I love sunflowers. They are bright, big and bold. So, when I started creating with some great modern sunflower fabric, I just wanted to keep making more products! I love the dark brown color with the simple clean lines. It makes it fun to put a bright print as the lining of the bag.
Here is the latest bag I made out of the fabric. What do you think?
I’m 5 months in, and am really starting to like what I’m creating. I’ve also learned a lot about opening stores on various sites (Etsy, Art Fire, 1000 Markets), and building my own website. I’ve made 11 sales on Etsy, 1 sale on Art Fire, and 1 sale on 1000 Markets. I haven’t made any on my website, but I feel this is okay for now as I’ve really just started marketing my own site in the past month or two, and I know that people aren’t always okay with buying from an ‘unkown’ site. I do think my website has driven people to my other storefronts, which is great!
So, all of this is to say that I’m going to be evaluating all of my stores, and will be closing at least one in the next few weeks. It won’t be my website as I’m positive this has been a good marketing tool, and will help me in the long term. I know that four storefronts is too many right now. So, one must go.
On top of my online presence, I’m starting to make a real effort to reach out to various boutiques/B&M stores where I can sell my totes. I’m also looking into a few weekend craft/art fairs that I can take part in. I’ve noticed that some of my best selling is in person, so am excited about branching out more.
Would love to hear from those sellers out there who are also evaluating their shop(s) and offline selling venues. What are you doing to increase your presence in the world? How do you feel about multiple store fronts? What is your plan for the rest of 2009 to get more product out there?
Tags: business, Selling, storefronts
I would not normally make a pure black tote, but a friend really wanted one so I made it. Of course, now I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Think I’ll make another to sell. The black canvas with the soft cotton inside is so nice and sturdy but with a softness to it. The burst of pink really made the inside look fun, and I’m generally not a pink person.
What have I learned from this… be open to new possibilities. It could just turn out to be one of your favorite creations. 
Take a look and let me know what you think!
Tags: black and white, new tote
I love great fabric, I love to sew, and I love Spring! So, I created this fun green garden tote. It has a nice mellow green leaf motif with a cool green and white daisy lining. Sits comfortable on the shoulder, and fits everything you need to have with you.
Would love to hear what you think of this new tote that I’ve added to my collection. Are you making anything for Spring? Would love to hear about it.
I’ve added a messenger style bag to my collection and started by using some of my favorite fabric. The size, style and functionality of this bag are great! The prototype I made and use is one of my favorite bags now for carrying my magazines, books, notebooks when Im headed out.
You can find this bag by going to my 1000Markets Store.
I’m definitely making more of this style, will switch it up with various hardware.
What do you think??
Tags: 1000Markets, Bag, messenger, Tote
I’ve had a storefront on 1000Markets since November, but haven’t had product there in a few months. I’ve decided to add product to my storefront there to see how things go. I’m working to narrow down my shopping venues to a couple outside of my own website.
I wills say that 1000Markets does look much more professional than Art Fire. They are a juried site, which keeps things clean. I’m really looking forward to learning more about this site. I do want to learn more about what 1000Markets will do for marketing.
As of right now, even with its issues, I think Etsy is staying on the list, and from the outward appearance of 1000Markets, I’m pleased, but am not sure they have everything I can get at Art Fire.
Will continue to update my experiences here.
Please check out my 1000Markets storefront… Would love to hear any feedback in the comments section.
Tags: 1000Markets, Storefront
I made an Etsy treasury tonight based on San Francisco. A city I feel fortunate to have lived in, and called home, I felt inspired to build a treasury with SF as the theme. While building out this treasury, I came across a piece that I absolutely had to feature, and am compelled to purchase if nobody else does over the next few days. I thought I’d spotlight it on my blog as well, as I truly love it. Who knows, maybe it will be hanging in my office one day soon!
Isn’t that just simple and beautiful and everything that San Francisco is!? Yes, I’m seriously in love.
You can check out my treasury here.
Tags: ETsy, San Francisco, treasury
This week I’m highlighting Red Panda Jewelry on Art Fire. The pieces created are stunning, and I cannot imagine the amount of work needed to create each piece. If you’re looking for a unique piece, check out Red Panda’s shop!
A piece I love:
Tags: Art Fire Artist, Necklace, Red Panda Jewelry
I fell in love with this fabric when I saw it, and when I got it in my mailbox… I loved it even more! This is the small version of my ‘new look’ and I’m very pleased with how it turned out! I’m having a lot of fun coming up with new designs and new look and feel for my shop.
I need to get some more hardware to do my next set of bags… can’t wait.
What do you think of the newest addition??
I’m really starting to like my new design shape, and love the fabrics I got last week. I’ve made a medium sized bag in the same shape as the sunflower bag. I used the green fabric that has ‘cut-outs’ of animal shapes and the green stripe inside. Made a matching pouch that can hook into the bag using the sewn in lobster claw hook. This bag deifnitely makes me think of spring… it is bright, cheery and a little differnt!
Also, I’ve been updating all of my pictures and am pleased with the result. I think I’ve finally found the right mix of background, bag hanger, and lighting. After about 5 failed attempts, having pictures I’m happy with makes me smile.
Here are some pictures of the new bag:
Tags: animals, jungle, medium tote
