etsy and branding

i feel like i am finally back into the etsy groove. there is definitely a balance to this whole thing. take lots of photos, post lots of items, but spread out your postings. this is something i did not realize at first. i loaded all my wares at once and they just sat and sat. i am now fully on board with listing a new item once every few days.

i have talked about my dual life as a graphic designer and it helps me out so much with my current endeavor. i want to help crafters understand that you are not just selling a product, you are selling a whole brand. if your artwork is beautiful, but the look of your shop is not tied together, it reflects on the brand. it is like going to an interview in your pajamas. i am a firm believer in having one logo and one logo only, stick with a color scheme, type in all caps, use the same descriptive word over and over, whatever it is, stick with it and don't veer off path. i know i take it to the extreme, i even dress myself in Linwood Avenue colors on festival days, but a good brand will do wonders for your business.

snow and wishes

i can't believe that it is actually snowing in atlanta. snowing and sticking in march! whenever someone asks me if i love living in atlanta, i say that i do, but that i really miss the snow from my pittsburgh childhood. it makes me sad that my kids don't know what it is like to play all day in the snow until you can't feel your nose anymore. they will never slide plastic bags on their feet before they put their boots on for that extra waterproofing you need on a sledding day. they have been so excited since this wonder starter a few hours ago. but funny enough, they don't even want to go play in it because they say they are cold...go figure! so we will stay inside today and drink hot chocolate and dream of warmer weather :)

love and blogging

yahhh! i am being highlighted over here today. go and check it out. just beware that you will fall in love with amy's blog and never leave. her writing is like a beautiful song that you want to listen to over and over. her entries are truly from her soul and are as honest as one can get. i just love her!

thrifting and a fabulous find - part 3

my next door neighborhood in east point was having a yard sale last fall. i went late in the day when they were closing up and this chandelier was still among the cast offs laying on the lawn. yesssssss!!! seriously, how did no one see it's beauty? i don't usually care for brass, but it has an aged finished that fits perfectly in my dining room (probably because it had been hanging in one house for the past 80+ years). the best news of all is that it was only $1. the chandelier could not have been more perfect topped off with shades i found at lowes for $4 a piece. it is the centerpiece of my dining room, very large and commands attention - all for $25. now, that is a deal :)

safety and fun

i am back from a weekend of cruising with friends. too much fun to even begin to explain and luckily no more trips to the ER. an escape from life was definitely needed for me to get my creative mind flowing again. that and the fact that i have a short lull in my graphic design workload. woohoo!