The End of the Treasury

The End of the Treasury

And in the End – My Final Treasury.

On September 21, Etsy Admin sent out this Memo

“We wanted to let you know that as of October 5, members will no longer be able to create new Treasuries or edit existing ones.

Throughout the years, our community has curated Treasuries that have showcased the diversity of the Etsy marketplace while encouraging and collaborating with other sellers. However, our data shows that few buyers view Treasuries, and even fewer purchase from them. Based, in part, on this information, we are removing this feature. Read more about this in the Site Update.”

I do think Etsy should have done some research with Etsy Seller’s as to their view of doing Treasury’s. They mention they based their decision on the fact that “few Buyer’s” were not interested in viewing Treasury’s; yet I found in one of the discussions a Buyer who mentioned they made many purchases from items they found while going through various Treasury’s. 

Goodbye Baby and Amen!  Treasury

As I was looking through the Forums to see other Seller’s reactions to Etsy’s comment that as of October 5 – there will be not more Treasury’s; I came across this comment from Irina, whose Shop is:  www.etsy.com/shop/AnyoJewelry.

“Many will miss treasuries and I am one of them. Treasuries were the way to find original true handmade artists, which were not on the first pages in search. Today if I want to buy something that is handmade, I have to go through pages and pages of manufactured/mass produced things and just give up.”

Since I started on Etsy in 2007, Treasury’s were such an important part of promoting!  I don’t know how many you remember when there were only 333 Treasury spots.  One would have to wait for an existing Treasury to expire, and a space would open.  I can’t tell you how many nights I was up to 1 – 2 am waiting for that one spot as Etsy would give a count down by hours and minutes of when a spot may open.  Unfortunately, half of the other Sellers’ on Etsy were sitting there also waiting for that spot. So even if you may have missed getting that one Spot, it brought on so much anticipation and excitement as to what was to come.

Looking back in my Treasury Archives – I came across one of my first Treasury’s:

We Are All Artists – 5.18.08

Since that time, of the many Treasury’s I have done, I have not only come across so many new Shops I might not have seen before, but have made many friends through posting their items on one of my Treasury’s, or being featured in one of theirs. 

So now that we have come to the end of an “Etsy Era”; we are left to the option of Promoting ourselves, and Team Members.  I am one who “never says never” – I hope to start doing my own version of Treasury’s on my Blog promoting not only Team Member’s, but bringing to light many other “handmade only” Sellers to your attention!

See you all then!!!!

 "Improve your Shop on Etsy"


The Importance of Taking Great Pictures

One of the first things I learned when I joined Etsy, was the importance of how people view your Shop. I am not talking about how many "views" a certain item receives. I know many people value those "views"; but it is how you present your items that can make a big difference regarding the views and sales within your Shop. I took this picture of Roses from Easter, this is an example of when adjusting lighting and cropping your picture makes a big difference in your shot. Hopefully by the time you read this article, you will be very knowledgeable in working with your camera!

   

Of course we all learn from experience, or from "a little help from our friends". When I think back about my early days on Etsy, and how I had set up my Shop, and my early Shop photos; I don’t think I would even recognize what I call "my first phase" of life on Etsy. One of the first and most important thing I learned, was the importance of photographing my jewelry.

Through this article I hope to be able to offer some helpful suggestions, as well as sharing a few of my experiences along the way. Learning to take great photos is one of the most important thing you can do to improve your Etsy Shop. Unlike someone walking into a store and seeing a certain item; being able to pick it up, try it on, etc., this is an option not available to an Etsy Seller. A great photo the first thing a person will see when browsing through your Shop. So how we communicate to potential customers is through our photos. Through a great photo, one will be able to see an item’s beauty and importance qualities that you wish to portray.


As I mentioned previously, it was through a little "help from my friends", I will share my own experience as a "newbie" to photographing my work. Since I primarily use Swarovski Crystals in my work, I thought of how a good jeweler shows a certain item; placing it on a piece of black velvet. To me it always seemed to enhance the brilliance of the stones or crystals. So yes, all my work was photographed on black velvet. Thankfully, a Shop owner that I became friendly with early on, who not only has the most beautiful jewelry, but are true "artisans" as they make their own metals for their work. Ev, Ilan and Odad, https://www.etsy.com/shop/artisanimpact, told me that using a white background would truly enhance the colors and brilliance of my jewelry. They even re-photographed a few pieces for me, which they used in their Worldwide Catalogue. I was truly amazed at the difference of how my work seemed to "pop" off the page, to capture the eye of someone viewing my Shop. I have never forgotten their reaching out with their suggestions to inspire me to in turn always help others on Etsy in any way I can. As you can see from these few photos, my original shots, compared to my photo’s now using a white background, really help to enhance their beauty.

Necklace using a White Background

Picture of Necklace on a Black Background

                              





Regarding background, try to keep it as simple as possible. Don’t let it distract from what you are selling. Often I see an item getting lost on a too busy background. I realize using a white background does not work in some cases. For example if you are photographing a pair of White Pearls, a darker background would be necessary. Many craft stores now have great "scrapbooking" paper which can enhance a certain item. If you are photographing an antique piece of Jewelry or Vintage item, using a Vintage looking paper, would be a good asset to your item. I think you get the idea! Keep things as simple as possible. This beautiful Pearl Bracelet from the Shop of GemsandPearlsKC is an example of using White on White. Using the cream colored background helps to enhance the "white" of the Pearls.   this is also example of when using the EV feature on your camera. I adjusted the brightness and contrast features in Photoshop, and cropped the card, which brings it more to the front, and would be more attractive to the viewer.

PrinceDesignsuk - Ceramic Angel Ornaments - perfect example of White on Darker Background
https://www.etsy.com/people/PrinceDesignUK


https://www.etsy.com/listing/120319369/womens-earrings-beaded-putty-gray?
example of  too light background for clear earrings.- SevenGypsiesJewelry

                                                                      GemsandPearlsKC White Pearl Bracelet


Now you are almost ready to take that important shot. Lighting is the main key to your perfect picture. When possible, take your photos using natural light. This means taking your pictures outside. Since we live in various places around the World, the timing of our "great shot" depends on the position of the Sun, this is important, so as not to get shadows in your photo. For myself, I know my time span is between 2 – 3pm, as I get full sun in the afternoon at that time. I am sure you are probably thinking that you can get the same effect by using the flash on your camera. Using a flash, will wash out the exact effect you may be trying to capture in your photo. If taking outside pictures is definitely not an option for you, try using a "Light Box". You can "google" many ways to make a light box. Two perfect examples of great lighting, background, and cropping is this Flourite Pendant/Necklace from the Shop of  RivendellRockJewelry; and this Amethyst Quilting Tool from the Shop of TJBDesigns, both Member of our STATTeam.

RivendellRockJewelry.  Flouroite Pendant w Gemstones Necklace

TJBDesigns  Amethyst Quilting Tool

Since we unfortunately do not have Aston Kutcher to run around taking our photos, get to know your camera and its many features. For a clear, concise close-up shot, use your "macro" setting, this feature helps define the fine features of your item. Also learn to use the EV balance on your camera, which will enhance the lighting effect for your photo. After many years I am still continuing testing various shots changing the EV levels on various shots. I usually take at least 10 shots per item. Something I truly recommend. You may think that now you have the perfect light, background, EV levels set, only to find when uploading your photos to your computer, that one or two may be out of focus, the lighting (although looking perfect when shooting) may be a little off. So delete those photos of your item that you feel do not do your piece justice. Then save the photos you think look best.

Done??? Not quite yet! Your next step is "cropping". Using the editing features on your computer, once you feel you have your lighting perfect, you next need to CROP your photo. To me is one of the most important features in your key to helping your product stand out. When editing your photos, crop them the way you want them to appear in a square; this is how they will appear in your shop　Crop your imagine by directly focusing on the image with as little background as possible, which is also distracting to someone viewing an item in your Shop. Cropping detailed shots of your images is an effective way to show off your product. You are now ready to move your "perfect" photo to your Shop!

                                      SomsStudio Tanzanite Earrings (before/after Cropping)

     
                                




                       GemsandPearlsKC. Crystal Angel Earrings (before /after cropping_

                            

                          RealmStone: Amethyst Pendant Necklace  (before/after cropping)

**I have used a few examples of items from various Shops within our "STATTeam".
  I am not going to mention which shop I choose to use as examples, but will contact the Shop owner individually, and show them the difference of how important it is to get a perfect "shot" of your work. Some had very dark (poor lighting) so I tried to lighten the background as best as possible using the lighting balance offered in whichever Photo program your pictures upload to on your particular computer. I also cropped the item within the photo to enhance the detail of your product. As you can see from the few examples I have chosen, your item is now ready to "pop" off the page in your Etsy Shop and capture that Seller’s eye!



　

　

*I will be more than happy to work with anyone of you, guiding you as you update your Shop with the "perfect photo"!

Stay tuned for more helpful features which will help to enhance your Etsy Shop and Sales.

　

　

Wordless Wednesday

My Terrace Roses

Wordless Wednesday

My Wordless Wednesday

Belle watching Nancy Grace!

Promoting through Social Media

Social Media Sites

Promoting on Etsy

 

When I first started on Etsy 9 years ago, life was completely different.  Doing a Treasury was a sure guarantee that your items were being seen by many others promoting on Etsy.  As with everything, times have changed.  Two years ago Etsy announced that Treasury’s were no longer a good way to Promote your items, indicating that with so many outside sources (Social Media sites) that the only way to promote your Shop and items was through Social Media.  These sites, outside of Etsy, are Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Facebook, Wanelo – just to name a few.  I have found that posting your items on Google+ is the best source for promoting outside of Etsy (I will explain why and the whole process in a bit).

Before you start any promotion on Social Media sites, you first need to make sure all the titles of your items are listed by using “Key Words”.

For those of you not familiar with using Key Words, from experience I can tell you that by changing my titles using the Key Words for a specific item has greatly increased its views on many within my Shops.

SEO, Search Engine, is using best the possible words to describe your Shop and your items, words that a Buyer would use when looking for a specific item.  When retitling your item descriptions, think like a shopper - what words would you use when looking for a specific item or Shop? Keep these Keywords in mind when “Tagging” your item’s listings, helps place your listing in the various “Browse” pages and “Categories” on Etsy, as well as getting founKumihimo Beaded Bracelet Braided Bracelet Ruby Onyx Czech Glass d through Etsy's on-site search function.  I will be glad to help you finding the exact “keywords” and explain in more detail how to retitle a specific item.

Once this is done you are now ready to start promoting your specific items on the various Social Media sites. If you use Pinterest, consider making as many Boards as possible, so when promoting your items or an item from another Shop, then can be easily found in various topics. I have set up a specific Board for each Team I am on – posting my Team’s items on these Boards, then repost them in other sections best describing their item.

Google+, as I mentioned is one of the best Social Media site you can promote items from your Shops, as well as those of your Teammates.  To see what I am referring to, this is my Google+ site - https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PamelaBaker1116.  If you notice you have a home page, as well as a profile page (which only shows items I have promoted) the home page shows items that others you may be connected with have posted items.  When you post an item you will see next to the comments a small circle with a +1 in it.  Make sure you click that +1 – each time someone reclicks that +1 – it moves your item higher up in the Google Search page.  As an example, I have taken one of Natasha’s items (MermaidsWhispers) and posted on my Google+ home page (which shows up on my Profile page also) by posting the URL of the item – right under the URL – *it is important to #hashtag exactly the information in the URL – then #hashtag the Shop’s name.  Once posted I will click +1 and leave a comment.  Each person who goes in clicks +1 on your item – it will move it up in a Google Search – hopefully to p1!

I chose this item from Natasha’s site - https://www.etsy.com/listing/269065517/mason-jar-wedding-sand-ceremony-set   

        Mason Jar Wedding Sand Ceremony Set 

 this is item now posted on my Profile page and Home page – each person who goes in and clicks +1 – helps move your item up to the first page of Google Search.  By using the description of the item “Wedding Sand Ceremony Jar Set” in Google Search – it now shows up on p.1 of Google Search.  You can do this as often as you like for your items or a particular item you wish to Promote!!! 

I will continue each week to explain more of other Social Media sites, such as Wanelo, Twitter, my Promotional Blog site, etc.

Please feel free to contact me via convo if through this Blog to ask any questions you may have.  Hope this helps. 

A Day in the Life

MANOR PARK

Often we have those days when you just want to sit, relax, dream, read, write, escape from cells phones, computers, etc. also known as “alone time”.  My favorite place to go is Manor Park, in Larchmont, NY. 

Dating back to 1892, Manor Park is situated along the Long Island Sound.  Sitting on the rocks over the water, one can look across the Sound and see the outline of Long Island; looking to the right, you see the outline of lower Manhattan

.

As it is the quietest, but most beautiful place you can image, it is no wonder I have spent many years coming here to just sit here to daydream.  Often I climb down the cliff of rocks where the whole world disappears except the beauty in front of you.

These are a few pictures I have taken at Manor Park, where you can see and even feel the peacefulness of this hidden Park along the water.

This picture was taken of just a few of the many sailboats one can sit and be mesmerized by as they quietly float by.  If you look past the sailboats you can see the outline of Long Island in the shadows.

This is one of the many spots I like to curl up in the rocks and read or write in my journal.

friends

 

Me enjoying the peacefulness

My friend Susan

This is one of the many spots I like to curl up in along the rocks and read or write in my journal.

Manor Park is approximately 1 mi long, where one can walk along the pathway.  I took this picture last Spring as the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom, just one of the many beautiful scenes along the way.

Cherry Blossoms in Manor Park

Memorial Day Tribute

"In Flander's Fields"

A Memorial Day Tribute

Poppy Watercolor by "YankeeGirlArt"

“In Flander’s Fields” is a poem dedicated to the many fallen Soldier’s during World War I.  The symbol of the “Poppy Flower” refers to the abundance of Poppy's that grew in "Flander's Fields", which is a cemetery used during World War I.   

"We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie 
In Flander's Fields."
     

     .....an excerpt from the Poem "In Flander's Fields

I had always wondered why when growing up I always saw Vet's wearing a Poppy flower in their lapel's on Veteran's Day, celebrated on November 11.  Many times I have received a Poppy Flower from one of these Vet's, never knowing the symbolism of it's true meaning.  I have always loved the vibrant color of the Poppy Flower, but now I have a different respect of the flower when I see a "Field of Poppy's".

'In Flander's Fields - A Memorial Day Tribute' by MagdaleneJewels