The Etsy Frustrations

Having your own small online homemade business isn't easy. In fact, it's downright difficult.  I've had my store on etsy for awhile now, but I haven't seen much success. I know people who have their own store on there and they have orders all the time. I'm lucky to get one order a month. Does it get me down? Absolutely.

I work really hard on my jewelry and accessories. I've put quite a bit of money and effort into finding cute flowers, ribbon, and designing jewelry that I think some people would love. I know it's tough out there. I know all too well about that. The economy sucks. I'm an unemployed college graduate who is trying to earn some extra cash.  But, with that, I also know that people are buying stuff out there. I have friends and family who are selling stuff internationally and all over on their etsy stores.

So, what am I doing wrong?

I'm really not sure.

My stuff is not expensive. It's gifts you can buy for your daughter or sister. I put coupon codes so people can save even more. Currently, I have free shipping on all of my items and will ship anywhere with that in hopes that maybe that will convince someone to buy something.  Has it happened? Nope. Not at all.

So, I really don't know what I'm doing wrong. Maybe my stuff just isn't nice looking to people. Maybe I just can't compete with all of the fancy etsy users with their expensive products. I don't know, but it's enough to frustrate people.

In other news, I made some mini hair bows the other day.  After burning my thumb several times on the hot glue gun, here are a couple of photos of the end results. I used the camera on my iPod, so the photo quality isn't the best. Sorry about that.

They're not finished quite yet, but that's what I have so far. I'm thinking about bundling five of them together and selling the set for five dollars or so. I'd like to know what you think! If you're an etsy user and have some advice, please let me know. :) I'd appreciate the help. And if you're a lover of hair bows, hair accessories, and handmade jewelry, please take a look at my shop and see what I have to offer. I do have that free shipping coupon (use code shipmefree1 at checkout). 

Why I Like To Make My Own Jewelry and Hair Accessories

There's something really fun about making stuff yourself. No matter what it is really.  I grew up watching my mom make beaded jewelry for herself to wear and then she ended up selling it in flea markets and small shops nearby. She loved to do it and I guess I'm just carrying on the tradition.

I think more people should buy handmade items online.  You know that there's so much love and care put into making those products.  Personally, I make sure to put a lot of time into what I make.  Even if it's just a small hair clip, I make sure it's the best hair clip I can make. 

If you make anything (whether it's jewelry, hair bows, clothing, make up, etc..), I want to hear about it! I love to exchange stories of how something gets made.

The Glittering Introduction

The ever important first post. :) First off, I'd like to say welcome and thanks for checking out my blog, it isn't much at the moment, but I promise that it'll get better once it goes along.

I started this blog  so I could let people in on the process that goes into my jewelry and hair accessory making.  I think the creative process that goes into it is always really fascinating and it's fun to share that with people. Sometimes people will ask me  how did I come up with that idea or what inspired me to put those two colors together. Hopefully, this blog will answer those questions and keep people up to date with what's going on with Glittering Treasures.

With Valentines Day being, well, tomorrow, I found myself making some Valentines Day inspired work like these hair clips below:

 You can find those in my etsy shop now at a lower price!

I also put up some cute heart earrings in the shop for those who enjoy the cute, simple dangle earrings. They're perfect for young girls who  like all things hearts and pink.

I decided to bundle the two together because of how simple they are. They look like they belong together anyways, so why not give someone who loves both of them a nice bargain of buying two for the price of one. Everyone loves a good bargain, right?  :)

So, if you're a fellow "arts and crafts" person who likes to make jewelry, please follow me and we'll share stories! Or if you're just an arts and crafts lover, then please stay tuned and let me know what you like and what you would like to see. I always enjoy comments. I'm just getting started in this business. This whole thing is something that will help me self-publish my novels that I'm working on (which is a very expensive process, let me tell you). It's great to support small businesses and people who are just trying to do what they can to keep things going. If you have an etsy shop, add me to your circle and I will do the same!

Also, please go "like" my Glittering Treasures facebook page if you will! I could always use the support there as well. :)
I look forward to talking with you!