I'm trying something new . . .

Last night, I attended my first woodcarving class.  Yep, woodcarving.  I have never done any of that in my entire life, but thought I would give it a try.  This feather is my first attempt.  I know it isn't much, but I am proud of it.  I also started work on a buzzard, but I don't think I am going to finish it, because it is way too hard for my skill level.  I don't think I am going to sell my wood carvings, but just do it for fun.

I'm making stuff again besides boxes . . .

Yes, it has finally happened. I have set aside making boxes for awhile and have started to make some other stuff to sell. I made two of these lawn chairs yesterday and all they need is painting to finish them off. My mother said she wants to paint them, so I may just let her do it. (She does pretty good for an 81 year old!!)

These chairs are pretty easy to make, but as lazy as I have been lately, they are a real project for me to work on. They aren't a real fast seller -- at least they haven't been in the past, but at least they are something for me to set out by the side of the road and attract customers.

I was getting pretty sick of making boxes. Besides, they don't sell all that well, even though I did get an order last week for three boxes from a lady who visited my Etsy shop. She was very nice and I really appreciated her order. I don't get nice orders like that very often, so her business was greatly appreciated.

I haven't much else to write about today. I plan to make a small table to go with the chairs I made. It is easier to sell a set of furniture rather than just a chair or two. I have made the mistake of giving the tables away as a way to close sales. I cannot afford to do that anymore. I will keep close tabs on my costs for the table and mark it up a little so I don't lose money on it. Too often I tend to be Mr Niceguy and end up giving my stuff away. I need to be a little more hard nosed, I think, and make a little profit on what I make.

A Personal Word from Me . . .

I think I've been focusing this blog a little too much on my Etsy Shop lately. Sorry about that. I just wanted to build up sales in my shop and thought my blog readers might want to go there and buy something. I'll try to be a little less "Etsy Fanatical" in the future.

I'm kind of jealous of my daughter's blog though. She writes such interesting posts and puts in such imaginative photos. I think I focus too much on making money. That's me however. I like to make money with my crafts and creations. I have no use for tons of boxes or footstools sitting around the house -- so I have found it best for me to create things and then sell them. That way I can enjoy the creative process and make a little money to boot. Maybe you feel the same about crafting as I do. If you do, I'd love to read your comments.

Discount Etsy Coupon for Visitors to this Blog

If you go to my Etsy Shop and make a purchase, you can get a 10% DISCOUNT on your order by entering the following coupon code when you make the purchase: BOBSBLOG41

This coupon discounts the cost of the item only and does not discount shipping. Coupon may be applied to sale items for additional savings. Coupon is good for a limited time and will expire at midnight February 29, 2011, so if you want to buy something from my shop, take advantage of this discount now.

Thanks for coming to my blog and hope to do business with you at Etsy.

Just sold a custom box on Etsy

I have been spending alot of time refining and learning how to do my Etsy Shop lately. One thing that I've found is that there are alot of people who want custom orders. The box above is a custom order that a lady in Kansas ordered from me last week. She wanted this particular type of flower on the box, and I worked out a pleasing design for her, that she liked. She was giving the box to her mother-in-law as a gift. I had fun doing the box, and it was kind of a challenge to come up with a pleasing design. Fortunately, she gave me free reign to come up with a pleasing design and didn't put a whole lot of restrictions on me. She was very easy to work with and I hope we do business again someday. If you are interested in a special design, convo me at my Etsy shop and let's discuss what you want.

New Etsy Items

Well, my Dad is giving Etsy another shot. Anyone who has tried to sell their own hand made creations knows the trials and tibulations you go through when putting your items out there for the world to see. But he is a great artist and I think the world should know it! ;) He has agreed to let me play around a little with his blog and his shop, so from time to time you may find me sneaking in here and adding a post or two. Here are a few items just listed, go check them out and give my Dad's newly renovated shop some love!

- Valerie

Crafty Guy Bob's Daughter

http://pumpkinpatchquilter.blogspot.com/

I'm Back at Etsy ...

My daughter has agreed to help me with my Etsy shop and we have reopened with a new name.
The new name is Cranberry Run. We have just started listing items for sale and have sold one item already and we just started today. I will start posting items that are for sale on Etsy here on my blog, so if you are interested you can go to my Etsy Shop and check it out. I will be posting a link to the shop at the right for you to go there very soon. So that is my big news!!!