Biz Card Swap

Reminder!
This is the time to ship your last minute business cards & promo items to Zesty Betsy for a business card swap. Send her a convo for the mailing address

What makes a good Promo?
Something the customer will keep around long enough to see again & remember you/your product by.
Something that isn't cost prohibitive
Best ones for Etsy are hand made!

What do you use?

More Events - deadlines very soon!

Hamden, CT Craft Show weekend of Aug 24 - 26. - send email to SulimosDesign@ yahoo.com for info

shop til you drop
Stoughton, MA

Canalfest
Worcester, MA

Sign of the Dove
Belmont, MA

This Thursday (August 2) you can stop by the Shops on South in Jamaica Plain (Boston) to meet and support a group of Etsy crafters showing their works as part of JP First Thursday events from 5-8-ish.

Free Vending Sapce this Saturday!

From an associate on the NH Street Team:

Hey guys,

I just got a heads up from Open Market headquarters that if you show up on Saturday at the Providence Open Market (corner of Westminster and Union Streets in Providence, downtown), you can set up for free to sell. This Saturday only. Woohoo!

If you have questions you can convo muchachaK, OR email Chris the Market Director. Also see the market website for basic market info http://providenceopenmarket.com.

SHOW UP BY 10AM, you get your tax ID's there so you don't even need to worry about that part. And make sure you have weights for your tent (see the weights thread here in the group posts for more info about weights).

That is all :)

Katy

Go - it's a nice cozy spot & sales can be OK there. Go - to check out the other sellers & show support for your fellow crafters. POM sometimes has music & has a super cute cafe across hte street - yummy scones!

Seller Profile: Bonny from BonnyJewelry

Hi there! My name is Bonny.

I joined NEST (New England Street Team) to connect with all of the New Englanders who love to craft as much as I do!
I'm definitely a New Englander at heart - I was born and raised on the Maine coast near the Canadian border but now live in Manchester NH with my hubby and collie.



I found Etsy by looking around the web for Christmas ideas and stumbled across some items that belonged to other Etsy shops. After checking into it a bit more, I decided to open my own shop for my jewelry business (I sell beautiful and affordable handmade beaded jewelry items). I got hooked on making jewelry when I visited a small bead store in Maine and made my first necklace - I love the creativity and "instant" gratification of being able to wear something that I made with my own two little hands.


My jewelry is inspired by lots of different things - color combinations that I like, my flower garden, the beach - I'm always trying new ideas. Many of my items are also sold at craft shows - it's a great way to test the market to see if your items are liked, helps with pricing, and gets your name out there for others to find you online. I highly recommend trying some just to get some feedback on your craft!


Current projects include my new anklet line (all sterling silver on marine quality jewelry wire - you can wear these in the shower and they won't unravel or fray!). Other things I love to do is play in my flower beds, cross stitch and other needlework, and read. My books of choice really depend upon my mood - whether I want to read something "serious" or just relax and enjoy a bubblegum book (nothing substantial - just something to chew). I must admit though, I am looking forward to receiving my copy of the last Harry Potter book!


Getting back to Etsy - the best thing about Etsy? All of the people I've met online who are willing to share their ideas and suggestions and support to someone who is just starting out in the online selling world. Without them, it would have been a much tougher road.

Craft Fair Review - Country Folk Art Craft Show – Sturbridge, MA

In our ongoing search for the perfect craft fair to sell our jewelry, I came across the Country Folk Art Craft Show website which sponsors shows all over the U.S. They did advertise that they had "Home Décor & More!" but they also mentioned that they allow jewelers. So I sent in my application fee and a few pictures hoping to get into the November show. I attended the July show in an effort to see what kind of show it was and find out what they meant in the contract by "creating your own room."

Right off I can say that this is probably not a show any of the Etsy crafters I know will want to consider. This is a trade show complete with a woman (with microphone attached) hawking a new kind of cleaner, 2 vendors of pain reducing magnetic bracelets, and a large display of beautifully embroidered table runners and doilies with the "made in China" labels still attached.
There were a few real crafts people, however. Sandy Fair was there from PA selling hand-stenciled, cut and pierce lamp shades. She kindly allowed me to take her picture before I was informed by another vendor that pictures were not allowed. I also met Mary Shalkowski from CT, aka Artful Ramblings. She's familiar with Etsy and knows Pam. She was one of the 3 jewelers (and the only one I would call a crafts person) exhibiting but, as it was only Friday of the 3 day show, she couldn't tell me if she was happy she came.

This show is well-known and gets around 10,000 people over the 3 days. Admission is $6; $5 with a discount coupon. But you only have to pay if you make the mistake of entering the only one of the 4 entrances where they are actually collecting money. People were spending a lot of money. But they are there because they love the distressed country décor in maroon, navy, brown and black and they need some new Halloween or Christmas decoration or some new piece for the mantle. Parking is a mess. Once you get into the parking lot you need a GPS system to find your way out as they block off all the entrances but one.

I did learn a lot though. A "room" is a 10' x 10' space that you block off with pipe and drape configurations that you buy, rent or make yourself. But several people didn't have that and it seemed to be ok. This really angered the people who spent money renting the set up.
I thought my dilemma about this show would be "do I exhibit because I won't have much competition from other jewelers or do I not because no one goes there to buy jewelry". But on Sat. morning I received the letter that we did get accepted into the November show. They only want $460 for a 10' x 10' space (that's on top of renting a "room") and the prices go up to $1100 if you need more space.
I don't think so.

Behind the Scenes

Check Etsy Street Team pages to make sure you are listed properly on that page. Send convo or leave comment here if there are issues.

Updated Member List page here on blog in preparation of a member roll call.

Created structure & am in planning to create one more blog page to focus on Marketing (as opposed to Team Business as this is.) Marketing blog will need more team effort. If you have any interest in working together as a smaller group to plan on how to market New England Etsy sellers on a blog, and writing, photographing and managing it - send a convo as well. It will need a couple dedicated individuals to make it fly.

NEST chat meeting

A very informal NEST meeting was in the Chat rooms yesterday.

Generally discussed:
Reminded folks of the business card swap. Zesty Betsy has already received a nice group of promotional items & it looking forward to more.

Yahoo Polls online for fundraising/budget/marketing ideas. NESTshop had another sale!

KathiParker has found a free hosted database application she will set up for us to log and catalog and rate arts and crafts events.
Decadence Designs Boston Event in general.
Western Massachusetts plans for a fair for the fall.

Zesty Betsy found that stART on the Street might be interested in items for goodie bags for the September 16 event. If you are interested in adding items (More than business cards) send her a convo. If anyone else knows of promotional opportunities such as this; event goodie bags, hospital baby bags, home party gift bags....etc - let's make a list!

Seller Profile: Rene Tower - For the Love of Crafts

Renee Tower created For the Love of Crafts

She is in Readsboro, VT (near Brattleboro)

NEST: How did you end up in New England? How did you hear about Etsy?
I have lived in Vermont my whole life. Every winter I get sick of the snow and want to move, but I probably never will. I heard about Etsy from my little sister, who talked about setting up a shop, but never did.

NEST: What do you make? Why do you make them? (what's your inspiration) How did you learn to do it? I make all kinds of different things, I am working on some t-shirts right now. I'm just getting into screen printing, so the shirts definitely look handmade! I tend not to follow directions, so there's a lot of trial and error sometimes. I've also been painting foam clogs (you know, crocs knockoffs) because they are too comfy to stop wearing, but let's face it, a little ugly. So, I try to make them prettier. It was my mom's idea originally, she forced me to help her and eventually to do almost all of the painting. I like to make functional things that are practical and comfy, different enough so they don't look like you got them at Walmart, but not so expensive that you're afraid to wear them every day. When I have time and can focus (hardly ever happens with a toddler in the house) I paint. I haven't been really happy with a painting in years, so I'm trying to get myself into that space again.

NEST: Something, a tip? Motto?, you've learned about your craft, selling online or at fairs you'd like to share with the world. What I've learned about selling is that (1) you'll never sell anything unless you get your stuff out there and (2) not everyone is going to like what you have made, that's okay.

NEST: Are you a vendor at any upcoming shows/events? Are you teaching any classes? I do some local craft fairs in the winter, and am planning on getting a booth at the flea market in Wilmington, VT a few more times later in the summer and in the fall.

NEST: What's the difference between Art & Craft? Which are you? I think that there is a rather large grey area between art and craft.With the huge array of products available at craft stores these days, anyone can make crafts that look pretty good. I think that an artist, when making something will give it that little extra something that will make it special. I consider myself an artist. What kind of art school dropout would I be if I didn't?

NEST: Favorite midnight snack? Comfort food? Cheese! morning noon and night, everything is better with cheese.

NEST: Recommend a good book or two. Any Tom Robbins book, The Poisonwood Bible.

NEST: What is the best thing about Etsy? What would you like to see the NEST doing for promotions? The best thing about Etsy is getting to communicate directly with customers, getting their input and feedback and ultimately getting them an item that they will use and enjoy. It's also great that sellers promote each other as well as themselves. I think that NEST members should work on having a really strong presence at our local craft fairs to spread the word about Etsy to non members. Also, a stronger presence in the forums would be great.


To keep up with Renee get a feed from her blog!

NEST Chat room meeting

Hola Amigos!


Tomorrow evening at 7:30 congregate in our own custom chat room to meet & discuss topics of business, craft & promotions!

Gracis!

Etsy Treasury Contest

From Jared:


♥ What:

We're having a challenge to turn some of the best Treasury lists at Etsy into limited edition prints.

Here's an example: http://flickr.com/photos/generated/838351743/

Up to twenty lists will be selected over a two week period in July. Special software will take a Treasury list, combine it with the original full resolution sources and generate a high resolution arrangement suitable for digital printing. Printing will be done in-house using archival processes and the highest standards of craftsmanship. This is a one time only, limited run event. About 100 prints of each list will be made.

One entry per person please.

Two week competition begins July 17, 2007 and ends August 1, 2007.


♦ Where:

At Etsy.com of course!


♣ How:

There are two ways to enter:

1. Create a Treasury list.

Use the Treasury to create a composition of items with the possibility of being materialized in archival print! Include the word 'poster' as the first word in your title. You must be a registered member to create Treasury lists. For instructions on how to use the Treasury, see SweetestPea's guide and the EtsyWiki?.

There is no need to submit your list for consideration. We'll be looking through all lists daily. Don't worry about your list expiring, we’ll see it.

Special instructions for Treasury entry:

* visit the Treasury and try to grab an open spot when it becomes available (http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php)
* include the word 'poster' as the first word of your title (ie. 'poster hot stuff')
* use all spaces to select 16 items! (we can see your alternates and they WILL be printed)
* if you must feature an item from your own shop, feature no more than 1
* feature no duplicates from the same seller
* arrange your listings exactly how you like to see them printed

2. Use the new Poster Sketch tool to submit a list by convo.

A new tool has been created which allows you to create and submit a 'Treasury style' list (basically a 4x4 grid of 16 items). You may use the tool at any time. The tool is a simplified version of the Treasury's curator feature. There is no commenting, shared viewing, or public indexing. Think of the tool as a personal workspace.

Instructions for poster contest tool entry:

* visit the poster contest tool at any time (http://www.etsy.com/poster_sketch.php)
* follow the directions on that page
* be sure to SEND the convo that the contest tool generates!

Jared will be receiving and processing all convo poster sketch submissions.

Judging will be done by participating staff. Winning entries will be announced Wednesday, August 8.


♠ Why:

Etsy wants to give away more stuff at the festivals we attend. These posters will be given to attendees and as a way to showcase a few of the amazing items at Etsy, help promote Etsy as a marketplace to buy and sell all things handmade, and showcase our community's outstanding artistic eye!


☻ Who:

You! Any registered Etsy member can make a Treasury list or use the Poster Sketch tool. You can be a seller or buyer. You can register just for this challenge.

Everyone is going to benefit, from the winners of the contest, to the people's who's items have been featured, to all the sellers of Etsy as they benefit from increased promotion.


◘ Fine Print:

Permission from respective copyright holders will be required for all photos in each winning entry. Substitutions will be made where permission is not granted. Full attribution (item title, seller name and URL, and item price) will be printed inline with each photo. The curator of the list (name and URL) will be printed at the bottom.

Thank you!

Flickr Group

Do you flickr?

Join the NEST team group add some photos & join in discussions.


Remember flick is a not-for-business-site, so you might be OK using Etsy as a tag or in your profile, it's best if you don't use it in your image descriptions. It can get you banned!

NEST team minutes from Kathi Parker

NEST - NEST New England Street Team chat of 7/11/2007

kathiparker says:
Somebody will have to add whatever I have missed.
ZestyB made some edits prior to posting here.

NEST has some 200 member names - of them some are likely inactive, but some are just not involved or participating with this team. Some vague suggestion of reaching out to them was floated.

ZestyB created a team blog at: http://nestshop. blogspot. com/
Members from NH and CT also have access to it; Others who would like to be regular reporters or just contribute occasionally are welcome to do so. If you're interested in having yourshop profiled on the Blog - please look in the files section of hte Yahoo group for the interview questions.

Several ideas were suggested for use of any funds raised by the NESTshop. It was suggested that a poll be set up to get an idea of what the team thinks. (Poll posted on Yahoo - get your votes in!)

Biz card & promotional items swap - convo ZestyB for address to participate.

We discussed having our own Etsy craft shows and think that they needed to be run by members who were in the area where the show would be. There are 7 other street teams in New England and it was suggested
that those teams might be able to get together more easily to run and promote shows.

"Fortheloveofcrafts " stated that no one she talks to has ever heard of Etsy and while the conversation didn't take us in that direction, I totally agree and think that the street teams were set up to get the Etsy word. We need to think of things which we can do individually in this regard.
(What things can you do to spread the work about Etsy? Let's think about how do we, personally, get interested in a new shop/store/product? ZestyB will post a question on the blog - perhaps you can comment with some ideas.)

We were reminded to put "Nesty" in listing tags. As well as, use our own shop names in our listing tags. The store name because newcomers dont' realize (and oldtimers forget) the pull down menu in the search
NESTY because one of the things we'll be doing as NEST members is tell the people they can find and buy from local NE vendors using NESTy as a search term.

BackWoodsCreations is working on one or more shows in Maine July 28! and needs help and vendors.

DecadenceDesigns is pulling together an ongoing venue in Hamden CT.

BackWoodsDesigns wondered if our blog was listed with Tecnorati,
ZestyB invited folks to join NEST group on flickr.
What other sites can we use to spread the word?

I know I've missed a lot here. I have trouble keeping threads of conversations straight in big IM meetings. If you remember something more, or something different, please add it to this thread.
Posted at 11:13 pm, July 13 2007 EST

Seller Profile JansJems ~ Jan Bajgier

There are 3 of us creating for Jansjems but Jan will be answering the questions. And the answers may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the other two :)

Jansjems is Jan Bajgier, Bethany Bajgier & Krista Bajgier

Located in So. Deerfield, MA and a member of the Western Massachusetts Street Team and a frequent contributer to the blog!


NEST: How did you end up in New England?
I’ve lived in Mass. my whole life. I grew up in Southbridge where my parents still live. I married a nice boy from Chicopee (met him in college in PA, of all places) and settled in W. Mass where we both had jobs.

NEST: How did you hear about Etsy?
Selling online was always my daughter, Bethany’s, idea. We were going to set up our own website when one of her crafty friends told her to check out Etsy. We’d never heard of it. It appealed to us as a good place to start, where we could refine our online selling skills.

NEST: What do you make? Why do you make them? (what's your inspiration) How did you learn to do it?
We make high quality, beaded jewelry using genuine stones and precious metals. Why? Because we love to wear jewelry and love seeing other people enjoying our creations. We Bajgiers are a crafty, do-it-yourself bunch. We remodeled the house ourselves (gutted bathrooms and a kitchen, layed tile, etc), my husband has built cabinets, my mother and I both sew, my mother-in-law won ribbons for knitted and crocheted items. So when I took the girls to their first gem show, they immediately gravitated toward the beads, decided they could make their own jewelry, and it would be better than what they were buying. We learned by doing and doing it again. We looked at other peoples’ work to see how things were finished off. We read magazines with instructions and talked to other people doing the same things. And although we make a lot of traditional looking pieces for our more conservative customers, eventually we developed some things in our own unique style. Bethany makes light, femi
nine necklaces and chandelier earrings and Krista makes the multi-gem, long, dangling earrings and charm bracelets.
Inspiration—that comes from anywhere at anytime. Color is usually the first thing for me. I see color combinations in the sunset, landscaping, someone’s clothing. Sometimes a bunch of beads fall on the floor and I see how colors I’d never thought to put together look. This is how my cluster necklaces developed.


NEST: Are you a vendor at any upcoming shows/events?
We’re signed up to show at the Publick House Marketplace tent during the Sturbridge Harvest Festival on October 21. We’ve applied and hope to get into the Northampton Winter Craft Fair at the high school on Dec. 1-2.
(Krista is now living in Charlottesville, VA, and we’re hoping she can find a craft fair or 2 down there in the future.)

NEST: What's the difference between Art & Craft? Which are you?
Wow, that’s pretty philosophical. Art is the production of something beautiful so crafting can be art. Artists often refer to what they do as their craft. I don’t know that there is a difference. There is, however, a level of expertise that both artists and crafters aspire to. I see us at Jansjems as crafters of wearable art. And while we’re no longer beginners, we are still perfecting our skills and trying new techniques.

NEST: Favorite midnight snack? Comfort food?
Food! My favorite topic. I don’t stay up 'til midnight much anymore, but when I did it was a grilled cheese or a BLT. Comfort food is always something chocolate—brownies, ice cream, Snickers bars….whatever.

NEST: Recommend a good book or two.
As a librarian in my other life….I like all kinds of books. For fiction I mostly read mysteries. Two great reads are Dean Kontz’s “The Husband” and “The Rule of Four” by Ian Caldwell.

NEST: What is the best thing about Etsy?
That it’s a supportive community. I love the forums (I try t ignore the cranky people). I have learned so much from other people and their experiences. I can ask a question about craft fairs and get 2 whole days of answers and advice, from all over the world. And I’ve met people I never would have otherwise—other crafters that I can brainstorm with, both online and in person.

NESTshop budget

As many of you know there is a shop dedicated to NEST to help us raise funds for what ever...in the past used for shipping and printing costs. It is quite modest.

What would you like to see happen with any funds raised in the venture?

If you have other suggestions leave a comment here, but you can pick as many choices as you wish on the Poll

Treasury!

NEST Treasury. Titled "can't get there from here"

Picked some sweet fun figures to show off
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=2572

Let me know what you think on Etsy (and here too) & click on thru on all of the listings.

NEST chat room meeting

Reminder!
NEST meeting in a custom chat room on July 11th at 7pm. (Tomorrow)

Want to see you there!

South End Open Market

In Boston in the South End on Harrison Street, there is an open market every Sunday.

Plants, clothing, baby gear, jewelry, pottery, furniture, windchimes and pan flutes, brownies, lip gloss, bread and sandwiches, muffins, italian ice, hemp clothing, indian import clothing, antiques and junk, tote bags, handbags, hair clips and scrunchie, flowers and herbs. All in one spot. Every week.

Etsy sponsors 2 booth spots for 4 Etsy sellers, evey other week (hahaha) stop in to say hi and show support. Pic is goolala, Lush Beads and Zesty Betsy at the end of a long hot day.

Sundays from 11-5. Go for shopping, check out setups, buy a spot and sell.

Bead show in Marlborough MA

Friday thru Sunday at the Royal Plazza Trade Center at 181 Boson Post Rd in Marlborough is the International Gem & Jewelry Show.

I'll be there on Friday wearing an Etsy pin. Say "Hi" if you see me.

Seller Profile Melanie Chabre

Melanie Chabre is the owner and designer of Bags by Melanie.

she is an active member in the New Hampshire Street Team too.

NEST: Where are you? How did you end up in New England ?
New Ipswich NH, which about 45 minutes from Nashua. I was born in Virginia, but when I was only 2 or 3 years old my parents moved the family up to New Hampshire. I have lived in New England ever since.

NEST: How did you hear about Etsy?
I was doing a search on the internet looking for a place to sell my handmade handbags, and stumbled upon Etsy that way. It is now my mission to make sure everyone knows about Etsy!

NEST: What do you make? Why do you make them? (what’s your inspiration) Okay, I make handbags. I started making them because a friend of mine asked me if I could take her well loved handbag and make her a new one because she loved it so much and couldn't buy the same one anymore. When I pulled it apart to make the pattern I found out how truely easy it actually was to make a bag. I almost never use a pattern, because I have found out over the years that almost all bags are made from the same basic pattern; I just make different sizes to what people are asking for.

NEST: Something, a tip? Motto?
I am completely self taught. Sure, I took home economics classes in High school, but how much do you really think I paid attention?? I don't think that I will ever learn everything. Over time you get better at what you do and you learn your own little things to make your craft your own and even better then before. Patience and time are your two best friends. You have to have the patience to become better, and the patience to make all your goals. You have to keep your chin up and just strive to get better, and remember you can't always please everyone. Anything you want good to happen to you will happen in time.

NEST: Are you a vendor at any upcoming shows/events? Are you teaching any classes?
I will be doing a craft fair on October 20th in Sterling MA at the First Church. I am rather excited, I have changed a lot of what I do over the years and I think this year is the year that I have the right things to market at a craft fair and do well at it.

NEST: What’s the difference between Art & Craft? Which are you?
MC: I am not sure how to answer this, I think to be good at your Craft you almost have to be an artist too. You have to see what things will go with each other to make the best possible product.

NEST: Favorite midnight snack? Comfort food?
Haha, right now I am pregnant so I eat what the baby tells me she wants to eat. I don't really have a favorite anything, I got through phases of what I want to eat. I will always love mashed potatoes though!

NEST: Recommend a good book or two.
I will read anything and everything from James Patterson and Mary Higgins Clark, they are my two favorite authors. I love a good suspense book!

NEST: What is the best thing about Etsy?
I think Etsy is an amazing place that will only get better with a little time and patience ;) LOL
I guess my favorite thing is I have met a lot of great people there. There are a lot of amazing people who make amazing things. I am so proud to be selling in the same venue as them and because I am doing this "with" them, they make me look good, LOL

Opportunity for vending in CT

Heather of DecadenceDesigns is in the planning stages of a craft show that will be held in the Hamden, CT area.

The space can hold 3 seller spots at a time and I would be booking several dates to accommodate all interested sellers.

One option is Friday nights to do a "crafts and cocktail hour" kind of thing, seeing that most sellers are booked on weekend days with other craft shows.

Another possibility would be to do a Friday night, Saturday day and Sunday day craft show, with 3 sets of sellers (so 9 in total) so that every one gets a chance to exhibit.

She'd like to start a list of sellers that can be contacted once dates are confirmed.

To get on the list please convo DecadenceDesigns your contact info.

oh no what's a promo?

What makes a good promo item?

anything that you can put your business name onto or that will remind folks of your business.
ideally something that they person will keep around to look at for a while.

magnets strong enough to actually stay on fridge
pin back buttons especially if your market is a younger crowd
key fobs if you can get your name on them
stickers might be good
tiny parts or pieces of your normal work (I heard of one person who promo-ed out 1 earring, and if you ordered from her store you got the mate as well for free!)
matchbooks imprinted with your info
small art & info glued to a match box?
candy? shorter life span since folks wouldn't keep the wrapper, but they might remember the sweet.
a small pouch with your logo & info
a t-shirt with your logo & info
a mug or cup etched or painted
tiny gift sized note cards


What do you use as a promo item?

Business Card and Promotional Item Team Swap

It's that time again to get your business cards and promotional items out there with other sellers.


How does it work?
1) buy, make, or otherwise get some business cards.

2) create, find, or snag some items of a promotional nature.

3) Send in your cards, promos and a buck or 2 for return shipping to Zesty Betsy
check the Yahoo Group for her address, or send her a convo.

4) Make sure you get them to her before August 4th

5) The week of August 6th you should receive a package with cards & promos!

Just in time for the Holidays!