Ira Mency : Assemblage Artist

TTYR Shop Update: Girl Power Stampers Galore

2012-01-25T14:34:00.000-08:00


Cat stamp, $17 in Tyr's shop!

My sincere apologies to Tyr, I should have known! The post I wrote about TTYR shop on Etsy, and the cool hand carved scrap-booking and collage stamps you can order.....well, guess what?

Wait for it........

totally a female artist.

Oh yeah, girls rule.

That is proof it itself.

♥ We rock. ♥

Zelda Stamper, so cute $16 here.

Stamps for Everything by Tyr at TTYR on Etsy: Artist Resources

2012-01-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

One of Tyr's works that is now available in her shop.

I happened upon this shop on Etsy (TTYR) and love it, I mean really love it. They are hand carved stamps by Tyr, an artist from China who is living in Stockholm Sweden. Her designs are cute and quirky and custom stamps, no problem!

Get a stamp of your own face by sending him a picture, only $35 in his shop!

Cute stamps made with your shop logo or Etsy shop name start at $25 and are so cute!

What I find most interesting is her attention to the natural. Her stamps are hand carved and set on natural wood slices, that keeps the "handmade detail" alive. It takes a small bit of turnaround and mailing to the states, but her work is so spot-on that it's worth the wait.

Note the natural wood slice to hold the stamp, love, love, love it!

Today I had a little fun with my favorite stamp in her shop making one of those satiric motifake-s. You know the kind where a picture is worth a thousand words:

Vote for her stamps to WIN here.

So you see, there are so many possiblities! Tyr keeps it quirky with her trendy "extra T's" which you will find not only in her shop name but in his blog. Hmmm, what is the hidden meaning of that?

SHOP WITH TTYR now - Go and visit her Etsy shop!

Catch up with her here: on her blog "tthisisjusttosay"

Key Lime Bath Soap at Braggin Rights Bath and So Much More

2012-01-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

You can't eat it, (but you'll almost want to) - yummy in the tub only $6!

Sigh.........how I love key lime pie. I love the smell of it , the taste, and texture. Imagine being able to duplicate that lovely essence into your bath and all around you suds-wise with ZERO CALORIES with these great bath soaps by Etsy sellerBragginRightsBath! They have real oatmeal crust and work well as an exfoliating soap. They are so lovely to look at and would make excellent gifts for family, friends, or co-workers!

Cupcake bombs, no really, you can't eat 'em !

Just when you think that's as good as it gets, dream on. Look at these "mini cupcake bath bombs!" Drop them in your tub for an all over clean feeling, while the smell of vanilla "flavor" and butter cream icing surrounds you....you will not want to leave the tub.

Goat's milk soap bundles, $6, here!

So just who is behind all this soap? A creative gal named Tracy out of Brownstown, Michigan. Suffice to say with great prices, attractive and yummy smelling products and great feedback from customers, her products are already being sold in stores across the USA. I'm not sure if I like the cocoa bath soak or the marshmellow cake soap better......

Marshmellow Rainbow Cake Soap Can you say five bucks what's not to love?

Her online shop is full of handmade Artisan Soap, Bath Bombs, Scrubs, Face Masks, Body Butter, Foot Scrubs, Gifts for Hubby & More!

I'm adding the following three to my must-get-for-next-gift list:

Cinnamon Coffee Infused Salt Scrub

All Natural Chocolate Sugar Scrub

Lemon Eucalyptus Honey Soap

Go here to see this! Excellent for the senses.

So many yummy fragrances:
Banana Cream Pie
Bblueberry Streusel Pie
Bubblegum
Marrakesh
Cotton Candy
Eskimo Kisses (Scent-sy type)
Jelly Bean
Fresh Picked Strawberries
Marshmallow
Sweet Clover Honey!

You can find more out of 100+ growing fragrances on her website here.

What are you waiting for? Visit her Etsy shop now!

A Giveaway A Month in 2012

2012-01-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I have decided in the year of 2012 to "give back" and figure this will help prevent the world from coming to an end. How? Well, a little kindness can go a long way especially in the way of the greater good. Maybe I have ye little faith in a mustard seed, that if I do something nice for someone, they will do something nice for someone who will in turn do something nice for someone! Therefore, the powers that be may just let us slide from eternal demise yet another year. Good theory right? So essentially I'll be working with my partner sites and having a giveaway ONE per month of 2012 WOW! I am going to keep this page updated so you can spread the word and enter the giveaways! In fact, I'd love if you copy Mr. Smiley guy (bottom of page) below and add him to your site with a link to this page so that people that read your blogs or sites to stay notified of these cool contests! If you want to partner in the later months **IN RED** contact me as spaces are limited.

~~January 2012~~ - Stephanie won a Melmac Dinnerware Set on RetroChalet!

February 2012 - Someone will win an Italian Jewelry Box value $100-$200 unlimited entries on VintageChalet! Enter HERE! Closes 2/14/12

March 2012: Someone will win a Glove Mold value $50 +Contest hosted here TBA , will post end of February and ends March 25th. Stay tuned.

April 2012: Someone will win a Graphic Design and Marketing Package which includes Etsy Shop Critique, and Top Secrets for Blogging on Ira Mency Designs value $100+.........stay tuned

May 2012 : Someone will win a BBQ Party Kit from Big Fat Daddy's which include surprise spices, top secret recipes and grilling tips, and apparel valued $100 plus a bonus $100 coupon off a "Cooking with BFD Class..." total value of $200.00+ stay tuned. Perfect timing for summer grilling and fun!

Visit Big Fat Daddy's!

June 2012: Someone will win a semi-precious jewelry item and cleaning pack from DoLoBoJewelry. value of $50...stay tuned.

July 2012 - Sponsorship is open...stay tuned.

August 2012: Sponsorship is open...stay tuned.

September 2012: Someone will win a Porcelain Glove mold in time for Halloween....from Vintage Hillbilly, stay tuned.

October 2012 : Someone will win a crafting basket full of craft goodies, value of $75 from RetroChalet...stay tuned.

November 2012: Sponsorship is open...stay tuned.

December 2012: Sponsorship is open...stay tuned.

Feel free to use the below image to Link Mr. Smiley to this page. Everytime I try to give the link HTML code Blogger updates it to a photo. If you need me to email it to you shoot me an email or convo me on Etsy.

Here is the logo link:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Agj35YHcIx8/TwnsYP6oqrI/AAAAAAAACnY/FLvfaQ_1IDo/s320/MrSmileyGuy.jpg

And here is the page you would link him to (this page!)

http://iramency.blogspot.com/2012/01/giveaway-month-in-2012.html

Artist Spotlight: Rock Paper Stitch on Etsy Dinosaur Baby Bibs and More

2012-01-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

Check this out, a dinosaur baby bib...handmade right here in the USA by Rock Paper Stitch on Etsy.

Baby Bibs range around $10....love them.

Brittany lives in Juneau County, WI. She loves bold color and playing with pieces to make a cool statement. Her shop is filled with adorable designs, that stand out in a crowd!

She also has great multi colored pillows for sale!

What I really like is the fact she's earth conscious. Using her "green appreciation" she's made a birthday banner that you can reuse year after year to prevent waste and avoid buying mass produced banners for your birthday events. Isn't this cute?

Catch up with Brittany at:

Her Etsy Shop
Facebook
Twitter
On her blog

Free Italian Music Box, Not Jersey Shore

2012-01-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

Here's something that will only grow in value, and it's free, ahhhh yes, 100% free if you enter the contest! You gotta see this :

I guess I'm sort of partial to this lovely little trinket, Many of you would never tell from my nom de plume Ira Mency or real name Cindy Fahnestock-Schafer (thanks to the ex and the present hubby) that I'm actually ITALIAN. That's right, ma familia's name is Vecchio..........and I can tell you that where my family comes from, is nothing like Jersey Shore. Though I must say I do enjoy watching the Situation and JWoww market themselves, they are very smart in that sense. Good luck entering the contest. Catch up on Jersey Shore later, because this contest is only open until 2/14/12.

ENTER THE CONTEST HERE on Vintage Chalet.

Warning: This box is nothing like Jersey Shore. This is not a Situation. It's real Italian woodworking, and old world style handed down from generations to generations. Real Swiss Movement. Sorrento style, made in Campania Italy. Imported and adorable. The box will gain value, and they are collectible. Sort of like the Sopranos on DVD, maybe...but Jersey shore, nooooooo way.

My Silver Dapple Mini Doxie

2011-12-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Weiner Schnitzel III is a purebred AKC registered mini-doxie. We spoil him so bad it's not funny. He's a little dog with one big personality. He was born on April Fool's Day, he's going to be four soon. Wow, how time flies.

Advice to New Bloggers, Writers and Artists Keep Creative Control

2011-12-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's been a long year and I've gotten a lot accomplished. Looking back I have to say that the one thing that helped me do so much is doing what I love to do. My advice to anyone trying to start a new blog, write for a living or become an artist of any sorts is to do what is in your heart. Let me explain why. I know it sounds maybe a bit cliche' but the truth is this: you are going to be so much better doing what you enjoy that what you dislike. For instance, I used to write how to articles and get paid for articles on subjects that bored the heck out of me. Needless to say it wasn't my best work and I found myself dreading the fact of hitting the "submit" button because my name would ever be associated with a boring crappy article on a topic I hated. So one day I just stopped doing it.

Last December I started a blog about something I enjoy, (vintage plastics) and in just one year it's had over 42000 visitors and zoomed to Page Rank 4. Now I don't care if it stays at a PR4 or PR3 or anything for that matter, what matters to me is I loved doing every post and I'm glad that people enjoy reading it as much as I like writing it. Now you can't do everything for free, so I do get paid for advertising or will get paid to feature someone's shop on there, and that's all great but the best part is having creative control over things. I even started a vintage blog, because I liked it. Then I started another blog giving away free graphics. I was bloggin' my life away.

Someone told me not to use this background for my Vintage Chalet blog but I did it anyways because I liked it.

Creative control is very important. If the core of your existence is telling you not to sell that t-shirt design and forever lose the rights, don't do it. Open a t-shirt shop because your design is good. If you second guess yourself or listen to others you may miss an opportunity. Stick with your gut and take the leap of faith. If you have faith in yourself you can move mountains. Now you also have to have faith that you can do anything that life throws at you. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is your business, career, or success. You have to work hard at it, and when you fall just pick yourself up and wipe the dirt off and try again.

I guess there's two three types of people.

Those who try, and try, and try, until they succeed.
Those who try, fail, and give up.
Those who dream, but never try at all.

If you are #2 or #3, know it's never too late to try.

See you in 2012.

My Treasury: Design Whimsy

2011-12-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

'Design Whimsy ' by RetroChalet

Transform your abode into something magical. Inspired by http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2011/10/25/design-crush-matthew-mead/ for the HGTV Treasury Challenge 2011

16x20 Shabby Blue Picture Fr... ArtCityFrames $79.99	Cream & Robins Egg Blue deer... BananaTreeStud... $180.00
Nest juliaedean $16.00	FRENCH CURIO with Chicken Wi... Gypsyfleurs $700.00
Chic and Shabby Blue Cottag... VintageRebornL... $275.00	Geometric retro duck-egg blu... miaandstitch $25.00
Antique or Vintage Prudentia... clopedi $89.95	Vintage Cast Iron Garden Fin... ivorybird $8.00
Balustrade Candlesticks (set... TheWoodworkMan $39.00	Oz - The Wizard of Oz - 11x1... noodlehug $27.00
Winter Blue Swarovski Crysta... MademoiselleAd... $3.00	Metal Folding Chairs with Pi... PlaceMichel $150.00
Winter Blue Cake Pops taylormadepant... $20.00	Grand Paris Apartment Ornate... sienaslew $89.00
Table Rug Robins Egg Blue SallyRags $15.00	Wizard Cap DavidGardella $25.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Etsy and HGTV My Favorite Treasury

2011-12-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

So all these Etsy lovers and users are creating a treasury for the HGTV Treasury Challenge. I love this!

'My world in Orange' by greyworkshop

HGTV Treasury Challenge 2011inspired by http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2011/12/08/pantones-2012-color-of-the-year/

Ettariel - silver wire wrapp... MadeBySunflowe... $79.00	Orange Kitty Cat Ornament Ch... TheHappyAcorn $17.49
Orange bag,READY to SHIPPING... seno $35.00	Watermelon Lollipops (12) FleurdeLeigh $8.00
Sea Glass Necklace Red Orang... BellinaCreatio... $35.00	Orange Pumpkin Cup Cozy Mug ... GoodWeather $14.00
Tangled - abstract semi tran... EternalEphemer... $29.95	Orange roses, necklace - ant... VarmJewelry $15.00
Ceramic Pig Planter Vintage ... fruitflypie $29.99	Vintage Clock - 60s West Ger... LarkLenore $25.00
Goji Berry & Citrus-100% Nat... KhushiOrganics $4.50	Felted ball earrings/ orange... DevikaFelt $10.00
Orange Magnolia -Throw Pillo... KainKain $20.00	Orange acrylic fortune cooki... xandydesigns $12.00
Polymer Clay Cane - Orange S... MiniatureSweet $1.20	Mechanic's Hand Soap wit... SuperiorBodyPr... $4.75

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Three Dachshund Dogs Get Fit Now

2011-12-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness look at this.

This is by dalemhouser (who also has a Dachshund Reindeer video) who says, "Getting the dogs to run on a treadmill happened almost naturally. Two of the dogs were rescued from a house fire. To help them all bond we walked them daily. I was using the treadmill when one of them started jumping on it with me, then the second one did. I kept trying to push them off but eventually let them walk with me on it. After a while when I finished walking the 2 dogs kept walking without me. The third one finally gave it a try after watching his pack members. Now they really love it."

Artist Resources: Blog or Website? RTU Have your Cake and Eat it Too

2011-11-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

Blog or site? This one is both!

I was thinking today of the difference in thinking between people with a heavy marketing background and web programmers that are also web designers. First let me say, in defense of the web designers, I'm someone with a heavy marketing background but also do some web design. I am NOT a programmer. Hence, the difference in opinion. Maybe having both design and marketing backgrounds I tend to think differently than an actual programmer, or maybe I'm just biased towards the marketing aspect. I do all my own web maintenance and updates here, on Ira Mency Designs, Melmac Central and Vintage Chalet.

A web designer that is a programmer may tell you to have a regular old website and not a free blogsite for many reasons. One reason may include the fact they get paid big bucks to revamp and design you a website. Another reason is they may charge you monthly or yearly to host it for you. So, remember, if you are paying them, they are going to talk you into a paid site.

To be fair, in some cases, a website looks more professional. It flows better, and maybe to some is easy on the eyes, and maybe in the book of some web statistic poll somewhere taken most likely by web designers without marketing backgrounds is built on preference and popularity of award winning sites. Websites truthfully are low maintenance to the owner because your web guy is doing the work.

It's also a viable option for people whose product never changes or updates. Web designers can make changes for you, install Flash programs so you have cool gadgets moving around in the background. They can build you online stores, which is a huge plus. They can also do all sorts of fancy things, some you may not even need.......that cost a lot of money but may NOT be the best for your business. Like have you lots of pretty pictures but no Facebook link, where is the sense in that?

With a real website, the one thing I can't fight is that your pages don't have to redirect like they do if you have a blog and later obtain a direct address. For example, I bought the domain MelmacCentral.com for my plastics site. Unfortunately, when I started my blog it was RetroChalet.blogspot.com . I never thought of the success of RetroChalet.blogspot.com being so good, and so in the beginning I wasn't thinking of names. To redirect or make changes now would only mess up my Google indexing and placement.

There are some websites where your web programmer person can have a page for blog posts, but to me, it's just not the same.

However, had I started with a website, I would not have had an easy to do myself blog, and the freedom to have so many blog posts. Therefore, my site would not have been doing so well, as it would have been more stagnant. In hindsight, I wouldn't change it at all. In the world today, our lives revolve around social networking, 4G networks and interaction.

So here is why I think you should use a blog:

a) Ease of use - Most are so easy that even the person with least web experience can learn how to manage their own.

b) Marketing - Every blog post sends it's own little html address ie: standalone page out into cyberspace. Blogs with lots of posts have lots of standalone posts out there . Using proper keywords in your title and labels that blogs give you or keywords, gives you more opportunity for one of your posts to be found. If one post is found, the odds are that people will look at the rest of your site, thereby finding you, your product or service.

c) Cost - Most blogs are 100% free. No hosting fees.

d) Control- Creative control over your business and product is key. Be as wild and crazy as you want. No web guy telling you your polka dot background is way too loud or your sidebar is way to cluttery. Who cares, if your sidebar is full of sponsors that are paying you? Stick with that polka dot background, and sell some product!

e) Domain Options - You can still grab a domain name and direct to your blog, seizing the best of both worlds. Be careful on how you redirect, so you won't be penalized in Google. Even though masking is a no-no, I did so with the MelmacCentral.com and RetroChalet.blogspot.com situation. now, the blog address is a PR4 as of this post. I was only penalized for a short time, and with good content and relevant posting, you can obtain your rank over time.

e)Blog Directories and Page Rank - It once was thought websites would rank better than blogs. Truth be told there are so many free directories now just for blogs, that your blog site can obtain much better ranking than using the direct web address.

f) RTU - You can hop on and change your own images instead of calling a web guy. I call this RTU, (Real Time Updating) versus waiting for him to finish with that big corporation web project he's stuck on for a week. Meanwhile, you are losing business because your cellphone number has changed.

g) Interaction- A blog is more interactive than a site, as you can post updates to it quite easily and talk about the things you love and hear what your readers are saying. Have contests, giveaways, and obtain reader suggestions. A successful business listens to the wants and needs of their customers.

This of course is just what I think, and what has worked best for me. It's something to consider and you have essentially nothing to lose as a blog doesn't cost anything. Meanwhile, I'm locking the doors because I see a hoard of angry out of work web programmers coming up to my door with a pack of eggs. You see, by doing all this yourself, they are out of a job.

Reality Check: You can start your own blog, and easily get a domain name to point to your blog for as little as $1.99 per year for some addresses, and about $7 with discount codes for a dot com address. So what was your question again? Blog or Web ? Have both in one, for once in life you can have your cake and eat it too.

You May Also Like:

Pros and Cons of Blog Pen Names

Blogging Tips: How Many Words in Each Post?

GRAB YOUR OWN DOMAIN:

Scrap N Pretty Free Tutorials Online for Scrapbooking Artists

2011-10-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Mai Larsen of Scrap N Pretty makes all kinds of wonderful adornments, like this!

I was recently chatting with Mai Larsen of Scrap N Pretty when I realized what a great hidden resource her site is! It is definitely an artist resource and something you must check out. Mai loves to make scrapbooking pages and adornments of all kinds. She sells what she makes but goes a step further to share what she does with the scrapbooking community. Mai offers FREE ONLINE TUTORIALS on how to make things! You can find these on her channel on Ustream!

Here is some of Mai's work. I love her style. See more on her blog!

I really think you should spread the word for Mai, and show some love for her Ustream channel. Her motto is "Creating unique scrapbook pages one page at a time." That is what she does! Be sure to check her out, and here is one of her videos:

More on Mai Larsen's Scrap N Pretty:

Classes at her Meetup Group in Texas

Follow her Twitter

Facebook

Barbie, You're Grounded Tokidoki

2011-10-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it figures with so much controversy about Tokidoki (aka Tattoo'd Up Stripper Shoe "Adult") Barbie, that she's already sold out and ending up on Ebay already. She's pissing off parents everywhere. I'm tired of hearing about her honestly, and I'm just wondering why there is no talk of her putrid pooch! Doesn't anyone notice that it looks like something between Pokeman, a desert cactus, and adult sadomasochist farm movie gone bad? I am not sure what to think. If my kid wanted this $50 Barbie, I think the glitter stripper shoes or the LA Ink style tats all over the neck may take second seat to what they may think is cool for the family pet to be wearing...hey, where is that dog anyways?.....Barbie, you're grounded!

Persnickety Pelican : Dachshund and Doxie Love

2011-10-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Adorable Print, $12, at Persnickety Pelican.

Today I happened upon the shop Persnickety Pelican. This shop straight to you from California, is chock full of Doxie art and pure love for the Dachshund. The shop is comprised of a mother-daughter team. Pam (the mom) is the needle and thread guru. She designs and creates all of the sewn items you see in the shop. Tara (the daughter) is the graphic designer and card maker. Their designs are adorable, cute, and as they say, "whimsically wonderful"

Pillows of all sizes range $15 and up, and are simply adorable. Shop now!

Remembering Steve Jobs : Stanford and More

2011-10-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

Today I'm remembering Steve Jobs.

"You have to trust in something, your gut, destiny, life, kharma, whatever....because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even if it leads you off the well worn path and that will make all the difference." ~ Steve Jobs, Stanford Speech

So much from his famous speech have have mentored my life. Even though he never went to college, he inspired so many to understand your paths in life combined with belief in your heart can shape your future. What I am most proud of is his commitment to living over five years with cancer, and having been a pancreatic cancer survivor. The world will miss you Steve.

Michael Jeffries of Abercrombie for President

2011-10-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

Pic courtesy of KayleeBlahBlahh Site.

It's funny how quickly the public is to scrutinize high level executives that make a lot of money without looking at the whole ginormous Marketing-Mogul picture. The other day I happened upon an old article chastising Michael Jeffries the 60-something CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch (name dates to 1892 although not exactly the same company...long story...) for making an excessive salary. Well, perhaps I'm one of the minority with my thinking that his contribution to A&F is priceless. Jeffries started merchandising stores when he was 12. He knows how to take something, brand it, ENHANCE IT, and make it stick. Revival I suppose is just what A&F needed or it would have went out of business. Perhaps they weren't exactly a dying breed prior to Jeffries, but surely would have been left in the dark without him in this day and age. Who would have predicted our economy would slump so bad...

Abercrombie via Bitten/Bound. Oh yeah, the clothes feel great.

In retrospect, Jeffries has taken the store to whole new levels. There was a time (17 months is the supposed number that's thrown out there a lot) where he refused to lower the prices at A&F.....even when consumer stopped buying and A&F had a very low profit year. Jeffries got a lot of slack from that, but no one stopped to look at why. Jeffries obviously believed in his company's products and believed these products retained their value even during a bad economy. Should Gucci put their watches on sale just because we are in a bad economy? Should Versace half price everything because stocks have dropped? Should your favorite ice cream half their prices? Should McDonald's offer their dollar menu for fifty cents? The answer lies therein. The theory was that the market of people that shopped at A&F had the money to buy at this price point, and that this market of people appreciated the quality of clothing , and that the clothing was retaining it's value in a defunct economy.

Abercrombie TShirt via Argo Site, $33.78, wait for the sales and snag it as low as $11.74.

Some things have changed a bit. Currently Clearance, Sale, or Redline items are always on their website, and often you can even get free shipping on top of that if you spend enough. This also applies to their Hollister and Gilly Hicks brands too, often running famous "50% off sales". By the time you shop sale or redline/clearance items and get free shipping it's the same price at shopping at Target, and sometimes even less than Walmart.

What's amazing is that the target audience for Hollister was 14-18 and Abercrombie was originally consumers 18-22 (according to this old 2007 Press Release). However, with the closure of the adult line Ruehl (which was originally targeted to the 25-35 crowd), Abercrombie is now worn by the 29-and-holding crowd too. Hell, it's even worn by the 60-something Jeffries. So, imagine that a closure of one line has resulted in additional sales for the A&F line due to the fact people (above 22) WANT the clothing ...

David Beckham, born in 1975, are those Abercrombie shorts? Courtesy: Fashion Rising.

Stars wear it too. Halle Berry, David & Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ciara, Mike the Situation, Ashley Tisdale, Nicole Ritchie , the list goes on..... There is a comfort factor that's second to none. Often made in other countries these fabric blends are truly sought after due to comfort and durability. Those I've experienced are soft and cuddly.. For those of you who think A&F are too expensive, if washing directions are followed the clothes will last you three times as long as something bought at Walmart or Target, so you are essentially getting more for your buck. Whether you think so or not, I'm certain from years in retail and talking to buyers that much time is spent focusing on design, fit, and making sure the fabric is just right for the garment.

Others buy due to their very "sexy" marketing campaign, which is often onset of a new buzz every time a new campaign poster or racy catalog comes out.

So, what is the price you pay a CEO who has revived a dying business and sent it into a whole new era making consistent profits? What is the price you pay him for running a company who is so sure of the quality of their items that they held steadfast for 17+ months without lowering prices? What is the price you pay him for running a company that has the b*lls to ask (by offering to pay) Mike the Situation to stop wearing their clothes and not care if their stock dips 8 or 10 points after doing so? What is the price you pay him for leading a company that is so confident in the names of their items they are willing to go up against Beyonce's fragrance line with legal disputes?

Heck, how much do you pay to the CEO, when even BAD publicity creates sales? A few years back in Virginia the buzz was when Abercrombie "buttocks" posters were confiscated by police , (a free plug for the brand can only create sales). Even fake stories like when Cameron Diaz got upset over not being able to purchase a T-Shirt (of which I doubt was even theirs).

Anyhow, the point I'm trying to make is any good marketing professor will tell you "Jeffries is priceless." So I'm just wondering why Jeffries doesn't run for President and apply these same principals to our now headed for disaster country? Revive the good 'ol USA and put the value back into our country? Maybe I'm the only one that thinks it would be a nice change to see a 60-something President in comfortable clothing and coming up with some fresh ideas to market the country back into the limelight again.

Hell, maybe the ads may be enough to get America motivated, Abercrombie va Wolfprint Online.

Do you Squidoo? Artist Resources!

2011-09-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many of you realize what a great resource Squidoo is to help you promote your wares, website, artwork, Etsy shop, or your creations. I use it all the time.

The site is comprised of making lenses - - which are basically small articles on topics that you pick. You can build the exact way you want the page to look, this is called building your own lens. This sounds complicated but only takes only a small bit of knowledge to learn how the squids talk. Each lens (or page) is built by adding modules that you choose. A module may be a photo, a box of text, or your Etsy shop! You can build your page by adding modules for all sorts of things, from music, to a photo gallery, to Amazon items, Ebay items, and links to your favorite websites. Basically, you can build your little article exactly the way you want adding or subtracting as many modules as you want to put your things exactly where you want them. It's actually fun to do and you have the option of updating your lens or page at any time.

Squidoo is one of my faves! Read them all here.

So, how can this help your art, wares, or website? Since you can link your art, wares, or website to each and every Squidoo page you do (plus your main profile page) you can pretty much get some new visitors to your site. Having only written a few articles on Squidoo, it is directly responsible for driving anywhere from 40-60 customers to my Etsy shop PER MONTH. It is also driving 30-50 visitors to my blogs and websites, which I link in there too. So I try to do one Squidoo article every other month, and hope to increase these numbers significantly by writing on new topics that may interest others.

What if you are not a big writer? No problem, there's plenty things you can do. You can write small paragraphs but add a lot of photographs. If you aren't a big writer, stick to talking frankly about your specialty, wares, or a project. If you knit sweaters with old yarn, do an article on sweater yarn and the different types. Then insert links to your wares. Talk about the joys of knitting. If you make wooden toys, talk about wooden toys or how you love them so much. If you love to cook, use that as something to write about, but in the end plug in your handmade earrings by adding your Etsy shop!

Here is why you should Squidoo:

a) It's free to use. Since nothing is free in life, you really need to jump on the Squidoo bandwagon!
b) It allows you to build backlinks to your sites! Backlinks help you gain placement and build credibility!
c) You can earn money by adding certain modules like Amazon links to things you like etc. If people buy these things you get a small commission, or you can choose to donate it to a charity fund!
d) It's easy to use. (A bit fun, and somewhat addicting.)
e) After you create a lens and get it published, you can share it with your friends via twitter or facebook with built in share buttons on Squidoo! The more readers, the better.

So what are you waiting for? Read some of mine to see how I use them to drive traffic to my Etsy shop! See the way they are set up and how they have so much going on, each section is a module:

My Lens on How to Sell Vintage on Etsy
My Lens on Collecting Vintage Melmac Dinnerware
My Lens on Glove Molds

Here is also a good article on Making Money off of Squidoo.
Here is a real Squid Katie Colette talking about how they are making extra money off Squidoo, they update their earnings monthly!

Etsy Search Ads : Artist Resources (Etsy Resources)

2011-09-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Word Search Pillow from pillowhappy

Republished From the Ira Mency blog...

Etsy has revealed that they are now selling search ads to help get your item "found." These ads are based on keywords and search terms that will help your item get premium placement in Etsy searches. To make a long story short, the cost associated with the search ad is based on the number of impressions. For example, as little as $5 you can get 5000 impressions of your items (or section of items) on the creme de la creme of the search pages. Keep in mind that impressions are how many times your item will show in relevant searches.

Cons:
Keep in mind there is no guarantee that someone will click on your item. This is not a cost-per-click (CPC) campaign. This is a fee paid service.

Pros:
The pros certainly outweigh the cons in my opinion.

For as little as as $the rate you set per week it has it's benefits. You can set it at $2 or $5 or $25. For those of you who have a hard time tagging or finding relevant keywords, or unsure how to title your items this may help you get better placement and help you get your shop noticed!

There are fee tiers which means you can choose the impression plan that you can afford.

It is cheaper than the previous "showcase" slots where in the old Etsy days you could feature an item for $7 for one slot and it was for one day only.

The basis of it is simple. These impressions are ran over a week, and you can set up auto-renew and cancel at any time. Items you sell are dropped out of the impressions automatically so you won't be wasting impressions on sold items!

Starting at only $5 is affordable for the low-selling seller.

Seek Print : Canton Box Company

It is also possible depending on the algorithms (ie: calculations) used those of you not paying for such a service may be bumped out of prime slots. For instance, if you are a seller whose items were coming up high in searches lately since Etsy has redone their Relevancy searches , you may lose your slot so someone paying for this. Although you are used to having relevant keywords, tags, titles, sections etc...it remains to be seen if you now run the risk of bumped out or second slotted to someone who is indeed paying for this service. We shall see! Proof is in the search ads!

If anyone tries it and has feedback, do let us know!

MORE INFORMATION:

On Etsy about Search Ads here.

In the Etsy blog here.

Further Reading outside of Etsy:

Ad Program for Etsy Sellers or further reading on AuctionBytes

Reprinted on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Blog With Permission.

Shoot The Guy Who Shot the Bald Eagle in Western Maryland

2011-09-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Image from National Geographic

Up to a year in jail and $1000 in fines didn't scare some unknown poacher from shooting down a national bird...not just any bird, but none other than the majestic bald eagle! The original article is here and the DNR really needs your help to identify or find out who did such a dastardly dead. If you have any information regarding the death of this bird, please call 1-800-635-6124 and report the SOB who did this. So the community has to know who did this. Only an idiot would shoot the bird down and probably the same moron is out there bragging about it. According to the article on the news, it was found in Evitts Creek (Cumberland) just west of Rocky Gap Park. So, folks, it's time to shoot that person down, right into the hands of DNR like they did that poor bird!

Baltimore Maryland Love Hate

2011-09-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sport a Baltimore Map Bracelet, available at vsc83 / Etsy.

I've lived in Baltimore all my life. I was born in Baltimore County thirty-eight years ago and moved to Baltimore City thirteen years ago. My relationship with Baltimore is love-hate. Quite honestly I've seen it grow so much, and end up on the News and World Report's #8 of 11 most dangerous cities report for 2011. I remember as a child never locking our houses or car doors. My, how things have changed.

RetroChalet

I remember going to the old Memorial Stadium to watch the Colts football team practice when I was a child. I have the team's autographs somewhere. Probably should fish them out they may be worth some money now. I was really pissed when the Colts jumped ship in the middle of the night but even more so when Baltimore's upper crust tore down the original stadium. I thought they'd reclaim it into something else, but I guess now. I suppose with all bad things come good. The new Ravens stadium is awesome and I guess for the prices they charge both Camden Yards and Raven's Stadium bring a lot of revenue into our city. I try to hit a few games here and there, but everyone I know complains they would rather be home in the confines of their living room with front row seats rather than dropping $300+ on tickets, parking, food, and beer (average for 2 people.) Fun in Baltimore is NOT CHEAP.

Get these at SmashTransit.

There are great parts of the city , some places like Fells Point or Little Italy must be experienced. The Visionary Museum is a must see. Great things come from Baltimore, like Josh Charles (saw him in the Mars), Stieff Silver, and the creation of Baltimore Pit Beef. Thank Goodness for Ray-Ray (met him too, does a lot to give back to charity.) I try to buy local , eat locally (lots of crabs) and give back as much as possible. I see a lot of businesses struggling because things are so pricey the small business man can't make it. Did I mention, they call this Charm City. I don't know why really, but I was thinking it's because as a voter, you are charmed into thinking your congressman is working for you, when in fact, we are on the worst crime list and get an extra 55% piggyback tax on your earnings and an average of $3500 in property taxes....OUCH. If you want to move to Baltimore City, you better have a damned good job because it's pricey here, otherwise you are on State Assistance and that's probably where my extra 55% is going.

I just love that old building that's boarded up. The one next door is for sale, also.

Sadly for all the good there are unfortunately a ton of bad parts too....it saddens me to see so many homes boarded up in crime riddled neighborhoods. The kind you wouldn't want to drive through at night for fear of a flying bullet grazing you. The words "Stop Snitchin'" have a meaning. Now, what upsets me is the fact some areas are so bad they can't give the buildings away. No one wants to move in or start a business because of the crime rates. These buildings are architecturally wonderful, a real designer's dream. Just look at the one above, the painted green embellishments on the top of the building are simply lovely. Pride in building the strutuce is evident--these were the cornerstone of our society and history here. Now you may only see these once-wanted relics from glimpses in the show "The Wire." I wish there were more renovation project happening in these areas to do neighborhood clean up.

Ravens Ribbon is a must have here in Baltimore. Find it at JLRibbonGear

I guess you have to love it , hate it , or love-hate it. Although it's probably time for me to go....I would hate to as I love my neighborhood and my neighbors. In fact John Waters filmed a movie on my street so that was pretty cool. So, if you are looking for a cool place to live contact me I'll sell you my house really cheap!

For the visitor or passing-thru folks, here are some helpful links and things you'll definitely want to check out:
Things to Do List
Camden Yards
Ravens Stadium
Visionary Museum
Crab Quarters

PR9 Do Follow Sites, Do They Exist ? Artist Resources

2011-09-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Looking for the winning number.

Marketing and SEO Madness
I want to get my sites and my products to the next level. Sadly, I've learned even with all the marketing skills in the world, the WWW is a different monster than it was ten years ago. Trying to get your product out there and found in the millions of like-listings and searches is a real chore. How do you beat out people that have better page rank than you and come up higher in the listings? This is why I've been burying myself into SEO, backlinking and dofollow reading and how-to lately. I'm not paying a dime, just spending a heck of a lot of time on learning all there is to know.

Graphics, catchy logos, and links to your shop don't always help. You need to get the word out there.

Relevancy, social networking and finding sites to link your wares and products into takes a lot of time anymore. Those who are selling their wares and doing well still need to stay on top of their game and push to get to the next level as they don't want to drop in page rank or search results.

Which one is best ? Only Google Knows!

It is hard to spend so much time and effort social networking when people are so busy. So I was starting to wonder, if do-follow page rank 9 sites do exist aka PR9's. You know, the kind where you can leave a comment and your web addy and it may back link into your page. I think if they do, and someone has found them, no one is telling.

I'm sure you know, these are the sites dreams are made of...and if I had one I guess I'd be charging people like most of them do. Leaving a single comment and if it's relevant and links back to your site , they can take your site up in page rank by a whole number. I've seen them do a few notches. The problem is, finding them. So for all you PR7-8-9 sites out there, please apply within. For the rest of you, I encourage you to continue using resources such as the ones below to read and understand the importance of backlinking to promote your wares, product or sites. If you do a little bit here and there, and learn a bit here and there, over time your blog or shop will increase in page rank, or maintain your high page rank accordingly.

Courtesy: Baseball Training Tehniques.

For those of you who do not know your page rank, go here and type in your blog, or direct web address. Or , your Etsy shop! If you are are happy being a PR3 or PR4,and think you are untouchable, think again. This very site was ranked a PR3 for a long time, but Google came through and reranked it a PR2 thanks to my lack of content producing as I was on hiatus for awhile. Additionally, I know a lot of people whose blogs or sites dropped in rank for having not enough content, too many links or link exchange programs ie: blacklisted. So I can only tell you to stay on top of your game, as no one is safe in the game of page rank baseball.

So what should you do?
Produce Relevant Content
Post Often and Appeal to Your Niche Following
Cross Link or Link Exchange with your Friends bogs or shops (but not too many at once)
Build up your Backlinks slowly on key sites.

Here are more key things to read and learn:
Here is a video on backlinks.
Here is an article that helps you understand backlinks and SEO from Handmadeology.
Here is an article on dofollow backlinks.
See how many "good" credible sites are linking in, thru Alexa.
See your total backlinks here at iwebtool (not all are good.)

Only in Baltimore : Honest Homeless Beer Drinker

2011-09-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Snapped with his permission by Ira Mency.

You know I give to lots of charities and have the utmost sympathy for the less fortunate. As for this photo, don't feel too bad. I see him all the time and he's happily drunk about every day and most days wearing a new hat. I think he makes more money than I do. ♥ Why didn't I think of this?

Artist Resource: Increase Traffic to Your Blog

2011-09-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

I get asked this one question a lot, especially by email, and so I'm here to tell all. Joan writes, "How do I increase traffic to my blog?" Well, here you go:

Target Your Audience.
First and foremost you should decide what you want your blog to be about. If it's just your own personal musings, so be it but get a game plan. If you want to someday have high traffic you should consider writing a specialized blog. Such "niche" blogs will be easier to target to your "supposed" audience.

Example: If you have a blog for recipes, people who love to cook may read it. If you have an art blog, artists may read it, or people who enjoy the type of art you make. If your blog is about needlework, then needle workers will read it. If just have a personal blog, that talks about everything from your kids to your husband it may be a bit harder to gain blog traffic and take more work.

Relevant Content
By placing appropriate keywords in your title, within your post, and in your "keywords" or "tags", this will help the right people find your posts. Relevant topics and content will keep your blog fresh and focused.

Blog Directory Submissions
Make sure to submit your blogs to search engines like Google, and other free submissions services aka directories. The more places your blog is listed and linked from the better. This can take some time but with a bit of work (a few hours each night for a week) you can really get some results.

Networking
Use other forms of social networking to get your blog noticed. Applications like Networked Blogs can help post your blog posts to your Twitter or Facebook account. Save time and get the word spread. The more posts appearing on your Facebook or Twitter the more chances someone will click and read your blog post and / or share the post.

Interaction with Readers
So, you've done all the above but can't get people to read, now what It's time to do some interaction with readers. Here are a few ideas .

1) Host a giveaway of a product or service. You'd be surprised once you tweet a blog post about a giveaway how word travels fast and people will be checking our your blog. Maybe you'll gain a few new readers. Contests are okay too, but I find that giveaways without requiring much work on behalf of the reader work best. You can also submit your giveaway to blog sites that advertise giveaways. Tip: If you do all that and have no luck, try hosting a giveaway through a paid service, for instance a site like Everything Etsy. You may find not only does it pay for itself, but it will generate more views to your blog, shop, or service!

Places where you can feature readers, then tell them about it.

2) Write about other shops, products, or blogs. In other words, if you sell vintage, write about a vintage seller or shop you love and explain why. Sure, it may be your competition, but it's still in the theme of your vintage blog and relevant content. On top of that, the person you are writing about should be very happy to have been featured. Ask them to show their thanks by sending your post to Facebook or Twitter, or mention your blog on theirs.

The person in the spotlight will then hopefully share the post, for example: "Hey, look at this, I've been featured on the Retro Chalet blog today!" By their sharing links, they are also social networking for you. Perhaps their readers or fans on Facebook and Twitter will then go check out your blog to see the article you have wrote. Some may stay, and enjoy your blog.

3) Keep focused and ask your readers for opinions. You can do this free with many services on the Internet. Many people like to answer questions or provide help. Tweet out "Hey, I need help or your vote go here insert blog address...." and see how many people respond!

4) Offer cross linking. Offer free cross linking to your reader's or friend's blogs. You link theirs and they link yours. Anything helps.

Remember Rome
Some blogs will take time to grow in readership, just like Rome wasn't built in a day. If you continue to produce relevant content and stay focused, your readership will come. Continue to blog about others, and keep looking for new ways to submit your blog. Don't get discouraged.

Etsy Treasury: September in the South

2011-09-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

LOVE THIS!

'September in the South' by pilulajula

green grass bookends UNFILLE... pillowhappy $25.00	Edible Sugar Ferns & Fiddle ... andiespecialty... $300.00
Vintage Ceramic Owl Bookends... ampersandria $20.00	Gleaning Tidbits Breeds Its ... mincingmocking... $18.00
Artist signed postcard print kOodles $1.80	Watercolor Travel Illustrati... JessicaIllustr... $25.00
Green leafy tree olive green... spincushions $30.00	Rustic decorative pillow: oa... EarthLab $52.00
Set of Funky Melmac Plates M... RetroChalet $10.00	Absinthe. Vivid Leaf Green ... CheekyLemur $88.00
Bird art - Jasper the Tree S... matouenpeluche $6.50	Barn Owl Stoneware Mug Nightowlhandma... $17.00
100% Soy Candle - 8oz- All-N... SimpleScentsBy... $9.00	Little Green Owl in the Snow... ebonypawspets $10.00
Hand painted glasses - Set o... CreationsdeFlo... $48.00	Hanging Terrarium: Modern Ha... TinyTerrains $25.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Ira Mency : Assemblage Artist

TTYR Shop Update: Girl Power Stampers Galore

Stamps for Everything by Tyr at TTYR on Etsy: Artist Resources

Key Lime Bath Soap at Braggin Rights Bath and So Much More

Lemon Eucalyptus Honey Soap

A Giveaway A Month in 2012

Artist Spotlight: Rock Paper Stitch on Etsy Dinosaur Baby Bibs and More

Free Italian Music Box, Not Jersey Shore

My Silver Dapple Mini Doxie

Advice to New Bloggers, Writers and Artists Keep Creative Control

My Treasury: Design Whimsy

'Design Whimsy ' by RetroChalet

Transform your abode into something magical. Inspired by http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2011/10/25/design-crush-matthew-mead/ for the HGTV Treasury Challenge 2011

Etsy and HGTV My Favorite Treasury

'My world in Orange' by greyworkshop

HGTV Treasury Challenge 2011inspired by http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2011/12/08/pantones-2012-color-of-the-year/

Three Dachshund Dogs Get Fit Now

Artist Resources: Blog or Website? RTU Have your Cake and Eat it Too

Scrap N Pretty Free Tutorials Online for Scrapbooking Artists

Barbie, You're Grounded Tokidoki

Persnickety Pelican : Dachshund and Doxie Love

Remembering Steve Jobs : Stanford and More

Michael Jeffries of Abercrombie for President

Do you Squidoo? Artist Resources!

Etsy Search Ads : Artist Resources (Etsy Resources)

Shoot The Guy Who Shot the Bald Eagle in Western Maryland

Baltimore Maryland Love Hate

PR9 Do Follow Sites, Do They Exist ? Artist Resources

Only in Baltimore : Honest Homeless Beer Drinker

Artist Resource: Increase Traffic to Your Blog

Etsy Treasury: September in the South

'September in the South' by pilulajula