Featured Seller - Sugarcube Design

Your first name, and your store name?

Corinne from Sugarcube Design

What part of the world are from?

New York City

What does customer service mean to you?
I think communication is so important. Having great items listed in your shop and shipping out orders on time is essential, but I find that the things buyers appreciate the most are the little extras like a message to let them know their package is on its way or a personal note tucked in with their purchase.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

I had one woman that I did a custom order for a while back that was just wonderful to work with. We had a great time designing everything just the way she wanted it, and it all came together so nicely in the end.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

If I don't absolutely love a design, if it isn't something that would catch my eye, I won't list it. Everything I have in my shop is something I'm very enthusiastic about. And I think my enthusiasm for my shop shines through to my customers. It's contagious!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I think everything I've done in the past, from my web design experience to my self-employment as a freelance illustrator to working for someone else in an office setting have all contributed to what I do today. They've all contributed a different set of skills, none of which I could do without today.

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal for the next year or so is to start using some of my current designs, as well as creating some new ones, on a wider variety of goods. I would like to begin screenprinting my designs onto things such as linens, pillow covers, and tees and maybe even open a second shop to showcase them all.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

When things are busy, it's easy to get caught up in the business aspect of things like shipping and listing items. So when things are slow, I take use that time as an opportunity to create and try out the new designs that have been bouncing around in my head for a while.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I'm always looking for new ways to attract new clients, and I'm especially happy to try out any new geeky thing that comes along to facilitate that. Things like blogs, Twitter, Flickr are all great things to take advantage of. Of course, you can't discount basic things like handing out your business card to everyone you meet, or ensuring that your first-time customers enjoy the experience so much that they return again and again.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

It's really simple, but great photos and clear descriptions are essential. If you don't have a great storefront, people are going to move on to the next shop without even taking a good look around.

Do you have a current promotion or contest you'd like to share with our readers?

Yes! Right now, I have a great new line of cd sleeves that I'm very excited about. To promote them, I'll be sending a free set of matching mini-notepads with each set of cd sleeves purchased.


Thanks Corinne for being our featured seller!

Please visit Sugarcube Design at http://sugarcubedesign.etsy.com

Featured Seller - Living Glass Art

Your first name, and your store name?

Anna Varney livingglassart

What part of the world are from?

Tennessee, USA between Nashville and Memphis

What does customer service mean to you?

Everything, really. My joy is creating and I'm thrilled to be able to share my joy with my customers. When it comes to custom designs for a client, I will work with them until a design is to their liking even if it means weeks of discussion and design approval. I work alone so that means I am the designer, the producer and packaging engineer. Since glass is a fragile item, I take great care in packaging to assure the item arrives at its destination undamaged.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

There have been so many. Most recently, I created a piece, a stained glass cat face ornament, for a client of her cat who was very ill. She received the piece and the very same day her cat passed away. The piece, she says, warms her heart to see everyday and has eased in her pain since she misses her cat so much.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

All of my works are original in design. I take great care in selecting quality materials. If they don't meet my standards I won't use them. I like to think that I'm creating unique works that make people say, "Wow".

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Life experiences. As far as my craft is concerned, I'm basically self taught. I took one 8 hour class and set out on my own. I've held a number of different positions in a variety of fields and I guess I've learned a little bit from all of them.

What is your goal for the next year?

To develop new and exciting designs and to work on my organization skills.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

My desire to create is so strong I suppose its self motivating.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

Not as much as I need to at the moment. I need to investigate different options for advertisement.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Create something that you love. If you don't love what you do don't expect anyone else to love it either.

Thank you Anna! Your beautiful stained glass artwork blew us away. Such stunning colours and interesting designs that would suit many homes, at very reasonable prices. One of our favorite pieces is showcased above, called Aqua Blue Hanging Stained Glass Panel with Glass Bevels, available for $100 USD.

Check out Living Glass Art for a beautiful variety of stained glass art.

Featured Seller - twobadbananas

Your first name, and your store name?

My name is Cat, and my shop name is twobadbananas.etsy.com.

What part of the world are from?

I'm from York, a beautiful historic city in England.

What does customer service mean to you?

Well, I want anyone who buys anything from me to be as excited and happy about it as I am (which is pretty excited!). I want to be helpful and friendly throughout a transaction, and I want them to know how pleased it makes me that they like something I've made enough to spend money on it. I always add a handwritten thank you and a little extra something to my parcels.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Definitely Mary, who runs her own jewellery shop (heatbreakjewelry.etsy.com). I met her through etsy, purchased items from her, and her from me. She is so friendly and such fun to talk with, I had a great time preparing her order for her, and I was so thrilled when she left her feedback saying how much she loved her jewellery. She told me she changed her shirt as soon as the parcel arrived so she could wear my necklace, and that she cut the stickers off the parcel and saved them. Making Mary happy made me so happy, I was grinning all day!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

When you read my listings I try to make my items as interesting and personable as I can. I'll tell you what music I was listening to, or what tv programme I had on in the background as I made each particular item, and even sometimes what snack I had in the middle of my crafty session! As for my fruit and vegetable characters, I've given them all names and personalities, a task I enjoyed a little bit too much, I think. I'm a geek at heart!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

As a very strange child! I played with Sylvanian Families, but it worried me a lot that there wasn't really enough food to go round a village full of woodland creatures (as I said, strange child!). My Mum bought me fimo so I could make food for them and I never looked back. I took a break from creating anything at all whilst I was at University as my time was taken up with being in Pantomimes, running the Archaeology Society, oh, yeah, and my degree ;) Now I work full time in a shop, so I think that also helps me when it comes to knowing what designs will sell, and how to communicate with my customers.

What is your goal for the next year?

Next year? I'd like to be completely free of my student debt, and have saved up enough money to learn to drive. Then I can start going to craft shows and displaying there. As regards my etsy shop, it'd be nice to make 100 sales. That'd be a cool landmark :)

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

As I'm new to etsy so my sales haven't really taken off yet. I'm still excited when I can tell people have viewed my items! But I take great heart from real life reactions people have to my jewellery when I'm wearing it. It reassures me that there is a market for the things I make. I just remind myself that selling online is a different kettle of fish to selling in a shop, and that things will pick up for me.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

This is like my secondary hobby at the moment! Well, I'm being featured in this blog, and in a giveaway on another blog soon. I've made a facebook fanpage (tinyurl.com/twobadbananas) and when I hit 50 members I'm going to start running promotions just for my fans.

I've just started using twitter (twitter.com/twobadbananas) although I am wary of being a spammer so I'm pretty easygoing with it. I also have a blog (twobadbananas.blogspot.com), and a webpage (twobadbananas.com), both aimed at making me more recognisable.

I'm also in the process of running an ad on Craftcult, and I sell in a bricks and mortar shop, and am hoping to expand to one or two other shops soon. I've had business cards printed which I give out to people who I chat with when they admire my jewellery, which I try to wear nearly every day.

This is the hardest part for me, wearing jewellery I've made over things I own, as I'm a bit of a jewellery fiend! Also, I pop a card and a home-made twobadbananas badge in with all the goodies I send out to my customers, so hopefully they can help spread the word for me.

Lastly, I make my friends and family a lot of jewellery, because they promote for me without even knowing they are doing it half the time! I'm hoping that my excitingly decorated parcels, extra goodies and unusual designs, combined with my friendly attitude, will foster repeat sales for me.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Be prepared for a lot of hard work! I thought I went in prepared, and I am still shocked by how much of my free time promoting takes up. I think I spend more time online nowadays than I do creating jewellery, which is sad, but necessary. But it's worth it. It's an amazing feeling when someone buys something you've made. Go for it!:)

Do you have a current promotion or contest you'd like to share with our readers?

Yes! Readers of this blog who purchase any item from me are eligible for free postage when they mention "I Made That Blog" in the Notes to Seller box. Just convo me to sort it out.

Thank you Cat! Your shop is so cute and fun! We've chosen our favorite piece from your shop to showcase on our blog, the Babooshka, Babooshka Necklace, available for only $11 USD!

Please check out twobadbananas for other terrific cutesy finds to add to your accessory collection!

Featured Seller - RosaleenDhu Designs

For your shopping pleasure, we are happy to introduce...

RosaleenDhu Designs

http://rosaleendhu.etsy.com/

What part of the world are from?

Right between Los Angeles and Disneyland!

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service means remembering that customers are people too, and not just potential sources of income. From brainstorming to shipping, I want to try to think of what will make my customers the most happy while still maintaining reasonable business practices.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

I think my most memorable customer with this shop was the lovely woman at the table next to me at my last convention. When I was setting up, she asked to see one of my scarves, and ended up being my first sale of the show. And over the next three days, I think she bought 4 or 5 more! And her friends bought another three! Fellow sellers are NOT competition. They're potential customers. ;)

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

Honestly, my items are pretty unique. There are some sellers out there who have animal scarves, but none of them do the neckwarmers that are my bestsellers, and the animal style is pretty different from my long ones.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I learned sewing through osmosis. My mother used to make all of my dresses for church and picture days, and I can remember making a doll quilt when I was about 5. I learned to be fearless about crafting in Girl Scouts, and that's also where I learned a lot about sales. By the time I got to high school, I couldn't rely on just being really cute to sell cookies. Being in retail for nearly ten years taught me a lot about the importance of presentation and customer service.

What is your goal for the next year?

I've got two big ones! The first one is to be more organized with my paperwork and record keeping. Taxes were not fun at all, and I want to make that whole process less painful. The second one is to come up with a product line that's a either less seasonal or more Summer-y.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I've got some pretty big shows I do spread out over the year. If etsy is slow, I can focus on preparing for those. If I don't feel like I need to work on show-prep, I use the slow time to develop new designs or learn something new.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I probably don't do as much to attract clients as I should. I renew or list items at least a few times a week. I post in the forums on etsy. I'm part of the California Crafters Club of Etsy Team. I have a blog. I have a DeviantArt account. I wear my own product when the weather allows.

I don't really do anything specificly to attract return business. I just do my best to offer quality product and excellent service, and I think that goes a long way. Most of my return customers mention being really pleased with the quality of my sewing. I do include a handwritten thank you in every package, and I like including small gifts as well.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

No matter how carefully you calculate things, a successful shop will take over far more of your life and your house than you expect. It's not a bad thing, but be ready for it, and start planning the excuses you'll need to give the rest of your household now.

Thanks Máire! Check out RosaleenDhu Designs at http://rosaleendhu.etsy.com.

Prices range from $20-35 USD

Running A Contest? Want Extra Exposure?

Are you running a contest? Would you like some extra exposure? We'd be happy to feature your contest!

If you are currently holding a contest and would like some exposure, simply send us a photo of the prize up for grabs, the retail price, and any rules that apply. We will gladly list the link to your website where contestants can enter.

If you'd like us to host a contest for you on our blog, we can do that as well. Simply give us all the info (price, rules, retail price, link to your store) we will draw a name from all contestants who enter. You will be responsible for contacting the winner and making any arrangements for them to receive their prize.

Please contact us by emailing: imadethat@hotmail.com if you'd like to work with us on a contest.

Featured Seller - Flapper Doodle

What part of the world are you in?

New Jersey

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer Service is very important to me. I try to include a little free gift with each order, along with a handwritten, personalized thank you note. Every time I get an order, my heart just lights up with joy, knowing that somebody out there likes my art enough to pay for it! So when I pack their order, I want to try my best to let them know how much their order really means to me.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

A really nice woman who knew me from my outdoor art shows wanted to purchase some prints from my etsy store-- but had never used etsy or paypal before. Rather than taking me up on my money order/check offer, she was determined to learn how to do the transaction on the internet. I sent her step by step instructions, and stayed online near my computer while she proceeded through the checkout and registration process in case she needed help. She was so incredibly excited when she made it through! She said I helped her finally make it into the 21st century. I was so proud of her!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I think that my illustrations are unique from others because of their style and subject matter. I don't know how many other people have drawn 1920's flappers playing hula hoop!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I'm self taught, so lots of trial and error! (oftentimes more error than trial..)

What is your goal for the next year?

I'd love to spend more time painting and drawing, and I would love it I had enough etsy sales that I could cut back on the number of outdoor art fairs I have to do.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

The art. If you concentrate on sales alone, it's really easy to get depressed, and second guess your artwork. Just ignore the sales, and keep going. Having a cute, affectionate cat to comfort you when sales are slow helps, too!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?
I have a blog (http://www.flapperdoodle.blogspot.com), post my images on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/kategabrielle), and constantly renew my items on etsy. I've also started a new advertising campaign called "Six Degrees of Flapper Doodle." In each order I send out, I include a little packet that includes Six Degrees instructions & a sheet with 6 lines on it. Each time a customer gets six friends to sign up for my mailing list or blog, they get a free mini print! Word of mouth is the best form of advertising.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Have a very unique, well crafted product, and take good pictures. If you are selling original 2D artwork, have good high quality scans or photos taken in natural sunlight with no timestamp.

*SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR BLOG READERS*

Enter code MINIFLAPPER in the checkout, and get a free mini print of your choice with any purchase of an 8" x 10" print. Please indicate with mini print you'd like.

Thanks for sharing your artwork with us Kate! We've never seen artwork like yours before and it is quite interesting. Black and White prints are so popular and classic, coupled with a lovely vintage spirit, we have no doubt your prints will sell very well!

Visit Flapper Doodle at http://flapperdoodle.etsy.com

Featured Seller - Jewelry of Lav

What part of the world are you in?

Sunny Shining Singapore, (at least for most of the year)

What does customer service mean to you?

It means taking time to understand my customer's needs and requirements and using 101% of my creativity, energy and time to meet their needs and requirements. It also means becoming friends with my customers & be their approachable jewelry designer.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

There are too many to be mentioned. In fact, many left wonderful and encouraging comments and praises of my jewelry after their purchases. Some even send me Christmas gifts and encouraging cards when I was feeling down due to personal reasons.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I guess it would be my after sale service. I love to give my earlier collections new lease of life, even if they have been subjected to years of wear and tear. As long as my customers send me a note or email to request for such a service, I would gladly provide, with no service charge required. Customers need only pay for new parts used.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Actually, a lot of things I learned are from trial and error. I make PLENTY of mistakes and also learn from them.

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal is for Jewelry of Lav to continue its steady grow in its online and offline presence. More specifically, as my customers are mainly from Asia, I hope to bring Jewelry of Lav beyond Asia to the different corners of the world.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

Firstly, it's my passion for making things beautiful, and in this case, my jewelry beautiful and unique. I'm inspired a lot by beautiful things. So, the more I look at my jewelry and my lovely supplies, the more motivated I become in creating pretty jewelry pieces that tell beautiful stories. Secondly, my customers' feedback and praises of my jewelry keep me motivated. Well, I keep a list of all the lovely positive comments from all my customers and would look at the list to give myself reasons to push on, especially in the current time of economic crisis. Lastly, it would be my children. In order to stay at home to take care of them, I know I have to make my business successful, at least successful enough to allow me to not have a full time work outside home. :)

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I offer various promotions, discounts and offers and most important great service and after sale service.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Find out more from accomplished ones and understand the time, financial resources and commitment needed, to assess if this business is truly for you. If possible, learn from a good teacher to avoid making unnecessary mistakes and to jump start your business. Most importantly, believe in yourself, and believe in miracles!

*SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR BLOG READERS - JEWELRY OF LAV*
Mystery gift for buyers who spend a minimum of $50 USD and mention this blog!

Terrific interview Lav, thank you for taking the time to speak with us and share your beautiful collection with our readers. We just love the bursting colours and beautiful selection of pieces on your website. Please check out http://jewelryoflav.com/ for more unique jewelry pieces.

Featured Seller - Handmade Wood Gifts

What part of the world are you in?

We are located in South East Michigan.

What does customer service mean to you?

Making sure that the customer is happy with what they receive. We are always prompt with email communication and love to provide customers with their specific custom request. It doesn’t matter if the customer is spending $20 or $200 on a pen, it is important to us that they enjoy it and find that it is worth its value. The same goes for any of the other Hand Made Wood Gifts that we offer.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Probably the most memorable moment was when we got our first custom request for a very expensive puzzle pen. A Puzzle Pen starts off as a hand full of jig saw puzzle pieces made out of a variety of exotic woods that gets assembled and glued together before being turning into a pen. It is a very labor intensive process, and pricey, but the final result is very stunning. This is the most expensive pen that we have sold to date, and it reaffirmed for us that there are people that will pay for the quality and uniqueness of Hand Made Wood Gifts. Hopefully we will be able to build many more memorable moments in the future!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I would say our attention to quality. I take my time on each pen, and use a durable finish, not a quick friction wax like some other turners do. I started using that method and over time I noticed that the pen I used daily was starting to look worn. I did not want my customers to have that same experience, so now I spend longer working on a pen to ensure each one has a finish on it that gives it durability, shine, and protects the wood.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Woodworking, in some form or another, goes back 3 generations in my family, so I have always been familiar with it. My personal passion for wood working came from watching David Marks on his show “WoodWorks” on the DIY Network. I began to do more work with wood and started reading wood working forums. These forums can be a wealth of knowledge regarding design and technique input.

What is your goal for the next year?

Our goal is to always be growing. In the spirit of Dave Ramsey we are growing without debt. If that takes longer, then that is ok. We would rather worry about quality products and not treat our customers like dollar signs. We plan on adding more wine stoppers, salt and pepper mills, as well as some other items like exotic wood boxes and crosses.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

Fortunately, sales are not what motivates us! They are a by product of the passion that we have and what we love to do. However, sales are important because they allow us to add new items and more product lines, therefore allowing us to offer more to our customers. The more sales we have the faster we will grow. Being in business with my wife, and the constant love and encouragement I get from her, doesn’t hurt either!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

We are always looking for new ways to promote our business. Word of mouth has proven to be the best method so far. We try to get our website name out there on various blogs and forums. While we signed up at Esty a while ago, we just got our shop going and are actively viewing the Alchemy section to suggest our products to people looking for wood gifts. Maybe in the future we will go to art shows and things like that. When people can feel and see the actual product they are much more impressed.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Make sure that you love and believe in what you make and sell, and don’t shortchange yourself on what you think your items are worth. You aren’t a mass producer of cheap junk; you are a creator of unique, individual items.

**SPECIAL OFFER FOR BLOG READERS**
If you send Derek at Handmade Wood Gifts an email about this feature, he will happily give you 15% off your order that you place in the months of June/ July 2009!
sales@handmadewoodgifts.com

Handmade Wood Gifts offers a lovely variety of items from the handcrafted pen you see above to: wine stoppers, pill cases, keychains, customizable desk sets with features likes name plates, mounted pen, business card slot and clock.

A terrific selection of wood is available to create your custom piece, including: Blood Wood, Bubinga, Cherry, Cocobolo, Leopard Wood, Mahogony, Maple/ Spalted Maple, Red Oak, Padauk, Purple Heart, East Indian Rose Wood, Wenge, & Zebra Wood.

ADMIN COMMENT: My fav is the Zebra Wood!

What caught our attention about Handmade Wood Gifts, other than the beautiful craftsmanship of their handmade pieces, was the fact that Derek and his wife run this wonderful family business! They have the opportunity to work with their siblings as well, which would be a terrific blessing. We are quite envious! Thank you so much Derek for sharing your talents with us, we wish you much success.

Please visit their Websites/ Online Stores, located at: http://handmadewoodgifts.com and http://handmadewoodgifts.etsy.com

CONTEST WINNER FRANNIE K!

Congrats to our May contest winner, Frannie K!

We decided the best way to introduce new product to our customers, is to give them a whole whack of them for free!

Here is how it works...

For every item you purchase at Not Bees...BEADS! you will receive one entry into our monthly contest. At the end of the month, we put all the names in a hat and draw a winner! The winner will receive a selection of gemstones, beads and findings for free!

This giveaway helps us promote new merchandise and allows you, the buyer, to give us your thoughts on, in many cases new items that are not even for sale yet on our website!

So check out our online jewelry supply store, Not Bees...BEADS! at www.notbees.com

We also invite Frannie K to review her free goodies right here, on our blog!

Congrats again to Frannie K!

Featured Seller - Lake Erie Beach Glass

What part of the world are you in?
I live on the Southern Shore of Great Lake Erie on a small strip of Pennsylvania land between Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York USA.

What does customer service mean to you?
Customer service, to me, means offering a quality product and a memorable experience for the customer that will keep them coming back to you and bringing their friends a long, too!

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?
I've had several but one particular customer sticks out in my mind. It was a custom order gift for her daughter and she was undecided on what to have made. She had seen a wire wrapped pendant in my shop and another piece with handmade chain. We worked together on the piece and ended up mutually creating the perfect gift for her daughter. They both loved it and still contact me to remind me! I love to hear from my customers!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

The sea glass community is large and vast but very close! We all seem to know each other well. We learn from each other and share ideas about customer service, quality standards, and more. So, I would say that I am similar to my commrades. I do put my entire self into my pieces and try to be artistically different. It is very important to me to have made a product that is going to last and my customer is going to be happy. I stand behind my products.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I am mostly a self taught artist but have received help from my other artistic friends and have participated in workshops for metalsmithing in my local and regional area. Drilling glass was learned by trial and error. I can't even count how many pieces of sea glass I've broken over the years! I laugh and then cry!

What is your goal for the next year?

We are currently working on self publishing a book on the history of sea beach glass that is relevant to our area. The book will contain chapters on ship wrecks in the Lake as well as what industry specifically is responsible for delivering the glass that we find. We have including an extensive section on pattern identification, pottery, and maker's marks. There will be a spectrum color chart for easy identification and information about specific beaches. This has been a long term project and we are super exciting to be releasing the book this year at the 2009 North American Sea Glass festival in Erie, Pa!

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I go to the beach with my family and beachcomb! The experiences we share at the beach are always motivating and memorable!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I am always looking to expand my website pressence by using social networking platforms like Facebook,Twitter and my own blog. I occassionally will offer sales or shipping discounts in my shop and during team promotions or team give aways as well as making sure I include something special for each of my returning customers!

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Do it! Do it for yourself! If you have a craft that you can share, there is a market for it. It won't be easy and sometimes it can be down right frustrating but like the tides the business cycle will ebb and flow. There is such a large community of support with in the handmade community and you will make many friends who will help you a long in your venture. The handmade community wants you to succeed. You will not be a lone and you will be a happier person for doing it!

Do you have a special offer or promotion for our readers?

*SPECIAL PROMO FOR "I MADE THAT" BLOG READERS*

FREE SHIPPING of your purchase when this article is mentioned in the notes to seller section at store checkout!

Check out other stunning designs beach glass creations at Lake Erie Beach Glass! We love the smooth yet unique shapes of glass used in these earrings, necklaces and bracelets. These pieces would be a nice choice for a bride and her bridesmaids.

The piece featured in this post is entitled: Lake Erie Beach GREEN BUCKS HI ROLLER Genuine Sea Glass Necklace Set by Lebg, and is available for $100 USD for the set here.

$5 Deal Of The Week - Design Knit Fun

Our $5 deal of the week is courtesy of Design Knit Fun! This pretty handknit ring is a unique find! We have never seen a knit ring before, but it is quite lovely! We love the colours of this piece, but it is also available in additional colors: pink/purple/teal and orange and green based.

We attempted to showcase this piece earlier but it sold!
Check out Design Knit Fun's other designs and creations here.

Product Review - Gala Glass

Handcrafted Wine Glass Bottle Stopper by Gala Glass

A terrific conversation piece that will add unique beauty and sparkle to the bottle on your dining table.Your guest will appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each handcrafted piece. Fits snugly into the neck of a wine bottle, can be elegantly presented and has a nice weight to it. Our dinner guests complimented its unique shape and colours, unlike anything they had ever seen. One guest accidentally dropped it on our floor and it didn't even suffer a chip! There are many colours to choose from and each piece is unique, available for only $18.15 USD! Click here to view.

Leaf Glass Pendant by Gala Glass

A stunning Murano glass pendant that beautiful compliments the neckline. I wore this piece for a week, at work and after and never got tired of it. I wear a lot of black at work and this piece suited my wardrobe perfectly. I must admit I did get caught up a few times staring at this pendant as it glittered in the sunlight. Cool at first, it quickly warms up to your body temperature and has a great weight to it. Retails for $36.36USD, currently on sale 63% off! Available for only $13.61 USD. Click here to view.


Glass Frog On Lily Pad by Gala Glass

I love this cute little guy, handcrafted from beautiful Murano green glass, suites my garden perfectly. I have him resting on a rock in our vegetable garden, resting quite contently on his lily pad. I was impressed with the attention to detail, even the tiny "toes" that stick out from the lily pad. His quizzical look amuses me, he makes me smile every time I am working in my garden. Currently on sale for only $7.25 USD! Click here to view.

Angelo Tiozzo, Master Glass Artisan, is originally from Murnano Italy and heads Gala Glass with over 50 years of experience. Gala Glass offers a 60 day Product Guarantee, so ordering is stress free! Conveniently order online at http://galaglass.com, or visit one of their many kiosks located in: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario & Quebec. Click here for locations.

Check out their entire website at http://galaglass.com

Featured Seller - Furious Dreams

What part of the world are you in?

Southeastern Pennsylvania in the Brandywine Valley, just west of Philadelphia.

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service is probably the most important part of the business transaction. I try to give personalized treatment to all my customers. Just as it's importantfor a collector to meet the artist whose work they support, my own 'patrons' deserve to know a little more about me than just my shop name.I want to build relationships with my customers so that they'll return and begin building their own collection of my work.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

There is a customer in Switzerland who is an exceptional writer. She always offers feedback that is lyrical and more descriptive of my paintings than I could ever be.I can't think of any experiences that haven't been memorable with my customers. They are all unique and respond to my work in different ways. It allows me to see the paintings through their eyes.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

My work is diverse and I can offer a range from figurative to abstract to landscape. I see a lot of artists who produce the same thing over and over.I don't think the concept of style applies to fine art and I don't paint to sell, which would be a disaster. Picasso changed his work from year to year. To continually grow and develop is the beauty (and challenge) of being a painter.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I grew up with a mother who was a painter, and a father who was a film editor. It was a creative family; my parents gave their kids a lot of opportunities and supported my interest in art and music. I also studied color theory and portraiture for almost 10 years with the Chatov studio in Atlanta. I apprenticed with printmakers and have a variety of skills in different mediums.But mostly, painting has been a priority throughout my life. Along with making a lot of mistakes.
You can't be afraid to fail.

What is your goal for the next year?

To produce as much as I have this year, but to sell all of it!

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I've never been motivated by selling my art. I'm inspired to create it.When sales are slow, start making more art!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I use all the usual social networking sites, professional links from my corporate world, post on my blog and other artists, critics and writers blogs. It's important to give back, so I'm also posting interviews with painters whose work I admire. It's really more about getting your name out there in terms of attracting potential patrons. I enter shows every year. I'm currently in an exhibit at a local museum and I also note the exhibits that each listed painting has been in.Residencies are important for artists in terms of networking and opportunities for uninterrupted work, and I met some great friends at a residency in Italy a couple of years ago. I applied to another residency for next fall.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Make sure you have a passion for what you're doing. Persevere and come up with a business plan for promotion.

Admin Comment: We've always been a fan of painting, especially beautiful abstract work. Furious Dreams has no shortage of beautiful pieces to accessorize and add a burst of colour to your home.

Visit Furious Dreams on etsy at http://furiousdreams.etsy.com

*Special Promos* 50% OFF SPRING SALE! All original oil paintings are now being offered at one half the listed price. Please convo me with your selection PRIOR to purchase and I will make the price change reserving it in your name. Also free shipping on most items!

$5 Deal Of The Week - Smiling Snails!

Etsy seller PinkFink wanted to share their $5 DEAL with our readers, and we are happy to showcase their cute polymer clay snails!

These little guys are perfect for your desk, or sit them in a window beside a house plant as an adorable decoration! A perfect gift for the Gardner you love!

These will only run you $5! Please visit PinkFink's store for more great finds.
http://pinkfink.etsy.com

CONTEST WINNER!

Congrats to Drea from Faeried Treasures for winning our contest! You will receive one large, stunning Golden Green Quartz gemstone shipped to you absolutely free of charge. We hope you enjoy your prize!!

Everyone check out Faeried Treasures beautiful jewelry. Remember to contact us when you create a piece with our gemstone and we will post it on our blog!

Featured Seller - Simply Smiss

What does customer service mean to you?

I make my items to the best of my ability, and take time to make sure they look good before I send them out. I try to create nice packaging that would look nice when given as a gift. And I love to include an extra little goodie with every order!

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

My first customer would have to be my most memorable. I was very excited that someone wanted to BUY my stuff!!!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I don't just slap the fabric on the buttons, like I have seen some. I try to go for symmetry to keep a polished appearance. I also donate 10% of all my sales to the etsy for animals charity of the month!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Lots of playing with different materials

What is your goal for the next year?

Just looking to create new and more interesting items, learn new skills.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

Talking to other sellers. Usually it's a general slump around all the shops and I keep in mind that it's not for a lack of people liking my items!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I offer BOGO sales to bring in new sales; I create great products and show my appreciation to keep them coming back!

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Don't think you can sit back and let the store do all the work. You have to get out there and promote your shop! Have fun with it and be proud of your work!

*SPECIAL PROMO FOR I MADE THAT BLOG READERS FROM FEATURED SELLER SMISS00!*

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! (equal or lesser value) I can give you a refund through paypal, or send me a convo and I will create a new listing for you. PLUS my little extra goodie! :)

Visit Simply Smiss at www.smiss00.etsy.com

Admin Comment: We can't say enough great things about Jennifer, owner of Simply Smiss, she is just a lovely person with a great selection of items in her shop. We especially love the bee themed items!! Thanks Jennifer for your great interview.

NOTBEES.COM CONTEST - LAST DAY TO ENTER!

LAST DAY TO ENTER OUR CONTEST!!!!

Click HERE to enter. (Entry is in a previous post)


WIN a fabulously large Golden Green Quartz Gemstone, shipped to you absolutely FREE!


GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERS!

notbees.com

Featured Seller - Birch Soaps

What part of the world are you in?

I am in the Pacific Northwest in busy Seattle Washington.

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer Service to me means doing what ever it takes to make your customer feel like them and their order is the most important thing to me. Getting their order in their hands safely in a very timely manner, having great communication and of course delivering a all around pleasing product!

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Recently, a friend of one of my best repeat customers contacted me and explained that she wanted to get her friend one of my gift packs for Easter. We both talked about how much we love this certain mutual customer/friend and how big her heart is. She had mentioned that she was a bit short on money, but not in a way that she was expecting anything from me. I told her that I would love to donate the gift pack in her name. She was so thankful that she spread the word about my shop and great customer service. We are great friends now!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

There are so many wonderful soapers out there! I would have to say that I like to make my soaps visually reflect the fragrance. For example my Bahama Beach bar has a "sandy" brown bottom with a ocean blue top, to visually make you think the ocean along with that fragrance. I try to do that with each bar and make it bright and fun. And of course just trying to add something new everyday, I have a long list of products to bring in that I'm very excited about.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Marketing wise I learned a TON from talking to other successful sellers in the Etsy Forums. There is such a wealth of information there that I know I would not be where I am with out them and the ability to use the forums. Soap wise, I was sparked to try soaping from a article in Bust magazine along with a tutorial. I made my first bar of Cold process and was hooked from then on out. I did a TON of research using my buddy Google and just expanded my craft by learning hands on. I also have to credit a fellow soap maker for doing lots of tech support with me! Thanks MorganStreet!!

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal for the next year is to bring in 3 new product lines. To really nail down a successful marketing plan that works for me. And of course I would love to keep working towards being the Featured Seller on Etsy. I think that would be a great challenge for me! But most importantly, my goal is to continue to bring great customer service and pampering products to the masses!

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

When its slow, I keep motivated by talking to my fellow soapers and other sellers in the forums that might be slow as well. Its important to know its not just you. You always get the best ideas for new soaps or marketing techniques when its slow! It forces you to get creative! I also love to browse the Bath and Beauty buying section, just to see what others are creating and to stay inspired!What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business? I think building relationships is really important. Not just spamming social networking sites like Twitter, I spend time reading and getting to know all 1,057 followers (do you believe that for a second haha) I think once they shop with me and get that great service and product they will naturally come back to me, I can only hope!

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

I would say to know your market when you come into it! Google is your friend! Once you feel like you have nailed down who your market is. Find the venue that best matches that. Where are they hanging out? 1000market? Etsy? Artfire? Do your business homework. Dont try to do ALL of the marketing opportunity's that walk across your plate, you will get overwhelmed trust me! But most importantly, set realistic goals. Even if they are silly, at least you will feel like you are accomplishing instead of failing!

SPECIAL PROMO FOR MADE THAT BLOG READERS - I would love to offer the lovely readers a Free Lip balm of their choice with any order.Or if they spend over $10.00 they will receive a free balm along with 10% off when they mention this blog in the notes to seller at check out! Also if I may add, that I have a wonderful monthly newsletter with coupons, company news and beauty recipes that you can try at home! Join the fun here>> http://eepurl.com/V1W

Our favorite part was you donating a gift pack to your customer/ mutual friend. It is a great feeling to help people in need. I remember reading a customers bio after they had placed an order and read how a large percentage of her profits went to breast cancer research so we just added free beads with her order (in pink of course!) in hopes she would use them to create a bracelet for breast cancer. Doing something selfless gives you such a great all over feeling and you cross those mere "buyer/ seller" labels.

You've done wonderfully well with your etsy shop with over 500 sales and counting! Your delicious looking soaps, lip balms, and lotion bars are flying off your virtual shelves. We know you will do very well this upcoming year and we are delighted to share your shop with our readers, we only wish we could smell your lovely soaps through our computer monitor!

Please check out Birch Soaps located at http://www.mybirch.etsy.com or http://www.birchsoaps.artfire.com.

Any wholesale inquries can view their portfolio here, http://www.trunkt.org/mybirch

Featured Seller - Jewelry by Lorelei Eurto

What part of the world are you in?

Upstate NY, USA

What does customer service mean to you?

EVERYTHING! I treat my customers exactly how I would want to be treated when buying handmade items. Showing pride in my work, concentrating on packaging, sending confirmation emails, and leaving positive feedback for my customers- happens for every single sale.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

A pivotal point in my Etsy career was when I sold a necklace to a woman in Spain. It never made it to her. I made another and sent it. The second necklace never made it to her. The second necklace came back to me. The first one is sitting in customs somewhere. This directly resulted in my decision to ship Registered mail for every international order!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I believe that photographs play a large role in the sale of my jewelry. I try my very best to photograph the piece of jewelry in a way that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. That first photo is the one that pulls the buyer in to begin with.I also enjoy creating a bond or relationship with my customers, and this in turn, keeps them coming back for more. My jewelry is really fun and the shopping experience is easy-going!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I learned a lot by shopping around on Etsy. I love buying from fellow Etsians, I get a sense of how they do business, what I like and dislike from each sale, and I've taken pointers from these transactions. I have also been doing this for about 2 years, so I've had quite a bit of experience. Most of which is completely 100% positive!

What is your goal for the next year?

I'd like to get my own website up and running smoothly by next year. I'd also like to figure out how to have a nice online gallery of my sold work. Selling on Etsy is my hobby and most of my earnings go back into Etsy, or buying supplies. As long as I can keep selling, I'm happy!

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

Luckily, I'm part of a pretty amazing online beading community. Reading their blogs, and keeping up on what they're doing keeps me motivated! There is an amazing amount of talent out there, and they never cease to inspire me!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

Sometimes I offer specials in my shop, or send coupons for 20% off of their next purchase. Seems to work like a charm so far!

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering openingtheir own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Invest in a great camera! Online shopping relies heavily on decent photographs. Since the shopper can't touch, and feel the piece they are purchasing, you want to provide them with really great, bright, and clear photographs so that they know what they're getting. That visual is the next best thing next to touch!

SPECIAL PROMO FOR 'I MADE THAT" BLOG READERS - Enter the code I MADE THAT into the notes to seller and I will give 20% off of one item in my shop. Wait for a revised invoice before paying!

Great promo offer for our readers Lorelei! We love being able to share not only talented artisans but great deals with our readers!
You've had some great success over the last two years with well over 500 sales in your shop! We can see why, lovely choice of colors, shapes, and textures that are pleasing to the eye.

Check out Lorelei's online store, Jewelry by Lorelei Eurto, and don't forget that 20% off special promo!

Featured Seller - PolishedTwo - Pottery Shard Jewelry & Whimsical Accessory Designs

What part of the world are you in?

I live in sunny Austin, Texas -- known as the Live Music Capital of the World!

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service means creating a happy buyer experience. It means providing a well-crafted product and showing your appreciation for the customer's choice of your art.

It is often the little added touches like this that keep people coming back for more handmade items-- it feels good to buy them!

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

I have several repeat customers that check back with me monthly and buy new items, but my most memorable recent customer is one that pretty much designs the jewelry herself. Its fun: she gives me the specifications, points me in the direction of the supplies to use, and tells me her ideas. She leaves the handiwork to me and I've made her lots of custom items this way. In fact, the best thing about it is that she really planted the seed of some new ideas for my designs through these special requests. I've ended up incorporating new materials into my jewelry based on some of her suggestions.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I'm not sure if it is my marketing, my packaging, or my customer service, but one thing I do hear from my customers is that I have the fastest turnaround time on shipping. People buying from Etsy shops often buy from several sellers at once. I've had customers say that my packages are the first to arrive. With hundreds of thousands of jewelry makers on Etsy, this is just one way that I've work hard to set myself apart.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I am mostly self-taught. I love to accessorize and was especially in love with the unique jewelry I could find at boutique stores, but I've been doing crafts my whole life so I always had the mentality of "I could make that!" When I moved to Austin about 10 years ago, I researched materials and tools and attempted to make my own jewelry. My first attempts were pretty elementary, but I took a basic class from a jewelry-making friend and my obsession began. I also subscribed to some beading magazines and picked up a few techniques along the way, but now I can generally figure things out on my own through trial and error.

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal for next year is to incorporate more vintage elements.

I do a lot of estate sale shopping and sometimes incorporate little antique treasures into my work, but I'd like to do more of that in the future. I have a box I've been collecting and its full of all sorts of enameled metal flower brooches and pins from my estate sale hunts over the past several years. I'd like to add a new line to my collection that incorporates these flowers into one-of-a-kind necklaces.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

When sales are slow I have time to work on new designs, but it is also the best time to push harder on marketing. There are so many ways to market yourself and many methods are free--but they take an investment in time to really work. If sales are slow, I know that I always have more marketing to do. It is also a good time for me to assess my supplies and see what I need to order and stock up on before the next sales rush.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

The number one thing that I do is add something new to my Etsy shop every day. If I am home, I am listing new stuff! This works for several reasons: I get more visibility just by listing something and staying at the top of searches. Also, people start to recognize the "style" of your items and photography as they're shopping on Etsy, especially when the style is consistent. And previous customers come back to your shop and constantly see new things to buy.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering openingtheir own store of handmade items, what would it be?

I would say, "Do what you love!" You are going to invest a lot of time in trying to sell your craft, so make sure it is something you are ultimately passionate about.

Thank you Tracy for sharing your wonderful work with us and our readers. We agree, turnaround time is very important in this crafting business. Its tough completiting especially in jewelry making as there are many terrific and talented artists like yourself. We know this first hand from selling jewelry supplies in our etsy shop, one of the most frequent compliments we get is fast shipping/ turnaround. Getting the property to the customer quickly and safely makes for repeat customers, which you've already discovered in your own shop!

We love your use of colour and your nature inspired theme, especially with summer coming up! Please check out PolishedTwo Jewelry on their website located here: http://polishedtwo.etsy.com/