Remembering my 1st Etsy sale

I've been with Etsy almost a year and a half now.

Just listed a couple of new items, so much faster now than when I

began...

It took me so long at first- to write my profile, and set up my shop.

I listed 3 items and waited for a sale.

Luckily it was only 3 days later and I sold my clay armadillo!

I've learned a lot since my 1st sale!

It still makes me happy thinking about it, I was so excited!

I carefully wrapped the little clay armadillo, so he'd

have a safe trip overseas to the UK!

I included a little thank you gift, (I think it was a bookmark I made),

and boxed it all up. Then I tried the Canada Post shipping through my

Paypal account.

I was shocked when the shipping came out to $33.00!

I only charged $7.00! OMG!!!

After unpacking & repacking (in a smaller box), I was able to get the

shipping down to about $8 or $9 dollars.

What a relief!

Anyhow, I'm much more careful with shipping prices now...

but I'm no less excited with every sale!

Have a great weekend,

A Blonde's eye view;

Sometimes I think I see things just a little

bit differently than most people.

Usually, I blame my hair.

I have to confess, I am blonde... to the roots.

But then again, it could be my rose-tinted glasses.

So, here I am last week, having one of those wonderful "life experiences"

and I had a bright idea! I'm gonna start a journal...and I can do it

online.

(Duh, I know... that's why they call it a blog).

My life is not particularly exciting, or even unusual, but maybe

the way I see it is.

I live a 1/2 hour drive from our lovely little town, (which I don't want

to name, so no one can point fingers, if I'm not politically correct enough.)

Ok, so where was I?

Life experiences...oh yeah.

A week ago today (Feb 16/10), I was walking around with a bunch of

my co-workers. It was a cold, rainy day and I had this um...

picket sign hanging... from my neck.

I gotta tell you, this was the first time I've done anything like that.

When I left the house that morning, I really didn't think I would

spend a whole day, walking back and forth in front of my workplace

wearing a cardboard "On Strike" sign... in the RAIN.

It could've been worse - it should've been snowing (this time of year).

and I got to know some of my co-workers better.

Note to self:

"Wear waterproof makeup to a picket line" ... of course

I got my picture in the paper, and I didn't have ANY make-up on!

But that's ok, 'cause my hair Loves the rain.

**********************

Updated: Feb 28

Guess what...

we're still on strike...

some things I've noticed:

- Picketing isn't as much fun as it looks.

- All the goodies that kind folks bring, doesn't pay bills.

- The 1st thing to go is those little luxury items... like good coffee.

(I wrote a whole blog about THAT one!)

- Most people are kind, and many have walked this line before.

- Dogs can be a picketers best friend, they're always ready for a walk.

- Being on strike is a lot of work.

- It's hard to make any plans, when you don't know where things are at.

**********

Update: March 1/10

starting our 3rd week on strike,

some more observations...

- Management isn't above lying or playing dirty.

I can't think like that, guess that's why I'm out here.

-A rally can be a lot of fun! It's kind of like

an alcohol-free street party.

- bursting bubble wrap bubbles, one at a time,

is a good stress reliever and more fun with friends.

- I can make "striking" my new job... (I've made little

info. handouts, and today I painted a sweatshirt.)

-I can still surprise my family. "My wife, the activist"

was my husbands words.

- Things can get very tense on the home front...especially

if there's a full moon.

- The Union is my friend, and will fight for me.

Now, for the Best thing about striking ...

*whispering* (don't tell anyone)...

My girls are happy to have so much freedom!

I HAVEN'T WORN A BRA FOR 2 WEEKS!!!!

Sorry, I couldn't help myself, got this issue with bras.

Well, that's it for now.

Hope things are well, in your world.

***************

Update March 4/10

I used to be such a nice, quiet lady.

-I'm still nice, but not so quiet...

-I've learned that even blondes can have an opinion.

Just ask me :)

****************

Update March 11/10

Yup, still walking the picket line.

Kinda volunteered to help/administer our blog.

(Go figure).

I'm feeling stronger, enjoying fresh air, walking, sunshine, talking

to people, getting to know my East Shore co-workers and me.

But...

My mind does wander at times, and I got to thinking I need a haircut.

Since I trim my own bangs, this is a good time to practise cutting my own hair.

So...I did! I still want it long, so it's not drastic, but I think it turned out just fine!

Here's a photo:

Now, that I'm thinking about it,

I've always wanted to colour my hair,

pink, blue or purple. Not all of it, but some strands...hmm

this may be a good time to try that too.

Oh, and maybe some little braids...with beads??

OMG!!

Maybe I should get my nose pierced or another tattoo?

Got some thinking to do...

******

Update April 19/10

Well, finally the strike is over... 8 weeks later,

and we can start trying to get back to normal,

at home, and at work.

Many of us will need time to heal the wounds caused

by the whole situation.

It's not going to be easy, but we'll do our best.

Thinking of selling your crafts on-line? Try Zibbet 1st...

Are you wondering about selling your handmade items,

vintage or craft supplies, on-line...

but don't know where to begin?

That's where I was at in the summer of 2008.

(Note: I still consider myself a beginner,

but I'm a lot more knowledgeable than I was then.)

The reason I'm suggesting Zibbet 1st, is mainly because it's free!

You can learn as you go, start right away, and partly so I can get a referral.

(You can always upgrade later, if you like it of course.)

I know there's many other venues out there, that I have yet to try.

My main venue is Etsy, (Love it!), however it's not free.

Hopefully, you already have:

- a Paypal account, (or some reliable way to send & receive payments.)

If not...you may want to do it first, because it takes time

to get confirmed through your bank account.

Paypal has reasonable fees, and is the preferred method

of payment at many sites, Etsy, Zibbet, eBay and others.

- an e-mail that you will check AT LEAST ONCE A DAY.

- a digital camera, (or access to one) having decent photos of

your items are crucial, so is uploading the photos to your shop.

- a computer, with reliable internet connection... and know how to

use it.

- well made handmade items, craft supplies, or real vintage pieces.

- patience/willingness to learn. (This is on-going...re: shipping, marketing, etc.)

It's really not a big list at all.

I shopped around a bit and looked at a few seller venues.

There's many out there, and it's a good idea to do a little research,

what works for me may or may not work well for you.

The ones I've tried (so far), are:

eBay- I'd bought through eBay, so I knew how to to that. So I tried selling

there first. Ends up I found myself buying stuff rather than selling there.

I think it was all the little fees for extras, that added up, and made it seem

rather expensive just to list an item, but I'm going to try it again, since I haven't

tried to sell anything there for a long time.

Etsy-It's only .20 to list an item and a small 3.5 % is charged for each sale.

I've had my Etsy shop since Nov/08 and really like the site and am having

my 1st spring SALE. My monthly fees vary substantially month by month.

I like the fact that I can renew items (for .20 each), and it helps me to keep visible amongst this rainbow of talented artists, however, those little fees add up by the end of the month.

Zibbet, This is a great place to start ... Zibbet (Yes, this is my referral link,

if you decide to set up a Zibbet shop, please help me out, by using this link

to do so.)

It's very easy to set up, and a Basic account is completely FREE!

You can list up to 25 items and there's no fees...even when you sell an item!

I've had my Basic account for a couple of months now, and I like the easy set-up and listing

of items. I'm still in the early stages of my shop, but I'm already considering getting a

Premium account. For only $8.00 a month (right now), I can list an unlimited number of items, and there are no other charges- even when an item sells!

( I average more than that in monthly fees, on Etsy).

I'm very happy with Etsy, and Zibbet is another outlet, and a very reasonable one at that.

It's still quite new, and growing steadily.

Disclaimer: I'm not a pro, and don't claim to be.

This is just my experience and I hope

there's something here that will help you,

if you decide to sell on-line.

I'm always happy to get e-mail, so if you have any questions,

feel free to contact me: smilingbluedog@yahoo.ca

A little blue dog ... going to a new home

Sorry, this dog's not smiling right now. He doesn't like the title I've given him, and wants a real home and perhaps a name. He's a little dog with a big attitude. Note: He's featured in a Treasury Nov 18-20/09 http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=76102 I handformed him from earthenware clay, fired him in my kiln, painted him with acrylic paint, then used an outdoor glossy sealer to protect him. Approximate dimensions: Height: 1 1/4 inches 3.5 cm Width: 1/2 inch 1.5 cm Length: 1 1/4 inches 3.0 cm

I'm really hoping that the little blue dog will get to his new home

in time for Easter.

He was pretty excited to be leaving the studio where he was born,

Last night he said goodbye to his friends and

this morning we left our home (near Balfour, BC.) and took the

ferry across Kootenay Lake. It's a 45 minute ride, but it was a sunny

morning, and his first time on a ferry.

I took him to the Post Office in Crawford Bay, BC, (Canada) where

he's starting his trip across the contintent to New York.

He promised to let me know when he arrives safe & sound.

Where's my OSO??

So here's the situation:

I'm starting into the 3rd week of being on strike and

walking a picket line, with no end in the near future.

(See: "A Blonde's eye view" for that story.)

This is about a very important topic, in my little world...

COFFEE!

I love coffee.

I might drink a whole pot myself, in a day (a bad day?

I can't say that it's a bad day if I've got good coffee.)

I'm no connoisseur, but I do have preferences.

When I was 18, I drank instant. *gross*

Moved up to Country Style, Tim Horton's, and when times

were tough, we bought President's Choice or the dreaded

"Yellow label" no-name coffee, but that was years ago.

We've long since discovered our locally-roasted,

coffee. OSO NEGRO.

It's not cheap, but it's one of those little luxuries

we indulge in. It's fairly-traded and we drink our

fair share. (Full Organic Blend is our fave.)

Anyhow, last week we ran out of our OSO coffee and I

had a tough decision to make. No coffee in the house for 3 days...

so it's a bit of a fuzzy blur, tea just doesn't cut it

Finally, I made the dreaded trip to town, to do groceries.

NOT my favourite thing to do, at the best of times.

Especially when I know my cart's gonna be 1/2 full and

it'll be mostly yellow labelled stuff...including coffee.

I'm grateful to be buying food, and glad I don't hate yellow

anymore. But yellow vacuum-packed coffee almost brings tears to my

eyes.

As soon as we put the groceries away, I made a pot.

It was disappointing, but I'll have to get used to it,

I've been spoiled, I know.

My kiln is for sale, I might have to take my car off the road.

*wondering* "Is 49 too old for a woman to start hitch-hiking?"

We've already dropped Pepsi, chocolate, eating out and

little impulse buying of gifts.

If I don't go to town, I save some $, however the local

"convenience" store does charge more for everything.

Now I'm not picking-up little things, here and there.

I miss having pizza for lunch on Thursdays, and the Chinese

Special (sweet & sour chicken balls) on Fridays. I miss seeing

the waitresses and the cooks, who are friendly & treat me so well.

There's a lot of things I'm starting to miss, (besides my paycheque).

I miss my friends in town, and being a little part of their lives, having

lunch with the girls and talking to people about fun things, instead of

"What's going on?" Because I just don't know.

It's only been 2 full weeks, and I'm already missing many things.

*sighing* I recently bought the most beautiful &

locally made (Dog Patch Pottery) coffee mug.

It's a shame to put crappy coffee in it.

As I tighten the belt on our spending, luxury items are dropping

like dead flies, and I know I'm not alone.

But the one thing I miss the most already,

is my cup of OSO in the morning.

Update- March 3rd...

Thought I better confess.

I gave in, and bought a little pack of OSO...

we can use a little treat now and then :)

It's a thrill to be featured!

Me & my studio have been featured in HANDMADE blog:

http://tryhandmade.com/behind-the-scenes-at-smilingbluedog/#comment-4609

What a pleasant surprise!

I hope you'll check it out,

and leave a comment.

Happy Monday!

This is a very happy Monday for me.

For one thing, it's my day-off, so I updated my

"painting" blog: http://twitteringinthetrees.blogspot.com/

But the highlight was, I figured out how to make a live link!

Every time I've made a link on my blog, it's not "clickable"... you'd have to

copy & paste, which is unprofessional, and a bit of a deterrent.

Anyhow, if you've been trying to figure it out too, I'll try & explain...here goes:

While in "compose", highlight the address of the link, then right click (to copy).

All you need to do is click on the weird little green icon (it's beside the Text colour icon),

then paste it into the pop-up window and click on "OK".

Simple....wish I'd known that sooner.

Hope the rest of the day is so enlightening :)