Gifts, Etc. and Skincandy: etsy

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Sunday, March 29, 2009

BnR Madness...revisited

Lately, I have a few people as me, "What is a BnR?" Well, I think it's time I revisit a piece I wrote for my blog about 9 months ago. It's called "BnR Madness". I've reworked the piece a little bit to make it a little more current, but all the basics are still in there. I hope this will give new Etsy sellers some answers to their questions about BnRs.
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Have you browsed through the Promotions Forum lately? If you have, then the term BnR has surely been integrated into your Etsy vocabulary. Many people are not sure what this simple, 3 letter term means. As an Etsy seller, a BnR is a fabulous way to get some sales, make new friends, and have a ton of fun! To cut to the chase, BnR stands for “Buy and Replace”. Basically, you make a purchase from any of the shops on the BnR list, and your shop replaces their shop. Once you are on the list, someone can make a purchase from you. It’s that simple. Usually there is just one listmaster who updates the list when a purchase is made.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Why should I make a purchase just to get one?” That’s what I was asking myself when I first joined Etsy. I just didn’t see the point. Well, one day I decided to see what the hoopla was all about. I made a small purchase from a wonderful little shop I’d never seen before and within a day, someone had made a purchase from me! My “heart views” had also gone up quite a bit and I had more people “heart” my store. I realized that not only did I get a sale, I got traffic to my shop, which in turn leads to more sales.

There are many benefits to participating in BnRs. The most obvious is that you can get some sales. And who doesn’t like getting a sale? J Another one is that you are introduced to many shops you probably wouldn’t have seen had it not been for the BnR. That is especially true in my case. For example, I found a shop in my BnR that sold the cutest little purses. I had to have one…and then another…and then another! I have made 5 purchases from her total and her work is amazing!! .

Another benefit is the chance to interact and connect with such amazingly, talented people. I have made so many Etsy friends in the past few months. I look forward to getting online everyday to talk to all my Etsy pals. We talk about our everyday lives, our newest creations, and even give suggestions to each other for new items.

Of course, as with everything in life, there are a couple of cons with BnRs. Sometimes, you don’t get bought from right away and may be on the list for a while before someone will buy from you. It can be frustrating waiting for a sale, but in the meantime you can chat with the other shops on the list. Another thing is that sometimes the listmaster will be discouraged by lack of sales that they’ll just abandon the list altogether. This is why it is so important that if you buy onto a list that you help promote it. By participating in the thread, you are also getting your shop out there for potential buyers to see.

Something fun that most BnRs do is get a Treasury or Treasury West. Not only do you get the benefit of being in the forum thread, but you also get exposure with a treasury. This also brings in more sales for the BnR. My latest treasury for my BnR actually generated 3 sales in less than 30 minutes!

Speaking of my BnR, I am actually the listmaster for the Rockin’ BnR. I started the BnR on January 1, 2008. Today, the BnR is still going very strong with almost 1000 sales. There are quite a handful of amazing shops that get online everyday to chat in our thread. Some days we are more talkative than others. We have all sorts of fun too. We’ve had special “Happy Hour” promotions, “Guess the Shop” game, and even a scavenger hunt.

Being the listmaster can be hard work (keeping all those shops in line, lol) but I have found it to be truly rewarding. It is just remarkable to see how many sales we’ve had in 14 months. Our total sales average out to be 70 sales a month!! I am soo proud of all the work my fellow Etsians have put into this BnR, making it such a success.

So, if you are a newbie or in need of a few sales, why not take a moment to stop by a BnR. There’s a plethora of them in the Promotions Forum right now. Take a chance with a BnR. You’ll be amazed with what you find. And remember, we would always love to have you come chat with us in the Rockin’ BnR. We totally rock! And you can too! If you'd like to participate in my Rockin' BnR, here is the link! We look forward to "meeting" your shop!

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6097296

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Top 16...Clock Items!!

It's been a while since I've done a "Top 16..." list, so I figured it was about time to do one. With the time change occurring today, I thought a "Top 16...Clock Items" would be totally appropriate.

To get to each item, just click the link below.

1st row:

Tick Tock - 8 x 10 Fine Art Photographic Print

The Blue Stripe 13 Inch Clock

Honeycomb Modern Wall clock

Scrabble Tile Art Pendant - BIG BEN CLOCK

2nd row:

Melting Wall Clock

Martini Time

TIME IS MONEY. . . or is that . . . MONEY IS TIME

Desk Clock dependable and accurate

3rd row:

Hearts Delight

What Time is It Pendant

HAND PAINTED MODERN ABSTRACT CHERRY CORDIAL WALL CLOCK

Dump Truck

4th row:

Recycled Retro Clock Colorful Design

Hand Made COLORFUL clock

Burnt Sienna Cabinet Clock

Time to Unwind - A STEAMPUNK TEA PARTY RING

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Destash, destash...and more destash!

That's right, I've got a TON of destash listed right now. In Gifts, Etc., I have some stickers listed that I either overbought or just changed my mind about. I've also deactivated all the listings in my Gifts, Etc. shop for the time being while I am getting ready for my grand re-launch. More details coming soon!

In Skincandy, I've listed almost all my jewelry supplies. I'm closing up this shop, so I've got a lot to sell. There's still plenty I need to photograph and list, so keep on checking back.

Here are the links to my shops. Happy shopping!

http://GiftsEtc.etsy.com

http://Skincandy.etsy.com

Sunday, February 8, 2009

A New Year...A New Beginning

There comes a point in everyone's life where nothing seems to go right. Your whole world seems as if it is crumbling down right around you and there is nothing you can do to stop it. That is what happened to me the past couple months. It wasn't just one thing, it was a whole lotta things. I'm not going to bore you with the details (they are also personal things I'd rather not discuss through my blog) but I will tell you what I have learned.

I ended 2008 on a somewhat sore note. I knew things were crappy in my life and knew I needed to change things and fast. My New Year's Resolution to myself...to be happy. In general, I am a happy person, yes, but with myself, no. I had decided that 2009 was going to be my year. I was finally going to budget my money, feel good about myself and the way I look and stop worrying about finding the perfect man. I told myself to "Let go, let God" because only He knows what will happen. The obstacles He gave me at the end of last year have made me stronger and helped me to believe in myself. I entered 2009 with a smile on my face and a sigh of relief that I will let my past be the past and move forward. And have I moved forward :-)

On January 6, I met him. His name is Ryan and I know I have found the one for me. It is hard to explain, but when you know, you know...you know what I mean? Every day so far this year has been better than I have expected and I never thought I'd start off the year finding the perfect guy for me. We have spent everyday together (except for the 2 last week when I had a nasty stomach virus). We even took my son to Disney World for his 2 year old birthday. Oh yea, my son also turned 2 a couple weeks ago!!

Things are definitely starting to look up for me. From here on out, I will face each day with my head held high and thank God for the challenges I faced last year. Without them, I wouldn't be able to appreciate the gifts I now have.

Another thing I will be improving on this year are my two Etsy shops. I have a whole slew of new items I will be introducing in March. Gifts, Etc. will be undergoing a complete re-haul later this month. However, I have decided to temporarily close my Skincandy store. I just don't have the time and energy for 2 shops right now. I will be selling a whole lotta destash starting in the next few weeks, so be sure to keep an eye out on some great deals. If ever you are interested in a jewelry piece I have in the store now, feel free to email me and I can do a custom order now or in the future.

I am highly looking forward to what God has planned out for me this year. If its anything like the year I've been having so far...then I can't wait. :-)

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Top 16...Local Artists!!

This week's Top 16 is all about celebrating local artists. There is soo much talent living right here in the same city as me that I just had to dedicate this Top 16 to them. I was initially inspired by Beccamari's Etsy shop. Her husband is a local photographer who introduced me to her shop. Her shop is a little girl's fantasy land - beautiful paper roses, fun top hats, and whimsical prints.

I hope this Top 16 also inspires you to take a peek at your local artists. You'll be surprised just how much talent lives in your area.

To get to each item, just click the link below.

1st row:

Top Hat Mini

Naples Pier

Leave Only Footprints

Ice Princess High Heel Shoe Sculpture

2nd row:

Dollhouse Miniature Patio Pot with Red Geraniums

Adorable Boutique Tutu Dress fit for a Princess

Lemon Verbena Handmade Soap

Christmas Marshmallow Pops

3rd row:

Fun and Funky Half Apron

Lampwork foil heart and flat drop pendants

Yellow and Blue Flower Bowl

Merisol Earring

4th row:

Captian Jack Sparrow

Nightshades Multi Strand bracelet with Glass Beads and Indian Head Nickel

August Zipper Pouch

Sushi Roll Magnet

Sunday, October 19, 2008

ABCs

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Featured Etsian - Lyn Lloyd Designs

There's nothing like a great banner to really set the mood for your Etsy shop. And that's exactly what you'll get when you take a peek at Lyn Lloyd Designs Etsy shop. Her shop is full of customized banner and matching avatar sets. All of her banners are one of a kind! Here is my interview with Lyn Lloyd Designs.

Who are you?

I'm Carolyn, my nickname is 'Lyn' and the name 'Lloyd' comes from my grandmother. It's her maiden name. I'm a graphic designer, painter, artist, computer lover, tea lover, yoga enthusiast and book lover.

What is your Etsy Shop Name?

Lyn Lloyd Designs

What do you specialize in?

Graphic Design

What do you like best about Etsy?

I get to work from home! :D

Where do you find inspiration for your products?

Sometimes advertisements on tv and around the web, also just from my own art background, and from the shop I'm working for.

What is your favorite item in your shop? Someone else's shop?

I love all of my work, it all just reminds me how far I've come! I also love everything from the shop 'fringe' http://www.fringe.etsy.com/

Best advice you can give to other sellers?

Forums, forums, forums, then blog, blog, blog as well as always be nice to your customers no matter what! Don't argue or post anything about sales or arguments on the forum! Always have good business ethics!

Anything else you'd like to add?

I love what I do and I want to encourage others to, instead of sitting at home dreaming, to get out there and start doing something you love, even if it's small!

Thanks for the great interview Lyn!! Be sure to check out Lyn's shop. With the holidays right around the corner, now is the time to spruce up your shop with a fun holiday banner. :-)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

HAPPY CARD MAKING DAY!!

Today is World Card Making Day. What is this, you may ask? Well, read on...

(Excerpted from worldcardmakingday.com)

WHAT
World Card Making Day is a holiday especially for card makers around the world to:
- Celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family
- Kick off (and get a head start on) the holiday card-making season

WHEN
The first Saturday of each October, kicking off the holiday card-making season, the most popular time for creating and sharing handmade greetings.

WHO
The card-making community worldwide, including hobbyists, beginning card makers, manufacturers of card-making products, retail sellers of products, educators, and press are invited to come together to celebrate this holiday and creative passion.

WHY
It is a day to connect with fellow card makers both near and far, to applaud the creativity that powers the craft, and to provide an opportunity for card makers to connect and find resources that will empower, inspire, and encourage them in their card making.

So, there you have it!! The pictures are some of my favorites on Etsy. To get to each item, just click the picture. And don't forget to check out my selection of cards as well. :-) In honor of World Card Making Day, EVERY CARD in my shop will have FREE SHIPPING today!! Yippee!! Just wait for a revised invoice before paying.

To find out even more about World Card Making Day, be sure to visit http://worldcardmakingday.com/

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Just 3 months left!!

That's right!! Today is exactly 3 months until Christmas morning! Where the heck did this year go? It seems like I was just planning my son's 1st birthday party (his b-day is January 24) and now I'm already stocking up his Christmas pile and planning his 2nd b-day party!! This year, I'm going to try not to go as overboard as I did last year for Evan's 1st Christmas. He got sooo many toys from me, his Grandparents, and his 6 aunts and 7 uncles. I've already got a bunch of clothes and books for Evan, and a couple Mickey Mouse movies. For myself, I'm asking Santa for an IPod, new clothes, some scrapbooking supplies, and some books.

I'm also planning on doing alot of my Christmas shopping on Etsy this year. I've got quite a few things in my "favorites" that are perfect for Evan, my brother and sister, and my parents. If you are planning on shopping mostly on Etsy this year, may I make a few suggestions? :-) I'm planning on adding a whole bunch of new items to both my shops in the coming weeks.

http://giftsetc.etsy.com/
http://skincandy.etsy.com/

In Gifts, Etc., you can find all sorts of Christmas cards and gift tags. Don't see something you want? Feel free to send me a convo or leave me a message here about a custom order. While you're there, be sure to pick up some Thank you card sets (coming soon!!).

In Skincandy, you will find an array of beautiful handmade jewelry using everything from Swarovski Crystals to semi-precious stones. I also love taking custom orders in this shop as well. Also available, fun and festive Christmas jewelry!!

Be sure to stop by both shops every Saturday. I will be running a SNS, or Saturday Night Special, every Saturday from 5pm till midnight. Pick up some great deals on Saturdays!!

Another great place to shop, is from the Rockin' BnR list!! Right now, we have 29 fabulous shops on the list!! These shops sell some amazing items that would make great Christmas presents. And from now until Sunday, we are running this special:

*****ROCKIN' BnR!!*****
September 21 - September 28

Want to make more than 1 sale from this list? Here's how!!

* Make a purchase of $10 or more in any of the shops and get x2 by your name. You'll get 2 sales before getting kicked off.
* Make a purchase of $20 or more in any of the shops and get x3 by your name. You'll get 3 sales before getting kicked off.

To get to the Rockin' BnR, click follow this link...

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5818291&page=38

Wherever you choose to shop this year, just remember to have fun and try not to stress out too much. After all, Christmas is all about giving and family. And let's not forget the real meaning of Christmas...CHRISTmas. Remember to say Happy Birthday to Jesus this Christmas.

Happy Shopping!!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I'm still new to the whole "blogging" thing, so please bare with me. I'm hoping to use this blog to promote my shop as well as some of the other fabulous sellers on Etsy.

In my shop, I sell handmade greeting cards, gift tags, matchbook notebooks, business card envelopes, and more in the works! I also sell diecuts and punchouts that can be used in scrapbooks and your own handmade creations. Along with the paper crafts, you will also find some of my photography. These photographs have been taken right in my front yard!!

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. To get to my shop, just click this link.

http://GiftsEtc.etsy.com

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