New!

I'm doing the snacking thing today. Never eating a "real" meal, just grabbing a cookie as I go by. It's terrible!

My treadmill is staring at me too. That's always a bad thing. I'm trying to get in a little better shape, and loose a few extra pounds...I have a big trip coming up!

I've been working on Valentines day cards already. I know! It's seems so strange, but it really isn't all that far away. I won't post them up here yet, but soon. I did get a new package in the mail yesterday...more supplies! I bought myself a wonderful new stamp, and for the moment, it is my new favorite. Tell me what you think! It's fun to work with, and turns out so pretty! ;) Look for more cards featuring this beauty soon!

Thanks

After receiving all those lovely gifts, wouldn't it be wonderful to send back a beautiful thank you card? I have a couple of new ones uploaded to my shop. Take a look, it might be just what you need!

One last Site

I've decided on 2 places to sell my cards: Etsy (of course) and ArtFire. I've tried so many of them now, and ArtFire is by far the best of the "others" that I have tried. The listing is super fast and I love how the site is set up. There sure are a lot of Etsy seller there too!

I am still learning the site though. One thing I really have to check into is how to set up different shipping profiles to be able to send to other countries. Also, I have no idea what "karma" is on that site. I am also considering being a life time member. We will have to see about that one!

So, if you would like to see more, and different types of my cards, come take a look! http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=14555

And, here is one of the cards I have listed. Just 6 so far, but I am trying to get more in there!

Have a safe and warm Christmas!

Cold, Winter Snow and Wind.

The combination of wind and snow yesterday was amazing. We had to use the pickup to get to church, and even then, it was a little hairy! The drifts across the road were huge. We live in a rural area, with open spaces and nothing to stop the snow!

Bum Deal

I was really wishing for a shopping day today. And now that we had a major amount of snow, and the kids are all home from school, it isn't happening. I'm super bummed! I'm just not sure when I will be able to get my shopping done now!

Hope you are all having a better day than I am.

Celebrate!

I'm up to 500 hearts! I've been waiting for a long time...and it finally came yesterday. So exciting! I can remember getting those first few, and those were really great, these are the same! Thanks so much!

Just thought I would share my newest cards. I'm really happy with the way they turned out!

Batch Listing

The question was raised in my Etsy Greetings Group, what the views are like in our shops ever since Etsy implemented "batch listing." I wasn't sure about this, and was glad that Katherine Adams had a good explaination (below.) What do you think of this new way of listing? I can't imagine this does any good for the sellers!

"The new listing procedure on etsy is a batch system now. It used to be a constant cycle of listing...you list and in the order that your item hit the etsy system along with everyone else that is listing, your item went to the front page and moved along gradually getting pushed back through the pages. This way, everyone in a category got a chance on the front page in the order they listed their item. Now, the way it works is that when you list, your item goes in a "cyber pile" until they have a certain number of items in a category in that "pile" and then they all get listed at the same time. The only way you will get on the front page is if you are the last 21 in the "cyber pile."

For example, you list right after etsy posts a batch of listings so your item sits until they have x number of paper goods listings ready. When that number is reached, say it is 210, your item pops up for the first time on page 10 of the papergoods category. This means you never got seen by anyone unless they went through a minimum of the first 10 pages. I know from listing at busy as well as slow times that etsy has anywhere from 150 to 500 listings every 5-10 mins so your item then goes back even more pages at a time as everyone else lists.

For those that mentioned not being here last Christmas, business was much better and so was the economy. However, I was still plugging along this season with plenty of sales to keep me busy if I worked the system (ie...forums, sales, relisting and listing new items often). Now, I am lucky to sell one item every 2 weeks and many of those have been return customers who knew how to find me. I saw a definite drop off all of a sudden and just in the last few weeks. Etsy won't say exactly when the system was implemented.

There is also a new way they are counting views but I don't know the details of that system. Some have tried to attribute the drop off in exposure to the new view counting but really how often do we ever list an item that has been previously popular and have it sit for days with 1 or zero views? Never for me! I could always drum up some sales with a few of my unique items and even those tank with no interest now."

Tis the Season

Ooh it's a cold one out there today! -11 and the wind is kicking up. I guess I will have to put off my shopping day another time.
Yesterday we had snow, and blowing snow all day with falling temps. We started off our day with 14 degrees...that was the warmest! Winter has definately arrived.

Do you have all your shopping done for this year?! Look at the cute kids items I found this morning:

This really cute purse from arkitekonika-

Love this backpack from bratsackbaby-

Aren't these letters cute? From MiChiMa-

And this bowling set from Pieceof Peace-

Lots of great ideas! Have a wonderful day!

Favorite Friday

My favorite shop for this week is steeldreamingdesigns. Her fabric covered magnetic boards are so pretty! I saw her first on Craftcult.com, and fell in love. Such a fun and bright shop! Check it out today...they would make a wonderful Christmas gift!

New list

Been too crazy busy to write to you all...but I did take a time out and make a treaury! Take a look at my Seasonal list!

Pink!

Have someone in your family who loves pink? I do, and so I was searching for fun pink items...and Etsy is full of them! Take a look at these finds!

This is a really cute bookmark from Misseskwitties-

This soap looks like it smells really good...I admit, I always go for pink when looking at things like soap! It's from Simplyclassytoo.

And these are some really fun magnets by rafya-

The last one for today is this foaming body cream by Cozymoments...doesn't it look delicious?!

Christmas Cards

It's getting into December now...do you have your Christmas cards all ready to go? Or are you a last minute type of person, and don't have them bought yet? I have a quite a selection of cards in my shop yet! The most recent ones that I made are my most favorite Christmas cards that I have ever made...so elegant! (The paper I used has a lot to do with that!)

Here is the link to my section of Christmas cards too. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5358764&section_id=5670839 I also have some place cards that I would love to customize for your family! Take a look today!

Go with the grain

I am in love with wood earrings, just haven't bought any yet! I have a couple of outfits that I think would really benefit from purchasing. Now I just have to decide!

The first one is from Modrocks- there is a sale there too...buy 3 get the 4th free!

This pair from Chocolatecakejewels, is so pretty too! Also a tempting sale going on...buy 2 get one free.

And this simple, but gorgeous pair, is from Liberation, and they are on sale for only $6!

More sweaters

I have some new sweaters again! This time my mom went with another short-style sweater, and with one that is stripped! They are both really cute, and again, perfect for Christmas! Check them out!

I'm Back!

Here I am, back at home after a whirlwind trip to MI to see family! We had a very long trip up. We started off packing the van and trailer (story about the trailer in a minute) and suddenly there was a hissing sound. Flat tire. And it's 10 pm.

Thankfully we have a friend who works for a local Co-op, and we got a used tire put on. After a couple of hours of sleep, we took off at about 1:45 am.

The next disaster happened at 3:07 am. The second flat tire on the van! So my poor hubby was out there changing a tire with a flash light in his mouth, in the freezing cold. Now we have the spare tire on...just a donut, and there is NOTHING open at this time of night! So for 4 long hours we drive at 50 miles per hour on the interstate until we can find a place to get a different tire. Since it was night time, there wasn't too much traffic, but heading into Des Moines at 6:30- 7:00, that was a little hairy! There was a couple of times when there was traffic all around us and a semi would come up really fast behind us...yeah. A little scary!

Anyway, after we got another used tire, we were on our way. On to my sister's house to deliver a kitchen table. This is why we needed a trailer! My husband made a table for her out of barn wood. (I also have one in my house, and so, of course, my sister needed one too! ;) After spending some time with them- taking a look at their house that they are building, and eating an early supper, we were back on the road to MI.

We didn't get there until 10:00 MI time.

Our trip back home went much more smoothly. With an entire new set of tires, we weren't too worried about any flat tires anyway!

Get your cards...

Christmas is fast approaching...do you have your Christmas cards yet? If you take a look around in my shop, you might find the cards that you want! I have several listed, and plan on listing more in the next week.

I am going to be seeing family for Thanksgiving this week! Lots of packing to be done...the only thing worse than that is the unpacking! ;) I will still be keeping my shop open though since cards are reletively easy to take along!

Also, don't forget your table...these place cards are really pretty for your Christmas get together. I am willing to make custom orders. I just Thanksgiving place cards for a customer who wanted some phrases about each family member attatched to each of the place cards...it was a wonderful idea, and they turned out beautiful!

Have a wonderful week!

What do you think?

I was told 2 times in the last couple of days that I should sell some of my photos. While I really appreciate the compliments, I have a hard time thinking that my photos are good enough for that! Especially after seeing some of the wonderful and talented photographers on Etsy!

At the same time, I am wondering if there really is a market for my photos. At this time, I am going to get some of the printed up at a quality place, and see how they turn out. I do love to take photos, it's actually on my mind a lot! And I really hate it when I don't take my camera along with me...it's those times when my "photographer's eye" is working over time!

So, give me your opinion, if you would. Should I?

How do you shop?

When you are shopping online, do you use Ebates? My sister actually got me signed up, and it actually saves you money! Every once in awhile you will get a check in the mail!

First, sign up.
Then, any time you are going to purchase something online, take a look to see if that store is on Ebates.
When you click on the store you are shopping at, you will get a percentage of your total given back to you!

It's pretty simple! Almost like getting money for free.

There are a few sites that are running a holiday special so that you will get a higher percentage back. I know I'm loving it! (And I am really mad when I forget, like that camera my sister had me buy for her...arg!) Most of the stores are from 2-6 percent, but there are some on there for 10 and over!

Check it out! www.ebates.com

Christmas Cards

I am making all my Christmas cards this year again. Last year I did it myself, and even though it was a lot of work, I decided that it was worth it! I don't know, maybe I am crazy, or maybe I like to be rushed around the holidays? Who knows! I do have good intentions to get them done early! Right now, the only problem that I am having is finding envelopes that will fit. If I order from the internet, will they make it in a week? (We are heading up to see family next week Monday.) Hopefully so!

I took some photos of the process:

Favorite Friday

This week's favorite is a shop that I have bought a few things from. MadisonReeceDesigns has a lovely shop filled with some really pretty pendants! Maybe I really like her shop because she shares the same love of paper as I do!;) She is wonderful to work with, and like it says in her profile, she is willing to do any type of customized pendant. Her pendants would also make wonderful Christmas gifts! If you would like, take a peek at her blog also.

New, New, New!

How are your shops doing for the holidays? Have you gotten stocked up...changed your photos if necessary...really spruced up your shop? I am going through some of that process. Not an easy task! At least for my shop!

I just listed some more place cards for Christmas!

I also changed my avatar to another little birdie! This set of cards is really fun and I love the colors of them!

I've been Featured!

It's not that much, but still kinda cool to see my item! Take a look:
http://www.handmadefuzion.blogspot.com/

It's a spot about my Brag book that I have listed.

My time

It's Monday! Time for a new start to the work week. My goal is to spend a little less time on the computer this week, and get some more work done! In the past coupld of weeks I have done the minimum here at my house it seems like. I have to remember that my family comes first.

On Saturday I spent 2 whole hours in my scrap room! I thought I had lost my creativity, but once I was down there, I did end up making some pretty cool stuff. I am hoping to post some photos, and get a couple more listings up in the next couple of days.

Today though, I bake.

Favorite Friday

This week I am doing something slightly different...I'm displaying some of my favorite doors this week! There is something about doors that I like. Take a look!

These days...

I wish I had a day where I could sit and create all day long. Of course, while I am wishing, the ideas would just flow that day too, and I would never run out of supplies that are essential! (Right now, I am almost out of tape runner, so that creates a problem for someone who uses that for everything I make! The call is in to my local Creative Memory supplier, but so far, no phone call back...grr.)

We are busy harvesting these days. Hopefully we will get done soon because there is snow in the forcast. I'm actually not one of those good farm wives out there hauling loads to town. All I have to do is get some food out for my hubby once in awhile, and make sure there is enough baked goods in the house!

I hope you are enjoying your day! I feel like I didn't get enough done today, but there is always tomorrow! ;)

Place Cards

Aren't these place cards fun? We are going to travel to see the rest of my family for Thanksgiving this year. I come from a very large family, and it's growing every year! I know how crazy it gets to set the table with the right amount of plates, and finding a place for every one. Using these place cards would sure help...in fact, I think I will make these for my family this year...anything for less chaos!

The Christmas ones are in the works.

Who Would've Thought...

This is my 200th post! Wow! That just kills me...here I am doing something I never imagined that I would do, and 200 times at that!

Thought I would let you know that I am listing a bunch of new Christmas cards this morning. It's time to get rolling on that! I made up a new design for my family's Christmas card this past weekend, so I will have to get my butt in gear! I make about 100 of them, and I want them done by Thanksgiving!

I also have these great name tags for your Thanksgiving table, but as I was attempting to put some names on them this morning, I found out that my printer is out of ink. I guess I will have to get some shopping in today too. I am very excited about them!

And I took some advice of a fellow Etsy Greetings Team member. I am now listing card sets, and so far that seems to be going well. Of course, the price is better too, so check it out!

Favorite Friday

About a week ago I found this shop through the forums. And instantly fell in love. This seller is classy; that shows in her items, photos, and overall shop set up. I love her banner too, she told me this morning that she makes all her own grafics! Her shop is called Nest In Bloom Check it out...and get one of those beautiful scarves for the cold weather that is coming!

Please Connect!

My internet service was on the blink all morning...boy was I lost! Help...what do I do without the internet?!!

I actually managed to get a ton of cleaning done with no interruptions! Imagine that! Actually, I better not say "no interruptions," I did come by the computer and whisper, "please work" then restarted it to see if the company had the connections back!

I mean seriously, there is some major work that got forgotten this morning, and now I have a ton of catching up to do! Flickr, Twitter, Etsy, LinkReferal, TwitterMoms...this blog! How will I ever catch up? It's just like everyday, except I am usually scrambling to get house work done because I was online too much!

I wanted to let you know that I have been having a wonderful week at Etsy! Things are moving on out...and that is an awesome thing! There are more cards in the works, and tomorrow I plan on doing the photo thing.

Hope you are all having a great week! See you tomorrow with another favorite!

Splendid...

My newest item is my most favorite-of-all-time item! I loved creating it, and when I was finished, I fell in love with it! The papers that I used are so easy to work with, the ideas just flowed! And...they photograph well! ;)

New Brag Book

I am very excited about this new item that I made! (And, I finally made a new photo box, so I could finally take pictures again!) This is a mini album that is pre finished so that, if you would buy it, all you would have to do is add some of your family's beautiful photos! It's a brag book!

It has 10 pages of fun embellishments, brads, chipboard sayings, and great color combinations. Check it out for yourself...let me know what you think!

Favorite Friday

Amy Bugs Original Style...this is my favorite for today! I love the fabric that she uses for her fun little dresses and shirts. She makes really cute bags too. Take a look at her shop today...as she says, "No shoes? No shirt? Let me help you with that!"

Happy Day to Me!

Well, here it is...today is my big day! I didn't quite make my goal of 100 sales in a year, but close! The total number of cards that I have sold so far has reached 149. The total amount of hearts that I have is all the way up to 474!

And, now I will let you all know who the winner is for my drawing for 3 choice cards from my shop! First, a big THANK YOU to all those who have entered!

And the winner is...irenedesign!! I will be contacting you soon!

I also want to sincerely thank all my customers who have bought from me in the last year. I have enjoyed this frist year, and as long as I am having fun...I will be selling! Thanks so much! Here's to year number two!

Gifts

We are having a gift exchange this year with my family at Thanksgiving since we are all going to be together. That means I really have to start shopping! Today, I am taking a look at some fun things on Etsy to give as gifts.

I found this fun pillow for girls from Sobrightdesigns:

Check out these fun crayons from Mykangaroo!

These little cupcakes look really fun to play with from Child'splaycrochet:

And this cute little pouch...I love it! It's made by Simbiosisbyjulia:

Then I am going to add this little promo for myself! ;) Actually it's from my shop, but my mom is the one who made it. I have these cute sweaters for my girls, and so I can tell you that they are durable...they have had them for over a year now, played with, and they still look fantastic! My girls love them too!