The California Crafters Club of Etsy (CCCOE) is a group of independent artists, crafters, & artisans from California who sell their wares on Etsy.com.
Showing posts with label The Crafty Nana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Crafty Nana. Show all posts

Monday, August 27, 2018

Finding Good Tags: An Amigurumi Witch

Lately, I've been talking about "Maximizing Tags" and "Finding Good Tags". But, really, how does this work? 

So, let's start with this listing from The Crafty Nana: 

Doll, Witch named Winnie, Handmade

Of the tags already used, the two that jumped out at me were "amigurumi" and "witch". Non-crocheters probably are unfamiliar with the term "amigurumi", but that's still a good place to start. 

(For those who might want this look but not know the terminology, "crochet" and "stuffed doll" can be used. There are 13 tags, so there'll be plenty of space to get all that covered.) 

So, I started with amigurumi witch. I plugged that into Etsy's own search... 

Click to enlarge

...and "amigurumi witch doll" was suggested. That's exactly 20 characters. So, that can be one tag. 

On that page, I clicked on various other dolls to see what tags they utilized. (And one of the reasons for this series of posts was because when I do this, I find so many bad tags.) I pulled out "amigurumi toys" and "home decor halloween". We definitely want "Halloween" in there, so those two get added to the list. 

At this point it's a good idea to note several tags to follow up on. Plugging them into Etsy's search can lead to some other tag ideas. 

Still looking at "amigurumi witch doll", I utilized another website, Marmalead: 

Click to enlarge

A couple interesting keywords jumped out here: "crochet witch doll" and "Halloween witch". (Capitalization doesn't matter at this point.)

Etsy Rank has a similar tool: 

Click to enlarge

In both word clouds, the larger words are tags most often used. Smaller tags are other ideas to pursue. 

Things like "amigurumi pattern" won't work as this is a finished object and not a pattern. But "crochet witch" will. (However, "crochet witch" is part of "crochet witch doll". Go with the more detailed tag to get the most possible hits.) 

This is the sort of list to start with. Ideally, you'll generate a much longer list than 13 keywords. 

The next step is to evaluate which of those keywords are the best to try. That will be the topic for a future post. ("Picking the Best Keywords for Tags")

Friday, July 13, 2018

Christmas in July

No, it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas. Really. I promise. And if you look around, you might soon find some sales to get you started.

The Crafty Nana is already sporting some Christmas items in her shop. Make sure to check them out:

Christmas Stocking, Handmade, Mary Jane

Christmas Ornament, Bell and Miniature Hat, Handmade

Elf Booties, Handmade

If you click on the images, it'll take you directly to the listings. Have you started Christmas shopping yet?

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Christmas in July

No, it's not too early to start planning for Christmas. Some people do their shopping year round. And now there's less than five months left!

The team has some things to help you get a jump start. 

From Pink Pianos: 
Each set of 3 tea towels is made from highly absorbent cotton linen and has been artfully hand-dyed using the ancient Japanese Art of Shibori. No 2 towels are alike, and your set will include 3 distinct patterns. These make great gifts and can be gifted individually or as a set. Fantastic for a teacher, friend or family member that enjoys time in the kitchen. 
Hand-dyed Set of Linen Shibori Tea Towels
Hand-dyed Set of Linen Shibori Tea Towels


Toddler Duvet Cover and Pillowcase. Toddler bed. Duvet Set in Blue. Baby shower gift. Childrens Room. Nursery.
Toddler Duvet Cover and Pillowcase


From The Crafty Nana:
Love these Christmas Stockings that can double as a gift holder for a new baby (at least in my mind).

Christmas Stocking, Hiking Boot, Handmade
Christmas Stocking, Hiking Boot

Christmas Stocking, Handmade, Mary Jane
Christmas Stocking, Mary Jane

And from annie k designs: 
You can never start too early shopping for Christmas holiday decor. I offer a wide variety of novelty tree skirts with my specialty being animals. 
First up is a Yorkie tree skirt:
Yorkshire Terrier Christmas Tree Skirt, Yorkie Tree Skirt, Dog Lover Tree Skirt, Red Christmas Tree Skirt
Yorkshire Terrier Christmas Tree Skirt

Second, knowing how stressful the holidays are and generally on the cold or chilly side, here's a wonderful u-shaped neck wrap to wrap yourself in organic French lavender to take away the winter blues or the woes of holiday shopping. 

Floral and Dragonfly U Shaped Flax Seed Hot/Cold Pack, Dragonfly Flax Seed Cotton Hot Pack, Microwaveable Hot Pack, Cold Pack, Handmade
Floral and Dragonfly U Shaped Flax Seed Hot/Cold Pack

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Friday, June 19, 2015

Red, White, and Blue

Independence Day is right around the corner. Time to check in with the team and see what this holiday reminds them of...

Sparkles-a-lot 2 says:
4th of July reminds me of all of the good times I have had with my family. Usually involving BBQ's, fireworks, picnics at the beach or the river, and LOTS of good food!
Patriotic Red, White and Blue Seed Bead Drop, Dangle Earrings with Glass Beads On Fringe for the 4th of July, Veteran's Day, Memorial Day
Dangle Earrings with Glass Beads On Fringe for the 4th of July

The Baby Handprint Co. says:
Going down to the beach strand on my bike and riding along the strand watching all the different people dressed up and down rollerskating, skateboarding and walking as I stopped at different beach home get togethers until dark and watched the fireworks off the pier with all my friends.
Infant  hand and foot print 4th of July print  Mold included / Baby Gift / Personalized
Infant hand and foot print

From Bobbles By Carol:

Patriotic Beaded Hair Pins~ Patriotic Accessories~Red White Blue Silver Casual Rustic Hair Pins~For Women or Teens~ Handmade
Patriotic Beaded Hair Pins

"the Big Four", the four women went to nursing school together and after we were married with children we had a bar-b-que and would play softball. Who ever was pregnant was the umpire. As the children got older, they played too.
Pot Holder/Hot Pad Set, Red, White & Blue Star, Handmade
Pot Holder/Hot Pad Set

What's your favorite 4th of July memory?

Friday, May 22, 2015

Days of Summer

Memorial Day Weekend. The unofficial start of summer. So, what better way to celebrate our three-day weekend and lazy, warm days ahead than to ask our team members about their favorite summer memories...

annie k designs says:
The two-week family vacation. Most families flew but we drove. We live in such a great country and I am lucky to have seen a great deal of it! North Dakota to Texas; Nebraska to North Carolina, Washington DC. I think those vacations fed my wanderlust.  
When going on vacation, you need a travel laundry bag.
Turquoise Hibiscus Travel Laundry Bag, Tropical Vacation Bag, Whatever Zippered Bag, Ready to Ship, Handmade by AnnieKDesigns
Turquoise Hibiscus Travel Laundry Bag

ohmay says:
summer, sun and fun....aloha...
Instant Download PDF Knit Flower Pattern - Hibiscus
Instant Download PDF Knit Flower Pattern - Hibiscus

Nans Glam says:
When I was young my parents would take me to the tide pools along the California coastline. I would see so many wonderful sea creatures including one of my favorites; abalones. I loved how the shells mimicked the ocean's colors and waves.
Abalone Statement Necklace, Multi Strand, Ribbon Necklace, Summer Necklace, OOAK
Abalone Statement Necklace

Bobbles By Carol says:
I have many memories of family BBQ's in back yards playing croquet. Trips to the beach, which many were spent at the bay, that way our parents could let us 5 girls go in the water without the waves... Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents too...
Patriotic Bracelet, Polymer Clay Bracelet, Red White and Blue Beaded Bracelet, Handmade, Polymer Clay Jewelry, Patriotic Jewelry
Patriotic Bracelet


The Crafty Nana says:
Playing baseball in the street in the evening and the address numbers on the sidewalk were our bases...
Sun Hat, Red, White, and Blue, Toddler, Handmade
Sun Hat

And I (Zizi Rho Designs) say:
As a kid, I loved summers as that's when I could raid the library, check out 30 books, and just sit and read. And read. And read.
Knitted Beach or Pool Sandals (for Bare Feet)
Knitted Beach or Pool Sandals (for Bare Feet)
What are you looking forward to this summer?

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Hey, It's Almost the 4th of July!

Going to a barbeque? Going to a fireworks show? What are you doing for the 4th?

Our teammates have some happy memories of the 4th of July...

The Crafty Nana says:
We had a group called the Big $(4 ladies that graduated from nursing school in the 60s together and their spouses and eventually children) would get together on July 4th for a barbeque and have a softball game at a local diamond. Who ever was pregnant was the umpire. My parents would also join us some years.
Cowboy Boot Booties, Patriotic, Red, White & Blue, Handmade
Cowboy Boot Booties

Sun Hat, Red, White, and Blue, Toddler, Handmade
Sun Hat

reVetro says:
I remember when I use to live in La Jolla, and my youngest son, Gabe (five-years-old at the time) and I walked to The Cove and found a patch of grass in the park amongst all the crowds of people. I laid on my back, and he laid on top of me with our faces looking towards the sky. With the local radio station simultaneously playing music from a band shell while fireworks set off above the water into clear, dark skies. The reflection of the fireworks could be seen in the one residential high-rise next to the park that was on the coastline.
Red Recycled Pewter Charm Necklace // Eco-friendly Jewelry
Red Recycled Pewter Charm Necklace

cserpent designs says:
I always loved playing with sparklers! I still wish we could play with them - but no fireworks for sale in San Diego. I remember running around in the yard in Oahu (Navy brat!). In 3rd grade, in our bare feet, lighting up the yard with sparklers. I didn't get to play with them again until I spent a 4th of July with my hubby's family in Ridgecrest, CA. Since they lived in the desert with very little to burn you could still get fireworks! Hubby bought some pinwheel thing, I just got sparklers!!! My sparklers were fun but his pinwheel turned sideways and started shooting rockets across the ground! We were all hopping all over the place to avoid them - LOL! But now the in-laws are in Santa Rosa so no more sparklers :(
Red, White, Blue star pearl, crystal, sterling earrings
Red, White, & Blue Star, Pearl, and Sterling Earrings

This and That Crafter says:
My favorite memory of the 4th of July is the fun of all the fireworks... I loved the pinwheel when I was a kid. I remember nailing it to a tree and watching it till it faded away. Also, watching the fireworks from the beach with my kids was a wonderful memory. Fireworks are no longer legal in my city but I make up for it by making things in all the colors of the 4th. One of the items I make is rag wreaths and I am now teaching my granddaughter to make them.
Red White and Blue Rag Wreath
Red, White, and Blue Rag Wreath

annie k designs says:
It was an overcast July 4th along the coast in New Jersey. The tall ships were going to sail past Liberty Island and I wanted to see them. So a bunch of us had an all day picnic. At the end of the day, we watched the fireworks with a backdrop of the Statue of Liberty. It was magnificent!
Patriotic Potholders, July 4 Potholders, July 4 Trivets, Flag Potholder, America the Beautiful Potholder, Red, White And Blue Potholders
Patriotic Potholders

BobblesByCarol says:
My favorite memory of the 4th of July is all the years as a young girl, the whole family: aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma Trewett, parents would gather at one house that had the biggest yard... We would BBQ with my daddy and his brother in charge of cooking the burgers. Everyone brought something... And there would always be homemade ice cream... We would eat till we popped... Usually it would be sunny and hot and we would all get a slight sunburn... Back before we knew it was bad for us, lol... When night fell dads were in charge of the fireworks show... A small one and we were happy with that... After, the 5 of us girls would dance around with sparklers.... Those were the good ole days !
Gemstone Jewelry Earrings~ Patriotic Earrings~ Red White & Blue Star Silver Casual Rustic Earrings~Gemstone Jewelry~Patriotic Jewelry
Patriotic Earrings

Such great stories. What is your favorite 4th of July memory?

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

N Case You Were Wondering...

If you have a blog, you've heard of the A to Z Challenge. For the rest of you, the idea is to blog for 26 days in April (Sundays off) using each letter of the alphabet.

I don't have the wherewithal to do that here, but I thought we could make use of the theme. Today, the 16th is the N day. And here are some lovely N items from our team...

Noggins by The Crafty Nana

Chrysoprase Pendant Necklace, Rosary Style, Gold, Mint Green, Black, Statement Necklace, Large Pendant
Necklace, Chrysoprase Pendant by Bella Beads Originals

Nautical Journal, Vintage Sailing Ship in Victorian Frame, Wire Bound Notebook - 5.625" X 8.625"
Nautical Notebook by Joy Merryman Store

Nursery Rhyme Art Print Row Row Row Your Boat Typography Nursery Print Nursery Wall Art Nursery Decor Baby Shower Gift Lullaby Print
Nursery Rhyme Art Print by Coco & James

Stationary Note Cards Handmade Set - 8 Cards Blank Inside - 8 Envelopes - Illustration Hummingbird - Sketch Drawing - Acid Free Paper Goods
Notecards by GOrsini Art

Knitting Needle Organizing Bag Large Combination Straight Circular Crochet Double Points Damask
Needle Organizer by The Needle Palace

Necklace Hand Painted Bead, Beaded Jewelry, Turquoise Necklace, Wood Necklace, Chunky Necklace, Copper, Jewelry for Women, Handmade Jewelry
Necklace Hand Painted Bead by Bobbles By Carol

Butterfly Necklace, Pendant Necklace, Minimalist Necklace, Swarovski Crystals, Women's Jewelry, Charm Necklace, Butterfly Jewelry
Necklace, Butterfly by Bobbles By Carol

And a special thanks to Allie from Allie's Adornments for compiling several of these items for us. (There wouldn't have been much of a post without her.)

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Hello, Spring

This week's challenge--show us something that makes you think of spring...

The Crafty Nana says:
I love making stuffed toys. These birds remind me of Spring when the birds return.
Birds, Stuffed Toys, Handmade
Handmade Stuffed Birds

We created our first custom "flower girl" necklace when a customer wanted something special to give the flower girl in their wedding. We played around a bit and eventually came up with this sweet heart, filled with a cute flower texture, and the flower girl's first initial. We painted the necklace to match the Spring wedding's colors and the bride was ecstatic! Ever since then, it makes us think of Spring blooms and everyone picks pretty pastels to be painted onto their custom creation.

Custom Flower Girl Initial Necklace - match to your wedding colors- 14" • silver plated chain • sweet and girly • granddaughter niece
Custom Flower Girl Initial Necklace

Fine Art print of a Dogwood Tree blooming in my native Kentucky in Spring!

Pink Tree. Oil Painting Print on Canvas Paper. 8" x 8". Housewarming Gift. Nursery. Spring Art.
Pink Tree

With spring comes beauty everywhere. The trees are turning green, flowers are blooming, and the sun is out. I wanted to make something to remind people that beauty is about perspective. A dandelion can be considered a weed, but if you look close, it is beautiful just like many things in our world :)

Beauty is about perspective - Entry Way Art, 8x10 Printable,  Home Decor Dandelion Photo, Dandelion Art Print
Beauty is about perspective - Entry Way Art

With Spring comes new life and the beginning of wedding season. I started making these boxes because I needed something for the jewelry and embroidered items I sell. So many people loved my packaging and suggested that I sell it - so I have recently made some of my specialty packaging available in my shop. As with all my work, I use recycled materials as much as possible. It is my goal to make things that are new and fresh from what would have been discarded. I think starting off a new life together in an eco friendly way is perfect. I hope you like it.

Wedding Cake Favor Box, Receptions, Bridesmaids Gifts, Bridal Shower, Eco Friendly Gift Wrap, Specialty box 123 cc tenx tt Steam jgt ocean
Wedding Cake Favor Box

What makes you think of spring?

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Seeing Green

This week I challenged the team to show me their green. Here's what they came up with...

Think Eco2 went more figurative than literal, giving us this carrier made from reclaimed wood:

Eco Hops 22 oz Craft Beer Bomber Six Pack Carrier
Craft Beer Bomber Six Pack Carrier

From Fait Main Designs:


The Crafty Nana says:
I crocheted these pot holder sets to help to celebrate St Patrick's Day. The square white and green set has the shamrocks embedded into the white piece. It is all crocheted as one piece. Both sets are double thickness, so that they can serve as hot pads as well as pot holders or just decorations.

Shamrock Pot Holders/Hot Pads, Handmade
Shamrock Pot Holders/Hot Pads

Pot Holder Set, Shamrocks, Handmade
Pot Holder Set, Shamrocks

Ohmay Designs says:
The knitted stitch is called the Linen stitch, which gives the yarn a woven linen fabric look. It makes a gorgeous textured background to highlight the darker green trim and leaves.

Women Knit Wool Fingerless Gloves aka Texting Gloves - Green Leaf
Fingerless Gloves aka Texting Gloves


Bobbles By Carol says:
Gemstone Necklace. Subtle green for St Patrick's Day... When you can't scream holiday, like at work...

Kashgar Garnet Beaded Necklace Gemstone Jewelry, Statement Necklace, Green Necklace, Handmade Jewelry, Gemstone Jewelry, Beaded Jewelry
Kashgar Garnet Beaded Necklace


From reVetro:
Kelly and I collect empty bottles from local bars, restaurants, events (friends and family, too), and repurpose into eco jewelry. I cut, fire, grind, sand and polish the glass into beads for our jewelry line. GREEN WISHES!

Jameson Irish Whiskey Ring // Upcycled Recycled Repurposed Pewter Ring
Jameson Irish Whiskey Ring

Jameson Irish Whiskey Bangle // Upcycled Recycled Repurposed
Jameson Irish Whiskey Bangle

From KMalinka Vintage:

1960s Mini Dress Mint Sandine Originals New York Day Dress Spring Fashion
1960s Mini Dress Mint

SALE Fabulous 50s Needlepoint leather bag Needlework shoulder bag by Leatherpoint Grasshopper
Fabulous 50s Needlepoint Leather Bag

And of course, I just had a little something...

Zizi Rho Designs says:
I knit these shamrock shapes, then felted them. I just love turning knitted/felted pieces into earrings. They turn out so light...
Shamrock Earrings
Shamrock Earrings

Some fabulous finds from the team, just in time for that green day coming up in just a week and a half. (Yes, it's that soon!) Make sure to check them out (and snap them up!).