(I know it's not really Friday, but I sure wish it was!)
As you've seen, I have not been updating my blog lately. If you've stopped by my shops, you also know that I'm not listing new items and I'm letting all of the current items expire. I have made the difficult decision to shut down Elle's Beads. I won't be updating the blog again any time soon, if ever, for the same reasons.
If I could give a crafter some advice about starting a business online, it would be to determine upfront how much time you wish to invest in building your business and how you will measure success. Back in 2009 when I started Elle's Beads, I thought I wanted to run my jewelry business as a full job. It didn't take long for me to realize that the "Quit Your Day Job" lifestyle wasn't actually what I wanted. Instead, I decided it would be a lot more fun to make whatever I wanted to make on my own time without the pressure of needing to bring in extra income. That worked really well for me. Through blogs, Twitter, forums, and teams I met tons of interesting people from all over. I am grateful to have had these experiences.
However, as I've said in previous posts, part of the calculations you should do when you're making business decisions is a cost/benefit ratio. You have to be mature enough to define what success means for you and then evaluate whether or not what you're putting out is worth what you're getting in return. In other words, you have to decide at what point you need to step back from the business or shut it down altogether.
For me, the other things I have going on in my life are more important to me than running and promoting Elle's Beads. I work full-time at a day job, and starting tomorrow I'll be working an additional part-time job in the evenings and on weekends. I'm doing all this so that I can be in a better financial position when I start law school in the fall. The school I'll be attending is 4 hours away, so in between work hours, I'll be spending a lot of time packing, cleaning, and getting ready to move. (Not to mention that I'll be looking for a place to live up there as well.) Additionally, since first-year, full-time law students are strongly encouraged not to work even part-time during the first year, I'm relatively certain I won't have time to make things, photograph them, edit the photos, and list them online. I am completely sure I won't have time on top of that to do any promoting of my shop whatsoever. Since my future career opportunities are more important to me than my beads, my cost/benefit analysis is telling me to quit while I'm ahead.
I want to thank each and every person who has posted comments here, bought jewelry from me, or has given me support in other ways. While it's possible that I'll come back next summer or in a few years down the road, returning isn't in the cards right now. My Etsy account will remain open, even after the last item has expired, and I paid out the nose for a lifetime Zibbet account, so I'll have a presence over there as well. Be sure to keep in touch!
Until next time,
Elle
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
EB Friday Hotlist: All Good Things...
Friday, April 1, 2011
Weekly Treasures: March 2011
Sorry for the drive-by posting, but here are a few treasuries in which I was featured this past month:
Please stay tuned for the full story about where I've been, where I'm going, and what the future is for Elle's Beads!
Until next time,
Elle
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Weekly BEST: All About Cats
This week, I have the pleasure of featuring All About Cats, a handmade shop from Vermont. The owner, Linda, inherited her creative side from her mother. You can read about their relationship here on Linda's blog. Linda's favorite crafts are sewing and painting, and she puts her talents to good use in creating fun and imaginative toys for cats (and trinkets for their owners). Her use of bright, bold colors and animal patterns make her items truly "pop." Here are a few of my favorites from the All About Cats Etsy shop:
Linda's toys can be made without catnip if you prefer, so feel free to contact her if you would like a special order made. Find All About Cats at these locations around the web:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-About-Cats/178751288826475?v=wall
Which item from All About Cats would you give to the cat lover in your life? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Which item from All About Cats would you give to the cat lover in your life? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Weekly BEST: Sandyvern
This week I'm featuring Sandy's Handmade Soaps & Things (sandyvern on Etsy), a unique shop from Stamford, CT. Sandy describes herself as a "self-taught crafter" and has developed skills in soap making, knitting, and jewelry making. While I'm only featuring her soaps here, be sure to check out the link section at the bottom of the post to find some of her knitting and jewelry (the monsters are too cute to miss!).
Sandy has been making soaps for three years through both the cold and "melt and pour" processes. Her ingredients include oils, butters, lye, goat milk, oatmeal, and honey. Interestingly, a batch of soap can take up to six weeks to perfect. Be sure to check out her Etsy profile here for more information about her creative process.
Here are a few of the scrumptious soaps for sale at Sandy's Handmade Soaps & Things:
Sandy has a variety of other offerings that I did not have room to share with you here, so be sure to check out both Sandy's Handmade Soaps & More and her other shops. Find Sandyvern at these places around the web:
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sandyvern
Shop 2: http://www.etsy.com/shop/monsterlovemadness
Shop 3: http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplysandysthings
Blog: http://theadventuresofsandyvern.blogspot.com
Don't forget to come back here and let us know in the comments which item(s) you like best!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Friday, March 4, 2011
EB Friday Hotlist: Five Tips for Avoiding or Reducing the Stress of Running an Indie Small Business
When I sat down to write this post yesterday my first thought was: Wow, what a long and stressful week! I don't know about you, but TGIF has taken on a whole new meaning for me this week! Ironically, that thought gave me the inspiration for today's Hotlist post:
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| Stress Reduction Kit by Programwitch, Used Under Creative Commons License |
* Engage with others. Maybe you're on a site like Zibbet, which makes it easy for you to connect with other people through groups and forums. These people are trying to do the same thing as you - run a profitable online business. Not only can enjoying the fun conversations about any and everything be a relaxing experience in itself, but engaging with other business owners will allow you to use them as a resource in the future. When you don't know how to do something (i.e. ship packages to customers in Taiwan, create a coupon code, resize photos), it's great to be able to consult other indie business owners and get constructive feedback instead of stumbling along in the dark all by yourself. Oh and if you're not on a marketplace website, there is still no excuse for not engaging. Join a site like Creating the Hive and get involved in the conversation! * Know your season. People often feel that January and February are the worst months for their handmade businesses. The Christmas/holiday rush is over and people are out of cash to spend on non-necessities. This can make a seller feel like their shop isn't up to par, when really there are other factors in play. Don't beat yourself up because your shop views dipped one day out of 30 or freak out on the Etsy forums over a short-term dip in your Google Analytics charts. Also remember, different seasons are different for different sellers. A business selling thick wool scarves and knitted beanies is not likely to have a rush on orders in July, and a custom swimsuit shop may not have a Christmas rush at all. Keep things in perspective and know that ups and downs in sales are natural for a business.
* Stay organized. I've always been an advocate of keeping a schedule but that's not the only way you should try to be organized. Keeping your accounting up to date, your crafting room in some semblance of order, and your shipping supplies in one place and ready to be used when orders come in can help keep you from feeling so overwhelmed. Check out the second article in the suggested reading list for more information about this strategy.
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| Photo: Yoga In Nature's Way by Tony George, Used Under Creative Commons License |
* Evaluate yourself. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while, the handmade business world is not for the faint of heart. Just see the first blog on the suggested reading list for a little perspective. At many day jobs, if not most, supervisors conduct yearly or quarterly evaluations of their subordinates. These evaluations can determine whether or not that employee keeps their job. Since you don't have another boss to do it for you, you should make self-evaluation a regular part of your planning. Taking stock at regular intervals of what's working for you and what isn't will make decisions like changing product lines or closing up shop all together much easier to determine.
As you can see, these tips for stress reduction aren't new - I've been supporting these ideas for ages and they certainly weren't my own original ideas! Sometimes though, it can be beneficial to be reminded of the basics! Be sure to check out the links below for great insights on this subject.
Suggested Reading List:
Blunt Business Advice for the Handmade Market: If you're thinking about taking the full-time handmade business plunge (known on Etsy as "Quitting Your Day Job"), this is a must-read article. MinervaLi doesn't hold back in this blog post and can help you understand exactly what you're getting into.
Improve Your Productivity and Lower Your Stress: In addition to being a fabulous example of how to do a guest post, this article by Celeste gives you tried and true tips for getting more done in less time with minimal fuss.
15 Ways to Reduce Your Stress Level at Work: This article was written to help B&M business owners and employees have a less-stressful work environment. Let's face it though - many of these suggestions can be clearly and easily applied to your online business as well.
Until next time,
Elle
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Weekly Treasures: Amber Sunsets In Your Life
Continuing this week's "sunshine" theme, I'm pleased to share with you a treasury by the talented Freedom32 on Etsy:
My beaded peace sign bookmark made it into this beautiful color-themed treasury:
Be sure to check out Freedom32's original paintings and other items, as well as the shops featured in her treasury. Feel free to leave a comment both here and on the treasury to let us know what you think!
Until next time,
Elle
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Weekly BEST: You Are My Sunshine
Speaking of sunshine, this week I have the privilege of featuring a shop that always brightens my day! You Are My Sunshine is run by Nina, a jewelry artisan and vintage treasure seeker from the "Sunshine State" (aka Florida). The name of her shop has a touching origin, which you can read about on her profile. While Nina does have a separate vintage shop, You Are My Sunshine has a sophisticated vintage feel of it's own. Natural themes and bright, bold colors abound in her many accessories and statement pieces. Here are a few pieces I'd love to own:
Nina has the entrepreneurial spirit in her blood and her shops are evidence of both her skill as an artist and as a business owner. I encourage you to sit back and enjoy flipping through the many pages of her items, as there's no telling what treasure might grab you! Find Nina and You Are My Sunshine at these places around the web:
Shop 1: youaremysunshine.etsy.com
Shop 2: mysunshinevintage.etsy.com
Blog: ninas-day.blogspot.com
Flickr: youaremysunshine-etsy.flickr.com
Facebook: youaremysunshine.facebook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/mysunshine4etsy
So what's your favorite thing from or about You Are My Sunshine? Let us know in the comments!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Weekly Treasures: Orange You Wanting a Bit of Sunshine?
I hope the weather where you are is as gorgeous and warm as it is here. I'm so glad that all of February wasn't a snowy/rainy drag! Danaemau brought some of that sunshine to Etsy last week with a beautiful orange treasury:
This fabulous buyer was kind enough to include one of my own items in her gallery - my deep orange ladybug earrings:
For more of Danaemau's treasury lists, be sure to visit her profile (linked above). Feel free to leave a comment here or on the treasury to let us know what you think of the collection!
Until next time,
Elle
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Weekly BEST: Alexander's Designs
This week I'm introducing you to not one, but two talented artisans from Missouri. Alexander's Designs is a joint venture run by a husband and wife team, Jenny and Skip. Both have been making jewelry for several years and they each have developed rather sophisticated talents, including fused glass techniques and metalsmithing. The end result is a collection of unique, handcrafted wearable art pieces blending glass, semi-precious stones, crystals, and precious metals. Here are a few of my favorites from this shop:
Although it should be obvious that the prices I post in my blog features are subject to change, I do want to point out that Alexander's Designs is having a sale right now. These discounts are only good until 2/25/11, so be sure to check out the shop now to get what you want!
Find Alexander's Designs at these places around the web:
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/alexandersdesigns
Shop 2: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClassicallySimple --> Fabulous items on sale through tomorrow 2/23!
Shop 3: http://beaderydestash.etsy.com
Shop 2: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClassicallySimple --> Fabulous items on sale through tomorrow 2/23!
Shop 3: http://beaderydestash.etsy.com
Blog: http://alexandersdesigns.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexanders-Designs/117051398358147
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexanders-Designs/117051398358147
After you're done shopping, be sure to come back and tell us which items are your favorites and/or which ones you purchased!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Friday, February 18, 2011
EB Friday Hotlist: Postling
I get asked frequently how I manage to update my various social media accounts with fresh content on a regular basis. While life does get in the way sometimes, I am able to minimize disruptions by scheduling things in advance and working hard to get as much done as possible when I do find a few free moments. One of the tools that helps me do this more efficiently is Postling.
Postling is a scheduling website that lets you post things to your various social media sites from their portal. You can add a variety of social media accounts to your "brand," including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn and Blogger. Once you've added the social media account, you can use Postling to update it, either by an immediate post or a scheduled one. You're also able to check your "stream" or the feed of posts that come from those you follow on a particular network.
I prefer to update my Facebook and Flickr accounts manually, and I use TwitterFeed and Hootsuite to schedule my Twitter posts. I signed up for Postling primarily to deal with a problem I've encountered with Tumblr. Tumblr can be a great marketing tool and I'm currently using my micro-photo blog there to promote my brand name, the indie community, and Zibbet. However, I have had a problem with Tumblr's internal scheduling feature. I would set a few photos to be posted over the course of the coming week and check in a few days to find that they hadn't posted. Ack!
Postling eliminates my need for concern. I simply create posts in much the same way I would in Tumblr. I add tags and set the date and time I want my posts to appear. I can confirm that the posts are set up the way I want them to be by checking the "Drafts and Scheduled" section (pictured below). I typically set up about two weeks worth of posts at once, and it takes me about 30 minutes or so from start to finish (depending on how long it takes me to find the pictures I want). I then set a Google Calendar alert to remind me when my posts are running out so that I can redo the process when necessary.
My understanding is that Postling has a variety of other features for paid members. As I only utilize their free service, I can't recommend those features. I will say that Postling has helped me keep my Tumblr consistently updated and for that reason I recommend checking out their free service if you're looking for a post scheduling service.
Have you used Postling? What are your thoughts on it? Have any other schedulers you use? Let us know which ones so we can check those out too!
Until next time,
Elle
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Weekly BEST: Too Much of a Good Thing
Long time readers of the blog may remember this shop from an earlier feature in September 2010. Too Much of a Good Thing has really grown since then and I think you'll fall in love with the new items! For those of you who don't know, Leyla (the artist) has a variety of crafty talents ranging from wearable art to paper crafts to amigurumi. When I first introduced her I wanted to show off her beautiful cards, but this time I'd like to showcase some of her unique and colorful accessories for you:
For more crocheted goodies, zipper flowers (how cool are those!?), and many other handmade items, make sure to mosey on over to Leyla's Etsy shop and browse around! Find Too Much of a Good Thing at these places around the web:
Blog: leylafolsom.blogspot.com
Also if you're local to Salem, Oregon or just happen to be out that way, check out this link to find out where you can purchase Leyla's work in local shops.
What is your favorite item from Too Much of a Good Thing? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Weekly Treasures: Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day from Elle's Beads! Although I do not have any personal attachment to this holiday, I know there are many who enjoy it and I wish those people a romantic and meaningful celebration. And....umm....Happy Monday to the rest of you!
(Oh, lighten up - I hate Mondays too!).
Here's a look at the Valentine's Day treasuries I've posted over the last month in case you missed them:
I hope you'll have fun browsing though the shops. Go easy on the wine and have a great night! :)
Until next time,
Elle
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Weekly Treasures: Be My {Foodie} Valentine
This is the last of the 4-part treasury series celebrating the creative ways Etsians express love. This week's theme is food love and is designed with the foodie (food and/or wine aficionado) in mind:
I hope you enjoy browsing through these artists' shops! Please feel free to comment here or on the treasury and let me know what you think!
Until next time,
Elle
Friday, February 11, 2011
EB Friday Hotlist: Why People Should Buy From You and Not a Big Box Store
This week I want to talk about the indie movement in general. Regardless of whether or not you sell online or at craft fairs or both, regardless of whether this is a hobby for you or a business or both, you are selling your items so that people will buy them from you. Your motivation may be different from the next person, but the basic goal is still the same - sales.
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| Stories by vasta on Flickr Used under Creative Commons license |
So why should someone buy a (insert name of craft here) from you as opposed to Walmart? I can get cheap, trendy jewelry there for a fraction of the price of some I see on Etsy. I can buy crocheted cozies, dyed scarves, and trendy shoes all in the same place without paying shipping or walking around a dusty farmer's market in the heat/cold/rain. What makes the handmade or vintage items you sell better than the mass-produced beauties in stores like Walmart?
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| Stories by normalityrelief on Flickr Used under Creative Commons license |
This week's suggested reading list will give you some ideas on how to figure out what your story is and how to turn that story into selling points to present to potential buyers.
Suggested Reading:
Buy Handmade: Why Buy Handmade? - Article with some of the reasons why people are choosing to buy handmade. Check out the list of links for ideas that may help you with developing your story and deciding why your indie shop is unique.
Etsy Blog: How to Sell Your Story with Johnny B. Truant - Article with great ideas on how to incorporate your story into your item listings to get people more interested in buying your items.
Etsy Community: Etsy Shop Makeover Challenge: Storytelling - Step-by-step article that helps you define your story, develop it, and turn it into a compelling artisan/shop profile, from the talented storyteller whose YouTube video I've embedded above.
Until next time,
Elle
P.S. My six word story is: Strength is the will to overcome. What's yours? Leave it in the comments after checking out Suggested Reading article #3.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
New Items from Elle's Beads
As you may remember, I'm a big fan of Animoto slideshows for showing off one's work and creating YouTube videos. Here's the newest slideshow I made featuring some new items I'm working on listing on Etsy:
As you can see, I'm trying to add a lot of bright, colorful items, especially in yellow - one of the colors that isn't represented often in my shop. What new items, colors, or styles are you working with this winter? Let us know in the comments!
Until next time,
Elle
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Weekly BEST: MysticWynd
"An awareness of peace and love rose anew,
As the spirit found truth and the Mystic Wynd blew..."
This week I have the pleasure of introducing you to Mystic Wynd, the shop owned and operated by BESTeam leader Karen. Karen hails from Scottsdale, Arizona and started expressing her creativity at a young age while living with her family in Chicago. Mystic Wynd is primarily a jewelry shop, though you will find little trinkets and handmade accessories sprinkled throughout the various sections. Although she features a very diverse range of styles, her use of categories makes it easy to find what you want. There really is something for everyone here, the reasons for which you can find in Karen's Etsy profile. As such, I've tried to pick items from different style categories to share with you:
Peridot Swarvoski Crystal Chandelier Drop Earrings $14.50
Rose Necklace in Champagne Blush $31.95
Green Apple Turquoise with Pearl Necklace $44.95
Magenta Pink Heart Charm Necklace $12.95
Rose Necklace in Champagne Blush $31.95
Green Apple Turquoise with Pearl Necklace $44.95
Magenta Pink Heart Charm Necklace $12.95
You can find Mystic Wynd at these places around the web:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mysticwynd
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mysticwynd
Be sure to check out the shop and come back here after browsing to let us know which jewelry style is your favorite!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Weekly Treasures: Helloooo Yellooooww
My yellow beaded chunky ring is making waves again in a lovely treasury featuring members of the Queer Etsy Street Team. Check out the entire treasury below or click here:
Be sure to check out all of the shops, including the curator's (AllThatIAm). She makes beautiful wire and gemstone jewelry. Here's one of my favorite pieces from her shop:
Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Pendant $395.00
Feel free to leave a comment here or on the treasury to let us know what you think of the selection!
Until next time,
Elle
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Weekly Treasures: Be My {Geeky} Valentine
The third, in what I have now decided will be a 4-part treasury series, is yet another unconventional collection of items pulled from Etsy search. This week's theme is geekery and has some great gift ideas for those who have nerdy chick or geeky guy to buy for this V-day:
I hope you enjoy browsing through this collection and the artists' shops. Please feel free to leave a comment here or on the treasury to let me know what you think!
Until next time,
Elle
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Weekly BEST: WriteOwl
This week I have the distinct pleasure of introducing you to Write Owl Designs (WriteOwl) from Portland, Oregon. The multi-talented shop owner, Jean, got her start in journal making at the age of eight. You can read about her source of inspiration here on her Etsy profile. Write Owl journals are perfect for doodling in, crafting poetry, and so much more. Jean encourages those who buy her items to use them as platforms for creating their own art.
Writing has always been therapeutic for me, but most of the journals I've had over the years have been spiral composition notebooks. If I could go back and replace those drab, boring notebooks with handmade works of art, these are the ones I couldn't do with out:
In addition to bookmaking, Jean also has a knack for making great desk accessories to go along with the journals, namely hand-painted pottery. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces:
Facebook: facebook.com/writeowldesigns
Blog: writeowldesigns.blogspot.com
Livejournal: writeowldesigns.livejournal.com
Make sure to check out the shop and, as always, come back here and let us know what items you like best!
Until next time,
Elle
I'm a part of an Etsy team called Boosting Etsy Shops Team or BEST. The purpose of the group is to provide promotion for each team member through our existing social networking accounts. Each week I'll be doing a blog feature about a different team member.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Weekly Treasures: Be My {Gothic} Valentine
This week my Valentine's Day-themed treasury is a bit darker, but in a good way. While I'm not a part of the Gothic subculture, I do find some of the Goth-themed fine art and handmade items on Etsy to be quite beautiful and filled with complexity. I decided to feature some of these items in a small 12-item treasury I put together using Etsy search:
'Be My {Gothic} Valentine' by ellesbeads
Beautiful collection of Gothic valentines and romantic items pulled from Etsy search
 Original Art Card '... $25.00 |  Dark Victorian Valentin... $9.00 |  Blood Red Rose on Gothi... $28.00 |
 Tree of Hearts $6.50 |  Desdemona Necklace $85.00 |  LOVE/HATE 8x10 art prin... $12.99 |
 5 Gothic Black Floral H... $22.50 |  The dark night - black... $18.00 |  Valentines Large Gift S... $2.50 |
 Only Have Eyes - Goth G... $2.75 |  Black Leather Love Cuff... $75.00 |  Rorschach Romance Silk ... $25.00 |
Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.
I hope you enjoy browsing through these artists' shops! Please feel free to comment here or on the treasury and let me know what you think!
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