Where have you been?

I can't even remember the last time I posted. It's not that I did not have anything to say.... just too much going on!

The biggest thing sucking my time? We got a house!!!! Our closing date is Monday. I have been packing and tossing stuff left and right. We are going to start moving in right away and hope to spend the night there the night of July 5th.

The kiln is packed and ready to move. Hopefully just a slight delay in creating stuff! In the meantime, I am listing things I am discovering in nooks and crannies that have never been listed - and a few new things.

I am hoping to chronicle the move and any and all redecorating.... so - stay tuned!

Here is a bit of eye candy - this is from the last batch fired!

You may also want to take a look at the clearance section in my Etsy shop - lots of studs on clearance...and some other fun stuff!

Sale! SALE! S-A-L-E!

25% off Clearance Sale! Beautiful ceramic jewelry!

Where: Just in my Artfire shop!

Prices already marked down!

The Month of May

I can't believe it's May already! Where does time go??!! New this month - Fun facts about the Month! (starting - NOW and hopefully continuing at the beginning of each month)

Traditional colors for May are lilac or lavender .

Two Zodiac signs cover May:
Taurus - April 21 - May 21
Gemini - May 22 - June 21
The color of Taurus is pink; Gemini is green. (these vary by resource...)

Taurus is an Earth sign; Gemini is an air sign.

The birthstone for May is Emerald.
The flower for May is Lily of the Valley.

Many historical events took place in May - but the most important to me....the birth of my son :)

Wishing all a very Happy month of MAY!

Definition of a BAD blogger

Definition: One who last blogged on February 7!

I hate it when my "real" job gets in the way of my "fun" job. I feel like I am forever trying to find a balance.....and just when I think I have it - BAM....something changes!

Let's see....since I blogged last......I came out with some great new glazes! And a more tapered stud design.



You may also want to check out my clearance sale.....

Now I must go enjoy a absolutely gorgeous day here in Western PA!

February Shopping Extravaganza

I am participating in the February Shopping Extravaganza sponsored by Team ESST from Thursday, February 5th through Sunday, February 8th. Orders in my destash shop - 10% off (not including shipping). You'll find me listing a TON of handmade ceramic items as well as commercial supplies.

Stop by and SAVE! Here is a peek at my shop:

Etsy Mud Team - Sweetheart Vase Challenge

Don't laugh....

I made a vase. It actually turned out pretty well. You can see my entry "Imperfect = Love" here - and vote for your favorite vase (mine) :P

Just for voting you will receive a 25% off coupon to use in the Mud Team Shop.

Here is a pic of my imperfect little vase:

HURRY - voting ends tomorrow!

PS - Hi Gram!

Here we go....STEELERS!

Inspired by the upcoming trip to the Superbowl.... I listed an awesome black & gold bracelet and a package deal on black & gold ceramic studs!

Check 'em out at my Etsy shop!

A New Site

I was really very excited to see this new site. It brings together 2 things that I love very much... Pennsylvania - and Handmade!
Handmade in PA was officially launched on January 1. There is even a directory of places to find items handmade in PA - both online and off. (The list grows daily!)
Take a look at this post that features Western PA artisans! (I was included! THANK YOU!)

Have a great weekend! I'll be busy adding new stuff to all of my shops!

Store not available

Happy New Year!

I wish you all the very best New Year!

Now - down to business! The first question I should probably answer is....
It's already the 1st - Isn't it too late for a business plan??
The answer is NO! It's never too late for a little planning.

The next question you are probably pondering is....
Do *I* need a business plan?
The answer is - that's up to you. :) I think that if you are running a business - you need a plan. The plan I am talking about is not necessarily a big formal binder with sections and tabs... I am going to keep it simple.

Ok - so here's my advice for a simple, workable plan.

1. You MUST have a goal.

• It should be attainable and not set too low. A bad goal is "I will sell one more item than I did last year." Sure - you'll probably reach your goal - but how fulfilling is THAT??!!
• Your goals can be weekly, monthly or overall for the year.

2. Products

• Take a look at your sales from the past year. What worked, what didn't?
• Focus on what works!

3. Venues

• There are a TON of online and offline options.
• Look at what worked for you in the past - maybe drop venues that were not so profitable.
• Want to expand? Research - and decide what venues might be a good fit for you.

4. Marketing & Promotion

• Network wisely. Did you have more sales when you blogged? Keep that up!
• Spend your time wisely. There is such a thing as too much promoting! (That's when you have no time to make things....)

5. Advertising

• Decide how much $$ you want to spend on ads.
• Find the best places to place an ad - it should fit your product. Just because it costs little or nothing, does NOT mean it's the best fit!

6. Pricing and Budgeting

• If you haven't - develop a pricing strategy that works for you, your product, and your market. Stick to it! DO NOT UNDERVALUE your time or your work!
• Budgeting - I can't offer good advice on this one...my plan is - if I have the money to purchase supplies, I will. One thing that is a MUST for me - no credit cards. That means if I have no income from my sales, then no buying!

There you go - fairly simple....and it may be far too simple for some. Your business volume will tell you how much detail your plan should have.

I wish you all much prosperity and success for 2009!

Free Worldwide Shipping - Happy New Year!

Today, until midnight (EST), I am offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING in my Etsy shop. I am 2 sales away from my goal of 115 at year end! So - stop by and have a look....and buy a thing or two :P

And......regarding my last post.....I will be posting more on business planning later today - I promise. What is that saying about the best laid plans.....???