Poll Results Are In And New Poll Added

The poll results are in. Where do you like to sell the most? 57% of you chose Artfire as your top favorite place to sell. Etsy came in second at 14% and MadeItMyself came in 3rd at 14%. No one voted for Ebay or Craigslist.

A new poll is being added. How Long Did It Take To Get Your First Sale? Vote now and results will be posted next week.

I am looking for ideas for polls. What would you like to ask the audience? Reply to this post and everyone who applies will be entered into a drawing to win some free soap from me. Hope you all have a great day!

Looking to Feature

I am looking to feature an artist today.  I am going to be searching through shops and the featured artists will be posted later today

Time Management Strategies

Relax and take a deep breath - Time is on your side .
With some simple time saving strategies you will be able to produce
more, in less time, and enjoy the process .

1.
Take time before beginning your latest project to gather all of
the necessary tools and materials.
Much time is wasted looking for that one essential tool that you
just KNEW was there.

2.
Get yourself a healthful snack and plenty to drink.
Refreshments are necessary to keep alert, healthy, and
working at optimum level.

3.
Clear the decks.
A clean space will create a lower stress environment.
You will think clearer, feel calmer and more organized , and be
better able to locate items necessary to the project at hand.

4.
Set up an assembly line.
What ? Aren't assembly lines what they have at big manufacturing
companies ? Yes, but you can create a mini assembly line at home -
By using the same strategy as the larger companies but on a smaller
scale, you will be able to produce much more than you can by
completing one item at a time.
For example :
Cut out multiples of each item, base paint all the red sections then
move on to the green, add all the buttons then all the raffia ....
Set up your assembly line in whatever way will be the most
comfortable and efficient for you.

5.
Turn up the music.
Something lively that keeps you moving at a brisk pace.

6.
Keep moving.
While the paint or glue is drying, do something else.
Just keep going ... Each small step will mount up.

7.
Don't save that step for tomorrow.
Even if it's something small, get as much done as you can - NOW.
When you get back to work the next day, those small steps that you
already accomplished will save time and stress.

8.
Take photographs.
Even if you are POSITIVE that you will remember how you made
those items, take photos. Not only for record keeping, but as a
portfolio of your work.

9.
Tag the items.
Don't wait until later ... They aren't done 'til you tag 'em.

10.
Take breaks.
It's easy to get caught up in the creative process, time just seems to fly by.
Make sure you take time out , walk away and get a fresh perspective.

There you have it -
Ten easy strategies to speed up production and make the most of
your creativity and time.

One final note ...

Never forget to add the key ingredient - *joy*
It will shine in your creations ... and your smile.

Written by:  Carol Gunkel from "Professionalcrafters.com"

Blog Developement

Good morning everyone!

I am working diligently to try to get my blog in shape.  The rest of this week I am going to be adding features, such as artist of the week, contests, games and more.  I want to start conducting interviews by email for some of the pioneer crafters out there.... to try to help the new kids on the block get started.

Coming soon is a time management article.  Make sure you  tell your friends about this blog!

Introduction of My New Blog

This is a site for those folk in the crafting business. You will find reviews of various sites to sell on, such as Etsy, Artfire and MadeItMyself.  We will be featuring artists from different sites every week, interviewing successful artists..  Offering a tip or two. Even adding some polls now and then.  This is just the tip of the iceberg.   Make sure you tell your friends about this blog site!!   Sincerely, Jennifer Blog Owner