Etsy Chat Team

Colors of Summer

2011-06-14T14:19:00.002-04:00

It's only a week away, but Chat team members have been in the summer spirit for months, and their shops are brimming with the hot colours for the new season.

Examples (top to bottom) from Team members Flowerleaf, Vintagefix, and PatrisCorner.

Inspiration in Hospital

2011-05-30T14:53:00.000-04:00

I'm finally home after 27 fun-filled days in hospital (recovering nicely, thank you!), and pleased to share one of my happy entertainments during those many long days: watching episodes of an inspiring PBS series called Craft In America.

With my laptop and the hospital's WiFi network, I was all set to revisit some favourite episodes I'd seen in the past, and watch some that were new to me too.

The videos for this and many other PBS series are available here, another great reason for supporting public TV, wherever you live.

Meet Team Members...Apron Makers

2011-04-24T20:03:00.002-04:00

Can Etsians find sales success with a relatively narrow specialty? Two of our Team members, georgiamarbles and prettylittlepearl are both doing very nicely by focusing their creative efforts on aprons.

prettylittlepearl, whose crisp and consistent photography and cohesive shop highlight her stylish aprons, also sell patterns and tutorials, but every item in her shop is an apron, or apron-related.

georgiamarbles, in her almost three years as an Etsy seller, has also specialized in aprons - for adults and children, ready made and custom, and in a variety of styles. Although there are also dolls and tutus in her shop, it's aprons that come though loud and clear, including in her fun retro shop banner.

We'd love to hear from other apron-making Team members, and sellers who have targeted a special market; add your comment!

So you're having a SALE?

2011-04-06T17:21:00.001-04:00

Well, you're not alone! It might be a coupon code, or items marked down in your shop, but it's going to be most successful if you let potential buyers know about it.

A wander through our list of Chat Team members shows how some are putting their Etsy avatars to work as tiny 75x75-pixel billboards, advertising their sales throughout the site.

Since avatars go with us everywhere - shops, chat, forums, teams, convos - it makes sense to use them well. The sellers above have incorporated a Sale message in their avatars; some add a graphic to item photos, and Etsy offers free ready-made avatars, avatar layers, and Sale banners, here.

Avatars (left to right) from StoliGal, SimpliMandi, ampeefyed, thejewelrydream, and item photo from Cabin.

Meet Team Member hjmart

2011-03-17T21:45:00.001-04:00

Artist and Chat Team member hjmart is a great example for artists and other sellers. Check out her listings to see how she:

Photographs 2D Artwork - showing her work in room settings and with customer-friendly angles.

Broadens the Target Audience with Tiered Product Lines - originals, prints, collages, tags and gift certificates. With products and prices from $5 to $259, there's something for every buyer.

Fun and useful apps for Etsians

2011-03-08T00:11:00.001-05:00

If you've ever used Craftopolis to batch edit your listings, or put EtsyHacks to work downloading shop data in your choice of format, or maybe tracked item views and hearts with CraftCult, you've seen apps for Etsy in action.

While these three are some of the best known apps using the Etsy API (Application Programming Interface), they're just the tip of the app iceberg! Smart developers have used the Etsy API to create dozens of apps for sellers, buyers and mobile devices.

See the ever-growing list here, and please add your personal apps recommendations in the Comments.

Images of critter USB drives from chatter hemingwayfun, thanks!

Inspiration - Between the Folds

2011-02-27T11:31:00.002-05:00

This film aired on PBS a while ago, and although it's about origami as art, craft, business and mathematics, it's also generally inspiring for anyone to see what awesome results can be achieved with such basic materials. For those who have Netflix, the film's available there.

Quit Your Day Job - somavenus

2011-02-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Chat Team member somavenus made her appearance as Etsy's latest Quit Your Day Job success story. Read her interview to learn how she made it happen, where she's going next, and get some tips that could work for other creative people. Congratulations, somavenus!

Do you hope to make your art or craft work, Vintage selling or Supplies business a full-time venture? Tell us your plans, in the comments.

Meet Team Member dualchocolate

2011-02-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Another fine example of an Etsy shop whose different categories of items are harmoniously combined into a cohesive look, thanks to some common materials and excellent photos. Visit dualchocolate's shop here, or get to know her in Chat!

Meet Chat Regular staceyrebecca

2011-01-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

It's just days until her fifth anniversary with Etsy, and that's as good a reason as any to introduce puppet-maker and Chatter staceyrebecca.
No one writes a funnier item description, or child safety warning for that matter (check out Horatio The Bunny).

Shape up #2 - Customer service is always in season

2011-01-08T13:37:00.004-05:00

We've all had some wonderful experiences shopping online, but also some that turned out to be not so great. And while the product is certainly a big part of what makes one purchase rock, and another sink like a stone, customer service is something that can make or break a sale, however fabulous the item.

This article from the Seller Handbook lists the writers' Top 10 Customer Service Strategies, and they have some great advice. It's part of a bigger series Service Tips for Sellers with info on everything from communication and complaints to shipping and selling vintage.

In Chat recently there was a discussion about how something as basic as replying to convos is an effective sales and service strategy that can pay off - Team member jmaeson answered an out-of-the-blue convo that lead to a custom order for 60 items!

Please share your customer service stories, good and bad, in the comments.

Images from KatyBitsandPieces and WinsomeTreasures, thanks!

Shape up for 2011

2010-12-26T15:57:00.002-05:00

We're just days away from a lot of messages about diet, exercise, and resolutions for the new year, but this won't have you thinking about crunches and salads to get over any excesses in 2010. Rather, it's a few friendly reminders about getting an Etsy shop in tip-top shape for the start of a successful year of selling!

#1 - Don't welcome me to your shop.
Really, don't, at least not right away. Not because you don't want me and other buyers to show up, and to feel welcomed, but because starting with that friendly "Welcome to my shop" is such a waste of the key first characters in your valuable Shop Announcement space!

Don't take my word for it - read this ever-so-helpful Etsy excerpt about Shop Announcements, from the Help section on SEO (Search Engine Optimization):

"The first 160 characters of your Shop Announcement are used to create the meta description for your shop page. The meta description is the text shown under your page title on a search engine results page.

TIPS: Describe your shop and the kinds of items you sell. Use welcoming language that will entice someone to explore your shop further. Use keywords that you think shoppers will search to find your items."

And when was the last time someone searched for "Welcome to my shop!"?

Read the article, here. It's a much-shortened version of the big 25-page SEO Guide. You'll also learn about how to make the shop title, item titles, shop sections and item descriptions work harder for you.

Images from SurrenderDorothy and justmars, thanks!

Finding Team Member Shops

2010-11-30T23:55:00.004-05:00

We've all seen it. Someone comes in to Chat and asks if anyone makes custom stickers, or sells beads or baby clothes, sculpture or soap. Or maybe you remember chatting with a Vintage or Supplies seller, but their shop name hasn't lodged in your brain.

Now that our Team members can also be found through the Team page on Etsy, it seems like a good time to transition the list of members on this blog to one that's a little more functional when it comes to finding members by what they sell.

So, there's a simple Google Docs form live now, that all Team members can use to designate their top three categories (based on how Etsy's top-level categories are shown). Please go to the link and choose your top three, and they'll be compiled and listed here on the blog, as well as at the discussion forums on our Etsy Team page.

Thanks!
Judith / jswrites

Images from RetrospectPhoto and fattybird, thanks!

EtsyChatters are live on Twitter!

2010-11-22T16:03:00.001-05:00

One of the first threads started on the new Chat Team Forum was called For Twitter Addicts by mentalembellisher, inviting Team members to post their Twitter links to be able to follow each other.

Adding to the businesslike fun, Team member EmilyWiserJewelry suggested that we have a "team twitter that retweets fellow team members' tweets!" Of course she got the task, and has been busy keeping those little messages flowing since last week.

To add your Twitter URL, just make a Forum post here, then follow back so Emily can retweet your tweets. Our Team Twitter: EtsyChatters.

Images from mentalembellisher and EmilyWiserJewelry, thanks!

Crafty Kids

2010-11-16T15:14:00.004-05:00

Children in Chat?! Well, no (Community features are just for adults), but we're happy to see some of the cool crafty work of young folks in shops supervised by their parents. Here are just two examples showing the talents of the 12 year olds of Chat regulars AllForJasmine and dreamweaver19.

Are there crafty kids in your family? Were you creating handmade things or precociously collecting vintage yourself? Tell us all about it, and share your links in the Comments!

2010-11-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

Five Questions for ... TopazTurtle

2010-10-26T01:17:00.001-04:00

We had a virtual sit-down with one of our international Chat regulars, Topaz Turtle, to ask her a quintet of questions about creativity, community, and business here on Etsy:

Q. What are your inspirations? Do trends, themes and seasons (such as those outlined in the monthly Etsy Merchandising Desk blog posts) influence you at all?
A. Any kind of stimulus can inspire a piece – a line from a song, the colour of scarf spied on a train trip, vegetables and fruits that are in season (my latest muse is the pomegranate so expect to see a lot of rich red ruby hues). I do read the Etsy Merchandising Desk blog posts and it does influence me at some level. There is a very broad range of themes and trends outlined in the blog and I often find a few or more listings that fit into the themes.

The seasonal trends outlined in the blog can be a bit difficult to fit into as the seasons are all the other way round in the southern hemisphere but there are still some happy coincidences.

Q. Are there any arts or crafts you'd like to learn, or materials and techniques you'd like to try? What appeals to you about them?

A. I strive to improve my skills with resin and polymer clay and I’m always finding new ways to work with these. My next goal is to earn enough money to buy myself a degasser which removes or reduces bubbles in resin.

A new material called Friendly Plastic caught my attention recently and I’m itching to incorporate these into my resin pieces too.

I also have been doing a lot more work with seed beads in peyote type stitch to create some very satisfying tubular beads. I’m looking forward to creating more of these.

Q. What has been the most effective promotion strategy for you? The least effective?
A. Most of my customers find my shop using Etsy Search, so having really good tags, product descriptions and product names is very important. I try to think of what terms people might use to find my items and make sure that they are incorporated into them.

I also find Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Etsy Forums and Chats to be a good way of generating interest in my shop.

I have tried a few advertisements but so far I haven’t had anyone tell me that they found my shop because they saw an ad somewhere. It’s doesn’t seem to be a very effective way of promoting my shop and I think I might be a bit more circumspect about this.

Q. What have you learned about having an online business here on Etsy? Anything you wish you'd known earlier?
A. I guess the biggest lesson I learned was that I can’t sit back and wait for customers. You have to get out there and promote.

The other lesson that I have just learned and wish I had known earlier was that your shop’s Google search results ranking is based on the ‘importance‘ of your shop page and you increase the importance of your shop page when other sites link to your page. So the more websites that you have linking back to your shop, the higher up in the search results you appear.

Q. If you could choose anything sold on Etsy - price no object - what would it be?
A. This is probably the most difficult question to answer as my most desired item keeps changing. I recently saw a wooden sun lounge chair on Etsy Finds that looked gorgeous. Trying to find the link to it but I deleted the email!

So if anyone still has that Etsy Finds email, let me know.

Ready for the Holidays?

2010-10-08T20:38:00.001-04:00

Chat Team members and Chat regulars are ready for the busy sales months ahead, and all those shopping events and occasions lined up between now and the start of 2011.

The Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp is underway to help supercharge everyone's efforts for the season, and it's packed with tips and homework to make this the best selling season ever.

What are you doing this year? New items? Different ways to promote? A seasonal twist to your photographs? Updating tags to help reach a holiday shopping audience?

Images from hdawnparratt, 2kutekards and staceyyacula, thanks!

Are You Reaching Collectors?

2010-09-26T10:39:00.001-04:00

Collectors don't just accumulate old (or old-ish) stuff. There are collectors of newer ACEOs, pottery, photography and jewellery. And aren't those stashes of yarn and fabric, ties and handbags and sweaters all collections too?

What does it take to reach collectors? All the usual Etsy requirements are there of course: great photos, appropriate tags, titles and descriptions, being in the right category, and effective promotion. In addition, some facts may be especially important to potential buyers. Exact size (with all dimensions, shown in both metric and imperial), provenance, close-up photo of any maker's marks on the piece, as well as a record of any damage, however slight.

20 Questions Your Buyers Are Asking is a handy checklist to be sure you're making that buying decision easier for your potential buyers, whether or not they're collectors.

Meet Chat Regular jannio

2010-09-09T16:34:00.001-04:00

One of our Chat regulars, the team that makes up jannio, visits the Etsy rooms from France, and their creative hats, scarves and bags are always a joy to see when they stop by.

Why do we chat?

2010-08-26T14:33:00.001-04:00

A relatively new Etsy seller said in Chat the other day that she hadn't sold anything at all on the site until she started hanging out in the chat rooms. Are hoped-for sales what bring us to Chat? Are they what keep bringing us back?

Certainly, there's no guarantee that being a chatter will lead to sales, but it does happen. And surely regular chatters don't come in every day just to pimp their shops (although having others meet new shops is a nice fringe benefit). We all have a pretty good idea that flying in just to spam announcements and shop promos doesn't work anyway; it's more about being part of the community, or is it?

So, why do we chat? Specifically on Etsy, but also in other communities?

Image from a sculpture by redclaysculptress, thanks!

Five Questions for ... cdosehn

2010-08-09T23:07:00.000-04:00

Anyone who visits Chat early in the morning (Eastern Time) will have met regular cdosehn, a friendly and welcoming presence in our talkative midst! This month is her four-year Etsyversary, and it seemed like a perfect opportunity to get her answers to a handful of questions:

Q. How has Etsy changed in the four years you've been selling here? What's your favourite feature?
A. I think the biggest change has being able to rearrange your shop!
Q. What do you do for fun when you're not chatting or running your Etsy shop?
A. I love to be out in the woods or fishing with my hubby. Being with my grown children is wonderful as well.
Q. What tool or piece of crafting equipment would you like to have if money were no object?
A. Oh I would love a bigger embroidery machine with more designs and space to embroider on. Or my own designing software.
Q. Knowing what you do now, is there anything you would have done differently when you first opened your shop?
A. The only thing I would have changed is taking better pictures of my items and posting more tags on my items.
Q. What has been your most successful way to promote your Etsy shop? The least effective?

A. The most successful way I have found to promote my items in my shop is going in the chats. Once there, always be friendly. I have met through Etsy some wonderful people that I can call my dear friends from all over the world.
The least effective I guess would be the forums in the promotion section - a lot of post and runs, and no one really looks in each others' shops. First thing besides saying Hello in the chats when I enter is go to everyone's shop and have a look around and post a item from their shop.

Do you trade?

2010-08-07T01:56:00.012-04:00

This Storque Blog article about Trades through We Swap got me thinking about some of the more home-grown trades taking place right here on Etsy. Interest in trades is popular in the Chat rooms of course, and it would be great to hear from some of you who have first-hand experience trading with other Etsy sellers.

Please drop me a convo, or leave a Comment here to help put together a checklist or guide to successful trading. Or add a Comment to let other blog readers know you're interested in trades now, or for the upcoming holiday season!

Chatter FrawgzDezignz has offered a detailed view of Trades on Etsy, based on her own experiences:

Communication is key, for both sides
Read Feedback before you start
Successful trades can lead to future sales
Check Feedback Left for others too
Some people are difficult to deal with
You have a right to turn down any trade
Wait to leave Feedback
Package and ship well
Be honest in all communication

Let's talk about advertising - heartsabustin

2010-07-26T09:41:00.001-04:00

This time a busy multiple shop owner is with us to answer a few questions about the effectiveness of off-Etsy paid advertising for both of her shops - heartsabustin and 1mADwoman.

Q. Where did your ads appear? How long did they run?
A. I've placed ads at EtsyStalker.com, Craftcult, Craftopolis, and PolymerClayDaily.com.
It's varied - I've run the ad at EtsyStalker for a month, and it's still up right now. Craftcult and Craftopolis, I've run as long as a month. I tried PCDaily for one week, and will probably try them again in the future.

Q. What did the ad/s cost?
A. Month-long ads at Craftopolis are $55, and week long are $15; the ads at Craftcult are similar, I believe. The ad at EtsyStalker is $20 a month for a sidebar, and the ad at polymerclaydaily was $15 for one week. With Craftcult, it depends on whether you're running a straight sidebar or doing their combo. Combo ads are sidebar for 4 days and the rotating carousel at the top for 7 days for $28. I find those to be very effective.

Q. What results did you expect?
A. I got (and expected) lots of hearts and views off the initial Craftcult and Craftopolis ads. The last few times have been a little slower in the rate of hearts and views, but I've still been getting them. The ads at EtsyStalker and PCDaily have been low, but it's advertisement. I may try one of the more expensive Shadowboxes at EtsyStalker soon. I'm not sure that I've ever gotten a sale directly from an ad I've run, but hey, there's always this week!

Q. How did you measure your results?
A. I used Google Analytics to measure where the hits were coming from.

Q. How did the ads do? Were they effective quickly and/or over time?
A. They're effective both ways, quickly and over time. Sources say that some people have to see an ad 15 - 20 times before they'll check it out. I try to make my ads beautiful and clickable and simple.

Q. Would you advertise again?
A. I will absolutely advertise again!

Q. What, if anything, would you do differently in future advertising?
A. I'll try to seek more off-Etsy venues (Craftcult and Craftopolis are awesome, but I'm seeing far fewer views with them than I used to.)

Q. Anything else you'd like to add?
A. I design ads, so if anyone is interested, I've got good rates. That's how my other shop - 1mADwoman - started out.

Let's talk about advertising - BigSkyArtworks

2010-07-21T20:52:00.000-04:00

Our second interviewee has also given advertising a try off Etsy, and BigSkyArtworks has lots of insights to share with other Chatters about the experience.

Q. Where did your ad appear? How long did it run?
A. My ad appeared on Craftopolis. The ad ran for one week.

Q.  What did the ad/s cost?
A. $15. Not a bad price, I think.

Q.  What results did you expect?
A. I was, of course, hoping for a flood of sales. I got none. However, I did have massively increased views at the beginning of the week, and I was suddenly placed in five different treasuries. Shop hearts climbed considerably during that time, too.

Q.  How did you measure your results?

A. I used the counter on Craftopolis, and kept track where my views were coming from through Google Analytics.

Q. How did the ad do? Was it effective quickly and/or over time?
A. I would say the ad was fairly effective in increasing the visibility of my store. However, since I did not experience any sales as a result, I'm not sure that increased visibility really matters. It may make a difference in the future, when people are surfing Etsy for holiday ideas.

Q. Would you advertise again?
A. Yes, I think so - although I probably would try a month-long package, and make sure it appears during the busy season.

Q. What, if anything, would you do differently in future advertising?
A. I would like to find a venue that, unlike CraftCult or Craftopolis, doesn't cater exclusively to crafters and sellers. Although many of my buyers have also been sellers, there is a limited buyer pool if you are focusing only on people who sell on Etsy. On the other hand, the Craftopolis ad was pretty affordable - just over $2 a day. It was a good way to get my feet wet in the advertising department.

Q. Anything else you'd like to add?
A. I know from years in the newspaper business that advertising takes time. It isn't a magic bullet; it simply keeps your store out in front of the customer, so that when she IS ready to make a purchase, she'll think of you. I will continue to find ways to promote my business, and I'll probably buy more advertising - but I really prefer promotions that don't cost money. I'd love ideas about how to get people to blog about my store, for instance. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about advertising. :)

Next time we'll talk about advertising with heartsabustin!

Let's talk about advertising - erinf115

2010-07-18T10:09:00.004-04:00

Last week in Chat we were talking about paid-for advertising, and how effective (or not) it is for Etsy sellers. A few of the chatters in the room mentioned that they had experience with ads, and I've asked them each to answer a few questions about what they learned. Here's the first reply, from member Erin of erinf115:

Q. Where did your ad/s appear?
A. I ran a two week ad on Craftopolis in May and just a few days ago gave Facebook ads a try, and ran an ad for 3 days.

Q. How long the ad/s run?
A. With Facebook you can tailor to run as little or as long as you like, and set a daily budget so you won't exceed how much you like to spend. You can cast a wide net, or a tiny one, by targeting your audience.

It's a very interesting tool and I'm just starting to noodle around with it in the past couple of days. I recommend to everyone to take a peek and see what it has to offer!
Craftopolis ads run by the week.

Q.  What did the ad/s cost?
A.  With Facebook, you set how much you'd like to spend, and you choose if you'd like to pay per "impression" (how many times they put the ad on "out there") or per click (if someone actually clicks your ad and gets taken to your shop or Facebook fan page) I chose a very small amount of $4.00 per day (something like $.60 a click) just to get my feet wet and see what the results would be.
With Craftopolis, a two week ad ran for $22.00.

Q.  What results did you expect? (views? clicks? hearts? convos? sales?)
A.  With both Craftopolis and Facebook, I wasn't sure quite what to expect. I chose to do them as a "test" - and expected views to go up and perhaps some sales.

Q.  How did you measure your results? (Google Analytics? Other tools/sites? Observation?) How did the ads do? Were they effective quickly and/or over time?
A.  For Craftopolis, I did this a few months ago before I had Google Analytics set up. I went to Craftopolis and Craftcult to check my views and hearts. My views skyrocketed, as did my hearts. Before the ad ran, I averaged about 2 new shop hearts a day.

When the ad ran, I jumped to about 7-9 hearts. My views skyrocketed as well (this was pre-Google Analytics for me though, so I don't have the history anymore) The thing is, though - you are advertising to other Etsy sellers, not necessarily your market - so I assumed that that's pretty much where it would end, with more hearts and views, but it was a bit more exciting than that. I suddenly noticed a big influx in treasuries that I was included in, which turned into more hearts and views. And then, two weeks after the ad ran, with much more exposure and many more hearts, I had the best month of sales since I started selling in February of 2010.

Q.  Would you advertise again?
A.  Oh yes!

Q.  What, if anything, would you do differently in future advertising?

A.  I am not sure that advertising on Facebook is helpful. I did read an interesting thing in the forums recently, that linking a Facebook ad to your Etsy fan page on Facebook will help get more fans, but linking folks to your shop doesn't seem to work for most.
I noticed a slight bump in views on my Google Analytics over the three days that I ran my Facebook ad, but nothing like the huge influx when I ran my Craftopolis.

Q.  Anything else you'd like to add?
A.  I would like to add my Twitter success story too. Now, Twitter isn't necessarily advertising, but when I first signed up for twitter I began searching for people twittering about The Tudors, (Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth the Ist, etc) and then I 'followed' them and sent them messages with links to my Tudor and Elizabethan line of product. This was a pretty bold-ish move, as it can be seen as "spammy" but I found a woman who runs and amazing historical blog called The Anne Boleyn Files and she fell in love with my Tudor sachets of the Six Wives of Henry VIII's Royal Badges and bought all 6, and then asked me to make a larger Anne Boleyn Royal Badge framed wall hanging

When I sent them to her she brought them to an event she was running called the Anne Boleyn Experience which was an event at Anne Boleyn's childhood home, Hever Castle, in Kent, England. For me, this was as if I was starring on Broadway. It was such an honor, she displayed them there, and explained each of the wives Royal Badges and their meanings in a pre-dinner talk, and told me the people who were there fell in love with them too! I just sold another full set of all Six Wives to an attendee of that conference, and a week later she bought an Elizabethan piece as well. Twitter has led me to my largest sales and shouldn't be ignored as a wonderful advertising tool (and it is free!)

Up next, we'll talk about advertising with BigSkyArtworks.

Where are you? Your buyers want to know!

2010-07-14T23:05:00.000-04:00

So there you are, searching Etsy for a few gifts, and the shipping deadline is coming up fast! Maybe some luscious soap from Team member Lyn4078? Especially great if you're in Australia!

And who wouldn't love to receive a piece of beautiful jewellery from balanced in Ireland, or one of zeropumpkin's witty critters, direct from Malaysia?

That Blame the Dog bowl from sseloske in Seattle would be perfect, and if you or your recipient are in the Pacific Northwest, you can certainly get it quickly.

Etsy buyers are all over, and fortunately so are Etsy sellers. To help ensure that they can find each other, it's so important for shops to include their location - at least the State or Province, and Country - in the Location field of Public Profile.

Without that accurate information, shoppers who search with Shop Local, or who click on Location to see where you are might not get the facts. For example, I checked Geolocator for Paris, without specifying what country, and look at all the choices!

Make it easy on your buyers and yourself by putting your shop on the map. Resources:
   • How to Sell Local
   • Shop Local Tool
   • Geolocator
   • Adding Location to Public Profile

SEO and your Etsy shop

2010-07-03T10:33:00.005-04:00

Search Engine Optimization. It sounds big and complicated and an awful lot of bother when all you really want to do is make and sell your art or jewellery, scarves or toys or cards! But, there is lots of information available on the site to help make SEO work for you.

If you really want to dig into it, there is a substantial (25-page PDF) file Etsy Guide to SEO that you can download.

However, if you want the short course, and some step-by-step practical changes you can make today, head to this article How do I improve my shop's Search Engine Optimization? in the Help section. After making some important points about having a great product, and using your tags to best advantage, it moves on to some of the highlights of SEO. There are rules for how many characters will appear from your Shop Title and Item Titles, and it spells out what elements work for you from your Shop Sections and item descriptions too.

Image from sudlow, thanks!

What's Hot For July?

2010-06-23T02:26:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it seems that the themes, items and materials featured throughout Etsy somehow just happen, but it's really all part of a plan. Fortunately, it's not a secret plan!

Every month there's a Storque post from the Merchandising Desk that sets out exactly what general themes will be highlighted around activities, trends, special occasions and dates...even colours!

These are the key merchandising elements Etsy will be looking for to feature in emails, the Storque, the Front Page. So if you have the right tags, titles, and descriptions, you're more likely to be found when folks are building merchandising-aware Treasuries or searching for great items.

As you can see here, Team members and Chat regulars are already ahead of the curve with some of the color trends lined up for July:

"Combinations of metallic with neutrals; reds, whites and blues; citruses (lime, lemon, grapefruit, blood orange, tangerine); robin's egg blues, sepia tones and tea stains. Patterns in seersucker, stripes, gingham, and houndstooth will also be trending."

How do you incorporate merchandising plans into what you make or sell, and into your listings?

Images from BOWquet, Vintagefix, dkjewels, snapclicktripod and MissMooseDesign, thanks!

Photography Surprises

2010-06-13T10:43:00.003-04:00

I read a blog post the other day by Bakerella, who writes, bakes and takes photographs with equal skill. In Cupcakes and Cameras, she talks about how she takes the pictures, and spells out exactly what cameras and photographic accessories she uses to get such luscious results. Okay, her main camera goes for about $800 US, but for someone who does this for a living, isn't it an appropriate investment when it does the job? Read the post to learn more about her cameras - and pick up a few recipes too!

Among our Chat regulars, there's another inspiring example: KanzashiHime takes those artful photos of kanzashi using a cell phone camera, plus a little help from Photoshop.

Etsy's Storque Blog offers a wealth of information about photography and how to make it work to bring out the best in shop listings. A new favourite shows how some long-time sellers' pictures have evolved and improved over time, in Before and After Photos.

Etsy seller and photographer Jenkiabaphotography contributed reviews and examples of the output from cameras selling for as little as $15, along with advice about must-have features and lighting. Read all about it in The Right Camera.

And from the non-seller in the group, here's a photo taken with my very old Canon A10, with its primitive 1.3 megapixels! If I had a shop I'd probably be looking for something more advanced, but for family snaps and amateur web posting, it still works!

How do buyers find your shop? Ask them, easily!

2010-06-03T01:33:00.006-04:00

The other day Etsy seller sassybellewares posted on the Forums telling fellow Etsians how to add an optional, multiple-choice question to the PayPal checkout screen. She uses her question to ask buyers how they found her shop, but it could be any customer service question!

Answering the question is completely optional - not answering won't stop the sale from being completed - so it shouldn't be viewed as spam, or an annoyance to buyers. So, what customer service questions would you want to ask?

Here's the original post from Business Topics (some other threads have appeared too), and the basic instructions are:

Log in to your PayPal account
Under "my account" click "profile"
Under "selling preferences" click "custom payment pages," then click "options" and go to "merchant service options"
Check "add a customer service survey" and fill in the blanks
Make sure you click "SAVE" before you exit.

Interrobang image from curlygirlglass, thanks!

Five Questions for ... TheRetroDiva

2010-05-28T01:35:00.011-04:00

This time we have a return visit from our previous interviewee, mamaslittlemonkeys, with her five questions for another team member, TheRetroDiva. Okay, make that six questions!

Q. How did you get started crafting? Did anyone in particular influence you or get you started?

A. Crafting is a lifelong love of mine. My mother was an artist and had plenty of art supplies to fuel our creativity. My Sister (@amandazilla) and Cousin (@TwinkieChan) have been major sources of inspiration and encouragement as well. Both are insanely crafty and have businesses of their own.

Q. What are your favourite items to make? Why? What are the most challenging to make?

A. I have loved making all of my items! Each item I make is unique and never duplicated. The bigger the piece is the more challenging it can be to make. I work with several mediums as well, which adds to the experience.

I would say that hand placing individual beads on compacts has been the most challenging, and rewarding at the same time.

Q. What is your favorite part of having a shop on Etsy? Why?

A. Etsy is a user-friendly site that makes it easy to sell your crafts. If I have any questions the forums are always helpful along with all the other resources that have been made available.

Q. What are you doing when you are not crafting during the day?

A. I am a full time mom to a 1 1/2 year old lil guy and 4 big dogs. My days are always adventure packed.

Q. What have been your most effective methods to promote yourself on Etsy? What tips do you have for new sellers?

A. Being new to this myself, I have become involved with several forums that are either craft of pinup/ rockabilly related. I am trying to talk to as many people as I can to let them know about what I do and look for sources of inspiration.

Q. What's your favorite food?

A. I like a good burger and fries myself. Only the burger should be protein style (wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun ) - like at In-N-Out!!

Next time, TheRetroDiva will have five questions for another Etsy Chatters Team member.

Five Questions for ... mamaslittlemonkeys

2010-05-18T00:48:00.002-04:00

Our last interviewee, BabyBundleBoutique has returned, with five questions for Team member mamaslittlemonkeys. Read on for her answers!

Q. How did you get started crafting? Did anyone in particular influence you or get you started?
A. Actually my children inspired me! I first started learning to sew about 2 years ago because my son was in cloth diapers and I thought...hmm how hard can it be to make cute cloth wipes? Hah! Famous last words!! I couldn't stop myself once I started! All the cute fabric, cute patterns, ideas...oh...I couldn't stop myself!

Q. What are your favourite items to make? Why? What are the most challenging to make, and why?

A. Favorite items: my stuffed rocket ships! They are just so fun and I started making them after being inspired by a similar item I saw online. I made one for my son and then kept going with other prints. He wants to keep every one I make!

Most challenging? CLOTHING! I HATE to sew clothing!! I just despise trying to get it all to fit just so...ugh! I'd rather sew a fun toy any day!

Q. What is your favourite part of having a shop on Etsy? Why?

A. Meeting new people! I have met some fabulous people through Etsy and the online handmade world. It even caused me to create Handmade Louisiana, a group for artisans in and around LA. www.handmadelouisiana.com is our website. I've made some pretty awesome "in real life" friends through Etsy and I am grateful for that!

Q. What are you doing when you are not crafting during the day?

A. For 10 months out of the year I work in the social services field with a local non profit. I'm also a mommy to two boys, one with Autism, so my days are quite full! :)

Q. What have been your most effective methods to promote yourself on Etsy? What tips do you have for new sellers?

A. I think I've tried it all, and really it's different for everyone. I completely realize that there is probably nothing I make that someone else couldn't, or doesn't already make. So I don't worry about that...I worry about just making my items the best I can and having FUN. If they sell, fabulous. If not, I want to ENJOY doing them. I will not make things I hate to do. If there is something in my shop that there is only one of, or I sell it and never relist is...chances are I HATED creating it and I drew no source of FUN from it!!

For new sellers, just do what you love. You cannot realistically 'quit your day job' from selling on Etsy. Very few sellers really can do that. Etsy is just like any other small biz, there are legal headaches, responsibilities, taxes, etc and it can get to be quite a lot. Do what you can yourself, turn over other things to professionals and don't be afraid to take a break when need be.

I recently put my soap shop on vacation but it was just too much. Soap is a huge competition and it was no longer FUN to make soap. I hope taking the summer off and coming back with my Saints soaps will be enough to make me happy in the fall, soapy wise :)

Never be afraid to fail and get criticism. I've made items that I thought would be AWESOME---and then BOMBED. NO ONE bought. So I learned a valuable lesson...not everyone thinks what I think is awesome! :)

Chat Team Treasury by heartsabustin

2010-05-06T19:20:00.000-04:00

Team members are the stars in this new Treasury West from heartsabustin. As she says in its title, this team totally ROCKS! Go visit the Treasury any time through Sunday afternoon to click and leave your comments.

Thank you for featuring the team, heartsabustin!

Front Page News #5 - mooshoopork

2010-05-01T11:23:00.011-04:00

The last in this series of questions for Team members whose items regularly grace the Etsy Front Page is mooshoopork! Here's what she had to say for herself about life on the FP.

Q. What does having your items on the Front Page mean to your shop?

A. Having an item for me on the FP = views, hearts and occasionally some requests or else random and oddly creative fan mail to me or my dolls :)

JS notes: Just as I finished posting this, there were mooshoopork's pretty blue eggs, on the Front Page!

Q. Why do you think your items are selected for the FP so often?

A. The only reason I think is possibly my photos are clean and simple and I have different colored things as well and so they can fit into a lot of different collections well.

Q. Any advice for sellers who'd like to increase their chances of being on the Front Page?

A. I think the main thing is photos. People want to see clean crisp photos. That or try sleeping with Etsy Admin. (although I haven't had such an opportunity ;) hehe

Previous Front Page interviews:

• PonderandStitch

• somavenus

• clearcutcrafts2007

• TheExtentofSilence

Front Page News #4 - TheExtentofSilence

2010-04-27T09:48:00.004-04:00

Our fourth Team regular on the Front Page is here this time with answers to our standard questions! Let's hear from TheExtentofSilence:

Q. What does having your items on the Front Page mean to your shop?
A. Being on the front page gets me a lot of views and hearts. And not just for the item that made it to the front page, but for my entire shop. I've also gotten several sales from it, but I wouldn't say that it is a guarantee that you will get sales. After being on the front page I also get included in more treasuries than normal for the next several days.

Q. Why do you think your items are selected for the FP so often?
A. I think that it is because I have crisp, clear images and I'm putting my best work out there.

Q. Any advice for sellers who'd like to increase their chances of being on the Front Page?
A. Make sure that you have great pictures, participate in chat rooms (you can meet sellers who make treasuries that way), renew items every day, and always do your best to make a high quality product.

Other Front Page interviews: PonderandStitch, somavenus, clearcutcrafts2007.

Coming up soon: mooshoopork.

Front Page News #3 - clearcutcrafts2007

2010-04-23T08:03:00.000-04:00

With nearly 2000 sales since opening shop in December 2007, clearcutcrafts2007 has plenty of experience on the Front Page, and with making customers happy.

Q. What does having your items on the Front Page mean to your shop?

A. It is a real buzz to find your products on the Front Page. When you handmake you put a bit of yourself into it and you need recognition - be it through sales or publicity - to keep you inspired to keep going and designing. The FP definately gets more hearts and views but extra sales via it I cannot be definate about as I receive regular sales anyway. (Plus I have missed my Front Page appearance a few times ssshhh). The views go up a lot and people then wander through your store and definately other Etsyians because if you go into chat they are the first to say congrats so it means. 1. They are looking and 2. Taking notes on the sellers as they know your name straight away.

Q. Why do you think your items are selected for the FP so often?

A. Well I believe it is because my products are multi functional, full of colour with simple white backgrounds putting focus on product, and butterflies are such a lovable item. My butterflies are fairly original and are not as saturated as some other products. Most treasuries seem to be colour co-ordinated and I have over 16 colours and over 200 listings so it makes it easier to match my products into someone's inspiration. PLUS my photos are clear and sharp (in my opinion) and represent my products well.

Q. Any advice for sellers who'd like to increase their chances of being on the Front Page?

A. My advice to people is take care with photos, do not make them so busy. I also believe in finding a niche and building it. People like a unique and unusual product to add to their Treasury to set it apart and grab people's eyes. I think there are two categories of people on Etsy, the hobbyist and the business crafter, and my advice is different for each. For business: list often and build an array of products that people will keep coming back to see more. Stand by your craft and price it accordingly. For the hobbyist: make it fun and enjoy it to keep shoppers coming back for unique and interesting things.

Previous Front Page interviews: PonderandStitch and somavenus.

Coming up soon: mooshoopork and TheExtentofSilence.

Front Page News #2 - somavenus

2010-04-20T10:09:00.001-04:00

We're back for the second in our series of chats with Front Page regulars. This time, somavenus is answering the FP questions!

Q. What does having your item on the Front Page mean to you?
A. Having my items on the front page does wonders for shop hearts and views which I think translates into sales (even if not the same day they are hearting you). I've occasionally gotten a sale while an item is on the front page as well. I usually get a huge hit in views (sometimes in the 1,000s! vs. the usual under 100 a day). It gives me a nice boost of inspiration to keep making new things and improving my photography to try and get more items on the front page!

Q. Why do you think your items are selected for the FP so often?
A. The top secret to being on the front page is the have stellar photographs of your work. Having good photos will land you in treasuries, which will hopefully land you on the front page. It also helps to stay active in the community - forums and chat. One thing I've recently started doing to try to get into more treasuries is to check the treasury clock over at Craftopolis, and when I see a treasury about to end I may renew a few items to keep my shop fresh in treasury curators' eyes :)

Q. Any advice for sellers who'd like to increase their chances of being on the Front Page?

A. The advice I can give to being on the front page is to keep fine tuning your photographs. Look at other treasuries that make it to the front page to get an idea on how to set up your work to photograph. Look for trends. Take amazing photographs and say hello once and a while in the forums and chat. I've also heard good luck with being a regular commenter on other treasuries. Just believe in yourself and stay positive, and you'll make it!

Our first Front Page interview: PonderandStitch
Coming up in future interviews: clearcutcrafts2007, mooshoopork and TheExtentofSilence.

Five Questions for ... BabyBundleBoutique

2010-04-18T00:41:00.005-04:00

This time our previous interviewee, JohnToftBasketry, has made up the questions to ask fellow Team member BabyBundleBoutique!

Q. Of all the items in your Boutique, which is the most fun to make? Which is the most challenging? And which is the most creative?
A. I think the sock monkeys are the most fun to make. Little details such as the hand stitching, the sock patterns, etc, give each monkey a personality. Sometimes a smile on one monkey will look just plain happy, while on another it looks a bit sly. I was making a girly sock monkey, and the eyes turned out in a way that resembles long eyelashes; good thing it wasn't a boy monkey!

I think the monkeys (and sock cows) are also the most challenging, mainly because they're the most time consuming. I have a toddler and an infant, so it's hard to find any significant amount of time to work on any one project.

I'm having a hard time deciding which items are the most creative. My first thought are the fabric covered buttons I've just started making, since there is so much to choose from when looking for fabric to use. When I was first waiting to receive the supplies to make the buttons, several people in Etsy Chat told me that making buttons was addictive...they were right!

Q. When you are not making products for your Boutique, what are you doing?
A. When I'm not making products, I'm usually either taking care of my kids (my daughter is 11 months old and my son is 2), or doing online work for my shop; either promotion, shop upkeep, research, etc. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I'm sure we'll be spending a lot more time outdoors. I try to get housework done, but that tends to be low priority for me and gets done more in the evenings than during the day.

Q. I know that you are moving to a new home very soon. What do you look forward to in the first few months after you move? What do you have misgivings about for those initial months after the move?

A. Yes! We're in the process of buying our first house and will be moving in 2 weeks! I sooooo look forward to being in the house. Right now we're in a walk-up apartment with no laundry facility, no yard, and at the edge of town. Deciding to go for a walk involves lugging the double stroller downstairs with the kids crying because I have to leave them alone in the apartment while I bring it down, then carrying to kids down stairs, and walking along the edge of a busy street with no sidewalk for 20 mins to get to town.
We'll have laundry and a yard in the house, so just that makes it huge for me! I hope to have a better area for my crafting in the new place, but I'll have to figure that out when we're actually in. I think the biggest misgivings about moving are unpacking and organizing while trying to get day-to-day chores done. This is my 7th move in 4 years, and I'm glad it'll be the last for a long time!

Q. What is your favourite part of having a shop on Etsy? Why?

A. My favourite part of having a shop on Etsy is feeling productive; that I am contributing financially to our family. I didn't work that much right after my husband and I got married just over 3 years ago because I just had a casual position, then I got pregnant right away, was on bed rest for a while, then before my 1 year maternity leave was up, I was pregnant again so didn't go back to work. So it's nice to feel like I had a part in helping clear debt, provide for our family, and buying the house. I also love the community! The chatters are so helpful, and the forums and virtual labs are so fun.

Q. What has been your most effective method in promoting your Boutique on Etsy? How did that promotion help?

A. My most effective promotional method has been making myself seen on Etsy in the community section. When I first was starting out, a large portion of my sales came from other chatters. The advice I've received from other Etsy sellers has made a huge difference in my shop. I have a hard time listing new items frequently, so when I don't have anything new, I renew a couple of times a week. I'm just starting to get a better hang of Twitter so I'm hoping that increases sales in this slow season so many of us are are experiencing right now. Most of my sales are from random searches so I try to focus first on keeping my shop visible, then work on Facebook, Blogger, and Twitter. I've also made a SoopSee page, which is the link I'll be putting on my new business cards after we move, so that customers can see my products, my blog, and my online links all in one place.

Introducing Treasury East!

2010-04-16T20:59:00.001-04:00

The long-rumored Treasury East launched today (more info here) and team member tennyoceres wasted no time in putting together a Chat Team Treasury.

Since everyone can have as many Treasury East lists as they like, and they don't expire, we likely won't be featuring them all on this blog, but they are eligible for Front Page selections, and of course visits, clicks and comments are always welcome. Also, they're great to include in individual blogs, as tennyoceres has done on hers, here.

What do you think of Treasury East? Have you made a list? Please post the URL in a Comment so we can all see!

Front Page News #1 - PonderandStitch

2010-04-15T16:47:00.006-04:00

It seems that everyone wants to make an appearance on the Etsy Front Page, and it made me wonder how much impact being in that coveted spot really makes in terms of views, hearts, warm fuzzy feelings, and of course sales!

Some of our Chat regulars and Team members find their way to the Front Page with such regularity that they are a great resource to ask about the power of the FP. Five of those FP regulars shared their answers to a trio of questions designed to inspire and inform every Etsy seller. We'll look at all their answers in subsequent posts; we're starting with PonderandStitch:

Q. What does having one of your items on the Front Page mean to your shop?
A. Being on the FP is always super-exciting...it truly never gets old! Views skyrocket, as do item hearts and shop hearts. Although my FP items don't always sell, they have sparked interest in the shop and I have gotten many custom orders after being on the FP. My favorite thing, though, is any time I've been on the front page, I have an inbox full of convos from really great Etsy friends congratulating me. It really feels great. :) It's nice to see a little orange 15 next to "conversations" when I log in- what a rush. :)

Q. Why do you think your items are selected for the FP so often?
A. I'd like to think my items have been selected for the front page because of clear, crisp photos and good tags - use them all and think of words you would use when searching for something. I'd also think a little of it is just plain luck. ;)

Q. Any advice for sellers who'd like to increase their chances of being on the Front Page?
A. Hmmm, if I had to give some advice, it would be to make sure your photos are completely crisp and fairly close-up. Taking a photo from an interesting angle is great, too. Think of the FP items that make you click - model your photos after those ones!

Thank you, PonderandStitch!
Coming up in future posts, answers from mooshoopork, TheExtentofSilence, clearcutcrafts2007 and somavenus

"Let's Talk Color" Chatters Treasury

2010-04-07T20:45:00.003-04:00

Etsy Chatters are known for being bright and colourful, and this new Treasury from Team member NaturesSpirit captures that character perfectly.

You'll find it right here through Saturday morning - drop by with your clicks and comments to show Chatters some Etsy affection!

Shop Self Critiques. A Close Look.

2010-04-06T02:30:00.002-04:00

Having a shop critiqued - in the Virtual Labs, or Chat, or the Forums - is a great way to get another opinion about what is working, and what might need some attention.

However, a little shop self-analysis can help too. A recent Storque article, Etsy Success: Critique Your Shop, walks through the many elements of a successful shop, with a checklist and detailed links that explain more about everything from Alchemy settings to Web Analytics.

Image from Craftiness, thanks!

Five Questions for ... JohnToftBasketry

2010-04-01T01:47:00.006-04:00

This time our last interviewee, NaturesSpirit, is asking the questions, and Team member JohnToftBasketry is providing the answers!

Q. Of all the types of baskets you make, which is the most fun, creative, and challenging?

A. Rib baskets are fun and creative to make since never do they come out the same shape.

For these I often use "hoops" of grapevine or willow, both home-grown. The lack of uniformity in willow circum-ference from tip to butt makes for interesting, not really circular shapes as I twist them into hoop shapes. And grapevine has a mind of its own as to what shape it will devise for me to work with. Then after I have joined the two hoops with Gods Eyes, I add ribs, usually of willow again. There I can make a melon shaped basket by adding the ribs in a hemispherical shape, or make the cheeks of what observers call my "bum" baskets fuller or tighter. Adding colour brings even more creative touches.

For the market baskets, the creativity comes in the use of colour, the choice of handles, the textures and patterns I can weave, and the size variety that is possible. There is no end to the variety of this type of basket. It's always fun to see what the end result will be.

For sewing baskets, a basic pattern also results in so much variety in texture, and even shape. Will I weave a vertical sided basket, a barrel shaped one, one that slopes out, or something else? And what kind of border is suitable, and what type of lid matches this particular shape? Add in the use of colour, design elements, and elements such as bark and newness is always there as I make another sewing basket. Then my wife, Anne, adds liners of appropriate colour and texture to complete the baskets!

Lately I found challenges in making wicker models of hot air balloons. How can I make a rounded balloon shape was one challenge. How do I attach the balloon's basket to the balloon itself? Do I match the scale of the balloon to the scale of the basket or use artistic license in making the two not to scale? The three I have made so far are each similar in shape, but very different in their ending size, character, and shape.

Q. When you are not creating beautiful baskets, what are you doing?
A. I am a member of two choirs at my church, the senior choir and the men's chorus (Gabriel's chorus). That keeps me occupied with Thursday night practices as well as singing at the Sunday services. I do a lot of gardening. Our home has almost no lawn left. The land is either in perennials or vegetables, or willow and grapevine for use in my baskets. My wife and I like to bicycle on local bike trails (mostly following the path of abandoned rail lines). Our two grandchildren, aged 5 and 7, keep us occupied, as does our adult autistic son, in his forties. He lives in a group home, but we see him twice a week.

Vacations form a significant part of our lives as we trade time-shares for holidays throughout the States, and even to our homeland, England. Jogging and Wii Fit are also part of the daily routine.

Q. I see you also have vintage items in your shop. Where is your favorite place to find vintage items?
A. Anywhere in the house that I can find them. All the vintage items, sold and unsold, have been items we bought for our own use, that we are now selling off as we downsize. There would be more, but Anne has said "Enough is enough!"

Q. What is your favorite part of having a shop on Etsy? And why?
A. The intermittent reinforcement of sales is one favourite. The feedback from satisfied customers is another. It does my ego a great deal of good. And those so many favourable comments from fellow chatters makes me feel good too. Being featured in Treasuries is also a bonus that I enjoy.

Q. I noticed in your shop profile that you have a twin brother. Twins have always intrigued me! Is your brother as creative as you?
A. We both left school early, at age 15, before our 16th birthday in August. For both of us, continuing our education was of prime importance. He did this by enrolling as an apprentice with an electricity producer and distributor. Through this he earned the equivalent of an electrical engineering degree. I went through the night school route, qualified for university, earned my degree and became a teacher.

His creativity comes through his work with his garden and his allotment. Both are a work of art. And his love of the outdoors is seen in the many country walks he organises for hikers that start and end at a country pub. His holidays take place in France, where his colloquial French comes out. (During a freezing rain storm that destroyed much of France's electrical lines a few years ago, my brother lead a crew of British electrical workers that restored power to many French villages. His French skills stood him in good stead then.)

Chat Tip #2 - Names Auto-Complete

2010-03-25T16:04:00.004-04:00

Why should we bother typing others' names accurately in Chat? It's not just to make picky people happy, honest!
• The person whose name is typed will see it in bold
• They'll also hear that familiar *bonk* alert sound
• It's actually easier to be accurate! Here's how:

When you want to auto-complete a name, type the first two or three letters of the name, and then click the Tab or right cursor/arrow key, and it will magically finish typing the name for you, ready to send.

This trick also works with messages / whispers, and when looking at shops, and is especially handy with really LONG names. Can't find an avatar in Chat, and you want to look at the person's shop? Just type /shop and then the auto-complete sequence to go directly to the shop.

But it didn't work!
There are a couple of instances when auto-complete won't work:
• The name is in the room twice (it sees right through ghost names)
• It needs more letters to get a unique string. If, for example, Team members MissElany, MissesBird and MissMooseDesign were all in the room at once, you'd have to type as many as six letters to get auto-complete to trigger the one you want.

Give it a try - it will soon be second nature!

Chat Tip #1 - Avatar Order

Images from davidgieske and nakedtile, thanks!

Membership Update

2010-03-19T18:12:00.007-04:00

Along with scads of active Chatters, clicking on the list of Team member names / URLs reveals that there are quite a few members whose shops are closed or on long-term vacation (without a stated return date), who are sellers with no listings and no recent activity, and some whose user names no longer exist on Etsy.

A list of all the inactive shops was put together last week, and it will be checked again at the end of March to weed out any that are still away.

Of course having an active shop isn't a requirement for membership

in our Team, so if you still chat on Etsy even though your shop is inactive, please be in touch by the end of the month, so your name won't be deleted.

If your name and shop are alive and well, there's no need to do anything but carry on chatting!

Images from Etsy shops thebackporchshoppe and uniqueBOWtique09. Thanks!

Chat Addicts' Treasury

2010-03-16T18:03:00.002-04:00

It's fresh today, an eclectic Treasury from Team member BabyBundleBoutique celebrating fellow Chat Addicts and their creative work.

Visits, clicks and comments are always welcome at this link while the Treasury is live (until very early Friday morning). Let's show it some Etsyluv!

Five Questions for...NaturesSpirit

2010-03-08T23:11:00.015-05:00

Team member NaturesSpirit tackled five questions (expanded to six) posed by our last interviewee, AuntKarensCreations!

Q. Where did you learn to make your beautiful jewelry?

A. My jewelry making started about 6 years ago after one of my sisters came home from a jewelry making party and showed me what she had created. She showed me the basics and instinct took over from there. I somehow just knew how to do it and I was instantly addicted.

I have always had a creative streak in me. There are times that it is almost a physical need that has to be expressed. Prior to making jewelry, when the creative bug would bite me I would make something, anything. And I've tried it all. Painting, pottery, sewing (phew… really bad at that!), computer graphics, photography. You name it, and I've given it a shot.

When I started making jewelry I was finally able to completely satisfy that creative 'bug'. I am a nature lover and every piece of jewelry I create is an assembly of odds and ends from Mother Nature. I am drawn to vibrant gemstones, precious and semi-precious gemstones, silver and copper. All from this little planet called earth! I see it as a form of recycling in a way. Or maybe upcycling is a better term.

Q. How has your shop changed/evolved since the first day you opened?

A. Well, it's certainly been a learning experience! I started out slow, with just a few items and slowly built from there. I took a lesson with a local photography artist and learned how to take better photos. One thing I know for sure, is that to successfully sell jewelry (or anything else really!) on Etsy, you have GOT to have great photos of your product. It is not like a retail shop, where women can pick up my items and try them on. The photo has to sell it. I love shopping in little boutiques and have tried to recreate that feeling in my Etsy shop through my banner, titles, descriptions and photographs as much as possible. I wish we had the ability to 'wallpaper' our shops here. Then I could get REALLY creative and set a shop mood!

Q. Everyone always asks "What inspires you?" so let's try a different angle on this...let's say that you've been out hiking in the forest. You wander through, just soaking up the beauty around you, and suddenly you stop dead in your tracks, gasping in sheer delight. What did you see? How will you honor that with your artistry?

A. Can I change my forest to a desert or the beach? Most of the year I live in the foothills north of Phoenix, in the beautiful sonoran desert and beauty abounds here! When we aren't in good ol' AZ, we are down at our beach house on the Caribbean island of Isla Mujeres. In both homes, I am surrounded by natural beauty.

So no forests in my life, but to answer your question:

If I were out walking in Arizona…it could have been the colors of a sunset that stopped me in my tracks, the clouds lying down on the mountains or the the blue blue blue of the Arizona sky.

Down in the Caribbean…I have literally looked out my front window at that amazing, indescribable blue turquoise water and cried. It is that beautiful. Last fall I made a pair of earrings called 'Out the Casa Window' and in my item photos included a picture of the amazing view that inspired them. They sold quickly. I should do that more often!

Q. What do you feel has been the most effective method for promoting your shop? How did it help your shop?

A. Hmmmm, this is a tough one. I haven't really done any formal advertising other than occasionally purchasing a showcase here on Etsy, and unfortunately that hasn't turned into sales for me. I'm now considering an advertisement on either Craftcult or Craftopolis.

What has been successful so far has been word of mouth, repeat customers and getting into the chat rooms on a daily basis promoting other sellers shops. They tend to return the favor! We are a great bunch here on Etsy, aren't we?

I also use Twitter and Facebook. I tweet different items from my shop 3 or 4 times a day on Twitter. This always generates a good number of views and has turned into a few sales.

I am excited to get my blog going! I have it laid out the way I want and am almost ready to go public with it! Stay tuned!

A surprising sales producer was when a friend and neighbor down on Isla Mujeres featured me in his blog. He blogs almost daily about the island, but he had purchased a necklace from me and liked it so much he wanted to let the rest of the world know about it. He posted a link from his blog to my Etsy shop and that turned into a bunch of sales for me! In fact, I think I sold out of all of my 'island inspired' pieces that following week. Sweet!

Q. What new and exciting pieces are you considering for future posts in your store?

A. Last month I went to the Tucson Gem and Lapidary Wholesale show and stocked up on a ton of supplies! I purchased some incredible turquoise, some amazing gemstones that I had never even heard of, and lots of unique sterling silver and copper findings.

Here are two new pieces that were created with supplies from that show. This turquoise is my all time favorite. It's a higher end turquoise called 'Sleeping Beauty' from a mine not too far from me, in Globe Arizona.

And this piece features copper from my favorite Arizona copper artist, Patricia Healey. She makes incredible copper pendants and clasps and I just adore her work. They all have an amazing patina finish and are little bits of art themselves. I love to incorporate them into my pieces.

But next on the agenda is learning the art of Precious Metal Clay. I am so excited about the prospect of making my own pendants and findings! I will be taking a class on this within the next month or so.

Q. Which famous person would you love to have come to visit and purchase from your shop?

A. Wow, so many people come to mind. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, would be pretty fantastic. Whether you like her or not, it's impossible to say she doesn't have great taste! She has the fashion sense and class of a Kennedy. And standing next to her, I'd like to see Ellen DeGeneres. I just adore her. She doesn't normally wear much jewelry so maybe she could buy some for her wife, Portia de Rossi.

Thank you so much for including me in this very fun series on the Etsy Chat Team Blog! I wish you all many sales, prosperity and happiness!

Buyers Are From Mars

2010-03-07T12:03:00.009-05:00

They're not really Martians of course, but when it comes to speaking the same language, it really can seem as though buyers and sellers are from different planets.

In just about every area of arts, crafts, vintage, and supplies, sellers have their own language, and it's a language that might be totally alien to their potential buyers!

In a bricks-and-mortar store, at a craft show, or when browsing a thrift shop or swap meet, buyers are usually looking for a thing - a journal, or a piece of pottery, some cool jewellery or soap, maybe a print or card. The words that describe it don't matter much because buyers can see it, feel it, smell it for themselves.

But translate the buying experience to Etsy, and would-be customers have to count on sellers' photos and text to close the sale. If the titles, descriptions and tags rely on jargon and technical terms, the casual observer may be stranded on Planet Etsy without a Universal Translator.

The red sidebar shows just some of the common-on-Etsy terms that I'd never heard until I came into EtsyOrbit.

Short message: if a Martian, your aunt, grandfather, or a random person on the street might not know what a term means, define it for them, and tell them why the technique or material you're using is better than your competition!

Images from TheAngryRobot and blueberrydays, thanks!

Chat Tip #1 - Avatar Order

2010-02-28T14:46:00.008-05:00

In the wonderful world of Etsy chat, we learn to recognize familiar "faces" in the form of their avatars. And the order of those avatars tells us something too.

Here's the same chat room, seen from outside:

And seen from inside:

The difference? When viewed from outside, the avatars are arranged in order of how long the Etsian has been in the room (longest first). From within the room, avatars line up based on how long the person has been an Etsy member with that ID (again, longest first). Cool, eh?

Learn more about using chat in Chat Tip #2 - Names Auto-Complete

"Glamorous Whites" Treasury by ticc

2010-02-24T10:35:00.004-05:00

Team member ticc has embraced the fun of making Treasuries featuring Chat Team members. This beautiful selection is live and ready for your visits, clicks and comments by going to this link, any time through Saturday morning February 27.

Congratulations to all the chatters in this Treasury!

Chatters' Treasury by elephantwalk

2010-02-19T15:06:00.004-05:00

She's on a roll making Treasuries, and this new one from Team member elephantwalk highlights some of her "chat-addicted friends."

It's open for Etsyluvin' visits, clicks and comments through Monday morning February 22. To get to it, just click here.

Five Questions for...AuntKarensCreations

2010-02-19T09:29:00.009-05:00

This time Team member AuntKarensCreations answers five (well, make that six) questions from our previous interviewee, heartsabustin.

Q. When did you learn to sew, and who taught you?

A. I started sewing when I was 14. I flunked the sewing class that they taught in Junior High but was determined to sew anyway! My mom had always sewn our clothes (We always had friends wanting to borrow what we wore to school.) I would sit by the hour and watch her sew. One day I sat down and made my first piece of clothing all by myself...that started me on a lifetime of making clothes!

Q. What are your best inspirations?

A. Hmmm...it's a combination of things, I suppose. I'll see a color and think "Wow, that would look great in a blouse!" Or I'll see a funky fabric and think "Hmmm wouldn't that make a great purse!" Then I start laying out the pattern or drawing my design for a tote. I can tell I have a winner when I just can't quit grinning when it's done.

Q. What do you like better, apples or oranges? And why?

A. Oh, an easy one! I prefer oranges over apples hands down. I just don't like apples. Except for their terrific color range, that is.

Q. Who has been your favorite US President, and why?

A. I think that Harry Truman is my favorite President. I have lived in the Kansas City area for most of my life. He lived and returned to Independence, MO which is about 20 miles from where I grew up. My Godfather, a photographer, was Harry's official photographer whenever President Truman was home. He would tell the best and funniest stories about his times with the President. So I got to know Harry Truman vicariously. Harry Truman was also a strong, straightforward man, and when he told you something you could believe what he said.

Q. What's the best thing about selling on Etsy?

A. The Etsy community! I think that is why I cannot stay out of the Newbie Labs! It's truly a wonder watching all of us grow in our art. The Etsy community is generous with sharing their experience, sharing their business methods, sharing themselves.

To me Etsy truly wants us to be successful and does their utmost to help. What other venue is available to help with whatever problem you have in a one-to-one basis? It's so fun to watch the scared newbie blossom into a wonderful seller! Hey, we were ALL scared newbies at one time or another.

Q. Bonus Question: Money no object, who would you buy from on Etsy?

A. I get to go shopping??? YES!! Honestly I don't pay attention to the shop, I look at items. That's why I use my Favorites, because I forget who had that "I can't live without it" item...LOL. We all search just to browse the shops and I decided one day to just shop by price, looking for the most expensive item and found a watch for $22,000. I hearted that sucker just because it was so expensive!

Then I found the funniest item...exploding frog soap! It's a gel soap that when it gets soft enough it erupts in foamy bubbles, and I laughed until I cried at the concept...I kept thinking of the poor kid in Harry Potter who couldn't get anything right!

I love doors and faces too. I love things that make you smile because you saw them. The first shop that I remembered the name and products of? I just fell on the floor laughing when I saw a BuyMyCrap post in the forums. His avatar is a roll of toilet paper! He makes beautiful polymer rings, not the kind of thing I would purchase for myself, but would make a terrific gift at some point.

"Rainbow of Colors" Chatters' Treasury

2010-02-12T14:32:00.004-05:00

ticc is one of our newest Chat Team members, and she has created a brand new Treasury featuring some of the most colourful work from the Team. Visit it live through Monday morning February 15 and show it some Etsylove with your clicks and comments, or click the image for a larger view.

Five Questions for...heartsabustin

2010-02-07T09:22:00.014-05:00

Team member heartsabustin has taken on a handful of question about life, art, and business!

Q. What are your inspirations?

A. I love nature - God was the first artist, and I think he did a pretty fine job. ;)

I also love walking into a fabric store and letting the color combinations I see in there inspire me. Going to the mall for me is research - I like to see what clothes are out for a season, what colors designers are using, and how I might be able to complement those colors in my jewelry.

Q. How do you balance your family life and personal life with your work responsibilities, including running an Etsy shop?

A. It's not easy, because my family is demanding! Seriously, I try to make sure the computer is turned off when my husband gets home and I make efforts to get up and play with my kids. It's so easy to sit here and *will* sales by staring at the screen. LOL

We have homework now, and they love to play games, so I get up and do that stuff with them. The crafting takes place when I can work it in.

Right now, I'm trying to concentrate on my newest love of working with precious metal clay. That's slow going because the supplies are not as readily available as I would like them to be!

Q. How do you promote your Etsy business? What types of promotion have been most successful for you? Least effective?

A. I run ads on Craftcult and Craftopolis, I have Twitter and a Facebook Fan Page (highly recommended if you don't already have one!), and I lurk in chat (obviously!!!) and the forums a great deal. (JS notes: heartsabustin has a blog too.) The more places you are and the more active you are, the better your exposure is. The least effective thing I've done is take out a Showcase on Etsy. For the same money, I can get a whole week of advertising on Craftcult.

Q. Knowing what you do now, is there anything you would have done differently when you first opened your shop?

A. I would have researched the photography part a little better. My pictures have improved by leaps and bounds since I've been here. And I would have relaxed a little bit more. I was terrified at taking such a big step into running a business. I would never have made it through if it hadn't been for my mom and my husband. Great supporters are they!

Q. What are three Etsy items you would buy today if you could, and if money was not an object?

A. Anything from TheLeatherStore.

One of WickedSoaps gift sets - for me! - in White Raspberry Truffle. Yum!

The vine necklace in MangosteenJewelry's Etsy shop. Gorgeous! She's one of my new PMC friends. What a sweetheart!

Next time...heartsabustin asks another Chat Team member five questions of her own!

Time to update your Shop Announcement?

2010-02-05T11:52:00.006-05:00

This week I clicked on every one of our Team members' shop links to cull closed shops and be sure all our new members are included too.

Something I noticed while scanning the Shop Announcements is that some are a tad behind the times. I spotted notices about sales that ended last year, plenty of Christmas references, long-past away-for-vacation announcements, and even a mention of Halloween!

In the fine Etsy tradition, there's no "calling out" or naming of names here, but more a friendly reminder that everything from the Shop Announcement to individual listings and Policies needs an occasional review.

Image of a vintage desk calendar from ExpressionsDesign, thanks!

"My EtsyChat Valentines" Treasury

2010-02-01T15:04:00.003-05:00

Team member and chat regular heartsabustin has made a rich-and-rosy Treasury featuring some of her fellow chatters, and inspired by Valentine's Day. See it here, and leave your clicks and comments live through Thursday morning February 4.

Handmade Lightbox for Product Photos

2010-01-30T12:16:00.006-05:00

It seems only right that some tools of the Handmade (and Vintage and Supplies) seller would be handmade too! Chat regular CETphotography has kindly shared his blog tutorial for how sellers can make a handy lightbox with the investment of a little time, some around-the-house materials, and about $10 for lightbulbs.

You'll find the illustrated tutorial here, and it would be great to hear about your adventures with photos in the comments too, both here and on his blog.

This oh-so-seasonal photo from his shop was taken using just such a DIY lightbox. Thank you, CETphotography!

Chatters' Treasury

2010-01-18T03:34:00.007-05:00

Chatters are starring again in a new Treasury, that's live through Tuesday night, January 19 (click the small image for a bigger view).

Shops featured are:

• eternalimages • akkricket

• KimArt • LathersbyLinds

• zeropumpkin • MissesBird

• BeInspiredDesigns • lynsi

• OrionStars • froggyfibers

• Deconstructress

• HolisticallyHeather

Alts: • Sinthetik • grandma62 • TBSCreations • ThePaperButton

Valentine's Day Gifts

2010-01-17T09:48:00.006-05:00

What's on your wish list for Valentine's day, and what are you offering for Etsy buyers to celebrate this oh-so-romantic occasion? Please post a comment here to show off a special item from your shop, and also let us know what you'd just LOVE to receive from another shop February 14 this year.

Images from EmilyWiserJewelry and VintageConfections, thanks!

Chatters' Treasury

2010-01-09T05:15:00.005-05:00

Another Treasury made up entirely of Chatters is up now (and through Monday January 11), so stop on by to show your Team support with clicks and comments. Here's the link.

When you make a Treasury of Chat Team members, please convo the URL so it can be posted on the blog too!

What's in your camera bag?

2009-12-28T22:09:00.007-05:00

We've talked about it in Chat, and the question has come up in Virtual Labs too: what's the best camera for taking Etsy photos?

Whether you use a top-of-the-line digital SLR, or an affordable point-and-shoot, there seems to be a camera in every price range to do the job, and do it well. In general, good choices include features such as: macro or close-up option (that little flower symbol), white balance control, and 5 or more mega pixels.

What about other photo-improving hardware and software? Do you have a favourite freestanding photo editing application, or a free online editor you like to use? Is a tripod or lightbox a must for you, or do you get by just fine resting your camera on a stack of books?

What do you use and recommend for Etsy pics? To share your insights, please post a Comment (with your shop name too, if it's different from your blogging name) and your:

• Camera brand and model number

• Its approximate price range

• What you love about your camera

• What features or specs you'd like to improve

• Software or accessories you recommend

• URL of the best photo in your shop.

Images from NanLawson's and vantiani's shops, thanks!

Rearrange Your Shop, Beautifully

2009-12-16T13:11:00.003-05:00

One of the cooler new features introduced to Etsy sellers in 2009 was Rearrange Your Shop, a practical way to shuffle the items in a shop to whatever order works best for you - not just always having the newest listing at the top. More about how to use the feature, in this Storque article.

Here's an example by an Etsy shopkeeper, terrygraziano, who has done something different when she rearranged, and the effect is fabulous! Okay, not everyone will want to spring for three listings for one lower-priced item, but for these fashion pieces, it does such a good job of showing the flexible designs of her hats. Another smart touch: her item titles are different for each listing, making the most of their search potential. And of course she has a consistent and cohesive look, with great photos.

How have you used Rearrange Your Shop to make it work for you? Rearranged by colour? Price? Season? Category? Some other approach? Please tell us in Comments what you've done (and as always, please sign with your shop name too if it's different from your blog name, so we can find you).

Judith / jswrites

Starring Etsy Chatters

2009-12-08T14:07:00.006-05:00

Team members and Chat regulars don't just show up in Etsy chat, they're stars of Treasuries and the Front Page, candidates in Etsy voting, and featured on Martha Stewart's site too!

• somavenus' recycled books made it to a Martha Stewart gift guide

• thelittlereddoor, mooshoopork, and other chatters live on the FP!

• spacejam is in the Fave Holiday Gift for Her gift guide vote.

Use the Comments to let us know where your work is celebrated (and how you made it happen!). Of course if you make a Treasury of all chatters, please send a convo so it can be featured here too.

Eyes On Your Shop?

2009-11-30T22:26:00.009-05:00

Everyone has their own idea of what helps to get a shop seen all year 'round, and this helpful Pimp Your Shop Storque article wraps up some of the best approaches out there - both on and off Etsy.

What are you doing to pimp your shop now, and for the year ahead? Do you set a promotion budget (money AND time)? What strategies have proven most effective? And really, does spamming the chat rooms with promos ever actually work?

Image from Team member TheExtentofSilence's shop.

Giveaway from Bohemeanne!

2009-11-18T09:46:00.014-05:00

Team member bohemeanne took time to answer a few questions about her life and her shop (adding, too, that she's a big Quentin Tarantino fan). She has also spelled out the details of a big giveaway worth $50 - be sure to read right to the end for all the info you need.

Q. How did you find Etsy? What are the advantages, for you, in selling (and buying) online in general, and on Etsy in particular?

A. I was a reader of Bust Magazine and saw a lot of ads in the back for Etsy shops. The merchandise was very appealing to me since I've never classified myself as someone who wears "normal" clothing or tries to follow current trends. Once I started browsing Etsy, I was astonished by the fact that there were people just like me out there. I had also joined up on the getcrafty.com forum, which had a lot of Etsians on it. Before I knew it I was hooked.

Q. How does your work fit into your day-to-day life? Do you have a routine to accommodate work and creative demands with real life?

A. My life has done a total 360 in the past year so fitting in my arts in crafts isn't a question; I just need to for my own sanity. From life threatening illnesses, to financial crisis-I've been through it all at the young age of 28. I have an 18 month old son who is the love of my life, and a husband who I know doesn't always quite understand it, has een very supportive of my artistic outlets. My day consists of wondering

how much I can jam in before my body gives up-but everyday I give my best effort.

Q. Did you take classes or courses to learn the skills you need to make your work, or were you self taught?

A. I had planned on being an art teacher after high school and made it until my junior year when I ran out of money and had no choice but to get a full time job to support myself. I was always an artistic person, and always opted to make things before I bought them so it was only natural for me to keep on trying to learn new arts and crafts on my own. I'm self taught in a lot of areas and very proud of it. If I had the money I would continue formal education but it's financially impossible for us right now.

Q. What are your inspirations?

A. Color, impressionistic art, textures, vintage styles, hippies, the 60's era, and true passion for life.

Q. How long did it take you to make your first sale on Etsy? How did those early sales go for you?

A. About 6 months. I'm still struggling. I've heard so many different views and opinions about why my shop doesn't sell that sometimes I just find it annoying. The number one thing that I can't stand is complaining about prices. If you were struggling to pay bills and put food on the table you may not want to charge an extraordinary price for your work either. It has never been about me selling a terrible product, or not having enough faith in myself. It's only because we desperately need the money. Snobby artists can bite me!

Q. What have been your most successful approaches to promotion or advertising? What promotion strategies haven't worked as well?

A. Daily posting of new items seem to work the best for me. Cafehandmade.com had boosted my views as well but I haven't seen any sales from it yet. I never seem to do well with % off sales and I haven't a clue why. I love facebook and twitter, they help me a lot.

Q. As a seller and a buyer, what do you find to be important aspects of customer service?

A. Quality for price. Nothing is worse then saving up to buy something to be really disappointed when you receive the item. Also, friendliness. I can't tell you how many times I was completely turned off by someone's attitude when considering a sale especially in a chat. I offer as much as I possibly can to my buyers including a 100% money back guarantee. If there is anything I can do for you, I probably will! I want to see you back again and again!

Q. What advice would you give to a new seller, or to someone who wants to give their established shop a boost?

A. I think the most important thing to remember is to have faith in what you are selling. If you believe in it and put your all behind it-then I think people will be more inclined to buy from you. Don't be afraid to be yourself, and for god sakes-be original!

Q. What are your favourite shop/s?

A. I have soooo many. I urge you to go through my favorite shops on my Etsy. I also have to give a shout out to my lovely friend Kerry Palumbo at Ferrousious who has helped me along my creative path a lot lately and has been super supportive

bohemeanne's specials - she says:

For November and December leave a comment to seller stating "blog" and receive 20% your entire order.

All purchases in bohemeanne's shop are eligible for free gift wrap upon request, and as mentioned above, if there is anything she can do for you don't hesitate to ask!

Leave a comment for this blog saying what your favorite items in her shop are to win a Super Boho Blowout gift set that will feature sample items from bohemeanne's shop worth $50!!!! She says "It will include a scarf, headband, jewelry and other fantastic goodies. This is one hell of a gift! Comment away by:

Tweeting about this blog, and posting the link

Blogging about this blog

Featuring a link on your facebook, don't forget to add the link so boheamme can count it.

Each of these will count as one entry and bohemeanne will draw a winner on December 12th. Good luck!

Congratulations to the Gift Set winner, HeathensHearth!

Bohemeanne has made her selection, and the winner of the $50-value gift set from her shop is HeathensHearth! Congrats!

Holiday Sparkle

2009-11-13T02:05:00.007-05:00

With just weeks until we're in the thick of the winter holidays (even sooner for US Thanksgiving), shoppers are busily buying for their own special needs, and of course for gifts. Over a million items sold on Etsy during October (adding up to $17.7 million in goods) - now that's sparkle!

Team member Balanced has plenty of sparkle in her shop, ready for all those holiday shoppers - including those who are avoiding the rush by ordering with plenty of time for local and international deliveries. And using one of the pictures in every listing to show exactly how it will be gift wrapped makes that purchase decision easier too.

How have you added sparkle to your shop for holiday browsers? Use the Comments to show us your seasonal items and gift presentation (please sign with your shop name too, if it's not the same as your blog name).

The Power of Tags

2009-11-04T18:14:00.010-05:00

Not THAT kind of tags, although aren't the cheerful tags from Team members ThePaperButton and hdawnparratt in this post tempting?

But this is more about those powerful tags that are part of every listing, and can help bring shoppers to your shop by making it easier for them to search for what they're looking to buy. Etsy is jam-packed with information about making every one of those tags work hard for you. A few highlights:

• Guidelines and Tips: Tagging on Etsy

Step-by-step walk-through, with brainstorming tips

• Tag-o-rama with Descriptive Keywords

Stuck for appropriate style words? Check this list!

• Tag Finder Tool from Craftweasel.com

An innovative approach to selecting and using tags

Another tip for using tags - include your Team tag. Every time a Team member wants to make a Treasury of chatters, and when I'm looking for items to illustrate this blog or to include in the ChatTeam mini, it starts with a search for Team tags.

The official Team profile (established when the Team was formed) shows our search word is ChatTeam, but there are a few variations, including "chat team" and "chatters." Next time you're listing or renewing, why not add a tag for your Team?

How are you using tags to boost your sales for the upcoming holiday season, and beyond?

Judith / jswrites

Shop Critique Anyone?

2009-10-27T17:13:00.004-04:00

If you've ever participated in the Etsy Shop Critiques in the Virtual Labs, taken your turn in the hot seat on the Forums' Critiques area, or asked for a casual critique in Chat, you probably know how helpful they can be.

With that in mind, what about using our team blog to do some friendly-yet-realistic critiques of our fellow chatters' shops? If you are interested in hearing what other team members have to say about your shop, just post your question in the Comments of this post. Please try to keep it to one specific question (avoid the general "Do you like my shop?"), such as:

• Does my banner represent my shop well?

• Are my prices too high? Too low?

• Should I use a background colour in my photos?

• How can I improve my tags

...you get the idea! Let's see your questions, and of course your answers. Also, for anyone who would like to offer a more detailed critique, or would like to request one, please comment about that too. It would be great to match up some shops to help each other.

Etsy Success in the Mail

2009-10-20T18:15:00.002-04:00

Do you subscribe to Etsy's free packed-with-helpful-info newsletters? My current favourite is Etsy Success, a handy compilation of information that can help make shops even more successful. The current issue, called Promo Mojo highlights:

• Social Shopping - putting those social shopping sites to work for you.

• Promo Mojo tips from The Storque

• Holiday Workshop news

• Helpful Forum Threads

To subscribe to Etsy Success and other Etsy newsletters, visit here and sign up!

Chatters' Treasury

2009-10-15T01:59:00.006-04:00

tanyaw85 has put together a very special Chatters' Treasury featuring chatters' listings for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Please visit, comment and click to show your support for chatters, and for this worthwhile cause.

Meet enchantedmemories

2009-10-09T21:33:00.014-04:00

It's been about 9 months since Enchantedmemories joined Etsy, and we'd like to know more about her work, her shop, and her insights into success in the wonderful world of handmade.

Q. How did you find Etsy? What are the advantages, for you, in selling (and buying) online in general, and on Etsy in particular?

A. I was first told about Etsy by another mom who was a addicted to Etsy, she gave me the link and I was hooked! I am fond of online shopping because it is not easy to shop with two toddlers in tow and for my shop being digital, online is the way to go.

Q. How does your work fit into your day-to-day life? Do you have a routine to accommodate work and creative demands with real life?

A. I have a very flexible routine. With small kids around you have to be flexible. I normally do all of my deigns at night after i put my toddlers to bed. It is hard to be creative when you have a little person next to you demanding a refill on their sippy cup.

Q. Did you take classes or courses to learn the skills you need to make your work, or were you self taught?

A. I am completely self taught. I have never taken one digital design or graphics art class. I have drawn as long as I can remember. In high school during the boring classes, my class mates use to have me draw cartoons on their book covers lol, but I have never had any sort of formal training.

Q. What are your inspirations?

A. My inspirations are definitely my kids. That is how I started. I like that I can create them unique designs for invitations and I even have made a few digital art pictures for their rooms. They get really excited when they can decide what they want a picture to look like and I make it happen for them.

Q. How long did it take you to make your first sale on Etsy? How did those early sales go for you?

A. My shop was opened and sat unloved for about 2 1/2 months. My baby got really sick right after I opened so it made for a slow start the first few months. But from when i created my account to when I got my first sale was less than 2 months. Sales were scattered at first but once all was well again and I started promoting my shop and adding items it has been pretty good.

Q. What have been your most successful approaches to promotion or advertising? What promotion strategies haven't worked as well?

A. I have found that blog giveaways and blog ads are not very successful for my shop. The best advertising I get is referrals and repeat customers.

Q. As a seller and a buyer, what do you find to be important aspects of customer service?

A. I think providing a well made product and conducting business in a professional manner is important. Even though I am at home , at my computer, my customers rely on a quality product to represent their business delivered in a timely manner and I always worked hard to make sure they receive it.

Q. What advice would you give to a new seller, or to someone who wants to give their established shop a boost?

A. I would recommend that shops have clear pics that are taken tastefully, make sure everything written in their shop is spelled properly and easy to read and to keep in mind that people like to feel confident in products they are buying. Well put together shops that are visually appealing give people the feeling that you are putting your all in your shop and product. And for any shop that want s a boost I would definitely recommend taking a look at my shop for a custom banner or shop package ;p

Post Your Weekend Promos!

2009-10-09T11:40:00.002-04:00

It's Thanksgiving weekend in Canada, and Columbus day is being celebrated in the US, plus there's the usual flurry of Birthday, Autumn, and day-ending-in-day reasons to celebrate with a promotion, sale, BOGO, free shipping event, or whatever. So tell us what you're doing, and read about other Chatters Team members are up to in their shops this weekend, in the comments here.

Breast cancer awareness

2009-09-29T15:35:00.008-04:00

October is breast cancer awareness month, and it seems that everyone has been touched by this disease. Inspired by team member tanyaw85's post on the Chatters' Ning group, it seemed like a great opportunity to highlight items that honor the struggles of our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends dealing with breast cancer.

Please add your pink / breast cancer awareness items to the Comments - like this necklace from tanyaw85 to support her mother - I'll upload pictures of Chatters' items too.

More creative items for the cause!

Heartsabustin has these lovely earrings, with $5 of the proceeds of each sale going to breast cancer research.

mbell34 brings breast cancer awareness to a sink near you with sweet-smelling goats milk soap highlighting the iconic pink ribbon.

Giving Etsy Gifts

2009-09-28T15:59:00.013-04:00

Ah yes, it's getting to be that time of year again. Although of course there are gift-giving opportunities year-round - all those birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, christenings and so on cry out for handmade presents - there's something about the Christmas holidays that inspires a happy frenzy of shopping.

Some tips to make shopping (and selling!) easier:

• If you want to have a gift sent directly to its recipient by the seller, use the "Add a gift address" feature in PayPal, to reassure the seller that they're sending to an official address. Follow the links in PayPal from Profile > Add or Edit Street Address > Add Address > Add a gift address.

• Buyers can use the Shop Local Etsy feature to search not just for their own area, but for someone who sells locally to their gift recipient. If I want to send a present to someone in the U.S. or England, I might start by opening Shop Local especially if it's getting down to the wire for shipping; closer can be faster, and many shops offer to gift wrap and attach a card (free or for sale).

What tips would you add, for both buyers and sellers? Please include them in the comments, with your shop name so we can all see what you're doing for the holidays.

Judith / aka jswrites

Labor Day Weekend Promos?

2009-09-04T23:32:00.003-04:00

Is your shop or blog having a Labor Day Weekend sale, BOGO, giveaway or other promotion? If it's in effect this weekend, please post a comment here to let your fellow team members and team blog followers know all about it.

Note, if your posting name isn't the same as your shop name, please sign with both so everyone can find you!

Happy Selling and Shopping!

Judith / jswrites

patience ..... we shall return

2009-09-01T22:00:00.001-04:00

Heathenshearth (Misty) and Jupita (Jenn) have both been in the process of moving and getting settled in their new places the past few weeks.

Sorry for the lull in posts, and the silence in tweets and chats..

If there are any pressing issues.. Convo one of us on Etsy!

Rest assured, we will be back soon.. and getting the Chat Team back in full swing!

Larissa789s winner

2009-08-22T09:15:00.002-04:00

Winner to LArissa789's giveaway

Lynsi said...
One of my new favorite sellers !! Love your style !!

Woodland Lullaby is defintiely my favorite though. I have a thing for owls and I felt like the piece was cute mixed with chic and sophistication. LOVE it !!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29275366

Please contact me at jupitadesigns@yahoo.com or Convo me at Jupita (Etsy) with your mailing address!

Larissa789 ... explains it all!! Friday Feature and Giveaway 8-14~8-20

2009-08-14T13:30:00.004-04:00

It is Friday again.. This week we are QnAing with LArissa from www.Larissa789.Etsy.Com

1.Who is Larissa?
I'm just a simple girl who likes to try everything! I am constantly online looking something crafty up to try. Normally, I have my 9 month old crawling around my feet wanting attention. I love Etsy and enjoy putting my work up to share with other people.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?
Like I said in my previous answer, I am always looking up something to try. Which means my crafting abilities are very wide spread! I love to make jewelry, sew, knit, crochet, needle felt, scrapbook, decoupage, paint, draw (though I'm horrible at it!) work with clay and anything else interesting I find. I'm not saying I'm good at any of those, because most of them, I'm really not! But I love to try it all and be able to do any fun projects I see. But my main shop is only jewelry. I opened my second shop for everything else! =) I have been crafting my whole life, but I just started working with jewelry about 3 years ago and only really intensely about a year and a half ago.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from things I see walking down the street, things I see on the internet, things people say. It's really varied. Sometime I just feel inspired to make something out of no where!

4. What is your favorite medium?
Probably all my jewelry making supplies. Like my beads and chains and everything that goes along with that. I don't

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?
Etsy is my passion. My art. I love to create things to add to my shop and it is really exciting to see what other people think about it. I am a stay at home mom so I don't have a full-time job really. I would eventually love to open a shop with all the results of my crafts in it. But I don't know if that is feasible!

6. How did you find Etsy?
I think a friend was showing me some baby things on Etsy and later I checked it out myself. I set up an account to purchase things originally, then decided to open a shop about 2 months later. I wish I would have used a different username, but I already had some feedback that I didn't want to sacrifice.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?
A friend told me to go check out the chat rooms and I was instantly addicted. I think I am a chat addict by nature, so when I entered the Etsy chat rooms it was even easier to get addicted when everyone is talking about the things I love most!

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?
I am so obsessed with The Littlest Mushroom Cameo necklace. I just finished it recently but it really is me in necklace form! I love it! I still am not sure that I want to part with it! I also really love the Rainy Days in Spring necklace. I think it is pretty unique and clever.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?
I am always obsessed with sparklerocks shop! I just love everything she makes! But I can't get enough of blueberryshoes, plushlifeisyummy, jupita, thelovelyteaspoon and cashewedalmonds. Is that too many? I think not. I told you I am obsessed with Etsy!

10.Tips for other Artists?
Be yourself and don't try to do what is "cool" or what everyone else is doing if it isn't you!
Get out there and make yourself known! Talk to people so more people will know about your shop.
Trade. It's fun! =)

11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I don't really have any secrets...well nothing that I can think of. Man, I'm so lame!

12. Any parting words of wisdom?
Never take a laxative and a sleeping pill at the same time.
Never play leapfrog with a unicorn.
Never do your shoelaces up in a revolving door.
Avoid parking tickets - leave your window wipers on fast-wipe.
When everythings going your way - you're in the wrong lane.
When sliding down the bannister of life - make sure the splinters are facing the right way.

Now.. for the giveaway:
LArissa789 will give away a this adorable rose necklace to the winner:

Wouldnt that look lovely??

1. Go to Larissa789.Etsy.Com, find your favorite item, come back here and comment (required, 1 entry)

Extra Entries:

2. Follow the Etsy Chatters Team Blog, Comment here. (1 Entry)
3. Follow EtsyChatTeam and Larissa789 on Twitter AND Tweet about this Contest (place link here in comment, 1 entry per day - 7 possible throughout contest!)
4. BLOG about LArissa789.Etsy.Com and this Post (Leave a 2 comments here with the link, 2 entries.)
5. Purchase something from Larissa789.Etsy.Com(Leave 4 comments here with link to transaction, 4 entries)
6. Submit a To-Torial to the CHATTERS Team blog to Heathenshearth or Jupita, then post here for two additional entries. (2 entries)

must have email address, or link to shop for contacting to win. in the event the # chosen does not.. We will pick another winner. Sorry, but those are the rules.
Good luck!!

froggyfibers fabulous friday fantastical!! Giveaway WINNER!!!!

2009-08-14T12:38:00.001-04:00

Lucky number 8!!

"Elizabeth said...
I love the Playful roving...it's like a fresh box of crayons!"

Elizabeth, congrats!

Chatters Treasury

2009-08-12T19:58:00.003-04:00

KnitsYoursKnotMine has put together a Treasury featuring some of everyone's favourite things - chatters, babies, and green!

Missmoosedesign Giveaway Winner

2009-08-08T12:17:00.001-04:00

Missmoosedesign choose #4

"by MissMooseDesign profile shop contact

number 4!
7 August 2009 10:52pm EDT "

Comment #4:
NotQuitePhotoJENic said...
Blogged (1)

http://notquitephotojenic.blogspot.com/2009/07/missmoosedesigns.html

Jennifer
Dropsofjupita@yahoo.com

July 31, 2009 10:44 AM

FroggyFibers Fabulous Features Friday Fantastical!!

2009-08-06T23:57:00.004-04:00

For those of you who dont know Froggyfibers already...boy are you missing out!!

Froggyfibers.etsy.com is one of my most favorite shops on Etsy!! I love her fibers, and I am certain you all will too.

Come take a moment to get acquainted!!

1.Who is FroggyFibers?
Froggy Fibers is a genius and fiber superstar! Okay, I like to think if I say that out loud that it will become true. =D Honestly, Froggy Fibers is one woman named LaRhanda who has the most undying support of her husband and son. If they weren't in the background cheering me on I doubt I would be nearly as sane as I am. **madly cackles**

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?
I dye, spin, knit and crochet fibers of all kinds. I also occasionally do some felting as well. As far as how long I have been doing, well I wish I could say forever. My recent addictions started in early 2004 but I have an on again, off again love affair going.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from? My inspiration comes from the deep recesses of my brain. Its all that trying to connect color to reality. Or really, just anything can strike my fancy. I need to get one of those notepads and write it down sometimes.

4. What is your favorite medium?
Currently my favorite medium is fiber... any form of fiber. I may change it to sewing or painting on day (I've done them both before) but who knows.

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?
Ohhh, had question. Etsy is both at the moment. I was employed full time and the economy caused cutbacks at my job. So right now Etsy is my income, If I had my way right now I would open a store for the fiber artists online and then a brick and mortar.

6. How did you find Etsy?
I found Etsy by accident. I was checking out a spinners website and they had the link to Etsy where they had set up their online store. I waited 2-3 months because I wanted to come up with a business username since it can't be changed later.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?
How? When is the question... from the moment they introduced Chat I was in the rooms. I have watched so many permutations of chat and see so many people come and go. When I first went into chat I was on the bottom row, now I am almost always the first avatar in the room. (Which is only significant if people know that the avatars in chat are organized by account age Oldest to Newest)

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?
To date I am pretty excited about my Princess Goldilocks handspun yarn and also a custom order I did in lime green and violet.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?
I have to say that I am loving on some staceyrebecca and abitabite. StaceyRebecca makes the cutest little finger puppets but in real life she does adult puppet shows. Its always the quiet ones you have to watch out for. =P
Abitabite is great cause she makes plush prick pincushions. 'Nuff said.

10.Tips for other Artists?
Be Yourself.
Do what makes you Happy.
Work hard, money wont fall in your lap by accident.
In the event money did fall in your lap, send me the lottery ticket and keep working hard. =P

11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I don't have secrets. I can't keep my damned mouth shut. That may be the biggest secret of all but if you are around me for any length of time you would find that out. Oh, I could say something like “I'm kinky in bed.” I could say something like that... but then again I might be lying for the purposes of having a secret.

12. Any parting words of wisdom
No matter what they say, those pictures will end up on the internet. ;D

Now.. A giveaway!!!
Froggyfibers is giving away to one lucky reader.. "Gruppleberry" Roving. See it:
You can opt to have it spun into a single or 2 ply yarn.

How to enter:
1. Go to FroggyFibers.Etsy.Com , find your favorite item, come back here and comment (required, 1 entry)

Extra Entries:

2. Follow the Etsy Chatters Team Blog and http://froggyfibers.blogspot.com/ Comment here. (2 Entries)
3. Follow EtsyChatTeam on Twitter AND Tweet about this Contest with a link to froggyfibers.etsy.com (place link here in comment, 1 entry per day - 7 possible throughout contest!)
4. BLOG about Froggyfibers.Etsy.Com and this Post (Leave a 2 comments here with the link, 2 entries.)
5. Purchase something from FroggyFibers(Leave 4 comments here with link to transaction, 4 entries)
6. Submit a To-Torial to the CHATTERS Team blog to Heathenshearth or Jupita, then post here for two additional entries. (2 entries)

Good luck!!

and the winner is... Show me yours, Ill show you mine...

2009-08-03T00:05:00.002-04:00

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 16
Result:
8

"Froggy said...
hard to choose:
Here is my under $10: Spinners 3 pack Buttons -
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15426924

My pick from a fellow chatters shop is 2kutekards Thank you cards http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27444599

And oh goodness, it wouldnt let me copy and paste so yes, I typed it all out... almost didn't =P
"

Froggy you WIN!!! I will contact 2kutekards to arrange for this magical item to appear in your mail. Just COnvo me your address @ Jupita.Etsy.Com

Bad Links, Closed Chatters Team Member Shops, Etc..

2009-08-02T23:32:00.004-04:00

Hollandhandicrafts was kind enough to convo me with a list of bad links for the shops..

We cleared out broken links and links to closed shops. If you do not see your link to the right, and you are on the Chatters Team, please convo Jupita or HEathenshearth!!

Thanks..

Show me yours and I'll show you mine.....

2009-08-02T10:01:00.006-04:00

Inspired by Etsy Forums, I thought it may be nice to have a ... "Show me yours and I'll show you mine" post.

Leave us a comment with:
1. a link to one "under 10$ with shipping" Item in your Etsy Shop.
2. a link to one "under 10$ with shipping" item in your favorite Etsy Chatters Team shop. (MUST be an Etsy Chatters Team Shop, list can be foun in the sidebar)

I want to see some FUN, Original, Inspiring pieces!!

Oh, and to make it interesting...You have until Midnight August 2, 2009 (my time, eastern standard US time)

I will Random.Org pick a WINNER from the comments..and post on August 3.
The Prize? I will purchase the item the winner chose as their favorite item from the Etsy Chatters shop and have them mail it to you!!! (so make sure you leave your email address in the comments so I can contact the winner!!)

How FUN is that?

and guess what... You have 14 hours to comment!!

I'll start (but my entry does not count..)

1. Under $10 with shipping in my shop are these handcut upcycled Guitar picks:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28217888
2. I love these printable stationary sets from Kokopinto.Etsy.Com
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26114240

~Jupita~

EDITED TO ADD:

Duplicate entries will not be counted. They will be deleted before I random.org the winner. If your email is not in your original post, please do not repost with the email. Please make sure you enter your email (or etsy shop will be fine)is in the original comment field, so I can contact you in the event that you win.

If you do not have an Etsy Shop, you may omit step 1. If your Etsy Shop does not have an under 10$ item, you may link to another item from your shop.

Good Luck all!!

owlonthesill Chatters Treasury

2009-08-01T04:06:00.006-04:00

Chatters Team members have been busy making Treasuries highlighting the work of chatters, and here's another one, from owlonthesill! All the comment spots are filled, but visits and clicks are always welcome!

See it live here, or click the image for a bigger view.

MissMooseDesign's Feature and Giveaway

2009-07-31T10:15:00.007-04:00

1. Who is MissMooseDesign?

I am a stay at home mom and I just think of myself as simple. I hang my clothes out on the laundry line and I mop as often as I can force myself to. I am married to my best friend and my little girl has my heart. I craft when I have free time and enjoy every moment before it can sneak by. I love the first time you smell a charcoal grill in the spring and hate two piece bathing suits. I love reclaimed items and hand stitched quilts. You might say I’m an old soul. I don’t wear make-up but think it looks phenomenal on others. I have two rescued mutts and prefer to grow my own vegetables. If I had to iron my clothes everyday I would probably run out into traffic. I would say that I am definitely blessed beyond belief.

2. What is your Art / Craft of choice?

I love working with old stuff. Vintage buttons and old deserted quilt tops are my favorites!

3. How did you find Etsy?

I was a buyer before I was a seller :)

4. What about Chat.. How did you become addicted?

I started chatting as a promotional tool. Everyone said you needed to start making connections. So...I did. What I did not expect was to develop friendships with those little spinning and bouncing avatars. I have met some people who mean a great deal to me. Friendships I am lucky to have been blessed with. Now I chat to catch up on life stuff, laugh until my sides hurt, or offer support if needed.

5. What is your advice for other Artists and Etsy Sellers?

Let's be honest with one another...I'm not raking in the big bucks! Despite that, I love being a seller on Etsy. I think my only advice is to have fun. Etsy is not just about money. It is about a community of artists coming together and supporting one another. There is an awesome opportunity to connect with other like-minded people at your fingertips and to pass it by would be unfortunate. I have made three life long friends through Etsy that money could not replace. Not to say that you shouldn't run a shop and do it well...just don't forget to stop and smell the roses along the way.

6. What three Arts / Crafting items can you not live without?

My rotary cutter (though I am accident prone!), my Singer Futura embroidery machine, and my dremel!

7.Any last words?

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to visit my blog http://missmoosedesigns.com/ or facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Athens-GA/Miss-Moose-Designs/100258004708!

Now.. for the giveaway:
MISSMOOSEDESIGN will give away a free market bag and a matching coffee cup sleeve :)
How to enter:

1. Go to MissMooseDesign, find your favorite item, come back here and comment (required, 1 entry)

Extra Entries:

2. Follow the Etsy Chatters Team Blog, Comment here. (1 Entry)
3. Follow EtsyChatTeam and MissMooseDesign on Twitter AND Tweet about this Contest (place link here in comment, 1 entry per day - 7 possible throughout contest!)
4. BLOG about MissMooseDesign.Etsy.Com and this Post (Leave a 2 comments here with the link, 2 entries.)
5. Purchase something from MissMooseDesign (Leave 4 comments here with link to transaction, 4 entries)
6. Submit a To-Torial to the CHATTERS Team blog to Heathenshearth or Jupita, then post here for two additional entries. (2 entries)

must have email address, or link to shop for contacting to win. in the event the # chosen does not.. We will pick another winner. Sorry, but those are the rules.
Good luck!!

Make Your Own Magnets...A How-To Tutorial!

2009-07-31T09:56:00.003-04:00

Kristina Myers of kristinamyerscrafts gives us step-by-step instructions on how to make our magnets!

Have you ever wanted a certain magnet but couldn't find exactly what you wanted? Make your own! Here is a list of materials you will need:

1.5 inch flat glass marbles ($2.49)
Card Stock ($0.49)
Stickers or Permanent glue stick ($1.99)
Specialty glass adhesive ($5.29)
Magnets ($5.67)
Strong adhesive for magnets ($2.67)
1 1/4 inch round paper punch ($13.99)
Unscented baby wipes ($2.67)

Follow these steps to create your masterpiece!

1. Sort through the glass pieces to remove chipped, broken, or irregular marbles. Wash glass in hot soapy water. This removes dirt and oils that get on the glass during manufacturing, packaging and shipping. I let mine soak for 5 minutes.

2. Rinse with hot water. I make the water as hot as my tap will allow. The glass dries quickly with no spots.

3. Punch out card stock and affix stickers. You may choose to use images of your own. Print images on plain paper using the highest DPI your printer allows. Edit your photos before printing to find the best fit. There is an option in most photo editing software to "view" image in "actual size". I hold the glass marble up to the screen to check the fit.

4. On newspaper place cardstock (or paper) face up. Place specialty glass adhesive on center of circle. Press glass into adhesive. Make sure adhesive spreads evenly out to edges. Use baby wipe to remove extra adhesive and clean fingers in between each one. Place glue side up to dry overnight.
5. Use strong adhesive to attach the magnet to the back of the card stock. (If you printed an image, use the permanent glue stick to attach a piece of card stock to the back of the glass before gluing the magnet.) Allow to dry for 24 hours for best results.

If this sounds too complicated or expensive... you can buy 6 magnets for $7 from her shop at http://kristinamyerscrafts.etsy.com!

Flowerleaf's Chatters Treasury

2009-07-28T02:42:00.005-04:00

Chat regular Flowerleaf has made a new Treasury featuring a selection of the talented members of the Etsy Chatters Team. Check it out live here until early Thursday July 30 (Chatters love visits, clicks and comments).

Kokopinto.Etsy.Com Features Chatter Giveaway WINNER

2009-07-24T13:36:00.000-04:00

"Congratulations to NotQuitePhotoJENic! Please email me your critter pick asap so I can email you back your PDF set. Thank you all for participating!"

In Loving Memory of Uleen Toovey aka Chroma

2009-07-20T18:39:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday, one of our fellow Chat Team members, and our friend, died during a white water rafting accident. Uleen, known to most of us as Chromasmear, was dear to many of us, and we are all saddened by the sudden loss. Our hearts go out to her family in their time of grief.

Each of us remembers her for something. Whether it was her indomitable spirit when it came to fighting for the causes of animals, supporting shelters and rescues in an attempt to give them all a chance at finding a loving home, or her tireless work ethic and ideals toward perfection when it came to creating banners for our shops - working and re-working them as much as necessary so that we were happy with her work.

There is a poem, in Norse Canon that is called the Havamal, or Sayings of the High One. It is a collection of pithy, and not so pithy, advice on how to live an honorable life, and how to keep out of trouble. One of the best known verses to Norse Pagans (called Heathens), is

Cattle die, Kinsmen die,
one day you die yourself;
but the words of praise will not perish
when a man wins fair fame.

I was asked to write her memorial post, as I had talked to her quite frequently, both in late night chat, as well as off etsy. It has been hard for me to come up with something to say that I feel will remember her best, because this isn't only about my memories of her, but all of ours. Each of us knew her in our own way, had our own relationship with her. She was the voice of reason in the chat rooms, the one we could talk to when we needed to vent steam about our shops, someone to laugh with just to pass the time... So I would like to invite all of you to share your favorite memory of her here in this entry.

No matter how large or small a way, she touched our lives, however briefly, and while each of us will grieve her loss in our own ways, grief that is shared is lessened. By each of our words, by sharing our experiences of her, and with her, I believe that she will live on in each of us.

Her latest project was going to be a sampler box collection with the proceeds going to a local animal rescue. As that is no longer possible, her family is requesting that donations be given to our local animal shelters and rescues in her memory, so that her work of aiding these furbabies in need can continue.

No matter how you choose to memorialize her, to remember her, know that each thought shared, each gift in her honor, will keep her alive for us all. Below is a poem she wrote and published earlier this year.

You were never an outsider to us Chroma, and we all miss you, and wish you well on your journey.

The Outsider

I am the one you called strange,
You never tried to understand.
My determined apathy amused you,
Do you know how loneliness feels?
Your blows of cruel judgement would fire,
My shiny armour absorbed it all.
My soul scared from your attack,
A decade passes,
My soul still howls in pain.
You thought I was the slow one,
It is sad you couldn't comprehend.
Denial of all compassionate guilt,
Your small world shall never grow.
Just leave me in that far corner,
Your worth didn't earn one tear.
Your empty values rewarded you nothing,
Angry power you sought over me,
Never empowered your black world.
I am the one you called strange,
When it was you who sought emptiness.

mbell34's Treasury stars chatters

2009-07-19T07:52:00.003-04:00

Our own Etsy Chatters Team member mbell34 has made a delightful new Treasury featuring chat regulars. You'll want to visit it live until early Tuesday morning here.

Weekend Deals from the Etsy Chat Team

2009-07-17T19:28:00.003-04:00

This weekend only, save 20% on everything in Balanced's shop! Mention code "weekend deals" at checkout and wait for a revised invoice or pay right away and your refund will be issued via Paypal. Happy shopping!

Grandma62 is offering 10% off any of her vintage silver items...be sure to check out this awesome deal!

Heathen's Hearth is offering free shipping to the US and Canada and $7.50 flat rate shipping to all other international destinations. Be sure to check out their Sale and Clearance Section for items marked down 30-50%.

Take 10% off with promo code ETCSAVE10% at modmomME this weekend!

Check out barrobabe for some already amazing marked down prices this weekend!

Save up to 65% off at FaeriedTreasures...just take a look at her Sale Section for some awesome deals!

Owlonthesill is offering 15% off the final total on any purchases in her shop. Just mention "chat team" in the message to seller when checking out!

HollandHandiCrafts has Buy 3 = get 4th free (custom color requests) on Hair ties, Baby Booties and collars. Just put "EtsyChat" & color choices in message to seller and you will be refund via paypal.

Take 10% off plus get free shipping when you shop at smellyrhino! Also, if you make any purchase, your name will be put in for a random drawing for a free print!

Coocoos has free shipping in her shop for the entire month of July! Stop by and check it out!

HandCraftedByKaren winner.....

2009-07-17T13:19:00.003-04:00

Congrats to commenter # 1:

balanced. said...
My fav item is the Cucumber melon candles. :)

July 10, 2009 12:59 PM

Balanced.. Please Convo HANDCRAFTEDBYKAREN on Etsy with your mailing information!!

All others who commented on handcraftedbykaren's feature/contest before today, you can convo HandCraftedByKaren and receive a 25% discount on ONE item in her shop!!

Congrats to all!