New Site and Free Guide!

It's here! I have been so excited to share my brand-new site with you for sooooo long now. I am still working on little details here and there but I didn't want to make you wait any longer for the Etsy Seller's Holiday Marketing Planner that I am giving away. I had the best time creating it and I hope you enjoy using it.

I have so many more exciting things planned for this upcoming year at Handmade Success...tons more free goodies, new posts almost every day of the week, interviews, and more. Next week I am launching a branding shop featuring the work of the very talented designer Katie Bellino. Katie designed all of the graphics and the logo for my new site and she has graciously offered to set up a special shop here to offer Etsy Sellers affordable banners and graphic design! So watch out for the launch of her shop, which will also come with a great giveaway of course :)

Thanks so much for stopping by and don't forget to subscribe to the blog feed so you don't miss a single post! Also, please let me know what you think of the new site, or of course if you experience any bugs or issues by using my new contact form.



P.S. I won't be posting on this blog any longer so make sure you come on over to the new site and subscribe there!

website coming soon!

coming soon - my brand new website!  i am planning lots of goodies for you and can't wait to share them all!

Feeling So Organized!

OK, I have a confession.  I am a total procrastinator, and my taxes are no exception.  Almost every year, I file for a *gulp* extension and don't end up having my numbers together until OCTOBER!! I feel guilty every year about it.  This year is going to be different though, because I have it all done today!!

Alas, I cannot take full credit for completing this huge feat--I had a secret weapon.  I cannot thank Holly of Accounting Spot enough for creating her genius Etsy/Ebay accounting software.  No matter how much you sold last year on Etsy, Ebay or both, she makes it a breeze to download and organize your income and expenses in a streamlined and simple fashion, and I LOVE being able to see a clear breakdown and report by month, quarter or year.  I had a quick question and she answered right away.

I love her software so much, that I signed up to be an affiliate!  If you are interested in a copy, please click here to visit Accounting SPOT. 

{{update: looks like Holly has posted all of her downloads for FREE for a limited time.  Scoop 'em up while you can!}}

Using Feminine Words that Sell

I came across a post that I thought would be really helpful for all of you, especially with Valentine's day right around the corner.  This Copyblogger article discusses how to write copy with "feminine words".  I especially love the examples at the bottom where she changes a plain headline into a feminine one.  Enjoy!

{{Spicy Hot Ruffled Apron by Etsy seller Charm School}}

Haiti Earthquake

I am so saddened by the devastation that the people of Haiti have experienced this week.  Having a young child myself, I hurts to even think about the pain and sadness that so many parents and children are going through right now.  I have personally chosen to donate through UNICEF, because I know that their primary focus is children and families.

I will also be donating 100% of the proceeds from sales of my best-selling Etsy success guides from 8PM PST 1/18 - 8PM PST 1/20 to UNICEF USA's relief efforts in Haiti. Thank you for helping me support this important cause.

Coupon Co-op

I saw this cute little ad today and clicked on it - turns out IndieSmiles.com is coordinating a giant co-op ad campaign. For only $2, you can feature a black-friday weekend coupon on her site. She is doing a Project Wonderful ad campaign for the event, so hopefully it will generate some traffic! Check out this page for more information.

Etsy 2009 Gift Guides

Would you love to be featured in Etsy's popular Gift Guides? The editor's of this year's guides are accepting nominations right now, so if you haven't already, head over to this thread in the Etsy forums and nominate your shop or an item in your shop to be included this season. I hope all of you are featured!

(Swarovski Rivoli Montana Blue Crystal Pendant Necklace by jFrances Design. Thanks Jillian!)