A Sharing Moment

It has been awhile since I shared anything that is going on in my world, so I thought I would do a little sharing today.

April has been a crazy busy month so far, not to mention cold. I really can't wait for it to warm up, and for things to start turning green. 

On a personal note:
My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last week (4/15). We made the best of the day. It was cold and rainy, and there was the awful event in Boston that made the day a little hard to enjoy, but we were very happy to be able to be together all day.

Today we are taking the 3 1/2 hour drive to our daughters college. She was nominated for a scholarship and they are having the awards banquet tonight. We have our fingers crossed that she will win one.

I have my first show next Friday. I have been trying to build up my inventory, but it has been challenging. My husband is starting a new job, so these last couple of weeks he has been home. We seem to have a new project or place to go everyday.

The view from the window

May is going to be busy as well, I have two shows, and my daughter comes home for a month and then we have to pack her back up as she heads back for summer school in June.

My sister and I are going away for a few days in the middle of May. I am really looking forward to hanging out with her. We rented a house on Lake Michigan with no TV, so we are just going to relax the whole time.

A few things happening on Everyday Inspired:
Watch for a week that will be all about you. Embracing Harmony: 5 Days Creating ME Moments will be coming in May. It will be a week of ideas to find and enjoy time with yourself.

There will be a extra post each week on Saturday or Sunday, so watch out for more ways to enjoy ME Moments all summer.

If you have not considered advertising on Everyday Inspired, now is the time. It's easier then ever with passionfruitads.com. I would love to have an ad for your shop or blog on my sidebar!

Etsy Shop update:
New items are going to start showing up in my Etsy shop in May. They are going to have lots of color and stones. I have been experimenting with lots of new ideas and I can't wait to start listing them. Watch out on Facebook and Twitter, I will list them there first.

Here are a couple of pieces recently listed in my shop.

I have been sick for the last week and trying to get back into the swing of thing. I will be around to everyone's blogs next week.

I hope you're having a great Spring!

Do you have anything going on in your world you would like to share, I would love to hear about it in the comments!

Small Business Saturday

Recycled Hardware Jewelry

FREE Shipping November 22 - 26

New at Additions

I don't do this very often, but with a few shows coming up and have created several new pieces and I wanted to share.

Have a peek and let me know what you think.

Pendant necklace with chrome washer

Dangle earring with black c clamp and washer

Bead and wire wrapped hardware necklace

Wire dangle earrings with washers

Multi chain bracelet with washers and chain

What new pieces have you created lately?

It's April

I can't believe it's April already.

I am looking forward to warmer weather, brighter days, and everything turning green.

This month is going to be all about my Etsy shop and my blog.  I have lots of plans and growing my business is my top priority.

I am going to put in more effort in my Etsy shop by trying to get at least five sales a week all month long. This is going to involve renewing daily, hitting up all the social media outlets daily, and adding new items to my Etsy shop every single day during the month.

I am also really excited about this months blog content.  It's going to be all about going green and being green.  Including creative ideas, artist interviews, being inspired, and ideas about green living and working.


Are you into being green?  Want to be a guest blogger?  Be a guest blogger on Everyday Inspired and promote your shop and blog.  Email me with ideas at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.  Do you have a  idea and suggestion for a being green blog post, contact me.

Looking for a inexpensive advertise opportunity? Advertise on Everyday Inspired! Purchase a month of advertising during the month of April and get a month FREE.  This is going to be a one time offer so don't miss out.  Click here for more information.

I am going to be busy this month, what kind of plans do you have?

Putting all your Eggs in One Basket

I know having more then one online shop is the norm, I have two myself.  If you only work one shop, and the other just sit's out there, is it worth it to have two shops?

I don't really have the time to market both shops effectively, write my blog, and create new items. So one of my shops does not get many views, and I have been debating on how much longer I should keep it open.

What your opinion?  Do you think it's worth it to have more then one shop?

I know the saying, don't put all your eggs in one basket, but I don't know if it is worth it to spend money on a site that is not generating any income.

End of the Year Sale

END OF THE YEAR SALE

10% off my entire Etsy Shop until 12/31

Last Day

Today is the last day to place an order in my Etsy shop 

and receive your package before the holidays (US only). 

TODAY ONLY - FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

All orders must be placed before 5 PM

Any order received after that will not be shipped until 12/23/10

Anyone else have a promotion today - share in the comments!

Mark your Calendar

Thursday December 16 is last day to place an

order in my Etsy shop for holiday shipping within the US.

Don't miss getting your recycled

hardware jewelry before the holidays.

Orders must be placed before 5 PM. All orders after 12/16

will not be shipped until 12/23/10.

Be My Inspiraiton

I love blogging, but sometimes I find writing posts very challenging.  I have been trying to write blog posts and my newsletter for the last couple of days, and I have been struggling for ideas.

I thought today I would look to you for inspiration, find out what you enjoy most about this blog. 

What are your favorite blog topics?

What do you do when you get stuck?

I look forward to your ideas for inspiration!
___________________________________________________________

Tomorrow guest blogger Pam Moore will be back with the first post of her weekly series for staying organized this holiday season.

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GRAND OPENING 

for my Artfire shop

FREE SHIPPING

November 1 - 7

Artfire Shop

Artfire Shop

Grand Opening

November 1, 2010

I've jumped on board and opened an Artfire shop.  I have been working on it for the last few week getting it ready for my Grand Opening on November 1. 

There are lots of features on Artfire and I have been trying to figure out all the ways to make my shop memorable.

I am hoping that having an Artfire shop will give me a few more sales this holiday season. I know it won't be like having a Etsy shop, but a few more sales never hurt.

Do you have an Artfire shop?  Share a tip on how you make your shop look good, and get your shop noticed on Artfire. 

All Dressed up and Ready for the Holidays

It has taken me all summer, but I finally finished all the changes I wanted to make in my Etsy shop.

I've taken new pictues of everything in my shop, and added several new styles. It was a really big job, and I really glad I'm finished. It has been worth it, my shop looks great, and my new pictures really showcase the jewelry.

I changed most of my titles, tags, and updated my profile and policies. I also changed my inventory a little, now showcasing styles that are all hardware. All the embellished hardware pieces are moving to my new Artfire shop.

Yes, I gave in and opened a Artfire shop. When 1000 Markets merged with Bonanza, I knew that was not a place I wanted to be, and I wanted to be in another market. So, I closed my 1000 Markets shop and opened up a new Artfire shop.

I will have a grand opening for my Artfire shop November 1, with special offers and new merchandise.

Take a look at my Etsy shop and let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions, or ideas please share!

What have you done to your shop to prepare for the holidays?

What do you Think?

I have been working on my Etsy shop all summer. I have changed titles and tags, added several new pieces, and I'm half way through changing all my photos.

I have had mixed messages about my photos, because I have gone to a more neutral background. A lot of people like the colored background. I think the neutral background showcases the jewelry more, making it stand out in the picture.

I would love to hear what you think.

Below are a few photos for your to compare. Also, you can go to my Etsy page and see what a whole page in my shop looks like. You can see all the neutral pictures on pages 1, 2, & 3, and the more colorful pictures on pages 4, 5, & 6.

Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion.

What changes have you made to your shop this summer?

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

Would you like to advertise on this blog? Check out this opportunity to support an amazing project about artists and get exposure for your shop and blog. This opportunity is only available till the end of the month, don't miss out!

You can now get email updates of blog posts via Feedburner. Check out the left side bar to sign up.

Pam Moore is back! She will be doing a series of post about planning, organizing, and preparing for a trip. Her first post will be this Friday.

Creative Book of the Week
Make your Creative Dreams Real: A plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day by Sark. Check out the right side bar for a link to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I have added a new banner to my shop with my new photo's:

What do you think?

I have gotten a lot of mixed messages on my new pictures, some people like them, some people like the pictures with the colored background. Please share your thoughts on my new neutral backgrounds.



I am going to keep making changes to my shop and my blog, have any suggestions let me know additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Have a great week!


*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

I started making changes to my blog last week, if you did not notice I have changed the name to my blog it's now called EVERYDAY INSPIRED. I started with a new banner, and I will be working on changing the items on my sidebars so that the blog will be easier to navigate. Watch for new changes every week.

Coming soon, the Creative Business - Quick Tip. Ideas you can use for your creative art business. If you have any ideas you want to share, email me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com. As the source of the tip I will include your name, and your shop and blog links to the post.

I am thrilled that guest blogger Pam Moore will be back with another series of post's about planning, preparing, and packing for a trip. Look for her first post next week.

As I mentioned last week, this month is going to have a travel theme. Last Tuesday's post was about Summer Vacation. Take a moment to check it out I would love to know what you have planned this summer.

Book of the Week

Last week in Check It Out... Kelly from Sour Tang shared with us a book she was reading called It's Not How Good You are, It's How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden. It looks like a great book! Check the right side bar for a link to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I started taking pictures with my new background last week, what do you think? I am hoping with the new lighter more neutral background I may get in more treasuries, and a few more features.

I am going to start adding them to my shop next week.

FREE SHIPPING on all Men's Accessories

In my Etsy Shop - until June 13

Give the men you life something fun and unique.

Have a great week!!

Check This Out...

This is a weekly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our businesses.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Additionsstyle News

BLOG News

I am going to make some more changes to the blog over the summer starting with the name of the blog. The new name will be EVERYDAY INSPIRED by Additionsstyle. What do you think?

Some other changes, I'm going to add some ad boxes that will be available at a really low price sometime in June, more links on my link page for your business and creativity, and more ways for us to connect as a community. If you have any ideas or suggestions let me know, I want this blog to be about growing and sharing as artists and your ideas are important to me. additionsstyleblog@gmail.com

If you missed last Monday's post there was a fun link for a self test (takes about 3 min) to find out What Archetype you are. After you take the test stop back and share your results in the comments section.

Creative Book of the Week
The Creative Journal by Gwen Diehn
Click on the link on the right side bar to read all about this amazing book.

SHOP News

I am going to start my big project of changing all the photo's in my Etsy shop with a new background, rework the tags, and making use of SEO to bring more customers to my shop.

New items with my new background will be coming this week.

All my shops (1000Markets & Zibbet) are going to get a update. Each store will have it's own identity and selection of items. I will keep you posted when I start making those changes.

I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend, have a great week!

Check This Out...

This is a weekly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our businesses.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Additionsstyle NEWS

SHOP News

I have not had a sale for a couple of weeks, I have been frustrated because I was basically working for free. On Wednesday I found out that I was featured in Etsy Finds post on Etsy Storque on Tuesday. It was my first time and very exciting. It's funny, when you are feeling most frustrated something happens to make you excited about working again.

While trying to get thing going with my Etsy shop I made some plans for big changes in my shop that I am going to work on over the summer. For starters I am going to re-shoot all the pieces in my shop with a new background, rework my tags, and work on the SEO (search engine optimization). Hopefully all this work will pay off for the holiday season.

I also plan to create several new pieces so I can start adding a new piece everyday, with the hope of having between 150 and 175 pieces available in my shop by September.

I hope all the changes will bring my shop to the next level, more sales, features, and maybe even a chance on the Etsy front page.

What are you doing to help increase sales in shop?

BLOG News

Last Sunday I shared information about my new project, if you missed it check out the post My Inspiration.

I shared a couple of links this week, the blog Hearts Expanding and a fun website for creating word clouds called Wordle. Both worth checking out.

Follower News
In the post Check It Out... trixiefishstabber productions wants to start sculpting Fimo Clay and is looking for a tutorial or website with information into the process. If you know of any sites send a link to Trixie.

Creative book of the Week
This weeks book is called Foolsgold:Making Something from Nothing and Freeing your Creative Process. Click on the link on the right side bar to go directly to Amazon.com.

Have a great week!

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

If you missed it on Monday and Tuesday I had a list of 22 Rules for success. The list included some thing you may know about running your business and some new ideas, check it out and share your thoughts.

Trina from Gallery 32 has written a guest post about the inspiration behind her wonderful photography. You won't want to miss this, so stop back tomorrow (Monday) to read her story.

I can't believe that the end of the month will be here this week, coming in May creativity will be the theme on the blog. Join me for more inspiration and ways to be creative all month long.

Follower News
I want to thank everyone who participated in Check It Out... on Thursday. It was great to hear about all the things everyone is doing with their business. lavenderdreams4ever and Luann Danzl both have new blogs, stop by and check them out.

Creative Book of the Week

12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin

SHOP News

This is the best week to buy your Mom or yourself some Hardware in Bloom to go with all your Spring styles, because until 5/2 for all orders over $20 I will include a FREE pair of earrings!

Hardware in Bloom

Have a great week!

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

Last week I had a post called Why do you Create, What your Create? everyone who commented shared a great story about how they got started or why they create. When your done reading don't forget to add your story too.

Book of the week
The creative book of the week this week is The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sonora Beam. It's the business of running a art business, while planning like an artists. I did a review on this book early last year. This book is worth checking out!

I have a QUICK POLL on my Facebook page right now, stop by and share your favorite Spring flower.

SHOP News

New items coming this week!

Have a great week!