By Contributing Columnist Jay of Haffina Creations

Not many people know, but I am the mother of twin boys, and as such I understand how challenging it can be to be creative with twin bundles of joys dancing like a whirlwind through your house. Now let me introduce you to another mother of twin boys, who creates beautiful items whilst being a fabulous mom to her darling boys. Teri Landow is the driving force behind The Beaded Branch and my featured ArtFire artisan.

What will people find when they drop into your studio/store? What types of items do you sell?
An eclectic mix of bead jewelry, sterling silver chainmaille, Bug Bag pouches, and of course, my very own line of Present Past Treasures.

How did you come up with your studio/ shop’s name?
The name for my shop came about by combining several ideas:
1) I really love trees, and wanted to incorporate the idea of trees into my business name somehow.
2) I loved the idea of “branches” being related to arms, necks, ears, etc of a person and them being decorated with my jewelry.
3) When I started out, my designs were very simplistic bead earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I never really thought I’d expand out past the beaded branch of jewelry making. Of course, I was wrong, but I still try to incorporate beads in everything I sell.

How long have you been selling online?
I started my own online shop over 10 years ago. I ran into the trouble that so many do, though. After I got married, and started a family, the huge time commitment of having to maintain a website just got to be too much. So, I started exploring my options, and came across Etsy, then ArtFire. In November of 2008, I opened my Etsy shop, and then in May of 2009 I opened my ArtFire Studio. I still have my own website, and might actually get around to updating it now that my children are actually starting school.

What lead you to join ArtFire?
Many, many factors lead me to joining ArtFire. The sense of community was the main thing, but other than that, all of the wonderful features that AF offers. The guilds, the ability to have ten pictures of each product, the coupon and gift certificate codes, being able to edit everything in my store with a few simple keystrokes, the list goes on and on. The real clincher for me was when I made my first sale in my ArtFire Studio. I was so excited, I tweeted it on my Twitter page. When the owner of ArtFire sent me a direct message, congratulating me on my sale, that meant the world to me. I’ve never deleted that tweet, and still read it when I need a little boost. The fact that he took that time to do that was a real sign to me that ArtFire cares about the artisans that choose to sell there.

What is your favourite feature on the site?
I have to pick ONE? (lol) It’s a toss up between the coupon codes and the bulk editing feature. I love how easy it is to set up coupon codes for my customers. The fact that I can pick what code for the coupon will be is awesome, because it makes it much easier for me to keep track of when it was used.
The bulk editing feature is awesome. Being able to go in and reprice everything in my studio, or add tags to everything with just a few keystrokes, is wonderful and so time saving. It’s just so easy and convenient.

What tips/advice would you give to others considering joining the site?
Read up on how to take really good photographs of your products. Make sure your photos are nice, clear, and in focus. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Learn how to market using blogs and social networks. Figure out all of your shipping prices before you start listing. Set aside money for advertising. Join guilds and participate. Make a lot of friends in the crafting world. We are the best support to each other when sales are slow, and we need a little mental boost.

How do you want people who visit your studio/shop to feel, what mood are you attempting to create?
I try to create the feel of a cozy and relaxed slightly upscale boutique where you never quite know what’s going to spring up next.

What types of things do you do to try and create that feel/mood?
I don’t necessarily revolve my stock, but whenever I add pieces, I always try to make sure that I add an assortment of pieces in a new line at the same time, as a boutique would do when they received a new shipment, instead of one piece here and one piece there.

What is your favourite tool or material to use at the moment?
Right now, at this moment, I don’t really have a favorite. Actually, at any moment it would be hard for me to narrow down my favorite of anything to one thing. I love pearls, and would incorporate them into every piece I make if I possibly could. I’m also currently exploring materials and techniques that are new to me. Polymer clay and epoxy resins are the big ones right now, and since I’m still in the learning phase of those two mediums, I get to play with them, and learn how to make pieces that are good enough to sell.

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?
Oh, several. I would love to learn to work with glass, and also I want to expand my knowledge of polymer clay, epoxy resins, metal clays, painting, and sewing. I love to learn new skills and techniques that can cross over from one medium to another, seeing how and what I can combine to create some new, unique pieces.

Are you still selling the same kind of items as when you started selling, or has it changed with time?
Yes and no. Yes, I still sell my basic bead jewelry. I’ll never fully get away from that, and wouldn’t want to. But, because I get distracted easily, and my desire to explore new techniques often overwhelms me, I switch off what I’m working on at any given moment, and my lines are continually expanding and growing. That’s the one problem with having so many friends who are so very talented in different art forms. I see their work, and think “Ooohh, I’d like to try that!”, and I do.

Which part of being an online seller do you find the most challenging, and what do you do to deal with that?
The whole process of listing products in my Studio- pricing, photographing, descriptions, tagging, all of it. It can really drag me down. The way I deal with it is to just bite the bullet and do it. Generally, I wait until I have a stockpile of products made, and I do a several day long photo shoot of everything. Then I spend another day editing the photos, and then another day or two listing. It’s a very draining week or so for me, and I always refer to them as my “necessary evil” days.

How do you balance your online and offline life?
I try to keep it balanced, but there are some days when the lure of the online world is just too great, and I’ll spend all day chatting, and drooling over my friends new works. There are other days, however, when I have no desire to go online at all, so I just check my email once or twice those days, and leave it at that. Having kids helps keep the balance, because their needs come first. So, I do have to spend time offline feeding them, playing with them, reading to them, and doing arts and crafts with them.

What kind of supplies do you always seem to buy, even if you do not really need them?
It used to be beads. Now, I have to admit, it’s pretty much whatever comes into view that I think I might be able to use. If I find a new craft that I find intriguing, I’ll buy just enough of the basic supplies to try it out. But even that I’ve slowed down on. I need to use up what I have before I buy anything more.

To see more gorgeous creations from The Beaded Branch check out her ArtFire Studio.

Slideshow image by James Oliver

By contributing columnist Donna Knox of GlassandWireGems

ArtFire has a new artifact that is only available to its PRO members. It is the “Certified Handmade Artifact” and it has caused quite a stir in the ArtFire community. Those who applied were waiting for this:

Congratulations! We have reviewed your application for the Certified Handmade Artifact and we find your ArtFire studio “GlassandWireGems” to be in compliance and eligible for the Certified Handmade Artifact.

Your studio has been awarded the Certified Handmade Artifact…<

ArtFire's Certified Handmade Artifact

The Certified Handmade Artifact designates a voluntary commitment to exclusively offering Handmade and Fine Art items on ArtFire. If you no longer wish to uphold this commitment, please contact….so that the artifact can be removed from your studio.

The initial announcement about the artifact included the following: 100% of the items in the Applicants studio must be listed in Handmade or Fine Art. Studios with commercially produced supplies and destash are not eligible. There are two exceptions that can be made. You may list Handmade supplies in the “Supplies >> Handmade Supplies” categories. You are also allowed to have gift certificates to YOUR studio listed in “Media >> Gift Certificates”.

Those who applied had to meet a number of pre-requisites, i.e. be a PRO member for at least 60 days, a member in good standing with ArtFire, have 100% of their items listed under the Handmade or Fine Art headings, have complete studios including an avatar, banner, complete studio policies and a Bio with a photo and their product photos had to be in-focus and of a reasonably sufficient size. In the application you had to describe your main handmade craft, explain the process you use to create your craft and provide pictures of your work space and a work in process.

Kevin, ArtFire’s Director of Social Media, answered one question about the artifact this way: The Certified Handmade Artifact is intended to designate members who are committed to offering only handmade items. You may not sell any items listed in top categories other than Handmade or Fine Art if you want to display this artifact in a studio. Members are welcome to sell their commercially produced supplies, vintage, design, or media in a separate ArtFire studio. Likewise, the Certified Handmade Artifact is not required to list or sell items and is completely voluntary.

Needless to say, there were numerous questions as the process started. Some artisans were concerned about whether or not their shop qualified and several even elected to take supplies and other items out of their shop and open a second one. James Oliver is one of those who decided to do this. He told me that: For me to qualify for the Certified Handmade Artifact I needed to remove some Pearl strands I had listed. So I opened the new studio, River Road West, to list my pearl and bead collection. The Handmade Artifact is very important to me. I take my craft in the most serious way. Truly handmade.

There were also concerns about the photos that were needed. MoonlightEternal said: For the work in progress picture, does it have to be a picture of your main category (like my main category is jewelry) or can it be any work in progress? Kevin of ArtFire answered the question this way: It can be any work in progress, though preferably one you intend to list eventually. It is helpful if it is in your main category as many sellers have a certain “style” in their work, and seeing a half made piece that already matches the style of other work helps to build the case that they are the creative mastermind behind the work in their studio.

There were questions about the approval process. Some thought that artifact was easy to get and wondered about the fairness involved in reviewing the applications. Stained Glass by Katie made this comment in a forum about the artifact: I can also vouch for the fact that the certification was not a rubber stamp deal. Kevin contacted me for additional information, and included some other helpful comments, too.

After all of the work involved and uniqueness of the process, there was the thrill of knowing that those who have the artifact are special. Michelle of Creative Critters shared the following: I love seeing all these shops going for this artifact. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be a part of ArtFire. I’m proud of my fellow artists on here, and I’m super proud to display this artifact in my studio. I never had a doubt that AF would look at each and every studio, and give advice to those that needed it in order to qualify for the artifact. They’ve been very involved with the artists on this site since the beginning.

ArtFire has created widgets for those who have the artifact to use in their websites, blogs, on Facebook, Twitter, etc. There are six different sizes. Here’s one of the widgets from my studio:

You might also want to check out James’ studio. He has taken things a step further and even mentions the Certified Handmade artifact in his shop’s banner. Others who have received the artifact have blogged, tweeted and shared their excitement about in it many ways. The Certified Handmade Artifact is the latest benefit of becoming a PRO member of the ArtFire community. It emphasizes ArtFire’s commitment to its handcraft artisans.

Much of the northern hemisphere has been melting this summer. I won’t get into the “Global Warming” debate but here in the USA it has been darn hot. Zibbet is headquartered in Australia where it’s winter and where I wish to be!
In an attempt to cool off mentally, here are some Zibbet sellers and their wonderful summer treats.

Aren’t these a feast for your feet from RealMcCoy?

And if you want be more airy, try this from RaigeCreations.

Your neck will be cool with a lovely necklace made from these found at FireSpirit Beads and Supplies?

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And on your wrist a stunner from Olive and Gold.

Let’s not forget having our home feel cool as well. Hang this wonderful piece from Art Prints. Sure to bring a smile to your face!

Need a gift for a special lady? The sun from 3FineDesign.

And at the end of a long day, these will be a relaxing style from MimiandCollette.

During the dog days of August about to descend upon us, stay cool and think Zibbet!

Slide Photo courtesy of Portable Graffiti

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.

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?

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.
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.
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!
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.

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.
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

By columnist Jill aka: JillysStuff

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. -Anonymous

Have you heard that quote before? It was brought home to me the other day.

As I scan my shop and many other shops on Zibbet, Etsy, Artfire and Folksy, I can see how blessed we are to have the freedom to sell our crafts. But as I was browsing the blogs, I found that there are women and men who aren’t as fortunate as we are.

I found a website called World Crafts Village, and stopped to have a look.

World Crafts Village is a nonprofit organization that imports crafts from impoverished artisans and sells them by fair trade. Not a new concept but one that deserves a little more attention. By supporting these artisans, they are assisting them to be productive, and make an honest living to support their families. No exploitation.

Amofavelas
Amidst the Brazilian slums, known as favelas, criminals and drug dealers run rampant and disease and dire poverty dominate. Yet, here, women gather and they carefully paint dishtowels, make soap, crochet clothes, and weave ribbon. Although these women live in shacks—without running water, electricity, or a sewage system—they use their skills to help provide a better life for their families. One woman—mother to three children—was able to move to a new town, purchase land, and give her family new opportunities by using her earnings from her handpainted dishtowels.

I can’t imagine, even in my wildest dreams, living like this. Do I feel spoiled? Yes.

Nanyok
Although the Maasai women of Tanzania who formed Nanyok are no longer nomadic, their lives revolve around livestock. The five-month dry season kills the grass, leaving the goats to die, meaning no milk for Maasai children. Each eight-strand beaded bracelet sold through Nanyok creates a savings fund for new goats. In the past year, the women saved $150 from the bracelets and bought 15 goats to nourish their children.

These are just two of the stories that got me going. I am not a strong advocate of anything but I feel that, by writing this, I am doing my part in helping this organization and the people they support. It’s not much, just a small contribution.

There are many more stories from countries all over the world. World Craft Villages have groups in –
Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Laos, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, USA, Vietnam, West Bank, Zimbabwe.

So, as we support each other we should also be getting the word out about all of those who are not as lucky as we are. Drop by World Craft Villages and help support this company in their effort to help those climb out of the oppression and depression of poverty. Even the smallest of gestures would help. A tweet, blog message or discussion is a start. Isn’t that what we are all about – Artisans helping fellow Artisans.

Photos courtesy of World Crafts Village

By Columnist Nina aka: mamaslittletreasures
Image courtesy of free-slideshow

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” We’ve all heard it before, and we all understand that if you ever want to get anywhere, you have to get started by taking that first step. But sometimes we feel so overwhelmed by all of the information, options, opportunities, and possibilities that bombard us everywhere we look, that it is common to feel completely confused. And when we get confused and overwhelmed, we just don’t do anything at all. Too many choices. Have you ever gone into a store and even though you really wanted to buy something, there were just so many choices that in frustration you just walked out without buying anything at all? That’s one of those times when you really need a list!

Perhaps you have also heard these words of wisdom: “The way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.” That’s the image you need to keep in mind at all times when you are trying to reach your goal . . . whatever YOUR goal might be. Probably YOUR goal is not to eat an elephant – but whatever you see out there in front of you might seem just as huge, just as overwhelming, and just as impossible as eating an elephant.

So HOW do you reach your goals in life, when everywhere you look you see obstacles that seem insurmountable? One thing that has kept me focused at times when life felt confusing and uncertain is this one little thought: “Just do the next thing.” I know that seems rather simplistic, but when you can’t see beyond the next thing, right in front of you, THAT is one thing that you can do.

What does that look like in reality? Here are a few things that have helped me sort through the explosion of information that sometimes makes me feel as if I’m drowning in words:

1. Make a list. How obvious is that? But don’t just make a list, break down your goals in measureable increments.

* For instance, say you want to start a business making bean bags. Here is how your list might start out:

A. Design five different bean bags

B. List all necessary supplies to purchase.

C. Schedule a specific time to shop for supplies.

D. Schedule a specific time to create 20 bean bags (4 ea. of 5 different designs)

2. Create inventory. Set aside one afternoon to make as many beanbags as you can to get started. Then schedule another specific block of time to make another batch.

3. Set up online shop to list and sell inventory (Etsy, Zibbet, Bonanzle, eBay, etc.)

A. Create personalized banner / brand

B. Stock your shop with inventory you have created

4. Establish online connections to promote your product:

A. Facebook fan page

B. Twitter account

C. IndieSmiles where you can participate in Happy Made Tweets at www.happymadetweets.com

D. LinkedIn account

E. Other social marketing / networking websites

5. Continue creating more inventory, stock your shop consistently, post your sales, promos, discounts, etc. regularly on your FB page, Twitter, and IndieSmiles.

6. Anywhere along the line in this list of “next steps” that you don’t know HOW to do something, simply ask for help! There are lots of people here at IndieSmiles who can either help you with a task or we know someone who can. Just let us know!

Now this is obviously a very simplified version of what it takes to reach your goals . . . . but if you simply don’t know WHERE to start, this is a great way to get going. Why? Because all of the projects on the list are SPECIFIC. That’s what it takes if you want to “just do the next thing.” You have to know what the “next thing” is! When you make your list, it might be different than this one, but here are the requirements for putting together a list that will work for you:

* Everything on your list must be SPECIFIC – don’t put down “make stuff someday,” but instead put down “make 20 beanbags on Thursday.”

* Everything on your list must be MEASUREABLE – again, don’t just put down “set up online shop someday,” but instead put down “set up Etsy shop Tuesday night.”

* Everything on your list must be “CHECKABLE” – what that means is that you need to be able to KNOW when something is finished / completed, so that you can check it off of your list. Why is this important? Because then you will see your progress!

So, list-making is not easy for all of us, but I promise you if you can learn how to be a successful “list-maker” you can reach any goal, simply by “just doing the next thing” on the list. And since I’m such a great “list-maker,” I would be happy to help you with your specific list-making project. Just shoot me an email and I’ll see what I can do to help you get that list started and get you on your way to reaching your own goals.

Slide show photo courtesy of PreciousKnitsShop
Edited by Barbra aka: All About The Buttons

By Publisher Sue aka Alongcomesmary
If you haven’t found Twitter you are missing out! Because now there is a new website brought to you by Indiesmiles.com, a twitter app of sorts that provides tweets from only handmade and vintage shops! Happy Made Tweets finds those who post on twitter about Etsy, Folksy, Artifre and Zibbet!

If you haven’t had a relationship with Happy Made Tweets then you haven’t found the handmade and vintage FUN! When visiting Indiesmiles sister website this morning, some tweets stood our and caught attention! The following Tweets provide some insight as to which tweets can be eye catchers and helpful when promoting your business!

It’s amazing to watch Happy Made Tweets, because it shows that most people that are promoting on Twitter seem to be Tweeting about Etsy shops. Where are all the sellers from the various other venues? If you sell on another website, such as Zibbet, your tweets will show up on Happy Made Tweets as well, so use Twitter to your advantage and promote away!

The following Tweets are a great example of what you can do to not only get your shop and your items noticed, but how you can be a thoughtful Tweeter!

Jacksknits offered this tweet:

“JACKSKNITS 10% off all items in my folksy shop until 25/6/10 …..please message me first http://www.folksy.com/shop/jacksknits ”
What a great way to get the word out about her sale!

Jacky from Folksy indicated that custom orders are always welcomed!

This next seller tweeted about being a busy bee!:

“AnnabelBurton I have been busy! >http://www.folksy.com/shops/cherrytree”

“I love combining sewing, knitting and crochet altogether and this bag combines all three. I like the fact that the strap unties so can be adjusted and is plenty long enough to wear across the body.

Sometimes general Tweets also can grab people’s attention!

Here is an Etsy Tweet that gained attention on Happy Made Tweets, it was actually a RT

“monikadesign @demure4you TY so much! RT So Cute! RT @monikadesign: NEW! Ladybug Coasters set of 4 by MonikaDesign on #Etsy http://ow.ly/1Xsyx #handmade”

Monikadesign is a lucky gal, there were many Etsy tweets, but this one is an eye catcher!
Seems that Indiesmiles it not the only place where MonikaDesign’s is featured, seems that she was interviewed by
“Woman’s First” magazine in 2009! Congrats Monikadesign’s!

RT help others, it’s always a nice way to PIF on Twitter!

An Artfire tweet from a very grateful studio owner!

“sisterjewelry SJ’’s Pink Lemonade Watch http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1336031 ”

“I feel very honored.I’d love to be in your article.Please send me a link, and Ill make sure it gets around to others….”
Giving your item a catchy name often makes people curious!

?

There is one Etsy shop that has proved that Staying Power is where it’s at! ChristieCottage is a shop that has become a household name in the Etsy forums and to top it all off she has been able to keep her staying power going and show her promoting leadership with a unique Buy and Stay list! Funny, when I first joined Etsy my main objective was to sell Vintage and become very well known at Etsy . My staying power probably wilted because I changed my name and tried new things. Sometimes it’s best to keep things status quo and keep your name branded, ChristieCottage is perfect proof of that at Etsy.

I’ve written an article on Christie’s shop as one of my favs, and this is not about her work (although I always enjoy showcasing her items) this is about the Buy and Stay that she has had running in the Etsy Forums since November of last year with over 3,900 sales!! I don’t think I’ve seen staying power or this many sales from a forum list like this one before. Most buy and replaces fade away over time and may last from a week to a month…but Christie’s has lasted for an entire year. Awesome!

Buy and replace lists mean that you buy something off a shop on the list and your name replaces theirs. These are very popular and a good way to get a new shop off the ground or get some action going on a shop that needs some attention. The difference with Christie’s buy and stay is that you don’t replace the person you purchase from, their shop stays on the list. But the rule is that you check in each day and comment in the forums. If not, you will be removed from the list, I’m sure many a shop has come and gone because shops may not be in it for the long haul. But Christie and her admin. buy and stay team have watched over things and have given this list the staying power to beat all others.

If you want to get in on the list you need to go to the forums and search for “Christiecottage” in the Etsy forums. I would love to post the link here but it changes daily…yes…it gets that many comments!!

So, go ahead and get noticed, buy from one of the shops and get on the hottest list yet on Etsy!

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Winner’s chosen each week from the best subject matter and writting style of the author.  We will post a new winner each week and have their article published right here, on Indiesmiles front page! Feel free to write about your own shop, or give your shop credit, you can also write about a friends shop, or your blog! We only ask that you submit a fresh article that has not been published elsewhere.

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