Wednesday, January 22, 2014

How many blogs do you blog on?

I've been blogging since about 2009.
 I started with my "LizsWares" blog.
 Then opened my "The Handmade Biz" blog in December of 2012.
 now {2014} I'm starting my third blog "I'm Creating My Own Life".

I wanted to compartmentalize my topics a bit. I tend to do so with my thoughts
so it fits for me to do this. Some posts will overlap on the blogs.

LizsWares- will be for fashion {clothes + jewelry} posts, and sneak peaks into my methods.
The Handmade Biz- will concentrate on small handmade business tips, shops, ideas, etc
Im Creating my Own Life- will include recipes, home decor, home managment/home making, and life thoughts/tips/stories/journaling etc

Just like my idea of doing multiple Etsy shops I have a binder for each blog
so I can organize my thoughts, and posts.

So how many blogs do you own?

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Printable- Products You Should Be Creating


In my search for great tips to share I found two articles addressing the products you should
be creating, and these articles apply to any creative business.

The three types of products you should have in your line by Megan Auman
http://designinganmba.com/2013/10/16/gateway-aspirational-upsell-products/

Powerful Product Development by Handmadeology
http://www.handmadeology.com/powerful-product-development-4-ways-to-build-your-ideas/

Here's a quick printable I put together, that you should keep in your sketchbooks as a reminder.
Products You Should Be Creating

Monday, January 20, 2014

Creative Business Binder Library Printables



Printables I found that would go nicely in your binder Library:
http://www.stay-a-stay-at-home-mom.com/support-files/etsysellingchecklist.pdf
http://www.stay-a-stay-at-home-mom.com/support-files/50itemsetsy.pdf
http://meylah.com/meylah/boost-your-holiday-sales-download-your-small-business-holiday-campaign-kit
http://andersonandgrant.blogspot.com/2013/08/free-printable-etsy-planner.html
http://andersonandgrant.blogspot.com/2013/08/blog-planner-printable.html
http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2012/07/free-printable-blog-planner/
http://ohksocial.com/be-a-blogger-series-blog-schedule/
http://absolutelysmall.blogspot.com/2009/11/etsy-marketing-tracker.html
http://absolutelysmall.blogspot.com/2009/07/etsy-goal-spreadsheet.html
http://www.livinglocurto.com/2011/03/free-printable-blog-calendar/
http://www.bridgettedwards.com/2010/07/12/free-printable-my-blog-topics/
http://www.ohthelovelythings.com/2011/05/free-printable-weekly-blog-planner.html
http://www.handmadeology.com/2011-etsy-sales-goal-tracker-spreadsheet-free-download/
http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/blog-planner/
http://www.somebakerstwine.blogspot.com/2013/01/Planner_12.html
http://amyjdelightful.blogspot.com/2011/05/free-downloadable-plannerfor-you.html
http://www.thissimplehome.com/2012/02/blogging-printables-free.html
http://takingtimetocreate.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-household-binder-part-3-blog-etsy.html
http://sweetlyscrappedart.blogspot.com/2012/01/100-free-printable-business-cards.html#axzz1htshPBlz
http://www.blessingsoverflowing.com/blogging-binder-with-free-printable/
http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2012/02/free-printable-blogplanner.html
http://www.mardel.com/free-binder-templates.aspx
http://www.onetoughmotherblog.com/2013/10/build-family-binder-in-31-days-day-31.html

A free printable I put together to help get the ideas flowing:
If Money Wasn't an Issue  [[ I suggest printing a copy for each- blog, shop, and your personal household notebook {for what you want out of life}]]


Monday, January 13, 2014

Creative Business Binder Library Roundup

Want to get your shop's paperwork organized?
Here's a roundup of creating your own creative business binder library:

Creative Business Binder Library- Series Intro
Blog Planner
Main shop 'Office' binder
Shop's Decade binder
Shop Sketchbook


Share your binders by linking up below!


Monday, January 6, 2014

Shop Sketchbook- Creative Business Binder Library

Today we're working on your shop sketchbook.
The purpose of this binder is to gather your ideas for that specific shop.



I currently have 2 binders started, but many more in progress.

Ideas to have in your sketchbook:
1. Reproducable Items Recipe book
you should have reproducible items as your 'bread and butter' pieces
  so write down your supply list exactly + steps to create each of these reproducable items
  it'll help you remember what supplies to stock, how to create them, and instructions for if you ever have employees to help you create them

Divider in my LizsWares Sketchbook

Instructions I keep in my LizsWares Sketchbook


Other things to include in your sketchbook:
drawings of product ideas
tutorials for products ideas
supplies to try
supplies you need for each project
themes, color inspiration
pattern lists
magazine/catalog tear outs

Section Ideas:
by material
by item type- bracelets, rings, etc
Gateway Products
Upsell Products
Aspirational Products
core products- the main things you make
marketing products- {freebie promotional} business cards, newsletter, free mini ebooks, other printables
passive products- tutorials, ebooks, workbooks, tutorial videos, photobook of artwork/photography etc

Divider in my THB sketchbook for this project

Divider in my TheHandmadeBiz sketchbook for the Creative Notebook


Your Assignment This Week:
1. Print the dividers that you intend to use, or design your own.

2. Gather supplies in front of you.
  binder{s}, plastic dividers, printed dividers

3. Gather all paperwork for this binder.
  doesn't have to be every piece right now, just what you already have on hand

4. Start sorting!
 -Lay out all your printed paper dividers on a clean table or floor
 -then place the plastic dividers over them
 -start piling your paperwork on their appropriate pile
This method lets you see everything, and it gets sorted now.

For a quick assembly just put your dividers in order now, then add your paperwork as you can.

5. Put everything in the binder!
 This binder system won't work if you don't keep everything in one spot.

6. Now that all your papers + dividers are sorted, lets print up the tabs for the plastic dividers.
 Change the words if you like. Then put them in.

Next Monday we'll have a roundup for this series where you can linkup and share your binder!!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Merchandising Calendar for January 2014





To keep things looking in line with the current season, use Etsy’s Rearrange Your Shop tool to move these other seasonal items to the final pages of your shop.
----------------



Remember to offer items for the other the seasons to attract global customers!
{{ Northern Hemisphere- spring, Southern Hemisphere- fall))

---    Holiday + Sports Related
In May
Kentucky Derby: Large artistic hats, equestrian, and competition themes.

Mother’s Day: Make sure to have expedited shipping options available to take advantage of any last-minute shoppers in need of the perfect gift.
  Jewelry with children's birthstones, thumbprints, birthdates etc.

Cinco de Mayo: A time to celebrate and honor Mexican culture: Think beverages, food, festive decor, bright colors, and music.

Memorial Day Weekend: Long weekends and summer holidays — think in terms of outdoor activities, festive colors, party decor, and cooking outside.

Prom, Parties and Glam: Party-style dresses, vintage frocks, and the glamourous accessories to complete the perfect look. Also trending: makeup, false eyelashes, nail polish and stickers, and hair pins.
Prom Season comes to a close by the end of the month in the US: many highschoolers will be attending the prom, some use various themes but formal wear in many colors will transcend most themes used.
Dresses that are not ball-gown like can double for graduation formal wear under their gowns as long as it's shorter {won't peak out from the graduation gown anywhere}.


---    Styles
Americana expressed in a vision of American Pie with a picnic friendly look inclusive of gingham and patchwork and youthful separates like overalls. Think Daisy Duke and Ellie May in color.
The Machine Age- heavy metal, studs, leather
Grown up Grunge- Recent ethnic inspirations have included a nod to the Orient as well as Global Awakening, with a much more diverse pop culture influence. Spice Trail keys into the exotic lands of Morocco and India with rich material conversations like jacquard to heavy embellished details. Silhouettes speak to tradition with items like tunics and sarouel pants, while tribal patterns play up classics like tailored jackets.
Recent ethnic inspirations have included a nod to the Orient as well as Global Awakening, with a much more diverse pop culture influence. Spice Trail keys into the exotic lands of Morocco and India with rich material conversations like jacquard to heavy embellished details. Silhouettes speak to tradition with items like tunics and sarouel pants, while tribal patterns play up classics like tailored jackets.
Craft Punk- At Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton ignited a bohemian revival with artisanal macramé tunics given her usual dark spin. The theme continued with crocheted and needlepoint looks at Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and Roberto Cavalli. 
Fantastic Fairy Tales – escapism into other worlds {think of your favorite movie and video game worlds}.
Baroque Vision- a step into yesteryear of emeralds, gold, intricate designs, from the dainty to the robust statement pieces romance and elegance are key.
Dark Romance-has a dash of magic and mystery. “A typical personality would be Oscar Wilde – the artists of the turn of the century (1900). It’s a very poetic trend.”

---    Colors
Gold, gold, gold!
head-to-toe white was the most noticeable trend to come off the catwalks
Pink {light shades, mainly} the season's best blushes were done up in everything from leather to ruffled gowns
Chromatic Energy- mettalic sheens of all colors

Color trends: Combinations of navy and yellow, light pink and grey, and light green with beige. Lavenders, violets, and bright shades of purple. Cooled down versions of aqua and light blues.

http://www.pantone.com/images/download/PANTONEVIEW_home___interiors_2014_color_palettes.pdf

---    Shapes, Patterns etc
base distinction- basic shapes especially popular for metal jewelry {ovals, squares, circles, etc}
patterns and prints- florals, geometric, etc
Tropic Thunder- Even the most staunch city dwellers can appreciate a lush flora and fauna print. Prepare to get transported to paradise in rompers, jumpsuits, dresses and tees that showcase everything from palm fronds to hibiscus.

---    Textures
Blue Jean Baby- All associations with the Texas tuxedo aside, denim on demin has basically evolved into a stylish institution. In a variety of washes, jean has gone high fashion, showing up on everything from tailored suiting to pencil skirts and trenches.
Fifty Shades of Suede- Say goodbye to safari drab. From the emerald green outfits on the Calvin Klein Collection runway to Ralph Lauren's lilac-colored trench and a pair of eye-catching fuchsia hot shorts at Emilio Pucci, the recent Resort collections were chock-full of vibrant suede pieces.
Lacy Sights- There was no shortage of lace in the latest lineups. While many took fine filigree in a romantic direction, designers including Christian Dior's Raf Simons, Derek Lam, and Christopher Kane sharpened up the typically feminine stuff with graphic mesh insets and webbed overlays that gave the fabric a new zing.

---    Other
Gardening: Cultivating season at its prime: watering cans, aprons, gloves, soaps, seeds, tools, planters, containers, potting, indoor gardens, flower beds, blooms and bulbs, garden markers, labels, and an emphasis on the benefits of local and organic options. Consider indoor, outdoor and urban gardens, vertical solutions, heirloom seeds and composting, terrariums, bird and bee houses.
 Thoughtful cultivation of food is becoming less a trend and more of a sustainable movement. Think in terms of what you can offer toward organic methods, growing, non-processed options, recipes, and education around sustainable food options. Expect farmer’s markets, raising animals, community gardens, and co-ops continue to grow in popularity.
 Celebrating the idea of garden to table, local food, taking the time to plant, cook, and visit the neighborhood farmer’s market. Think recipes, tabletop items, whole foods, seeds and gardens, markets, bikes, baskets, and totes along with the emergence of dining alfresco {outside}.
 Gardening items are still going strong in the northern hemisphere. Remember to think about {gardening, and animal husbandry} products for fall, spring, and winter seasons. by stocking for all seasons you get the early and late shoppers, as well as international sales.

The Art of Collecting: Collections come into play in the form of decor. Think summer flea markets, vintage gems, grouping and staging your items as a set or collection, and uncovering rare pieces to complete the ultimate compilation.

Home Decor: Lighter fabric weights, colors, patterns, and textures. Think open air, breezy, bright window dressings, accessories, and creative organizational solutions. Candles, tea lights, vases, jars, and vintage renewal as decor.

Alfresco living and home {outdoor fun}: Market baskets and totes, bikes and bike imagery, picnics and flea market finds, components of creating “the outdoor room” with the idea of blending the indoors with the outdoors. Barbequing, pool fun begins, patio furniture + decor, outdoor toys + decor, garden decor {fairy doors and more}.

Summer Travel and Outdoor Adventure: The international vacation, souvenirs, travel gear and luggage. Biking, hiking, camping, backpacking, outdoor sports, gear and other activities.

---    Specific Items
Knuckle Rings
ear cuffs
crop tops {a more modest approach by layering with a cami underneath or a high waist pants/skirt was showcased on the runways}
Satchel Rage- We've witnessed a move toward more structured handbags recently, and Resort was all about two-handled satchels, which turned up at Lanvin, Givenchy, Fendi, and more.
Micro Wave- Crop tops weren't the only short orders this season. Designers like Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, and Mary Katrantzou put the legs on display, too, with upper-thigh-grazing miniskirts that require a nice pair of stems.
Trouser Roles- Pin-thin stovepipes are officially over. In keeping with the season's focus on easy elegance, the favored pants silhouette of the moment is low-slung and ultra-relaxed. Baggy, billowy trousers turned up in the latest lineups from

-----------------
    Dates to remember

Birthdays: May’s birthstone is emerald; star signs include Taurus and Gemini (April 21 — May 20:  Taurus, May 21 — June 21:  Gemini).


May is known as:
National Book Month
Postcard Week is during May in UK.
Get Caught Reading Month
Gifts From the Garden Month
National Barbecue Month
National Bike Month
National Egg Month
National Good Car Keeping Month
National Hamburger Month
National Photo Month
National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
National Salad Month
National Salsa Month
National Sweet Vidalia Month
National Vinegar Month

**the actual day might be wrong for some of these for the year of 2014, as this is meant to be a general list of holidays for this month.

    May 1 May Day
    May 1 Fete du Travail, Labor Day
    May  Kentucky Derby 
    May 3 Constitution Day (Japan)
    May 4 Greenery Day, a National Holiday in Japan
    May 4 National Teachers Day
    May 5 Cinco de Mayo
    May 8 VE Day, a French holiday
    May 11 {2014} Mother’s Day
    May 15 Saint Isidros’s Day (Spain)
    May  Cannes Film Festival (2009)
    May 17 Father’s Day (Germany)
    May 18 International Museum Day
    Ascension: May 21st, france
    May 21 National Bike to Work Day
    May 23 – June 6 French Open Tennis Championships (Paris)
    May 24 Victoria Day (Canada)
    May 26 – 28 Shavuot
    May 26 {2014} Memorial Day
    May 31 National Macaron Day

Pagan/Wiccan Calendar
*source: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/a/2013-Pagan-Wiccan-Calendar.htm
    1: Beltane
    1: Samhain (Southern Hemisphere)
    5: Cinco de Mayo
    12: Mother's Day
    12: Celtic Tree Month of Willow ends
    13: Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins
    25: Full moon -- Flower Moon at 12:25 am