Put your Heart into Handmade - and a Business Tip

Putting your heart into handmade - this is undoubtedly what our crafters do, but if people were to think this way with their purchases then many small businesses with their talent and flair would do exceedingly well!

So, bearing in mind my theme - I'm going to feature a wonderful selection of hearts this week.  All drawn from a handmade website and I hope that those who are not crafters will love them as much as I do.

1.  Screen Print - Yeahnoyeah
2.  Stonewear 'pebble decorations - jo lucksted ceramics
3.  Patterned silver pendant - Handmade Silver Jewellery
4.  Keyring - Polka Dot Sky
5.  Driftwood, pebbles and shells - Free Range Designs
6.  Liberty Print Brooch - Buttercup Boutique
7.  Handmade Cushion - apple bloom crafts
8.  Bleeding Heart Flower - littlelensphotography
9.  Aluminium and Steel Sculpture - CK Automata
10.Notelet with Paper Buttons - Stuff N Nonsense

All the images have been reproduced on this blog, but remain the property of the artists concerned.  The Design Rights to the items pictured are also attributed to the individual artists. Any misuse of these rights could result in court action.

Business Tip for the Artisans

When you're listing your items you will notice that you are asked for keywords.  Do make sure that you make the most of this opprortunity.  They have recently changed policy to enable the http:// address of your listed item to remain the same even when your item is sold and you update with another one.  This means that you are far more likely to be found by a random search within Google or other search engines. By adding keywords to your listing, this gives the title of your item more 'pulling power' within the search by your potential customers. 

What's New? Jewellery and Fashion

A change to my usual blog this week with an update of all things new.
Also, a refreshing piece of news that men are becoming more sophisticated - in the world of jewellery that is!

The first new feature on my website is the Gift Voucher Section.  A perfect present for someone who likes to choose their own jewellery or for the purchaser if you just keep getting it wrong!!!

Secondly, I am now an International Wholesaler following a Company in Hong Kong placing orders for their 3 retail outlets.

The news on men?  The tide is changing inasmuch that men are losing interest in leather jewellery, skulls and such like, preferring now to choose more sophisticated, styled jewellery.  This is perhaps supported by a recent commission for a pair of solid silver cufflinks, designed by the client and reflecting a lava trail on a mountain side.

Saturday Showcase and a Small Business Tip

This Saturday's Showcase of UK handmade goods is here!
For the people who appreciate that with handmade comes quality - you're really going to love this selection.
For the artists amongst us, who appreciate handmade because you know just what goes into it - take a look at my tip for small businesses at the bottom of the blog.
I hope you enjoy my amazing selection this week.

1. Brooch - iCandy Crafts
2. Card - Zuleikha's art
3. Hair Clip, Fimo - Pretty Little Tings
4. Beanie - Rainbows'N'More
5.Bag - Crafty Bags
6.Glossy Print  - Crystal MoonCat
7. Silver Pendant - Handmade Silver Jewellery UK
8.Pincushion - RuthDesigns
9.Cushion - MinXures Clothing and Accessories
10. Head band - Zoe's Shop

Business Tip of the Week
People buy from small businesses because they often receive a personal touch. They buy from handmade artists because they know that overall the product is better!  However, all businesses make mistakes - we wouldn't be human if we didn't.  The key is not to compound your mistakes. Delivering good customer service means quickly and accurately fixing those mistakes and you'll earn loyalty.  On the other hand, compounding one mistake with another is a sure fire way of driving away your customers.

AHOY there! Sail away with this wonderful handmade craft

Take a browse at the marvelous handmade items that I have discovered this week.  If you love what you see then do take a look further by choosing the number and seeing the artist who's made the item. There is a wealth of creativity in the UK and I'm finding it for you to enjoy.

1. folksy.com/-Photograph-art-print-Ships-Hull
2. folksy.com/-There-are-Big-Ships-and-Small-Ships
3. folksy.com/items/-Baby-Ship-Garland-personalised
4. folksy.com/-Boy-s-Transport-Digi-Stamp-Backing-sheet-Boat
5. folksy.com/items/-Stained-glass-boats
6. folksy.com/Collection-of-Mosaic-Cornish-boats
7. silver-Boat-Earrings
8. Three-Little-Boats-Cushion
9. folksy.com/-Adult-apron-sail-boats
10. /folksy.com/Fishing-Boats-Handmade-Canvas-Postcard

Next week the theme is all about recycling.  So if you like what you see and feel that your items would look great in the blog, then do join in and let me know about your products.  Obviously I can't promise to feature them but I can't if I don't know you're out there!