March Round Up

This month saw insanely beautiful weather (not great for being productive), almost a week with spuradic internet, a bout with the flu (mommy, daddy and kiddos) AND two bday parties and March Break visits. Whew!  In case you missed it here is a link to my February round up so you can see what I was hoping to accomplish.

I did manage to get out for another meeting with the crafty gals of Kawartha Lakes Artisans, Vintage&Collectibles group.  I feel like we were super productive in setting up a game plan for the year and look forward to seeing all of these wonderful artisans business grow!

 

I managed to maintain 160 listings in my Etsy Shop for most of March although I am slightly under that number at the moment. I had several items expire that I no longer wish to renew and a couple of unexpected sales surges (although I'm not complaining) for which I haven't had a chance to create new inventory for.

March was a busy month with online sales as follows:

Total number of sales for March 2012: 33

Total number of sales for March 2011:7

I have also been actively trying to grow my sales through offline means as well including Facebook and my travelling jewellery bucket which was well received this month! Last but not least....the paperwork fairy did not arrive to take care of the paperwork for me but I did manage to get it all done...note to self...try to stay on top of it this year (yeah right!)

Looking ahead to April....
Sure to be a busy month! I have a table for Kawartha Beads at the Mom to Mom Sale, a jewellery party for a book club the following week, I'm sending the jewellery bucket back out near the end of the month (in time for some Mother's Day shopping), I need to restock my Etsy shop and I'm hoping to maintain 175 listings for this month. If I have any time left at all I still have a very special birthday party to throw (my little guy will be 1) AND of course the fun part....seeking out my next batch of charms to add to the collection.

What do you have planned for the month ahead?

5 Links Worth Reading

Wow how the week flew by! Lots on the go but in a good way! Here's this week's links worth checking out:

• DIY: Easter Bunny Bottle (SO CUTE!)
• How to Make and Use a Light Box to Improve your Product Photography (as a side note to this article they show some pretty fancy lamps, I just use a normal table lamp with a normal bulb although I know that switching out the lightbulb will give a different effect. If you are on a budget start with just the basics and use whatever lamp you have on hand, you will still see a big difference in your photos)
• Top 40 LOW BUDGET Advertising and Promotion Ideas for Etsy Sellers
• Bridesmaid on a Budget
• Doing a Craft Show for the First Time? What they don't tell you....

My Newest Treasury: Steel Magnolia

Local Artisan Moxy & Toots to Exhibit at Spring One of a Kind Show

The Spring One of a Kind Show and Sale 2012 will take place at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto from March 28-April 1. Making her debut in the Rising Stars Section of the show (booth 0-28) is local artisan Adrienne of Moxy & Toots. Her lovable collection of stuffed monsters and other critters are sure to delight young and old alike!

Visit the Moxy and Toots Facebook page to get a coupon for a discount on tickets, and to enter a draw to win a very special spring monster!

5 Links Worth Reading for Your Crafty Business

Here are this week's links worth reading to help you develop and grow your crafty business. Did you find any interesting articles this week? Feel free to add them in a comment below. I'd love to check them out!

• Get Found: Canadian Edition
• Are You Focused On What You Want?
• Should You Sell at Craft Fairs?
• 8 Steps to Turn your Passion into a Successful Business
• Ten Minute Miracle Social Networking

Treasury Inclusion: Day at the Beach

5 Links Worth Reading for Your Crafty Business

Here are a few articles that if you have some spare time this week may help your business in its journey.

•  From Etsy's Merchandising Desk: March 2012
• Tips for Getting Your Etsy Treasury on the Front Page
• Make It Happen from IndieBizChicks
• Running a Business versus Pursuing a Hobby
• Etsy Sellers Meme- What They Think I do (I originally saw this on Facebook and it made me laugh my butt off!!!)
  

New Treasury Feature: Sweet Lavender

Thank you so much to Aline for including me in this sensational treasury!

February Round Up

Despite it being a leap year this year February flew by! In case you missed it here is a link to my January round up so you can see how my 2012 year began! Here's a recap of my February endeavours!

This month I was thrilled to get out and meet some new crafty gals through the Kawartha Lakes Artisans, Vintage&Collectibles group.  It is always nice to meet fellow artisans in the community and I'm excited to work with these talented individuals to grow not only our own small businesses but the handmade scene in our community.
My goal for the month was to get to 160 listings in my Etsy shop (that was my own personal "magic number") and I made it! Since some items are one of a kind (and sold...woo-hoo) it also encouraged me to keep making new items. I'm hoping to maintain that number throughout the month of March and add a couple of new products every week. I had noticed last year that once I maintained approx. 120 items in my shop sales were much steadier. Whether I appear more frequently in search results, have a wider variety of items for shoppers to choose from, or a combination of those factors (and others I'm sure) it is always nice to see that "Congratulations you have a sale" notification more and more frequently. Let's hope that every month continues to show such a good growth over the previous year!


I am proud to say that not only did I see an increase over last years sales numbers for the month I also saw an increase in sales over January of this year. Since some of my Reserved Listings were for multiple items the numbers below are conservative.

Total number of sales for February 2012:  15

Total number of sales for February 2011: 13

January also saw me place my first order for bulk supplies and I am now able to offer both miniature bookmarks and keyrings as wholesale items or bulk buys (such as wedding or shower favours). I also have a massive stockpile of envelopes on hand and am ready to tackle the year and continue to expand.

Looking ahead to March....
Goals for March include maintaining my 160 shop listings, prepare for some off line events in April (including the Mom to Mom sale, revival of my travelling jewellery party and a home party for a ladies book club). I am reloading my Artfire studio as well which is in desperate need of some attention. Last but not least....finishing off 2011's paperwork for the taxman. Ugh, how I wish the paperwork fairy would come while I am beading and do it for me!!!

What do you have planned for the month ahead?