Store Makeover Part 1 - Tags

Sage and Olivia run by Simone and Cara has agreed to let me use their shop for a makeover/ tutorial lessons. SageandOlivia sells jewelry made from semi-precious gemstones such as coral, agate, turquoise and onyx. Their shop has great pictures of the products, and they have a great mannequin for the necklaces (I am actually jealous of the nice texture on it).   Here is the shop home page for you to see:

 

As you can see they have a lot of great products: bold and colourful  necklaces and bracelets plus a few earrings. Now they have a few sales and in January have been adding lots of products, but they not getting a lot of hits to their pages. Why? I think one reason is their tags.  

Let's look at one of their new items:

This is a great piece;  the pictures are clean and well merchandised.  They only thing I would add is a shot with a size comparison, like place the necklace beside a quarter so people can  gauge the bead size. 

If I were looking for an item like this, how would I describe it?

Bold

Chunky

Asymmetrical

Statement piece

Mixed Metal

Black and White

Red Coral

Let look at their tags:

hmmm, Sageandolivia tags are correct, but I do not think they describe their necklace as well as they could. 

The next step is to search Etsy for similar products to yours to see what tags others are using. I entered "Statement necklace" into the search bar and this what happened.

Options popped up underneath with the most common searches on esty connected to what you started to type. I selected the "chunky statement necklace" and found:

Bingo - this more like what SageandOlivia is doing!!! I then looked at these items to glean other ideas for tags. If you click on the tag - it will show all the items with that tag. If it looks like your type of product write it down. I have a list taped to my computer of what tags to use.

There are two important things that I want to share with you about labeling/tagging your items (taken from the Do and Don't section on Etsy Help: http://www.etsy.com/help/article/483).

• You may use a short descriptive phrase as a tag if it accurately describes your item (for example: "sterling silver," "messenger bag," "steampunk cufflinks").
• You may not stuff multiple words into a single tag that do not comprise a descriptive phrase (for example: "beach water sunset," "handbag purse clutch," "green red blue black." 

Previously you were not to put multiple words in a tag but that changed when relevancy became the default search. So now you can use terms like: 

Statement Necklace

Vintage plate

Children's toque

So if I were to change SageandOlivia's Tags for this item I would use:

1) Jewelry

2) Necklace

3) Stone

4) Statement Piece

5) Chunky necklace

6) Statement necklace

7) Black and White

8) Red Coral

9) Bold Jewelry

10) Mixed Metal

11) Winnipegteam<---- Please tag 25% of you items with these--it helps with treasuries

12) Asymmetrical 

13) Coral Necklace

Bonus

Another thing I would do to SageandOlivia's Shop is add more categories to the shop settings (not more types of items). Since they only have three catergories right now - I would put all the bold chunky statement necklaces in one category and all the long or fine chains in another category. This well help the customer find more of the similar products in their shop quicker. If they come and look at one Statement necklace, they might like to see your other options.

Feature Friday: Smash Knits

Have you ever fallen head over heels for something while browsing on Etsy, and then you get to know more about the person who makes it and you like even more what you already considered a favourite? That happened to me with Ashlee of Smash Knits, one of our newest and most enthusiastic team members. In this interview we learn where her DIY love comes from and why she decided to open an Etsy store after years in the making. She also describes a day in her handmade life, shares her "I'm not cluttered, I'm creative" motto with us and much more! Enjoy...

How did your love for DIY got started? 

I am a "hands-on, hands-dirty" kind of girl, through and through. Ever since I was little, I’ve been surrounded by crafts and DIY hobbies. Growing up, my Mum was constantly making something, be it sewing, knitting, baking, ceramics and beyond. My Dad was handy around the house, doing construction and some small building projects, and those traits have certainly been passed on to me! As I got older, I came to appreciate the sense of accomplishment I'd get after I finished making something. And I won't lie: being a true Winnipegger at heart, saving a few bucks along the way never hurt either! 

Why did you open an Etsy store? 

After a few years of knitting and sewing up a storm, I started to build a little bit of a stash and wasn't sure what to do with everything. I couldn't validate just making a bunch of items without an intended recipient. At the urging of friends and family, I decided to start selling some of my items. I created my shop on Etsy in late 2009, however I didn’t list my first item until November 2011 due to life getting in the way. So it has been a few years in the making! I love everything that Etsy has to offer; the variety & creativity continues to awe me on a daily basis. I'm so happy to be able to be a part of such a fantastic movement!

Which are your favourite tools to work with? 

I tend to have a little bit of crafting ADD, so my favourite tools vary from week to week. One thing that is constant: I LOVE working with bold, jewel-toned hues, no matter the textile. I recently said farewell to my trusty, vintage industrial Viking sewing machine which has been a dream to sew on... in order to make way for a brand new machine as a result of a fantastic Christmas gift (aaaaah!). I'm certain it will soon become a new favorite :)

Describe a day in your handmade life... 

I tend to get a bit cranky if I don't have a little time carved out on a near daily basis to create something. Winter weather is perfect for curling up for an hour (or three!) in front of the TV with one of many needle projects. I'm fortunate enough to have a great room entirely dedicated to sewing & crafting, so I like to spend time in there often, even if it’s just flipping through pattern books … though right now it's a bit of an organizational disaster, shhhh! Without question, I need to have some form of creativity in my day to day life.

What is your favourite item in your shop and why? 

Ooooh, what a tough decision. Currently, I love these gigantic & bulky crochet cowls and I'll always love my big bow headbands, especially in yellow.

Long term aspirations for your shop? 

I hope to continue to develop a distinct style as I create more pieces for my shop. I plan on adding several knit/crochet accessories specifically for the summer months, so I'm excited to see how those will be received. I'd love to get involved in more local craft markets, and continue to broaden my horizons online. Not to mention, I'm so looking forward to connecting with all of the other local talent on Etsy.

I like crafting because: It's therapeutic - and a lot cheaper than therapy ... well, most of the time :) It allows for so much individuality and self-expression. It's nice to have something to come home to after a day at the office, and I love being able to "get back to the basics" in this high tech, fast paced, go go go go world we live in. It's also an awesome feeling to be able to make things for myself and not have to rely on buying them at a store. As a newer homeowner, my DIY attitude is coming in VERY handy! 

Some of the crafts that I make aside from knit/crochet accessories are: I sew clothing, shoulder bags and home decor pieces, knit/crochet any and everything, embroider, dabble with jewelry design, scrapbook, re-upholster and refinish furniture (LOVE Kijiji for this!). I have a pair of leather mukluks that I have been working on with a girlfriend for two winters – sewing leather is tough, but I can’t wait to finish those puppies! My friends like to tease me that my answer to almost everything is "that's so easy, you could make it." While this is certainly an exaggeration, I do like to try to make something before dropping the cash for it. I am plotting a veggie garden for the very first time this spring/summer, so I'm very excited to try my hand at canning in the fall. Also on my list: pottery and screen-printing. 

I choose handmade because: Simply put, it's amazing. It’s great being able to make the perfect gift for the special people in my life. There are so many talented artisans out there, and I love the idea of a handmade community, so I try to buy handmade when I can. Why settle for something that millions have when you can find or create something unique and personalized? I also believe in the importance of recycling and upcycling where applicable instead of buying new, and try to incorporate eco-friendly practices into my life. Always room for improvement!

I am currently reading: The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. After reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett when it first came out, I was hungry for more books about this part of history. This book absolutely fits the bill, and I definitely recommend it!

I am currently listening to: King by O.A.R (Of A Revolution). I don’t know what it is, but I really dig the lead singer’s voice and have for years. I always wish for summer when I listen to them. Five more months to go!

I combat creative blocks by: Creative blocks are not an issue for me (knock on wood). Usually, it's quite the opposite: too many projects on my list and not NEARLY enough time!! My hope for 2012 is to work at a more tidy studio; my motto of "I'm not cluttered, I'm creative" is wearing thin with my main man, hehe. Hopefully an organized space will inspire me even more! I do cruise other Etsy shops, Ravelry, Pinterest and Craft Gossip on an almost daily basis to drool over everyone else's creative prowress. Being active or just getting outside for some fresh air is always a nice breather, too.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to share a little bit of myself with everyone! It's so wondeful to be welcomed to the W.E.S.T. with such open arms. I love how many doors the handmade community has opened, and all the new and talented folks I've met and continue to meet. Here's wishing everyone a very creative 2012!

Feature Friday: Katie from HeartfeltYarnWreaths

Today we share our conversation with Katie from HeartfeltYarnWreaths, a true prairie girl who loves coffee and stationary, and makes the most wonderful wreaths and felt flower brooches I have ever seen! Read about why she likes wreaths, what social media had to do with her opening an online shop, a bit about her personal tastes, the work she does within the justice system and a very special surprise for all of you!

When and why did you start making yarn wreaths?

It feels like I've been making yarn wreaths my whole life, but in truth, my very first yarn wreath was made in November 2010. At that time, I had just graduated with my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. Upon graduating, I found myself with so much more free time - more than I knew what to do with! In looking through blogs (read: wasting time on the internet), I came across the concept of a yarn wreath. I loved all of the textures and the clean lines of this modern decor idea. I began shopping on Etsy (read: wasting more time on the internet), and finally elected to make a yarn wreath myself.

I set off to Michael's, 40% coupon in hand, picked up some teal yarn and some felt, along with a $5 glue gun. A few hours later, with half charred fingertips from the glue gun burns, I had self-taught myself how to make yarn wreaths.

Fairly pleased with myself (and still wasting time on the internet), I posted a photo of my creation to Facebook. I thought nothing more of it, until I started getting lots of requests for me to make yarn wreaths for others! After a few months of selling locally, I opened up Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths on Etsy.

Why do I make yarn wreaths? It's a wonderful, therapeutic outlet. Wrapping the yarn round and around and around appeals to my perfectionist nature, and I absolutely love dreaming up colour combinations and bringing them to life with felt. I have met so many wonderful people through this little adventure, and love having an outlet for my creativity.

What inspired you to make your modern felt flower brooches?

More of the same! I saw the idea and decided to try it. I already had the felt and the glue gun (and burned fingertips), after all. I also loved the idea of a modern, textured brooch. I also really enjoy the process of cutting out all of the little tiny petals, and watching them come together to create something bold and beautiful!

Your yarn wreaths and brooches are so colourful and unique, what inspires your designs?

Thank you! I love colour. I find inspiration for colour everywhere! More commonly, however, it find I am rather impulsive as I wander down the yarn aisle and come across a beautiful colour. Then, I go home, lay out all of my felt colours (my supplier has 80 different colours to choose from) and play around with all of the tones until I have found a combination that I love! It's a pretty organic, unsophisticated process for me. 

I have also really enjoyed blending modern designs with traditional colour palates for popular holidays including Christmas and Valentines Day. 

I also recently discovered Design Seeds and love seeking inspiration through the beautiful photographs and colours.

What is your favourite item in your shop and why?

Hmm. Good question! I tend to have different favourites depending on the season. Right now, my favourite is this soft, romantic Valentines Day yarn wreath. A hint of Valentine's day without being too Hallmark-y. :)

Long-term aspirations for your shop?

I would love to expand my product lines! Yarn wreaths will always be my true love, and those will always be a staple in my creative processes. I have more ideas than I have time to make. 

I also completed my first winter craft show circuit in November/December 2011 and look forward to exploring the craft show scene further in the coming years.

I like crafting because it's a way to express another part of yourself. I think sometimes we can become so busy with other aspects of our lives that we lose out on the pieces that are sometimes just beneath the surface. For me, dedicating time out to play with my yarn and felt is very important. As a career, I have chosen to follow my passion and work within the justice system with male offenders who have mental illnesses. It's important for me to take time for myself at the end of the day, too! 

Some of the crafts that I make aside from my wreaths and brooches include my love of refinishing furniture. I have my garage (well, my husband's garage), filled with half-finished pieces of furniture. I have, however, finished recovering all of the chairs from my vintage dining room set. I absolutely love them! I also love graphic design - designing invitations, posters, etc. I could see myself getting more into card making, too! 

I choose handmade for oh-so-many reasons. I love buying handmade gifts for others because it is so much more fun to find an absolutely unique and perfect gift for someone. I also love working with other artists, and love to marvel at the talents of others. Plus, I buy most of my handmade stuff from Etsy, and then get to come home to presents in my mailbox. Fun! 

I am currently reading Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. I just love her.

I am currently listening to Coldplay's latest album, Mylo Xyloto. It's also snowing outside, which usually leads to me listening to Sigur Ros. 

I combat creative blocks by browsing Etsy, Pinterest, and the internet at large. Inspiration is never far away. Or, I take my little pup Lewis for a brisk walk. He's great at keeping me on my toes, of course!

A message with Katie:

Thank you so much for interviewing me! I love meeting new people, so please do not be afraid to ask me questions. Also, I absolutely LOVE custom orders. It has been one of my favourite aspects of my Etsy shop. And, for all my favourite readers, until the end of January take 15% your entire purchase from my shop using the coupon code "ILOVEWEST". Thank you so much!

W.E.S.T. January Design Challenge: The Colour of Love

Just in time for thinking ahead to that celebration of love day in February, our theme for this month is "The Colour of Love." Show us what colour you think of when you think of LOVE! What designs are inspired by thoughts of love?

Love Lies Here by our fearless team leader, PeriwinkleDzyns

Do you think of the traditional red or pink? Rainbows? Hearts and flowers? Or a mix of the unexpected?

Coffee Press Cozy by flytimes

Show us all of your romantic creations, your wild and crazy ideas, your heartbreaks and sorrows--anything goes! The deadline for submissions for this design challenge is February 10.

And a quick review of how to play along: 
Think about the inspiration topic posted on the blog and in the team forum. As you mull over what that particular idea means to you, jot down some notes in the discussion thread or leave a comment on the blog. Take pictures of your process and finished item and post them in the forum thread. We would love to hear the story behind how you arrived at your finished creation! I will post a round up of all entries at the end of the challenge . 

A few notes: 
Create something new, especially for the challenge. Entries for each challenge must be finished by the posted deadline. Vintage and supply sellers are welcome to participate too, with a focus on artful photography and careful choice of item. 

Happy designing! 

Roll out the New Year....

'Here we go Round and Round' by Magination

We're rolling right along - go WESTies!!!

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