Thanks Top Droppers.........

Entrecard has declared today to be Top Dropper Day so I'd like to thank my January 10 Top Droppers:

Silver Sachet
Limitless Adventure
Sandritocat's Vintage Patterns
Tialey Vintage Clothing
Ride Safe
Coloraddiction
Odannysgirl
Dieting Talk
bikudesigns
Lenox Knits

Please stop by their blog and see what they're all about! Thank you, all!!

Artist Confessions - Chrissy of Chrissy Ann Ceramics

We're talking to our first ceramics artist on Bonhomie. Such beautiful work, such a pleasure and a fellow New Englander! Welcome, Chrissy!

1. Your Name: Chrissy

2. Shop Name: Chrissy Ann Ceramics http://www.chrissyannceramics.etsy.com/

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen (online and IRL)? Etsy is my only online shop venue at the moment. I'm still sort of figuring out its ropes, but its such a fantastic site! The people listing on Etsy are super supportive of one another, and really helpful! I just discovered their forums and I've met some great people who love to help one another out. It really is a strong artist community... just online! I also have work listed at New Bedford Open Studios. Its a website for the artists in the city I work out of, New Bedford, Massachusetts. We have a huge annual event, the New Bedford Open Studios, and we keep folks up to date with plannings on that page, check it out! I also have a Chrissy Ann Ceramics myspace page (although I haven't been to good keeping it up to date as of late) you can check it out at www.myspace.com/chrissyannceramics. In real life, I sell locally at different shops, mainly consignment. I'll be stocking them up again in the spring time!

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. Ceramics is a completely temperamental and unpredictable medium. You really have to cross your fingers and hope for the best every time! There are so many things that can go wrong, pieces warp, crack, colors vary, etc, you really can't make the same exact piece without variation, and you lose many pieces during the process. I make these scallop dishes that I sell to local restaurants. They're about 12" with a scallop design, square, I've made hundreds of them in the same two colors. My last batch had a full kiln of glazed dishes that went wrong. The glaze was a completely different color than it was suppose to be, it kind of bubbled up, and I had to turn them all into mosaic pieces, and start again from square one. I was in a rush, miscalculated, and ruined 12 dishes that took me hours to make, clean up, and fire. Its the most frustrating thing, but you have to be open to it, and just move on. You make because you love it, and its what you do.

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why?
My favorite listing in my Etsy shop would have to be my Petal Plates. I've been making these dishes for about five years now, and they've always been really popular. Lots of people order them for wedding gifts, and many realtors have bought them from me as a house warming gift for their clients. I like that they're light and delicate and feminine with a flowing scooping edge that is just so fine. They're fun to make because each set's shape varies a bit from the next, they just evolve in their own way. So after I've made them and each set is complete I sit them all side by side on a drying table, and they each seem to have their own little personalities or style like people do. I love them, I just think their gorgeous!!! I don't know if I have a "least favorite" , that's a tough one I really love everything that I make. Well, at least everything that I've photographed and posted on Etsy! I will admit, I do have a pile of work in the "soon to be mosaic tiles" bin at my studio.

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. Hmm.. that's a tough one. I guess as an artist, you become very critical of your work, even a bit over critical. I've learned that if something hasn't come out to your liking, color or design wise, it doesn't mean that someone else won't adore it, everyone has such different taste. I mistakenly set up a "free stuff" table at my studio during one of our open houses, I put all the work that was "awful" on the table.. let me tell you, there were people who LOVED them, and took them home for free. I should have priced them too!

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? I absolutely adore the work of Alice Ballard Munn. She makes these incredible organic sculptures that are just so beautiful you want to touch them. She sculpts things like a clove of garlic, but she'll turn into the most beautiful thing your eyes have ever feasted on. She's totally incredible! I was suppose to take a workshop with her a few years back but my fiancee had a bad car accident so I had to cancel last minute so I could stay home with him. It was completely heartbreaking. But rumor is she'll be at Penland next year!!! Sign me up!

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Chrissy! Readers, be sure to check out Chrissy's blog!

What's goin on........

There are some pretty good sales going on over at Etsy!! Here's what I found out from a few FAM (Fabulous Artistic Mothers) members:

My jewelry sale is still happening (wink, wink);

Imaginethatinc and Imaginethatart is offering 10% off anything in either shop;

Carersattic and Craftsbycarer is having a BOGO - mix and match from either shop;

BerryCreekCandles is having a HUGE sale on her soy candle items to make way for her soaps;

EternalAutumn is having a winter clearance sale on jewelry, etc.;

Elliefitz has reduced the prices on most of her knit goods.

Pop over to our "FAM ChickChatter" to see what else is new!

Lemonade, anyone?

How cool is this? Temeka over at Meka Candles & Scents has just bestowed upon me the "Lemonade Award". This award is given to bloggers with positive attitudes, the ability to look on the bright side.........those who turn life's lemons into lemonade (get it?)! Thank you so much, Temeka! My first award and I'm honored!

The rules are (should you choose to accept this gracious award):

1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Nominate 10 blogs which show great attitude or gratitude!!!
3. Be sure to link your nominees with your post.
4. Let them know they received the award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Share the love and link this post to the person that gave you the award.

So, here are my nominees.........

Hot Rocks Glass Jewels
Michon Jewelry Blog
Felted Treasures
Enjoy Everyday Moments
Elegant Bloggery
Cinnamon and Honey
Designs by Vanessa
Wickwire Jewelry
KristynsKreations Blogorama
Original Cyn Studios

What a great way to begin my day!

Artist Confessions - Victoria of the Mad Helmeteer

Wecome to another session of "Artist Confessions"! This week, we're talking to a creator of crocheted goodness. Meet Victoria of Mad Helmeteer:

1. Your Name: Victoria

2. Shop Name: The Mad Helmeteer http://www.madhelmeteer.etsy.com/ Dundas, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen (online and IRL)? I've just opened an ArtFire account (yesterday, in fact) and I hope it too provides me with some traffic. I do sell my items locally in select areas and I sell at Mom-to-Mom sales and my town's local summer festival. I find, though, that most of my selling succes has been through family, friends, acquaintances, and word-of-mouth. Lots of people approach me with wholesale offers but because 98% of my items are one of a kind, I don't think that this is a good option for me. I delight in being able to tell my customers that the hat they are getting cannot and will not be duplicated or found anywhere else.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. I am a crocheter and I do not knit (not very well anway) and I am always so surprised that most people still view crocheting as a grandmother-doily-craft. There are so many fabulous crocheters and knitters out there who are creating hip, funky, and modern items. Move over Granny!

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why? After much debate, I have decided that my favourite item is the elephant hat. I love it because it is so unique and I have yet to see anything quite like it. I love the craziness and the whimsy of it. It is the item that always attracts peoples' eyes. My least favourite item is the Warm Me Up Scottie neck warmer. Although it may be ideal for that one person out there, I don't think it is quite my style. It was actually a piece that sat around here for a very long time because it had not felted the way I wanted it to. Finally, I added the closure and found a use for it as a neck warmer. I'm still not overly pleased with it though. I find it particularly interesting that, in my experience, the items that I love are not generally popular whereas the items that I do not like are snapped up immediately! Strange.

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well. Almost everything I have done has turned out despite the mistakes and I think that is the most special part of my growth as a crocheter. I see mistakes as a strength rather than a deficit. I never, ever throw anything away. I tried to do ears on a cat once and they were disastrous so I detatched them and they sat around in my crochet catch-all for about a year. Then I found a use for them on a dinosaur hat. They were no longer used as ears! I still have trouble following a pattern and I don't know how to write one. I just sit with the yarn I have and start making until I get something that I like. I am forever practicing new stitches and techniques so that I can explore the relationships between colour, texture and pattern.

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy? Although he is a knitter, I am very much drawn to Kaffe Fassett. His work with colour, and texture are so fabulous that he has single-handedly changed the craft of knitting to an art form. Crocheting all started with my mother. She made for me when I was a little girl a huge pompom hat and matching sweater, which I saved and dressed my two little boys in. I got so many compliments that I wanted to make a set for my son. And that is how it all began. She recently made a white tuxedo-style jacket for my first son's baptism. It was stunning.

Thank you for sharing, Victoria! Don't forget to grab the button for you blog! And readers, be sure to check out Victoria's blog!

Sneak peek.....

America's Song......

My prayers go out today to the new First Family, in support and celebration! May God continue to protect and bless us all.

I have a dream......

Before I became a mom, I didn't give much thought to the state of our world. Unless it effected me directly, I paid no attention. Selfish, I know. Now..........well, it's a whole new ballgame. Tomorrow is a big day for me for a few reasons. The first African-American president takes office. And my son and I take our first visit to his new preschool. The second may not seem like such a big deal to you.....and you may not be that impressed by the first, either. That's your choice. And we all have a choice. That's pretty cool.

Artist Confessions - Lyndsey of Tanybug & Lynseandfancy

It's a new year and Artist Confessions has returned!!! And for the first time we're interviewing an etsian with two shops! Okay, as far as I know, it's the first time ;-)

Welcome Lyndsey of Tanybug and Lynseandfancy where you can find camera straps, accessories, art and prints!

1. Your Name: Lyndsey

2. Shop Name: Tanybug- http://tanybug.etsy.com/

and Lynse & Fancy-http://lynseandfancy.etsy.com/

3. Anyplace else your products can be seen (online and IRL)? Online, I keep my products all on Etsy. I feel it's the right place for me, and I don't want to spread myself too thin selling all over the place. I have been featured on numerous blogs, including GeekSugar, but for selling, I stick to Etsy.

In real life, I exhibited at my first Art Exhibit in 2008 and it was a lot of fun, I hope to look for more opportunities like this in 2009. The exhibit was called "Rollin' on 20". It was a bike themed exhibit and I shot a lot of BMX photography on 2007/2008, so it was a great fit.

4. Tell us one thing - as it relates to your craft - that would be surprising. I am not sure if this is surprising to others, but I am often surprised at how much I get done and accomplish with my art and craft... all while working a full time job. A minimum of 11 hours of my days, Monday- Friday, is dedicated to my full time job and commuting to it. It's actually rather exhausting at times.

5. What's your favorite item? What's your least favorite item? Why? My favourite item(s) would probably have to be the paintings in my new shop, Lynse & Fancy. With my paintings, I feel like I am putting my heart on paper. Each piece evokes a special feeling for me, and I think painting is a very personal thing. If I had to pick one item, it would probably be the Rain Boots painting. It reminds me of the innocence and fun and carefree ways of a child. Least favourite... well really I am not sure that I have a least favourite in my shop(s). If something I create doesn't please me, I usually won't sell it.

6. Tell us about the mistakes you've made that have turned out well.

One recent mistake that sticks out in my mind, was just two weeks ago. Months ago I had thought it would be a good idea to list some items for sale on other marketplace type websites. Well, the items sat there and never really did much, as I wasn't putting any effort into promoting them on this other site. They sat there for a couple of months and I honestly forgot all about them, until one day out of the blue, I sold one. Unfortunately, it was actually a camera strap that I had sold out of a few weeks earlier. I felt horrible, and had to go back to the customer and work something out with her. Luckily she chose a different strap that she loved and everything worked out, but it really put me in check about how much I can juggle at once. It solidified my thoughts that I really need to just give my all to one online venue, and not spread myself too thin. I was glad for a lesson learned before I got in way over my head!

7. Who's work - in your genre - do you envy?I don't think envy is the right word for what I feel, but a couple artists who I greatly greatly admire, and aspire to be as successful as are: Michele Maule and Elsie Flannigan.

Thank you for the interview! It's been fun!

Thank YOU, Lyndsey!! Don't forget to grab your button for your blog! And readers, be sure to show her some love!!

Thursday Thirteen #7 - Ways we can help.....

The season of giving doesn't have to be over yet.....and it shouldn't be! Monday, January 19th is Martin Luther King Day AND a National Day of Service. Here are some ways that you can help those less fortunate.......

1. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Volunteer, donate or walk. Not coming to your area? Do a "Google" search for your state/town or contact your local town hall.
2. Do you live in Massachusettes? Give Warmth. Donate gently used blankets, towels and lines to your local HomeGoods store January 11th thru January 25th.
3. Operation No Kid Hungry. On January 19th, donate via text message or hold a food drive.
4. Join the Red Alert - Campaign for Disaster Relief. Donate or spread the word.
5. The Corporation for National & Community Service has thousands of volunteer opportunities to become involved.
6. One Warm Coat. Donate a coat or organize a coat drive.
7. The Good Card. A non-traditional gift idea. (Valentine's Day is coming up!) Purchase a Good Card for a loved one and allow them to choose the charity.
8. Autism Society for America - purchase greeting cards created by individuals with autism and help raise money for treatment, education, research and advocacy.
9. ASPCA - donate, lobby, adopt or shop online to help fight animal cruelty.
10. Got an old car you'd like to get rid of? Donate it to Habitat for Humanity. Help provide adequate housing for families and receive a tax deduction at the same time.
11. Is there a teenager in the house? Send them to DoSomething.org. This organization for teens motivates, supports and encourages them to make a positive difference in their world.
12. Product Red. Join Starbucks, Apple, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Hallmark and Dell/Windows support the elimination of AIDS in Africa.
13. Make-A-Wish Foundation. Donate, volunteer or shop to grant the wish of a lifetime to a child with a life-threatening medical condition.
    
    
    
    

Product review and an AWESOME seller!!

A few days ago, I wrote this post highlighting a few 1000Market items that I covet. Well, Cate from Urbbody read my post and sent me this:

The Ginger Almond Pear Solid Lotion Bar. The smell is divinely yummy......even better than I expected. It lingers longer than most lotions I've tried (yes, even B.....& B........... ) and it just glides on. Even in the dead of winter, in my dry-heat house it keeps my skin soft. And the solid lotion bar is so convenient!! Definitely a must have!! This has made it to my list of staple items!

Thank you, Cate!!

Certificates, Stats and Changes....oh, my!

Let's start off with the exciting news........gift certificates are now available at my etsy shop and 1000Markets shop! Just in time for Valentine's Day. Guys, when you don't know what to choose get a gift certificate! She can pick out her own piece or even custom design something making it all the more special!

What else..........oh yes, I've made a few minor changes to my sidebar - I've organized the blogs I follow into categories and I've added an Entrecard Top Dropper widget. Which leads me to..........

Stats. Stats, stats and more stats. (WARNING: lots of talky-talky, blah, blah coming up!!)

One of my goals was to focus my advertising and I mentioned previously that I'd set up some advertising campaigns. Well, it doesn't do much good to set all this stuff up if you don't monitor the progress. I took a quick look at what's going on and, well frankly it gave me a headache. So I thought I'd share it with you 'cause that's what friends are for ;-)

I'll start with my 1000Markets shop since I don't have as much detail there. For those of you who don't know, 1000Markets provides some basic shop stats......a running 15-day graph of total page views and 2 weeks of total data on item views, total views vs. unique visitors. My highest number of views since my shop opened is 85 and that occurred on January 8th - the day I posted My Favorite Things. Makes sense. Over the past two weeks, my main page views come in at 205 visits/112 unique visitors and the most viewed item is my Industrial Age Earrings (didn't expect that!) at 27/20 followed by my Bubble, Bubble Circle Pendant at 27/17 and my Fallen Leaves Copper Necklace at 25/16. So, aside from my blog, where is this traffic coming from?

Right now I have 4 items published on CraftJuice which point to my 1000Markets shop: Words of Wisdom Pendant, Fallen Leaves Copper Pendant, Dichro Stacking Rings and Silver Wishbone Earrings. In addition, I have a Project Wonderful campaign running, linking to my 1000Markets shop. It was set for 1 week and is due to expire today. The ad ran on approximately 45 blogs with a total of 32,873 page views. I received 102 total clicks with a .31% click-thru rate and an average cost of $.03 per click.

Now on to my etsy shop. Did you guys know that etsy has added Google Analytics as a feature?? Very cool! Here's the Storque article if you missed it. The install was incredibly easy! I added GA to my etsy shop just a few days ago (January 8th, I believe) so there isn't much data yet. Since then, I had the most visits on January 10th (34). 58% of my viewers came from referring sites with Starving Jewelry Artists in the lead. 29% came from direct traffic (hmmmmm....I wonder if that's me. Anyone know if I can block my visits from the report???) 8% came from search engines and 3% came from "other" (not a clue). I can't tell which items were viewed most often...when I click on the page link, they all bring me to my main shop page. Aggravating. Now on to my etsy advertising.......

I have another Project Wonderful campaign running.......same time frame as the other. Total page views are 40,590 from approximately 40 blogs. 154 total clicks with a click-thru rate of .38% and an average cost of $.02 per click. In addition, I have a few items posted on "ThisNext" which you can see in the top of my sidebar.

Of course, there's the occasional "twitter" about both shops and some Facebook postings, also about both shops but I haven't been able to determine (yet) if they're having an impact. So what's it all mean? I have no idea. I told you, it gave me a headache. But at least I'm on top of it! Makes me feel much more proactive. Ignorant but proactive.

So how's your advertising?

Speaking of 1000Markets..........

If you haven't been there yet (what are you waiting for?? go, go!!!) you may not know that 1000Markets has 'specialty shops' for specific types of items, holidays and locations. For instance, I'm a member of the Metalcraft Market and the Bejeweled Arcade Market.

This morning, I opened my email to see an invitation to a new specialty market. You might have guessed.......yup, it's the Valentine's Gifts Market!! Full of awesomely cool ideas for Valentine's gifts for everyone!! This market will be open through February 14th so just 'click the pic' (or the name) to check it out!!

Happy Shopping!!

Thursday Thirteen #6 - My Favorite Things

I'm very much enjoying being a member of 1000Markets - the site is very streamlined and has the feel of an exclusive gallery while maintaining a friendly, approachable 'attitude'. I thought it would be nice to share with you a few of my favorite things that I've found on the site while browsing around (as I frequently do!!). In no particular order:

1. By Formfire Glassworks, this Amethyst Droplet Sticks 3 lampwork necklace:

2. By Heart of Nature, this Dainty Mushroom Village Print:

3. By Designer Photo Imaging, these Ravida Wedding Invitations:

4. By Amy Giacomelli, Four Seasons:

5. From Tickled Pink Knits, the Rococo Shawl:

6. By StrawberryLuna, this "G" is for Giraffe print:

7. From Metalsgirl, these Multi Dot Earrings:

8. From Georgia Treats, these Red Velvet Cake Balls:

9. By One Girl Circus, this Felted Wool Jacket with Lace Cut-outs:

10. From Recycled Jeans & Things, this Jean Pocket Card Set:

11. From Happiknits, this Funny Girl capelet:

12. By Urbbody, this Ginger Almond Pear Solid Lotion Bar:


13. From DuffyDesigns, this Hammered Brass Leaves Necklace:

And I could go on and on.............be sure to visit these talented artisans. Just click on the photos to be brought to the product or or click their shop name to see everything else the have to offer. And while you're there, do some browsing yourself. You never know what you might find!!