Archive for September, 2008
Sep
If you missed it, Go to Great Panes offers a great tutorial on using Lets Ets to create a google base upload file of all your etsy store items. A must read for etsy shop owners wanting an extremely easy way to upload their shop contents into Google base.
I thought I’d share a few things I’ve learned about optimizing your item descriptions to achieve more hits in Google base.
Many shop owners use, ahem, creative titles for their items (Shiny raises hand…me!). For example, I have The Ostentation Necklace or Orange Marmalade Earrings. I guarantee that google searchers are NOT looking for handmade peacock pearl necklaces by utilizing OSTENTATION in their search string. LOL. Using creative titles is probably still a good thing in our shops as the artistic names better represent works of art instead of craft ephemera. Ok, so, if we WANT our items to appear in google searches but our item titles aren’t examples of good search word components, what do we do? In addition to the item title, the first sentence in your listing description is also used in google search results.
Utilize probable search terms as the very first sentence in your listing description. For instance, my ostentation necklace description’s first sentence is : “Artisan Handmade Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Black Peacock Pearl Pendant Necklace”and my Orange Marmalade earrings?: ”Artisan Handmade Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings with Carnelian stone beads”So, I tested this with google base and it really works. As etsy’s category search is complicated, results are haphazard and overall performance is SLOW, etsy shop owners need to utilize every resource to bring more potential buyers to their shops. Utilizing Google base and tweaking our items so they have a better chance of being found is easy and free.
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Sep
Suzanne from Bliss Candles has featured my artisan handmade jewelry on her blog. You can check out the profile here
thanks Suzanne!
artisan handmade bead and wire wrapped jewelry shop on etsy
handmade jewelry bl
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Sep
International shipping can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to remember to simplify your international shipping task. It’s really very easy to ship internationally. I understand completely the hesitation, but I have to say that it was the smartest thing I’ve done. Without offering international shipping, I would have cut my sales in half.
* Invest in a postal scale. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive, or even a digital one. I went to Office Depot and bought an old-style, non-digital 2 lb postal scale for $15.00. It’s been dead-on every time. You can also find good deals on digital postal scales on ebay.
* Weigh your items INSIDE the packaging you intend to use. This includes the bubble wrap, thank you note cards, address labels, everything. This will give you a better idea of how much each package weighs, and what the range in weight is. This should help in setting your international shipping charges.
* Research shipping costs. The cheapest way to send anything is to use USPS, assuming that your items aren’t huge, super-heavy, or weird-shaped. Go online to www.usps.com, plug in different weights, choose a couple different destinations, and see what the costs are. I ship everything First Class and First Class international. Don’t let the postal worker try to talk you into doing Global Priority or Express – it’s their job to up-sell; First Class International is generally the least expensive option. It is about $0.92 cents per ounce to international destinations (that price does vary), but that equals about $3.00 for a 3 ounce package. If your items are heavier and cannot go First Class International, quote the actual shipping cost and let the buyer decide. You may be surprised and ship the item regardless of the higher cost. Note that insurance or tracking is NOT available with First class International. You can find shipping calculations by international zone here http://www.usps.com/prices/first-class-mail-international-prices.htm#cz
* Get a stack of First Class Customs forms from the post office or you can find downloadable customs forms here https://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/ You need to use PS Form 2976. I think the idea of a customs form throws a lot of people off, but it shouldn’t. The form asks for basic information, like your name and address, the ship to name and address, the weight of the package, the cost of what’s in it (Use the price you’ve charged for your item, not YOUR cost), and what is in it. That’s all. So, get a stack of them, and keep them next to your shipping supplies; this way you can fill out the form at home and save time at the post office. Do NOT falsify the customs form, such as stating ‘gift’ when it is a purchase. CUSTOMS DOES NOT PROVIDE TRACKING. Unless your package is shipped in one of the priority groups it can not be tracked if lost. Shipping priority does however, give you insurance at no extra cost. Flat rate priority is excluded. See details here. http://www.usps.com/international/intlspecialservices.htm.
* International packages have to be taken to the post office if they weigh more than 13 oz and have postage stamps on them . (From the USPS web site “Domestic and international mailpieces that weigh 13 ounces or less, with postage stamps affixed, can be dropped in a blue collection box, or handed to your letter carrier. Mailpieces that weigh more than 13 ounces, with postage stamps affixed, must be handed to a Retail associate at your local Post Office.” )
There are online, print-at-home mail services that include the customs form in their postage label (PayPal Shipping is NOT one of those services), but those are monthly subscriptions and you have to pay a fee to use them. If you ship a large amount of items, it might be worth it to use a third party postage service (like stamps.com or endicia.com) These sites charge a small membership fee, but you can insure 1st class US postal service package for a small amount, like $1 or so. Both services allow you to print First Class international postage from home. Print the mailing address and your return address in all CAPITAL LETTERS especially when shipping to Canada.(Note: Fedex, UPS, etc. need a broker to clear customs. The broker costs are passed on to the package recipient. If possible, always ship USPS, as it does not require a broker. )
* When you send any International package, I would highly recommend that you invest a bit more time in the wrapping and cushioning your items. Don’t use recycled food boxes. Some countries disallow entry due to food bourne disease fears. Keep in mind the distance that it’ll be traveling…
* Make sure you communicate with your international buyer about their local custom restrictions. You can find more information about that here http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immctry.htm . I’d recommend adding some details around your international mailing policies in your shop policy statement. I have something to the effect that local customs are the buyer’s responsibility, etc. You should send an email note to your buyer once the item has been mailed.
Can you think of any other tips?
(Special thanks to Brandi of CatiesBlue, Nicole of Beadwright and Deb of Crysalliscreations for their suggestions and content in this post. You guys ROCK!)
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Sep
I’ve met many very very talented artists on etsy in the teams that I belong. I’ll be highlighting some of them in the coming weeks on my blog.
Today’s etsy artist profile belongs to Jill of Liv’nGood Jewelry , a talented fellow Jewelry on Etsy Team member.
Etsy shop name: Liv’nGood Jewelry
Name: Jill Liles
Blog: Liv’nGood Jewelry on Googlepages
Your tuts or informational articles you would like to share: I’m teaching a chainmaking class in October
Location: Fuquay-Varina, NC
What are your jewelry beginnings? Where did you start and how did you progress to work you are creating today?
I took a basic beading class last November, bought a few magazines for ideas. In one of them I saw an ad for chainmaille, so I bought a kit and got hooked.
What are your favorite materials?
Sterling silver & semi-precious stones
What inspires you?
Other artists, staring at my box of pieces until something hits me
How do you describe your design style?
Modern classics - I like streamlined, minimal color pallettes, my jewelry pieces are chunky and noticeable
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Hone your skill before you try to sell – my first pieces will never see the light of day
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
working, reading, promoting my store
Where have you been published or profiled?
I have profiles coming up on the Chainmaillers Guild and NC Triangle street team blogs
You can find much more of Jill’s work at her flickr pool here
Stay tuned in upcoming weeks for more talented etsy artist profiles from my JET and ABS team members.
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Sep
Artisan handmade beaded wire wrapped hot pink lampwork pendant necklace and handmade beaded hot pink lampwork dangle earrings
Seriously striking hot hot hot pink boro lampwork beads that are drool worthy. I love color and this shade of pink just makes me happy.
The boro lampwork beads are the work of a very talented etsy lampwork artist. I also used several pink tourmaline rondelles on the earrings and on the pendant. The sterling silver bead caps and ear wires were made by me. All other components are sterling silver too, including the snake chain.
I am in love with these beads. One of the very favorite sets of lampwork beads I have purchased so far. The colors are rich and wild and textured. Just lovely. I envy the artists that are able to create them.
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Sep
Remember preppies? Argyle? Icons? Stripes? Polka dots? Ribbon belts? Top siders? Plaids? Pink and green and the 80s? Its an easily identifiable style, and this color combo really brings me back.
The artisan handmade wire wrapped bangle uses sterling silver wire and several sizes of pink and green unakite stones. The artisan handmade ring utilizes the same materials. (Click here for a ring size chart)
According to wikipedia unakite was “first discovered in the United States in the Unakas mountains of North Carolina. Unakite is an altered granite composed of pink orthoclase feldspar, green epidote, and generally clear quartz. It exists in various shades of green and pink and is usually mottled in appearance.” Good quality unakite is considered a semiprecious stone.
Both are available in my shop.
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Sep
Brandi, from Caties Blue, has added my profile to her blog. You may recall that I profiled her on my blog a bit back here
Here’s a link to the new profile:
http://brandi-girl.blogspot.com/2008/09/thisrocksmysocks-interview.html
thanks Brandi!
You rock!
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Sep
I’m a geek. Those of you that know me will agree, right? One of the etsy street teams I belonged to had a challenge of sorts and this was my entry into that week’s challenge. A wire wrapped DNA double helix of sterling silver and lots of gemstones. With no solder. Yea. What was I thinking? 
A perfect geek necklace.
I used all sterling components, as well as peridot, garnet, tourmaline and carnelian to form my interpretation of the adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine base pairs.
This particular necklace was featured in the BeadTrends article I blogged about in an earlier post.
Its on hiatus from my shop, but should be posted again in the next couple of weeks.
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Sep
My jewelry journey continues with more pearls.. this time as rings. Formal and informal at the same time and this time in colors other than white. (Click here for a ring size chart)
They coordinate nicely with the pearl cluster necklaces I’ve already shared, or will pair nicely with your existing pearl jewelry.
Similar styles in different pearl shades are available in my online shop.
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Sep
I’ve met many very very talented artists on etsy in the teams that I belong. I’ll be highlighting some of them in the coming weeks on my blog.
Today’s etsy artist profile belongs to Brenda of The Jewelry Box, a talented fellow Etsy Artisan Beaders Street Team member.
Brenda says “When you open a jewelry box, you find an assortment of gems, jewels, and special keepsakes. That’s what you will find in my shop…a jewelry box filled with gems and jewels inviting you in to take them home and cherish them forever. 
I find inspiration in all kinds of ways…a certain color might catch my eye or whatever the season is or maybe some cool idea just popped in my head. I like to create different styles using an array of materials, such as, gemstones, crystals, sterling silver, antique copper. I like to experiment with colors, lengths, and styles too. ”
Etsy shop name: The Jewelry Box
Name: Brenda Smith
Blog: Brenda’s Jewelry Box
Currently, I am one of the authors for the Artisan Beaders Street Team’s blog. You can find my “Feature Friday” section featuring member’s new items from their Etsy shops every Friday.
What are your jewelry beginnings? Where did you start and how did you progress to work you are creating today?
I began my beading adventure when my Mom gave me some containers filled with beads, findings, and supplies. It was 2006 and getting close to Christmas, and money was tight. So, I got out the containers, dusted them off, and created earrings as Christmas gifts. I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve practiced, learned techniques, made new friends, gotten involved with 2 Etsy street teams, and all of this has played a huge part with the jewelry I make today.
What is your favorite material?
I love to work with all kinds of beads, such as, all gemstones, crystals, lampwork, pendants, chain, and wire.
What inspires you?
Everything inspires me! From the way I’m feeling to the different colors of all the seasons. Sometimes and idea will pop into my head, and I end up creating something totally different. I’ll see a bouquet of flowers and think of putting those colors together into a piece. It just depends on the day and what it brings.
How do you describe your design style?
II would say eclectic and feminine. My jewelry pieces are all over the place. That’s how I came up with my Etsy shop name. You find different styles of jewelry in jewelry boxes, and that fits my style perfectly.
What artists have influenced you, and how?
I feel the artisans I’ve come to know on my Etsy street teams are my biggest influences. They keep me going and in their subtle ways, they support me, and push me to try new things. My husband is artistic, and he influences me everyday with his support.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Never underestimate yourself or your talent for your craft. Regardless of lack of money or a disability (such as myself) learn, explore, participate, volunteer, and do what makes you happy.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
This is a tough question, cause I’m always creating and/or always focusing on goals for my jewelry business. I like to watch certain tv programs, play with my pets, and write in my journal. I like hanging out with my husband going to yard sales, thrift shops, and just recently, going camping.
Where have you been published or profiled?
I’ve been in many Etsy treasuries.
I was interviewed by catiesblue on her “Knock my Socks Off” blog.
On September 13th, I will be doing my very first craft show in Spokane, WA, called, “2nd Saturdays Craft Fair.” I’m really excited to be participating in the kickoff of this craft fair!
On September 19th, I will be profiled on roseworksjewelry.wordpress.com, along with skwigglekreationz.com.
I will be published in the January 2009 issue of “Bead Trends” magazine. They will feature one of my necklaces and will include instructions with it. I’m really excited about it! A first of hopefully more to come. You can find much more of Brenda’s work at her flickr pool hereStay tuned in upcoming weeks for more talented etsy artist profiles from my JET and ABS team members.
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