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| Men's tie wreath |
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| Holiday Ball wreath |
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| Dollar Store idea |
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| Picture frame wreath |
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| Old Book Pages wreath |
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| Cork Wreath |
11.30.2012
DIY Friday - More Wreaths
There are so many amazing ideas for making creative wreaths for the holidays. Last week I had a post with lots of great ideas, and it was hard to narrow it down to those few ideas. Since I found so many ideas I thought I would do another week of wreaths you can make for your holidays.
Hopefully this will inspire you to make your own wreath this year.
11.29.2012
Artist Inspirations - Get to Know Eyelah
I follow a lot of blogs and I'm inspired by all the creative people. One of my blog friends Ayla, has recently gone through a lot of creative changes, from making jewelry to purses, and on her blog. Today she is sharing a little about her creative journey.
Thanks Ayla for sharing!
How do you describe your work?
I like to describe my work as a colorful statement. Whether its the jewelry I make or the handbags I like to make things that stand out. Which is actually completely opposite of my personality. I do not wear things or do things that standout. The only thing that does standout about myself is my curly hair and there is nothing I can do about that.
When did you first realize you wanted to create? Who or what influenced or inspired you?
I have always been somewhat creative. I learned to crochet when I was younger and I was always trying to learn to draw although I have no capacity for art. Both of my parents are very creative in different ways. My father is more into writing and music and my mother 'makes' things. She is probably the one person that inspires me because she learned to sew by herself and she is awesome at it. She even made my junior prom dress. Growing up she had 'sewing/crafts room which had almost everything you wanted to make things.
What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I'm a scientist at heart and what I enjoy the most of the creative process is the problem you have to solve to make something. I really enjoy putting things together and taking them apart and solving the problem of making something awesome. I really feel that the scientist in me comes out when I'm creating a new pattern for something.
What do you do when you need a creativity boost?
I stop making things and do something else. I have many interest which include reading, watching movies, spending time with friends or family, or other crafting things. Because I have so many interest when I get bored or frustrated with one project I move to the next. That really helps with the creative growth because my mind is not focused so much on that one project and gives me time to think about it.
How did you get started with your online business, and how would you like your business to grow?
I starting selling online back in 2009 that is also when I learned to make jewelry. A friend of mine told me about Etsy so I checked it out and I opened my first shop under AAlexandra. This shop was suppose to be primarily jewelry but I did add some other items that sold as well. I closed my shop after about a year or so because I was not sure what direction I wanted my shop to be. I was still very new to the business and still unsure where I wanted myself to go as well.
After about a year of my shop being close I decided to open a new shop under the name Eyelah and focus my efforts on handbag making. I tried sewing clothes but I really enjoyed the process of making handbags and so I have directed my efforts to that. I still plan on jewelry making but I will probably add that to my personal website once I have that up and running. My ultimate goal is to have my own online business and work for myself.
Do you blog and what is your blog about?
I never thought I would be into blogging. I started a blog shortly after starting etsy to kind of track my progress with Etsy and crafting. I never thought I would have followers or even have people regular comment on my posts. I really thought no one would care. But, as it has it I have managed to find a lot of blogger friends that keep in contact and seem genuinely interested in the whacky things I say. I try my best to blog every week and I try to keep it about crafts, etsy stuff, and personal things. I like to keep a healthy balance to keep the viewers interested.
Where would you like your blog to go?
I would love to increase my followers, add more blog swaps, and include more tutorials. I like the direction I am taking my blog and more recently I have opened the option up for ad swaps. Initially I thought adding ad spaces that people can purchase but I think there is some fun in allowing blog ad swaps. I got my blog ad on other blogs and it just keeps growing as I allow more and more people the opportunity. So if you are interested in a blog ad swap just email me at eyelah@gmail.com
Thanks Ayla for sharing!
How do you describe your work?
I like to describe my work as a colorful statement. Whether its the jewelry I make or the handbags I like to make things that stand out. Which is actually completely opposite of my personality. I do not wear things or do things that standout. The only thing that does standout about myself is my curly hair and there is nothing I can do about that.
When did you first realize you wanted to create? Who or what influenced or inspired you?
I have always been somewhat creative. I learned to crochet when I was younger and I was always trying to learn to draw although I have no capacity for art. Both of my parents are very creative in different ways. My father is more into writing and music and my mother 'makes' things. She is probably the one person that inspires me because she learned to sew by herself and she is awesome at it. She even made my junior prom dress. Growing up she had 'sewing/crafts room which had almost everything you wanted to make things.
What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I'm a scientist at heart and what I enjoy the most of the creative process is the problem you have to solve to make something. I really enjoy putting things together and taking them apart and solving the problem of making something awesome. I really feel that the scientist in me comes out when I'm creating a new pattern for something.
What do you do when you need a creativity boost?
I stop making things and do something else. I have many interest which include reading, watching movies, spending time with friends or family, or other crafting things. Because I have so many interest when I get bored or frustrated with one project I move to the next. That really helps with the creative growth because my mind is not focused so much on that one project and gives me time to think about it.
How did you get started with your online business, and how would you like your business to grow?
I starting selling online back in 2009 that is also when I learned to make jewelry. A friend of mine told me about Etsy so I checked it out and I opened my first shop under AAlexandra. This shop was suppose to be primarily jewelry but I did add some other items that sold as well. I closed my shop after about a year or so because I was not sure what direction I wanted my shop to be. I was still very new to the business and still unsure where I wanted myself to go as well.
After about a year of my shop being close I decided to open a new shop under the name Eyelah and focus my efforts on handbag making. I tried sewing clothes but I really enjoyed the process of making handbags and so I have directed my efforts to that. I still plan on jewelry making but I will probably add that to my personal website once I have that up and running. My ultimate goal is to have my own online business and work for myself.
Do you blog and what is your blog about?
I never thought I would be into blogging. I started a blog shortly after starting etsy to kind of track my progress with Etsy and crafting. I never thought I would have followers or even have people regular comment on my posts. I really thought no one would care. But, as it has it I have managed to find a lot of blogger friends that keep in contact and seem genuinely interested in the whacky things I say. I try my best to blog every week and I try to keep it about crafts, etsy stuff, and personal things. I like to keep a healthy balance to keep the viewers interested.
Where would you like your blog to go?
I would love to increase my followers, add more blog swaps, and include more tutorials. I like the direction I am taking my blog and more recently I have opened the option up for ad swaps. Initially I thought adding ad spaces that people can purchase but I think there is some fun in allowing blog ad swaps. I got my blog ad on other blogs and it just keeps growing as I allow more and more people the opportunity. So if you are interested in a blog ad swap just email me at eyelah@gmail.com
Connect with Eyelah
11.28.2012
Be Inspired by Words
Words to Inspire
Today is a collection of quotes that inspire me. I hope they inspire you too!
Today is a collection of quotes that inspire me. I hope they inspire you too!
11.27.2012
Blog Friends Gift Guide
Gift ideas from a few of my blog friends. Click on their links and see all the items they have to offer.
11.26.2012
Motivation Monday
Take advice.
Seek information.
Draw on others' experience.
Confirm your views.
But make your own choices.
Set your own course.
Be responsible for your own life.
It's Never Too Late... by Patrick Lindsay
11.24.2012
11.23.2012
DIY Friday - Create Your Own Wreath
Wreaths come in a variety of shapes, styles, and materials, and are the perfect thing to create for the holidays. Try one or more of these ideas for a fun and unique ideas to decorate a door, window, or over a mantel.
What kind of wreath do you have during the holidays?
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| Cinnamon stick wreath |
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| Drinking straw wreath |
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| Pine Cone Wreath |
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| Picture frame wreath |
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| Mini Wreaths |
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| Corn Husk Wreath |
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| Burlap wreath |
11.22.2012
11.21.2012
Be Inspired - Feathers
Words to Inspire
“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all.”
Emily Dickinson
Photos to Inspire
When my sister suggested feathers for this weeks post I thought it was a great ideas. I was thrilled to find so many cool photos of feathers, because the variety of colors, textures, and shapes is amazing.
“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all.”
Emily Dickinson
Photos to Inspire
When my sister suggested feathers for this weeks post I thought it was a great ideas. I was thrilled to find so many cool photos of feathers, because the variety of colors, textures, and shapes is amazing.
11.20.2012
Guys Gift Guide
Shopping for the guys can be a challenge. Today's gift guide showcases some unique handcrafted ideas from some cool shops on Etsy.
11.19.2012
Motivation Monday
Start each day afresh
Every dawn brings unlimited possibilities, challenges, hope.
Don't be shackled by yesterday.
Look ahead -
with optimism.
Create your future afresh.
It's never too Late... by Patrick Lindsay
11.17.2012
Small Business Saturday
Shop your local shops and online handcrafted shops today!
If your in the Chicago area, this is where I will be on Saturday. Stop by and say HI!
Thank you for supporting Small Business Saturday!
11.16.2012
DIY Friday - A Pretty Table
This Thanksgiving is going to be a quite and simple day with just my husband, daughter, and I. We like to do no traditional menus when it's just us and jazz up the table in a fun way. We are looking forward to having a nice relaxing day together.
Today I have DIY table setting ideas to inspire your own one of a kind ideas.
Doing something more formal this holiday season here is a diagram for setting the table.
What is your favorite way to decorate your holiday table?
Today I have DIY table setting ideas to inspire your own one of a kind ideas.
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| Paper flowers and candles |
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| Painted Pine Cone |
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| Scrapbook paper napkin holders |
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| Use burlap and flowers |
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| Chalkboard on board for place mats |
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| Burlap table runner and tablescape ideas |
What is your favorite way to decorate your holiday table?
11.15.2012
6 Tips for Preparing Your Online Business for Black Friday and CyberMonday
This month is cruising by and it's hard to believe that Thanksgiving (here in America) is next Thursday (11/22), which means Black Friday and Cyber Monday are quickly approaching.
I usually travel on Black Friday (11/23) and Cyber Monday (11/26) because I did a show in Minneapolis, MN over that weekend, but I decided to not participate this year and I will be home to work my Etsy shop all weekend!
The plan is to have continuous sales all weekend, so I have been reading up on some tips for preparing my Etsy shop for this busy time. I thought I would share a few of the ideas I found helpful.
♦ Are you planning on having a sale? Give yourself enough time to get your shop set up. Don't forget to change your announcements with your offer, and your policy page. Also make sure your titles and tags have all the right keywords so you can easily be found in searches.
♦ Change a few of your tags to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and if you are offering free shipping. Several people will use those as keywords to find shops that are having sales. One tip, you don't need to change your tags on every single item, just a few of your best pieces should do the trick.
♦ Stock up your shop, and build up your inventory. The more items you have the better, and you won't have to worry about making piece during your busy weekend of filling orders.
♦ Prepare a shipping station. Have all the supplies you need ready to go so you can quickly pack orders as you get them.
♦ Create a plan for doing social media, so you know where you want to spend your time and how often you want to post. You don't want having to be on social media suck up all the time in your day.
♦ Don't forget about Shop Local Saturday or Small Business Saturday (11/24). You could have a special sale just for your local customers.
If you are prepared, you will be busy all weekend and have some fun. Planning ahead is a great way to make sure you are ready for lots of sales and a successful holiday weekend!
Are you ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
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