Confessions of a tiny new business (in recession)

Last night I have decided to test the two sites, etsy and artfire. Now, I have two stores and am curious to see which will do better, what kind of customers shop on etsy vs. artfire and what do they buy.

I’m still in the “experimental” phase. Trying to figure out how to best take pictures, what to post, when and how frequently. The best reads for me right now are the countless articles on etsy from artists who actually succeeded and are doing this full time. On Monday they posted an interview with K Garner Designs, a jewelry designer and a stay at home mommy of –soon to be- two. She started making jewelry for friends and family concentrating mostly on weddings. One thing that really stuck with me was Karen saying that “I feel that I was in experiment mode for much of 2009 – trying out new products, experimenting with photography and just learning how to best organize myself to get orders out and keep records.” This really made me feel better and I don't even mind that I’m running like a chicken without a head at times. I feel such anxiety, trying to fill the store in, the flickr account and even this blog. My last etsy store was doing well (it’s still up, you can check it out here ), but I felt that because of going back to work, the hustle with my stationery orders, lack of time to promote and update it, I needed to start fresh....

I totally recommend reading Karen’s story, even if you’re not a seller. You can find it here.

So, today it’s Friday and I’m just going to focus on the big picture. I will try to post as many items over the weekend as I possibly can….Go sale #2!!! Go!!!

And now off to work....

Flower Vine Necklace from KGarnerDesigns etsy shop, $26

Vintage inspired Pearl Earrings, also from K Garner Designs, $15

Oldie but Goodie

I have been wearing my Urban Outfitters "boys" British flag tee, paired with jeans and my Adidas hi-tops for quite some time, and I still can't get enough of this style. It's so comfy, easy and no matter how you look at it, kinda cool.

I’m super excited because I finally have my British flag iPhone cases/wallets ready. I got the prototype few months ago and I fell in love. The first intention was to have one for myself. My precious! I don't know about you, but I absolutely HATE to go out with my purse or handbag no matter how cute it is or how it goes with my outfit. Soooo, I had this dream little wristlet in my head with the British flag which would go with anything...I gave my dad a ring. He is a genius when it comes to leather. Let me just tell you, he's been working, selling and making leather things (wallets, bags, belts and so on) since he was eleven. Yes, I said eleven, and yes, I said selling!
Anyways, I've begged him to do this for me and then I went a bit further and asked him for a small Union Jack handbag (that pic will come soon, it's almost done!).

Style note!
A key point on how to wear “it”. Just like leopard print, please don't overdo it. You're not supposed to "wear" the flag. Only ONE print/logo per outfit please. Pair a printed t-shirt with a black tailored jacket, flag Converse sneakers with a black and white striped t-shirt...Have fun with it and treat it as a pattern, just like the sailor trend, the British flag is one of the classics.

***little side note, there is no hidden political message here, it really is a well designed flag! No flags were destroyed in any of these projects!!***

My new iPhone wallet ...

Urban Outfitters Flask $18


Mohawk Fleece Hat from Nirvanna Designs


Leather Union Jack Heart Brooch by Love From Hetty and Dave's Shop on etsy $49




London Theme Charm Bracelet from Fluffington's Shop on etsy, $23

Asprey Jack Ruby Ring

Love Moschino patent leather Union Jack Flat, $225

Just looking...

I had to post these. Getting ready to call it a day, but I couldn't resist a quick look through my favorite websites, a bit for inspiration and a bit to relax at the end of the day.

Here's something wonderful that I have stumbled upon. Free People have these one of a kind, handmade pieces, where they mix new materials with vintage jewelry...sure not a new concept and they are ridiculously expensive, but nevertheless they are very pretty to look at. Check it out and get inspired!

I still can't believe that Alexander McQueen is no longer with us. It truly pains me and I cannot imagine the fashion world without him. He was a genius, pure talent. I feel that he was the J P Gaultier of our generation...... I almost choked when I saw the new ELLE and in the calendar section they had a caption "Happy Birthday McQueen", he would be 41...little did they know. I hope you are in a better place and can still create your masterpieces.


Here are just a few of my fav looks....






(these photos don't belong to me, simply posted here to spread the word and art of the designer)

New load of beads

I got my hands on some wonderful vintage beads. A whole bag, real treasures! I went a bit crazy, but I just couldn't help myself, I cannot wait to transform them into beautiful beaded bracelets....
Some are circa 1940, most 70’s! In the mix: hand painted, glass, shell, seeds, Venetian glass, lucite and plastic/acrylic-but not like the ones you see today. These actually look like real stone or glass, the seam is invisible. You have to look really close to see that they are not the real thing. I also often prefer them for my beaded bracelets simply because they are much more comfortable and lighter. Often, these are in very limited quantities so you can be assured that your pieces will truly be original.



Now, I have to spend some time cleaning and organizing them. Just a little hint, if you are buying vintage beads, make sure that they don't peel or break in half. Test them before you use them in your projects. Also be very careful when cleaning them. Don't rub to hard or soak them in water for too long. Personally I find that the best way to clean them is to use a soft cloth (shamwow works great) and soapy water, I take each bead, one at a time (yes, I know it does take a while) and just gently wash away all the dirt and dust.
Now what do I do with the ones that peel? I soak them in a bit of CLR and cover them in fabric or yarn.