Sell Your Work, Prevent Domestic Abuse & Empower Women

My name is Angie Spoto. I am the co-founder of a nonprofit online boutique called Uncovered Artistry Boutique (www.uncdoveredartistry.com). Our mission is to empower domestic abuse surivors emotionally and financially by selling their work in our store. We are hosting our Grand Opening this Friday the 23rd. Since we have just started a couple months ago, we ony currently have one artisan. In order to exapand our inventory and to promote our mission, we are asking certain Esty sellers to sell products on our site.

We are interested in any type of work that in some way is related to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or the empowerment of women.

Here is how it would work:
1. We would post your products on our website in a very similar format to Etsy. We would like to use your photographs and, for the most part, your descriptions.
2. When a customer purchases your product through our website, will will email you a purchase order. (So for example, if after a week we receive three orders for a specific product, at the end of the week will will send you the purchase order requesting the three products.)
3. You will ship us the items, which Uncovered Artistry will purchase from you at the price you have posted on Etsy. Payment method is up to you. We are willing to use Paypal.
4. UA will ship the products directly to our customers. (With an okay from you, we'd like to use our own packaging for brand/consistency reasons. Of course, we would love to include your business cards and mention your Esty site both on our website and in the packaging)
4. All the proceeds from the selling of your product (UA will sell your product on our site at a higher price that what you sell it for on Etsy) UA will donate to a local domestic abuse shelter.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Angie Spoto
Co-founder Uncovered Artistry Boutique
www.uncoveredartistry.com
suavoce.etsy.com

Top 10 Most Useful Articles for Your Etsy Shop and Website

As an Etsy shop owner and founder of a new non-profit online boutique I’ve done hours upon hours of online research on just about every aspect of my businesses. Now I want to pass on this valuable information to you! Below is a list of my top ten most useful articles to help grow and develop your Etsy business. Above all though, the #1 best way to success is experience and A LOT of hard work!

Be sure to check out my blog for more useful articles and tips: http://uncoveredartistry.blogspot.com

Good luck!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

Uncovered Artistry Boutique

www.uncoveredartistry.com

1. How to Make an Inexpensive Light Tent- Absolutely the best advice I can give anyone struggling with photos! I used to wait for the right light, the right day, and the right location to take my pictures. Now I just flip on the desk lamp over my light box and get going! And the pictures hardly need any editing. Did I mention I have a tiny, inexpensive digital camera too? See it to believe it! Look below for photographs I took with the new light box.

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

2. Selling Your Work Wholesale: Tips, Resources, and Links- This is a forum post I wrote a few months back that features a compilation of useful tips and articles for the crafter who is ready to go wholesale. http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6249261

3. Why Your Story is Everything- In the handmade sector, your story really is everything. You aren’t just selling your products, you are selling yourself! This podcast is a good reminder of this and gives its listeners some sound advice on creating and communicating your own unique story. To see an example of Uncovered Artistry’s story follow this link: http://www.uncoveredartistry.com/About_Us.html

http://www.craftypod.com/2010/07/02/craftypod-118-why-your-story-is-everything-with-tara-gentile/

4. 100 Blog Followers in One Month: Tips for Getting new Blog Followers- Written by a fellow Etsy seller, this forum post has great advice for getting followers to your blog. Plus you gotta love this author! Her blog is one of the most interesting I’ve ran across.

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6461436

5. Maintain Confidence in a Competitive Market- An inspiring article that helped me get out of a rut.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/biz-ladies-maintain-confidence-in-a-competitive-market.html

To view the rest of this article, please visit our new blog at:

http://uncoveredartistry.blogspot.com/2010/07/top-10-most-useful-articles-for-your.html

Are you ready for this?

Welcome to the new and improved SuaVoce blog! My sister and I are happy to announce that we are giving this blog a serious makeover. The blog will now focus more on providing valuable resources to crafter-entrepreneurs like us. Below are some articles you can be on the look out for...

Marketing Toward College-Aged Women
The Perfect Banner...Simple and Direct
Think Like a Business...Think BIG
Are You a Socially Conscious Business?
Who Said You Can't be an Entrepreneur?

We are also happy to take suggestions about new articles.

Also, I wanted to mention a couple great sites that featured La SuaVoce's blog or products.

Gracie's Eggies' blog:
http://www.gracies-eggies.blogspot.com/

Visit her gorgeous Etsy site at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/gracieseggies

Also, makingjewelrysupplies.com featured our blog. Check them out too!
Jewelry Making Beads

As usual, Happy Creating! And don't forget to check back for some great new articles and a new look!

Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs

In Need of an Update!

Hi all,

SuaVoce's blog is need for an update! Since you've last heard from us college-student-business-owners-sisters (yikes!) we were just heading back home for our winter vacation. Well, we are back at school now and, as usual, life is crazy.

Some things we've been preoccupied with...
-Creating new Jane Austen greeting cards (in time for Valentine's Day). Check them out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuaVoce?section_id=6276613

-Planning a possible new business (non-profit this time) that supports artisan work of domestic violence survivors. Updates coming!

-Learning some invaluable information in our accounting and financing classes. I seriously recommend that all Etsy-sellers learn a bit (or a lot!) about accounting. You'd be surprised how organized the information will make you.

Till next time... Happy Creating!

Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs
http://suavoce.etsy.com

$5 Shop Credit!

We are offering $5 of La SuaVoce shop credit to the first 100 people to take the following quick and simple survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PYP2WQK

Thanks!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

Etsy Free Feature II

My calculus final is over! I'm finally free to post another entry. Last week I posted the work of some talented Etsy-artists. The post was a success, so I've put together a second feature. Once again, the pieces below are under $50, making the selection a great list of affordable gifts.

Enjoy!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

p.s. I think I need a better name for these posts than "Etsy Free Feature." If you have any ideas, feel free to comment!

Moss Winds Necklace $42

Original Wood Block Print, $25

Rusty Bunny with Bow, $38

Indian Rangoli Colorful Wooden Bracelet, $16

Filigree Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings, $25

Bone and Turquoise Brass Watch, $50

Sapphire Pleated Woolen Purse, $22

Christmas Wire Wrapped Beaded Necklace, $30


Chocolate and Turquoise Bracelet, $45

Selling Your Work Wholesale: Resources, Tips, Links, and Checklist

I'm reposting a post from a few months ago because I think the information is valuable and because my sister and I (after taking time to focus on school) decided to work on going wholesale again. Hope it is helpful!

Wholesale Resources

Are you ready to start selling wholesale? We are, so we did some research and we’d like to share! Here are some great blogs, forum posts, and articles that provide valuable information about selling wholesale.

If you’re shy and don’t think you’re up to visiting stores, check out this forum post: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6201294

This great two part blog post provides information about pricing, quantity, and communicating with retailers:
Part I: http://qbranchltd.blogspot.com/2008/02/selling-wholesale-part-i.html
Part II: http://qbranchltd.blogspot.com/2008/02/selling-wholesale-part-ii.html

A thorough article about beginning to sell your artisan work wholesale. Includes a number of helpful links:
http://www.indiepublic.com/profiles/blogs/946391:BlogPost:510081

Our Checklist for Preparing to Sell Wholesale:
*Check out the links above and throughout this post for more information to supplement our checklist (some of the terms were unfamiliar to us until we read the information provided in all these links!)*

1. Prepare Etsy shop (and blog, etc.) for wholesale
-adjust prices to be RETAIL prices (double wholesale price for retail price)
*Tips on pricing wholesale:
http://www.helium.com/items/622909-tips-for-pricing-your-handmade-crafts
-make it known that we are interested in selling wholesale
-make it easy for retailers to contact us
-provide a “request form” in blog and Etsy store

2. Create a linesheet & other “things”
-Make a wholesale linesheet
-Make pamphlet to send to far-away boutiques
-Make email template for far-away boutiques
*Specific tips on creating a linesheet:
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/jewelry-line-sheets.html
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/what_is_a_line_sheet/

3. Research for retailers
-check out local fashion magazines for label names
-explore local shops (check out the yellow pages!)
-browse online

4. Call to make appointment with boutique owner

5. Be ready with wholesale price sheet and large amount of display-ready merchandise

A New Endeavor: Etsy Free Feature

This is a first post in hopefully a series of special feature posts. In an effort to create more free advertising opportunities for Etsy-sellers, I've created this first feature post! Below are items from talented Etsy artists. All items are under $50, providing viewers with affordable, handcrafted gift ideas.


I appreciate any feedback on this first post, so comment away!

Happy browsing!
Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs


Chinese Turquoise, Peridot Jasper, Wood Earrings, $18

Giant Indigo Dew Drop Ring, $12

Full Moon - Crocheted Earrings, $15

Handwoven Pillow with Monogram, $30

Fear's Uncloaking Fine Art Archival Print, $20

Four Ornaments or Pocket Dolls Fabric Panel, $8.50

Mini Yoda Pipe Cleaner Creation, $7.50

Goddette Earrings, $23

Poster -Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right, $14

Elegant Handmade Scarf, $48

Mod Pop Resin Ring, $44

Custom Made Christmas Ornaments, $23

Black Friday Sale! BOGO FREE

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday!

La SuaVoce is having a Black Friday Sale from Nov. 27- 29!

All Earrings Buy Get One FREE! Second pair of equal or lesser value will be refunded via Paypal.

FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING on all products.
Contact us for FREE GIFT WRAP or GIFT TAGS.

Visit our shop: http://suavoce.etsy.com

Ask us about custom jewelry and hair accessories too!

Happy holidays (and shopping!),
Sarah and Angie
La SuaVoce Designs

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy all that turkey and pie!

Sarah and Angie

La SuaVoce Designs

Introducing...

La SuaVoce's newest creation: Jane Ausen-inspired greeting cards.

You can share the beautiful words of this legendary artists with our delicate handmade cards. Plus. who doesn't love Mr.Darcy?

Any thoughts on the new cards? We are considering adding more designs and finding a way to make them less expensive, but these three cards are somewhat of a test. Any feedback is much appreciated!

Keep your eyes open for changes and new material from SuaVoce in the future. We are always growing. :)

Cheers!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

"8 Ways to Jump Start Your Business" Is Worth a Read

We came across this helpful and inspiring article while browsing the web. "8 Ways to Jump Start Your Business" provides helpful tips for business owners, big and small. My favorite tip, which I feel we could have used when we started SuaVoce more than a year ago, reads "define your niche." La SuaVoce began with selling toward a very general target market, but we've come to realize that being specific is more profitable. This tip and others will certainly inspire and aid any business owner. Check out this article at:
http://pinpoint.microsoft.com/en-US/content.aspx?ctid=813

Angie
La SuaVoce Designs

Winter Wonderland: Holiday Gift Ideas from Etsy Artists

I know, I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but by the time you’ve finished eating the turkey leftovers Christmas will be here, and there isn’t anything worse than scrambling to find gifts last minute!

So I’ve compiled a list to make shopping for Christmas a tad bit easier.
Below are some wonderful, holiday-inspired gift ideas from eight very talented Etsy artists. Be sure to check out the other items in their shops for other great holiday gift ideas.

Mukluks, woolen, knitted winter socks with leather sole, $25, by Bubamaradesign (http://bubamaradesign.etsy.com/)

Warm, knitted, woolen, comfortable…Need I say more?
Bubamaradesign’s mukluks are a wonderful gift idea because they fit men and women alike (not to mention boys and girls)!

Freezebaby Set- Handknit Neckwarmer and Mittens, $70, by EveldasNeverland
(http://eveldasneverland.etsy.com/)

Nothing seems more romantic or just plain cozy than curling up in these mittens and neckwarmer with a nice cup of tea! Classic yet bold, this set comes custom-made in 16 different colors. The set's variety and simplicity would make it a sure-to-please gift.

Vintage Shimmering Pearly Beads, $6, and Teal and Magenta Beads, $5.50 by SuaVoce
(http://suavoce.etsy.com/ )

These pearly beads reflect the light so well and are a beautiful silvery cream color, which reminds us of wintertime. These teal and magenta wooden beads are hand-painted in a splatter pain design. Both beads would make a great gift for a jewelry-maker!

White Paws, $65, by Saralagace
(http://saralagace.etsy.com/ )
These fingerless gloves look so soft and warm! We've never seen anything quite like them...they are stylish, fresh, and very fun. What's great is that white goes with any color coat, so they would make a wonderful gift.

Turquoise / Teal Gloves With Olive Edges, $26, by Afra

(http://afra.etsy.com/)

Adorable, cozy, and handmade these turquoise gloves are a sensible, stylish winter gift. Be sure to look at the rest of Afra’s shop for more beautiful handmade winter apparel

Small bowl, Pattern in Frost, $56, by Kiefferceramics

(http://kiefferceramics.etsy.com/)

After taking a semester of introductory ceramics this fall, I can really appreciate the care and talent it takes to make one of these bowls. Not only are Kiefferceramics’ bowls beautiful to look at, but they are functional pieces as well.

Holiday Hot Cocoa Candle, $15, and The Lollipop Guild Soap, $5.50, by GrumpyGirl (http://grumpygirl.etsy.com/)

GrumpyGirl’s hot cocoa candle and colorful lollipop soap look absolutely delicious (though I wouldn’t recommend taking a bite). As GrumpyGirl puts it “We dare anyone to even THINK about stealing your marshmallows…”

Longshoreman Stull Cap, $30, by Yarnstiffinknitter

(http://yarnstiffinknitter.etsy.com/)

This child sized (around 18M to 6yrs) knitted hat is suitable for both boys and girls, and is made with Merino wool for extra warmth and quality. Yarnstiffinknitter’s daughter, Hope, makes a beautiful model don’t you think?

Happy Shopping!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

Get Inspired! Four Useful Tips for Etsy Business Owners

I'm sitting at the computer, cup of coffee near the key board, an appointment to go to in twenty minutes, a least an hour's worth of calculus homework left, and...my jewelry business. It's times like these that I wonder how my Etsy shop still survives. When things get busy, I start to lose my inspiration. I want to take a couple minutes to bring myself back to center (and help those who are reading this bring themselve back to center!).

Get inspired...

-Get passionate. Strictly business-speaking, passion breeds sales. If you don't have passion for your work it shows (no matter how much you try to hide it). And believe me, it hurts sales too. Bringing passion into your work might mean taking a break, trying something new, or even getting feedback and encouragement from others.

-Make a change. Try something new with your shop (or in your life in general). My sister and I have decided to focus our work towards hair accessories and (could anyone guess it?) Jane Austen inspired greeting cards. Just the simple prospect of something new gets me excited to start working on the shop. The change doesn't have to drastic. Even developing a new designs bring some life to your shop.

-Promote! Marketing is always a good idea, and it's especially helpful when you are feeling unmotivated. Promoting might seem like the last thing you want to do in a slump ("Aren't I doing enough promoting already?!"), but it's probably one of the most useful things. Monitor the success of your marketing (with Google Analytics, Craftcult.com, Craftopolis.com, etc.). Realizing the success in your hard work is where the inspiration comes from.

-Get off the computer. Yes! Take a step back from Etsy, close out of Twitter, sign off Facebook, turn off your IPhone and go outside (or at least into the other room). Time is precious (and time is money afterall). If you find yourself staring glassy-eyed at the computer, waiting for a new heart to show up on Craftcult (haven't we all been there?), then you're wasting time you could be using creating, exploring, learning and getting inspired. The world is where we find our inspiration.

Happy creating!
Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs

Friday Fantasy Feature: Scarlett Design

There is natural beauty and sweetness to the photographs and illustrations featured tonight. This week's feature is the work of Ryan McGurl of Scarlett Design. His photographs, illustrations, and stationary, capture the natural world eloquently. We are please to present this work on our blog this Friday. Enjoy, and don't be afraid to get lost in his work!

Name: Ryan McGurl
Etsy Shop: Scarlett Design

What do you do?I'm an Illustrator and Photographer

Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
Mostly from nature. I love hiking and walking on the beach. Often I'm intrigued by the structure of plants and animals.

Do you have any pieces that are inspired by fantasy? Or are reminiscent of fantasy?
I have an illustration I made for some Halloween cards. Its based on historical gravestones I saw in Salem, MA when I was young. I love this illustration because its an idea I've had for a few years, and I'm happy to see it come to fruition. Also, I don't often draw by hand, so this was a nice change for me. I feel that I pushed my boundaries, but also stayed within my distinctive style.

And some day I'd love to do a series of illustrations based on fairy tales, Alice in Wonderland, "Rappacini's Garden," by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and right now I find the Wizard of Oz quite inspiring because I just finished reading "Son of a Witch."

How did you become involved in your work?
I come from an artistic family, and I've always drawn but didn't think I was very good or that I could really make a living at it. When I was studying Art History, I took a few Graphic Design courses, just because I figured it was the best way to have a career related to art. After learning how to use a digital illustration program I found that I really loved it. Photography I was also interested in for years before I considered it as an actual career choice.

What made you start selling your creations?
I do have an honest desire to share my point of view, but I would also love to be able to create full time (right now I have a part time job) and be able to travel.

What is your favorite item that you make?
Usually whatever illustration, photo, or card I've just finished making. I always love it when I see one of my completed pieces and can't believe how good it turned out, often surpassing my expectations.

Which fantasy creature is your favorite: fairy, dragon, or vampire?
Vampire, they have the most trashy entertaining books and movies

You can find Scarlett Design at...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5373298

http://scarlettdesign.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scarlett-Design/78364007231

http://twitter.com/scarlettdesign

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22381047@N06/

Ciao!

Sarah and Angie

La SuaVoce Designs