Survival of the Ceramics

I'm not usually a huge fan of ceramics. They kind of all look the same to me. But Circa Ceramics stand out like no other. Their designs are simple but the colors and images stand out. Their images seem to be the sort of thing that shows up on a lot of screenprinted t-shirts these days, but for ceramics it is something completely new. They have anything from simple polka dots and stripes, to elaborate floral patterns, vintage cameras, antique typewriters, bicycles, and skulls. Their prices can be sort of steep, to add one bowl or mug to your kitchen cabinet will cost from $30-$35 dollars. But if you just want to have a token or their craftsmanship, you can buy a decorative tag or magnet for only $8-$10. The work put into each item is definitely worth it.

Hopeful Monsters

I just discovered Hopeful Monsters
at the Etsy Portland craft fair over Rose Festival weekend. You can't throw a rock in Portland without hitting a screenprinter but Hopeful Monsters just has a little something extra. For one they've managed to creat a few specific images that are extremely eye catching, and they also print more than just tee's. Although, this Narwhal Love Tee is definitely tempting! This is one of their signature designs which can also be found on some ecclectic slips and dresses! My other fave has to be the Gingko Wallet which I finally gave in an purchased for myself. Check them out on Etsy!

How To

It occured to me today that after all this talk of "Etsy" shops and "Lov.li" shops, there may be someone out there who doesn't know what this means. So welcome to online Craft Selling 101.
Topic #1: Etsy-The Original
The best thing about Etsy? You don't need to know any html! And we all know how much it sucks to learn html. If you can navigate Blogger, you can have an Etsy store. Here's how it works: it costs nothing to sign up on Etsy and 20 cents to list an item for 4 months. Then, if and when the item sells, Etsy keeps 3.5% of the selling price. For example, to sell a $10 item, it would only cost you 55 cents. You are billed once a month and have about 2 weeks to pay your bill before they automatically charge your credit card.
To actually list items is easy as well. The whole process is just an online form where it asks you for things like a description, tags (words people can type in to search for your product), and a photo uploading form as well. And it get's better! Do you blog, myspace, friendster, or have a website? Etsy can generate a javascript or flash version of your shop that you can paste nearly ANYWHERE, making your shop uber accessible. Sounds great don't it?!

Topic #2: Lov.Li- Bringin' it Home
Lov.Li was recently started in Portland, OR by a local printer named Patrick. It runs pretty much like Etsy except it doesn't cost anything to list an item! Once an item sells, Lov.Li keeps 3.5% but you don't pay until your bill reaches $15.
What's also great about Lov.li is that you can post blogs, joins craft groups, have have "friends" kind of like social networking sites, making it great for diy networking! Also, because there are no listing fees, you can list items you've made that are not for sale but you want to show off.

Both of these sites run in conjunction with Paypal accounts, similar to Ebay. So get crafty and get selling!

You Cast a Spell on Me

I tend to not be a huge fan of handmade jewelry. I can really appreciate it, but personally I am more for the gawdy ridiculous colorful gold and plastic kind. However, KSpell may have changed my mind. And her jewelry is even more amazing in person although her Etsy shop is beautiful!
I am fortunate to have Kristin Spellman's jewelry for sale at In Other Words and to also see her again at the Lov.Li Fair on Sunday and trade for some great hair pins beaded with colorful green and red vintage metal and glass beads. Check out her shop!