Blossom as a seller!

Flower Statement Necklace by Clayshion

Make 2010 your year to blossom!

My tip for today? Start bookmarking, reading, and subscribing to some business blogs and newsletters geared specifically to independent artists. There are many of them out there – including ours right here – Handmade Spark! I enjoy blogs that offer a mix of business ideas, advice, tips, craft how-to’s, profiles of artists, and favorite items.

Handy sub-tip:

When you are reading blogs, don’t just read the posts. Read the comments too, as no doubt there will be additional valuable tips and information left by other readers.

Lavender and Lace Felted Wool Handbag by SeasideSiren

I’m sharing just a few of the many blogs that I read. Most of these blogs also have links to their Twitter streams and Facebook pages, among other goodies including podcasts, free courses, a business book club for crafters, and more. Take advantage of all venues is my suggestion!

You can become more business savvy, connect with other like-minded artists, and maybe learn some new techniques for your own crafts too.

The Storque – Etsy’s Handmade Blog: http://www.etsy.com/storque

This one should be a no-brainer for anyone selling on Etsy. The Storque is the main source for all things Etsy-related, and provides countless stories, tips, finds, advice, updates, you name it!

Sample post title: How-Tuesday: Mini Soap-on-a-Rope

Mocha Biege Brown Blossom (Dogwood flower) Hair clip By AgapeGiftShoppe

Indie Biz Chicks: http://www.indiebizchicks.com

A website that provides business, marketing, and publicity info to “women who’d rather work for themselves, than work for the man.” Don’t worry, guys can benefit from these tips too!

Sample post title: Are you ready to get Back To Blogging?

Adult Grey Crochet Newsboy Cap with Pink Rose by PurdyThings

Handmade Marketer: http://handmademarketer.com

Great tips and free courses, with a slant on wholesaling your products.

Sample post title: 4 Ways to Crush Your Handmade Competitors

1800's vintage button bracelet-OOAK by AlliesAdornments

Retail Minded: http://www.retailminded.com/blog

Tips for retailers and wholesalers – however – everyone can benefit from the tips found here.

Sample post title: Actually, there’s an entire section (under Designers in the top menu bar) devoted specifically to crafters!

Beige Mittens with Green and Pink Flowers and Cuffs by chimchim

Fine Tooth Comb: http://onthedotcreations.typepad.com/fine_tooth_comb/

“Tips for improving your small business, one tangle at a time.”

Sample post title: 7 Ways Etsy’s Rearrange Feature Can Improve Your Shop

Lonesome Dove - Linen Bird By BlueLaReve

Scoutie Girl: http://www.scoutiegirl.com

“The blog with a penchant for the passionately handmade.”

Sample post title: Tiny Spring Craft

Love Life felted, Upcycled handbag By HappyKnits

Crafting an MBA: http://craftmba.com

“What would a business school look like if it was geared towards crafters, designers, and makers?”

Sample post title: Do your marketing efforts lead to sales?

What blogs do you follow for business advice and information?
Please share them in the comments.

And I hope you have enjoyed the blossoms on the above Etsy items too!

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  • http://craftretailing.com/blog/2010/02/blossom-as-a-seller-handmade-spark/ Blossom as a seller! | Handmade Spark | CraftRetailing.Com

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  • http://www.etsy.com/shop/oldworldprimitives Stephanie @ Old World Primitives

    I have been reading The Storque and Crafting an MBA (just discovered it recently) for business advice and info. I haven’t seen quite a few of the other blogs that you suggested in this post yet, so I will be checking them out & surely adding some more to my reading list now. Thanks for the tips!

  • http://www.happiknits.blogspot.com becca

    Very informative! And I love the items you have featued! Thank you so much for including mine with all of these talented artists :)

  • Allilyn

    I love Retail Minded the Blog and refer to it often! Glad you agree. Thanks for sharing other blogs you like. I will check them out.

  • http://purdythings.etsy.com Becky Dossey

    Great links!!!
    Thank you for putting my hat in this!!!!

  • http://www.AlliesAdornments.com Allie

    Thank you for introducing me to these great blogs! Thanks for using my bracelet in your article too!

  • http://www.ubervu.com/conversations/handmadespark.com/blog/blossom-as-a-seller/ uberVU – social comments

    Social comments and analytics for this post…

    This post was mentioned on Twitter by Clayshion: RT @handmadespark Blossom as a seller! http://bit.ly/9WO04m...

  • http://www.afinetoothcomb.com Julie – Fine Tooth Comb

    I’m honored to be mentioned among these great blogs. Thanks so much!

  • Laura/PetScribbles

    Thanks for your comments! And I’m glad to read that some of you have already been reading these blogs!

    I’d love to get some additional suggestions here in the comments too. No doubt there’s got to be some helpful and crafty blogs that I’m unaware of… and would love to know about!

  • http://www.misscheviousdesigns.com/blog.php Lisa Rezendez

    Excellent post Laura! I just went bookmark crazy on some of your links. I definitely have some reading to do this weekend.

  • http://www.etsy/shop/chimchim Carol Beck

    Thank you Laura! I’m so surprised you found my mittens in a sea of wonderful crafters. I love the other items you have picked as well. As I plan on increasing my Etsy business in 2010 I’m glad I found your blog and will refer to it for more tips.

    Thanks again,
    Carol Beck
    (aka chimchim)

  • http://www.tools4etsy.com Tools4Etsy

    Nice posting … Well done!

  • Laura/PetScribbles

    Thanks for the feedback! Glad everyone will be reading up on these great sites!

    Thanks also to Tools4Etsy — you are another great source for sellers! I’m taking the liberty of adding your link here for everyone too:

    http://www.tools4etsy.com/

  • http://eightymillion.etsy.com Jennifer Schulting

    Great article. Everything has been bookmarked, saved, signed up for, my eyes are burning from reading and I must take a break. Lots of useful information and I can’t wait to dig in!

  • http://www.knottednest.blogspot.com Kristen

    Great post! Thanks so much for all of these helpful links!

  • http://www.meylah.com Courtney Dirks

    I’m always on the lookout for fun & useful new blogs, I haven’t come across Fine Tooth Comb or Scoutie Girl yet. In fact, I just came across Handmade Spark for the first time this evening & I’m thoroughly enjoying sifting through the various articles. Thank you!

  • Laura/PetScribbles

    I’m so glad that many of you are enjoying the blogs that I mentioned in this post! I never come away from reading any of these without an “ah-Ha” moment or two!

  • http://lillysworkshop.com LillysWorkshop

    Thank you for all the suggestions. I’ve been reading a few of them, but plenty of them were new to me!

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