Celebration our 5ooo members - What our members say about SPS Team?

Dear Readers,

We celebrated with an imaginary piece of cake and glass of champagne our big milestone,  reached 5000 members. Now it is time to share with you our members memories and opinions with you.

First of all I would like to introduce our 5 000th member:

''I'm super excited to be a new member! I joined today, and became member 5000!!!! My name is Talecia, owner of SacredVeilBridal. I create my own Bridal Veils and accessories! I'm a stay at home mom, and spend most of my time selling, creating and promoting on Etsy! Thanks for allowing me membership!''

Diana from CharmedBaublesNBeads said:

''I was curious when early in my Etsy journey there was an item favorited and the tag was spsteam. it would pop up every so often. I don't remember exactly what finally brought me to the team, but I can tell you what keeps me here:
vitality
friendliness
courtesy
helpfulness
entertaining
results
The leaders are awesome, hardworking, creative. They give so generously of their time and talents.
Thank you for letting me be a part of something so dynamic and positive!''

Tara from Beechtree, our fantastic leader tell us how she can find SPS Team:

 ''This is such a fantastic team! I shake my head in wonderment at how much time Ildi and Natalie devote to the team!

My first introduction to the team was at a time when I had walking pneumonia and was spending a lot of time on the couch and playing in the forums. I had been looking for an interesting team to join and when I found the SPSteam I felt like I had found the one. I spent so much time (like 6 weeks) playing the games and interacting that I was noticed and asked to be a leader, I felt very honoured! It has been great ever since to see the team grow and to get to know all of the leaders and many of the members! Congratulations SPSteam!''


We just love Beth from PrettyByrdDesigns opinion about SPS Team:

''I love being on this team. The captain and leaders are awesome. Everyone has been so friendly, welcoming, helpful and just plain GREAT.  Thanks to all and let's celebrate!!''







We got so many CONGRATULATION posts, we smiled and smiled and smiled:) I would like to share one of our leaders lovely words: ''Congrats Team on reaching 5000 members! I enjoy working with the Captain & Leaders to plan events & I love how the members of the team come together for teamwork; promoting & helping each other. Great work team!''

Amy from amydscrochet organizes our big SPS Team Events, which is right around the corner:
https://www.etsy.com/teams/12274/strategic-promotion-for-success-team/discuss/14605815/page/1

Do not forget to sign up!!!!!

I know more people wrote to us, you can read all here.

Finally I share Rose from AllYouNeedIsBeads post:

''I'm happy to be a member of this team
I am a newbie and am still learning.
When other groups would not have me, you did, no questions asked.
I will continue to participate and wish everyone well on the sales in their shops.''
.... and she is still our active member. I wish all of you many, many sales and SEE YOU soon at SPS Team:)



PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR CAPTAIN: 

Hi, my name is Ildi. I really enjoy the process of making pottery: I sit down at a table with clay and try to make something that I have an imagination of. I want something and the clay wants something but in the end I can work until I am most satisfied with the outcome.

www.etsy.com/shop/ceraminic

Items Of The Hour 5/18- 5/24

Items Of The Hour is a weekly thread on the Strategic Promotion For Success Team. Each day 4 items are chosen to be promoted by the other team members.  The purpose of the thread is to bring in new views and hopefully some sales.

Shops can promote the 4 items any way they choose.  Team members can promote by adding the 4 items to their favorites, making a treasury,  sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest , other social media, and any other way they can think of.  Team members who have promoted the other shops have an increased chance of their shop being chosen for the next round.

Please Join Me Here Items Of The Hour 

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. 

     

https://www.etsy.com/shop/amydscrochet

Meet our Members! -- Diana from Jolie femme

The SPS Team is an international team of artists, artisans and creators working together to promote their finest work!

Every week we are happy and proud to introduce a member of our outstanding team! They come from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and artistic horizons, but they all have one thing in common : they are driven, creative, dynamic, and dedicated to their Etsy business and to their team, SPST!

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Today we are pleased to introduce Diana, a creative seamstress who has a passion for gorgeous fabrics! Diana opened her Etsy shop, called "Jolie Femme", in May 2008.

In Diana's shop you will find a fantastic selection of handmade handbags, clutches, tote bags, eyewear cases, hairbands and more~!

Let's meet Diana and learn about her Etsy journey, her challenges and the insight she has for newer shop owners!

How did your Etsy adventure begin?  

I opened my shop in 2008 following some local craft shows where I had started selling my bags along with a few crafty friends. I really had no idea what I was doing and it was great that my friend Susan helped me with photos and ideas. 

My first few sales were to my good supportive friends that year and they really helped to keep me going when I was discouraged. I finally made a sale to a new customer in the spring of 2009. I kept going to craft shows and listing my items on Etsy and over these past 6 years have made 262 sales! 

I am always thrilled when I make a sale and often have had customers return and request custom orders from me. It’s a great feeling knowing that something you made is out in the world being useful and interesting to others.

Is your Etsy shop your full-time job? or a hobby? How do you manage your time between Etsy and your everyday life?

Etsy means a lot to me and it is neither job nor hobby because I am dedicated to it and I enjoy it in a way that is completely different from work or play. It is so important to me to keep challenging myself and creating to provide my customer with new beautiful and useful items. 

I am a mother of two and I am a homeschooler so my top priority is to my children and their learning adventures and accomplishments. I try to stay involved in the world and share my love of embroidery by teaching classes at a local quilting shop. 

I spend my time when I am not designing or creating or educating by continuing my own journey of learning. I love to read, travel, visit museums, scrapbook and make cards as well as sewing clothes for myself and my family. I have been learning to garden and keep chickens and I love my pet cats very much.

What inspires you for your designs? 

I am inspired by colors and patterns in cotton. It is a great medium for me and I won’t buy a fabric I don’t love. I enjoy the art of the southwest and find great inspiration all around me here in New Mexico, USA. 

I have been enjoying the Dia de los Muertos style and Frida Kahlo quite a lot and you will see more of that in my shop very soon. I like to let the fabric speak for itself and don’t do much ruffles or pleats. I love to combine fabrics that complement or coordinate in my clutches and I have lots of fun using remnants that people have given to me or buying destash when it is available. It’s a challenge to find just the right match for something I have and want to use, but I relish those moments. 

What I ultimately seek in my products is for them to be lovely as well as useful and to that end I have designed my own and modified existing patterns to create something uniquely my own. It’s a great feeling to see the finished item!

What does the SPS Team mean to you? How does it help you run your business? 

I recently joined the Strategic Promotion for Success (SPS) Team because I liked the name and thought I could learn to promote my shop better. I am so glad I did! I have learned so much from this diverse and dedicated group! I really have expanded what I do on Etsy with their help and support and it’s great to get online every morning and see what we can do to help each other. It really has made a difference in my views and in my sales. SPS Team is great!


Are you a buyer on Etsy as well? What do you usually look to buy?

I love shopping on Etsy! I buy supplies for making and for shipping as well as gifts for friends and family. I look at all categories when shopping because you never know what you might find but mostly the feeling that someone made it by hand is priceless to me. I have found affordable unique art and ceramics, candles and soaps, amazing jewelry and cool clothes and knitted and crocheted items too. I especially enjoy all the stuffed toys anything cute and cuddly.

What are the top 3 tips you would like to share with new sellers?

1) I would really encourage new sellers to look at their photos and be sure that they are light enough to see the item without a distracting background or too much flash. Many new sellers have their good work ignored because their photos are not clear and inviting. 

2) I also suggest joining a team and spending some time promoting effectively online. You definitely need to learn about your customer and find a way to help them find you in a way that is inviting and not off putting. I feel that Etsy is a great venue for selling handmade because of the community of sellers and all the help that is available. If you spend some time getting the free advice and join a team for more support you will really improve your shop and make some sales. 

3) Lastly, I think the most important part of being a good seller is your attitude, being positive and clear about your services and welcoming your customer is going to lead you to success.

Thank you so much Diana for your generosity and your great insight!

Visit Diana's shop today at www.etsy.com/shop/joliefemme!

You can also reach her on different social media platforms :

Facebook : facebook.com/pages/Jolie-Femme-Fashions
Wanelo : wanelo.com/joliefemmefashions

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If you are a member of the SPS Team and wish to be featured on our Team Blog in the series of articles 'Meet our Team Members' do not hesitate to contact our Leader, Natalie!

Read some other amazing stories from our Team Members :

Vintage Shops:

- Carol from BarnShopAntiques

- Stanislavs from Astra 9
- Paula from Bridget's Collection

Handmade Shops:
- Dorothy from Zzzonkowl
- Amy from AmyDsCrochet
- Victoria from Twig And Petals
- Nancy from Berkshire Collections

- Karen from CatchingWaves
- Barbara from BabyWearbyBabs
- Denise from Golf Coast Laser Graphics

- Beth from Corky Crafts

- Diane from CharmedBaublesNBeads

- Ellen from The Chilly Dog



PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER: 

My name is Natalie. I am a French-Canadian gal, but I live in South Korea. My passion is called "Hanji" : sumptuous Korean paper made of mulberry pulp. Hanji has been used for a thousand years in Korea to create decorative or ceremonial objects. For me, it is essential to offer useful and practical objects, that can enjoyed on a daily basis. Tissue cases, pen holders, jewelry, fridge magnets, hair accessories: let the beauty and unique character of Hanji paper make our everyday life objects irresistible!        www.etsy.com/shop/HanjiNaty Follow Natalie's Blog For The Latest Updates To Her Shop: www.hanjinaty.com

Colors of the Week - Selection of Weekend Treasury Game

Dear Readers,

Blue, yellow, beige, green - fresh Summer colors for you. I found a website full with decoration ideas. 

Top 10 Summer Colors and How to Use Them

This picture is just one of the great idea - Refreshing Lime

Our treasuries with hot summer colors:

PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR CAPTAIN: 

Hi, my name is Ildi. I really enjoy the process of making pottery: I sit down at a table with clay and try to make something that I have an imagination of. I want something and the clay wants something but in the end I can work until I am most satisfied with the outcome.

www.etsy.com/shop/ceraminic

Raluca's Fresh Finds for 5/13 - 3/19

Hello, I bring you again my picks from last week's Fresh Finds! 

A big thank you to all the wonderful shops that participate and post their newest items!

Every week I will post a selection of my favorite items recently listed by our lovely team members to give you an idea of what's new on Etsy.

Make sure you check back every week to see what's new! Enjoy! :)

See you all next week!

For a chance to be featured in the Fresh Finds post please join me here :

www.etsy.com/teams/12274/strategic-promotion-for-success-team/discuss/14566040

PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER : 

My name is Raluca and, together with my husband, I design cute stationery items that we sell in our Etsy shop. Stop by any time and take a look! :)

    

www.etsy.com/shop/paperloveprints

Inspiration Challenge -- Where can inspiration take us?

One of the many interesting threads we have in the Strategic Promotion for Success Team Forum on Etsy is the "Inspiration Challenge" game.

Every week, all our team members are invited to create a treasury inspired by one specific item. The owner of the Inspiration item has the difficult job to choose the winning treasury for the week, and the winner has the chance to choose an item from his or her own shop to become the inspiration item for the following challenge.

Our team is filled with creative minds, and it is very interesting to see how they can be inspired in so many different ways by the same item !

Today we are going to take a look at two different Inspiration Challenges, and how the same Inspiration item could be the source of such distinctive, different and fabulous treasuries!

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In the Inspiration Challenge no.9, the Inspiration item was a handmade bracelet from Beechtree :

This very interesting item has many different facets, that our creative Team members exploited with great taste!

For example, the little turtle pendant attached to the bracelet inspired the shop owner of SeasAndSeasons to create The Tortoise and the Hare treasury, filled with cute bunnies and turtles :

The earthy tones of the bracelet inspired this fantastic treasury, titled Brown bear, what do you see? created by Tammy from Ahimsaoils :

Some other team members were inspired by the turquoise of the beads, and used those gorgeous blues as an inspiration to create more aerial treasuries, such as Sky by Amy from BeadsAndThreadsbyAmy :

Some other members created treasuries around different themes, such Africa, the seashore, Buddhist divinity, Spring time, etc. It is amazing to see how differently the bracelet resonated for each player!

Here we can see the treasury Eco Chic, designed by June from ThresholdPaperArt and that displays gorgeous items with a natural flair and a bohemian look :

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In the Inspiration Challenge no.10, the Inspiration item was this hand painted rock from umbrellafant :

Many players were inspired by the saying "See the Sea" and created beautiful collections inspired by the seashore: beautiful shades of blue, shellfish, sand and beaches, natural and organic materials were carefully chosen by many of our teammates.

For example, the winning treasury Summer cloudy sky and stormy sea & ... curated by Mira from yonnimagazine was inspired by the ocean :

   

The treasury She sells seashells, by the seashore created by Corky from CorkyCrafts was also inspired by the sea :

Some other players were inspired by the colors and created something further from the seaside, but equally inspired and beautiful, like Real teal by Tatjana from ArTangled : 

Some other team members decided to focus on the material, like Ana from lindapaula with her treasury Natural stones :

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Do you want to play with us? A new Challenge every week!

Come and join us in the SPS Team Forum : 

https://www.etsy.com/teams/12274/strategic-promotion-for-success-team/discuss/

PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER: 

My name is Natalie. I am a French-Canadian gal, but I live in South Korea. My passion is called "Hanji" : sumptuous Korean paper made of mulberry pulp. Hanji has been used for a thousand years in Korea to create decorative or ceremonial objects. For me, it is essential to offer useful and practical objects, that can enjoyed on a daily basis. Tissue cases, pen holders, jewelry, fridge magnets, hair accessories: let the beauty and unique character of Hanji paper make our everyday life objects irresistible!           www.etsy.com/shop/HanjiNaty Follow Natalie's Blog For The Latest Updates To Her Shop: www.hanjinaty.com

Meet our Members! -- Dorothy from Zzzonkowl

The SPS Team is an international team of artists, artisans and creators working together to promote their finest work!

Every week we are happy and proud to introduce a member of our outstanding team! They come from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and artistic horizons, but they all have one thing in common : they are driven, creative, dynamic, and dedicated to their Etsy business and to their team, SPST!

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Today we are pleased to introduce Dorothy, a dynamic craftswoman and newest member of the SPS Leadership Team. Dorothy opened her Etsy shop, called "Zzzonkowl", in January 2013.

In Dorothy's shop you will find a fantastic selection of handmade fabric-covered buttons, as well as unique jewelry! And, yes, you will find very many irresistible owls!

Let's meet Dorothy and learn about her Etsy journey, her challenges and the joy she gets from a certain "ka-ching" sound! 

How did your Etsy adventure begin? 

Around Christmas time I was browsing Etsy for some possible gifts. I came across these interchangeable magnetic necklaces that were really neat, but really expensive. I did some research online and through trial and error I made my own version. I made at least a dozen different fabric-covered buttons to go with each necklace! I also sort of personalized each one by adding a charm or two that fit each personality. They were a hit with my family and friends. I loved fabric-covered buttons so much that I thought I could open my own Etsy shop and sell my interchangeable magnetic necklaces for a LOT cheaper than what I was seeing.

To be honest, I'm not sure what happened to that plan. I just started making single necklaces instead! And from there I experimented with other jewelry stuff...some things I could do; some things I just didn't have the patience for!

Now I don't know about you, but one of my most favorite sounds in the world is Etsy's "Ka-Ching!" when you get a sale.

Is your Etsy shop your full-time job? or a hobby? How do you manage your time between Etsy and your everyday life?

I have a sleeping disorder called narcolepsy, so I don't work outside of my home. I do some transcription work online, but my husband is by far the main supporter of our family of 3. (We have a 9 year-old son.) Truth is I haven't ever really had a hobby until now. I just slept whenever I had any free time--even in high school. I lead a dull, mundane life (which I am quite content with though!) so discovering how much I love doing this Etsy stuff brought some excitement into my life! 

I have always felt like a failure because I wasn't able to complete college and become an English teacher, but making a sale on Etsy gives me such a great sense of accomplishment and success! 

I still sleep all the time, but my life has definitely changed since I discovered my passion for fabric-covered buttons and charms! 


What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

Not to sound conceited but it's hard to pick just one. I feel a connection with each item, for different reasons.
I really love the owl & moon earrings I made, because they are unique and different. I love that I used my own creativity to come up with the idea!

I also love this orange sweater fabric necklace, because I'm a huge vintage buff--true vintage, not fake vintage ;)--so I love that it's made from a vintage fabric :

These are only a few examples that show you how much I love each item I make!


What does the SPST Team mean to you? How does it help you run your business?

Strategic Promotion for Success team is a wonderful Etsy team. I've joined many teams and left a few, but I plan on sticking around with SPST. I'm so grateful that others take time out of their lives to help one another promote our shops. Basically, if you haven't joined an Etsy team yet, you're missing out on some fun games and some great online friends :)


Are you a buyer on Etsy as well? What do you usually look to buy? 

Oh, yes. I'm an Etsy buyer too! Etsy is AMAZING. You can browse for hours and not get bored. I did a lot of shopping on Etsy for my wedding a few years ago. At this point though, since I'm trying to earn money not spend money, I don't buy as frequently from Etsy. The main items I buy are custom orders for fabrics--there are some really great sellers that will sell me less than a quarter yard since I only need small pieces for my buttons!


What is your biggest challenge or frustration as an Etsy shop owner?

There are a couple of challenges I face with my Etsy shop. One is the fees--$0.20 might not seem like a lot, but it adds up fast. Plus the percentage they take from the sale adds up too. Which leads to another difficulty I have--pricing. On instinct I want to price my items low--people like good deals and my rationalization is that I will make more sales with lower prices. But I've learned that's not true at all...you need to show that your item has value. I still always have a hard time pricing things...even though I've gotten more sales when my items were priced a bit higher. Maybe it's self-doubt or insecurity or something! I know I'm pleased with the things I make, but I guess I could be afraid it's not good enough. But I think as I continue to make sales, my confidence will improve.



Which is your favorite social media to use and recommend to other sellers for cross-promoting?

At first it was Facebook. I got some local sales this way; which is nice too! And then I realized I had to join Twitter! There are some teams that will re-tweet your tweets, so that's been helpful. The best social media platform I've used though is my blog ZzzonkOwl.blogspot.com. It's been so fun on top of helping others and gaining exposure to my Etsy shop :)

Thank you so much Dorothy for your insight and generosity!!

Visit Dorothy's shop today at www.etsy.com/shop/zzzonkowl!

You can also follow Dorothy on her blog, as well as different social media platforms :

Blog : zzzonkowl.blogspot.com

Facebook : facebook.com/zzzonkowl

Twitter : www.twitter.com/zzzonkowl
Tumblr : zzzonkowl.tumblr.com

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If you are a member of the SPS Team and wish to be featured on our Team Blog in the series of articles 'Meet our Team Members' do not hesitate to contact our Leader, Natalie!

Read some other amazing stories from our Team Members :

Vintage Shops:

- Carol from BarnShopAntiques

- Stanislavs from Astra 9
- Paula from Bridget's Collection

Handmade Shops:
- Amy from AmyDsCrochet
- Victoria from Twig And Petals
- Nancy from Berkshire Collections

- Karen from CatchingWaves
- Barbara from BabyWearbyBabs
- Denise from Golf Coast Laser Graphics

- Beth from Corky Crafts

- Diane from CharmedBaublesNBeads

- Ellen from The Chilly Dog



PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER: 

My name is Natalie. I am a French-Canadian gal, but I live in South Korea. My passion is called "Hanji" : sumptuous Korean paper made of mulberry pulp. Hanji has been used for a thousand years in Korea to create decorative or ceremonial objects. For me, it is essential to offer useful and practical objects, that can enjoyed on a daily basis. Tissue cases, pen holders, jewelry, fridge magnets, hair accessories: let the beauty and unique character of Hanji paper make our everyday life objects irresistible!        www.etsy.com/shop/HanjiNaty Follow Natalie's Blog For The Latest Updates To Her Shop: www.hanjinaty.com

Selection of Weekend Game

Dear Readers,

 I would like to show you this week, life is so bright and colorful:

PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR CAPTAIN: 

Hi, my name is Ildi. I really enjoy the process of making pottery: I sit down at a table with clay and try to make something that I have an imagination of. I want something and the clay wants something but in the end I can work until I am most satisfied with the outcome.

www.etsy.com/shop/ceraminic