SHOP FEATURE - june 25th, 2012 - TimberWoodsWares

not only is this our 100th blog post - YIPPEE!!! - but today is the day we are rolling out our new featured shop format!  we are so thrilled to have the beautiful shop TimberWoodsWares as our featured shop!  enjoy our Q & A with D from TimberWoods - and the exclusive discount code for Daily Dose Subscribers!

What types of products do you sell?
My current offerings include wooden buttons, lipbalm holders, desk organizers, and reclaimed fenceboard chalk tablets. All of my items are crafted from materials that would otherwise be seen as waste; fallen branches, downed trees etc...

What made you decide to start your shop?
I have always enjoyed and appreciated woodworking and the natural beauty that is found within a piece of wood. I started dabbling with buttons and quickly realized how much I enjoy creating something naturally beautiful out of something that would normally go to waste. Why not share what I enjoy with everyone else! I am just getting started and I still have a lot to learn.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
My favorite shop accomplishment has been enjoying the wonderful feedback that I have received. Sales are nice, but it has been very rewarding knowing that something I have made is appreciated and enjoyed by someone else.

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/Online seller so far?
My biggest challenge as a seller is finding the time to be creative. I also struggle with photos of some of my larger items. I am also somewhat limited by my selection of tools, but I have vowed that I would only buy more tools with proceeds that I make from my shop.

What is the top selling item in your shop?
My top selling items have been my Tree Branch buttons.

Do you have a tip to others selling in the handmade community?
My biggest tip to other sellers would be to have fun with it. Stay active in teams. Promote yourelf and other shops as well. And of course take great pictures. :)

What are you currently working on?  Any new projects?
I am always looking for new projects. I want to focus on creating a complete desk organizer set.

Do you have a favorite online shop or crafting resource that you go to often?
Being new to this business, I don't have a go to online resource that I use. I am active on the Daily Dose of Handmade team, and blog. Being a part of that team has improved traffic flow to my shop and provided some sales!

Thank you so much, D - both for having such a beautiful shop and for sharing your story! 

DAILY DOSE SUBSCRIBERS - you can enjoy the storewide discount by using the coupon code 25TIMBER for 25% off until JULY 25th! 

Sunday Guest Blogger - Have You Heard of Wanelo by Timber Woods Wares

Have You Heard of Wanelo?

As an Etsy shop owner I am always looking for new ways to promote my wares. Most of you are active on Pinterest and know what a powerful promotional tool it can be. Well, there is another site that is rapidly gaining popularity and is stealing some of Pinterest’s addictive thunder! It’s called Wanelo (http://www.wanelo.com/). The principle of the site is pretty much the same. Post your items and create collections of all your favorites.

As a member of the Daily Dose of Handmade team, I have had some decent success with Wanelo. (over 300 “saves” for Nesting Pretty)  I admit that I haven’t used the site to its fullest potential, but have still had success none the less. Here are the basics you need to know to help bring more traffic to your shop!

1. Get an account!

2.   The Home Page…

This default home page shows what is trending each day. There are also quick links to newly posted items and the most popular items on the site. Popularity is based on “saves.” On the top of the page you have a toolbar that allows you to post new items, browse different categories or go to your personal home page. Just click the “My Profile” button.

3. Your Personal Page…

Your Personal Home Page shows all of the basic information you would expect; Followers, Recent Activity, and Your Collections. Use the default collections and create your own! I try to keep up and post all of the Daily Dose of Handmade giveaways and features.

4. Saving items…

This is pretty simple. Click on the “post +” link and fill in the fields. Be sure to include descriptions and price and enter tags separated by spaces. Make sure you choose the right collection in the drop down menu.

5. Get Saves…

Once your item is posted, take advantage of the quick links to Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr. I tend to post a few things a day. Like anything else, the more active you are, the better your chance for views and hopefully sales! 

There is an Etsy team dedicated to Wanelo and they are actively committed to helping you get more saved. https://www.etsy.com/teams/11882/wanelo. They also have Wanelo employees on the team who quickly answer any questions you might have. 

Take some time to check it out and have some fun! Look for me when you get there!

Timber Woods Wares
www.TimberWoodsWares.etsy.com