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)?

And Now for Something a Little Different

I never know quite what I'm going to end up with when I start writing these posts. But then I came across this guitar pick, and I had a theme. Stuff I would not expect.  

Hand Stamped Guitar Pick by Kottage Kreations

Or music. Perhaps I'm thinking of music. Because this is a cute onesie, and... Guitar. Pick. Guitar Pick.

Acoustic Guitar Baby Onesie by Finch Pickles

And this just made me laugh.

Acid Etched Copper and Leather Dog Tag by Texturz

Continuing what is turning out to be a rocker theme, this cuff would fit perfectly at any sort of concert.

Black Patent Leather Cuff Bracelet by Misha Girl

Here's a different sort of crocheted hat. We usually see beanies, so this would be something you would not expect.

Apres Ski Crocheted Hat by Betty Adkins

Here's a bit of wall art for the dinosaur enthusiast. Or the 5-year-old in all of us. 

Digital Silhouette T-rex by Bokeh Ever After

Of course, I couldn't do a post without a pair of earrings. And they're orange, too. Bonus!

Topaz Teardrop Briolette Earrings by Love Your Bling

This post contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs. Make sure to visit all these wonderful shops (links in the captions). They're worth your time.

Next time, I'm doing another post for those of you having special events at your shops. Check out the CCCOE message boards for details.

Pinterest, Anyone?

Are you on Pinterest?

I stumbled across this article which talked about how of all the social networking sites, Pinterest pins last the longest. For those of us with shops on Etsy, this is a great marketing opportunity.

Do you use Pinterest? Has it helped bring buyers to your shop?

Around the Team

Today I'm trying out a new blog feature. The call went out to the team to let us all know about anything special going on in their shops.

I got...um...one taker.

Ah well. Next time, let me know what's going on in your shop (or feel free to post it in the comments).

September 22nd is International Car-Free Day, and what better way to celebrate than by riding a bike!

Block Print Greeting Card by Mystical Mountain Card Company

And make sure to use coupon code "GETMYSTICAL" for $2 off a purchase of $10 or more.

What's going on in your shop?

Artist Profile: An Astrid Endeavor

If you're anything like me, you'll see the name of this month's shop and think: Who is Astrid and what is she endeavoring to do? Well, Astrid id delightful and I believe she's endeavoring to take over the world -- you know one carefully embroidered accessory at a time.  Check out my interview with her below and then head over to Martha Stewart's American Made contest and show this awesome artist some support.

Rain or shine

Describe your shop
I make unique hand embroidered jewelry and home décor as well as beaded jewelry.


What are your favorite pieces to make?
Currently, my favorite pieces to make are from my latest collection inspired by my love of textile wall hangings.

Each of these pieces are somewhat improvised and become one of kind. When I start I know the basic color combination and shape- but as I make each one it evolves and changes as I add colors, or beads, so I never know what the end result will look like exactly - it’s very cool, and I love how individual and textural they are!


How would you describe your style?
I would definitely say my style is unique and modern with ethnic influences. My undergraduate degree was Medical and Cultural Anthropology as well as art, and I have always been interested in other cultures and how they adorn themselves. Like my own personal style, my jewelry reflects a love of modern design, respect for traditional materials, influence from other cultures, and sometimes a nod towards the quirky and kitsch. I like my jewelry to be statement pieces in and of themselves! 

 


When did you learn to do what you do?
Growing up I was taught many different art forms and making things to wear and play with was how I was raised. My mom would organize summer “art camps” for us at home and one summer we focused on embroidery. Fast forward to years later as I had to adjust my jewelry making techniques because of time constraints (work and family) and safety issues (baby in the house so no more metal working or lampworking in our apartment!) I utilized my knowledge and love of  textiles and embroidery to create pieces using minimal supplies and tools and embroidery was something I could  do in the quiet moments after my little one went to sleep at night. I know I am going to get back to using metals and glass as well as other mediums in my jewelry, but I am so excited with all the incredible possibilities by using textiles and thread- I have so many ideas, that I’m not in any hurry!

photo courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

 

What inspires you?
I am truly inspired by people and the human condition. It’s so fascinating to me all the aspects that go into living this one amazing life- so full of beauty, color, textures…And of course, the natural world around us that provides an infinite amount of inspiration each day.



Where would you like your shop to be 5 years from now?
I’m really excited about potential collaborations with other artists and creative people. I’d love to have seasonal pieces that appeal to everyone and for regular customers. And of course, having my creative work be a major portion of my income would be a dream!


What does your work space look like?
I think my creative workspace could be described as “organized chaos” I am a person who uses her senses a lot, so I love to have my visual field full of colorful, inspirational images. I also love to be surrounded by things I can touch and experience like rocks, ribbon, and other tactile things. 

photos courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

How do you spend your time when you're not creating?
I do have a full time job so that keeps me busy busy busy. On my free time I spend it with my daughter making things for her as well as getting out and exploring the world; traveling, swimming, going for walks, museums, music, and THE BEACH; which is my favorite place in the world.


What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
For breakfast I love to eat a salami sandwich with butter and brewers yeast. Weird, I know.


Where else can we find your work; Are you doing any events this holiday season?

Right now I sell primarily via my shop - AnAstridEndeavor - on Etsy:

I have sold on flash sale sites like Uncovet, OkayAfrica, and CurioRode as well as a few sites overseas.  Locally I will be selling at Wonderland SF and also have a selection of my jewelry at Angela Adams in Portland Main.  AND I hope this holiday season to be a part of the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco!!! 
                 (I don't know about you guys but I'm exhausted just reading that)

The big news right now is that I am participating in the Martha Stewart American Made contest for American designers, artists, and craftspeople. I’m so excited to be a part of this and would love your support- you can find my profile here: http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/81005

photo courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

There you have it. Now head over to Martha Stewart's American Made contest and vote, vote vote, Then head to Astrid's store and shop shop shop! Remember:

OK not really, but I couldn't help it!

Young at Heart

Wooden Bird by Jenn Henson Designs

Not so much a theme this time, although, it seems like when I start these things, a theme tends to emerge. The bird above makes me think of whimsy, and whimsy is one of the best aspects of childhood.

So, for a theme, we'll go with that.

And if we're going for childhood, of course we must find children's clothes. Like this totally cute skirt...

Purple Hemp/Tencel & African Print Skirt by IOGoods

Or isn't this just too precious for a baby?

White Bloomers Diaper Cover by pily couture

Getting a bit older, what girl doesn't love friendship bracelets?  

Girl Friendship Bracelet by Isn't That Cute

And then in middle school, everybody seems to discover origami. (Well, not me, but it seemed like everyone else.)

Origami Crane Strand by The Crane Maker

Then we grow up (sort of), and we want to wear pretty things. I have a thing for swirls...  

Copper Earrings by StoneWyre

And I've always had a soft spot for rose quartz.

Rose Quartz Earrings by Encanto Design

This post contributed by Liz A. of Zizi Rho Designs.