IndieSmiles.com

Xmas in July – Part II

July 23, 2010 :: Posted by - rebecca :: Category - Artfire Studios, Etsy Spotlight, Headline, New Columnists, Zibbet Spotlight, showboat features

xmasnJulyweb

Part II by Contributing columnist Rebecca aka Raige Creations

Slide photo courtesy of All About The Buttons

Normally I am the type who embraces summer with no thoughts of the winter, cold, snow, or holiday shopping. Christmas is the last thing on my mind. I usually don’t even think of buying Christmas gifts until after Thanksgiving. Even then it is just a ’something I should think about doing soon’ sort of thought. Before I know it, Christmas is 2 weeks away and I NEED to start shopping. Those days are full of grasping, arguing about what to get, and quick! Needless to say, stress and desperation are the feelings that prevail until December 26th. Inevitably, I end up with generic, meaningless gifts that are relegated to the ‘donate’ bag by Easter. Year after year, I make a vow not to repeat these actions again. Yet while soaking up the sun and wasting away the lazy days of summer, I came to the realization that I was on the path to make the same mistake again this year. The rays of the sun and the sounds of nature reassured me there was still plenty of time. But then there was talk of Christmas in July by retailers. “Christmas? Now?” I thought. “Too soon!”, the sun tried to convince me. But after some contemplation, maybe this wasn’t a bad idea. Perhaps, just perhaps, the seasonal spell which had seemingly been cast, had falsely assured this weather would last. Logic crept in and started eating away at my summer fantasies. Not willing to completely surrender to reality, I managed to make my way to the house for the laptop to casually surf the web as I returned to worship the sun.

I found that Christmas in July celebrations can be traced back to 1933 in North Carolina. It didn’t take long after for the retail world to take advantage of this marketing opportunity in a time of generally slow sales. The first mention of Christmas in July in advertising was back in 1950, specifically “It’s Christmas in July at Browning King” (advertisement), The New York Times, July 20, 1950, p. 16. (Thank you Wikipedia) Since then, various retailers have used this campaign to stimulate sales, and the community of Handmade sellers are no different.

browningking

Sellers of Handmade and vintage items through most venues have completely embraced this tool, and you will be happy to find wonderful deals on all kinds of treasures. Off one wave, onto another as I surf some of my favorite sites and found a few unexpected discoveries.

To get in the Christmas spirit, perhaps some Nostalgic Victorian Childrens Christmas Gift Tags, by Southern Ladys Vintage. Gift tags are one of the things which we all need but never remember to buy until the last minute – or is that just me?

Vintage Christmas Tags

Let’s not forget the necessities for entertaining family and friends that is usually ’slim pickings’ in the weeks before Christmas. Green plastic plates usually adorn my table by default as festive serving dishes are always a last minute thought. But not this year. Resetar Glass Art Studio has a great solution, a White Christmas Tree Fused Glass Plate. Perfect for the hors d’oeuvres to go with the wine or the pastries and eggnog.

White Glass Christmas Tree Plate

Speaking of wine, it would be nice to have an accessory to go with that too. These Wine Sock Bags by Catfluff, are also on sale for Christmas in July. The beauty of these is they can be used all fall, winter, or whenever, or even make great gifts for someone on your list.

Recycled Sweater Wine Sock Bags in Autumn Colors

Gift giving is a part of Christmas that we should look forward to, but for some, the mass produced commercial bombardment of options have left us dreading the shopping experience. For me, it has been particularly discouraging as I normally scramble to find something at the last minute at the nearest Super Center that the recipient would even want. I have discovered the Christmas in July sales provide the means to shop without the normal stressors of shopping in December. I can casually browse online and buy beautiful, handmade items made with care and full of meaning, without the crowded lines, the inevitble panic and grasping – and get a great deal!

Herb Gardening Planter

I like to give gifts with significance to an individual that can be used year round. This Herb Gardening Planter, by AndrewsReclaimed on Etsy, is perfect for those people that love fresh herbs. Just pick up this set (BOGO sale!), either plant their favorite herbs or include a few packs of seeds, and it’s a gift that gives well past Christmas. That’s 2 gifts done in a single purchase.

What about those that are difficult to buy for? Yes, I know we all have them on our list, and it is particularly difficult because you have to get something for each one. This solution may be just the thing. A Catchall for all the little things they bring home and throw on the nearest table, or placed somewhere and forget where it was. Now they can can have a dedicated spot for such necessities or eccentricities. One can hope to achieve organization. A few family members of the male gender come to mind and would certainly benefit from more than one of these. Feltplanet is offering these great organizers in many colors and sizes of for any style and taste.

Small Felt Bowl Catchall

Rounding out the list are those teens who want everything new and trendy and cool. Those that fall into that category on our lists by far cause the most stress at Christmastime, not to mention the rest of the year. But a small token to let them know we ‘get it’ is usually appreciated. This Goth Rock Chic Skellington Cell Phone Charm, by itsmythingdesigns on Zibbet, might do the trick.

Goth Rock Skellington Cell Phone Charm

So now that I fully embrace Christmas in July and buying Handmade and Vintage, I encourage you to do the same. These are just a few examples of the variety and abundance of unique items that I stumbled upon browsing the Christmas in July Sales. Imagine what you you will be able to find. Rest assured, it will be a holiday season without the stress of frantic shopping! This year I am actually looking forward to wrapping meaningful, one of a kind gifts for those special people on my list. I never thought summer would include such pleasant thoughts of Christmas. This is definitely going to become part of my summer routine. And remember the sunscreen!

Don’t forget to check out Nikkie’s Part I on Christmas In July specials, artfire studios,Zibbet and Etsy spotlights for more great shops that may be having special summer promotions.

Edited by Barbra aka: All About The Buttons

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Where The Pixy Plays

July 06, 2010 :: Posted by - Jay :: Category - Artfire Studios, Haffina Creations, Headline

By Contributing Columnist Jay aka HaffinaCreations

I am a Polymer Clay artist, and one of the best things for me about being involved with Polymer Clay are all the other ‘Smooshers’. One of my absolute favourites happens to be the Guildmaster of the Polymer Clay Smooshers on ArtFire, and one of my best friends. It gives me much pleasure to introduce you to Coltpixy aka Star.

What will people find when they drop into your studio/store? What types of items do you sell?
Small sculptures, scale miniatures and some jewelry and accessories.

How did you come up with your studio/ shop’s name?
I love and collect fairies. I have 100’s of them ranging from sculptures to paintings to just about anything. Magnets, a zippo lighter, pretty much anything. Many are handmade, some are not. A ColtPixy is a mischievous fairy.

How long have you been selling online?
I’ve been on ArtFire since 2008.

What lead you to join ArtFire?
I learned about ArtFire from an ad they had on a blog I read. I did not join it immediately. It was very new and I didn’t like the way it looked but I thought it had promise so kept an eye on it. I saw them make changes based on the sellers input. The staff were friendly and approachable. I joined and have been very
happy there.

What is your favourite feature on the site?
I like how buyers do not have to register on ArtFire to buy. I love that the studios are customizable so that they reflect the individual sellers. There are lots of great tools.

What tips/advice would you give to others considering joining the site?
Read the Help guides. There are many available giving step by step advice along with screen shots to help you learn not only how to use ArtFire but how to use SEO and even payment processors, various networking sites, etc. ArtFire wants you to be successful and not just on their site but everywhere.

How do you want people who visit your studio/shop to feel, what mood are you attempting to create?
A sense of playfulness. I really hope that my shop and the things that I create make people smile.

What types of things do you do to try and create that feel/mood?
Everything from my colorful banner and avatar to the items that I make.

What is your favourite tool or material to use at the moment?
I have worked in many different mediums over the years. Right now my favorite is polymer clay. The possibilities of what can be done with it are endless.

Are there any skills or techniques that you would like to learn, or materials that you would like to work with, aside from what you already do?
I would very much like to play with precious metal clay.

Are you still selling the same kind of items as when you started selling, or has it changed with time?
It has changed quite a bit over time. My first job was as a teenager designing and painting murals and huge signs for a big real estate company in Texas. The man who owned the company saw some of my pieces
that my high school art teacher had entered in a gallery show and liked my work.

Which part of being an online seller do you find the most challenging, and what do you do to deal with that?
Time management. I live in a rural area where the only internet option is dial-up. For me the most challenging thing is having time to do everything I need to do online and still have time to create, take care of family and other offline responsibilities. No matter where you sell online or offline people cannot buy from you if they do not know who you are so I have to schedule time to network and promote at various sites online.

How do you balance your online and offline life?
I can’t stand to sit for very long so I go back and forth from online to offline. I am blessed to have wonderful people in my life both online and offline. They are all very important to me.

What kind of supplies do you always seem to buy, even if you do not really need them?
I don’t think I understand the question. I really need all of them from every medium.

Drop into ColtPixy on ArtFire and see her fantastic Polymer Clay creations, you will not regret it.

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Crafty Men

May 08, 2010 :: Posted by - Connie :: Category - Artists helping others, Folksy Favs, Headline, Konnie Kapow, Shops to Watch!, showboat features

By contributing columnist Connie of KonnieKapow on Folksy

Where The Boys Are, Part 1

I recently had the pleasure of meeting some of the few male crafters and artisans of Folksy, charming gents they are!

Crafting is undeniably associated with women who pass their specialist craft down through the generations. Most people I know who knit for example were taught by their grandmother or mother. I know lots of people (all women) who learned to sew the same way or at school. Crafty women, especially now during the craft revival, are everywhere but where are the guys? I know men can knit! My Dad can, he told me! I’m yet to see the evidence but there exists a small and somewhat lopsided red dog made from buckram of which he is very proud!

Are fishing nets not a form of knitting? Were these not handmade at some point? I’m certain they were at least mended by hand on board. Surely it must have been men who did this? Obviously knitting’s not the only craft in existence but it’s a good starting point for discussion… I heard a rumour that Russell Crowe knits…..?

The purpose of this series of interviews is to try and shed some light on the men of Folksy, why do they do what they do and ultimately, why don’t more men craft?!

So kicking off my series of interviews in style is the lovely Dave a.k.a. The Nosuch Disco

Name: David Burgess

Age: 30

From: Stoke on Trent

Favourite colour: Black

Favourite animal: Cat

Favourite band: Queen (they rule so so so so so so so much)

Favourite movie: Highlander

Favourite book: Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray

How did you learn your craft?

I suppose I learnt my craft out of the ashes of a failed career as a Graphic Designer. I really wasn’t very good; I simply couldn’t design flyers for washing machines or take away menus. Eventually I got sacked and took up a role teaching design to disadvantaged kids, it was about this time that I was able to develop a style of illustration that I was happy with, and began to come up with characters that would be suitable for a book. From there everything seemed to flow quite organically. About a year later, Waldo the Worm was born.

Your eureka moment – what is your favourite thing you have ever made?

I suppose it would be the book, it was a long time in the making and it’s really something to be proud of. I hate blowing my own trumpet, but it is pretty good. That said, I do like one of my posters, the Toast one, the idea came to me and I made it in about 5 minutes. I really like how sometimes great ideas can just come to you and develop into something rapidly.

Your “D’oh!” moment – what was your biggest crafting disaster?

I bought 100 mugs and they were really poor quality, I fired a design onto them and it ending up looking really dull and was flaking in places. I tried to turn it into a positive – I knew I couldn’t possibly sell them – so before I moved out of my old house I went out at 4am one morning and planted loads of mugs on the door steps of the nearest 100 houses, sort of a mystery present for everyone.

Is crafting what you do full time or do you have a Clark Kent style alter-ego?

Unfortunately it is a part time thing here. I still have to teach during the day, it certainly gets in the way of crafting. I hope to one day go full time with my craft but until then I still have to look after unruly kids!

Where do you do your crafting?

Wherever possible, I might try to sneak in a crafty craft while at work, or when I’m on my dinner. Other than that Friday nights are good as I can work late into the night. I find that I work better at night; it’s difficult to do that on a school night as I really have to shut my brain off by a certain hour or I can’t sleep.

Tell us a bit about your crafting philosophy (e.g. environmental, heritage, family, therapy!)

Errrrrm, I’m not sure I have one, other than; it’s only good enough when you’re 100% sure about it!

Why do you think there are far more female than male crafters?

Its not something I had given any thought to until now, I’m not sure I could give an answer without sounding ridiculously sexist! I think guys should defo craft, its something that is open to all and if they have the talent it is something that is worth exploring.

Tell us something surprising about yourself (non craft related)?

When I was 19, I accidentally set my car on fire outside my ex girlfriend’s house.

What’s the manliest thing you make?

Erm. I guess everything I do is supposed to be aimed at kids and be a bit unisex… but the posters are perhaps manly? Maybe? No?

What’s the least manly thing you make?

I’d say the scarf, although a few guys have bought them, so that’s encouraging!

What would you say to encourage more men to craft?

Ladies love a guy that can make stuff*

*not strictly true.

You can check out The Nosuch Disco on Folksy or Waldo the Worm’s Website!

Edited by Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM

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Folksy Folk Who Zibbet, Too!

April 12, 2010 :: Posted by - Barbra :: Category - All About The Buttons, Headline, Shops to Watch!, Zibbet Spotlight

By Contributing Columnist Amanda aka GimmeThatThing

Unless you have been holidaying on the moon lately you are bound to have heard about Zibbet by now. Zibbet is a relatively new kid on the block as a growing online market place for all things craft related and has slowly been gaining momentum over the past few months. However, like all young kids it has experienced a sudden growth spurt in the last few weeks as sellers choose to expand their repertoire and take advantage of its great offer. As an incentive to its shop owners to promote the site, Zibbet gives each seller a referral link when they join, from which they can reap the benefits. With each Premium Account referral that they acquire they receive $1 off their monthly fee, and can even find themselves owning a free shop for life. Sellers can also opt for a Basic Account with no monthly fee, and a small commission on sales is all they pay. Either way, it’s a win-win situation with Zibbet growing on a daily basis and experiencing increased traffic to the site. It looks like Zibbet could soon become huge.

A forum has been established on the ning network. With the UK Zibbeters Group only a few days old, we already have nearly 20 members, many of whom I am already familiar with on the Folksy forum. Zibbet also has a growing forum and a chat facility meaning we can all get to know each other better on a personal basis if we so choose. The forum is informative, friendly and helpful, with many people having years of sales experience and only too willing to help any newbies who are still finding their crafting feet. Zibbet is simple to navigate and the item listing process is a piece of cake, even for the technology-challenged folk like me. Having more than one online shop is a great way to increase your exposure.

I caught up with a couple of Folksy sellers who have recently arrived to sell on Zibbet too. Annabella of Annabella Designs opened for business with Folksy way back in June of last year and initially heard about Zibbet which she joined just a few days ago, from a discussion on the Folksy forum. She specialises in wedding items and bridal wear such as garters, vintage and retro bridal petticoats and wedding skirts and corsets. Her favourite item features in both her shops is a satin ring pillow. Annabella promotes both her shops on the Zibbet and Folksy forums as well as with Craft Juice and many bridal forums. The particular features that she loves on Zibbet are the clean crisp and uncluttered look of the site and the fact that it is so user friendly.

Another seller I found on both Folksy and Zibbet is Caroline from Scape. She first discovered Zibbet via a Google search when she was looking for an additional online craft marketplace on which to sell her jewellery. She joined Zibbet in February. She is not keen on the self promotion that is required in order to get an online shop noticed but will promote new listings occasionally on Facebook. She is a keen fan of Stumbleupon as a promotional site. Caroline loves the fact that on Zibbet a seller can customize their shop in order to aid branding. She also likes the promotional coupons and gift certificates as a great way of plugging a shop. Her favourite item in her Zibbet shop is her Moonlight Ring Set which is also listed on Folksy.

There are many other Folksy folk who Zibbet too, including little old me at Gimme That Thing. I love the fact that I can list items for free in my Zibbet shop, so I do not have to think twice if I want to add or remove anything from my shop on a whim. My favourite item that currently appears in both my shops is the Temples of Siam Earrings. Check out Zibbet as a buyer or a seller. You won’t be disappointed.

Photos courtesy of:

http://www.zibbet.com/AnnabellaDesigns

http://www.zibbet.com/Scape

http://www.zibbet.com/GimmeThatThing

http://www.zibbet.com/portablegraffiti

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Indie Mascot Kitty Katie

February 25, 2010 :: Posted by - Linda :: Category - Headline, Indiesmiles news, LindaGJ, blogs and their owners

LindaGJ aka LindaGJ

Hi everyone, Katie here.
Yes, I became an IndieKitty awhile back when Linda GJ wrote an article about Cat Blogs. Well, since I have my very own blog : http://glogirly.blogspot.com/ I have been elected with becoming the new Mascot for Indiesmiles, which I am not at all surprised, since I am well known for my sharp tongue and sarcastic wit. A floofy, sweet lap cat, I am not. I am so right for this job because I soooo… fit the meaning of Indie.
‘INDIE’
The Urban Dictionary defines Indie as “Cooler than Emo.” Now I don’t know who this Emo guy is, but I’m going to assume he’s very cool. The Urban Dictionary goes on to note that Indie is an informal version of Independent. Here’s where it gets even cooler: Indie has come to symbolize originality and forward-thinking.
So as an Indie Kitty, I am an independent, original, forward-thinking, cooler than emo CAT. Now how cooler than emo is THAT!!
Just call me Indie’s Mascot Kitty Katie.
You all also will have to go visit my blog which is all about me.
Here is the movie I was featured in with the article that 1st introduced me here on Indiesmiles. I am the star and it all about me… naturally!

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Jewels of Saraswati

February 20, 2010 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Jewels of Saraswati, columnists

My name is Lauren and I’m a Professional flutist by night, Etsy seller by day, I love to create jewelry and meditation malas inspired by yoga, the earth and my dreams.

I am a conservatory trained musician with a love for performing both classical and experimental chamber music. Only last summer I was inspired to create my own malas for my meditation practice, which then led to also creating jewelry and eventually opening an Etsy shop. It is a wonderful outlet for me, as I have always loved art and receive great satisfaction from creating with my hands.

I am also an avid blogger, free spirit, aspiring yogini and lover of the indie lifestyle! Presently, I live in New Jersey with my husband and my dog

Visit Jewels of Saraswati

ARTICLES by Jewels of Saraswati:

Exhilarating Nostalgia

Easy tips – Eco Friendly

Going, going, gone!

Crafting with Spirit

Shrimp Salad Circus

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Happy Giveaways Yay!

January 02, 2010 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Biz Advice - Get Noticed!, Headline

H A P P Y G I V E A W A Y S

By Susan Rosen, Publisher

Funny, that when you are involved in online selling these days, you find that Contests or Giveaways are the hottest thing going! While thinking of ways to get your name out, you must provide your prospective customers a sure fire way to visit your shop. Most of the giveaways that I’ve been involved in and have entered usually ask you to visit their shop and then leave a comment on their blog with your favorite item. This is when the customer starts to dream about owning one of your items!

So what happens next? You’ve now devolped a repore with the customers that have visited your shop, they have have left a heart or two and you never know….they may have found an item to purchase. If anything the shop holder now has some added views.

You may also find that the contest holder will provide more entries to their customers by asking them to Twitter about their giveaway, post in in Facebook and even do a post on their blog. Some of these postings can result in 5 or mor extra entries! Plus it now gives you as the contest holder more visibilty!

Since giveaways have been growing within the Indie community, Indiesmiles has just started their new section “Happy Giveaways” it’s a place for all of us to find the recent giveaways that are out there! So, when you stop by to read an article or to peruse the advertisers…you can also check out the “Happy Giveaways”. And most certainly if you have a giveaway that is going on in your online shop just purchase a listing for $1.00. We enjoy providing advertising for $1.00, after all the online craft business has taken a beating with a slow economy; so we at Indiesmiles want to make it easy on you and your budget!

Lets take a look at some current contests!

What a clever method to present a contest! Pinareis is amazing. You have got to, got to check out her video contest! It is AWESOME, along with her prizes! She is giving out 4 different designs to 4 different winners! So take a minute or two, watch her video and join in her fantastic contest…and the chance to win one of her fabulous prizes. I adore the scarves, they are incredible!

I spoke to the gal who runs Pinareis by email, she was so sweet and so appreciative of the “Happy Giveaways” listings!

Another fun contest is Adelle’s Resin Bangles! Her blog is so colorful and so are her Bangles, infact to win one of her bright and fun bangles you need to let Adelle know which color is your fav. Join in the fun here!

In the happy world of giveaways, you will also find that bloggers enjoy hosting giveaways for other artists! So is the case for Amazing Mae as she hosts the giveaways for “Grace Hester’s” Family prints. Now this also an awesome giveaway!

There are several other current “Happy Giveaways” and I do wish I could mention them all, but the fun is in the winning…so off I go to Twitter about one, Facebook post about another and don’t forget…comment…comment…comment!

Stop back often to see the new giveaways, there are always contests being posted in Indiesmiles…so don’t miss out!
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Black Friday Deals galore with the Coupon Directory!

November 08, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Headline

by Susan Rosen
THE EXCITEMENT?
As one of the founders of Indiesmiles I cannot tell you how my soul has been warmed recently due to the excitement surrounding the Etsy Black Friday Extravaganza! I will be filling you in on what’s happening with this huge SALE, but first a little bit about the birth of Indiesmiles and the coupon directory history.

THE PAST INDIE COUPONS
When El and myself headed up a project for EFA “Etsy for Animal’s” Birthday bash there were over 180 shops participating in a very successful Discount Coupon Program. We had set-up a directory in the EFA blog so that customers could purchase from a one stop shopping place and find discounts in all of those wonderful shops. Needless to say, if you have ever ran a program this large you can imagine the record keeping nightmares of how work intensive the blog posting can be in regards to running this type of huge sale!

THE BIRTH OF INDIESMILES
After this successful Coupon Sale, El and I decided to start Indiesmiles with the Coupon Directory in mind. We thought that if shops were having a sale how would they normally be noticed unless you happened to stumble upon their shop announcement, a forums post, or a “sale” avatar. The hopes of getting the word out is almost futile! At the same time Artfire was in the midst of developing their coupon system and if you run a sale in Artfire your sale can get listed within, but we thought to ourselves, if you are not part of Artfire…how would someone find your sale?

SHOPPERS?
The main thought was “How can SHOPPERS find discounts offered in the endless amount of shops on Etsy, Artfire, websites and blogs! “

GET A SMALL TASTE:

SOLVING THE PROBLEM!
El and I sought to solve this problem by creating a portal where as you could submit your own text ad, so to speak, and then announce the details of your sale, using an online format. Then by advertising the portal in Google, Facebook , Project Wonderful as well as handmade blogs and other venues. We wanted to get the word out to SHOPPERS! Just as commercial shops are able to advertise their coupon codes in Coupon Directories, we wanted to have an Indie presence in regard to discounts! October of last year, the Coupon Directory and Indiesmiles was born.

WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO SAY?
Read what some bloggers have said about Indiesmiles:
From Tailortaste

Finally! Someone out there gets it. Indiesmiles is a one-stop-webshop for all things indie – meaning: emerging + unique talent.

And from:
Gifted Designs
We’re also lucky to have Sue, head honcho at Indiesmiles.com, support us in our site-wide effort at promoting handmade by offering us directory listings in her super fun Coupon Directory!

Indiesmiles has also been featured in Killer Startups
and our Twitter Background is featured in the Twitter Gallery:

SUE GOES SOLO
Coming from two different academic backgrounds, El with a technical background and myself with a marketing background the partnership was a good meld. We had many days of brainstorming and developing Indiesmiles together and it was a blast! But in time, sadly El found that hosting Indiesmiles as well as going to Med school full time was just too much for her schedule. Since I’m in home sales and business is slow in my “day job” I decided to keep Indiesmiles up and running on my own. I invited on wonderful Contributing Columnists with vast knowledge of running handmade shops or craft sales!

THE BLACK FRIDAY SALE EMERGES!
Now lets get to the bread and butter of this article! Deon of Poocheze had a thought. In the Book Titled the “The Greatest Secret” by Earl Nightingale, he speaks of all great things occurring with just one thought! Poocheze’s thought was to start an Etsy Black Friday sale and she began by getting the word out in the Etsy forums. With the Law of Attraction always putting the wheels in motion, many shops jumped on board. Several shops offered to help in any way that they could, one shop in particular, gifted designs, took on the big job of designed the all the images and another shop, Zeba, offered to design a blog. A Facebook Fan Page was also started so that ideas and deals could be announced.

THE COUPON DIRECTORY REVISTED!
Indiesmiles and Poocheze put their heads together and talked about Indiesmiles supporting the sale. After all, the coupon format was already in place. But it just didn’t seem right to charge everyone to join this endeavor, the coupon text submission usually runs $2.00 (which doesn’t break the bank) but since we were inviting a group to be part of the Coupon Directory, I offered the listings out for free!

VISIT THE SHOPS!
Presently we have approx 80 shops in the directory and it’s growing daily. Shoppers will be able to peruse all of the handmade and vintage shops and find their holiday shopping, at a bargain, all in one convenient directory!

WHEN???
The sale will run from Nov 27th (Black Friday) through Nov 30th (Cyber Monday) and the deals are tremendous. With so many shops participating it should be able to cover most of your shopping list, if not all!

CARTOON CONTEST!
Soon we will be announcing an exciting cartoon contest that will be open to both buyers and sellers of the extravaganza. So stop back and be sure to join in the fun of the contest. The winner will receive handmade items from some of the participating shops whom are donating these items out of the kindness of their hearts! I can’t wait to tell you about them all. If you want to be notified of the contest, please email me (provided below) and I’ll make sure you get all the details!

LET’s SHOP!!
In the meantime, take a look at the lovely items from shops that gave a kick-start to the Coupon Directory in regards to this fun sale! Be sure to visit these shops as well as the many shops that are listed in the directory, we hope to see you all there!

HOW TO GET LISTED FOR FREE!
HOW TO CONTACT SUE!
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT THE CONTEST!
Should you want to know more about listing your Etsy Black Firday sale for FREE in the Coupon directory, if you would like to hear about upcoming events via email, would like to help out with the contest or just have questions please feel free to email me at:
indiesmiles@gmail.com.

Hope you enjoy perusing the shops and also shopping the fantastic deals as much as I do!

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Help wanted!

October 04, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Biz Advice - Get Noticed!

We are looking for contributing columnists to assist with our front page content. You don’t have to be a professional writer! If you have marketing ideas, business tips or crafting how to’s ideas then Indiesmiles wants you!
All you need to do is contact me at:
sue@indiesmiles.com
let me know you want to be a writer and send a short blurb about yourself.
Once you are accepted then we will ask you to provide articles when you can, for each article that you submit you will receive a free 125×125 ad for 2 weeks, located on our sidebar. This is a 12.00 value!
You will not have deadlines, you will not have any pressure! All we ask is that the content is Indie related and original work.
So, contact us today!

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