Do The Research! Advertising Online

I have begun the daunting task of advertising online. I started by googling free online advertising. While many of the sites that came up were legit, they were a little difficult to navigate. If you have the time, sign up for as many as you can, but I wouldn't expect much.

I also started advertising on Facebook. I figured trying to reach over 500 million users was a pretty good idea. When you log into facebook, search ads and follow the instructions. They make it really easy.

I also purchased some banner ads from 1800 banners. They have really good prices, but I haven't seen any results.

After spending all of this time doing the research, I am probably only 1/16 through all of the possiblities out there. Keep looking, do the research and find what's right for you!

Alchemy On Etsy!

I have discovered this element on Etsy.com and I absolutely love it!

When you log on to Etsy.com, there is a link on the left side of the page that says Alchemy. I clicked on it, and up to the right there is a link that says public requests. This is where I got hooked.

There are hundreds of requests for custom made products. Everything from custom wedding gowns and jewelry, to rubber stamps and party invitations. I even saw a few requests for business logos.

Once you find a request that you'd like to bid on, click "BID". Then you will be able to set your price, payment options, dates you can have it done by, and an area where you can tell the person how you would like to fill the request. I always put a link to a photo to something similar if I have one. Then you wait. The person can approve or deny your bid.

Don't worry if you get denied, there are tons of new requests every day!

If you have a custom request, feel free to send me a private alchemy request at etsy.com/shop/dietrichdesigns

I Created A Facebook Page For My Jewelry!

I have an etsy page, a blog, a website, and an ad on Facebook. What's missing? A Facebook page!

I created a page that is connected to my personal page. It was so easy! I logged into Facebook, then searched "create new facebook page" and followed the links. It's that easy! You can create fan pages, business pages, artist pages etc. It's been two days and I already have 17 "likes"! Promote your page by suggesting it to friends or even taking out an ad on Facebook. It's surprisingly inexpensive when you consider the vast amout of people that will see it. You can set limits as to how much you want to spend. You can also link your ad to any website you choose.

Networking on the internet is quite time consuming, but well worth it. Keep truckin' along and with eachothers' help we can all be successful entrepeneurs! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Dietrich-Designs-Jewelry/182513551767587

Wire Wrapping and You!

A few years ago I came across this wonderful store at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. This was my first encounter with wire wrapping. The store had these beautiful faceted gemstones wrapped in thick silver wire. They came in all shapes and sizes and colors. After purchasing two necklaces over two years, I was inspired to try some wire wrapping myself.

I have learned that the most important thing in creating jewelry, is to try new and different things. One of the best ways to get inspired is to surf the web looking at other designs. Etsy.com is a great place to purchase beautiful one of a kind designs. It is also a great place to sell your own designs and network with other designers doing the same.

Now that the holidays are over, and I have some time to myself, I plan in developing some new designs and sharing them on etsy.com/shop/dietrichdesigns.

Do you have some clever ideas and creative designs? Feel free to leave a comment and a link to your site! Happy wrapping!

Wire Wrapped for the Holidays!

When I first discovered a wire wrapped piece of jewelry I fell in love with it. Once I figured out how to do it myself I was addicted. Anything can be turned into jewelry with wire wrapping. I have even used marbles and turned them into pendants.

The best way to start wire wrapping is to watch some tutorials on youtube.com. Also, start with silver coated wire. You will no doubt need to waste quite a bit of wire at first, until you get the hang of it.

Etsy is a great place to view pictures of different styles and techniques. I have even ordered jewelry from there, because I found such wonderful unique pieces.

My favorite wire wrapping project is a fairly simple one. You need a large stone, preferably faceted. Six to eight inches of wire, depending on the size of the stone. Start by making a loop at the center of the wire. This is where the point of the faceted stone will sit. Next, wrap the wire around a corner twice. Find the opposing corner, and wrap that twice as well. On one end of the wire, cut it short, and using pliers, turn the short end so that it won't be poking anything. The other end is to be shaped into a loop for the necklace.

Keep trying new ideas, and feel free to share them here. Happy wrapping! Don't forget to stop by and say Hi at my Etsy page. etsy.com/shop/dietrichdesigns

Making Sales On Etsy

I have been dabbling on Etsy for a few months. It's a great way to promote your craft and get to know others who have similar interests as you. I have read quite a few blogs on the ins, and outs of Etsy. The first thing you need to know, is that it isn't easy to make the sales you want on Esty.com. You have to stick with it.

Learn to take and edit your pictures in a way that best showcases your product. Add new products daily; maybe even several times a day. Be sure to tag your new items appropriately, and with as many tags you can think of. For example, if you post a sterling silver necklace, with a red pendant, make sure you tag the color, pendant, sterling silver, and also the size, and type of the chain. If you wire wrap your jewelry, there is a tag for that also.

Surf Etsy as a shopper. See what's out there and always add shops and items to your favorites when you like something. Share with your Facebook friends! Just don't over do it. Business cards are a must! There are a lot of free templates out there and you can print your own. Leave them everywhere you go!

There is a lot of competition on Etsy. I like to think of it as fellow crafters instead. We can all learn from each other, and buy from each other. I have purchased supplies and tools all from Etsy sellers.

I haven't sold as much as I would like to, but I'm getting there, and you can too! Stick with it and remember, that you can't fail if you don't try... but you can't succeed either!

Feel free to stop by and say "Hi!" and add me to your favorites! etsy.com/shop/dietrichdesigns

To Home Party Or Not?

I'm thinking of doing some home parties. The problem is, I hate those parties! Don't get me wrong, I love the company and the products; I just hate the presentations. They are usually very rehearsed and cheesy. If I were to do a home party, what are some ideas you have that would make it fun and inviting?

Another issue, is how to display the jewelry. I wan't to make as many things available for the customers to try on and ooh and ahh over. So, I need some ideas for that too!

Please remember to leave some feedback on my Etsy page! etsy.com/shop/dietrichdesigns