Thursday Etsy Tips: Setting Up Shop

Setting up a shop on Etsy can be intimidating, challenging, and a little frustrating at times, BUT it is also SUPER exciting! Today I thought we'd talk about basics of setting up your shop.

Photo by Quote Addict

If you're still working on your brand and how to make your shop say what you want it to say, check out Branding Pt.1 and Pt.2

First things first, you gotta have product. No product, no sales. But how much product you ask? Well, Etsy says in a bunch of their blog posts that you should start with WHATEVER you have! Don't wait until you have 'x' amount of items to start listing on Etsy; if you've got something waiting, get it on up in your shop! You can't sell what you don't have listed!

Some other REALLY important things to have ready are your Shop Policies, About Page and Shop Announcement. Today we're going to focus on your About Page. Here are some tips from Katie of Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths

1. What is the About Page for? Why should I have one?
Your About Page can be one of the best ways to connect with your buyer. People shop on Etsy for many reasons, but one of those is because they appreciate handmade. What better way to celebrate handmade than to showcase you--the creator?

Photo by Yellow Heart Art

People are naturally curious. Your About Page helps people to understand you, the artist, as well as the work that goes into the creation of your handmade product.

In addition to adding a "real person" aspect to your shop, your About Page can be a source of traffic, can work to pique a reader's interest in your shop, and act as one more factor to entice a potential buyer to purchase one of your items.

2. What kind of information should I put in my About Page?
Your About Page is all about you!  It can include whatever you want it to include, really. In my personal About Page, I include information about me--as a person--in addition to me, as an artist. This helps the reader to form the whole picture of handmade.

Photo from Katie's About Page

In writing your About Page, try to think about what you wish you knew about your favorite Etsy Artisans. Is it what their workspace looks like? Their process? What they look like? Thinking about what you would like to learn about others can help you think about what others might want to know about you!

3. What kind of pictures should I include?
This is totally up to you! My favorite About Pages include:
-Photos of the artist: I want to see who is making the handmade beauties!
-Photos of the workspace: Your work space doesn't need to be 'pretty'...it just needs to be functional! People love to see where items are created. Even if you don't show your full workspace, try to show an aspect of it. On my About Page, I have a couple shots of my work table, because it's the core of where I create.
-Photos of the process: This can help buyers appreciate the work that goes into creating your handmade items, and reinforces the handmade nature of your products.

4. What do I want people to be able to access from this page?
My primary goal in creating my About Page was to generate more interest in my shop. I did this through including photos and linking back to my Facebook Page (other social media linking tools are available in the creating of your about page too!).

Your About Page will also include your four featured items which you can choose through your Listings Manager. All of these help guide buyers (and potential buyers) back to your shop, with a little more knowledge about you--the artist--than they started off with.

Well, there you have it: some great tips on how to create an effective About Page! If you have any other questions about this or any other other Etsy advice you have, leave a comment here in this blog post, or in this discussion on the WEST team page. We'd be happy to help you out!

May-June Design Challenge Results

The theme for the WEST Design Challenge for May/June was "Show Your Canadian Colours." While the number of submissions was smaller this month, our Canadian pride still shines through! 

Here are all of this month's entries, in order of submission. Once again this month we are adding a poll at the end of this post for you to VOTE for your favourite submission! The poll will be open for one week, and the winner will receive a special spot of recognition on the blog for one month!

Lisa, from BitchinKitschKitchen, found a great vintage bar towel for this challenge:

Bar Towel Red and White from BitchinKitschKitchen

Katie, from HeartfeltYarnWreaths, writes: I was born and raised in Canada and am so thankful to live in this beautiful country. This wreath was inspired by the iconic Canadian flag, and is complete with a hand-cut felt maple left. The 12 inch wreath is wrapped in alternating bands of crisp white and rich red yarn, and comes ready to hang. Great to celebrate Canada day, or hang it year round to show your Canadian pride!

Canada Day Yarn Wreath by HeartfeltYarnWreaths

Laura, from PrairieThreads, found some fabric in her stash that was actually printed with an American flag. She took the red and white striped parts and made it Canadian in this fabric coiled mat:

Red and White Coiled Mat by PrairieThreads

Ruth, from PeriwinkleDzyns submitted this necklace made from recycled leather and hardware:

Oh Canada Recycled Leather and Hardware Pendant 

by PeriwinkleDzyns

And now here's your chance to vote for your favourite:

The poll will close in one week, on Monday, June 17, at 9:00am. The winner will receive the honour of a little feature spot on the blog sidebar for one month.

Who will be at the WEST Sale III? pt.4

Who will be at the WEST Sale III? Look forward to meeting the following WESTies with their fantastic handmade & vintage items, come May 4th!

From top left, you may find..Toxie Designs - Earrings
HeartFeltYarnWreaths - Wreath
SmashKnits - Knit Headband
Nancy Blokland Pottery - Mug
Prairie Peasant - Recycled Journal
PeriwinkleDzyns - Resistor Necklace
M-agination - Bath Puff
ladylikeness - Cardigan
maryandmaudestudio - Panda Illustration
Bitchin'Kitsch'n'Kitchen - Antique Tin
BranchesandFeathers - Feather Earrings
AdorablesbyAlisia - New Born Outfit
aeliosdesign - Wrist Cuff
HoshiiDesigns - Infinity Scarf


RSVP to the WEST Handmade & Vintage Sale III here!

April Design Challenge Winner

You voted on our April Design Challenge, April Showers Bring May Flowers, and here is the winner:

With 42% of the votes, HeartfeltYarnWreath's Spring Yarn Wreath is the winner for this month!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the challenge, and to everyone who took the time to vote!

Who will be at the WEST Sale III? pt.2

Who will be at the WEST Sale III? Look forward to meeting the following WESTies with their fantastic handmade & vintage items, come May 4th!

From top left, you may find..
Heidi and Seek Boutique - Hi-Low Tank Top
Hoshii Designs - Foldover Clutch
Punky and the Bug - Birthday Card
Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths - Wreath
On the Go Designs - Baby Blanket
Toxie Designs - Earrings
aeliosdesign - Armlet
Real Swanky - Magnets
SmashKnits - Fingerless Mittens
We are Bound Together - Leather Journal
BlueStarStudio - Key Fobs
DarlingRing - Candle Skirt
emms Pocket Shop - Change Pouch
ByBlackBirdDesigns - Cuff Links
PrairieThreads - Basket

Stay tuned for Part 3 of our vendor features in upcoming posts!

RSVP to the WEST Handmade & Vintage Sale III here!

WEST April Design Challenge Results

The theme for the WEST Design Challenge for April was "April Showers bring May Flowers." I think WEST members were thinking it really was "Will snow in April bring flowers in May?" as we braved the endless snow and continued to wait for spring. I guess all the snow kept members creative juices flowing while we stayed warm inside!
Here are all of this month's entries, in order of submission. This month we are doing something different--we're adding a poll at the end of this post for you to VOTE for your favourite submission! The poll will be open for one week, and the winner will receive a special spot of recognition on the blog for one month!

Puzzle Piece Flower Pendant - Rainbow - Chainmaille Inspired Jewelry by DragonNerd

Shaunna of DragonNerd notes: This is a collaboration between Mike and I - I saw some chainmaille flowers and thought - hey that would be cool with puzzle pieces! Also - chainmaille is hard. I have a new admiration for people who make it! :)

Adjustable Chainmaille Necklace 

(Japanese Lace with Austrian Crystal accent) 

18k Gold Plated Nickel Free by DarlingRing

Jamie Lee of DarlingRing shares: I chose an adjustable collar length or princess length Japanese lace chain maille necklace using mobius clusters. That was the easy decision, since Japanese lace if done properly can look like a series of flowers and mobius clusters themselves resemble little roses.

Then, to make the showers I added 2-2 chains and accented with light and dark blue AB Austrian crystals and added tiny jingle chains to the bottom to add a "tinkle-y" noise when you move. As a center focal I added an anodized aluminum mirror finish scale with a bright blue anodized aluminum scale that rests gently in the center of the collar bone.
 

Lilac artisan soap by SoGaSoap

Of her process, Louise of SoGaSoap notes: Very simple, really - sick of the snow snow snow!!! and want Spring to come  ♥

Spring Yarn Wreath. Charcoal Grey, Raspberry Pink, Purple, Aqua Blue, 

and Yellow Felt Flowers. Spring home decor, May Flowers by HeartfeltYarnWreaths

Katie of HeartfeltYarnWreaths says: I wanted something to represent both the pretty greys of Winter and early Spring, and also the rich, vibrant colours of Spring. This Spring Yarn Wreath has a rich, charcoal grey neutral base. It then comes to life with rich, vibrant coloured flowers in lemon yellow, raspberry pink, grape purple and aqua blue. A lush assortment of flowers blooms across nearly half of the 12 inch wreath. Say hello to Spring!

Floral Toffee or Biscuit Tin With Plastic Handle Robin's Egg Blue 

or Aqua With Pink Roses White Fleur De Lis by BitchinKitschKitchen

Lisa of BitchinKitschKitchen thought of Spring when she saw this tin and figured it would be a good entry in the challenge. Here's hoping Spring comes soon! 

Tibetan Silver Flower Necklace with Pink Agate Onyx and Double Chain by KristasJewellery

Krista of KristasJewellery notes: Once I read the theme I immediately thought of this Tibetan silver flower charm. I love its design! I paired it with a matching chain and pink agate onyx stones. Pink always reminds me of spring and summer. I thought this fun necklace would be perfect for a warm spring day!

12 Month Pretty Pink Knitted Skirt for Baby by Magination

Marlene of Magination shares: The variegated yarn makes the little green and pink bits look like little flowers. Hoping that spring will soon arrive!

Rose Gold Tear Drop Shaped Bangles- Three bangles made with Red Brass by aeliosdesign

Kat from aeliosdesign notes: I took the theme quite literally. "April showers bring May flowers" - each individual bangle is a rain drop; when you stack them together on your wrist they form a flower.

Aren't these fabulous entries? Now here's your chance to vote for your favourite:

The poll will close in one week, on Friday, April 26, at 7:00pm. The winner will receive the honour of a little feature spot on the blog sidebar for one month.

Poll is closed. The winner is HeartfeltYarnWreaths' Spring Yarn Wreath with 42% of the votes!

March/April Design Challenge Results

The W.E.S.T. March/April Design Challenge was "Spring!" Members were invited to create something inspired by thoughts of Spring, and use the Pantone Fashion Colour Report for Spring 2012 for inspiration if needed. We set a new record with this challenge, as we have NINE entries!

Katie, from Hearthfelt Yarn Wreaths managed to have the first entry in this month's challenge as well! Thanks for your leadership Katie!

Spring Yarn Wreath by HeartfeltYarnWreaths

 
Katie notes: When I think of Spring, it has to be colourful and there must be green. This chartreuse coloured yarn reminded me of new grass in Spring, and I loved the texture. Soft pastel colours, inspired by Patone's Spring 2012 palate, form a plush bed of felt flowers along the base of the wreath. I wanted to create something that would be perfect for Spring, Easter, and beautiful for a special mom, too!

Next was this entry from Marlene of Magination:

Tangerine Dreams - Java Jacket Coffee Sleeve by Magination

Marlene found these new yarn colours at Michaels last week and had to nab them. Love this new spring colour!

Tawny, of TawnyBee, brought a little whimsy to the challenge with Sir Galahappy, the Chivalrous Squid:

Sir Galahappy, the Chivalrous Squid by TawnyBee

He thought that he was destined to go on a quest to find the Sea Grail, but alas, it made him very frustrated and sad. So he changed his life goals and decided that when the snow melted, he would try out an existence on land. He looks forward to many adventures and especially loves spring because there are tons of puddles to splash in - his very favourite thing!

The next entry was from waterleliejewellery:

Gold and freshwater pearl earrings by waterleliejewellery

Andrea of weareboundtogether added a splash of colour with her entry:

Purple Flower Small Duct Tape Journal by weareboundtogether

Andrea says: when I think of spring, I think of flowers: flowers everywhere and the beautiful colours they are. I started expanding into colours just in time! The difficult thing was how to incorporate the flower theme into books, especially with a duct tape cover. The stitched spine made sense and seemed like a great idea. But could I do it? I didn't know. But I made some attempts and remembered to write down what I did so I could do it again, and here you go! Now I have a few different coloured flowered books in my shop.

Deborah, of hoshiidesigns, created this bright jersey infinity scarf:

Jersey Infinity Scarf Necklace by hoshiidesigns

Deborah was inspired by the Asian flare the pattern in the fabric took, matched with the solid black, and of course, her own Japanese background.

Here's Mike and Shaunna's entry, from DragonNerd:

Fractal Necklace by DragonNerd

They were inspired by the Pantone colours, and their "bold" colour choices!

From Alison and Leslie, of BirdieAndDot:

Zipper Cosmetic Pouch by BirdieAndDot

Spring makes them think of fun and bright colours! This little cosmetic pouch features funky flowers, the teal lining has a bit of shimmer, and who doesn't love pink polka dots?

And the final entry was from Christa, of SecretJewelry:

Blue Front Amazon Parrot Feather Ear Cuff by SecretJewelry

Isn't it wonderful how talented our team is? The variety here is amazing! Thanks to all the participants in this month's challenge!

We'd love to hear from you--what comes to mind when you think of Spring?

Stay tuned for the next challenge to be announced soon!

What's New Wednesday

What's New Wednesday

New to the WEST blog - What's New Wednesdays. A place to highlight what we made this week.

 

Say "hello" to spring with this Yellow Chick Plushie by BirdieAndDot .

Purple for Easter with Fractal Earrings by DragonNerd.

 

Pretty in blue with a Silver Plated Ear Cuff by SecretJewelry.

 

Welcome the season with Spring Yarn Wreath by HeartFeltYarnWreaths.

 

Get ready for picnics with this Charm Bracelet by Jynxx.

But don't get burned with this Crouching Dragon by CloverleafFibreArt.

Clean up after a full day with these Soap Samplers by FlatlandersSoapCo.

 

Sit down with a book by WeAreBoundTogether.

Looking forward to what will be new next week!

New WEST Items for Spring!

Owl stuffie from BirdieAndDot

Flakes of gold faux cashmere from WWNaturals

Duct tape book from weareboundtogether

Bracelet from SageandOlivia

Pi necklace from DragonNerd

Berry bowl from NancyBloklandPottery

Green door wreath from HeartfeltYarnWreaths

W.E.S.T. January Design Challenge Results

The W.E.S.T. January Design Challenge was "The Colour of Love." Members were invited to create something inspired by thoughts of love (positive or negative!). I think we set a record with this challenge, as we have EIGHT entries!

The first entry was from Katie of Hearthfelt Yarn Wreaths:

This pink yarn wreath is perfect for Spring, and will add some romance to your Valentine's Day decor. Soft pink yarn provides a subtle base for delicately formed felt flowers and buds. A subtle way to celebrate your love on Valentine's Day, this wreath is perfect for Spring, too!

Next was this entry from Tawny of Tawny Bee:

Tawny reminds us that all those single socks out there need love too, and this Lost Socks Keeper provides a special place for them to wait for their soul mate. This heart patterned Lost Sock Keeper is on the job until cupid shines down upon your laundry room and blesses your single socks with their perfect match!

Susana from Lemon Dear submitted this entry:

This anatomic heart is a one of a kind embroidery hoop art made by hand in a gorgeous rainbow-like chevron cotton fabric and stretched in a wooden hoop. The message of this piece is that love has no colour, therefore, the colour of love are all colours together.

The next entry was from Evelyne of Evecouture:

This is an Epipen Carrying case made of vintage upcycled pink velvet. If your kids have to wear an Epipen why not make it cute and comfortable!

Jynxx provided this entry for the challenge:

Here is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind, vintage style Valentine's Day charm bracelet that I call " KEY TO MY HEART." It is one-of-a-kind, with a variety of pewter heart, lock and key charms and beads! This bracelet would be the perfect Valentine's gift, or to keep for yourself!! 

Ruth from Periwinkle Dzyns submitted a matching set:

Ruth notes that the colour of love can also be cold, so she chose to represent it with a heart made of brass hardware in a rigid chain maille style, with this Nerdy Geek Chainmaille Brass Nut Repurposed Necklace Heart and matching Nerdy Geek Chainmaille Brass Nut Repurposed Earrings.

Here is Wendy's entry from The Silver Agenda:

Wendy notes that she's a wee bit obsessed with arrows right now and wanted to add more bracelets to her shop. This Sterling Silver Arrow and Heart January Birthstone Garnet Wire Wrapped Metalwork Bracelet includes a hand forged sterling silver arrow running through a fine silver fused heart. Wire wrapped genuine garnet beads are set between sterling silver diamond cut links. A handmade hook clasp finishes the piece. 

And the last entry was from Laura of Prairie Threads:

Laura notes that there was a time when one of her daughters loved "pink and more pink," and she was thinking of her as she made this Gypsy Pink Round Coiled Bowl from all her pink fabric scraps.

Now don't we have some awesome talent in Winnipeg? Thank you to all the participants in this month's challenge!

We'd love to hear from you--what do you think of when you think of "the colour of love?"

Stay tuned for the next challenge to be announced soon!