Wordless Wednesday - Buddies

A little blurry, but too cute not to share :)

Bulk Up Your Shop with Listing Variations

I love adding new items to my shop! I love coming up with new ideas and making them come to life! But sometimes I just don't have the time to get new things into the shop on a timely manner. One way I've found to add new items without actually making something new is with Listing Variations.

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Etsy offers sellers the option to let their buyers choose different sizes, colors, etc with listing variations. And another cool option with the variations is adding different costs for different options. This has allowed me to double my inventory in some areas.

Now Available in 2 Sizes

I recently took a look around my shop to find items that could be personalized (that weren't already) or that could have a different size option. It all started when I wondered why I only offer my wooden greeting cards in one size. I offer my wedding invitations in a larger size and can very easily offer the cards in this size as well. I went through all my listings and added both sizes along with their corresponding prices. Bam...double the inventory!

Now Available for Personalization

I also added variations to my recipe books and photo albums. I offer these in a premade version, but often get asked if I can personalize them as well. Now buyers have the option to select this choice when they checkout. By adding the listing variation to my books, I gave buyers more choices and added more options to my shop!

Now Available for Personalization

Take a look around your shop. Can you bulk up your inventory with the listing variations? How about adding more color options? Different lengths on necklaces? Can you personalize an option? A great way to bulk up your inventory before the holiday buying season approaches!

Memorial Guest Books

Recently I was asked to make one of my wedding guest books into a memorial guest book. I was very honored to make such a special piece for the buyer! Knowing first hand how overwhelming the whole process can be, I wanted this book to be perfect and I love the end result.

I thought today was the perfect day to introduce these books as my brother passed away 5 months ago today. I think of him everyday!

When I listed this book, I searched Etsy for similar items for tagging and proper wording. I was surprised by the lack of this style of book. I'm happy to be offering these books in my shop now to give people the opportunity to have a custom made book just for their loved ones. And I made sure to offer a rush option as I know these events often take place on a quick and unexpected time frame.

I hope none of my readers have a need for one of these books, but I am happy to be offering them.

Friday Features - Fall Leaves

Okay, I'm sure I say this every year, but...How can it already be fall??? Where did summer go? How is it already time for the holiday rush?

Whether I'm ready or not, fall will officially be here on Sunday. While I'm not quite ready for the cooler temps (or buying new jeans...ugh!). I am ready for the leaves to change. The beautiful changing leaves are my favorite part of fall! Enjoy these lovely Etsy fall leaf finds!

Pair of Oven Mitts - Bright Leaves with Orange - Gift for Foodie

by pasqueflower

Fall Leaves Edible Fondant Cake Decor qty 48 leaves

by SweetTopShop 

Fall Leaves in Glass

 by ravenglassgirl

 Falling Leaves Autumn Harvest Swarovski Crystal 14K Gold Filled Rust Topaz Fall Leaf Earrings

by whimsydaisydesigns

I wish my readers a wonderful fall!

Introducing: Stacking Rings!

I'm so excited to announce my newest item! I'm such a fan of stacking rings that I'm loving these wooden and acrylic rings! I have to give a huge thank you to Mareth of LimeRiot for the idea for these rings. She requested a custom set and after receiving her feedback, I couldn't wait to add them to my shop!

The wooden rings are made of either maple (light wood) or walnut (dark wood). They mix and match with each other as well as your existing metal rings. Wear one or stack 'em up.

I had originally bought this acrylic for sports team colors (Iowa, ISU and Nebraska) so they are currently available in red, yellow and black (3/16") as well as clear (1/8"). But I hope to add more colors in the future.

 

I've been wearing a mixture of walnut and clear acrylic lately and love the look! You know I'm dying to get my hands on some pink :)

Wordless Wednesday - Livin' Large

Weekend Wrap Up & Studio Update

This weekend we were able to get more work done on the new studio! We started framing the walls and it's really coming together! Every step makes it that much more real that I'm actually going to have my own studio!!!

We got the east and west walls frames and will hopefully get the north wall framed this week. Our trusses will be here early next week, so it should really start coming together after that!

We also went to a huge car show. I didn't take many photos because I didn't want to carry my camera for 4-5 hours while we walked through the show. But I did get this fun cell phone pic of this great license plate. This would be so perfect for Jesse!

Friday Features - Pops of Color for my Studio

I've really tried holding off on thinking about how my new studio will look all finished. I know if I get the end vision in my head, I'll want it done that much faster. But the more work we get done, the more I have to think about where I want lights and outlets. And if the how many windows I want to still allow enough wall space for shelving. I already know I want gray walls and white trim, but I also want some fun colors in there too...that's where the accessories come in! Check out these great items I found on Etsy!

Don't you just love the drawer liners!

Fabulous Hot Pink Desk Dressing Vanity

by TheLeahJaneOriginals 

Glass Pendant Light Teal Blue Stained Glass Handmade OOAK

 by Nostalgianmore

Custom Ruffled Curtain Panel, Hot Pink, or You pick the Color 108 inches

 by avisiontoremember

dresser/ shelving

by  LucileStDesign

What do you think? Surprised by all the pink and teal...lol :)

Bittersweet

I recently had the opportunity to make an adorable album for a little boy. The theme was all about transportation...trains, trucks, cars, planes...which I just love. But this was also a very hard album for me to make. The little boy's name was Jimmy.

As many of my readers know, my brother, Jim, passed away in April. His childhood nickname was Jimmy. Every time I worked on this album I thought of my brother. I thought of the car-shaped bed he had and that I just had to have when he out grew it. I thought of the photo of him and our grandpa in grandpa's ultralight. I thought of all the tonka trucks he had when he was little.

 

It is still very hard to think of my brother, but it was great to remember all those wonderful memories while working on this book. I hope little Jimmy loves his album :)

Wordless Wednesday - Well Hello There

Almost Wordless Wednesday: I was able to feed this friendly little guy right from my hand! He likes potato chips :)

Girls Weekend

 

I just got back from a great weekend at my parents' house on a girls weekend! We arrived about 3:30 Thursday afternoon and just spent the day at my parents' house. It was so great sitting on the deck just relaxing with a glass of wine. I could look at this view all day!

 

Friday we went shopping all day in Eureka Springs, AK. There are so many fun shops along the downtown strip. There was also a car show going on with a Model T convention. It was so fun to drive down the streets and see all the cars parked around town. Then Friday night we drove down the main strip of Branson, MO and down to the Branson Landing where there were a bunch more little shops. And we caught a water/light show and a Studebaker show as well. This truck/limo was just the coolest!

Saturday we spent the day out on Table Rock Lake. We drove around and saw so many cool places and then just floated in the water. What a great way to spend the day!

We're already planning our trip for next year!

Bloggy Break

I hope all my US readers and friends had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

We had a busy one filled with lots of family get togethers and celebrations. My hometown also has a huge celebration, so we attended that as well.

My parents were here for the long weekend and it was great getting to spend time with them! And now on Thursday, two of my mom's friend and I are going on a girls' trip to my parent's house. Another great weekend ahead!

So I've decided to take a bloggy break for the week. I have orders to catch up on in the next two days before I leave. I hope you all have a great week :)