Crochet is an art form and a popular craft that's been enjoyed by modern civilizations for more than a century. Derived from the French word "croc", meaning "hook", crochet is the art of creating fabric creation from a thread, yarn or other fibers, much like knitting and weaving. The main difference is the type of hook that's used in crochet.
Origins of Crochet
Some believe that crochet was first used in areas of China, Arabia and South America, although there is no concrete evidence of this claim. Eventually, the craft became popular in 19th century Europe. While the crochet process may have been present during ancient times, the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet invented. Back then, people used their fingers, bent in a hook shape, to create the loops and chains.
It's believed that the type of crochet that's enjoyed today initially gained popularity throughout the mid 1700s. The tambour style of embroider had also reached Europe at this time. Tambour embroidery was worked with a smaller crochet-like hook. Crochet, as we know it, can be traced back to about 1800; however architectural digs have found samples that suggest that crochet existed before the 1800s.
Some people say that crochet pieces can be found in Egyptian tombs and others say that nuns made crocheted pieces to beautify early churches. It has been argued that crocheting is a very basic technique and it most likely had its beginnings some time in ancient history. Unfortunately, no pieces have been found to legitimize these claims about ancient crocheting.
In the 1800s, crocheted pieces became viable substitutes for lace. Fine lace was very expensive, and people turned to crochet to produce less expensive fabrics. There were few tools or pieces of equipment needed for crochet, and all kinds of people were able to do it. Crafters began crocheting by working with natural fibers, using hooks made of brass, ivory and hardwood.
With time, the art of crochet became more and more popular and the art form found a niche as a cottage industry. Crocheting actually supported some communities after imperialism had deposed their livelihoods. Those in the middle class, and people emerging in society, purchased the finished crocheted products.
Some will say that crocheted fabrics were no more than imitations of the symbols of wealthy families. Crocheted pieces were looked down upon by those who were able to afford real lace and other more expensive fabrics.
Queen Victoria had a hand in diminishing the negative attitude that people held about crochet. She purchased crochet laces created by the Irish, and then she also learned how to crochet.
Evolution of Crochet
Crocheting was done mostly with thread from the beginning of the 19th century to the 1950s. The most popular kinds of crochet methods were the filet crochet and the crochet in the round. These methods were worked in rows of closed or open mesh to build patterns. Steel hooks were mass produced and were popular beginning at the beginning of the 20th century.
In the 1950s, crocheters used thick yarns to create less detailed clothing and fabric. The craft of crocheting using thread was popular throughout the 1960s. Homemakers were very involved in crocheting but during the 1960s, more and more people became hooked to crocheting, particularly the younger generations.
Granny squares and other popular patterns began to emerge. Usually created in fun, bright colors, these squares were completed in round style. These new trends helped crochet to pick up a much-needed popularity boost in the 1960s.
Method
People who crochet today usually begin with a slip-knot on the hook. This first looped is then pulled with another loop. The second loop is pulled through the first one, and the pattern is repeated again and again to create a fabric chain. You can work these chains in rows, or turn them to create a pattern. A round is created when several stitches are pulled through one loop. It's these unique methods that separate crocheting from other fabric making methods.
As compared to other methods of creating fabrics, crochet is a relatively young craft. Through several evolutionary steps, crochet has evolved to become the art form that we know today. Different technologies and modern ways of creating fabric, however, are threatening to make the art of crochet a thing of the past. Let's hope that the many people who still enjoy crochet will pass the art along to future generations. --By: Winifred Holstone
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
New To Me - Photographic art of Eldeebee
A Mosaic of eldeebee's In To The Wild Series.
I love it when I discover new photographers! The depth and scope of the work you find on fickr is just amazing! Check it out!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hello There
Aww, it's a Burt paw! I love when my kitty is in my lap and dozing, then I can totally use him as a model! I thought this macro shot turned out really well, you can see all the tiny little hairs and his tiny pink toes!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Time Management: Prioritize Your Daily Actions
Many people have trouble fitting everything they would like to do into each day. Modern life can be pretty demanding when it comes to keeping up with our professional and personal commitments, never mind putting some hours aside for leisure time.
However, with a little forethought and a little structure you can make much better use of your time. The secret is to identify what really needs to be done in each day. If you look closely at how you spend your days you will probably find that there are many things that aren't really that important. You need to do whatever it takes to ensure that these never get in the way of the things that really need to be done.
So, at the beginning of each day or even the night before you need to sit down and think about what needs to be achieved from your day. I encourage you to write down the things that must be achieved and you could also make a list of things of lesser importance that maybe you would like to do, but aren't essential.
You need to prioritize the most important things you need to do and schedule them in as the first things you need to do in the day. This is a good idea for two reasons. First, it is good to get the important things done first. Second, you are likely to be more focused and energetic first thing in the day.
The important thing is that you do not allow any interruptions to get in the way of what really needs to be done. Once these tasks have been completed you can then think about other things you may want to do with your remaining time in a more relaxed manner.
However, with a little forethought and a little structure you can make much better use of your time. The secret is to identify what really needs to be done in each day. If you look closely at how you spend your days you will probably find that there are many things that aren't really that important. You need to do whatever it takes to ensure that these never get in the way of the things that really need to be done.
So, at the beginning of each day or even the night before you need to sit down and think about what needs to be achieved from your day. I encourage you to write down the things that must be achieved and you could also make a list of things of lesser importance that maybe you would like to do, but aren't essential.
You need to prioritize the most important things you need to do and schedule them in as the first things you need to do in the day. This is a good idea for two reasons. First, it is good to get the important things done first. Second, you are likely to be more focused and energetic first thing in the day.
The important thing is that you do not allow any interruptions to get in the way of what really needs to be done. Once these tasks have been completed you can then think about other things you may want to do with your remaining time in a more relaxed manner.
Friday, October 24, 2008
A SemiTag
Rules for tagging:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog: AKSARBENLOVE
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Some facts: I get more and more freckles every year. I have four grey hairs and I'm not yet 30. I have really long fingers. I set the hot water temperature too high on my heater and I almost always burn my hands. My favorite fruit is the orange. My favorite color is green. I like spongbob squarepants.
(Not tagging anyone else, since I've done this already!)
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog: AKSARBENLOVE
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Some facts: I get more and more freckles every year. I have four grey hairs and I'm not yet 30. I have really long fingers. I set the hot water temperature too high on my heater and I almost always burn my hands. My favorite fruit is the orange. My favorite color is green. I like spongbob squarepants.
(Not tagging anyone else, since I've done this already!)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Random Annoyance
Two things that really annoyed me on my drive home from the dog walk today:
1. When I have my cruise control set and a few miles above the speed limit and people still pass me.
2. Unreadable/poor use of fonts. There is a van always parked at this one business and every day when I pass it, I try to read what it says on it. The font is like red surrounded with white surrounded with black and I can never make out what it says. Poor use of font and font colors bothers me. It would be perfectly readable if it was black helvetica.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I ated this.
And then I took a photo of it. Mmm, it was a delicious Cortland apple. You know, I love apples that are crisp and tart and this beauty certainly fit the bill. It had a real 'fresh off the tree' flavour.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Internet Marketing For Small Business
Internet marketing for small business owners is not as hard as it seems. I know that it seems daunting when you are first looking at it. I know it was for me when I was first getting started however, it is surprisingly easy and there are a number of ways to do internet marketing for small business that does absolutely nothing to increase your company's overhead because it is completely and totally free.
The first step to internet marketing for small business is a website. Having a presence on the internet is essential. Online yellow pages are also something to consider and I have found it to be one of the best submissions I have ever done for my business. Websites need to be targeted to the audience you are trying to market too. Therefore, the first step to building one that is going to work effectively is to find out the audience you want to target and the demographics of that audience.
Once I built the website and had it submitted to search engines, my next step was link sharing. Link sharing is basically, where you ask a site that has related material or services, sometimes even complementary like golf accessories would ask to share links with a site that sold golf clubs, if they would place your link on their site in exchange for you placing theirs on yours. Normally as long as the information on your site is related, they will agree. It is free advertising and most companies have already made code so all you have to do is paste it onto your website.
Social networking, this is a great way to get in some free marketing. I started with my group of friends on sites like my space, face book, and just let them know about what I had to offer. I got a decent response and still have people show up that are from these sites that have heard from their friends about my website. No internet marketing for small business strategy is complete without email marketing.
Email marketing is something that is completely free and easy to set up. I created a simple set of emails. Based on the opt in form that customers fill out when they visit the site. This does two things. It tells me about the customer, personal information such as their name that I can then use in the emails so that they are personalized. It also tells me their location. After all, it does not do much good to send American holiday emails to European customers. Finally and most importantly, I have their permission to send emails to them. This prevents any issues with spam.
Another way to bring in customers is promotional items these work wonderfully and do not cost anything to give. Simply use your current opt-in list and offer a promotional item or discount to them if a friend signs up to receive information from your company, of course, offer something to the friend as well to entice them to come. I have found that this works exceptionally well with both product and service based companies.
www.outsource-beginners.com
www.tube-pros-espects.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
The first step to internet marketing for small business is a website. Having a presence on the internet is essential. Online yellow pages are also something to consider and I have found it to be one of the best submissions I have ever done for my business. Websites need to be targeted to the audience you are trying to market too. Therefore, the first step to building one that is going to work effectively is to find out the audience you want to target and the demographics of that audience.
Once I built the website and had it submitted to search engines, my next step was link sharing. Link sharing is basically, where you ask a site that has related material or services, sometimes even complementary like golf accessories would ask to share links with a site that sold golf clubs, if they would place your link on their site in exchange for you placing theirs on yours. Normally as long as the information on your site is related, they will agree. It is free advertising and most companies have already made code so all you have to do is paste it onto your website.
Social networking, this is a great way to get in some free marketing. I started with my group of friends on sites like my space, face book, and just let them know about what I had to offer. I got a decent response and still have people show up that are from these sites that have heard from their friends about my website. No internet marketing for small business strategy is complete without email marketing.
Email marketing is something that is completely free and easy to set up. I created a simple set of emails. Based on the opt in form that customers fill out when they visit the site. This does two things. It tells me about the customer, personal information such as their name that I can then use in the emails so that they are personalized. It also tells me their location. After all, it does not do much good to send American holiday emails to European customers. Finally and most importantly, I have their permission to send emails to them. This prevents any issues with spam.
Another way to bring in customers is promotional items these work wonderfully and do not cost anything to give. Simply use your current opt-in list and offer a promotional item or discount to them if a friend signs up to receive information from your company, of course, offer something to the friend as well to entice them to come. I have found that this works exceptionally well with both product and service based companies.
www.outsource-beginners.com
www.tube-pros-espects.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Easy Crochet Patterns
Easy crochet patterns are perfect for beginners. Easy crochet patterns can teach a beginner the basic crochet stitches. The only thing needed is a crochet hook and a ball of yarn. Simple crochet patterns can be finished in less than an hour, which is a great way to spend the time productively. A beginner will be able to master any basic crochet stitch with the help of any easy crochet pattern.
Children and adults interested in learning how to crochet can begin with easy crochet patterns. Although it may take some time and a few easy crochet patterns before a beginner can master the basic stitches. It won't be long before a crochet novice is creating wonderful masterpieces that will become family heirlooms.
Available Easy Crochet Patterns
Crochet patterns for simple projects generally contain step-by-step instructions that are accompanied by colorful photos or sketches illustrating each part of the design. Aside from this, easy crochet patterns also contain valuable tips and additional how-to notes about the project.
These projects also provide helpful suggestions on the most appropriate type of yarn a beginner should use for a project. Different easy crochet patterns are a great way to introduce a beginner to the various types of yarn used for crocheting. There are various types of easy crochet patterns that are available to a novice.
From wearable items such as baby booties, bibs and mittens or decorative pieces like doilies, afghan covers or pillowcases. The simplest crochet pattern a beginner can do is a scarf. There are various crochet patterns for simple scarves that incorporate a single crochet stitch. However, there are crochet patterns for scarves that make use of two or more stitches. This helps a beginner become acquainted with more of the basic crochet stitches.
Dishcloths and doll blankets are another example of easy crochet patterns that are perfect for beginners. One more easy crochet pattern that a beginner should consider trying out is the granny square project. Granny squares can be used to create other crochet projects like vests and blankets wherein the size can be adjusted for kids, adults and even pets.
Beginners can also try out easy crochet patterns like a kitchen mat or even a poncho. Coasters, round or square, also make great projects for beginners as well as miniature purses that can be given away as gifts. Hats are another easy crochet pattern that make ideal gifts also.
Resources for Easy Crochet Patterns
There are numerous resources that can provide easy crochet patterns for beginners and even advanced crochet enthusiasts. Various craft books that are dedicated to crochet offer a variety of crochet patterns that range from the basic to the complex. Although craft books provide a comprehensive guide for beginners and skilled crocheters it often quite too bulky to lug around. At the same time leafing through numerous pages takes too much.
Assorted craft magazines are sold in large quantities at bookstores everywhere. There are craft magazine dedicated to crocheting. Most of the time, these magazines feature easy crochet patterns that are meant for beginners and even accomplished crocheters. Expert crocheters who have been doing crocheting for a long, long time design the patterns often printed in craft magazines.
The Internet is perhaps the fastest and most practical resource for crochet enthusiasts when it comes to crochet patterns. There are countless websites on the Internet that feature crafts like crochet. These sites offer a wide range of services and benefits that every crocheter will surely benefit from.
In most cases, websites that offer free crochet patterns may require membership before downloading any pattern from their site. However visitors that do signup for the website membership become entitled to other parts of the site as well as freebies offered. Online forums and chat rooms are open to members wherein information exchange is done between amateurs and experts.
Other times websites may offer e-books that charge a small fee before downloading. These e-books contain a compilation of crochet patterns that vary in design and degree of difficulty. A simple search on the Internet will immediately generate thousands of website hits for easy crochet patterns.
Go online today to find an easy crochet pattern to help past the time and learn a valuable craft at the same time.
Thanks to John Austwick for the info! http://www.crochet.officiallifestyle.info
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Children and adults interested in learning how to crochet can begin with easy crochet patterns. Although it may take some time and a few easy crochet patterns before a beginner can master the basic stitches. It won't be long before a crochet novice is creating wonderful masterpieces that will become family heirlooms.
Available Easy Crochet Patterns
Crochet patterns for simple projects generally contain step-by-step instructions that are accompanied by colorful photos or sketches illustrating each part of the design. Aside from this, easy crochet patterns also contain valuable tips and additional how-to notes about the project.
These projects also provide helpful suggestions on the most appropriate type of yarn a beginner should use for a project. Different easy crochet patterns are a great way to introduce a beginner to the various types of yarn used for crocheting. There are various types of easy crochet patterns that are available to a novice.
From wearable items such as baby booties, bibs and mittens or decorative pieces like doilies, afghan covers or pillowcases. The simplest crochet pattern a beginner can do is a scarf. There are various crochet patterns for simple scarves that incorporate a single crochet stitch. However, there are crochet patterns for scarves that make use of two or more stitches. This helps a beginner become acquainted with more of the basic crochet stitches.
Dishcloths and doll blankets are another example of easy crochet patterns that are perfect for beginners. One more easy crochet pattern that a beginner should consider trying out is the granny square project. Granny squares can be used to create other crochet projects like vests and blankets wherein the size can be adjusted for kids, adults and even pets.
Beginners can also try out easy crochet patterns like a kitchen mat or even a poncho. Coasters, round or square, also make great projects for beginners as well as miniature purses that can be given away as gifts. Hats are another easy crochet pattern that make ideal gifts also.
Resources for Easy Crochet Patterns
There are numerous resources that can provide easy crochet patterns for beginners and even advanced crochet enthusiasts. Various craft books that are dedicated to crochet offer a variety of crochet patterns that range from the basic to the complex. Although craft books provide a comprehensive guide for beginners and skilled crocheters it often quite too bulky to lug around. At the same time leafing through numerous pages takes too much.
Assorted craft magazines are sold in large quantities at bookstores everywhere. There are craft magazine dedicated to crocheting. Most of the time, these magazines feature easy crochet patterns that are meant for beginners and even accomplished crocheters. Expert crocheters who have been doing crocheting for a long, long time design the patterns often printed in craft magazines.
The Internet is perhaps the fastest and most practical resource for crochet enthusiasts when it comes to crochet patterns. There are countless websites on the Internet that feature crafts like crochet. These sites offer a wide range of services and benefits that every crocheter will surely benefit from.
In most cases, websites that offer free crochet patterns may require membership before downloading any pattern from their site. However visitors that do signup for the website membership become entitled to other parts of the site as well as freebies offered. Online forums and chat rooms are open to members wherein information exchange is done between amateurs and experts.
Other times websites may offer e-books that charge a small fee before downloading. These e-books contain a compilation of crochet patterns that vary in design and degree of difficulty. A simple search on the Internet will immediately generate thousands of website hits for easy crochet patterns.
Go online today to find an easy crochet pattern to help past the time and learn a valuable craft at the same time.
Thanks to John Austwick for the info! http://www.crochet.officiallifestyle.info
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The People In My Etsy Neighborhood
Interview Time with Heather!
Q. What is your favorite medium to work with and why?
A. Paint because it brings anything to life and makes reality even seem surreal at the same time.
Q. Name just one favorite...
Band: My Chemical Romance
Food: does Dr. Pepper count? I use it to bake and drink, so it should!
Color: black/red
Q. What is the best experience or the best aspect of being a seller on etsy?
A. You just meet so many wonderful people that are real yet it is the best online marketplace where you can buy and sell items that are handmade, as well as vintage goods and crafting supplies. Nothing can beat Etsy!
Check out her shop!
Q. What is your favorite medium to work with and why?
A. Paint because it brings anything to life and makes reality even seem surreal at the same time.
Q. Name just one favorite...
Band: My Chemical Romance
Food: does Dr. Pepper count? I use it to bake and drink, so it should!
Color: black/red
Q. What is the best experience or the best aspect of being a seller on etsy?
A. You just meet so many wonderful people that are real yet it is the best online marketplace where you can buy and sell items that are handmade, as well as vintage goods and crafting supplies. Nothing can beat Etsy!
Check out her shop!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tips and Tricks That You Should Know About Google Adsense
Google Adsense is a way of presenting web site advertisements in order to bring in revenue to the site, even if the web master doesn't sell the product.
Content
Google Adsense depends upon the content of the material in the web sites to be the key advertising selling point. The content brings people to the site to get information or to have questions answered. The rich content created by skillful and informative use of keywords about the subject at hand is what makes people stay at the web site and become clients or customers. The indexing and ranking of the pages contained in the web site is what allows viewers to discover what they will find when they go there. The more skillfully presented information that is available, the more opportunity to market the product or service.
Layout
Studies have been done about the best way to layout the Google Adsense ads. You can find information about which colors to use, whether or not to use borders on the ads, what shape the ads should be, whether the ads should be incorporated into the textual content of the ads and various other factors that make your Adsense ads noticeable yet not overwhelming. Every aspect of the layout is studied and confirmed by trial and error. In addition, certain types of layout styles will work well for one audience and may fail dismally when used for another targeted audience.
Location
Two main types of Google Adsense ads are often found on web sites. First is the text box where the ad is set apart from the content of the page by a border, white space, text size or color. Another type of location is that of blended ads. In this instance, the ad is blended into the text so that it becomes part of the content, yet the viewer can still click on the link and be taken to further information on the product in question. Since the English speaking world reads from left to right and from top to bottom, it makes sense to place your ads in the upper left quadrant of the web page rather than in the lower left.
Colors
Using colors in your Google Adsense ads that either blend with or contrast with the general theme of your web page can make a significant difference in your click through rate. Much will depend on the theme of your web site, but better success is usually found by using colors that blend with the tone of your overall page. The best way to be sure is to test your presentation for several days and look at the statistics that result.
Keywords
With Google Adsense programs, the foremost thing to remember is that the site should not be created just for the purpose of collecting Adsense revenue. Use a web site dedicated to the idea of providing information about a subject that interests you and then add the advertisements that provide additional revenue. To do otherwise will reflect poorly on both the website and on Google and you generally will not be allowed to continue receiving revenue from Google with such an approach. Take the time to research the top selling keywords and use them in your own field for maximum profits.
About the author:- Rahul.S.Kashyap
www.youradsenseprofits.com
www.infozabout.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Content
Google Adsense depends upon the content of the material in the web sites to be the key advertising selling point. The content brings people to the site to get information or to have questions answered. The rich content created by skillful and informative use of keywords about the subject at hand is what makes people stay at the web site and become clients or customers. The indexing and ranking of the pages contained in the web site is what allows viewers to discover what they will find when they go there. The more skillfully presented information that is available, the more opportunity to market the product or service.
Layout
Studies have been done about the best way to layout the Google Adsense ads. You can find information about which colors to use, whether or not to use borders on the ads, what shape the ads should be, whether the ads should be incorporated into the textual content of the ads and various other factors that make your Adsense ads noticeable yet not overwhelming. Every aspect of the layout is studied and confirmed by trial and error. In addition, certain types of layout styles will work well for one audience and may fail dismally when used for another targeted audience.
Location
Two main types of Google Adsense ads are often found on web sites. First is the text box where the ad is set apart from the content of the page by a border, white space, text size or color. Another type of location is that of blended ads. In this instance, the ad is blended into the text so that it becomes part of the content, yet the viewer can still click on the link and be taken to further information on the product in question. Since the English speaking world reads from left to right and from top to bottom, it makes sense to place your ads in the upper left quadrant of the web page rather than in the lower left.
Colors
Using colors in your Google Adsense ads that either blend with or contrast with the general theme of your web page can make a significant difference in your click through rate. Much will depend on the theme of your web site, but better success is usually found by using colors that blend with the tone of your overall page. The best way to be sure is to test your presentation for several days and look at the statistics that result.
Keywords
With Google Adsense programs, the foremost thing to remember is that the site should not be created just for the purpose of collecting Adsense revenue. Use a web site dedicated to the idea of providing information about a subject that interests you and then add the advertisements that provide additional revenue. To do otherwise will reflect poorly on both the website and on Google and you generally will not be allowed to continue receiving revenue from Google with such an approach. Take the time to research the top selling keywords and use them in your own field for maximum profits.
About the author:- Rahul.S.Kashyap
www.youradsenseprofits.com
www.infozabout.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Monday, October 13, 2008
SERIOUS crafting!
This is from our recent Lincoln Handmade meeting! They are SO much fun to go to. Today we were working on banners to display when we do craft shows together. Everyone is so creative and I got some great ideas for other craft projects while I was there. I wish we could meet every week!
See more photos @ Lincoln Handmade Flickr Group!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
What's Involved In Starting A Small Business?
Last night I started a three day course on starting a small business. The class is intended to be an overview of what a person may be getting themselves into. We had two speakers last night, one on "The Business Plan" and one on "Marketing". I thought I would share my notes as I take the class in order to help others who are interested in starting or improving their small business.
The Business Plan: "Businesses don't plan to fail--they fail to plan."
The first speaker discussed the importance of creating a business plan for yourself. He stressed you should be honest in it and fill it full of information that YOU, as the business owner, should know. He covered the "4 Ps" of the plan, which are: Product, Place, Pricing and Promotion. He said a great business plan will lead to sound business structure, produces a marketing plan, clarifies financial needs and serves as a communication tool. In summary, he compared the plan to a roadmap, it will help you get from point A to point B. It must be accurate, and after you write it, you must USE it. Also, for more help (and free business related templates, including a business plan) he directed us to SCORE, a great and FREE resource for small businesses.
Marketing: Honestly, I didn't get much from this presenter, she wasn't terribly organized. I feel like I've gotten TONS more great marketing tips from the Etsy Forums. The presenter mainly said to do market research, primary (interviews, surveys, focus groups) and secondary (demographics type stuff). She also said to check out your competition and to hire a professional to help with your branding and choice of advertising mediums. As I said, the etsy forums gave me more gems than I got from her presentation!
The Business Plan: "Businesses don't plan to fail--they fail to plan."
The first speaker discussed the importance of creating a business plan for yourself. He stressed you should be honest in it and fill it full of information that YOU, as the business owner, should know. He covered the "4 Ps" of the plan, which are: Product, Place, Pricing and Promotion. He said a great business plan will lead to sound business structure, produces a marketing plan, clarifies financial needs and serves as a communication tool. In summary, he compared the plan to a roadmap, it will help you get from point A to point B. It must be accurate, and after you write it, you must USE it. Also, for more help (and free business related templates, including a business plan) he directed us to SCORE, a great and FREE resource for small businesses.
Marketing: Honestly, I didn't get much from this presenter, she wasn't terribly organized. I feel like I've gotten TONS more great marketing tips from the Etsy Forums. The presenter mainly said to do market research, primary (interviews, surveys, focus groups) and secondary (demographics type stuff). She also said to check out your competition and to hire a professional to help with your branding and choice of advertising mediums. As I said, the etsy forums gave me more gems than I got from her presentation!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Cookies and Sawing
Read on about LynetteFast!
1. I see from your shop that you work with a variety of mediums/techniques. What is your favorite and why?
For some reason, sometimes I like to saw. I think it takes my frustrations away. My favorite work it to find really nice stones and use them. It's fun to see the potential in a stone and then make that beauty happen for people to wear. I've always enjoyed seeing the potential in things, even my students at school.
2. What is your favorite dish to cook at home? If you use a recipe, share it!
Now that my every waking extra minute is spent teaching or making jewelry, it's probably Pillsbury cookie dough. Luckily, it makes great cookies and I can fool everyone!
3. What are your goals for your etsy shop and what are some of the main ways you are working to acheive them?
My ETSY shop has become my online connection. I had a website for a couple of years, out there in cyberspace all by myself. It is so much fun to be included with other people who think like me. I like it for the connections it forms. I continue to make connections. I've joined a few ETSY social networking venues called Flickr, LNK Handmade Team, and We Love Etsy to continue making those connections. I'm always open to ideas to traffic more people to my website.
1. I see from your shop that you work with a variety of mediums/techniques. What is your favorite and why?
For some reason, sometimes I like to saw. I think it takes my frustrations away. My favorite work it to find really nice stones and use them. It's fun to see the potential in a stone and then make that beauty happen for people to wear. I've always enjoyed seeing the potential in things, even my students at school.
2. What is your favorite dish to cook at home? If you use a recipe, share it!
Now that my every waking extra minute is spent teaching or making jewelry, it's probably Pillsbury cookie dough. Luckily, it makes great cookies and I can fool everyone!
3. What are your goals for your etsy shop and what are some of the main ways you are working to acheive them?
My ETSY shop has become my online connection. I had a website for a couple of years, out there in cyberspace all by myself. It is so much fun to be included with other people who think like me. I like it for the connections it forms. I continue to make connections. I've joined a few ETSY social networking venues called Flickr, LNK Handmade Team, and We Love Etsy to continue making those connections. I'm always open to ideas to traffic more people to my website.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Nervous
Okay, I admit it, I'm super nervous for the Huskers today. After last week's lost I just feel totally deflated. Missouri (Misery) is going to be harder that VT was, and if we lost against an easier team...
I know, upsets are possible, Misery hasn't won at Nebraska since like '75, on and on. I just want us to win SOOOO bad. Please Huskers... please...
Go Big Red!
I know, upsets are possible, Misery hasn't won at Nebraska since like '75, on and on. I just want us to win SOOOO bad. Please Huskers... please...
Go Big Red!
Friday, October 3, 2008
HAWT INTERVIEW
A fun interview trade with loveoneworldzero!
1. You sell a wide variety of things- what do you sell the most of, and does that surprise you?
Yes, a whole ton of variety going on in the shop! Our hot item this year are the Knit or Die bags. In a way that surprises me, I know that knitting is very popular but who knew that there are so many punky knitters in the world!
2. How did you come up with the name for your shop?
Love One World Zero is myself (Reneighborhood) and 100FACE, we have been a couple for 8 years and for the longest time it seemed that people disagreed with our relationship and our dreams so much... we are dreamers, what can I say? Hence the point system.. Love 1 :: World 0.
3. Who are your favorite three musical bands?
Ooohh, the toughie! Many of my musical favorites are based on specific albums but my favorite artists as of today
in no particular order are: The Faces, Daniel Johnston, and Joy Division... aw, Roky Erickson too! I know I broke the rules!
1. You sell a wide variety of things- what do you sell the most of, and does that surprise you?
Yes, a whole ton of variety going on in the shop! Our hot item this year are the Knit or Die bags. In a way that surprises me, I know that knitting is very popular but who knew that there are so many punky knitters in the world!
2. How did you come up with the name for your shop?
Love One World Zero is myself (Reneighborhood) and 100FACE, we have been a couple for 8 years and for the longest time it seemed that people disagreed with our relationship and our dreams so much... we are dreamers, what can I say? Hence the point system.. Love 1 :: World 0.
3. Who are your favorite three musical bands?
Ooohh, the toughie! Many of my musical favorites are based on specific albums but my favorite artists as of today
in no particular order are: The Faces, Daniel Johnston, and Joy Division... aw, Roky Erickson too! I know I broke the rules!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Guessing this would be AWESOME!
I favorited this photo awhile back on flickr because it looked like such a GREAT idea! I'm guessing that's cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzerella balls and basil leaves on a stick... First of all, I'm sure you're aware that combination tastes great- but how beautiful to put it on a skewer and serve it as an hors d'oeuvre! I don't know what the dipping sauce is, but if I were making it, I'd do some kind of sweet vinegar type blend.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Face it, I'm Whimsical
In my head are dreams of sophisticated felted jewelry, expensive crocheted necklettes in muted tones, luxe toys for rich children... My title font is fancy, my colors are cutting edge in a modern tone on tone way...
But no, I just can't acheive that because I don't think that way in real life. When I'm crafting something, I reach for the glittery purple yarn, not the cream merino wool yarn. When my crochet hook weaves in and out, it makes a jellyfish of four crazy colors, not an organic bamboo yarn scarf.
Harumph! Face it, I'm whimiscal. And I guess that's okay, because that's me, and that's what I enjoy making.
But no, I just can't acheive that because I don't think that way in real life. When I'm crafting something, I reach for the glittery purple yarn, not the cream merino wool yarn. When my crochet hook weaves in and out, it makes a jellyfish of four crazy colors, not an organic bamboo yarn scarf.
Harumph! Face it, I'm whimiscal. And I guess that's okay, because that's me, and that's what I enjoy making.
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