Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Trying new things

So I really came into the blogging world thinking I was going to blog everyday, and always have wonderful, witty things to say. Now that I have had a few weeks to prove the opposite, I am finally willing to accept that I am not a great blogger. For anyone who has read thus far, I thank you and I promise to only get better!

Alrighty, with that out of the way, I thought I'd mention that my store now has a few more items in it, which is always good, and I have had awhile to really develop a brand for my store. My fabulous husband has designed a great logo and "identity" for me, and it's amazing how something so simple as classy letterhead can give you the confidence to promote yourself and your projects to others. I'm currently working to get my pieces shown/sold in a few local stores and am trying to stay optimistic about it. Telling my family and friends about the little purses I make is one thing -- trying to explain it to a stranger and not feel embarrassed is another! Most people have the reaction of "isn't that cute" or "aw, good for you" and the most condescending tone, whether they mean to or not. Selling handmade wares online is difficult enough, but add in the stereotypical reaction you're bound to get, and promoting yourself becomes hellish.

In the spirit of creativity and spring cleaning, I am also rearranging my studio so I can set up my easel. It's been a few years since I painted -- college, actually -- and it just feels right to set up my paints and canvas again. I wish I'd taken better care of my brushes; going back through them, I had to throw quite a few out because I'd neglected to properly wash them. Such nice brushes, too. Oh well. I was a carefree college art student, and it shows. It's kind of exciting flipping through old canvases; I can't wait to gesso over them and start over!

Well, I guess that's it for now. Somehow tonight ended up being "let's file our taxes" night, which turned into "let's go through all our paperwork, yell a little, not find the one number we need, and put it off until later" night. The software we've chosen to file with is now glitching, so it's possible we'll need to start over. As if it's not stressful enough...gotta love tax season!

1 comment:

  1. Hello! Good luck with your taxes! I HATE that part of the year. . .good thing for the return part! I just found your site on Etsy, WAY fun! I love your new mini box purses! I would LOVE one in the tropical brown & green zebra floral print! How ADORABLE! I just love finding sites where ordinary people are doing extra ordinary things with their wonderful talents! I am wondering if you and your business would be interested in sponsoring a review and possibly a giveaway on my blog, http://www.dangginagives.blogspot.com/?

    I have this blog to find fantastic products for me, my family & friends, and also to help out fellow entrepreneurs. My blog targets other mothers and wives who are searching for the best. Once a product is sent to me, I begin my review and enjoy providing an honest opinion on what features I love and sometimes, if applicable, where I feel a product may need some improvement. I have found that a review receives more traffic when it is accompanied with a giveaway. I always require, as the mandatory entry into a giveaway, that my readers view the sponsor's site and then tell me what their favorite product is. This guarantees my sponsor that their site is receiving traffic and that their products are being viewed. This also helps "Boost" Business for the sponsor!

    Here are a few comments from past sponsors:

    Gina was such a PLEASURE to work with! She communicated really well with me. Whenever I had questions, she would email me back immediately!! This was my first experience doing a "giveaway" and I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be an EXCELLENT experience for me! I experienced a lot of activity during the week of the review and giveaway. I also received a large order as well! Thank you so much Gina for your wonderful personality and doing such a fantastic job! I look forward to all your new giveaways each week and I know I'll be back to GIVEAWAY more in the near future at DANG GINA GIVES blog!!

    I have just loved working with Gina and the Dang Gina site. She has been such a joy to converse with through email. She is so willing to give of her time and talents so that businesses all around can get the word out about their company and product, plus who doesn't love a good giveaway! I highly recommend donating services and or product for the Dang Gina giveaway blog. I have now used her for two of my businesses.

    If you would like any more information, please let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

    Thanks,

    Gina
    dang.gina.gives@gmail.com
    dangginagives.blogspot.com

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