helping every now and again.

"My favorite things to work with are wire, blue goldstone, and anything silver. I love doing custom orders, because I feel like I am taking a though or feeling from one mind and having it come out in my work."

Hear that everyone!? She does custom orders =]

Critique:

I can't find a lot to advice you about!

The one thing I would recommend(as I do most of my critiques) is keep on working and adding things to your shop.

More variety+Potentials=Sales

In betweeny:

I'm not quite sure about your banner. I think it's nice, however, I don't know if it suits your shop and some of the more larger pieces. When I look at it, I think more delicate jewelry and as I stated above, you have a wide variety.

I think some of your pictures are good and display your jewelry well, but then there are some that don't. I would say maybe lighten your pictures a little bit more(see if you can take some pictures outside in the natural light) and use complementary colors so your work pops out more.

Here is a good guide to help you find the colors to display your work.

http://www.weddingdresscreator.com/imgs/colorwheel.gif

Appeals:

I love how everything is different. I like that type of variety from the dainty to the larger pieces. Plus, you jewelry is magnificently put together!

"Feel free to take a look around! I load new things every couple weeks.However...Sometimes creativity can be limited from week to week. :D" That is so true! Your announcement is great! Made me giggle.

Your prices are also beyond reasonable. I think thats ALOT of what people look for. It's that and quality that reel me in :D

All in all, I think Ceanna's Etsy shop, CWinspirations is very well put together and your merchandise is ideal! I look forward to checking up on you in the future because I do believe your going places, Ceanna. Keep up the good work and doing what you love, from one beader to another!

Love and Energies.

Kayla

Items in Blog:

Blue Goldstone Faceted Square Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22553124

Coral and Obsidian Bracelet

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20952863

Silver Rose Glass and Filigree Bracelet

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22696931

March 26th is Purple Day!

As you all know(or may not know), I have Lyme Disease. I have many, many friends young and old who have and are battling Lyme Disease. I also have friends who have Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Autism, Cancer and so on.

In these trying times, we all have to stick together to get the message out. We NEED to raise awareness.

Together we can help each other spread the word.

This being said, I was browsing through blogs and came across Jackie's blog http://etsyitemoftheday.com/.

What caught my eye, was these Purple Day Earrings created by Caroline of NewHopeBeading.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6746523

I then read through her interview with Jackie and was truly touched and moved to do something to help the her family and the cause they are fighting for!

Caroline's daughter Samantha was diagnosed with Epilepsy. "In the early days following her diagnosis, making jewelry kept me from worrying about her." She found that it is impossible to make jewelry and worry at the same time, because you need to focus on what you are doing.

Just like me with my Lyme, Caroline is using her skills to help support the Epilepsy cause. "Even today, epilepsy is a topic that people shy away from," she tells Jackie in their interview, "This stigma keeps people from seeking treatment and makes them feel alone. They are not alone."

Here is the interview and feature. I highly recommend you check it out and support the cause.

http://etsyitemoftheday.com/epilepsy-purple-day/comment-page-1/#comment-207

If you want to learn more about Purple Day and how it was started, visit the website below.

http://www.purpleday.org/

Go check out the interview with Caroline, her wonderful purple earrings for the cause, and the Purple Day website for more information.

Knowledge is power and we need to raise awareness no matter what the illness is.

It's too important not to.

Love and Energies.

Kayla

A little more information about the Purple Day Earrings:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22567208

Sam designed a pair of purple earrings whose sale price would be 100% donated to the Epilepsy Foundation of NJ. The first and second pairs have sold and we are on Purple Day Earrings-Take 4 at this writing(the first 3 already have sold). We are hoping to feature one pair of earrings a month that will be 100% donated to the Epilepsy Foundation if our other sales allow us to be able to continue with such donations. In between, we donate 5% of all purchases to the Epilepsy Foundation of NJ.

MaxwellStreet

Maxwell Street is an east-west street in Chicago, Illinois and is notable as the location of the celebrated Maxwell Street Market.

"Pretending to be on Maxwell Street" are the words that adorn Laura's shop banner in her Etsy shop, MaxwellStreet.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6718333


Follow her blog too!

http://onmaxwellstreet.blogspot.com/

Feature:


"Welcome to MaxwellStreet, named after the street my dad grew up on and inspired by the most magical and enchanted looking abandoned house, it is a place of all sorts of wonders and other like things."

I only have one thing to say. I agree. This shop holds a certain old world charm about it when you come in and look around. Dare I say, it captivates you and brings you back in time.

Laura is a fairly new seller to the Etsy world, just having started in January of 09, but I think she is off to a fantastic start! If not for the sales, for her lovely shop =]

She went to school for graphic design, but later figured out she liked to paint better so she began to pursue that.

"Thankfully, they taught us everything at college, not just our major, so I got painting, drawing, fiber arts, everything, which had helped me a lot as an artist."

As for Etsy, she told me she started out by buying things first. "I saw TheBlackApple's shop(http://theblackapple.etsy.com/) and fell in love her and with etsy."

Laura's love is furniture and her dream one day is to own a real store full of furniture she fixes up. "Anything vintage, neutral colored, falling apart, or frilly appeals to me," she told me in her message and I couldn't agree more! We have a lot in common :D

Critique:

Of course you probably know what I am going to say since your a new seller and all. But here it goes anyway!

You need more items to display in your shop. The more you have, the more variety a potential has to look through and the more likely they are to purchase. I understand that painting takes time and so does the furniture excavating, but maybe work on a few things at a time and then list them all.

Such as, maybe work on and save 5 to 10 things for your shop and then list them all either on the same day, or one a day for the next few days. Then do the same thing again. It helps with the variety and it gives your store more publicity since your listing something everyday.

Your bound to get noticed!

Another thing would be to maybe put more of what you told me into your profile. People like to know more about you and what they are looking at. Plus, its a great way to meet a whole new group of people.

Of course you can't forget to make shop sections. I think those are very important, because they are easier then going through all your stock one by one, AND they are picked up by google. So more potential google buyers! Lol

In Betweeny:

I love your merchandise! I think its absolutely wonderful, however, I would like to see more vintage things in between there.

Mix it up a little! =]

I think some of your prices are reasonable, but others I think are a bit too high. Maybe reduce or offer a discount for now and when you have a few sales and more merchandise, raise the bar a bit.

Appeals:

Overall, I have to say, I adore your shop. I am taken aback by the feeling of it when you first come in. Its a mixture of old with new and It's just breathtaking.

Your banner and avatar are just so suited to you and your shop! I LOVE your banner. It represents your shop and all that it stands for.


I do believe Laura of MaxwellStreet is off to a fantastic start with her breathtakingly lovely shop and all that is in it. Make sure you try to follow some of my advice and maybe ask others what they think too. Etsyians are very friendly(most of them anyway) and I'm sure they will be happy to help!


Love and Energies.


Kayla

Items in Blog:


Looking for Wisdom in all the Wrong Places

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20717329

Vintage Wooden Scroll Remnant

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20720087

Love Don't Live Here paper banner

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20716101

Made By Jo

I love featuring fellow crafters and artists! The gratitude is overwhelming and I just like the feeling of helping other people like me trying to make a living.

That being said, next along the line of featured artists is Joann of MadeByJo.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5665315

Feature:

Joann specializes in origami creations. Now, just have to say, I can't even fold a letter right, let alone make little paper birds!

She found out about Etsy from a friend(isn't that always how it goes) and has been a seller ever since, which roughly is about a year.

As many of us crafters know, she has dabbled with many different arts and crafts, but origami was her favorite.

Aside from the origami paper creations, Joann now started creating glass tile pendants using the gorgeous chiyogami washi paper collected from Japan.

"I wanted to find a way to make these designs 'wearable', so I started creating pendants."

I think that's an amazing idea :D

Critique:

Lets see what I can find to advise you about.

I do like your banner and avatar now, but(friendly advise), I was struck by the thought that maybe your banner should contain your origami. I think that would make more sense then the banner you have now, as pretty as it may be.

Maybe start a blog? I find it very fulfilling and I have heard a lot of good things. Its a great way to express yourself and get yourself heard.

Other then that, advertise and promote like crazy!

Appealing:

Your stock is so vibrant and pretty, I just love it! I especially love your pendants and I'm anxious to learn more about that special paper!

Your doing well in the sale department so congratulations on that! Keep up the good work :D

Your shop announcement is a little long, but I think I'll give you the acception. It has a lot of information about you and your shop, as well as, what you offer.

So from one jeweler to another, Joann's pendants are unique and vivacious and I would recommend them to anyone! I'm not sure what someone is going to need with a batch of origami birds, but I know where to tell them to go :D

At MadeByJo.

Good luck with future endeavors and I hope this helps you get more of the word out.

Love and Energies.

Kayla

Items in Blog:

Bright and Beautiful Poppies - Chiyogami Glass Tile Pendant

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20661720

Five Chiyogami Glass Tile Pendants

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18094665

JoHeckett

Next on my list of features and critiques would be Jo of JoHeckett.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5555087

Besides her Etsy account, she has her own website!!

http://www.joheckett.com/

I do believe she has some of the most darling porcelain products I have seen yet! Anywhere from little tags to fridge magnets to even wedding favors, these little beauties are too darn adorable to pass up!

Feature:

Jo told me she is based in London (UK), but originally from Ireland(Oh boy! I have a thing about Ireland)!! That is pretty cool, she is the first person I met that is abroad :D

"I work full time at my ceramics business, mixing and matching it with some teaching (adult education - mosaic) and parenting my two kids."

She has just started selling on Esty about a year ago and is interested in how everything works! She has one sale to date, but I think that with this economy, that's understandable. Just keep up the good work!

In her shop announcement, she says that she is inspired by the simple and best things in her life like her family and friends, home, food, and so on.

She told me a little about her porcelain and what she does with it. "I work in porcelain and really like to make quirky gifts and items for special occasions, using the material in a surprising way."

She stamps the surface using a mixture of found objects, new and vintage stamps(that's it, upcycling will save the world)!

Porcelain has a unique quality, taking impressions better than any other clay, and with a shows colour better too. I think maybe I will have to take some sort of class, because this is all very interesting!

Oh! This is exciting. To celebrate the arrival of Spring and a bit of London sunshine shes offering FREE SHIPPING for March and April

Critique:

This is another one of those shops that I can't find a lot to critique about! The only thing I will say is you told me that you were going to try photographing your own material for Etsy? I think you should do that. Right now, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way with them being professionally photographed, but they lack a certain intimacy between potential buyer and seller.

They just seem very commercialized. A lot of products can't take white backgrounds because of just that.

Appealing:

Well, everyone knows now that I love banners and avatars and yours are picture perfect! I love the way your product is Incorporated into your banner(It's more personal that way).

Your product, as stated above, is absolutely darling. I can definitely see it in little children's rooms spelling out there names on the wall or on the fridge holding up a spelling test =]

Everything seems like it's going good! Your shop announcement is great looking, as well as, your shop sections.

I also like the fact that your reaching out to your potentials and readers by telling them about yourself in your shop announcement and profile.

All in all, I believe JoHeckett is an ideal shop with a good product! My advice now is a lot of advertising and promoting. Hopefully this blog feature will help you a bit! Us Esyians have to stick together :D

Love and Energies.

Kayla

Items in Blog:

Single Porcelain Butterfly Peg


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21892188


Porcelain 'Peace' Boxed Letter Set


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22205282


Personalised Wedding or Birthday Date Magnets


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21558850

Creative Jewelry Designs

What can I say about Laura of Creative Jewelry Designs?!

Her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5907440

She also has a blog!

http://laurastaley.blogspot.com/

Feature:

She is next on my list and I must say, her jewelry is absolutly gorgeous! I simply cannot believe it when I walked into her lovely shop, but her sense of style and color coordination are to-die-for.

Definitly my kinda jewelry!!

When asked, Laura said she has been an artist for many years. "Being a typical woman, though, I've been pulled in many different directions, and let my surroundings define who and what I am."

She has 4 kids and a very supportive husband that encourage her to go for her artistic goals. They are the center of her life.

"With this kind of foundation, the horizon is bright, and the future exciting."

She enjoys working with semi precious stones and combining them in ways that are distinctive. Currently, she is trying to branch out into metal work, Precious Metal clay, and lampworking as soon as she gets all the necessary tools and a nice big workshop!

Another great thing! Creative Jewelry Designs is having a spring cleaning sale! 20% off EVERYTHING in her shop :D

Critique:

Honestly Laura, looking around your shop, I can't see anything that I think needs advising!

Appealing:

Oh geeez, where do I start?!

I love your banner and avatar! Like I tell alot of other people, I like it when I come into a shop and I can tell what kind of merchandise I'm looking at before I even start browsing. Your banner does just that and with your creations in it, it's more personal.

What can I say about your jewelry? I <3>

Your shop is in perfect conditon. From your shop announcement, to your profile page, to your catagories; Everything seems great!

You really know what your doing, and with 28 sales already, who am I to contradict that!? Lol

So my advice to everyone. GO VISIT HER SHOP!

With the mix of professionalism and stunning jewelry pieces, along with the excellent feedback ratings, I think its definitly worth a look.

Love and Energies.

Kayla

Items in Blog:

SALE Chunky Labradorite Necklace set with Blue Aventurine Jade

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20084315

SALE Take a walk on the wild side Earring Treasury

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15264117

FayHubele

"When I was a little girl I always remember my mother wrapping presents into beautiful packages," says Fayhubele of Gift Boxes By Fay Hubele.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5577597

"They always had pretty wrapping paper and unique bows with little trinkets on top and that's why you always felt special when you received one of her presents."

FayHubele is having a special in her shop! Orders of 25 boxes or more will receive a 10% discount.

Feature:

This made Fayhubele come up with her own creative and memorable way to give a gift. She loves giving these as gifts, as they always put a smile on the recipients face.

How could you NOT notice how adorable these little boxes are?! They quickly capture your attention and draw you into their web of cuteness. Even browsing in her shop for a few minutes, you are drawn to her vivid world of color and uniqueness.

"I started selling at craft shows and had a lot of success but wanted a way to reach more people. I then became very interested in Etsy. When my son grew up and went off to college I had more time so I started creating boxes again and decided to give Etsy a try."

She informs me that it has been a good experience thus far with all the new people she has met and the experiences she has gained.

Critique:

As I look through your shop, I simply cannot think of anything that I would change! It all looks so great =]

I guess the only thing I would change is your profile. Maybe add a little more about your present life, and more about you in general. So people can relate to you better :D

Appeals:

As for the appeals...Where can I start!?

Love love love the merchandise. It's very unique and colorful and makes you feel like a little kid again! I would love to see the look on a child's face when they receive a present in one of your beautiful boxes!

Even though a lot of people's pictures don't look very good with plain white backgrounds, I do believe your boxes are suited for the white background because they are so colorful.

As a lot of shop owner's know, the shop announcement should be short and easy to read and yours is quite nice. Tells the potential buyer what's what and your shop's specials.

Last but not least, your banner is ADORABLE! I love when people's banners and avatars subliminally advertise your shop for you. When people click on your avatar and see your shop banner, it lets them know what they are looking at!

So whether it be a child's birthday or a special holiday, I think FayHubele of Gift Boxes By Fay Hubele are quite a unique and special way to present a gift. It's like a gift in a gift!

Love and Energies.

Kayla

Items in Blog:

I'm Ready For Spring- I'm Ready For Spring- Chick Favor/Gift Box

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19570356

Ready For Spring In Her New Dress - Teddy Bear Gift/Favor Box

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22516170

Most Kissable Lips

It is my pleasure to feature and critique a fairly new seller to the Etsy community as of March 09,' Jaime Crowninshield of Most Kissable Lips.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7005280



With 1 sale, you are on the right track! It took me about a month to get my first sale so congratulations :D


Feature:

Even though she may be new to the community, she has been making her own scrubs and lip balms for years now!


"I started making my own lip balms over 10 years ago by melting crayola crayons and adding a fruity flavor to them," she informed me, "then I started using more natural ingredients and have created some great balms that keep my lips soft and smooth all day long." She also has a variety of scrubs, as well as, those lip balms on stock!


For those woman who have problems with dry lips(**raises hand**Like myself), Jaime's lip balms are made with natural ingredients that are displayed on the item description. Go check it out for yourself!

"It’s like a mini spa treatment for a fraction of the price."



Critique:


You made a good start for yourself Jamie, however I do have a few suggestions to help you make a success of your shop.


First off, which is what I tell a lot of newbies, is more merchandise in your store helps create variety for potential buyers. I don't know what it is, but people are more likely to buy if you have a variety in your shop.

Another thing that would help you is write about yourself in your profile. Potential buyers like to know who they are buying from, this way they are able to relate to you if they are, say, fellow sufferers of dry lips(me-lol-) or other people who create lip balms and scrubs.

If you want to be picked up on google, you might want to change your sections to normal lettering(I just learned about that the other day). If you don't care about google, then disregard that little tidbit. Lol


In Betweeny:

I really love your pictures! They are so natural looking and I think that helps you promote the merchandise, however, I think you may need to lighten them up a bit so they aren't so dark. My suggestion is go to the particular photo, right click on it, go down to edit and on the right side should be different things to do. Go to change resolution and there you can either lighten or darken the photo!

Appealing:

Like I said above, I love your natural looking pictures!! There isn't a lot more to say about that.

The other thing that I like is the fact that your banner and avatar advertise
what you're selling and they coincide very nicely together! A person who is just coming in your shop will KNOW what your selling and what to expect, which is a good feng shui thing =]

I am thankful to you, as I'm sure a lot of people are, that you use natural ingredients in your product. Speaking for myself, I am intolerant, allergic, and sensitive to many, many things, so having the knowledge that something is made natural is a god sent to me!


That being said, I enjoy your product information and description. Short, sweet, and to the point!




So in conclusion, I hope this helps you on your journey in Etsy land and I wish you nothing but luck on your venture! Jamieof Most Kissable Lips is definitely a shop to stop by and brows if your looking for a nice, inexpensive spa-like experience.

Just invite me on the spa-like day too :D




Love and Energies.
Kayla





Item's in blog:


Pucker Up and pick any 2 (lip balm)


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22480888




Make.Me.So.Soft Sugar Scrub 4 oz.


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21956716

Karen Harries Photography

My next venture into the featuring/critiquing blog business, is for the very lovely shop owner Karen of Karen Harries Photography.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6979771

http://www.karenharries.blogspot.com/

Feature:

When I first stepped into her shop, I was transported to the outdoors, and for that, I really want to thank you Karen! From the sunset beach to the windswept field of flowers, her photography is beautiful, as well as, visually appealing. Member since February 09,' I do believe she has gotten a very good jump start!

Karen has also been featured in many treasuries.

Bunbury Regional Art Galleries
Busselton Jetty
Equinox Cafe
Nannup Art Exhibition
Cowaramup Christmas Fair
Bunbury Grammar Monster Fair
Dardanup Bull and Barrel
Stirling St Arts Centre Spring Fair
Happs Fair
Petticoat Lane
Railway Markets
Eaton Foreshore Festival



Her shop announcement has one amazing deal for those of you who are the first six to purchase from her shop! Choose any photo, (up to and including the generous size 12 x 16 inches) and get a second of equal or lesser value absolutely free!!!




Critique:



There really was not a lot that I could find unappealing in this very uplifting shop!! The one thing that I can say is add a variety of things with your prints on them. I did see a card set with a beautiful flower picture which is what I'm referring to. Mix it up! Maybe along with your regular prints, you can offer card sets, key chains, necklace pendants, and so on. Be creative :D It will help with your business, as well as, extend your shop's inventory.

Appeals:

As I stated when I started this particular blog, the word that comes to mind when I stepped into this shop is Lovely. From the prints, to the banner. From the avatar to the prices. It all ties together very harmoniously and balances everything out. Visually appealing and reasonably priced, I would DEFINITELY recommend Karen Harries Photography to anyone who's tastes are as elegant and outdoorsy as her prints!

Keep up your chin Karen, It took me a good month to make my first sale. With stock like this, your bound to get interest real soon =]

Love and Energies.

Kayla

Items in blog:

Nanna's Favorite

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22291381

Heart in Sand

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21508403

Anastasia's Crocheted Creations

So as I implied in my last post, I am going to dabble with shop features and critiques. I got an overwhelming response to my forum post and the lucky first to receive a feature on my blog is

**hears drum roll**

Anastasia of Anastasia's Crocheted Creations!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6943914

Feature:

Anastasia joined our Etsy family in February 09'(What a coincidence) and already jumped on the selling wagon It looks like! Congratulations on your 7 sales thus far! Anastasia's Crocheted Creations pretty much explains it all, but it doesn't quite describe how ADORABLE the merchandise is!

When asked about her start, Anastasia told me that a friend recommended the site to her(as alot of us Etsians do to help spread the word) and she made the wise choice to check our little world out!

"When I saw how reasonable the fees were, and how great a place it appeared to be, I decided to start a shop. It has been great!"

Speaking for many, I am glad you decided to start your shop! We all need to stick together and your shop just adds to Etsy's handmade charm =] Anastasia hopes that her shop will take off(like all of us hope for) and that it will bring joy to others.


Critique:


So, as well as, featuring your shop, I would like to give you some friendly advice on how to help improve in my opinion.

You're off to a very good start, but I think you need to make your photos more personal instead of a white background. The white may work for some things, but mix it up a little! =] That way it's more interesting to look at and it will have people scrolling down to look at more of your photos.

Another one(which I don't doubt your doing now), is create more stock. A lot of stock in a shop hold appeal to people, whether it be the shop selection or just the fact that there is more things to look at, I have found people like variety. So keep on creating those cute and wonderful things of yours!



Appeals:



I absolutely LOVE your banner and avatar. I think they show the style of your shop and what you sell very well! People will KNOW what they are coming in to just by your avatar. They coincide very nicely =]

Another thing that is perfect is your shop announcement. It's what a lot of people like to call 'short, sweet, and to the point' and a lot of people agree that, that is the shop announcement they will read. Too long of shop announcement will be skimmed or skipped anyway.

Your prices are amazing! Very reasonable for the merchandice offered.



So all of you who are reading right now, go over and check out Anastasia's Crocheted Creations! I'm sure she would also appreciate any advice and comments you can give her. If you agree or disagree with me, let us know! ANY advice is GOOD advice for us Etsians(especially us newbies). Keep up the good work Anastasia and good luck from one Etsy seller to another!



Love and Energies.

Kayla



Items in blog:

iPod/ mp3 Cozy

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22469095

Set of 3 Soggy Sardine Catnip Toys

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22301733

Trying Something New

So I learned real fast that I'm not much of the blogger type. Well, I guess I am in some ways and in others I just draw a blank. Writing about myself is fine(when I have stuff to write about). Writing about how to's just isn't my thing(I get so stressed out)! What else would there be to write about?

Then the thought hit me. Advice. Critiques. Features.

I LOVE to help people and I do know how it is to start out on Etsy so why not lend a helping hand while publicising my blog?

Which is why, on top of my other random blog posts that you all enjoy so much, I will be doing featured sellers and shop critiques.

If anyone is interested, drop me a line!!

http://www.theeclecticelement.etsy.com/

Love and Energies to All.

Kayla

WooHoo, My First Sale!!

I think the title says it all :D :D :D

Yesterday, I made my first Etsy sale, and may I say, I flipped my lid! I was crawling all over the place getting things ready to mail today and writing a little thank you note to put in the package. It felt SO good to actually have made my first sale. I thought for awhile there that my stuff just wasn't going to sell, but I think that's every newbie's fear.

Now that I made my first sale, I'm more confident. I think the sale gave me the confidence I need to continue on.

So my advice for people who still haven't gotten a sale, or haven't had a sale in awhile is be patient(yeah, I know. Patience is a virtue) and just have fun with it. Eventually, you will make a sale and then your attitude will be renewed!

I know this is a short post, but I just had to share my good fortune and my advice with all of you.

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

A lot of people I encounter on Etsy and Ebay and any other site have legit businesses. This is their lively hood. And right now, since I cannot work because of my illness, this is my lively hood too.

So, does that mean I should take the steps to make this a legit business? I took business classes in high school so I do know a thing or two. The Introduction to business and the business math.

My question now is, do I have the money to invest in making this a legit business(we all know I have the time) and the resources? Am I willing to take this a few steps forward and invest in a future?

Those are my concerns. I have been doing a lot of research on the computer and getting books from the library to jump start the processes, but I'm still having a little difficulties because of the brain fog.

About.com is a very good resource to find out about anything. And I'm pretty sure I can Google and find whatever I need.

I would like some feedback please. Do you think I should take those steps or gradually go into it? What are some of your experiences?

Anyway, thanks in advance, and Happy St. Patties day :D

Love and Energies.

Kayla

This morning when I woke up, I was feeling a bit down. Everything that has happened this past week has taken everything I had stored out of me and to tell you the truth, it's a bit sad that it's all over.

But I didn't spend more then five minutes feeling like that because my mum snuck in and gave me a white plastic bag with something in it(Yeah, I know bad for the environment. We will work on it)! Well to my renewed surprise, I had forgotten I asked her to peruse a garage sale for jewelry for me and I got my wish :D

Of course, this gave me my next blog idea! Upcycling =]

Different people have their different ideas and ways of creating things whether it be to buy the stuff new or make everything out of expensive materials, but NO MA'AM, not me. First of all, I don't have the cash to do that(I'm a college student for goddess sakes) and second, I could buy all new, but where would the character be?! I like to look at something I want to use and see its past. See all the nicks and scratches that make up the piece because those are what gives it it's life! Each piece has a story and who are we to deny it and throw away what we see as 'junk'?

This is exactly why I fancy myself and old soul. I enjoy shopping second hand and seeing what treasures I can find. Even before going green because a statement, I was the one shopping in a Goodwill or Salvation army and wandering up the isles of a lonely antique building.

My message is a seemingly simple one today. Go to a garage sale or Salvation army and see what you can find that interests you. Pick it up and hold it. Imagine what it was like in another life and what it could be for you. You will be proud of yourself for not only helping the environment(and your pocketbook), but that you gave something a new lease on life. When thats done, go ahead and tell me about it because I would love to her!

Now I am off to sit outside in the beautiful spring weather!!

Love and Energies to all.

Kayla

An Introduction is in Order.

I figured all you people might want to know at least a little bit of who I am and my background before following the crazy, jewelry making, blogging person.

Well to start out, my name is Kayla and I am a November baby(that's right, Scorpio through and through). I was named after a soap opera star. Yes, that's a little TOO much detail, but I love that story =] I am 21 years young and simply cannot believe it. I was raised a none practicing catholic, however the past few years have changed my perspective on the whole religion front. I like to think myself more spiritual then religious. I really can't stand politics(I LIVE politics every day), so I shy away from anything that has to do with that aspect.

Hm. That's about all with the 'normal' profile questions.

Now for the in depth view.

As some of you may have read on my profile, I have been sick with Lyme Disease for the past 7 years as of January 2011. Don't even get me started on the whole LD controversy, otherwise you will not come back. My LD wasn't caught until the ending of the 3rd year, so it is officially chronic. Furthermore on that front, I was JUST legitimately diagnosed with Lyme this past January. Yes, 5 years to the day and I was finally diagnosed *rolls eyes at the stupidity of others*

My journey has been a long one and I can't say I am thrilled to be sick and feeling like crap day in and day out, but I don't think I would be able to take it back just for the sheer fact of it's what helped shape me and the person who is blogging this to you today. I would not have met the people that I have met or done some of the things I have done. I would not see the world in the perspective I do and for those things, I am thankful.

More about me. I am a big crafter and artist(more crafter but a good art project now and again helps keep me occupied). Love to read anything and everything I can get my hands on whether it be fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, self help(my favorite and that should tell you a little something about the person your dealing with). Of course movies and music are a staple in my life too.

Unfortunately, I am unable to do so many things at this point in time. Working is a bust, which is why I decided to create a shop on Etsy and attempt to sell my jewelry. It's nice to have a little extra money and with the medical bills getting pretty bad, I wouldn't mind helping around the house now and again. I have tried school multiple times and It hasn't gone the way I had planned. High school was majorly not the picture perfect scene it should have been. Although I do have to say, that was my GREATEST accomplishment because I was pretty much on my own the whole 4 years.

Any who, that is my introduction. Now that we got the boring stuff out of the way and you know me a bit better now, hopefully we can get down to business :D I have some great plans for the blog and my shop so keep coming and checking back!

Love and Energies for you All!
Kayla

Pull Up a Chair and Make Yourself Comfy!

So in honor of my shop on etsy, The Eclectic Element, I am creating this blog as a marketing tool. However I really hope that it turns into something more then just that. I want to be able to help all of you if you need advice or share my ideas and thoughts when I feel strongly about the subject.

Lets just say, this blog is as much for you guys as it is for my shop =]

I haven't really thought about what blogs I would do and what would be their content, but I suppose that can come in time like one of my jewelry pieces. I look at one seemingly simple object and *BAM* there is my inspiration for my next piece! I couldn't begin to explain how my mind works (I know now that I get it from my mother), but It just does that way and I have learned to go with the flow.

I would appreciate every one's help in checking out my shop and giving me advice on what you think needs help, what I could do to help it along more, etc etc.

www.TheEclecticElement.etsy.com

Just give it a quick once over and comment me or message me or email me. Even if its just something simple like a compliment or something as complex as my shipping/pricing/blah blahblah, I want to know!

I shall keep working on this blog and getting some ideas on what to write in the mean time.

Love and Energies.

Kayla

Contact Me

Like what you see and are interested in:

*Being a featured artist, company, or blogger

*Advertising

*Sponsoring a giveaway

*Promoting your giveaway or contest for Free

*Having a product reviewed

*You just wanna say Hi

*You have comments, questions, or concerns...

Here is all the information you need!

Feature Information:

If your interesting in being a featured business, company, or blogger on The Eclectic Element, fill out the form below with the subject line '___ Feature', and I will send you custom tailored questions revolving around you and your shop, company or blog.

• Bloggers are featured every Friday
• Artists and their shops are featured every Monday-Thursday
• Companies and businesses are featured whenever I can get the post done
• Giveaways are usually posted on Fridays
  

Advertising Information:

I offer a 2 week Free advertisement trial to make sure your satisfied before you make the decision to purchase. At the end, if your not happy, you have no obligation to buy and won't have to pay a cent! If you are interested at the end of the trial, my rates are below.

$5.00 for 1 month

$10.00 for 3 months

$25.00 for 6 months

$50.00 for 1 year

Fill out the form below with the subject line 'Advertising.'


Sponsoring a Giveaway:

Fill out the form below with the subject title 'Giveaway' and answer the following information:

*Your name and store or company's name

*What your looking to giveaway

*Information pertaining to the item including a description, special features, etc.

*Any other information like specials, sales, or upcoming events for your store


Registering your Giveaway or Contest:

Fill out the form below with the subject title 'Giveaway' or 'Contest' and provide the following information:

*What is the title of your giveaway or contest

*What is the prize and whom is it coming from

*What is the monetary value of the prize

*When does the giveaway or contest end

*Your blog name

*Link to giveaway or contest post

Product review:

Fill out the form below with the subject title 'Review' and what you would like me to review. When I receive the item, I will come up with a custom questionnaire revolving around your company, the product I'm reviewing, and anything else pertaining to the review and send it to you.

**For all of these, I will make sure to get back to you within 24 to 48 hours with any information that is needed or promised.

If you all just want to drop a line and say 'Hi' or 'How ya doing,' this is the way too! I always love to hear from people. Also, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns you would like to share, bring them on. I'm always up for improvement =]

Your Name :
Your Email :
Subject :
Message :
Image (case-sensitive):

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