Kel's Hideaway

Giving Back: Mustache Fundraiser For Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:20:00 +0000

My husband is taking part of Movember, where men grow their mustaches for the month of November in order to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG). My husband is part of Team Mo Bicless.

If you can't afford to give yourself, you can join the team to help support and to help raise money for the cause. You do not have to grow a mustache to be part of the team, so ladies you can join too as a MO Sista "A woman who loves a mustache".

After losing my father to cancer, I've heard so many people's stories that I don't believe there's anyone who hasn't been affected by cancer.

I am selling sets of mustache magnets and stickers here. A portion will go towards the charity.

More Reasons Why I Hate Ebay

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Wow, so I recently found out that the 5 free auctions a month actually charge a higher final value fee to make up for the free listing fee--sneaky ebay, very sneaky.

Then they did away with being able to charge for shipping insurance which means that if you want insurance, you have to add it to the price rather than offer it as an option for buyers. That, or the seller takes it on the chin, which is a much nicer way of saying what I'm thinking.

Thirdly, they've got this rating system that is set up to screw sellers because it rates you on how quickly you get orders out. Orders that have to be made can be time consuming and so it's impossible to get 5 stars for those of us with custom orders.

For buyers who don't sell, they have no idea how important these ratings are to sellers. A buyer could put 4 stars, thinking a seller would have to do back flips before getting a 5, but this is a lot of sellers livelihood. We need those ratings to live, especially with the economy being what it is.

So buyers, please be kind because ebay is hard enough on us sellers as it is.

Ebay Store: My New Plan

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:02:00 +0000

I actually had an ebay store for four or five years; but now that I've started selling again, I've decided to forego that option. Although I did fine with a store, the fees have gotten so high while the visibility has gotten worse. Ebay shows little respect to stores and it's believed that it's because ebay wants to push smaller sellers out in their quest to become more like Amazon.

So, this time around, I've decided to use what would be my store fees towards auctions and fixed price listings. Fixed price listings can run for 30 days and so it works out well for me and the types of things I sell. Now, if I were selling more one of a kind things, 7 day auctions are usually the way I'd go with that.

I sell mostly magnets, bookmarks, checkbook covers, etc. Now, I'm trying to move more into theme party items as I am trying to start a party planning business. Hopefully, by next spring I will be successful enough with that, that I can completely leave ebay for good.

Halloween Potion Labels

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:27:00 +0000

I tweaked my Harry Potter Labels and made some witchy Halloween Potion labels. I'm working on some other themes that are soon to come.

As always, let me know if you're interested in a set. You can contact me via here, or go directly to my ebay.

Feedback on what you think is always appreciated.

CSI Crime Lab STICKERS

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Here's my newest listing on ebay:

Sizes vary and can be used for scrapbooking, crafts, or on bottles, boxes, bags for parties or whatever else you can think of.

If you would prefer a sheet of one sticker in particular, I can do that instead.

I'm selling these, 11 for $7.99 (free shipping), but I'd give a discount to anyone wanting them via my blog. Just let me know this is where you saw them and we can make a deal.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!!! Feel free to leave feedback on what you think.

Alice In Wonderland & True Blood Party Labels

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Going along with my Harry Potter Labels, I've started selling some other "themed" labels. Here's what I've got so far:

True Blood Bottle Labels (Great for drinks or whatever else you can think of):

True Blood Stickers (Just because I love this show):

Alice In Wonderland "Eat Me"/"Drink Me" Labels:

These can be used on drinkers, suckers, cupcake packaging, etc. For full info on prices and sizes offered, you can see my listings on ebay. If you scroll down a little, "my listings" are on the right hand side.

HARRY POTTER Theme Party POTION Labels Stickers

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:21:00 +0000

I recently had a HARRY POTTER Theme Party, for which I made some POTION Label/Stickers. Now, I'm selling these, 13 for $7.99 (free shipping).

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett Commemorative Items

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:35:00 +0000

I reluctantly decided to sell a couple of my many Michael Jackson items. As a big fan, I've been collecting since I was a kid. On top of my memorabilia, I have also listed some commemorative magnets for Michael & for Farrah Fawcett.

Here are my current listings on ebay.

Here is a little taste. Mind you, my favorite things did not go up.

EBAY: 5 Free Insertion Fees every 30 days

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Last month, Ebay announced that they would give sellers 5 Free Auction-style listings every 30 days. This covers insertion fees only. Any extras such as extra pictures, Buy it Now price, etc, still have a fee attached.

Here's some key points:

Regardless of your start price, your first 5 Auction-style listings will have NO Insertion Fees when you list with eBay’s Sell Your Item form or Simple listing form.

The Final Value Fee for these 5 listings with $0.00 Insertion Fees
will be 8.75% of the sales price or $20, whichever is lower. Any additional items sold during the same 30-day period will have the same Insertion Fees and Final Value Fees as they do today.

Here is the full announcement.

Custom Name Magnets

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:27:00 +0000

I can do custom 4 x 6 magnets of your name for only $2.99 a piece plus $1 shipping. These also make great gifts! Here are some examples:

What's Hot

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Here are a few sites I use to try and find what people are interested in at the moment:

Yahoo Buzz

Google Trends

Trend Hunter

Starpulse

The point being, it can lead to ideas on what to sell. One thing I found interesting in the beginning was that things that are most popular don't sell as well as the more obscure, hard to find things. So take that into consideration. Of course, you don't want too obscure.

Kids stuff is the exception. It sells like crazy. The more popular, the better. If everybody's doing it, then odds are your kid wants to too.

Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, those have been hot for a long time now, though I think Miley might be cooling down.

Compare Auction/ Selling Sites

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:32:00 +0000

Over on Power Sellers Unite's site, they give a day to day comparison chart showing how well selling sites are doing. Below is an example.

I like this site because it gave me leads on where to try selling. It's worth checking out, I think anyway...obviously.

Smart Girl Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:15:00 +0000

In starting to make my own "brand", if you will, I came up with the idea of Smart Girl Quotes. The idea behind it was that I have always kept a book of quotes that I like and I thought I could jazz them up and make bookmarks, magnets, etc. out of them.

Here's a few examples of what I'm talking about:

I posted these a few times different places, but didn't get too much response. I would love to hear some feedback.

Beaded Art Dolls

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Yes, I make magnets, invitations, light plates, but my creativity doesn't stop there. I actually love making beaded art dolls. Not everyone even knows that this world exists, but it's bigger than you'd think. Magazines like Art Doll Quarterly have done wonders to bring it to the surface.
My dolls are a little different than a typical beaded art doll, but I love making them. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do many since my son's been born. Here's some examples of dolls I've done in the past:

Rayanna is a sun goddess and is a functional hand mirror (on back)

Blu is a wild flower goddess. She is SOLD!!!

Patty o'Doll was just something fun

Dolls all come with altered cigar boxes that are just as hard as the dolls. Blu's box especially was a long process, but so worth it. It was a new technique, but I loved the way it came out.

Please contact me if you'd like a custom doll. Depending on how big the project is, prices range $50 and up. I have ideas for voodoo/African dolls, robot/futuristic dolls and many more if any of that inspires you.

Tabletop Photo Studio For Avid Ebayers

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:06:00 +0000

I came across this and thought it was interesting. I'm sure there's lots like it. Goodness knows I could have used this in the beginning. Now, when I do sell, it's usually things I make so it's not on the computer and don't have to take actual pictures.

For those who do, I'm sure, with a little research, you could figure out a cheaper do it yourself way to re-create one of these boxes at home. One thing you don't want to do is blow bunch of money trying to make a few bucks on ebay. However, if you're serious about selling, this could be a good investment. It looks like it sells for $79.95. Again, I'm sure there are many choices out there. So, do some research for the best deal.

Auctiva

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:04:00 +0000

So, I've laid off of selling on ebay for the moment, but my mother and sister are full steam. My mother, specifically, swears by Auctiva. Apparently, they provide over 1500 free templates that can be used on ebay. Personally, I made my own templates, but for someone not wanting to mess with html, this would be a great way to go for that simple reason alone.

On top of the free templates though, they also boast:

No sign-up fees, No monthly fees, No scheduling fees, No template fees, No image fees.

Offering "everything you need to sell on ebay", including image hosting, scrolling gallery, visitor counters, sales reports, etc.

So, for those wanting to cut down on ebay fees, you might want to check it out.

Custom Shepard Fairey OBAMA photo MAGNET

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:07:00 +0000

During the election, I began selling magnets of President Obama. I still offer such magnets, but I also offer magnets done in the likeness of the Shepard Fairey picture.

Simply send me a picture and what text you would like. I then send a proof for your okay and it's as easy as that. 3x5 magnets only $3.99 a piece (shipping is free!)

Pop Art Party Invites

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:52:00 +0000

I've been playing around with some new invitation ideas that have more to do with personalization. I got a pop art pic of myself and my husband for a gift one year and I loved it. So, here's an example of what I'm talking about:

Basically, I can take your pic and turn it into pop art that can then be used as invites to any kind of occasion. A set of 20 4x6 postcards are $14.99 plus $1.50 shipping, or $5 for priority.

I can do more racy cards, like the one above, or more subdued, depending on your needs. I did the examples I did because I figure it fits more with the style. However, like I said, they can be personalized to say anything you'd like.

Stop New Internet Taxes!!!

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:23:00 +0000

I just received the following notification from ebay regarding new proposed internet taxes:

Internet Sales Taxes--Your costs go up. Your buyers' costs go up. You are required to comply with the same tax laws as the nation's largest retailers. This scenario could soon become reality.

The sales tax laws governing today's Internet and catalog retailers are simple: If you sell something to a person living in your state, you collect sales tax. If that customer doesn't live in your state, you don't collect the tax. However, a number of state governments and the biggest retail giants in America are planning an aggressive lobbying campaign to change the law. They want to require small retailers to operate like the biggest retail chains, collecting taxes everywhere.

We all know times are tough and state governments are looking for more tax money. Likewise, big retailers see an opportunity to gain a competitive edge by imposing new costs and higher prices on their smallest competitors. Luckily, the tax ground-rules can't be changed without congressional action. There's still time to stand up and be counted. If you think adding a new tax burden on small Internet retailers is a bad idea, now is the time to make your voice heard. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative and Senators today.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, this effects you. Please take a moment to let your voice be heard and right your reps telling them "no" to new internet taxes.

Color It Green Switchplates

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:15:00 +0000

If you check out Color It Green on ebay, you will see the best in switch plates and outlets out there. I know because my mom makes them. I originally started selling the plates myself; but after I had my son, my mom took over. Honestly, she's so much better at it than I ever was. Her process is long and painstaking, but the quality is outstanding.

Here are some samples of items she sells:

Cheshire Cat is my favorite. I, personally, have this up in my son's room.

She does singles, doubles, outlets. Everything from kids themes, to bands, icons, and more.
And she's got Twilight...Oh my!!!

If you don't see what you want, just ask. Odds are she has it.

New Animal Lover's Magnets

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 05:24:00 +0000

These are some new magnets I've been working on for animal lover's out there:

Cocker Spaniels

Bulldogs

Boxers

Horses

Don't worry, I've got more to come. Cats are next! Please contact me if you have a request.

A set of 8 is $7.99 plus $1.50 shipping(U.S.)

Cafepress and others like it

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:53:00 +0000

If you're not into selling your own merchandise and are purely seeking a creative outlet, then like Cafepress, Zazzle, Prinfection, etc. are probably the way to go. With these sites, you simply provide a design and they provide the items on which the designs will appear. On top of that, they ship the items and handle all the money, problems, etc.

Mind you the profit may not make you rich, but again, this is for those who want to make a little money with their doodles, designs, brilliant sayings, etc. Sometimes it's just got to be about the art, without the headaches. I mean the fact that you don't have to worry about the customer service part of things is a relief. While most transactions with customers when selling on-line are positive, it is still a business and you will still have issues come up when selling on your own.

Now, down to the nitty gritty. These sites set their base price on their items, clothes, hats, mugs, magnets, buttons, etc. and you can then add onto that price. Anything above their base goes to you. So, for instance, Cafepress charges $10.99 for trucker hats. If you price yours at $15, you earn $5. Pretty simple.

Personally, I have a lot of things in the works right now, but I'm thinking of putting some simple things on just to see how it goes. I'll let you know when I do.

Custom Save the Date Wedding Magnets

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:41:00 +0000

Now, you might be able to find cheaper save the date magnets but I'd like to think mine are pretty creative. But hey, you be the judge. Here are a few samples:

I sell these in sets of 25 for $24.99 plus shipping. Magnets measure roughly 2.5" x 3.5" (wallet size). You can have all of one style or feel free to mix them up for a little variety. I will work with you to make your magnets exactly what you want. Want to add your picture to the samples shown, I can do that. I can change the text, font, colors, or completely start from scratch.

Magnets are lightweight, flexible magnets, with a laminated top and a fully magnetized backing. Though there may be cheaper alternatives out there, my magnets are made with a professional magnet machine (not printed on magnet paper). In all the years that I have been selling I have had no complaints.

PAYMENT: I accept Paypal, Personal and Cashier checks. Those paying with personal checks will have to wait until check clears before merchandise is shipped.

SHIPPING: Buyers will pay $5 for PRIORITY shipping.

Getting Back in the Game

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:52:00 +0000

I've decided to start selling on ebay again. My baby's 1 now and is into everything, but things are easier still because I'm more comfortable with my parenting abilities. Thus, I'm going to attempt to balance the two, motherhood and work. I know women do it, and my hats off.

If you want to check my auctions out, my username is kelshideaway, 1-word. Let me know what you think. I'm not doing any fancy stuff at this point, just simple layouts of things I'm trying to get rid of around the house so I can move sometime in the future.

Also I wanted to mention some blogs that my fellow crafter's might find interesting:

homemade by jill. She makes her own crafts, as you might of guessed from the name, and she has some really cute baby stuff on there with pics and everything.

Linen's Fabrics. There are some good ideas of what to do with leftover fabric on here. Check out the aprons--super cute!

Dog Dishwasher Magnets

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:18:00 +0000

Don't worry I didn't forget the dog lovers out there.

Here are my current dog dishwasher magnets:

Magnets measure roughly 3x 5. They can be used on any dishwasher with a magnetic front.-or- on your refrigerator.

Pictures will face upwards when dishes are dirty and then you simply flip the magnet around as needed. While most dishwasher magnets only give you the option of letting you know when the dishes inside are clean or dirty, I also included "empty" to let you know when the dishwasher has already been emptied; so you don't have to keep checking unnecessarily. I also included "unload me" for those of us who want to leave a message for our children, roommates or spouses.

They are $1.99 each if you contact me and let me know that you saw them on my blog. Otherwise, order them for $2.99 at my ecrater store here. Order as many as you'd like.