PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« on: November 01, 2009, 09:53:39 am » |
|
In this thread is where you are going to post your responses, ask questions, make comments and generally hangout.
Cheers
Christine PillowThrowDecor
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2009, 09:56:07 am » |
|
IT’S ALL ABOUT ME Christine at https://icraftgifts.com/pillowthrowdecorI’m retired from a 26 year career in real estate which includes sales, ownership, university instructor, trainer, Board President and a whole bunch of other cerebral boring stuff. Since I am still very, very young :lol: I get to turn my lifelong passion of sewing into a business. I have a drapery and upholstery workroom where I create fantabulous stuff and play with my pillows. (Have I mentioned my talking pillows and flying fairies…? Hmmm? ) After spending most of my life in suits and heels, I now make my fashion statement in PJ’s and sweat socks. I’m a night owl and also an early riser so you’ll see me online anytime day or night. After 32 years apart, I recently married my high school sweetheart. Some days I’m an idiot, a genius, a maniac, a mother of 2, grandmother of 6 wee ones, wife to Laurence, sister to 4, daughter to my Mom, and more… but everyday I’m always a friend for you and an amazing pillow creator for everyone who comes by to visit my store at PillowThrowDecor. Cheers Christine PillowThrowDecor
|
|
|
|
Thyme2dream
Posts: 9
|
|
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2009, 11:27:18 am » |
|
Hi, Im not sure how much time I will have to participate this month since I am working hard on catching up with things, BUT it looks like a very helpful "camp" so I will try.
I create jewelry and fanciful things with a fairy/elven theme...I live in Kansas USA which is a rather ordinary sort of place, so I spend alot of my time dreaming myself to somewhere far away;-).
In a gradual and slightly sneaky way over the past two years I recruited my talented hubby into the circlet making part of my business (he is the official Thyme2dream Circlet Wizard). This year we went full time with the business and took our show on the road to Renaissance Festivals around the Midwest, all the while maintaining and expanding our online shops. It has been fun and challenging keeping all aspects of the business growing, but even when Im working LONG hours I love my work so all is well.
I am on lots of sites all over the internet, and have just a small selection here on ICraft, but hope to work towards expanding that with the ideas from this boot camp.
Cheers, Karla (& Ian across the studio adjuring me to get back to work on orders;-)
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2009, 11:34:33 am » |
|
That's hilarious about snagging your husband into your business. Wow... you must be running a real operation!!! Well I am all ears on how you do it. You will have lots to share with us about going big time!!! And, don't worry about not having time to do everything on each of the assignments because you are heaped with orders... wow what an excuse... too many orders LOL. Just teasing... but try everyday to pop in and say hi and a few bits as it helps all of us to plug in and there will be INCENTIVES for checking in everyday!!! Thanks so much and say hi to your husband.... I will let my hubby know that he may be pressed into service too just like yours Cheers Christine Pillowthrowdecor
|
|
|
|
CiteFuzz
Posts: 2
|
|
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2009, 01:42:58 pm » |
|
Hi, I am not sure if this is where I post since I am the first. My name is Lori and I am the creator of Citefuzz. I started Citefuzz in 2004 after all of my friends wanted my hats so I started selling them, first locally and then online. I have 4 children (just had my last baby in September so it is busy here) but my hats are a way for me to still feel creative and have some ME time. I have been quite successful on other selling sites and found icraft. Being a proud canadian I was was overjoyed to find a canadian based site for my creations. I make mainly baby and childrens hat out of natural fibers like cotton and wool yarn. https://icraftgifts.com/citefuzz I am really looking forward to reading about everyone and learning some new tricks of the trade! Happy selling Lori a.k.a Citefuzz
|
|
|
|
Hats Galore and More
Posts: 1
|
|
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2009, 01:47:24 pm » |
|
Hi, I am Sharon. I am an Early Childhood Educator. I live in Ontario, Canada. I have successfully participated in craft sales, fairs and festivals for many , many years. I just became a member of our community Makers Market. My first knitting project was at school and I still haven't finished the second slipper. :lol: I presently make hats that have been approved by the children at the center.
|
|
|
|
designsbydebra
Posts: 144
|
|
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2009, 02:03:36 pm » |
|
Hi Everyone, I'm Deb from designsbydebra and I create jewelry and cards. I started creating jewelry about 10 years ago after attending an artist's open studio. I create using 14K gold and sterling silver with semi precious gemstones and glass. I have had a shop on iCraftGifts.com since March 2008 and love it. I also have shops on Etsy and DaWanda. I live in Langley BC,I work at a women's center in South Surrey, have one daughter and a super son in law and two of the cutest grandsons Myka 5 and Cody 4. I'm looking forward to the assignments in bootcamp even if I'm completing them late at night. And I'm looking forward to meeting some of my iCraft neighbors. Deb https://icraftgifts.com/designsbydebra
|
|
|
|
GalleriaLinda
Administrator
Posts: 442
|
|
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2009, 04:30:56 pm » |
|
Hi Everyone! I am Linda of icraftgifts.com/GalleriaLinda and live in Lakeland, FL USA. I know this is a Canadian venue but I love the clean look and that it is focused on handmade and not supplies and vintage. iCraft is getting more and more sellers out of Canada so we must think of it as international! I now have so many great Canadian friends - both sellers and customers, although we are thousands of miles apart - it is fun. Quick bio for me: I have been close to art things all my life. My mother loved to craft and tried so many things during my childhood. She was a master at crewel needlework and always said that fabric was her canvass and thread was her paint. After going to art school and an Interior Design degree, I had a 12 year career in hospital design on the west coast USA. My career has evolved through opportunities and new business technologies along the way. Now, for many years, I am a marketing communications consultant to small businesses locally. You can find me at my computer working hard for a variety clients, wearing the proverbial home office bunny slippers! True! My husband bought the bunny slippers for my home business' "casual Fridays" LOL! My jewelry design happens on weekends and a few week nights and keeps me sane, I have designed jewelry for myself since college and have been online for several years. I have a different design perspective for beaded jewelry - based upon my art and architectural lessons in college - and may be somewhat minimalist at times. And, this year started working with sterling wire and now make my own sterling ear wires and clasps. I am a veteran iCraft Bootcamper and this will be my 3rd. I come away with new things each time and the most important thing it does for me is to keep me accountable. Also, I am the iCraft Marketing Advisor and Mentor for all of you - be sure to visit the marketing and the business sections of the forums https://icraftgifts.com/forum/ - great stuff!
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2009, 05:00:55 pm » |
|
While I am one that comes up with great ideas it is Linda that Keeps me organized and pointed in the right direction. She's a great help at executing ideas and tasks and especially Getting ready the past few weeks has really saved my butt while I Fighting the flu. Applause for Linda please. Debra is an awesome bootcamper who so diligently supports many of us On twitter very late into the evenings. We often bump into each other On Twitter at night. Deb lives about twenty miles from me yet we haven't Met in person yet.... Very soon deb and I are going to meet at starbucks or something. Both of these ladies make incredible jewelry. You MUST go and check their stores out. This is typed on my Blackberry as I am sitting on top of very high Painting ladder... Painting of coarse so forgive me for mispells. I am just so excited about seeing all of you online here I ve gotta keep checking Back to work. Cheers Christine Pillowthrowdecor
|
|
|
|
Big Tub Botanicals
Posts: 4
|
|
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2009, 06:25:43 pm » |
|
Okay, I am very new to all this, but I’ve made it this far (figured out where to write this) so here it goes. I’m Erin of Big Tub Botanicals, https://icraftgifts.com/big-tub-botanicalsI am the creator of a unique line of herbal skin care products that are handmade (from scratch), fresh & all natural. These healing products delight the senses with an array of colours, scents & textures created with real fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers, herbs & essences. I turned my hobby into a full time business in February and spent the summer traveling around doing shows in southern Ontario. It wasn’t until September when the show circuit started to slow down that I began thinking about on-line craft sites and on-line marketing. At that same time Wendy at https://icraftgifts.com/winged-heart-studio started a downtown Sunday crafter’s market here in our neck of the woods (how awesome!?!), and told me about icraft and bootcamp. I’m so excited as I have so much to learn about on-line sales & marketing. Thus far, my on-line store on my website serves mainly customers who already know about me from shows. I now have an icraft shop as well as a couple of others that are developing a little too SLOWLY for my liking. Hopefully this will help :0)
|
|
|
|
GalleriaLinda
Administrator
Posts: 442
|
|
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2009, 06:43:07 pm » |
|
Erin - you are half way there by just finding this forum thread! lol! Welcome. Your shop URL is https://icraftgifts.com/big-tub-botanicals with underscores. We will be excited to see your products. I suggest you list about five to get the most out of bootcamp. You will love this!
|
|
|
|
Winged Heart Studio
Posts: 21
|
|
« Reply #11 on: November 01, 2009, 07:33:43 pm » |
|
I'm Wendy, the Crafty Canadian, and you can find my shop at https://icraftgifts.com/winged-heart-studio! I'm a Craft Trends Columnist for Hand Made News.org; I write for iCraft and I'm a Design Partner with The Beadin' Path, HHH Enterprises and Bead FX. In September, I started the Peterborough Downtown Craft Market, a year round, handmade, Sunday market located at Peterborough Square, which is right downtown, in Peterborough, Ontario. (Where I met Erin of Big Tub Botanicals, a fellow Boot Camper and experienced her wonderful, natural products for the first time). Very into social marketing with Twitter, FaceBook, Ning and Blogger and happy to help with these particular topics. Also have a lot to say about free and easy ways to market your on/offline shop. This is my first Boot Camp and I am looking forward to seeing RESULTS! Plus, I am really honoured to be associated with the amazing Christine and Linda! We are all very lucky to have Christine leading this and Linda sharing her expertise, here and through her site, IndieCeo.com. Here to learn and to help! At Your Service!
|
|
|
|
storybeader
Posts: 69
|
|
« Reply #12 on: November 01, 2009, 08:06:44 pm » |
|
My name is Deb and I'm the storybeader. My shop is here: https://icraftgifts.com/storybeaderI'm a museum curator in southwestern Oklahoma and love my job, all 22 years of it. In the past 10 years, I started writing the text for our new in-house exhibits. I love to write, and edit - I also am the newsletter editor at work. My exhibit page contains handmade journals and sketchbooks. This is my new love. I began two years ago designing jewelry and giving it as presents. Then I started selling in the Museum's gift shop and on various online venues. And I started my blog. Each necklace, and now my books, come with a little haiku that I write. I thought I was going to have trouble, transitioning from jewelry to books. As of now, this is the one shop that has only books in it - I guess I need to change my avatar.... Very excited to me here and meet everyone. And I see a few familiar "faces" {:-Deb
|
|
|
|
|
mountaindreamers
Posts: 71
|
|
« Reply #14 on: November 01, 2009, 09:44:41 pm » |
|
Hi everyone! Third time around. I am hoping to do everything this time. My name is Laura and I am a nurse by day and a beader by night. My kids are grown ( 4 , Jason, John, Kathleen, and Nathaniel ) and now I split my spare time between making jewelry and hiking where I pursue my love of photography . I love nature and work to reflect that in my work . I particularly enjoy genuine North American Turquoise and semiprecious stones on sterling or 14 K gold filled wire. I enjoy making asymmetric necklaces and pieces with an organic twist. My twitter link is : http://www.twitter.com/mtndreamersMy Blog is where I preview a lot of things as well as share pictures of my Nature adventures. I recently took my mother to the Rockies via Amtrak. I have posted some of my photos on my blog from Glacier Park and the area. http://www.mountaindreamers.blogspot.com Good luck to all, I love Canadians, one of my best friends is from Canada! If you have any questions feel free to email or leave a comment at the blog. Have a wonderful week filled with happiness and blessings. Laura
|
|
|
|
Beajoux
Posts: 78
|
|
« Reply #15 on: November 01, 2009, 10:01:52 pm » |
|
Hello, I'm Ainsley. I work full time as an editor by day and try to find time at night to make beaded jewellery and wire-wrapped rings. This is my second go with Sellers' Bootcamp; I tried to participate with the first one, but never seemed to have the time needed to fully appreciate everything it had to offer. I'm hoping it'll be different this time in that I'll MAKE the time to utilize all the great ideas and information more fully. Best of luck to everyone and I look forward to working with you to make this a success! Ainsley P.S. I'm on Twitter too: http://twitter.com/Ainse
|
|
|
|
Unicorn Creations
Posts: 18
|
|
« Reply #16 on: November 01, 2009, 11:30:12 pm » |
|
Hi everyone, my name is Rhonda and my shop can be found at icraftgifts.com/unicorn_creations I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. My mom and I have been doing craft sales together for about 10 years and we love every minute of it! My crafts are jewelry of all kinds, magnets, and cool new Christmas personalized ornaments. I work 50+ hours a week as a dental office manager and then craft my heart out late at night when my 2 small kids are in bed! I also have a shop on Etsy and I love both! I have been on icraft for a bit now and am very anxious to see some results after I learn some tricks of the internet world at bootcamp! I look forward to meeting you all here, happy crafting everyone! Rhonda
|
|
|
|
Sarah Ranes
Posts: 5
|
|
« Reply #17 on: November 02, 2009, 12:21:59 am » |
|
Hello Everyone, my name is Sarah and my shop is https://icraftgifts.com/sarah-ranes I am brand new and haven't had a chance to do much with my shop yet. I am from central Pennsylvania in the US. I actually joined icraft because I saw an ad for the Bootcamp and started looking at the site and it looked like a lot of fun. I make handmade soaps and lotions. I have been making soaps for about 6 years. I sell mostly at craft shows and farmer's markets. Since the beginning of this year I have been working hard to get seen on the internet. My life has always centered around artistic and craft related activities. I graduated from art school with a degree in photography which I have pursued most of my adult life. I am looking forward to this camp and getting to know some new people.
|
|
|
|
Celinda
Posts: 2
|
|
« Reply #18 on: November 02, 2009, 01:16:07 am » |
|
Hello everybody! I'm Celinda from Studio C jewelry design https://icraftgifts.com/celinda. I'm from the Texas Panhandle. The color array in our landscape is absolutely gorgeous and inspires my creativity. I hope that I will get to know many of you. I'm just now starting at icraftgifts.com and I haven't posted anything to my account yet. Please forgive me...I will have my jewelry posted later in the week. Hope everyone has a good day :lol: ! Celinda
|
|
|
|
Zs Knees
Posts: 114
|
|
« Reply #19 on: November 02, 2009, 01:38:19 am » |
|
Hello fellow bootcampers! It's Z's mama(you can call me Jeffie) happy to be returning for my 3rd go-around. I had just decided to close my virtual doors for good when I got the email for another bootcamp... and you know I couldn't resist. We've had so much fun in these camps! And maybe this will be just what I need to get back in gear.
About me... I'm a happy single mother of a zooming toddler. We live in Oregon where I've taken a job as site manager of a low-income housing project. It's the latest in a long string of weird jobs, haha! I have always feared and avoided "careers"... the closest I've come was 3 years of teaching English abroad, which I enjoyed immensely.
I started my iCraft shop when Z was 7 months old, hoping I could earn enough to get by working only part-time. But selling is not my forte, and this proved much much harder than I anticipated. But I still have the work-from-home fantasy, so here I am, not giving up... ready to lean on y'all for support once again.
I know the things I need to work on, it's just a matter of getting it all done. And it would certainly help if my friends and family members would stop having cute kids for a minute so I can make stuff to actually sell :lol:
|
|
|
|
Chicki
Posts: 5
|
|
« Reply #20 on: November 02, 2009, 10:01:19 am » |
|
Hello fellow bootcampers! I was away at a sale this past weekend and did not get around to assignment 1 until today. My name is Tina and I am from SK, Canada. This is my third bootcamp. My shop is https://icraftgifts.com/chicki .I love and have always loved crafting. I make polymer clay and other unique jewellry including chainmaille pieces. I have started metalsmithing and am finding that really fun and challenging. I take photos and have made a photo calendar with them that you can find in my shop. I am looking forward to this bootcamp and meeting some new people!
|
|
|
|
Naturliche
Posts: 64
|
|
« Reply #21 on: November 02, 2009, 10:27:00 am » |
|
Hello everyone! back for 3rd round! I am happy to be back and see some familiar names and some new ones too!
I am hoping to be able to keep up this time around, and focus on what needs to be done for a sucessful little shop!
I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I love to try new things, and dabble in the old too!
My icraft shop icraftgifts.com/naturliche will soon be filled with new soaps, scrubs, lotions and more! I make all that and more from naturally based ingredients.
By day, I work behind a desk, and by night, I am in the kitchen cooking up luxuries for the body. I love what I do, and hope that I can pass on some of that energy to others!
Thank you Christine & Linda and icraft for putting this fabulous bootcamp together!!
|
|
|
|
Dancing Monkey Jewelry
Posts: 31
|
|
« Reply #22 on: November 02, 2009, 11:09:17 am » |
|
Hello: Already, I'm a day behind! My name is Martha and I'm from Tacoma, Washington. I create jewelry and my shop name is Dancing Monkey Jewelry. https://icraftgifts.com/dancing-monkey-jewelryI'm looking forward to meeting all of you and I'm really excited about this Boot Camp. I was just recently laid off from my job and have decided to take time and concentrate on my jewelry and photography. It's what I've always wanted to do and there's no time like the better to make my dreams come true. Best regards, martha
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #23 on: November 02, 2009, 12:06:48 pm » |
|
Lol... I have spent my whole life "catching up" probably because I love to consume every detail in life.
Don't stress about being behind... if you need to abreviate some of your assignments, that's ok, you can come back to it on the weekends or after the 28 days is over.
Some assignments are meant to build on each other and some tasks can be skipped but of course the magic of marketing is getting the combination of everything happening at once.
Don't you worry. Being here on the forums and interacting brings you 80% closer to success... It's statistically proven that 80% of success is about showing up. Persistantly "being out there" is a lot more than most do.
Cheers
Christine PillowThrowDecor
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #24 on: November 02, 2009, 12:16:19 pm » |
|
Wow it is so great to see so many familiar faces here again. Thanks so much guys for being a part of this! An especially big thanks also goes to Wendyhttps://icraftgifts.com/winged-heart-studio! Wendy has been an absolute angel in helping getting ready for Bootcamp and has worked with GalleriaLinda in behind the scenes getting some cool stuff organized for our marketing. She is one of your mentors too so don't be shy in asking her questions. Christine I'm Wendy, the Crafty Canadian, and you can find my shop at https://icraftgifts.com/winged-heart-studio! I'm a Craft Trends Columnist for Hand Made News.org; I write for iCraft and I'm a Design Partner with The Beadin' Path, HHH Enterprises and Bead FX. In September, I started the Peterborough Downtown Craft Market, a year round, handmade, Sunday market located at Peterborough Square, which is right downtown, in Peterborough, Ontario. (Where I met Erin of Big Tub Botanicals, a fellow Boot Camper and experienced her wonderful, natural products for the first time). Very into social marketing with Twitter, FaceBook, Ning and Blogger and happy to help with these particular topics. Also have a lot to say about free and easy ways to market your on/offline shop. This is my first Boot Camp and I am looking forward to seeing RESULTS! Plus, I am really honoured to be associated with the amazing Christine and Linda! We are all very lucky to have Christine leading this and Linda sharing her expertise, here and through her site, IndieCeo.com. Here to learn and to help! At Your Service!
|
|
|
|
Dori Daus
Posts: 1
|
|
« Reply #25 on: November 02, 2009, 08:17:41 pm » |
|
My name is Dori and my shop is called Face of Contentment Design. I make jewelry from metal clays, lampwork beads (that I make), fused glass ( that I fuse) and wirework. I also make bookmarks and barrettes and some small pottery items.
I was a Special Education teacher when I met my husband, got pregnant and became a full time mom ( usually with three or four part time jobs- Hebrew School Principal, Hebrew School Teacher, Behavior therapist, paraprofessional, art instructor). In June all of my part time jobs disappeared and that has left me with lots of time, but not a lot of money, so I have been working craft fairs and teaching classes through adult education in order to make some money.
While I have etsy, 1000markets, artfire, and icraft shops, I have only sold jewelry on ebay and in person. I am looking for ways to improve my shops and hopefully get some online sales.
icraftgifts.com/faceofcontentment
|
|
|
|
Brilliant Beads
Posts: 100
|
|
« Reply #26 on: November 02, 2009, 08:33:18 pm » |
|
Hello to many familiar faces, and to lots of new icraft friends! This is my second bootcamp and let me assure you that the program will teach you things you never thought of, and help to build your business in wonderful ways! My name is Gillian and I am the person behind "Brilliant Beads" https://icraftgifts.com/brilliant-beadsI am a dentist with a full-time hospital practice, and in the evenings, and on weekends love to make lampwork glass beads and design jewellery. I love to see what other jewellery designers make with my beads....there are so many creative people out there. I live in London, Ontario and am married, with four children. I can't wait to see what I learn in this bootcamp...woohoo, let's get started!
|
|
|
|
MadMavenCreations
Posts: 17
|
|
« Reply #27 on: November 02, 2009, 09:17:41 pm » |
|
Hello fellow bootcampers! I'm on day 1 & 2 at the same time, so I'm going to tackle this task 1st and then we'll see what the 2nd task is!
I am also a nurse by day, also newly promoted to office manager, and a beader/crafter/knitter/crocheter/resiner/etc. by night, afternoon, weekends, holidays, yadda yadda yadda.
I had gastric bypass surgery 6 weeks ago and spent the 2 1/2 weeks recuperating by knitting my fool head off. My listings are all beaded, but I'm hoping to incorporate some knitted goods (I'm thinking bookmarks and small stuff, perfect for my attention span) at some point soon.
This is my 1st bootcamp. I haven't been doing much of anything online, but I've known GalleriaLinda for some time now via etsy and I'm a fan of her work both as an artist and as a marketer so I'm taking this opportunity to reconnect internetwise.
I live in central New York. I have a husband, a 14 year old son, a 14 year old stepdaughter, and a 17 year old stepson, who is currently recovering from swine flu. I am very much looking forward to this bootcamp to put a boot in my backside! Thank you to all of you that have organized this!
|
|
|
|
Callidora
Posts: 38
|
|
« Reply #28 on: November 03, 2009, 08:55:12 am » |
|
Hi, I know I'm a little late getting started, but I'm going to catch up today! I'm Terri and I own Callidora's, https://icraftgifts.com/callidora. I'm a homeschooling mom of 4. My oldest is 16 and in college and my youngest is turning 7. I didn't always homeschool - I used to have a very unsatisfying corporate life. I was a Liberal Arts Major at Arizona State University and never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Somehow, I fell into Human Resources and that's where I hung my hat for several years. I'm very Type A, so my co-workers were quite surprised when I told them I was quitting to homeschool my kids. They all said that I'd be back at work in 6 months - that'd I never be able to "relax" and be happy outside of the corporate world. Well, it's been 6 years and I guess they were partially right! I'm going a million miles an hour! I teach my own kids, plus teach classes in English, Latin, and math at my local homeschooling center. I started Callidora's 2 years ago and have a very steady amount of orders. I knit as my form of stress therapy - knitting is for me. I don't sell it, unless I made a sizing mistake for a family member. I live just outside of Richmond, Virginia and I've been married for 16 years to my best friend. We laugh quite a bit and he is very supportive with my creative venture. I've recently been able to do more traveling, now that my children are older. I look forward to new adventures in strange lands and bringing home some new textiles to work with I look forward to getting to know everyone and checking out your shops!
|
|
|
|
Teri Calbert
Posts: 9
|
|
« Reply #29 on: November 03, 2009, 09:27:18 am » |
|
Hello, my name is Teri Calbert. I have always been creative in a simple way. All my friends and co-workers have always told me I should sell the things that I make. So I started Bluehills Treasure Chest Designs, https://icraftgifts.com/teri-calbert, I have been at it a little over a year with little to no success :cry: I'm not a salesman or marketing genius, just someone who loves to make things with my hands. So, if you like my things, buy them, don't be shy :wink: .
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #30 on: November 03, 2009, 12:50:18 pm » |
|
Oh my word... I hope you are feeling better. You have some gorgeous pieces in your shop! I am so glad you are following GaleriaLinda. Yes... everyone can learn lots from her as she is a very smart lady (applause for Linda) As this is your first bootcamp you will discover some really super people here. There's lots of helping each other and sharing ideas especially those that have been through Bootcamp before. What is kinda neat about previous bootcampers is that they are very willing to share what works and what DIDN'T work for them. The didn't work tasks are extremely important to monitor as you will quickly realize some activities are successful in certain geographic regions and not in others. Cheers Christine Hello fellow bootcampers! I'm on day 1 & 2 at the same time, so I'm going to tackle this task 1st and then we'll see what the 2nd task is!
I am also a nurse by day, also newly promoted to office manager, and a beader/crafter/knitter/crocheter/resiner/etc. by night, afternoon, weekends, holidays, yadda yadda yadda.
I had gastric bypass surgery 6 weeks ago and spent the 2 1/2 weeks recuperating by knitting my fool head off. My listings are all beaded, but I'm hoping to incorporate some knitted goods (I'm thinking bookmarks and small stuff, perfect for my attention span) at some point soon.
This is my 1st bootcamp. I haven't been doing much of anything online, but I've known GalleriaLinda for some time now via etsy and I'm a fan of her work both as an artist and as a marketer so I'm taking this opportunity to reconnect internetwise.
I live in central New York. I have a husband, a 14 year old son, a 14 year old stepdaughter, and a 17 year old stepson, who is currently recovering from swine flu. I am very much looking forward to this bootcamp to put a boot in my backside! Thank you to all of you that have organized this!
|
|
|
|
Time and Sand
Posts: 15
|
|
« Reply #31 on: November 03, 2009, 05:22:18 pm » |
|
Hello: I also am a day behind! But will work to catch up. My name is Carrie and I am from Columbus, Indiana. I have several businesses with my husband and children. I am a jewelry designer and we as a family also make natural soaps, natural dog treats and my husband does collage art. We have two icraft shops at this time. https://icraftgifts.com/time-and-sandhttps://icraftgifts.com/zacs-zoapsI work outside the home, part-time, as a Director of Outreach & Care at Grace Lutheran Church and work at home as a jewelry designer. We are a busy family that loves to create together. My husband is a trained photographer and has a Lay Ministry degree and also works at the church I do. This is my first bootcamp and I was hoping not to start late, but as usual things happen (son broke glasses, we are having a funeral at church, etc) so here I am better late than never!
|
|
|
|
Fairy Cardmaker
Posts: 1115
|
|
« Reply #32 on: November 03, 2009, 08:28:30 pm » |
|
Hi everyone. Signing in for the roll call! My name is Lisa. I have been on Etsy and iCraft for about 1 and 1/2 years. I have not really had any success on iCraft yet and limited amounts on Etsy. I was going to skip this round of bootcamp, but something told me I was going to need motivation and I know this is it! I am a Chartered Accountant in a medium-sized a firm. Generally speaking, our ultimate goal is to create confidence in financial reporting. I enjoy making sure that financial reporting is in order. I enjoy being able to work on different clients throughout the year. I enjoy both learning and teaching as well (which is why I teach cardmaking for an animal charity). I have never left public accounting because I enjoy having students around. The firm is always filled with people who want to learn more and do better. I have recently been appointed quality control for the firm. This role fits my meticulous nature and allows me to teach to the firm so that we can continuously improve ourselves. I do find it difficult to keep pace with today's changing audit environment (as Canada is moving towards International rules), but challenge is what keeps a job interesting and allows me to continually learn too! But don't ask me anything about tax. Tax is my kryptonite! I love to scrapbook but it is very demanding on time. I started making cards with my scraps and found it much faster. I suppose I am a product of todays "now" generation. The faster the reward, the more you like it! The firm I work for requested that I get involved in the community more or be visible like guest teach at university. I am far too shy for that! Besides, I do accounting all day - I need a creative release! So, I looked around for a small charity where my "crops" or "classes" would benefit them. I wanted a small one so that my tiny contribution would go a longer way. That's how I met SOAR (Souther Ontario Animal Rescue). I decided to teach card classes because it's easier to make the kits. Since I was making up kits to sell for classes, I knew I would be left with excess kits. That's what drove me to open my online shops. Currently, I'm a member of two Etsy Teams: Paper Twirlies for quillers and Etsy for Animals for animal charity. I have product with a percentage of the proceeds going to charities on my Etsy Shop. Eventually, I will do the same on iCraft but the lack of activty has held me back. I know you have to give to get, so I'm doing bootcamp for my second time to see if I can breathe some life in to my shop and iCraft too. I have a blog too! http://www.ensorcelledminds.blogspot.com/Lisa.
|
|
|
|
Too Cute Cats
Posts: 2
|
|
« Reply #33 on: November 04, 2009, 11:16:25 pm » |
|
Hello All, My name is Amy and my store is found at https://icraftgifts.com/too-cute-catsI love hearing about all the talent here, it’s really inspiring. I am a few days late and can relate to a number of posts, working full time and crafting on the side, recruiting willing (or not so willing) family members to help under the pressure of repairing for craft shows. I make awesome catnip pillows and toys for our feline friends. I’m new to crafting and have my first craft sale next Saturday in Calgary at the Haysboro Community Centre. I am a bit nervous about my craft sales, yet I have had quite a bit of view (no sales) and looking forward to the craft sale season. You can also follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TooCuteCatsI’m looking forward to learning more about icraft and being successful at selling online. I seem to be heard a lot about little sales, but I think this is a great place to learn and support other Artisans. Joining late, but I’ll catch up! Amy
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #34 on: November 05, 2009, 01:14:39 am » |
|
Better late than never is true... I am so glad that you are on board! We do have weekends to catch up too! Cheers Christine Hello: I also am a day behind! But will work to catch up. My name is Carrie and I am from Columbus, Indiana. I have several businesses with my husband and children. I am a jewelry designer and we as a family also make natural soaps, natural dog treats and my husband does collage art. We have two icraft shops at this time. https://icraftgifts.com/time-and-sandhttps://icraftgifts.com/zacs-zoapsI work outside the home, part-time, as a Director of Outreach & Care at Grace Lutheran Church and work at home as a jewelry designer. We are a busy family that loves to create together. My husband is a trained photographer and has a Lay Ministry degree and also works at the church I do. This is my first bootcamp and I was hoping not to start late, but as usual things happen (son broke glasses, we are having a funeral at church, etc) so here I am better late than never!
|
|
|
|
wabibrookstudio
Posts: 46
|
|
« Reply #35 on: November 07, 2009, 08:26:10 am » |
|
Hi everyone. I am almost a week behind, but will catch up this weekend, I hope! I'm Julie and I am a full-time artist and artisan. Here is my shop: https://icraftgifts.com/wabibrookstudioI create fine art and artisan jewellery inspired by nature from my studio on a working sheep and horse farm in northern Ontario. I was forced to retire from my previous 20 year career as a self-employed horse and rider trainer after experiencing a huge health challenge. I started drawing and painting and making jewellery about 5 years ago as a hobby to help keep me sane (not sure it worked completely, haha!), and it just developed into a full time business. Without the full-time pay as yet, unfortunately, but I am happy and fulfilled and that is much more important. I have a husband and 19 year old daughter who support me 110%. I'm so glad that I made myself take part in bootcamp this time around. I am doing a lot of marketing already, but I know I still have a lot to learn, and hopefully this camp will help me to be more organized and committed! I'm loving the idea of making new connections and networks, too. I have a fairly extensive online presence which you can find by going to my shop. Okay, on to the next assignment!
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #36 on: November 07, 2009, 06:01:04 pm » |
|
Oh i am so glad that you have joined us ... even a week late you can get up and running. Catch the highlights that I pointed out in our last assignment.
I'm zooming around here today but will be back later on.
If you have any questions just ask pillowthrowdecor(at) gmail(dot) com and I will gladly help to get you up to speed on anything. Need to check out your store too. You sound like a pro already!!!
Cheers Christine
|
|
|
|
VerreDesign
Posts: 13
|
|
« Reply #37 on: November 11, 2009, 01:37:46 pm » |
|
Hi!
My name is Patricia and I'm the founder of VerreDesign Jewelry and ArtGlass. I'm from Montreal (Quebec) and do all my creating and designs in my home studio - I LOVE it!
I spent 10 years in the financial world and traded the high heels and board meetings with jeans and family talks around the kitchen table. I love being an artisan and look forward to complete this bootcamp:) Now on to catching up!
Take care,
Patricia
|
|
|
|
PillowThrowDecor
Posts: 1096
|
|
« Reply #38 on: November 11, 2009, 03:23:28 pm » |
|
Hi Patricia! Good for you. I am so glad you are jumping in.
If you want to fast track your catch-up, complete all the "writing about you" assignments. Download Tweetdeck and Tweetlater or Hootsuite and try and get you Twitter account up and running.
Are you new to Twitter? If so and you need a hand convo me directy or just post on the forum here and someone will jump in and help you. We all share ideas and support one another so don't feel shy about asking for help!
Cheers
Christine
|
|
|
|