It is a TARDIS kind of day!

I am having a TARDIS kind of day today. I just listed a cup sleeve from one of my favorite shows from childhood (think extremely long multi-colored striped scarf). It also happens to be one of my favorite shows in adulthood and one we watch as a family. I have started a new line of cup sleeves in honor of my kids. The new line of cozies portrays some of their favorites. So I start with this one! There are several different designs but this is the first.  My oldest son was joking that it makes your coffee cup bigger on the inside.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="570"] https://www.etsy.com/listing/107909556/coffee-cup-sleeve-coffee-cup-cozy[/caption]

We love watching the current show. Finally some tv that we enjoy!

 

Talk to you later,

Karen

P.S. What do you watch?

To tweet or not to Tweet!

Using all the different social media to promote your online shop can be overwhelming. Here are a few good sites that can help you understand what twitter is and how it can help your online business.

Twitter: These are pretty basic and a good introduction to twitter.

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Twitter

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Twitter-to-Promote-Your-Website

http://www.squidoo.com/howtousetwittereffectively

http://www.ehow.com/how_5112315_use-twitter-marketing-platform.html

http://www.business2community.com/twitter/how-to-use-twitter-effectively-to-get-a-quality-following-0172889

And then this...

http://www.wikihow.com/Promote-Your-Online-Store-Online

I am trying to spend time reading about how to promote my little business so that it isn't quite so little anymore. That is one of the hard things about running a small business, you get to wear a bunch different of hats. It is also one of the good things about running your own business. Creating and maintaining the image and voice of my company I can  be sure that the image I promote is accurate.

Talk to you later,

Karen

What do you do to promote your online business? How do you advertise? Do you pay for advertising? Curious minds want to know....

 

Quilts of Love

Nancy Henry started quilting when her oldeest son (now 30) was a year old.

"It got me out of the house for a class once a week. The one block I was supposed to make turned into 20 and became a whole quilt. Being in a community of crafters has saved my sanity more than once. I draw inspiration and wisdom from others in my quilt guild!



I fell into Etsy after I left a corporate accounting job over an ethical issue. I was so disillusioned that I just wanted to quilt and hide. And my husband let me!!! My best friend had heard of Etsy and suggested it. The people on Etsy and my teams in particular are wonderful and kind and we are our own crafting community.



In my shop I talk about tucking my boys in at night when they were little and putting on quilts and calling them "Layers of Love"...One layer of love, two layers of love, and on a REALLY cold night, three layers of love."



These are just a few of my favorites. Aren't they beautiful hand made layers of love? Which quilt of Nancy's is your favorite? Did your Mom do anything that spoke of her love for you? You can find Nancy and her quilts here at http://www.NHquiltarts.etsy.com.

See you later,

Karen

Pinkie's Palace

Pinkie's Palace is a wonderful paper shop. Carole's paper items really are cute and whimsical. I am not sure if I have told you before that I have a thing for paper....and now that I am in Iowa....also Tulsa businesses. So here are a few items from Pinkie's Palace to introduce you to her wonderful paper items.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="570" caption="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89357620/mini-note-cards-valentine-set-of-10-with"][/caption]





I love stickers. Carole also has some Sorority cards in her shop and other really neat cards.

You can find Carole and her shop here: www.PinkiesPalace.etsy.com. Stop by and see what great quality her cards, stickers and hang tags are.

Talk to you later,

Karen

 

Classy Bags!

These classy bags are by WhimsyBags at Etsy.com. You can find them here!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Whimsybags



Mother's day is coming up.....just an idea for those that need it. I love the designs on these bags. There are a ton of different designs at Whimsybags or you can even design a custom bag just for yourself or a friend.

 

Talk to you later,

Karen

Which is your favorite bag? Leave a comment and let me know!

 

Valentine Gift Ideas!

Is Valentine's Day creeping up on you? There is still time to order a special handmade gift from Class and Sassy charms on Etsy. You can find the shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/classyandsassycharms. She has beautiful cross stitch as well as unique handmade charms.



Wouldn't this look great in your house for Valentine's day!



These babies are so cute.  

Valentine's Day leaves you a little blue. Then this one is perfect for you or your Valentine!

Talk to you later,

 

Karen

Etsy Shop Feature: SewEcological

Sew Ecological is  a wonderful shop full of ecologically conscious knitwear. You can choose from an assortment of up-cycled scarves and mittens.  





Rose also has beautiful hand knit wool items as well. Here are a two of my favorite cowls.





Stop by Rose's shop at Etsy and take a look at her full line of ecologically friendly accessories. You can find her shop on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewEcological

 

Talk to you later,

Karen