Sunday, February 23, 2014

The big step

Ok people I am
Facing quite the dilemma here. I have been so blessed from etsy but from all my sales each month I'm paying over $150/month in fees. What?! Seriously. I need to know. Who has made the change to big cartel and would you take the plunge. Everything is telling me to go for it but change is scary. Help!

Here are a few facts about both.
Etsy is $0.20 a listing then 3.5% of that sale
Big Cartel is one monthly fee depending on what you need $0, $10 or $20 various stipulations and customizable depending on what price range
Etsy has a great search so people can find a specific product, but can be lost amongst all the other sellers that sell similar items.
Big cartel is not a search site like etsy. You need to have a name for yourself. That is what I'm worried and excited about. I get plenty of traffic from Pinterest and Facebook and Instagram and people heading. Directly to my shop that I think the transition will be fine
Etsy is not customizable in your shop appearance
Big Cartel is completely customiAble. I love that idea. :).
Ok now it's your turn. Have you shopped from big cartel shop or do you have one? Let me know

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Oh how I love thee, Maxi skirts

 

 
 I have been so busy with some awesome Maxi skirt parties the last couple weeks.  When I prepare for a party I go through a tough process of selecting various fabrics that are new, fun and fresh.  I fill my digital shopping cart with roughly $200 worth of fabric to make skirts in various sizes reaching the wide range color and print spectrum.  Its hard sometimes to select just a few.  Trying to decide what are people's styles are for the great Maxi. 

  Meet this cute black and white Aztec/tribal print.  I have bought it a few times before for doing my new drape Cardigan/scarfs and thought, that would make a great skirt.  Was I right?  Look at that?  I was so excited to have this for the party that I instantly decided I would have those ready to buy in the shop as well.  I asked my dear friend to come model for me again.  Took great pictures showing off the wonderful print.  Next I head to my computer to add more fabric to my shopping cart and BAM....SOLD OUT....WHAT???!!! to top it off I see the other colors in the same print are on clearance...which tells me this.  They are trying to get rid of their inventory in their wharehouse.  BUMMER !  Look at how fabulous that print is.  I made a couple in the purple print and the green print, but nothing is beautiful of this black and white. 

sigh....


 Then there is this awesome "new wave" fabric.  I thought..."okay, this is different and I think this will be awesome as a skirt"  what do you think?  I am in love.  I ordered plenty of the fabric so order up!!  You will look fabulous!  People at the parties also loved it and I got a few orders in it. 

 Meet my new venture!  The "Two Faced" Pencil skirt.  Carefully selected prints that are different but that will definitely work together.  My husband looked at these photos and said, "Trish...are you sure?  I thought that was a big no no?"  I assure you honey, this is the thing now.  I know... who would have thought?  Here is what I like about this,  You can wear prints that you probably wouldn't normally wear.  Then you have a choice....leopard one day...floral the next.  Personally I like the leopard in front.  I apply my labels in the side seam so you don't have to worry about those.  There is a fold over waist band like the maxi skirts so you can either where it higher waisted, or down on your lower waist.




Seriously...how cute is that skirt?  I ordered another two prints so stay tuned!

Now lets discuss the food that was served at this maxi skirt party.  Dirty Diet Coke or Dr Pepper anyone?  Oh my goodness.  Then different cheese balls.  Red velvet cheese ball, bicoff, Pecan, Garlic and Citrus.  Oh my!!!  All with various crackers and cookies, or the occasional spoon in mouth.  lol.  It was such a cute idea as refreshments.  Very clever. 


At the parties, I set up the skirts I pre made so that people can see some color options and try on for size.  Then they have the opportunity to hop on my computer or ipad and look at all the fabric options from the shop I purchase from.  That is what takes a long time.  People get so excited about all the wonderful options its so hard to decide.  That is why I offer discounts with the more you buy.  It is fun.  They fill out an order form, and make payment.  I order up everything right there before I leave so nothing sells out in the meantime... and trust me I have had fabric sell out over night and have had to have customers choose new fabric. 
 
I have been so blessed to have people want to do parties.  I don't push it very much with people.  I just kindly remind everyone through the various social media that I do them.  Then they call me.  After people see how awesome they are, they want to throw a party so they can get a free skirt.  I also do raffles for a free skirt for everyone that purchases.  I love it and I am so glad I have followers and customers like you.  Thanks for all your support!!!!!
xoxo
tricia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

DIY clothing tags

 
 
Have you ever used washi tape?  I am so late on this band wagon so if you haven't either, great! Your not along.  I am trying to be a good girl and be organized and plan ahead for my next Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market on May 3rd.  I decided I would start making some of these tags.  The little things such as tags and marking you prices on everything you have takes a long time.  I love the look of handmade tags and I feel that every little DIY touch makes a difference in your clientele you reach and your sales.  I ordered my cool stamp from Twin Soul Art Studio.  I found this gal on Instagram because someone else I follow had ordered from her.  She is super cute and wonderful so I ordered one with my business name and web address.  You can even had a stamp handle for a few dollars more so it makes stamping more even and easier on your hands when doing large quantities.  Next I found some cute washi tape I fell in love with and thought surely I would find some reason to use it.  Then the hang tags came to mind.  I bought the tape from Talking Twin and Trim.  Some of the cutest paper supplies in the latest trends.  Simple and clean. 
 
I love the simplicity of craft card stock.  I bought it in huge pack for making business cards and tags.  I love it.  So for my tags I cut them 2x3.5 inches using my paper cutter.

Punch a hole where you want your twine to go.  I bought my twin from Swigs Shoppe. 
 

Stamp your tags

Place some tape on the top and bottom or wherever you want and your done!  Aren't they cute?  I can't wait to use them!!

 
What are you favorite ways to use washi Tape?  Please share!