Something I should have done...

...is start a blog a couple years back. I thought about it, registered at a couple of sites, but apparently I couldn't see spending a lot of time at it. Which makes no sense, considering how much time I spend online. Plus, until now, I didn't have what I felt to be a good reason to blog aside from satisfying a personal need to write.

Now the fire that's been burning under my sometimes lazy butt has more heat, and I'm obliged to come out of the aimless, half-hearted torpor and live up to my own self-deemed potential. I finally found something I enjoy making and haven't given up within a few months. Typically, I have a dozen crafts or hobbies I enjoy doing with several projects at various stages toward that 'finished' status they often don't reach.

I've registered and opened shop on Etsy, a site dedicated to handcrafters and those who love handcrafted items. Everything from original artwork in any media imaginable, to plushies and quilts. Enough jewelry to choke all of China, and as a result of all the handcrafters selling, some sell advertising in forms ranging from pins and keychains to digital banners. I'm fairly new there and have only just begun to edge into the community, but so far I've found it's a great site.

I heard of www.etsy.com from a coworker who'd seen the necklaces I make. Considering I'd done decently at a monthly street event in Portland (Last Thursday on Alberta), and had some pieces in the shop at the well-reputed spa La Muse (http://www.lamusesalon.net/), I thought it was time to finally spend time setting up shop online.

It took time and I enjoyed it. Considering what you put into it for listing fees, you get a considerable amount of services. The rest is up to the seller to promote themselves, and with a fairly large and very supportive community, any seller will find many ways to get their goods seen.

One of the most popular suggestions is starting a blog. Plus, Etsy has introduced a new tool that can be implemented on other websites, including certain blog hubs like this one. The tool shows groupings of images out of your own shop, or favorites you've chosen out of other shops.

I've plunged into the most competative category on Etsy, which is jewelry. I still haven't found anyone else who makes pieces like mine, yet in two months of openning shop have had no real sales. My count shows two, but one is a Pay it Forward sale (freebie), and the other is from another coworker who 'helped a gal out'. I'm fervently encouraged not to lose hope, however, and most of this encouragement comes from fellow jewelry sellers.

My store, Ketta Convolutia Design: http://www.kettaconvolutia.etsy.com.

Soon I'll get familiar with this site and provide images courtesy of Etsy Mini, and further blather on about all things Ketta for those who can stand it.