Heroine Industries - Alternative Kitsch Jewellery

Long time no blog....

2011-05-16T15:50:00.003+01:00

I knew I hadn't blogged in a while, but I think a year really takes the biscuit! I made a lot of (positive) changes in the last year, and set afew goals in motion (like getting my driving liscence!) and admit I dropped the ball a bit with blogging and twitter...

...but I'm back now, and ready to get back to normal. I've listed some new items and I'm going to be listing more items over the week :D

Soooo Watch this space!!!

Happy May Day! and new items!

2010-05-01T19:05:00.005+01:00

It's the 1st of May today (May Day), but it already feels like summer has started here in the uk. It's been much warmer and sunnier recently, and trust me we have to make the most of it here!

Here are a couple of really cute new items I listed :)

Lolita Pink Black and White Gloomy Bear and Bow Cameo Necklace
(in the etsy shop)

Super Kitsch and Cute Bunny Cameo Necklace
(in the Folksy shop)

Happy St. George's Day!!!

2010-04-23T12:53:00.008+01:00

Happy St. George's Day! St. George is the patron saint of England, and so today is a celebration of everything English!

The English flag, a white background with a red cross is called The "Colours of Saint George", or St George's Cross. You can find out more about St George by clicking on the title of this post.

Heroine Industries have been featured on a St Geroge's Day themed post on Skullandcrossbuns blog, which you can visit at the link below;
http://skullandcrossbuns.blogspot.com/2010/04/folksy-friday-happy-st-georges-day.html

Here are some of the best 'English' themed items I found on Etsy (I wanted to pick items that were English, not British, and weren't too 'london');

English Rose Tote Bag by zukas

Jane Austen Glass Tile Magnet Set--Team Dashwood--Sense and Sensibilty by lalucita

ANNE BOLEYN Tudor Queen BEADED EARRINGS by FunckLoveDesigns

5 Shakespeare Postcards - Illustrated Set by immortallongings

St George English Flag Hand Knitted Tea Cosy by lilbritknits

UPDATE on the airmail situation

2010-04-22T09:54:00.004+01:00

Royal Mail updated their information this morning;

"General synopsis

Although the restriction on flights into and out of the UK has been lifted, the closure of UK airspace and airspace in parts of Europe since Thursday 15th April, is continuing to affect our distribution of mail by air. This has impacted on some UK domestic mail which travels by air, as well as mail due to either leave or enter the country via UK airports.

The normal domestic airmail network is expected to operate tonight.

At the moment our contingency plans are still in place to keep as much mail moving as possible, using alternative road and rail networks to replace air services; there may be a small delay to mail being delivered in some areas, until such time as the air network is back up and running as normal"

--------------------------

About Air Mail to the US;

"Airmail items posted 15th-17th April inclusive and addressed to the USA are with airline handlers ready for despatch as soon as flights have capacity.

Items posted 18th-20th April are being sent by sea container for arrival in the USA on or around 30th April.
Airmail items posted from today, 21st April, onwards will be despatched by air with the first flights out of the UK expected to commence this weekend due to capacity constraints.

From today, mail will be despatched in sequential order, therefore some items mail incur a slight delay whilst schedules and airline capacity return to normal."

ICELANDIC VOLCANO ERUPTION - CAUSES DELAYS TO AIRMAIL

2010-04-19T19:34:00.013+01:00

Now there's a title I never thought I'd have to write...
Due to the Volcano that erupted in Iceland last Wednesday, there are ash clouds over the UK, and all planes have been grounded in UK airspace. So there is currently no airmail coming in or out of the UK, and some other northern European countries.

So unfortunately there is a delay with international orders (to US, Canada, Australia etc...)
Hopefully flights will start again this week, and the delay will only be a few days *fingers crossed*

Royal Mail’s advice and latest updates can be found online at the link below;
www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/jump1?catId=400144&mediaId=112300784

Slightly worrying story in the Mail today
Scientists warn that volcano ash could return 'at any time', causing more travel chaos

Deer oh Deer

2010-04-12T15:13:00.004+01:00

I just listed this super cute and retro deer cameo necklace!

♥ Super Kitsch and Cute Deer and Pink Bow Cameo Necklace ♥

Pink Deer camo necklace! Vintage style raspberry pink frame with a little kitsch, 3D, Deer charm! I added a sweet pink bow and added diamonte gems! With a silver plated bail and a 16" ball chain! Very cute!!!

Cameo measures = 50mm x 40mm

I need 6 people for an Art Swap :)

2010-04-05T17:01:00.004+01:00

I was asked on folksy to take part, and now need to find 6 others interested....

----------------

I am taking part in this art swap on Konnie Kapows blog.

http://konniekapow.blogspot.com/2010/03/swapsies.html

I now need to find 6 others to take part. Would you be interested? You would only need to send out one piece of art, and you would recieve a few ( i think if it goes right about 6) in return.

You would need to find 6 others also.

The art can be a picture, something knitted, a felt plushie, jewellery, crochet, what ever your thing is :)

If you are intersted in doing this, let me know and i will send you the details. You can message me here (in the comments) with your email address, or email me at heroine_industries@hotmail.co.uk

I can't wait to get little suprises in the mail :) Now I need to decide what to make too....

100 Motivational Blog Posts for the Unemployed

2010-04-01T16:26:00.006+01:00

I stumbled across this list online, and know that unfortunatly alot of people are in the same boat as me (unemployed) and thought I would share it!

It's a list of 100 Motivational Blog Posts for the Unemployed, and they have been listed in to little catergories of 10, each under a different theme.

I hope it is of some use to someone :)

100 Motivational Blog Posts for the Unemployed

I Left My Heart On Etsy....

2010-03-30T15:11:00.004+01:00

I've listed some new hearts in the etsy shop...

Chunky Purple Glitter Heart Necklace

Rainbow Stripey Heart Necklace

80's Inspired Stripey Heart Necklace

Large Pink Heart and Glitter Stars Necklace

I can't get this song out of my head...

2010-03-22T18:42:00.004Z

I saw Orianthi perform 'According to you' on American Idol and I'd never heard of her (don't think she's released it over here in the uk?) but I haven't been able to get the song out of my head since! Definitely someone I'm going to be keeping an eye on in the future! Plus it's great to see an amazing female musician, instead of the usual talentless clones who have to rely on sexuality to push songs.

A little about her from her own website'
"At 24 years old, Orianthi has already experienced what most aspiring musicians only dream of. She's opened for her hero (Steve Vai), backed an Idol (Carrie Underwood), traded solos with a legend (Carlos Santana) and shared the stage with the King of Pop (Michael Jackson). What's left to conquer? The world stage, for one, and this guitar wunderkind has her sights clearly set on the road ahead."

You can see the music video by clicking the photo or the link below;

MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'ACCORDING TO YOU' BY ORIANTHI

Shiny New Items

2010-03-09T21:50:00.006Z

...ok they may not be shiny, but they are new! I have just listed a load of new items in the etsy and folksy Heroine Industries shops. And I thought I would share some with you :) (click on the photos to be taken to the items)

New Items on Folksy

Cute Pink Cupcake Beaded Bracelet

Sunny Yellow Charm Crammed Kilt Pin Brooch

New Items on Etsy

Heart Cookie / Biscuit and Bow Necklace

Large Gloomy Bear on Long Pink Chain Necklace

Hello Kitty Party Magazine - Issue 1

2010-02-21T21:31:00.004Z

If you're in the UK you may have seen the TV adverts for a new Hello Kitty magazine, which has recipies and each issue comes with a piece of a dinner set....the idea to collect the whole set.
I may be 24 but I just bought the 1st issue! You see I am a sucker for both collecting and Hello Kitty. They must have seen me coming!
Though I have seen lots of girls my age buying them in WHSmith. Honest.
I don't think I will buy the whole set, I don't really see myself using napkin rings.
The first issue is £1.99 and comes with a plate (all the next issues will be £4.99) and I noticed that there are atleast 4 of the same plate in the set, so I'm going to buy 3 more issues to get them at the £1.99 price!

Happy Pancake Day :)

2010-02-16T11:08:00.007Z

I was going to do a Valentines day blog, but bit late for that now. So happy Pancake day instead (which is today!) Not sure if people celebrate this in america or not, but here in the UK on Shrove Tuesday we have Pancake Day ^_^ Usually eaten with lemon juice and sugar or golden syrup. The pancakes are typically thinner and bigger than american style pancakes, more like french crepes. (the title of the blog links to the wikipedia page for more info)

So I thought I would find some yummy pancake related items on etsy to share with you ^_^
(photos link to listing - shop name links to their shop)

1)

Breakfast Buffet Earrings by BetsyEtsy

2)Kawaii Pancake Necklace by BabyLovesPink

Felt Food Pancakes - You Choose by lisajhoney

Scented Plate O Pancakes Ring by danzdzynes

Pure Massachusetts Maple Syrup by ChickenBetty

RISING SKY ARTWORKS BATTER BOWL WITH WHIP - DESERT'S EDGE by risingsky

Pancake Soap by RuthsFunShop

RETRO fifties RED POLKA DOT APRON by loverdoversclothing

I've been featured in my 4th and 5th treasurys! :D

2010-02-02T12:57:00.013Z

In the space of a month Heroine Industries has been featured in 5 treasurys on etsy!!! It's kind of strange because I hadn't been featured in any, and then loads come at once! But hey I'm not complaining! It's a really nice compliment and I always like to see what the other items are, and how the theme comes together through totally different items.

Unfortunatly I don't have a screen shot of the 4th treasury as it was on the 26th Jan and has ran out. I was a bit pre-occupied with the magazine coming out, and forgot to get a screen shot of it. But I'd like to thank Lisa of gemandicollection for featuring me in her treasury (and if anyone has a screen shot of it I'd really appreciate it?)

And my Pretty In Pink Glitter Packed Ring has been featured in StudioSeventyFive's treasury -> "Pixe Dust Treasury" (which you can see a screen shot of below!)

Heroine Industries in Make Jewellery Magazine!!!

2010-01-29T13:52:00.010Z

I was asked to be in a little feature about kitsch jewellery for the March issue (no.11) of Make Jewellery Magazine (available in the UK from all good news agents, tesco, WHSmith, morrisons etc...) And I was really super happy when I was sent an early copy yesterday ^_^ The issue has gone on sale today (it comes with some free beads too) ^_^

So here are some piccies ^_^

Front cover - issue 11 March 2010 Make Jewellery Magazine

You can click on the photos to enlarge them if you want to be able to read it ^_^

It's moi!!! lol. What a great start to the new year! ^_^

And you can find the items featured at the links below;

Poisoned Apple Hair Clips

Psychobilly Zombie Charm Bracelet

I've been featured in my 3rd treasury!!!

2010-01-22T14:10:00.006Z

I had never been in a treasury and now all of a sudden i've been featured in 3! :) This is the third one, based on Sex and the City! Which features my New York City Skyline Necklace (2nd row, middle picture) I really appreciate being picked for a treasury so thanks guys :)

you can view the treasury here -> SEX AND THE CITY TREASURY

I've been featured in my 2nd Treasury - 'My Rainbow Heart'

2010-01-10T20:03:00.006Z

In less than a week and I've been listed in my first 2 treasury! :D Thankyou so much guys I really appreciate it :)
This one is based around 'rainbow hearts' and features my 'Retro Rainbow Stripey Heart Necklace'. It has lots of fun and colourful items ideal for Valentine's Day!

Here is a link to the treasury -> 'My Rainbow Heart' Treasury

I was featured in my first Treasury!

2010-01-07T11:47:00.004Z

I got a message on etsy today that my 'Screw You' necklace (which is on sale and only $5!)has been featured in this treasury -> 'You Don't Get It' Treasury
The very first one I've been featured in ever! ^_^

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-05T10:40:00.008Z

Happy New Year! I hope you had a great Christmas and New Years! Not written in a little while... been really busy with the holidays. As it's a new decade, as well as a new year, and I could really do with some luck/change, I thought I would write some new years resolutions...

1) First and foremost to get a (day) job. At this rate any job will do! Since leaving uni I've found it impossible to get a job, there's only so long you can keep telling yourself it's because you graduated in to a recession, before you start to doubt yourself. I know I need to dedicate more time and effort to that, but with all the rejection it's always so much easier to get lost in the shop/internet/tv/anything other than filling out endless application forms. I'm going to get off my ass and get it sorted!!!

2) To get my drivers liscence and get a car. This I HAVE to do. I HATE the bus!

3) To go to the gym atleast 3 times a week, eat better and loose some weight!!!

4) To continue to build up Heroine Industries, on both etsy and folksy. Reach sales goals, branch out and try new crafts/items, improve photography, advertising?, get some business cards etc...

5) To start doing more illustration, and try to get some commissions. Given that I went to uni for it!!! lol.

6) To stop being one of those people who let their life pass them by, while making plans for it. I will stop just saying I'm going to do stuff and actually do it, and stop leaving things till the last minute (I do that alot)

I hope that wasn't too boring to read lol, but I just really want this year to be one where things finally start happening. So here's to new beginnings!

I'm now a member of the new UK KAWAII TEAM on etsy!

2009-12-09T22:56:00.005Z

The UK KAWAII TEAM on etsy is now up and running

I've tried to join a couple of teams on etsy and contacted various people but to no avail, so I am pleased to announce I am a member of this new team on etsy :) You can find our blog by clicking the banner below;

New shop on Folksy.com

2009-11-30T20:55:00.009Z

I decided to make a shop on Folksy.com today

It's like etsy.com, but it's a british site. It's still in it's early days i think, which is exciting to be there at the beginning of something. ^_^ It also means I can list in £'s which is good for any UK customers!
I've been reading it's good not to have all your eggs in one basket, so it's all good ^_^ so Heroine Industries is now on etsy, ebay and folksy. I'm thinking about maybe selling on misi.co.uk aswell, but we'll see!

Click the button below to go to the new shop on folksy;

100 Fans on Facebook :D

2009-11-26T23:04:00.005Z

I reached 100 fans on facebook this week :) and would like to say thankyou so much to everyone for their support, it's really appreciated! I've also found some great sellers and shops myself through facebook fan pages!
I also *finally* changed the name of the Heroine Industries fan page...I'd been struggling for a while to figure out how to change the url for the fan page and not my own personal facebook profile.
Here is the new url for anyone who would like to take a look(much easier to remember now);

www.facebook.com/HeroineIndustries

Next milestone.......40 sales?

2009-11-23T21:06:00.006Z

Ever since I opened the shop on etsy I've kept having a goal number to reach in sales, from 5, to 10, to 15, etc... now I've reached 30! :D which may not sound alot to bigger sellers, but it feels great to hit each little milestone!
So now I have 33 sales on etsy, I guess my next goal is to hit 40!

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

-Lao-tzu, Chinese philiospher

Seeing Red

2009-11-16T11:15:00.004Z

I decided to dye my hair (bright) red last week, after having it bleached blonde for 3 years. Mostly just because I wanted to give my hair a break from bleaching as it's made it quite weak and fine. I'm naturally a dark blonde/mousy light brown colour, so i needed something that would cover that as well as bleached hair :s (I used to dye it bright red, and i mean proper crayola/letter box red! But I had to bleach it to get it that colour, and was tryin to find a red that would still get a bright colour without bleaching...)

First I tried a bright red from L'Oreal (recital preference - 7.6 Incadescent pure red), and I was pretty scared b4 I did it (i remember havin to wait ages for the red to fade last time i had it b4 i could lighten it) It didn't come out too great, it had made the bleached part of my hair a bright red/orange but the roots hadnt really taken the dye as well and you could still see my roots :s The colour started to fade after only a week, and I was paranoid it was looking orange...
So yesturday I went and got a darker/deeper red from the Live Color XXL by Schwarzkopf (43 passion red) and it looks much better! It actually managed to turn my roots the exact same colour as the rest, so it finally alllooks one colour and is alot brighter! I just hope it isn't gonna fade as much as the L'Oreal!

If i thought I could dye it pink and it wouldn't effect my chances of looking for a job I would have done it!!! Think I will prob go backto a blonde in the spring, and if I'm lucky enough to have found a job by then that won't freak out about me having pink hair i'll do it pink!

Remembrance Day

2009-11-11T11:48:00.007Z

Today is Remembrance Day, and even though I was just at home I sat for the 2 minute silence at 11am and remembered those who gave their lives for our freedom. I thought about all those who haven't made it home.
I think 2 minutes of your time every year is really not alot to give. I really do not understand workplaces that do not uphold this tradition. This is my favourite WWI poem;

The War Sonnets: V. The Soldier
If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's, breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
- Rupert Brooke

Flanders Field WWI

Can't recommend Mookychick.co.uk enough!

2009-11-10T13:48:00.003Z

I stumbled across Mookychick.co.uk a while ago, whilst looking for info about looking for work with brightly dyed hair/piercings etc... (there really isn't alot of info out there)
If you've not visited mookychick before, it's basicly a girly site for alternative girls (finally!!!) that has stuff about fashion, makeup, manga, feminism, work/interview tips/alternative jobs, craft and diy stuff, music reviews, spirituality, riot grrrl stuff, tattoos, piercings etc.......

In there own words;
"Your source for Riot Grrrl, Goth, Emo, Burlesque, Geek, Feminist, Gothic Lolita, Wicca, Harajuku, how to tips, makeup tips, beauty tips and undiluted joy - Mookychick"

click on the link below to go to their site ^_^

Mookychick.co.uk

OOAK Hand Painted Dinosaur Necklaces

2009-11-05T13:16:00.006Z

Here are some new items I put up recently :) Hand painted dinosaurs! Which are covered in clear varnish. Due to the hand painted nature of these items, each one is totally unique and One Of A Kind.

♥ OOAK Hand Painted Leopard Print Dinosaur Necklace ♥

♥ OOAK Hand Painted Glittery RAWR Dinosaur Necklace ♥

♥ OOAK Hand Painted B-MOVIE Dinosaur Necklace ♥

More dinsoaurs are available in my shop :) Rawr!

Closed my Ebay shop today :(

2009-11-03T16:30:00.002Z

I closed it today and I have to say, it might sound a bit stupid, but I actually felt quite sad :( I've had that shop since 2005/2006. It helped me make pocket money for myself through uni.
But I guess I have the etsy shop now, I'll save money from ebay, and i can still list items on there.

I think I'm going to close my Ebay shop!

2009-11-02T21:55:00.006Z

I've been thinking about it for a while, mostly because of money reasons. But also I've noticed for a long time now Ebay have been targeting their sellers and making life hard for them and I just give up! And after looking more closely at it today I'd say it's definitely something I have to do, unfortunately.

I went on today and saw my fees were £22, which I was a bit surprised at given I've hardly listed anything and only payed it a short while ago. I just can't afford their fees every month! I end up spending the money I make on etsy on paying my ebay fees! They've deliberately made ebay as over complicated as possible, especially for sellers! I had a look at some of thees new sections in the myebay section and came across these "detailed seller ratings" and it says i am "below standard" on 'performance' which I really don't understand because I have a feedback score of 1446 that is 100% positive?!!!!! n it says they might enforce selling limitations if it "continues" but i don't know what I've done wrong!? It almost feels like Ebay don't want sellers on their website?! Like they're trying to trip you up every step of the way. And even though lots of other kitsch jewellery makers have left I've stuck with them, but no more.

Here's a list of the reasons that really tipped the scale for me;

1) In September I made £59.02, but ebay and paypal fees were £32.94! More than half the money!

2) I realised where those huge fees came from today.....when I signed up for a basic shop a couple of years ago it was £6 a month. It is now £14.99! This has gone up without me even knowing about it!!! I have two shops on etsy...both are FREE, how can Ebay justify charging £14.99 a month just for the privilege of a shop!? And sneakily put the price up without notifying you!

3) Sellers can no longer leave negative or neutral feedback. They can only leave positive feedback! Even when buyers don't pay for the item!!! Totally unfair and just another way they have targeted sellers.

4) It's much quicker and easier for me to list on etsy. I personally find etsy alot simpler to use now.

5) Their seller fees (for listing an item) have gone up so much since I first started selling on there in 2005. They got greedy and started charging sellers such huge amounts many have left.

I don't know what ebay is thinking, but who ever is in charge needs to realise that if they don't have any sellers there won't be anything for their buyers to buy = no buyers either!!!
It's a real shame because I've had it for a few years now, but Ebay have made it impossible. I think I will keep the account and list the odd thing, just to keep a bit of a presence on there.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has sold on ebay and had a similar experience? Did you used to have a shop on there? Do you still have a shop on ebay or have you closed it? I'd love to hear from you...

Awsome Rockabilly Online Shops!

2009-10-26T12:40:00.008Z

Hi folks, I'd just like to quickly say a big thankyou to everyone who has followed me on twitter and fanned me on facebook :) It really is appreciated!

If you haven't already checked out these shops, then you should ;p

pinupgirlclothing.com
The name says it all really! Beautiful and sexy clothing, inspired by retro 'pin up' girls! I've seen photos of retro inspired wedding dresses they've made for people - so if you're thinking of a 50's/rockabilly inspired wedding you should definatly check them out! As well as the usual dresses and tops etc..., they also sell mens wear, swimwear, jewellery, house ware and lingerie!

rockabilly-rules.com
Lots of mens wear! Aswell as clothing, they also sell magazines and books, accessories and music! They have some awsome hair styling products for that perfect pompadour!

lucky13apparel.com
Lucky13's official store! Including lots of exclusive band merch!

dollydagger.co.uk
UK site for rockabilly influenced women's wear, shoes, jewellery and accessories.

lovemissdaisy.com
UK site selling hand picked, one-off vintage clothes and accessories from 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. They also have vintage wedding dresses for sale!

coffin creepers
Mens brothel creepers. They also sell veggie creepers and a couple of women's creepers!

trashvilleusa.com
Great sellection of clothing, handbags, shoes, rockabilly baby clothes!, and home wares!

So I gave in and joined Twitter

2009-10-23T16:28:00.008+01:00

So I've been reading for ages about twitter on etsy, though very mixed reviews from people. So I gave in and joined today. I figure it's free and another way to get the word out so it's all good. I just really don't want to be one of these people who tweet that they're going to bed or making a cup of coffee! I think then I would really just have to shoot myself.

Unfortunately twitter has a stupidly short user name limit, so I couldn't even fit HeroineIndustries as a user name! So I had to settle for HeroineInd (after a lovely person on the etsy forums mentioned that i could use the abbreviation of industries - which never even occurred to me *D'oh*)

So anyways, enough rambling, here it is -

Newly Listed Items

2009-10-22T13:33:00.007+01:00

Brand new items just listed :) Here are a few, for the rest please see my etsy shop :)

Kawaii Pink Ice Cream Sundae Necklace

Cute Pink Bow and Black Heart Necklace

Handpainted 'DEAD GIRL' Zombie Heart Ring

Kitsch Dinosaur and Heart Necklace

KAWAII bead and chain Necklace

For even more newly listed items visit the shop -> Heroine Industries Shop

Thankyou

2009-10-21T18:37:00.002+01:00

I just wanna say 'Thankyou' to everyone who has 'fan'd me on facebook :) so far I have 61 fans and I only made it last tuesday! So cheers everyone for your support, and that goes to everyone who reads my blog and has followed me on here :)

You can fan me here -> Heroine Industries on Facebook

It's my dad's birthday today, and my mum's 50th next wednesday! Lots of presents to buy! I got my dad a gig ticket for Magnum (80's hair metal band) which is on 4th nov. I thought it would make a good present, men are always so difficult to buy for! I rang this morning to say happy birthday and he got it ok (i wasn't sure it would arrive on time because of the mess with royal mail atm) and said it was the best present he got :) so it was money well spent.

Facebook Fan Page

2009-10-13T14:43:00.003+01:00

I made a Facebook fan page today, it's not got loads on it yet, but I'm going to keep updating it! ^_^ I've seen people talking about them on the etsy forums, so thought I would try it out. I might venture in to setting up a twitter page, but I spend so much time online as it is! I don't know if i should keep making work for myself?
If you have any suggestions or comments i'd love to hear them...

Anyways, please come along and become a 'fan' you can find the page at the link below ;

HEROINE INDUSTRIES FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

Has anyone else noticed a lack of emphasis on Feedback on etsy?

2009-10-08T15:15:00.005+01:00

I've noticed this not just with my own shop but on other people's too. I'll be looking at a shop and notice they've had like 300+ sales, but they only have a 100 - 200 feedback. Next time you look at a shop look at how many people have left feedback, compared to how many items have sold...
Feedback is very important, for both the seller and potential customers. It proves you deliver your items and that if they buy from you they aren't just sending their money to some interweb black hole! For the seller it also lets you know that you haven't just posted your item in to a postal black hole... you think, "did it arrive?"(especially when Royal Mail is involved *cough*) "were they happy with it?"

I've also noticed on other peoples feedback (luckily this hasn't happened to me yet) when people have left 'positive' feedback but they haven't actually written a single word. It's just blank. I mean how lazy does someone have to be? Perhaps I'm a bit childish, but I'm always super excited when something arrives, and I have so far (on etsy) been very very happy with the items I've purchased. The sellers have gone out of their way to beautifully package the items, written me a little thankyou card, messaged me on etsy etc... I think it is just polite to leave feedback and let them know that a)the item arrived safely and b)i am very happy with said item.
I don't understand why if you are happy with the item you would not leave feedback? and if there was a problem, why not message the seller and tell them the problem and see if it can be fixed?

I've been selling on Ebay since 2005, and only started on etsy this summer. Feedback is left alot more on ebay, and is promoted as being fairly important on ebay, I've had sellers message me to leave feedback because I haven't done it straight away. Though Ebay have made it so sellers can ONLY leave positive feedback...so even if the buyer doesn't pay, you can't leave a negative feedback?

What do you think? Do you sell on either site? What is your experience with feedback?

Yet More New(er) Items

2009-10-06T14:53:00.007+01:00

Starting to wonder if I make too much stuff? Oh well I just love making my little bits and pieces :)
I'll only post a couple up this time lol. (photos link to item) For the rest you can check them out in the shop!

Hand-painted 'I LOVE ZOMBIES' necklace

Set of 6 - Kitsch Wine Glass Charms. Great for a girly night in or a party, never missplace your drink again!

Kitsch Dinosaur and Stripey Bead Earrings

Brand New Items :)

2009-09-28T21:49:00.006+01:00

I've been busy listing lots of new items today :) Here is a peak at a few of them (the photos link to items) :)

Batman and stripey beads Necklace

Pink and Black 'Love Gun' Earrings (I also have these for sale in red and black)

Ahoy Sailor - Anchor Necklace

Small London Postcard Pin

Zombie Love / Heart Necklace

Kawaii Tinkerbell Beaded Bracelet

I didn't get round to listing my other new items in the Ebay Heroine Industries shop. I'll have to do that tomorrow :) But I already have a little box filled with new charms and bits and pieces that have arrived! I always feel like a little kid at christmas when new charms arrive and can't wait to get crafting away! I'm sure anyone who likes to make things is the same?

Another blog to take up my time ;)

2009-09-24T14:05:00.004+01:00

Hello folks. I have just started a new blog for my other etsy shop, Toadstool Hollow. You can find the blog here -> Toadstool Hollow Blog
I do enjoy blogging, but it will certainly be interesting seeing if I can keep up to date with 2 blogs and 2 shops! (not including the ebay one!) It's a good thing I enjoy doing this, lol.

I have lots of new items I am going to be listing tomorrow and over the weekend, so I hope you will come check them out ^_^ I have a job interview tomorrow morning (for a marketing/sales job) even though I have no experience, so fingers crossed! I would much rather spend the rest of the day making new items and listing, but unfortunatly I need to spend the rest of the day preparing for this interview tomorrow (as I am so bad at them!) If only I could find a way of going in to the interview without feeling like a bag of nerves (that doesn't involve drinking a bottle of vodka and being asked politely to leave)

R.I.P Patrick Swayze

2009-09-15T11:11:00.008+01:00

I found out this morning Patrick Swayze lost his 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer :,( He was only 57. Like most girls my age, and well, older and younger, I love Dirty Dancing. I have lost count of how many times I've watched that film over the years. I remember watching it as a teenager everytime I got my heart broken. There's just something special about it. My thoughts go out to his wife, family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed. x

Yay :) 2 sales today & I opened a New Shop

2009-09-12T18:41:00.008+01:00

Yay I got 2 sales on etsy today :) lol. And i sold a bracelet and necklace on E-bay this week :) I know that's probably not alot to the bigger sellers, but I had been a little bit worried after spending alot of time on the forums and trying to promote the shop that maybe i was doing something wrong? But this was a great start to my day :)

I also decided to open a new shop and move all the wicca themed items there. The Heroine Industries shop is very much for kitsch, rockabilly, kawaii and emo items. But i've wanted to do some celtic/pagan and fairy themed items and artwork and didn't think they would fit in with the original shop. So instead of confusing customers I decided to open a new shop, Toadstool Hollow (it's not got alot in it yet but will soon be stocked with fun new items :) to go to the shop you can click the banner below :)

New September Items :)

2009-09-10T15:09:00.005+01:00

Hi folks :) I posted some new items yesterday. I've been trying to add items as late as possible because of the time difference between here and the US, (because when you first list items they appear at the top of searches) and I wanted to list them when as many people as possible were online. But after a lot of late nights, I've realised there's not much point me staying up till 1 in the morning, when it's still only the afternoon over there! So i'm just going to have to do stuff on a UK timescale and hope people still find me!

Here are some of the new items;

Kawaii Strawberry Felt Brooch

Kawaii Halloween Pumpkin Bag Charm

Day Of The Dead - Rainbow Skulls Necklace

Self-Confessed Geek Necklace

Believe - Follow Your Heart Necklace

There are lots of other new items in the shop too :) I've also been asked to be one of the first 10 members of a new street team on etsy for UK Kawaii :) I'm not a member of a street team yet. I've been meaning to join some of the uk ones, but alot of them seem to be mainly ran through yahoo, which i don't really use. Actually I should probabaly go read what you actually do in a street team first, lol.

Peace out x

Etsy Finds - Alice In Wonderland

2009-09-06T18:15:00.007+01:00

I have to admit I am slightly obsessed with Alice in Wonderland, and even though Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland film isn't out till next year...I thought I would share with you some of the tasty Alice treats I found on etsy :) (photos link to listing - shop name links to their shop)

1)

Alice in wonderland Pocket moleskine cahier by Champignons

2)

'Pink alice in wonderland disney style fabric covered pocket mirror' by flirtbuttons

Mome Rath from Alice in Wonderland by chantelstar

Dark Creepy Alice in Wonderland w Cheshire Cat Goth Fantasy Art Print by karlaruizart

Alice in Wonderland Fascinator by savoytruffles

Alice in Wonderland all Around Charm Bracelet by justbedesigns

Wear Your Heart On Your Skin

2009-09-04T23:04:00.002+01:00

When I first joined etsy, I just listed things and that was it really. But I've been spending a bit of time over the last couple of days looking through etsy, on the forums, for advice and tips etc... at items. I have to keep reminding myself the prices are in dollars, because I keep looking and thinking "wow that's a lot!" and then I use a currency converter online and realise actually it's not. I guess I'm a little slow, lol. It is a bit annoying though to have to keep having to convert amounts to figure out if i can afford to buy something or to figure out how much to list something for.

I am still looking for a "day job." Like people who want to be in a band have a "day job" while they try and make it with their band...except I want to try and 'make it' with my art and crafts. I guess I'm a bit geekier than a rock star.
A friend of mine has mentioned a couple of times about going and doing some work experience at the tattoo shop he works at. It would mean I could draw, and I think any job where I could draw and have some creativity would be awsome. The only problem is that I do need some money coming in, but while I'm applying for stuff I'm going to put a portfolio together and see what happens :) When I've got some bits drawn up mayb I'll put them up on here :)

While I was busy making some bits and pieces for the etsy shop (which I'm REALLY pleased with and can't wait to put up over the next week :D) this programme came on which was pretty cool. It was about people who live like they are in a particular decade. Like the 30's, 40's or 50's. They dress like it, do their hair and make-up. Have those kind of morals, beliefs and marriages/relationships. Drive cars from those decades. And when they showed their homes it was amazing, their entire home was done up in that decade, all the furniture, kitchen appliances, decor. Everything! Now that's commitment! I'd love to know how the 1940's ones did their hair, they looked amazing.

New Items and usefull Tag Finder tool

2009-09-01T13:32:00.011+01:00

I listed some new items last night and this morning and thought I would show you them :)

Wild West Care Bears Derringer Gun Necklace

Halloween Colours (purple, orange, black and white) Charm Bracelet

Pink Fender Rock Star Plectrum Bracelet

Las Vegas Slots Machine Ring

Psychobilly Skeleton Charm Bracelet

I found an interesting tool on the etsy forums today, you type a tag in to it and it helps you to find the best set of tags for your item, and gives you prices items with those tags sell for.
http://craftweasel.com/TagToolQuery.do

A blog post about blog posts...

2009-08-29T11:32:00.006+01:00

I had a really lovely birthday :) (i'm having birthday cake for breakfast as I write this lol) and I've just been looking at the Etsy forums after not going on for 2 days. I think being in the UK the timing might be a bit funny for going on the forums, last time I was on it was nearly midnight here and it was very very busy!!! Every time i refreshed the whole page was full of new topics. I guess it would probably be early evening in most of America at that time? But now (it's 11:30am here) it's very quiet. Which makes it a lot easier to read things lol.

A lot of posts I noticed were asking things like "what do you blog about?" and "do you blog about just business or personal things as well?" - I don't have an awful lot of posts, but was thinking about it, and I think if you are selling handmade items, your business is already quite personal, and it's a personal touch that your customers like. But then you also want to keep it professional to an extent. I guess it really comes down to personal preference.

I've been thinking last couple of days about getting ready for halloween and christmas (shop wise) will post more on that close to the time. I already have a few Halloween themed items (just coz i love hallowen all year long) ...

It's my birthday tomorrow ^_^

2009-08-26T22:41:00.002+01:00

A bit of a side note from the shop, but it is my birthday tomorrow *excited*, and I'm just about to go to bed after I finish writing this. Went to see Katy Perry last night, she was really great!!! I loved all the kitsch, flamingos, giant inflatable fruits ^_^ I will put some photos up this weekend!

I've been spending some time on the etsy forums since the weekend, and I can't believe how busy they are! But it's all good. People seem really frinedly and helpfull on there, all wanting to help and learn from each other. I've been selling on ebay since 2005, and I don't think I ever really looked at the forums. Etsy does seem to have quite a community feel to it that I really like ^_^ I'm still not sure what a BOGO sale is though? Is it like a BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free) sale?

goodnight
x

Success is falling 9 times and getting up 10

2009-08-25T15:50:00.004+01:00

The title of this post is a quote from Winston Churchill. It's a quote I've found very useful.

I didn't wake up to a great start today... I woke up with a splitting head ache, a pile of very unwelcome bills waiting for me on the door mat. I went and checked my shops and I sold an item on etsy, and it really made my day :) I think anyone who sells things they've made them selves probabaly gets a bit of a buzz when they sell something, wether they've sold hundreds of items, or it's their second sale. To know that someone likes your item enough to spend their hard earned money on it is a great feeling. It reminds me to keep trying. To not give up on what I want to do with my life.

Since I finished university I have been looking for a day job. Something. Anything. Just to pay the bills, so I can concentrate on working towards doing something creative to earn a living, and build that up. (I specialised in Illustration) but thanks to the recession even 'basic' jobs are hard to come by, and so I'm still looking. That's where the quote in the title comes in. I hope maybe it will be useful to someone else...

Pretty in PuNk - I've been a busy girl

2009-08-23T14:35:00.004+01:00

So I've been pretty busy over the weekend, getting the ball rolling on making my own website :) Quite alot to get my head round and figure out, but once it's done and up and running I will be posting a link and I hope you'll come check it out!
I hope the end result will be something people really like and find easy to use!

I think the main thing that will set my shop apart is that most of my items are one-off's. Once they're gone, they're gone! Which I think is more in-keeping with the whole kitsch, diy, handmade ethos! I know when i've looked for things for myself, I've wanted them to be unique or a bit different.

Watch this space!!!

Peace out.

New Items on Etsy

2009-08-19T22:16:00.013+01:00

I listed some new items in the etsy store this week, and have been updating with new photos for some of the other items. Thought I would share some with you guys ^_^

'Key to My Heart' earrings

Kitsch Dinosaur hair barrette

Halloween themed kitsch charm bracelet

Kitsch My Little Pony chunky chain bracelet

Rockabilly 'Las Vegas Gangster' charm bracelet

All these items are available at Heroine Industries etsy shop ^_^

First Post ever ^_^

2009-08-17T12:01:00.004+01:00

Hello. testing. testing. 123.

This is Heroine Industries first post, of what I predict to be very many!!! If you have read my profile, or seen my subtle links at the top of this page, you will know that Heroine Industries is the name of the shops I run on etsy and eBay. The etsy shop is quite new, but I have been selling on eBay for 4 years now and have 100% feedback ^_^
I make mostly handmade, kitsch jewellery (or jewelry if you're American) But I'm also branching out to kitsch and quirky art, felt wiccan items, custom bags, cushion covers. To be honest I just love making things, so if i can make it then it will probably end up in the shops ^_^ lol.
I also love kitsch, diy, emo, scene and rockabilly things (and I spend a unhealthy amount of time on the Internet) so I will probably post the interesting bits and pieces I find.

My name is Emma by the way *waves*, just realised I probably should have put that at the top of this post!