Part of a Team

Because it's been so long since I've maintained this blog, I forget that things have happened that the readers aren't aware of!  Like the fact that KelleyAccents is now a proud member of the Handmade in Vegas Etsy Team!

It's been an overall good experience for Karla.  The moment she joined she was a member of a wonderful community that has been very helpful.  It's also been the key to her attending the craft shows that she has/is attending this year.  It's been a great time and we're both looking forward to watching and helping the team grow.

If you're a Vegas local crafter and are looking for a good group, check us out!  If you're not local and still want a group to support you, check around.  There are tons of teams and I'm sure you could find at least one that would fit you.  If not, maybe you could start your own! 

Treasuries

Karla has been exploring Etsy and all the wonderful things it can do, and she's discovered Treasuries.  She's been making quite a few, and it's sparked some discussion between us.

If you're not familiar with Treasuries on Etsy, let me see if I can put it in a nutshell for you.  The Curator (organizer of the Treasury) chooses a list of several items from across Etsy that they like and fit whatever theme they've chosen.  Then, they give it a title and a quick little blurb to explain it, and post it for the world to see!  The interesting bit is that you can't include items from your own store.

Obviously, when you make a Treasury, you want it seen by other people.  You want people to comment on your selections.  And Karla's been asking me how to make a good Treasury for others to see.  Well, the Treasury doesn't do a whole lot to promote her store.  The way I see it, it's a way to share her mood and her artistic tastes in a way that promotes other sellers on Etsy.  Which is way cool, to be honest.  And, it does get her name out there some more.

But that's the only way I see it.  It's not something to strive to be the "best" at.  It's another way for you to express yourself, your mood and your tastes and share with the world.  That's it.

Thoughts?

Getting Serious

We've ramped up for big business, now!  Karla's busy working at her store, creating new items every day.  I try to get online and list something, at least one thing, on Etsy every day.  Karla has gone to a couple small craft shows locally and is prepping for a few larger ones as the Holiday season gets closer.

This is a crazy, crazy business!  Being a craft artist is hard work and takes a lot of dedication.  But, it's very satisfying when a piece sells.  Which, to be honest, sales have been sparse of late.  It's rough, putting your whole heart into a piece and then seeing it sit in your store month after month. 

Etsy is a wonderful platform, but we haven't gotten very much exposure there.  I'm scouring the 'net, searching for ideas and ways to promote.  If you have a method that's worked for you, let me know!