Because art doesn't have to be boring...

Stacey White is the creator of Snugnluv, really unique and GORGEOUS handmade accessories for kids. She is also in charge of a great Canadian social networking site I love called Canadian Collective. Here are some tips about selling your handmade items how to gain more than just money.

Since I started selling my wares online, many people have asked me about  Etsy.  Etsy is an online marketplace for artists, crafters, artisans, and vintage sellers. Vintage refers  to any item that is over twenty years old and supplies encompass anything that is used to make handmade items.   There are over 2.4 million users in 150 countries and the over 155 000 vendors make it a global marketplace. Over $58 million in goods were sold from January-May of 2009. 

My Etsy shop, Snugnluv was started while I was on maternity leave with my second daughter.  I started it in an attempt to make some extra money while staying home with my children.  I had dreams of returning to teaching part time and making enough money from home to supplement, but have quickly realized that it’s nearly impossible to do this long term.  Many of the other “Etsians” that I have met are in the same situation. Personally I found that it was something that I could do for myself, creatively, while home with my children.  It is a very enjoyable past time, but is it enough to support a family? I certainly don’t think so for most people.  

Although it is very therapeutic and rewarding making things by hand is very time consuming.    In order to create enough products to make a large profit I would have to work twenty four hours a day.  Don’t get me wrong, there are a handful of Etsians who make a good living on Etsy, but for most of us it isn’t something we do for the money.  It’s more of a supportive place to sell creative things. 

Artfire and Bonanzale and Dawanda are similar online venues.
One great thing about Etsy is that you can set up your own online shop, with little web site building experience. You have your own domain name for your business cards and you don’t have to pay monthly fees. Simply pay 20 cents per listing and 3.5 % of your sales are taken.  In addition to that you will be responsible for shipping costs and paypal fees. But, it is a relatively easy way to sell your goods. There are forums to discuss things, treasuries that members can create, and showcase spots that you can pay for to advertise.  They will even help you create a banner for your shop and offer tips from growing and managing your shop on their blog the Storque. 

Celebrities are even on Etsy.  Rosie O’ Donnell has an Etsy shop and she gives the profits to charity. Many sellers have stories about selling their handcrafted items to A list celebrities.  The site has been getting more press lately and has improved their search engine optimization (SEO) so that listings will be picked up by Google. 
The idea of supporting handmade artisans, purchasing originals, and buying recycled vintage goods is fantastic.  I try my best to buy supplies and gifts on Etsy and have found the prices pretty reasonable.  I even bought myself a new Bernina sewing machine off of my profits.   Through Etsy, I can continue to sell my handmade originals and patterns but I certainly won’t be expecting to quit my day job!
Stacey White 

More from Stacey at:
Snugnluv
Blog
Twitter
Canadian Collective

One of my favourite design magazines, House and Home, highlighted some important tips on how to spend wisely on trends. Editor in Chief, Suzanne Dimma has some great advice on how to stick to a your style and not get carried away with today's trend that may become tomorrow's disaster! Here is my take on a few of her rules:

Look for long term love.

I absolutely agree with this! Just like looking for a long term a relationship, find that attractive and comfortable match for you and any little imperfections it may have can be fixed with some accessories or lighting. 

When I purchase something big like a new sofa I need to think about comfort, durability and style. If I can't cozy up with a great book and cup of tea, it isn't for me. If the gorgeous fabric can't hold up to my 2 little boys rough and toughness, I may cry a little but I won't buy it. Most importantly, and this should speak for a lot of us, if it isn't neutral, it isn't worth it. I want something I can change up with a few new throw pillows and I don't want to have to buy a new couch every time we paint. Basically,  If you can't live with it for the next 10 years, don't buy it. 

Channel your inner stylista

This one can be a little tough. Not all of us are born with an eye for great style, my tip would be if you can't channel your inner stylista, dial your stylish friend. We all have one and I am sure they all love the compliment so don't be afraid to call a friend for advice. If that isn't an option Suzanne suggests that you ask yourself, "Is this something (stylish friend) would have in his/her home?" If not, then keep looking. This could save you a lot of time and money. 

Stay focused

With so many new trends and and styles out there it's easy to get carried away. If you don't pick your style and stick with it you can end up creating something very confusing and what I like to call "a hot mess." Do some research first, look through magazines, watch some design videos or call a designer for a consultation. I like to walk through some new show homes for ideas and sometimes they will even sell you some of the pieces. If you haven't made up your mind between eclectic, modern or classic style, you probably aren't ready to redecorate. Pick up this edition of House and Home, they have some great tips and showcase some gorgeous kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Progressive Parenting Network is an online community of parents, educators and caregivers that promotes physically, educationally and emotionally healthy children who surpass developmental milestones.  The goal of Progressive Parenting Network is to collect and share the best practices for helping children achieve and exceed expectations. 

SLEEP TRAINING – The nursery is painted, the crib and changing table are put together…finally.  You have created a perfectly coordinated safari scene of 3-D giraffe, tree and zebra wall art from www.beetling.com.  The only problem is that even though she is old enough, your bouncing little baby does not want to sleep in her brand new room by herself.  You and your spouse take turns every night easing her into sleep then gently laying her in the bed and sneaking out of her room only to hear that dreaded “whimper” as you tip-toe down the hall.  Then back into the room you go.  The cycle seems to continue long into the night.  You wonder how other parents seem to find time to do other things while your nights “begin” at midnight each night! 

Not to worry, new parents, there is a solution that will have you sleeping in your own beds again.  It is called “sleep training” and it is exactly what it sounds like.  Please be aware, that training your little one to sleep is not the most fun you will ever have—especially if you are extra sensitive to a crying baby; but ultimately the process is well worth it.  There are several methods of sleep training that have merit, however the one that worked for us was a cold-turkey approach, suggested by a friend whose son (born a week after our baby girl) was able to put himself to sleep without being held.  
Our little one stood up in her crib and cried for about an hour for the first night.  After she realized the crying was not working, she fell asleep standing up!  She stood sleeping, leaning on her crib for two and a half hours for the first night.  Fortunately we installed a baby-cam in addition to the audio baby monitor so we could keep an eye on the progress and make sure there were no actual problems.  The following night she only protested for about 20 minutes— probably because she was tired and likely figured that the extra effort to stay awake just was not worth it.  After a few days, our daughter was able to put herself to sleep in her room (in complete darkness) without Mommy or Daddy holding her.  For this process to work, there are several factors that need to be addressed by the parents.  To keep this post moving, however, the summary is that the child needs to be able to trust that everything will be alright when she goes to sleep and that you will be there for her when she wakes up.  Your child can feel this sense of security because of your effort on the front end – all of the loving and nurturing pays off now (among other times)!
After sleep training, our daughter knows what to expect and has a routine where she is able to put herself to sleep and remain asleep for 11 -12 hours each night with a 2 hour nap during the day.  The best part is that we are able to be adults after her bedtime and we can get the rest we need.  When you step out of your home people will not immediately identify you as the parent of a baby evidenced by your disheveled appearance and bags under your eyes. Sleep training might be the single most important thing we have done for our whole family since she was born.


You can find more great tips on their website or twitter

The Beetling design family is a group of incredible people with different talents and skills but we all share a passion for creating art that inspires young minds. Our innovative first of its kind 3 dimensional decor is handmade and painted at our headquarters in beautiful Coquitlam BC the hometown of the women who started it all. 

FOUNDER AND CEO
KRISTY ILIC
Kristy Ilic grew up in 1970's suburban Vancouver with dreams of traveling the world, being independent, and owning her own successful business.

Kristy studied Business and Economics at Simon Fraser University during the school year, while enrolling in summer classes at Emily Carr. In 1988, she applied and accepted a spot to study art and design at the prestigious JAK Berufsfachschule in Hamburg, Germany. Upon returning home to Vancouver, she accepted a position with a brokerage firm, which led to a successful 10-year career in the investment and finance industry.

In 2006, she used her skills as an investment advisor (where she spent countless hours analyzing and funding startup and junior growth companies) coupled with her design know-how to launch Beetling Design Corporation.

For Kristy, Beetling Design allowed the perfect combination of her two passions - art and business. Involved in every aspect of the company, she is thrilled at the recent successes of Beetling, and looks forward to its continued growth and expansion in the coming years.

Kristy lives and works in the suburbs of Vancouver, and is happily married with three children who inspire her everyday. 

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
LINDA HUGHES
Linda Hughes brings years of financial management expertise to Beetling. The former criminology student has parlayed her attention to detail into a successful business and management career. From her first job in the competitive spa manufacturing industry to consulting with L'Oreal Canada, Linda is a proven talent in the demanding retail and manufacturing industry.

Behind every successful career woman is a loving and supporting family. Linda's husband, son and her volunteer work always keep her hopping... and walking, having recently participated in her fifth Weekend to End Breast Cancer 60km walk.

Linda's decision to join Beetling can be traced back to Centennial High School, in Coquitlam, BC, where she and Kristy were fast friends. Since then, Linda has worked with Kristy on various projects, so it only seemed right to join her in bringing this amazing new décor to the market as Beetling's Chief Operating Officer.

Linda is thrilled to be a part of Beetling, and is wholeheartedly committed to the future success of the company.