I have been receiving a lot of emails from prospective art students looking into going to an art school and decided to do a post to guide those who are planning on attending an art school or just any private college.
As all of you know college is very expensive. I am very fortunate enough to have a very generous grandmother who is paying for my college tuition. However for some, they need to get student loans and a little help from the government to pay for their tuition. I'm sure college tuition varies by school but the average cost of a private school is at least $20,000 a year not including living expenses such as dorm, apartment fee, etc. If you include that, it exceeds way more than $30,000 a year. You multiply that by 4 is $120,000, a price of a house in some states, and a down payment for a house in California.
I currently go to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and before this school I went to a different art school in So Cal and a community college for about years. Honestly, for the past year, I feel like my $30,000 tuition was not well spent. I, and most of the students of my school think the school is just ridiculously expensive. I mean, RIDICULOUSLY expensive. You do not understand how much this school rips you off. They charge you a $170 registration fee that goes up every semester and you have to pay this every single semester to sign up for classes. After charging about $670 per unit(which is going to go up next semester!!!) that equals $8,000 per semester for 4 classes, they charge you a course fee on top of that which varies by class. For an example, I have a computer class that I need to take for my major and they charge students an additional $400 for that class because we need to use the printer which is freaking ridiculous. This school seriously finds every way to rip students off. Last semester they raised the tuition and they are raising the tuition again next semester during this recession. The school knows that during recession people lose jobs therefore, go back to schools. They are taking this opportunity to rip people off and it's just so frustrating because there aren’t much you, as an individual can do. A lot of people who go to my school, and other private schools end up dropping out after their first semester when they realize it is just a waste of money because you really don't learn anything during your first semester. I heard the school does this on purpose to just have people enroll and take their money. For those who stick around, you still don't learn much... Honestly, I feel like I learned way more at the community college than this school. Also I worked as a kitchen and bathroom designer for 2 1/2 years before going to this school and sometimes it's ridiculous how I know more about interior design and the construction law than some of my professors. The AAU is poor at choosing its teachers, which is why students end up having different teachers at the end of the semester (a lot of teachers get fired due to their lack of knowledge in this industry) Out of my 1 + year in this school, for the FIRST time (besides one of my teacher from my last semester) I am finally learning something this semester but I still don't think it is worth the $30,000 I pay. Honestly if I did not need a degree for my profession I would totally quit school and just start from the bottom and work my way up in the industry. However, unless I land a gig in Top Design and win the whole competition, or the law of building construction, etc changes, it is best for me to get a college degree. I’m sure a private art school does give you a more in-depth experience that is related to your major than just a public college since a lot of people transfer from public schools. However when thinking about going to a private school make sure you go to a community college or a public school and get the electives or general courses out of the way. You do not have to pay $2000 for an English class or a Math class at an art school when you can pay almost nothing at a public school. Take as many classes you can then transfer to a private school but know that the cheap Academy of Art only accepts 30 units from other colleges so you still have to pay a crap load of money ($90,000 to be exact) in order to get your degree. Also if you have any questions about the school, don’t ask your counselor or advisor because these people are commissioned based. They will tell you what you want to hear so that you will go to the school. Just look online and ask questions at college forums or ask people who go to the school.
I’m sorry if I am scaring you and if this is all disappointing but I would hate for you to waste your parent’s hard earned money, or soon to be your hard earned money when you can save. If you really want to attend a private school, my best advice to is go to a community college for a year or two and get all the electives/ general courses out of the way. The school, (well my school at least) does not care about you or your education. You just need to be a self starter and have to be willing to learn.
I’m so sorry for this super long post and by no mean am I trying to offend anyone(maybe just the people who own private schools.) I really want everyone to know the truth about art schools (did I mention the owner of my school owns at least 50 vintage cars that are worth millions and millions of dollars? Wonder where our tuition goes to? More cars!) and you really are hardly going to get your money’s worth but because this society demands degrees(remember Kanye West’s College Dropout Album? Lol) and we have no choice but to go along with it.
btw, don't even think about staying at an AAU Dorm.
My first semester I stayed at a shared studio with nasty office carpet on the floor, no AC nor heater, paid around $1,100 a month when I could have gotten a studio on my own for about that price. I told you, this school finds every single way to take your money. I bet they hire people to research on what the best, sneakiest way to steal student's money.
What you didn't know about Art Schools
Featured in Beading Daily!
What a great way to wake up this morning! I opened up my email to an email from Michelle Mach, the editor at Beading Daily and my email copy of today's Beading Daily free project. Lo and behold, Michelle had made this beautiful necklace as an extension of the Spring 2009 Stringing Magazine "under $25" challenge using my Aurora Borealis Sari Circle pendant.
I love how she put the little dangles over the pendant- I think it gives great movement and I like the layering of textures. The Aurora Borealis glaze is kind of iridescent and has interesting variations of green and metallic shades which works really well with all sorts of gemstones (among other materials!).
If you're inspired by Michelle's project, send me a photo of your creation. I'll feature it here and give you some props!
Too Skinny Too Tight
These acid wash skinny jeans are sooo tight that it almost took me a couple mins just to pull them up. I had to do some weird lunges to get it pass my thighs. Also, I can't bend down because my butt crack will show.. although I am wearing a pretty thong. teehee
(Mom's Cardigan, Random White T, Vanilla Star Acid Wash Jeans, Ring from Al, F21 accessories, Dirty Laundry Boots)
Etsy and Me
Hey everyone! Before I dive into this blog post - I just wanted to say that my migraines are back full force. My couple of good days seems to have been a fluke. BUT the good news is we're trying more things, and I figured out how to get my lap top set up on the couch to use when I'm stuck flat on my back. So hopefully I'll be able to get more consistent about blogging...although adding new things to my shop is still going to be hard.
This weeks etsy blogger carnival is all about why you got started on etsy and what you think about etsy.
I found etsy through a friend. This was around a year ago, and my health had been rapidly declining for a few months. This gal saw me working on my jewelry when she'd come over to hang out and told me I should try selling. Well, she wasn't the first person to tell me that, but she was the first to introduce me to etsy!
Long series of events later - I found myself opening up my shop on May 5th, 2008. I was so excited and so nervous all at the same time! It seemed like there was a never ending stream of information to learn- and you know it still feels that way sometimes. Slowly but surely I got my feet under me, and a lot of that was because I met a few awesome people who were willing to help me find my way.
Now I have two shops on etsy. The first is my jewelry shop. I haven't has as many sales as I'd like, but I love that I have made sales! I've made enough to keep me going :) Besides, I LOVE making jewelry, so what else would I do with all the stuff I create?
My second shop is one I share with my Mom. I haven't been able to do as much to develop this shop as I'd like because of the migraines - but once I can get rid of those my Mom and I have lots of ideas! We've always been close - but it's been fun to have this to talk about :)
While I love etsy - I'm also well aware that there are limitations to it. It can be hard to get recognition on etsy because it's grown so fast and they haven't always done the best job at allowing people to get time and recognition. Also my main market, jewelry, is very saturated no matter where you go, so that's just hard to sell in general.
I do love the people I've met on etsy and the friends that I've made!
Will I stay with etsy? Yes. Will I ever open up shop on another venue? I'd like to. I need to get a little more consistency to my health first though. For now, I have enough work with two shops and two blogs :)
This weeks etsy blogger carnival is all about why you got started on etsy and what you think about etsy.
I found etsy through a friend. This was around a year ago, and my health had been rapidly declining for a few months. This gal saw me working on my jewelry when she'd come over to hang out and told me I should try selling. Well, she wasn't the first person to tell me that, but she was the first to introduce me to etsy!
Long series of events later - I found myself opening up my shop on May 5th, 2008. I was so excited and so nervous all at the same time! It seemed like there was a never ending stream of information to learn- and you know it still feels that way sometimes. Slowly but surely I got my feet under me, and a lot of that was because I met a few awesome people who were willing to help me find my way.
Now I have two shops on etsy. The first is my jewelry shop. I haven't has as many sales as I'd like, but I love that I have made sales! I've made enough to keep me going :) Besides, I LOVE making jewelry, so what else would I do with all the stuff I create?
| Etsy Buy Handmade roseworksjewelry |
My second shop is one I share with my Mom. I haven't been able to do as much to develop this shop as I'd like because of the migraines - but once I can get rid of those my Mom and I have lots of ideas! We've always been close - but it's been fun to have this to talk about :)
| Etsy Buy Handmade kstreasures |
While I love etsy - I'm also well aware that there are limitations to it. It can be hard to get recognition on etsy because it's grown so fast and they haven't always done the best job at allowing people to get time and recognition. Also my main market, jewelry, is very saturated no matter where you go, so that's just hard to sell in general.
I do love the people I've met on etsy and the friends that I've made!
Will I stay with etsy? Yes. Will I ever open up shop on another venue? I'd like to. I need to get a little more consistency to my health first though. For now, I have enough work with two shops and two blogs :)
Featured Jewelry Artist: Angela Taylor
Today, I would like to introduce you to Angela Taylor who creates jewelry and painting as a way to express her emotions while dealing with Epilepsy. Let take a look at the interview with her below:
Tell us your personal name, business name, website and location? Are you a full time artist?
My names Angela Taylor, My website is www.myspace.com/abstracty. I’m in Savannah,GA and I am a full-time artist.
How did you start doing jewelry (or beadmaking) as a business?
I began creating paintings first and later got into making jewelry for two reasons. One is that I love to see how it brings joy to others. The other is that I love the freedom that comes with only having to think about creating them. I created my jewelry for charities for awhile but create it now to help me pay to create larger works (mainly acrylic paintings) which I will later donate to charities.
Tell us the inspiration behind some of the designs you posted or simply describe your creativity process for coming up with these beautiful creations.
Each work is unique in that I am taken away from reality. The harsh reality of my life. I have many memories of painful experiences, art gives me a way of coping with them. I have had a medical condition(Epilepsy) since 12yrs and have had a hard time dealing with it. I find art a wonderful way to express my emotions. Although I do not like to push this on anyone, my having epilepsy is a part of me and I can not deny that. One of the paintings that I made was based on those around me while I was in a musical. I drew funny faces backstage a lot and that’s what I made the painting of.
Where do you sell at primarily-website, brick & mortar stores, shows, etc. Based on your experience, where is the best place to sell jewelries?
I sell online at www.paintingwpassion.etsy.com and at local markets and art galleries.
Please note that my larger works will be donated to different charities, when I find someone to help me.
Would you do something differently during the economic downturn? What would it be?
No I don’t think that I’d do anything different. The reason being that I already sell my works at lower prices due to my understanding of financial situations. Also my works are sold to help me create paintings that I will donate to charities.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested doing jewelry as a business?
I would advise them to get a book on jewelry making. Most of the books by Margot Potter helped me learn to create jewelry. I would highly recommend those.
Angela, thanks for your sharing. I hope you will be able to create awareness about epilepsy through your charity works. Good luck to you :)
Flower Bracelet Swarovski Crystal
Magnetic Clasp
Swarovski Crystals
Seed Beads
Gift Box
Size: 150(L) x 10(W) mm
RM199
Email: tangyauhoh@gmail.com
Bit of personal boasting
I guess artistry runs in the family. While I am good at creating handmade silver jewelry, my brother's passion is playing classical guitar.
I got this very short video of him playing classical guitar in a known Berlin cafehaus. I really love the relaxed atmosphere of that place. Nothing like the coffeeshops here in Cyprus.
So may I present, my brother :)
I got this very short video of him playing classical guitar in a known Berlin cafehaus. I really love the relaxed atmosphere of that place. Nothing like the coffeeshops here in Cyprus.
So may I present, my brother :)
Blue, White, & Gold
(Vintage DIY sleeveless+new gold button Blazer, F21 top, F21 leggings, Steve Madden Boots, MJ by MJ bracelet)
European made silver plated wires - Promotion
Also known as European craft wires, these are European made silver plated wires. These wires have a copper core and the plating is made up of a small quantity of pure silver, to get the colour, and an alloy. The plating on these wires is a lot thicker than what you normally get from the Chinese wires. So, you can be assured of its quality.
Three sizes are available for sale. Selling atRM12.50 RM10.00 per spool. The length of wires will differ for different wire sizes.
0.4mm – 10 meter per spool
0.6mm – 5 meter per spool
0.8mm – 3 meter per spool
Special package price at RM27.50. Package consists of:
1 X 0.4mm – 10 meter per spool
1 X 0.6mm – 5 meter per spool
1 X 0.8mm – 3 meter per spool
Visit The Work Room for more details on how I make use of these wires here.
To make your order, please visit The Work Room Order Form.
Special discounts available for purchase of 5 spools and above. Please email me at atelierworkroom@gmail.com to inquire. I am not able to check often on the comment section, so the best way to get in touch with me is to email me directly. Thanks!
Three sizes are available for sale. Selling at
0.4mm – 10 meter per spool
0.6mm – 5 meter per spool
0.8mm – 3 meter per spool
Special package price at RM27.50. Package consists of:
1 X 0.4mm – 10 meter per spool
1 X 0.6mm – 5 meter per spool
1 X 0.8mm – 3 meter per spool
Visit The Work Room for more details on how I make use of these wires here.
To make your order, please visit The Work Room Order Form.
Special discounts available for purchase of 5 spools and above. Please email me at atelierworkroom@gmail.com to inquire. I am not able to check often on the comment section, so the best way to get in touch with me is to email me directly. Thanks!
Flower Bracelet Swarovski Crystal
Magnetic Clasp
Swarovski Crystals
Seed Beads
Gift Box
Size: 150(L) x 10(W) mm
Price: RM199
Email: tangyauhoh@gmail.com
Antique Button Pendant Giveaway!!!
I am holding a Give-away contest featuring this Antique Button Pendant (value $31.00). The pendant consists of a dyed and carved antique mother of pearl button from the 1800's paired with an antique dyed plain mother of pearl button. As an accent, a cultured pearl has been worked into the design. The pendant looks great on any type of necklace (chain, fiber, cording, etc) and goes with just about anything...from elegant to casual jeans. The buttons were wired together, so rest assured, no harm has been done to the buttons. This way, they retain thier value :] The pendant measures a 1 3/4" long and 1" wide.Now, here's what you have to do. You don't have to do any extra clicking to my Etsy shop (unless you want to so that you can see more pendants). All I want you to do is post a comment telling me briefly something that made you smile yesterday, yesterday being the day before you stumbled on this page. Be sure to leave your email address in the post so that I can contact you if you win. That's it. Simple. When the giveaway ends, I will feed the number of posts into random.org to generate the winner. Winner will be posted here on Sunday, March 1, 2009 and I will email them.
Giveaway Ends Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 12 midnight Pacific Time!!
Good luck!
Lesson 13: Bead Storage & Care
When you progress in your jewelry making and you start having more beads to keep organized, you can get some storage cases.
Beads Carrying Case
The case is specifically designed for organizing and carrying beads.
Stack Jar
Everybody loves Stack Jars. Since each section is both a container and a lid for the section below it, you can easily reorganize your beads without taking them out of their container.
Bead Tray
Plastic Bead Trays are great for handling all your jewelry supplies: small beads, findings, and other loose beading items. The triangular shape and lightweight design make them the perfect choice for quick organization. They also work perfectly on scales and the V-shape lets the beads slide right into a bag without spilling
Beads Carrying Case
The case is specifically designed for organizing and carrying beads.
Stack Jar
Everybody loves Stack Jars. Since each section is both a container and a lid for the section below it, you can easily reorganize your beads without taking them out of their container.
Bead Tray
Plastic Bead Trays are great for handling all your jewelry supplies: small beads, findings, and other loose beading items. The triangular shape and lightweight design make them the perfect choice for quick organization. They also work perfectly on scales and the V-shape lets the beads slide right into a bag without spilling
Poetry
One of the blogs that I follow is called "Thursday Sweet Treat." I've only been following a long for a few weeks now - but I love it! Each week Natasha, the lovely host, puts up a new theme challenge for artisans to work on. Then, the next week, she displays all the lovely entries! I can't tell you how much fun it is to see the same theme interpreted by different artists across so many different genres of art work! I didn't get to participate in last weeks because I was too sick - but I was very inspired by this poem that another artist posted. So, with her permission, I'm reposting it here. You can find Kelly and her art work on etsy - just follow this link!
Dreaming in Color
they talk you know…
especially at night, tucked away in their bottles and bags and tubes.
and they spend a lot of time bickering and complaining…
“should have used us, what was she thinking”
“we’re the favorites”
(and they’re right, the greens ARE my favorites)
“she bought more of those!”
but eventually they quiet and drift into sleep…
and with sleep comes dreams
and did you know…
beads dream in color.
they talk you know…
especially at night, tucked away in their bottles and bags and tubes.
and they spend a lot of time bickering and complaining…
“should have used us, what was she thinking”
“we’re the favorites”
(and they’re right, the greens ARE my favorites)
“she bought more of those!”
but eventually they quiet and drift into sleep…
and with sleep comes dreams
and did you know…
beads dream in color.
Stop Pulling Your Hair Out......Feature Software
I will admit...one of the hardest things in creating jewelry to sell on Etsy is the paperwork, inventory and pricing. I have found this great software to help you with all these daunting tasks!
This fantastic program, available at BEAD MANAGER PRO, eases the tasks required so that you have more time to design and create. This software allows you to input all your bead inventory...all the way down to wire, thread and clasps. When you design and create a piece, input the materials you used, set your labor cost, and this software automatically comes up with three suggested prices for that particular piece (wholesale, direct and suggested retail). This is so fantastic because pricing pieces has to be one of the hardest parts of running your business. What are my creations worth? With this software, you will not have a shadow of a doubt. Not only that, but you can insert a picture of the finished piece for permanent record, as well as a tab to include your assembly instructions. Now you will never forget how you created that awesome piece! Now, you can be sure you offer fair prices and at the same time, be sure you charge what the piece is actually worth...no more underselling. The above picture shows a sample of the inventory screen where you input your supplies as you purchase them. I will admit that it took a couple weeks for me to get my existing inventory in the program, but as long as you enter them as you get them from there, it is quite managable!
Taking care of paperwork is another daunting task that Bead Manager Pro simplifies. With this software, you can keep customer lists, create invoices, create labels and catalogs of your pieces, and even keep track of pieces you have out on consignment.
The price is quite reasonable and well worth it....and the best part is that if you are a legal business, this software is a tax write-off! No need to wait for a CD to install, this program is an instant download so you can get to work right away inputting your inventory! With your download, you also get several free e-books to help your business.
Click ***HERE**** for more information about this great software. How lucky us beaders' are that someone took the time to develop this amazing software! I have sworn by it for the last year...it's one of the best investments I've made for my business!
BEADING WORKSHOP BY BEADPASSION
Beading Workshop Special Promotion
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Sign up Beadpassion Beading Workshop now to receive a FREE Full Body Treatment worth RM320 or Bust Firming Treatment worth RM350 by Bizzy Body - The Slimming Expert.
Bizzy Body is the 1st Assurance Slimming Centre in Malaysia which provide comprehensive range of assured cum personalized programmes. Join our workshop now to enjoy this special privilege we designed exclusively for you.
Kindly log on http://www.beadpassion.com/ or email beadpassion168@gmail.com for more information.
Terms and conditions applied.
Promotion ends 31 May 2009.
Bracelet - Bangle
Magnetic Clasp
Swarovski Crystals (AB)
Seed Beads
Gift Box
Size: 165(L) x 13(W) mm
RM249
Contact: tangyauhoh@gmail.com
Blue and green and more blue...
I don't know what it is but I find that I always end up with an overload of blue and green glaze shades! Maybe it's because I wear a lot of blue (and variations of blue) myself? Despite all my blues and greens I've had a hard time getting a good result in cobalt- part of the reason is that I have a very heavy hand with glaze and I put it on too thick. Finally though I think I've mastered this glaze and I'm actually getting consistent results.
So my big question is...what colors do you want to see that I don't have right now? I know there are entire color families that I ignore completely (yellow comes to mind- a color I never wear!) but the dilemma is whether or not anyone actually is looking for those shades. I'd love feedback on what you'd like to see!
Etsy Blogger of the Month - Donna Pool
You haven't seen me mention too much about the etsy bloggers on this blog lately because...well...I've been behind the ball cuz of my migraines >_> oopsie! But...I'm still not to late to do this months featured blogger! So with out further ado...here she is :)
Donna is one not only extremely talented - her work is diverse! You can find her shop at www.donnapool.etsy.com and in her shop your find all sorts of fun stuff. I had to show off this example of her photography because, well, we all know I'm addicted to purple!
Donna also has tons of cute buttons in her shop. I had a hard time picking - but this one just fits me so perfectly I couldn't resist!
Donna ALSO sews. By hand. Can you believe this awesome ball was sewn by hand????
Want to see more of Donna's awesome work? Don't forget to check out her shop and blog!
Donna is one not only extremely talented - her work is diverse! You can find her shop at www.donnapool.etsy.com and in her shop your find all sorts of fun stuff. I had to show off this example of her photography because, well, we all know I'm addicted to purple!
Donna also has tons of cute buttons in her shop. I had a hard time picking - but this one just fits me so perfectly I couldn't resist!
Donna ALSO sews. By hand. Can you believe this awesome ball was sewn by hand????
Want to see more of Donna's awesome work? Don't forget to check out her shop and blog!
If I were riding a horse, I'd wear flannel
But I'm going to the Disco,
so I wear Chanel
I miss going to the Disco. lol
(Max Mara Blazer, LA Zipper shirt with pockets, F21 tights, Dirty Laundry Boots, Rings from Al and F21)
When I asked the owner of these gorgeous dogs how much for a photo he said he only accepts donations... Once the photoshoot was over he told us he normally charges $5. I hope he spends that money well on these precious dogs.
Bracelet (Swarovski Crystals)
Button Clasp
Swarovski Crystals
Gift Box
Size: 155(L) x 30(W) mm
Price: RM189
Email: tangyauhoh@gmail.com
Are You Ready for a Craft Show?
If you are a crafter, and you craft to sell, eventually this will be one question that will cross your mind. There are several things you may want to tick off your list before you can honestly answer that question:1) Do you have enough product?
There is only one thing worse than selling out of everything you have before the weekend is even close to being over. That is having people pass right by your booth because you have hardly anything there. I have seen it happen...as well as the look of despair on the crafter as they watch everyone just walk on by. If you are renting a 10 x 10 space, you will need alot of things to fill it up. Before you can honestly make that decision, draw out a 10 x 10 space on your driveway or garage floor. Set up your tables and set out your stuff. Take a step back and honestly ask yourself..."Would I stop here?" If you can do this without raiding your Etsy stash, you can tick this one off.
***Note on this***
Some crafters swear by the "hold back approach" meaning that you don't put everything you have to sell on the table all at once. I totally support that and do engage in this approach. You simply keep them in a box/container under the table and restock your table as it sells out. The point I was trying to make is that you don't want to have so little product that you cannot sustain your sales for a whole weekend. You want to be sure to have enough to sell, even if you don't put it all on the table at the same time (which may be damaging by making your book appear cluttered and messy). Keep design in mind, here :]
2) When is the application deadline?
Most juried shows have an application deadline of the end of January. Most non-juried shows need the application and rental fee about a month or two before the show. Be sure to plan ahead.
3) Can I afford the application fee?
Juried shows are considerably more expensive to rent space than a non-juried craft show. Juried shows typically cost me about $250 for the weekend, more if I need electricity (lights, credit card machine/cash register, etc). Please remember that juried shows need the money WITH the application, not the day of the show or after the show. If you are considering going to a juried show to sell, go to the show the year before to see what kind of traffic the show has. You don't want to spend $250 to sell five things :[ Alternately, non-juried shows are very cheap ($25 for the day), but sales are also typically lousy for these shows, too. You can think of it as "you get what you pay for".
4) Do I have stuff for my space?
You will need tables, plain and simple. You may need walls, a tent or other props to put your stuff up. All these things cost money. If you are business, they are all write-offs, but still, money is money. You also want to invest in nice tablecloths for your tables. I have tried plastic tablecloths (cheesy) and colored cotton sheets (even cheesier). Don't skimp on your presentation. In craft shows, presentation is everything. You want to draw people to your booth or space.
As you can see, there are many things to consider before doing shows. I have done juried and non-juried shows (prefering the juried shows), and you will think of many more things to consider as you go along. If you are ready, take notes and pictures of your space as you go along, learn lessons as they present your self, and remember...craft shows will be around for a long time. You don't need to rush into them. Listen to your gut...your instinct. You will know when you are ready to take the plunge!
Some Ideas for You :)
Yesterday I posted up my weekly special and a tutorial on how to create and implement the "Buy Now" button. If you missed it, just click here! I know sometimes you look at an idea like that and you say, "wow, that's cool, now how on earth can I make it work for me?" So here are a few ideas about how you can sell on your blog - how you can make it work for you :)
There are two big areas that I can think of right now when it comes to selling on your blog. Now, there are probably more, but this is what comes to mind when I think of what I've seen out there on the blogs. The first of those is featuring one of your wonderful creations!
Now when I feature one of my items I like to put it out here on sale, but don't feel like you have to! That's not as important as getting your item out there and featured. I like having my weekly sale special, but you can also simply use the Buy Now button when you unveil a new creation on your blog.
If your going to be featuring an item in your side bar to sell I think it's important to rotate items on a fairly consistent basis. I've chosen to do this weekly, but the idea is that it keeps your blog looking fresh, and you never know what item will appeal to your blog readers! I wouldn't recommend changing it daily though. You want to give your readers a few days to notice, fall in love with, and decide they can't live without your product!
The other big way that I've seen the Buy Now button used is when the artist has a pattern or a kit that they've created. This is an item that they leave up all the time. I've known several artists that have been quite successful at selling patterns through their blogs this way!
Don't have a pattern or a kit to feature? Do you do custom orders? If you have a particular item that your regularly do custom orders on, so you have a set price, you can list that on the side bar. I plan on doing that soon .... so check back if you want to see more of what I mean!
Any more ideas? Leave me a comment!
There are two big areas that I can think of right now when it comes to selling on your blog. Now, there are probably more, but this is what comes to mind when I think of what I've seen out there on the blogs. The first of those is featuring one of your wonderful creations!
Now when I feature one of my items I like to put it out here on sale, but don't feel like you have to! That's not as important as getting your item out there and featured. I like having my weekly sale special, but you can also simply use the Buy Now button when you unveil a new creation on your blog.
If your going to be featuring an item in your side bar to sell I think it's important to rotate items on a fairly consistent basis. I've chosen to do this weekly, but the idea is that it keeps your blog looking fresh, and you never know what item will appeal to your blog readers! I wouldn't recommend changing it daily though. You want to give your readers a few days to notice, fall in love with, and decide they can't live without your product!
The other big way that I've seen the Buy Now button used is when the artist has a pattern or a kit that they've created. This is an item that they leave up all the time. I've known several artists that have been quite successful at selling patterns through their blogs this way!
Don't have a pattern or a kit to feature? Do you do custom orders? If you have a particular item that your regularly do custom orders on, so you have a set price, you can list that on the side bar. I plan on doing that soon .... so check back if you want to see more of what I mean!
Any more ideas? Leave me a comment!
Bracelet (Swarovski Crystals)
Button Clasp
Swarovski Crystals
Gift Box
Size: 155(L) x 30(W) mm
Price: RM189
Contact: tangyauhoh@gmail.com
Bracelet (Swarovski Crystals)
Lobster Clasp
Extention Ring
Swarovski Crystals
Seed Beads
With Gift Box
Size: 155(L) x 10(W) mm, Extention: 25mm
Price: RM265
Delivery Cost: RM10
Contact: tangyauhoh@gmail.com
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