Packaging

I'm now coming to you live from the living room! I needed more space for my studio and until yesterday, my office and studio were all cramped into one tiny space. I finally decided that since I never have company and my classes will be held in the kitchen that I should move my computer into the living room and turn it into my office. So, here I am!

I wanted to write a quick little post to explain our packaging policies. Nothing disappoints me more than to get a package from someone who makes all vegan, fair-trade, eco-friendly productt and then packs it in styrofoam peanuts. Last Christmas I ordered from a company that claimed to be all-enlightened and they actually packed a T-SHIRT in styrofoam peanuts. I couldn't believe it! Sadly, I can't bring myself to buy from them anymore and I really, really liked their products.

Theholybead uses 99% reused and recycled packaging materials. The only thing that we use that is completely new is tape--and sometimes I do get a bit carried away with tape. The folks at the post office sometimes call my packages "laminated" because I get carried away with the tape. Sometimes it's just hard to know when to stop!

All of the bubble wrap we use either came from friends who have ordered things mail-order and their package came with bubble wrap or from the packages of supplies we receive. Boxes and bubble envelopes are almost always from packages of supplies that we are reusing, with one exception. I often turn cereal and cracker boxes inside out to use them as mailers.

We encourage our buyers to reuse the packaging materials that we use--or recycle them if you have no use for them. Even better, if you know someone who does frequent mailing, "donate" it to them. It's a win-win-win.

Re-use, re-use, re-use and then recycle :)

OT: Being Nice

My Grandmother taught me that you "catch more flies with honey, than you do with vinegar." She also taught me that "pretty is as pretty does." I took those lessons to heart. When I was younger though, I was guilty of saying things like "I would rather someone be mean, but honest than nice, but insincere." I don't believe that anymore.

Even when I know someone doesn't mean it, I still prefer them to be nice, even if they are pretending. For one thing, it makes things just a little easier. A spoonful of sugar, so they say (I'm just full of cliches today!) For another thing, I believe that the more we pretend to be nice, treat others with respect and kindness, the more we will actually feel those things.

I also believe that there is just as much benefit for the giver as the receiver. Being nasty just makes you feel worse in the long run, whether you know it or believe it, or not.

I know this blog entry is going to make much sense. I've just been through a hard few weeks and people that have been involved have failed to just be nice. Being mean doesn't work. Next time you are tempted to smart someone off or tell them what you really think of their behavior, stop and think about how the ways in which you react will bring about different results.

I would consider it a personal favor it everyone out there in blogblog land could just give it a try.

Peace,

Holly

More Studio Space!

I had really hoped to post a photo or two from the fair on Saturday, but instead, I'm taking the day off to rearrange my house. I'm going to be moving my computer out of my workspace and into the living room. I just need more studio space. There are beads all over the place and I can't pull out what I need without knocking stuff over, it seems. I'm also working on clay in the living room and I would like to bring that stuff into the studio.

I think it's probably going to take today and tomorrow to get this move finished. I needed a break though and hopefully once my space is clean, I'll feel re-energized and ready to go.

I hope everyone is doing well!

Peace,
Holly

What I've Learned . . .

. . . and what I'm still learning.

My number one Etsy selling tip is to be an Etsy buyer as well. I have learned so much more from observing the ways other sellers behave, market, sell, leave feedback, package, transport and communicate and generally serve their customers than from any FAQ, blog or purchased Etsy selling guide.

I have purchased and read those guides. Some of the info out there is even out of date now with all of the changes Etsy is making. It's hard to outsmart a system that is constantly changing. So, I've learned through participation. I buy as many of my supplies as I can buy there. If I need anything that I would have to go to a specialty shop for, I check Etsy first. I've bought more than I've sold on Etsy, but I've also done some important networking and made a few friends. Friends are crucial to support and morale if you are going to be an Etsy seller.

I'm still very green. I set up my shop on February 2 of this year. Buying from other Etsians is what has taught me the most and helped me to better serve my customers.

That's all I have to say for today. Have a great weekend everyone!

Our First Ever Blog Contest!

This is our first blog contest, so we are going to keep it simple. All you have to do is follow! At the end of the month, my friend's daughter will draw a name from the fishbowl and the lucky winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to our Etsy (http://www.theholybead.com) or Artfire (http://www.thesacredalter.com) store.

The Holy Bead is our collection of whimisical and reverent jewelry and prayer beads. The Sacred Alter is our sister project where we make hand-made supplies for mixed media projects and alter sacred objects to sell. I'm working on a bust of the virgin Mary right now. I've painted her to make her look more Earth Goddess-Gaia like. :)

We will be adding many, many items between now and the drawing time. I've got no less than 30 new sets of prayer beads that have yet to be put up and we are working on several komboloi and statuettes as well. If you don't see something you want now, you might find that if you follow for updates on new items, you will find something you like!

Good luck everyone! Tell your friends!

Peace,
Holly & Phoenix

Favorite Etsy Shop: Daisybones

First thing's first, here is the link to her page: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5457331 and a link to her fanpage: http:/www.facebook.com/daisybonesart . She also has a blog: http://daisybones.com/ and a Twitter page: http://twitter.com/daisybones

Heidi Richardson Evans works with a variety of different mediums. She's been working with digital art lately. You can see that reflected in the items for sale in her Etsy shop. I have a copy of her Yoni Prayer, which you can see here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23667174 and here is a small clip of part of the work (I don't want to show you too much here because I don't want to violate her copyright ; -) )



Her color choices are bold, and often beautiful-when the subject calls for it. I'm also very fond of her piece called "Labyrinth:" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23465676

Heidi's work is feminist, bold, reverent, sometimes dark, and always potent and meaningful. She commonly depicts themes of birthing, nursing and motherhood in terms we don't normally see. She is uncommonly talented at digging right to the heart (sometimes literally) of her subject and giving us a new way to look at what we think we already know.

Please check out her shop and drop her a tweet. She loves making new friends and meeting new, inspiring people.

See us at the Psychic Fair -- Everyone is Welcome!!

I promise to start posting more often very soon. I've been a bit overwhelmed lately! :)

For any of you who are in the area of Charleston, WV:

Psychic Fair

Saturday, August 15, 2009

2-4 PM (will most likely run later--depending on turnout)

Unitarian-Universalist Congregation

720 Kanawha Blvd W

Charleston, WV

Psychic Readings and Alternative Healings available for donations of $10.00 each.

Free metaphysical mini-lectures and group meditations throught the Fair times.

Arts and Crafts for Sale (that's us!)

Refreshments available.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE UNITARIAN-UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Contact me for further details and questions.

I happen to know several of the readers personally. It will be well worth the dontation!