By Contributing Columnist Kimberly Barnes aka Teatowelcreek

Recycling and Upcycling has become a very important part of our nations lifestyle in order to save the planet.

Recycling is the process of using a products useful parts and turning it into a new product;  Upcycling is similar to recycling in that you are taking a product and reworking it into a completely new form than what it was originally made into.

Every little thing we do on this earth can either assist in saving this planet or aid in it’s destruction.

By:

Barbra La Bosco, aka

All About the Buttons

contributing columnist

Packaging was one of my first considerations with online selling. You’ll want to deliver a securely wrapped package that is more like a gift than a purchase without greatly increasing costs. Most of us love to receive gifts, so when your customer’s open the package they are going to be pleasantly surprised and it will leave a good impression about you and your shop. Happy customers equate to future sales!

First off, why not recycle. If you have received something in a padded envelope or a box that does not have an odor or isn’t torn, re-use it. Re-use and save bubble wrap as well. Organize all your shipping materials in one central space so you don’t have to hunt when you make a sale. Keep your wrapping paper/tissue in a box or plastic container, the  drawer style will give you separate sections without spending a  ton on various containers. The organizers also will keep your supplies neat and ready to go! You may want to use  another separate drawer to house  your gift cards, thank you cards, promo packs, gifts, business cards and postcards.  Then finally use another  section of your organizer to  house the packing tape and other postal service supplies.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make your packaging pretty. Hit dollar stores, discount shops and the clearance aisles especially after holidays and then store it for the future; when you see a sale, stock up!

Enclosing extra goodies in your package is a hot topic. Many sellers are firmly against and many love to do it. Perhaps you can find goodies from your stash that may not be useful to you but may be something your buyer will be extremely grateful for. That’s entirely up to you but be aware of what you ‘throw’ in and don’t lose money.  A little note and nice packaging can go far and not hurt your wallet!

An online purchase and sale is special and hard to come by. Make your buyers feel you really appreciate that they chose to shop with you. It can’t hurt and you can get great results even by packaging on a dime!

Picture courtesy of RiriCreations

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Like most of us that are creative by nature;  I really have a thing for color! Recently while redecorating my new home, I had done accent walls in a “teal” and was searching for Sunflower artwork on Etsy that would compliment this shade in my kitchen.

Searching through pages and pages of lovely sunflower artwork, I found the perfect piece! Bellacosaart not only had done a Sunflower with a sea blue background, she had done something quite interesting, the work was painted on a paper sack! Bellacosaart had saved the brown sack from the city dump and turned it into something quite beautiful, my Boyfriend who is very green about throwing away paper was extremely pleased with my purchase! When we can get our guys to agree with buying something we LOVE it’s a win-win situation that makes us smile!

This artist also carries her love for color into her jewelry designs. Bright and happy shades of earrings and more to match or accent your outfits or jeans!

I’m wild about her subject matter in this work, shoes can be our passion as well as perfume, so this painting would work well in your bedroom to signify that you enjoy a nite on the town!

And this is so cool, I love what Bellacosaart did with a bent spoon! Fantastic upcycling!

One visit to
laurali – Zen Breeze Art Gallery

and you will be convinced of the talent of artistry that Etsy artisans represent. I don’t think anyone that has visited http://www.etsy.com has missed her art prints or lovely artwork pendants displayed on the front page or within the compounds of the endless beautiful treasuries.

What struck me the most is the realism of her moonlight and sunset prints. I can actually feel the energy of nature come through the computer screen! Even though I’ve admired her lovely items from afar I am sure she is scattered through the majority of etsy user favorites. I’m taken back to her Etsy shop time and time again. If you haven’t found her yet, once you visit her shop, I’m sure that you will return to visit her lovelies time and time again!

This print struck my eye this morning, since it’s a cold and cloudy day at the Delaware shore, and I’m fighting a nasty cold, the zen subject matter of an Asian pot of tea, the bamboo stalks, and a comforting kitty soothed my snifflly nose! It’s funny how her visuals can lift the spirits and cure what ails ya!

You’ll adore her pendants, how fantastic to wear a work of art! Another must on a cloudy day, is her sunflower pendant…on sale you can’t miss this one, wear it and there is a good chance that you will improve the outlook of everyone around you!

Bring some Zen into your life, and visit http://www.Laurali.etsy.com.

IndieSmiles favs are unsolicited reviews of Sue and El’s favorite indie shops and are not compensated for these reviews. If you would like Sue and El to notice your shop, please send them an email at info@indiesmiles.com