It's just about time...

Photo courtesy of WoolyHands - Bunting created by the talented PunkinHead (both of AREtsy)

It's the end of July... do you know when your next craft show is?

It dawned on me last night that I have less than three months until my first BIG show of the season. Ummm... where did the time go? I had huge plans to knit and spin throughout the year to be prepared for this, but somehow, I've let time get away from me. The AREtsy group is starting to be abuzz with news of shows and first time attendees so I thought it might be wise to post a link to one of our earlier blog posts about attending craft shows.

Craft Show Preparation Link of Goodness

Of course every show is different and how we get ready for them will change depending on the location, length, and type of show. We'll soon have posts with new tips, links to shows and who from AREtsy is attending, and information about HUGE nationally known shows. But for now, reply to this post and let us know of any craft show secrets you might have. We'd love to hear from you.

We're still here!

This blog is still alive... I promise!

In the works are plans to add an upcoming events section... tutorials... Etsy news... lots of good stuff. Please hang in there, we'll be back soon :)

Pleased to meet you!

pre-made scrapbook pages from TheBeehive

We have had so many new faces join AREtsy during the past couple of months. A few have popped into the forums or Yahoo message boards to say hello but some have been pretty quiet. We have such a large group that it might be a bit overwhelming to new folks.

So, for all of you new AREtsy members - Hello and we're all pleased to meet you!

Did you know we have a chat forum over at Etsy? Go here to see it. It's a great place to let us know what you're up to, get the latest updates about the team, blog and Etsy and it's also just a great place to get to know each other. One of the wonderful things about AREtsy is how friendly we all are. So come on over, grab a cup of tea, and just sit back and chat with us. We'd love to have you.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Etsy's founder has announced some way cool... no, super cool, no way super cool changes over in the forums. You can read the announcement here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6401253

I'm really looking forward to all of the changes, but the two that really have my tail wagging the most are the ones about multiple shops under one account (life just got easier) and the Etsy Team changes. Each Etsy Team will have a section with their own forums, marketplace, and possibly even more. I've already got so many ideas going through my head on this one. Imagine being able to keep up with your team on Etsy instead of having to go to Google or Yahoo group functions? Fabulous.

If you haven't read the announcement, go there, now. You won't be sorry.

Resolutions

"Reflections" by NightSkyProducts

The turn of the year bring New Year Resolutions. Everyone is talking about them right now. In fact, if you're like me, you're probably tired of being asked "What resolutions did you make?". I've grown cynical of this question and I've been known to sarcastically reply with "Not to make any so I don't break them and feel like a failure". However sarcastic we might be about personal resolutions, we all know that goals are good for our businesses.

I've sat down and thought about what I wanted to do this year to increase sales, increase recognition, increase increase increase! I've kept it simple. I know that I'm not going to do anything HUGE this year. There is no need to tackle something I'm not ready to take on yet. No reason to set yourself up for failure before you even get halfway through January. So, take a minute, write down what goals you have for your business this year and think about what it would take to achieve that goal and put things into motion.

Can't think of any goals for your business other than make more money? Here's some to get you started:

- Sell in your first craft show.
- If you already sell in craft shows, add another, larger one, to your list.
- Consider what your business name says about you. Does it fit with your brand? Do you have a brand?
- Do you love doing what your doing? If not, what changes could be made to make you fall in love all over again?
- Do you have all of your legal paperwork in order? No? 2010 might be a good time to go ahead and do that.

So, what goals have you set for your business in 2010? List some in the comments or link to a blog post you did about it. Sharing ideas will help all of us out. I can't wait to hear what some of you have planned this year.

'Tis The Season To Shop Handmade In Arkansas

It's that time of year again, time to do your holiday shopping! What better way to shop than to shop handmade (and locally!)? You get beautiful, quality items while supporting your local artisans and artists, sounds pretty good to us! So many of our AREtsy team members are getting ready to sell their wares in Arkansas craft shows all over the state that I just had to share a list. If you know of any other shows, please leave a comment about it! If you're an AREtsy member who is participating in a show but aren't listed, please leave your information here.

2009 Holiday Craft Shows

Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show
Saturday, November 14 : 10AM - 5PM
Holiday Inn Convention Center in Springdale, AR
Show Website

AREtsy members selling at this show:
Dana of PishPoshCreations
Erin of Idyllhands and Woolyhands





Handmade for the Holidays
Saturday, November 14 : 9AM - 4PM
ArtChurch in Hot Springs, AR
Show Website

AREtsy members selling at this show:
Ducky Jewelry Designs
The Beehive
EkioArt



Lamar Handmade Boutique
Saturday, November 14 : 9AM - 7PM
Memorial Hall in Lamar, MO
Show Website

AREtst members selling at this show:
MyCurlyRed



Searcy All Handmade Show
Saturday, November 14 : 8AM - 3PM
Carmichael Center in Searcy

AREtsy members selling at this show:
LoonLanding


Fayetteville Farmer's Market - Holiday Markets
Saturday, November 21 : 7AM - 1PM
Downtown Fayetteville on the Sqaure
and
Saturday, December 5: 9AM - 3PM
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

Both will feature more crafts and gift items than the usual market and include the following AREtsy members:
Laurie of Punkinhead and Girlchild
Erin of Idyllhands and Woolyhands




Arts Eureka Fall Show
Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29
Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center in Eureka Springs, AR

Carmichael Center Holiday Show
Saturday, December 5 : 8AM - 3PM
Carmichael Center in Searcy

AREtsy members at this show:
LoonLanding

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!!!

Handcrafted Holiday

Coming next week will be a list of shows that the artists of AREtsy are participating in for the Holidays, but there is a show tomorrow that will have some local artists in it (a few who are members of AREtsy). I didn't want that event to get missed because it will be a great opportunity to come out, meet some AREtsy ladies and have some fun.

What: A Handcrafted Holiday
When: Saturday, November 7
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Walton Arts Center's Nadine Baum Studios (corner of West Avenue and Spring Street)

This boutique show will feature the following shops:
Punkinhead Designs
Night Sky Products
Lather Me Up Soaps
Ladybugs and Gentlemen
Charlotte Goodreau Massage Specialist
Idyll Hands
Wooly Hands

There will be Holiday treats to snack on, delicious drinks (leaded and unleaded), festive music and lots of one of a kind items perfect for any Christmas presents for friends, family, or yourself!

So come on out - we'd love to see you there. Bring a friend (or three) and enjoy a girls evening out!