Saturday, November 7, 2009

November's Featured Etsy Seller ♥

Alright guys, I know I've been slacking on my blog lately. With 5 boys and a few scares of the swine flu, it's been a couple hectic months! Last year I used to do a monthly feature including some of my most favorite Etsy sellers and their products. I love selling on Etsy, but the most fun part is all the buying! I find it so fascinating how each item I have ever received from Etsy has been wonderful and you can really tell just how much detail and care that are put into each product.

This month I want to feature Ophelia over at opheliasapothecary. I recently purchased a Perfume and Fragrance Sampler "Try before you buy". I have never purchased handmade perfume before so I figured since the price was sooooo great I really couldn't pass it up! I ordered two and was able to choose the scents! I chose Ralph Lauren Romance & Apple Orchard.
I was so excited when it came in the mail. I opened the package and OMG..you would not believe the packaging! That in it's self I think was the most well done packaging I have received so far since buying on Etsy! The scents come in great sample size bottles with cute tags marked for scent. (she also threw in a x-tra scent) hehe, it's called Starry Night. Oh my, they all smell so so good! I'm normally very picky when it comes to scents. But these smell AWESOME!! I think my favorite (if I HAD to choose) would be the one she threw in for free...Starry Night! They also all came in an attractive silver tin to keep them all together and to top it all off she included a handwritten note thanking me for my purchase. This seller is a true class act and takes pride in each & every item that she sells. I'm definatly going back for more!

The Interview:

Tell us more about you name, location ect.
*I moved to kansas city about 10 years ago for my career, and ended up staying!

How did you first hear about Etsy?
*I think I heard about it when shopping one day. Someone asked me if I had and Etsy store....and I said 'no, but maybe i need one!'

What is the meaning behind your shop name?
*I totally fell in love with the name in high school when reading the play, Hamlet, in my english class. I decided back then, that if I had an alter ego, 'Ophelia' would be her name.

What inspires you?
*mainly greek mythology and Shakespeare. ...oh, and music. I can get lost in creating fragrances and blending oils. I get in this zone, and hours can pass before i realize how long i've been in my studio!

Aside from creating things, What do you do?
*play with my miniature doxies, watch old movies, and clean.....I'm alittle OCD! lol.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
*take beautiful pictures, set your standards early for your shop {even before your first sale}, and never~ever fall below your standards...set goals for yourself....you are the only one that can hold yourself accountable! Know what your niche is....brand yourself, and do it well. Two major Don'ts: don't go to the forums and complain about lack of sales....this time would be better well spent working on things you can control....photos, descriptions, branding, or building positive business partnerships. and the second don't....don't try to sell your product by putting down other sellers or competitors. sell on your product features and benefits...know your product and business well. Discrediting others and their practices makes you look bad.

How do you promote?
*I actually don't....I try to be helpful in the forums and I renew often. But, my number one, best advice for selling.....is to list something new every day. When I'm in the zone, and get something new listed regularly...sales seem to follow!

Ten years from now you would like to be?
*healthy, happy, and in love. I have some pretty major medical issues so ten years would be a gift in and of itself!

So get on over to Etsy and check out opheliasapothecary, you will not be disappointed!

Monday, September 14, 2009

New 8oz Mason Jar Candles for the Fall!!

Sorry guys! I haven't been keeping up with my blog! We have 5 boys at home, two of which had a scare of the Swine flu! But, everyone is fine and business is back up as usual! Were in the process of adding fall scents to our Etsy shop. I'm really excited about our new 8 oz Mason Jar Candles First up is our Yummy Homemade Pumpkin Pie 8 oz Mason Jar Candle including FREE SHIPPING!
The aroma of pureed pumpkin with hints of vanilla sprinkled with spices of ginger and cinnamon. Baked to perfection in the crispiest of crusts. A holiday tradition!

All handmade using as much fragrance oil the wax will allow! Total weight including jar is 13 oz. Due to the handmade nature no two candles are alike.

Each jar candle is double layered (autumn orange & white) and topped with a prim barn star embed. I have distressed and hand painted the lids to give them a more primitive look & tied it off with a gingham ribbon.

Next up is our Yummy Maple and Brown Sugar 8 oz Mason Jar Candle
The rich, sweet smell of maple syrup, sugar and cane molasses. A cozy and warm fragrance. A holiday tradition!

Each jar candle is double layered (tan & white) and topped with pecan embeds. I have distressed and hand painted the lids to give them a more primitive look & tied it off with a gingham ribbon.

Please allow 3 days after purchase date to hand pour your candles & tarts. I ship all items via Priority Mail Shipping.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Back to Reality...

Hey blogger world! I haven't blogged in awile...haha, my 5 boys are all out of school for the summer and driving me MAD!! Anyone out here know of any good summer camps in Georgia? LOL We spent our 4th of July with family & friends. It was a blast! I've already started gearing up for the fall. From previous experience selling online, sales usually double in the time period! I do NOT want to caught un-prepared! haha, last year I was running around looking like a chicken with my head AND wings cut off! New items will be out soon. Spoonable tarts and lollipop tarts are first on the creation to-do list. I'll post pics as soon as they are finished! Goodnight!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Lollishops ~ 1st Sale!!

Hey everyone!! I have been on Lollishops for about a month now with no luck. About a week ago I checked my email and had my very 1st sale! YAY! Whats more exciting is the email I received this morning from the very pleased buyer!! She purchased these two items: Frosted Hot Apple Pie Cake Bite Tarts and Grubby Frosted Birthday Cake Votive Candles (set of two)


This is the email I received from the buyer this morning!

Thanks so much! My mom was very impressed and loves her treats. My father was ready to pounce on them because he thought they were real. I have been trying to get her into the habbit of buying on Lollishops...but she gets stuck on the added shipping costs. I thought I would do the shopping for her then! ha! She bought some cupcakes at target? Pier 1? and said that they are no comparison to yours. Yay! So hopefully she'll start to buy online. The other thing is she hosts all kinds of gatherings at the house and loves to decorate...with fake food the better. So...hopefully her friends will be sent to you! She also mentioned how it smelled up the room so nicely! I am tickled that your creations knocked her off her socks!! It's been a pleasure, and hope to be back soon. You have my word of mouth promotion, too!

Blessings,
Amy

Needless to say I am VERY excited and wanted to share!! What a great start to the day!!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

NEW Grubby Loaf Candles!!


Mmmmmm...is all I really have to say!! Oh my goodness, this is by far my favorite! This Grubby Loaf Candle is scented in Cinnamon Buns~ cinnamon buttery cake and sweet vanilla icing. All handmade using as much fragrance the wax will allow! Due to the handmade nature no two loafs are alike.

Each loaf is topped with Cinnamon bun embeds, wax pecan pieces and real cinnamon.

It weighs in at 1 lb and measures 5 1/2 x 4. Will arrive to you in a foil pan, double wicked with a scent label and wrapped in a clear plastic wrap, tied off with homespun.

Please allow 3 days after purchase date to hand pour your candles & tarts. I ship all items via Priority Mail Shipping. The Clack House Handmade Candles & Tarts

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

New Cookie Tarts ♥

Hey everyone! These are some of newest creations. Grubby Cookie Tarts. They are sooo cute! And these aren't your average little tart. They are equivalent to 3-4 standard tarts. An excellent value. I have them made in about 3 different scents, but I'm adding more in the morning. If you want them in a different scent let me know and I'll make in whatever scent you like!
The cookies with the pink stars are scented in yummy Strawberries & Cream

The cookies with the purple stars are scented in Black Raspberry Vanilla, my ultimate favorite!


Saturday, April 4, 2009

Candle & Soap Give-away!!!

Hey folks! Carmen C over at Waxed Out Creative Life is hosting her first giveaway to celebrate her 100th post!! The lucky winner will receive the 4 items above, all handmade by Carmen C! A bag of lemon pound cake scented rosehip potpourri, a round cake of goatsmilk soap in the same scent, a cinnamon bun candle and a hand crocheted dish cloth! To enter, leave a comment on her GIVEAWAY POST stating you'd like to enter. If you post her giveaway on your blog let her know, She will enter your name twice! The winner will be drawn on April 10, Good Friday. Tell your friends, good luck!!