In like a Lion.........out like a lamb.......March means "Get ready for spring"

Adding a little humor mixed with Spring gift ideas to eliminate some of the anxiety when shopping for 

that "hard to please" person in your life,

 such as:

THE COLLEGE STUDENT

Modern art Nautical Print by boldversion

Unisex half Dyed bleach tank by FREEloadapparel

Red silk cord wrap bracelet by ehstern

  

The Sports fanatic 

Original painting "Game Day" from Storytree

Rustic beer opener with removable box from JDRwoodworks

Knitted sports beanie from UniqueKnitDesign

All of us needing some selfish pleasures
(notice this has the most listings 'cause we're worth it!!) 

Tea tree eucalyptus lavender hand cream by BeyondThePicketFence

Organic full leaf tea by BeauTeaStudio

Hand crochet sea waves mat by TwistedThreadAndHook

Aqua flower micro macrame bracelet by GetGlassy

Dragonfly in the garden felted painting by HuzzahHandmade

Where To Find Makers On Hudson This Weekend

A Spirited Shopping Experience

 

 

Primitive Folk Art Bird with Red Heart by Digilio Designs

 The holidays are a memory, the new year has been rung in, and Valentine's day is just over the horizon. This Saturday, you'll be able to catch Sue, of Digilio Designs, at a pop-up boutique at Dutch's Spirits in Pine Plains, Dutchess County NY. Over a dozen local artisans will be present.

Valentine's Day Gift Two Owls Art Bevel by Digilio Designs

Sue will be bringing a great selection of gifts for your valentine, so plan on visiting the distillery on Saturday from 12 - 5. Not only can you shop, but you will also be able to tour the hidden, underground spaces on the property where Dutch Schultz brewed his bootleg spirits during Prohibition.  Music, food and coffee with also be available. All information is available on the distillery's website under "events."

In My Studio: Updating my Packaging

So Handmade's New Packaging

In January I decided to give my packaging a much needed update. Getting the right packaging can benefit your craft business in many ways. I decided to go with these recycled boxes and mailers from EcoEnclose.

By spending a little more time and money on the end product could have a big difference in your brand identity at the end of the day.

Great packaging can:

1. Get your products 'noticed' in a sea of vendors at a craft fair or in the Etsy search pages.
2. Increase the perceived value of your products, enabling you to increase your profits
3. Be informative- giving the customer info about the product and your company for potential future orders.
4. Make your line of products more cohesive
5. Elevate your brand and make it memorable

Great Packaging from The Pudgy Rabbit

In order to achieve this the packaging should:

1. Be thought of as an integral part of the product and not just an afterthought.
2. It should reflect or complement your brand, your ethos and your style
3. Be easily replicated for future items
4. Affordable
5. Not too time consuming
6. As green as possible

Some different ideas for creating your own unique, eye catching and memorable packaging could include making your own stamps or block prints, printed materials, stickers, fabric bags and ribbons or even including a small 'freebie' with your product.

I posted on this blog a little while ago a tutorial to make your own fabric labels. This technique could be applied to making your own packaging ribbon and labels. Click this link to access the tutorial.

Also adding a gift wrap option in your listings can help customers who would like to send the purchase direct to the recipient and its a great way of adding value to your shop.

Adding a Gift Wrapping Option is a great way to add value to your Etsy Shop

Good luck and Good Making!

Good things come in small packages!

Sarah Omura - SO Handmade