~~@~~ SuPeR HOT SuMmEr SaLe! ~~@~~

JULY SUMMER SALE -- Why Not!

Enjoy a little stimulus from Sea Glass Things... treat yourself... stock up for the Holiday season... the time is now!

$20 off items $50-$100 (PRICES ALREADY REFLECT DISCOUNT)

$30 off items over $100 (PRICES ALREADY REFLECT DISCOUNT)

**Flip Flops and newly added Home Good items not included in sale.

Sale ends July 31st, 2009 and applies to only items purchased from my 1000 Markets store and my Etsy shop.

Sea Glass Things on 1000 Markets

Sea Glass Things on Etsy

Photographing Sea Glass Using A Light Table

Natural light is really the best method for photographing sea glass - however, sometimes it is fun to try out other alternatives.

A great way to illuminate sea glass - without getting glare - is to use a light table. This can be done at any time of the day and the results are pretty neat. I have an inexpensive Crayola Crayon light table, of my daughter's, that I use. To keep a continuous flow when photographing something at a side angle... I just placed a piece of white poster board behind the light table. Another thing you could do is place the light table in a white light box to get the same effect. You can get cool effects without spending a lot of money!

Brand Your Business with a Great Logo Design

I wanted to do a spin/repost on great logo design from last year as I think it is very helpful when starting your business.

When I started to get serious about marketing materials for my business - I knew I had to start with a logo. I wanted a "brand" and a logo that was eye-popping - something that if people saw they would say - "Oh yeah - that is Sea Glass Things!". I know this type of thing can be costly if you were looking into a design firm or something of that nature... So I started exploring other non-traditional avenues.

Keeping with my theme of handmade, I decided to look on Etsy. I set up a "Custom" call out to see if there were any graphic designers that would be willing to take a crack at what I wanted. I wanted a catchy logo... it need to envelop the essence of my work... something that could easily be translated for advertising online or print... and lastly, it had to be cost effective. I ended up getting a slew of responses and chose Curious Ink. I loved her proposal - not only is she super talented - she is easy to work with and keeps you involved in every step.

She took my notes and off she was to create my logo. Once she had drawn it out - she colored it digitally in either Photoshop or Illustrator (can't recall) and presto! I had one amazing logo. She let me choose from 6 designs she had created and worked to fine tune the one I selected until it was perfect. She also emailed me MANY various file formats - so I was all set! The whole thing cost me about $30 - not sure what she has for deals now - but her work is top notch!

If you are looking for a talented designer to get you started and brand your business I think Curious Ink is the way to go - check out the shop and her work!

Check out my post last year regarding this logo design - Click here!

Curious Ink on Etsy - Shop Now!

Handmade Labels for Your Products...Make Em' Yourself or Purchase Handmade...

When I started to design my clothing for my business I knew I needed product labels that spun off my current logo design. At the time - I had no clue there was actually fabric you could run through your printer to create them yourself.

Once again - I turned to Etsy because it seems you can find ANYTHING on there.... if you want... chances are someone has made it.

Here is a pic of the handmade product labels I had created by Mommie Made It on Etsy. I got 50 labels for approximately $20. I supplied my logo - and she whipped up a design. Super easy process and excellent quality!

Mommie Made It on Etsy - Shop Now!

It's Show Time! Is Your Banner Ready?

Well - that time of the year is fast approaching for many of us that do shows. When I decided to dedicate a lot of time to out door vending events, I knew I wanted a professional banner for my business. I have really tried to stay handmade for all my marketing items and supporting other artists.


I came across Polymer on Etsy - and was astounded by the "Bang for my Buck" that I could get from Polymer and the quality that was delivered. I submitted my logo (as a vector image) to Paula and she was off ready to create!

For $100 (because they were doing the designing) I got a 5foot W x 2foot H 13oz. vinyl banner with hems and grommets - full color long term outdoor resistant printing. Made to last. Can't beat that!


So if you are looking for a quality, affordable banner for your shows - Check out Polymer on Etsy!

Fun Friday Find #2 - Creative with Clay

I love coming across unusual finds for table/kitchenware... recently I stumbled onto some really cool pottery with a modern flare and bright colors! This work reminds of the Southwest - rolling with tumbleweeds... rich hues of the soil.... and heading into Mexico - cantinas on every corner....

Shake your money maker with this sweet pair for $34 - ready for your table - match with your Fiesta Ware!

If you ever have wine left after you uncork a bottle - jazz it up with one of these bright and fun wine stoppers for only $18 each!

Wouldn't this gal look stunning on your Adobe wall? You can have her hanging around for $115 - I think she would fit right in!

If you haven't seen the work of Creative with Clay - I recommend you do so! Check out the following places below to shop and read more about this Fun Friday Find:

Creative with Clay Website

Creative with Clay Etsy Store

Creative with Clay Blog

BH Member Vintage by Crystal on Martha Stewart Recap

Fellow Boston Handmade member, Crystal Hanehan, of Vintage by Crystal, was on the Martha Stewart Show yesterday demonstrating how to create her needle felted bird's nest with spun cotton stand... and old German technique that she has mastered.... just in time for Easter!

The video will be up shortly online at Martha Stewart and you can read about it there and download instructions on how to make one yourself!

And, I have to say - thanks to Crystal - Martha is now privy to the endless shopping that can be done at the Dollar Store... after all "They are on every street corner in America!" dontcha' know!

Check out Crystals Shops and Blog at:

Vintage by Crystal Website

Vintage by Crystal Etsy Shop

Vintage by Crystal Blog

Fun Friday Find #1 - Metal Taboo

Check back every Friday as I post a new fun find of the day. This fun find for today is a cool oxidized sterling stamped ring that reads "Rock Star" for only $38.

Hey didn't you every want to be one? I remember rockin' out in the basement to the Go Go's - playing my air guitar in the early 80's. Was I the only one that loved Shaun Cassiday??? Ahhh... those were the days....

What about Queen?? Well you could be their bitch.... wrap this on your wrist for $38!

The first time I saw Axl Rose open up for Aerosmith make me think I should have been wearing this little beauty - and it's only $42. Point is - don't think you can go wrong with the fun, hip metal designs of Metal Taboo
.

Check out Metal Taboo - give them some lovin'!

Metal Taboo on Etsy

Making Your Etsy Store Work For You: Tips For Selling on Etsy

When I first started out on Etsy - it was a bit overwhelming. I wasn't sure where to look for the information I needed in order to get my shop set up and actually noticed. There was so much to do -but where to start. I didn't have the time to browse through endless forum topics. The whole purpose of getting a shop set up was to generate traffic to my storefront - thus revenue to my bank account. I have had many people ask me for help in getting their store off the ground - so I decided to compile a few tips so help them out. Mind you - this is what I have found through trial and error - so use them as you like!

Tips for selling on Etsy:
Here are some suggestions to help you on Etsy = making sales!!

1. Have all images bright and crisp (not busy) - always use neutral background and make sure you never display blurry pictures - the first picture should have a full image of your product. Great pictures lead to getting in treasuries and possibly making the front page of Etsy - thus increasing your views/potential customer base (via when a customer "hearts" you - see under "See who hearts this shop" in the Right column of "Your Etsy")

2. Always use 5 pictures and all 14 tags when listing - in 1 of your 14 tags should be your Etsy shop name. So, with tags, try to fit as much in one field as you can. For example I do in one field: seaglass beach - and that takes up an entire field. Don't use commas to separate. It is nice to have many different photo angles of your product. Customers like this because they are purchasing "sight unseen".

3. You need a shop announcement - have a catchy tag to draw people in - but keep it short as well... You want customers to be able to see you items on the front page. Long announcements will push items to the bottom so they won't be seen unless they scroll down.

4. You need to have a complete profile with all you terms and conditions and also break these down under the "Shop Policies" as well: very, very important as it protects you as a seller and the buyer as well. I have increased my prices to include insurance - and I put track and confirm on every package so I know it got to the customer. With items that are less expensive I feel track and confirm will be enough.

5. List as often as you can - and re-list (renew) at least 1 item a day - best time is after 5:30PM. You have views that accumulate next to each of your items - the items with the most views should be "renewed" more often as they have a better chance of selling.

6. Get involved in the forums and chat - forums first and foremost - take part and also start forum discussions.

7. Find communities outside of Etsy - start a blog, join myspace and indiepublic, we love Etsy, facebook, digg, twitter and so on... promote, promote, promote!

8. Make sure you have a great banner and avatar and that it displays what you do! Make your avatar (the little square pic in the Right column of "Your Etsy") is "clickable". Try different ones until you find what works best. There are a lot of sellers on Etsy who specialize in banners and avatars if you need one made up.

9. Make sure you set up you sections and categorize your items so customers can easily navigate your store without having to go through the pages.

10. Make sure you answer all convos (customer inquires) in a timely fashion.

11. Treasuries - on the main Etsy page click the "Treasury" link in the Left column. You scroll through the pages to find if you are in one. A yellow star means one of your items has been picked for a treasury. A silver star means one of your items has been selected as an alternate in a treasury and if and item sells - your item will then be displayed. A blue star means you are the one that has created a treasury. If possible try to watch when treasuries are going to
expire - when enough do - you will be able to grab one of your own.

There is also a treasury west at: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_west.php. To learn more about the treasury go to:
http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/howTos/article/how-to-make-a-treasury-the-nuts-and-bolts/688/

12. Gift guides: Navigate through the gift guides to see if one of your items has been selected by and Etsy admin to be displayed in a category. I have had 2 of my items displayed and both sold. You get more exposure. These items are selected randomly by admins - but the look for great photography and items.

13. Once you are established on Etsy and feel comfortable join an Etsy Street Team - to learn more about Street Teams: http://team.etsy.com/

14. If you're in the mood to list a bunch of items, but don't want them to appear at the same time in the Etsy time machine (your 5 seconds of fame), then use this technique. Make an Etsy listing as you would normally, up to stage 5, the stage where you select "finish". At that time simply bookmark the page in your web browser (and rename it to something you will recognize - otherwise the default is "Etsy Step 5". When you're ready to have the item "go live" simply return to the page and click through to finish. (This tip is from Colleen of Tactile Baby)

15. Speaking of blogs - visit as many as you can - post comments on them and create back links back to your Etsy store (or your own blog).

Featured Etsy Artist Product Review: zJayne

The first of Etsy and 1000 Markets Product Reviews has been submitted by Jodie Pastor of Lake Erie Beach Glass. She has sent a wonderful post about handmade artist - Jayne Pierce of zJayne.

Not only does Jodie love the work of zJayne - they have also become close friends! Check out Jodie's review below:

" I met Jayne on-line through eBay of all things. We were fellow artists who happen to join a group of artisans specifically creating ACEO (Art Cards Editions & Original) Art work! I was drawn to her art, purchased a few for my own collection, and began asking her questions. She has always been extremely helpful and has become a source of inspiration for me! Let me show you what I mean!

I love the originality that Jayne has put into these copper ACEO art cards! I had to have her do a custom for myself! Thus, THE SNOW KISS became...

...SNOW KISS!Her creativity doesn't stop there, either! My favorite form of art that Jayne created are her altered art dolls! So, another custom was created!

My grandmother Gottsch...

Jayne created three altered art dolls using this original picture. I gave these art dolls to my mother and her two sisters as a unique and special way to remember their mother, my grandmother.

zJayne's altered art dolls have become a signature representation of her art! She is featured in a book: The Vision Board:The Secret to an Extraordinary Lifeby Author Joyce Schwarz Published by Collins Design (Harper Collins) "

Jane is very conscious of the earth and preserving her resources. She supports the "green" effort and "upcycles" to create amazing products you can use in your daily life.

Check out zJayne's wonderful work at her shops and blog below:

zJayne on Etsy

zJayne on 1000 Markets

zJayne's Blog

Check out Jodie Pastor's (aka: Lake Erie Beach Glass) shops and blog below:

Lake Erie Beach Glass on Etsy

Lake Erie Beach Glass on 1000 Markets

Lake Erie Beach Glass on Art Fire

Lake Erie Beach Glass Blog

Thank you Jodie for being the first to send in a product review! Please be sure to also check out the amazing talent behind Lake Erie Beach Glass - Jodie Pastor.

*Personal Product Review and purchase pictures, picture of zJayne sent by Jodie Pastor

Summer Is On The Way...

I love this time of year... and I start looking forward to it again every late fall... the onset of summer.... the warm sun and sandy shores beckons my sea inspired wearables! All authentic, hand-picked sea glass has been used in delivering these original and one-of-a-kind designs.

Only the best materials have been used to bring you fashion forward coastal clothing and footwear! Stock up now at my Etsy or 1000 Markets store! If you don't see something in your size - I always accept custom orders!

Stock up for Summer with Beautiful Coastal Pieces by Bancroft Studios!

Oh heck - these pieces are not just for summer - they are just delightful to use all year long!

Brooke Pickering of Bancroft Studios - and fellow Boston Handmade member - has become a good friend of mine over the past months. We live a stones throw away from each other on the beautiful North Shore, MA coast in Salem & Marblehead. I first discovered Brooke's work on Etsy - and was so impressed by her workmanship - she just had to join Boston Handmade... and of course she was accepted!

She uses the love for the coast in all of her work - as each collection is "ocean inspired". All pieces are hand poured in a slip cast method, hand painted and hand finished in her Salem, MA studio. Besides her stunning pottery - she does these amazing wall plaques that can be viewed & purchased here!

The following collections can be viewed and purchased directly from wwww.bancroftsudios.com - The Marblehead Collection, The Chesapeake Bay Collection, The Cape Cod Collection, The Blue Star & Green Shell Tableware, The Coral Collection and the Seaweed Collection. The Cape Cod collection particularly takes her a good deal of time with all the detail that goes into the hydrangeas. They all are so different, detailed & vibrant that you can't go wrong with any.

Bancroft Studios deals heavily in wholesale - so if interested drop her a line! Check out Brooke Pickering's work at her following shop locations: wwww.bancroftsudios.com ~ Bancroft Studios on Etsy ~ Bancroft Studios on 1000 Markets.

*All photos used are the sole property of Brooke Pickering of Bancroft Studios

Visit Sea Glass Things at SOWA October 12th!

Sea Glass Things will be at the South End Open Market (SOWA) this coming Sunday, October 12th ~ From 10am-4pm... along with more than 26 members of the Boston Handmade Team in which I am a member. Come check out fantastic talent from local crafters and artisans this Sunday!

Sea Glass Stitch Markers Now Available!

New offerings at Sea Glass Things this fall! Sea Glass stitch markers are now available in my Etsy store with more to come!

The stitch markers are a fun accessory for yarn enthusiasts and also make great gifts for the holiday season. Each set of 6 stitch markers also comes with a row marker... be on the look out for sea glass knitting needles as well! Check out Sea Glass Things for great holiday gift ideas.

North American Sea Glass Festival

Some great news for Sea Glass Things! Since I can't attend the North American Sea Glass Festival this year - Jodie Pastor, from Lake Erie Beach Glass, will be taking 2 of my custom made sea glass tank tops with her as display backdrops for her jewelry! The two tanks pictured below are the ones that will be for sale at the festival for $58 each.

Get "Witchy" With Sea Glass Things This Fall

Sea Glass Witch Earrings for Halloween...



I have created a bunch of these cute sea glass earrings with lead free pewter witch charms for the upcoming favorite holiday of Salem, MA - Halloween!



All a little bit different they have been a big hit so far and look adorable! I have three pair available in my store now with more on the way - so keep checking. Oh, and custom orders are always welcome!

Here is the interview I submitted to my group and was in our Boston Handmade Blog - enjoy!

BH: Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

SeaGlassThings: My name is Marla Kunselman and I live in Salem, MA. I have two girls - Taylor, who will be 14 July 4th, and Devan who is 3.5. I am a member of the Boston Handmade Team through Etsy. I am a Salem State College Alumni and studied Art and Advertising/Communications. I used to be in advertising years ago and most recently was a Quality Assurance Engineer for a educational software company - WebCT at the time and since they have been bought out by Blackboard. I was laid off when I was pregnant with my second daughter - since then I have focused on my business and my kids full time. I am very busy and always juggling a dozen things (activities, projects, you name it) at a time. I am so happy that summer is here and things can slow down a bit!

BH: Apart from creating things, what do you do?

SeaGlassThings: Hmmm, that is a good questions - well, I am a caregiver, chauffeur, entertainer, maid, advice guru.... HA! Seriously - Right now I am just focusing on my kids and spending as much time with them as possible. I also write - hope to get a children's book finished, I write poetry - love sports and being outside as much as possible. We try to get out and kayak as much as we can. I am starting the process in the fall of returning to a "day job" full time - so we shall see what happens.

BH: How long have you been doing your artwork/craft?

SeaGlassThings: I have been creating sea glass jewelry and minimal home goods for about 13 years now. Over the past year or two I have expanded into clothing, pens, stationary and more home goods.

BH: - What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

SeaGlassThings: A hook rug from a box that I got for Christmas when I was little - I remember I sat for hours making that darn thing.... don't recall what ever happened to it though!

BH: Please describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc)

SeaGlassThings: My creative process is ongoing - I constantly think about what new and exciting things I can come up with - whether it be designs or a new product. I like to think "out of the box" and create what no one else it creating. Year round I spent countless hours on the beaches collecting the sea glass and shipwreck pottery I use in my work. I use sterling silver for my jewelry - no base metal.

BH: What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

SeaGlassThings: I get my inspiration from textures, colors - the outdoors - and then melding them into art. Most of the time I "create as I go" to see how a particular piece will take shape. I like to incorporate other elements in to my jewelry as well - beads, natural stones, precious stones, and pearls. I find it gives depth to my work... however, there is also beauty in simplicity.

BH: Describe your work.

SeaGlassThings: I "upcycled" found objects from the shore - sea glass and shipwreck pottery - into wearable and usable art.

BH: What is your biggest obstacle with it?

SeaGlassThings: My obstacle is two fold. Sea Glass is becoming more and more difficult to find due to environmental awareness, technology, and popularity. Also - because of increased popularity there are many more sea glass artists now - thus more competition.

BH: How do you promote your work?

SeaGlassThings: On Etsy I try to get into the forums and chat as much as I can. I featured Etsy artists in my blog (http://seaglassthings.blogspot.com/) and try to promote them as well in the forums. I also frequently renew my expiration dates on my items – to keep my self at the top of the barrel. I have taken part in the Handbook to Handmade by fellow Etsian Timothy Adam Designs and also the Artisan Impact Magazine (80,000 copies distributed in the US and Canada). You have to spend money to make money – especially when you are trying to get a biz off the ground. I am not a stranger to the Internet and have sold on it for many years – I also do a lot of link exchanges with my blog and purchase online advertising spots as well. I have had a professional banner/avatar made and a logo done as well as all my promotional items. I am getting involved in my community as much as I can – recently I have donated to large ticket items and in return I will be advertised. I participate in events as a vendor and do home parties and commissioned work. So – there is really a lot I do and most of my time is spent on marketing myself. And... when I am out - I wear my goods - no better advertising than that!

BH: What’s your most interesting fair/show experience?

SeaGlassThings: I would have to say last year - the First Annual Salem Jazz Soul Festival at the Salem Willows - It was mid August and so windy and cold you would have thought it was going to snow. My tent blew away - even though I had it secured down. Everything was blowing off the table I had to find rocks to hold it all down and couldn't put out most of my items. However, I made out ok and drummed up some decent sales that day!

BH: How long have you been involved with Etsy and what have your experiences been?

SeaGlassThings: I have been on Etsy since November 2007. Although I have been in my business for 13 years - I recently found Etsy were there were already sea glass designers that had been on "Etsy" longer than I - not necessarily in the business longer. That has been challenging to carve out my piece of the pie on Etsy. It took me about 3 months to make my first sale - and then has been steady by increasing at least one more sale a month. I realized that I had to relist items often as well. I really didn't know where to go for information about what I was supposed to be doing - so I just jumped in forums - made friends, asked questions and things took off!

BH: What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

SeaGlassThings: The following are guidelines that I have put together through my own trial and error on Etsy... follow them and the sales should start to roll in:

1. Photo quality: Brighten up your images if possible - always use neutral background and make sure you never display blurry pictures - the first picture should have a full image of your product.
2. Always use 5 pictures and all 14 tags when listing - in 1 of your 14 tags should be your Etsy shop name. When listing items that would be "used a certain way" ie: cards, suncatcher etc. make sure to have different angles (inside, back of cards... maybe the suncatcher hanging in a window) so customers know what they are buying and how the product looks/functions.
3. Shop announcement - have a catchy tag to draw people in - but keep it short as well. You can have all the dirty details in your profile.
4. Having a complete profile with all your terms and conditions: very, very important as it protects you as a seller and the buyer as well.
5. List as often as you can - and relist at least 1 item a day - best time is after 5:30PM.
6. Get involved in the forums and chat - forums first and foremost - take part and also start forum discussions and some of the Saturday games that take place.
7. Find communities outside of Etsy - start a blog, join myspace and indiepublic and so on...promote, promote, promote! When you are established enough - join an Etsy Street Team!
8. Shop banner and avatar - Make sure you have a shop banner that promotes what you do - and that your avatar is clickable!
9. Make sure to set up you sections and categorize your items so customers can easily navigate your store without having to go through the pages.

BH: Read any good books lately?
SeaGlassThings: The Secret and I have started the Law of Attraction. We can have anything we desire - we just have to believe it and in ourselves!

BH: What are your most and least two favorite films?
SeaGlassThings: Least favorite movies: Top Secret and Passage To India. Favorite Movies: The Lost Boys and Flatlinners... oh and many more!!!

BH: Is there anything about you that would surprise people to know?
SeaGlassThings: When I was in high school I played basketball – we had a fundraiser in which we invited members of the New England Patriots to play against the varsity team in which I was on. I was defending John Stevens as he was going in for a lay-up… I leveled him and he fell like a ton of bricks on the court… stopped him dead in his tracks from scoring… he was probably twice the size of me. Needless to say he was NOT very happy with me. HA!

BH: Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your art ?
SeaGlassThings: I hope to be doing exactly what I am doing - but on a much larger scale. I am hoping to apply for grant money in the near future to take things to the next level!

First Ever Boston Handmade Marketplace - Fabulous Handmade Items from New England Etsy Artists

The Somerville Arts Council and The Boston Handmade present an ArtsUnion event! Also in conjunction with Etsy and the Mass Cultural Council - the Etsy Boston Handmade Street team will be well represented by a diverse group of New England Artists.

This is the first show in which the Boston Handmade team has come together to present fabulous handmade goods - art, jewelry, photography, handbags, children's items, clothing, home goods, pottery, glass and more!

Local artists include: Stonehouse Studio, Lucky Monkey, Made In Lowell, Amy Olson Jewelry, Little Wishes, Lucie Wicker Photography, Designs by Lulubelle, Two Guitars, Elizabeth Brennick Designs, Reclaimed To You, Nancyrosetta, Fern Animals, Fraske Designs, Tanner Glass, All Dunn, Blue Alvarez, Sea Glass Things, Bergman's Bear, The Hole Thing, Mimi Kirchner, muchacha K, Pogibabies Handmade, Vintage by Crystal, Glamourpuss Creations, Twigs and Heather, Amy Burhoe Designs, Paper Menagerie, and Cozy Cottage Creations






Come join in for craft demonstrations and live music with local bands: The Grownup Noise & James Christensen - an event you won't want to miss!












Details:
Saturday June 28th, 3-7PM
(Rain date June 29th)
Union Square, Somerville, MA

Visit the Boston Handmade site for more information and directions!