Archive for November, 2011
Perhaps its fall and the colors it brings, or maybe its the thought of a roaring fire and sharing warmth, but I’m on a wood-sy kick these days. Lucie Veilleux of 3 Dots is not making my mini-obsession go away easy either. Her shop is filled with hand cut + polished wooden modern jewelry and other niceties. Here are my 3 favorites for wooden fun this season:
Home decor for the guests to enjoy: Retro Modern Cube – $25
Visit 3 Dots on Etsy now.
I have had an obsession with donuts lately.
This contributor post was written by Genevieve of Lightbox SF.
When a new client comes to me I always start with their story. I ask them to tell me their story, tell me what makes them different, tell why I would buy their product over the competition. Most of them struggle; they don’t have the words because they haven’t really given it much thought. And to the ones that can rattle off confident answers to my questions I usually say, “Why doesn’t your website say all of that?”
Consumers want to find meaning; they want to know the why behind what they’re buying. It makes them feel like their making the right choice and it gives them a story to pass on. “I bought this handbag because the woman who made it is totally obsessed with vintage and every piece of fabric she uses is at least 20 years old.”
Look at the way you communicate with your customers, via your blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed, and website. Are telling your story? Do you share why you make what you do? Have you ever written about your process? Don’t be afraid to say what makes you different from your competition and if you solve a problem make sure that’s clear.
The obvious way to communicate your story is in your about page. Leading with a point of reflection or aha moment is a great way to bring customers in. They can relate to a struggle that lead you to design the “perfect” messenger bag for a more girly girl. Rewrite your about statement to include an aha moment and what really makes you different from the competition.
Your blog is also a great way to engage and connect with your fans. Post pictures of your process, talk about finding inspiration, tell us your backstory. Depending on how often you post make sure to work in one more personal or behind the scenes post every week or month. Some of you may have really personal blogs already, but are you sharing the things that set you apart or are you just sharing your life? There is a difference.
Your Twitter and Facebook posts are also a great way to tell more of your story. Post pictures of things that inspire you. Share blog posts that are part of your research. Talk about the problem you solve and how you are a great solution. Don’t be shy we really do want to know all of this.
What are some of your favorite crafters and designers that really share their story?
photo by Tascha
Genevieve Robertson writes about creative marketing strategies over at Lightbox SF. She helps makers, artists, and crafters brand their businesses by telling their stories and embracing what makes them unique.
This contributor post was written by Beth of Parsimonia. She’ll be here every other Friday to share the most awesome diy projects for your weekend.
A happy DIY Friday to you all! I’m so excited to be back this week sharing some crafty ideas that caught my eye over the past couple weeks. We’re smack-dab in the middle of the holiday season, and with Halloween barely over a week gone, it’s time to start the turkey talk! This year I’m helping my mom chic things up a bit at her table, and between all the planning, cooking and hostessing, one of my favorite fall-back DIYs is printables!
You can find them for almost everything: place cards, menus, dessert flags, even cup labels, and they’re a great way to add a handmade touch to the holidays without adding extra stress. I’m head-over-heels for all the ones I’ve rounded up for you today, and they’ve already got my brain buzzing with place settings and floral arrangements to go with them. Let’s take a peek!
(above) Retro Folk Thanksgiving Printables by Ellinée
Thanksgiving Name Cards by Heirloom Event Design
Thanksgiving Tree Printable by Twisted Sugar Twine
Thankful Notes by Sissy Print
Favor Tags via It Is What It Is
(Disclaimer: I didn’t just put this in here because of the name. Ha.)
Beth is the writer behind Parsimonia: Secondhand With Style, where she blogs about her first love (thrifting) and her second love (cooking), as well as DIY projects, sustainable style and other bits of inspiration. She lives in St. Louis with one husband, one fuzzy dog and lots of dreams, and recently launched an online vintage store.
With the recent move I’ve been a bit obsessed with trying to repopulate our home with unique decor items that give me a special feeling. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but when I saw the laser cut wall art from Pepper Sprouts, I thought, “This might just work!”
More modern home accessories await you at Pepper Sprouts.
Getting lost in a good book is a pastime of mine. I adore a good story that draws you in and keeps you close. That’s why I’m currently loving the chronicle behind Simon and Ruby’s jewelry line: “Each piece of jewelry is handcrafted and designed with a story in mind. My designs are influenced heavily by my travels as well as characters in the books I read and movies I watch. I collect semi precious stones, glass, and vintage pieces from all over the world to create not only a beautiful piece of jewelry, but an intriguing story as well.” I would adore a tale that includes these blue lapis earrings. And every tale deserves a happy ending: enjoy free shipping to the US and Canada.
Add some stories to your jewelry box and visit Simon and Ruby now.
This contributor post was written by Christina of Down and Out Chic.
What better way to cheer up your hard working, office dwelling friend than with some pretty do-dads for the work space? Essentially, this list is full of items I’d like to see in my own office, but since we’re in the season of giving, I thought I’d change the title from “wish list” to “gift list.”
1) Leather iPad case $148 via jj boyles
2) crane and giraffe prints $25 each by sharon montrose
3) wood whale $65 via the utility collective
4) get it done notepad $8 via rifle paper co.
5) clock 8.25 now $50 via mb art studios
6) set of 3 porcelain and leather hanging containers $120 via fashioned by
7) 2012 crested shield calendar $29.50 via the paper theives
8) from the desk of rubber stamps $12.50 via present & correct
9) paper pens $10 via letterbox co.
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or on D&OC.
