Etsy Poland Team

2012-02-15T23:17:00.000+01:00

Decoromana GiveAway result

And the WINNER of :

Decoromana

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

is :

nr. 71
Robin !

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

Shop stats

2012-02-12T18:07:00.028+01:00

Numbers, dates and charts

This concrete data allows us to judge the effectiveness of our work. It provides an objective review, is a source of conclusions and gives us a map for the future. If you carefully analyze your statistics, your marketing efforts will be better thought out, and therefore are likely to bring better outcomes. We will analyze shop statistics below.

Graphs
Views. From the chart you can see that renewing and adding new items to the shop will increase your views, sometimes by as much as three times. Try and plan your actions in such a way as to keep the interest in your store at a stable, high level. Enrich your shop in stages, instead of adding 20 things one day per month. New items in the shop increase traffic in the entire store, not just on the pages of individual listings.

Favorites
What good are hearts? Thanks to etsy’s new column “Recently Favorited” – they are an additional way to stimulate interest and drive traffic to our shops. It’s worth it then, to check out the number of hearts and correlate them with an event. Joining a team, advertising on a blog, presence on a popular treasury – those are some of the many happenings that can bring a wave of hearts.

Chart of Orders and Revenue will help us foresee a “season”, plan a vacation or help keep financially solvent. It is worth looking at them over a longer time period.

Traffic Sources
Where are your customers coming from? By answering this key question, you can prepare a more attractive offer, and following that – bring in even more customers.

- If they are coming from a specific blog you can try to work together with the blogger to offer a giveaway in exchange for a post about your shop.

- If there is no Facebook, twitter, or other popular social networking tools in the pool of your clients – open an account and see how many people will be able to find you that way.

-Don’t have your own blog? Start one. It’s a simple way to share interesting observations, photographs, and news from your workshop with others. Aside from new clients, you’ll gain a following of fans who will support your efforts - good and bad.

On the above example you can see how little was done to increase traffic in the shop. Despite weak results on the whole web – the results on Etsy are not too bad. The cause of this is - amongst other things: being featured in a treasury and on the Front Page, the results of searches and the number of hearts

Keywords
The Search button is a place where you can grab more customers intent on buying than anywhere else. Observe this column with great attention. Use many different key words, and experiment with them, however, concentrate on those that have the most effect. If 50 people per week come to your store because they are looking for a lace collar, use that information. Put more of them in your store. Add different styles, colors, and expand your offers with an assortment of lace bracelets. Use the “tags” as best as you can. Sometimes it’s better to analyze and add corrections to the tags than to add a new item to the store.

Luck requires assistance. Before you buy an advertising spot on TV, concentrate on the basic data, which changes unknown risks into real and constant sources of revenue. Start analyzing you statistics today and you will be surprised at the conclusions you can draw from them.

Are you hooked? Test out Google Analytics, Craftcult and Craftopolis.

Alicja

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> Decoromana GiveAway on POLetsy

Crafting space - molMolly

2012-02-09T23:53:00.003+01:00

 
February ! 

Month of Love and Saint Valentines and cupid  ♥ etc .. 
This month I am honored to introduce you the person behind molMolly shop 

click here
click here
  I asked her, "tell me few words about yourself" 
and this what she came up with ;) 

I am a painter - and a long, long time ago I finished my studies at the  Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan. Thankfully I have forgotten everything I  learned. :-)
 
 Actually I have supported myself through my art my whole life, and have  mostly  worked as a freelancer. I somehow managed to work for wages for  only a few short years which were interesting years, because I worked in  a theatre and got acquainted with large scenery and tons of interesting  people.
  
click here
I am also a scenic and costume designer - but for the last few years I  have preferred to work with small independent and "young" theaters  rather then large institutional ones.  
 Sometimes I do workshops for kids and young adults, which I enjoy  tremendously provided the kids are not mine and the workshops don't last  longer then three hours...
 
 I also do some design work - I make posters (most often theatrical), illustrations for book and book covers.
  
I have an adult son and five cats, but other then that I am normal.
   
click here
1.What kinds of crafts do you do?

My main daily occupation is painting - on whatever, but mostly on  paper. I also paint on old boards, pieces of wall, fabric - I like to  experiment with different materials. I'm crazy about recycling, I  collect everything that may lend itself to being painted, or could be  transformed in a different manner and the workshops I lead are often  centered around the creative reworking of various leftovers.

  2.Where do you create your works? 

I try to work in my tiny workshop, unfortunately most  often my  workshop becomes storage and is so messy, that practically - I  work in  the entire house (in the summer it's most pleasant to work on  my  terrace) which means a mess everywhere. 

 3.What (if anything) in your workspace inspires you? 

 If I can get to the table top in my workshop and make a small section of empty space on it - it's very inspiring. 

 4. What kind of materials, tools do you use most often? How do you store them? 

I use  everything and find everything useful - mostly it's paper and   watercolors, but I also like to sew, crochet, glue, whittle, cut out,   and string beads.... 
Storing everything is very hard, most often I store my treasures in ever   growing stacks. My whole house is covered in Very Important Mountains   of Everything and I don't let others touch them.
  
Luckily I have concerned friends, who march into action from time to time and despite my protests, clean up.

 5. How do you organize your  workspace? Do you have any organization  tip/tool/tricks that can help  others improve their workspace? 

Organization is not my favorite word. 
But I try, really try - to sort, place in cartons, file folders, jars,  label everything so it won't get lost, sadly - after each clean-up I  have to look harder to find things, so I can't really give any advice, I  could harm instead of helping! 

One thing I know for sure - guard your paintbrush rinsing jars full of water from the cats. 

 6. What is the one favourite thing in your craft room? 

Even if I had a favorite thing - I probably would not be able to find it. 

7. If you could change one thing in your craft room what would it be?  

Space - that is the thing I need the most - if I could I would enlarge my workshop by several square meters...

click here

Thank you so much for sharing :)
It was so much fun talking to you !

And now take a look into molMolly Etsy shop:

editor:MADA
translation:Eva 

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY  
---> Decoromana  GiveAway on POLetsy

Featured shops of the week ...

2012-02-06T11:21:00.000+01:00

POLetsy deals of the month - February

2012-02-02T22:13:00.000+01:00

Valentine's Day is around the corner! Fabulous POLetsy shops are offering some great deals! Shop with us for a gift your loved one will never forget!

Women can never, ever own enough jewelry! Flowers and candy are great but a romantic heart bracelet or love potion earrings will not only last so much longer but also melt her heart! Mage Studio is offering a free worldwide shipping for your Valentine's Day gifts. Use coupon code FREESHIPPINGMAGE at checkout. The offer expires on February 14th.


Heart bracelet

Love potion earrings

Swarovski crystal earrings

Strawberry earrings

You can enter Mage Studio shop here:

Valentine's Day is a time when a woman expects from her partner to reveal his feelings. Show her that you care! KnitsDeLuxe will certainly help you with that! Aga is offering a 15% discount on her hand-knitted luxurious shawls, scarfs and other accessories. They will keep your loved one warm and make her feel special. Use coupon code VALENTINES during checkout. This offer ends on February 14th.

Love is in the air shawl

Long shawl

Teal leaves lace shawl

Triangular summer lace shawl

Enter KnitsDeLuxe shop here:

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> Decoromana GiveAway on POLetsy

by NatureLook

Monthly GiveAway - February

2012-02-01T23:47:00.002+01:00

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

Decoromana

Handmade lace jewelry

You are invited to take part in a

jewelry giveaway

hosted by Romana from Decoromana.

If you are a lucky winner, you will choose

ONE of THREE

showed below.

1. Black tatted lace choker
2. Cream lace earrings
3.Macrame bracelet for men

Click Here

This GiveAway is open to AnyOne

To take part in this giveaway, you need to follow rules of entry specified below.

You are not required to follow all of them, but the more entries you submit, the more chances you have to win.

Rules of entry:

1. MANDATORY ! (1entry)
VISIT Decoromana and leave a comment below telling what your favorite item is. (1entry)
Leave your email address in the comment, so that Romana can contact you if you win.

click here to visit Decoromana shop

2. FOLLOW this blog.(1entry)

3. LIKE Decoromana Facebook Fan Page from your personal FB account. (1entry)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decoromana

4.SHARE information about this GiveAway on your personal and/or business Facebook page (1 entry each)

5. Follow Decoromana on Twitter www.twitter.com/Decoromana. (1entry)

6. SHARE this GiveAway on your Blog or Twitter (1entry each)

7. Follow this Blog by e-mail: (1entry)

(remember to confirm it from your mailing box )

8. Grab this Button to link us on your Blog (1 entry)

copy the code under the picture and paste it on your blog

for Blogger - go to : Project / ad gadgets / html/java / paste the code and it is DONE :)

Be sure to leave below a separate comment
for each step that you do.

Do not forget to leave your email address.

This giveaway ends on February 14. 2012

We will use random.org to select one winner.

Good luck!

leave a comment - click here

During this GiveAway you are getting 20% OFF for shopping at Decoromana

use coupon code POLETSY022012 when purchasing

(how to use coupon code?)
click here

MADA

Creative Material: silver

2012-01-26T16:51:00.003+01:00

Sterling Silver Post Earrings with Garnet by Kailajewellery

Katarzyna from Kailajewellery: In my work I use silver not only because of its beauty and nobility, but also because of ease of processing. Working with silver gives me plenty of opportunities to experiment and implement my ideas. An important thing is also the low price of this metal as compared with gold or platinum. Silver is a great material to work: it readily combines with other metals. One of my favorite combinations is silver and copper. Silver jewelry requires proper care. Unrefined silver over time gets precipitated. You can find ready means to clean silver jewelry. I recommend the cleaning cloth for jewelry: it effectively removes impurities with no risk of damage. Silver jewelry should be cleaned regularly and kept in separate containers to prevent scratching.

Lanilor - silver wire wrapped pendant with lemon quartz by MadeBySunflower

Kornelia from MadeBySunflower: I use silver because it is a timeless and versatile metal. With oxidation you can get the effect of the old jewelry that is very often used at wire-wrapping. Such jewelry has a soul and some story to tell. I like the combination of silver and copper also with elements of gold. Oxidized silver should not be cleaned with any detergents, because they can make oxidation disappear, the safest way is to use cleaning cloth for jewelry.

HOWLITE wire wrapped pendant by AnnaMroczek

Ania from AnnaMroczek: I chose silver because I believe that the technique I use goes best with precious metals. My work is time consuming, the technique requires some skill and the customer pays mainly for the creative idea and time spent on it. And when the customer pays, wants to know what for. The material should be durable and as precious as stone woven into jewelry. Another important thing, for which I decided to work with this and no other material is that it’s easy available in different thicknesses of wire and sheet of different hardness . And also privately I like silver as jewelry for it’s color and durability.

Agnieszka

J.K.W.Jewellery GiveAway result

2012-01-25T23:06:00.000+01:00

And the WINNER of :

J.K.W.Jewellery

Fabric Flowers Brooches - Fabric Accessories for Women and Girls - Felted Necklace and Earrings

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

is:

no 11

Szappanbubi

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

Featured shops of the week ...

2012-01-23T00:09:00.001+01:00

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> J.K.W.Jewellery GiveAway on POLetsy

Etsy Trends

2012-01-18T20:32:00.007+01:00

albado,* DorotaJewelry, * AtelierEdytaLoukia, * CatsLittleCorner

While reading monthly specifications with merchandising tips you may observe certain similarities- boom for some things continues and according to prognoses it will continue for much longer.

In this article I will try to enumerate the most prominent trends. Getting acquainted with them will help you to better understand the market, that is, your potential clients.

Owls & Feathers
When searching the word 'Owl' we will be able to find as much as 100 thousand products connected with this keyword. The word 'Feathers' is as much as 150 thousand results. Sellers who are aware of popularity of those terms will tag properly their items. By doing that they will increase their chances to be on Etsy front page, in newsletters and many other places where they can be spotted by potential clients.

EllaGajewska, * JoannasFoto, * SusieJuliaDesign, * Magestudio, * Decoromana

Steampunk

Mechanisms, inventions, victorian era, everything that is the magic of steam era. Fans of this alternative reality search the internet for clothing, gadgets, fanarts with which they identify and which they can put on during conventions. It's up to you if you decide to include products connected with this branch of fantasy in your offer to gain new recipients of your art.

Forest, Acorns & Deers
What makes the motif of acorns so popular? Regardless if the reason lies in progressing urbanization or fashion- for us it's important that it's in vogue. Simply put some next to your item while taking pictures to make the final effect closer to heart and for easier reception. The photo has higher chances to be noticed by clients amongst thousand others.

FullCircleRetro, * molMolly, * fourelephants, * ottupura, * inkFive

Sirens, Maps & Globes
New Year is a good excuse to make thorough cleaning. Scour piles of useless belongings for some old maps. Have you found a fragment corresponding to a particular country? Brilliant! Make use of it and it will get interest of it's citizens and tourist who want original souvenirs.

Mustache & Cupcakes
Cupcakes with mustache? Sure! For some unexplained reasons, sometimes called fashion, there is a huge demand for mustache. It belongs absolutely everywhere, and if in any degree this motif suits your shop you can increase your sales even by 25%.

Bicycles & Old Cameras

At present time of savings and recycling we change cars for bicycles. Etsy does the same. Interest in gadgets for cyclists is quite big and at the same time they are intensively promoted by administrative team of the service. You haven't exercised such promotion yet? Sometimes luck need some help.

Keys, Arrows & Diamonds
Simple, modernistic forms are elements of modern world. Refer to practical solutions, paying attention to quality of details and customers will come back for more.

There's no accounting for taste. However, it's worth to observe newest trends to choose what suits us best and fill up our shops with real treasures.

Alicja

.........................................................

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> J.K.W.Jewellery GiveAway on POLetsy

..................................................................

FEATURED SELLER: Marlena Geniusz - MageStudio

2012-01-15T03:00:00.005+01:00

Marlena is the owner of MageStudio - an etsy store specializing in very cool jewelry.

Tell us bit about yourself.

My name is Marlena (but everyone calls me Mania) and I live in a small village in Poland. I live with my parents who own a farm and we have lots of chickens, two dogs and a cat. I really love animals and I enjoy living so close to nature. What I like the most about living in a village is the open space, all the colors and calmness that is so hard to find in the city. I have two siblings and recently I became a god-mother of an adorable little boy.

Apart from creating, what do you do?

Apart from crafting I study English as I would like to become a translator one day. I find learning new languages interesting as I also learn new things about other cultures, I also know a little bit of German and Spanish. In my free time I like to do some sports, I tried dancing, karate and ju-jitsu for some time, now I'm into yoga. I like to keep myself occupied with many activities. I also like posing for photos just for fun and I love traveling.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I can't remember if there was a specific moment in my life that lead me to do art. I just simply enjoyed art classes at school and it was so fortunate that at that time a local artist was teaching children for free and I happened to be one of them. I did oil paintings for few years which made me want to explore other types of art. One day I just decided to rearrange my old jewelry and that's how it all started. During that period I visited my god-mother who is also a jewelry maker, she taught me a lot and helped me get my first tools and supplies.

What advice would you give to other artists on Etsy?

Be patient and hard-working, you can't expect any results if you're not constantly trying to improve your skills and be seen by the world. Work on your photos, try different settings, photos are your signature, it's a photo that people see, not the real product, you have to know how to sell yourself. Do not underprice your work, if people like your items they will be willing to pay a fair price for it, by underpricing you harm not only yourself but also other sellers who will have to lower their prices because of you.

What does your day looks like?

My day is very simple, I get up, watch some tv series while I eat breakfast. After that I log in into etsy and handle my shop. I go to my classes and then I go to my yoga classes or visit my friends, depending on a day. In the evening I also check my esty shop, promote it, etc. I find the time to create new jewelry in between those activities or during the weekends.

What inspires you?

Everything to be honest. Just simple everyday life, people that are around me, my family, my friends, other artists, books, movies, music, nature... simply everything. I just try too keep my mind open to new things or to look at things from different perspective and angles. I like giving objects new purposes, a new life.

Who are your favorite seller on Etsy?

My favorite seller on Etsy is Qooqoofashion I love their designs and colors, I'm dreaming of having their products, they are very unique and perfectly capture my taste in fashion.

If you'd like to find out more about Marlena and her jewelry, feel free to check out her blog, follow her on Twitter, Facebook and DeviantArt

If you enjoy this series and you are part of the Poletsy Team and would like to be the next one featured, please contact me via convo. Feeling Artsy

.........................................................

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> J.K.W.Jewellery GiveAway on POLetsy

..................................................................

Monthly GiveAway - January

2012-01-10T22:51:00.005+01:00

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

J.K.W.Jewellery

Fabric Flowers Brooches - Fabric Accessories for Women and Girls - Felted Necklace and Earrings

You are invited to take part in a

jewelry giveaway
hosted by Joanna from JKW Jewellery

If you are a lucky winner, you will choose

ONE of TWO

showed below

1. Felted necklace (merino wool) with wooden beads
2. Jewelry Set : fabric button earrings and ring made from lace and silk fabric


http://www.etsy.com/shop/JKWJewellery

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JoannaBizu

This GiveAway is open to AnyOne

To take part in this giveaway, you need to follow rules of entry specified below.

You are not required to follow all of them, but the more entries you submit, the more chances you have to win.

1. MANDATORY ! (1entry)
VISIT one of two Joanna shops J.K.W.Jewellery or JoannaBizu and leave a comment below telling what your favorite item is. (1entry)

Leave your email address in the comment, so that Joanna can contact you if you win.

2. FOLLOW this blog.(1entry)

3. LIKE J.K.W.Jewellery Facebook Fan Page from your personal FB account. (1entry)

https://www.facebook.com/JEWELLERY.JKW

4.SHARE information about this GiveAway on your personal and/or business Facebook page (1 entry each)

5. SHARE link to J.K.W.Jewellery shop on your Facebook. (1entry)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JKWJewellery

6. SHARE this GiveAway on your Blog or Twitter (1entry each)

7. Follow this Blog by e-mail: (1entry)

(remember to confirm it from your mailing box )

8. Grab this Button to link us on your Blog (1 entry)

copy the code under the picture and paste it on your blog

for Blogger - go to : Project / ad gadgets / html/java / paste the code and it is DONE :)

Be sure to leave below a separate comment
for each step that you do.

Do not forget to leave your email address.

This giveaway ends on January 23.2012

We will use random.org to select one winner.

Good luck!

leave a comment - click here

MADA

Featured shops of the week ...

2012-01-08T22:16:00.001+01:00

POLetsy deals of the month - JANUARY

2012-01-06T19:59:00.001+01:00

New Year 2012 is here!
Have you already got your calendars? If not, you absolutely need to check out BialaKura shop! Agnieszka, designer and photographer, is offering a storewide January sale.
Use a coupon code JANUARYSALE at checkout to get 25% discount.

Printable 2012 bookmark calendar

Photography print

In BialaKura shop you can also find stunning photography prints and art prints.

Paris photography

Mint tree silhouette

You can enter BialaKura shop here:

....................................................................................................

Ella Gajewska, milliner is offering 30% discount on all her fabulous and unique fall and winter hats. Do not miss this opportunity!
Ella's hats will sure make you feel warm and look gorgeous!
Use coupon code SALE30 at checkout. This offer ends January 11th, 2012.

Enter EllaGajewska shop here:

.....................................................................................................

If you love corals, you are lucky, because Alicja, jewelry designer, owner of Kapelusznik, is conducting a January sale of her amazing coral creations. Well, you know you have to have them!
Just enter coupon code happyCORAL at checkout to get 15% discount.

Red colar earrings

Branch coral earrings

Branch coral bracelet

Red coral earrings

Enter KAPELUSZNIK shop here:

....................................................................................................

Valentine's Day is around the corner!

Believe me, there is nothing women desire more than jewelry! No matter where you live, Mada, jewelry designer and owner of MADEbyMADA will SHIP your Valentine's purchase FOR FREE

if you order between January 14th and January 29th, 2012.

Additionally, you can get 10% off, if you subscribe to / follow MADEbyMADA on one of the following sites:

BLOG - FACEBOOK - TWITTER - TUMBLR - PINTEREST - subscribe by email

(Use coupon code 10 FOLLOWERS at checkout.

When PURCHASING please LEAVE a NOTE - convo - which one you are FOLLOWING)

Black and gold Murano earrings

Vinyl record earrings

Is your loved one already bored with winter? Give her a gift of spring! This colorful earrings will sure put the smile on her face.

Floral print earrings

Bubble gum earrings

Enter MADEbyMADA shop here:

Author: NatureLook

Welcome in the New Year!

2012-01-02T20:46:00.002+01:00

Welcome in the New Year 2012 !

A New Year is a New Beginning

and a wonderful excuse to make some changes.

Our Blog „Handmade In Poland” will change too, in part thanks to some new people on deck.

Isabella and Alicja have joined our editorial staff. Thanks to them we will have two new monthly columns.

1.Poletsy Best Deals of the Month
At the beginning of each month Isabella will showcase the most interesting offers from POLetsy Shops and the best prices and "can't miss" deals. The wide variety of Poletsy shops will allow you to get truly unique goods at great prices.

2. Selling on Etsy

This column is written in turn by Alicja. I hope that this monthly post will become a regular feature where members will check for hints and advice for their own Etsy stores. I for one can't wait to read the tips and advice in this new column!

3. The third new thing in the blog, a very attractive thing for readers, will be :

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY

Each reader will be able to participate year round and win great treasures made by 12 wonderful stores from the Polish Team on Etsy.

There will also be changes which will effect the

functionality and appearance of the Blog.

The biggest change is the REBUILDING of the Shop Directory.
I hope that this will encourage our readers to take a peek into some of the shops - all full of wonderful goods. The Poletsy team has so much to choose from.
It is my dream that our blog will become a place from which you can launch your adventure with handcrafted items of top quality and a place you'll return to when you look for unique items made with the utmost care.

I'd like to take this opportunity to

Greet and Thank all the

readers and followers of this Blog as well as our editors.
Two months ago, with some trepidation,

I signed on to lead the Blog, thanks to you,

it has been a wonderful experience

and I wish that our cooperation will continue.
To ALL OF YOU:
I wish an Amazing Year 2012.

I wish you faith in your dreams, the fulfillment of these dreams and great success!

To celebrate the new year, Agnieszka, who is the editor of Creative Material and the owner of the store bialakura, made a free Calendar for the Year 2012 for all our readers which you can download and print!

!!! FREE PRINTABLE !!!

click here to Enalrge and Print

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Mada - Chief Editor

NEW YEAR, NEW YEAR!

2011-12-30T03:00:00.003+01:00

New year is the time for celebration and resolutions but for a business owner it's also time for analyzing the profits and losses for the past year and planning for the future growth. This post should help you prepare for the tax season and get your planning off to a good start.

New Year's Eve Baby in Belly by FeelingArtsy

1. Get your records in order

If you have an accountant, just ask them for advice. But for every solo business owner, whether you've been plugging in every receipt in Excel or Quickbooks all year long or just kept stashing them in your purse, desk etc, now is the time to get them all recorded and filed away.

If you've been "bad", this may be a daunting task but you need to just get on with it and do it. It may also be something to plan for next year - get that fresh spreadsheet going while updating the old one and plug in the receipts as you get them in the future.

Hand Painted Box by InkPaintFunnyPicture

Keeping all of your receipts is important. If you ever get audited by the IRS or your local government, they'll want to see them. I keep mine in several files labeled: post office, supplies, office supplies, meals & travel, promotion and other. I plug them in the computer about twice a week and file to the back by dates. But any kind of organization will work.

It is also helpful to keep separate bank accounts for your business and personal affairs. If you don't have one, here's another thing to put on your to do list for January.

Mens Metropolitan Necktie by Tie Story

2. Evaluate last year

During this evaluation you should evaluate your financial position as well as your past goals.

The financial documents you want to generate and evaluate are the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement. Quickbooks will do it for you and if you're very small like myself and using Excel a couple formulas will help you figure out the things that the 3 fancy accounting reports show: where you're standing financially, if you were profitable and how much funds you have on hand.

Gift Certificate by Mage Studio

If you do plan to get bigger though (and which entrepreneur doesn't?!) you will have to get familiar with those financial documents and how to analyze them. If you find yourself too "artsy" for that or not all that great at math, you may want to consider hiring an account. It's important to have a clear understanding whether you're at least making it even.

Once you know where your business is standing financially, you should take the time to figure out how it got here. Pull out your business plan or a little notebook with goals in my case that you created a year ago and review how you did. Make notes as you go about both: successful and unsuccessful results. They'll help you in the next step.

Custom Etsy Shop Banner by Magnesina

3. Plan for the new year

I usually start this step with getting a new notebook. Go back check your notes, look at past successes and failures and start planning for the new year. Set new goals - you could be going for a certain $ amount or maybe a number of sales per day, week, month, etc. Create action plan on how you're going to get there, e.g., you may want to make new items, make more items, add a new product line, redo pictures, redo tags and banners in your store, maybe start doing craft shows next year or advertising in a new way, etc. And finally get going and put it all in motion!

Paris Printable Calendar by BialaKura

Good luck to you, your business and Happy New Year!!!

Feeling Artsy

Featured shops of the week ...

2011-12-29T00:43:00.003+01:00

1 row:

2 row:

3 row:

4 row:

5 row:
AnnaKiperPhoto
miniart
PomPomPlay

6 row:
NatureLook
DevikaBox

Danfe

7 row:
MADEbyMADA

by lilnut

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T11:56:00.002+01:00

by Magnesina

"A wonderful dream of love and peace for everyone
Of living our lifes in perfect harmony
A wonderful dream of joy and fun for everyone
To celebrate a life where dreams come true"

Merry Christmas!

POLetsy Team

FEATURED SELLER: Kaila Jewellery - Katarzyna Blachowicz

2011-12-15T03:00:00.002+01:00

Katarzyna Blachowicz is the person behind Kaila Jewellery - a store featuring handmade, designer jewelry made out of sterling silver with semi-precious stones.

Tell us bit about yourself

My name is Katarzyna Blachowicz. I live in London but originally I come from Czestochowa, a beautiful city in Poland. I am a jewelry designer / maker and I work from my London studio. I am also a mum of a seven year old girl Kelly.

What first made you want to become an artist?

As long as I remember I've always liked creating things with my hands. First it was knitting, then sewing and painting.

But I found my real passion in jewelry making. I discovered it while traveling in India and Nepal. I was fascinated by all the beautiful stones, amazing jewelry and by people making it very often on the streets. When I returned to London I enrolled in a jewelry course which I really enjoyed. After I finished my course I set up my own business Kaila jewellery.

Describe your creating process?

When I have an idea for a new piece of jewelry I have to act very quickly. I carry my sketchbook with me all the time so I can put all my ideas in there. I work mainly in silver and use traditional and contemporary techniques to create my jewelry.

Sometimes my finished piece looks completely different from the original idea. Quite often I start making a pendant and then end up with earrings. Jewelry making is very time consuming but as I really enjoy it, it rarely feels like a job to me.

What advice would you give to other artists on Etsy?

If I knew the secret to having great sales, I would share it, but I am still trying to work it out. Everyone says " promote, promote", so maybe the secret lies in there.

What does your day look like?

In the morning I take my daughter to school. Then I work until it is time to pick her up. Then normal stuff at home: cleaning, cooking etc... In the evening I spend some time on my online shops: new listings, treasury, promotion.

How do you promote?

I am on Facebook and Flickr. Promoting is not my cup of tea, I would rather spend time on making new pieces. I carry my business cards with me all the time. They are very useful especially at crafts fairs.

In 10 years, where would you like to be?

I would like to be doing the same job and have many happy customers. I would also like to own a jewelry shop.

What inspires you?

Inspiration for the pieces I make comes from many sources: nature, everyday objects, music, architecture. I am fascinated by texture, patterns, shapes and colors.

What are your favorite products?

Probably my silver studs and organic leaves, granulated ring and partially oxidized heart.

What are your favorite sellers on Etsy?

I love textiles by Bozena Wojtaszek, art by Serdomania and hats by Ella Gajewska.

If you enjoy this series and you are part of the Poletsy Team and would like to be the next one featured, please contact me via convo. Feeling Artsy

Featured shops of the week ...

2011-12-05T01:40:00.001+01:00

by LilNut

Crafting space - Iza (szalonaisa)

2011-12-02T17:35:00.005+01:00

December! 
What a wonderful month. 

I was looking for an artist to present in this magical time 
....and I found a perfect match!

I would like invite you to:

 SZALONAISA's Wonderland of Quilling Designes

 and Fine Art Photography

click here

1.What kinds of crafts do you do?

I make greeting cards in a very old technique called quilling of paper filigree. 
It is all about paper strips that are handrolled, handshaped and glued  together creating whatever you want.

I first saw quilled cards a couple  years ago and it was love from first sight. I bought starter kit and  become a "crafter"

 2.Where do you create your works? 

I have a crafting studio in my apartment... Ahhm, well it is a little  corner in our living room ;) Sharing a one bed apartment with a crafter  is not easy... I had annexed our dining table and from now I will call  it my crafting table :) 

3.What (if anything) in your workspace inspires you?

This may sound a little bit strange, but in front of my crafting table I  have large balcony window, and when I don't have an idea or I need a  break, I just look out the window with a mug of hot coffee in my hand.  It is really relaxing.    

click here

4. What kind of materials, tools you use most often? How do you store them? 

Quilling is a paper art, so paper is my main craft material. I have all  range of paper sheets but this is easy to store. I usually put them into  a big heaps on my shelves. More challenging are quilling paper strips.

 I  make my cards from 3 mm wide strips. When they are new and unused You  can pin them to the polystyrene board or if you prefer to the cork  board, but the problem is when you have lots of 3 mm wide scraps, so I  keep them in a separate cello bags which I store in a large tin. 

I also need a good quality PVA glue, lot of craft scissors and of course quilling needle :)

5. How do you organize your workspace? Do you have any organization  tip/tool/tricks that can help others improve their workspace? 

I rather disorganise my working space. You can call it a new order. 

But when I take a couple days off and everything is in place, it looks  really organized. My papers are in big cello bags, my tools are in metal  buckets on the shelf.

 6. What is the one favourite thing in your craft room? 

It is hard to call her a thing but my cat Szisza is my favourite helper.  She always know how to interrupt me and avoid my anger :)

7. If you could change one thing in your craft room what would it be? 

More space!!! 

Thank you so much for sharing Isa :)

You can also like SZALONAISA on Facebook

or follow on Twitter 

but for sure you need to visit her BLOG

And now take a look to Iza's Etsy shop:

MADA

MADEbyMADA GiveAway result

2011-12-01T09:47:00.000+01:00

And the WINNER of :

MADEbyMADA

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

nr 181

Costin Daniela

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

3 Fixes To An Unproductive Week

2011-11-30T03:00:00.007+01:00

Another unsatisfying day is turning into an unproductive week. You're probably tired of being in this rut? But finding a fix can prove difficult in the middle of a busy week. And it is especially important now during the super busy holiday season.

Crochet Hat by Danfe

Below are three symptoms of a bad week, and three tips for turning it around:

1) You had a poor plan or no plan – You choose to go through your day without a plan, instead jumping from one pop-up task to another “Whack-a-Mole” style.

*The Fix: Spend 15 minutes each Sunday and spend 5 minutes each morning with your planner, calendar, sticky notes or dry erase board, preparing a task list and schedule that cover your important activities e.g. "prepare packages and go to the post office", "inventory and organize new supplies", "pay my etsy bill" and so on.

Bookmark by cacheedanslafloret

2) You had unrealistic expectations – The to-do list in your is just too darn big, an “everything but the kitchen sink” list and you fell short because a) there wasn’t enough time, or b) the timing was wrong.

*The Fix: Estimate the time of each task you want to accomplish and compare it to the time slots you see available in your planner or add specific start and finish times to each of the items on your list. What doesn’t fit must be delegated or pushed to another day. A successful to-do list gets completely checked off. Strive for this victory each day.

2012 calendar by JoannasPhoto

3) You got distracted: Whether it’s a sudden urge to see what's on the tv, somebody trying to skype with you, browsing thru treasuries and other sellers that turns into hours or messing about on Facebook, all distractions lead you away from what truly needs to get done.

*The Fix: Say “no” to skype requests, don't surf the net for more than 20 minutes at a time, and stay disciplined to follow your daily priorities. Your plan is a personal commitment, so don’t let yourself down.

Cat Wall Organizer by Anka

A final word of advice – You expect slow traffic on snowy days, right? So make sure you plan your day for the delays, tangents, and detours life throws at you. Leave time each day for the unexpected and a little extra time for yourself. Give yourself a little breathing room each day. Remember: it's ok to schedule 30 more minutes for lunch and spend that time skyping, watching tv or going for a walk.

Feeling Artsy

Featured shops of the week ...

2011-11-28T20:14:00.011+01:00

17. feelingartsystudio

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> MADEbyMADA GiveAway on POLetsy

Creative Material: paper

2011-11-24T16:46:00.005+01:00

Brothers - original watercolor painting by MolMolly

Anna from MolMolly says: My relationship with the paper lasts for many years now and I still think that this is the most wonderful material to work with - I love it for its transience and impermanence. I have great respect for it, because I remember the days when it was hard to get (my degree was on a roll of paper for ECG, I could not get anything else 30 years ago in Poland). Today, I gather and collect all the scraps, these useful as well as these probably not.

Paper sculpture by MolMolly

I work with paper in various ways: making papier-mache sculptures, cut-outs, paper jewelry or weavings from the paper yarn I made myself. Even the curtains in my house are cut out of paper, no need to wash, just cut the new one if the old gets dirty;)

Paper courtains by MolMolly

Mainly I paint on paper and very rarely betray it to the other techniques, I often use scraps of paper, the old packaging, random card, these are base to the most spontaneous work. I do not expect my work to survive me, so I do not pay much attention to a quality of a base on which I work, but sometimes I use a special artistic paper, and then I am happy as a child, because it helps you achieve interesting effects. However, work on a decent, durable and expensive material is always stressful to me, and why should I be upset if the work is supposed to be happy?

Under magnolia tree - oriental portrait by Moligami

Mariola z Moligami says: The paper is an extraordinary material, versatile, yet very durable, its so unusual qualities give room for creativity. It’s my beloved material, in particular Japanese papers, which have no equal. I especially like working with Japanese paper YUZEN, also called chiyogami. It’s beautiful, rich and decorative paper, my paper figures and dolls come to life and become colorful butterflies in kimonos "sewn" in this paper. Its designs are drawn from the rich Japanese symbolism of the seasons, natural elements, cherry blossoms, summer grass, pine, fan, bamboo, sea waves. Holding a sheet of Yuzen paper gives you the impression of something rich and urges you to create something sophisticated and beautiful. The extraordinary quality of this paper makes it very versatile; it can be used in many areas of origami crafts, scrapbooking, bookbinding, jewelry, cardmaking and many others. Sheets of paper are very flexible, strong and absorbent. This paper is the essence of Japanese design, which is why I so strongly associate with it, actually all of my works are created from it, it’s the power of pattern and color that makes it so unique. Just take your glue and scissors or a knife and begin to conjure beauty.

Quilled Angel - Christmas Card by szalonaIsa

Iza form SzalonaIsa says: I choose paper, because there are so many types of it, and you can make with it whatever you want. You can bend it, tear it, crash it and stick it together creating something new from something old. My favorite attribute of paper is that I can be used again and again. Almost every little scrap can be used to create something new . It can be also mixed with every other material. Paper is a very fragile, but if it is well protected from moisture it will last very long. I usually use fixative and varnish. It confers rigidity and protects against moisture and fading.

Quilled Wedding Anniversary Card by AgaQuilling

Aga from AgaQuilling says: I've only recently started working with paper but I think it is absolutely brilliant. What I really love about paper is it's diversity. It is so flexible that you can make basically anything you can think of with it. I use it for quilling, which is rolling narrow strips of paper. I can create pictures just by rolling it and it looks amazing. I also make my own envelopes and boxes using recycled paper to give it a second life. You can even use paper to create jewellery, which, thanks to the sealer, can be worn outside in the rain.

Agnieszka

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> MADEbyMADA GiveAway on POLetsy

POLetsy SALES !

2011-11-20T20:49:00.002+01:00

Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are shopping holidays gaining a reputation as the best days of the year to find sales.

Black Friday - 26.11.2011
Cyber Monday - 28.11.2011

Weekend between those dates is the best time for Shopping :)

Here you can find the BEST OFFERS from POLtsy Team Members

coupon code: CHRISTMAS 9%OFF

coupon code: BLACKCYBER 14%

coupon code: 15BLACKCYBER 15%OFF

cupon code: CHRISTMASGIFT 10%OFF

coupon code: BLACKANDCYBER11 10%OFF

coupon code: BlackMonday 25%OFF

coupon code: CYBER 10%OFF

coupon code: BLACK 10%OFF

coupon code: CYBERSALE 15%OFF

coupon code: GIVETHANKS 20%OFF

coupon code: GIFTFORCHRISTMAS 12%OFF

coupon code: FRIDAY11 10%OFF

coupon code: ZOANA30 30%OFF

coupon code: CYBER 10%OFF

coupon code: 3SHIPPING1

coupon code: FreeShippingPhotos

coupon code: MINIART20OFF

coupon code: CHRISTMAS11 11%OFF

coupon code CHRISTMAS1 10%OFF

Don't know HOW TO use Coupon codes
while purchasing?

CLICK HERE

♥

Happy shopping!

.........................................................

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> MADEbyMADA GiveAway on POLetsy

..................................................................

Mada

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

2011-11-16T08:59:00.010+01:00

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

MADEbyMADA

Polish Folk Motifs, decoupage Earrings and Glass Beads Jewelry

You are invited to take part in a

jewelry giveaway

hosted by Mada from MADEbyMADA.

If you are a lucky winner, you will choose

ONE of TWO

pair of earrings showed below.

1. Decoupage Earrings - Polish Folk Floral cut out Motif from Łowicz
2. Murano Glass Earrings - made from round Clear beads with black solid center filled with golden foil bits.

Polish Folk Floral Earrings

Murano Glass Earrings

This GiveAway is open to AnyOne

To take part in this giveaway, you need to follow rules of entry specified below.

You are not required to follow all of them, but the more entries you submit, the more chances you have to win.

Rules of entry:

1. MANDATORY ! (1entry)
VISIT MADEbyMADA and leave a comment below telling what your favorite item is. (1entry)
Leave your email address in the comment, so that Mada can contact you if you win.

click here to visit MADEbyMADA shop

2. FOLLOW this blog.(1entry)

3. LIKE MADEbyMADA Facebook Fan Page from your personal FB account. (1entry)

http://www.facebook.com/madebymada

4.SHARE information about this GiveAway on your personal and/or business Facebook page (1 entry each)

5. SHARE link to MADEbyMADA shop on your Facebook. (1entry)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MADEbyMADA

6. SHARE this GiveAway on your Blog or Twitter (1entry each)

7. Follow this Blog by e-mail: (1entry)

(remember to confirm it from your mailing box )

8. Grab this Button to link us on your Blog (1 entry)

copy the code under the picture and paste it on your blog

for Blogger - go to : Project / ad gadgets / html/java / paste the code and it is DONE :)

Be sure to leave below a separate comment
for each step that you do.

Do not forget to leave your email address.

This giveaway ends on November 30.2011

We will use random.org to select one winner.

Good luck!

leave a comment - click here

Because Christmas is just around the corner
I have smth special for you:
HOP TO MY BLOG

click here to HOP to my BLOG

to take part in ADDITIONAL ENTRY of ONE of these:

MADA

FEATURED SELLER: miniART - Ania Kiper

2011-11-15T14:55:00.003+01:00

Ania Kiper is the person behind two Etsy stores: miniArt where she sells handmade gifts and Anna's Kiper Photos - a gallery of photograph taken by her during her travels.

Tell us something about yourself?

For the last 4 years, I've been running the miniART Gallery specializing in handmade items for children. The items sold there I made by me as well as other artist that are part of the gallery. Since then, I've been doing what I've always enjoyed most. In other work after 10 years of working for somebody else, I started my own company and I'm working on two things that I'm passionate about: handmade crafts and photography.

What else do you do besides creating?

My work is directly intertwined with my interests. Sometimes it's hard to put the two apart. The things that I do in my free time is also important for my work. I'm interested in art. I like going the museums and galleries as well as looking at art books.

I also enjoy reading, especially biographies. And lately, thanks to my daughter I've discovered wonderful children books. I love good movies and music. I'm a big fan of lattes drunk at one of kind coffee shops.

What made you want to become an artist?

I have never thought of myself as an artist so I've never actually thought of becoming an artist. I've always loved arts and crafts. At first I immensely enjoyed drawing and painting. Later, I discovered knitting and crocheting. I would also machine and hand saw simple garments. I had a notebook with my project ideas. I love that. That's how it was as long as I had enough time for it. Later I became engrossed in studying and then working, things that had nothing to do with what I was interested in.

I took on photography a little later. I bought my first camera when I was already a college student. At first it was just for fun and the camera was mainly for travelling.
Once I've become a mom, I've decided to give my career and come back to things that I used to like as a child - to art and crafts and to photography. I don't see my work as art, I think that's what artist are for. I feel that I'm more of a creator.

Please describe your creative process

At first there's an idea for something completely new item or a decoration or an idea for one item that I can make in many ways - just like my business card holders. When I first started as a full time craft ideas, the ideas where just piling up, especially at night when I was ready to fall asleep. I needed to keep a notepad by my bed, just to jot everything down so I don't forget it later. Now, it's not always that easy.

Once I have an idea either in my head or on paper, I start collecting the items needed to make it happen. I need an item that I'm going to decorate and all the materials that I'm going to use. Next, I'm trying it out, fitting and measuring, a lot of the times an idea goes thru an evolution process and the end result is different from what I thought of at first.

New items, if they're wooden, I file down and then I paint them. I glue down the decorative motive and I paint around it the background that I feel like it's missing. This way I finish up the motive. I also like antiquing or make it look shabby chic. At the very end I varnish the item several times.

How does your day look like?

My day start very early. Once I've gotten my daughter up and sent her off to school, I start working.

At first I check my email and respond to the ones that need immediate attention. Later, all my tasks intertwine. I work on my products, I take pictures, I spend time selling and promoting my items online. In the afternoon, I usually get my packages ready and then go to the post office. In the evenings, when not much is going on, I work on tings that require my full attention and take longer time.

Where would you like to be in 10 years?

In 10 years, I would like to have my own house in some beautiful place and in that house, I would like to have my own studio. I would also like to try other kinds of crafts. Lately I've been enjoying pottery and would like learn how to make my own items out of clay.
In 10 years I would like to not have to worry about financial aspects about my business but just work for pleasure. This is my dream and that's where I see myself in 10 years.

What inspires you?

My photograph are inspired by my travels. In new places I get a fresh look at everything that's around me. I'm mainly inspired by architecture, its shapes and colors. I also enjoy photographing the things usually missed by others.
My crafts are also inspired by colors and shapes. I like finding new forms, original papers and all kinds of decorative motives.

What are your favorite products?

I love making things for children - like the ones for Galeria miniART. One of my favorite items is a box for the tot's treasures that's made in marine style with some antiquated edges. I have also made other items to match the treasure box. I also like the pastel hangers for kids' clothes, as well as my business card holders, especially the ones with Japanese motives on them.

What are your favorite shops on Etsy?

I admire the most the items made out of virtually nothing, for example iasio's toys, Inameliart's illustrations and moligami's Japanese paper art.
I also like several stores selling art photography, especially the ones with Paris. Littlebrownpen is the store that first got me started on loving Paris.

If you'd like to find out more about Ania, feel free to check out her blog and her photo blog as well as follow her on Facebook.

If you enjoy this series and you are part of the Poletsy Team and would like to be the next one featured, please contact me via convo. Feeling Artsy

NatureLook GiveAway result

2011-11-15T13:37:00.006+01:00

And the WINNER of :

NatureLook

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

is:

nr 207

nick - shala_darkstone

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

Independance Day 11.11.

2011-11-11T16:03:00.001+01:00

Today is Polish Independence Day !

CELEBRATE WITH US !

Today, in Poland we're celebrating Independence Day.

I am really proud to be Polish and I think it's really great to be a part of this community.

Poland is a country in central Europe, boarded by Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, the Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave.

Every year on 11 November we celebrate National Independence Day in Poland to commemorate the anniversary of Poland's assumption of independent statehood in 1918 after 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria.

On this date we hung our flag in front of our houses, sing patriotic songs and spend the day with our families.

MANIA

As an Etsy Team we decided to Celebrate this Day

by Making White & Red Treasuries

for more lists ---> CLICK HERE

Mada

.........................................................

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> NatureLook GiveAway on POLetsy

..................................................................

Featured shops of the week ...

2011-11-06T23:55:00.003+01:00

.........................................................

Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY

---> NatureLook GiveAway on POLetsy

..................................................................

Crafting space - Mariola vel molla

2011-11-03T09:38:00.002+01:00

This time I am delighted to invite you in exotic and mysterious world of Molla crafts. 

She is the owner of two shops on Etsy.

 In frist one, MOLIGAMI  you can find  
Oriental Papercut Art Works with Geisha.  

Second MOLIGAMIPAPERS is full of 
japanese fine  papers.

click here

1.What kinds of crafts do you do?

I create portraits inspired by old, traditional Japanese motifs such as  geishas, cute little Japanese girls in kimonos and so on. I`m hopelessly  in love with Japanese papers called Yuzen washi or Chiyogami, shortly  Chiyo.

Everything started a few years ago when my friend invited me to London  and we found the wonderful “Fine Paper Store” on Russel`s Square during  our walk through the city. That's where I discovered these amazing  papers for the first time and it was enough to take the first step on  the crafty path in my life. The Japanese define their arts and crafts as  DO [way].

I think these paper creations are my DO.
I love old Japanese compositions named Ukiyoe and kimono chic - together they fill my esthetic soul. I always say that in previous life I must have been a Japanese woman, who knows….:)

click here

2.Where do you create your works?

I rent a little space to store paper from my own paper shop and that’s  where I usually work. There is long table, a few shelves, a chair, many  boxes for sorting papers and my old sewing machine which I use in a  special way - for decorating papers used in scrapbooking.

3. What (if anything) in your workspace inspires you?

I have a special shelf where I have my handmade thingies and gifts from  friends and sometimes when I feel breathless or have no ideas for doing  something I look at these gifts to get better. The most special is  little collage from my friend Eliza.

The text says: "When I was a little girl, I never even dreamed that one  day I will fly” It`s so true and it always brings me strength when I  need it.

4. What kind of materials, tools you use most often? How do you store them?

My main craft material is paper, so I have many piles or shelves with  papers useful more or less in my work. Another important tool are my  efficient scissors and good quality glue.

5. How do you organize your workspace? Do you have any organization tip/tool/tricks that can help others improve their workspace?

First of all I study examples of old Japanese artworks like woodblock  prints, portraits of beauties so called Bijinga or Shin hanga. I have my  favorite masters whose works I`m deeply fascinated by like Utamaro,  Torii Kyonaga Shinsui Ito, Kyokata. 

I watch their composition to get close to the Japanese esthetic and create the same atmosphere. I try to highlight mystery, subtlety, nonchalant elegance and simplicity, which in Japanese is named simply IKI. The most favorite master is Uemura Shoen, many of my works are inspired by her amazing masterpieces.

Next, by cut & paste method I create the shape of the body, head, hands and so on. The most difficult part of my work is creating the face, to give a special, emotional and satisfactory effect.
I sometimes spend many hours on this.

Nothing is wasted. The littlest pieces of papers are sorted and await use.

Sometimes I organize scrap all day to relax and use these pieces for other crafts like scrapbooking, cardmaking or cartonnage.

6. What is the one favorite thing in your craft room?

My old sewing machine, when I look at her I dream that someday I will learn to sew quilts!

7. If you could change one thing in your craft room what would it be?

I need more space

Thank you so much Molla.
This was an Exciting journey :)

.........................................................
Take a look At POLetsy member GIVEAWAY  
---> NatureLook GiveAway on POLetsy
..................................................................

And now Visit Molla Shops:

Mada

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

2011-11-01T09:18:00.012+01:00

* GIVEAWAY * giveaway * GIVEAWAY *

NatureLook

Handmade Jewelry: Rare Necklaces And Earrings

You are invited to take part in a

jewelry giveaway
hosted by Isabella from NatureLook.

If you are a lucky winner, you will choose ONE of TWO pair of earrings showed below.

The blue ones are made with crystal quartz and sterling silver.
The other ones feature natural rose quartz and bronze plated flowers.

RAW STONE EARRINGS

TEARDROP EARRINGS

To take part in this giveaway, you need to follow rules of entry specified below.

You are not required to follow all of them, but the more entries you submit, the more chances you have to win.

Rules of entry:

1. VISIT NatureLook shop and leave a comment below telling what your favorite item is. (1entry) Leave your email address in the comment, so that Isabella can contact you if you win.

click here to visit NatureLook shop

2. FOLLOW this blog.(1entry)

3. LIKE NatureLook Facebook Fan Page from your personal FB account. (1entry)


www.facebook.com/naturelook

4.SHARE information about this GiveAway on your personal and/or business Facebook page (1 entry each)

5. SHARE link to NatureLook shop on your Facebook. (1entry)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NatureLook

6. SHARE this GiveAway on your Blog or Twitter (1entry each)

7. Follow this Blog by e-mail: (1entry)

(remember to confirm it from your mailing box )

8. Grab this Button to link us on your Blog (1 entry)

copy the code under the picture and paste it on your blog

for Blogger - go to : Project / ad gadgets / html/java / paste the code and it is DONE :)

Be sure to leave below a separate comment
for each step that you do.

Do not forget to leave your email address.

This giveaway ends on November 14 2011

We will use random.org to select one winner.

Good luck!

leave a comment - click here

The 2 Secrets of Making a TO-DO List You'll Get Done

2011-10-30T01:00:00.001+02:00

You’re tired of looking at a task list you never seem to get anywhere with. In fact, you might not be making a list at all anymore. Does it sound familiar?

Did you know there’s a difference between the to-do list you typically make and the type of list used by people who get things done?

Calendar by Magnesina

Here’s the secret to making a to-do list that really works: Make it specific, and make it fit.

What do I mean by this? Follow these steps and you’ll see:

Make it specific

The most vital part of writing a good to-do list lies in the names of the tasks themselves. If they’re not specific, you’ll likely find yourself avoiding the work.

Try these tips for creating specific tasks:

-   Make certain that each task on your list offers specific detailed instructions.
-   Don’t just write single words like “Etsy” on your list. That’s a large, unapproachable word that looks difficult to accomplish.
-   Create tasks that begin with a verb and offer clarity as to the subject, like ”Relist 3 items in my Etsy store,” or “Change tags from September to October”
-   If your task can’t be turned into a specific action, it needs to be broken down into smaller steps, as I did in the two examples above.

Notebooks by BialaKura

Make it fit

This too is a crucial part of your daily list. You need to stop making that giant “laundry list” of tasks that you’ll never get started and frankly have no intention of doing.

Ensure that your list fits into your day, by following these steps:

-   Plan your time conservatively, leaving room for the unexpected events that pop-up.
-   Always consult your schedule because your available task time periods often varies.
-   Limit yourself to 3-5 priority tasks each day
-   Write-down task times after each task, rounded off to the nearest 15 minutes.
-   Estimate times of day when tasks can be accomplished.
-   Group similarly planned tasks together – such as going to the post office and shopping.
-   If you find yourself having extra time and everything done – that’s a good problem! Grab a new task off your Master List or your Someday List.

Journal by AtelierRetro

There’s no better feeling than when you reach the end of the day holding a completely crossed-off, checked-off, worn out list. You’ve met your goals for the day and it’s time to celebrate. Follow these steps and set yourself up for success every day with a to-do list that provides a descriptive, realistic plan. Enjoy your time and good luck!

Creative Material: wool

2011-10-27T20:17:00.005+02:00

Felt peacock feather Earrings in Cloud Berry

By Roroism

Kinga from Dodoo says: I use wool, because with wool you can do almost everything: jewelry, clothing, home accessories, furniture. My favorite technique is wet and needle felting, but I like to knit and crochet also. Wool is natural, organic and healthy. It has beautiful colors when dyed so it suits everybody. Cloths made of wool are warm and sturdy. Using wool I love to create unique one of a kind hats. I also like big and colorful felt jewelry it’s expressive but very light.

Hand Felted wool Hat, dark gray

By Dodoo

Justyna from Yarn and Art says: I has always been fascinated with what the old and forgotten hence the passion for spinning and weaving - wool is a basic material for spinners and weavers. It’s natural and versatile. Wool is a very good artistic medium. You can weave, knit, felt, crochet so many different things. I like the feel of the wool, especially some breeds of sheep produce wool very special to the touch. Fancifully dyed wool in different colors gives unpredictable effects when spinned into yarn and this is sort of puzzlethat is very attractive. Wool can be combined with various natural and artificial fibers. Wool do not like the heat, so water for the laundry mustn’t be very hot. In addition, it should not be rubbed or kneaded, because it can felt. Do not forget the moles that have delighted in wool;)

South American handspun wool yarn

By Yarn and Art

Dorota from Albado says: As far as I remember my grandmothers and my mother always knitted something. Infected me with this craft. I also knit. For knitting wool is needed in traditional yarn form. You can create wonders from these threads. However, these knitting yarn was for me something ordinary. Yes, creative material, but predictable. It’s craft of felting wool that completely overwhelmed me. You can smile at this, but my works are my my children. I take the material, shape it, mold, put the hear in that labour. I try to make them unique and make people admire them. I create the item and never know what will be the final result. As with a child, you give birth, bring up, shape and yet you do not know what will grow out of it. Let it go off to the world, and you can not control it anymore. I’m proud if a successful unique one, calls attention to itself and somewhere in the world there is part of you. And this is really amazing and gives me power!

Red poppy - Brooch - Hand Felted Flower

By Albado

Agnieszka

Featured shops of the week ...

2011-10-24T00:06:00.002+02:00

FEATURED SELLER: Egunia

2011-10-15T01:00:00.003+02:00

FEATURED SELLER IS SERIES IS BACK!!! I think you'll love meeting Ela.

Tell us something about yourself

My name is Ela and I have two stores on Etsy: Egunia - where I sell hand knit or crochet items. They are made by me, my mom, my sister and my aunt. And in my other store Aprilla Witch, I offer hand spun yarn.

What do you do besides creating?

I work as a librarian in a middle school and I love it. Besides crafting, books and reading are my other passion. I love the fact that my job is related to something that I enjoy.

What made you want to become an artist?

Sometimes I blame it on "antsy hands". I can't sit still and do nothing. My hands reach for the knitting needles or the spinning wheel on their own. But seriously: since childhood, I have been around people who've been hand making things. When I was just a few years old, my grandma taught me how to knit, and knitting quickly became part of my life. All women from my family enjoy crafting. My mom knits scarfs and ponchos, my grandma who is over 80 years old is a master in sock knitting and my aunt Mira crochets gorgeous table cloths, lace curtains and doilies. My sister loves patchworks and quilts pillow and all kinds of other items. We enjoy giving "products" to each other. Thanks to that my mom and grandma knit with my yarn and I'm using curtains made by Mira.

Describe your creative process

I usually work impulsively. For example, I may be cleaning up here and there and all of a sudden a yarn ends up on needles. Cleaning up gets ditched and I'm knitting a brand new hat. I like small project because I can see the effect of my work immediately. However a lot of the time because I don't plan, I tend to give up on those projects quickly too.Sometimes, I get to work through my weaknesses and take on a larger project. I especially enjoy when I know that I'm making a gift for somebody important to me. Then, I incorporate my good wishes for that person in my knitting and the best part is when the face of the gifted person lightens up upon opening of the present.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I really enjoy learning and exploring new techniques. Two years ago I got into spinning yarn (the first lesson was with my aunt Stefania). I fell in love with sheep wool so much, that I've started craving having my own sheep. That dream came through this year - I'm just waiting for my "girls" to grow up enough for me to get their wool. And since I'm making my own yard, why wouldn't I use it to make my own fabric? So right now, I'm learning how to weave and that's my new passion that I'm planning on excelling in soon. And in 10 years? The time will show...

What inspires you?

I have rural roots and I love folk art. I appreciate its simpleness and functionality. Everything used to be made to serve a purpose and their beauty often is part of their form. When I knit a hat or a scarf, I tend to think about their purpose. When I spin, I'm wishing on the yarn to become a part of project.

What are your favorite stores on Etsy?

I like a lot of different Etsy stores. Check out my favorites here.
In Sunflower's earrings, I would feel like a princess and I will probably buy one of the awesome ties from Tie Story for one of my almost grown up sons.

If you would like to find out more about Ela, please check out her blog: „Guzik z pętelką”

If you enjoy this series and you are part of the Poletsy Team and would like to be the next one featured, please contact me via convo. Feeling Artsy