Blow Out your Dead Inventory and Improve Your Bottom Line!

Dead Inventory = Dead Money. 

We all make mistakes when buying inventory.  Years ago I couldn't keep Crystal Square Frames in stock...they flew out the door as fast as I could get them in and sourcing them was a real challenge.  After much thought and deliberation I opted to meet the manufacturer's minimum order quantity ("MOQ") so that I could have the stones specially produced for me.   Mind you, the MOQ required a $5000 commitment per color---it was scary, but I ordered 4 colors.   It was awesome!   Those stones sold like hotcakes and I found myself placing another large order.

Oops.

Sales inexplicably flattened, and there I was....sitting with boxes and boxes of very expensive "cold" product.   I was overly attached to my inventory in those days and refused to discount the stones to move them----they had been  hard to get and might be  hard to find again.  The stones are truly magnificent--they remain my personal favorite to this day---and I didn't want to let them go for a pittance!

Unfortunately, while I was busy sticking to my guns, the internet retailers had taken over and were offering the stone for a retail price that was only 30% over my COST as a wholesale distributor of Swarovski Crystal Distributor.  Yikes.   I put them on a shelf and tried to forget about them for a while.  I eventually decided that some return on my investment was better than no return on my investment.

I got busy and got creative with merchandising: I put the stones into grab bags, turned them into necklaces and sold them to local boutiques, used them for door prizes, recast them in challenge kits, etc.  Finally, I sold the the bulk of the stock for about 1/2 of my cost.   It hurt, but the cash influx enabled me to purchase fresh inventory at a time when money was short and new inventory was needed.  It was an expensive lesson, but it was a lesson that stuck.  Life is funny that way...the painful lessons seem to be the most effective, don't they?  I sure as hell don't want to go down that road again so I am much more careful about my purchases these days.  I will often pay a bit more to purchase a smallish quantity  from a distributor, rather than dealing directly with a manufacturer in order to avoid the onerous minimum purchase requirements.  After all, dead inventory presents a bigger risk than a slightly reduced profit margin! 


I am also much more aggressive about rotating my stock.  I start marking down merchandise earlier in its life cycle---preferring the fast nickel over the slow dime.  NOTHING is allowed to sit for long.  Sitting inventory has a deleterious impact on your business:  it slows down cash flow and tells your customers that you are broke or disinterested, which will impede cash flow even more!  If you have some duds on your floor, make it your mission to get rid of 'em to make room for winners!

Re-arrange your store regularly.  How many times have you heard a customer squeal with delight over something "new" that was simply old stock that had been relocated to a more visible spot?  It happened every time I moved products around in my store.

Make something that you love, using at least some of the duds. Feature it as a class, free tutorial, or sell it as a kit.

Host a craft challenge using the duds. The copper components that I am featuring in this week's challenge are the last of a slow seller.  The product line was beautiful, and I use the materials in my own work all of the time, but it didn't sell well.

Most important .....Think outside of the box!

Saturday, May 14, 2011 is "Give Your Stuff Away for Free" day.  Seriously.  The idea is that we are major consumers and have accumulated lots of stuff that we do not use and do not need...so GIFT IT AWAY.  The project founder,  Mike Morone, is hoping to create the world's largest recycling event, urging folks to drag "for free" items to the curb for others to enjoy. 

Why not participate in the event, but give it a crafty twist like Cynthia Deis of Ornamentea has chosen to do.  She is brilliant!  Cynthia sent out a quick email blast introducing the concept and urging her customers to bring in unwanted craft supplies.    I bet the email resonates with her clientele...it certainly struck a chord with me.  I have a huge box filled with fiber that I will never use. I  feel too guilty to throw it away, so it takes up precious closet space.   The materials would be a real find for the right taker and I would love for the box to find an appreciative home so that I can reclaim my closet.  I am sure that I am not alone!   Those that give, can also take.  You can see Cynthia's upbeat, cheery newsletter here.

The Bonus:  this is a perfect opportunity to unload some of that dead inventory you have been dragging around...it will make someone smile.  Better yet, the excitement --and extra sales generated due to the event--- will ease the sting of having to give away "perfectly good stuff."  It ain't good if it ain't selling.

IN OTHER NEWS 
It has been a busy time in my home.  My youngest is graduating from High School and my middle son just graduated from the University of Florida.  I will be turning 50 the day after I drop my daughter off at college. WAHHH!  Sigh.   I have been pouring through generations of family photographs, laughing and crying...you know the drill.  It is a time of  celebration and reflection, for sure!  

Perhaps that is why I was so delighted to come across the Dream Boxes manufactured by HHH Enterprises---they are perfect for creating wearable memories!   Designed to hold collages, dimensional items and photos, the Dream Boxes have a hinged glass door so all you need to do is open and place your favorite image, momento, or design.

They retail two for $12.99.  The company's owner, Homer Hillis, offers retailers excellent wholesale pricing.  He and his wife, Ronda, have established a solid niche offering interesting components for  mixed media and altered art.  I spent quite a bit of time perusing the site and was impressed---the product line would nicely supplement the inventory offered in the "typical" craft shop and the price point should be particularly attractive to those bead stores looking for crafty alternatives to pricey gold and silver.   Readers can get FREE SHIPPING by simply using Coupon Code crafty11 on any order over $25.
 Now for the really good part:  Homer has graciously agreed to provide 10 dream boxes for the current Crafty Throw Down!  10 lucky particpants will receive a Dream Box and the kit pictured below:

  

The kit includes a generous selection of copper components, only a few of which are pictured, as well as hand dyed silk ribbon, and Swarovski crystal beads in Rosaline, Light Colorado Topaz, and Sand Opal.  There are also some Swarovski pearls and squaredelle spacers....YUM!

The rules are simple!

We will draw names for the participants on Monday 5/17/2011.  The dream boxes and the kits will be mailed out by Friday 5/21.  Participants will have until June 30 to create something using the components as a jumping off point.  

Create anything.  Use any medium. 

Theme:   Change/Metamorphasis 

Send us pictures of the completed project on or before June 30 with a brief description of the techniques employed. We post the pictures and everyone OOHS and AAHS.  The pieces remains yours to keep, sell or give away.

Wanna Play?

Send me an email if you want to be entered in the drawing.  Please include your address and contact information. 

Coming next week:  The Fiber Cuff Challenge BIG REVEAL! 

Target the Cross Over Crafter to Increase your Sales!

Crafters fall in and out of love pretty easily.  We are a somewhat fickle bunch...one day it is beading, the next day knitting is what rocks the world.  I crocheted feverishly all winter but will not pick up my hook again until Fall, content to have the colorful "not quite an afghan yet" granny squares decorating the wall in my studio for now.  Florida is already getting too hot  to have a lap filled with wool---what with Menopausal hot flashes and all.  Besides...I want to focus on jewelry for the moment.     Fiber is my passion and fiber jewelry in particular is what tends to make my heart go pitter pat...there is something intoxicating about the marriage of fiber and sparkle that makes me giddy.  I will admit that there was a time when my affinity for fiber jewelry made me a bit of a pariah.  I was a fashion DON'T with respect to my fetish.   

Not so any longer!

One cannot peruse a fashion magazine or scan the web without spying some sort of fibery adornment these days.   It is everywhere!  All of Anthroplogie's recent collections feature fiber of some sort.  The "Layers of Grace" bib necklace pictured below retails for $158.00  PUHLEASE!   A snippet of lace and some brass chain.   A Crafty Retailer could teach her customers to whip up something similar for a fraction of the cost!

 

Chances are, most Crafty Retailers won't think to do it.  Fiber jewelry is a bit "out there"  for  many standard bead stores.  Yarn shops tend to ignore it as well, concentrating more on garment construction.  The clumsy felt ball necklaces of yesteryear might have scared everyone away---I wouldn't be seen in such a necklace, either!    A quick Google  search for "felted jewelry" turned up over 10 million breathtaking images---the art has clearly evolved beyond the ball and your customers are all over it! 

Fiber jewelry is cost effective...many of the most beautiful creations center upon reclaimed/recycled components.  An old sweater can become the base for a felted cuff.  A broken piece of granny's jewelry can become the centerpiece for a spectacular new necklace.  A sliver of satin becomes a fabric bead.  Use your crafty Know How to fashion classes that your customers can afford!   Need some help?  Maricel, owner of the Etsy shop SolBijou offers a tutorial for making a vintage inspired Re-Creation--featuring delicate ribbon flowers-- like the one pictured above---for a mere $10. 

Check out some of the other fanciful creations I found in the cybersphere:

 

The spectacular brooches pictured above feature zippers and recycled sweaters.  The artist, Odile Gova, maintains an enchanting  Etsy shop, Woolyfabulous.

  I rarely suffer from jewelry envy but did not pause too long before raiding my "new video camera savings stash" to buy the flower brooch pictured at left.    Sometimes survival is a matter of perspective.  What I think of as "necessary" and what my husband perceives it to be are a little different. Economy be damned.   People are still spending---if you are offering something they want to spend their money on!

Ivy Long, the artist behind Edera Jewelry, creates some of the most romantic and ethereal crochet jewelry that I have ever seen.   The drop earrings pictured below are certainly drool worthy, wouldn't you agree?

The work of Gail Crosman Moore caused me to take back my snide "felted ball" comments---her work ROCKS.  I am inspired!  Hmmmm.......I might have to re-think the whole balls thing.

 Feeling inspired?  Wholesale customers can use coupon code TCR5 to save 5% off any purchase that includes fiber through April 5 from my online store. 

IN OTHER NEWS

 

The judges have spoken and we have a winner for our FIBER EARRING THROWDOWN!  We got a surprising number of entries and our judges were hard pressed to find one winner amongst the fabulous earring submissions...they really were all quite different and each was very lovely. However, life is cruel and decisions had to be made.  First prize went to Angie Shan for her exquisite folded ribbon creations.  Angie will receive a prize package valued at $150.  There were nine winners in all .....Check out all of the winning entries HERE.

We will be announcing two new challenges in April:  

Craft Warrior Challenge will be announced April 20

  Crafty Throwdown will be announced on April 27.  

Come play with us!

Eek!  We have run out of time!  Check with us next week when we feature survival tips from Crafty Retail Rock Star Carol Garfield, the owner of Dancing Beads.

Politics and Other Scary Stuff....plus a new Crafty Throwdown Challenge

O.K.  I simply CANNOT help myself.  I gotta talk. I have been trying to will myself to silence.   I have tidied the house, organized the studio, walked around the garden and played with my dogs...the standard "Go To" activities when I need to Find My Center.  It didn't work...I still have the anxiety sitting in my gut like a bowling ball.  The kind of anxiety that comes from watching the world burn around me while everyone else seems focused on inanity like the Oscars or Lindsay Lohan.  The kind of anxiety that generally acts as a precursor to an intense political spew.   

 It is going to burst out any second now, so if you are going to be offended, please scroll quickly to the bottom of the post where I will be announcing the details  of our next Craft Challenge.

Alrighty then---you have been properly warned.  I am not your average Crazy Right Wing Zealot.  I couldn't care less who you love or what you smoke. I am Jewish.  I have a pierced nose and chickens running around my yard.  I am an artsy gal who is happiest listening to my IPod while working in the studio.  I make a concerted effort NOT to talk about current events in this blog because I don't want to offend anyone.  Ever.  I lost a reader the last time I talked politics and it made me feel awful.   Truth is, though, I feel worse when I coast along as if I am not seeing what I am seeing.  

Consider the sad and pathetic decline of the talented Charlie Sheen.  I used to be an occasional watcher of Two and 1/2 Men.  I thought it was entertaining, if somewhat on the edge. Sheen plays Charlie Harper, a morally bankrupt playboy. The show became less amusing to me as Sheen's descent into addiction and mental illness started to come to light.  It felt kind of gross to giggle at a fractured human playing a fractured human, so I just kind of lost my taste for the show. 

Charlie is clearly bent on self destruction and the media is all over it.  We all know that this is going to end badly (remember Anna Nicole Smith?) yet the cameras are hell bent on capturing every pathetic morsel for our viewing pleasure.    I cannot turn on the television without seeing yet another tragic videotape of a wild eyed Sheen telling the world that he has "Adonis DNA" and that his two porn star live in girlfriends are "Goddesses."  Police finally removed his toddler sons from his care---about damn time.  Of course, the toddlers' Baby Mama, Brooke Mueller, is on her own Drug Rehab Merri-Go-Round.  What a world! Yup, we are getting minute by minute updates on the esteemed Mr. Sheen, but how much have you heard about a hero named Shahbaz Bhatti?  

  

You probably won't hear much about the recently murdered Shahbaz Bhatti and that is truly a shame.  Mr Bhatti was well known in Pakistan,  home to 180 million people, all but 5% of whom are Muslim.  Bhatti was a Roman Catholic--and the only Christian member of Pakistan's Federal Cabinet.  He was a high profile opponent of the nation's "blasphemy laws," which impose the death penalty on those found to have insulted Islam.  Not surprisingly, Bhatti's views were unpopular with Muslim extremists and he was recently shot down in a spray of bullets.   Al-Queda and the Taliban have claimed responsibility for his murder.

Bhatti knew that his life was in jeopardy and recorded a videotaped message to be released in the event of his death.   A somber but determined Bhatti noted that he was willing to die for his principles, while seeking justice for his community, rather than to compromise his values.

The video is powerful stuff.  Bhatti's strength of purpose humbles me.   He was a hero--a freedom fighter---and his story is one that should be heard. Is your media source of choice covering it?  No?  I am not surprised.  This nation is being fed pablum by a media intent on keeping us distracted. 

Charlie Sheen, anyone?  

Do the Media Gods think that we are not interested in the truth?  Do they think we cannot handle the truth?  The truth is not partisan and it has no agenda---we just have to be awake enough to start looking for it.  I have never understood those who hide from reality.  I may not like it, but if I know what it is I can develop a plan to deal with it.   I used to work for a serial philanderer.  He didn't even bother to make up good excuses for not going home.  I remember asking him about it...I was young and incredulous...and I will never forget his words.

He laughed--honest to God, he laughed--and he looked me in the eyes and told me that his wife did not want to know.  He said it was easy ... "Who are you gonna believe, Honey?  Your lying eyes or your loving husband?"

She believed her loving, cheating SOB of a husband every single time until he finally left her for his flavor of the moment.  Weird, huh?  Yet, here we are...yucking it up over Charlie Sheen in all of his ridiculousness.

Chaos in the Middle East.  A National Debt that will lead us to ruin.  A country that seems to be rewarding the Takers and punishing the Doers. Yup, the world really does seem to be burning around me.  What does it look like from where you are sitting?

Whew.  Sorry 'bout that.  I probably shouldn't say this stuff out loud but I can't always get to the Edit Button before I spew.   We seem to have lost our way as a nation and that just sucks.  I am tired of the Charlie Sheens and am looking for more Shahbaz Bhattis.  We have to take a stand for what is right---regardless of the politics. 

Hey!  My stomach doesn't hurt anymore...thanks for listening.

IN OTHER NEWS...........

The FIBER EARRING CHALLENGE is now closed. We got some FANTASTIC entries and the photographs will be sent out for judging this week.  Winners will be announced the week of March 14.  Good luck, everyone!

THE NEXT CHALLENGE:

 In an effort to get my own little world feeling warm and fuzzy, I would like to announce our next craft challenge, but this one has a twist!   I will still send out the supplies for free, and you will still get to make whatever you want with the goodies pictured above.  

The Twist?

I have set up a new Etsy Shop under the name CRAFT WARRIOR.  It will be officially "live" in the next week or so.  Each participant must be willing to donate their piece to be sold on the Craft Warrior site with ALL PROCEEDS going to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations personnel who die in operational or training missions and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel and their families.

Additionally, each participant must blog/tweet/or otherwise promote the challenge.  Bottom line:  the more folks buzzing about it, the more money we will raise!

This challenge is limited to 8 volunteers. We will draw names on Monday, March 6 and the piece must be sent to me on or before April 15, 2011.   Shoot me an email if you want play!  

IN THE STUDIO:

I am back to felting these days.  I just finished another fiber cuff which features a 30mm Swarovski button as the focal.  The cuffs have inspired me to create some embellishment kits which will include hand dyed velvet, scrim, ribbons and more.  Look for them soon!

Meet Cooper!

Thanks for all of the name suggestions for the new pup.  We went with Cooper.  He is a doll, albeit a constantly filthy dirt ball of a doll!

 

Embrace Technology to Grab your Share of the Retail Craft Dollar!

Every "industry" has its Rock Star.   Regardless of your passion -- Fibers, Beads, Politics...whatever...there is someone in your tribe who is the leader of the pack---you know, the one who sets the pace.  The one we want to be when we grow up.  The cool kid.

You know who has my vote as the Crafty Retail Rock Star of the year? 

Cynthia Deis of  Ornamentea. 

She and her husband Galen run the business--which consists of a brick and mortar store as well as an internet store---together.  Cynthia is the creative genius, while Galen is the operations guru.  Although I have never met Cynthia "in person," I have been a secret admirer for many years.  Not the weird, creepy, stalker kind of fan; rather,  the  appreciative  "Damn! She's good!"  kind of fan.  At a time when more than a few retailers are bemoaning the state of the economy, Cythia and Galen employ 28 folks and are looking to hire.  Mind you, most of employees are part-time, but c'mon!  I'm impressed!  Ornamentea's success is no accident.

ORNAMENTEA EMBRACES TECHNOLOGY
 I first came across the Ornamentea website while researching sites for my own fledgling business almost a decade ago.  Most retailers were still in the dark ages...we were only just starting to recognize that a web presence was a business necessity.  Ornamentea was way ahead of the curve--the site was total eye candy in a sea of standard "stock" templates and lousy visual imagery. Today it sets the standard for the industry.

I asked Cynthia what set her apart at a time when others in the craft industry are experiencing sluggish sales.  She observed that her team is all "pretty techie" and that Ornamentea  embraces technology.  Galen is a former IBM executive who took a leave of absence to help Cynthia during her busy season.  His leave of absence soon became permanent as Ornamentea grew.  Moreover, Ornamentea employs two full time web designers to keep the site in tip top shape.  Web sales make up a significant potion of her retail sales, so the investment clearly pays off for Ornamentea.  While very  few specialty craft stores can afford a Tech Team, it certainly underscores the need for every retailer to make her website a priority.  Take some time and peruse the site.  Make sure to click every link.  It is stimulating both creatively and professionally.  You are bound to leave the computer bursting with enthusiasm and ideas for your own shop.

In addition to the website, Ornamentea leverages technology to capture the very best of what is wonderful about the  brick and mortar experience --- that yummy sense of being part of a larger crafty community --- and then carries it over to create a warm and fuzzy online community.  It is all part of the Ornamentea brand experience.   Cynthia encourages her staff to walk the floor with their cell phones/cameras so that they can grab customer photographs as appropriate.  It is fun for her team, it is fun for her customers. The pics are then quickly uploaded to Facebook or the store website.  Customers know to check in with Facebook often, because something exciting is always going on. 

Whether she is sending out her latest weekly craft tutorial, or simply sharing the details of her recent battle with the flu, it is a delight to be part of Cynthia's circle. Hop on over here here to sign up for the Dot Com Dispatch, her weekly free e-tutorial.   Cynthia has the pulse of the industry and you are sure to learn something.  She also emails a weekly newsletter to her brick and mortar customers.   Although store owners  know that "they should" have store events,  many fail  to host even one a month.  Not Cynthia! This week Ornamentea has six separate events going on!  Read her newsletter and be inspired!   

CYNTHIA GIVES HER CUSTOMERS A REASON TO SHOP AT ORNAMENTEA.

There is always a whole lot of free going on at Ornamentea.  Cynthia sells a great deal of inventory by exposing her customers to new products, techniques and ideas..FOR FREE.  She has free templates available for download and some of the best jewelry tutorials on the net.

In addition to providing the goodies listed above, Cynthia and her team cultivate several different "micro communities" within her customer base.  For example, she has a "Metals Club" which meets --for free-- at the shop.  There is a monthly  metal  project for anyone who chooses to make it.  Ornamentea is currently sponsoring a juried metals competition for group members.  The club even has its own separate newsletter!  Other free clubs include the Altered Book Club and the Beadweaving Club.

Are your school kids bored on half day Wednesday?  Ornamentea welcomes them  for Kids Work Wednesday, when your child can make a project for only $2.00!  The shop hosts an open air market five times a year for customers to sell their handmade wares.  Did I mention that Cynthia and Galen have two small children?  WHEW!

Honestly, it is easy to see where Ornamentea would have to employ at least 28 people!  Every business owner knows that staffing is one of the biggest challenges in retail. Tune in next week as Cynthia shares some tips on being a good boss!


IN OTHER NEWS:

 My current earring addiction?  Felted hoop earrings!  Get the tutorial here.  It is the ultimate "upcycling" project since it features tarnished "throwaway" hoops for the base and just a few grams of Ashland Bay wool top for the felting.   I am just finishing up a blue and silver set which will be perfect with denim.  I used mismatched hoops, which adds to the playfulness of the medium, and embellished with seed beads and Swarovski sew on stones.

FIBER EARRING CHALLENGE!

 

  

You can sew them, you can knit them, you can felt them, you can weave them, you can string them....technique is irrelevant.  They can be pierced or clip-on, dangling or post, flashy or demure.

THE ONLY RULE IS THAT THE EARRINGS MUST CONTAIN A FIBER ELEMENT!

Send me a picture of your fiberlicious creation on or before February 23, 2011!

You supply the ingredients and I will supply the prize---a fantastical, mouth watering, envy inducing box of Sparkling-N-Fibery Goodness with a retail value of  $150.   The winner will drool on it when she opens it...guaranteed!  There will be prizes for the second and third place winners as well as a special gift for every participant who blogs about the challenge.  Throw Down judges will be independent, with no business connection to either The Crafty Retailer or Aussie Threads and Fibers. 

Time's a wastin'!  Need some inspiration?  A quick google image search for "fiber earring" generates 1.9 million images!   Sort through your craft stash, get your creative muse flowing, and help me spread the crafty word!

Avoid the Retail Death Spiral! Take steps to ensure that your Brick and Mortar Store remains viable in an Internet World!

Many Specialty Craft Retailers are running scared.  They hear the evening newscasters report that the Recession is over and that The Recovery Has Begun, but they aren't feeling it.   Some of their customers don't appear to be feeling it, either.  I speak to a variety of store owners with a range of specialties:  Bead, Yarn, Fabric, Scrapbooking.  Reports of fourth quarter sales that fell below same quarter 2009 are not uncommon.  

Despite cheerful forecasts to the contrary, the challenges are very real.    While some experts are touting the economy  as "A Jobless Recovery,"  such a  recovery  works best for those who are gainfully employed.   For those with no paycheck....not so much.    These customers will not stop crafting. After all, like any addiction, the desire to craft will be sated and I have the yarn/bead/fiber stash to prove it.  Instead, customers will choose to be much more discriminating with their dollar.

You know the scenario:  Your beloved customer will hop on her computer and she will Google "best price pure pima cotton yarn" and she will find it.  Lots of it.  18,300 results in .24 seconds, in fact.  Much of it will be priced significantly below what it would cost her in your store---with free shipping and no sales tax. Sigh.  Your best Vendors---the ones who previously sold only to Brick and Mortar stores, are now offering their lines to Internet Retailers. They are running scared, too and, like you,  they are in the business of making money.  They see the writing on the wall!  It is predicted that 11 million American Households will make their first online purchases this year!  Internet retailers are selling lots of yarn...and beads...and fiber.  The Economics and Statistics Administration of the Department of Commerce reported that On-line Retail sales were up 16.4%  in 2010.  Hmmmm.....maybe that was where all the money went.  The reality is that your competitor is not just the shop across town....it is every shop at the click of your customers' fingertip! 

What is the Crafty Retailer to do?

Accept the reality of the future and adapt to it.  There are shops that are doing well despite the challenges facing them.  There are stores in depressed geographic areas that continue to shine, month after month. There are owners who are dealing with divorce/aging parents/ illness that manage to get it done.  It definitely ain't easy, but it is do-able.  

Master the media needed to survive!  Your website MUST be more than a brochure site---it should be an active revenue stream. Fortunately, it has never been easier to have an e-commerce site---it takes time but it doesn't take much money.    You don't need to do everything at once.  Rather, start uploading the more unusual inventory.  For example, lots of E-Tailers sell crystal bicones, so your site would not easily be found by a customer looking for bicones unless you were willing to spend a ton of cash on Pay Per Click Advertising.  Instead, feature harder to find, trendier items that will stand out within the Search Engines. 

Sign up to become a Fulfillment Partner with Shop-a-Tron.   It is a great concept.  Many manufacturers "sell" their products on their website.  The manufacturer does not actually ship the order; rather, the order is sent to a retailer who carries the line.  It is a great way for retailers to take advantage of the internet market for very little effort.  I have talked to several yarn store owners who report that some days their only sales were the Shop-a-Tron Sales!  

Start Blogging!    Again, there is a short learning curve but the payback is so worth it, provided you use the blog for more than a platform to hawk your product.  Blogging is about engaging the reader, not selling to the reader, so focus on information that will be helpful or interesting to your audience.   Someone who does a google search for a free peyote stitch pattern might find just what she is looking for on your latest post.  She can then find your website and a new customer is born!  Blogging is a tremendous vehicle to enhance goodwill and create a crafty community for your customers.  Don't be shy!  While your customers like hearing about the latest shop happenings,  they also love to know what is going on in your life, within reason, of course.

Write informally---I tend to write the same way that I speak---so that your voice do not come across stilted.  Include a recipe or write about your current craft project or life beyond the store.  Include lots of pictures to break up the verbiage.  People tend to focus on short paragraphs rather than a lengthy missive.  You must be consistent to build an audience----blog weekly if you can.    A great way to prepare for the blogisphere is to find some blogs that are inspiring and follow them.  I just did a blogsearch for "blogs by retail bead store owners" and got over five thousand results.  You will see what works--and what doesn't---very quickly!  Reading blogs is a great way to keep on top of the industry, too! 

COMING NEXT WEEK: 

We are going to meet  two different CRAFTY RETAIL SUPERSTARS who will share some of their tips for succeeding when so many others are feeling the pain!

IN OTHER NEWS:

We  have space for three more participants in the current craft challenge: Felted Cuff.  The kit, pictured below, will be mailed out by the end of the week.  Pictures of the finished piece must be sent to me on or before March 15.  The kit is lovely...I had trouble capturing it in the photo...and includes a yummy mix of crystal stones, hot fix and sew on crystals, Swarovski yarn, hand dyed spiral fiber and more!

Shoot me an email if you want to participate!

Crafty Retailers Create! Participate in our Felted Jewelry Craft Challenge!

It has been far too long since we have crafted together!  I am game for a new craft challenge and I hope that you want to play along. There are16 kits similar to the one pictured below.  The colors will vary, but each kit will be beautiful and will contain:

Hand dyed superfine merino wool,
Swarovski Crystal Suede Yarn, 27 mm Rivoli Stone, 20mm Square Frame Stones, Assorted Hot Fix Crystals, Assorted Sew On Crystals, Bits and pieces of chain, High Quality Craft Sequins and Brass Bracelet Blank

You must use at least one of every item in the kit and you must make a cuff bracelet.  The rest is up to you.  No felting experience?  Don't be a 'fraidy cat!  It is fun and easy and you can see my felted cuff tutorials here and here.  I will upload a tutorial on embedding crystal into felt within the next few days for those who prefer that sort of demonstration.    Shoot me an email if you want to participate.

Next week's post will have pictures from the last Crafty Retailer Challenge.  There are some special stories and incredible pieces---don't miss the opportunity to vote on your favorite! 

IN OTHER NEWS:

FACEBOOK UPDATE
Thank you to all of you who "liked" the Aussie Fibers Facebook page last week.  The winner of our random "We Appreciate Your Support" drawing was Linda Disosway-Jones of Texas.   It is not too late to get some goodies!  Head on over to our page and LIKE IT to qualify for this week's drawing.  Check in often as we will be using the page to announce spur of the moment sales and discounts.


 Rest in Peace, Rosie (December 2006- December 2010)

The last week of 2010 damn near did me in---my little Rosie dog finally lost her wag.  She died on December 24 and it has been a real bitch.   I know that it will get better.  It always has in the past, but I am not sure it will be as easy this time.

Rosie was my best pal...making me laugh every day with her silly, goofball antics.  She was a funny looking thing---beautiful face, too stout body, and long skinny legs.  Her parts never really seemed to go together but that was part of her charm.  She had an expressive face and paws that she used just like hands.  I loved her like crazy ---even immortalizing her on canvas.  My family teased me about my Rosie obsession so I painted the "Rosa Lisa" to play along.   There will never be another one like her and I do not say it lightly.  I have had animals  my entire adult life and have loved every single one of them----even the wretched cat who insisted upon peeing on my stove top---not the flat top stove where one would simply swear at the cat and wipe it up.  No, I am talking about the old fashioned stove with the coils. The kind where you would be blissfully unaware of the danger that lurked beneath.   That is, until you endeavored to scramble eggs for hungry children and were assaulted by the smell of burning cat pee.  You haven't lived until you have smelled sizzling cat pee.  Yet, I even managed to love that cat.

But back to Rosie......  I know that it will get easier. I know that the sun will shine again.  I just don't know if I will ever find a dog who will own my heart in the same way and that sucks.  

I am the sort of person who needs laughter in my life, so even in the midst of my sadness, I am determined to get my giggles.  I just need to do it in a way that doesn't force a "Rosie was way better" comparison.  There is no new puppy on the horizon.  Rather, I just put a deposit on two Nubian dairy goats. I don't have a barn or suitable shed on the property yet, but the goats won't be born for a few more months, so it is all good.   Who knows, maybe there will be another pet portrait in my future! 

I am going to pick myself up, dust myself off, and throw my energies into this next adventure.  I am sure that it will be tons of fun and provide the requisite laughter for me.  I think that Rosie would approve.

Etsy/Retail Store Jewelry Design Challenge garnered some incredible talent!

Wow.  I was blown away by the breadth and scope of the talent we uncovered in our latest Jewelry Design challenge.  It is always a kick to see what folks come up with when provided with the same set of "raw materials."  The pieces are truly extraordinary and many of the participants have already submitted their designs to magazines.  Very inspiring, indeed! Take a look and tell us what you think:  there are prizes for the participants, and prizes for those who vote.

This was the kit that each volunteer received, for free!   Included were assorted copper findings, including our own glue in rivoli and rectangle stone components.  We also provided 8mm AB2x bicones, 4139 Cosmic rings, 4439 square stones, rivolis and more.

We have three different categories to consider when looking at the entries: 

1.  OH MY GOD!  I can't believe she made that!

2.  YUM....This is the one I would wear every single day.

3. PERFECT!   This one would make for a spectacular class!

Prize Details to follow...but first....lets take a peak at all of the spectacular sparkle:

1.  AMANDA CARROLL:  Amanda, who owns the Bead Boutique bead store and also maintains an Etsy shop, fashioned the killer cuff pictured at right.  She re-purposed an old purse to get the perfect shade of green she wanted to enhance the Vitrail Medium crystals.

Here is a description of her journey:

It was quite the process to decide what do make! I finally decided on using a brass cuff blank as my base. At first I thought I would rivet the settings to the blank but then I remembered this old purse I'd been hanging onto and it became the perfect background to embroider the elements onto.

I flattened the cuff and traced the outline onto the leather. Then I did a freeform design with the elements.

I cut the leather to size and used e-6000 to glue it to the blank. I then reshaped the cuff and placed a finishing strip on the underside.

I love the lime green background against the crystals.

Thanks for letting me play!

2.  MICHELLE HEIM:  Michelle is the owner of Beadalotta, a Michigan bead store.  Michelle has long inspired me...she is a young woman on a mission!   Michelle hustles to stay on top of trends, navigates social media, sends out newsletters, designs innovative classes, etc.  She designed an embroidered necklace aptly named "Cirque:"

Here is this month's project.  Again...forgot to take pictures of the in progress....

This one went outside of my box of my usual muted colors and warm earthy tones. 

I've called this project Cirque. This project was done with bead embroidery and peyote.  A very small amount of wire work was done to attach the clasp. I used 4 components from the kit--a rivoli,  2 cosmic squares and the large rectangular stone. I added in Delicas, 11/0 seed beads, 10/0 Triangle beads, 3 & 4mm firepolish and 8mm checker-board flatbacks.  The neckstrap was made by tying a larkshead knot around the cosmic squares with recycled sari silk.  This is the 1st time I've used fiber in a piece.  This one kept calling me back to work on it.Completion time:  30-40 hours

3.  MARGE GIRALTE:  Marge is another busy gal...like Michelle, Marge operates a bead and yarn store and maintains an Etsy store too.  Marge used the components in her kit to make an impressive three piece set.

She sent us a picture of her modeling the set with the following:

Might have to find an event to crash wearing this set.

In the words of Mae West, "Too much of a good thing is WONDERFUL!"

 You have to love a woman who quotes 1930's favorite bad girl, Mae West! 

After all...I like to think that there is a little bit of sexy vixen in all of us, don't you?

4.  JENNIFER LAVITE of Dry Gulch Beads is another Crafty Retailer who maintains a separate Etsy site.

  [NOTE TO RETAILERS:  Etsy appears to be a viable revenue stream for those seeking to sell supplies.  Consider it if you would like a supplemental revenue stream!]

I have never been a big believer in "Less is More" when it comes to personal adornment and it appears that Jennifer and I might be cut from the same cloth:

It is finished!!!!!!!!

I love the way the necklace turned out and I had a great time working with the extravagant materials you sent for this challenge.   

 

5.  JAMIE NORTH is a talented bead designer and consummate professional.   Jamie met the deadline while juggling an emergency trip to the vet and final preparations for the Bead & Button Show.   I was not surprised to learn that she is teaching at THE place to teach...her piece demonstrates a sophisticated eye and wonderful sense of balance and texture.   Yum...

 

6.  MAGGIE MCCLOUD operates an on-line store and is a talented jewelry designer and textile artist. She  fashioned the piece at left almost exclusively from the items provided in her kit.  Love, love, love the clasp.  The lucky owner of this piece will look as pretty coming or going!

7.  HEDY LATOS is a Canadian Designer who managed to put together a smashing necklace, despite having a kit with some missing pieces. 

Hedy works with her daughter, designer Andrea Latos.

One of the things that intrigued me about Hedy's design was that she designed it to be reversable!

I had a lot of fun working with the materials.  The colour combinations and materials are quite different than what we normally work with.  After I took the materials out of the packaging, I spread everything out on the table and spent some time moving the components around.  I knew that I wanted to make a necklace and so this was my starting point.  I decided to limit the materials to what I had received, adding very little.  In the end, I used some stringing wire, glue, a clasp and several 4mm bicones in gold tones to blend in with the pearls.  I left out the crystal squares and the seed beads (I never did receive the crystal rings).

I had originally planned on gluing the crystal squares to the copper filigree squares.  However, when I did this, I felt that the necklace looked overdone.  I removed the squares before the glue had time to set.

What I like about this design is that it's reversible.  It's colourful and sparkly on one side and is a more subdued but rich copper/blue combination on the other.  The gold pearls were a lovely contrast to the bright AB crystals.

8.  STACY SCHOELL:  Stacy is another of those talented multi taskers!  She is the owner of The Bead Bin and also maintains an Etsy shop.  Whew!  [UNRELATED ANECDOTE:  Stacy came up with a great Workshop/Customer Event with the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Jean Jacket."  Check out how it worked here.]  Here is what she had to say:

I have created a bib style necklace utilizing  all of the beads/crystals that were sent in the challenge kit.  The only item I did not use was the large rectangle crystal.  Instead I made the large focal bead with a silvered glass which was then encased in clear.  All of the lampwork accent beads are of the same glass and glass frit and pick up on the pink and purple shades in the rivoli crystals.  I also added 4mm Swarorovski bicones in Fucia, copper and seed beads that complement the colors and in the necklace.  I placed the rivolis and focal bead to one side creating a asymmetrical design.  I placed the square copper accents on top of the square crystal creating a medallion to suspend the necklace.

9.  SHANNON JAMBARD is the talented owner of Meant to Bead.  Her elegant set would be a hit with the beady ladies that frequented my shop.  Shannon shared the following:

 

Here is what Meant to Bead LLC finished with for your Challenge project.  I gotta say I loved working on this challenge.  When the package came in the mail and we opened it.  We were at blown away with the beauty of the crystals, then came the actual “you want us to put all that together and make it look good?” part.  As you can see I feel we have met the challenge with flying colors!  We decided to go for the Victorian look.  As we are a bead store we went for a formal jewelry set .  We decided to pull together a little bit of advice from many of my artist/teachers.  “One said Chain maile , You must use chain maile “  Another said “I think it would look nice if you did some wire working and cage each stone.”  “ I had the idea of a rosary chain ”  When we took bits and pieces of each I think it turned out quite stunning.  Thank you for including us in this challenge.  Please put our name in the pool for next time  Our store is ALWAYS up for a CHALLENGE! A lot of Ideas never even got used we have plenty more to add to another project.

10.  MELISSA MERCER is a true Indie Artist!  She works with Stampington by day and is a talented jewelry designer by night.  Her Etsy store can be found here.  Melissa has a style that I love...equal parts  urban chic and winsome sweetness!

She used a Vintaj ring blank to fashion a ring with spectacular  sparkle!

 

10.  COURTNEY LEUTHAUS is another Indie crafter whose work is showcased on Etsy.  She utilized the Challenge Kit to craft a show stopping necklace and ring set.  As with Melissa, Courtney opted for FULL ON BLING when it comes to the ring.  TREND ALERT:  My 17 year old daughter and all of her friends are riding the Big Ring wave.  Ring blanks  are readily available, making RINGS a great Make and Take project for stores.  Check out the ring blanks from Helby and Vintaj.



11.  GLOW.  Glow is the "out of the box" artist that I featured in a recent blog post.  She uses the"bits and pieces" that she finds along the way to craft EXTRAORDINARY jewelry.  Do yourself a favor and check out her Etsy store...you will find the poetic descriptions of her designs as lovely as the pieces themselves!  In true Glow fashion, she crafted a killer piece that features dismembered doll parts:

Here is what she shared with us:

Here are photos of the piece I created for the challenge!  Thanks so much for sending the goods....  Also here is the link to the listing on Etsy.

I had such a great time with all this bling....   Of course, no crimps 

were used by ME!   Just beaded up a mix of the crystals, vintage gold 

plated bar chain links, pukka shells, shabby antique pearly textured beads and even threw in the round cabs in the actual bezels they belonged in(way out of the norm for me... but I like it).  The square connector things gave me a headache but I worked 'em in there in the end(phew!).  Seed 

beads were immediately chucked in the vial along with the small pearls...  

that made things a bit easier for me.  Of course Charlotte came out to play... a legless one, but her arms joined the mix (one shoved in a bullet 

casing and then in the vial)....   I used the third round bezel to cap the 

vial and the larger rectangle bezel as a home to vintage black lace and 

charlotte’s other severed arm.   JEEPERS!  I drone on and on.... ;)

I am rather chuffed with the outcome!  I really love the dark and sparkling nature of it!  I chose the title after a poem I thought was perfectly fitting as this was block building in a way (with old and new!)...

 

Thanks for the experience... Those beads were downright gleaming!

Warm Regards and laughter,

Glow

Wow! Her work is a delight and her writing is equally so.

12.  STEPHANIE TEMPLETON is an Etsy Artist with a sophisticated yet trendy style.  She made three (3!) very different pieces from the Kit, each equally lovely.  Here is what she had to say about them:

#1)  The necklace at left is for the lady who is equally elegant yet bold!  This statement piece will rock the LBD as well as jeans and a t-shirt.  18" length.  Additions:  vintage pin, green pearls, antique finish toggle.

 

#2)  The necklace at right is "Victorian charm meets the 21st century! "  Length- 16 1/2", plus 2 1/2" drop.  Additons:  Peridot teardrop, chain and toggle.

  

#3)  Urban chic!  the piece at left may be worn as a set or individually.  Shorter necklace is 17".  Additions:  Citrine teardrops, swarovski crystals, gold clasp.  Longer necklace is 44" in length.  May be worn long and dramatic of wrapped as a double.

 

Technique I used was basic beading on wire.

13.  HANNAH ROSNER.  Finally, we look to the piece created by artist Hannah Rosner of Good River Gallery.  Is she for real?  I mean, really!   I don't know whether to be embarassed by my work or inspired by Hannah's!   Her hands work magic with a needle and thread and she exhibiting at Bead and Button this year so make sure to stop by and say hello!  Hannah was kind enough to blog about the process, so if you want the "How To", check it out here.

Thank you so much to all of the talented volunteers who participated in the challenge.  WHAT FUN IT WAS TO SEE THE VARIED AND CREATIVE MANNER EACH OF YOU CHOSE WHEN FOLLOWING YOUR CREATIVE MUSE!!!

Now, readers...it is up to you!  Send us your comments and your choice for the winners in following categories:

1.  OH MY GOD!  I can't believe she made that!

2.  YUM....This is the one I would wear every single day.

3. PERFECT!   This one would make for a spectacular class!

Make sure to tell us WHY a particular design appeals to you!

Now for the PRIZE INFO:

EACH CATEGORY WINNER:  will receive a package of Swarovski crystal with a wholesale value of  at least $150!
Three winners will be chosen at random from those who vote!  Each of these winners will receive a package of Swarovski crystal with a wholesale value of $50! 

So let's get some feedback! 

IN OTHER NEWS:

If the idea of a challenge sounds appealing, we have one more kit left for the June challenge, pictured below.  Let me know...fast...if you want to participate!

 

Whew!  This post was longer than expected so look for the Tablerunner tutorial next week.  Now I am off to make dinner!  Ciao!