Its All In The Packaging

in , by MyHobbyShop, 8:34 PM
I love, love to shop online. I always check the mail to see if my package has come in. Even though I know that it will take longer than a week! When my package finally arrives, it feels like my birthday or Christmas. I can't wait to open it up and take a look at my new goodies. I love it when sellers take the extra time to package items nicely. I get extremely disappointed when things are just placed in freezer bags and toss into a bubble mailers. I expect more, especially for Etsy sellers.


If you sell items on Etsy, you are running your own small business. You represent yourself through the quality and packaging of your item. It doesn't cost a lot to package your items with a little love.

Here are a few ideas in no particular order:

♥ Mailers

Depending on how you send your packages you have several options. If you are in the United States and send your items via USPS you can go online and order your boxes free of charge. They will even deliver them to your doorstep. If you rather use mailer you can use anyone of these online shops to purchase them in larger quantities for a good cost. http://www.uline.com/ or http://www.papermart.com/

♥ Packaging

Do you sell jewelry? If so do you place your item in a jewelry box or plastic bag? Do you sell clothing? Do you place you clothing in a shopping bag, freezer bag or gift box? Whatever you do think about presentation. Your customer is going to open their box and in front of them see.... what? I sell clothing. While I don't put them in gift boxes I do gift wrap them. You can purchase colorful tissue paper from the Dollar Tree along with ribbon. Not a huge investment but makes a big impact on how your package looks. Be creative, add your own touch.


♥ Hand Written Note

With every item I send a small handwritten note that I purchased from this lovely shop PeculiarParchment. There's something very personal about a hand written note. Etsy customers are purchasing handmade and supporting small businesses so they expect more.


♥ Invoices

I can't tell you how many packages I have received without invoices. Maybe it’s because I spent so many years as an EBay seller that this bothers me. Whatever the case I feel including a copy of the customers' invoice is an important step in running a business.

♥ Business Cards

Now that Etsy has coupon codes I think providing your business card is a definite must. I have recreated a special 10% off code just for business cards. I placed a label on the back of all my business cards. What an incentive for customers to come back and shop with you again or better yet share your card with friends!

♥ A Little Something Special

Who doesn't love freebies? Well your customers do! This is a perfect opportunity to send out a sample size of something you’re working on. For the last three months I have included a small Breast Cancer Awareness key chain free with every order. When I am out of those I might crochet some headbands or something small like that to include with my orders. If you sell soaps you can include a small bath sponge. If you sell prints you can include a small postcard size print. You don't have to spend a lot just be creative.

I am by no means an expert. These are just a few ideas that I have tried and they have helped me along the way. I would love it if you'd share some of your ideas with me.

Spiders

in , by MyHobbyShop, 7:01 AM
SPIDERS

'THE SPIDER TAKETH HOLD WITH HER HANDS, AND IS IN KINGS' PALACES.' PROVERBS 30:28

The spider may have eight eyes, yet many spiders can barely see. What makes it an avid hunter is that the hair follicles on its legs are full of sensitivity and it can discern everything that's going on around it. What's the message of the spider? Use your God-given sense of discernment! You can discern more with your spirit than you can see with your eyes. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things' (1 John 2:20). God will let you know things you can neither prove nor explain. Jesus said that he would show us 'things to come' (See John 16:13). But He won't do it so that we can ego trip or run around acting flakey. No, 'He shall glorify me: he shall receive of mine, and shall [show] it unto you' (John 16:14). God gives 'inside information' to those who seek to glorify Him. So stop living beneath your spiritual privilege. The old country church folks used to sing, 'The Holy Ghost done told me, everything's gonna be all right.' That may not be good grammar but it's sound Bible truth. Can't you remember a time when your eyes told you, 'You're not gonna make it,' but your spirit kept telling you, 'Everything's gonna be all right?' A time when you met somebody who looked good, too good, and your spirit warned you that something was wrong with them. 'His anointing teaches you about all things...that anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in him' (1 John 2:27 NIV). The way to walk in discernment is to stay close to God.



(borrowed - not an original!)

 
Thanks
Lily

Recycle or Reuse

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 7:16 PM
Did you know that yesterday, November 15th was America Recycles Day? I will be completely honest, I didn’t know until I saw random people at work walking around with big green pins! So what exactly is this day all about? According to their website: “America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. One day to inform and educate.”

So now my question to you is do you recycle? I don’t. Sure I have my reasons but they sound more like excuses. There really isn’t a good enough reason for us not to do our part.

While I don’t recycle - I do reuse. I love using everyday items that would normally end up in the trash for my art projects. I am not the only one. If you do a search for recycle or upcycle on etsy.com you will find over 50,000 search results! You will find some extremely cool items.

Like this laptop sleeve by NottyPooch made from recycled billboard banner.


This lovely art collage by cindycolumbia1958, she used corrugated paper and buttons among other things.


What about these unique postage stamp earrings by withaflourish?


I bet if you take a look around your house you can find quite a few items you can use for that next art project. Here are a few of the ones I came up with.

Coasters/Trivets using old unwanted CDs. These are easy to do and everyone had CDs lying around the house that you don’t want or need.


Fabric Covered Bracelets. For these I used cardboard tubing and scrap pieces of fabric.


How about plarn coasters?


What is plarn? Well its yarn made out of plastic grocery bags. Its time consuming to work with but if you have the patience you can make just about anything. This blog has great examples: http://www.myrecycledbags.com/ .

Whether you recycle or reuse we all need to play a part in ensuring that we keep this earth beautiful and vibrant for the upcoming generations.

So what do you do? Do you recycle? Do you reuse? Do you upcycle? Please share so we can all learn from each other!



Thanks
Lily
http://www.myhobbyshop.etsy.com/

Amariah Naturals

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 2:21 PM

I have the privilege to meet some very talented people in my life. It is always wonderful to see people put these talents to work.

Below is a brief interview of my friend Tracy Turner who makes and sells her very own line of skin care products called Amariah Naturals.


Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.I grew up in Northeast Ohio, but have lived in various places around the country.

How did you decide on your business name? How did you originally get into starting you own business?The name of the business is actually a combination of my children's names that my husband came up with. After further research, we also discovered that the word Amariah means "God has said"

I got started doing this as a result of my children's bout with Eczema. Both my husband and I have it, and we passed it on to our children. My oldest had mild bouts with it, but when I had my daughter, at 2 weeks old she had a horrible outbreak all over her face, neck and chest. The pediatrician told me it was eczema and said that the only thing he could do is give me a prescription for a steroid cream. Even though I had used the cream on myself before, I was too afraid to use it on a brand new baby, and I began to research things that I could do that would more naturally help her.

I found through my research that most commercial products exacerbate dry skin issues like eczema, and the synthetic ingredients often keep moisture from helping the areas. I learned that most commercial soap is not actually soap at all, but detergent in bar form and this detergent are drying to skin. The first two things I learned how to do was make soap and body butter, so that I could bathe my children and moisturize their skin. In the beginning I only did it unscented, but being the "girlie girl" that I am, I had to have something that smelled pretty too, and began looking for fragrance suppliers that would not compromise the mildness of the soap and butter. My sisters began "taking" them from me, and letting their friends use them. We got so many requests for soap and skin care items that the rest is history.


Please describe your creative process. I can't say that I necessarily have a creative process. I love developing formulas and so I often can't sleep thinking of things that I want to try.

Which item do you enjoy making the most and why?I absolutely love making soap. It is fascinating to me that I can combine these fantastic ingredients, and through a chemical transformation can have an awesome, useable soap!!!!

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your business? What's your best marketing tip?Word of mouth works, and if you offer a good product and good service, people WILL promote your business to other people. Likewise, if you provide bad service, they will tell that too! I am very conscious of providing the best service possible at every opportunity.


Please show your support by visiting Tracy's sites below.

Website: http://www.amariahnaturals.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=ff

Fretting is Futile

by MyHobbyShop, 9:20 AM

Fretting is Futile
Max Lucado

"You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it."
Matthew 6:27

No one has to remind you of the high cost of anxiety. (But I will anyway.) Worry divides the mind. The biblical word for worry (merimnao) is a compound of two Greek words, merizo ("to divide") and nous ("the mind"). Anxiety splits our energy between today's priorities and tomorrow's problems. Part of our mind is on the now; the rest is on the not yet. The result is half-minded living.

That's not the only result. Worrying is not a disease, but it causes diseases. It has been connected to high blood pressure, heart trouble, blindness, migraine headaches, thyroid malfunctions, and a host of stomach disorders.
Anxiety is an expensive habit. Of course, it might be worth the cost if it worked. But it doesn't. Our frets are futile. Worry has never brightened a day, solved a problem, or cured a disease.

Complaining

in , by MyHobbyShop, 11:32 PM
**Republished for your reading pleasure :-)

Complaining
Written by: Lily Robinson
November 7, 2008

Here is a small challenge. Ready? For 24 hours don't complain – about anything! That means NO verbal or written complaints.

What is complaining? In general complaining is an expression of displeasure, pain, or dissatisfaction or resentment. Complaining is the outward expression of discontent within. We may know it by different terms -- such as griping, grumbling, whining, or belly-aching. In the King James Version of the Bible, the common term used was "murmuring."

Regardless of whatever circumstances may cause discontent or dissatisfaction, complaining is always an expression of unbelief toward God's order in our life. The whole premise of Christianity is that Jesus becomes the Lord (boss) of our life and our circumstances. We are in his hands. Thus, if believers complain, it really becomes an accusation against our Lord, in whom we've trusted our lives.*

"Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp" (Numbers 11:1).

"...for the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD" (Ex. 16:8). (See also Ps. 106:24-26)

Yes it will be extremely difficult. But it will also make you realize a couple of thing. First of all it will consciously make you aware of how much you do complain on a daily basis. Secondly, it will make you go to God. You will need to look to him constantly to give you strength and guidance. It will make you change the way you think of a person or situation.

I have been working on this for a while and believe me it's difficult and I have yet to fully succeed but I am more aware of my attitude. I am normally really good while I am at work mainly because I don't talk to anyone! But when I get home I typically go on and on to my husband about this and that and blah, blah, blah. It's horrible! I am also recognizing people in my life who bring the worst out of me. We all have them friends or family who just suck the life out of you. You get caught up in their negative vibe and soon enough you are caught up. If I take time out of my everyday life to realize how blessed I am - I wouldn't let the little things get in my way.

Complaining is unbelief in God's Word which says "...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). If as a Christian I really believed that the Lord is in control of my life, and is working "ALL THINGS together for our good," I would stop complaining and start thanking the Lord for the plan He is working together for me. * I must remain steadfast in faith. God has a plan for everything.

So, my challenge to you is that when something happens or displeases you, instead of complaining, simply notice what's happened. That's it. Don't judge it as good or bad, just notice it, and pray about it. Be grateful and thankful for the things that you do have and are good. Thanksgiving is the expression of gratefulness and faith in God, and is the very opposite of complaining. Giving of thanks expresses appreciation for what God has done what He has promised, and the confidence that He is directing our life with His order and provision. God will answer prayers and work in the behalf of the thankful (Ps. 50:14-15). *

We all have heard the Law of Attraction, what you focus on or put out is what you will receive. It's true, no matter how you look at it. We all know people who complain all the time. Nothing is ever going well for them, and probably nothing ever will - as long as they keep complaining and putting their energy on what they really don't want. Take a moment and think about someone you know that always complains or always has a negative attitude or just plain nasty. Now how often do you want to talk or be around that person? Or are you that person? That person is projecting a negative vibe and most likely people who approach that them have their guard and defenses up. Now think about someone who can always find something good to say about something or someone, someone who is just a joy to be around and truly enjoys life. How often do you want to be around that person? Do you want to be that person? So yes what you project – via verbally or physically is what you will receive in return.

Some people complain because they have a lot of problems. But maybe they have problems because they complain. Complaining doesn't change anything or make situations better. It amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and discord (which God hates - Prov 6:16-19), and can invoke an invitation for the destroyer to cause havoc with our lives. *

How important it is that believers guard the words of their mouth! The scriptures tell us that our words are literally the basis for whether we are justified or condemned. Realizing this, we should eradicate negative words, griping, or grumbling, and fill our mouth with praise and thanksgiving! *

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:36-37).

So are you up to the challenge? Make everyday count. Don't take for granted what God has blessed you with. Enjoy life. You can do all things through Christ!

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE! HAVE A GREAT DAY!






Resources:
Complaint Free World: http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/
The Secret: http://www.thesecret.tv/index.html

References:
Stop Complaining! It's Not Good For You: http://ezinearticles.com/?Stop-Complaining!--Its-Not-Good-For-You&id=1489007
Merriam-Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complaining
* Complaining Only Makes Things Worse: http://www.victorious.org/complain.htm

How Did You Get Started

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 9:16 PM
I am part of a wonderful Etsy team called Create Crochet. Every Sunday they ask us a question and encourage us to blog about it. The idea is to help bring traffic to our blogs as well as get to know each other as team members. So this week’s question is:

When did you start crocheting? Did you teach yourself or did someone teach you? Tell us the story of how you became a hooker.

When I was little my grandmother use to crochet, she also did embroidery on pillowcase. As she got older her eyesight got worse and her arthritis got to the point that she had to stop working with her hands. My mother has crocheted for as long as I could remember. She crocheted almost everything in our house from the table runners to the plant hanger. One of my favorite items was the old fashion doll dresses she used to make. They reminded me of the old southern dresses, big and colorful. What I admired the most is that she never used a pattern; everything she made was from the top of her head.

I learned how to crochet when I was 13 years old. It was difficult for my mom to teach me because she was is a leftie, but once I got the hang of it I was hooked!! As I got older I wanted to learn different patterns and different stitches. I bought a book and taught myself how to read patterns.

I enjoy crocheting and for many years have told me I should sell my items. So when I found out about Etsy I decided to open a shop of my own http://www.myhobbyshop.etsy.com/ After being open for about 18 months my shop has done pretty good on sales thanks to my friends, family and the support of other Etsy shops.

Crocheting is something I enjoy doing very much and I look forward to one day teaching my daughter.

So tell me your story - How did you get started?

A Husbands Wedding Vows

in , by MyHobbyShop, 1:35 PM
My cousin is extremely talented and she write poetry. She is praying for the opportunity to be able to publish her book of poetry.

A Husbands Wedding Vows

I look in the skies every night,
watching the stars in Heaven shine bright.
Each star represents the love of my life.
The depths of love, I have for my wife.
This love I have is an infinite amount,
love with no boundaries, unable to count.
To love and to cherish, to honor and obey.
In my heart you will live, my love will never fade.
God saw my life, my empty vessel, my heart withdrew.
Therefore he kissed my ribs, and with my heart, he sent me right to you.
You are what I pray for, yes you have blessed my life,
God knew exactly what he was doing when he made you my wife.
As we continue to pray together,
so that in Christ we can stay together.
We will Thank God for our union.
And know I will love you until the day I die,
because until you my life had never began.
My love is forever yours,
so for you scream Thank you Lord!

Sherritta Lenice Woods

The Meaning of Peace

in , by MyHobbyShop, 1:06 PM

There was once a king who offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures, but there were only two that he really liked, and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for the peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The second picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest.... a perfect picture of peace.

Which of the pictures won the prize?

The king chose the second picture.

Do you know why?

"Because," explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

That is the REAL meaning of peace.

~Author Unknown~

Where the Wild Things Are

in , by MyHobbyShop, 7:53 PM
Growing up one of my favorite books was Where the Wild Things Are. My sister is a fanatic when it comes to this book – she can’t get enough. So when we found out that they were coming out with a movie we were too excited! Unfortunately due to our busy schedules and all of our children we haven’t had the opportunity to watch the movie yet. So we are patiently waiting for the DVD to come out.

In the meantime I thought I’d shop Etsy and see what I could find that was related to this movie. It’s amazing the amount of talented people that are out there. I had to narrow my choices down to just a few…. and believe me it was hard!!

All of the can be found at http://www.etsy.com/ just put in the shop name.

Amigurumi PATTERN by CraftyisCool

Scrabble Tile Pendant by GoldenImpressions


Personalized Chocolate Lollipop or Cookie Favors by favorsgalorenmore


Max's Crown Ring by phrynemetal


Vans shoes by stabbyvonkillerstein

Max Tote Bag by PaulaAndErika


Light Switch Cover Switchplate by WrongSauce


8in X 11in Art Print by DannyRoberts

Scrabble Tile Art Pendant by CuriousCharm

Max Shoes by weelittlepiggy



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