I Learned Something!

I have to get something off of my chest that's been eating at my insides (that's kinda gross now that I read that back, but whatever) ever since my lunch time Friday. This is going to be a little bit of a different post than you are probably used to from me. I'm speaking my mind and it may not sit well some people and that's okay. You don't have to like it.

Friday, someone left a not so awesome review on an item that was purchased through my Etsy shop. I'm offended. I'm embarrassed. I'm shocked. I'm angry. I take pride in what I make and I think I do  a pretty awesome job at creating affordable, fun, unique jewelry for a low price. I don't really like to price gouge people. I'm not in this for the money. I'm in the Etsy hobby (I would call it a business but it's not a business for me.) because I love to do it. I love creating. I love buying new beads or paper and seeing the final outcome. I love taking something old and breathing new life into it - maps, keys, bathroom tile.

So, when that person left their not so awesome review. It hurt A LOT. How dare they?

I made a rookie mistake. I responded to their not so awesome feedback with a message that I thought was polite and I defended my work.

I defend. DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE! (Yay, sports!)

I posted this response in an Etsy support/promotion group on Facebook and asked what their opinions were.

Support, right? One of them actually "eye rolled" me. Seriously? Are we a hormonal teenager? Um, no. We are all adults and you should probably act like one. A lot of them were very helpful and I do appreciate those helpful opinions and remarks but people are so rude. Didn't your mother teach that if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say nothing at all?

While watching this all unfold in front of my eyes, I sit back and think, "Why do their snarky opinions matter at all? They aren't running my shop. They aren't creating my jewelry. They aren't cutting my decals. They aren't buying my supplies." If I'm proud of what I do and I feel that I do a good job, then why do I give a hoot about what someone 2,345 miles from me thinks of a response I left on a customer review?

I don't understand why I get so offended by childish people.

I have to say that I really don't care what they think.

Ahhhhhhh...that feels good.

The Etsy community in a whole is a helpful bunch of people. However, if you go against the grain and don't kiss everyone's rear ends and try to make everything right when someone sends you a bad review, I think you are considered somewhat of a freak.

The biggest things, I think, that other Etsians consider weird are:

Oh, you don't do custom orders? That's odd. Well, how do you make any money?

Well, like I said before, I'm not really in it for the money. I'm in because I like to do it. I have a full time job and I don't have to "do" Etsy. It's not my main source of income. I don't like doing custom orders because I like to have creative freedom. Also, it's not really worth the headache. I don't have to and I'm not going to. Sometimes, I do make exceptions but for the most part, my Etsy shop is not based on custom orders.

You should offer that person a refund.

No. They didn't request it. I didn't do anything wrong. Nothing broke. What they left in their review is their opinion. Now, let me say this, I will be the first one to admit that I made a mistake. I'm a horrible liar. I don't like to deceive people. So, if someone tells me their item broke or I made their order wrong, fine, I will go to the ends of the earth to make it right but I'm not jumping on the refund wagon to make a peace offering based on an opinion.

So, what did I learn? 

1. 2 Star reviews are pretty sucky. 

2. People's opinions of how I run/handle my shop really doesn't matter. It's none of their business. It's between me and the customer. 

3. I'm proud of my response. I'm proud of my shop. I'm proud of my product. 

4. There's always going to be people that you can't please. 

5. Plant the hurt from the bad review and make it bloom into something beautiful. Use it for motivation.

6. I need to make my descriptions a little better on my bangles. 

So, there you have it. 

...until next time...

-Sam

Things, they are a' changin'.

If you like my Facebook page and follow my Pinterest and Twitter, some of you may have noticed that I deleted my Selz.com store, changed my profile photos and opened and Etsty store!! 

I AM SO EXCITED!!

Slowly, a little bit everyday, I am updating everything so that it coordinates with one another. 

New colors, patterns (mainly doilies) and fonts! I am so in love with mint greens and teals right now - take a look at my Twitter page, it shows. 

Hopefully, in the near future, I can really start to update this blog look. Ugh! I hate it. It will be a' changin' just like everything else. 

Please, please, please take a look at my Etsy and maybe even buy yourself something fun and pretty!

You can find my Etsy store HERE and like I said before new things are always being added!

5 Very Awesome Memory Wire Bracelets by Yours Truly

In my last post I shared some pictures made by some bead crazy people. If you didn't see that post, click here, to visit. You'll enjoy it. There are some beautiful pieces that were featured and links are available for most of the photos so you can take a look at what they have to offer.

Today, I will be sharing some of my beaded bracelets that I've made over the past month. Some of the bracelets that I'm showing you have already been sold. So, if you are interested in a particular color, just let me know and I will make something similar for you!

Here we go!

1. 

I like to call this one "Escape." I love the cool color scheme of the blues, greens and browns. It reminds me of being by the lake or ocean. This bracelet is sold but a similar can be made.

2.

This one is one of my faves. The green, black and orange go really well together. This bracelet is sold. 

3.

Who doesn't like purple? This one is called "Serenity." Ahhh, calming. This bracelet is available.

4. 

By far, this is my favorite!! Absolute favorite!! I have to say that ruffling the ribbon is somewhat of a pain in the butt, but by looking at the final product, it is so worth it! I plan on making these in different colors! This bracelet is available.

5. 

White is so clean and crisp and goes with just about anything. This bracelet features pearls, seed beads in white and clear and also larger specialty beads. If you would like to have one like this let me know. I can make something similar. The bracelet pictured is sold. 

Welp, that all folks! I hope you enjoyed seeing the bracelets that I've made. If you would like to have a memory wire bracelet made - please let me know! You can Facebook me or email me at justdarlincards@yahoo.com!

...until next time...

-Sam

10 Simply Amazing Beading Pictures

So, my new thing is beading. I love making memory wire bracelets and I will have another post to share my work and favorite bracelets that I've done.

Today, I just wanted to share some projects that I've stumbled upon online by some other fantastic crafters and bead lovers!

1.

{source: LTreatDesigns}

2. 

{source: StoneStreetStudio}

3.

{source: Torn Edge Studios}

This company is local and I love the work done here! So unique and colorful!

4. 

{source: whybecause}

5. 

{source: strandsofgrace}

6. 

{source: ?}

I don't think this is handmade but it's beautiful!!

7. 

{source: ?}

I found this on Pinterest but there's no link back. How cute is the ribbon mixed with the beading?!

8. 

{source: SillyOldSuitcase)

9. 

{source: TheVictorianGarden}

10. 

{source: SarahDekkerDesigns}

Thanks for looking and I'll be sharing some of my beaded bracelets soon! 

...until next time...

-Sam

NOW INTRODUCING...

...my NEW ONLINE STORE!

I have some exciting news! If you keep up with me on Facebook and every other form of social media, you probably already know that I opened an online shop. 

SO! EXCITED!

I've been sharing on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and now here! I'm everywhere! I've also included links on some of the gallery photos on my "real" website. You can also view my store directly from my blog. Linked up and ready to sell. I'm really trying to make this hobby into something. 

Excited! See?

I've also joined the professional network of LinkedIn - trying to get some connections and exposure. I have to say that website is somewhat confusing.

However, for as much as I've been sharing and linking, the sales haven't happened. 

Nada. Zilch. Zero. No way, Jose. 

SO. DISCOURAGED.

Ruff is right.

I've been sharing on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and now here! I'm everywhere! Right?! I just can't help but feel like I'm doing something wrong. 

I know it's only been a week but I want instant results. Instant gratification. Right now.

I'm just kind of at a loss. I don't know what else to do. Any ideas on what I can do better or maybe stop doing? I would love some help. 

If I'm asking for help I must be desperate.

Pity party over. I will prevail and succeed and try and persevere!

Now, on to other things like a new product...

Buy this on Selz

Sell digital downloads on Selz

NOW INTRODUCING

(drum roll please)

CHILD SIZED BUTTON BRACELETS

TA-DA!

Cute, right? You like? Each child bracelet is about 5" in length width and adjustable toggle closure. Now, your little girl can match mommy with her very own bracelet! I've noticed while doing craft shows that little girls are obviously more attracted to the brightly colored bracelets, so that's how I make them. Bright. I've started one that is pink, lime green and bright blue. Once it's completed, it will be added to my store. You can buy the hot pink/purple bracelet now. 

I think that's all I have for now. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. They go by way too fast. 

...until next time...

-Sam

NEW PROJECT: Child's Lap Desk

Like I said in my last post, my new project for 2014 is vinyl. 

I'm so in love with vinyl and my Silhouette. 

I feel like lettering everything. EVERYTHING.

I actually thought about putting some sort of pattern on the the ceiling fan blades. Of course, I didn't mention this to the husband because I'm pretty sure he would look at me like I have 5 eyeballs. However, I'm still thinking that's not a bad idea (the ceiling fan, not the eyeballs.)

This particular project is not my first project with my Silhouette. I've lettered my sign I use at the craft shows, I gave away a monogram, made a coaster...

...but this is the first that I blogged about.

I saw this lap desk at Five and Below. If you've never been to one of these stores, I highly recommend that you go. It's kinda like Target. You can't not buy anything while you are there. They have pretty cool stuff and it's cheap. That's the best part!

Anyway, back to the desk. I saw this desk and I was like, "OMG! That would make a perfect gift for Austin!"

Austin is my best friend's little boy. He's adorable and his birthday is coming up.

I loved the amount of blank space on the desk because it was perfect for personalization. I never questioned it once. I had to buy it.  

Austin loves dinosaurs. Then again, what little boy doesn't? I found this dingbat font called Ding-o-Saurs and the name font is Poplar Standard. 

Perfect! 

I can't wait to give it to him because I already know he loves it! He saw it on Facebook and he claimed it before he knew it was his. Smart kid. 

I really hope Five and Below keeps stocking these desks because I'm hoping they are going to be a hit. Plus, it was fun to design!

...until next time...

-Sam

Herbs, Toys and Puppies

Hello! It's me again, Sam, bringing you the life of me from my Mac and my kitchen table with my cup of coffee in hand and only a corner left of my cinnamon raisin toast - which will probably be fed to Brody.

It's that time of year again where everything is blooming and thawing out from winter. We are growing herbs this year. We didn't do that last year but we had really good luck with tomatoes. They were everywhere! A lot of them went to friends and family because we would have never eaten so many tomatoes! Hopefully, the tomatoes will be plentiful this year because I will be making salsa - which is why we are growing cilantro! The Mexican restaurants probably run out of salsa every time I visit. Mmmmm....

I'm not sure if this is cilantro. There are two pots planted - one with basil and one with cilantro. The other pot wasn't very picture worthy because the seedlings are just now coming up out of the dirt - except for one over achiever.

Lately, I haven't been feeling very inspired to make anything. I'm feeling that I just need to take a little bit of a break, not completely stop making things, but maybe just slow down a little bit. I was really cranking out some stuff right before the notorious "craft show," and I guess I'm feeling just a little burnt out. Just a little. 

I am making stuff here and there. Last night I made a dog toy following this tutorial by FabYouBliss. I thought it was pretty simple. I used fabric instead of jersey knit and I knotted the ends a little bit different but it's basically the same concept and Brody seems to really like it. I actually let him take it outside this morning for a photo op. Normally, inside toys don't go outside and outside toys don't come inside. So, he really seemed to enjoy taking his new inside toy, well, outside. He ran around the yard like a crazy dog. I couldn't get really good pictures because he wouldn't stand still. 

I have a feeling that this toy may not last a long time with Brody. He likes to pull the tassels at the end of the toy. He can be very destructive. 

Finally! A decent picture! Even though I had to hold his head to get it but it worked out. Boxers aren't really the most calm breed of dog. 

I'm going to make another toy for this guy....

Meet Buddy, formerly known as, Reggie. This is my new baby brother. If you don't understand what I mean by that, well, my mom and dad got a new puppy through a chain of events and I'm the only child so, he's my baby brother and he's sooooo cute!!! Look at that face!!! I think he'll appreciate and handmade toy. He wants to chew on things that aren't toys anyway, like my mom's ankles. She may appreciate a new toy much more than he will. Ha!

I guess I need to get up and start some laundry and may be tidy up a bit.

I hope you have a great weekend and feel inspired to make something for yourself, others or a furry friend. 

Also, it's a great day to plant a garden!! Go outside!!

...until next time...

-Sam

P.S. - Brody enjoyed the toast. =)