But I don't want a "real" job!

I have been very busy listing away in my shops these past few weeks. I have set a certain monetary goal that I would like and need to meet every day. I can't possibly accomplish my goal if I don't constantly list new items or renew the older ones. I am also expanding my horizons and listing some of my handmade jewelry supplies on ebay as well.

So, now I have 4 etsy shops, an artfire shop and I am back at ebay too. I can't miss, can I?

If I don't treat this like a "real" job I will have to go get one. I dread that like you would not believe. I had planned to apply for a certain job after the first of the year but I haven't done it yet. The thought of working for someone else again and working weekends and holidays just about makes me ill. So, I have redoubled my efforts and I feel like it is entirely possible for me to make a living doing this. I just need to keep working hard and I will succeed. I've already noticed a huge increase in my vintage jewelry shop sales so I know that my plan is working!

Any other etsy sellers out there that are having the same dilemma as myself?  Are you torn between your business and needing a steady, reliable income?  I'd love to hear what you are doing in this situation!

Christmas is Coming!

It's been busy around here! I just got all caught up on my shipping after having some great sales over the last week! About half my sales were to international buyers. I sold to England(a few), Japan, Singapore, Australia(several) and Lithuania! It's great knowing that my things are traveling the world and going to new homes in distant places.

I will be adding lots of new things in all my shops in the next few days. I have several Christmas/Holiday jewelry items that I haven't even listed yet. Not good! It's getting too close to Christmas.

I just opened a Soopsee account that features everything in all 3 of my etsy shops. Click on the badge in the upper right to see it. I've having fun customizing it. Lots of great shops to see there too at http://www.soopsee.com.

I haven't even started my own shopping yet! I need to get on it. I plan on buying many of the gifts for my family on etsy. So many unique things that you can't find anywhere else! I'd better hurry or we'll be opening our gifts after Christmas!

I'm still in the process of decorating for the holidays too. We got the tree up the day after Thanksgiving but it sat there bare for a few days until I put the decorations on. I love doing it! I like the juice can lid ornament my daughter Kristina made in grade  school. It has a photo of her and lots of glitter! The simplest handmade ones are the best and most meaningful.

My sister gives me a new sister ornament every year....soon that is all I will have room for on the tree. I've got so many now! She also gets me the animated Hallmark snowman every year! I love them too. I'm struggling to find enough places in my house to display them.....especially with a Beagle that likes to tear things up during the night. I get child-proofing but never thought I'd be "dog proofing" as well! Oh Penny, you are such a trouble maker!

The weather has been cold and clear the last few days----in the 30's during the day and 20's at night. I can't get used to it! I'm cold all the time...I drag my little oil heater right next to me and I'm still cold! Hopefully, the sunshine will last long enough for me to get some photos taken of jewelry I will list later on. I need to take it when I can get it! I bought a photography tent and lights but I don't like the whole set-up and the lights don't seem to be bright enough. Live and learn!

Thanks for reading this rambling post! I hope everyone is more ready for Christmas then I am! See you soon, Kitty

My Etsy shops! So many ideas...not enough time in the day!

I wish I didn't have to sleep.....I'd be making things 24 hours a day! I had a long dry spell where I wasn't feeling very inspired and now I can't stop! I recently revamped my sweetvintageemma shop to feature my handmade wire wrapped dangle charms. It's taking off slowly and I'm happy with the sales so far. I've been having fun coming up with new designs and buying lots of supplies (the most fun)! I already have quite a collection of glass beads because of my accumulation of vintage costume jewelry over the last few years. Any jewelry that is broken or too damaged to sell has been going into several large plastic bins. Now I have a use for it all! I plan on selling small lots of broken pieces for jewelry designers to reuse in new designs.

My sister gave me a huge box of 1 inch wood blocks so I've been inspired to make some Paris inspired shelf sitters with them. I made a few for Halloween too! I'm thinking about revamping my vintagelife shop too so I can feature more home decor items that I'm dreaming up!

My emmasgems shop has been neglected lately. I need to retake most of the photos of the jewelry that is left in my shop. I think that is why much of it hasn't sold. I already lowered the prices on most of the shop if anyone wants to take a look! I will also offer free shipping to any blog reader. Just let me know when you check out and I will refund the shipping via PayPal. I will be adding fresh inventory soon so please keep checking in!

My vintagelife etsy shop has been reworked with a new banner and avatar. Featuring a much brighter and clean look! I've been working on my newest version of tile jewelry including custom photo pendants.

I've made lots of pieces using recycled vintage jewelry. See my Halloween jewelry below....I laughed the entire time I was making them! They're a bargain too....just reduced the price this morning. Check them out here!

I truly believe that you get out what you put into your etsy shops. I've also found that renewing DOES work. Constantly adding new product will almost always result in sales for me. My sales were at a standstill until I started renewing or adding new listings. But what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. Just my personal observation.

I've gotta get back to work now. Hope you have a great day!

My Sister's Etsy Shop:SignOfTheDimes

Every Photo Is A Clickable Link To That Item

I've decided to feature my sister Kristy's etsy shop:signofthedimes
since she has been so busy trying to fill up her etsy shop and escape from feebay!
She sells primarily vintage jewelry and parts that can be
used to assemble new pieces. You can find a variety of vintage items there.
Please visit her etsy shop and see her touching story about dimes!
Great job, Sis! Good Luck on etsy!