All Things Littleput

The on-going-ness of it all.

It seems as if every time I turn around there is a new idea popping into my head. I am damned impulsive and tend to act on almost all of the new ideas until I decide they don't work or they do.

This week I've created another new line of pendants and have expanded my littleput blocks into largerput blocks as well as adding prints and thingies to my booth at the Saturday Market.

I just can't help myself.

But.... I need to stop investing money in my business and start putting more time into my Etsy shop. Next week (aside from building new booth walls) I will be revamping my Etsy store with all my bits of new exciting things. Hopefully the picture taking weather will hold.

So I have to ask you all, how do you reign it in, stay focused on one idea and put the raging mini ideas in their place??

I love coming home on Sunday nights inspired and energized but now I need breathe deep and settle in.

Any suggestions?

Help. :)

And have a great weekend!

Me!

Write an amazing Craft Blog with help from Sister Diane

I am not much of a product recommender. Mostly because there are so many amazing wonderful products out there, it is hard for me to know where to start and I know I'd never end.

But I wanted to turn you all onto this new resource out there for bloggers, both beginning and stuck. Sister Diane, of the awesome Crafty Pod Blog has created a really in-depth guide on writing your own amazing craft blog.

Making a great Blog, the E-book

The format is great and really opens up the blogging world for beginners. In addition for the seasoned bloggers it can help build new posts, come up with new ideas and stay strong on your theme, bring in new readers and keep the old ones.

Here is an excerpt:

"I think that there’s a huge misconception about blogging: you may be under the impression that your blog is supposed to be all about you. Because blogs are very much like journals, it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that you should be the center of every blog entry you write. In fact, that’s actually a recipe for blogfade - and probably, for a rather dull blog.

In many ways, a really good blogger gives gifts to his or her readers all the time. Not literal gifts, of course, but the gift, for example, of a beautiful photograph. The gift of a link to a fantastic article. The gift of a tutorial on hemming a skirt. Gifts, that is, of inspiration.

Look outside of yourself and your life, and start collecting notes on the people, places, and things that you think your readers would be inspired by. Blog about those. Mix them in with the occasional update on yourself, and now you have a much more compelling blog."

Pretty good yeah?

Now go buy the rest :)

Happy Friday All!

The Economy. (boo scary!)

I think there is a real sense of concern out there with this new and uncertain economy. In the art community, where our livelihood thrives on people indulging their passions in lieu of their savings accounts, there is almost a sense of heaviness. I am not going to pretend I am unconcerned. I am realistic. My reality is that my work is a luxury item, all art & jewelry and craft (well most craft) is luxury and luxury is something people are slowly starting to think twice about.

But I am also an optimist and in many ways an opportunist. I see this change in economy as a possible boon to the small world of cottage industry, a way for buyer and seller to connect. As the hand-makers of our work we offer so much more for every "luxury" dollar; a human connection, a thoughtful touch, the simplicity of amazing customer service. Shoppers should receive a real sense of value from each and every luxury purchase and as small business artists we are stretching the value of precious pennies in ways big retail can't.

I have so many ideas swirling around this and they haven't all come to the surface in a way that I can write them out yet but there is a lot of positivity in being an artist in a time of economic woes. I feel energized and inspired in a new way, as big box closes it's doors, more of ours become open.

There is so much more to say and I will be saying so much more. I believe there is a lot we can achieve.

I am going to end this rant here (feeling a bit soapbox-y) but I have plans to post more, both informative and inquisitive. I'd love to hear thoughts on how we can see mainstream embrace handmade, it is time and I believe it is possible.

On that note, have a lovely Thursday!

Peace all!

Advertising on CL and how it's done.

 

I recently got myself in trouble again by asking the Etsy forums if I should sell or write an article that teaches sellers how to "spam Craigslist" While my intentions were explorative more than anything else apparently they didn't come off that way.  However it does seem there is a keen interest in learning how to use the site for spreading the word so here is my "how too".

To stay within CL terms of use post only in relevant categories within your own city.  Some people post around the globe but keeping it local is what CL is all about and it can work.  (If you live in a tiny town I do think finding larger towns nearby are okay, really there is no point in talking about your work if no one is there to read it).

So I don't get into trouble again (sheesh) I am going to keep this simple.  If you wan to show people in your hometown what you make,  you can and should list an ad, it is okay to sell on CL, just not to be spammy and post the same ad over and over again in different cities.

Your ad should be relevant to the category (jewelry does not belong under cars, people) and it should be clear, accurate and somewhat lighthearted (desperate posts get flagged for removal).  My very good friend Lea Leakarts.etsy.com said I could "be her" for a few moments and write and list an ad for her shop.  This is me being her:

"Hi! My name is Lea and I am a local S.E. artist.

I've come up with a few variations on your standard print art including magnet sets (all the images are mine) Art Cards (editions and originals), pendants and one if my favorite new creations, miniature paper dolls in slide top tins. In addition I have originals and prints available as well.

If you're not in the mood for driving around town to see my work you can visit me online at

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=53709

or send me an email to email@aol.com to see more of what I make. Thanks for taking the time to visit my ad, I hope you're enjoying the weekend!"

I also added 4 of my favorites from her shop (do use your best photos)

and gave the option for the CL shoppers to either find her on Etsy or via email. 

 Craigs List users want to buy what they are looking for and don't want to be sent to a website, however giving them the option to view your work immediately can generate sales.  They may not buy from you on Etsy but you could very well make a sale to a neighbor through your front door.

Have good photos, an easy way for users to reach you and talk about your lower priced items;  CL shoppers are usually looking for a bargain.  Some posts will be flagged and removed,  (not necessarily justifiably) but  you can always repost. If you want more assurance they won't be deleted, skip the shop link and just offer your email address, if someone contacts you you can direct them to Etsy (should you choose).

Craigslist is a good tool for art and the artist. 

For site specifics you can visit Ehow.com it goes into greater depth on how to use the site itself.this link 

Ps. I have just been informed that it is against CL terms of use to post any url linked to items for sale.  To stay within CL terms of use do not post a shop link but do use great photos and have a valid email connected to the ad.  You can always follow up a direct inquiry with something like: 

 "Thank you so much for your interest in my work. If you like we can talk about meeting in person, for now you welcome to view my current portfolio on Etsy.com.  I look forward to hearing what you think about what I make...."  and then offer them a few dollars off shipping for being local.

BIG PS!  Please do not give out an personal information to people on CL and DO NOT meet any strangers ever, ever, ever in a non public non highly safe place!!  My recommendation if they don't want to pay for shipping,  meet them in front of your local police station :)

Preparing yourself for an economic downturn, what we can do as artists.

Call it what you want, pre-recession, economic down turn, a gas crisis... The US economy is starting to feel a pinch and while I am all for optimism I do think we need to prepare ourselves as artists, especially those of us who make a living with our work.

What can we do? Well I am not an economist or a business major or even really good at business but I do know shopping and I even know a little bit about selling.

The thing about the American middle class is we are trained to be shoppers and show off our great sense of style. All the magazines, tv shows and media has created a pottery barn generation that really appears to be the current strength of our daily economy. These people will continue to shop until they can no longer afford to. Lets help them out, shall we?

1. Offer many items with varying price points. If you are a fine artist, your $2000 painting will get you a lot of attention but not many buyers. A $40 print of that painting will allow the pottery barn generation to buy something that represents value without spending a ton of money on it. If you are a jeweler, instead of only selling diamonds and emeralds also offer semiprecious stones, give your shoppers a way to be affordably elegant.

Whatever your craft find ways to replicate it or scale it down to reach a variety of price points. Keep your top items but diversify your inventory and offer a range of prices.

2. Gas is way too expensive, ths means people will drive less and shop online more. Use this to your advantage. Take the time to get better pictures of your work or rewrite your description. Offer large discounts on shipping multiple items and put your best foot forward. As people shop online more, more people will be selling there as well, now is the time to get ready to compete. Do what you can to get your shop in tip top shape.

3. Have sales if you can afford to. Aside from offering a variety of lower priced items in your store have the occasional sale. Sales are a form of advertising, people buy things because they are "on sale" but if they love them they come back for more and more. Have a sale and do a great job with product and service, make it count.

4. Be open to suggestion. I am not saying customers now have the right to decide what we make for them but offering custom and tailored items can reach a huge market. You can also rightly charge more for custom work which can offset some of the loss from sales and lowering prices.

People don't want to stop shopping and they won't (at least not yet) but offer them a chance to own something of yours that "feels" more affordable, be it through discounted shipping, personalization, a sale or just a smaller version of your most expensive work. Our middle class customers will relish the opportunity to continue to show off their flair and sense of style more affordably.

♥ Me

Littleputs' 9 1/2 ways to beat the artistic slump.

Photo courtesy of ScenicArtisans.etsy.com So Brilliant!

1. Write 10-20 things you can make on slips of paper (pillow case, earring, paper mache). Toss the slips into a box & choose one at random. Go, make it. Even if you don't want to.

2. Take $10 to your favorite supply shop and buy as many things as you can (no over-spending) see what you can make with your new supplies.

3. Spend an hour at the library. With so many great artists, writers and poets surrounding you you are sure to glean some new ideas from the experience.

4. Reorganize or clean your work space. Clutter can be a real roadblock for new ideas.

5. Teach someone your craft. Showing your neighbor how to gesso canvas or your best friend how to sew a pillow can put a new perspective on your talents & bring in new inspiration.

6. Do nothing. Take a forced artistic break from your environment. Not allowing yourself to make anything can trigger the "artistic itchies"; it's like reverse psychology, only craftier.

7. Keep an ideas journal, when you need a new one you may find it hidden in the pages.

8. Be creative elsewhere. Make a beautiful salad, plant a garden, walk backwards and sing loudly, make a marshmallow village... Creativity (even the silly kind) is contagious and can overflow into your workspace.

9. Take a walk with your camera. Photograph everything and anything, choose your favorite picture and make something around it, a grocery store diorama, an arched door necklace... You'd be surprised what one picture can inspire.

10. Ask for help. I often use friends and family for a sounding board. Getting a fresh, outside perspective can really get the wheels turning.

& on that note, if any of you have great tips for breaking the slump I'd love to hear them, I can always use new ideas too :).

Fine Artist I am not.....

.......so I found one for those of you out there trying to market your fine arts on Etsy and I asked her help me give you some very sound advice. MicheleMaule.Etsy.Com has an incredible shop (see above!) and it is starting to pick up some serious steam on and off Etsy. She was kind enough to share her top 11 tips for sellers in the fine arts category and let me post them on my blog.

Artists & The Economy

Image courtesy of ShopGirl226.etsy.com

There is no denying the constant talk of looming recession has a lot of us wondering about the stability of the arts industry. As people become more careful with their money, amenities & impulse buys will probably slow. This, of course, is something we should all be aware of but I had a mini epiphany last night about how artists may be able to stay afloat as the dollar gets smaller and smaller & it is entirely related to the internet & price-point.

I am coining a new phrase; the gas stricken buyer and I define it as such:
1. People who are choosing not to travel due to rising gas prices.
2. People who are getting smart about their shopping which includes looking for items that can be purchased without driving anywhere.
3. People who are middle class, want to remain middle class & enjoy buying unique and well made goods.

This new breed of shopper will be our biggest asset as the economy declines (or doesn't) & there are a few thoughts I have about catching their attention.

1. Take great photos. Though some gas stricken buyers are already shopping online some of them may be very new to this arena. Having gorgeous photos will help them trust they are spending their money wisely.

2. Have very reasonable to free shipping fees. If I buy 10 things for $2 shipping each I might as well drive to the craft show and save myself some money. In my own shop I offer free shipping for each additional item you buy; you pay for the first item but then can fill your cart at no additional charge. Yes this is a theory that only works for small items but for the larger items now is not the time to pad your shipping prices with $10 handling fees. Be reasonable, be fair and understand that excess charges will scare off the gas stricken buyer.

3. Have a range of prices in your shop. I can tell you from my own experience that selling inexpensive goods means selling more. The gas stricken buyer isn't used to a tighter budget, giving them a bevy of gorgeous & affordable items will help alleviate some of their own stress about finances.

3a. A range can be beneficial to the fine artists out there too. Lots of people walk into galleries to look around but rarely buy large expensive works. The do pick up counter top items, prints and lower priced goods because they want a piece of the experience. Having less expensive variations on your medium can be a huge asset in a tightening economy.

In addition to catering to this new breed of shopper don't forget to expand your reach. The bust of the American dollar means super savings for many buyers around the globe. Offering international shipment is opening up to a huge new & ready market. Now is the time to figure out those customs forms.

*disclaimer* I am no an economist, but I am optimistic. None of above the suggestions are based on any scientific or educated study (I'm a bookbinder after-all) they are simply an few ideas I thought I'd share.