BBA Challenge - Goals or Hopes for the New Year!

To start off the year, our first BBA Challenge is brought to us by Beaded Tail. She writes:

"What do you hope to accomplish this year? What are you looking forward to doing in 2015? Do you have plans to travel some place exciting, move to a new home/city or how about get a kitten? Will you be taking your shop in new directions? Let us know or give us a hint of your year to come! "

 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I didn't have any traditional goals for 2014. And 2015 is much the same. I'm really in a happy place both personally and professionally. But that doesn't mean I don't still have plans for the new year.

As I also mentioned in an earlier post, I'm planning to buy a second laser this year! This is a really big deal for my small business! It's a very large investment that I've put a lot of thought into. I must say that my first laser was the best investment I ever made for my business and I hope this one is equally rewarding. The machine will be larger and allow me to cut thicker material and engrave taller items.

I go to see a demo machine on February 19th!!! And as soon as I can get my taxes finished up, I'll be placing my order!

Another thing I would like to accomplish for my business is to finally start a business Facebook page. I've been asked numerous times if I have a page and I feel it would be a good place to branch out and meet new potential customers. I very rarely post my work on my personal page as I don't want to spam my friends. A business page will allow me to snap pictures of my daily work and just write a comment or two.

As most of you know, I don't do much with social media. My blog is really the only form I currently have. So I am proof that you don't have to participate in every form of social media out there to run a successful business. But I do feel adding a FB page will help me grow my business without taking up too much time.

 

What are your plans for 2015?

October BBA Challenge - Orange

This month's challenge is brought to us by Linda from AbigailJayneART ( www.etsy.com/shop/AbigailJayneArt ). And here is what Linda has to say about her challenge:

"It's the Orange month! Create something using orange or a pumpkin shape. Do something different, not just a Halloween holiday item, but get creative with the basic color tone of orange or a shade of orange. Or you could use a color combination incorporating orange. Either way let orange inspire you!"

 I have to admit that this challenge really had me thinking. I realized that orange was a color that I don't use very often at all. But to my surprise, I found everything for this project in my home! I had purchased some mini pumpkins a while back (read, 3-4 years ago!) and was finally able to put them to good use.
 

The little pumpkin kit came with some leaves, gourds and berries as well. And the whole box was tied up in orange ribbon. I had a white acrylic ring left from when I made my clock which worked perfectly for a wreath base.

 

While I'll admit, I'm no home decor diva, I was pretty happy with my little piece. And while Halloween is almost here, I like that this can hang all through Fall.

Is orange a color you use often? Been working on any challenges at your house? 

 

Interested in joining the Blogging Business Artisans? Stop by and visit our team page.

Wooden Graduation Card - May BBA Challenge

Chalk one up for my awesome customers again! I have several wooden cards in my shop, but nothing for graduation. And this custom request fit perfectly with the May BBA Challenge brought to us by Paige of Little Nostalgia. Paige says "This is the time of year for graduations and starting a new professional track. Create something related to working and/or graduating--whether it's a congratulations card, a new organizational item for your studio, or maybe just reflect on all the ways you want to kick your business into high gear for the second half of 2014. Resolutions don't just have to start in January!"

What I love most about this card is the quote. It may be a card, but it doubles as dorm decor too! A little reminder on those tough days at college.

I realize I'm a little late to the game getting these added to my Etsy shop, but considering graduations happen a few times a year, I thought it was a good addition to the shop :)

  We've already attended 2 graduation parties and have 3 more to go! Thanks to my awesome customers, I know exactly what I'm giving to the new graduates :)