Wednesday, April 28, 2010

WordFUL Wednesday: The Etsy Edition

Wordful Wednesday is sponsored by:



Ever since I asked you guys about your expectations as a blog reader, I've been thinking about the reason I blog (more on that later), which led me to think about the reasons I do other things: write, scrapbook, list things on Etsy.

This is the Etsy post.

Growing up, I watched my dad make all kinds of things with his hands, from models to jewelry. I remember watching him as he wrapped wire around gemstones, wondering where he drew both the patience and inspiration. Though the hobby fascinated me, and I thought one day I might like to try turning the pretty beads our local craft store had to offer into something cool, my time and money was always spent scrapbooking.

It was when I was brainstorming what to make for my mother-in-law for our (semi-)handmade holiday that I first started dabbling in bead work. All it took was making a few wine charms, and I was hooked. The problem is that you can only make so many gifts for your friends. In my mind, I needed a reason to justify my supply purchases; I needed a reason to litter my craft studio with beaded drink markers and keychains and bookmarks (oh my!). So I started an Etsy shop.

I really don't make much money on it. In fact, at this point, I'm far from breaking even. This is partly because I'm terrible at self-promotion. While I have the means with my many social media outlets, I feel guilty pimping product to my friends. I also, quite honestly, need to work on taking better pictures to adequately capture the colors and detail of each piece.

The bottom line is I have the best time making this stuff (I don't think playing with Twilight, True Blood, and Florida Gators supplies will ever get old), and attempting "to Etsy" (if Google is a verb, why can't Etsy be one?) gives me permission to keep playing.




Disclaimer: the rest of this post is one of those self-promoting, shamefully shameless (how's that for an oxymoron?) plugs that I hate so much.

Through May 2, I'm running a Mother's Day special: any "Gifts for Her" purchase includes complimentary gift wrap and a handmade card.

You can follow Second Glantz Crafts on Twitter for the latest listings, sales, and promotions.

And end shameless plug.

5 comments:

Erin said...

I had no idea you were so crafty! Very cool!! If you aren't into self promotion, you should have someone else promote you! Would you be interested in doing a giveaway on my blog?

Let me know!

Claremont First Ward said...

YOu have such a clever title, and I'm loving your bead work. Heading over to your Etsy shop to browse around now, and following you on Twitter. Thanks for playing along!

Kisha said...

Shameless plugs are the best kind to have...and you should self promote-because your stuff ROCKS!

Lady Grey said...

Your stuff is beautiful...shameless plug deserved ... ;)

Yvette said...

lol.. you are hilarious! This is your blog so do as you wish and shamelessly pimp your jewels! hahaha.. Your jewels are really pretty!

Thank God you're a girl! Ha!