Goals for April

Well April is quickly approaching and I have decided to make some goals for myself...

• Apply for two to three spring craft shows in the state
• Successfully set up some meetings for wholesaling to boutiques and/or spas
• feature 2-4 etsy artists per month from now on
  
• if you are interested let me know!
  
• Have a local show
  
• have fun
  
• sell more items on etsy.com
  

I hope that I will be able to sell as much as possible and hopefully attain my goals :)

Happy April!

Etsy Artist Feature: Yael Frankel

I am proud to feature another etsy artist, Yael Frankel. She specializes in miniature art. I asked Yael about her life and where she gets her inspiration, as well as some other questions. She gave me some nice answers that you can read below. I fell in love with her artistic style and attitude toward her family and crafting! She is having some sale promotions in her shop currently that I suggest everyone check out.

1. Tell me about yourself as a person, a little background, where you grew up, high school, college, current job(s), married, children.
I am Yael Frankel, a graphic designer from Argentina. Happily married and happy mother of two children: Ian and Ema.

2. Tell me about your business name, how did you create it?
My business name? It is my real name, but shorter!

3. Describe your artistic style
I don't know... may be a naif style

4. What is your favorite color
Green!

5. What is your favorite thing to create?
Miniatures, everything with my hands.

6. Do you like to cook?
I forgot to say: everything but cook!!

7. Do you have pets?
No, I haven't

8. What is your favorite season and why
Spring, because I love so much the sun, but not the heat!

9. If you could have any talent that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
It would be... TO SEW!!! No doubt about this!

10. Do you have any secret hobbies?
Mmmm... no, I have not.

11. What is the best thing that your craft does for you personally?
My craft let me start happy my days.

12. What has been your favorite moment as a seller?
Two moments: when I sold 13 items from my store in an hour, and when people write me, loving my stuff.

13. What is your favorite way to end your day? My husband, my children and me, lying in my bed, watching tv.

Yael also has a blog where she further explores her craft. Yael's Blog

Here are some photos of Yael's work - all for sale at her shop on etsy.com




Thank you for letting me feature you Yael!

Plein Air Painting in Tuscany

Hello Everyone!


I just wanted to let everyone know that my mom is teaching a Plein Air painting workshop in
Italy this summer. She is very excited about it and only has space for about 10 people. She would love to have a full group to teach. The location is on an fully operational organic farm called Spannocchia. They have 3 daily meals and they also make and produce their own wine. You can check out what the farm looks like on my mom's blog http://pleinairtuscany.blogspot.com . No painting experience is necessary. My mom is fully qualified to teach this workshop, many of you know she is a full time Professor of Illustration at Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, GA. She has also won a variety of awards and is a recognized artist in the art world.

I hope you take the time to check out her blog and please pass this along to anyone who is interested, friends, family, bosses, etc.


Thanks and have a great day!

Picture of me at the Craft Show

this is me and my little set up!

William Dohman - Photographer

So while playing in the etsy.com forums, I found a fabulous photographer named William Dohman. He has phenomial photographs from around the world and is definitely worthy of taking a big look! Here are some examples of things he has for sale on etsy.com CLICK HERE for his store.

Feelin good!

Yes, I filed my taxes today. Returns to come to me soon (I hope!). So that feels good knowing that 2007 is taking care of in the eyes of the IRS.

This is a big step for me, as having just graduated from college this past May (woohoo), filing and paying taxes is completely new. I feel good.

:)

I also spoke with my friend Julia who is working with me on my next show at a sorority house at the University of South Carolina (Gamma Phi Beta). She asked me to have a jewelry show and I am donating 10% of all sales to CampFire. This will be happening April 4 from 12-4 at the Gamma Phi Beta House in Columbia, SC. I am worried about not having enough inventory so I am off to work!

ciao have a great week :)

1st Craft Show ever... RESULTS

WELL! It was not the best day of my life, however it was not the worst.

The facts:

• i participated in AND paid for a very unorganized event
• I was probably in the worst spot. The way the traffic flowed was from right to left - meaning I was the last left. I was at the VERY end. By the time people got to me, they had spent their money.
  
• People took cards
• I sold 6 items from 9am to 5 pm. thats less that 1 item an hour.
  
• a sale is a sale, I am happy I sold something. my work spoke to someone
  
• i expected more from this experience as a whole
• GRANTED I met some really cool artists - mostly jewelry artists
• there were about 80% jewelry booths. 80% - you would think they would regulate something this
  

QUESTIONS:
Is it typical for someone running the event to sell their goods as well? I am clearly new. I don't know the answer. I don't have the experience. I don't and cannot say what I think the answer should be with out being out of line...
and
You pay for your space, and maybe I just wasn't bitchy enough but I arrived early and she put me in the WORST spot possible. You know the say early bird gets the worm, WELL early bird got screwed and then I hear people who arrived TWO HOURS LATE bitch and moan until they got put in a better place. wtf??? is this how it is? bitch and moan until you get your way? are we in kindergarten? last time I checked we were adults and adults are supposed to be mature, not bitch and moan, we all paid the same price for a space and you get to choose after I was told we had assigned spaces, she gets to choose? Sort of seems unfair and crazy!


all in all i made 160$ (thats after booth fee) better than NOTHING. I spoke with a woman who lived in NYC and she said she was happy because she sold a few pieces but she had been to some shows in NYC where she had never sold anything. Something is always better than nothing when it comes to sales. ya know?


lessons well learned here. well learned inDEED

I just hope the next craft fair/show I participate in is much more organized.

1st Craft Fair EVER .... & some jitters

So as you might know, I am participating in my FIRST EVER craft fair this weekend down @ Palmetto Bay Marina here on the island. I am very excited and have - amazingly - beaten my *to-do* list almost all the way down.

Here is what I did this week:

• Made Appointment to pay taxes - monday morning. I am nervous I have never paid taxes before... this is a big moment in my life.
  
• got my oil changed
• did all inventory except for earrings
  
• made sure prices were correct - this was a big move
• went grocery shopping
• exercised - ran with the dogs and went on a long walk today
• eyebrows waxed (this can be considered an emergency)
  
• created
• made a sale :)
  
• blogged.
  

Dammit! I have been a busy girl. And I am not done yet - tomorrow I will finish making everything I need sign wise and take a picture of my mock set up. So still more to do...

Pullin it together!

Or really, re-pricing & inventory.

I have an upcoming show this weekend at Palmetto Bay Marina - it is the 1st Annual Healing Arts & Crafts Fair. I have no idea what this is going to really be like, I hope it goes well :) !!! My best friend Ellen is going to presenting her artwork for sale - for the very first time! It will also be my very first craft show - A WEEKEND OF FIRSTS!!!!

I have been going back through all my old invoices of prices what I paid for my supplies so my prices are correct for local shows, as well as wholesaling. Organization feels good, however I am exhausted. Counting beads, looking up what I paid for one toggle - in the future I am going to price everything after I make it. As well as keep an active excel file. It is nice because it shows the total amount of what your retail amount is - which if i sold all my necklaces this weekend I would be so excited. hahah That is NOT realistic. I think my biggest sales this weekend will be earrings and rings. Those seem to be quick and easy sales. But we shall see.

Tomorrow I am going to set up a mock booth and make sure it will be work out. I will take some pictures.

Right now I am doing all of this on my couch, watching Oprah. I haven't watched this show in years because for some reason Oprah knows how to make me cry and want to donate all the money I don't have. She is really powerful. I'd LOVE to have her wear some of my jewelry. A girl can dream...

ok back to work ;)

KARMA IS REAL

Well, I took a risk yesterday and was rejected. I wake up this morning and I sold two of my favorite items!

Karma is real my lovely readers and friends...it is so real. The universe evens out.

This is what I sold!
Sky Through the Clouds Necklace - 55$

AA Earrings - 29$


THANK YOU LIZA FOR YOUR PURCHASES :)

I am glad I did not give up this week. If I have learned anything from owning a business and running it alone, is PATIENCE!


Thanks - have a great tuesday!

Right, so that was quick

I got this automated email response from Trunkt.org. I understand it is competitive, but if you are going to give an artist a generic message - well - I just don't really know how I feel about it.

So if you apply, you are either going to get a great email or this:
Thank you for applying to Trunkt.

After careful review of your submitted images and your website, we have decided not to accept your application at this time.

*REVIEW PROCESS*

In addition to the products you submit, we look at the way you present your work on websites, blogs and public forums. Our goal is to get an overall sense of you and of your work.

To the extent we can, we also evaluate the way you conduct yourself in all public forums as we believe this is a good indication of professionalism, something we value highly at Trunkt.

*ARTISTS WISHING TO RE-APPLY*

If you're considering applying again, please understand our criteria:

1) FOCUS: We look for artists who create focused, unique work. Your work should have a distinct style that is all yours.

2) MODERN: Our audience loves modern and contemporary work. Browse the work of Trunkt members to get an idea of our taste.

3) SCALE: We don't accept mass-produced products but we do prefer scale beyond one-of-a-kind work. Artists and Photographers looking to sell individual works or looking to license images are the exception.

4) BRANDING: We look for artists who have a superior sense of marketing aesthetic - excellent photography, packaging and communications.

5) PROFESSIONALISM: We look for artists that are mature in their business dealings. This includes the way they conduct themselves in all public forums.

If you simply resubmit 3 different images, it is unlikely your second application will be accepted since we've probably already seen them.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot provide individual feedback to all applicants. We wish you the best of luck with your business.

Regards,
The Team at Trunkt

Note: This is an automated email box that is not monitored.

So there it is, nothing in particular, nothing specific. However, I think I will apply again in a few months. Maybe I will have better pieces ready. I really thought my art clay pieces would help me here. Maybe a referral from an etsy artist who has already made it (in a different category than jewelry)?

I am still sort of bummed out. :(

Let's excercise the power of prayer...shall we?

Hello there everyone,

I decided to take a big risk, maybe it was early in my jewelry career, but today was a risk taking day I suppose.

Today I applied to be a part of Trunkt. (take a look...click the link) They have a free artists portfolio that is free and you can upgrade once you become a part of it if you choose to upgrade. They have a lot of beautiful artists and focus on one of a kind items and pieces. I thought to myself - maybe this is me - especially with my art clay silver pieces.

On the forums of the etsy.com site I have been reading and participating in the discussions about how people put a lot importance on being a part of this organization. A lot of people have said they receive large wholesale orders because of it. (I would love a huge wholesale order...wink wink) I think it is just important to get your name out there and be proud of what you do. A lot of artists have been rejected and they have really stunning work! I hope I can show them something that they like. You only get to choose three pictures and if they aren't the exact size they sort of morph. That is sort of a bummer.

So what am I asking of you? Send the good vibes towards me and the judges @ Trunkt.org and maybe something good will come out of this ;)

good vibes....good VIBES!

Organization SLASH PAY TAXES!

Oy, this week is going to be a big one for me. Here is what my game plan is:

1. Get oil changed in car
2. meet with accountant and pay taxes already
   
3. full inventory of ALL items
1. Record w. Wholesale AND Retail prices ---> This is a HUGE thing for me
4. Make more items

While it might only look like 4 things to do. They are going to take probably 10 hours a day (besides the oil change). The pricing/inventory is probably the most important because I am trying to build up my confidence to get my pieces into boutiques. I have never done the wholesaling before, so if and when I finally get an appointment, I want to be fully prepared and be as professional as possible.

I have a show coming up this Saturday! If you are in the lowcountry area - you should come and stop by to see what us local artists have going on! I have been trying to do a lot of web advertising for the event as well as talking with people. Please contact me for more details!!!

Have a great day!!!

Morgan

NEW ITEMS IN SHOP

Woooo I have been a busy bee this week! I have just put a few more items and re-newed some older ones (from the beginning...wow!) I hope that you enjoy what I have put up and take a moment to check it out on my site http://karma711.etsy.com

THANKS

and here are some lil pics to help you get through your day ;)...enjoy

Bummer slash Rant

Dear Economy,

You totally suck very bad right now. I am giving you the proverbial middle finger, the bird, the big F-YOU! Why are you making it hard for the small craftswoman? Some of us would like to move out and have a real life, perhaps one fully funded by their love of art and creating? Can you let up a little bit so all of us can feel better? Jewelry looks so nice on everyone, even you! Maybe if you take a break and even out, more people will want to buy more...think about it ok?


Your Arch Nemesis,

Morgan

Well, I am ready to hit the beach!

YAY I got a treasury!!!! I picked a lot of cool items that remind me of the summer time that is approaching - warm days, cool jewelry, and beautiful sunsets. The colors really inspire me and I am in love with it

check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=33627

thefind.com

Hey everyone,

I just found out that a few of my older items from my etsy.com shop made it onto a site called www.thefind.com

That's pretty bad ass and I had no idea my pieces were even on there until someone brought up the site. It is apparently a small section of the NY Times. I am pretty flattered and hope that some of my other pieces (which I think are better) get up there as well.

I am going to being preparing all my prices and doing a lot of changes to really prepare myself for potential wholesaling opportunities. I learned a lot recently about what really happens and want to make sure I will be prepared and as professional as possible. This is a huge task and will require a full inventory of all my items (which will be good for my upcoming shows) and I will really make sure all of my pieces are priced properly.

Have a great day!

- Morgan

NICE!

So I was featured in a lovely little treasury on etsy about warm colors - please take the time to check this wonder out :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=33193

I spent some time outside... and look what happened!!!

So I just got back from southern florida and I think being outside camping and getting some much needed sunshine - gave me some real motivation.

Langerado was pretty awesome minus the weather - see my other personal blog for more details

SOOOO I finally went outside and took pictures of some new items I have crafted this month. I think they came out pretty well and hope that they entice buyers ;)




I hope yall like it - let me know!!!

NEW ITEMS

Hey yall,

So I finally took some pictures last night and have a few items up in the store.

Here is the Purple Rain Bracelet - 55.00$ Amethyst, Pure Silver, Sterling Silver

And. Copper Karma Earrings - 15.00$ Copper and Glass

THANKS! I hope you like them ;)

MY FIRST FEATURE!!!!

WOW!!!!!

I am so excited I was featured on http://etsycafe.blogspot.com/ !!!!!!! check it out!

This is a really cool experience and hopefully people will get a look into what type of artist I am and what my aspirations are.
THANK YOU SOUL SISTER (click to get a look @ her website slash etsy store)

Here is a copy of the post:

KARMA 711

INTERVIEW WITH MORGAN CONSTANTINO FROM KARMA 711

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, personal stuff).

My name is Morgan Constantino, I live on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (born and raised!). I am 23 years old and just graduated from college this past May with a degree in Archaeology, minoring in Classical Studies and Religion. I chose "Karma" for my jewelry business name because it is an all too real concept to me and I feel that such a circular concept belongs naturally with jewelry. Pick out good jewelry (a good choice!) and you will in turn feel better and good things will happen!

Are you a full-time artist/crafter?

I am a full-time crafter. I had another job working at a beautiful bead store, but I realized I needed to focus more on myself as an artist and really focus on the business side of the business.


How long have you been in business?

I have officially been selling since October of 2007.

What percentage of your income is from "online" sales?

I would say I do about 10% is from online sales. I get most of my sales from personal visits or shows I have put on.

What can your customers look forward to for 2008?

A lot more variety and different styles. I have been working hard on getting my wire work up to a new level and have been experimenting a lot. I am self-taught so I am always looking to elevate my work. Also look for a lot more pure-silver pieces.

What do utilize most for INSPIRATION?

I love being outside, the colors and contrasts really help me put colors and designs together that - to me - seem naturally correct. I also get inspiration from my friends and family with their love and support.

How does being CREATIVE effective your life?

Being creative makes me feel like I am running a marathon in my mind, taking from the past 16 years of being in learning institutions, traveling, meeting new people, playing sports, and observing - enables me to tap into all that I know in my mind and produce interesting and one of a kind pieces.

What do you love most about what you make?

I love that it can really make someone's mood and attitude change when they find something I made that makes them feel beautiful.

Do you offer any services such as, wholesale, custom orders, swapping or bartering?

I offer wholesale, custom orders, and USPS Priority Mail shipping. I haven't swapped or bartered yet.

What advice can you share with other artists/crafters?

Keep going! Always take the time to try new things and to better yourself as an artist. I think it is really easy to get caught up doing something else, but to set aside time and make something is so rewarding for yourself and potentially (hopefully) for the person it ends up with.

If you had "studio elves" what job would you give them to do?

Haha. I wish I had them! Find all the little beads I have dropped and I would love if they made coffee.

Do you have studio tips on staying organized, and working efficiently?

Being organized is so important. My advice is be organized in a way that you know you can handle. Don't make it too complicated and always organize so that you can find just what you are looking for. I bought a few of the organizers with drawers from Lowes for smaller tools and screws, etc. They work wonderfully and I labeled all of them with my labeler. Everything in my studio I can pretty much get within reach. This makes me more effective and productive. I also bring my laptop and pop in good movies or series such as Arrested Development and the Office.

Please share why "buying/selling handmade" is important to you...

I love the idea of knowing that what I am making is different that a lot of pieces you see in stores. What I am making you will NOT see on everyone. I hand select my beads and findings and know that I am getting exactly what I want to make a variety of different pieces. I took the "Handmade Pledge" this holiday season and told everyone! I really did buy all handmade gifts OR made them myself. It was an important step for me, and the gifts all went over extremely well. People felt they were more personalized and original.

Besides creating & selling handmade goods, in what other areas of your life do strive to be 'independent, resourceful, & creative"?

As a recent college graduate, I am always looking to be independent, resourceful, and creative! My mind was just filled with knowledge about so many different things and I am beginning to really process what I know and how what I know shows through in my jewelry and in my life. ****come back to this one ****

Where would like to be in 10 years?

I would like to still be creating even if my business falls through. I would like to be married, maybe have a kid or two by then. I would like to be happy and healthy.

CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW AT KARMA 711! AND VISIT HER KARMA BLOG TO GET MORE AT AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE ARTIST & HER WARES....and buy gift certificates! :)

Read More...

Summary only...

oh photo

I am going to have a busy week!

I am leaving to go to Florida on Wednesday for the Langerado Music Festival near Ft. Lauderdale. I am working with my old job for a few hours each day to see a great line up of artists and to enjoy being outside in an Indian Reservation. I am really excited!!! In the words of my mother, "Morgan, is it going to be anything like Woodstock?" Well I don't know, I have never been to something like this before. Yea, I've been to concerts and etc - but not like this where you camp out and dance around.

AS for my store, I am going to take pictures today and finish up my artclay creations. I will hopefully get my pictures up (at least a few!) into my store before I leave for Florida.

I still have a partial SALE going on in my store AND I am offering FREE SHIPPING until the end of March... so a little incentive for those who might buy. I will try to post more photos later.

Have a great MONDAY!!!

My tribute to wire wrapped rings

If you have seen my work you know I enjoy wire wrapping. One of my favorite things to make is wire wrapped rings. I have been keeping my eye on the rings that are coming up on the treasury and wanted to give my virtual high-five to these cool rings I found...perfect for showing off your hands this spring

check it out


PS I have decided to keep some pieces on sale in my store and hope that yall get a chance to take advantage of the sale and the FREE SHIPPING until the end of MARCH!!!!! woohoo!

I am hopefully going to be putting up new pieces in the next week or two. SOOOO keep an eye out.

my tribute to blue!!

I made it into the Treasury West and made a treasury that is my tribute to the color blue!

check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=3099

Silver lining

So I worked with my artclay yesterday and made a few leaf rings and a few pendants, along with a few pieces I am going to use in a bracelet.

Mostly, I am just excited to be using the clay. One of my goals is to get really familiar with the art clay prior to getting my Level 1 certification later this spring. I am definitely going to use some liver of sulfur on the rings, to really bring out the veins of the leaves and etc.

I am going to finish polishing all the pieces and fix a few pieces from the past that were a little too thin but I still want to use in some necklace pieces.

My parents are getting ready to retire in a 5-10 years and just invested in a 38ft sailboat. So today we are taking the maiden voyage. I am really excited but also kinda nervous...I dont know when the last time my parents actually sailed. so this could be interesting. haha.

Have a great sunday :)

MARCH IS NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH!!!!

So it has just been brought to my attention that starting today, March 1st, is the start of National Craft Month!!!

I think this is fabulous and that us crafters should really take advantage of this. I am participating in a craft fair this month and am attending Langerado down in Florida (that is more for fun, but crafty none-the-less).

This is a great time to learn a new craft or take a class to make your craft of choice better...or to purchase something handcrafted! I think I'll do my best to do everything I just suggested :)


GOOD LUCK TO ALL CRAFTERS!!!!

Yay for Saturday!!!

I love the weekends!

Today I took my dogs to the beach and they got to run around in the water and sand without their leashes on...it was a really beautiful time and you couldn't help but smile just looking at them. They are so tired though because we jogged down there and then they sprinted all over the place. One of my spring time goals is to get them back in shape...they aren't puppies anymore!

I also got my a shipment of my artclay in this week so I am going to get going on that today. I have gotten a lot of requests for the leaf ring I made and sold on etsy a while ago. I do not know if I can do it exactly as I did before, but I am going to try. I loved that ring and even though I am really glad it sold, I miss it. It got a ton of compliments and people loved that it was actually really organic and made from a real leaf I found in my back yard. So thats what my plans are for this afternoon.

have a great weekend!!!