Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Tooting My Horn

I have had a pretty good week and I have hit some milestones in my etsy shop, so I thought I would take a little time to toot my own horn. I think many artists forget to celebrate the milestones, plus I would love to inspire someone else to take the plunge and start selling their artwork . I have celebrated most of my milestones silently, but today I feel like shouting! I hit and surpassed my 400th sale on Etsy this week, today I just got my 1500th heart and I was featured in my 300th treasury list.
You have no idea how amazed and proud I am. When I started this little venture last September, I never thought I would have this much success. Not only have I had great sales, but I have met incredible people, been featured on several blogs, asked to contribute to 2 books, shipped my items to over 10 different countries, and most important, I've been able to create to my hearts content while contributing to my family's income. Etsy has really added to the quality of my life, and I just can't say enough about the opportunities that it has afforded me and my family! Thanks Etsy! I would also like to take some time to thank my customers and all of the wonderful supportive artists on Etsy and the PCAGOE!

I was also was named "The Craftiest Bastard of the Week" in the Washington City Paper!
The paper offers free ads and chooses one artist/crafter from the ads to be the "Craftiest Bastard". You get a color ad in the paper, a mention on their blog, and mention on the craft classifieds web page. I never thought being called a bastard could be so great!

If you are interested in placing an Ad, they are free and even though it is a Washington, DC paper, they do have a web presence, and people in DC do shop on the internet! The cool thing is that it is focused on art and craft, so people who see your ad will be looking for handmade items, plus it's FREE! (And no, they aren't paying me to advertise! )

So, now I am done tooting, but I really hope I have inspired someone else to take the plunge and get their art out there for everyone to enjoy. Maybe if they see what I have been able to do with very little start-up money, no formal training, and not a ton of business or computer experience, they will give it a try too.

12 comments:

Carol Dean Sharpe said...

Awesome milestones! congratulations!

bencandance said...

Wow!! Toot away! Great milestones. I am shocked that you know how many treasuries you've been in. I've been in a bunch but haven't kept track of counting them....now I feel sad. :P

Block Party Press said...

Thanks you! I am a bit pathetic about the treasury, but I actually save all the screenshots in powerpoint, so it counts if for me. They are also a great reference when I am looking for inspiration!

Unknown said...

You do things with polymer clay I never imagined and I just love your stuff! So sweet of you to mention the Crafty Classifieds, thanks!

Congrats on your etsy success!!!

Block Party Press said...

Thanks Sara. You called me a Crafty Bastard, so the least I could do was promote your paper!

Anonymous said...

Wow! *jaw dropping* Lol. Those are some amazing achievements! Congratulations on doing such a great job and may you continue to have many many more! :o)

happytape! said...

yay for you!! you should toot your horn--it's so great that you've had such success! your designs are amazing and you deserve to be successful! congratulations!!

Marissa L. Swinghammer said...

Congratulations! You have come so far on Etsy so fast and you deserve it!

How do you know how many treasures you have been featured in?

Block Party Press said...

Thanks so much Tina and Marisa! It means a lot coming from 2 artists I really admire!

I check the treasury daily and take a screenshot when I am in a treasury and I have them saved in a powerpoint presentation which counts the pages for me. There may have been more, but since I started keeping track there have been 300. I also like to browse through them for ideas and inspiration and of course it just feels good to know people like my work enough to feature it.

I also keep screenshots when I am on the front page, featured in a blog or website, etc.

Sara Millis said...

Fantastic milestone achievments - well done to you!

Sara x

Kirsten said...

Congratulations! I'm very pleased for you, you crafty bastard ;).

Tejae: Heart Shaped Art said...

Congratulations and thanks for sharing all the wonderful tips. I enjoy working with polymer clay and have been considering opening an etsy store. thanks for the inspiration.

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