Archive for Ideas
Ahhh, The Possibilities!
Posted by: | CommentsI’ve been trying to plan regular times when I can make forays to the local thrift stores to search for unique (and cheap!) crafting supplies, items that just need a little TLC to be loved again and things I can “upcycle” in to something new. I’ve scored big lately on finding pretty decent picture frames I can rework in to door decor, home decor and message or inspiration boards. So, I’m making a solid plan to hit up the thrift stores that are within easy driving distance from where I work on a more regular basis. My lunch hour is perfect for making a quick stop to any of the several stores that are fairly close to my office. Today’s trip took me to Goodwill where I scored the funkiest, 70′s era monstrosity of a lamp you have EVER seen. I spied it while perusing the shelves for some glass globes I can make yard lighting out of, and HAD to have it so badly that I almost ran a guy over with my shopping cart in my haste! Seriously, check out the funkiness: (feel free to ignore my mess of a garage. Supplies for several projects are lurking in there….and probably a mouse or two!)
70's Kitsch
Awesomesauce!
Bring on the funk!
I cannot begin to tell you how GREAT this lamp is, and I know the pictures don’t do it justice. It’s really something you just have to experience in person! The lights inside vary in height, I guess to resemble candles, and the glass panels are removable so you can reach in to change the bulbs. I can’t WAIT to get started cleaning this up and refurbishing it! I’ll let y’all know how it turns out!
Sugar Scrubs, Yay!
Posted by: | CommentsI’ve been struggling with finding a sugar scrub recipe that I really liked, and even tweaking ones I found on the Internet wasn’t working for me….until a couple weeks ago. As I tweeted a few days back, I’ve finally found a winner!
Not too oily, because I don’t like salt and sugar scrubs that are basically vats of oil, with a cup of sugar thrown in to save you from just pouring oil all over yourself. Not that there’s anything wrong with pouring oil on yourself, or someone else………ok, this post is going in a different direction than originally intended. 
My point is, despite my roundabout way of getting to it, is that the product is called a SCRUB….so I think it should actually help with exfoliation, as the name implies. The oil contained in it is great, and I want the skin softening effect, too, but let’s don’t forget the reason I’m buying a scrub to begin with! So, as previously mentioned, the recipe I’m using is scrubby, but not TOO scrubby, and has just enough oil to soften, but not so much that my shower looks like something I’m going to have to call the EPA’s cleanup crews out for. It’s easy to make, easy to scent, throw it in the jar, and it’s done. Can’t beat that! Here’s a pic (I know, it’s just the jars….boring. Next time I make some I’ll take more detailed pictures of every step, but I didn’t think to do it this time….sorry!)
Better pics next time, I promise!
So, that’s been my Sunday so far. Now I’m off to put my carpet shampooer together so I can clean carpets and then head out to the grocery store to fill our bare pantry! How’s your Sunday?
Venues and More…
Posted by: | CommentsLately I’ve been researching several venues for selling handmade crafts. Everyone’s familiar with Etsy, and most people with ArtFire. You’ll notice I have shops at both and not a thing listed in either, LOL! Such a slacker!)
There are a couple of lesser-known places I’m thinking about opening a storefront in, also. One I recently came across is Zibbet, which looks pretty interesting. I haven’t researched the details yet; transaction fees, monthly fees, etc., because I just found it a couple days ago. I like the site itself, tho, it’s inviting! There’s also Bonanza, which I’m still a little confused about. I’m hoping I have time this week to check the site out a little more, too.
I’m taking part in The Little Black Box’s May sample box. Check them out, they’re just GREAT and always packed full of wonderful handmade items. Go handmade! There are other sample boxes I’m considering participating in, as well. I’ve been ordering from different companies, trying to see which ones I think will fit me. So far I’ve received a box from My Dream Party and it was filled to the brim with all kinds of goodies. I really liked it! I’m considering Sampler Village, Sweet Delight Divalicious (really LOVE the name, ha!), Out of the Box, Crafty Sampler, Spotted Box, My Pretty Pink Box, Tantalizing Sampler, and SampleZ Box (this one is for Zibbet sellers, so if I open a shop there I’ll participate). Over the next few months, I’ll be ordering from each of these so I can decide which ones I think will work best for me. The great thing is that it’s so fun to get these sample boxes, it’s hardly work at all! I do have to remind myself that I’m supposed to pay attention to the presentation, the ordering ease, how the experience of ordering and receiving the box went, the samples contained, etc. It’s so like Christmas, tho. Do you like getting sample boxes? If so, which have you tried that you really liked and had a good experience with? Which boxes would you order again and again?
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Easter!
A New Year, A New Outlook!
Posted by: | CommentsWordPress.com recently started the “PostaDay, PostaWeek Challenge” which I’m participating in on my personal blog, Mindless Blogging About Nothing. Although this blog uses the WordPress platform, it’s self-hosted, so doesn’t really fall under the purview of the Challenge. THAT being said, I thought it was a great idea and I’ve decided to challenge myself to post at least once a week here, too. It’s the perfect way for me to motivate myself to blog more often. I hope I can come up with some interesting posts!
I got an email this week from James Dillehay of Craftmarketer, whom you may remember my mentioning before. It contained a link to his latest newsletter, which is a wonderful resource for crafters. This newsletter talks about alternatives to Etsy and eBay for marketing your crafts. You can grab your own copy here! Sign up for email notifications, because you won’t want to miss any future issues!
Received an email update from James Dillehay with the following info about a couple of the sites he mentions in his newsletter:
Just a quick message with some updated information about two sites mentioned in the recent Craftmarketer Newsletter.
Zibbet.com – Uses a Freemium business model. In other words, they have a Basic (free) option and a Premium (paid) option. They don’t charge listing fees and they don’t take any commissions on a sale anymore. You can learn more about their selling options by visiting www.zibbet.com/sell. Zibbet offers one of the lowest cost handmade venue online with their free Basic option where sellers can set up a shop and list up to 50 items for free. (Thanks to Jonathan Peacock, CEO, Zibbet.com for this update)
RubyLane.com – Their monthly advertising fee is $20. In addition, you pay 30 cents to list an item and on the first of each month you must pay 30 cents for each item in your store. (Thanks to Marilyn Weil for this update.)
Thank you,
James
www.Craftmarketer.com
Natural! Maybe….
Posted by: | CommentsWhat’s in a name?
There’s been an ongoing trend in many industries for the past several years, so much so that I don’t think you can even call it a “trend” any longer, but more a paradigm shift (yes, that old buzz-phrase is BACK!) Everyone wants “green” and “natural” in everything, from ours cars and clothes, to the products we clean our homes, bodies, and green clothing with. Cosmetics and beauty products have to be “natural” and from plant-derived sources, our food has to be organically grown, our home improvement products from sustainably farmed sources, our clothes purchased from fair market suppliers. That’s not a bad thing, in my opinion. What I do consider a bad thing is the unscrupulous use of the words natural, all-natural, pure, etc. in products that a quick look at the label can tell you are not.
Consider this very well written and researched article on that very subject and decided for yourself. The author, Debbie Bilezikian urges you to read up on the ingredient names, and learn what they really are and where they come from. Can a product be labeled “all-natural” if one of the ingredients is a man-made preservative? Can a product be labeled as having plant-derived ingredients if the manufacturing process destroys any benefit that might have been present? What if the natural ingredients of a product comprise less than .05% of the total formula?
There are currently no industry or governmental guidelines governing the use of words like natural, plant-derived, all natural, and pure in cosmetics and beauty products. While I am a proponent of LESS government interference rather than more, it should be fairly easy to see that until there are regulations, manufacturers can pretty much use these catchwords with impunity.
Judge for yourself and be an informed, intelligent consumer! Additional resources are at the bottom of the page, enjoy!
Project Management Guidebook
Posted by: | CommentsIn pursuit of getting organized and accomplishing my earlier post on setting up a marketing plan for my business this year, I was searching through folders on my computer to find printable calendars I can put in a binder. I’m a huge hoarder of downloadables, many from Microsoft’s Office Templates site (which is GREAT, check it out!), but also from various other websites I’ve come across in my many searches on everything from home businesses to recipes. I ran across an interesting e-book I downloaded from Method123.com, called the Project Management Guidebook. While a lot of the information is specific to industrial projects, such as construction, I think there’s plenty for the home-based crafter just starting out in business. I will definitely use it to help me think more objectively about my goals and how to reach them, and to think in a more linear pattern, something I have trouble with sometimes. There’s a glossary at the end that outlines all the key terms in the book and it’s laid out in an easy to read and understand fashion. Feel free to download it from my link, but please respect the author’s distribution and copyright.
Have a great evening!
Fits and Spurts
Posted by: | CommentsOne of my resolutions for 2010 is to really work on building my business. I’d like to ultimately leave the rat race and work from home, become my own boss, the boss of me! In keeping with that goal, I’ve realized that I need a solid marketing plan, like a road map…..laid out in black and white.
I have a Twitter and a Facebook page for my business, as well as my website and this blog. My previous efforts have come in fits and spurts, whenever I had the time to post….or tweet….or visit my Facebook account. I’ve got to come up with a set of activities to perform at set intervals, goals to accomplish each week, so that I know what I’m doing, and when. I think it will help me to know what I hope the ultimate outcome will be for these efforts, too, so the first item on my To Do list is to write down my goals. From there, I’m going to formulate a plan to reach them. My wandering aimlessly days are over! Darn…and I liked them so well, too! It’s off to the trenches for me!
A new installment of the review of “What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It” is coming, I promise. I had to set the book aside for a while to concentrate on other things. It’s patiently waiting on my nightstand, and I will pick it up again soon. Since the subject matter dovetails nicely with this post, I’m thinking it’s going to be sooner, rather than later, so stay tuned!
Have a good night, everyone!
41 Home Party Theme Ideas!
Posted by: | CommentsI found this interesting article by Shelly Hill at e-oferte.com, and I must admit I have NO idea what the site is about. Nevertheless, the article is informative and has some GREAT ideas for themed home parties! Enjoy!
Direct Sales – 41 Home Party Theme Ideas!
If you are in Direct Sales, you have probably noticed how popular theme home parties have become. These days hosts are looking for something different. We have all been to those parties where a consultant just stands up there and shows you her business products, but these days, those type of parties are becoming less appealing. Hosts now want an interactive and fun theme party. I have compiled a list of some very popular theme ideas for you to consider the next time you are demonstrating a party for your Direct Sales home business.
1. Home Organization: These days, everyone is looking to downsize and to get better organized. If you are with a company that offers products that a customer can use to get better organized, then consider using this theme.
2. Couples Cooking Class: A lot of couples enjoy cooking, baking and grilling together. If you are with one of the Kitchen or Gourmet Food company’s this is a fun theme just for couples.
3. Men Only Cooking Class: I have found that a lot of men enjoy being in the kitchen. If you can find a male party host, this would be a great theme to do, so that they can invite all of their ‘male’ friends to the cooking class.
4. Girls Night In Slumber Party: This theme idea will work for most of the direct sales home businesses. Girls are always looking for a reason to get together.
5. Home Daycare Owners: Millions of women run daycares out of their home and they make excellent hosts. They know plenty of parents to invite to their party plus they can invite other local daycare providers. This is a great theme if you sell children’s products as daycare providers are always looking for new things for their daycares so why not let them earn some free products by hosting a home show.
6. Children Only, Gift Shopping Event: This is better done with Cash and Carry Products. Invite the children over to your home to shop for a Gift for Mom and Grandma. You can get cheap wrapping paper and some crafting supplies at the dollar store and have them make a Greeting Card too!
7. Treat Your Mom: You have the guests bring their mothers with them to the show. Have your host serve appetizers and beverages.
8. Mystery Hostess Open House: I always recommend that new Direct Sales Consultants start out by hostessing their very own open house event. Every guest who attends your open house and makes a purchase will be entered into a special drawing where they will be named the host (if they are the winner) and will earn all of the free hostess goodies and gifts.
9. Bridal Shower Party: If your host is getting married soon, consider turning the home show into a Bridal Shower. This works well if you are with a home decor company or a kitchen company.
10. Baby Shower Gathering: If you know someone who is expecting a baby and you sell baby and children’s products, this would be a really nice theme to incorporate into your home show line-up.
11. Partying For Charity: Have a party to raise money for charitable organizations or donate the free items that the hostess would earn to a womens shelter, low income family, etc.
12. Open House Weekend Cash and Carry: This is a great theme if you have a lot of product on hand, especially discontinued merchandise. I like to do these type of parties twice a year to just clean out my overstock. I always discount the products and make it a cash and carry weekend shopping event.
13. Best Friends Evening Out: (works best with bath and body products, candle, skincare and cosmetic products).
14. Quick and Easy Meals Taste Great: This theme works well for those who sell gourmet food products or if you are with a kitchen and food Direct Sales company.
15. Work Place Lunch Office Parties: (can also hold them at the workplace after work too!) Works great especially for the smaller privately owned businesses.
16. Sports Themed Tailgating Bash: If your host doesn’t mind asking her guests to each bring a food dish to the home show, try this theme around some of the big sporting events such as the NBA Playoffs, The Stanley Cup and The Super Bowl.
17. Movie and a Meal Night: Have your host provide the movie. Have the demonstration before the movie then let guests mingle, eat and watch the movie together while you finish up your party.
18. Ditch the Casual Wear and Bring out the Party Wear: If you are doing an all girls theme, try having them all dress up in their favorite dresses and gowns! What girl doesn’t love a reason to get dressed up?
19. The Good Old Days: Have guests dress up in 1960s and 1970s attire. Put the ‘groove’ back into partying! Dig out those bell bottom jeans and pointy collared shirts! Bring back Flower Power!
20. Italian Pizza Night: Have your host order a few pizzas. Have guests wear red, white and green which are the colors in the Italian National Flag.
21. Rainy Day, Kids Craft Day: (great for those in scrapbooking and paper crafts Direct Sales home businesses) Moms are always looking for things to keep kids busy on snowy and rainy days.
22. For Teachers Only: If your host is a teacher and you sell educational product for children, try hostessing a Teachers Only Party.
23. Sweet 16 Build Your Hope Chest Show: If you have a host who has a daughter who will be turning 16, you can try having this type of theme party if you sell home decor, houseware or kitchenware type of products.
24. Game Night for Guys and Party Night for Girls: This is great if you have a big enough home. Do it on a day that there is a big sporting event! All the guys in one room watching the game while the girls get together in another room.
25. Food On the Go: Works well if you are with one of the Kitchen Direct Sales Companys. Adults are always looking for ways to transport their food to work and back as well as packing school lunches for the kids.
26. Make Great Treats and Sweets for Bake Sales: Busy Moms are always looking for a way to make treats for all of those bake sales! Works really well with Parents of Elementary School Aged Children. You can contact the schools PTA and see if they would be interested in having you come to the school and doing this with the moms after one of their PTA meetings.
27. Moms on the Go Gym Show: Contact your local Fitness Gyms and see if you can come to the gym and do a show, set up a table or teach a class.
28. Beat the Clock: (these are fun to do on the days that we have time changes here in the USA) but you can do them any time. You can set it up that if guests order within 30 minutes of the party starting they get a 15% discount, at 45 minutes it drops down to 10%.
29. Auction Event with your Cash and Carry Products: A great way to unload all of your overstock merchandise and offer your customers a bargain at the same time.
30. A Cut Above the Rest: Great if you sell cutlery, food choppers, scissors or if you just sell stylish products.
31. Ice Cream Social: If you are holding a Ice Cream Social, make sure you have enough variety of ice cream toppings and ice cream available. Now who doesn’t love ice cream? This is a great theme during the Spring and Summer Months.
32. Kitchen Cooking and Household Solutions Party: If you are with company that offers kitchen products, household products and/or cleaning products, this might be a good theme for you to try out.
33. Pass the Catalog: Take a few catalogs and staple an order form to the backside. Have your host pass the catalog around at her church, workplace, meeting groups etc. Same concept as a catalog order party.
34. Community Work From Home Event: Use this more for recruiting, but you can also accept orders from those who attend your event. Part of growing your business is getting your business out in front of your community.
35. 5 Ingredients or Less: This would be appropriate for kitchen and food type of companies.
36. Moms on a Budget: During this type of home show you should only demo items that are $25 or less.
37. Multi-Consultant Neighborhood Event: Find other consultants who represent Non-Competing types of products in your community and hold one large event.
38. Adopt a Neighborhood Needy Family: Find a neighborhood family in need, (churches are great sources for this) and donate all of the freebie and 1/2 prices items that are earned during this event to the family.
39. Mans Best Friend: If you sell pet foods and supplies this is a great theme party for you.
40. New Moms Time Out Show: Invite all the new Mothers to attend your show. New moms need a break so giving them a few hours without the kids is something they look forward to.
41. Dieting Buddies: They say that losing weight is more successful if you have a dieting buddy. So if you sell gourmet foods, natural and healthy supplements, vitamins, or exercise equipment you can start a dieting buddies program.
Author: Shelly Hill
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Times
Book Review: What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It
Posted by: | Comments(by Chris Malta and Lisa Suttora, copyright 2006 by the McGraw-Hill Companies. eBay is a registered trademark of eBay, Inc.)
Really, I guess this will be a Chapter Review, since I’m not done with the first chapter yet! I just started this book a couple nights ago, and I’ve already learned something. I bought it hoping to get some information about market research and product selection. The whole book discusses developing a product line and product sourcing, but market research goes hand in hand with that. I’ve already gotten several good ideas, so I think this book will be a great resource for me, and one that I’ll keep to refer back to when I need a refresher.
Chapter 1, Fundamentals of Product Selection, discusses myths and fundamentals of product selection. I’m hoping to bolster my skills in not only selecting products that consumers want to buy, but also in doing the necessary research and planning, so that I’m not at a loss when there’s a trend shift.
You can pick up your own copy here, or try the local library. If you’re looking to boost your skills in identifying your market and market research, trend predicting, product sourcing and similar topics, I recommend this book! Other chapters will discuss The Product Sourcing Mindset, Idea Hotspots, How to Find and Identify a Niche Market, Getting Legal, Wholesalers, and the pitfalls to avoid while you’re chasing your dream products!
Have a SAFE and Happy New Year! I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be GREAT!
Quit Your Day Job….
Posted by: | Commentswith Etsy!
I just read an excellent article from the NY Times about Etsy’s Quit Your Day Job blog. I’ve had occasion to read the blog a few times, and I have to agree that it’s a great resource for beginning Etsy sellers (like me!) and even for seasoned sellers who need a little boost of motivation to take them to the next level. Here’s a link to the article, That Hobby Looks Like a Lot of Work. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did!
For more of Etsy’s Quit Your Day Job, go here. And don’t forget to check out all of Etsy’s great communities and blogs here and here! There’s really a wealth of information available.
While I’m plugging resources for crafters who want to start their own businesses selling their wares, let me also mention CraftsU, the new social and shopping site from James Dillehay. Sign up, it’s free! Don’t forget to “friend” Walking Leaf, I’ll be looking for you!
Have fun, and everyone please have a safe and happy holiday!
