Etsy's Handmade Blog
Shop Makeover Series: Stretch Your Boundaries
Story by Yoola
Published on February 16, 2009 in How-To 		Photo by

Yoola

Yoola shares her own Shop Makeover story with us, as a follow up to Mary's Broaden Your Target Audience with Tiered Product Lines. 

I want to tell you about how I achieved successful sales figures by stretching my design into new dimensions. Many Etsy sellers have successful designs in terms of high views, many hearts, appearance in Treasuries and even front pages, but somehow...low sales.

Until not so long ago, I was one of them. My most successful item was my knitted wire pomegranates, pictured above. They appeared everywhere: numerous front pages, numerous blogs (small and big) with interviews, articles, even Etsy blog articles (Rosh Hashanah and Shop Local).

BUT, I made very little sales. Only 2 poms were sold.

I had to do something, and I felt I had to tackle it in an original way. I knew that if my issue was only a matter of price, it was a dead end. My work is time consuming, and I could not afford to cut my prices any more than I already had. I just SO wanted to translate my Etsy visual success into a financial one — this is where my stretching began.

I focused on 3 assumptions:
1. Maybe people just loved its visual impact, i.e. the photos.
2. Maybe people just loved poms (because of all that they represent).
3. Maybe people were curious about how I make them.

These assumptions led me into several potential directions:
1. Develop a line of prints, greeting cards, or postcards with my pom photos.
2. Develop more pomegranate items that would resemble the big ones, but would be more affordable.
3. Write tutorials that would teach anyone to knit a pom.

I decide to start with option #2, which is what I do best. I designed a "mini pom bead," and it was received quite successfully. My mission was partially achieved, but I wasn't yet satisfied.

I debated for several months about option #3, to publish or not to publish. After discussing it in the forums with many fellow Etsians, I came up with a list of pros and cons.

The cons were:
1. Risk of exposure to copycats and competition with the sharing of knowledge.
2. The item will no longer seem as special when it pops up everywhere.

The pros were:
1. Publishing your knowledge gives people get the opportunity to respect you as a designer and a pro.
2. There are many enthusiastic crafters who would love to have a pom, but would not be ready to pay its full price, and by offering them a tutorial I enable them make their own.
3. The wider exposure will benefit the finished products because more people will have a respect and appreciation for my skill and my vision, and so sharing how they're made would enlarge its sales figures as well.
4. Different people would purchase my finished items and my tutorials, so its not actually one instead of the other.
5. The GREEN aspect – distributing tutorials creates less pollution than mailing items overseas.

I eventually decided to follow the pro path and offer tutorials. It's been a success ever since! I am now encouraged to write more tutorials.

The stretching, of course, can never end. Once the tutorials started taking off, questions about supplies started to emerge. Thoughts about offering my clients an easy and fast solution gave way to kits.

 The bottom line is stretch, stretch, stretch — your mind, your media and your boundaries.

What do you think sellers? Have you tried to stretch your shops' boundaries? Comment below!
If you're a seller who has been doing a Shop Makeover, post your before & after photos in our flickr group!

Seller Handbook | Shop Makeover Series

Tags beads, business tips, craft, DIY, e-books, How-To, HOW-TO, Israel, patterns, PDFs, pomegranates, Seller Handbook, selling, Shop Makeover Series, supplies, tips, tutorials, yoola
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245 comments     Login to add your own!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. maiziedesigns

What a great article! This is very helpful for all sellers in reviewing how to get create in selling their goods as well as branching out in new directions for their shop. Thanks for you sharing.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. sweetshorn

Inspirational - thank you!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:20 p.m. LushPunk

It's often a mystery as to why some items are featured constantly but not purchased - I like the lists that you've made :D

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. LaCometaLab

Yoola, thanks so much for sharing this story with us. Congrats on the results of your well earned success!!!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. dawnaurora

very nice article. Very informative. Like how you can stretch your ideas.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. zombuki

Brilliant! Tutorials is something I'm about to launch and I'm really excited. Plus your Poms are so clever! I love them!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. MyLittleHands

What a smart way to approach your challenge! Best of continuing luck to you and congrats for making your own success!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. shellieartist

Yoola, great article and packed full of useful information. I sometimes feel like I have good product, original work and affordable things but I seem to get lost in the shuffle. I am going to take your advice and try to start thinking outside of the box. Also, congrats on your success...you have a great attitude and incredible work!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. nfall2rt

I've though smaller similar products to cut prices before...but not pattern publishing/ tutorials. Great ideas!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. FancifulForm

I just finished re-taking most of my pictures this week. Now I need to get working on this! ^.^

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. AnthologiE

Thanks for taking the plunge to explore your shop boundaries AND share them with us. It was really helpful to see the process you went through. Especially that pros and cons list of selling tutorials for your design. I think that's pretty common to want to say "look what I did" as an artist, but very noteworthy to say "look what YOU can do"...also definitely lets others appreciate time involvement, like you said.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. MyDearest

i like your thought process and how you worked through your issues. this is a 'tutorial' in itself! thanks

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. gretchenmist

wow. thanks so much for sharing your detailed thought processes and ideas. congrats too on your success. agreed v deserved :)

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:43 p.m. melaniescrafts

Fabulous article!!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. muxoriginals

This is great, Yael! Thank you :)

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. joojoo

What a fantastic article, I totally agree with you about the part that you said more people will have a respect and appreciation for your skills and vision. It's really true, because the will also realize that it's not an easy job to do that.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. ffflowers

There's a lot to think about here - thank you!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. RoyalPrincess

A very nice article and good solution design !!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. BabbidgePatch

great information ~ thanks for publishing it!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

This is really cool to read!! I love to hear how other sellers go about making tough decisions like this. We all have to make hard choices, and it's neat to see problem solving in action.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. loulouandoscar

Thank you so much for this inspiring article, I think I may fall into the lots of exposure, not so many sales category! I will start stretching my imagination now!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6 p.m. redyellowandblueink

good things to think about, I liked your info on the specific questions you asked yourself-good stuff, thanks!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. embellishedlife

You go, yoola! I remember the thread where you asked for advice on the kits and tutorials! Glad to see it worked out for you!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. HugsandHolidays

Great article. I can relate...what I thought I would sell was my assumption. I had to step back and listen to my customers tell me what they wanted. I thank and love each and every one of them, on and off etsy.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:07 p.m. voleurdebijoux

Thank you for sharing your gift and ideas, Yoola!
Much success to you and your shop. :)

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. sillylittlelady

Very interesting article, now I just have to brainstorm ways that I can stretch my shop...ive got a few ideas in the works ;)

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. bunnyboutique

Thanks for sharing Yoola.

It's goes to show that sometimes solutions are more simple than you think they might be...*just thinking out loud*

I constantly search my brain for new ideas, and probably spend too much time thinking about it than actually doing it. More action required most likely.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:24 p.m. BlueTerracotta

Very helpful indeed! I'm definitely going to take your advice Yoola, and stretch!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. ellecools

Great article. Thanks Yoola!

I really think any healthy business must always grow, evolve, adapt..all that..to stay vital, and those changes can also be exciting and rewarding.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. Ichela

Hi! It is real, some people buy Original crafts because it likes them, but many of them doesn't know or imagine how much time, your work takes you to finish one of your products. In my case my brother said "how many of paintings and products you can do in a day or in an hour" (as a engineer mind), it definitely define our "price" or value. (I hope you may understand what I want to said my native language is spanish, thank you).

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. DeNovoStyle

Great ideas! Awesome business approach! Thanks

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. veneta

So, did you end up trying #1 as well, with the prints? In all, are your sales figures now where you want them to be? Thanks for the article and I really appreciate the creative, yet purposeful way you've gone about things. A great example - thanks for sharing!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. Ryanplz

i absolutely love this article.
thanks so much for posting.
now i have a few idea's bubbling in my head!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. DzyMsLizzy

Some good ideas, but don't particularly fit with my product lines. 90% of the items I make are not "teachable" by print media, and require some specialized, expensive equipment (i.e. a kiln).
Manay of my other items are one-of-a-kind vintage, so not handcrafted, and again, nothing I can do with them to increase my sales.
However, your concept is interesting, and may be beneficial for many others.
Cheers... Liz

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. AntoinetteDesign

Awesome article, it was lovely to see the 'pros' and 'cons' list (I'm a 'pros' and 'cons' list maker!) Thanks for the great insight!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. FlowerPress

Really interesting!!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. lilyja

Respect!:)

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. littlepancakes

great ideas. I will definitely be thinking about this

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. lilyja

And definitely inspiring. thank u

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. HELICOPTERstudios

Great advice! Thanks.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. PillowThrowDecor

What a fantastic, well written article. I have a few pillow kits in my store with another 50 on the shelf your story is so timely. I need to get off my butt and get the show on the road. Thank you ever so much for sharing!

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Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. GourdKin

Great ideas and well thought through and YOU ACTED ON THEM!
Now that I know it's possible I have no excuse not to get moving.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 8:18 p.m. yaelfran

wonderful article Yael!!!!!!!
Congrats, congrats, congrats,
you deserve the successful so much!!!!!!!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. SewnNatural

Fantastic ideas - well-thought out and most of all, thanks for sharing them with us all, very generous of you. Great karma!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 8:56 p.m. dragonhouseofyuen

thank you Yoola for being so specific with your dilemma!

Your thought process is invaluable - and I hope to borrow your inspirational questioning.

This is one of the best articles on tiered pricing, sales results and ensuing conundrums I have come across!!

Thank You kindly, Annette!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. jacjewelry

Thanks for sharing this with us! I found this very useful, and you brought a few factors to my attention I never thought of before.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. CrownBindery

Thank you so much!! Yes, new ideas to inspire us all to reach for the sky!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. bellasparty

Great article and very inspiring! I'm in the process of making some changes on my shop. Thank you for the wonderful ideas!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 10:53 p.m. themachinestops

Fantastic article! I am now inspired to do some brainstorming of my own!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. BohemianThings

Thanks for sharing. This is one article I will read over and over again as I enter into opening my own shop.

There is so much to be learned here.

Bohemian Things

Feb. 16, 2009 at 11:48 p.m. JulieMeyer

Thanks for sharing your business process and how you were able to grow it on a different path.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. akane

Wow... what a great article! I remember you in the critiques forums when you were just starting out. I felt the frustration in you voice that you weren't doing as well as you'd like, but I knew your product was very original that that there would be a buyer for your designs. I just checked out your shop and have seen a huge change in the overall look, photos, and the jump in sales. You've sold many PDF's, but I also noticed that you've sold your larger pieces as well! Great job! I'm so happy for you and your success!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:08 a.m. alwaysadorable

I need your brain, LOL. Such good thought processes! Okay headed to get some pen, paper, and some brainstorming on!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:12 a.m. edieart

Great article! thanks for sharing :)

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:29 a.m. kris57

Wow! I need advise! What can I do? Can you check my blah store page and give me some tips related to my stuff.
I am going to think and brainstorm myself.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. beckysglass

I really gained alot of inspiration from this article! I hope I can incorporate some of it! Thanks so much!!!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:40 a.m. seweasypatterns

Excellent article!! This is exactly how my patterns evolved :) I was selling the finished products but not very often. But as soon as the patterns were offered, my shop BOOMED!! Now it is my bread and butter. It really pays to expand your thought process and methods. Thanks!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 1:04 a.m. perebags

Thanks Yoola!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 1:15 a.m. Lirola

Wonderful article!
Congrats Yoola!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 1:54 a.m. yalipaz


Yael, Thank you so much for this article it is inspiring and it is so wonderful of you to share. I love your work and your shop is amazing and I wish you many sales. Yali

Feb. 17, 2009 at 1:57 a.m. beaneandco

Nice to hear hard work pays off. Great article! Thanks for sharing.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:01 a.m. eraseandrepeat

what a great article! and filled with informative tidbits, hmmmm... food for thought for me :)

thanks for sharing!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:13 a.m. veroque

Yael, I love your work. you are very creative:) Thank you so much for you sharing, This is very helpful.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:21 a.m. nectorgirl

I have always loved those pom's. It's great when tutorials are offered, it really gives items value when people realize what it takes to get to that finished piece!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:24 a.m. haannh

Adorable stuffs..Thanks for sharing.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:30 a.m. QuipDesigns

Thank you! Something to think about... :-)

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:36 a.m. mmsomewhere

thank you

Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:11 a.m. DvoraSchleffer

Great article Yoola. So great to see how you analyzed the situation and found your way to turn it around. Very inspiring.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:13 a.m. MyMoms

Oh Yoola! you are so great! I really love your poms...tutorialsor mot (:

Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:25 a.m. AyalaLevinger

One of the best articles I have read! Really good points to think about! thank you!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:33 a.m. anakim

Wonderful article, fabulous work Yoola!
May your poms will bring you a lot of luck:)

Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:47 a.m. Berlinski

They are such great ideas! Congratulations on your success! ...hmmm...lots to think about...

Feb. 17, 2009 at 4:02 a.m. crochetgal

Thanks for such an inspiring article. I've always been an admirer of your wire work... its beautiful!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 4:06 a.m. nanouke

Thank you Yoola! You're an amazing artist, I really respect you, and a fellow wire knitter :D
This is the key for success, analyzing our strengths and weaknesses!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 4:25 a.m. galit

I'm inspired!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. rafya

Very interesting and encouraging article, I am agree about that stretching can never end. wonderful Yael !!!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 6:30 a.m. OdeliaLa

A great example of how sharing with others can only give more BACK and will not take AWAY. Thank you for teaching that.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 6:33 a.m. rosemaryhill

Brilliant! Thanks for letting us know about your success.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. DanutaDesigns

Wonderful article describing a positive thought process. Well done, I love your work.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. Yoola

Thank you all for your wonderful positive comments, I'm so happy i wrote this article :)

Feb. 17, 2009 at 7:36 a.m. AaronOverstreetArt

Great article! Thanks Yoola!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. gaialai

Great article!!! I think that when people will try to do them they'll more appriciate your work. I knit beads and jewelry and it was very intersing for me to read how another artist knits. I learned a lot from it :)
Thanks!!!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. raisinlike

Now, this is an excellent article - and very inspiring. I have a lot of thinking to do now about my own shop.

!כל הכבוד

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. elisasherejewelry

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, it's so inspiring! Your work is beautiful, I love the new smaller pieces.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:28 a.m. TheStrawberryGirl

The way you analyze your shop's potential is really helpful. I'm inspired!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. artinthefamilykb

I'm impressed and glad to have stumbled on your article. Great brainstorming, stretching and executing. Thanks for your help.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. XPoppysWickedGardenX

A very nice story! You have such wonderfully unique Ideas I am glad that you can share them all with us!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. FlanneryCrane

Well-written and thought provoking article. Thanks for challenging us...

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. filo

Yoola, thanks for the article. I remember your forum posting about weather or not to do a tutorial. I am glad that it has worked out so positively for you. Also I think that for a true creative spirit, its important to share and absorb the risk of being copied. Its so easy to say "I can do that" its only when others try that they gain real insight into the time and effort that is needed to come up with such gracious inspired creations.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. NannysDesigns

Thanks for the good article. I have been trying to stretch my ideas, which are in the action now, hope it works out.
Thanks for the ideas.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:01 a.m. mistflowerstudio

Yael, what a fantastic article. I've been thinking a lot about stores reinventing themselves lately and your article brought up many good points. You are so talented and kind. I wish you continued success in the future! You will always be the Queen of the Pomegranates!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. PhineasandLou

This is wonderful! Thank you!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. hilariagalleries

wow I really enjoyed your article! I'm afraid I, too, am one of those Etsy sellers with many hearts, a few really popular items but few sales. While I can't really offer patterns for my work :) it still challenges me to think of other ways to offer my product. Diversification and ingenuity is so necessary to success in business....

thanks for the awesome read!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. Inbaliya

Yoola, your article is inspiring.
Thanks for sharing!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. atouchofvintage

i wish you all the success on your tutorials and any other way that you will 'stretch' in the future! congrats!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. lalala08

Those poms are one of my favorite things on etsy! Great article, thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

It's great to see how people learn and stretch and adapt! Yay Yael!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. BeeGracious

Thanks for sharing your thoughts ~ love the poms!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. lilacpop

I have the same issues-lots of views and great feedback but hardly any sales. You gave me some great ideas! Thanks!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. wristcandycreations

Great article. Thanks for sharing your tips for success with us! Best of luck to you!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. popsiclestick

I can't thank you enough - I think a lot of us are at this stage and this is awesome food for thought!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:17 a.m. LaireMarie

Great story! Way to think outside of the box!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. GemmaBeads

popsiclestick said it - "food for thought". Thanks much! Another inspiring article.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. punkybunny300

Congrats on your success, tutorials are fabulous! This article definitely got me thinking!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. michon

Great article, I've seen your poms and love them so I guess I'm one of the people who looked at them a lot but didn't buy, LOL.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. 3cdKidStuff

thanks for sharing... we can't teach folks how to draw, but thinking about how we can make our product line more accessible has got me thinking! uh-oh!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. OmShop

Great!!!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. tiedyedmonkeys

Thanks for sharing your experience. Like you I have Items that get lots of views but few sales. I figured it was the economy. But you have inspired me to try to come at my store from a new direction!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. jensingh

Nicely written article, thanks for sharing a peek into the making of ideas!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. StudioCherie

Excellent article, Yoola. Great, concrete examples of stretching your thinking and expanding your line. I think a lot of Etsy sellers could benefit from this.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. SarahLamont

great article!
how sweet of you to share your findings....
Etsy is such a wonderful place to be.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. SeventhCloudStudio

Great article! This really applies to my own shop and I've got some great ideas....Congrats on your success!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. shopgoldmine

Smart and inspiring! Thank you :)

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. scrapbookcompleted

Such a great article! Thinking out of the box has inspired me to do the same. Thank You! Keep up the good work!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. LittleCritters00

great article, I love to know people and there process. I am a big process nut.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. ALEALE

very brave and smart ! I would need your advice with my zero sales !!!!!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 1:25 p.m. limitz

Yoola, u did something very clever.. in this world of ours where u can copycat is a fact (and I'm not saying it in a bad way, its just there and a part of us) and/or people are inspired by one another, the smart thing is to share, from your own will.
You are very right and I am happy to see it worked for you. Thank you very much for sharing!:-)
תודה!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. PipocaHandmade

Thanks for your insight into your business...it's very inspiring and invaluable information. Wishing you continued success.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. MortonWildlifeOils

That's great. I also get compliments on my work with no sales to support them, so I've been working on some new ideas to hopefully make my shop stand out more and give people a wider range of options. Thanks.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. Easy123

Yoola,

Thanks for an inspiring article. I have purchased earrings, and patterns from you and they are fantastic! I may need to rethink my business model.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. spicerakdesigns

Thank you so much for this article! I, too, am trying to brainstorm on ways to expand my shop's boundaries...thank you for sharing your insight and experiences!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. SEOWebDesign

Wonderful article with helpful ideas I can use for my own shop. Thank you for sharing your success story.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:15 p.m. hazelnutcottage

oh, my, i need halp! i need brain stretching halp! i have ideas! but, uh, did i say i need some halp?!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 11:10 p.m. LilPeasandCarrots

I can't believe I missed this! Thanks for picking my Modern Pinafore Pattern Kit!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 11:14 p.m. Gocreativity759

Great article. I feel the same way too - I need to stretch my visions into something more affordable and more creatively sound...These pomegranate shapes remind me exactly of these wire sculptures I saw at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, CA a few years back. The shape and this style of weave is almost identical! Very cool, clean and intricate. I wonder if these were inspired at all from these old Asian wire sculptures.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. blithegardens

Really good information. There are always new ways to look at every problem!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 7:01 a.m. CrochetRoanoke

Congratulations on your well-earned and well-deserved success! Thank you so much for sharing this business strategy and for sharing your amazing talent!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. SowingOats

Great article and lesson. It shows true business acumen. Too many times all we think about is throwing in the towel on something that isn't working. You did your homework! Its a lesson I am going to work harder at applying to my own ideas! Thanks for sharing.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. ArchetypalTheatre

This is inspiring! In my own shop, I had mostly expensive handmade art dolls. I am now adding more affordable pencil sketches and paintings, as well as making prototypes for smaller, simpler figures that still stay true to my vision. Making cards using photos of the products sounds like a great idea. (I'm certainly guilty of buying images of original art instead of the original!)

Feb. 18, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. yoganoodles

Thank you for the insight! I am new to the Etsy community and crave suggestions for growing a successful business. What I really loved, though, is the fact that you talked about your process...the questions you asked and how you made the choices you made. And, by the way, I love poms!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. paintingpam

Way to go!! Thanks for sharing about the tutorials which would lead to more respect for your product. I'm bookmarking this page and will consider something similar.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. twistedsisterarts

Thank you so much, I've been struggling with the same issues. I've been developing a new line, that I can sell as a kit as well as the finished article. You've made it work, and that helps so much.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. teamzvonik

I read this story yesterday and I have been really thinking about what you have said about stretching. Thanks for the thoughtful, educational and supportive article.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. brownbunnybyiris

Fabulous article!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. SmadarsTreasure

Great article, thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts!
בהצלחה וכל הכבוד!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. waxandwool

Thanks so much for a great article!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. artsycraftybabe

Thanks for sharing! I couldn't agree more, as I've done the same thing. My patterns have given me way more success than my finished products have.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. FireFaeryDesigns

Thank you, Yoola for the inspiration. I am brand new to Etsy, and anxious for ideas to make my shop a success. Best of luck!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. lauraslefthook

Thanks for this article. I have been working along the same lines. I have been working on adding patterns as well as adding another line of similar products to my best seller. It is a work in progress.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. KimsCraftyApple

very innovative! I love you thought outside the box to increase your sales. I'll have to try to do that with my shop...hmmmm....

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. kestreldesigns

Great advice. I definitely need as much of it as possible to try and "make it" on etsy. Thanks!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. SapphireLizard

Thanks for sharing! I've run through a similar line of thought about my Spring Flower Bouquet rings. Everyone loves them, raves about them, but I've only sold 6 in a year since I debuted them. Good to know I'm not the only one in this boat. It ehlped me a lot to see how you approached the situation.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. HawkManStudios

I've had an Etsy location for almost a year now but just recently started placing my work on Etsy. Your article will be the cornerstone of what I do to be successful on Etsy and I thank you for your experience, knowledge and for being a true artists and sharing.
Thank YOU!!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. absolutelysmall

Thank you so much for this article! I've been so lucky to be featured in so many places...yet since that doesn't translate to sales much, I've been wondering what was wrong with me.
Not only did this article give me great ideas to expand, it made me feel like less of a looser! ^o^ So, thanks for that.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. CityChicCountryMouse

Super article! It motivates me to "think outside the box." Thanks for sharing your experiences!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. mishmishmarket

Kol Hakavod Yael!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. margotbianca

this is a great article. i like your carefully considered pros and cons. i've thought of offering shirt kits in my shop, since making my own fabric and sewing garments produces an expensive product that many can't pay. i appreciated reading about your experiences. (and, i'm one of the people who've hearted your poms :) thanks so much.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. darklingwoods

I love how you were able to use your creativity to focus on a solution! Thank you for sharing!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. esmeraldadesigns

fabulous, how logic an artist:)

Feb. 18, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. lilworkerb

Very good article. I have the same problem, lots of views and no sales. I will really considser trying the shop makeover.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. Sigaliot

Great open minding article.
Thank you for sharing and good luck with sells!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. bijougirldesigns

Yoola, I have been such a fan of yours from the beginning! This is a very comprehensive article and I so appreciate knowing your step by step process in expanding your business! Thank you! and lovely work - as always!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. retrovertigo

That's a great way of explaining it. Especially about sharing your knowledge and earning community respect. I really appreciate what you've written here. THANKS!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. WandaWorks

Yoola,
Thanks for helping me with your wonderful article. I could really feel your brain working with great problem solving as a result. It is not the customer who won'y buy, it is we who cannot sell them what they want ! I wish we could draw more attention to etsy from people who love hand craft but won't ever do it themselves... now there is something to ponder. Would love to talk with you about that.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. pamglew

inspired ideas! thanks for the refreshing read

Feb. 18, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. BellaBeeDesigns

Great article! Thanks for posting this, and helping me realize to think out side the box! :-)

Feb. 18, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. HazelnutDesigns

Wow, amazing article, and insight on how to grow your etsy shop! Very methodical - and it worked! Great job!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. fibrogirl50

Thank you for such an encouraging article. It prompted me to think outside the box; something I need to practice more of :)

Feb. 18, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. Sudstress

Those are some great eye openers. Thanks for the perspective. I'm going to take a look at my shop the same way.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. hopgrasser

wonderful, inspiring, thoughtful article. thanks for sharing your insights!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. LanaKole

LOVE love LoVe this article. Such awesome ideas! Thanks for sharing Yoola!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. sweetwilliams

Thanks for sharing your thought process and the success that it produced.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. LoveAngelaHandmade

Dear Yael

Thanks for the wonderful inspiration and insight into how you can rethink your craft to obtain better sales. I'll be keeping a copy of this article to refer to! Thanks again.

Cheers from Sydney, Australia!
Angela
www.LoveAngelaHandmade.etsy.com

Feb. 18, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. blossomnbird

Thankyou Yoola for a great article. Just what i've been thinking and trying to do too. I call it expansion. So many ways you can expand on your work. Creating different products. I'm trying to find the time to get all the ideas happening :) Beautiful Poms!!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. mbzap

thanks for the words of wisdom-
it's always interesting to hear how successful sellers find their paths

Feb. 18, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. vella

Great article with great ideas, Yoola, Thanks!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. envejewelry

many thanks for writing this! I guess I would fit into that category.. and you've given me much to think about. :)

Feb. 18, 2009 at 11:08 p.m. EnchantingBeautiful

Cool informative article thanks!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 11:46 p.m. TherapeuticScent

Very well written, easy and straight forward to understand.
Thank you for sharing! Congratulations too on your success and new discovery!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 2:41 a.m. felicitycrew

Thanks for sharing your insights with us. This is very thought-provoking!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 3:12 a.m. Rejina

Fabulous article!!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 4 a.m. Kwan

This is a very well written article, thank you for sharing Yoola, this is inspirational and gives me encouragement. Congratulations on your Etsy success.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 7:01 a.m. fantasybeader

Thank you for your ideas, I love the way you ask yourself questions, I do that all the time.
Wishing you much success.
Heather

Feb. 19, 2009 at 7:06 a.m. smmak

Nicely done! Informative article that I will return too. Koodos to you!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. adorebynat

Great article. It's an eye-opening to share your knowledge with others.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. marysworkshop

You are definitely an inspiration to all of us! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with many of us in the same situation.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. maejane

Awesome inspiring article! Thanks for sharing what you've learned along the way :) It helps to tap into fellow seller's perspectives! xxo

Feb. 19, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. applepiekids

Thanks for sharing your insight. I think stretching our minds is the key.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. treeformjewelry

I really like the idea of "stretching" your ideas. This is great!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. jurphy

Great article - you have really given me something to think about - thanks!!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. pennyglassgirl

The advice in this article is great and very useful and relvant ot me. Thanks.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. peppermintdesigns

Really inspirational; thank you! I loved the way you stretched your ideas!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 4 p.m. GloamingDesigns

thank you so much for sharing your experience! as everyone has said, it's really inspirational and articles like this remind me just how great a place Etsy is.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. wyldewoodpapers

What a wonderful example of positive thinking and problem solving! Thank you for inspiring me to do the same.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 11:57 p.m. MakeMeOver

Wow - very thought provoking article! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas & growing pains. It's always good to look for the pros (& cons) of ideas, & to keep our minds open to other ideas. We all have some wonderful talents around here!! Gotta love Etsy :)

Feb. 20, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. TheRusticRoosterFarm

Thank you for sharing this. I am just getting started with my etsy store, and I appreciate all the help I can get.

Feb. 20, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. samsstuff

A great way to think about this issue! I'll have to work on a way to implement this for my shop! The first step, the lists...

Feb. 21, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. patk860

I am so new to this so it is great to hear such good thoughts right from the start....Thanks!

Feb. 23, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. basketrybotanica

So - do people think that I could sell basket weaving kits? I tried that on eBay and it was a disaster. Etsy might be a different audience altogether. I have the supplies in stock and could easily write up a tutorial. Opinions? email me @ cmoorecole@gmail.com. I'd love some constructive ideas.

Feb. 24, 2009 at noon BritmericaLane

Some very good ideas.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. GlassTortoise

Very interesting article. Definetly gave me some things to think about. Good job. Love your poms!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. DarkStar

This was just a wonderful dissection of the creative process....thanks! Gives me ideas, and hey...that's always a good thing, right? ;)

DS~

Feb. 26, 2009 at 3:57 a.m. misohappi

I like your marketing ideas. Your poms are unique & infused
with beautiful colors.

Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. risingphoenixtoys

Nice article. I thought stretching your boundaries was just part of running a business.

Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. cybergirl5710

Great article. I can't wait to try some of these ideas myself.

Feb. 26, 2009 at 2:23 p.m. Bearlynstitches

I enjoyed your article a lot. I've been thinking about other ways to expand my brand new shop ( can't believe I'm thinking that way already!).

Feb. 26, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. CJsBeadedJewelry

Enjoyed your article--new to Etsy--trying to pick up all info I can. I have a variety of items I do and I've discovered by watching the 'views', I can tell which items create more interest...and hopefully, more sales. Thanks! CJ

Feb. 27, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. Jahaarts

Great info. i have lots of items that i make (because i am a compulsive creator) but i have had an interesting time trying to figure out how to get more sales and exposure...Looking forward to applying the info! Thank You!!!!!

March 1, 2009 at 2:27 a.m. aislinnoccasions

great article! congrats! your shop is great!

March 3, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. shadesofsplendor

Thank you so much for the info!

March 11, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. marinataliera

great article !!!!
Thank you !

March 11, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. Nalto

awesome info!! thanks:)

March 12, 2009 at 12:35 a.m. beladonnajewels

This is such a great article and huge inspiration. Thank you for sharing!

March 15, 2009 at 12:15 a.m. mloartwear

very interesting and well done article! thank you!

March 15, 2009 at 1:36 a.m. mimianddottie

fantastic story. thank you. I am inspired.

March 17, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. JonesyAndCrane

Oh I have a lot to think about! I want to make our beaded cuffs more accessible. The problem is, they take forever to make (like your great poms, Yoola), the design took ages to perfect, and they often use beads that are harder to find. Sometimes I even wonder if my photos are too good and "give up" the process. Especially because I'm not the best at exposure. But I love your take on it, Yoola, and it's great to see all these tutorials. I'm very inspired to stretch - Thanks, all!

March 23, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. lucywallis

All very helpful for a newbie!
Thank you for sharing your struggle and your solutions.
I wish you every success.
Lucy

March 31, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ArtFromTheHeartBySue

Thanks for such great advice...It goes to show how thinking "outside the box" lends itself to new opportunities!

April 3, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. autumntakesme

thank you for this very helpful article!

April 5, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. Wampum

Thank you. It is very helpful!!!

April 8, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. dreamspiralart

Great article! Thanks for sharing, Yoola. I like the way you broke it down so logically.

April 13, 2009 at 12:39 a.m. cappucinomix88

this was great, thanks!

April 15, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. wynnemrabbits

So glad you took the time to help your fellow crafters with this great article on making the most of our etsy shop. I am so glad I found this before we opened the shop...because if we had failled we may have just left etsy as the rabbits already keep us very busy and usually in a 'hole', tee hee!
Thank You...Yoola

April 20, 2009 at 2:33 a.m. arosha

Thanks for sharing! I found your article to be especially inspiring. It's all about thinking "outside the box"!

April 22, 2009 at 12:52 a.m. haannh

Worth reading over and over again!Very inspiring..

April 22, 2009 at 7:39 a.m. EllaLouisDesigns

Thank you! very useful article inspiried me to change my ideas about my etsy shop.

May 1, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. amyquerin

Sounds like great advice for those of us getting started!

May 6, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. JazzGreen

very informative, thank you for sharing...

May 10, 2009 at 7:42 p.m. mackieboo

Excellent article... thank you for your story!

May 12, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. snipandtuckdesigns

Thanks so much for the advice it is just a matter of thinking out of the square when it comes to your product, invaluable, thanks again

May 18, 2009 at 6:55 a.m. SeamusAshley

Thankyou for sharing, and spreading a positive and inspiring story !!

May 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. closet149

thanks so much. i'm learning so much about selling on etsy thanks to generous bloggers like you.

May 26, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. momgen

wow this will help my store a lot...thanks for this one.

May 27, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. khakaridesigns

Thank you so much for the information. My jewelry shop is just up and running again and I really need to make money this summer since I am off work! I think I will start by working on a line of less expensive earrings to work into my higher priced items. THANKS!

May 30, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. BeyondUsual

A WELL TUTORIAL IN ITSELF. THANK YOU.
AFTER ALL, AS MY BETTER HALF ALWAYS SAYS: "COMMON SENSE IS NOT SO COMMON".
I LOVED HOW YOU APPLIED THE PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUE FOR YOUR ISSUE. NOT EVERYONE CAN SEE AND THINK LIKE THAT. THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT WITH US.

June 6, 2009 at 9:16 a.m. ALICELETTS

definite food for though, many thanks

June 12, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. YasmeensCollection

After reading this, I'm going to offer more than childrens clothes. It's my passion, but it's very competetive . I just need to branch out. Thanks for the advice.

June 20, 2009 at 2:13 a.m. eclecticmoi

Thank you Yoola,
you are such an amazing inspiration ♥

June 23, 2009 at 1:13 a.m. MyKreation

Thank you really helpful

June 28, 2009 at 3:03 a.m. sweetsmilesbaby

Thanks so much, just the info I was looking for.

June 29, 2009 at 1:25 p.m. BethanyOgle

Very inspiring, Thanks.

July 9, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. EmbellishYourself

I like the unique options you thought of. It's a reminder to think outside the box!

July 12, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. jenharruff

Wow, this was really a great article for a newbie like myself! Thanks for opening up my mind to new ideas.

July 15, 2009 at 6:24 p.m. dolliecs

I've been toying for some time with the idea of stretching my boundaries and as a result of reading your article, I've decided to spread my wings and take a leap of faith! I create a variety of jewelry designs, but what i strive for is a "signature" line. A line of jewelry that is very distinctive to buyers and lookers; i.e., when someone sees one of my designs, they can easily recognize it as a Dollie C's piece because it has that "signature Dollie C's look/style". So, thank you for sharing your informative article. I'm ready to s t r e t c h my creative direction dive into the deep end of the pool. Stay tuned!

July 23, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. Jackiegee

Very inspirational and helpful. I am new so this will be a big help for me. Thank you!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 8:29 p.m. Shamamomma

Great idea! I was dappling with thius idea, but now that I have read this, I will design a kit for the holidays!
thanks
S

Aug. 18, 2009 at 11:05 p.m. NanMoon

Very good article, it helped me think in a new way.

Aug. 28, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. jewel359

I never thought of this before reading your article, but it sounds interesting. I just have to figure out how to apply it to my shops. Thanks for the idea. You've given me much to think about.

Sept. 20, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. FreZa

This is a great analysis, and it shows an open mind, and a generous soul. Good job! and thank you so much!

Sept. 20, 2009 at 11:40 p.m. EcoInspired

Interesting and helpful. Thank you.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:10 a.m. SmartGalDesigns

Wow! You just really opened up my mind. Thanks!

Sept. 28, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. duchessdesigns

Thanks for the information, I need to apply it to my shop.

Thank you so much for sharing.

Nov. 8, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. etchingsnthings

As someone who has had low sales since I started this article is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

Nov. 22, 2009 at 6:24 a.m. missnatch

Inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

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