Shop News

It has been a crazy busy week at Additionsstyle.etsy.com.

It was my one year Etsy Anniversary on Tuesday and I want to thank everyone who checked out my shop and wished me a Happy Etsy Anniversary!

Because of my anniversary this past week I had a one day sale that required changing all my prices and changing them back, making for a busy couple of days. When that sale was done I put several item were on sale, so right now there is a large selection of pieces at 15% off.

I Also completed a large wholesale order this week, packed up, and shipped out. I am glad to have that off my plate, and very excited about having a new account.

Over at 1000 Market, I changed my header, and put my items in to categories for easy searching. They have done wonderful new things at the 1000 Market site, its worth a look.

In the coming weeks I am going to be building my inventory for shows I have coming up, and for the holidays. You can check out new items I will be adding to my Etsy shop all week.

I wish everyone a good selling week!

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A Quick Glance

My goal for redesigning my blog is to have a place where we can find inspiration, let our creative juices flow, and grow our creative businesses. I will be trying to post everyday, and each day their will be new ideas to be inspired.

Some regular features:

Ideas for a Creative Business

Photo’s to Inspire – Inspiring photos from Flicker

Artist to know – past and present, including artist interviews

Awaken your Creativity – journal prompts and creativity projects

Explore – featuring fun DIY projects, recipes, and fun things to do with family and friends

Shared Inspiration – a post with comments and ideas you share with me

Shop News – info on what’s happening in my shops, new items, sales, and special deals

Creative Happenings – a roundup of blogs, websites, books, magazines, and other creative places to visit

This is a sampling of what you have to look forward to on the new Additions Style Blog. Bookmark this page, follow this blog, it’s time to let our creative spirit soar!

Have any ideas you want to share? Want to be a guest writer? Please contact me!

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Trying Something New

When I started working with the washers I was very inspired. I loved the way they looked, and the fact that they were a geometric shape. I have really pushed myself to try to come up with new and interesting things I can do to the washers, by adding texture, color, and changing the shape.

Well I have come up with another new idea, and I want to hear your feedback, If you like the idea or not. Feedback is important when designing to help you can create the best possible product.

Leave me a comment tell me what you think.

If you have a product you would like feedback on, let me know. We can all learn from each other, and that's why I value your opinion, and will share mine if you would like.

Both pieces are available in my Etsy Shop.

This Week

One of my favorite pieces is featured on My Shopping Connection - Cutting Edge Fall Fashion from New and Indie Designers Feature. Stop by check it out, there are some cool designers and pieces featured.

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Last Minute Show

I am off to Minneapolis, MN today to see my family and pick up my teenage daughter and her friend who have been hanging out with Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie for the last week.

In the past I did a home show at my sisters in Minneapolis every year when I first started making Jewelry, and I have a following there. Well in the last 5 years or so I have only been there twice. So when I dropped off my daughter my sister and I decided to do a quick impromptu showing of all my both my Additions Collection and my V.Design Sterling Silver Collection.

We are only going to do it for three hours and no displays, just digging through boxes and hanging out with friends.

What a great response. I have several people who have already confirmed they are coming and most of the people we talked to were very excited about the idea.

So I packed up one box and I am off to do a quick show. I am looking forward to a great day. Tell you all about it tomorrow.

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Blog Update

I am starting to work on changes I am going to make with my blog and its focus. I am doing some reading and gathering information, so I can create a better blog experience for everyone who visits.

I have added a newsletter, you can sign up in the box on the side bar. I will be sending it about every 6 - 8 weeks, sharing whats going on in my shops, special offers, fashion tips, and happenings on my blog. Please take a moment and sign up. You can also subscribe to my RSS Feed as well.

You will also notice some advertising on the side bar, I have added some space for Project Wonderful ads to help support other artists online, and Amazon.com advertising for cool new products, magazines, and book that I have read and recommend. Take look.

I hope to start making small changes in the next two weeks, so stop back often, soon it will be a whole new blog experience.

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Once I Start it's Hard to Stop

I have been sewing for the last week and it has been great. I forgot how much I enjoy sitting at my machine and creating cool garments. Fun stuff I will be able to wear all summer.

I got my daughter to start a project of her own, so we can work together. I bought a new sewing machine a couple of years ago and now she uses my old one and we can sew at the same time.

So far I have made a skirt, a pair of pants, a top, and a jacket. I hope to get some new projects cut out by this weekend, so I can start some new items next week. I have to watch myself tho, because I know I can get sucked in and spend the summer sewing and not working or making jewelry.

I guess I am going to have to make a schedule so I don't neglect anything. I am going to be doing some changes to my blog in the near future and starting a new project that I will share with you before the month is over.

I am going to try to keep myself focused, so my sewing project don't take over, I still have to try to make some money this summer.

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A New Project

I am taking my own advice today and I am going to step out of my box start a new project.

I am going to do some sewing this week. I need a few items to get me through the summer months so I have decided to make them. Its always fun to do different things, and I am looking forward to having some new clothes.




Here is some of the cool fabric I have purchased over the last few weeks and now its time to get started. I will be adding a lot of color to my drab black and navy wardrobe with these bright colored linen fabrics.

This is also a fun project to do with my teenage daughter and something she actually likes to do with me. So off to have some fun.

Do you have plans to try something different this summer?

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Working Hard

It is so beautiful this time of year when the trees and the flowers are blooming, the air is clean and crisp, and the sun shines high in the sky. But some days I miss all that because I work in my basement with no windows.

Sometimes I take my laptop outside to work, but then I spend all day on my computer and I don't create anything. Its such a dilemma trying to work it all out and still enjoy this time of year.

Well today I have decided to work for a while and then I am going to go and sit on the deck. I hope you find a way to enjoy your day too!

Do you work 7 days a week?

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It Feels Christmas

I love to get packages in the mail, and today I received this package (above photo) from my sister. As you can see she is doing her part, and recycling.

The packaging made it feel like I was getting a Christmas present and inside the most wonder hardware in a variety of colors and shapes. Opening the package made it feel like Christmas all over again. Every little package I opened was better then the first, and there were so many cool things that I can't wait to start creating!

My head is spinning with new ideas so be on the look out for cool new stuff coming soon!!

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Business Tip Tuesday - Tracking Time

I was in the Etsy Forums last week and read a great post from Flyingbuttons about creating a marketing calendar. It's a quick read so check it out.

Tracking what you are doing to market your shop, is a great way to see trends that effect our business. It's a way to see what marketing efforts are effective and what are not, as well as the best time to do certain marketing projects. I bought an expensive calendar today and I am going to start tracking next week. I know it seems like work, but I know this information will make it easier to cut back on my computer time so I can get the most out of my marketing efforts.

Update from last weeks post

I want to thank everyone who commented last week on the How Much Time Post, it seems we are all struggling to make it work with the time that we have. Check out the comments for other ideas and suggestions. I would love to here about any changes made over the week that have helped with your business.

Over the past week I have cut back on some of my computer time to be more creative and it seems to be working. I also worked on my blog. I added a few items and took off a couple of out of date things, and I do plan to add a sign up box for a newsletter I am going to start, before the week is over. Do you have a newsletter? Here are some ideas to get you started. Plus, this is a new venture for me and I would love to here any feedback you would like to share on the success of your newsletters.

May 12 - 18

-I am still going to try to cut back on my computer time even more and start working on my Facebook account. Still trying to figure out how to attract new fans and add interesting content.

Here is my plan for the next couple of weeks:

May 19 - 25

-I am going to see if I can stick to my 3 hours on the computer a day and mix it up a little by doing 3 days of morning computer time and 3 days of afternoon computer time.

-Work on my Etsy and 1000 Markets shops, adding new items, working on my photo's, update my descriptions, etc...

May 26 - June 1

-Create a computer schedule (my daughter will be out of school and I hope to spend some time with her)

-Work on my Social Networking sites

By June I hope to be a more organized, have my computer usage under control, and doing thing that will help my business grow. A tip Ramblin Mama shared in the comments of last weeks post How Much Time was devoting a day of the week to a certain marketing task: Monday-my shops, Tuesday-blogs, and so on making sure everything is covered over the week without spending a lot of time on the computer. I think this is a great idea and hope to incorporate into my daily routine.

Since last week have you made any changes to your schedule? Do you have plans to change your schedule for summer? Have you cut out any venues that have not been successful? Please share!

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Copper Washers

This year I decided I was going to actively participate in the groups and organizations I am a member of. I have joined different committee's in a couple of my groups, and this past weekend I volunteered to help out at an event hosted by the Chicago Metal Arts Guild.

One of the benefits of being part of different groups is meeting new people, networking, and talking about ways to make our businesses successful. In my many discussions with other metal artists, I talked to someone who worked in copper. I have been wanting to add copper washers to my work for sometime, I just did not know where I could find some new and recycled ones. Lucky me she knew of a source for copper washers, and it turned out to be close to my house.

What a great find! I am so excited, I started working with them over the weekend and everyday this week I will be posting a variety of pieces with copper incorporated into the design in my Etsy shop and on 1000 Markets.

Lots of fun new stuff, just in time for Mother's Day.

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Finally on Facebook

I have been contemplating it for some time now and I finally created a Facebook page for Additions Style.


Stop by, take a look, become a fan, and if you are one of the first 25 fans you can get free shipping on your next order.


My Facebook page

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5 Tips for Success in 2010

This is the year we are going to create the life we want and meet all our goals. It's going to be a lot of hard work, and I know I am ready to succeed! Anyone with me?

Over the last few weeks I have shared ideas for creating your own plan or goals for 2010. Still need to work on your list? Here are a few posts to get you started, What does success mean to you? What do you want in your life? Creative Brainstorming, and Creative Goal Writing.

Now that you have your plan for the new year, here are 5 tips to help you stay on track.

•Treat your action steps as mini goals. Work your mini goals weekly and daily.

•When you complete each action step, bask in the glory of finishing. Then move on to the next step, getting you closer to your overall goal.

•Prepare for obstacles. Being prepared for obstacles will keep you on your path.

•Understand what you are capable of, this will eliminate disappointment and prepare you for success.

•Visualize your success. It's much easier to reach your goal when you can see yourself accomplishing it.

One of the reasons we fail to accomplish our goals is because we don't understand how much control we have over them. They are your goals, read them everyday, let them become a part of you. The more you set your mind to being a success, the faster you will see your goals become a reality.

Are you ready?

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Shop News - Blog News - Personal News

Wow, I can't believe how fast the holiday's got here, less then one week away. I had some good sales in my shop this season, and if you purchased from my shop THANK YOU!

I don't expect many sales in these last couple of weeks this year, but I will still be adding new items and start to build up my inventory.

This week

(12/20 - 24)

all US packages will be

shipped priority mail

for my regular $3 shipping fee.

Need a last minute gift

visit my Etsy and 1000 Markets shop

for fun and unique Jewelry and Accessories.

BLOG NEWS

I finished up all the posts for creating your 2010 goals. Check out Creative Goal Writing for the latest information. Next week I will have a post on strategies to help you stay on track and meet your goals for 2010.

I will still have a post everyday this week, so I hope you take a moment and stop by to check it out.

PERSONAL NEWS

My sister is coming for a week and a half during the holidays. As always I am very excited to see her and have her here with me and my family.

We will be working a little while she is here, her idea not mine. I am not the most organized person, OK, I am not organized at all, and my sister is looking forward to making big changes in my studio area. She has a plan to paint, redesign, and organize, I just have to work hard cleaning.

I will have a post with the before and after pictures the first week of January, you won't want to miss it.

Have a great week!

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Creative Goal Writing

Last week's blog post Creative Brainstorming, was to inspire you to review the ideas that you wrote up in What does success mean to you? and What do you want in your life? If you did the brainstorming you should have a list of what you want to achieve creatively, in your business, and life.

Now it is time to rank your list and create a list of good solid reachable goals.

You want to rank each item by how it makes you feel, if you get pit-of-the-stomach excited about an item on your list then give it five stars; if you are only mildly motivated give it a single star.

Next, look at how much money you could make from each listed item, so if it could bring you in a regular steady flow of cash give it five dollar signs; if it will bring you in little money give it one dollar sign.

Finally, rate how realistic the item on your list is, give it five check marks if it is really doable and one if it will unlikely come to fruition.

Now based on your scores, you should have a good solid direction for your 2010 plan. Choose the top 5 to 10 goals and then start creating action steps for achieving them. You don't have to list all your action steps, just overall achievable actions.

Having a written or typed list will give you incentive, you can read it every month, week or even everyday to inspire you to reach your goals.

Are you ready to reach your goals in 2010?

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Awaken your Creativity - Your Passion Statement

I have been reading about goals, creating plans, staying focused, and finding your passion, as I prepare for the new year. I have done a few posts to encourage you to start your planning process as well like What does success mean to you? What do you want in your life? and Creative Brainstorming.

Today, is about creating your Passion Statement.

It is similar to your elevator speech, but the focus of this statement is about the passion behind why you create or a have a business.

A passion statement also gives you the possibilities to transform your everyday experience. Read it everyday as a reminder of why you do what you do, and why you are working so hard to succeed.

Writing your Passion Statement

This is a quick and easy process. It's a process you don't have to do all at once, and it will be something you will revise often, as you grow as a person, a artist, and in your business.

Write whatever is in you head, use your brainstorming list from earlier this week. Pull out a few things that describe you as an artist/business person and, write your basic statement.

Keep your statement brief. It should flow freely, and every time you hear it you should get a shot of energy. Share it with your family and friends, let them ask questions, or see if it inspires them. Use their feedback to get you to your core statement.

Here's my statement. I just started working on it and it's a work in progress. I would love your feedback, what do you think?

I am building a blog community to focus on inspiration, creative process, and business. Together we can share our journey and support each other in our artistic endeavors.

Now it is time for you to give it a try. Grab your journal and start writing. I would love to see what you come up with, if you want to share, leave me a comment.

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Creative Brainstorming

I recently did two posts, one asking you What does success mean to you? and the other What do you want in your life? If you have not had a chance to read them, take a few minutes and check them out.

Having the answer to these two question will give you a foundation to writing out your strategic plan for 2010. To figure out what you want to achieve, review your answers and start brainstorming.

Create a list of achievements you want for 2010, don't hold back, don't limit your answer's to budget constraints, not enough skills, or even time issues. Just start listing.

Once your list is done combine everything that is similar or will reach the same objective. When you are done you should have a good start to achievable goals.

Now, if you have learn a new skill, figure out your budget, or find a new effective marketing ideas, use this week to do some research. Find places you can take some classes, or do online classes, check out accounting software, create a list of where you can market.

Next week when you create you plan for 2010 you will want to be specific about how you are going to reach your objectives and this information will be necessary.

Are you ready to create a workable plan for 2010?

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Shop News

I was very excited I got 2 orders from my 1000 markets shop this past week! I have only had two other orders this whole year. I hope I can get a few more before the year is over.

I had sales in my Etsy shop as well, not as many as I would have liked, but I am happy with the sales I had. I worked hard all week promoting, so people could find my shop, maybe they will find me next week.

I am going to get back on track taking pictures of my new items, so I can get all the new stuff I created online. The plan is to do that this week, so stop in my Etsy shop to see all the new items I will be adding.

ITEM OF THE WEEK

A special just for my blog readers.

When you place a order in my Etsy Shop

put BLOG in the comments section

I will send you a FREE GIFT with your purchase

This special is for this week only (12/6 - 12)

BLOG NEWS

This past week, on Wednesday I had a post about your plan for 2010. It is a post to get you started on your planning and goal setting for the new year. I will be doing a couple of more posts over the next couple of weeks about this process. Take a few minutes to read last weeks post to get you started on the process. These posts are to inspire you to not only create your goals, but to create a plan for success.

I also started my Holiday Spirit post's this past Friday, it is a great drink and easy appetizers. New recipe's will be added this Friday, so stop by and check it out.

I hope everyone has a great week of sales, and is full of holiday spirit!

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Sneak Peek

Tomorrow is the big day. Six new pieces from the
Vibrant Hardware Collection
(the winning name from the vote last week) will be listed on Etsy.

Here are a couple of pieces to give you a taste of what's coming over the next month.

Thanks to everyone who voted, and helped with the naming of this collection. Don't forget, when you place an order over the next week, put vote in the comments sections and receive a free pair of earrings with your purchase. (Offer ends March 8, 2009)

Remember to stop by my Etsy Shop Sunday and check out all 6 of the new styles, and then again each day as I add new items. They will all have free shipping until March 8, 2009.

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Working on Right Now - Part 4 Color Samples

Well March 1 will be here soon and the first pieces of the new collection will be posted first in my Esty shop and then in my 1000 Markets shop.

It has been a journey to get here, a lot of mistakes, and challenges. I am glad I have found ideas that have worked and can bring you new color options on my jewelry and accessories just in time for spring.

Here are samples of some test pieces.

Be the first to see my new pieces, shop my Etsy shop on Sunday March 1 and receive free shipping on all my new color pieces. Place your vote to name my new collection (vote on the right) and when you buy any item in my shop, and put vote in the comments section you will receive a free pair of earrings with your purchase. (offer ends 3/8/09)

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