Handmadespark

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you'll be aware that I rarely pay for any advertising. I've decided to make a wee change and a couple of weeks ago I joined handmadespark.com

So what is it?
In as few words as possible, "It’s a blog about the handmade scene. It’s also a site where we provide social marketing and a search engine optimized directory, mini-sites and product pages all for Etsy sellers. Handmade Spark helps you with the business side of things enabling you to focus more on designing and creating and to get more out of your selling and marketing efforts."

I've got a MySpark mini site which looks pretty good.

And the burning question, has it helped sales? increased traffic?
Well I'm not too clever with my GA but my traffic is up 75%. So maybe it has helped, maybe something else is working. But I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt for a couple of months and see how it goes.

Front Page!

Thanks to erinf115 my Olive and Lime Green Pearl Cluster Bracelet was featured on Etsy's Front Page this morning. I'm delighted as this is the first time I've been on the FP in months!

Friday Roundup

Today Alex starts grammer school. She spent 3 half days last week there at summer school but today's the first day of the uniform and classes. I've got such mixed feelings. So proud of her on one hand, dreading the inevitable growing up on the other.

Jewellery wise I've been working on custom orders and have been introducing some new items. I'm continuing to add to my earring section and been pleasantly surprised that they are actually selling LOL!

Aubergine Pearl Dangle Earrings


I've made this matching Aubergine Pearl Cluster Bracelet which I've got to say, I absolutely love!


And finally I've added this new Purple Pearls Memory Wire Bracelet

I've been Featured!

I was delighted to receive a convo on Etsy this week from Erika at The Indie Bride letting me know that my Ivory and Mocha Pearl Cluster Bracelet was featured in an inspiration board for this autumn's colour trends.



You can check it out here

Zip Code Look Up

I've been meaning to blog this wee tip for ages and finally got round to it today. When shipping parcels from the UK to the USA the standard zip code is something like AB 12345. However, I've stumbled across the USPS zip code look up site which allows you to enter the address and zip code. It then gives you an additional 4 numbers for the end of the zip code, which should help speed up the delivery of your parcel.

All good with the (fingers crossed) christmas rush just around the corner!

SALE!

I'm having an end of season sale this week, so check out my sale section which includes memory wire bracelets, swarovski pearl cluster bracelets and bubbles bracelets

Green Memory Wire Bracelet


Blackcurrant Bubbles Bracelet


Powder Green Swarovski Pearl Cluster Bracelet


So check it out and grab a bargain :)

UK Handmade Wedding Guide

Today the UK Handmade Magazine Wedding Guide came online and I'd delighted that one of my bracelets has been included! This Lavender Pink Freshwater Pearl Cluster Bracelet is among the many gorgeous, handmade items featured in the guide.



If you are getting married or know someone getting married and who is looking for unique, handmade items for the Big Day, definitely check it out!

Mondays Featured Seller

Todays featured seller is Steph from SixSkeins. Steph is based in Cornwall and sells a mix of hand-dyed yarns, handknitted and crocheted items, beaded jewellery and original patterns.

It'd hard to pick a favourite yarn, as they all look so tempting, but this Classy Greys creative yarn varitey pack simply looks gorgeous.



I love the colours in this Cool Kiwi Crochet Cotton Hairband



And finally, how fab are these Cherry Crochet Mat Duo?

Friday Round Up

This week I reached a big milestone on Etsy - I reached 600 sales :) I am delighted and hoping the run of sales continues.

I'm still waiting on the findings I've ordered for more earrings, so they've had to be put on hold for a bit. So I've been working on new bracelets as well as a couple of custom orders.

Bronze, Copper and Yellow Beaded Memory Wire Bracelet


Purple and Silver Memory Wire Bracelet


Bridal Crystal Fireball and White Pearl Cluster Bracelet