Saturday, January 31, 2015

Renew or Re-Do Old Listings? Bringing a Fresh Perspective to Your Shop for 2015

The Allure of the New

I've been making and selling jewelry on Etsy for about 5 years.  I have found that my "eye" for jewelry design (my own and others' creations) is always developing and changing.  I am always eager to explore new materials and try new ideas.  In fact, the quest for the "new, rare, one-of-a-kind" element (beads, pendants, etc.) that will make the next piece a knockout can become obsessive!

Reviewing the Old

In the New Year, however, I decided to take a critical look back at items that had expired or been renewed multiple times.  Some of those pieces represent a significant investment in materials. But instead of helping me fund new supplies (or recoup past expenses) they were just 'sitting on the shelf.'

The first older piece I redid with a new vision of its possibilities sold almost as soon as it was listed. Other pieces I've redone haven't sold yet, but I'm happy that they better represent who I am now as a jewelry designer.  Not all crafts lend themselves to makeovers as easily as jewelry, but looking back at past creations and reflecting on what worked and what could be stronger can help all artists to grow.


Look Elsewhere

Looking objectively at your own work isn't easy, however.  Here is the single most important tip I've found for bringing a fresh eye to your own pieces:  Look elsewhere first!  Go hunting for inspiration! Look at a LOT (hundreds, at least) of creations by other people working in your craft.  Don't limit yourself to a single style or time period or theme, or to what you already know you like--just look for ANY jewelry (or pottery or fiber art) that makes you catch your breath, makes you want to reach out and touch.

Make an Inspiration Gallery

Use Pinterest or your Etsy favorites to make a good-sized collection of the pieces that resonate for you. Do you notice any patterns, colors, or small details that stand out in the pieces you especially love?  Which ones surprise you or intrigue you the most?

Don't worry about being influenced by other artists' work.  As long as you're not copying someone's creation, there is nothing wrong with absorbing fresh influences and then bringing them into your own creative process.  Artists have always been inspired by each others' creations. Chances are, when you come back to your own pieces, new possibilities will jump out at you.

Here are some pieces by other jewelry designers that caught my eye--and some words for what inspires me in them:
Storytelling, Asymmetry, Unexpected, Bold Colors



Small Changes Add Up

One other tip I've learned from revising my past jewelry designs:

Sometimes a small change can make a piece feel new.  Here is one piece I redid, adding a pendant to give the necklace more interest.







Sometimes, also, a new photo of the same piece may be all that's needed!  Product photography is another topic and a HUGE challenge for jewelry sellers--one I'm still working on.  I just bought my first DSLR camera--now I need to learn how to use it!

There is certainly more to growing and developing your shop than revising older listings. But if you make pieces that can be altered, looking back at older listings might present the opportunity to refresh past creations, revitalize your shop, and boost your sales for 2015.


PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER:

Once upon a time I wanted to grow up to be an artist. As it turned out, I became an English teacher (which I loved) and a mother of two amazing children (which I loved) and somehow I never found much time for art. When I started exploring crafts, it was like a flip got switched. There is now paint and paper, shells and driftwood, beads and wool and more beads spread all over my kitchen and I feel like a child who doesn't want to stop playing...

    



Friday, January 30, 2015

January Cross Promo Train



The beginning of a new year also brought us a beginning of a new Cross Promo Train.  This month we had one of our most successful Cross Promo Trains ever.  The 15 shops who participated  went far beyond the minimum requirements everyday.  January 19 - 23 were 5 fun filled days of promoting on social media, hearting, and making treasuries.













Here's what we did each day.




➽ 1st Stop (1/19) Shop Hearts -


Each shop lists two items from their shop which they would like others to click/view/fave. Lily and Pearl Etched Domed PendantLove Card - Valentine's Day Card Chicken doll doorstop Pink Rose Pendant Vintage Horn decorated with metal

➽ 2nd Stop (1/20) Social Media Day -



 Each shop lists 1 item from her/his shop which s/he would like others to promote via social media .Pointed Star Pineapple DoilyCoral Green Striped Hanji Paper Dangle EarringsRare Aquamarine PendantCoral and mother of pearl Cross Bracelet London Garden Le Croissant Sac

➽ 3rd Stop (1/21) Spread Some Love -



Each shop will be pick 3 items from the shop BELOW them on the list and promote the 3 items via social media sites of their preference!  Cat NecklaceOwls on a Bicycle Burlap Print Blue Floral Lampwork NecklaceRed Glass Candle HoldersAqua Blue Fish Nursing Decoration





➽ 4th Stop( 1/22) Treasury PIF -


Each shop will create at least 1 treasury featuring any 8 shops from the list of participants & 8 from anywhere on Etsy.

Let's take a look at a few of the amazing treasuries:



Gushing Greens

While waiting for the first signs of spring, these gorgeous items from SPS Team shops make a lovely substitute!
Green Leaf Hanji Paper Earrings Leaf Design Delicate Green Brown Dangle Earrings Hypoallergenic hooks Lightweight Ear rings
$14.00
Green Ceramic Leaf Brooch One of A Kind Black Dots Pottery Silver Pin Recycled Paper Box
$15.00
Apatite Blue-Green Gemstone Earrings
$22.00
Emerald Pendant 14K Gold 5mm Round Green Colombian Emerald Natural Genuine Gemstone May Birthstone+Certificate Gift for her, Valentines Gift
$999.00
Vintage lady's Scarf / Light and Dark Green Scarf / Women Beauty Scawl
$19.00
Aloe Maculata - Soap Aloe - drought tolerant succulent - xeriscape plant -  gallon container size, fully rooted
$10.00
Green Pinwheel Doily St Patrick's Day
$10.00
Free Shipping, Wild Savannah Lampwork Earrings, Green, Brown SRA Artisan Glass, Swarovski Crystals,14k Gold Filled, Handmade Gift, SAFARI
$30.00
Fresh Fashionable Greens Head Kerchief Wrap Scarf Two for One
$11.00
Mini Canvas Mixed Media - Rustic Home Decor - Vintage Decor - Hand Painted - Vintage Roses - Mini Canvas Art - Green Mini Canvas
$7.50
Fenton Green Glass Vase
$19.00
Vintage Art Glass Bowl in an Irridescent Yellow-Green Color
$49.00
Expedited Shipping for Blooming Door Decor Single Print Orders - US Customers Only
$4.00
Unique Landscape Resin Pendant.  Flower Resin Necklace.  Resin Jewelry.
$20.00
Inspirational Word Bracelet~BELIEVE Word  Bracelet~Inspirational Word Quote Bracelet~Apple Green Wood Beads On Stretch Cord
Sold
SALE Large Fluorite and Sterling Pendant Necklace with Garnets, Petrified Wood, Gold Coral and African Silver Ombre Gemstone Jewelry
$50.00

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Love red and black!

SPS Team Cross Promo Train
US Map and Song Lyrics Art - Personalized Wedding Gift - Valentines Day Gift - Wedding Vow Art - Framed Custom Art - Where We're From
$35.00
Vintage photography piano heart print 8x10 24x36 black white red music fine art photography musical instrument dorm room decor romantic love
$25.00
Vintage Jewelry Box "Heart" / Red / Black / Valentine's day
$39.99
Valentine's Day Ceramic Heart Buttons, Small, 4 Pieces, Red and Black
$10.00
Boot Cuffs, Knitted boot cuffs, Red and Black , Two in One, Leg Warmer, Very Long Cuff, Garnished with heart pattern, With Free gift
$29.90
Black Fingerless Gloves Red Heart Embroidered Gloves Heartbeats Cozy Mittens Handknit Gloves Handwarmer Valentine's Day's Gift  Nicknacky
$27.90
Rare Garnet Pendant 14k Gold AAA 10mm Round 5.60-5.80 Carats Red Big Gemstone Natural Genuine January Birthstone Certified Valentines Gift
$199.99
Resin Valentine Pendant.  Red Heart Pendant.  Valentine Heart Pendant in Red.
$14.00
Black, White, and Red Rose Garden Mini Top Hat Fascinator, Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter Tea Party, Derby
$60.00
Bliss Card - Valentine's Day Card - Red Felt Heart - Blank Card - Black and White - Book Page - Red Burlap - Butterfly - Hand Stamped
$4.00
Pink Grrl Power Red and Black Fashion Bifold Wide Women's Cotton Wallet
$40.00
Black Diamond Hanji Paper Earrings Dangle Leaf Design Black Red White Hypoallergenic hooks Lightweight Ear rings
$14.00
Pretty Butterfly with Rose, Valentines Day Special Butterflies, Valentines day Decor, Paper butterflies, Butterfly Wall art, Red Wall Art
$16.50
Tea Cozy 3D Red Heart Black and White Check Item 201405
$24.95
Black and White Wood Grain Faux Bois Necklace with a Red Heart Necklace - Wood You Love Me
$35.00
Valentine's Day Cards / DIY Printable / Editable for Child's Name / Chalkboard Mustache / Modern / Instant Download
$1.25

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A Day At The Beach

Beach-y treasures from the sps team and more!
Beach Ornament, Nautical Bowl Filler Seaside Home Decor Fishing Float Inspired Coastal Home Decor
$8.45
Aquamarine Earrings 14k Gold Stud 5MMX5MM Square 1.20 - 1.40 Carats  Natural Genuine Gemstone March  Birthstone Certificate Valentines Gift,
$149.00
Vintage REVERIE Alfred Meakin Staforshire Blue and White Pitcher
Sold
Vintage Souvenir / Golden Anchor on a black Plate /  Nautical Theme
$43.00
Ceramic Big Mosaic Tiles Fish Crab Starfish Pottery Ocean Art Supplies
$25.00
Blue Druzy Brass Statement Necklace
$38.00
Green Blue Patchwork Hanji Paper Dangle Earrings OOAK Handmade Striped Hypoallergenic hooks Lightweight
$12.00
FREE SHIPPING, Blue Opal Earrings, Cluster Earrings, Peru Opal, Peacock Apatite, Orange Mandarin Garnet, Sterling Silver, Luxe Handmade Gift
$48.00
Fish in the Sea Card Case Gift Card Holder
$4.00
Antique Postcard Burlap Print with Address - Burlap Name Print - Address Print - Housewarming Gift - Wedding Gift - Burlap Art
$18.00
Sea Shell Jewellery~Sea Shell Jewellery Bracelet~Nautical Sea Shell Jewellery Bracelet~Women's Sea Shell Bracelet~Beaded Sea Shell Bracelet~
$19.99
Plant Pot - Zig Zag Waves - aqua blue, olive green and gray - hand painted terra cotta
$9.00
Any Occasion Card - Blank Card - Starfish - Sand Dollar - Hand Stamped - Beach Theme - Blue and Tan - Just a Note - Sea Theme - Nautical
$4.00
Blue & White Striped Baby Afghan
$25.00
Drawer Pulls Knobs Seahorse Nautical Beach House Set of 2 Aqua
$14.00
Mermaid sign, mermaid decor, Beach Sign, Beach House Decor, Surf Decor, Surf Shack, Mermaid, Ocean
$22.50

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BOLD and BEAUTIFUL SPSTeam

Cross Promo Train A collection of beautiful, colourful items from various SPSTeam members!
Carte Postale - Any Occasion - French Postcard - Vibrant Gold and Coral - French Theme - Blank Card - Butterfly - Black and White Accents
$4.00
Red gingham chicken doll doorstop - blue wings, red gingham heart, quilted wings and tail, eyelet ruffle
$27.00
Floral Statement Necklace with Layers
$49.00
Round Red Hanji Paper Earrings Dangle Red Orange Leaf Design Flower Hypoallergenic hooks Lightweight Ear rings
$14.00
FREE SHIPPING, Sunflower Lampwork Earrings, Orange Teal Yellow Raised Glass Beads, Swarovski Crystals, 14k Gold Filled, Handmade Gift
$34.00
Vintage Pink Transferware Plate or Platter Gateway by Royal Winton, Downton Abbey Decor
$34.99
Selection of Four Clutch Charmante Choose Your Print
$9.00
Large Lotus bowls- set of 4 //  Vintage set of tulip bowls
$24.00
Apple Jack Crochet Pony With Removable Hat Inspired by My Little Pony
$30.00
Raspberry Rhodolite Garnet Earrings 14k Gold Oval 7X5mm 1.9-2.1 Carat January Birthstone Natural Genuine Gemstone Certified Valentines Gift
$149.99
Vintage Decorative wooden spoons / Handmade / Handpainted
$38.00
Pink Rose Pendant / Necklace.  Resin Pendant with Ribbon Rose.  Feminine Floral Jewelry.
$14.00
Sale Black and Orange African Beads Hand Painted Sand Cast Glass Beads with Amber Resin Halloween Colors Ethnic African Jewelry
$35.00
Thank You Cards - Set of 12 -
$5.99
5 Rainbow Color Ceramic Hearts Pottery Pendant Eco Friendly Supplies
$7.00
Custom Football Jersey Print - Fabric Jersey Art with Name and Number - Football Art - Football Decor - Sports Art - Custom Sports Print
$20.00

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➽ 5th Stop( 1/23)- Adopt a shop-


 Pick any Etsy shop & promote them how you want. They don’t have to be part of the spsteam. You can choose them from anywhere.

Here are the shops that were adopted.



 All Natural Beeswax Lip Balm with Coconut Oil

Macrame Plant Hanger

Baby Sweater Jacket Size 6 Months

Porcelain Trinket Box

Square Silk Scarf Hand Dyed

The Burren Shawl: Entrelac Knit Pattern PDF

Blue gingham chicken doll doorstop

Chunky bold necklace large

Vintage Fiesta Cups
35 Giant Rainbow Corn

Vintage Sailing Ship Embossed Metal Tin Container

Dramatic Red Resin Pendant


Small Fabric Storage Bin Basket


Green Hanji Pen Holder

Beaded Pearl Bracelet


I had a wonderful time taking part of the Cross Promo Train.  I hope you'll join me next time for more cross promotional fun!




PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER :

Hi I'm Amy. In my shop I offer a variety of crocheted items and occasionally I list vintage crochet & knitting pattern books. I enjoy working on custom orders. My customers often come up with the best creative ideas; and sometimes offer me the challenge of creating something I've never done before. It’s always satisfying to take a piece of yarn and create something new from it.


   


amydscrochet on Etsy