It's a computer free day, almost.

I was reading The Hot Glue Hangover blog yesterday about getting away from the computer and it has inspired me to get back to my over due 'to do' list.

Before Etsy I used to have a clean house, read and walk more. Since Etsy came in to my life I am obessed with checking my sales, emails, team forums, twitter, facebook etc.

So, I'm not going to be on my computer the rest of the day. I've already cleared off my desk and bulletin board.  In the process I found a fun picture of my friend that passed away last year and the map of Canada from our trip to the Olympics. I'll let you know what else I get done.

Wish me luck.

Offering Discounts

It happened again. A customer contacted me and wants to order 30-40 of one of my items. Most of my items are between $2.50 and $4.00, not very expensive.

The customer would like to know what kind of discount I can offer for this larger order. I'm offering what I think is a very reasonable 25% off, plus free shipping.

I never hear from the customer again. What am I doing wrong? I don't want to lose another sale, so it is tempting to offer a 50% discount next time, but why should I be out so much money for my products.

Has anyone else had this experience, how do you handle requests for discounts?

Incorporating Fads or Trends in design

Recently I was thinking about adding a new line of buttons with fun little sayings on my Etsy shop, HappyDogButtons. This one is popular right now,  'Keep Calm and ...'. There are many variations and they are alot of fun, but I hesitate. Another line would be the Twilight series.

Do I incorporate a new design or line of items because they are popular? How much of that item do I make? You want to have enough product that someone will find something they like, but at the same time I don't want to end of with a large quanity that I have to end of selling at clearance.

How do you handle this? Do you only make what you love or try to incorporate the latest trend?

Leave me your ideas or take my poll on my facebook page, HappyDogButtons.

Etsy Rain Spring Show

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Shameless Self Promotion

I recently signed up for Heartsy. This is similar to Groupon, except it is for Etsy shops. To get featured I need 60 votes.

Please follow this link to vote for my shop. http://heartsy.me/deals/1602/like Thank you.

Let me know if you've used Heartsy and what your experience has been.

Road Trip!!

I'm really excited today, this is my Friday. Tomorrow morning I head out with two friends for the weekend to do the Northwest Paper Chase.

Northwest Paper Chase is a Shop Hop event for any one who enjoys making Scrapbooks, cards or other paper crafts. This years theme is Lights, Camera, Action.

Each of the 18 participating stores have chosen a different movie to represent them. There are prizes, make and takes and other specials.

We will try to hit each of the stores Friday and Saturday, they are long fun days. I'll take pictures of some of my favorite finds and post them next week.

Here is a link to he Facebook page with more information. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Northwest-Paper-Chase/101377996595404

We are having a potluck at work today and I have to go bake my 'Breakfast Casserole'.  Here is the recipe if you're interested.

Breakfast Casserole

1 dozen eggs, beaten
16 oz package of frozen hash browns
1 cup of milk
1 lb of cooked bacon or sausage, which ever you prefer
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4  tsp salt
3 -4 dashes of tabasco

The seasoning and amount and types of meat, cheese and veggies can be adjusted to your own taste.

Mix everything in a large bowl.

Bake in a greased 9 X 13 inch casserole at 350 degrees for  35 - 45 minutes

Marysville Street Festival HomeGrown 2011

Are you looking for a new craft show in the Seattle area?

I have done this show for more than 5 years now. There is always great weather and huge crowds.

The festival offers local produce, musicians, food vendors, artists and crafters in a street fair atmosphere.


Homegrown is on Facebook. You can see some fun photos and the application here.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marysville-Homegrown-Festival/118851128134697?sk=wall

What craft shows or street festivals have you done?

Fun Local Charity Events

It's snowing and cold here again today. A good day to stay in and be creative. But, first I wanted to post something about a couple of fun and charitable events.

If you enjoy 5k or 10k walk/runs, please check out this great event coming in May. I did the Inspiring Hope 5K walk and had a great time will donating to the Susan G Komen 3 day.

The event was held for the first time last year by Penny Kellam, an avid runner and 3 Day fundraiser. She did a fabulous job putting everything together.

Here is the link to that site.http://www.inspiringhope.info/ If you're in the Seattle area, please check it out.

In addition to this event, Penny is doing the Inspiring Hope Golf Tournament in June, which you can also find in the link above.

I'm excited to be sponsoring one of the golf tees. I think I'll hand out little Pink buttons.

My First Blog

I know, the title is not very imaginative. I hope to use this blog to share information like important events in my community, interesting sites, other sellers on Etsy.  Not so much about what I'm doing day to day. That would be boring.

Here is my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyDogButtons. Please share with me any fun or important events or websites you want posted.

Well, it's Saturday morning and I vowed to get some yardwork done today instead of crafting It's not raining yet, so no execuses. My dog Jack will love it and I'll be glad when I see the results.

Have a Happy Day!