100th sale!

So today at 1:09pm, I made my 100th sale! **Yay me!**

So, as promised, I did a drawing for a $15 graphic giveaway for sales 76-100!

The winner? beccahacom on etsy! woot! woot! gotta let us know what you want beccah!

another great big thanks for being my 100th sale to heartstringdesigns1!

thanks for supporting my shop! the next giveaway will probably be at 150 sales!

Featured Seller! LathersbyLinds

For Father's Day, I ordered Lindsay's manly beer soap. I decided that I just had to get some for myself too! It is sooooo great! All of her soaps are cold process and smell fantastic!
Some questions by me and answers by lindsay

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join?
I actually just stumbled upon etsy one day a year, 2 years ago maybe, while surfing Livejournal communities like Craftgrrl and seeing the stuff people were making (and where they sold it.) I then joined to buy items, and it was only until 5 months ago that I decided I needed to make soap and sell it! What is your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my favorite foods, scents, flowers, and objects in nature. My boyfriend, friends, and customers help me out a LOT with scent or color combo suggestions all the time. But to be honest? I crank the local dance radio station and bounce around the kitchen while I'm making soaps!

Do you have another job? How do you balance your "real job" and your Etsy shop?
I actually do have another job! I'm the drive-thru girl at the local Taco Time! (Not taco bell!!) I work a combonation of early mornings (8-4) where I open and make taco shells, fresh salsas, and other yummy stuff! Or, I close the store in the evening (5-11pm) My job is actually really fun, and we're owned by a great guy instead of a big corporation.

When did you start to craft?
I started crafting in Girl Scouts! :D I'm a proud member, and started when I was a wee Daisy! We made candles, soaps, and tons of other crafts. It really opened my creative doors, and i started crafting in my time at home. My mother taught me how to crochet when I was 10, and I got my first sewing maching for my 14th birthday. I also learned how to knit at the age of 15, but soap making always stood out as my personal favorite. I had a melt & pour soap "company" when i was 12, but stopped making soaps until after i turned 18 and could deal with the "dangerous stuff" without my mom's permission ;)

What market is your shop geared towards?
My etsy shop is geared to anyone who wants to be clean! ;) Of course, but i do make a lot of very feminine scents. I find that usually mothers who could use a nice soothing bath love using my soaps, as well as younger women who love the yummy smelling scents, and kids as well. My boyfriend is definately my biggest fan though.. I have to tell him not to lick them!

Words of Wisdom or advice?
Always offer a helping hand! NEVER bring your internal business issues to the public, especially transaction info. Karma is always coming around, so be aware of how you behave! Don't lick the soap!

We love your shop, where else can we find you?
I can be found in a few places!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lathersbylinds
blogspot: http://lathersbylinds.blogspot.com
facebook: http://tinyurl.com/or2ogj

LathersbyLinds is offering a promotion where you can enter the code "JULYBLOGG" in the notes to seller section during checkout and receive a free gift with purchase! (This might be a bar of soap, lotion, bath fizzies. It's a surprise!)

Cupcake Finds

Here is a selection of cute cupcake finds. This morning I really, really (REALLY) felt like a cupcake, so I figured a picture one might have to do.

just the tops (of the the cupcakes) by tinetemptations
set of 3 cupcake clippies by charity5
polka dot cupcake cozzie can koozie by partypoofers
berrylicious cupcake purse-let by arkitekonika



XXXXXXXXX,
Nicole

Panda Finds

I was staring at my screen. haha. and i was trying to think of what to look for, so I came across my random decision: pandas. here are the makers of these fine items :D :

Panda Bear Hand carved Stamp-cupcaketree
Me and My Panda Original Painting- danitashop
Panda Bottle Cap- rubymtnbeads
Adjustable Scrabble Tile Panda Face Ring- steppie



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Nicole

MMMMMMmmmmmm....Vegan candies by SweetFritsy on Etsy!

I was browsing Etsy for some sweet treats, and came across some Vegan Cheesecake Chocolates. I am not a fan of cheesecake, but my sister is hooked, so these caught my eye. Everything in this shop is VEGAN! So everyone can enjoy these goodies! SweetFritsy has chocolates, cookies, fondant toppers, cupcakes, muffins, brownies, nuts, and more! I may just have to order something! ;D http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7143500

Purple Sentiments Treasury

Another treasury! I really like this one! My favorites? First up is the Purple Polka Dot Hello greeting card made by lavendergreetings. In my opinion, the fact that it simply says "Hello", is sorta funny. (maybe a little bit? :?) Check out lavendergreetings; they have 25% off during the month of July! **Nicole cheers in the background**

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6370517
Next are the Violet Elephant Postcards by krearivekelors. As some may know, the elephant is pretty high up there on my "favorite animals list". Check out "Notes and Sorts" on Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5478785
My final pick is the Violet Wedding Cake- Handmade Greeting Card by matdi123. I just love the adorable cake embelishment! Be sure to take a peek at "Not Your Everyday Cards" by matdi123- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5596958

A final thanks to EnchantedQuilting for making this fabulous treasury!


Be sure to click and comment on this treasury!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=69458



Hugs,
Nicole

Elephunk's Trunk Guide to Beginner's Product Photography

The great Elephunk's Trunk has written a tutorial on how to take great pictures of your products! Here it is:
Step One: Find the Macro setting on your digital camera. This is essential if you sell jewelry or any other small items, and very useful for taking close-ups of details on larger items. Using the Macro setting on the camera will put your item in focus and the background out of focus. Depending on the size of the item and the angle you shoot, you can get part of the item in focus and part out of focus. The icon for macro looks like a little flower.

Step Two: Find good lighting. Most people recommend indirect sunlight. I take all my photos outside on my porch which is always shaded. Early morning or late evening light works really well. Whatever you do, do not use a flash. It will wash out your colors and reflect oddly off your product. If natural light is not an option for you, you can make a light box. I haven't actually tried that yet, but lots of people swear by it.

Step Three: Find an uncluttered background. Interesting backgrounds are great, but only if they don't draw away from the item. If you take a picture of your earrings hanging off a sunflower that stands tall in a field full of crows, it might make an interesting picture. But if I glance at the photo and can't figure out what you are selling, or can't see the earrings clearly, I won't buy them. This is the part I struggle with the most, and the focus of most of the photo critiques I get. For my hats, I usually let the wooden planks form the background. For my purses and haircombs that I don't want to put on the ground to photograph, I keep a large white piece of plastic handy. Also, think about how your photos will look in list view--the thumbnails are tiny! You want to make sure your item stands out.

Now, take the picture! Good luck all and a HUGE thanks to Elephunk's Trunk! You are so awesome (and so are your pictures!).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://elephunkstrunk.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6936170

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Nicole

NEW: Advertising Oppertunity on my Blog!

I decided to offer advertising on my blog! Price includes a 125x125 (pixel) space, but email me for more size options. This is a one image design, meaning it will not flash! NOT A GIF! If you would like it to flash/be a gif, please email me. If you have the design, just email it to me and I will code it. If you would like me to design the ad for you, you must select that option, and then I will email you regarding the design. My designs come with unlimited revisions. Even if you provide the design, I will still contact you and ask you where you would like the ad to link to. So, when someone clicks on your ad, it will bring them to your Etsy shop, blog, website, etc. Please email me or post a comment should you have ANY questions.

My Email-customqueen.etsy@gmail.com


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Nicole

Weekly Featured Seller: CreatedbyJulia

I first met Julia in the fs chat room. I was browsing through her shop, and really loved her work! So, I asked if she would like to be featured on my blog, and she accepted! Here is the interview

How did you hear about Etsy and when did you start?
My friends and family have always tried to convince me to start selling my jewelry online, but I always thought that it would not sell. Eventually, I found Etsy and I thought that it was the perfect place to sell my jewelry. I only started my store a few weeks ago, so everything is new to me. But I have sold two piece of jewelry- which is encouraging.
What is your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the colors, textures, shapes and designs around me. Most of the time my jumping off point is the beads that I use. I try to find beads that are one of a kind. The coolest beads I have come from a bead store called the Bead House in Bristol, RI. I love their beads because they have unique colors and shapes and (I know this sounds weird) the beads have their own personality.
Do you have another job? How do you balance that and your Etsy shop?
I do not have a job, but I am still in school. So, once school starts I will have to learn how to balance between my Etsy life and my school life.
When did you start to craft?
I started making jewelry about 5 or 6 years ago. My parents gave me a jewelry kit and I remember loving it instantaneously.
What market is your shop geared towards?
Since I just started a few weeks ago, I am not exactly sure what market my jewelry is geared towards. However, I feel like that my market is for the everyday women.
Words of Wisdom from Julia:
My “words of wisdom” are to PROMOTE! I know that this advice is reiterated over and over again, but I feel that it is the most helpful piece of advice. Get yourself and your product out there- there is no harm in trying!
Love your shop! Where else can we find you?
Right now the only other place to follow me is on twitter, but I am hoping to start up a facebook account or my own blog. I will keep you informed :)

BrownBagBathBars! Another gift for my sister!

Lately, I have been buying a lot of gifts for my sister's upcoming birthday! She is my "little girl" and I buy her gifts on a weekly basis, so for her birthday, I am somewhat obliged to go all out! So, here I am, just blogging about another one of my faves that I bought for her- a flower power custom pampering set from brownbagbathbars (on etsy)! Merith went all out to make sure I had the perfect present! What I got was a super cute canister with flowers on it. That was filled with 3 flower soaps that were scented with banana (yellow), grape (purple), and strawberry (pink). It was garnished with bath confetti and crinkle paper. Next, I got the cutest felt bag (with flower and rhinestone applique) filled with some mini flower soaps. Finally, I got a pedi kit! There was the cutest flower sponge/scrubbie, a mini foot brush, a nail file, toe spacers, and two pink nail polishes! Merith was SO accomidating and went out to find everything to make sure everything coordinate and matched! I LOVE IT! The only bad thing is that I have to wait until the end of August to give it to her! :C If you haven't already, please check out http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7240808



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Nicole




Picture Credit: brownbagbathbars

KatieOswaldOriginals=Awesome Artist!

So for my sister's birthday, I got her a mini canvas painting from KatieOswaldOriginals (on etsy). It is so super awesome that I just had to write about it! Katie took my totally jumbled ideas, and turned them out as a creative, beautiful, and fun gift for my sister! (YAY!) Isn't it amazing? Thank you so much Katie! You're awesome! Check out her shop- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6178914

Picture Credit: KatieOswaldOriginals

50th Sale Giveaway!

WOOOOOOOOO! I am SOOOO excited! I reached my 50th Etsy sale today! Thank you so much to everyone who has bought from my shop! As a thank you, I am holding a giveaway! (yay!) But, I don't know what to give away or how to do it. Well, I know how, but I want a really good idea! If you have any ideas, PLEASE post them here as a comment! Thanks so much!



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Nicole

Stuffed! Treasury

I just can't stay away from the Etsy Treasury section, so you may be seeing a bunch of treasuries posted here! I love the Stuffed! Treasure! Super cute! My favorites? I'm gonna have to start with Lewis the Sleeping Owl! So adorable! My compliments go out to plantsandanimals for this one- I wish I could sew! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5057795 My next fave would have to be the Miniature Needle Felted Elephant by moxiemittens! I chose this one next because I have an elephant just like it from when I was a kid! It was (and may still be) my most cherished childhood memory! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6837396 For my last pick, I am going to go with the Watermelon Deer Plush! Etsy's forthewhiterabit makes this one, and they have it in many other color combos! I don't know what it is about this plushie, it just is so eye catching and I keep going back to it! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5042929 These etsy sellers are so admirable to me because I have always wanted to sew, but I just cant do it! Another great big thanks to KimsCraftyApple for making this treasury!


Come back soon,
Nicole
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VIOLET Treasury On Etsy

This morning I was browsing the treasuries, and came across a really nice one! I have been wanting to post a really nice treasury here, but haven't found one that I love- until now! My favorites from my favorite treasury? The All About a Violet BOW Clutch Bag is definitely in my top! (probably number one!) This bag is made by Davie and Chiyo. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6822069 You have GOT to check this shop out! I also really like the Mother and Daughter Mosaic Eggs- mixed purples. I love the blend of different shades of purples. GORGEOUS! These eggs are made by Sigmosaics and I am looking at their shop now of their pieces have an awesome blend of the, a lot different shades of a color! Another one on my top! Check out this shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6256840 My last fave. would have to be the Egplant Dot Ring! I love the simple elegance style of the ring! This ring is made by the amazing Tre Anelli. She has a really nice shop with very affordable jewelry! Take a look- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5378226

Finally, a great big thanks to Etsy's yukabyguliz who created the VIOLET treasury! Yukaby also has a great shop with beautiful pieces! Hope you enjoyed reading my first treasury review!


XXXXXXX,
Nicole

PIF Special In My Etsy Shop

Today, I bought a few PIF items from different shops. So, I am forwarding the kindness of PIYs and posting a few in my shop! I only have one posted now, and it is a mystery PIF, but I will be posting more soon! What is a PIF? It stands for Pay it Forward, or Pass it Forward (different people call it different things). You list the item and only charge $.20 and the shipping fee. The $.20 covers the listing fee and the shipping fees. If you wish, you may charge a bit extra for your time and cost of the materials. Although, if the item is much over $1.00, it breaks the whole spirit of the PIF. I challenge you to post at least one PIF item in your shop! Your item can be destash beads, an imperfect item (just make sure you note that so you don't have any angry buyers), a jewelry piece you make with destash beads, or just things you make for fun! The more the merrier! Spread the love! Please post a comment here if you post a PIF!


Thanks and I hope to see the PIF love soon,
Nicole
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AFTERTHOUGHT ALERT! IF YOU WANT TO POST A PIF ITEM IN YOUR SHOP, I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A FREE PIf PICTURE LIKE THE ONE ON THE LEFT! IT CAN BE IN YOUR SHOP COLORS, WITH YOUR CHOICE OF DESIGN, WITH YOUR LOGO, AND WITH YOUR WORDING...ALL FOR FREE IN THE SPIRIT OF PIF! JUST LEAVE A POST HERE IF YOU WANT ONE!

How to Create a New Post on Your Blog

The third post in my series of "How To: for your blog". This one is about how to create a post! Posting is the most important thing you need to do for your blog. Without posts, there is no blog!
1) At the top of your blog page (if you're logged in), you will see a link that says "New Post". Click on that.
2) In the title section, give your post a title.
3) Type the body of your post into the main section.
4) Label/tag your post. (I will post soon about tagging to get views).
5) Click the orange button at the bottom that says "PUBLISH POST".

YAY! YOUR POST SHOULD NOW BE POSTED!



XXXXXXX,
Nicole

I Caved

So this morning, on the radio, they were talking about all these businesses on Twitter and how it is helping with free publicity. I finally caved and said "OK...I guess I'm getting myself a Twitter! I still don't get the point- I mean, why do people care what you're doing? And I don't really have the time to update my page every single time I change what I am doing- but I'll try my best! So, I'd love it if you would follow me! Feel free to post your twitter page as a comment...I would be happy to follow you too!



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Nicole

How to Change Your Blog Template

This is pretty simple, and will make your blog look great! Some like the simplicity of the blogger templates blogger supplies, but pyzam.com has some pretty awesome ones!
1) Go to pyzam.com and find a template you want for your blog.
2) Under the picture of the template, there is a link that says "Get The Code". Click on that.
3) Now, highlight and copy the code.
4) Go to your blog and log in. If it does not automatically bring you to your Dashboard, go there.
5) Click on the link that says "Layout".
6) Under the "Layout" subtitle bar, click on "Edit HTML".
7) Highlight and delete your old template code.
8) Paste your new code into the box.
9) Finally, click "Save Template".

Most of the time, a warning will come up saying that uploading your new template will delete your gadgets. To get them back, follow these steps (starting at your Dashboard).

1) Click on "Layout".
2) On the right of the blog outline, find and click on "Add a Gadget".
3) Search through the list of gadgets until you find the ones you would like to put up.

If you have more than one gadget, you will need to repeat this a few times.


Good luck!

XXXXXXX,
Nicole

The Shabby Shop On Etsy

Recently, I ordered some tea lights from "The Shabby Shop" on Etsy to put in with my orders! I have nothing but good things to say about these candles! They smell awesome, are packaged so nicely, and look great! Tina (The Shabby Shop) is super sweet, responsive, and makes an amazing candle! You have got to check this shop out! Many candles I have bought don't have the powerful scent they promise, but The Shabby Shop's candles are just the right balance of powerful and subtle! I burned one in my house today and my whole area smelt great! (and it looked really nice in my new yankee candle tea light contraption). Although I have never ordered one, Tina makes some really tasty looking faux cupcakes! So cute you could just it them up! ;D I would never hesitate to order from this shop!

How to Start a Blog on Blogger

Lately, in the Etsy chats many have said "I don't know how to blog". So, I thought I would write a tutorial about creating a blog on google's blog hosting site- blogspot.com.
1) Go to blogspot.com
2) Click the rectangular orange button that says "CREATE A BLOG".
3) Now, you will have to create a blogger account. Enter all the fields and click "Continue". Make sure that you read and accept the terms of service.
4) Pick a name for your blog and your blog's web address.
5) Next, you will have to choose a premade blogger template. This can be changed later.
6) CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE NOW CREATED YOUR BLOG! Click on the "START BLOGGING" arrow!

Soon, I will be posting more tutorials on how to change your blogs templates, how to tag, how to post, and more! If there is anything specifically you would like me to post about, just add a comment here and I will do my best!


XXXXX,
Nicole