Improving the Etsy Shop, Days 9-11

I’m almost caught up! I’m up to days 9-11 of my 30 Days to a Better Etsy Shop. What’s nice is that since I’m just starting to build up my inventory, I can read these tips and apply them as I list items. So, here’s the rundown:

Day 9 was Join a Street Team. Already done! I’m a member of the EtsyBloggers Street Team since September '07. Check out the logo I added on my left navigation bar, too! Days 10-11 were Update Your Tags. I was pleased to find that the reference used for this activity was the Storque’s Guidelines & Tips: Tagging on Etsy. I used these guidelines for tagging my items; hopefully they will bring me some luck in Etsy’s search engine.

Finally, I also worked on my sponsor banner, which I’ll use if I decide to sponsor fellow Etsy bloggers:

I also have a few additional custom orders; updates will be posted here and on my Flickr page:

• A mosaic brooch that uses sterling silver wire, garnets, and red coral.


• A 15” necklace that incorporates cat’s eye, black onyx, sterling silver tube beads, and sterling silver wire (I already made one of these, you can see it on my Flickr page (I didn’t post it here because the pic ain’t so hot).


• An 18” necklace that incorporates turquoise and sterling silver wire (and probably some Hill Tribes Silver as well--I’m gonna love this one!).


• Bridesmaids’ necklaces, adjustable, that include Swarovski pearls, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver spiral tube beads, and sterling silver wire.

Now, the problem will be keeping up with other items to make to sell on my Etsy page.

Anyway...more products on the way, so stay tuned.

"Reloj" Update, New Stuff, Store Update, Etc.

Reloj Update

Well I'm still trying to come up with how I want to put Reloj together. I decided I hated the way I wrapped the focal pendant, so I ripped it apart and started anew. At first I used 24 and 30g wire, and I thought it looked too thin. So, I switched it up and did it with 20 and 24g, and I love it so much more! Plus, I'm becoming a fan of the coiled bail...it's nice and thick and wirey (is that a word??!!).

Also note that I changed the "headpin" spiral a little bit...I created a loose spiral and then hammered it out...it gave it this asymmetrical, textured look that I really like. I'm probably going to go with that approach much more often, it's sooooooo much more "non-uniform".

I created some easy links for one of the strands, and incorporated some lapis and amber beads. The amber chips were left over from a previous project, so I had just enough to make the other strand with the carnelian and lapis. Next will be another strand made of wire and beads only...mostly carnelian, I think. Finally, I'm also diggin' the way I'm going to wrap the wooden tusks...I'm doing a basket weave at the top rather than a full wrap around it (I'm also turning into a HUGE weaving fan...need a lesson? Check out http://www.beaducation.com/ -- it's one of my favorites).

New Stuff

So I worked on this little guy this past Friday night, and I love, love, love it. Its title will be "Talking in Circles," as I've decided I might start to name my pieces after the lyrics in some of the songs I write for The Simple Groove (yeah! check it out--mp3s 'n such!). The focal pendant is red jasper, and I wrapped it in sterling silver wire. It'll eventually be oxidized , but until I put it all together it'll stay nice 'n shiny. Stay tuned for updates to this one; I promise I'll post 'em.

Store Update, Etc.

So I wanted to get my Etsy store out there this past weekend, but I was a bit under the weather. Next weekend will be the target, and I'll probably post a new item daily. If you have questions in the meantime, you can email me. Of course, I'll still take custom requests, in fact, I just got asked to do bridesmaids' jewelry for one of my friend's weddings. If the couple lets me, I'll post my progress here. If not, I'll get the final photos on this site when it's finished (after their wedding, of course) and on my Flickr page.

Well, my favorite shows of the week, Weeds and Californication are on, and I'm missing them. So, I'm out for now.

Coil it up,
Chelsea