Updated Vendor Calls List

Sorry about the silence over the last week or so. Life has been a little hectic but I’ve been gathering lots of great information so be prepared for several posts over the next few days while I get caught up.

I know everyone is busy filling their fall and winter craft show festival so the first thing I want to do is get my “Calls for Vendors” page updated.

The Collective 12 Days of Art and Ideas is currently looking for artisans. This is the second year for the show that will run for 12 days from December 8th to 19th. The event is held at the Triangle Gallery where their staff will handle sales during the duration of the show. For more information check out their site here.

I’ve added several other shows to the “Calls for Vendors” page so be sure to head over there and I hope you find some that interest you! A big thanks to Julia and Jennifer for emailing me with info for a few shows I was missing!

Don’t forget you can check out the new Artisan Support Forum to connect with others to co-ordinate carpooling for shows or table shares or just to chat and share information!

As you know I love feedback to make sure I’m posting the information you, my readers and followers, are looking for and find interesting and helpful. To help with this I’ve created a short little poll and would appreciate your input. This will make sure I continue to post what you want to read! You can find the poll in the right hand margin and it will only take you a few seconds to complete. Select as many answers as apply for you. Thanks for taking the time to fill it out! ♥

Swarovski Crystal Vs. Cubic Zirconia

Anyone who knows me or my jewelry can tell you that I love things that sparkle. I’ve always love Swarovski Crystals and have offered some one of a kind pieces using them.

I just recently launched my Lotus Collection that includes an exclusive collection of one of a kind pieces using high quality semi precious stones and solid sterling silver findings. I’m so excited to be able to offer these special pieces and I very much wanted to incorporate high-end crystals into at least a few of the pieces. I was lucky enough to find a fabulous supplier who offers a great selection of the semi precious stones I needed. While I was there I noticed they carry Cubic Zirconia in a huge variety of colours and cuts. This was a store that only carries the best quality stones and findings so I was surprised to find Cubic Zirconia instead of Swarovski Crystals. I decided to do a little research before I decided if I would stick with my original plan to included Swarovski’s or if I would use Cubic Zirconia. Here is what I found after a little research.

Packaging Poll Results Revealed

Thanks to everyone who took part in my poll to find out exactly how everyone feels about the packaging on a handmade item they purchase online. We all know how important first impressions are and when your customer receives their package in the mail the packaging is that first impression so I want to make it perfect.

It’s time to share the results so here they are!

In last place with 7% is the option to have reusable packaging such as a tin that would mean an increased shipping cost.

Next with 10% was the option offering a beautiful and luxurious packaging with lots of ribbon and tissue paper.

Last Chance to Have Your Say

I have been collecting input for the last couple weeks via a poll here on my blog to find out what customers really want in the way of packaging when they are ordering a handmade item. I will be closing the poll tonight (Sunday, March 27, 2011) at midnight so if you haven’t cast your vote be sure to enter it now! You can find the poll in the column on the right hand side of this page. I will be posting the results for everyone to read this week. Thanks to everyone who has given their input! ♥

Only 2 Days Left to Enter to Win!

If you haven’t already entered my contest to win one of two jewelry items, it ends Friday so enter it now! Click here to read the rules and enter!

Also don’t forget to take the quick poll (in the column on the right) for an additonal entry! Just be sure to leave a comment that you voted!

What is Your Packaging Preference?

With everything in life presentation and first impressions are so important. This is why giving serious consideration to the packaging you will use when selling your handmade goods online is so important. I love to give things that are wrapped so beautifully it’s almost a shame to open them. But I also like to consider the environmental effects of unnecessary packaging. I have tried to balance this by packaging my items in a way that is pretty but uses items that may have otherwise been discarded such as scraps of pretty paper that are left over from some random craft project. But am I hurting my chances of repeat business by not offering the most luxurious packaging possible?

I don’t know the answer to that so I wanted to host a little poll to see what the popular opinion is. As my past customers, fans, colleagues, friends and potential future customers I want to know what you think! As a thank you for participating in my poll you will be given an additional entry into my current contest and give you a chance to win a pair of earrings! If you haven’t already entered the contest but would like to you can check it out here to see how you can get additional entries or enter to win a bracelet as well. If you have already entered just leave a note in the comments at the bottom of this post or on the contest post to let me know you voted in my poll. You can find the poll in the right hand column of my blog. Thanks for sharing your opinion! ♥