My First Listing

This feels like such an achievement because I have wanted and intended to start to sell online for a long time.  Today is the today I actually listed on Etsy.  I'm really pleased with how photos look but I think I need to work on the description part a bit.  This is what I have kicked off with:

A bangle made with pvc so it is light, soft, flexible and so easy to wear.  The beads are my own lampwork beads made using 5mm mandrel.  I'm off to take some more photos of my Beau Bangles!

http://www.bluekilnbeads.etsy.com/

A Pledge

I have already decided to make steps to start earning a real income from my bead and jewellery business, so the Etsy Boot Camp has come at the right time for me.  Ofcourse there was that little voice in my head saying 'are you sure you are ready, you are waiting to move house, have you got enough beads, have you got enough time....' but I know that I have to quiet that voice because it is one that holds me back.  Its down to that old addage, nothing ventured nothing gained.  So, I have decided to take the pledge and try my best with the situation that I am in at the moment, its got to be better than not bothering at all right? 

I, Yvette, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere! 

Wish me luck !!

The Good Life

Another full on weekend.  We had our Nursery sponsored walk on Saturday morning, a quick lunch and then off to the allotment.  Friends of ours took up an allotment in March.  Duly dug it over and then spent most of the summer holidays abroad.  During this time the weeds decided to reclaim their home.  Said friends decided that they would probably do better if they shared the allotment and so ta da we have a share!  We arrived on Saturday with forks and spades and bags of enthusiasm.  It was hard going and there is bindweed like you wouldn't believe.  We made good progress and agreed that we go back today for round two! 

I woke up this morning and rather gingerly lowered one leg and then the other and slowly stood upright expecting to be incredibly stiff.  But hey presto I practically skipped to the bathroom. Full of vim and vigour we decided that we would head on down the allotmant this afternoon too!  Progress was slower than yesterday and my back soon started to grumble.  We did however manage to clear some more weeds.  We also planted some broad bean seeds for next year and some green manure.  The idea is you sow the green manure which stops the weeds coming up over winter, in the spring you then dig in the plants and they become fertiliser.....  Time will tell.

Sorry, still no bead pictures.  I did make some at mum and dad's but I had to leave them cooling in the kiln so I haven't seen them yet!

The Artist Formerly Known as 'Y-Beads'

Y-beads is having a re-vamp and is now Blue Kiln Beads.  It is a slow process but I have started with getting my banner from the very talented and patient Joanne Askey , I am over the moon with the results.  Now that I am armed with this new banner I can stroll on over to the online high street and get some business cards sorted.  I also want to refresh my stall, open an Etsy shop and basically get out there. 


We are between homes at the moment which means that my 'studio' has been dismantled.  I did however manage to get over to mum and dad's today and have a session on mum's torch.  It was all very strange, getting used to a different set-up but I did manage to create some beads.  I will try to get some pics up soon.


Better get on with the revamp!