Happy Etsy-versary to ME! 5 years selling on Etsy.com

WOW!! I never expected Etsy.com to consume my everyday life, when I signed up one cold, unassuming winter 5 years ago. Here I am, everyday, countless hours online, working, selling, packaging, connecting- all because of one "little" website. At least it was when I signed up!

Use the code BIRTHDAY5 during checkout
to receive an instant discount in my shop
Jan 18-22!

I was making mosaics in 2005-06, and looking for better ways/places to sell my stuff. I wasn't currently working, as I waitressed in the summers (long and hard hours) so that I could carry myself through the winters making/selling mosaics. I made mirrors, frames, candle holders- whatever base I could find that suited my taste. I did some craft shows, which I loved because I could interact with people, see what they thought firsthand. I tried ebay, and it was fine, but wasn't personal like the little craft shows were. I knew there had to be a better way.above: mosaic tile candle plates 2006

My sisters were in town, banished from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. They were waiting out the storm in a wintry Massachusetts while they figured out new life plans.
We were all kind of in a holding place.
I was able to brainstorm with them a lot that winter, while they were in town.
One sister heard of Etsy.com, some kind of website where you could only sell handmade things.

Eureka!

So I joined that week. I KNEW I was onto something when there were only four other mosiacs on the WHOLE site. You heard me right, the whole site. Four. Four objects with mosaic on them.
So I jumped. I figured out how to list when the pages would only change every few hours. If there was a lot of blue on the page, I would list a red item so it would stand out.

I figured out all the little things I could do to be seen. I also decided that I didn't want to deal with bubble wrap and packaging.
So I immediately went small.

I created glass tile pendants just for my Etsy shop. The first item sold for $5 three weeks after opening my shop. HOORAY! I was thrilled. It was enough to fuel the fire!

above: Lousy product photo of first sale I made on Etsy, Feb 2006.


So, here I am 5 years later. Totally happy.
I don't make anything with tiles anymore. I went with the ebb and flow of the years, and let myself and my work change as I wanted. I also pay attention to what works and what sells, and what I enjoy making. I have a full-on business now making jewelry!
Who thought I would be making jewelry with my time? Not me!



I am still thrilled every single time I make a sale. It makes me feel like my time and work is valuable to others. I have learned almost everything about business from selling my work online. I still do craft shows too, I now apply to the ones that I used to think were the "all stars" when I was a kid. It feels pretty good to have my own business. And I thank Etsy for giving me the tools to start it all from scratch, with my own two hands. Hurrah!



Follow me on Facebook/PopkoShop

Join my mailing list

Real Butterfly Wing pocket mirrors!

Ive been having a mix of SUPER FUN and SUPER WORK this August. Here's the quickest little update of whats happening today in the studio. Pocket mirrors adorned with real wings. Love them, So simple and so...scientific! Its like having National Geographic in your purse. Not many people get to stare at wings up close, so these are always a curiosity at the shows.

I'm also making new Autumn Leaf jewelry, which should debut next week. You haven't seen this style ever before!

<----- My craft show schedule has been updated to the left. Still more shows waiting to be accepted to as well. Things are busy as ever and its wonderful. Now, if only August would last forever.

Happy Days to you!

Etsy Homepage featured me on the Fourth of July!

SOOoooO Exciting, to be featured TWICE in the last few weeks. Out of a bazillion shops, items, and treasuries, I am so psyched that it happened to me. THANK you 2ndcoming, for making the adorable list titled "C'mon Safari with me"


This is what she has to say about the list "Perfect for the etsy adventurer who loves to explore in style! Inspired by human curiosity and the beautiful blues, greens and browns mother nature has to offer :)"

Thursday Three (or 12) Wedding Edition

Something Old, Something New

For this Thursday Three I've made a treasury!
I couldn't resist going overboard today, since it's been a while since my last T3 (oh i just came up with that! feeling clever!).


Weddings are a great excuse to go overboard with accessories & favors, and an appropriate time to inherit or gift heirlooms. I LOVE weddings..oh the acoutrements!!


I've included two of my sisters works in there too, flowers for your hair by AnnMarie, and sterling hair spears by Monique. They both work very hard at what they do, full time, and I want to show everyone else what they make too!

Visit this list, where you can comment, click and buy it all. Buy one for me while you're at it :)

HAPPY JULY EVERYONE!

Thursday Three! (friday edition)

This weeks top picks for the Thursday Three! I thought I would pick the ones that went well with the fall theme & holiday feel that I'm gearing up for lately. Enjoy!

Ruby Red Glitter Slippers by lilcubby

These little slippers are adorable. Thats it, adorable. Imagine these at thanksgiving, and every dinner party after that!

Fall in Love by Retrofied

This bag is perfect! I've actually seen these bags first hand, as I had ordered a few for my friends last year as bridesmaids gifts. I got the ones that were reversible (yes she has reversible bags!) and it was really well made and the perfect size for everything. The best part about gift-giving and being reversible, is that you double your chances of them loving the pattern. Right? I just wish I had my own! Go get yours now.

Wedding Tree Genealogy Chart by melangerienyc

Look closely at this gorgeous soon-to-be heirloom piece. It shows whos related to the bride and groom with a color key. This would work for any season, but these orange and pink leaves really tickle me.

New jewelry TAGS I'm so excited!

Oh I'm thrilled today! I just finished a long looong process of making individual jewelry tags for my butterfly line.


It only took so long because I don't think I have the super deluxe program to create these sorts of things. I'm not going to blame my savvy, I'm blaming the computer program, like that?

Anyways, I've always included a description tag with each necklace order I send. It says what it is, origin of the wing (since that's one of the most frequent q's), and how to care for it (this covers me when someone says hey I left it in my swimming pool and now it looks different).
They were little slips I would put into the baggie, and I was never satisfied with the look, because I know there is always a way to make it more professional looking. I always hoped people were reading them and not losing them in the box. But now they are attached!

These new tags have a hole punched into them so I can attach it to each chains clasp. AND now there's a space for me to be able to write what kind of wing you are receiving! I can just hand write that on at the time of clipping it onto the clasp (say that 10x fast).

In the photo above, I had to re-do the wing on the back of the tag, because when I printed it out, It was kind of flying in the middle. I have since made the wing sideways so its coming off the bottom of the tag.

This is great because a lot of people get these as gifts, and I send a lot to boutiques and stores. This will make it reallly easy to slap a price sticker onto the back, and keep all the info attached to the necklace. OH I'M SO HAPPY!
I think the future ones that I make will have a nice color, but Im just printing these on white cardstock on my home printer, nothing fancy. Well, fancy pour moi.

The photo above is how they started out, I had to make a mock up, print it under the template made for vhs video spines (yeah old program), fold, cut and cut and punch a hole. I know, a lot of work, but I like to do this stuff. Its really satisfying and makes everything look great.

If YOU have some fabulous tags, or tricks to share about how to make your jewelry or goods look fabulous with all its accoutrements, please DO TELL! Leave a note in the comment section with a link to your items, or blog post about your tags and I will post it here.

NEW in the SHOP! Butterfly Wing Necklaces and a BLOG SPECIAL!

Hey folks! Ive got a slightly new design in the shop! I say slightly only because the new part is the bail. Its small. The part that has the little link that holds the chain..that's the bail. My other design has a large bail, its got a different feeling to it, maybe a little formal I would say. This new style I would call versatile. A little more casual even? I don't know how to call it exactly, but its my new favorite. The ones in the shop are the SMALL size, 20mm. I also have a LARGE 25mm, but just haven't photographed it quite yet.
I'll put the two styles together so you can see for yourself.
NEW DESIGN SPECIAL!!!
The first three peeps to purchase one of these (or all three!) get $5 OFF! Mention this ad in the message to seller during checkout and I will refund you immediately. NEW DESIGN (above)
TRADITIONAL DESIGN (below)

Featured on Cuteable!

Thanks Cuteable for sharing my new fused glass rings with your readers!
I made these little glossies this past month, while gearing up for the Holidays. They are all about $10 and have an adjustable band. The band is wider than my old rings and they are SUPER comfy. I wont go back to the old style band anymore!

Look! You can see my taking the photo in the rings' reflection! Hi everyone!

Thursday Three!

I keep saving things in my 'favorites' over at etsy, knowing that I cant possibly have them ALL. So I thought I could start sharing them on Thursdays to make myself feel better about not being able to own them all myself, maybe YOU would like some too!

Heres my favorite "Thursday Three" for the very first time:

Traingle Nightie by LuciaApparel

This nightie is so feminine. Looks perfect for summer. $48

Live What You Love Letterpress Print by hijirik

This print comes in many colors, and says something that I live by. $12.50

Xo - Translucent porcelain cup by stepanka

Im a big fan of light and details. This looks like the sweetest little surprise to find when the sun shines in. $30

Etsy Handmade Weddings: featuring...ME! (okay, ALL the Popko sisters)

How exciting! My sister AnnMarie wrote an article for the Etsy Storque (their blog) about my Handmade Wedding! I knew she wrote it, but we didnt know when it would be published.

Today I was feeling a little bogged down with work and orders and my public art project that was due last week. But my frown just turned upside down for sure!

I went to the etsy homepage a few minutes ago... and there was a photo of me and all my sisters!

Here's the article that she wrote in its entirety. AnnMarie runs two shops on etsy, superduper for headpieces, and things to wear and a few vintage supplies, and also her gourmet pecan shop, cocktailparty. Way to go AnnMarie!

fishy pincushion

fishy pincushion
Originally uploaded by PoPkO!

I'm helping my mom get her etsy shop open! Shes a crafty gal, shes one of the people who gave me and my sisters their talent (my dads the other one). So here's the very first listing ever! Its a balsam stuffed pincushion. FRESH! Its really adorable, and I cant believe the work that goes into making these little things. But really, she cant stop. She is rarely seen without sewing mat attached to her hands. Please visit the new shop! SewSoft.etsy.com

New Butterfly Wing Ring in the shop!

I've been busy busy taking photos of all my new butterfly wing jewelry! Here's a glimpse of the newest ring I have in there. I tried using foliage to make it a little more nature-y looking. What do you think?

Have a lovely day!

Popko in Etsy Finds: Natural history

Yay! Today my work was chosen to be included in the Etsy Finds. EXCITING! Its created a little buzz in the shop and its so wonderful! The Etsy Finds are sent out via email and them also as an article in The Storque. Im so glad that it was chosen, because its JUST in time for Mothers Day shopping and gift giving, and theres still time for shipping to everyone. Hurrah.

So..thanks etsy!



Now, back to work, as I have a MEGA SUPER DUPER craft show this weekend. Its called TWIST.

So I have to rush off and make make make! Im working on , well besides EVERYTHING, im finishing off a new display for the butterflies and glass. Two three-teired cake-stand-like units that I am making by hand. Yesterday I used the jigsaw to cute the pieces out, today im drilling glueing and sanding. And packing and shipping and , making. WHEW!
I can breathe on Sunday.

Seconds Sale!

The secrets OUT! I wanted to tell everyone right away, but I am loyal to my mailing list subscribers. Im having a HUGE SECONDS SALE!! I sent them this message out this morning via email, to give them a head start and choose what they wanted FIRST.

So far, its been a HUGE success, and its only been 1 hour and 45 minutes into the sale. WOW!

Thank you to all my LOYAL buyers, also..who RAN to the shop and scooped up a bunch to start. This is the message they got early today...with plenty of time to get their typing/checkout mouse ready!

Visit the PopkoShop @ 2pm EST to be the first to get the discounted goodies. The "seconds sale" begins today, lasts one week only, and I'm not having another one until 2010! WOO! Items start at $6, and are limited. Have fun shopping!

________________________________________________________

If youre feeling like "wahhh, I want to be the first to know next time", it's easy, just sign up for my mailing list on the left side..yeah, over there. Easy peasy.

Now head over to the PopkoShop to see all the insane deals. I am exhausted, I hadn't realized how hard it was to get 40 listings ready all at once..PHEW!

Through the Looking Glass

This is the newest necklace in a collection of mirrored jewelry. Its reflective! OOH! This pendant has a mirror set into a hand poured plastic over a brushed metal disc. Its smooth, glassy & clear and the mirror is really fun to play with. You can check your teeth or light a piece of paper on fire

(I didn't suggest that, I am not liable I am not liable!!)

OR...you can reflect the light onto someone to flirty flirt with them. How about an S.O.S?

I call this Through the Looking Glass, after the Lewis Carol book, with Alice and her mirror adventures. Quite whimsical I say.

NEWSLETTER WINNER:

I also wanted to list this today to show everyone that the newsletter winner from this month will be wearing one of these lovelies very soon!

Congratulations to K.L. from Arizona was drawn to win the small version (seen in photo above). I hope you find something wonderful on the other side of "The Glass"!

If YOU want to join in the fun, and be entered to the monthly drawing, join my mailing list on the left column in my blog. Cheers!

Shipping Sale

Feb. 1 - 7 2009

Hello Friends! Love is in the air here at the PopkoShop and everyone loves free shipping!

ALL jewelry is marked with free shipping all week long.

Treat yourself, buy a gift AND save money!

SUBSCRIBER ONLY SPECIALS:

-ALL newsletter subscribers are also invited to the shop to choose a FREE GIFT with EVERY purchase. For example, if you buy three things, you get three gifts!

You can CHOOSE a lavender sachet, glass tile pendant or handmade valentine card. WOW!

(thank you to all the new subscribers!)

WHATS NEW?

-Did you see me featured in the Etsy Finds Article? My silver glitter pop ring is now famous! These make great party favors and everyday eye candy.

-New ball chains are in the shop for only $3.50 in silver, black & brass.

-The Etsy Glass Artists have a new blog, and I am designing it with another glass artist. It's really fun to make, so take a peek- and leave a comment in the One World One Heart giveaway to win free glass jewelry. The EGA is also having mega sales in their shops this week, which are all listed HERE.

ARE YOU THE WINNER?

Each month I draw a name from my mailing list. Is it YOU?

-Congratulations to K.L. from Arizona. You have won the monthly drawing! Photos will be posted to my blog.

-READ MY BLOG FOR UPDATES ALL MONTH LONG.

Cheers! Miss Popko

Behind the Scenes...Etsy spotting on Apartment Therapy

I LOVE apartment therapy. The name says a lot, its my therapy when I want to just browse smart ideas. I love home decor and solutions, and theres a lot to look through on this site. Take a quick peek, after reading this of course, and see what I'm talking about. Also scroll down to the bottom to see other sites that are just as delicious, like re-nest and ohdeedoh. FUN!

Heres some shots taken inside the Etsy HQ in Brooklyn NY, by Maxwell of AT. I know I have a lot of etsy readers, so I thought you might like this. This, does not look like the Martha Stewart craft room! What a mess! It looks more like mine, oh dear...

Below is the place that they held the classes, which are being discontinued soon. They have decided to put ther efforts towards more (possible lucrative) online ventures. Swell idea, I say. I have always wanted to open my own place for things like this, hosting classes by different people. Or a place people could rent out.
To see more photos, there a complete slideshow over on AT. Check it out and see more behind-the-scenes shots here.

Ciao! Miss PoPkO

My 3 Year Etsyversary!

Lets CELEBRATE!

I almost missed it but remembered in the knick of time! It was even written in my dayplanner (I should read it daily, huh). Happy anniversary tooo meeeee! Having my own etsy shop been a total life changing element and Ive really been enjoying making and learning every step of the way. Heres a few fun celebration and work and anniversary things Ive found on etsy to make it look like a party around here.

photo above: paper garlands by lizziebean

Firecracker photograph by
LeslieWilliamsArt

At this rate, I'll be old and wrinkly and still buying and selling on etsy. Why not?

Keepsake ceramic ring dish by SugarStreetCafe

Gorgeous fire cracker scarf by emmasbears It really warms you with a bright pop of color.

And dont forget, this is the bottom line. This is probably how I got to where I am.

Work hard and be nice to people vinyl wall decal by TastySuite

Cheers! To many more!

DEAL of the day - Handmade Fused Glass Ring

Poppy and Turquoise - Handmade Fused Glass Ring

Regularly $15, today its $10. For real!This is a colorful cocktail ring, that I handmade in my glass studio. It was made with a really vibrant poppy, almost red glass, and opaque turquoise glass next to it. The base is white, which you can always see peeking through to the sides.It was made in my kiln and fused together with extreme heat.

This glass cabochon measures 18mm x 26mm (about 1"), and comes on an ADJUSTABLE band.

I'm an Etsy FIND!

I'm totally thrilled and honored to be 'found'! Etsy decided to write their 'daily finds' email about New Years Eve Glittery things. They chose my Antique Silver Glitter Pop Party Ring (whew!). I must admit, that it is my favorite color glitter that I have for the moment. I even had a serious phone conversation with my sister last week JUST about glitter and my silvery new one. She's a sparkly gal herself, and makes cocktail hats in New Orleans that often (if not always) feature glitttery or sparkly adornments. She sent me some lovely hologram glitter and even black glitter this week as a special treat. See, the love is real. Thank you Etsy, You made my day!

(making my week, month and year is a given)

Click HERE to read the article.

Click HERE to see all the Glitter Pop Party Rings in my shop.