Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: FAQ's About the Branding Process

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: FAQ's About the Branding Process: Last week I was going to write about branding your product. However, I got side tracked. So this week I'm going to use the Free Manageme...

FAQ's About the Branding Process

Last week I was going to write about branding your product. However, I got side tracked. So this week I'm going to use the Free Management Library that I referred to in my blog last week along with some other sources to get a clearer picture of the definition of branding and what it involves.

I've been thinking about what is a brand and how to achieve it. My shop isn't quite up to par in this area. My goal in the beginning was to get my handmade items listed so people could find them and buy what I had to offer. I believe in a slow even process when building a business. So now I want to work on branding so people will eventually come to easily recognize my products just as much as one would Coke, Coach, Disney, Ford, etc. I know that it doesn't come overnight, but a gradual process instead. 

Since I wanted to know more about the branding process, I thought I would share with others what is involved by developing some general FAQ's on the subject.

1. What is a brand?
According to Yahoo dictionary, a brand is the following:

A trademark or distinctive name identifying a product, service, or organization.

A product or service so identified.

An association of positive qualities with a widely recognized name, as of a product line or celebrity.

2. What does a brand incorporate?
It includes the company name, all the logos, slogans, design colors, perceived images and types of values portrayed.

3. What is a logo?
Again, the Yahoo dictionary defines it as:
A symbol or a design that identifies a brand.

Here are some popular logos:

 This is my logo.

4. What is a slogan and it's purpose?

Wise Geek defines it as the following:

"A slogan . . . is a short phrase or sentence meant to gain attention and to get a specific message across quickly. People us it primarily in advertising . . . trying to make the public more familiar with someone or something. 

The purpose of a slogan is to communicate information about a company, product, service or candidate, helping people to become familiar with and remember what's available. . . . differentiates whatever a company or other group is promoting from what the competition has to offer."

Some popular slogans:

• Coke is the real thing -- Coke
• Finger-lickin' good --KFC
• Have it your way -- Burger King
• A diamond is forever -- De Beers
• Built Ford tough! -- Ford Motor Inc.

This is my slogan: Your Style, Your Mood, Your Personality

Why?? Because I believe that everyone has a different style; moods affect the way one shops, and who you are as an individual defines what you buy.

5. Why is color so important when designing a logo for your brand?

Here's some interesting facts about color.

• 84.7% of consumers cite color as the primary reason for buying a particular product.
• 93% look a visual appearance.
• 80% of shoppers think color increases brand recognition.
• Ads in color are read 42% more often than the same ads in black and white.
• Color can improve people's comprehension, learning and reading levels.
• Every color elicits a different response from humans.

6. What's in a name?

According to the online library, your business name conveys the nature of your service and your unique value proposition. An unique value propositon does the following:

• Concisely describes of your product or service. 
• Explains the uniqueness of the product or service.
• Why people should buy from you instead of the competition

The business name and brand has to make sense locally and understood by others if it's extended beyond the region to other areas of the world. For instance, my business name is Purse O'nality by Mary. I would hope that people would understand that my business has something to do with purses, and my name is Mary.

7. How do you build a brand?

• Develop name recognition by building an image of your business or service
• Create a clear and concise message about your company or product through logos, slogans, and colors
• Showcase what sets your business or service apart from the competition
• Create and build consistancy

As I stated earlier, building a brand takes time. However if done correctly, success will create loyal customers and increasing sales. Just like a business plan, a good brand name is another essential ingredient to a successful business.

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: A Great Resource for Your Business

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: A Great Resource for Your Business: I was going to write about branding your products in this session of Talking Shop with Mary. However, when I started to research I stumbled ...

A Great Resource for Your Business

I was going to write about branding your products in this session of Talking Shop with Mary. However, when I started to research I stumbled upon a great website that I would like to share. It is a Free Management Library for anyone who is looking for help for their business. The library provides free online access to resources in order to help individuals, businesses, organizations and groups in the area of development. This library has grown to be one of the largest of this type in the world in the past 15 years with many of its articles in the top 10 of Google search results.

The library, which is provided by the Authenticity Consulting, LLC, has approximately 650 topics with nearly 10,000 links related to areas such as business basics, hiring employees, strategic management, writing for business just to name a few. All of the articles are submitted voluntarily. Only about half articles submitted are accepted. Each topic also has recommended books and other related library topics. The library also has a blog directory, free online training, online groups and other general resources.

This library is a vast wealth of information for anyone who wants to succeed in business, no matter whether it's e-commerce, or a shop on main street. It's for profit and nonprofit alike. All you have to do is utilize the website. I know I will be using this site to help me with my business. 

Speaking of my business, take advantage of my coupon for a 10% discount that will be running until the end of October. Just enter: TSMPURSEINDUSTRY. I will be putting new items in my shop or adding to my current inventory in the near future. It's always an advantage to keep coming back to check on the shop.

Your Style, Your Mood, Your Personality

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Designing and Jigsaw Puzzles

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Designing and Jigsaw Puzzles: When you start constructing anything, whether it be a garment or a Murphy bed , it all starts out the same way. Part A and part B go toge...

Designing and Jigsaw Puzzles

When you start constructing anything, whether it be a garment or a Murphy bed, it all starts out the same way. Part A and part B go together and part C and part D go together. Then part AB goes with part CD. Wallah! You have the basics started. However, have you ever thought about how to put a idea from your mind onto a piece of paper? Well, it's quite like a jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces have to fit together in a certain order. Sometimes you have to go back to the drawing board. Many times it's a step or two forward and then a step back.

The Murphy bed I constructed

A fine example of this is a wallet that I'm currently working on. I had some brown vinyl and started making little coin purses. This got me thinking about how my daughter keeps telling me that I need to have some purses that have shop card holders in them. She tends to like purses and wallets with plenty of pockets and neat places to store her valuables. Another thing both of my daughters and my granddaughters keep telling me is that I need to jazz up my items with a little bling and maybe some studs. My goal eventually is to make things from leather so I thought that working on vinyl would be a good beginning for a prototype wallet. 

Recently, I've been making some multifunctional zipper pouches.  So I used that as the basis for my length and width of the wallet. I wanted to have a fold over flap in a envelope style with a snap and a center pocket with a zipper.  I have seen plenty of these styles before, but getting the center zipper pocket sewn in place was intriguing. I had done it a couple of times before, but it had been awhile. In addition, I did it differently each time due to the purse design. I wanted to come up with a design that was simple and easy. One thing I also did a while back was to purchase a little wallet with a middle insert so I could study it. 

So to start my design, I had to draw and measure the jigsaw pattern pieces for my puzzle. I began with the outside fabric, knowing that the inside lining and interfacing would be the same. My design pattern measured 11" X 6". I allowed 1/2" seam lines for my entire design. My flap had a 35 degree angle that began about 9.25" up from the bottom. The inside zipper pocket was going to be made from the same outside fabric. That pattern piece measures 7" X 7" and the the piece that attached it to the wallet was 8" X 6". I had to figure out how to construct the shop card holders. First, I measured a shop card, since they all are a standard size. Second, I added the half inch seam allowance plus 1/4" for attaching it to the wallet lining. Third, I decided how many shop card inserts I wanted and measure the rise between each shop card. Finally, I had to add up all the figures, double it and allow for some top stitching between each shop card insert. Even with the best measurements and allowing for all of the necessary details before cutting the fabric, the jigsaw piece doesn't quite fit into the puzzle, which means you have to go back to the drawing board.

So just like a jigsaw puzzle, I was putting this wallet together. I was pretty proud of my design and how it was coming together--so I thought. I had made the zipper pocket for the mid section. I was satisfied with the results and ready to insert the shop card piece.
It was then when I realized that it wasn't working quite right. The shop card inserts I had sewn into place were too long. I had begun with 4 inserts, so I decided to shorten it. It still wasn't working. The wallet dimensions were too small for placing the shop cards top down. However, I did notice that if I put the shop cards in from left to right, it would work.  If I changed my design a little I could still use the outside fabric piece for a later wallet design. I decided to do that, but that meant I would have to redesign the original wallet to fit the shop cards in the way I wanted them to appear and to include my original zipper pocket.  It was a setback, but designing is like a jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces have to come together in a certain way so back to the drawing board I went. This time I made the wallet larger not only in length, but in width as well so I could fit USD paper currency inside the wallet without having to fold it.
This time I cut a 15" X 7" piece of vinyl fabric with a flap that had a 40 degree angle. Later I did cut off a couple of inches in the length. After ironing on the heavy craft interfacing, I drew lines on the interfacing for seam lines and snap placement. The wallet was ready for the middle section, but how to attach it was another piece of the puzzle. My problem was how to attach the ends without any rough edges showing. So  I did some research. I looked at the wallet I purchased. It had 2 mid sections. I then looked at the couple of purses I did with mid sections. My crochet purse had the solution. It was simple. I just had to fold in the edges. Now why didn't I see that before??

My Wallet Design--A work in progress

Next, I basted the lining to the outside fabric. As stated earlier I decided to cut of a couple inches because it was more like the size of a clutch purse than a wallet. I pinned the mid section to the wallet and discovered that I had to adjust and cut it a little to make it work. Now it's all ready to be stitched together and add the final touches.  

Designing something is like a jigsaw puzzle because you can envision in your mind how something should look. It's like looking at the whole picture on the outside of the puzzle box. Inside is all the different puzzle pieces. Individually, you can't really tell where the piece goes until you find other pieces that fit with it.  Eventually your design idea comes together piece by piece and you get to see your imagination come to life in a physical form. 

Your Style, Your Mood, Your Personality

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Remenscising When . . .

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Remenscising When . . .: When I was about 12 or 13 years old, my mother decided that I should start learning how to sew. My mother was just an average seamstress. ...

Remenscising When . . .

When I was about 12 or 13 years old, my mother decided that I should start learning how to sew. My mother was just an average seamstress. I don't know why she thought I should learn, but it turns out that she made a great decision. I remember going with my mom to pick out the dress pattern and material. The pattern wasn't very difficult; one my mom could do and teach me plenty. The pattern was a princess style A-line shift dress with long straight sleeves with a little bit of gathering at the cap. It had a simple round neckline without a collar and it zipped up the back.  The bust area had long double pointed darts in the front and the usual side darts. The length of the dress came to mid knee. The front of the pattern envelope had a couple other versions such as a dress with a round peter pan collar and short sleeves, and another in a sleeveless version. The pattern probably cost about fifty cents.

When we were at the fabric section of Sears & Roebuck, we looked through the pattern books. Did you even know Sears had fabric department at one time? Anyway, she showed me how to find my pattern in the drawer and made me practice a couple of times. Well, until at least she thought I had the master the art of numerical sequences. Finally we choose a pattern and started to look for material. Back then, knit fabrics were basically nonexistent and permanent press (also known as perma press) was the latest technological advancement. Cotton was still king and the most inexpensive material for making a dress. 

In searching out the perfect fabric for my dress, my mom showed me the difference between the many types of cotton fabrics such as thicker fabrics, i.e duck, corduroy, denim and the thinner fabrics like 100% cotton and the newer cotton blends that didn't need to be ironed. My mom gave me examples of what types of clothing I could make from these materials. It was very cost effective back then to sew your own clothing, and in my family with 8 other siblings, this was especially the case.

In the end, I settled on a red orange paisley print, which probably cost only $2.00-$3.00 for the three or so yards of fabric purchased. It was the first time I could remember even seeing a paisley motif. I even remember asking my mom what the print was called. I thought the word "paisley" was cool to say. To this day, I still love paisley prints and always associate the print with this memory.

It wasn't until a few days later that we started working on the dress. I believe it was summertime. My mom taught me how to lay out and pin the pattern, then how to cut it out and what to trace. We did all these things together. I was fascinated and excited. I learned quite a bit up to this point. It didn't matter to me that my mom sewed much of the dress because I had learned so much already. However, she saw that it was still important for me to learn how to use a sewing machine and to learn how to sew a simple seam. So that's what I did. I sewed the easier parts such as the side seams, and the sleeve seam. It was quite awkward that first time using a sewing machine. Do you know how hard it is to coordinate the fabric to go through the machine's presser foot; to keep a straight stitch line and to press on the foot pedal for a continuous even movement? AND do it all at the same time? Well, it's not easy, and eventually my coordination improved with time and more experience.

When that dress was done, I was so proud of it. It was my favorite. I wore it for many family occasions and going to church on Sunday. I don't remember what happened to that dress. Perhaps I just grew out of it and it was given away to a relative or family friend. My younger sister (15 months younger) was bigger and heavier than me so I do know that the dress wasn't passed down to her. Whatever happened to it doesn't really matter, but the memory of that event changed my life forever. I had a passion for sewing and continued to sew. It was only a couple of years later when I surpassed my mother's seamstress skills. Since then I have always had an interest in design, but have never pursued it -- perhaps someday. What I have learned about design has been all self taught. I have still more to learn, but I couldn't have accomplished any of it without my mother, a dress pattern and some simple paisley fabric.

As I had stated, I love paisley and I happen to have a few items in my shop with a paisley motif. Why not check these out and see what other items in the shop might catch your eye as well.

Zipper Pouch in a Handkerchief Paisley Pattern $15.00

Women's Pink and Tan Paisley Evening Clutch Bag $70.00 

Western Clutch Handkerchief Purse with Paisley Motif  $55.00

 

Your Style, Your Mood, Your Personality

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Facts About the Handbag Industry

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Facts About the Handbag Industry: Since I sell handbags and purses, I thought this week I would share some interesting facts I found online about the industry.  Globall...

Facts About the Handbag Industry

Since I sell handbags and purses, I thought this week I would share some interesting facts I found online about the industry. 

Globally

• Handbags and accessories are among the fastest growing segments in the overall luxury good industry.
• The top ten luxury handbags searched globally are in the following order: 1) Coach, 2) Louis Vuitton, 3) Channel, 4) Gucci, 5) Longchamp, 6) Prada, 7) HERMĒS, 8) Mulberry, 9) Marc Jacobs, 10) Michael Kors.  
• One in five luxury handbags are man bags. Still, the estimated $5.9 million luxury man bags bought in 2014, doesn't even compare to the $25.6 million bought by women.
• New channels such as e-commerce or online shopping have become popular. Good bargains is the driving force for such sites. 

US Market

• In the United States the industry's revenue for the 2014 year was reported at $331.1 million USD, with an estimated gross profit of 33%. The total domestic demand was $3.1 billion USD. 
• In 2014, The US handbag, luggage and accessory stores alone had a 9.6 billion increase in revenue. The market increased from 9 billion from the 2012, which is a 3.3% rise in the 5 years leading up to the year 2014. It is expected to increase another 4.3% from 2014 to 2019.
• The Handbag market in the US can be segmented into four areas: 1) Totes, 2) Shoulder Bags, 3) Purses and Wallets, 4) Satchels and Saddles. The largest segment in terms of revenue are the Totes with approximately 30% of the 2014 market in terms of revenue. 
• Of the leading US designer  of luxury handbag companies, Coach Inc. holds 28% share in the US market, making them a leader in luxury handbags. One-fifth of total sales of all luxury bags sold by Coach Inc. are man bags, which is in line with global handbag industry.

UK Market

• In the UK, handbags make up the largest share of the fashion accessories market. At least 1 out of every 2 women bought a handbag and 1 out of every 8 men bought a man bag in 2013.
• Of all the handbags bought in the UK, 25% were bought through e-commerce sites such as eBay, Amazon, ASOS, etc.
• The reason that almost half of the women buy a handbag is for a special occasion.
• Twenty-three percent of men as opposed to thirteen percent of women are influenced more by a fashion trends and claim this as the incentive for buying.
• Sales, discounts and special offers are the main incentives for 59% of women buying a handbag.

The purse and handbag has been a very hot trend for the past 5 years and is continuing to grow. Online sites like Etsy are going to continue to be a great source to search out purses and handbags. So with that in mind, I thought I would show some of my purse and handbag designs that are in my Etsy shop. Today, I'm offering a 10% discount in my shop. Use coupon code: TSMpurseindustry. This coupon expires 10-24-2015.

Crossbody Purse Pouch $20.00 USD

Geometric Wristlet Purse $17.50+ USD

Summer Fun Fabric Handbag $80.00 USD

      

Large Clutch Purse $55.00 USD

Crochet Pink and Zebra Print Designer Handbag $200.00

Your Style, Your Mood, Your Personality

Sources:
Research Moz
Digital Luxury Group
Quartz
Market Research
The Street
Mintel

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: From An Employee To Full Time Etsy Shop Owner

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: From An Employee To Full Time Etsy Shop Owner: My Etsy shop,  Purse O'nality by Mary , is not quite a full time, but more than just a part time job. I do work many hours in my shop ei...

From An Employee To Full Time Etsy Shop Owner

My Etsy shop, Purse O'nality by Mary, is not quite a full time, but more than just a part time job. I do work many hours in my shop either producing new items, tweaking current listings, taking  photos and listing new products. I'm also fortunate that my husband makes enough income that I don't to have to work out of necessity, but only by choice. Currently, I do daycare for my great grandson who lives with us, along with his mother. However, to get to this point, my husband and I had to make lots of sacrifices when we decided to live off of a single income after we were married. Our sacrifices have paid off and now we are living almost  debt free and have a nice rainy day fund. The reason for telling you this is because there are many people on Etsy who dream of quitting their day job and running a full time Etsy online shop. The idea of working from home, being your own boss, going to work in your pajamas, doing something that love to do and making money at it is all very appealing. Who wouldn't like that? I do. Still there is a downside of this as well. Being your boss also means that you have to pay for all of your medical and dental insurances, social security and other government taxes, pay an income to yourself and your employees (if you have any), unemployment insurance, and the list continues if you're the sole income provider. However, some things such as medical and dental insurance coverage might be taken care of if you have another source of income. 

Being a full time business owner, online or physical shop, is more than a 40 hour work week that you may already have with day job. Still, there is something to be said about having a full time Etsy shop and successfully living your dream. Therefore I would like to share with you some practical and basic tips for financial independence and for turning a dream of going from an employee to a full time Etsy shop owner into a reality.

1. Do a business plan. Some may be asking what is a business plan and is it necessary? A business plan is very necessary if you want to be successful. It's like a road map that provides directions on how to get from here to there and avoid many bumps along the way. In more technical terms, it's a written document that describes the business; has a sales and marketing strategy; contains the financial background and the projected profit and loss statement. It has objectives and goals that guides you and helps to stay you on track.  

2. Become financially independent. This one is a little harder, but doable. The reason for this is that you want to be able to have monies available in order to grow your shop. So how do you do this?

• Sell anything you really don't need or you haven't used in over a year. Don't buy anything unless it's absolutely necessary.
•  Down size your assets. For instance, can you live in a smaller house?  Get by on one car? Take public transportation more frequently?
• Begin paying down your debt. This may seem a little overwhelming to some, but it's easier than you might think. Begin with your smallest monthly bill and pay a few dollars more then the minimal payment. For example, if you have a $10.00 payment, pay $15.00 every month until it's paid off. Then begin with your next lowest bill and pay the minimum payment plus the $15.00 that you were paying from the first bill. So if this bill has a minimum monthly payment of  $25.00, then pay the $25.00 plus the $15.00 for a total of forty dollars on that bill until it's paid off. Now you have freed up $40.00 to put with the minimum payment of the next lowest bill. Keep doing this until your debt is paid. You will find that you have now freed up all that money to put towards your business.
• Don't forget to put 10%-15% of your freed up money away for starting up your rainy day fund.

3. Live off of a single income in a two income family. Now that you have freed up your debt, learn to live off one income. 

• This will allow you to take the other income and put toward your business until you have sufficient amount of money to put towards your business. 
• Living off one income will help you get through the harder times when business is slow.

4. Living off a single income family. This requires a little more planning because there isn't a fall back income. In most cases,  2-3 months wages in difficult times in normal circumstances such as a layoff, work related injury or a health issue is perfectly acceptable. However when you are the sole provider and a business owner,  you will need more than 2-3 months wages. Every business has yearly down time and downward economic trends. Therefore, you need to plan for at least double the normal acceptable wages.

5. Continuing working your online shop. While you are working on getting to your dream of quitting your day job, continue working your shop and on your business plan goals. Review your business plan every couple months and update it at least every year.

6. Say goodbye to your day job. Once you have done these steps, you are now ready to fly solo and live your dream. 

Following these steps is not an easy task and can't be done overnight. It takes determination and initiative. There will be setbacks, but staying on task and not being distracted by outside factors will help you achieve your dream. 

Your Style, Your Mood, Your Personality

source: Entrepreneur

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Let's Talk Etsy and Visit Some Favorite Shops

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Let's Talk Etsy and Visit Some Favorite Shops: This week I thought it would be interesting to focus my blog on Etsy . It's truly amazing to me that there are so many people who still...

Let's Talk Etsy and Visit Some Favorite Shops

This week I thought it would be interesting to focus my blog on Etsy. It's truly amazing to me that there are so many people who still haven't even heard about this wonderful Internet site and it's been around for almost 10 years now. Truth be told, Etsy had been around for about 5-6 years before I even heard about it. It was crochet and knit night at the Purple Iris, our local yarn shop. I was there with my daughter when someone in the group mentioned it.  It wasn't until a year or so later when I registered to become a member and then another year before I opened up my shop, Purse O'nality by Mary.

Etsy is an e-commerce website that was launched in 2005. It is comprised of handmade and vintage items as well as supplies. The original founders of Etsy were Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire and Haim Schoppik; however, they all have moved on to other opportunities.

Etsy is a marketplace where its heart and soul is the global community. It is comprised of individual shops and buyers searching for something unique. You could think of it as one huge craft fair on the Internet where each shop, with its own character and appeal through shop banners and photographs, tries enticing shoppers to buy from their shop. The shoppers, on the other hand, have plenty of choices since Etsy has something for everyone. In fact as of December 2014, Etsy has currently over 1.4 million sellers and almost 20 million active buyers. There are over 54 million registered users. In my opinion, it's a wonder how people even find my shop!

Etsy differs from EBay and Amazon in that the latter two don't restrict what one can sell. As stated earlier, a viable Etsy shop falls into one of 3 categories: 1) handmade by the shop owner or a member of the shop; 2) vintage items that are at least 20 years or older, and 3) a supply shop. A supply shop has tools to help make something or a basic supply to do the handmade project such as zippers, purse frames, beads, etc. Etsy doesn't allow resellers. In other words, you can't buy a scarf and then turn around and sell it in your shop. Also a shop must disclose everyone who is associated with the shop.

Etsy has some truly wonderful and amazing shops. I thought I would post some of my favorite shops this week and believe me, there are plenty to choose. So from time to time I'm going to post some of my favorite shops and tell you why I chose them. Here are some of my favorite shops in no particular order. 

1. On my list is Upstyle, which is a supply and purse shop. I chose this store for a couple of reasons. I did a blog tutorial with some modifications based on a design that Robin had created and with her permission. I have bought several purse frames and chains from her. She has always given me outstanding customer service and answered any questions I have about her products.  

Large Box Clamshell Minaudiere Clutch in Various Chain Lengths $60.00+

2. When I first opened my shop on Etsy, I discovered this wonderful shop. I love to knit and crochet, although sewing has been more my passion. Camille of by Camille Designs, has some wonderful crochet rugs. They all remind me of the doilies my grandmother and mother had decorating their end tables and dresser tops. I believe doilies are truly feminine and now I can have them on my porch, deck, entrance ways and other places throughout my house. However, every time I say I'm going to buy one, I just get overwhelmed at all the choices and can't decide which on I want. 

 Turquoise Patio Porch Cord Crochet Rug 35" Round Pineapple Pattern $80.00+ 

3. This next shop is also works with the art of crocheting. It has been only recently that I discovered this shop. I had a jaw dropping moment when I saw her designs. The shop, Strawberry Couture, is owned by Lenore Berry-Zargosa and has ready made items and instant download patterns available in her shop. This is one shop you're not going to want to miss.

Hand Crochet Kentucky Derby Hat $85.00

 4. My go to store for whenever I need some zippers is Zip It. I was using this store before I even knew it was an Etsy shop. Since I live in a small town it isn't easy to find assorted zippers in various sizes and colors. I have to drive over an hour just to find a good fabric store. So when you consider the cost of gas versus shipping. I don't mind waiting a few days for my zippers. Furthermore Zip It has set up a coupon for all of my readers for 15% off. This coupon is good for the entire year. Just use coupon code: TalkingShopWithMary.

9 Inch Brights YKK Sampler Pack of 10 Zippers $5.00

5. I ran across this shop when I was chatting in Etsy's forum a little over a year ago. Her photos are absolutely AMAZING! I can't think of a better name for this shop than Country Dreaming. I had tried to set up a meeting with Patty, the owner of Country Dreaming, last summer when I was vacationing with my family. Our schedules didn't match up. I considered it a real opportunity loss. Every time I look at her photos, it sets me dreaming. I keep wanting to purchase something from her shop, but again, I get so overwhelmed by all the choices that I just can't decide. To add to all of that, Patty keeps adding more great photographs which doesn't help in making my choice.

Fall Photography 8 X 10 Reflection of Trees $24.95

6. This next shop is a truly a family enterprise. Polder's Old World Market are crafters of gourmet wooden kitchen utensils. Everyone has a role from carving the utensils to packaging to taking care of the technical side of the business. My first encounter with this shop is when they asked for an SEO review from an Etsy team in which I am a team leader. I did the a lot of the review. Since then I have kept track of their shop. It has really taken off since last year and I can see why. There items are truly beautiful works of art. Furthermore, they even have left hand utensils for people like me.

Best All Purpose Wooden Spoon $42.00

7. When I needed some tags for my purses, I searched many different shops. Stephanie the owner of Tags To Go was very helpful and quickly responded to all of my questions. She gave great customer service even when I needed to buy some different type tags from another Etsy shop.  The only thing one needs to know is that from time to time her shop does go into a "returning customers only" mode. That being said, I didn't have any problems the first time I ordered from her shop.

60-1000 Pieces of Precut Folded Custom Clothing Labels $20.00+

8. My last shop is SEO Web Design. Mary, the shop owner, has been instrumental in helping me with my own SEO. She has taught me a lot, and I'm still learning from her. Her success guide book is simple to understand and can be easily put into practice. It also makes a great reference. In addition to this, she does custom web designing and shop banners. If you want to know more about SEO, this is the go to shop for online Etsy success.

Etsy Shop SEO Success Guide $14.90

As I stated earlier, Etsy has much to offer. I hope you will take the time to visit these shops because all of them are a 10 on my list. Even you will perhaps find something unique for yourself, a friend or a family member. No doubt, there is something for everyone.

Your Mood, Your Style, Your Personality

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Tutorial: How to Make a Craft Display with Multipl...

Talking Shop with Mary: Handmade Purses and Bags: Tutorial: How to Make a Craft Display with Multipl...: In part three of my series on craft fairs, I decided to do a tutorial of my display stand that I designed. I wanted something that I could...

Tutorial: How to Make a Craft Display with Multiple Uses

In part three of my series on craft fairs, I decided to do a tutorial of my display stand that I designed. I wanted something that I could use in multiple ways.  In addition, I wanted to be compactable for my van. There are always so much you need to take when exhibiting at an event. This craft display is great for all of my needs. 

Materials

5- 2" X 2" boards 8' long

1- 4' X 8'  1/2 " pegboard

1- 48" piano hinge, cut to length

8 door hinges, 2-1/2" in length 

4 door catches 

4' of heavy duty chain (optional)

Plywood (optional)

Chalkboard paint (optional)

White paint

primer

16 2-1/4 " wood or dry wall screws 

8- 4" bolts with wing nuts

wood glue

Tools

router

router table

drill 

jigsaw

screwdriver or drill bit 

carpenter's square

Directions:

Part 1: Cutting Boards and Routering Notches

1. Cut the 2" X 2"  router boards to the following specifications.

     a. 6 boards- 26 1/4" long

     b. 4 boards- 40" long 

     c. 4 boards- 35" long

     d. 2 boards- 23 1/4" long

2. Router a 1/2" notch down the center of of  your 2" X 2" boards, using the following specifications below. Use a router table to guide your boards. 

      a. The 6 boards that are 26 1/4" long: mark 1" from the top and bottom. Router a notch between the marks.

      b. With the 4 boards that are 40" long, measure and mark 4 1/2" from the bottom. Starting at the top router a notch down to the 4 1/2" mark.

      c. With the 2 boards that are 23 1/4" long and the 4 boards that are 35" long: Router from top to bottom.

3. Cut the pegboard into 4- 2' X 36" sections

Part 2: Framing the Pegboard

1. To frame the top part of the stand, place two 26 1/4" boards at the top and the bottom of the pegboard. Slide the 35" boards to the 3' sides of the pegboard. 

2. With a carpenters square, square up the corners. Clamp if necessary.

3. Drill 2 1/4" holes into the top and bottom corners of the frame. Put some glue on both wood pieces. Screw into place and wipe off the glue excess.  Repeat for the second craft stand.

4. Begin framing the bottom part of the craft stand by sliding the longer edge of the pegboard into the 40" sides. The pegboard should be 1/2" above the side boards. Insert the top board that is 26 1/4" long. Square it up and clamp pieces together. Drill a hole at the top each corner. Again glue both pieces of wood and put them together. Drill screws into place. Wipe off any glue excess. Repeat for the second.

Part 3: Cutting Plywood and Priming and Painting the Frames

1. Measure the inside of the frame. Cut 2 pieces of 1/4" plywood to fit.  Drill four small holes in each corner. Paint plywood with chalkboard paint. 

2. With the four frames, prime and paint white or other desired color. (optional)

Part 4: Putting on the Hardware

1. Cut the piano hinge to fit the frame. Line up the piano hinge in the center and along the edge of the top of the bottom frame. The hinge pin should run along the outside edge and fold downward. Mark each hole. Drill a small hole in each marked spot no longer than the length of the screw. Screw the piano hinge into place. Line up the bottom of the upper frame along the front edge. Mark screw holes and drill. Screw in the screws. Repeat for other craft stand.

2. Install 2 door hinges on each of the framed panels following manufacturers instructions.

3. Install the door catches in place.

4. Put the chain on the sides (optional).

Part 5: Making  and Installing the Feet

1. With a jigsaw, cut 8 boards 2' L x 3" H.  

2. Find the center and mark for 2 vertical holes  about 3/4" apart. Drill holes.

3. Find the center of the bottom legs and lightly mark a straight line 3" up from the bottom. Line up the center of the feet to the center of the legs. Mark holes. Drill through legs.

Here are some pics of my craft display. Not pictured are the signage with the chalkboard paint and the single standing panel. Will update with those photos at a later date.

Draw Catch

Bottom Feet

Single Panel Folded in Half

Both Panels Hinged Together

Other Side of Hinged Panels

 I plan to exhibit at a few outdoor events this summer. This display stand will really come in handy for all my scarves and purses. If you're unable to attend one of my events, remember you can always shop online at my store Purse O'nality by Mary.

Your Style, Your Mood, Your Personality