Jewelry Store Update & Seasonal Transitions

     I started pulling out my jewelry supplies again around Christmas time, and this was about as far as I got. There is one tiny bracelet in limbo, but I am working on finding my corner of the house, or until we move to get my inspiration back. I've been focusing on my fashion blog, and it's basically all I think about right now. In the next month or two I will be moving, so there is hope we will get rid of a bunch of stuff, or find a larger home to hold everything. 

     In the meantime, I want to discuss what to expect on my Etsy shop in the next few months. I like to come up with a new store banner every season, or for holidays and sales. There are many websites that offer free banner templates. Just type "free banner templates" into Google, and you should be directed to an array of options. You can edit these templates in Paint or Gimp, or some other photo editor. 

     I'm also going to start thinking of having a sale in the next few weeks. The next few months after Christmas can be very slow for some shops, so it's a good idea to think of having some sort of promotion. I might take this time to try and clear out inventory so that I can start thinking of fresh new jewelry ideas. I use Etsy on Sale to host a sale, because it looks professional, and it's super easy. 

     I'll keep in touch with my plans, and start posting more advice and such. 

     Bless you!

Getting Ready for Christmas in July

Mushroom Pendant Necklace

OK, so Christmas in July is literally four or five days away, and I haven't even begun to get started. I have a good amount of items in my shop, so my best suggestion for all of the last minute people out there is to put your items on sale. This will allow your shop to gain some competitive edge. 

I really like the look of Etsy On Sale when cutting prices. It slashes the original price for you on the item widget, so shoppers will know the original price, and the new price. I also like to have the word "sale" on the item widget title. This way if anyone were searching for Etsy items on sale, your store will be located somewhere in their search. 

At first I was hesitant to use Etsy On Sale because you have to pay in order to use it. But since it's a business expense and looks professional, I don't mind the cost. And if you purchase the $25 credit bundle, which is the best price, your credits will go a longer way. I always sell something when I use the Etsy On Sale sales event option. There is always at least one shopper who likes the price. 

There are also other features you may use through Etsy On Sale, such as a "tag tool," which allows you to edit multiple item tags at once. It is so fast and convenient. I cannot believe that in the past I would go through each item one by one in order to update tags. It was so time-consuming!

You may also use an "auto-renewal" tool. For five credits, you are able to renew your items as many times as you want in a month. Some people find their items sell more frequently when they renew their items a certain amount of times in a month. I am not sure if this is the case anymore, but it used to be that if you renewed your items, it would put them towards the top of search pages. I believe Etsy changed this, though, and now it should sort by relevancy. 

Etsy On Sale also allows you to set sales events so that they will begin automatically at a time of day of your choice on any date you choose for a maximum of 4 weeks. Let's say you are forgetful like me or have a million things on your mind and you forget a certain holiday is coming up. You can set a sales event ahead of time and your items will go on sale just in time for the holiday shopping rush. Next thing you know, you check your email and boom, you have a message indicating you sold an item. Wahoo!

I hope this was helpful to everyone. Please leave your questions and thoughts. Also, check out my store at anotheruse.etsy.com.

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Etsy Activity Feed

If you sell on Etsy and do not use your activity feed -- you should. Every time I log into Etsy account I check on my activity feed to see which members in my circle are favoriting items, treasuries and shops; who is sharing the things I share; and who is following me. This gives you a lot of opportunities to get exposure and join a circle of people just as passionate as you are. 

The first thing you need to do is click on the "Following" column of your activity feed, and look through all of the recent activity of members in your circle and favorite every item that appears. This seems to work effectively by showing support to all of the Etsy sellers that find their way into your activity feed. You also want to go to the items you favorited at this point and favorite their associated shops. Add them to your circle, too.

Once you are done looking at your circles activity, look at the "Interactions" column, which shows which of your activity was liked by others. You will get to see what other people find trendy and if people are favoriting your activity. If someone new interacts with you, "follow" them and favorite their shop if you haven't already. I found out that after following so many shops, Etsy puts a cap on how many people you can follow. At this time I follow about 1080 people, and I cannot add more people to my list. I am told to remove some people before I can add any more. But every once in awhile I am able to add someone new to my following list. 

Lastly, you want to look in the column labeled, "Your Shop," to see which people are favoriting your items, treasuries, or shop. Make sure you follow their shop; add them to your circle; favorite their shop and items; and look at items they favorite. If possible, you might even want to build treasuries out of these shops and items. 

I hope you found this blog-post useful. It has been several years since I started my own Etsy shop and self-educating. Now I would like to share my own knowledge and inspire others out there. You can do it!

THANKS EVERYONE!

Stephanie

Fashion Blog

I have always wanted to start a fashion blog because I love fashion, of course. Getting back into making jewelry has been off to a slow start, but I was hoping to merge the two over time since jewelry is fashion. It will be a work in progress, but I expect that I will fulfill the trends I spot, as well as some trends I'd like to set myself. I am involved in a wide social network, now I just have to find my niche with Etsy and fashion. It is difficult to stand out among so many wonderful blogs out there, but I hope by using the confessional journal idea to draw interest, as our lives are all different. I'm only human. I'm not perfect and sometimes life us all on unique journeys. Now that I have found a stable surrounding, I expect to get just what I am looking for.

Check out my new blog at dressdynamic.blogspot.com

New Beginnings of Life in the City

After such a long time away, I had to finally explain myself. Colorado was beautiful and a wonderful experience. I learned a lot of new life skills and that even though I love making jewelry, it wasn't exactly a successful career. Let's just say, I haven't given up yet, but this is a brief relapse of time. 

View from Reunion Tower

I am now living in Preston Hollow, Texas in the heart of Dallas. I'm so blessed the way life worked out. Things were very rough at the end following my last blog post in 2011. Now I am more than proud to say I have a great job that pays well so I don't have to work multiple jobs, as I once was. I'm dating someone new who gladly gives me the opportunity to live the lifestyle I have been dreaming about for years. 

I have never lived in a city as large as Dallas before now. It was extremely overwhelming and intimidating at first. Especially around University and Highland Park. I'm across the highway, but in Preston Hollow it is no less ritzy. I have had the opportunity to gift many pieces of my jewelry to get the exposure it deserves. My boyfriend's mother came up with the idea to have a jewelry party at her house with snacks, wine and my jewelry displayed around the house. It was a brilliant success, and I had a blast discovering the real value of my work. 

Jewelry Party

I'm still in college, but I'll be done in two semesters. It's been a long journey. I won't be graduating with the degree I was originally working towards, but I will get a degree nonetheless. That's all I care about. I will be the first in my immediate family to have a degree, so it makes me feel accomplished. Every semester has been a struggle - I have wanted to give up many times. But now I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Two more semesters! This summer I plan to take more time for the things I love and exploring the beautiful city of Dallas. Stay posted on my progress. 

MIA Update

Find here: Spike necklace

For all of those who have wondered where in the world AnotherUse went, please forgive me. Life threw some curve balls at me and keeping up became impossible. It is now my summer break from college - just two more semesters left! I will be making my best effort to start posting weekly, if not daily. My creativity is aching to be released.

Etsy Seller Confessions: Day 13

Hi dearies!


I've been an avid Etsy seller since December 2010. When I first opened my store, AnotherUse, in December 2009, I had no idea how to sell my items online. I thought all I had to do was take a couple of decent photos of my items and post them, and people would buy. How wrong was I? I never sold my first item until December 11, 2010. What a shock that was! I actually forgot that I even had items for sale on Etsy. 

Photo of my first item sold. My photos have improved!

All of a sudden one day I'm reading an email stating that I have money waiting for me at Paypal. In the times of desperation when you're wondering how you are going to make enough money to pay your bills, money falls into your lap just like that. What a feeling! From that point on, I vowed that I would work harder on making more out of what I loved. It hasn't paid for all of my bills yet, but a couple are better than none. 

Makin' sure my babies get to eat plenty!

In the past 6 months, I have learned more than I could imagine about how to sell through Etsy and online. It involves so many elements, the whole time I've had to tell myself the work will pay off. Plus I love learning new things! Once I started subscribing to the Etsy Success newsletters, and blog, the knowledge became endless. I spend 10-12 hours a day, sometimes, just updating, taking photographs and notes, reading and typing, watching videos, all to understand just how you get people to notice my idea on the internet, as well as in person. 

Braving the rapids in life.

I believe that after all I have learned, the most important component of owning a jewelry business involves networking. If you don't have a well-structured social network, you will have a hard time selling items. I've been given some excellent advice from other Etsians just because I asked for it. That is a big step; just being able to ask for help when you need it. I'm always willing to share what I have learned so far. Anyone feel free to leave a comment if you ever have questions about Etsy and upcycling.


Thanks everyone!


Stephanie

Join Teams on Etsy: Day 12

Hi dearies!


When I first started learning what Etsy was about, one tip I was given was to join teams in order to get more exposure and further help. This sounded like a fantastic idea, so I went ahead and searched through some of the teams on Etsy. You can find teams for specific regions to specific topics. 


Today I wanted to focus on the team Upcyclers. 

"Upcyclers are artisans who repurpose existing materials or post consumer waste to create fashion, art or products with a new value, purpose or aesthetic appeal, thereby reducing the consumption of raw materials, energy and resources that must be conserved for the environmental health of the planet."

Their blog is Love 2 Upcycle and facebook fan page. There are over 930 members. Check them out and join!

Vintage Inspired Flower Earrings

Also head on over to my etsy store, AnotherUse, and check out the 50% off sale going on.


Thanks everyone!


Stephanie

Advertise on my blog: Day 11

Hi dearies!


Love this blog and believe in its potential? Advertise on my blog and share the love. I'm offering advertisement for just $5 a month! That's so affordable, how could you say no?

New for sale! 50% off!

At this time, I have 41 followers, a facebook fan page, twitter, an etsy shop, flickr, deviantart, and pinterest page. I'm also a member of 15 teams on Etsy where I promote my blog. You can also find me on Etsypreneur. 

Romantic flower earrings

Ad sizes should be 150x150 px. Can be in jpg, png, or gif format. If interested, leave a message on my blog or email me at stephanieccasey@yahoo.com. Payments made via paypal to stephanieccasey@yahoo.com, or if necessary, we can set something else up. 

Dangly flirty flower earrings

Thanks everyone!


Stephanie

San Juan River Music: Day 10

Hi dearies!


It was a success on Saturday when I volunteered at the San Juan River Music Festival. There was a decent crowd for the first year running, and I was glad to be apart of it. I was in charge of the kid's tent, which consisted of painting and whatever else I could think of. I love coordinating events because I get to choose crafts I enjoy just as much as the children do. 

One of the craft projects. 

A majority of the day was spent painting huge canvasses that we had no trouble filling up. The turn out was perfect. Not too many kids, but not too little. The day ended at just the right time, and I even sold a necklace and a pair of earrings at the end. It truly makes my day when I sell something.

Sold on Saturday!

On top of that, I went with my boyfriend and his brother camping on Sunday afternoon. We came back home today around 3pm. In the 2 or so days that we spent camping, all four weather seasons were experienced. You always have to remember to bring layers when camping in the mountains. I'd post pictures, but I completely forgot my memory disk for my camera before we left. =(

Sold today with coupon code!

When I got back home today, I was very happy when I checked my phone and I had received a text message stating my mermaid ring had sold! I was so glad that someone utilized the sale I had. This week I am having a 50% off sale at my store AnotherUse. Half of my pieces I have had for over a year. I am hoping to get rid of a good chunk in order to make room for more. Now that I am back to civilization, I will be updating more jewelry in the next couple of days.


Thanks everyone!


Stephanie

Etsy Business Help: Day 9

Hi dearies!


I was having some technical difficulties this past 24 hours, but I just figured it out. Oy! Anyways, I've been making a lot of updates on my Etsy site, AnotherUse. I was waiting on some supplies that finally arrived, so I've been able to put together about 10 more pieces. Head on over to check it out! I have a 40% off sale going on now with coupon code AUSAVE40. Use it at checkout.

Eco Friendly Sparkly Ring

In this blog post, I wanted to share a number of useful websites that have been of great use and help to me. I am a huge fan of Everythingetsy and Handmadeology. They have awesome advice and links to many other awesome blogs. A very important tip that I firmly believe in is leaving comments on other blogs. This has definitely helped to bring viewers to my blogs, and I am learning so much by looking around at other blogs.  

Vintage inspired mermaid ring

If you join Everythingetsy, I highly recommend checking out Etsypreneur. At Etsypreneur, you can add your shop or website to the Everythingetsy Directory. I've only recently started learning how to utilize these sites, but they are a great way to get your name out there. 

Vintage Inspired Flamingo Ring

Etsysaver and Heartsy are wonderful places to advertise if you are having a sale or want to host a sale. Heartsy offers items up to 60% off in featured shops. You can vote on stores you would like to save money at, as well. There are many stores working on being featured, so it may take some time before getting a sale offer. Etsysaver also offers coupons and shop owners to post their coupons. Click on the About section to learn more about this cool site.


Thanks everyone!




Stephanie

Mermaid Cameo Ring: Day 8

Hi dearies!


Here is my newest favorite ring. I finally was able to assemble this beauty today, and I am so happy I did. This gorgeous vintage inspired mermaid cameo ring by AnotherUse is adjustable, which means it will fit just about any finger. Cameo measures 1" wide.

Angle 1

Angle 2

Adjustable filigree silver plated ring

Thanks everyone!


Stephanie

40% OFF End of the World Sale!: Day 7

Hi dearies!


I'm featuring an item from my etsy shop today for my End of the World 40% OFF Sale. Below are pictures of my upcycled fairy green necklace. 

Use coupon code AUSAVE40 at checkout.

Upcycled components

Approximately 16" in length

Braided green faux leather strap

Lobster claw clasp with 2" of chain for adjustment

Statement necklace

Find this and many other one-of-a-kind pieces on sale in my etsy shop, AnotherUse. Everything will be 40% off until the end of the week. New sale starting next week!

Thanks everyone!

Stephanie

Blog Button Tutorial: Day 6

Hi dearies!


I sat in bed all evening yesterday and worked on trying to figure out how the heck to make a button for my blog. It was very frustrating, as I am terrible with html. If you make one mistake, the whole thing won't work. I'm not so great with that. But after many attempts, since I am very persistent, I accomplished my goal. I found this wonderful video to share with you on how to make a blog button. 


Here is mine so far:

blog button

Button HTML code from video
Button with code:
<a href="http://fiftyflutters.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll208/lyndsayjohnson/FiftyFluttersButton1.png" /></a><textarea rows="2" cols="20" readonly>
<a href="http://fiftyflutters.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll208/lyndsayjohnson/FiftyFluttersButton1.png" /></a></textarea>
Button Only:
<a href="http://fiftyflutters.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll208/lyndsayjohnson/FiftyFluttersButton1.png" /></a>

Buttons made from personal images/photos would have to be my favorite option for making banners and buttons. If you don't have any photos that you are satisfied with, try looking at coolwebstock.com. There are so many awesome png files, I was so excited to see what I could play with. I made three banners last night with these images in the free editor, GIMP. 

Check out my store, AnotherUse, for one of my other banners. I'm having a 40% off sale right now with coupon code AUSAVE40. It's the End of the World Sale!

Thank you so much!

Stephanie

Vote on Heartsy Deals: Day 6

Hi dearies!

Want to get awesome deals on jewelry from my etsy shop, AnotherUse?

Vote for me on Heartsy!

Vote for savings on this item.

Here is another item you can save on.

Vote for savings on these adorable vintage flower earrings.

Get awesome savings on Marilyn necklaces when you vote.

Gorgeous ring you can get incredible savings on. Vote here!

Thanks for looking and voting!

Stephanie

Upcycled Finds: Day 5

Hi dearies!


I recently found a store, HotGlueHangover, I really like because it is funky and she includes upcycled items. Check out her shop!

Sparkly Robin-12 inch by HotGlueHangover

When did you open Isabellaphenix? 
So I just opened this new shop HotGlueHangover (transferring from isabellaphenix) and I opened it May 19th, 2011 (it's a girl!) My old shop was opened March 19th, 2011.

Hot Pink Zebra-12 inch by HotGlueHangover

How long have you been making art?
I have been making art for as long as I can remember, maybe because it was free and kept me out of trouble. In fact the last time my husband and I went home to my parents house he got the joy of seeing my fabulous 1996 Olympics Scrapbook...It was pretty incredible. 

When did you start reusing components in your artwork?
I love the idea of reusing what is already beautiful and already available. Being a history teacher there is something about the history of old jewelry or fabrics that is just so interesting to me! it's not just a brooch anymore it may have been someone's wedding piece or someone's favorite shirt. The possibilities are endless. 

Bird on a Tree-14 inch by HotGlueHangover

What do you find hardest about running your own store?
The hardest thing about running my own store is that unfortunately Angelina Jolie will not adopt me and let me just craft all day. Multitasking is hard and being creative and "crafty" is not really how I feel everyday. It's about finding the balance between doing what you love and staying on top of your game.

Sale///Chalkboard Flower Bling 12 inch by HotGlueHangover

What do you love most about running your own store?
What I love most about running my store is the networking. i love being inspired by other people's work and seeing the new ideas pop up on my newsfeed. It makes me push the boundaries of what I was originally thinking or would be inclined to do. Plus custom orders are always fun! Its like a puzzle - trying to find the perfect mix of your style and their ideas. Plus growing up it was a family rule to never leave a puzzle unfinished so I basically think about custom orders day and night until they are done.

Lace and Burlap 14 inch by HotGlueHangover

What is your biggest accomplishment?
I would say my biggest accomplishment in terms of crafting would be finally taking that step to do what i really enjoy. I love teaching, even though their hormones drive me crazy, but what I tell them everyday is to make a goal and go for it. What kind of educator would i be if I didn't follow my own words. It's mighty scary to start your own shop but i've found that Etsy provides you with such a support team that once you get connected you really don't feel alone. It has not been easy and very time consuming but there is something about putting your heart and soul into something and it being recognized that really there are no words for. You like me, you like me, you really like me!

Pink and Cheetah-14 inch by HotGlueHangover

What advice can you give others about making and selling their artwork?
I would gives these words of advice for future sellers on Etsy:

a. Pick a catchy shop name that people will remember - watch your spelling (made that mistake the first time =)
b. Coupons and discounts - think of why YOU would shop somewhere.
c. GET CONNECTED - join circles and teams - support your friends and they will support you!
d. Make Treasuries - It's FREE advertising, plus it opens your eyes to new shops, circles, and items that will push you to be better.
e. Customer Service - always thank for inclusion in treasuries, messages, circles, teams, etc. Customers remember if your nice. 
f. Be Creative when you can fully be creative. What I mean by that is don't force something. I can tell when I made something to just make it and then when I made something because i really wanted to. If you are no enjoying it or it is not "speaking" your vision you need to find something else to make / do.

- Natalie (HotGlueHangover)


Thanks Natalie and everyone else!


Stephanie