Go Go Kioko!

Recession Proofing Your Craft Business

2009-01-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

courtesy of Tiswas0.1The beginning of a new year is always a slow time in the retail world, and this is true of handmade businesses as well. Often, we spend January and February making new stock, trying out new designs, and planning our show schedules for the busy seasons. It may take some of us a few months before we really see the impact the recession is having on our business. Yet, we need

Where in the world is Go Go Kioko?

2008-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

It has been a while, and I apologize! I have had a show every weekend. The good news? Economy crashing or no, this has still been a good holiday season! I have two more shows to complete the season, then I will be back to finish the business plan series and will bring back the featured seller column.Also, be sure to swing by the shop, free shipping everywhere in the through December 10th!

Holiday Feature- Craft Pudding

2008-11-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

Craft Pudding specializes in handmade stamps. This little snowman would be perfect for making your own cards, gifts tags, or just as a gift for a scrapbooker or other crafty person.

Holiday Feature- Green Card

2008-11-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Secret Santa exchange, locker cards, invitations- whatever your holiday card needs, Green Card has them!

Holiday Feature- Moody Girl

2008-11-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Looking for something really unique? Check out Moody Girl for some neat aromatherapy products, such as Moody Mud, a stress relieving ball of clay!

Holiday Feature- Little Pink Plum

2008-11-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

Little Pink Plum has a a large assortment of little pocket mirrors, perfect stocking stuffers!

Holiday Feature- Shup(g)

2008-11-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

If you need to buy for someone that loves cuteness, Shup(g) is the place to shop. You can even pick up this mushroom ring for me ;)

Holiday Feature- Renewed Resources

2008-11-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

If you like to make gifts for your loved ones, Renewed Resources has a ton of awesome and original supplies for that perfect gift!

Holiday Feature- Zeba

2008-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

For the pearl lover on your list, make sure you check out Zeba for some unique yet classy jewelry!

Holiday Feature- Unique Garden

2008-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

Perfect little sachets for the small gifts on your list. Find them at Unique Garden

Holiday Feature- Threaded Goodness

2008-11-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Keep warm with these wrist warmers from Threaded Goodness. Lots of great colors to choose from!

Holiday Feature- Mary Zoom

2008-11-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

I am in love with these eco-friendly art smocks! Quit ruining dad's shirts and help inspire creativity in your kids! Find them at Mary Zoom

Holiday Feature- Purple Daisy Jewelry

2008-11-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

For some hard to find vintage finds, visit Purple Daisy jewelry!

Holiday Feature- Nora Karen

2008-11-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Nora Karen has beautiful hand painted clothing and accessories, such as above. She does custom work as well!

Holiday Feature- Craftily Charms

2008-11-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Many people from little girls to adults are drawn in by the allure of the charm bracelet. Craftily Charms has already done the foot work for you, and found sterling silver charms in unique shapes for your charm lover!

Holiday Feature- Paintings by Jude

2008-11-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

For the cat lover on your list, how about one of Paintings by Jude's adorable cat paintings?

Holiday Feature - Baby Makes Three

2008-11-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

Don't forget the littlest ones on your holiday list! Baby Makes Three specializes in these adorable tutu's. Can't decide? That's okay! Gift certificates are also available!

Holiday Feature- Elladean

2008-11-08T12:09:00.001-08:00

Elladean on Etsy has some wonderful lip conditioners and other treats that make the perfect stocking stuffers! There are many choices, everything from lip conditioners to room sprays, and many of the offerings are vegan as well.Happy shopping!

Holiday Feature- Random Scraps

2008-11-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree and Snowflake Card SetThe holiday season, whether you are ready or not, is upon us! To make your shopping just that much easier, I will be featuring a different artist every day. Today, I want to introduce you Random Scraps. You can find handmade cards for every occasion here, I am especially enamored with the Christmas/ holiday section!Check them out!

Morning Coffee 11-5

2008-11-05T11:20:00.001-08:00

No featured artist this week, sorry! Will be back next week, though! Short and sweet today-1) Marketing plan.2) Edit article.3) Appointment.

Morning Coffee 11-4

2008-11-04T10:46:00.001-08:00

Running late, so straight to the list!1) Finish newsletter done, goes out friday!2) Finish blog article just have to edit, be up thurs.3) marketing plan done4) list some items. done5) get ready for a boutique appt. tomorrow.done

Morning Coffee 11-3

2008-11-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

After a one week (partial) hiatus I am back. I was sick, then it was the lead up to Halloween with all the parties and events that entails, especially one you have kids. All is back to normal in Go Go land now, so on to morning coffee.1)Start work on the November newsletter. (You can subscribe over there on the left <~) started2)Follow marketing plan. done3) Get some stuff listed.not done4)

Featured Artist- Needlings

2008-10-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Piper the Needling I first ran across Needlings on Twitter, of all places. The little cute doll in her avatar grabbed my attention as much as the name. When I went to see her shop, I was happily amazed at the details that went into these dolls and bags, and I think you will be too!1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?Needlings started in 2007 when

Break

2008-10-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

A wee bit of a blog break this week. I have a cold that won't give up and a few family commitments so other than the featured artist and Fridays business plan workshop, I am taking the week off!

Planning for love AND money

2008-10-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

Vintage Typewriter Key Charm by KeysAndMemories Last week we covered the first section of your business plan, the overview. This week we will tackle the financial section. Put simply, this is where we cover how you are going to fund your business, your businesses expected debt load, your businesses expected profitability, and will do the all important break even analysis- aka when your

Morning Coffee 10-24

2008-10-24T03:22:00.001-07:00

1) Finish and post article.done2) Finish creative catch-up.3) Follow marketing plan.4) List some items.5) Do the weeks book keepingAn easy day today. I think I'm coming down with a cold :(

Morning Coffee 10-23

2008-10-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Overslept today, good thing I don't have to be anywhere til this afternoon!1)Follow marketing plan. done2) Take and edit a few pictures. Done3) Work on tomorrows blog post.done4) Visit a few local shops about wholesale/consignment, done5) Create! done

Featured Artist- Caged Bird Sings

2008-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sante FeI have always loved wind chimes, my mother had them hanging in front of the windows when I was a child and the spring breeze would always fill our house with their melodic tinkling. When browsing Etsy a few weeks ago stumbled across artist Caged Bird Sings and fell in love with these amazing and unique chimes!1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in

Morning Coffee 10-22

2008-10-22T08:56:00.001-07:00

1) Get featured seller posted.done2) Follow marketing plan.done3) Buy glaze.done4) Create! (I'm behind on a few things I need to make :)done

Morning Coffee 10-21

2008-10-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

A little late today, but better late than never!1)Get new items listed. Some listed, no Penny Pals yet :(2)Work on inventory system. done3)Follow marketing plan. done4)Package and ship orders. done5)Get things ready for the boutiques I am approaching Thursday. done!

The Noodle shops of Edo

2008-10-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Yakisoba by GoBuggyWhenever I start to think that business and creativity do not go hand in hand, I remind myself of the noodle shops of old Tokyo, then known as Edo, in the 17th century. Japan was still in the midst of it's feudal time then, and Edo was the rising star. The Tokugawa shogunate had pretty much left the people powerless, enforcing strict social status and stripping much of the

Morning Coffee 10-20

2008-10-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ah..Monday. I'm actually a bit excited to start my official work week today. I have been working on a few new things to roll out in the shop this week and I have my head burgeoning with idea's. My online holiday season is officially starting in two weeks. I have schedules and plans and dreams. Let the week begin!1)Update blog. done2)Follow marketing plan. done3)Get new designs photographed

Weekend plans

2008-10-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

My sons show tableI know I don't normally post on the weekends, but this weekend I have no shows and no parental duties (other than making sure the boys are fed and reasonably clothed) so I am actually going to get a bit of catch up work done! I have a ton of articles I've bookmarked to read later on, so I am going to do that today with a hot cup of cider or tea. I also have some light book

Planning your business- Who are you?

2008-10-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

I introduced the idea of a business plan for your hand crafted business here. Today, we are gong to start writing one. The first section in every business plan, whether for personal use or to attempt to get funding from outside sources is the business overview. For our purposes, we will be writing a short version of a real overview. This plan is not for the purpose of seeking loans or

Morning Coffee 10-17

2008-10-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

It is Friday! The best thing about Friday is on Saturday morning I get to sleep in, since I don't have to take anyone to school. I usually still work on the weekends, but it is more casual and not the 15 hour days I am known to put in during the week!1) Finish editing, round two.almost done2) Follow marketing plan. Done!3) Update my book keeping.think I'll do this over the weekend.4) Make a

Morning Coffee 10-16

2008-10-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of things to catch up on from yesterday, c'est la vie!1) Edit pictures from round two. Not completely done, but a huge dent made :)2) Finish blog article.done!3) Research a few local opportunities.done4) Follow marketing plan. done5) Finish tweaking new design. Done, gonna try a couple of spin off ideas this weekend and hopefully get some listed by early next week

Featured Artist- Sun Basil Garden

2008-10-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Pink Grapefruit SunriseLauren at Sun Basil Garden creates some of the brightest and funnest soaps I have seen on Etsy. No plain bars here, each one is like a mini work of art. With special designs for men, women, and children, it is easy to find something for everyone!1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?I make what I call Soap Arts. All natural,

Morning Coffee 10-15

2008-10-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

I am only working a half day today, due to some afternoon plans. Not doing anything too time consuming!1) Get Featured Artist up on blog. Done!2) Continue to follow marketing plan. Done, It seems i do best when this the first thing I do for the day.3) Start an article for Friday.started!4) Round two of the great picture redo. Pics taken, edit tomorrow!5) Research a few local opportunities.ran

Morning Coffee 10-14

2008-10-14T03:07:00.000-07:00

1) Finish photo editing. First batch done, next round starts tomorrow.2) Continue work on my new idea. Almost happy with it, gonna work on it on Thursday, I think.3) Follow marketing plan. Done, before noon even!4) Get feature for tomorrow ready. done!5) Continue consignment research. Done, gonna start making a list to contact over the weekend tomorrow.Short and simple!

Morning Coffee 10-13

2008-10-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am reverting back to daily Morning Coffee. It really does keep me more on track to break my goals down to days rather than weeks! I will not include creating unless I am under a time crunch and it takes priority, or I am working on something new. I already spend about 40% of my work day crafting, so Morning Coffee will focus more on the business side of my goals.1) Update marketing plan and

A typical day

2008-10-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

HARD work MOUSE PAD by MirrorgirlI may be self employed and primarily work from home, but this is still a job. Especially in the beginning, that can be hard to remember. it's a job that has no sick time, no paid vacations, no weekends, and no insurance. I love it still! Yet some mornings, I can't help but think it was easier when I was punching the clock and had someone else making sure I got

Featured Artist- Always Amy

2008-10-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

BARREL OF MONKEYS Vintage Red MonkeyThis week I am featuring someone I consider a great in the handmade business world- Amy from Always Amy. Her items really reflect her as a person, upbeat , positive, and lots of fun! Who wouldn't want a little of that to wear off on them while sporting her adorable jewelry?1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?Well,

Another giveaway!

2008-10-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

That's right, more free stuff! Even better, free stuff and a discount on more stuff! Head on over to Danielle's blog to check it out.

Morning Coffee 10-6

2008-10-06T10:23:00.001-07:00

tick...tock...I feel so rushed this time of year. I guarantee come January I will have an entry on morning coffee saying "organize better for the holiday season"! This weeks list, post haste:1)Get the project wonderful ad done!done!2)Finish about eighty more pieces that are lying around in various states of completion.done3)Get some hang tags done, and price the rest of the inventory.Done4)List

Featured Artist- Mindless Pursuits

2008-10-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Keith at Mindless Pursuits has a way with people. He can make you feel like the most special person in the room, and not because he is faking it, but because he really believes that way. His paintings are no different. They draw the eye and make it known they are the most special thing in the room, too! 1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?I like

Kitten

2008-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

A few vet visits, antibiotics, feline aids and leukemia testing to be done soon, as well as flea treatments, shots, and getting fixed, and on top of that the large quantities this little thing can eat in one day of kitten formula, we find ourselves reworking the monthly budget. So today only is a buy one get one free sale at my shop. Do it for the kitten!a week and a half ago my husband found

Morning Coffee 9-30

2008-09-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

The next two weeks are going to be very busy with having to build up stock. My holiday show season starts on October 11th! I am working a seven day a week rotating schedule to get everything done, it goes like this: Day one, pour a cast. Day two, sand and mount previous cast while current cast cures, day three, repeat day one. So here is my list of things I must squeeze in around jewelry

Featured Artist- TagsandButtons

2008-09-24T05:06:00.000-07:00

Matchbook notepad and button set by TagsandButtonsDanelle from TagsandButtons and DAMdesigns is one of my favorite Etsyians. She has done custom work for me in the past (in fact, she is working on a project right now!) and she is always a pleasure to do business with. Not only does she do an excellent job quickly, she really goes out of her way to make sure you get exactly what you want. 1.Tell

You gotta have a plan, man!

2008-09-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

One thing that always makes me shake my head in disbelief is the sheer amount of businesses operating without a plan. A lot of artists shy away from the business side of selling their crafts. I am really not sure why. There are very few things more creative than sitting down and dreaming about tomorrow. That is really what your plan is, your dreams and visions of the future put down in

Morning Coffee 9-22

2008-09-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

I did decent last week keeping up with the list. I didn't finish my holiday ordering though, and it is vital I do this week! My fall shows start in two weeks and I need some winter goodies :)1) Finish holiday budget and ordering.Done2)List up rings and new pendants.still fighting with my camera...3)Make a marketing schedule for my ongoing marketing. Done!4) Make a holiday themed PW ad. not

T'is the season...

2008-09-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

For holiday shows and bazaars! Every October like clockwork the signs start appearing on street corners- "School craft show this way", "Holiday Arts & Crafts next left". If you are like me, you follow these signs. My reasons are twofold. 1- to meet and support other artists, and 2- to see if future shows would fit my items.The holiday shows are some of the best in my opinion for the craft

Featured Artist- 2039 Rebellion

2008-09-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am going to be guilty of a little nepotism this week and feature a very talented artist that also just happens to be my doting husband. Andrew at 2039 Rebellion sells prints from his manga series (you can read it for free at 2039rebellion.com) and prints and other items featuring his amusing cream puffs.1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it? I

Morning Coffee 9-15

2008-09-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

I won't be doing morning coffee daily anymore. I am changing it to a once a week feature listing my top ten weekly goals. My reasoning is most days are now spent creating. I have two steady wholesale accounts (possibly three) and we are entering holiday show season. Though marketing is still crucial, it is reaching the maintaining point where I do not need to search out as many new venues a

Want some swag?

2008-09-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Do you like winning stuff? Who doesn't! Head on over to the Giveaway for a chance to win an earring and pendant set from the Candy Corn Collection! You know you want to!

Morning Coffee 8-29

2008-08-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Straight to the list today:1)continue with the great shop remix2)spend the rest of the day improving photo's (!)

Morning Coffee 8-27

2008-08-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

I have not one, but two appointments today. I don' want to over plan, so I'll keep it short.1) Finish article. almost done2) One new marketing. new PW ad3)create an inventory spreadsheet. done

Morning Coffee 8-28

2008-08-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

I did pretty well yesterday, actually got to my to-do list!1)List a few items.done2)Begin the great shop remix (making my shop more attractive)worked on it3)Mount some pieces.done

Morning Coffee 8-26

2008-08-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

So now my workshop is clean and organized, the weekends orders are shipped, and all is right in the world. On to todays plan!1)one new marketing Done, new craigslist ad2)list new items. Took the pics, just never edited them, grrrr3) do a cast Done4)work on blog article.doneThere! And I'm really going to do it today...

Morning Coffee 8-25

2008-08-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am back! My one week away stretched a bit longer. A mixture of computer problems, shows, visiting relatives, end of summer doldrums, and it just being way too hot in my office (no A/C!) led to the long break. But here I am so let's get this week started right with goals!1) List my new design, made in honor of "morning coffee".2)Work on a blog article for later in the week.3) One new marketing

Featured Artist: Amuse Tee's

2008-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pam and Carla at aMuse have made the simple t-shirt into an art form. Though their favored medium is the t-shirt, you can also find their art on a variety of cards and jewelry. I really can't get enough of their fun designs!1.) Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?Our main technique is screen printing, but also do gocco, sewing, resin, and anything

Featured Artist- Crickets Creations

2008-07-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Celeste at Crickets Creations specializes in luxurious and fun hand knit scarves. When you visit her shop, you realize scarves aren't just for winter anymore. Whatever the season and whatever your mood, she has it! 1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?I design & craft one-of-a-kind, handmade scarves from vintage & novelty yarns, and have

Featured Artist- Jashme

2008-07-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Jen Ashman of Jashme sells whimsical, beautiful original paintings. She is also a freelance muralist. You can see more of her work on her blog.1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it? I've always painted, ever since I was a child. Two years ago I received my bachelor's degree in painting and art history from the Savannah College of Art and Design. I

On Hiatus

2008-07-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

You may have already noticed there has been no morning coffee this week. I will be on hiatus through the 17th. I am still here, still getting a bit of work done, but officially I am on vacation. So what work I decide to do will be done when and if I feel like it! I will be updating the "Quit Your Day Job" series towards the end of this week, and featured artists will still be on Wednesdays.

Quitting your day job- Part III

2008-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you read Part II, you should now you should be getting your financial plan in order for that long awaited day that you strike out on your own. I am going to take a break here to talk about confidence and shyness. If you are shy or suffer from a lack of confidence, start working on overcoming these fears now. Most businesses I have seen fail is because the owners suffered from shyness in

Morning Coffee 6-27

2008-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! I am a mix of relief and nerves right now!1. List some items.2. Set up as much as I can for tomorrow.3. One new marketing.4. Get some change for the show.5. Get drinks/ice6. Run through everything to make sure I didn't forget anything!7. Post up article.I'll be back Monday to tell you how this weekend went!

Morning Coffee 6-26

2008-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

I think I can...I think I can... I think I can...1. Wholesale meeting, yay! This was a flop. They were trying to get me to sell my pendants to them at a 75% discount! I don't think so.2. Finish banner.Done3. Post ad on craigslist for Saturday.Done4. Get jewelry carded.Done5. List some items.oops, completely forgot6. Get tomorrows blog post done.Done

Featured Artist: The Cuddle Shop

2008-06-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Andrea at the Cuddle Shop has taken the traditional sock monkey and made it a hip addition to any kids (or adults!) collection. From her cute Strawberry Lemonade monkeys to her rockin' pink and black Death Angel (pictured above), she's sure to have a monkey that you want to cuddle! 1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it? I make sock monkeys and I

Morning Coffee 6-25

2008-06-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm still chugging along. I can't afford to fall behind this week!1. One new marketing. Done2. Work on table banner Done3. Finish off flyer display.Done4. Post some flyers around town. Done5. Get everything organized for tomorrows meeting.Done,and just remembered i have a team meet-up right after, gah!

New Display

2008-06-24T18:19:00.001-07:00

Yep, the paint and glue is finally dry on my shojo screen display! The best thing about it is it can be arranged three different ways, curved like this,giving a three sided display-Or set up zig-zagged like a normal screen-Or flat, almost like a window-It is made of painted foam core, dowels for the hangers, and a heavy wood base to keep it stable. The "rice paper" is actually thin plastic

Morning Coffee 6-24

2008-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

And....The madness continues! If I can keep this pace up this week should be cake. I hope... Ooh,and I did get the cast done this morning, yay!1. One new marketing.Done, Project Wonderful update2. List some items.Done3. Get jewelry bag organized for Thursday meeting.Done4. Finish signs.Done5. Make/acquire card and flyer display. Sorta done. I got my cards and flyers all ready, but I have

Going full time- Part II

2008-06-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

If you read Part I, you now know what I think the most important things to make the move to full time artist are. The first thing you need to do to start preparing for this is to get all your financial ducks in a row. For those of us who have a tendency to stick our heads in the sand when it comes to money, this can be a painful and eye opening experience. If you are serious in your goals

Morning Coffee 6-23

2008-06-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy week ahead of me. Watch me overachieve for fun and profit!1. Post blog article.Done2. Place ad for open house. Done3. Finish final display.Done4. Do cast. Not done, was too hot today. but set up and ready to do first thing before it warms up outside!5. List some items.Done6.Make a couple of signs for open house.Done7. One new marketing.Done, Craigslist ad

My new Jewelry Party flyer!

2008-06-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would post this, feel free to borrow from it (just not my images of course :)!Click to enlarge. I blocked out my personal information on this one, you know, internet safety!And above, my new card design. A lot more fun than my old one!

Stop working for the man!-Part I

2008-06-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

This is a first in a series of articles on how to move your craft business to full time. Today mainly want to talk about what you need to do this. In future articles, we will tackle everything you need to prepare for and succeed in this profession!If you don't think you have these qualities, don't give up. If you are even thinking of working for yourself seriously, you have enough of them to

Morning Coffee 6-20

2008-06-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! I overslept, it is 10:30am right now!1)Renew a Project Wonderful bid, I got quite a few hits off it in one day.Done2)Work on next cast.Done3)Take pictures for listings.Done4)Post up blog post.Done5)get more stuff ready for next weekends home show.Done

Morning Coffee 6-19

2008-06-19T07:48:00.001-07:00

I didn't get my display done, but I tackled everything else on yesterdays list so I'm not sweating it!1.One new marketing.Done, made flyers listing info on throwing a home party featuring me to have available at the open house next week.2.Work on tomorrows blog article.Done3. Get a display done. Not quite done, but the paint is drying :)4. Mount yesterdays cast. Done5. Start prep on my next

Featured Artist: Tinalina

2008-06-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

When you first visit Tinalina, the first thing you notice are the care that goes into each of her designs. My first impression is that of simplicity, something many artist strive for but fail to achieve. If you are looking for just the right cards, I highly recommend you get yourself over to her shop!1.Tell us a little about your craft, what is it and how did you get started in it?I'm a

Morning Coffee 6-18

2008-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I overloaded myself yesterday and ended up working from 7a.m. until 10 p.m. Not going to make that mistake today! It is beautiful right now in the great Northwest and I am going to take advantage of it by grilling out tonight :) I better get to work on this list now!1. Post up featured artist interview.Done2. Finish and turn in my guest article.Done3. One new marketing.Done, I am counting the

Morning Coffee 6-17

2008-06-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, that was an awesome visit. We went to an amusement park Sunday and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that my pendants can survive water without any damage, gotta love those water rides! I didn't get my cast done Friday, so it is the first priority today.1. Do my cast.Done2.One new marketing.Done, placed my ad on another site via Project Wonderful3. Work on yet another display.Done4.

Morning Coffee 6-13

2008-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Super short day today, whee!1. Do a cast.um, yeah, not done2. List some items in my shop.Done3. list of shops to approach on wholesaling! Doneta-da! That's it, then it's long weekend time!

Start off on the right foot

2008-06-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

If you you dream of successfully running your business, especially if you want it to become your sole source of income, you need to start it off right. Many people balk at the legalities of owning a business- licenses, taxes, and everything else that keeps you legal. You may be able to avoid these things for awhile, but if you want to succeed you must attend to these things. Below is a list of

Morning Coffee 6-12

2008-06-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

So much to do...My father in law gets here tomorrow, so no work really for four days! I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, I've been really enjoying my new job as a full time artist :)1) List some items in my shop.Done2) One new advertising.Done, placed and updated Project Wonderful bids.3)Work some more on my next cast so I can do it tomorrow and have it ready and waiting to go

Morning Coffee 6-11

2008-06-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Happy hump-day! Yeah, I just like saying hump-day :) It is also the hubs birthday, so definitely going to spend some quality time with him! Today I am also volunteering at my sons school for field day, so I am going to lose a three hour chunk of my work day, but it's worth it. Time to get to work!1. List some items in my shop.Done2. start prepping the next cast.Done3.One new

Morning Coffee 6-10

2008-06-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Eep! It's already the 10th? How did that happen? My father in law is going to be here for a visit this weekend! Oh well, still work to do!1. One new advertising.Done-ish. I am doing a guest blog (more details soon!), and I also have set up to start doing featured sellers here starting next Wednesday, which doesn't market me but spreads the love!2. Drill and mount Saturday's cast.Done3. Try

2008-06-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a sampling of this weekends cast. Can you tell which one was a demo of my new design, to see how the resin worked with it?This is one of my casting boards. I admit freely I stole the idea from John W Golden's wonderful resin tutorial. Because I don't pour into bezels (though his video really makes me want to try it someday!), I use it to keep my pieces separated and so they don't

Morning Coffee 6-9

2008-06-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it again. I worked the weekend! Oops. Not too bad though, as all I did was finish up a cast I wanted to get done. We're going to be working on our landscaping today, so a short list today.1. List the rest of my last batch in my shop. Done!2. One new advertising. Working on a postcard size one page mini catalog to leave with shops I approach for wholesale.3. research some craft

Terms of Engagement- Wholesaling part III

2008-06-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is the final installment on wholesaling. You can read part I here and part II here. This time we are going to cover terms and invoicing.You already have figured out your terms if you worked through the first parts of this series. Your terms cover your discount, minimum orders, payment methods and when due, shipping methods and charges, and any other information you find pertinent. They

Morning Coffee 6-6

2008-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

TGIF! This has been a good productive week :)1)Two Etsy forum posts. Done2)Two new listings.Done3)One new marketing venue.Applied to do a blog fleature4)Finish off the photo's of the last batch. done5)Finish the wholesale blog series.Done6) Polish off my own wholesale terms. Done7)Maybe, if I feel like it, cast some prototypes of my new design.Too freakin' tired, but started prepping some of

Morning Coffee 6-5

2008-06-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Back to work today, with much to do! I didn't get my listings done yesterday, but that's no biggie. I'm not sure daily listings do to much to boost traffic anyway, as my views don't jump by more than one or two when my item is newly listed.1)Two Etsy forum posts.done2)List two new items.Not done, sigh...see take photo's below.3)One new marketing venue.I signed up but have not set up my flickr,

There is only 7 days in a week- Wholesaling pt. II

2008-06-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is the second part on wholesaling. To see the first part click here.When posting a question about wholesaling, one thing no one ever seems to address is a production schedule. Sure, your terms and pricing are important, but what is the point of even bothering with that if you can't deliver the goods on time? As a crafter, chances are in the beginning there is only you, and you don't hire

Morning Coffee 6-4

2008-06-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a partial workday because I have some personal commitments.1)Two Etsy forum posts. Done2)List two items. Oops, not done.3)One new marketing venue. Set up a We love Etsy account4)One new blog post. Done

Morning Coffee 6-3

2008-06-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I am cutting my marketing down to one per day is because I have more ongoing markets and networks to keep up with. Another reason is I will be making the jump to some paid marketing soon.1)Two new Etsy forum posts.Done 2)Two new item listings. Done3)Photograph items I finished yesterday. Done4)Finish prep on new batch. Done5)Cast new batch. Done6)One new marketing venue.

How to wholesale- Moving on up (your prices, that is)

2008-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you read Monthly Jolt yesterday, you are aware that one of my goals for this month is to begin wholesaling. Even if you aren't planning to wholesale, or actively seek accounts, you should still have a plan in case you are approached. I've been doing quite a bit of research, and I want to share it with you! Today we will tackle pricing. This is difficult for many of us, we have

Morning Coffee 6-2

2008-06-01T15:10:00.001-07:00

I did do a bit of work this weekend. I cast some pieces Saturday, that I had prepped on Friday, so they would be cured by today. I also spent more time online than I had planned, but that was only because we had a rainy, icky weekend.1)Two Etsy forum posts. Done!2) Drill and mount this weekends pieces. Done!3)One new marketing venue. Done! I began designing my ad and ordered business cards and

Monthly Jolt

2008-05-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

Like morning coffee is my daily goals, the monthly jolt is what I am planning to do this month. You can think of itas a simple to-do list or a list of my monthly goals. I feel like by putting them 'out there' where others can read them, I am more likely to stick to them and not procrastinate.1) Make 10 sales on Etsy.2)Participate in one fair.3) Get one wholesale order.4)Approach 4 brick and

Organization- Or how to have your cake and eat it, too

2008-05-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Every time I visit the Etsy forums, or any small business forum for that matter, I see the same question being rephrased over and over again- How does everyone do it? There needs to be more hours in the day!I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do know what does and doesn't work for me. I have been managing my home and my husbands graphic design for several years now, and I am using the

Morning Coffee 5-30

2008-05-30T09:59:00.001-07:00

You may have noticed a small change to morning coffee yesterday. I am now adding where I am doing my marketing. This helps me to keep track of where my eggs are, and it helps you, the reader, find places to market.1. List two new items.2. Finish editing the photo's from my last batch.3. Two Etsy forum comments. Done4. Two new marketing. Myspace account and Nifty account5. A blog post :) Done

My new addiction

2008-05-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

I've been addicted to onigiri since I was first introduced to them. Onigiri is a rice ball, the delectable Japanese equivalent of a sandwich. You can fill them with whatever you choose, wrap in nori, and enjoy!the other day this addiction went a step further. I am no addicted to cute, inedible onigiri!I was playing with my resin, and these little guys were begging to be born. I made myself

Morning Coffee 5-29

2008-05-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

One thing I must do today is rig up a way to take good photo's indoors. This Northwest weather is ruining my photo chances. No photos = no listings.1)Rig up indoor photo tent. Done2)Post new items! Done3)Two new marketing. Done one on Bust and one on Indypublic4)Two comments in the Etsy forums. DoneNow off to work with me, photo's don't take themselves!

Morning Coffee 5-28

2008-05-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

I got everything done yesterday :) (we won't mention in was a really short list!) On to todays to-do!1)Finish the pieces from yesterday. done2)List two items. not done3)Make two Etsy forum comments.done4)Find two new marketing venues.donelet's see how well I do!