Etsy for Everyone

Making a portfolio

When you approach local shops to carry your products, you want to show them 1-2 pieces in person, but probably not carry everything you have ever made. Impossible, since many pieces have already sold.

So you need a portfolio. There are different ways to make one.

Photo book
The version I like best - order a photo book online. All suppliers usually have some software to download, which then lets you make the book on your own computer, using your own photos, and deciding on the layout of each page.

Keep the layout and background simple, group your items around themes, and add some text... and you have a professional looking portfolio in no time.

Just google "photo book", that should bring up local suppliers. Compare prices, then google coupon for that supplier - most of them have coupon codes hidden on the web.

Photo album
The other option is getting a regular photo album and stocking it with product photos. You can either print them out yourself, or just order prints - which usually gives you better results and is cheaper, since cartridges really take their toll.

Again, add some text into some of those slots, add your logo to the front - make it look cool and creative!

Etsy survey

It seems to be time for Etsy's annual survey. So go on, fill it out - maybe it helps! It mainly asks after which features of Etsy are important to you, and which features are used to shop.

Now all you international sellers, don't get all excited - your opinion is important, highly valued, blablabla... but there's no shopping spree in it for us.

Still, fill it in.

It might help Etsy to focus on what is important. The last weeks have seen loads of gadgets, like Shop Local and Pounce, while the important bits are still undeveloped.

Finding inspiration

There are times when I do nothing but paint. And times when I do nothing but sew. And then there are days or weeks when I can't find the energy or motivation to do neither.

Every time that happens, I worry. I worry if Strumpfkunst is really what I want to do. If I should honestly consider doing this full-time eventually, or just admit it - it's just another hobby, something that I will tire of.

When I am back to creating, I am fine again. But I do wonder - how do others cope with these motivational breaks and bumps?

Right now, I am creating again. And somehow, I'm in a safari mood. It started with a customer's request for a giraffe, which I needed to think about. After that one turned out great, I asked the forums what to make next - and so far, an alligator as well as a rhino have come to life.

Those projects make me happy. It makes me happy when I look at a pair of socks and try to find out what it wants to be. It makes me happy when it works, when the critter is cute, has personality, and just looks cuddly.

I think I'll take a trip to the zoo next week. Maybe I will find some more inspiration. :)

I need help finding suppliers

Okay, I know these aren't handmade, they have been flagged - but it seems Etsy is ignoring it until we provide them with the exact suppliers.

So, if any of you know where those are from - please help? I am only posting one item per shop, but feel free to take a stroll through the sellers' selection... there are loads of items that have a supplier out there - if only I could find it!