Whew! What a holiday season!

My first year selling on Etsy I was thrilled and surprised to have some extra money to put toward my Christmas shopping list. When the second year came along, I had a lofty goal that I would sell enough on Etsy to completely cover my list, and I did! This year, I hoped to do that again.

My Etsy sales set records in both November and December and for the first time ever actually exceeded our entire gift budget! We don’t go crazy with the gift buying, but it still adds-up fast and I was so happy to be able to cover it all with Etsy sales.

Yet I’m glad the New Year is here! I’m ready to start tweaking my systems and improving how I sell online.

And what I sell online!

The first of the year is an excellent time to take a hard look at what you offer to your customers. I say a “hard look” because some of those things need to go away and it’s up to you to be the ruthless bean-counter and pass-out some pink slips!

If you take a look at what you make and what you sell you’re bound to see that some of your items clearly outperform others. This is a perfect time to get a clear picture of what products you should focus on in the coming months.

Things to look at:

• Which items sell the best?
• Which items require the least effort to make, package, or ship?
• Which items have the lowest raw material costs?
• Which items have the highest sale price and profit margin?

If you want to build your business this year, focus on the top products and drop the bottom 20% or so from your store. Don’t think about them, don’t pay to list them, don’t try to market them. Forget them and focus on what’s really working best.

If you go through this periodically, maybe twice a year, you’ll focus your valuable time, effort, and money on the right things and your Etsy business will be better in 2012!

Best wishes for a prosperous new year!

~Kim

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I can’t handle the crowds at the mall this week, so I’m planning on making a few gifts for the people left on my list.  Target felt like a war zone today and I don’t want to go back.  Handmade gifts are really the best way to go! 

Here are enough ideas to make anyone on your list squeal with delight when they open their gift from you.

All of these gift ideas have easy to follow tutorials so anyone can create something fabulous in no time!

Try a printable from this list and frame it…

101 Pretty Printables!!!!

This list has a gift idea for everyone and I do mean EVERYONE…

101 Simple Handmade Gifts!

What about something for those guys on your list??  Check this out…

25 DIY Gifts for Men!

Recycle and turn your trash into awesome gifts with these cool {and green} tutorials…

101 Green Handmade Gifts!!!

Need a quick gift??  No problem!  This list will help you make some fabulous holiday ornaments to share with all your friends and family.

101 Handmade Ornaments!

I told you I had some ideas for you!  Now go ahead and skip the stores and make a few gifts before Christmas.  Create some sweet handmade gifts and really let people know how much you care.

I’ve made lots of felt ornaments already and now I’m planning to sew a bit.  Sewing is not my thing, so wish me luck…ha!

Have you already made some gifts this year?

~Kim

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The Internet has been likened to a gold rush and it’s really not a bad analogy. The truth is, there are thousands of ways to make money online. Some are better than others and there are lots of people trying to hit the mother lode.

The truth is that the majority of successful Gold Rush prospectors didn’t hit giant deposits of gold. They found a decent spot, made their claim, and worked hard. On the flip side of this shiny gold coin are the many prospectors who actually found gold but eventually failed anyway. Why?

For a great many of them, it was because they tried to prospect in too many places at once. The mountains and deserts were full of great spots and even though they were onto gold, the idea that their might be more just around the next bend in the river was too tempting.

They ended-up wearing themselves out starting mines, getting a little gold, and impatiently moving on.

Stake Your Claim and Work Hard

Selling online really is a gold rush. The opportunity is so real and so big that it’s not easy to mentally grasp for little people like me. But it’s real nonetheless.

And just like in the Old West, you can see the next great spot from where you’re working now. And you might worry that someone else is going to get there first and “steal your idea”. But if all you do is start mines, you won’t ever get to the next level where things really start to flow.

If you’ve already found gold, then you know it’s there. If you focus on the thing you’re already doing you can get better at seeing where it comes from and learning how to get more of it in your pan.

——–

Have you experienced this prospector dilemma yet? Ever had a hard time staying focused because of a new idea? I’d love to hear your story in the comments?

~ Kim

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Everyone loves to receive pretty packages!  Wrapping with style doesn’t have to cost much and it’s a great way to tell someone you care.  Oh, and don’t pretty gifts under the tree look stunning??  Love that!

This is the first year I’ve thought about printing wrapping paper.  Check out this printable gift wrap  from Creature Comforts.  It’s adorable!

For simply pretty gift wrapping you’ll love these printable gift wrap sheets and tags at Domesticfluff.  Great designs!!!

You can’t go wrong with a sparkling monogram!  To get the exact letters you can use this monogram template.  Fancy!

I found these inspiring gift wrap ideas at Style Me Pretty.  If I get a gift that looks like one of these I’ll need to stop and take a photo before opening it…Ha!

Simple and sweet button gift wrap by Martha Stewart…so fun!

Who knew a simple brown bag could turn into fabulous Christmas gift bags?!  Her Creative Spirit is full of inspiring ideas to try this year.

Ever think about using a jump rope to wrap a child’s gift?  I’m sure it would be a big hit.

Let you package shine with amazing gift toppers!  They’re quick and add easy…that’s my kind of wrapping.

This beautiful flower is so creative!  What an cool way to recycle!

These shabby fabric roses make this gift look like a million bucks…pretty!

There’s a ton of holiday gift wrapping ideas at Design Aglow to keep you wrapping in style.  I seriously love them all!!!

Handmade ornaments {list of 101 tutorials} are always great gift toppers! 

Now you have no excuse for wrapping you presents like 98% of people do…you’re crafty and creative!!!

Do you have a favorite way of wrapping gifts? 

~Kim

You might enjoy these posts…

• 101 Green Handmade Gifts
• 101 Simple Handmade Gifts
• 25 Gifts for Men {Tutorials}

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Get in the spirit of the season with a bit of handmade “Winter Wonderland” goodness!  It’s the time of year when I dream of snowflakes and hot cocoa.  I KNOW I’m dreaming when I start in with snowflakes because I live in Florida. Ha!

Enjoy these beautiful wintery Etsy finds…

{Skyejuice}

{The Gingham Owl}

{Sunbasilgarden}

{Cotton Ridge Emporium}

{Dorta Jewelry}

Etsy rocks! 

I hope you‘re all enjoying the holiday season!  Have a great weekend!

~Kim

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Bundle up!

No, I don’t mean put on a sweater.  I mean bundle up your items to sell!  You see it all the time in the stores and fast food restaurants.  Everyone loves a great deal, so offer your customers a great deal by bundles!  It may help increase your sales at the same time…that’s a winning combination!

Here’s a few ideas to get you started…

• There’s always the buyers that are looking for a great value.  You can attract them by including one free item or a slight discount if they purchase the bundle.
• You can help the gift buyer customer by providing coordinating items to make their shopping easier.  Keeping it simple can give them that extra nudge to purchase right now.
• Package your bundle like a gift.  Pretty packaging can tip the scales when they’re shopping around.  You save them time…that’s always a good thing.
• Use the right words in your description, title, tags and other promotions.  {Try gift set, collection, bundle or package deal.}

I like selling gift sets because it saves me so much time on shipping.  Try it out and see what you think.  With the holidays coming, you’ll want to be ready for all those shoppers.

Do you sell in bundles?  Any tips you’d like to add?

~Kim

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Wool felt is one of my all-time favorite things to play around with when I’m in a creative mood.  The holiday spirit is starting to kick in around here and this is what I was working on over the weekend…felt Christmas trees!

Don’t you love the colors?!  It doesn’t all have to be red, green or white.  These are going to become sweet little handmade ornament to add to the top of some packages.  I’ll share some photos when I’m done.

Would you like one?  I’d love to share some with you!  If you would like to exchange a Christmas ornament just leave a comment.

I’ll pick 5 comments and we’ll trade a little handmade holiday cheer!

**To keep it simple I’ll exchange an ornament with the first 5 comments.

~Kim

You can find these beautiful colors of wool felt in my shop…KimberlyLayton.com!

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These crafty green gift tutorials are going to make you recycle, reuse, upcycle or repurpose like never before…you’ll see.  Whatever you want to call it, going green is the way to go!

There’s a little something for everyone and I know you are going to find the perfect gift for your neighbor, brother, mother, sister…you get my drift…there are 101 tutorials here, people!!!!  They’re not just ideas and pretty photos, but these links will lead you on the path to creating fabulous green gifts that are simple and require minimal supplies.

You might need to grab a few extra recycling bins, but it’s worth it!  If you’re looking for Green Home Decor Tutorials, don’t miss the end of the post!

1. Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub – Under the Table and Dreaming
2. Paint Sample Coasters – The Crafty CPA
3. Sweater Pillows – Centsational Girl
4. Grocery Bag Wallet – EcoKaren
5. Yarn Scrap Bowl – About Crochet
6. Bottle Cap Serving Tray – Sweet Something Beautiful
7. Wool Felt Magnets – Everything Etsy
8. Dictionary Art – Brooklyn Limestone
9. Shrinky Dink Jewelry – Just Something I Made
10. Candy Wrapper Patchwork Belt – Lil Blue Boo
11. Repurposed Book Sewing Kit – STC Craft
12. Recycled Magazine Jewelry – CraftStylish
13. Newspaper Basket – How About Orange
14. Felted Soap – Rhythm of the Home
15. T-Shirt Pillow – Ruffles and Stuff
16. Beeswax Candles – Kanelstrand
17. Recycled Bottle Birdfeeder – Centsational Girl
18. Handmade Books – Pioneer Woman
19. Coiled Magazine Coasters – Saved By Love Creations
20. Menswear Stuffed Bunny – Martha Stewart
21. Picture Frame Serving Tray – Better Homes and Gardens
22. Wine Cork Basket – Chica and Jo
23. Sweet Heart Sugar Cubes – Craft Passion
24. Beeswax Candles {hand dipped} – FIMBY
25. Shell Frame – Everything Etsy
26. Book Safe – All Free Crafts
27. Soda Can Bracelet – The Greenest Dollar
28. Chalkboard Planter Pots – Design Sponge
29. Recycled Notebooks – Martha Stewart
30. Acorn Bird Feeder – Design Sponge
31. Green Terrarium – Inhabitat
32. Wool Dryer Balls – Good Mama
33. Coiled Paper Basket – Esprit Cabane
34. T-Shirt Bag – Martha Stewart
35. Custom Notepads – Chica and Jo
36. Herb Soap – Henry Happened
37. Menswear Mouse Toy – Martha Stewart
38. Handmade Paper – Craft Daisies
39. Handmade Goat Soap – Lather and Lotions
40. T-Shirt Yarn – EcoKaren
41. Wine Bottle Candle Holders – Wedding Bee
42. Herbal Fire Starters – WholeLiving
43. Junk Mail Paper Beads – The {NewNew}
44. Book Bead Necklace – The Smallest Forest
45. Phone Book Pen Organizer – Chica and Jo
46. Monogram Button Pillow – Come On, Ileene
47. Recycled Magazine Coasters – Re-Nest
48. License Plate Memo Board – Planet Green
49. Bottle Cap Magnets – Everyday Lovely
50. Tea Soap Tutorial – Cucumbersome
51. T-Shirt Flower – Emily’s Little World
52. Oxford Napkins – WholeLiving
53. Mini Light Fixture Terrarium – Design Dreams Japan
54. Braided T-Shirt Bag – Chichidee Handmade
55. Paint Chip Necklace – Infarrantly Creative
56. Conversation Marshmallows – Come On, Ileene
57. Sheet Music Tray – Centsational Girl
58. Recycled Lunch Bag – Made By Lex
59. Candy Wrapper Pouch – Punkin Patterns
60. Jersey Knit Bracelet – V and Co.
61. Embroidered Portraits – Country Living
62. Woven Rag Rug – Craft Passion
63. Lace Containers – Urban Comfort
64. Lip Balm – Beautylish
65. Wool Felt Bookmarks – Everything Etsy
66. T-Shirt Memory Quilt – EcoKaren
67. Recycled Dog Collar – Keyka Lou Patterns
68. Friendship Puzzle Necklace – Planet Green
69. Cork Trivets – WholeLiving
70. Water Bottle Cookie Packaging – Paper, Plate and Plane
71. Vintage Fork Napkin Rings – Brooklyn Limestone
72. Homemade Dog Treats – Come On, Ileene
73. Felt Ball Cat Toy – Martha Stewart
74. Recycled Grocery Tote – Dana Made It
75. T-Shirt Clutch – Made By Lex
76. Light Bulb Vases – Pizzazzerie
77. Modern Birdfeeder – Life on the Balcony
78. Vinyl Record Bowl – CasaSugar
79. Recycled T-Shirt Dishcloths – Dollar Store Crafts
80. Vintage Sheet Cocktail Napkins – Design Sponge
81. Tree Coasters – Country Living
82. Recycled Gift Card Bracelet – CindyYShaw
83. Mason Jar Sewing Kit – Say Yes to Hoboken
84. Typography Clay Pots – Everything Etsy {Burlap & Blue}
85. Recycled Wool Sweater Blanket – Homade Holiday
86. Recycled Soap Box Mini Book – Creativity Prompt
87. T-Shirt Ruffle Hat – Tao of Craft
88. Recycled Book Handbag – Curbly
89. Sweater Leaf Scarf – Grosgrain
90. Recycled Paper Magnets – Sei Lifestyle
91. Paper Apple Sculpture – Cheeky Magpie
92. Recycled Slippers – Sew Green
93. Modern Candle Holders – Mark Montano
94. Recycled Wool Mittens – Lucky Star Lane
95. Rosette Headband – Lolly Jane Boutique
96. Wool Laptop or Diaper Bag – Not Dabbling In Normal
97. Recycled T-Shirt Scarf- Joy Beadworks
98. Glass Jar Photo Frames – Rikki Hibbert
99. Fabric Scrap Necklace – Smaller
100. Tea Cup Bird Feeders – Something Wonderful
101. Brick Succulent Planters – Ready Made

Why spend a ton on gifts when you can go green???

If you love creative links, please subscribe to Everything Etsy!  New subscribers make my day!

Thanks so much for all your tweets, stumbles, Facebook likes and pins on my 101 Simple Handmade Gift Tutorials and Free Printables posts…you are the coolest crafty friends!

Here’s a little something extra for your home…

Check out 101 Green Home Decor Tutorials to make your home beautiful on a budget!

Have you finished a green project lately?

~Kim

Hooked on Tutorials? Check out these lists on EverythingEtsy.com:

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Handmade labels add a special touch to any gift or handmade creation you might sell on Etsy!

Today we have a bunch of beautiful handmade labels for you to stick on everything you make.  These were created by the talented designer, Cathe Holden.  I’m a huge fan of hers so I’m thrilled to share these free printables designed just for all my handmade lovin’ readers!

I added a few to some of my lavender sachets…aren’t they cute?!  I love the variety of colors and I know that this sweet little handmade sticker will let everyone know that these were made with care the moment they see them.

I’m going to stick them on EVERYTHING!

WorldLabel.com is a manufacturer of an amazing selection of labels and they helped make this set of handmade printables available to you today.  They have a label for everything…check it out.

Handmade gifts rock!

This is a great time of year to print these pretty little stickers and have them ready to top off your latest project.

 Download links below for this set of colorful handmade labels!

Download links below for this classy set of Black & White labels!

• We used Worldlabel.com size .75″ round for these.
• These designs are for your personal use and can’t be sold.
• You can find more of Cathe Holden’s designs here & here.

Download links below for these labels in a beautiful Etsy Orange!

Download Here:

To download these PDF files, right-click (ctrl-click on Mac) the links below and choose “Save target as” or “Save link as”. (Exact wording depends on your web browser).

Everything Etsy “Handmade” Labels – Orange
Everything Etsy “Handmade” Labels – Color
Everything Etsy “Handmade” Labels – Black & White

*There was a giveaway with the original post that has ended.  All winners will be notified by email and have 7 days to respond.  

Enjoy these awesome handmade labels!

~Kim

Getting ready for the holidays??  You might like these posts…

• 101 Pretty Printables {free}
• 101 Simple Handmade Gifts
• 101 Handmade Ornament Tutorials

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Are you looking to increase your sales?  That’s a funny question, right?  I know everyone would love to have 5 extra sales this week!

I’ve compiled a list of tips that I hope will help you get off to a great start or improve your sales.  It’s not rocket science, but you do have to spend a little time on your shop to see those big results! 

Here are a few tips to get you thinking…

1.  Review Your Shop – Take a step back and really look at your shop from a shopper’s perspective.  Can you find the products easily using your categories?  Do you have enough items or options to keep a buyer interested? If you sell knit hats, maybe add some sets including mittens or headbands.  Make it easy for them to create great gifts for holidays.

2.  Know Your Market – Who is going to want what you sell?  Focus on who your buyers are and promote directly to them to grow your customers with less effort.   If you have a super slim group of folks that would even want or need what you’re selling…be ready to wait a bit longer for those sales.  Specializing is great, just don’t get carried away.  Cast a wide net and then bring it in…ever hear of that?

3.  Photography -  Show your products in the best light!  Take multiple shots of each item and edit them to stand out in a crowd…not blend.  It’s easy to use free software like Picnik.com for photo editing. You might want to check out How To Photograph Your Work for Sale on Etsy for more photography tips.

4.  Great Descriptions -  Describe it with feeling!  Great descriptions can really nudge a browsing shopper to hit the “buy” button.  Be descriptive with your words and give them ideas for displaying or using your product.  Explain why they would want to purchase this from your shop.  Maybe you use all natural ingredients for your soap, or you raise the sheep to create your wool.  People love stories…give them one!

5.  Product Selection -  How’s your selection?  Keep it simple…shops that are full of similar products tend to do the best.  You want them to remember your shop for bags, pottery or greeting cards.  Make products that you love and others will love them too!

6.  Research -  What works for others?  Are there shops on Etsy that sell items like yours?  Do they offer special color selections or sets that might attract buyers? Researching what works for other shops doesn’t mean copying what they sell, you just need to have an idea of what sells.  Take the time to research what tags are used and the prices…you won’t regret it!

7.  Stock Up -  Do you like to shop in stores with only 10 products to choose from?  No, of course you don’t.  Expand your selection based on what sells the most.  Create multiple colors of that items and list them or try a slightly different design.  Read Increasing Etsy Sales – Mind Your Item Count for more information.

8.  Price it Right!  There are many ways to determine the price of an item, but the bottom line is that you have to come up with a price that works for you and the buyer.  I’ve priced items low in the past and then increased them slightly until I found the best price.  You can also try including free shipping or discounts for multiple orders.

9.  Show your Cards – Business cards are a cheap way to reach new customers.  Hand them out to everyone you know…give them a few to share.  Add extra cards to each order.  Mail them to family with a note about what your selling.  They can’t buy from you if they don’t know what you’re selling! {13 Creative Business Cards}

10.  Giveaways – Promoting your shop with a blog giveaway is a great way to introduce your shop or a new product.  Don’t be afraid to approach bloggers about doing a giveaway on their blog.  Some might charge, but others will be glad to promote your shop in exchange for a product for them to review.  You’ll also receive links to your shop…don’t underestimate those links!!  This is a great way to grow your shop, but it doesn’t always equal immediate sales so keep that in mind.

11.  Great Customer Service – Make each sale count and get a repeat customer with great customer service.  Send emails to confirm their custom color selections, have a friendly return policy and always answer their convos quickly.   Show them that shopping on Etsy is so much better than going to the store for their next gift.

12.  Package it Up – The packaging is the first thing they see when your they open your box or envelope.  Make it count…first impressions are big!  I usually  add a colorful bow and a small thank you gift, but over time you’ll find out what works best for you.  A small gesture of appreciation can give you great results…try it.

13.  Give a Discount for Referrals – Giving a buyer a discount or free shipping on their next order could be that extra incentive they need to spread the word about your awesome shop.  Try a few different ideas and see what gives you the most referrals.

14.  Blogs – A blog can really help you promote your shop!!!  Have a blog already?  Great, just make sure to spend time each week growing your blog.  Blog about your products, favorite recipes, how to make your products, great new products in your shop…whatever.

Once you get the hang of blogging you’ll find it to be a valuable tool for your Etsy business.  {Compare WordPress & Blogger for your business.} Oh, and don’t forget to add your Etsy mini to the sidebar!

15.  Use Facebook – Facebook is a great way to easily tell your friends, family and past customers what’s new in your shop.  Connect your Etsy shop to your page for easy shopping.

16.  Twitter – Twitter is a fun way to spread the word about your products and meet new people.  Just be sure to tweet about other things too.  Tweeting about ONLY your shop and products might not give you the response you want.

Grow your followers by following people with the same interests.  Most of them will follow you back and might even take a peek at your shop.

17.  Go Team! – Join teams on Etsy!  It’s a great way to get tips on selling and promote your shop.  Try a few and be active in promoting other members.  We have a team for Etsypreneurs like you…check it out!

18.  Treasuries – Treasuries are a fun way to get your shop noticed and share beautiful items you’ve found through teams or by search on Etsy.  If your item is included in a treasury that makes it to the front page you will be shocked at the traffic you get…shocked!

19.  Comment on Blogs -  Visiting blogs and leaving thoughtful comments can lead someone right back to your shop by clicking on your name in the comment.  This works, but you’ll want to avoid being “spammy” by leaving links to your shop in the comment {unless they ask for links}.  Try commenting on 5-10 blogs a day!

20.  Keep Improving – Sales can go up and down for no reason at all…stay positive during slow times and work on your stock and photos.  Get creative and try a new idea or two.  Think ahead to upcoming holidays and start planning for huge sales!

You might enjoy this infographic…How To Build An Online Empire Starting With Etsy!

21.  Have fun with it? Your creativity shines through when you’re enjoying your work.  Don’t get caught up in what you’re not doing, just take it one step at a time.

Are you still reading??  I can go on and on about this! {obviously}

Etsy is a wonderful place to sell your beautiful handmade products!  You can’t beat waking up to sales in your shop or working on your next new product while watching a movie on a rainy day.  This is my kind of business!

These are just a handful of ideas to keep your shop growing…care to share a tip of yours???

~Kim

Visit our section on Etsy Business for more tips and information to help you grow your shop!  Etsy rocks!

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