Reflecting on 2009

Are we really entering into the last week of 2009??? I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by....seems like it should only be the beginning of summer.

As I reflect on 2009, I realize how much I've learned and grown. I am proud to say that I've made 6 sales on Etsy. Now, I know that doesn't sound like many, but when I take a step back and look at the big picture, those 6 sales are a lot! The reason I say that, is that I work a full time job outside the home (often 50 + hour weeks), am a bit shy (can be hard for me to promote my shop to people I meet/know), and there are a crazy number of jewelry sellers on Etsy. I've heard many people complain that they've only had 20-some sale one month, that the jewelry market is saturated. I agree, there are a lot of jewelry sellers, but I way I look at is - hey, out of all the other sellers the buyer can choose, and all the items for sale, those 6 people found me....they loved a piece that I made, and they just had to have it. Now, I'm not sure about you, but that makes me feel DARN GOOD!!!! So I will take my 6 sales and will be proud!!!

During 2009 I started my blog (and will do a better job at posting in 2010), created a twitter account, learned about shipping and sales, and other promotional tools that I can expand on in 2010.

I am very excited for 2010 - I will be starting a new job at the end of January, and am just excited to see what the year has in store for me. One of my goals is to become more organized. I hope to be able to establish more of routine (my new job should be more 40 -45 hour weeks) and to plan my weeks better. I think if I can plan better, then everything else will fall into place.

So here's a nod to 2009 and a big smile to 2010.

New Toy.....

I'm so excited, my new toy was just delivered yesterday!!!! I bought a Cricut Create machine, and so far, I love it!!! I'm having a lot of fun with it. One of the main reasons I bought it was to create stencils for glass etching, but I haven't tried cutting the vinyl yet. I've been playing around with cutting different thicknesses of paper, and learning the machine. I'm really excited to see what I'll be able to create. I can already see myself making cards for my nieces and nephews instead of buying them. The more I'm on Etsy and Artfire, the more I really am looking to give handmade items. It seems to give me a different feeling.....a good feeling. Not that I'll only give handmade gifts, but I will definitely try to buy less.

So anyways, I'm off to go play with my new toy.....have a great night!!!

Rose Etched Vase

Just a quick post......I did a new glass etching today....a beautiful rose design on a vase. The vase is approximately 9 inches tall.

Also, I'm really excited- I just purchased a Cricut Create machine and 3 cartridges. Hopefully it will ship quickly!!! I'm really excited about making stencils for glass etching and being able to customize more pieces.

Here are pictures of my newest etching. Enjoy!!!

Spring is here - Butterfly Bud Vase

The beautiful weather inspired me to create a spring etching!! Growing up in Michigan, I've always loved spring and fall - spring for when everything comes back to life, with beautiful, bright, bold colors - and fall for when the leaves change to gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red.

My newest glass etching is a single butterfly, fluttering above 2 flowers surrounded by tall leaves. I etched a 5 inch tall bud vase, which is just in time to fill with fresh spring flowers!!!














Check out my Etsy store for the new listing!!

www.AngiesDesignShop.Etsy.com
www.AngiesDesignShop.Artfire.com
www.twitter.com/AngiesDesign

Votive Etchings

Well, I've been playing around with glass etching...made an awesome mirror for my niece, which I unfortunately could not get good pictures of (light kept reflecting in the mirror at angles), and have practiced on a few bud vases. I was really excited about how one bud vase turned out, until I saw that on one of the flowers, the etching cream made its way under the stencil and goofed up a couple petals. I was so bummed!!! But I was able to create these matching votive holders. These votive holders will be my first glass etching listing and I'm really excited about that!!!

I think the glass etching will be a nice addition to my existing stores. I'm still debating if I will have one store for glass etching and one store for jewelry. I guess only time will tell.

Make sure to check back for new items!!

http://www.angiesdesignshop.etsy.com/

http://www.angiesdesignshop.artfire.com/

www.twitter.com/AngiesDesign