Finally!

Well after about 10 attempts at getting this glass bezel set without the design discoloring or air bubbles appearing I finally got one!

I love trying new things. I browse supply shops and see wonderful pieces I just have to try out. Sometimes I love working with them, sometimes I don't. Ergo....this will be an one of a kind piece in my shop! lol. I have a few more I will be making with different designs under the glass, but this is it for me.

But, as Franklin Roosevelt said "take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all try something." I wouldn't say it failed, but I am going to be moving on!

Featured

My Ring was featured on the Front Page of Etsy today, at least I think it was. It was included in the original treasury, but craftcult said it was an alternate ( I guess admin moved it) however, I received over 300 views and 17 hearts on it, so I'm pretty sure it was on there for at least a little while.

That made up for the weird weekend I've had. Ah well, this too will pass.

Adding to the Collection

From time to time I have shared with you little pieces of my salt and pepper collection. While I love the old I also embrace the kitchy and quirky new pieces that I find. I choose what speaks to me and, of course, those wonderful pieces I receive as gifts.

I was lucky enough this week to add two sets to my collection.

First, while trolling through an amazing and huge antique store near my house I came across this little pair. I was very excited because not only were they salt and pepper, they were also dogs, another one of my quirky little loves.

I don't believe this pair were ever used because one still had packing material inside. As you may be able to see in the picture, one of these had lost it's head in the past and had been crudely re-attached. I don't mind. I think it adds to it's charm.

This adorable second pair was a gift from my Mother. She knows just what I like! (hi mom!)

She spent the last two weeks on a cross country trip with her sisters. All the way from here in Houston to Portland, Maine, criss-crossing amish country, seeing the fall leaves, visiting lighthouses. And she was so sweet to pick up this endearing little lighthouse and it's adorable keeper. Thanks mom!

Tripple Threat

I am having one of those stuggle times where I just sit back and say "why can't I just make stuff? That should be good enough." Unfortunately, when we sell online it isn't that simple. We have to be a crafter, photographer and a writer.

First, great photos are a must. This is something I constantly am working on. When one of my items isn't getting the views and, most important sales I retake the photos with different lighting, positions and backgrounds.

Here is a wonderful collection of articles to help us all with our photography: http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/title/photographing-how-to/

Writing is also something we have to be good at. Coming up with titles can be a daunting task if you like the more creative titles. I do, and sometimes I just have to rely on the "sterling silver ring with ....." At the point I am listing the item I have photographed, edited, uploaded and now, I'm pooped. Any time I get writers block I go to this group of articles and get tips and help.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/title/writing-description/

A bright spot is that we belong to a great community of fellow artisans who are creative and can give a little help when we need it.

I would love some help naming my new ring (pictured above). It is a chunky ring with a jade green aventurine stone. The band is thick hammered sterling silver. (see? not too creative today)

Isn't Big, but Should Be.

We've all seen them, the shops on Etsy that have thousands of sales. Great product photos, interesting products, fantastic everything. We've also seen other shops with few sales but equally fantastic photos, products, and everything. In my mind I am always wondering what makes a shop soar while others, equally fantastic, seem to grow slowly?

In a new series of posts I am going to be highlighting shops that are small for whatever reason but deserve to be HUGE.

My first pick is none other than Burntmill Candles and Soaps at Burntmill.etsy.com. I have personally tried several of her soaps, plus a generous offering of samples I received with my purchase. These soaps are wonderful. The way she swirls the colors in her soaps makes them so interesting (and you should see them wet!) and the scents are wonderful. Not too strong but enough for a wonderful experience. My skin, which by the way is sensitive, loves them. It feels soft, conditioned and pampered.

(summer medley ~wonderful scent)

She has a mixture of cold process soaps as well as melt and pour. Both types are equally amazing in color, scent, lather and softness.

(jack frost vanilla mint)

For a sneak peek into what she is working on, what is coming in the future and even to add your input into names of new products check out her blog at http://burntmill.blogspot.com/

(new gnome candy garden)

Her talents aren't limited just to soaps. She also has a selection of bath bombs, candles and scented tarts. If her soap is any indication these products are amazing as well.

I have tried other soaps on etsy from the larger shops and I can honestly say that I prefer the soaps from Burntmill.

(rootbeer soap, yum!)

If you are looking for bath and body products for yourself or for gifts this holiday season, I highly recommend Burntmill.etsy.com.

(coconut lime, my favorite)

This is definately a shop that should be Big!

Marketing Strategy vs. Being Unique

I made these rings today and I am very pleased with how they turned out. While it wasn't my intent, after I created and paired them I realized how they could be considered a "twilight" item. The moonstone I understand is synonymous with Bella (apparently she wears one) and the garnet is such a gorgeous deep red ring that reminds me of blood, aka Edward.

While I love making these rings, one of our goals is to sell our items, right?

So the question is, do I market these as "Twilight" inspired to reach more buyers? I really don't like to do that but isn't that what marketing is all about? Appealing to the masses, and the bigger mass the better?

How do you feel about mass appeal vs. just offering your items as you made them?