Etsy Finds: Star Buttons

Etsy is perhaps the online resource for unique beads, buttons and baubles. I may be a little star crazy, but I cannot resist these cheerful yellow buttons! Projects from cuffs and cozies to totes and tees would benefit from such crafty embellishments.

Tiny Star Buttons by Forbeadin' Treasures

Cute Star Buttons by snovej

Shooting Star Buttons by cozzymom

An Unexpected Gift

Sometimes gifts are given just when we need them. I have had a tough couple of days due to a work-induced panic attack. Yesterday a coworker whom I rarely work with surprised me with a gift: vintage knitting needles. 

When she handed me the plastic bag, I could tell there were quite a few inside. I love vintage craft supplies so I was pleased to find over thirty pairs of needles.

My coworker could have made money selling them, but instead she gave me them to me without asking for anything in return. 

Needless to say the gift was unexpected, and it helped me keep my mind off of my anxiety. 

Etsy Finds: Recycled Glass Beads

Like many people, I like to "take long walks on the beach." I explore the shoreline; the treasures I seek are stones and smooth glass, also known as sea glass. 

These recycled glass beads remind me of a slight breeze and waves at my feet.

Recycled Glass Beads by LadyLuxeDesigns

African Green Beads by susanclare

Red Krobo Beads by SoulofSomanya

Cobalt Glass Beads by Jill McCrystal Gems Etc

New Yarn for the New Year

I risked the snowy roads to go thrifting and yarn shopping in Charlotte. The treasures I found (and the slippery trip) will be covered in another post. This post is to drool over yarn.

Since I was already on the road, I stopped in Yarn Garden to splurge on yummy yarn. The new year is a good excuse to make yourself something (for a change).

I bought Punta Yarns "Montoya Beach Marled", Berroco "Ultra Alpaca Fine" and Cascade Yarns "Eco Duo". I think I'll knit a kerchief with the Ultra Alpaca Fine. A cowl (or hat) would be divine in the Eco Duo. I'm open to suggestions for the Montoya Beach Marled; it's 100 percent linen.

The poor photo quality is due to using my phone in dim lighting. I cannot wait to blog about my thrifty finds!

Thoughts on Etsy Showcase

As I previously posted, I bought an Etsy Showcase to display my items for twenty-four hours.

With Eyes Lifted is not a supply shop per se. My shop mostly has jewelry and accessories at the moment, but I do carry supplies. I felt my supplies had a nice selection, the best pictures and a decent price range. Therefore, I chose to showcase my supplies. 

I did not have a single sale. One person favorited an item, but no one favorited my shop. It did generate some traffic, but only minimal. But I would, and will, do it again. It did not do much this time, but I believe combine showcasing with other avenues of advertisement will help With Eyes Lifted become a success. I can try buying space on other blogs such as IndieFixx (and perhaps sell space on my own), buy ad space in magazines such as VenusZine, Bust and Craft/Make and utilize flickr.  I think I may try showcasing each month in a different category as funds allow. Perhaps even every other month.  

So yes, I believe showcasing is worth the time and money; I just need to work hard and believe my shop is worth it.

Etsy Showcase

I have finally done it. I bought a Showcase from Etsy for 25 July 2008.

Etsy showcases are a place for sellers to promote their shops. The seller chooses a category to submit their item. I chose the Supplies Showcase, oddly enough. The sellers top five items are showcased for twenty-four hours, drawing attention to their showcase and, hopefully, their shop. 

Brilliant idea. I hope it works in practice. 

I also listed a few new items. You can see them at my etsy, With Eyes Lifted.