Life on Mars - Business as UNusual

At the beginning of this year I wrote a blog about spending Four Months trying to increase my sales of my handmade jewelry and doing some freelance design work because I really didn't enjoy making the Aprons and Bow ties as much as I liked making the jewelry and designing.

It's really the sewing thing. I have to cut fabric on the floor and it hurts my aging hips and knees, and I have a hard time actually seeing what I'm sewing. Meaning I have to wear reading glasses to sew, then I can't see anything else when I look away. It's kind of a pain.

I guess I have to wear them to make jewelry too, but I just need to complain. It's who I am.

Well I did increase business in my jewelry shop a bit, by reviewing my product and making some serious changes. Mostly I added reasonably priced brooches and have sold a lot of those and some large orders too. But still, that shop income is nothing to make a living at.

As for my design career, I'm sure the small commissions I get will be good, and it is fun, but I'm not willing to give up my freedom at the moment, to go at it full time, and that's where the money really is.

I have however, found that opening up a real store on eBay has found me the income I really needed, through my Aprons, Bow Ties and Pillowcases. Yes, the thing I really didn't want to do. By opening a store, and a facebook page and more promotions, I've nearly doubled my sales from last year. However, that does include better jewelry sales, and freelance design commission, no matter how small those are.

I've resigned myself to sewing. I've even accepted it as my lot in life at this moment in time. I'll still keep my jewelry shop open, and work on new merchandise for a time, but my main focus right now is income. And after all, those designs are cute too. Now I need to finally design those messenger bags I've been wanting to make. And maybe, just maybe, I'll add some jewelry to my eBay store.

May 23 Giveaway - Cherries Jubilee Apron

Today is a Great Giveaway! Cherries Jubilee Retro Apron. It's so cute and just in time for Northern Cherry Blossoms.

This Apron is so cute it has little bows and it even has a Lace Apron. Remember, You have to follow my blog and the other rules HERE.

This month I have a special Deal on Aprons in my Poppy's Garden Gate shop. Buy Any Apron $24 or more and get a free Pot Holder. To win this Apron, just go to my shop and leave the name of your favorite Apron in the comments.

Good Luck!!!

The Winner of the Wolverine Accessory Clip is Toasty Angel - Congrats!

May 4 Giveaway - Rooster Vendor - Craft Apron

Today You have the opportunity to win this ADORABLE Rooster and Egg Vendor, craft or Hen House apron. Very chic way to feed your chicks.

These aprons are great for so many things, crafts, gardening, cute tool belts and some of my customers with little ones just wear them around the house so they can pick up stray cars and hair clips and such and slip them in the pockets. You can find lots more at my Poppy's Garden Gate Shop on Artfire

So the basic rules to win this are HERE and in addition you have to stop in my shop and tell me what your second favorite Vendor Apron is. Just leave a comment here on the blog and if you are a follower you are entered to win. Easy!

More prizes tomorrow, so don't forget to return. There are no limits on the prizes you can win.

The May 2 winner of Poppy Longstockings is Jane. Congratulations

May 3 Giveaway - Rainbow Brite Clutch

Today I'm giving away an Adorable Rainbow Brite Clutch like the one seen here and at my Artfire shop Poppy's Garden Gate. And just because I love you so much I'm not making you work so hard to get her.

You still have to follow my blog and all the other rules blah blah blah that you can find HERE

Then You have to just leave me a comment on your fondest memory of Rainbow Brite, maybe the show, movie, doll, or even the bedsheets. That's all and you will be entered to win her.

And Don't forget to come back tomorrow.