Why I Create!

I can remember the first thing I created in Elementary Art Class. I was in Mrs. Zachery’s 2^nd grade class in Sulley Elementary. It was Halloween and the art teacher gave us a black piece of construction paper and told us to make a cat. She did not hand out scissors, glue, or paint. I was excited! I knew exactly what to do -- take away the parts of that paper that did not look like a cat!

I ripped. I crumpled. I wet the paper with my spit. I rubbed. I tore little pieces off that paper until there it was! A hunched-back black cat with it’s hair standing on end, caught in a frozen scream at an invisible ethereal being! Scary! I got an A+.

That was it! I was hooked! I began to create: glue and paste, scissors and crayons, chalk and paint, you name it, I begged my parents for it! My mother even found crafting kits for me to make. One year for Christmas every Aunt, Uncle, Grandpa, Grandma, Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Friends of my Mom and Dad…..EVERYONE got Woven Pot Holders I made on a loom. Remember those?

But as I grew, I lost touch with that part of me. Got married, had a baby, jobs were lost, bills had to be paid…………………….Life happened. Until one day, my ‘baby’ grew up and left the nest.

I lost me. I wasn’t needed anymore. I had no one to take care of. What was there to do anymore? My husband had gone with our Son to his Permanent Duty Station. I was alone in an empty house. I had an empty bedroom—albeit a clean but empty bedroom. Dark.

A friend kept inviting me to come to a Stamping Party. I always had a good reason to not go but deep down, I had a really good “funk” going on and I did not want to get out of it! She did not give up—she invited me one more time and told me I was the Guest of Honor! The presenter had a project especially designed for me. Well, I had to go this time—ugh!

When I arrived, everything was set up. Work stations had placemats with our names stamped on them. The colors were red, white, and blue. She had two projects for us, a card and a scrapbook page. They were both a military theme.

I did not want to participate! My Son had recently joined the Military, completed Basic Training, and left home to his Permanent Duty Station. Didn’t they realize I missed him and this was hurting me? I was sad, doggone it! And she should know it!

I frowned. I was here but I did not have to like it! I sat quietly, watching her demonstrate. Hey, wait a minute! That’s cool! Look at that! She was using rubber stamps and ink to make a title page for her son’s birthday party album.

I could do that for my Son! For the start of his Military Career! I was creative as a child. Those “talents” have to still be in there somewhere! A spark started a deep bubbly sense of excitement deep inside me. I felt my soul exhale and start to breathe again. I felt me SMILE!

I had a Mission! I had a Purpose! I had a Goal! I had Something To Do! I plummeted into my scrapbook and never turned back. I firmly believe that God used that Scrapbook as therapy for the Empty Nest Syndrome I was suffering. I am now grateful for my friend never stopping to ask me to come to a Stamping Party!

From that moment on, Creativity returned to my life. I went on to create many more scrapbooks, greeting cards, wedding invitations, birth announcements, jewelry, knitted items until I found polymer clay.

Whoa! This is awesome! Polymer Clay--The Most Fabulous Creative Medium In The World! I can make anything out of it! Again……… I plummeted into my clay creations. I love this stuff! I mean L-O-V-E making things with Polymer Clay. I am HOOKED and forever shall be!!!

I was amazed people liked the things I made from Polymer Clay! They asked me to make gifts out of Polymer Clay for them! They paid me for making stuff for them! I was paid for playing!!!!

Then, I got an email for a custom order--HeartStones!

HeartStones are my own creation, born out of my love and support for my Best Friend. Her husband was recently diagnosed with Stage Four Cancer. I wanted to create something tangible for her. Something she could hold during the rough times she was about to face. Something that would remind her I was praying for her. Something that told her I was supporting her. Something that reminded her she was not alone. Polymer Clay was the perfect medium for my HeartStones.

I thank God for Creativity. It is His gift to me.

Roy's Wild Chair Adventure!

We had a lawn chair. You know the kind--a four legged, aluminum frame, fold up fabric chair.

And it was Amelia's chair. She sat in it in the cool of every morning. She chewed the arms. She watched the birds fly overhead. It was her Chair.

On this particular day as she sat enjoying the morning, the seat of the chair ripped. Not too much, but enough to startle Amelia. She jumped straight up and out of her chair. Then she cautiously crept around it, sniffing wondering what had happened! Then a bird flew overhead and she was off doing the "I'm Gona Get You" bark and jumping in the air.

The day proceeded as normal until Roy came home. As is their habit, Roy and Amelia go in the backyard. Amelia runs and runs and runs while Roy watches--almost like she is saying, "Watch me Dad! I can run fast!" And she can!

Roy usually just stands on the patio drinking a bottle of water, watching her ..........but not today! Of ALL days, he heads toward Amelia's chair------

"Um. You might not want to sit there! The chair ripping some this morning while Amelia was sitting in it."

He looks at it. "It's not too much.", and sits down. He was warned!!!!!

I stand at the door........waiting for 'it' to happen........'it' is inevitable........I will need to help him get up if 'it' happens.......'it' doesn't break.........'it' is holding.........I guess I will go fix din.....................................

Zip................................DOWN HE GOES! He just sits there! Look on his face was amusement! He just sits there.

"Are you okay?" (I start to laugh)

"Yeah." (I laugh harder)

Where's my camera? (laughing)....phone.......has.......camera.........(At this point I am laughing so hard, I am crying!!!!!)

Take........the........pictures.......(laughing harder--can't breathe!)

"Help me get up! Push on the back of the chair" (by the way, Roy is laughing too!)

"okay" (laughing so hard I am crossing my legs so as not to wet myself!)

GRUNT---Roy is a big guy. Can't.........move.........the.........chair.

Now you have to get this picture--I know the neighbors thought we had lost our minds: Uncontrollable laughter, dogs barking, Roy's butt is on the ground through the chair, I am pushing on the back of the chair, Roy's feet not able to touch the ground, he is lurching in a forward motion to help me get leverage while I push and both us are laughing so hard--we can barely breathe!

"PUSH!" "I...........AM!"

Finally, he gets his footing and stands. He looks just likes a "Three Stooges" scene where Curley's butt is stuck in a chair!!!! I absolutely loose it! I am laughing so hard, I can barely stand!!! I have to hold on to the door frame!

He shuffles to the edge of the patio......"Pull it off!".........that does it! I am totally useless! I am gone! I can't breathe I am laughing so hard! My stomach hurts! I can barely stand!

I stumble over to the chair, grab the legs and tug hard...once......twice....three times.....the chair comes off! The motion causes me to take a step backwards and causing Roy's pants to slip down as the chair comes off, and he sits down in the grass with responding thud!

He sits there a few moments.......reaches for his bottle of water.........chugs it..........slowly screws the cap back on...........he is just sitting there!!!!! Remember, I am laughing, hyena laughing, I can't breathe laughing, my stomach hurts laughing........oh my!

"You........ o........kay?" "Yeah" "Need help to get up?" "No-there is grass in my butt."

Well, that set me off even more!!!! I just know the neighbors are peeking through the fences trying to figure out what was going on. Roy and I are laughing so hard we can barely stand.

Roy gets up and brushes the grass off his butt and comes inside. We laugh about it all night long. Several times during the evening and even this morning, I break out in uncontrollable, convulsing laughter! Even as I write this, I am laughing so hard I cannot see what I am typing!!! Oh my!!!!!

Funeral services for the chair were held at the trash can shortly thereafter. Roy will need a new chair for 4th of July!

Amelia is in mourning.

Roy is injury free.

I am still laughing.

LemonLollipop Purchase

I had recieved samples of http://LemonLollipop.etsy.com in a sample box. A small vial of Pink Vanilla(tm) Perfume Oil.



I was in love with this fragrance from the get-go! It reminded me of cake and cookies and cotton candy and the icing on the cakes my Grandpa and Grandma would make...................ummmmmm!

I contacted Michelle/PinkLollipop with my specific skin issue and she took the time to write a very informative response with helps and suggestions on how to help my problem. She put together as Sample Pack for me and sent it right out.

The samples she sent were delightful and after using them for several days, I ordered the Whipped Cream Soap and Perfume Oil Roll On in my favorite--PINK VANILLA!

The package was professional and well done--I worried because, in the Texas heat, things tend to melt if left in the mailbox too long (all you Texans out there raise a hand and say Amen to that!)

There are so many other goodies in this shop I am going to try..... Man, I wish I was independently wealthy! You should visit--you will love it too!

Summerlandscrubs Purchase

I had to have a rather sudden surgery which left me and my body on a 24 hour/7 days a week roller coaster ride. I was not the happiest of campers in CheriLand!

I wanted to be comfortable--I wanted to be surround in sweet flowers with Sugar Plum Fairies dancing around me showering me with happy sunshine drops----you get the picture. I felt LOUSY and wanted to FEEL GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

In the meantime, I had orders a sample box in which Artisans nationwide contributed.

I received my box on one particular bad day in CheriLand. The box held candles, lotions, soaps, bath fizzies, scrubs, jewelry, wax melts-----just a whole lot of sample-y goodness.

There was a Lemon Cilanto Salt Scrub that peaked my interest. Perhaps a hot shower would make the citizen of CheriLand happy. I opened the sample jar and was immediately hit with a lemon-y aroma that actually brought a smile to my face!

The lemon fragrance filled the shower sending calm to my weariness. I placed some of the scrub in my hands and rubbed--the texture was very nice and satisfying! It felt wonderful on my skin, rinsed off totally, leaving my skin soft and soothed.

Throughout the rest of my day, I would catch a faint lemon-y scent and smile.

Okay--don't ya know that when that sample jar was empty, I made a bee-line to my computer--found my business cards and dialed up their shop....

http://summerlandscrubs.etsy.com

I ordered the 16OZ jar of my Lemon Cilantro Salty Smooth Scrub and paid for it one click!

In a matter of days, the package arrived. I tore into the package. My Scrub was sitting in a nest of pink tissue paper with a thank you note from Denise. So pretty!

I am so totally pleased with this whole experience of the Scrub--not the surgery! They have wonderful things in this shop--it is SOOOOOO worth your visit!!!

Oh and I am recovering nicely.

CrystalsByThePiece Purchase

I love Swarovski Crystals! This shop is LOADED with them! http://crystalsbythepiece.etsy.com

I first contacted Sherri when I was looking for skirts for "Angel Watchers". She, unfortunately, did not have anything I could use for that. However, she had my favorite crystals!

I ordered. She shipped. I received. I created. I was happy! LIFE WAS G-O-O-D!!!!!

When I got a custom order which required purple crystals . I knew the place!

In fact I have been back several times for crystals and each & EVERY time Sherri/crystalsbythepiece has been attentive, very thorough, and professional!

I'll be back!!!!!

akaLulaBeads Purchase

When you find a good supplier and merchant, you return again and again, right? Well, such is the case with this purchase! http://akaLulaBeads.etsy.com

I have returned to this shop four (4) times! The beads are excellent quality, superb customer service. Each visit I had questions and Maria would promptly and patiently answer each one. She put together several special requests for me. Why even when she on vacation, she communicated! Very high class seller! That is why I have returned 4 times!

Shipping was quick and efficient. My beads were well protected and there were several "surprises in each order! Not throw off beads real beads with the same quality that she sells!

I recommend Maria/akaLulaBeads. Also visit her jewelry shop LulaBeads. Beautiful work there too!

WindowSeatSoap Purchase

Ya know, when you use bar soap and put it back on the soap dish, it gets all gooey and slimey? Oh gross! I just can't stand to touch it!!! Eeeewwwww!

I found the solution from http://windowseatsoap.etsy.com shop.
It is a Wooden Soap Deck. It has cuts into the wood in opposite directions to let the soap drain and dry so the "gooey-s" do not happen! I cannot stand my fingers gooey so this is the perfect soap dish for a gooey-phobe like me!

The shipping was very fast and professional. Windowseatsoap also has natural soaps and lotions and all good things for your body! Sure to meet all your skins needs! They sent a sample of hand lotion that felt like silk and smelled DELICIOUS!

Check them out!!!! You will love their products and your visit!

LittleSassy Purchase

It was another ETC Monday Event--"What's New With ETC"! This is the day new members are introduced and us "oldies" can toot our our horn! I love to visit every one of the newbie's shop to see all the new talent. There is amazing talent on the ETC team!

On the back burner of my mind is..........I am looking for a purse tissue cover. I hate the way your pocket tissues get dirty and crumple-y in your purse! Okay--back to my purchase.

I entered http://littlesassy.etsy.com shop. She was a newbie and full of pep! She had the most adorable item in her shop! So cute! Beautiful colors! Excellent quality!

As I turned the "corner", my gaze fell upon a perfect pocket tissue cover!!!! It was denim, lined with a pink bandanna and had "God Bless You" embroidered on it! Isn't that adorable? And I found it to "fit the bill" of my back burner search! KEWL! You use a tissue when you sneeze and someone says to you " God bless you!". How perfect is that?

LittleSassy/Daisy sent my tissue cover right away-- with special goodies to boot!

I now have non-dirty and non-crumpled tissues in my purse and a very pleasant feeling after visiting LittleSassy's Shop! You will enjoy it too! Go and go often!!!!

SeaSprout Purchase

I had received a custom order for a pair for earrings from Belgium! My first international order! The request was VERY SPECIFIC. I was a little nervous but after studying the picture the buyer supplied, I went on an Etsy search and found the exact beads I needed from http://seasprout.etsy.com

I needed them rather quickly as they were to be a Mother's Day Gift and in Belgium Mother's Day was two (2) weeks later than ours. I had four (4) weeks to get supplies, make the earrings, and mail them to Belgium. So I convo'd SeaSprout to asked how fast I could get them. Amanda responded almost immediately. She said she would get them in the mail to me first thing in the morning and I should have them in 3 - 4 days.

I got them in two (2) days and the beads are perfect! I completed the earrings and got them in the mail with a week to spare. My buyer provided the following feedback on the earrings: "Good service, mom was happy with earrings!"

SeaSprout/Amanda was very astute to my needs and provided excellent customer service so that I would be a success! I will be back for more beads in the future!!!

Thanks Amanda!!!

I wonder.........since this was an international order, does that make me "Known World Wide"?!!!!! Can I add that to my resume?!!!! LOL

kittylili Purchase

I had decided to participate in the Little Black Box. One of the requirements for participation was a Shop Banner and suggested http://kittylili.etsy.com

I gave her my shop address and bowed to her expertise to choose the best things from my shop to use as a banner.

Look at what she did for me!!!!! It's PERFECT!!! I PLEASED beyond words!!!!! I use it for my avatar on Etsy! I love it--just L-O-V-E it!!!!! The price was so reasonable and so very worth it!

If you need a banner or anything else, contact kittylili. You will not be disappointed!

SweetWolf Purchase

I have had my eye on the most awesome wristlet in the world for a very long time! Or at least in TEXAS !!!!!

It was the delightful creation from http://sweetwolf.etsy.com.

Being a Native Texan, this was DESTINED to my MINE!

So when ETC Has Secrets Monday rolled around - I made my move! I pounced on the opportunity!

After Etsy's normal purchasing procedure and about a week, my wristlet was home!

I am so pleased with my purchase.

Not only was my wristlet in the package, SweetWolf included a business card holder and a purse mirror! Everything was BEAUTIFUL! My Daughter-in Law, who is a Native Floridian, even commented how cute it was and if SweetWolf made one with
Orange Blossoms and an Orange on it--she would have to get it!!!!!

Of course positive feedback was this purchase's destiny!!!

TheHeadsCreation Purchase

I had an idea for an "Angel Guard Treasure Box". Again, my brain was over loaded with "Angel Guard" ideas that I just had to get out of there!!!!!

I knew I wanted a white ceramic box of some sort. I was unsure if there was an Etsy seller who had unfinished ceramic boxes but I searched anyway.

Much to my surprise my search resulted in one(1) seller: http://TheHeadsCreation.etsy.com.
(Side note: I just went to their shop to copy their avatar. There is some AWESOME things there. I especially like the eyeball. Go visit and see what I mean!)


Anyway, they had a listing for "Ceramic Bisque Boxes - decorate your own"-- PERFECT JUST WHAT I WANTED!!!! And there were TWO!!

Within the week, a box arrived however much to my dismay the box was crushed and opened in transit! I was very nervous as to the condition of my ceramic boxes. I cautiously opened the box, hoping upon hope that all was well inside.......they had packed everything SO WELL......my boxes were fine--not a scratch! They were exactly as pictured and exactly what I wanted!

I made my "Angel Guard Treasure Boxes and they are available for purchase in my Etsy Boutique.




I will return for all my ceramic box needs--TheHeadsCreation was wonderful!!!!

BeadAddiction2621 Purchase

I saw these while shopping for the supplies for my "Angel Watcher" earrings and an idea slammed into my head!

Little Angel Wings Charms from http://beadaddiction2621.etsy.com

I was so excited! These would be PERFECT for an Angel Bracelet idea my brain would NOT let me forget!!!! The idea was actually keeping me up at night!

I needed more than the listing stated so I convo's Sandra and ask if she had more. She promptly returned convo'd stating she could fulfill my need. AWESOME!!

I ordered them and as usual the USPS did not let me down--they delivered in two days and delight ensued!!! BeadAddiction2621 must have sent them the day of my purchase as they arrived so soon.

I made the aforementioned bracelet, showing it to a valued friend for a critique, who promptly asked me how much it was and I had a sale and 5 custom orders for the bracelet! My head was spinning!

I am certain it was the wings that gave it the umph! And it all started with browsing--yielding in a most easy and satisfying transaction with BeadAddiction2621. Positives all around!

MountainShadowDesign Purchase

Prior to moving from Wisconsin back home to Texas, someone gave me purple Angel Earrings. She said she had received them as a gift and they were not her style so she passed them onto me. Lucky me and I was thrilled--they were two of my favorite things--purple and Angels!

Fast forward to March 2009 when my car was vandalized (you can read about that in my blog entry dated 3/13/2009 :Out of Fear something Beautiful Came") and my "Angel Guards" were conceived, I remembered those earrings. I renamed them "Angel Watchers" and set out to reproduce them.

I found http://MountainShadowDesign.etsy.com They had the perfect beads for the wings of my "Angel Watchers"! Crystal AB Cresent Beads!

I was ecstatic! Maybe I could reproduce these adorable earrings! I quickly committed to buy as there was only one set in stock.

I also ordered more of these beads a month later. In both instances, shipping was fast and very professional. My beads arrived in a padded envelope and much to my surprise, samples were also included each time. Not seconds! Actually samples I could incorporate into my pieces!!!!

I have a habit of IMMEDIATELY stopping everything I am doing, rush to my work table and make whatever I brought the beads for. Such it was in this case. I worked feverishly until my version of the "goal earrings" were perfected. By the way, my "Angel Watcher" Earrings are for sale in my shop (a link to my Shop is over at the right of my blog).

I highly recommend MountainShadowDesign for getting beads. I know I will be returning again!!!!

2TeensandaToddler Purchase

Holy Cow! This was the quickest, easiest Etsy purchase I ever made!

My niece had the first GREAT-Grandchild & niece in our family. Which, I must say, has been a wonderful bundle of joy!

Stephanie wanted one of those puffy pads that you put in grocery carts and high chairs in restaurants to keep the baby safe from germs but she could not find one! So it is Grandma to the rescue!

My Mom (Grandma) was telling me that she wished she could find a pattern and she would make one for the baby. Well, being the Etsy fan that I am, and knowing that if it exists, someone makes it on Etsy--I suggested we look!

Suer enough, we find many already-made ones but Mom/Grandma wanted a pattern to make it for her.
So the search deepens and we find the "Sew EZ PDF Sewing Instructions Pattern to Make Shopping Cart Covers"

from http://2TeensandaToddler.etsy.com

Like I said -- this was the easiest purchase I have made!!!!
In a matter of moments, the pattern was emailed to us. It was almost INSTANTANEOUS!

We print it out. It is very clearly written with illustrations.

The following weekend, Mom/Grandma makes the cover and Stephanie is BEYOND pleased with the results. Our baby is protected in the grocery store!!!!

DeathlyCute Purchase

I was feeling rather miserable as I was having acute reactions to the allergy shots I was taking. Here's pictures of the reactions--Ugh! Anyway the nurse told me to start going home and putting ice packs on my arms right away after the shots. GREAT--GEEZ!

So I went home and since it was ETC Has Secrets Monday, I sign into Etsy to browse my Team Mates shops to see if I could find the Secrets.

Well, donchaknow, I FOUND one! Achy Paks Butterfly Squares Set from http://deathlycute.etsy.com
With the purchase of this set, I would get a FREE Achy Eye Pak!

Woohoo! Sign me up! Were is that "Pay by PayPal" button?!!

No real communication was necessary as it was ETC Has Secrets Monday and the deal was set in stone!

My Achy Paks arrived the next day!!!!! They only had to travel 30 miles by truck to my door. The fabric was bright green and pink with cute little butterflies all over them. The only thing I would have done differently is the packaging. It appeared they were just tossed into a box, no cute ribbon like the picture, not wrapped in tissue, and not even a business card.

I LOVE, I mean L-O-V-E, my Achy Paks. 20 minutes in the freezer and they are cold for 20 minutes. Shortly after I recieved them, I had to have my thyroid removed. They were the PERFECT size to fit right under my chin and rest there very comfortably. They conformed to the "injury" site and were VERY comforting. The only bad thing as they warmed up, their yummy rice smell made me hungry for rice!!!!!! Baaaadd for my waistline!!!!

Of course, DeathlyCute gets a positive feedback score! The Achy Paks are FANTABULOUS and GREAT for all the "ow-ies" and "ouch-ies" in your life!

yummytreasures Purchase

I was perusing for beads on Etsy one night in March when I stumbled upon these beauties: Vintage Style Deep Purple Etched Teardrop Beads from http://yummytreasures.etsy.com

Well, if you have known me for any amount of time over, oh let's say, a MINUTE, you know that purple is my favorite colors. Every shade or combination of it! I like purple with purple was an unpopular color. Why my CB handle was "The Purple Pickle"!!!! Okay, I'll stop!!

Anyway, these beads are gorgeous! I want them! I had to have them! What can I make with them! I don't care! They must be MINE!!!!

I clicked "Commit to Buy", signed into PayPal--which is just too easy for me--and those beauties are MINE!

I did not have any other communication outside of the normal Etsy communications that come with a purchase. Three days later my beads were in safely my mailbox. I squealed with delight as they fell into my hand from the padded envelope, their residence on the cross-country journey to my house.

Immediately, I sit down at my desk and fashion these BEAUTIFUL BEADS into the MOST BEAUTIFUL EARRINGS--which are available in my shop. The earrings are not One Of A Kind as I made myself a pair too. I guess you could say they are One of a TWO of a Kind!!!!

Once again, yummytreasures gets positive feedback and I get a special pair of earrings!

Etsy Texas Crafters Purchase

Back in February, I was planning on having a booth at the "Blooming Temple" event with two of my Etsy Texas Crafters Team members. We wanted to make up Etsy Texas Crafters Promo bags to hand out to promote the Team.

I visited the Team Shop--

http://EtsyTexasCrafters.etsy.com

--I wanted to purchase ETC flyers for the the bags and a Taste of Texas Grab Bag just for me! I paid through PayPal (which is just too simple!) but I asked if I could just pick up the flyers. I was to meet the shop curator for lunch to help organize the promo items in the shop. Saves the Team postage!

I must say that not only was I pleased with my flyers--you should see the stuff I got in the Taste of Texas Grab Bag!

HOLY COW!!!!

Several pairs of earrings, 'fridge magnets, a bracelet, notepads, stickers, doo dads, coupons -- it was just WONDERFUL!!!! It was jammed packed!!!!

Oh and the flyers had every color imaginable! With every bit of information about the Etsy Texas Crafters you could ever want! There was even a coupon for money off on purchases from the shop!!!!




Lunch was pretty awesome too! (Shout out to BJ's Brewhouse in Temple!)

Follow-up to the "Blooming Temple" Event: I had to cancel due to deaths in our family but I heard the Event was FANTABULOUS!!!!

Maybe next year!

UniqueRM purchase

I was in a "Wanna Trade?" chat room on Etsy back in January. I was looking for a checkbook cover-one that had a flap in it because I have duplicate checks. I randomly asked if anyone made "such a critter" and UniqueRM said she could make me one

I checked out her shop http://UnqueRM.etsy.com

She had wonderful totes! And blankets! Her fabrics are awesome! She makes some awesome things!!!!

Ooooo--a section for checkbook covers!

"Delightful!" I thought as a smile broke out on my face!

I was particularly drawn to a purple paisley fabric but she did not have the style of checkbook cover I wanted so I asked if she could make one in that fabric.

Now remember, we are in a chat room. If you have ever been in a chat room you know that it can be mass confusion. Comments are flying everywhere! It is like trying to talk to someone about being a bridesmaid in their wedding, while you are trying to serve birthday cake to a room full of kids and you are holding a balloon bouquet, and a puppy all at the same time!!!!

UniqueRm was attentive and spoke to me directly amongst the confusion, understood my wishes, and told me that within the week she would list it for me!

True to her word, she listed it!
Here's the listing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20249135

Three days later in the mail, I received my "Made Just For Me Purple Paisley Checkbook Cover With A Duplicate Flap"! It was EXACTLY as I pictured it to be! It even had a loop to hold my pen! Perfect, just perfect!!!!

I was and AM altogether pleased!!!!! Of course she got POSITIVE FEEDBACK!

I WANT TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT:

**ahem-ahem-ahem-pfumph-pfumph-pfumph(me tapping on the microphone)***

I have decided to blog about my Etsy purchases. I intend to write about the whys, hows, and whats of my purchases, my experience in dealing with the seller, my joy and (hopefully not) my sorrow upon receiving my purchase. I will post a link to your shop and the item I purchased from you. In doing so I am hoping that you will benefit along with me.

So.......if you have sold or traded with me--watch my blog--you might be there soon! I will be adding to my blog daily until I catch up to my current purchases. I am waiting to leave feedback on 7 items! I am not telling you how many purchases I've made

Marketing Experiment: Etsy Showcase VS ETC First Monday Event

I decided to do an experiment. I decided to purchase an Etsy Showcase. I heard pros and cons to the Showcases. The biggest con being why market to fellow Etsy-ians? The pros--exposure!

So after reading the how to's, I committed to buy. Which Showcase to join? I choose the Ceramic & Pottery Showcase as I am known as a Polymer Clay Artist who also has expertise in Jewelry Making, Excellent Quality, and Superior Customer Service.

Now......to the choice of the Day to have my Showcase. I looked at all the options. I figured that it would be best to have the Showcase on a Saturday--most people were home and would be on the computer. Also, I would choose a day that had the least amount of spots open as that would be indicative of a good day -- it must be good day 'cause more people chose that day for their Showcase.

After seeing my results, I realized that my thought processes were wrong and the results were disappointing:
Craftcult.com(majaba): increased item views by 71; hearts increased by 2
Google Analytics: 38 visits; 77 page or items views -- 20 were direct visits; 8 were from Etsy Finds; 3 from Google; 2 from Facebook; the rest were single visits from various other sites.
No (0) sales.

While I did have an increased views to my items, my investment of $7.00 cost me 9 cents per view. In my research, I have discovered that the weekends are NOT good days for web marketing, as it is the time most people are doing chores or family things and shopping/surfing the web is not a priority. The highest web shopping occurs on Mondays, followed closely by Fridays. I also suggest not buying a Showcase that is close to being full. As I saw a few of my items in the rotation, I tend to believe that if there were fewer Shops in the Showcase, the rotation rate would be faster and my items would have had more exposure.

It is interesting to note that ETC First Monday Sale had very different results and cost me nothing more than time--13 posts over 12 hour period in which I actively participated in the First Monday Thread.
Craftcult.com(majaba): increased item views by 7; hearts increased by 2; and item hearts increased by 3
Google Analytics: 40 visits; 112 page or items views --12 were direct visits; 6 were from Etsy Finds; 3 from Google; 6 from Facebook; the rest were 2 visits from various other sites.
One (1) sale. (yay!)

Conclusion: Even though my results are relatively the same for my Etsy Showcase and ETC First Monday Sale Event, the fact is First Monday was a better investment because I had sale. And that's what it is all about!

I have also noted an increase in exposure and visits from sending my promo items to the ETC Promo Swap, Sew Crafty Event in Houston, Funky Finds in Fort Worth and The Little Black Box. I did not physically have a booth at any of these events--I only mailed my promo items to them! All of these events occurred in the last six(6) week. During this time, I have had 453 visits and 1,123 items view. In this six(6) week period, I have had 13 sales. I was averaging 5 sales a month prior to my marketing efforts.

I cannot retire on the profits from my Etsy shop (***sigh***), however, I am pleased with my efforts. Marketing is hard. It involves alot of work. However, if not done, how will you drive people to your shop in order to make sales?

Marketing is the tool to increased exposure and SALES!!!!

Weed Whackers Are EVIL!

ENOUGH SAID!!!!

Funeral Services will be in the side yard at noon!