Showcase and Discussion of Jewelry Designs by the Alchemists Vessel.
A central place to find our sites all over the web. Custom work may also be discussed. Featured Artists, Crafts, Projects, and Interesting People can all be discovered here.
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 WorksheetTo
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?
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.
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.
Use your mailing list to draw people back to those blog posts as well as to your products directly.
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.
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
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
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, 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
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
