♥Baby Break♥

Our new addition (baby #2) is scheduled to arrive via csection on April 14th so I will be taking the next few days "off" to get some extra things done before heading to the hospital. My shops will remain open until tomorrow and then will also be put into vacation mode so be sure to grab those Easter and Mother's Day gifts. Thank you to everyone for your wonderful wishes and thoughts and I will be back to blogging and selling my handmade goodies as soon as we are settled in at home. Have a great couple of weeks!

♥Baby News♥

I can't believe he's almost here!  My shop will be in a short vacation mode beginning April 11th and running until the end of the month as we prepare for the arrival of our second child. If there is something you've had your eye on now is the time to grab it. Thanks for your understanding!

Deal of the Day for March 10!

Today take advantage of three different DEALS OF THE DAY!

In my Etsy Shop you can pick up this adorable Chef Charm Necklace for 1/2 price! That's just $4!

In my Artfire Studio you can stock up on scalloped circles today! Purchase 30 light blue scallops and get a bonus of 30 WHITE scallops. These beauties are great for making gift tags, price tags, scrapbooking, the possiblities are endless!

Last but not least be sure to stop by my Zibbet Studio where you can add a touch of colour to your spring wardrobe with these sensational purple tulip earrings for just $2!

March Madness Event!

It's time to ring in spring with 10 days and 10 great deals! Beginning March 7th and running through until March 17th I will be offering 10 amazing items, never before available, for SUPER low prices while quantities last! In addition each day will have it's own DEAL OF THE DAY, each day different with a deal that will never be repeated again! Stop by my Etsy, Artfire and Zibbet shops and let the madness begin!

Custom Order Inspiration!

I had a wonderful customer contact me the other day to create a pair of earrings and necklace to match the Purple Flower Memory Wire Bracelet that she wanted to order. I decided to do a cascade style necklace and she had requested a fairly long chain. I have created several of this style of necklace over the past year and every time I make one I remind myself that I need to make more (including one for myself!) I love the way that it turned out and the combination of purples creates such a rich and luxurious piece. We decided to go with a chunkier style chain and then she can shorten or lengthen it depending on her outfit. I'm definately feeling inspired by her order so watch for some more of this style of necklace to come soon!

Some New Goodies!

A bit of a progress report:
This has been a busy month with our bead supplies shop Rouge River Beads with customers stocking up after their holiday rushes and taking advantage of our sale that runs until Jan.31st. Aside from keeping up with that I must admit I haven't had much energy/ambition. I'm not sure if its the weather (it's been FREEZING here this month), the pregnancy or just a need for some rest but I haven't gotten through even half of my To Do List for the month. Yikes! I have, however, finally gotten to the key rings I have been planning on adding to my shop, a cute, fun and affordable gift for you or someone you love! Here's a sampling of some of the new goodies:

Be sure to stop by my Artfire, Etsy or Zibbet shops to check out the rest of my new additions!

Front Page Tags/Themes for the week of Jan8-14th

I'm so excited for Valentine's Day! My little guy and I have already started making cards and he is having a blast. It's so wonderful to see how his little mind puts everything together! Both Etsy and Artfire also have begun to introduce Valentine's themed front pages. Here are just some of the themes/tags that made it to their front pages over the past week:

Etsy:

• Sweeter than Honeycomb (honey, bee, honeybee, worker bee, edibles, vanilla, yellow, silver, jewellery, vintage, warm, honeycomb, beehive, warm tones, amber)
• Love Doubt in Peach (peach, salmon, pink, love, romance, doubt, heart, valentine)
• Wedding at the Big Top (wedding, circus, big top, love, mustard, pinwheels, blue, pink, orange, yellow, circus theme wedding, romance, fun, cotton candy, carnival, spring, destination wedding)
• Old School Style (vintage, school, schoolhouse, librarian, library, book, student, office, mad men, mid century modern, nerd, geek chic, black white, turquoise)
• New Years Resolutions No.3 (lemon, cherry, kitchen, decorate, aqua, red, yellow)
• Strawberry Bubblegum (cotton candy, romance, valentine, pastel, flowers, love, necklace, valentines)
• Blush (blush, peach, pink, valentine's day, love, romance, bows, ruffles, lace, sparkle, jewelry)
• Dark Romance (garnet, valentine, hearts, gray, fashion, jewelry, art, romance, romantic, necklace, black, flower, accessories, candy, love, red, valentine's day)
• Almost Monochrome (retro, vintage, ecru, gray, grey, mid century, cream, rustic, mediterranean, dazzling, old, rusty, dry leaves, taste test, luster, bird, wheels, beige,swing)
• Reds and Yellows (valentines, honeybees, honey, red, brick, mustard, yellow, spring, celebrations)
• Warm and Rustic (warm, rustic, country, primitive, neutral, brown, beige, winter)
• Cozy Valentine (love, jewelry, valentine, red, pink, white, warm, handmade, knit, art, romantic, heart)
• Love is All Around Us (love, Valentine's Day, valentine, romantic, red, kiss, romance, elegant, art)
• Lovely Turquoise
• Denim, Sunshine and Cherry Red (denim, blue, red, cherry, apple, yellow, sunshine, canary, warm, spring, light, triad, playful)
• Forbidden Love (love, romance, red, contrast, forbidden, valentine, dream, apple, blood red)
• A Taste of Honey (honey, amber, taste of honey, beeswax candles, honeybees)

Artfire

• Artfire Red Hot and Full Steam Ahead
• Taupe is on the Move
• Reds and Pinks for Your Valentine
• Valentine's Goodies For the One You Love
• The Freshness of Salmon in Our Lives
• African Safari on Artfire
• Richness
• Caramel and Apples- a Luxe Collection
• Silver with Mellow Yellow
• Spice Market- Saffron
• It's Winter but Dreaming of Spring
• They Call me Mellow Yellow
• Aqua Shades
• Turquoise and Copper
• My Pink Romance
• Only Hearts
• Excuse Me, Do You Have the Time?

2011 Game Plan...Progress Report

I can hardly believe how the month is flying by...just wish I could say the same for this pregnancy! I must have been fighting a bug this month because I have had several days where all I could do is rest. Thank you thank you to my little dude for being such a wonderful Mommy's helper and keeping himself busy and giving me lots of hugs and kisses to make me feel better. He has also started to refer to the baby as "MY baby" which I think might be a good sign of things to come and hopefully he won't feel too jealous.

On the business end of things despite almost four lost days of work I actually feel quite productive. Having a list of goals/tasks definatley helps me to stay on track and I was able to look at each day (including the ones I missed when I wasn't feeling well) and prioritize what needed to be done. Over at Rouge River Beads, the supplies shop I run with my mom, our January Winter Warm Up Sale continues. I put relisting, listing and making packages top on the list there and we seem to have had a steady flow of visitors looking to replenish their beads and findings after the holiday rush. As for Kawartha Beads, I also have been busy stocking up on supplies and looking for some new, cute charms to add to my collection. They should be here any day and I can't wait to add some new treasures to my shops. I also stocked up on some new paper goodies and can't wait to try out the ideas I have swimming around in my head! I have made several shops additions to my Artfire, Etsy and Zibbet shops. My goal by month's end was to have 100 listing in my Artfire studio and I almost there! There is always much discussion in the forums as to the "magic" 100 but I feel that is a good number to try and maintain and will give me a lot of stock to get rolling again once baby #2 arrives. Should be interesting to see how the later part of the month turns out!

2011 Game Plan

I can hardly believe that 2011 has arrived! I hope that everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday season and now...back to the grind! With only a few months left before baby #2 arrives I'm trying to get organized and make a game plan for 2011.

I started first by reviewing my 2010 year. I was actually pretty happy with how things turned out. In total I made 66 online sales between my Artfire, Etsy, and Zibbet shops. I'm hoping by the end of 2011 to be able to say that I doubled my online sales. By far my best seller was this adorable Crafty Gal Scissor Charm Necklace which sold well both online and off. I have been scouring suppliers the past few days looking for some new cute charms to add to my collection. I would also like to add earrings and keychains in the next couple of months. Instead of making one necklace at a time (if I know they are a good seller) I am now making multiples and packaging them up so they are ready to ship right away. Since I am planning on putting my shop in vacation mode in the middle of April and hoping to reopen in June I'm trying to get as many of my "ducks in a row" before then (here's hoping at least).

I also have made a day to day list for product creation, photography, listing, twittering and blogging to try and keep myself on track and organized. So far I completed almost everything on yesterdays list and the couple of remaining items I moved to the next day. I had "scheduled" myself a couple of days off or catch up days in case I don't complete items and if I do then I get to reward myself with a day of rest and relaxation (well as much as is possible with an energetic toddler at home).

Last but not least my mom and I have been making a plan for Rouge River Beads for 2011 as well. We have some great plans for new shop additions, have set up a bit of a marketing plan and with her living so close by now things are definately progressing well.

What are your plans for 2011? How do you handle business and multiple children? I would love to hear any advice/tips! Wishing everyone a fabulous year ahead!

Winter Warm Up Bead Sale!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Mine was definately exciting, with my little dude actually understanding the festivities this year. He is now a present unwrapping pro! I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

♥We are having a sale in our beading supplies shop! Nothing makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on a cold winter's day than NEW BEADS...the only thing better....BEADS ON SALE! Warm up with 10% off EVERYTHING in shop now until January 31st. Stop by our Etsy, Artfire or Zibbet studios to take advantage of this Winter Warm Up Sale♥

Last Minute Holiday Sales....

With only 10 more days until Christmas Eve the holiday season has flown by. Since I'm in Canada the shipping deadlines for arrival by Christmas have passed so does that mean no more sales for the season? No way!

There are plenty of opportunities to snag some last minute shoppers. I have loaded up my own "bucket" with product that I have left from my previous craft shows and have it ready to go EVERYWHERE with me whether it be to Xmas lunch with a friend, to work at the restaurant, or play group with other mommies. Everything is priced and I have an inventory sheet of what the bucket contains. There is always someone in need of a last minute gift for family, a friend, a hostess gift for a party and of course, the majority of the male population that I know has yet to even START any shopping. As an added bonus I've told the guys at work that I will even gift wrap any of their purchases if they would like me to.

 So grab yourself a pretty little "bucket" (I got mine from my local dollar store) because you never know who still needs some of your wonderful holiday goodies!

PS. Now is also a great time to snag Project Wonderful ad spaces. I have two free ones at the top right corner of Kawartha Beads blog and I have found oodles of other blogs with free or low cost ad options right now. It's a great time to gain some extra exposure and get your shop name out there.

Shop in Vacation Mode Dec 6-7

December already! I can't believe how the time flies. In addition to the normal busy days we have been working at getting the Christmas lights up, house decorations out and of course decorating gingerbread men! Not exactly a masterpiece but I let my little guy have creative licence to do whatever he wanted and he had a blast...might I add mommy snuck one for a snack last night and they are delicious!

Just a quick note that my Etsy, Artfire and Zibbet shops will go into vacation mode around noon on Monday December 6th for a home party. I will reopen sometime on Tuesday December 7th with whatever inventory I have left! If you've had your eye on something now is the time to grab it. Also a reminder that next week is the shipping cutoff for Christmas delivery for packages going to the United States from Canada.

Hope everyone is having a safe and happy holiday season so far!

Calling All Bargain Hunters!

The Tradeaholics Team $5 SALE has begun! If you are still looking for that perfect holiday gift (or maybe a special treat for yourself) be sure to check out these amazing deals. You can find lots of great deals in my own Etsy shop by typing TRADE5 or check out a full selection of handmade delights here. If you prefer to shop on Artfire or Zibbet I have also added a special SALE section in each of my shops there. Happy shopping!

Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Kawartha Beads!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and visited me at the Moose Lodge show over the weekend. For those of you shopping online please note the following shipping deadlines for Kawartha Beads:

♥Within Canada: December 11th, 2010
♥To the U.S.: December 8th, 2010
♥International: November 29th, 2010

If you are local to the Lindsay area I am willing to hand deliver your goodies up until the week of Christmas. Another note, my shops will be in vacation mode on Monday December 6th until sometime on Tuesday December 7th for a home party. If there is something you have your eye on be sure to snatch it up before then!

Shop will be in Vacation Mode Nov19-21

If you are in the Lindsay area on Saturday I hope you will join me at the Moose Lodge from 9-2 for the Christmas Crafts & Collectibles Show. As a result of the show my Etsy, Artfire and Zibbet shops will be in vacation mode from noon EST on Friday Nov.19th through Sunday Nov.21st. If you have had your eye on something from my online shops be sure to snatch it up before the weekend!

Special Announcement from our Rouge River Beads Supply Shop

Rouge River Beads shipping headquarters will be moving this weekend! All orders placed by noon EST on 11/10/10 will be shipped that day. Our Etsy, Artfire, Zibbet and .com will remain OPEN FOR ORDERS during moving. Any orders placed after noon on Thursday through Monday will be shipped on 16/10/10. We hope to resume normal shipping on Tuesday. Thanks for your understanding!

Getting your Business Ready for the Holiday Season

Wow....November already! How time flies when you are having fun! With the busy holiday season now upon us I have been working hard to get my business organized, have you? Here are a couple of tips that I have gathered that will hopefully help you survive the flurry!

• Make a list- I made a list day by day for the entire month of November of what I would like to accomplish including # of products in my inventory, updating tags in my shop, listings, shopping needs, blog updates and promotion and even the housework and some fun family events. Some people don't work well off of lists but I feel it will help me to stay focused and not spend time doing things that aren't as productive as I'd like.
• Stock up on supplies for products AND shipping NOW!- I have all of the supplies either here or on their way that I think I will need to get me through the end of the month. I also stocked up on envelopes, tissue paper, customs forms, etc so that I am ready to ship and don't have to spend time running out to get these items in order to send a parcel. With the postal system already at its peek I want to make sure every package gets out asap!
• Take some time every day to relax- Yep, that's right, relax! I know that it seems hard to do but whether it be a nice long shower, relaxing with a magazine or in my case having a power snooze when my toddler naps you will feel more energized and motivated than pushing through it and getting burned out.
• Ask for help- If you can't afford to hire someone to help out then suggest to a friend or family member that you will "pay" them in product if they can come and help you for a couple of hours. Have them put return addresses on envelopes, help you package your products, pick up some things from the grocery store or maybe just keep your little ones company so that you can get some extra things accomplished. 
• Remember to have fun!

Ad Space Giveaway! Promote your business this holiday season!

It's time again for an ad space giveaway! If you are a frequent reader (or a new one) you may have noticed the button on the right hand side currently occupied by the totally awesome Azie Designs, winner of our last ad space giveaway.

Now the space is up for grabs and heading into the busy holiday season this is a great chance to WIN free ad space for your shop or your blog. The winner will receive a 125x125 ad space for the month of November AND a featured artisan interview post because we would love to learn more about you! Here's how you can win (please leave a seperate comment for each entry)

•MANDATORY ENTRY: Become a follower of this blog (or if you are already a follower please feel free to leave a comment reminding us!)

Additional Entries:
•Follow Kawartha Beads on twitter

•Tweet this giveaway and leave me the link

•Heart Kawartha Beads Etsy Shop

•Tell me your favourite Kawartha Beads product

Giveaway ends Sunday October 26th at 11:59pm EST. Please make sure your shop/blog is family friendly in order to be eligible to win and please make sure you leave me a way to contact you! Good luck!

SALE! All Paper Goodies just $1!

Now is your chance to stock up and save! All Paper Goodies including punches, scallops, and gift tags are just $1 until October 31st in my Etsy, Artfire and Zibbet shops.

It's Craft Show Season: Some useful reading!

Craft show season is now in full swing and I've recently had several emails from fellow artisans with questions regarding shows. I am by no means an expert and everyone will have a different experience but they are a great way to get your work out in the public and see people's reactions. Here are a couple of links to get you started in your craft show preparation:

• My Experience at the Indoor Yard Sale
• Doing a Craft Show for the First Time? What they don't tell you... (Etsy forum thread by monkeysalwayslook)
• PIXIE DUST FOR EVERYBODY!! The ULTIMATE Craft Show Guide! (Etsy forum thread by PromoPixie)

What tips/tricks do you find useful for craft shows? How do you promote your upcoming shows? Tis the season!