It Can Be Easy, Being Green July 2, 2009

I met someone who gave me a new perspective. At the Allentown Festival in one of the most historic Buffalo neighborhoods a few weeks ago, my husband and I were strolling around. Or should I say shuffling? It was packed with people out to browse from and buy original art and craft. As we were about to wrap up our day and head back to the car, I came across a woman in one of the last booths. “Clementiny Clothing”, the banner read. I immediately recognized handmade clothing, and then she mentioned that it was all repurposed fabric or clothing. Fabulous! It was also incredibly well-made. We chatted for a while about Etsy, and other sell-online sites such as Dawanda and Artfire. We discussed marketing yourself and the importance of handing out business cards. We hit it off, and I knew this girl was someone I wanted to be friends with.

Once I got home, I looked her up on Facebook. Sure enough, there she was. A few days later, she posted pics of new (vintage) fabric, which included something in chartreuse! I was smitten- and asked if she would trade a dress for some jewelry. Being into the idea of barter, she agreed, and the rest was history! Here is the dress in her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27049178

Not only does her style rock, but she is one of the few artisans I know to exclusively use repurposed/recycled/vintage materials! Lots of us Etsians use some of these things; but to incorporate more is a goal for many. I have been inspired by Clementiny’s funky look, fabulous taste, and sense of community! You will be seeing more sustainable and repurposed items from me in the coming months- thanks Kari!

Here is just one example: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27069721 Made with vintage Swarovski crystals from a customer’s mom’s set. What do you have lying in your jewelry box? If it’s broken, I may be able to repair it, or give it new life, integrated with other beads. Email me at info@danasaylordesigns.com for details!

Try, Try Again June 12, 2009

Many people who see me working on jewelry at shows will say, “You must be so patient to work with those little beads!”. My normal response is, “Beads don’t talk back!”.

Now, I find myself longing to create my OWN focal pieces for my popular brooch bracelets and bridal necklaces. I am a huge fan of the Art Deco period, so I set out to figure a way to create these pieces. Several months and much research later, I ordered Ferido- a colored 2-part epoxy resin. Once mixed, you have 75 minutes to shape, cut, design, and press crystals and rhinestones into the surface. It sounded fairly simple. I drew out a design, mixed the 2 parts, and formed a small rectangle. Into this practice pendant, I pressed clear cubic zirconia shapes. In order to make the “silver” (read: gray) Ferido look like metal, I spray painted the pendant with metallic spray paint. Problem #1: it still doesn’t look like metal. Problem #2: the CZ’s came right out when I gently pulled on them with my fingernail. What is strange is that the bezel-set ring that I made at the same time worked out perfectly! Needless to say, I was frustrated and disappointed.

As a very impatient person (surprised?), I wanted to give up. But my husband encouraged me to try again- we exchanged the spray paint for a “Chrome” version today, and I got some molding and shaping tools. Perhaps if I can press the crystals in further, they will stay in place. After all, this is not just a clay, but an adhesive! I will be sure to update the story on my Facebook page soon!

It’s not easy to be persistent- my husband seems to have enough patience for two people (good thing)! But I really want to make this work. So I will try, try again!

Fresh start with 1000 Markets April 6, 2009

Since Etsy recently changed its method for uploading new items in a batch-format, my views have gone down.  Drastically.  Basically, what they changed is this: before (when there weren’t quite as many sellers), any item you listed would eventually get scrolled through the thumbnails of “Recently Listed Items”.  Now, the items scroll much faster, and Etsy withholds a bunch of items only to batch-release them all at once to lessen the constant strain on their servers.  Unfortunately, that means, not every item will get a spot on the scrolling items bar. Instead, your listing can show up in the newly revamped “Recently Listed Items”, but you have to click INTO them and scroll through.  Before, it was a lot less work, and so the exposure goes way down for everyone.  

This is the double-edged sword of Etsy.  A much larger audience and loyal shoppers, but you get buried and lost in the crowd sometimes.  Unless you can draw in new visitors from outside Etsy (via a blog, facebook page, other networking), you aren’t going to grow as a seller.  

I will continue my relationship with Etsy as-is for now, because I continue to get bridal referrals and business in that vein.  But I am also going to try a new approach: 1000 Markets.  It is another handmade shopping venue, which is like Etsy in many ways, but also different.  It is still in beta testing mode until later this spring (not sure when, exactly).  I feel that the layout is sharp, easy to navigate, and simple.  If you are a seller, you have a store.  As a store, you can join one of the targeted Markets, which are themed by location, style, type of items, etc.  There are MANY markets, but it helps keep the experience feeling more “local” or small because you don’t always have to navigate through the entire sea of sellers.  

A big plus on 1KM is that it is juried.  I am working now to  increase the quality level of my photos, because they are a major factor in getting accepted, and I feel it is time to up my game.  This is a great impetus to push me to the next level.  Thanks, Tamaran Designs, for letting me know about this great venue- I hope it works out for both of us!  

Check out Tammy’s handmade crochet and knitwear here:

http://www.1000markets.com/users/tamarandesigns

Enjoy spring, and renewal!

Small Craft Business Consulting January 26, 2009

This is something that I’ve been tossing around for a while.  Ever since my friend Denise (see previous post about a woman of substance) asked me to help her get her lampwork glass business online, I’ve been thinking about it.  Small Craft Business Consulting.  A mouthful, isn’t it?  I’m working on coming up with a name that just rolls off the tongue.  Anyway, this is a new avenue for me, to help other artisans make a living doing what they love.  Getting a blog (like this) set up, learning how to maximize your exposure through free online tools, setting up an online shop. 

I have had a website for about 4 years now, and an Etsy shop for about 1.5 years.  While I still do in-person shows, kids birthday parties and home open houses, I have learned that the internet is the best place to be seen by an international audience and to get the most bang for your buck.  Even though jewelry is a medium where many people like to touch and try on, there is a market for internet sales of ALL handmade artisan goods.  

If you or someone you know makes any kind of creative item, including quilts, baked goods, paintings, ceramics, paper items, crocheted/knitted items, etc., there is a place for you to sell online, and I can help!  Sites like Etsy also allow sales of art/craft supplies, and vintage items!  I can help you learn how to properly photograph the items, post them online, and promote yourself.  

This idea is still in development, but I do know that I can work with you in person or via phone/email/videoconference.  Please contact me at info@danasaylordesigns.com, or call me at 315-525-7474 to learn more.  Good luck, and happy crafting!

Kids’ workshops and parties- now available in the Buffalo area! November 10, 2008

Now that I am getting settled in my new place in Allentown, one of the funky, artistic neighborhoods of Buffalo, I am putting out the word about Kids’ Parties and Workshops.  

 I will be offering jewelry-making parties for kids, whether in private homes, at organizations, churches, or holiday events. Please check out my website for more details here:

http://www.danasaylordesigns.com/id65.html

Also, I have now listed the shows I will be doing in this area, so be sure to take a look there, and stop by and see me.  My Etsy site is available anytime, so if you’d like to shop online before the holidays, feel free.  I am also accepting custom orders and still offering my “New Life For Old Jewelry” service.  Please contact me to set up a home jewelry party and earn FREE host credit- a great way to get yourself some beautiful accessories for the festive season.  Happy Holidays!

Welcome to my new home! March 31, 2008

I’m now blogging here at WordPress.com, where I can take advantage of additional features and options that my old blog didn’t have.  Be sure to check out my Blogroll (which does include a couple of regular ol’ websites) and read through my previous posts.  Thanks for visiting my blog.  Please subscribe and you’ll be the avant garde of Dana Saylor Designs knowledge!