Have a little faith..... IN YOU!

Primitive Wood Blocks - Faith by PrimitiveHodgePodge

How do you hang in there as a new seller?? Or when you are launching a new line??

Have a little faith in what you are doing!!! You know your products ROCK, and when you know that, others will see your confidence and they will know that your creations rock too!!!





She Believed She Could So She Did by  valentinadesign

It's like the little engine that could.... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!!

I've seen so many people give up after a month or so, and it's so sad, because they had GREAT things to offer!!

We must remember that success doesn't happen overnight, though we wish it would. It takes trial and error, determination, hard work, tears, and FAITH!!



Faith 8x10 Oil and Encaustic Painting by Deconstructing9er

So don't give up, don't get discouraged, and have FAITH in yourself!!!!!!

Funky Polka Dot Girrafe Winner!!!

PAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will email you to let you know as well!!! Congrats!!! New giveaway Tomorrow!!!!!!!!

Fabulous = Intentional

When you thought I wasn't looking
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.


When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I l earned to trust in Him.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.


When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Makes you think doesn't it??
Makes you wonder what they see? What are you doing that they see that you don't want them to see??
A while ago, a woman I know was asked what makes her fabulous.. she said "Being intentional is what makes me fabuous, I'm an intentional mom, wife, friend, and Christian." That really stuck with me. What did she mean intentional?
This poem touches on that VERY nature, and you may think it's accidental, because of the premise of "when you thought I wasn't looking".. well. I had sent this on to the women in my life who shaped me, and my grandma wrote back the most profound one line answer..

"I knew you were looking."

She did everything intentional. Everything she did was to set an example. I've always strived to be so much like her. When I was a teenager I knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom when I had kids, because that is what my grandma was when I was younger, she took me to school, picked me up from school, came and got me early when I was sick, took care of me when I was sick (and when I'm sick now I WISH I could go to her house and snuggle up in her bed with my bell)


OK so back to being an intentional person, the world is always watching you. Be intentional with your compassion, be intentional with your time, be intentional with your resources, be intentional with your courtesies. You don't have to be a Christian to be intentional. But do everything for a reason, when you go have fun with your friends, be intentional to show them how much they mean to you, with your mate, be intentional to let them know just how much you care about them, with your parents, be intentional to let them know you appreciate all the did for you.


Women are always growing, and unfortunately there are those women who are intentional in hurting others, I say be intentional to turn a deaf ear to their gossip. I say be intentional to lead by example. Why oh why oh why do women set out to tear down other women? It's a disaster! So be intentional in building other women up.


And remember that though you might not think anyone is paying attention to what you do or say..... SOMEONE always is. 

FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe Giveaway

It's time for a giveaway!!!

FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe has offered 2 choices for their giveaway!

• 3 items of your choice from their shop (excluding car seat canopies)  OR
• 1 Car Seat Canopy of your choice

Here is some more about FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe

• When I started Funky PolkaDot Giraffe over 2 years ago I was making burp cloths and diaper/wipe caddies. I only had a little boy and didn't have much need for bows or clips. I chose the name Funky Polkadot Giraffe because my son ADORES giraffes and I love polka dots and we're a little funky, so it fit us perfectly. When I found out in June of 2008 that I was having a girl my wheels started turning and I started making bows. I started with korkers and it has evolved from there. I owe most everything I know about bow making to my friend Ashby - she's a great teacher and tutorial writer. From there is has snowballed and I started making headbands, princess clips, seasonal ribbon art creations (like my Turkey, Snowman, and Chocolate Bunny). It's been a fun and exciting journey into the creative - there are so many things I want to make, but only so many hours in the day!
  

• In addition to bows I also make car seat canopies - because they were a big hit at baby showers. My friend told me the other day - "This is my most favorite gift ever!" The car seat canopies keep strange hands from being tempted to touch your precious new baby, give them some place dark and quiet to nap, protect from the elements, and don't blow away or fall off like a blanket thrown over the top does. Bows can be added to the straps at no additional charge.

 My camera strap slipcovers come padded at no extra charge. My thinking with the strap covers is - you have the fancy dancy camera - you need a fancy dancy strap to match it! Custom orders are welcome and I love working with customers to make something special they'll love.

• I've been married to the love of my life for almost 9 years and it's gone by in the blink of an eye. I used to be a second grade teacher and I believe second grade is the magic year! I love to read, craft, play with my kids and hang out with my fab friends. 

Ways To Enter:

• Leave a comment on this blog about what your favorite items are from FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe's  shop.. and the other ways you have entered!
• Follow This Blog
• Heart FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe on Etsy
• Like PurdyThings on Facebook
• Heart PurdyThings on Etsy

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! 

Drawing will be done on Monday July 12th, 2010

WOW.. time flies when you MOVE!

Hello Friends!!

I again apologize for my absence!! I do have a PERFECTLY good excuse.. we moved!!
We moved from Rocklin, Ca (Near Sacramento) to Queen Creek, Az, (near Phoenix).

We got here about a month ago, and have gotten into a wonderful summertime routine, complete with pool and bbq!

I have found a WONDERFUL photographer out here!! Check her out!!
http://MomentsDefinedPhotography.com

Have no fear though.... I have NOT let my creativity get packed away!!! here are a few NEW things for the Purdy Things lovers out there!!!

Pink and White Butterfly Hair Clip 

Picture by Sarah from Moments Defined Photography

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunny The Owl Hat!! In ALL sizes!! 

More to come!! And now that I'm settled in.... MORE Etsy tips to come too!!!! 

I heart Faces

When I saw that this weeks challenge was barefoot, I knew I had to enter this photo!!! My daughter LOVES being barefoot, and I love this picture of her!! What is even better about this week having a barefoot theme is that it is for a great cause.

 

http://www.soles4souls.org/

 We have the privilege to decide when and if we want to be barefoot, and sadly MANY people don't. How many pair of shoes do you have that you haven't worn in FOREVER?? Could you part with them?? While at church a few years ago we were challenged to do more then get rid of the ratty old shoes we don't wear anymore, we were challenged to give the shoes right off our feet. Tim and I met that challenge, and then ran our errands and such the rest of the day barefoot... we got some weird looks, and when we explained why we got even weirder looks, and then we would run into people who were also barefoot and with a knowing smile we would not at each other, knowing that we gave our "Sunday best" to those who don't have any, that shoe drive at church over the next 3 weeks raised over 30,000 pairs of shoes... since then I don't just give old shoes to the Goodwill, I give them to shelters. It's a good way to give back!

The Do's and Don'ts Of Crafters!!

1. Learn the Craft, NOT the Style
I'm sure it's happened to ALL of us! We come up with something that we can't find anywhere else... lo' and behold a week later someone has been "inspired" by our design!
Or we have found a GREAT way to word our listings, and someone uses the copy and paste feature and uses it word for word.
Now I know the saying "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". It is supposed to be flattering but in reality it's downright frustrating... and rude. No-one likes it.
So that is rule number one.. don't copy someones style. If you are inspired to make something similar to someone else, take care to make it your own. I know there are some mediums where everyone seems to have the same thing... crochet (my medium of choice!) is one of them. There are TONS of sellers out there with similar hats, scarves, washcloths, booties, cuffs, you get the idea. Jewelry is another medium like that. It is hard in a saturated market to stand out with your individuality.
So what can you do??
It's your personal style and spin on things that makes you unique.
Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.
You want people to see your items and KNOW where it came from!! Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.
When someone copies you.. remember what comes around goes around.

Vintage Daisy Antique Brass Bee Victorian Necklace by LauraBlytheDesigns

2. You get more bees with honey!
Yes that is right!! Be nice! Have you ever been in the forums and seen the rude poster and thought I would NEVER buy from someone who is mean like that?? Well guess what... it applies to you to!!
So in the forums and in the chat...
if you don't have anything nice to say, it's better for sales to NOT say anything at all!!
Don't jump on the bandwagon complaining about the Etsy Admin.
DO be encouraging to new sellers
DO be positive and uplifting

Spam Bot Greeting Card by UrsalaandOlive
3. Stop The Spam!
There is a FINE FINE line between advertising and promoting, and spamming.
Sometimes it's hard to know if you are crossing that line.
Sooo ...
DO use your facebook and twitter to promote yourself
DON'T make that ALL you talk about, remember people don't want to see you plugging yourself on every post!
DO put your links on the bottom of convos and emails
DON'T convo people who have hearted an item and tell them it's on sale
DO post your sales in the forums (under promotions)
DON'T Hijack someone else's post to tell about your sale
DO Email those who have asked to be updated about specials and promotions
DON'T Email everyone in your address book
DO Post on pertinent blogs and put your link as part of your signature
DON'T Post on Blogs with your sales and links

Eloise and Ramona Play Telephone Best Friends Necklace Set by FlapperDoodle
4. Talk Talk Talk
Or write write write!! We are talking about communication people!
When you get a convo asking about an item, what to do.....
DO Write back as quickly as you can
DON'T wait to reply if you need to do some research, write them back and let them know you are looking into it.
DO Give clear concise answers to their questions
DON'T make the process confusing
DO Be friendly and patient!
DON'T get frustrated with their questions (well don't let them know if you get frustrated)

Live Love Learn 8x10 Print by Tessyla
Most important is the Golden Rule:
Treat others as YOU want to be Treated!!

Look at me!!! or How to get in Treasuries!

Antique Brass Eyeglasses Necklace by NineXMuse

We have all seen the beautiful treasuries on the front page of Etsy and thought...

I want to be on the Front Page!!!!!!!!!!

So off we go taking better pictures, we research tags and make sure our items are tagged perfectly..... and no front page love.

What gives???

Well there is more to it then having amazing product, pictures and tags... you have to put yourself out there.



You Are What You Create Mens T-Shirt by StutterAndSing

1. Do it yourself!

You are more likely to get noticed by other treasury makers when you make a treasury yourself!

here is an Etsy article on just how to make a treasury: How to Make A Treasury



Mon Tresor Treasure Chest Necklace by TinyTokensDesigns

2. Your in a Treasury... now what

The best way to know if you are in a treasury is to go to Craftopolis here you can see if you are in any treasuries.

The share the news!! Post it to your Twitter, Facebook, Blog, MySpace... share it where you can!!

Don't forget to comment and click on the treasury, and thank the curator.



Toddler Hello My Name is Trouble T-Shirt by ShockNRoll

3. Make yourself Known

How are treasury curators going to rfind you amidst the masses?? Because you post on their treasuries.. it's your introduction into their world.

I find that when you comment on a treasury with a well thought, and articulate post, you will get noticed a heck of a lot faster then just saying "great picks"



I hope to see you on the front page soon!!!!

*Article I wrote for Handmade Spark

It's all about the Branding!!

When you see hear the term "Golden Arches" what do you think of???? McDonalds of course!!

Why is that??? Branding. They have that logo on EVERYTHING they do!! Even their McGriddles have the Arches in them!

If you hear about Target what image pops into your mind??? That red and white bulls eye!

You are probably thinking that it has NOTHING to do with your little Etsy shop... WRONG.

Etsy Seller EnchantedMemories has this to say about Branding:

"Branding is important for any business no matter the size. It helps create a professional appearance that creates buyer confidence. Branding can also be beneficial to your sales in it creating a recognizable brand for your products."

So when your business card matches your logo, and your return labels match your banner, and your blog ties it all together... when people see those images, they think of you!



Pre-Made Owl Banner By EnchantedMemories

Think of it this way...

You get a purchase... you nicely package it up, stick a few cards in it, and send it on to it's new home..

When they get it, do they see a card that matches your banner?? So when they come across it again they instantly remember your shop??

OR

Do they get it, come across the card later, and think.. what was that shop again?? I know I got an awesome product from it, but what else was there??

Branding is SO very important...I can't stress it enough... branding will bring repeat buyers!!

I really love Barbie at EnchantedMemories... she makes cute yet professional all in one branding sets, and she also does custom orders. I think I really like her because she is a mom like me!!

Here is a little bit about her in her own words:

"I am married with three small kids. I am always drawing, either sketching an idea I have, drawing something for my kids to color or doodling on the corners of paper while on the phone. I love that 99.9% of my orders are completely custom becuase I love being challenged to create new things that I have never drawn. I believe that art is a very important part of life and think that children should always be encouraged to be creative."

In short, branding to Etsy is to Location and Real Estate!!!
*post from http://handmadespark.com written by me

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer it sings because it has a song" Maya Angelou


Maya Angelou is one of my mentors in life. I've never met her, but I've read her books, all of them. Her life is an inspiration. She has been through it all, abuse, persecution, she was a big part of the Civil Rights movement, she's lived all over. She's a poet and author, if you have never read her books, I suggest you do!!

My love of bird cages comes from the book "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" The quote from the book "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer it sings because it has a song" speaks VOLUMES to me.  I want to share what it means to me, please comment and share what means to you!

As a creative person, I always want to say something about me in my work. I don't make things because I can, I make things because I LOVE to! I want people to see the things I make, and see me in them. See my passion for the items I create, and see my love of color, yarn, paper, and buttons!!

As a human being, we all go through trials, and life lessons. We don't share these experiences with people because we have all the answers, we share them because it's our life, and our song. We are meant to go through these things to learn and share.  It's not an answer, it's life. Think about the times you are listening to the radio and a song just resonates with you. Then you find out that the singer wrote the song based on life experiences.... doesn't it just mean so much more to you??

I feel we all have a song, we all have something to share, and it's not the great answer to life, it's about making the bonds and connections in life.

I love to do a search on Etsy for Bird Cages here are just a few of the Purdy Things I found!!

Womens Bird Cage T-Shirt by CanteloupeCorner

50's Birdcage Pillow by Olive

Vinyl Wall Decal Hanging Bird Cage by HouseholdWords

A Picture is worth a thousand words!!!

So I just had to share some AMAZING shots that were taken this weekend:
First is ME!!!
taken by Trina Claycomb http://Claycombphotography.com

This is an ADORABLE one of my little Princess
Taken by Bree http://capturedbybree.com

*this hat is available!! Terracotta Newsboy with Peacock Feather Hair Clip

And here are some fun shots I took of the kids!!! I love photography, however I'm NOT a photographer.. I'll leave that to my friends who are amazing at it!!!! I just get lucky here and there!!

Enjoy!!!
xxoo
Becky

Drumroll Please..........

:::::::Using a random drawing program the winner is:::::::

HSUper Parents 

Congrats you have won a $25 gift certificate to http://purdythings.etsy.com

Another Giveaway will be posted on Monday!!!!!!!!!

Purdy Things Spring Giveaway!!!!

It's the FIRST Giveaway on the Purdy Things in Life Blog!!!!

What will you win???
a $25 gift certificate to ANYTHING in my shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How to Enter: *you must leave a comment for me to know you did these things!!!

Comment on what is your FAVORITE item from Purdy Things!
(1 entry)
Be a follower on this Blog
(1 entry)
Be a Fan on Facebook 
(1 entry)
Share this giveaway
(1 entry for each person that comments that you sent them, 2 if they join facebook, and 3 if they buy something)
Buy something at my Etsy Shop
(3 entries)

HURRY The contest Ends on April 23rd at 8pm PST!!!!

GOOD LUCK MY PURDIES!!!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade PurdyThings.etsy.com

Holy Cuffs Batman!!!

Hello my friends!!!

I hope life is treating you well!!

I got a new blog design!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

With Spring here, I decided instead of taking Spring Summer off, I would design more fun Purdy Things!

Check out the latest and greatest!

Urban Ponderosa Cotton Crochet Cuff

Classic Cameo Cotton Crochet Cuff

Give a Hoot Crochet Cotton Cuff

What's new Pussycat???

I had thought everything would slow down once Spring got closer...
THANK goodness I was way wrong!!

First I've got some AMAZING new shots of beautiful Photo Props from
a GREAT local photographer Captured by Bree

Hanging Baby Stork Pouch

Chocolate Hooded Baby Cocoon and Beanie Set

Next up is one of my new spring creations!!
HEADBANDS!!! These are SO cute and versatile... AND as always the flowers
are on clips so you can wear it with or without a flower, AND you can mix and match!!

Raspberry Limeade Headband 

Branding.. it’s not just for McDonalds!

Branding.. it’s not just for McDonalds!

I wrote this on Handmade Spark!! Check it out!!

Catch the SPARK!!

Wow, it seems time flies... I blink and then realize WOW I need to post on my blog!! :)
Lots of fun new things!!

1. I'm now a writer for Handmade Spark - it's like the Etsy Storque but better!! :)
2. I'm currently working on a cotton line of newsboys and slouch hats for spring and summer!!

 

Girls Cotton Crochet Newsboy with Removable Birdcage Flower $23

3. I've started working with another photographer who specializes in newborns!

Photo by Bree Franklin - Captured by Bree  

Cream Beanie with Removable Rustic Rose Flower - $18

There is SO much more in the works... I can't wait to share it all with you as it comes!!

xxoo

Becky