No Brainer for Getting More Attention on Etsy: Monthly Merchandising Desk

Contributed by Melissa Kojima --- Artist in LA LA Land

Okay, like I've said before, sometimes, I'm a little slow to the draw.  I've not won any races for that, but I do get to the finish line anyway.  So I'm sharing more helpful tidbits that I've found.   And if you haven't found them yet either, you may find them good info too.

So here it is:  MONTHLY MERCHANDISING DESK on ETSY!  How's this suppose to help you?  Well, a lot of people make treasuries (including me) based on what's hot, trendy or seasonal and the merchandising desk gives you a lot of ideas for exactly that each and every month.  It's not asking you to make your shop over, but if you add some of those TAG & KEY WORDS that are appropriate to your shop and items, you'll get found easier by me who is making treasuries and others who are searching Etsy for seasonal items.  It has helped me to get found more, and to find you easier.  Unfortunately, I may not have found you yet, but these monthly ideas may help.

Read them at the 1st of every month.  Incorporate them into your shop and items!  Good luck and I hope we meet again soon----or for the first time!

Style Trend: The Birds!

One of the biggest (and most timely) trends for this spring is the bird motif. Birds are popping up on celebrities everywhere in fun, unexpected ways:

*Photos via Google Images*

Take a peek at these pretty bird themed pieces, all made by CCCOE members:

For more general bloggy girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"

Style Trend: Heart of Gold

When I think of iconic symbols for Valentine's Day, the heart is probably one of the most automatic things that comes to mind. This timeless, classic symbol of love works perfectly as an accessory, and can run the gamut from sweet to funky, as evidenced by these celebrities:

*Photos via Google Images*

Take a peek at these pretty heart-shaped pieces, all made by CCCOE members:

For more general bloggy girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"

Celebrating Cyber Monday

I hope y’all got your fill of delicious turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing – now it’s time for mental and physical recovery as you face the (sometimes daunting) holiday shopping season!  Woo hoo!

...and time to start shopping!

This is my first December in the handmade/small business community, and frankly, I’m thrilled.  It’s not just because I get to offer my own wares to holiday shoppers, either; I’ve already crossed off a good number of gifts on my list thanks to Etsy.  Most of it has been accomplished this weekend, too—Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday have proven excellent shopping opportunities for holiday gift-givers. 

Next up?  Cyber Monday.

Quite a few wonderful CCCOE members are offering some fantastic deals for Cyber Monday shoppers, so I’ve scoured our sweet little community to find some of the best bets for honing in on the gifts you still need to snatch before pesky shipping deadlines are upon us.

Free shipping from BrookeJewelry

For the Ladies

I’m a big believer that any modern, self-respecting, fashion-forward woman can really never have enough of three things: shoes, handbags, and jewelry.  I’ve always had a relatively easy time shopping for the women in my life (mom, cousins, aunts, friends) because I am crazy about jewelry and think that this has the potential to be unique and personalized gift with broad appeal.  Some of my favorite pieces include Sora Designs’ understated, timeless, and oh-so-lovely circle necklaces, Brooke’s gorgeous half-moon earrings,  Roscata’s almost-good-enough-to-eat 10% off baubles,  and Penumbra Images’ 20% off sale photo brooches.

20% off with coupon code "THANKS20"

For the One Who Has Everything

I’ll be so bold as to virtually guarantee that your hard-to-shop-for friend doesn’t have handmade bacon beverage wraps OR coasters resembling slabs of raw meat.  Enough said.  Also a great option for White Elephant fun at the office holiday party.

For the Bride-to-Be

My good friend got engaged a few months ago and is up to her eyeballs in wedding planning.  One of her favorite fashion and home décor themes is black-and-white damask, and these bridesmaid clutches from ocstylescreations would make her a super-happy bride-to-be!  Cross her off your list and let HER cross something off of her own wedding prep list!  Not that close a friend with said bride?  Buy the single version as a more personal (and affordable) gift.

Rad wallets for guys (and gals) for 15% off

For MEN.

Circle back to bacon beverage wraps and carnivore coasters mentioned above.  Other great options: rad art prints, wallets and money clips, like a super-sexy, 15% off Kansas City Chiefs wallet that would make my dad swoon, and stuff to make him smell good.

15% off at JPaveyDesigns

For your non-So-Cal friends

For those of us lucky enough to bask in the eternal sunshine of Southern California, scarves are really more of a fashion statement than a survival necessity.  But for our friends to the north (and east), these wonderful accessories are actually quite useful for battling the coldest winter days.  Show how thoughtful you really are with my top pick for one of the best no-brainer gifts for pretty much anyone and everyone in your life.  I recommend starting your search with this lovely number – a gorgeous hand-knitted, one-of-a-kind infinity scarf (wrap it twice and you’ve given the gift that doubles as a cowl) in a unique and completely obsession-worthy shade of wintry green.  Throw in a 15% off discount and you’re all set to share the gift of warmth in a way considerably more practical than treating your entire posse to a weekend in 80-degrees-in-November Los Angeles.

Great scarf option for dudes, too!

Okay, guys, I can’t be a TOTAL hand-holder, so you’ll have to get down to business with some creativity and determination to get that holiday shopping done – just make that list NOW so you can take advantage of ALL the great Cyber Monday deals that fellow CCCOE members have to offer.  Enjoy!

{sales + links} in order of CCCOE discount awesomeness :: add your shop promos in "comments" if you don't see them listed here!

• 50% off, coupon code HALFOFF :: Polka Dot Kreations
  
• 50% off, coupon code CYBERMONDAY50 :: Anna Delores Photography
• 30% off, everything already reduced :: Lorie Lynn Designs 
• 25% off, coupon code HOLIDAY25 :: Fuss & Feathers
• 25% off, coupon code STUFFMYGOBBLE :: Queen of Queens
  
• 20% off, coupon code THANKSGIVING :: PicPerfect
• 20% off, coupon code BLACKFRIDAY20 :: Nouveau-Tique
• 20% off orders of $40 or more, BLACKFRIDAY2011 :: Beegrl88
• 15% off, items already reduced :: JPaveyDesigns
• 15% off, coupon code TURKEYDAY2011 :: It's Me, Mary
• 10% off, coupon code CYBERMINKY :: Moonbeam Minky
• 10% off, coupon code HOLIDAYHOP :: Heart and Handmade
• 10% off, coupon code 10OFF :: Sferra Designs
• Free shipping, coupon code FREESHIPMG :: Misha Girl
• Free shipping, no coupon code required :: Wine Country Life
• Free shipping, coupon code CYBERMONDAY :: LisamariesPiece
• Free shipping, coupon code FREEUNATUNASHIP :: Unatuna
  

10% off at Heart and Handmade

Happy holiday shopping, everyone! ♥ CCCOE team member and contributor Emily Reiter lives in Los Angeles, California and has two shops on Etsy: Anna Delores Photography and Luccichio & Co. jewelry and paper crafts. I'll be back on the CCCOE blog on December 27 (hopefully for a showcase of amazing post-holiday sales!) but in the meantime you can also visit me on my own blog :: http://annadeloresphoto.blogspot.com.

Happy Birthday Scorpio!

Born between October 23 and November 21, Scorpio is symbolized by the scorpion and are considered to be the most mysterious individuals in the Zodiac.

Fire Engine Red Scorpion on Black Bow Hair Clip by drellajones Scorpios have a burning passion about everything they do in life. They are extremely determined, ambitious and persistent. They are always quick in decision-making and tend to gather wealth. Scorpions are usually known for making money and hiding it. They are quite conservative about spending the money.

See a Penny Necklace by NinaGibsonDesigns Scorpios will remember every small gesture of kindness and love and repay it. On the other hand, they will never forget a misdoing and have a revengeful nature. One should note that a Scorpio never forgives and forgets!

Mad Bunnies Two Sided Mug by MaidofClay

An Elephant Never Forgets Card by cbsorci

A Scorpio can be a loving and passionate partner. They are extremely devoted and loyal however, they are also known for jealousy and possessiveness.

Cherry Blossoms Cute Couple by Nidhi Famous Scorpios include Leonardo DiCaprio, Goldie Hawn, Demi Moore, Ted Turner, Keith Urban and Mickey Mouse. This is our 10th post in a series of Astrological signs by SophienMe

Style Trend: A Pile of Leaves

When you think of iconic symbols for autumn, fall leaves are probably one of the most automatic things that come to mind. This season, leaf patterned items are popping up in unexpected, less-traditional ways, and celebrities are embracing the trend. Just take a look:

*Photos via Google Images*

As always, I like to sprinkle trends into my existing wardrobe of basics mostly via accessories, or just a few bold statement pieces. I especially love the supercomfy, modern-gray leaf print shirt, chunky gold and leather cuff bracelet, and delicate dangle hoop earrings shown below. All items in the treasury are from CCCOE Team members:

For more girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"

Style Trend: Feathers

Feathers are are popping up on celebrities of all sorts these days! And I love how this trend can be tailored to fit your own unique style. Feathers can go hippie bohemian, indie-alt rocker, fun rainbowy pop, or even elegant movie star chic. Just take a look:

*Photos via Google Images*

Infusing nature into personal style seems especially fitting for fall, when the changing colors and textures of the landscape around us take center stage. Because trends can be, um, trendy, I usually like to sprinkle them into my existing wardrobe of basics via accessories; in this case, items like gold and silver feather charm pendants, whispery dangle earrings, and romantic, whimsical fairytale headbands. Take a peek of some of my very favorite feathery Etsy finds, all from CCCOE Team members (clicking on the pictures will take you directly to the shops):

'Fine Feathered Friends ' by PuppyLovePrincess

Gold Feather Earrin... TAKCreations $11.00	The Beginning in th... arcoirishandcr... $70.00	Chinchilla Saddle H... snowwhitedance... $8.00	Plume de Luxe hair ... ciaraobscura $43.00
Spiky Feather Hoops... arcoirishandcr... $32.00	Feather Pendant Fin... danpv $85.00	At the Mariinsky Th... soradesigns $52.50	Pajaro Mini's arcoirishandcr... $35.00
Kazuli Dragonfly Ne... soradesigns $42.50	feather earrings ch... EvalynBlackDes... $15.00	Assemblage Necklace... PearlieGirl $39.00	Turquoise and Silve... EarthlyBaubles $16.00
SABRINA THIN- feath... LovMely $25.00	Enchanted Feather -... soradesigns $29.50	3 FEATHER BARRETTES LovMely $25.00	feather extension c... EvalynBlackDes... $22.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

For more girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Do we define our world, or does our world define us? I have to say that I've made some things for my Etsy store that I'm sure I would never had thought of making. Robots, foxes, mustaches, owls, narwhals - all things that were never in my repetoire prior to discovering Etsy, and all popular themes on Etsy. I really LIKE foxes and owl, and I don't think I've been even been with a man that didn't have a mustache, but would I have thought of making them if it wasn't for Etsy? Did Etsy make them popular or are they popular despite Etsy? I just recently bought a pair of fingerless gloves - an item that had never before entered my mind as something I should own until I saw them on Etsy (they're actually quite handy). Still, Etsy tends to have a great influence on us creative types, especially if we are business people as well as makers and like to sell as much as we like to create. Here are some great examples of the themes that are popular on Etsy, with buyers and sellers alike. What I love most about the handmade pieces is that the creator has taken a common theme, put their artistic stamp on it and made it their own. Personalized Bike Stationery by SweetPerversion

Mustachioed Thank You card by Gigglesapu Vintage Owl Magnifying Glass by Soradesigns

Beige Cowl by Phydeaux

Octopus Thank you Card by PupandPony

Fox Wedding Topper by Handymaiden

Blog post by Felicia of MaidofClay Ceramics. This blog features members of the CCCOE, please post to Twitter and Facebook and help promote your fellow members and the team in general. Thanks!