Give Them What They Want

I love this little blog. It's a wonderful outlet for me creatively, socially, and intellectually. Sometimes, I'm a bit uncertain though, about how much some of you enjoy it? It can be hard to be objective about something one creates, and I'd love a bit of feedback from you, my beloved readers, so that I can make this blog a daily destination for all of you. It is a goal of mine this year to write at least 5 days a week -- but sometimes, I just run out of ideas.

Please leave a comment for me, about what type of posts, information, and tutorials you would be interested in ~ and as always, just a reminder: If you decide to purchase something from my Etsy shop, as a beloved reader - you are entitled to 15% off your order! Just mention: "beloved reader" in the comments to seller section of shopping cart.

Love,

Tara

Going Home To Roost

Photo: Heaven Scent Simmer Sachets

If you don't know this blog yet, you really should. Going Home To Roost is an wonderfully written blog, resplendent with fun tutorials, shop features, and great gift guides. I recently contacted the mastermind behind GH2R, Bonnie, about my shop - and specifically, my organic home products.

She's done a wonderful write-up about my shop - which you can see here. I'd like to extend a special offer to anyone who is making a purchase: 10% off your entire purchase (on top of the 15% off Vintage Holiday section). Just write: "goinghome2roost" in the Message to Seller section upon purchase. Your discount will be refunded via PayPal.

"Quotes + Notes" Giveaway @ Akane Designs!

I'm excited to share with you the giveaway Akane is hosting this week. It is a giveaway from Etsy seller "Quotes and Notes", an accidental artist with great products. I'm a huge fan of her coffee cozies with the caffeine molecule diagram. Science junkie here.

Anyhoo, take a peek at Akane's blog, not only for this giveaway - but for regular features that are fun, resourceful, illuminating, and of course, exciting giveaways!

The Embarrassing Truth and Some Great Info

I've been putting off blogging for a couple of days because I feel completely embarrassed and haven't wanted to admit that I haven't updated ANY of my shop copy. Oh dear. It occurred to me last night, this would be no secret to my dear blog followers and beloved return shoppers/visitors. So I thought I should tell you all what's going on - why haven't I updated the copy? It's not that hard, right?

It all starts with me wanting to refurbish my shop. Why do I want to refurbish my shop? It feels a little schizo to me when I'm in there. I want to have a cohesive brand and several great products. My original plan was to just make whatever I love making, and throw it up there - but that plan was stalwarted by the Creative Block. I do know that I have a wonderful knack for turning ubiquitous items into treasures for the senses and spirit. I want to use that knack to specifically design, make and sell my handmade goods on Etsy.

Now that you know I've been feeling a little schizo about my shop, and its purpose - I'm sure you can agree that rewriting the copy is not easy. I'm not sure what "voice" to use - obviously my own, but which one? Now I just sound really nuts! All the while, I'm trying to study up on branding, marketing, sales - all of those important basics I completely zoomed by before setting up shop. It's a lot to take in with only a few hours to process.

But what's exciting about this process - is I'm becoming more clear about what I want to do with my shop, some designs are beginning to take shape - and the dreaded Block is starting to lift. I thought this would be a simple, step-by-step guide for my fellow Etsy sellers and anyone else starting out in e-commerce or small business to learn from. But I can't promise you that. Mine is a meandering path to the promised destination. I hope you'll stay tuned in - because along the way, I've been finding great links to share - and let's face it, my story is a bit interesting - even if schizo.

Here's the best resource I've found in a couple of days. It's a fabulous blog, called Everything Etsy, written by a husband and wife who both have Etsy shops (their kids do too!) - and they run it all from the road in their 31' motorhome! Now that's impressive.

If any of you would care to help me out with tips on the copy - I'd love to know which listing you think is best written, and which is the worst. All submissions will receive free shipping on any future purchases. Please mention "I HELPED YOU" upon purchase.

Thanks in advance - I do need some support.

Best,

Tara