Your Handmade Business and Etsy

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The world has changed so much with technology and the internet compared to when I was a kid (my children cannot believe there was no such thing as internet then!) I remember travelling to craft shows with my mom and that was how you sold your handmade creations back then. Nowadays there are many selling platforms available online for those who want to sell their craft and Etsy is definatley at the forefront. For those of you who haven't explored this amazing marketplace,  Etsy was launched in 2005 as an ecommerce site for handmade and vintage items as well as supplies. While it has changed and grown over the years I personally still find it extremely user friendly and economical to list on. There are tons of great resources out there for those looking to start or grow their own Etsy shop.

 In my recent post Looking Ahead in 2019 I mentioned that I wanted to refocus on my products in my Etsy shop. While great products, appealing pictures and good use of tags (words that people use to find your items) are essential I have found that adding more products translates to more sales. Makes sense right? In previous years I have had as many as almost 200 items listed and if I'm really serious about focusing on continued growth for Kawartha Beads (which I am!) then I would like to get back to that number. While this tactic may not prove true for everyone or even attainable, it is something that I KNOW works for me. Additionally, in the early days of Kawartha Beads I wrote a series of posts Etsy Shop Blog Series and I went back and reread those articles and most of that information still holds true today plus it made me take a look at my shop through beginner eyes again vs. those of someone who has been selling there for almost a decade.

I mean seriously when was the last time I went through and reviewed what tags were on my products? Do my products have more than one picture? I changed how I present my products several years ago and as I went through my listings I noticed that many of them do not have a picture of the new cards I put my products on. Something to add to the to-do list. Watch for my Etsy shop check-in in the weeks to come!

Stretching My Creative Muscles: New Product Line Coming Soon

For those of you who follow my Facebook page you may have seen some of the gifts I made over the holiday season. Lets face it after almost a decade in business most of my friends and family have plenty of charming creations but I still like to create something new and special for them for Christmas and it gives me the opportunity to stretch my creative muscles so to speak and try something different.

I dabbled with some burlap gift bags the previous holiday season then  a tshirt last spring for a coworker who was leaving and then I wanted a table runner for myself and lastly the gifts I made for my friends and family this December.

 I found that I loved the different creative expression that it has given me and while there are plenty of materials I could experiment with I have found that I am drawn to burlap and textiles.

There has been such an overwhelming response to these pieces that I am thrilled to announce I am working on some burlap table centrepieces and runners to become regular additions to the Kawartha Beads product offerings. Stay tuned to see the final products soon!

Looking Ahead in 2019

It's hard to believe that we are already almost half way through the first month of 2019! The Christmas decorations are finally away and as the kids are back in school so it's time to think about what the year ahead holds for Kawartha Beads!

I am happy with the regrowth of my business in 2018. After taking time off to get life in order it was great to get back to creating and reinforced that for this year I want Kawartha Beads to grow to the next level so here are my goals....hopefully my loyal fans will help keep me accountable!

1) My Etsy Shop

I have been a part of Etsy since 2010 and while it has grown and changed a lot it continues to be a great selling platform. Over the past decade I typically hover around the 100 listings mark. That's a pretty good variety of items but to take it to the next level I would like to challenge myself to get to AT LEAST 200 items although closer to 500 would be ideal. 

2) Retail Opportunities
I have had the pleasure of working with many great businesses over the years selling wholesale, through commissioned opportunities and through renting booth space. I'm exploring all 3 options for the current calendar year.

3) Craft Shows/Markets
The craft show scene is one area I have never quite mastered. The shows I choose just never seem to be well attended and while I usually cover my table fee and expenses for the day they do not tend to be a great money maker. I do however, try to use each show as a learning opportunity. It is a great chance to actually get my products out on display, interact with people and see what they are looking at and interested in in person and to make other contacts in the craft business. I am going to try and do several shows in 2019 and hopefully I land on afew that are a good fit for Kawartha Beads.

4) Amazon Handmade
Amazon launched its handmade category in 2015 on its .com and has expanded in recent years to include other marketplaces...such as .ca. Amazon handmade is juried, meaning not everyone can join, you have to apply with your products and be accepted. Kawartha Beads was lucky enough to be involved very early in the process and while I didn't have a huge response with the .com since the Canadian version has launched it is an area that deserves more focus. I am currently working on sending all of my items to FBA meaning that Amazon will fulfill my orders for me and they can be part of Prime, etc. I will delve more into this in a future post. 

5) Home Parties
In the very early days of Kawartha Beads I did a ton of home parties and it is an aspect of my business that I greatly miss. Home parties are intimate and a great opportunity to truly interact with your customers. I have done lunch hour parties where I set up in the break room, porch parties where I set up on a beautiful after on the porch and evening parties. For the year ahead I definitely want to relaunch home parties. If you would like to be a hostess feel free to message me on Facebook to discuss!

6) Blogging
Last but not least this blog! I want to commit to write at least one post a week for the remainder of the year sharing with you not only my journey but a breakdown of all of the above topics in greater detail, new products, crafty business tips, ways to organize your workspace, some of my favourite crafty things and more! What would you like me to write more about? Stop by the Kawartha Beads Facebook page and leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Custom Creations for Christmas

This holiday season certainly has kept me hopping! I always love to create custom pieces and this year I have made lots of incredible goodies. Heres just a sampling...

Always a pleasure to handstamp those hard to find terms of endearment such as Nano, Gigi or Gima

The recipient of this order wanted to add some bead bling to jazz up her pieces.

So many different variations for the men in our lives as well. They all seem to like hockey though!

While I am closed for the season to custom pieces theres a whole new year and plenty of ideas waiting!

Winter Blues Sale Now On!

A Thanksgiving Celebration

The Canadian Thanksgiving weekend will be upon us shortly. While it reminds me that summer is behind us and snow is on the horizon I just love all of the beautiful decor, luxurious colours and of course delicious food associated with this time of year. Below find a collection of some of my fav's and be sure to stop by these amazing businesses and pages to find out more!

 

Top Left: Pammett's Flower Shop

Top Right: Locket and Load It

Bottom Left: Sarita Baby

Bottom Right: Delmar Creations

Now on Pinterest (I know finally!)

 Kawartha Beads is finally on Pinterest! I hope you will follow along with our great new products as well as some of the other fun ideas we find along the way!

Visit Kawartha Beads 's profile on Pinterest.

Now Open in Kirkfield- Off the Wall Crafts and More

Holiday Happenings in Woodville

Get your Delmar Creations...upcoming show info

Are you looking for a chance to check out the beautiful products of Delmar Creations? Here's your chance! Visit her at one of the following events, or she is always open in her Etsy shop!

Saturday November 16th from 10-2
The Village of Taunton Mills
3800 Brock Street North (south of Taunton, west side)
WHITBY
Great show with lots of vendors, bake room and wonderful products for their raffle.

Annual Craft Open House
Includes a selection from Delmar Creations, Kawartha Beads and Silpada
Thursday November 21 from 7-9
Friday November 22 from 7-9
Saturday November 23rd from 1130-4
Sunday November 24th from 11-3
Contact Delmar Creations here for location information.

Kawartha Beads Holiday Deadlines

Hard to believe it but Christmas is right around the corner! If you are looking for a Kawartha Beads treasure to give this holiday season please keep in mind the following shipping deadlines to ensure your goodies arrive in time for Christmas:

International shipping cutoff date: November 22nd
Canada and US order deadline: December 9th
My Etsy shop will be in vacation mode beginning December 9th until December 26th
Local deliveries: December 20th

Please note that if you order through a Kawartha Beads consultant their order deadlines may vary from those above so be sure to contact them directly.

Have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for shopping small business handmade!

October Dates to Remember

Happy October! Lots of great events coming up this month, not just for Kawartha Beads but many other small businesses. Take a peek at all of the amazing things to do!

October 5th- Craft Sale to benefit Seniors Greeting in Cannington from 10-3
October 5th- Find Your Voice in Cobourg
October 6th- A Chill in the Air- Autumn Portrait Sessions by Ashley Tough Photography to be held at Heart N Soul Gifts in Lindsay
October 6th- Scentsy Fall Party at the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre from 130-4
October 12th- The Pink Diamond Event in Newmarket
October 16th- Kawartha Beads deliveries to Peterborough consultant
October 19th- Lindsay Cadet Core craft sale at the Victoria Park Armoury in Lindsay.
October 22nd- Ladies Night at The Grand in Lindsay from 7-9. Featuring the handmade products of Kawartha Beads, Piper Rose 
October 26th- Christmas in the Village handmade craft sale in Enfield from 10-3.
October 31st- Vape-O End of Summer Buy More Save More event ends
November 2nd- Winter Shopping Wonderland in Oakwood from 10-2.

Vendor Call for Winter Shopping Wonderland in Oakwood

WANTED: Vendors for "Winter Shopping Wonderland" Event on Saturday November 2nd at Mariposa Hall (1010 Eldon Rd, Oakwood-same parking lot as Oakwood arena).
Doors are open to the public 10am-2pm
Doors open for vendors at 830am for setup.
Event details include: visit from Santa at 1130, free hot chocolate to all, free shopping bags to the first 25 adult shoppers, donations accepted for the Toy Drive to support the Oakwood Fire Department. PLUS a one stop shopping day for people to get their holiday gifts ordered/purchased!
Vendor details: a flyer will be done up (including vendor logos) and emailed to distribute, facebook event, advertising in Lindsay This Week, advertising on the big light up sign at the 4 corners of hwy 7 and Eldon Rd, flyers distributed in Lindsay, Oakwood and Little Britain.
Table size 8 foot. Table cost $20

To book your table contact Gina today!

September Dates to Remember

Welcome to the new monthly feature "Dates to Remember" full of reminders and upcoming events. These will be not just for Kawartha Beads but also for other handmade and mompreneur businesses, as well as a variety of events across Ontario. Have an event to add? Email your details to kawarthabeads@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook.

September 8th- Anyone wanting their Kawartha Beads order included in Tuesdays deliveries needs to have their orders in by 9pm
September 10th- Kawartha Beads deliveries to Peterborough and Port Hope including items heading to Melissa's Bowtique
September 13th- 30 Craft Market's Fabulous Friday Fair in the Peterborough Library's main branch (auditorium) from noon-7pm. Something for everyone on every budget. Razberry will be making balloon characters from 3-6pm. Free admission, wheelchair accessible.
September 15th- Last day to place your Pampered Chef order with consultant Christine to receive your FREE Mini Serving Spatula
September 17th- Log Cabin Blanket Class at Aberdeen's Wool Company from 7-9pm.
September 20th- Last day to book vendor tables for Seniors Greeting Fundraising event.
September 20th- Pre-Sale cutoff for Halloween tutu orders at Melissa's Bowtique.
September 29th- Peterborough Mom2Mom Sale from 2-5 at the Morrow building (behing the Memorial Centre) 151 Lansdowne St. West.

Melissa's Bowtique now open in Port Hope

Melissa's Bowtique, specializing in fashionable and affordable clothing and accessories for boys and girls, opened today (August 1st) at 18 Ontario Street in Port Hope. This new storefront location houses all 3 of Melissa's popular lines Melissa's Bowtique, Hair Candy Couture, and Sugar & Snails as well as a selection from several other artisans including Kawartha Beads.

Store hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 12-4.

Check out this fun event July 27th!

Now Available at A Perfect Dream Bridal Boutique

I'm thrilled to announce that brides can now find a selection of Kawartha Beads products at A Perfect Dream Bridal Boutique in Oshawa. The store is located at 369 King Street and you can visit their website here.

Currently in stock are Bride and Bridal Party necklaces, bouquet blings, a selection of earrings and hair accessories. If there is something specific from Kawartha Beads that you are looking for just let me know and I will be sure to get it to the boutique for you!

Summer vacation fun!

Today the girls from down the street came to play "jewellery store" with my little guy. They were so proud of their creations I just had to share! Hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer vacation!

Customer Appreciation Sale at Parkadilly!

Parkadilly is celebrating with a Customer Appreciation Sale! Whether you are already a fan or have yet to discover this talented artisan you will want to stop by her Facebook page to learn more about her journey. Discover Parkadilly.

Visit Kawartha Beads at the Enfield Craft Show

Come on out and visit Kawartha Beads at the Enfield Craft Show this Sunday June 23rd from 10-3. Just minutes north of Oshawa. Hope to see you there!