straycatfarm

Lighthouse Craft Show

2011-08-14T06:15:00.001-07:00

Imagine being able to do a craft show at the foot of this wonderful lighthouse at Presque Isle, Michigan.

As you stand and look up at it, it seems so tall.

You look the other way and you see you are standing on the shores of Lake Huron.

Who could ask for a more beautiful park to do a craft show in.

The other vendors have such wonderful crafts in their booths that you can't resist shopping.

As you can see from the sky, it rained and rained and rained and we went home early.

In spite of the rain we were amazed at how many customers came with their umbrella shopping and looking.

All of us local crafters would have been glad to have you stop by and climb the lighthouse and check out our booths.

In case you did not make the show you can stop by

http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm

and

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherylnchains

We are looking forward to our next show and really hoping for a little sunshine next time.

How are the shows doing for you this year?

Farm life

2011-06-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

I think I am really lucky to be able to live in the country. Don't have a big cattle ranch or dairy farm, just a small piece of land to grow a garden and enjoy the outdoors.
Not everyone will agree with me and some of you enjoy the city life with the restaurants and activities.
Isn't it great that we have all the different options so we can choose the one we like best.
The picture is one of my strawberry plants in blossom. Can't wait for the berries to ripen and eat. Many never get to the house as we snack right in the garden on the fresh berries.
We can pick the apples off the trees and eat the fresh tomatoes right off the plants.
It is peaceful to just take a break and walk around for a few minutes or picnic in the yard.
There is so much in the country to inspire crafters but now we need to get inside and actually make some new things.
Anyone else enjoy the country life too or are you a city person?
The most important thing is we are happy where we are.

Blackberrybarn and Christmas

2011-06-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas and wish it lasted all year long. Actually I sometimes forget to take down all the trimmings and leave some up all year.

We had opened blackberrybarn to sell of all of those craft supplies you get and never use and take up room in the craft room. Thanks to all of you who purchased the items that sold, but now are store is looking kind of empty and needed to come up with something to fill it.

We already have our http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm

store where we sell our crocheted top towels and tried and tried to think up something new.

Then we realized if we want to do Christmas all year why not open a Christmas Etsy store to do it. That lets us make Christmas items all year and sell them so we did

http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackberrybarn

I know that there are lots of you that love Christmas also.

We only have a few items in there right now but stop by and watch us grow.

Joining products with other shops

2011-05-07T05:54:00.001-07:00

Sometimes products from two Etsy shops just

seem to go together.

Check out this great basket from

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherylnchains.

We can add one of my towels from

http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm

to one of Cheryl's baskets and offer you a matching combo deal

She can paint the basket with a matching pattern to the towel you chose.

These would brighten any kitchen, add a little country look to the cabin and they would make a great gift.

Stop by and see the choices we offer.

Memo Boards

2011-05-01T10:33:00.001-07:00

We had a lot of fun making these memo boards and the best part was chosing the fabric, ribbon and buttons.

There are so many occasions we wanted to make them for like birthdays, holidays and weddings.

Because it is spring and time to spring clean the shop, we are putting our memo boards on sale this week.

Stop by our Artfire and Etsy store for the sale price. At the moment we have more choices on Artfire then on Etsy.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&sc_id=106500&seller_id=78243&op=new

http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm?section_id=7261065

Stop by and give us some suggestions on what style boards you think we need to make next.

Have a great day

Michigan Trolls

2011-04-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

We have a great Etsy team, here in Michigan and it is called the Michigan Trolls. It is called the troll because we live under the bridge. What bridge you ask.
Michigan has a great bridge that spans the upper and lower pennisula. Those of us trolls live in the lower pennisula of Michigan.
They are a team of very talented artists and they create many wonderful products.
You can see some of the talent in their treasuries that they make
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4db07986b0038eef3c99a388/tree-huggers-delight
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dadab68b4a58eefd06f19e1/something-new-for-spring
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4da09af6617e8eefd24068f9/easter-basket.
As you can see we have a lot of craftyness going on in our state.
Stop by and check out some of our teams stores and say hi.

A New Basket

2011-03-25T11:55:00.001-07:00

Don't you just love this cute little garden basket? I do too.

It is handmade by the very talented Cherlnchains and we have talked about her baskets before but now I have one of my own.

Would it not be perfect for so many things like gardening. I think I shall put the seeds I have already bought in there for safe keeping for now.

She makes so many useful and decorative baskets that you have to stop by her shops and see them yourself.

http://www.artfire.com/users/northernpinestudio

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherylnchains

After you have had a chance to stop by and check out her baskets, let us know what you think.

Thanks for stopping by.

Summer Craft Show Season

2011-03-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

Most of us are pretty tired of winter by now and anxious to get out there and do those craft shows.

We spent part of winter searching the internet to find just the right show. Found some interest shows, some new and some old, talked with friends and asked them what shows they like, and now it is time to order those applications.

I like to do one big show a month during the summer but also like to throw in some small ones because they are usually fun working with just the local crafters.

Of course, you do make more money, hopefully, at the bigger juried shows who advertise well and draw in the big crowds.

We start thinking about a change in display, perhaps new table covers to brighten things up. make sure we have enough business cards on hand, perhaps make up some fliers with our shop names on them.

We have already inventoried our stock as we are selling a lot of it online also. I always ask myself, should I inactivate the items I am taking to a show or just take a chance they won't sell while at the show. Not being a big risk taker, I tend to inactivate those products just to be safe and so I won't have to tell someone, sorry it is already sold.

Towels are my big seller at shows and often have repeat customers from year to year. That makes you feel good when someone says I buy from you every year.

Now I have to go searching stores and internet stores to find the best towels at the best prices and start crocheting even faster.

How many of you are getting excited about the upcomming show season.

If you like the towel pictured here you can find it in my Artfire store.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3004044

Never hurts to advertise a little for yourself.

Baskets

2011-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

Do you love baskets as much as I do. They not only decorate your home but have so many useful purposes.

These are some really awesome handmade baskets made by a very talented artist on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherylnchains

You can stop by here shop and you will see they are not only well made by hand but very affordable.

Think of the great gift ideas that you could use these for either alone or filled with goodies for someone special.

Stop by at her shop, take a look, and let me know what you think

Promoting

2011-02-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

All of us are looking for the perfect place to advertise that will bring us lots of sales and cost almost nothing. When you find it let me know.

In the meantime, I do twitter and not sure that it works but it is fun and easy and I enjoy reading other peoples tweets.

Heard that having an account at squidoo helps so I am trying that.

Do have a facebook fan page but not sure I am really using it for its full value.

Can't afford newspaper ads but wonder if they really work.

We do lots of craft shows every year and while I sell tons at the shows, it does not seem to draw people to Etsy or Artfire or my website by handing out business cards.

I am not giving up and going to keep looking for the perfect idea.

Any one have any new and creative suggestions that we all can use.

By the way if you like the towel stop by my store at Etsy or Artfire

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2861765

Cats and Valentines

2011-02-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

We love our cats and dogs as part of the family so why not let them be part of our Valentines decorations.

I have two cute cat Valentines towels for sale in my Etsy and Artfire store.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67456354/youre-purrrfect-double-crochet-top-towel

and

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2802007

What have you got with cats and dogs or other pets on for Valentines day?

Domino Coasters

2011-01-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I have not been doing a good job of blogging but here I am today.

The idea of recycling and upcycling has appealed to me and I am trying new projects.

These Dominoes coasters are the newest in my craft projects. Love the white dominoes look but going to try the black dominos also.

If you want to read more about them you can find them at

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66664614/domino-coasters and

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2791852

What are your new recycling craft items you have made?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all of you.
So many wonderful memories of past Christmas's. Beautiful trees, opening presents when we were children, the fun family dinners with all the cousins and aunts and uncles.
We went caroling and not only did you enjoy it but those who heard you did also.
As a girl scout we sometimes visited the nursing homes with gifts during the holidays and met wonderful seniors, some with great stories to tell.
Now that we are older, we no longer have some of those family members to help us celebrate but I do have the memories that my Mom and Dad left me with.
I am lucky that I still have my brother and cousins to share the holidays with.
Hoping that all of you have special family memories of the past and are busy making new memories of the future.
Merry Christmas to all.

Looking for Sales

2010-10-30T10:47:00.001-07:00

It can be very discouraging when sales get slow. You take new pictures, reword the items in your shop, take a good look at your announcement, twitter new items, but nothing seems to work. You just can't seem to find that sale.
Maybe the reason is we are not looking at our shops the way others do. Maybe if we each look at each others shops and give an honest opinion we can find some of those missing sales we are looking for.
Here are mine
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackberrybarn and
http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm
Any ideas for me.
Leave your links and others can look at yours and give some helpful advice also.
thanks

Blackberrybarn

2010-10-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

How many of you have way too much craft supplies and you know you are not going to use them?
I am one of those crafters also so I have opened a supplies store on etsy to try to sell some of the extra craft supplies like fabric, buttons and jewelry making supplies.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackberrybarn

The painting was done by my sister in laws Dad, who is no longer with us.
There was a also a local craft shop closing and the deals were just too good I had to stock up in case I needed that item later. Well, it is now later and I still have not used it so off to the supplies shop.
What do you do with all of your extra stock?
Stop by, take a look, and give me some feedback about my new shop.

Creating New Items

2010-10-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

While I really enjoy making my memo boards and crochet top towels, I think it is fun to explore new options and ideas.
Love looking through magazines for inspiration and just looking at what you have on hand to see what clever idea crosses your mind.
I walk every day and look for ideas in nature in the colorful fall leaves or the bare winter branches of the trees.
Sometimes I go into a fabric store and a piece of fabric just reaches out and grabs me and says take me home and you will find a use for me later. Can't resist those pieces.
Batting ideas back and forth between my sister and me also inspires me sometimes.
Note her blog from last night
http://quiltedsquirrel.blogspot.com/
She has great ideas for quilting in her blogs.
What do you do for inspiration for new projects?

Craft Show Displays

2010-10-13T06:01:00.001-07:00

I really enjoy making and selling my memo boards and crochet top towels but I am not good at display and it looks like putting pictures in blogs either.

I was so lucky to be able to have http://www.etsy.com/shop/treasurefarie come to a couple of shows and try to teach me some good display ideas.

Note the country looking fabric she used for tablecloths. Those really caught the attention of the shoppers, more then my boring dark blue.

She showed me how to use wooden crates to add height and interest to my displays. We could drape the towels over the top of the craft and fill the inside with inventory.

She spread out a few of the memo boards on a table and some were leaning against other crates for more visability.

We have had some great craft shows this year so does that mean that the displays helped? I can't say for sure but something worked.

Any ideas you would like to share with others about tricks for display?

Looking forward to the next show and some more new ideas.

Don't forget to stop by my sisters blog and say hi also. She talkes about her quilts and cats.

http://mistywhispurrs.blogspot.com/

Paul Bunyan Craft Show

2010-09-23T10:41:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know I have been neglecting my blogging. It is fun but hard to come up with ideas on what to write about.
Last weekend I did the Paul Bunyan craft show and that was a lot of fun.
We had a classic car show, craft show and a championship chainsaw carving contest to entertain us.
I was really lucky to be doing the show with two other really crafty Etsy girls.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mistywhispurrs was there with her quilts. They are awesome and very affordable when you know how much work goes into each and every quilt. She makes some really special critter quilts and your pet should have one.
The other was http://www.etsy.com/shop/treasurefarie and you have to take a look at her fairy sticks. She also makes very creative necklaces and yes, I had to buy one. Starting my Christmas shopping early.
Last show outside for the season. Won't miss putting up the tent and doing shows in the rain. It has rained almost every outside show this season but now look forward to the inside shows and the real beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
Hope all of you are having succesful craft shows this season also.

Happy Fathers Day

2010-06-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to my Dad. We were lucky enough to have a lot of fun fathers days with him. It is really lonely on those days now that he is no longer here with us.
Happy Fathers day to my husbands dad. I never was lucky enough to meet him but I know he is really missed by his sons.
Happy Fathers Day to my husband and he is so proud of his son, daughter and grandson.
Happy Fathers Day to my brother and thank you for giving us three fun family members to brighten our life.
Happy Fathers Day to my husbands brother, who added two special kids to the family.
Happy Fathers Day to all of you fathers out there today. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Memorial Weekend Craft Show.

2010-05-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

Imagine that this is the view that you have from your booth at the craft show? During the day, people were swimming and having picnics. Sailboats were slowly drifting by. What a fun time at a show and one that was a very succesful one also.
It is always fun to see the customers who have been shopping at your booth for several years, stop by and say hello and pick up a couple of things.
My booth happened to by next to two Etsy sellers.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildHorseFarm
had her soaps and purses with her and people really loved her soaps with a lighthouse or horse as the picture.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrookedLakeStudio
was also next to me and you would love her jewelry she makes. Could not resist buying one as a gift while I was there.
Love doing the shows, in spite of the sunburn, and look forward to the next show.

Shops

2010-05-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

Love doing the craft shows and have great sales doing them but need some online sales also.
Etsy is just not bringing me any sales right now, so I have quit listing for a month and concentrating on my other shops.
My website http://www.straycatfarm.com/ needs some work and I wish I knew how to do websites so I could fix it and make it look better but I keep struggling with it.
Opened a Zibbet store. http://www.zibbet.com/straycatfarm
Like the Zibbet store because it is easy to use for someone who is not good with computers. Had a sale there too.
Just opened an artfire store and working on that one too.
Having the stores not only helps you sell, hopefully, but also gives you a chance to meet some wonderful crafters and be amazed at the creative things that they make.
Are you expanding too?

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom. We had a lot of wonderful Mother's days together and we had a lot of fun celebrating them. It will be hard not to be able to do it again this year but I am sure you will know that I am thinking about you and wishing you a happy day and I know you are remembering all of those good times also.
We were lucky that we were able to have so many Mother's days together.
Happy Mother's Day to my Mother in Law, Ruby. We all miss you also. We often talk about sitting around your table and the good food that you fixed. We are sending Mother's day thoughts to you.
Happy Mother's Day to my step daughter. What a terrific Mom she has been. We are really proud of her and the way she has raised her son.
Happy Mother's day to my sister in law, Patty. She can be so proud of her children and a special moment for her son who gradutates from college while she is sitting there so proudly. I know that they will be thinking of her today.
Happy Mothers day to my sister in law, Beth, who managed to raise two twin boys and a daughter to adulthood and survived to tell about it. I know all three will be thinking of her tomorrow and sending her wishes.
Happy Mother's Day to my cousin. What a wonderful Mother she has been to raise two intelligent, talented and fun daughters and one awesome, outstanding granddaughter that we are so proud of.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there also and may you have a day filled with wonderful memories.

Gardening

2010-05-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

Spring may finally be here and it is time to get the garden ready.
Hours and hours walking behind that rototiller but it does such a good job on getting the ground ready.
Have been adding to the compost pile and that is ready to use now too.
The we haul sand from the pile and add that to our rows.
Now we are ready to plant. Can you promise me it is not going to frost anymore this spring.
I am a believer in companion planting. Don't know for sure it works but I do try to follow it.
For those that don't know what that is, some crops grow better not being next to each other. For example cucumbers and melons and squash can cross polinate if planted close to each other.
We heard long ago that putting human hair scraps around the edge of the garden will help keep the deer away. I have been trying it but I do think the deer nibbled on my sunflowers last year.
I do plant marigolds because they are supposed to repel pests. Don't know if it works but it makes some color in the garden to enjoy.
Will do updates on the garden with pictures once it starts growing and then we start thinking about do we freeze, dry or can the produce for next winter. That is what we don't nibble on in the garden fresh like tomatoes and peas.
It is worth every bit of work for the fresh, healthy food we get from the garden.

My Towels

2010-04-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we don't take the time or we are too shy to get out there and let the world know what great craft products we make.
I put a lot of hours, not only making my craft products but looking for affordable towels to be able to make and compete in the market place.
My towels and other craft items are on Etsy, Zibbet and my own website.
Some of the other local artists, including my husband, have joined me on my website to sell their crafts.
http://www.straycatfarm.com
Lets take the time and let people know we are proud of our work and you can buy from us with confidence that you will get a quality, handmade product at an affordable price.
Let us help each other spread the word. I would be glad to do a blog about your store, just let me know.

Craft Show Tips.

2010-04-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

My Mom and I started doing craft shows many years ago. In those days we did lots of plastic canvas with our towels.
When Mom passed away, I continued on doing shows with my husband.
We still do towels but we no longer do plastic canvas. My husband sells his EPP foam radio control airplanes and he makes jewelry.
My tips for shows would be first. I always take soda or pop in bottles because I have bought a can at the show and knocked it over and had a mess. With a bottle you can cap it and if it tips over it is no big deal.
Yes, I have had customers bend over to look at something and spill pop out of their cans too.
Second. Take lots of change. You will need $1s, $5s and $10s and I always take a couple of rolls of quarters.
Third. Table covers. I use twin size sheets and they wash well and are not expensive.
Fourth. I try to have as much product as I can get made so my tables are full with a variety.
Fifth. Constantly keep straightening and I may rearrange the tables several times trying to find a display that works best for the customer.
Sixth. Take a chair but don't sit unless it is really slow. I always take a book too. Just be sure to say hi to each person that walks by and if possible make a comment to get them to respond like beautiful day or I love the picture on your sweatshirt, or I see you have already found some treasures.
Seventh. I do usually buy my lunch there as it is my treat but after a while you get tired of nothing but hot dogs and bring a sandwich. I do bring snacks.
Eighth. Keep the tubs under the table out of the way.
Nineth. Have fun with the customers and other vendors. Don't be afraid to ask what shows they do that really work for them. They will often want to compare shows with you too. Gives you a good way to find new shows.
Eleven. Take lots of business cards to put on table and I make a bunch that say thank you with my etsy, zibbet and website address on them and put them in every bag when I sell something.
I know I have forgotten some and will add them as my mind reminds me of them.
Most of all have fun at the shows and make money.

In Memory of Mr. Ralph Scott

2010-03-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, my brother met a special girl and he was smart enough to marry her.
She introduced us to her father and he became part of the family.
We all loved him and we all were impressed by his artistic abilities. The man had a talent for painting.
I am lucky enough to have two of those oil paintings that he did for me.
When we do craft shows you would often find him sitting there drawing portraits of the children and never charging for them. He loved doing it for the children.
He proudly served his country and often told us stores of his time in the military.
He led a full life and is missed by a lot of people today.
Yesterday was his memorial service and we miss him.
His daughter is part of the Etsy family.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mistywhispurrs

Zibbet and Etsy stores

2010-03-06T09:55:00.001-08:00

All of us are looking for places where we can sell our handmade crafts. It makes us feel good when we find a buyer who apprecitates what we have created.

I like my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm

and then I decided maybe to expand further and opened at zibbet store

http://www.zibbet.com/straycatfarm.

So far sales are slow but it takes time to build up a big following. Hopefully passing out business cards at craft shows this summer will help.

We have been doing craft shows for years and really enjoy being with the customers and other vendors.

It is fun to visit the Etsy forums and you can learn so much reading them. I admit I am new to how Twitter really works but I am trying.

Blogging sometimes is hard to find a subject to blog about.

I know others out there are looking to increase sales also. Let us hope this is a great year for all of us.

Monsoon RC

2010-02-27T10:16:00.001-08:00

This morning I help my husband open a new Etsy account for his homemade radio control airplanes.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Monsoonrc
We have only got one item listed so far.
He has done a lot of shows in the past and we need to start selling more online too.
He also has a website at
http://www.monsoonrc.com/

Websites

2010-02-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

Do you have a website as well as your Etsy store? I have a website, an Etsy store and a Zibbet store.
It is easier to get people to our Etsy store then it is our websites so why don't we list them here and share them so we can all get more traffic to both our website and other stores.
I have a website
http://straycatfarm.com/ which is a collection of local crafters,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm
My husband has a website for radio control airplanes
http://monsoonrc.com/
One of our crafters on Straycatfarm also has an Etsy Storehttp://www.etsy.com/shop/WildHorseFarm
Stop by and visit our websites and stores and give us the link so we can look at yours and perhaps one of us might get a sale.

Garden

2010-02-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Spring must be coming soon because the seed catalogs are appearing in the mailbox.
This is one magazine I look forward to so I can sit down and decide what I am going to plant this year.
With the price of food being high and the quality not always being the best, I would much rather just go out to the garden and pick something fresh right out of the garden.
We all know that tomatos never taste the same from the store as they do fresh from the plant.
The same with berries.
I do seem to have a problem picking fresh peas off the plant, as they find their way to my mouth instead of back in the house. Love the taste of fresh peas.
Time to make an order and then hope that spring comes early so we can get that garden rototilled and planted and then enjoy.

Heart Pendant for Valentines

2010-02-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

I have found a wonderful store on Etsy that sells jewelry that is creative and fun and affordable.

The store is http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistiKat and her jewelry would make great Valentines gifts for someone special or a gift for someone just because you care or perhaps something special for yourself.

I picked the picture of the heart because it is so close to Valentines day and it is different then other hearts you might find. You can find heart earrings also.

She has a Celtic cross pendant and earrings and some Chinese Weave Earrings which are really creative.

She also has bracelets which she has created as a one of a kind item. Stop by her store and you will be surprised with the fun and affordable things she has made.

Let us know what you think about her store.

Crochet

2010-02-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy crocheting the tops on my towels and making dishcloths but I so envy those of you who are talented to make those beautiful afghans and blankets and all of the other wonderful things you create.

These winter days are a great time to sit and crochet and enjoy the warmth while looking out the window watching the snow flurries. We are lucky we are not getting the bad storm the east coast is getting.

These winter days are also give us time to do craft projects with our family which is always fun.

It also gives us time to explore new craft ideas and take the time to try them before the craft show season starts.

Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend.

Etsy Sellers

2010-02-02T09:02:00.001-08:00

It is so much fun to look at other Etsy stores and find great gift ideas to buy from them. There are so many talented and creative crafters out there.
Wondering if it would be ok to do a blog about some of those crafters or do you need to ask them for permission to write a blog about their store.
Let me know if you would like me to take a look and talk about your store.

Memories

2010-01-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

A very special cousin of my just celebrated her birthday and when I saw a picture of her cake it brought back some good memories of my favorite cake that my Gran used to make for me. It was a lemon sponge cake with lemon frosting. All homemade of course.
My cousin's cake was an angel food cake and I have memories of my Aunt making that one for me also.
Food can bring so many good and happy memories of birthdays, Christmas, holidays or just plain family parties.
Would like to know what some of your favorite food memories are.

Scented or Unsented.

2010-01-28T06:32:00.001-08:00

Wildhorsefarms has been making soap and doing craft shows and is now going to sell her soap on etsy at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildHorseFarm,
We were wondering which type of soap would be the most popular. Scented or unsented.
Let us know which is your favorite choice.

Monsoon RC Airplanes

2010-01-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

Want to say a welcome to Monsoon RC airplanes to his first blog. Ok, so he is my husband and I am proud of him and his company.
After many years of radio control flying, he is now designing and selling radio control electic airplanes.
I also sell his planes at craft shows since they are homemade and we may set up an Etsy account for him.
In the meantime check out his website and blog.
http://www.monsoonrc.com/
http://monsoonrc.blogspot.com/

Craft Applications

2010-01-16T07:22:00.000-08:00

It is the middle of January and time to start sending in those craft show applications for this summer. Some of them give you a little price break if you send them in early enough.
That means that we really have to get all those craft projects done for the shows that we said we were going to do this winter.
My plan was to have at least 300 crocheted top towels ready for spring and I might not make it to quite that amount. The big problem is finding affordable towels to crochet.
I plan to book about 15 shows this year and hope that passing out business cards to all will send more people into my Etsy, my website and my Zibbet store.
Are you already booking shows and how many are you going to do this summer?

horseyone85204

2010-01-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

This Etsy store has some very reasonably priced items in it and no sales so I thought maybe you might like to take a look at it.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/horseyone85204
She has some cute pincushions on sale at a really good price. A large one and a small one for $5.00 like this heart set
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32952327 She has many other sizes and colors also.
You might like to check out her pet placemats to keep you floor clean under your pets bowls.
Take a look at her shop and let us know what you think.
Would be glad to mention other stores on my blog also, just let me know you are intersted.

Morning

2010-01-11T06:58:00.001-08:00

Love making my towels but now I am off to looking for new ideas to go with my towels. Making some crocheted dish cloths to go with them.
It is fun to google new craft ideas and look in craft magazines. I was lucky enough to get a new craft magazine subscription for Christmas from a special cousin and now look forward to new ideas from there.
Where do you go to get new ideas? Do you venture far out from what you normally do?
Would love to hear what inspires you to come up with new and creative and hopefully sellable ideas.

Straycatfarm

2010-01-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

First let me tell you that Straycatfarm.com is a collection of local crafters who share a website and who sit next to each other at craft shows and support each other. We each have different skills which gives us a little variety.
Now http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm that is just me and my crocheted top towels. My husband used to make jewelry but he is now back into his radio control airplanes instead at
http://www.monsoonrc.com/.
You can find his jewelry on clearace at our Etsy store.
I also have a store at Zibbet which is still new and no sales yet but it is a free place to sell.
http://www.zibbet.com/straycatfarm.
Always looking for new friends at twitter too. http://twitter.com/straycatfarm and I can become your friend on twitter.
Stop by one of our stores and have fun looking.
If anyone would like me to do a blog about their store, let me know as i would be glad to.
Thanks

Thanks Mom

2010-01-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today I want to tell you about my towels. For years, my Mom and I have done craft shows and one of our best selling items were our crocheted top towels. We have added and subtracted other items but that one is always a money maker for us.
One thing I have noticed is that online the single towels sell better and maybe that is because of the price, but at craft shows the doubles are our best selling ones
My Mom is no longer with us but I carry on in her memory and enjoy every minute of it.
If anyone needs a crocheted top towel and you don't see a pattern or color you like, as us as we may be able to get it for you.
While you are at the store, stop by and see my husbands jewelry. He is no longer going to make jewelry, so it is half price. He is now going to be selling his radio control airplanes instead.
Stop by our store at http://straycatfarm.com/ where you will not only find my items but some of the other local crafters.
Also stop by our Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/straycatfarm
and our zibbet store http://www.zibbet.com/straycatfarm
Sometimes you just gotta tell the world yourself about your products. Thanks for listening. Any one wants to add links to there stores just jump right in.

Postivie Thinking

2010-01-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

For those of us who do not know a lot about computers opening an Etsy store and learning how to blog and Twitter and post in forums, it has been an adventure. Could not have done any of it without the help of other Etsy people in the forums giving advice. Thank you all.
Even had the courage to open a Zibbet store and we will see where that goes.
In the meantime it has been exciting and fun each time you see a sale for your shop. They don't come often but you look forward to each one and know that with time and work the sales will grow.
I will keep trying Twitter, blogging, forums, passing out cards at shows, including thank you business cards in all packages and most of all using positive thinking for the days and days you check and find no sales.
Lets make this a successful year for all of us by working together.

Cold Weather

2010-01-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

It is only the beginning of December but with this bitter cold, windy, snowy start of the new year we are ready for spring. Yes I know we still have weeks of winter left and there are times it is beautiful when the trees are covered with snow. Not so crazy about all the ice that comes with it.
Good time to stay in the house and try new craft projects and to visit the local craft stores and see what we just can't live without.
This is going to be a good year.

New Week, New Year

2010-01-04T05:53:00.001-08:00

The holidays are over and now it is time to get to work and do all those things we promised ourselves we would do.
One of my goals is to increase my sales on both Etsy and Zibbet. That means working on pictures and listings to make them more interesting.
Signing up for lots of craft shows this year.
Learning that I have to use Twitter to get people looking at my items.
Trying out some new ideas for crafts.
Most of all to have fun doing all of the above and smiling as you open your email and see an order there.

Craft Shows

2010-01-02T07:14:00.001-08:00

I love to do craft shows and they really help me promote my business. I would guess the 75% of my sales come from shows.
They offer you a chance to go out and meet the public and connect with other vendors and get feedback on your items from actual customers. I have picked up some good advice from customers.
Always ask the other vendors what shows are their best shows and which are their worst. They will always be glad to share with you and in return you share with them.
Most of the time, they will not have heard of Etsy and it is a chance to let them know.
I have business cards on the table with my website, my Etsy and my Zibbet store addresses on them. I put a thank you note in every bag with purchase. Because I do around 15 shows a year locally, some customers ask for my card and where my next show will be.
Your tables should look good and I use a twin sheet for table cloths so they all match. I use a navy but any color is good.
Take more inventory then you need and hope it sells. It is better to take home then run short.
Take lots of change with you.
I don't take credit cards because of all the fees and so far it has not hurt my sales. I am thinking about it.
One good tip is take some snacks and bottles of pop with you as you may not be able to go get food or you may not care for the food. Many places sell hot dogs and after a few shows you may be tired of hot dogs. Take bottled pop so you can set it down and it won't get knocked over onto your table and ruin things like a can of pop can.
You will probably need a state sales tax license to do most of the shows.
I do both the big juried shows and the smaller school and church shows. From experience, I can say that for me, the smaller low fee shows have less customers and less sales then the bigger juried shows at a higher price.
Just plan on having a good time and going home tired and with money in your pocket.
Any questions don't hesitate to ask.

New Years Day

2010-01-01T07:56:00.001-08:00

We have a whole new year ahead of us to try to make our dreams and wishes come true. I think the best resolution we can make is just to live life to the fullest and enjoy every minute of it.
Enjoy time with your family and friends.
Lets make 2010 the best year ever.
Tomorow we are going to talk about craft shows and if they work.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T10:52:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy year. I wish all of you a successful life and a happy family life.
May all your wishes and dreams come true.
Let us all work together this year and make this an outstanding year for sales for each of us.
Watch out 2010 are you ready for us?

Wed.

2009-12-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

Finally getting some items listed on zibbet. Seems pretty easy to use, now let us see if we get sales.
Just started a new twitter today too.
http://twitter.com/straycatfarm
Now as soon I can figure out how to post on it I will. Wish I was part of the younger generation that understands computers.
Stop by and become a follower of my twitter and we can share.

Tuesday

2009-12-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

This morning I took another step for my business. I opened an account at zibbet. They let you put 25 items on at no charge so I am working on listing today. The more places that you have to show your work, the better chance you have of selling.
Stop by my shop at zibbet
http://www.zibbet.com/straycatfarm
Maybe it would work for some of you to showcase your handcrafted items also.
If we all work together and share ideas, then we can all be successful.
Also don't forget to check out my jewelry at half price
straycatfarm.etsy.com

Sunday

2009-12-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Now that the Christmas sales time is over, it is time to look at my store and restock after the holidays. I need to get out into the stores and find some good sales on towels and get busy crocheting.
Since my husband has decided not to do the jewelry any longer, I shall need some new ideas to fill my store.
We have planned a lot of new craft shows this year and I really look forward to those. Many times the customers and vendors have not heard of Etsy and I get to hand out cards and tell them about the really talented crafters on Etsy.
What are you doing to get your etsy store ready for the new year.

Day After Christmas

2009-12-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a special day for many reasons but the best was sitting around the table having a meal and sharing good memories with family. Guess that means I am getting older now that the family meal means more then the presents.
It is so much fun to watch the eyes of the young ones in the family as they open their Santa gifts.
Hope everyone has some special memoires of yesterday and please share them with us as we would love to hear what makes your holiday special to you.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T06:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope this Christmas will be a special one spent with friends and family for each of you. We will be spending our day with our family and talking to those who could not make it home.
A special Merry Christmas to all the new Etsy friends I have found also.

Jewelry

2009-12-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

We did a lot of craft shows this summer and we have been selling jewelry at the shows. Well, as all of you know, there are a lot of crafters selling jewelry so we are going to run a clearance sale on ours on our etsy store.
My husband made all the jewelry and he really does not have time to make it anymore because his radio control airplane business is taking up a lot of his time.
So keep on eye on our etsy store over the next few days and see what specials we are offering.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas week.

Etsy Store

2009-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

Been looking at my etsy store
www.straycatfarm.etsy.com
and wondering what I can do to improve it. Yes, I do need more product and am working on that daily.
Been working on pictures and I think that some of them are pretty good now.
Just had a new banner made.
Any suggestions on what I can do to improve my website and would love to have any of you become a follower of my blog and I would love to become a follower of yours.

New Ideas

2009-12-18T05:39:00.000-08:00

My Mom and I did craft shows for years and years both here in Michigan and in Arizona. Now my Mom passed on last year at 95, and I am still doing lots of craft shows with my towels. I enjoy doing the towels but not so much the search for affordable ones to do which takes me all over the state.
We do about 12 shows a year and the towels sell really well. My husband was making jewelry but there is such a competition for sales that he is now going back to his real love of radio control airplanes. You can see him at http://www.monsoonrc.com/.
As the new year starts I want to find a new product for me to go with my towels and that is the beginning of a new adventure searching for something new and fun to make.
Open for suggestions and in the meantime I am off searching the net for new ideas.

Wed Morning

2009-12-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

Morning. I hope it is ok if I do a little bragging about my sister this morning. She makes critter quilts and they are so cute and can be used for more then critters. She is a wonderful quilter and does an awesome job on them.
Not only does she sell ready made but customizes them in color for what ever the cat or dog would prefer.
Her cat Misty is the head quality control person over at her house.
She already has a successful business selling on our website, etsy, her website and at shows so I think it is ok to say how proud I am of her.
Check out her store at mistywhispurrs.etsy.com

Morning

2009-12-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

Is anyone as excited about Christmas as I am? I love so many things about the holidays.
The smiles and laughter of the children, the friendly way strangers say hi or Merry Christmas to each other.
The decorated trees, music, outside decorations on the neighbors houses.
The wrapped presents under the tree.
I won't mention the religous part of Christmas as many have different beliefs.
This is such a magical time of year for all ages.
Are you has happy about the holidays as I am?

This is fun

2009-12-13T16:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who helped me start this and I know I have a long way to go. This should be a lot of fun and a way to keep in touch with the terrific people I am meeting on Etsy.

HI, New to blogging

2009-12-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I have ever blogged. Any advice?