Friday 1 February 2013

feather your nest ...

I didn't mean to leave it quite so long to make my little announcement over here on the blog so here goes:

Do you see that little shop widget over there --->
(Perhaps not, I guess, if you're reading on Reader or your mobile device, you'll have to take my word for it!)

Having an Etsy shop is a project I have been thinking about for a very long time; a project that I have been working on for quite a long time; and finally, after all that time, have had the confidence to open up its doors.





After much procrastination I found that, along with some amazingly supportive friends, the Universe sent me a couple of gentle prods to set the ball rolling. I pinned the above picture just recently as I believe this to be very true of me. I cannot help making things and I'm certainly not happy if I am unable to make things.

But who knew that there would quite so many things to think about in opening up an Etsy shop? The actual making of the things I wanted to sell was the easy bit - I've had to think about mail bags and wrapping, postage costs, what I wanted to be a strong point for selling my wares. Many, many details that have kept me awake at night.



Then there was the actual name of the shop itself. 'feather your nest' was always my first choice but after trying to get past the first page of the Etsy template, I realised it wasn't very original. Other names were toyed with but there was always a negative comment when I was trying them out on people to get some feedback that really put me off and so I always found myself back at my first idea. Hence the numbers on the actual web address, which aren't ideal but I can live with it!

The biggest hurdle I had to overcome was one of pricing. It is a minefield and then serendipity handed me the thing I needed to read. Arounna sums it up perfectly in this blog post. I read it, digested it and it was the final thing my confidence needed to hit the 'open shop' button.




It feels good to have a direction to take my creative sewing in and I'm looking forward to becoming part of the Etsy community. I'd love for you to have a wander through and let me know what you think. I'm happy to do custom orders too so if there is something that you like but maybe have your own ideas or colours, then I can make it happen for you!






11 comments:

  1. Oooh, wishing you the very best of luck! Your pillows are just beautiful -- you have a wonderful sense of pattern and color!

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  2. The shop is looking great Tracy and the name is perfect. I'm looking forward to feathering my nest with one of your gorgeous cushion covers x

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  3. Whooooooop! So exciting. This most definitely calls for cake and tea next time you are in my hood! :) xxx

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  4. truly beautiful. I am sure you will be making good friends with the post office staff! x

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  5. How wonderful! I am so happy for you. Any plans to offer table runners with matching coasters, she said with a mischievous twinkle?? xoxo

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  6. Once again, big hearty congratulations and good for you. You'll be brilliant.
    x

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  7. Hugest congratulations and wishing you all the luck (and energy) you need. I agree with Kate ... you will be brilliant :D

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  8. Great name and a great looking shop. I hope it is really successful for you!

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  9. Congratulations! I'm sure you'll do well... such lovely, colourful items!

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  10. Had a look around your Etsy shop. Looks good to me. Hope all goes well for you.
    This is an area I have not considered but may be I will need to as time goes on.

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