Is Handmade worth it?

I am a bonafide crochet artist.  I love it!  I live, eat and sleep yarn, needles, stitches, etc..  It is my desire to make something beautiful with hopes that someone, anyone would love it as much as I do and make a purchase.  I get lots of compliments on my work and some inquiries and very few sales.  It doesnt stop me.  Its my passion.  It does discourage me at times.  I see other artists making and selling items hand over fist and wonder why arent my sales going through the roof?

I just read an article on a blog that I saw posted on someone's facebook page.  It was titles, "The cost of handmade."  http://www.somersherwood.com/?p=126  The article was very true.  Most crochet items are one of a kind, uniques, custom and well made.  The price may be a little more expensive but you are talking about materials, experience and custom here!!!  My quibble is that most people want their item as a "pookie" discount.  Honestly, I give away alot of the items I make and mark the prices low because I REALLY want the person to have it.  Most times I walk away only making back what I spent.  Even on my Etsy site. . . Ive marked items low (which makes my items look cheap or not well made) but I find that if I mention a higher price, the little sales I make will disappear.  What can I do??? 

You wouldnt ask the sales rep at Target, Macy's, Bloomingdales, etc to give you a discount unless it was advertised or marked on the ticket.  Why is it that you are so quick to suggest it to a vendor who is out trying to make money off of their hard work and time? 

I dare you to take a chance, help the economy and your local crochet artist or any other artist out there honestly trying to make a living.  What you get will be unique, original, well made and you will get the satisfaction of supporting  someone's business and giving a gift that was thoughtful and made with love.  Try it and let me know what happened!

I say to you that Handmade is DEFINATELY worth it!  Most items are better than store purchased and you wont see someone else in that same item.  Maybe a different color or spin on it but definately not the same. (at least not from my website). But, dont forget to read that article on the blog.  It is a good read with lots of good information.  It will enlighten you.  Have a great day!

Feeling Thankful!

It is the week of Thanksgiving and it seems that most people begin to be very reflectful and thankful!  I am one of those people.  I have things that I can complain about but it wouldnt change a thing.  However, I have too much to be thankful for.  I have a pretty good life!

Im excited today because I just learned that Etsy, the site where my website is hosted, has a new app for the iphone!!! I just downloaded it!!! This is just another tool that I am using to enhance my website and open me up for opportunities to fine tune my business.  I have alot to learn but am very optimistic about my future!

Being sick for those few days gave me the opportunity to reaccess my business, my style, my brand, marketing strategies, etc... However, I did cancel the Pre-Holiday Shopping Boutique & Mixer because of my families illness.  But, I am in the process of re-scheduling and re-vamping it!  We will come back stronger and better.

I am thankful for my beautiful family, my friends, and the talents that the Lord has given me.  Every day that I am alive is another day to continue working, striving, trusting and believing that things will get better.  I would like to show my customers, friends, family and followers how Thankful I am . . . I am offering NO SHIPPING on any purchase until December 26th and 10% off to any and all of my recurring customers. 

This discount will only apply to purchases made through my website.  Delivery options are still available via usps or hand delivery.  I will be distributing raffle tickets for each purchase made and will be raffling a secret item on December 20th!  Good Luck!

So remember. . . . be safe and thankful!  Things might be bad but they could always be worse!  I love you and have a great day!

Too Sick to Crochet!

My hubby got sick last weekend and was down and out! He was laying around on the couch, blowing his nose, taking meds and clicking the remote all weekend. I, on the otherhand, spent that Saturday at the BLISS luncheon and hanging out with my daughters and we both went to church together on Sunday. Also, my new granddaughter had puffy eyes, and a snotty nose. Why did I think I was gonna be immune is a mystery to me!!!

By the middle of the week I began feeling sluggish. I tried to ignore it but it got the best of me by Friday. I have been bed ridden since then!!! I have no voice, I am coughing, feverish, hardly eating or drinking. And, worst of all . . . I HAVE NO DESIRE TO CROCHET!!

Anyone who knows me knows that I crochet morning, noon and night! I always take a bag of yarn and crochet needles with me almost wherever I go and I sit in bed at night crocheting until I can hardly see. However, this is not so this weekend.

I feel horrible, I have been in bed for two days and it doesnt look like things are gonna be any better tomorrow. I am a sickly person. But I dont remember feeling this horrible in a while. Also my middle daughter has been feeling ill and now she is losing her voice also. I have sprayed the house with Lysol and am waiting to see if it will make a difference.

I guess I should be taking a flu shot or whooping cough shot when I get better. I dont want to give the cooties to my grandchildren and I definately dont want to go there again. But, as I lay here thinking of this I guess I am giving my creative side a break for a couple of day. If I wasnt sick I would be crocheting, which I do without a break, and now I have the time to lay and think and visualize something new, beautiful and creative.

The other thing is I wanted to try to learn to knit this year! I learned but I am not as good at it as I want to be. I love how knitted items have a different look and texture than crochet. I want to be as good with knitting as I am with crocheting. Ill keep you posted on my efforts. I know it wont happen before next year, but it will happen!

Well, Im feeling a lil drowsy and I think its time to drink tea or theraflu and go to sleep. Thanks for stopping by. Take some Vitamin C, stay wrapped up and get plenty of rest. I definately dont want you to go through what I am feeling right now! Smooches!

B.L.I.S.S. !

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a Women's Luncheon that was hosted by B.L.I.S.S. (Black Ladies Inspired by Sisterhood and Success!). This was the first of (hopefully) many events and seminars. I was happy to be a part of it.

It was also my second time as a vendor. I did not get many sales, but, I did get alot of compliments on my work and an opportunity to network and pass out my business cards. I also got experience of packing my items, taking them to the venue, setting up my display and communicating with prospective customers.

Needless to say . . . I worked hard preparing for the luncheon and had lots hopes that I would make sales and great connections. I did not get the sales but I did get the connections. I just dont understand how we as women, it doesnt matter the color, do not support eachother. The attendance was very low and those who were invited but did not attend missed very valuable information. (a view of my vendor's booth at the BLISS Luncheon).

I am also having a Pre-Holiday Shopping Event & Mixer on November 19th. There will be several venders there with various items, handmade greeting cards, Avon, Cookie Lee, Food, Desserts, and more. . . I will post pics and a brief opinion afterwards.

Im working on my people skills. I am very shy and reserved. I need to work on smiling, talking and sharing. These Holiday events will give me an opportunity to brush up on my skills.

Hope you are having a great day! It is freezing cold in Los Angeles. . . I gotta go get a cup of tea! Smooches!

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Feeling a little Thankful!

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Birthdays. . . .Halloweens. . . Holidays! Oh My!!

We celebrated 5 birthdays in our family from September 28th to October 28th!! My BFF celebrated her birthday on September 28th, My Hubby on October 1st, My Godson on October 6th, My Daughter turned 30 on October 24th and my Grandson turned 6 on October 28th!! Oh, the celebrations, and money that were shared and spent. I am done!! But, it aint over, Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching!

I am excited to see the Thanksgiving is fast approaching. I am sooo Thankful and although we should be thankful every day, we especially take the time on that day to give thanks to God for his many blessings.

I am also excited to see Christmas! It is (hands down) my favorite holiday! Not because of the gifts but because of the beauty! The lights, trees, and my fav. . . snowmen! I just posted a treasury on Etsy of some beautiful Christmas Items that some of the talented Etsians have in their various shops. I hope you take the time to check them out and while you are at it. . . check out my shop too! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjA1MjE2NXwxMDEwMDUxNTM5/ready-for-christmas

I am preparing to be a vendor for a ladies Business Luncheon. This is only my second time vending. I am excited and nervous. I hope and pray that I make good connections and also reach a few customers at the same time. I pray that it is an inspiring time and marks the beginning of a busy but fun holiday season.

I will post pics and insights about the Ladies Luncheon at the beginning of next week. Smooches!