The De-Stash Project

It's time. Time for what? A massive de-stash.  I am terrible for holding onto fabrics for some future time. Well it's time.  I am going to be bold and try and use up as much of my stash as I can with different projects - pillows, table runners, throws etc.  Watch out for new items, tutorials and a new Etsy shop.  Yes, ANOTHER one!

Bye Etsy

Yes,
I have put my store to rest, I'm afraid. Maybe I will go back to it, but I doubt it right now. I love shopping there and will continue to do so, as a crafts person it's so hard to get noticed! Luckily I am in a place brimming with craft shows, stores and studios. Even so I am going to focus on building up my work before I consider all that, I had to give up so much of my craft stuff when I came to the States, that I have a lot of work to do.

It's more than just sewing and making pieces, it's also having some kind of cohesiveness and fresh approach, so that's what I will be doing in the coming year or so.

To Etsy or Not to Etsy?

'Fresh Fun Home' by L1zW

A modern, homely living space full of light and space.

When I first signed up to Etsy I was so excited to find this wonderful site full of creative people. I was inspired to enough to start my own shop - Phyllis B - but was not too successful. There were a number of reasons for this but my overall summary is that Etsy is good for buying, not really for selling. There is even a blog now devoted to problems with Etsy called Etsy Bitch and while I don't always agree with their posts, I think it is important to highlight some issues with the site. That said, after a hiatus of over a year ( I was in Zambia and online shopping is a bit of a pipedream there) I have come back to discover that there have been vast improvements. The site is slick and finally they have made it easier to create treasuries, (though bizarrely there is no code generator to share them). What I sell there again? I doubt it as I still think they are not seller friendly. But I still think it is great for fabulous design inspiration and original items.

Now a big big thank you to Whaleshark Websites that has an awesome HTML generator for treasuries, making this possible.

MidwestFinds $15.00	ThistleTreeVin... $25.00	appetitehome $16.00	roddyandginger $35.00
IngeIVStudio $24.00	elementclaystu... $45.00	BurlapAndBlue $14.00	dbabcock $45.00
summersville $8.50	LoucheLab $20.00	marybethhale $20.00	BurlapAndBlue $27.00
StellaDeer $4.25	TippyTumble $12.00	lunarloungedes... $1100.00	dbabcock $45.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Return to the Blog

I know it has been ages since I posted anything here. I have been overtaken with trying to finish my quilt before cold season, and basically failing. I know Africa is supposed to be hot, but it is so cold now! I am still working on the quilt but I think I will use it as a throw for our living room now.

If you are wondering what I have been up to all these months, then check out these blogs. Mainly I have been writing and working at the gallery. I am also now heading up a team that is planning on publishing an art paper for Lusaka and Zambia. So if you want to know more about that, go to this website.

I will try and be less negligent, but I think my posts will have to be once a week as I am considering a new Etsy shop that will be a radical departure from Phyllis B, but with some of the more crafty elements.

To be honest I have been taking this time to work out a new direction for myself, knowing full well that some ventures don't work out and then I have to find a new obsession! However I must admit that I am extremely lucky to have this time grow creatively.

Advertise Here

I am offering ad space on my blog for just $15 a month, check out my Feedjit and visitor calendar to see how many hits I get.

Then, if you decide you want to advertise, click the buy now button on the side panel, send me the code from you Etsy mini, Coriandr shop or wherever and I will add it to the side bar. The mini should be 1 column by 4 rows. The ad will stay for a month, and I will email you a couple of days before it is due to expire in case you wish to renew, if you do, I will give you a discount!

Etsy Favourites

My Friend's New Etsy Shop

Apart from finding someone amazing and having a great time with them, being married also means my friend pool has extended and I have met some amazng people through Chad. One of these people is a very good friend who has opened her new shop on Etsy called Crashbox Design - this is also the name she uses for her graphic design work.

She makes these great pictures with names on, we got one as a wedding present and I love it. It's so simple but effective and I love the fact she respected that we are keeping our names.

If you interested in graphic design, here is her site for that.

Lucky Dip Day

Today, buy an item in my shop and get another one free - but it will be a secret until it arrives! Go to my Etsy shop to join in fun.

Today Only - Get Cheapest Item Free

For today only, buy any 2 items at Etsy and get the cheapest free! Convo before ordering, telling me what you wish to order so I can make the necessary deductions before you pay.

Big Sale at My Etsy Shop

More in my Etsy Shop
So I need to sell off as much of my stock as I can before leaving for Zambia in two weeks. Then Phyllis b will go on vacation mode for a while. Everday I will add a new special offer to my shop. From today until shop goes on vacation mode I am offering buy 1 get 1 free on all greetings cards - except multiple packs.

Treasury Feature!

My hummingbird gift tags were featured on this Etsy treasury!

New Delights for Etsy

I have been really enjoying my time off so far, pottering around, gorging on internet and stitching away. I am trying to work out a system whereby I try and list something everyday or every two days. I have come up with the formula of making a batch of things that take less time and then as I add each of those I can work on things that will take a little longer.

Here are my first items for the week, a keyring and some gift tags. I am quite happy with the keyring as it looks kind of anitquey and preserved. The lace adds to that feel .I was so thrilled to get keyring blanks that are made in the UK.

Next are my hummingbird gift tags. I think these turned out well and they quite fiddly to make, since the pictures are quite small. They come in a set of six. Today and tomorrow I will be working on the union jack coasters.

Patchwork inspired Woodwork - so special!

Thanks to White Serenade

I am so flattered that fellow Etsy seller White Serenade has featured me on her blog! Thanks!
http://whiteserenade.blogspot.com/2009/07/etsy-feature.html

Christmas Come Early at Phyllisb/Etsy

Time to think ahead! Ok, so Summer is slow, sales are miniscule but I am CONVINCED that come Christmas, things will change. In anticipation of this tidal wave of sales, I am preparing some Christmas items. First are these Xmas cards which I am selling in packs of four, what do you think? OK, I admit my photos still need work and the moment it is at the top of my list of 'areas to improve'.

Next will be gift tags, Christmas decorations and plush stockings!

I am Getting Married, so have a free gift!

I know the recession is hitting some of us pretty bad,so to soften the blow, I am offering a free gift with any Etsy purchase from my shop Phyllis b between now and the end of August. This is my way of saying thank you for everyone's support and to share my excitement at getting married. Wahay!
The first free gift is this bookmark for whoever buys from my shop next. See below.

Etsy, Etsy, Etsy

I dragged my feet for quite while about opening my Etsy shop, I naively thought I would be overrun. The opposite has been the reality. Sales are so slow! Part of this is due to it being Summer, partly it's the recession but I also decided to get some criticism of my shop.

It turned out that many felt my photos needed work as well as my banner. Well I have done the banner and I am planning to re -do many of my photos. Anyway I am pretty happy with the banner and I think it reflects my work more accurately than the first.

Another comment was that I should list more often, but this is hard when you work as well - needlecrafts can take some time. But I have at least built up my stock of cards and plan to work on my cross stitch ideas next month.

Making a going of being an artisan is harder than I thought, for sure, but it is no less enjoyable for that and I am so greatful to my fellow sellers who have helped me so much.

My Etsy Shop is Open!

I bit the bullet last night and opened my Etsy shop! There is one item in there at the moment, but more will be coming very soon!!!

I am excite but also a bit nervous, it's all quite new and I hope it goes well.
Anyway, please feel free to visit my one item!