All of My Eggs in One Basket

Lately it's been really slow on Etsy, and I've even done some tests with my listings to see if it would make a difference. Nada! So it's really got me thinking about having all of my eggs in one basket. I've started to list more on ShopHandmade (the picture above is a pair that I just listed their last night). I've had views there, but no sales yet. I figure I'll probably be listing about 2 items a day or every other day there to fill up my store. They're still in their Beta testing period, so I know that it will probably be awhile before things start taking off there, but it's exciting to think that my shop is part of an innovative online venue.

I often wonder how some of the older (sellers who've been there for years) artisan jewelers are doing? Are they selling as often as they used to? If not, do they think it's because the jewelry side of it is so flooded? Or, do they think it's because of the economy? I personally feel that people are afraid to part with their money right now...and believe me I completely understand! I no longer purchase items that aren't necessary....or aren't needed. I'm fortunate though because "jewelry" is my second job, I can hold out until the economy improves, but I really feel for those that depend on this for a source of income.

I'm not giving up on Etsy, I love that site, it's been very good to me, but right now I just want to test the waters with other venues. Really you have nothing to lose listing on Shophandmade because it's completely free.

New Packaging

Yay...I finally got my new gift boxes!! It was a really tough choice personally to change from handmade gift boxes to these kraft boxes because I loved that little extra personal touch. BUT...economically speaking this was a much better way to go. The handmade gift boxes cost $2 each to make not including ribbon, organza bag, plastic storage baggy, tags, etc. These boxes work out to be .17 cents per box again not including the extras but it works out to be more financially feasible. Plus...these can be sent in a bubble mailer first class. With my previous handmade boxes I shipped Priority Mail, but then again this is something that I can consistantly do during the year that won't hurt the bottom line.

For the holidays though, I will be doing a shipping special that will consist of free Priority Mail shipping. I will also be doing SNS's (Saturday Night Sales/Specials) for discounts during this time as well. Once I've got the details I will post it here!

New Earrings and Charms

I made a bunch of different sizes of Organic Sterling Silver Hoops
plus some Hoop Charms to adorn them with. I also made myself a pair of the medium size one's and also some various charms for myself...love it! I even made an itty bitty pair to wear in my second piercing and I just left those plain today. The girls at work loved them and I have a feeling I'll need to start making a lot more.

The End

Well the end of Fall baseball anyways...and the last season my boys will be playing this league because this time next year they'll be in college. Hard to imagine...and I'm still adjusting to the thought of all the running around from game to game will be over. Who knows what their baseball fate will hold when it comes to college. The norm is that they will red shirt until their Junior year. Though they are aware of this, I hope it doesn't deflate their dreams of pursuing their love of this sport.

As far as I'm concerned I will be happy with whatever they choose to do with their lives. My only hope is that they end up working at a job that they love. Not many people are fortunate enough to do that...many of us work because we have to and are just thankful that we have the jobs that we do. With the economy the way it is...a lot of us don't have the luxury of choice when it comes to supporting ourselves or our families. I've got my fingers crossed that my children will have that luxury to choose to do what they love.

Stamps!

Yay...I got them today and quickly pulled out my tags and ink and started stamping away. I love my new logo and I can't wait to Trademark it. Hopefully next month :)

Chris from Avatarman did all of the hard work by turning the image into black and white line art. Chris is also the proud owner of two other shops Ideasign and Ideasigntattoos. He did a great job and I don't know what I would've done without him! Terbearco is the Etsy shop who makes these great stamps. Definitely check out all of their shops!

I'll be using the smaller stamp (used for the pictures above) for my earring cards and stamps. The larger stamp will be used for my kraft gift boxes. Those were just shipped to me yesterday so hopefully I'll receive them early next week. I'm using green ink and have purchased burgundy ribbon to tie off the packages....I'm so excited. I'll be sure to take pictures when I've received everything!

Kids and College

I think my boys have found a college that they want to attend. It's Pacific University...a private college. The picture above is of Marsh Hall...one of the residence halls ( I believe). It's only an hour away so I think that I can live with that :) It's a scary thought what this house will be like when they leave...even though they say they'll be home every weekend. We're going to make an appointment to visit the campus and talk with the baseball coach. With it being private...the campus is smaller and the student/professor ratio is much more conducive to learning. I've heard nothing but positive things about this school so I am excited to see what they have to offer.

The boys have finally come up with a back up plan to baseball. Chris will be majoring in Sports Therapy and minoring in History. Brandon wants to be a Speech Pathologist, and I'm not sure what courses are needed for that.

All of this is new to me, I didn't attend college, my parents didn't have the money and I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't take college courses until I was an adult, and those were very specific. I took courses through Gemological Institute of America and some health classes through PSU. So really nothing close to the extent of schooling the boys will receive...and I didn't have the drive that they do. I'm so very proud of them and I hope that they enjoy campus life....and the experience of college. I also hope my pocketbook will survive it...eek!

Finally!

After being sick since Friday I've finally got enough energy to make a couple of new earrings. I still have a cough but that's a lot better than the fever, stuffy head and all discombobulated (that's probably not how you spell it, but it sure describes how I felt) feeling!

I won't be anywhere near a computer tomorrow til late evening because my attorney and another gentleman who's putting a media presentation together for me will have me busy doing interviews and getting all of my photos ready for my upcoming arbitration in December. I can't wait to have all of this behind me. Though the back pain may always be there, at least all of the other baggage that comes from a hit and run accident will be over with. All I have to say is after 4 years I'm ready to move on to another phase in my life.

FINAL DAY!!

TODAY is the LAST day for The Spirited Autumn Event! So take advantage of the great discounts and special offers that the members of Etsy's Earthpath Artisans Street Team are offering in their shops.

Here's a link you can follow that will take you directly to the items that are listed: TSAE .




OR...just go to Etsy and type in TSAE in the search field.

Don't miss out on this sale!!

Last Chance!

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(¸.·´ (¸.·` This is the last weekend for The Spirited Autumn Event! Monday, October 6th is the final day to take advantage of the great discounts and special offers that the members of Etsy's Earthpath Artisans Street Team are offering in their shops. The event focuses on Fall Themed and Magical items, just in time for Halloween! Search Etsy using the TSAE tag to find participating items.

Another Autumn Necklace

Here's my newest listing I've named it MABON . The focal piece is the large Amber in a Sterling Silver leaf motif setting. Then I accented it with large Carnelian rondelles. I just love the Amber pendant!

I'm getting ready to make some more Goddess Adornment pendants and will list a few on both Etsy and ShopHandmade.com . Unfortunately I still haven't had the chance to list more items on ShopHandmade, but hopefully this weekend I'll have more items over there.