How to: The CraftStar Shop or Sign Up

Good Morning,

Some time ago I introduced readers to The CraftStar.  This neat little shopping site, is devoted to handmade goods, along with vintage items and crafting supplies.   Some things have changed a bit and I would like to take this opportunity to share how you too, can shop (no membership required!) or Sign Up for a shop of your own.  Yes, it is kind of like Etsy, but without all the nonsense.

Let's look at the Menu Bar first.

Fairly self-explanatory, the menu bar is at the top of the page.  There are a couple of cool features, click any of the links, Shop, Events or Blog and be taken directly to the site's Front Shopping Page.  Events is a calendar of scheduled events (via video) and include Flash Sales.  Blog will take you to the latest blog post.   There are other events as well like Holiday Boot Camp and The Creative Corner.

If you are interested in perusing the site there is no sign in or sign up required.  Click the Shop link and select a shop or category from the menu bar and see what amazing things you might find.  If you like, you can sign up for the Newsletter, but it is not necessary or required to Windows shop or make a purchase.  Neat, huh?

If you're interested in opening a shop or becoming a seller, click the sell link next to log in.  Sign up is quick and easy.  Psst, come'ere a minute... did you know that Seller Accounts on The CraftStar are just $5.00 a month?  Did you know that there are no listing fees and your items do not expire?  How's that for perks? 


When you reach the site you will be greeted by a Splash Page, this has all kinds of neat stuff to check out.  The menu bar is just above this section, there are more links further down the page as well.

Here you can watch videos of new items, or look through the favorites.  Continue to scroll down you can watch The CraftStar TV on YouTube, see some of the artists, and listen as they describe and discuss their items, artworks and sometimes methods of making their goodies.  Look through collections curated by other artists, along with Supplies and other items for gifting or crafting needs.

Once the Shop link has been clicked you will find yourself at the Home Page, filled with Featured Items, Collections and New items listings.  There are Forums, Clubs and you can share your items or finds with any of  the convenient Social Media links provided.  Don't forget to bookmark or follow your favorites.

Shop directly from any of the curated collections.

Have a look at what the shop owners have just listed in their shops, items or supplies at glance.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Well, yes, The Alchemists Vessel does have a stocked shop on the site. 

Thursday - Etsy Wholesale, Silver and Artifical Diamonds

Good Morning,

Thursday are reserved for the Blog Ring Featured Artist from handmadeartists.com.  This Thursday, I have been chosen as the artist, so instead of posting about myself I thought I would share a couple of videos and discuss Etsy's foray into Wholesale.  It's not what you may think.

First up the videos:

Silver - How Its Made




Artificial Diamonds




Etsy Wholesale:

I know a lot of folks have been very upset about this lately, but actually it looks like it may be a good thing.

After reading the Etsy News Blog article "Etsy Wholesale on the Horizon", I sort of understand what it is they are doing, and don't worry this doesn't mean the end of your Shop, or that it will be swallowed in a sea of Made-in-China cheapies, or even that Etsy is going to knock the small independent handmade artist off the site because they will be unable to keep up with the fees or quantities required by retailers.

A couple of points I would like to make, or you may read the article, it explains it better than I am able.  In short this is what is happening.  In Spring of 2012 Etsy acquired a site called Trunkt. I have no idea what this site was about.  The owner of Trunkt, Dev Tandon, now works for Etsy, and the Lifetime Members of his site are being integrated into Etsy Wholesale Marketplace.  You can sign up to learn more at the link provided.

This new venture is apparently "Etsy 2", a separate and private site where Wholesalers (those shops that have a ton of items) can connect with retailers who want to purchase quantities not necessarily available via a smaller independent shop.   Doesn't sound so bad.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

In My Studio Tunes

The middle of the week is here.  It's Wednesday!

The birds are singing, the Japanese Lily is in bloom, a magnificent vibrant orange, perhaps I'll post a picture in a later blog.  

Posts about the studio have included tools, materials, new and old finds, and the occasional piece I am working on.  What really goes on in the studio?  In truth a lot of this...

Yes, it truly is pandemonium around here sometimes.  Racing to class, trying to get orders out the door in a timely fashion, thinking of entertaining, interesting and informative things for the blog, the list does go on.

However, besides creating something beautiful, the one pleasure I do get is music.  Music is not only a wonderful motivator, it can also serve to set the mood in the studio (energetic) and sometimes even plays a part in the design process.  Inspiration comes from my surroundings, and to keep my self in tune with what I am doing, the rhythm of the music helps.

What does a Metalsmith listen to?  Metal, of course.  I won't subject the reader to that, although some that read the blog will be appalled at that statement, so instead we'll go with something friendly and appropriate for everybody.

Currently on the CD Player is:

Then we change things up with

From B to Y, we have a unique and eclectic mix of music that changes on the player at random.

Other music that shuffles throughout the day:

Concrete Blonde

Gov't Mule

The Black Keys

Slayer

Testament
Clutch

Foo Fighters

Them Crooked Vultures 

James Murphy

Destruction

Just to name a few.  Of course those bands aren't for everybody, but I do appreciate a good driving force tune while I am working.  Sitting at the workbench for most of the day requires something to keep the mind occupied as well as the hands.  Some tasks are repetitious and a beat in the background can help make those mundane repeats go much faster.

Thank you for stopping by and perhaps having a listen or check out some of the other music listed.

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

Wednesday In the Studio - Movies

Wednesday is here!

My departure draws near, and I am getting excited!  That's right, I said departure.  Next week I will be unavailable.  I am going to take some time for me before I burn out.  Recharging the batteries, spending some time away from the workbench is good for everybody.  There will be working, this is for sure, but for one week the blog will be sporadic at best.

Why movies today? A lot of inspiration for fashion comes from film or television.  Harry Potter's knitting craze, or Hermione's "Time Turner" for instance, jewelry from the Lord Of The Rings like Arwen's Butterfly Pendant can be purchased on line or through specialty catalogs .  See a piece you like on your favorite show?  Try Soap Opera Jewelry, from Soap Operas to programs like Bones, they carry replica jewelry of the pieces worn by the actors.

Below are movies that are out now, or just winding down their theater runs that I would like see, not only for inspiration on style, but because I am interested in the story as well.  They all have a Gothic appeal from your classic ghost story, to Edgar Allan Poe and a re-telling of Snow White.

First is The Woman in Black with Danille Ratcliff.

Next is The Raven with John Cusack.  My friend, Lucritia, and I must go see this together!

A dark comedy Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp.  This promises to be fun.

Not yet out in theaters Snow White and The Huntsman.  This looks like an interesting retelling of a favorite Fairy Tale.

Thank you for stopping and having a look.  Perhaps you will find inspiration and entertainment at the movies this Summer.

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

Friday Links, Promotions and Facebook

Hello, 

Friday is here!  Happy Day!  Today's blog is packed with links and pictures and a look at the new Facebook Time Line for Fan or Business pages.  Some of you may have read the post on the new Etsy Theme Shop application that Facebook has rolled out, and we'll get you the link for that, too.  If you're an Etsy Shop owner click on through and check it out.  I know many users are unhappy about the constant changes that Facebook forces on the site and people's profiles.  This isn't so bad, really, it just takes a minute to get used to, once you have discovered where they have hidden things, you'll be cruising the pages like a pro again in no time.

Let's take a look at the Header first.

The large photo at the top is called the Cover.  You may change this picture at any time by clicking on it.  Your Cover Photos will be stored in the Photo Albums of the page automatically.

Next up, the new Link Buttons, this is where you can place the applications you like, such as Events, Photos, Notes, Maps, Favorite Games, etc... 

This area is also where your new Etsy Theme Shop Button goes.  Mine can be found at the right hand top of the row.  If you would like to have the app for your Etsy Shop you can follow this link: Etsy Theme Shop App

If you would like to see what a Shop looks like before clicking Add To Your Facebook Page, you may follow this link.  

The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Theme Shop on Facebook.  

You will have to log in to see the page.  You, too, can create your own shop's look, discounts, coupons, or promote another shop!  Yes, you can do that, as well!  Shop from this page and receive an automatic 10% off the regular Etsy price,  (Your price is shown in green.)  The simple page looks like this, page 1 on top and a menu at the bottom that will continue with your entire Etsy Shop inventory.

Are you having trouble finding your comments or posts?  It's not a wonder.  Some one decided that it would be an excellent idea to stuff them in a box at the top of the page, where no one can see, find or read them.  There is no changing this, and yes, I, too, am not happy about it.  But if you are looking for a comment or post from a a fan, customer or friend this is where you can find them now.  This box is permanently "pinned" to the top of your page.

The box beneath the Posts and Comments is where you will find the "Likes".  These are the pages that you have liked while logged in as the Admin or while  using your Fan Page to peruse Facebook.

Everything else works pretty much the same.  You can post a status update, link to your Etsy Shop items, post pictures, and keep track of your activity and insights.  

Happy Facebooking!

Here is the link to a new open group on Linked In, Northwest Artisans Guild. I started the group in hope of connecting and networking with people closer to home.  I am the only member so far.  The purpose of the group is to network, connect, showcase your art, work, wares, photography, what have you, and most important it is to share and exchange ideas and to have fun!  Help will be offered to all who ask.  Jewelry designers, painters, sculptors, artists, artisans, craftspeople of all kinds are welcome.

We have launched Ravens Nook!  There are items up for sale on the site and as always custom work is welcome.  We take requests.  This weekend I will be chained in the dungeon, I mean sitting at the work table crafting some new, dark and unique items for your perusal.

 Macabre, Magical and Metaphysical Jewelry

Did you know that there is now a Youtube Channel for T.A.V.?  That's right.  We have created a Youtube channel for Jewelery Tutorials.  There is only one video up now, but we plan on adding some basic ones soon.  In the mean time you can check out Jump Rings 101, it is uploaded, and playable.

Remember you can find any or all of these links on the right hand side menu bar.  We even have a video bar, right on the menu, you can watch the video without leaving the page. How cool is that?

What Customers are saying about the Alchemists Vessel: (remarks taken from Feedback on the Etsy Shop.)

"Just received my order today, and I simply couldn't be more satisfied! The packaging and shipping protection was great, the product was in perfect condition and appeared exactly as it was shown in your shop. I received my package in a timely manner and was given a printout of my order. Thank you so very much for your professionalism! I will be sure to recommend your store & products to every crafter/beader/maker/creator I know! I also plan to buy again and often in the near future. Again, many thanks and much appreciation for your excellent service and quality!" ~ Sincerely, Rainbow C. Lavendar

"Beautiful large beads! Thrilled with my purchase!!! Thank You!"

"The cinnabar pieces are awesome!!!!" ~ C.R.S.

If you made it to the end of this blog, CONGRATULATIONS!  As a special Happy Ending, if you enter the Coupon Code: LUCKYME, now through March 18th, on The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Shop you'll receive 10% off your order.  Keep an eye out, for more incentives and sales available only to those that read the blog, you don't have to follow it, but you have to read it to find those goodies!

 

As always,  thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Since it is Friday as well, we would like to wish you a pleasant and wonderful weekend.