Friday, October 23, 2015

Finding your Target Market

Good Morning,

This morning I wanted to share some wonderful tips from another blog post on finding your Target and Niche Markets.  I have left out the personal story that accompanied the original post and have tried to leave it at just the tips.  Links are also included.  Originally posted by Brenda Lavell in August 2013, it has just been re-posted or circulated on Etsy as of last week. I hope you will find the information useful.



The Difference Between Target and Niche Markets

Target market is a group of potential customers who share characteristics related to your product. For instance, “knitters” could be my target market.

Niche market further defines a target market. For instance, “beginning female knitters who love Etsy, ages 20 to 35, living in New England” is more defined.

When you define and understand your niche market, you can target your marketing efforts to that group of people.


Narrowing Your Niche Market

Further defining your niche market is crucial to finding your actual ideal customers — those who will become true fans for your business and products. A true fan wants to hear everything about your business, including sales, tutorials, and new product launches.
Posting product links 24/7 to thousands of non-targeted social media followers is unfocused and not likely to attract very many buyers. However, offering Coupon Codes for your mailing list of ideal customers is targeted and very likely to result in many sales.
I don’t need to tell you that promoting your business all day long is exhausting — it’s a lot of work for little return. Promoting is about me me me — your products. Marketing is about you — your customers’ needs and problems. When you know who those customers are, you know or can more accurately guess their needs.


How to Find Your Ideal Customer(s)

A target market is a group of characteristics, not a person. You can personalize your target market by creating your very own ideal customer, a fictional character with individual, human characteristics — a true fan that  you make up on paper or just in your head.

Then, instead of marketing to a group of people, you market to just one person, your true fan.

Get the Ideal Customer Worksheet
To create this ideal person, you need to dive deep into this persona’s psyche. There really is no right answer to who this person is, as long as your creation makes sense (for example, “a super modern fashionista who doesn’t knit” does not make sense for my yarn shop). Use this target market worksheet template to help you create your own ideal customer.

Once you’ve created your ideal person to market to, make sure you truly understand your customer’s needs and problems. How do your products fulfill and solve both? Your marketing should successfully connect your ideal customer’s problems with your products.


Engaging With Your Ideal Customer(s)

Write everything specifically to your ideal customer, from product descriptions to blog posts to emails. Use your customer’s perspective and address his/her needs and problems in your own voice.


Let’s work through an example:

Jewelry is a huge category on Etsy. Jewelry lovers have different needs (for example, metal sensitivities) and problems (for example, the perfect earrings for a special date).

How do you connect with your ideal customer who is a true fan of your particular style and construction of earrings, while addressing both her needs and problems?
  1. First, make sure your photos are truly stunning, and that your text and keywords are specifically written to your customer from his/her perspective, using your authentic voice. Success Tips: Read these photography pointers and How to Write Enticing Item Descriptions.

  2. How do your policies and About page measure up? Make sure both are also primed for your ideal customer. Success Tips: Read Creating Policies That Work and Tips for Your Shop’s About Page.

  3. Write blog or other social media posts that engage (about how you problem-solve, behind-the-scenes glimpses, etc.), with keywords specific to your customer and links to your products. Success Tip: Read these social media tips.

  4. Use your mailing list to draw people back to those blog posts as well as to your products directly.

  5. Balance links to your products with valuable content.
When your potential customer turns into a real customer, start building actual relationships. Learn about their interests and needs by talking with them via your Facebook business page or at craft shows. You’ll be able to further refine your niche market while turning one-off customers into repeat buyers.

I thought there was a “trick” to finding your target market, then learned that finding my target market is just a process. Defining my ideal customer was key, as well as effectively engaging via social media.

You can find your own target market by creating and engaging with your ideal customer — I’d love to hear your insights and questions in comments.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Featured Artist: My European Touch on The CraftStar

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share some of the wonderful handmade items from My European Touch on The CraftStar.

I know I have some musicians out there, these would make fabulous and fun accessories for the string-player in your life.

Shabby Chic Wall art wood cut out handmade 19 inch violin music lover gift wall art musicians gift

Shabby Chic Violin, made from a wood cut out, handmade, primed and painted in sage green, covered in delicate white lace, 4 cream pearl strings follow it from the scroll to the bottom, a very light lace pattern was spray painted on the body, the strings at the bottom end up in a green flowered cameo, daisy stickers and bow, green wired rhinestone bling, 2 green rhinestone lil angels cover the body. The scroll/top is covered with a little vintage Christmas tree broche full of rhinestones and a crystal chandelier tear drop.

Measurements 19 inches tall

What a fabulous gift for everyone or perfect wall art Thank you for looking and shopping



Guitar, Handmade Mosaic Guitar "Broken Songs and Melodies"

This little guy started life as a guitar for a child. When I found it, it was tucked away in someones attic just longing to have new life breathed into it, as I do with all my recycled mosaic items. An up cycled, recycled piece of art. Many, many hours and weeks later I ended up with what I call "Broken Songs and Melodies" mosaic guitar. This almost 31 inches long, formerly Acoustic Mosaic Guitar evolved from unusable to a decorative wall hanging for the visual enjoyment of the music lover, music artist, friends of music or a protégé. Ready to be hung in your home, office, class room , studio or even a gift for that special one. Display this baby where the sunlight hits it and it will throw off lil sparkles and reflections from the mirror glass on the neck. Every lil cut Mosaic Piece I placed with utter loving care so as to preserve some of the patterns of the Vintage China Plate Rims. One small piece at a time, utterly time consuming, but I love what I do. I covered this guitar with a mosaic of broken, cut fine china porcelain plate rims and complimented it with stained glass. The neck is covered in mirror glass in the warm tones of bronze, peach and silver. I restrung the two strings which were left with burgundy pearls. It is trimmed out in ivory gimp to protect your furniture or hands while handling it. Have you ever tried to restring a guitar string with single pearls, “boyng” the steel string went and pearls are flying all over my studio. It took 5 attempts to finish the re-stringing... ;o) A little note: * all of our items are packaged with care are wrapped special just for you. * if you have a large order...we will combine shipping and use priority mail, if at all possible... * if the postage is in major excess...a refund will be given. *we are friendly, so please feel free to drop a note any time! Open to all questions and suggestions. Enjoy...remember I am not new to Online Selling, 10 years experience and over 800 positive feedbacks

 

Snowy, white, Silver Rhinestone ChristmasTable Center Piece

STOREWIDE SALE 40% OFF, USE COUPON CODE TCS40

Christmas Arrangement, Snowy Winter White and silver Table Decor  Vase, Vintage former recycled Silver plate Vase from 1905, it is transformed into a shabby chic decor all year long or for the Holidays. One of a kind, you will not find this anywhere else...this table decor has a rhinestone blingy Owl in the center.
Commonly used in the Victorian home, this former silver ware with this Vintage look, it is a useful decor all year around, or a delightful decorative Art Piece.

I primed and painted the VASE, and painted the christmas twigs and such, set it into the Vase, I adorned with pearls, it is adorable..
Measurement approx. 15 Inches tall, 
Thank you for looking at the shop of Myeuropeantouch
I do ship International, please inquire. Any overcharged shipping will always be reimbursed via paypal




Mosaic Box Recipe Box, Shabby Chic Treasure Box Keepsake Box Recipe Box handmade broken china stained glass 

 STOREWIDE SALE 40% OFF, USE COUPON CODE TCS40  

Mosaic Box, recycled, handmade rectangular, lidded box with handmade cut, broken china plate rim Mosaic, painted in Vanilla, grouted in Antique White Grout, sealed, outfitted with a pink porcelain knob and a handmade clay rose. One side is enhanced with a cameo. Every lil cut Mosaic Piece I placed with utter loving care so as to preserve some of the patterns of the Vintage China Plate Rims. One small piece at a time, utterly time consuming, but I love what I do. A recipe box, a treasure box, something totally different and use it as a gift box....To wrap a gift now, and harbor coveted gifts later... in this beautiful box. Measurements: 9 x 6 x 5.5 inches A quaint alternative to the boring regular recipe boxes, or fill with homemade fudge or some other goodies.... to give away. Write your favorite recipe down and stash within, comes with recipe cards. Four nostalgic china plate designs have been rescued and used to enhance this box. Cut up and broken china plate rims from Royal Albert, Old English Rose, Edwin Knowles, even a lil bit of Paris is present.. The edges are ensconced by a row of cream colored gimp top/bottom to protect your furniture. A little note: * all of our items are packaged with care are wrapped special just for you. * if you have a large order...we will combine shipping and use priority mail, if at all possible... * if the postage is in major excess...a refund will be given. *we are friendly, so please feel free to drop a note any time! Open to all questions and suggestions. Enjoy...remember I am not new to Online Selling, 10 years experience and over 800 positive feedbacks

 

Mosaic Lazy Susan, handmade, Broken, cut china plate rim Mosaic

STOREWIDE SALE 40% OFF, USE COUPON CODE TCS40

Handmade Mosaic large Lazy Susan. I found this vintage Lazy Susan which had been discarded for its terrible looks.
I sanded, primed, and painted it white, distressed it a bit, covered the top with a handmade Mosaic made from already damaged cut up vintage fine bone china plate rims and stained glass. The mosaic also has two lil porcelain girls in them who used to have a couple of feather angel wings, which I removed. The mosaic is grouted in a antique white grout and sealed. It still turns very nicely, as a lazy susan should.
Measurements: 16 inches in diameter and 2 inches high 
Uses are endless, one can use it for the obvious in the dining room now for your condiments, napkins etc.
In your office for your pencil holders, scissor, the cup with pens, scotch tape and such....
In the baby's room for the powders, creams, wipes and lotions, one turn around and everything is right handy.
I am sure one can find even that your cup cakes look fabulous on them, even a cake. Or just set it on the counter and have your guest admire your treasure. 
Thank you for looking

Follow Monica on Twitter: @myeuropeantouch


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Five Great Gifts To Give: Halloween II 2015

Good Morning,

Halloween is right around the corner, and on a Saturday night.  What better time to get the house in spooky order and entertain those ghosts and ghouls that haunt your neighborhood.

This morning's gift ideas come from five unique shops on The CraftStar.

From: Classy Glassy

Halloween Drink Up Witches Wine Glass

Hand painted Drink Up Witches! wine glass with witches hat perfect for Halloween!

20 oz high quality wine glass

All glassware is hand painted by me with special paint made for glass and over cured.  Hand washing is recommended for long lasting beauty.


From: Designs by Tiffany

Zombie Halloween Wreath

20 inch grapevine wreath painted black and adorned with black and red. Spooky zombie and black widow spider. A unique decoration for your home this Halloween!


From: Handmade In Chico


Harvest Moon Glass Dome Pendant Full Moon Halloween Jewelry

 Harvest Moon Glass Tile Pendant 

Each pendant is made up of a laser printed image placed under a glass dome in a Silver Tone, Bronze or Copper bezel.
Size: Round 1 inch (25mm)
Chain Length: 18 inch link chain with lobster clasp (finish will match bezel option).

Each is packaged in a lovely organza bag ready to gift.

Custom orders and wholesale welcome!

These pendants are not water proof and are small. They are not suitable for small children so please use caution.



From:  Warmth


Halloween Decoration Sconce Felted Mice Ghost Fall Scene

 This miniature mouse scene is built within a wooden sconce handmade of 3/8" wood. It is 9" in height, 4" wide and 4" deep. It can be set on a shelf or hung from a peg. The second photo shows the whole in the top for hanging. The scene is Halloween Night and Mama and Child Mouse are Trick or Treating. Mama is dressed in a black plaid outfit with orange pumpkins on it. Baby is dressed as a Ghost. Mama carries Black Jack-o-Lantern bag with lollypops and the Baby carries a teenie tiny handmade strawbasket with candy corn on it. They are accompanied by their faithful black cat Minerva. The background is complete with spooky black wooden tree, a miniature cornstalk, a black picket fence and circling sparkly ghosts. In the foreground sits a handmade miniature jack-o-lantern. This is a ooak miniature scene. The back is signed and dated by the artist. Destined to be a collector's item for sure.

 

From: Heffernan's Little Craft Shop

Halloween Soap - Colorful Ghost Soap -Vanilla scented

 These soaps are so cute and colorful!! They are mini ghost. Size: 2.4" x 2.3" x 0.83" The soap is white with glitter. The soap is 1.5 ounces. These are the perfect size for a little person. They make great treats This is a great gift!!! The soap will come wrapped and tied with colored ribbons. All soaps are made to order. If you would like different colors please let me know. This listing is for 2 soaps and that is a total of 3 ounces.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

 The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Friday, October 16, 2015

How To List Items: Helpful Hints

Good Morning,

Today the blog has some helpful hints for listing those wonderful handmade items you create. 

Let's begin with Titles and Tags.  Depending on where you list your items, character count and number of tags may vary, but the process is the same.  Choose a title for your  item.

Does it have a name?  Many artists choose to call their piece something, names like "Emma", "Aurora", "Bob" to differentiate one piece from another, things like, "Paramour", "Enchantress", and "Princess" work just as well.

What is it? Bracelet, Earrings, Painted Box, Etched Glass?  Be sure to be specific.  

Helpful Hint: Many sites have crawlers or bots that will pick up on words in your title, their own little SEO searchers, make sure everything is spelled correctly.  Check out the sites categories and try to include one word in your title that matches the category you would like your item to be found in.  Spelling, spell-check does not catch all errors and even insists words are wrong if it does not recognize them.  Take the time to check your spelling, and double check those triple score words, like Labyrinth and Cephalopod, twice.

Example: Fafnir Chainmaille Silver and Gold Dragonscale Bracelet

*It doesn't have to have a name, Chainmaille Bracelet works just as well, or you may include the name at the end of the title instead: Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir

Tags:  Tags should reflect the above, and they should also be descriptive if possible.  Ask yourself these questions when thinking about tags: What is it?  Who is it for?  What does it do?  What color is it?  What is it made from?  Is it a particular fashion or style? 

Example: bracelet, women, teens, jewelry, chainmaille, gold, silver, fashion, Rocker, Biker, Fantasy, handmade, dragonscale

Helpful Hint:  Include words from your title in your tags as well.  If your stuck you can also use words like: "traditional", "modern", or "classic".

Photography:  Is it necessary to have a professional take your photos?  No, many do, but most handmade artists are also the photographer.  Getting that perfect shot is tough and there are all kinds of how-tos around the web.  Here are a couple of more suggestions.

Do not use your cell phone. Just no. Although the picture looks great on the phone's screen it will not translate well to a site and will look blurry and out of focus. If you must use your cellphone, get a "selfie stick", this will help steady the phone for a better picture.  Go through the phone's photo settings, many times the app has different size settings, use them, they will help.

Use at least four pictures, even if two are kind of the same. Try to shoot the item from different angles, both sides, from the top down, on a different background and a close up of the detail.

Helpful Hint: Get to know your digital camera.  Does it have a MACRO setting?  The Macro setting is used to magnify and capture very small things in focus and detail.

Example:  Tiny Frog-Prince Charms


  
Almost there.  You have a title, tags, and a photo.  Now comes the hard part, the description.  Should it be long or short?  What information should be included?  What does one say about the item?

Does it have a story?  You can make one up.  Where did it  come from?  What did it experience on its journey?  What can the customer expect from the piece?  Is it heavy?  Light weight?  Comfortable? 

Take the time to jot down words on a list that you can refer to when listing the item and construct a simple sentence around it.  

Example: This pair of earrings is light weight and comfortable enough for all day wear.

Completed Listing Example: 

Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir

 







This beautiful chainmaile bracelet is elegant and understated.  Simply stunning in Silver over Gold rings, one might imagine why a Dragon is required to guard a King's horde.  Named after the dragon of myth that once guarded a great King's treasure, Fafnir is sure to keep your treasures safe and will effortlessly coordinate with everything in your closet.

Perfect for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, SCA, LARP costume needs or a wonderfully fun piece for Game of Thrones or History Channel "Vikings" fans.

8" long and 1" wide.  Handcrafted from 14Kt Gold--plated and Silver-plated (over brass) jump rings, finished with a Slide clasp for a secure fit.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

*Also available in Gold over Silver rings.  Please see the shop for our collection of ready-to-wear items or contact us with your custom request.

Tags: Chainmaille, jewelry, bracelet, Fantasy, Film, costume, Viking, cuff, women,  dragonscale, gold, silver, metal

Please see the actual listing here:

Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir



Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope this post is useful.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Featured Artist: Sue's Arts on Etsy

Good Morning,

Today's featured artist is Sue Abraham of Sue's Arts on Etsy.


Sue Specializes in:  HAMSA, HAMSA, HAMSA, JUDAICA JEWELRY, HEBREW JEWELRY, HAMSA JEWELRY, EVIL EYE JEWELRY, CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

As Team Captain for Road To Success on Etsy, Sue wrangles her teammates and makes wonderful jewelry all at the same time.  Some her lovely work may be found below.


I am my beloved stamped charm necklace with Hamsa, love health success hebrew charm necklace, Ani le dodi love charm necklace, personalized

Beautiful, charming, elegant and one of a kind custom hand stamped necklaces to choose from.

Hebrew well wishes for "Love, Health, Success" and "Ani Le Dodi..." ("I am my beloved...")

The Hamsa is believed to protect and shield against the evil eye and the envious eye of strangers.
It is also believed to create positive energy, happiness, prosperity and good health therefore makes the perfect gift idea.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

 

leather bracelet, infinity bracelet, love bracelet, leather charm bracelet, infinity love charm, infinity charm bracelet

Beautiful handmade infinity love leather charm bracelet.

Very cute and elegant.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX


wooden wall plaque, Key hang, jewelry hang, wood plaque, wood picture, wood wall picture, vintage picture, vintage wooden picture

 


Gorgeous custom made and one of a kind handmade wood plaque with hooks to hang which could be used for keys, or jewelry.

Approx size about 6 1/2" x 4 1/2.



Arrow shape Druzy Agate, Natural stone necklace, Black Agate pendant, Druzy pendant, Arrow charm necklace, Druzy stone

Gorgeously beautiful, elegant, unique and one of a kind arrow shape natural black Agate stone charm necklace.

Approx size 25x50mm

Black Agate brings the Great Spirit into ones life. Attracts good fortune. Increases concentration and clarity. Promotes good will. Aids in overcoming flaws, fears, and loneliness. Removes jinxes, helps eliminate bad luck. Has a calming effect during times of stress. Gives a sense of strength and courage. Encourages fertility. Powerful healer. Especially beneficial for bone marrow and allergies.

Black Agate is used for Protection, Courage, Success. It is worn for courage and success in competitions.Black Agate with their hot energy helps Reproduction System. Excellent stone during Menopause, it's also helpful for Breast Tumor.

Agate protects new life and therefore it's excellent stone during pregnancy.

Zodiac sign: Gemini

FEEL FREE CONTACTING ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

 

 

Blue Agate Druzy Geode Ring,Stone ring,Gold plated Agate Druzy Geode Ring,adjustable ring,Agate Druzy Geode,Druzy Ring, Natural stone

Absolutely gorgeous Natural Agate Druzy Geode adjustable gold plated rings to choose from.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX

Suzan 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope that you will click through and see what else Sue has on offer.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day. 

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

In The Studio: Project Preview

Good Morning,

Today I thought I might share a little something different than jewelry.

I was gifted with several boxes some time ago, and had no idea what to do with them, so they sat in the bag, taking up space.

They are a lovely natural wood (I'm guessing pine), but very raw, I spent yesterday sanding and trying to fix the clasps that close them.


There is one of the rectangle and three or four of the octagonal shape with the wire trim.  Occasionally I would look at them, and then re-pack them, I had no idea what to do with them.

Then it dawned on me, there are lots of ways to spruce up these little things, paint, decoupage, pyrography (wood-burning). Which one was right for these?

The first step was preparing the surface.  That's done.  What I have in mind for these is a surprise, but something I am looking forward to doing.

The next step is paint or a clear sealant, I have not chosen one yet, but I have a firm plan in mind and know how to approach the project now.

Stay tuned for the finished object, I may do another progress blog before they are completed.  

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Five Great Gifts To Give: Black and White

Good Morning,

Last week the blog featured five unique gifts with a Halloween flair, today we continue the theme with five more unique items from five unique shops on TheCraftStar, they are black and white or some variation of the two.  Don't forget to check out the shops and see what else they have on their virtual shelves.

From: The Spot


Spiral Tree Handbag/Tote Bag



This cool tote bag comes in
Color- BLACK
Material- 100% Cotton Canvas
Measures- 13.5" X 13.5"
Tote Handles- 10" each

Image on tote is color of your choice and is only on 1 side.
*Only BLACK totes are in stock
All totes are custom made to order.
If you have any special requests please don't hesitate to ask!
We love custom orders.



From: Harmonee's Magickal Creations



Pentagram Black Hair Ties - Set of 4 Elastic Hair Ties


This listing is for 4 handmade hair ties... made from black fold over elastic. Hair ties have pentagram charms on them!


From: The Alchemists Vessel


Jet Chainmaille and Genuine Gemstone Earrings


These earrings are a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection.  Pairing them with your wardrobe is a snap.  Pair with Office Attire or that cute Little Black Dress.  Perhaps darker fashions are more your style, these earrings are sure to please you and compliment everything in your closet.

This style is available in a variety of genuine gemstones, including traditional birthstones to uncommon stones.  Which pair you choose is up to you,  all make a lovely accessory for any outfit.

Handcrafted from silver-plated (over brass) jump rings and genuine Jet, a carbonized Wood, these are lightweight and comfortable.  A delight to wear.  Finished with Fish Hook style ear wires to match.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Don't see your favorite?  Contact the shop for a custom pair just for you.

Please see our selection of Ready-to-Wear items in the shop.

 

From: The Gift Whisperer

Men's Organic Shaving Bowl~ Made to Order


Made especially for the well groomed gentleman, this earth-friendly, handmade, artisan shaving bowl has that old world charm that he'll fall in love with!

Approx 6 inches across, this rustic yet elegant bowl will have him groomed in style!

Please give me 4 weeks to custom make your bowl as all ingredients are from earth.
 

Please pick your colour when you order.



From:  Jabber Jewels

Black and White Labyrinth




Black and White Labyrinth

This is one of my own images that I designed.

Set in a 1" silver pendant tray and comes on a 22" sterling silver plated ball chain.

You can adjust the length of the chain by cutting it with a regular pair of scissors to assure the perfect fit.

All of my pendant necklaces are made with quality components.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope you will click through and do a little Windows shopping, it's always free.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.


Monday, October 12, 2015

A Look at Amazon Handmade Section

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share a link to another blog post on the subject of Amazon's new Handmade Artisan Section / Shops.

This reviewer has first hand experience with the set up and let me tell you I am so glad I read her review first before spending hours jumping through the numerous hoops to sign up for my own shop.

Let me make it clear that her opinions match my own, I am a One Woman Circus when it comes to my business and although it looks like a wonderful and lucrative venture on the surface it is little more than a money-for-nothing generator for Amazon.  

I would read the post from beginning to end, do not skim, what this artist has to say is important.  There may be some of you out there that have the means and the way to deal with Amazon, but I wouldn't do it if they were the last vestige of the internet. 

Here is the link.

http://www.creationsfromthehart.com/amazon-review/

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Featured Artist: Skylark Chainmaille

Good Morning,

Today's featured artist is Skylark Chainmaille.




Elisa says: 
Custom jewelry and accessories - stainless steel bracelets, shiny silver necklaces, police support key-chains... the options are endless. Each item is handcrafted just outside Denver, CO. Need something special for your special someone? Color, length, material... just ask. Everything can be customized to your taste and needs.
Thanks for checking out my shop, and please don't hesitate to be in touch with any questions at all


Shiny Stainless Steel Bracelet - Chunky, Solid and Substantial - Solid Stainless Steel - High Polish

Solid high-shine stainless steel rings and links make this bracelet stand out. It's sturdy (steel!) and beautiful (shiny!) and works with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to a suit. It's simple and elegant, and will catch folks' eye.

The donuts are solid pieces, and the links are hand woven, one at a time. It's elegant yet tough.

Stainless steel won't discolor, rust or tarnish, and can be worn anywhere (you'll probably have to take it off to go through airport security)... I wash dishes, swim and shower in mine! Buy it and wear the heck out of it. It's made to last. Don't keep this one in a drawer!

This bracelet feels great. It has presence and some weight but isn't heavy - you know you're wearing it but it's not going to have you scraping your knuckles on the ground. It's great for the fiddler too - spinning the rings is VERY satisfying.

Buy it for your mom, buy it for your sister, buy it for your best friend. Heck - buy it for yourself. It's a shop favorite!

If there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length, or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing every day.


Black and Stainless Steel Bracelet - Vertebrae Chainmaille Weave - Great gift for him!

 
Black anodized aluminum and steel make for a masculine profile of this vertebrae weave.

Great for him or her - anyone looking for something solid, lightweight, and versatile.

Wear it to work. Wear it to dinner. Wear it to the farmers' market. Wear it to your kid's baseball game. Wear it to the pool. Wear it in the pool! The possibilities are endless.

If there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length, or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing every day.

 

Pumpkin Halloween Necklace - Chainmaille Orange Pumpkin - Great for kids!

 Tiny pumpkin! This little guy is great for kids, or the kid at heart. Made with aluminum links, it's lightweight and vibrant. It's a fun nod to fall and Halloween.

Made one link at a time, this little guy will be something you look forward to wearing every October.

Color option is for the lanyard only. All (or these) pumpkins are orange and green.

If there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length, or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing every day.

 

Police Support Bracelet - Thin Blue Line Series - Chunky 2-in-2-in-4 Chainmaille Bracelet - Blue and Silver

Chunky bright silver and blue bracelet, perfect for any wear. A great way to show your love for someone in uniform. Made with stainless and bright blue aluminum links.

Show your support for our men and women in blue with this understated design. 10% of the sale of all Thin Blue Line items go to support the families of fallen officers. You can find the full line here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkylarkChainmaille?section_id=12762962

All bracelets can be made-to-order at longer lengths to wear as a necklace.

If there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length, or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing every day.

 

Thin Blue Line Bracelet - Police Support Jewelry - Blue and Stainless Steel Byzantine Chainmaille Weave

 This is my go-to everyday bracelet. It's shiny but not too much bling, sturdy but not too masculine. I love the feel of it - it's the reason I got into making jewelry... to make this perfect bracelet. It's byzantine weave chainmaille made with medium-gauge round stock stainless steel and anodized aluminum links.

Show your support for our men and women in blue with this understated design. 10% of the sale of all Thin Blue Line items go to support the families of fallen officers. You can find the full line here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkylarkChainmaille?section_id=12762962

All bracelets can be made-to-order at longer lengths to wear as a necklace.

If there's something else you're looking for - a different color, length, or material (sterling silver, titanium or gold) - just ask... I'm happy to create a custom order that will be something you will love wearing every day.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope you will click through and see what else is on the virtual shelves.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Preparing For The Holidays

Good Morning,

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  The Holidays are upon us, Halloween is right around the corner, and for the handmade artist that is the cue to begin counting, organizing and producing items for sale.  Many artists tend to panic a little bit about this time of year.  Here are some tips for handling the holiday rush.

Inventory: What's in yours?

Time to do a little counting, or if you keep an inventory in quick books or other program, now is the time to go through it.  Check your items against your paperwork.  Check your pricing and make sure you have all those pretty things listed in your shop.

Do you have an on line shop? (Is that a silly question?)

Now is the time to go through every item in your shop, physical or otherwise.  Check for broken items and repair or replace them.  Are you sure you have everything that you have listed in your shop?  Take the time to check.  Did you sell a piece off line and forget to delete or deactivate the listing?  While your checking your shop look for those things, too.


Have you made new items?

Make sure the new items have a prominent position in your shop.  Make them the featured item, or be sure that they appear somewhere on the front page of your online store.
 
Do you need to make items?

Inventory looking a little thin?  Sold several pieces lately? You guessed it, now is the time to make something new.  Go through those loose bits and baubles, surely there is something you can create to fill out those virtual shelves.

Do you have the things you need to make items?

Those loose bits and baubles don't quite add up to a piece?  Make a list of only those things you think you will need to complete the piece or project.   It is very easy to over buy.  I know I can't walk into an art supply store without dreaming of uses for everything I see, but I only need clasps, so I get clasps.

Do you have packaging?

Do you have boxes, bags, filler, or envelopes?  No?  Well go get them.  Remember places like The UPS Store will charge you for the packing material as well, and the $3.50 you charged for shipping will not cover the cost of purchasing the boxes and things at your choice of mail service providers.

Do you offer gift boxes or wrapping with purchase?

You do?  Do your listings or shop state this is an option?  Sometimes a sale is made or broken because the customer is in a hurry and doesn't want to (or isn't very accomplished) at wrapping packages.  Think about creating a listing for Gift Wrapping the item when purchased. A small fee is acceptable for the service and you might be surprised that offering a small convenience will bring you a sale.

Do you have a tip or trick for getting ready for the holiday season?  Feel free to share it in the comments.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.  In hope this will be helpful.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.