Around the Team

Some new and fun things from the members of the CCCOE team...

Make sure to check out ohmay designs' new children's section featuring cute knitted booties like these:

Beaded Mango Orange Mary Janes

New at teenytinyenvelopes, gift card holders:

Gift Card Holder

From annie k designs, just in time for cooler weather:

Green Paisley Fleece Fingerless Gloves

From Bobbles By Carol, a newly handcrafted set of necklace and earrings:

Jasper Necklace

Jasper Earrings

Art Deco is a very popular wedding theme right now--riding on the tails of the Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey. Over at Shanna Michele Designs, these table numbers join a collection of Art Deco designs:

Deco Craftsman Wedding Table Numbers

And finally, from Nans Glam, a new pair of earrings. Nan says: "They are different since I am using rose gold fill wire. I create the earwires out of rose gold fill wire as well." Perfect for this upcoming holiday season.

Cherry Jade Dangle Earrings

Make sure to check out these items as well as all the new things our members are creating. And keep an eye out for the announcement to be included in the next "Around the Team" post (on the message board).

Blogging

Social media is a good way to promote yourself and your shop. There are tons of different sites out there. Which one should you spend the time and effort cultivating?

Last month I highlighted Pinterest. Next month...?

There are a lot of different social media avenues to try. What works for me may or may not work for you. Take a look. Try. Experiment. And when you find one that fits you, that's where you should focus your social media efforts.

How useful is a blog when it comes to promoting your shop?

A blog is a good way to detail your process. Show pictures of works-in-progress. Highlight new product lines. A blog can also tell your customers all about you.

But, blogs are a social medium. If you want visitors to your blog, you're going to have to visit blogs, leave comments, and interact with the blogging community.

Blogs should be updated regularly. (That can be as frequently as once a day or just checking in once a month.) Rather than going it on your own, you could always go in with a couple fellow crafter/business owners and start a group blog.

(Shameless plug: Or, if you want to get your feet wet, this blog is always looking for other contributors. /shameless plug.)

The blogging community can be very supportive. You might fine a few blogging buddies who will let you post on their blogs, expanding your reach. They may link to your shop just because, giving you some extra exposure. Of course, you'll do the same for them.

Bloggers from CCCOE:

• Indy and Cleo
• Allie's Adornments: Victoriana
• Allie's Adornments: Buttons
• And mine: Laws of Gravity (although mine is less about my shop and more about...other things.)

Do you have a blog? Do you enjoy blogging?

Do you regularly visit blogs (besides this one)?