------- ABespokeTouch -------

5* for Artfire

2011-05-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

I don’t write that often, and when I do it’s usually to complain about the selling sites that I use to promote my Handmade Wedding business. But very recently I was brought over to handmade selling site called Artfire. After my time on Etsy I felt jaded about the whole online selling process, I came to Artfire with a preconceived idea that it was just another site that I would invest my time in and get nothing in return. BOY was I WRONG! I wasn’t long set up on Artfire when I noticed how EASY the entire site is to use, and I was left asking myself 1. Why didn’t I use Artfire sooner? And 2. Why isn’t this what all online selling venues are like?! Over the past few months I have been working hard on Artfire I’ve opened 3 stores to showcase the variety of items I can make and I just wanted to write today to let anyone else who has become so jaded by Etsy know that there ARE sites out there who care and work how they’re supposed to. I’ve given Artfire 5 *'s and I wanted to share my main reasons for loving Artfire as much as I do;

1* Single page listing Process – I can write the body of my item WHILE my pictures upload, it makes the whole listing process so much simpler, cleaner, easier! The system is a bit more detailed too allowing colour matching, dates or Eras for vintage items, and a great section you can fill in for the ‘story behind your item’ which is beautiful to read if someone has created a collection with inspiration or if someone has listed a charity item, I can read about the charity and who this sale will benefit!

2* Check in feature - my customers KNOW that I am here; they know that I am in my shop every day and they will get a quick response should they have any questions. My shop hasn’t been abandoned and using the feature ever day helps improve your search standings.

3* Artfire Indexes! – It automatically adds us to indexing websites like googles indexing and no matter what Google decides to change; my views never drop from the indexing. Also I want to add that when you’re listing an item Artfire will tell you if you have used keywords that Google blocks!

4* Search works! - Easy to be a customer! – I would be no-where without my customers! I love that Artfire search works so well, and it has this amazing feature that you can search for what you want as well as what you don’t! They have a NOT feature where by you can search for ‘’black cardigan’’ and then tell the search you do NOT want ‘’cable knit’’ for example!

5* FREE – if you want to sign up for a PRO account you can, at such a low $$ amount compared to so many other sites. But it’s not forced upon you that you must sign up, the basic free account is still better than any other selling site I have ever used! And you don’t have to register to buy, which is good for the hundreds of customers who are so dubious about sharing personal information, they don’t need an account to buy from you!

So if you sell your handmade goods on-line and haven’t yet tried Artfire, I’ve just given you 5 reasons to come on over and give it a try. So now you have no excuse at all for sticking around Etsy when you don’t get sales and the Admin don’t listen. Come over to Artfire Via my link and we BOTH get a month FREE of the PRO account, so try it today it won’t cost you anything and you’ll be amazed at how simple your business can be!

http://www.artfire.com/users/abespoketouch/sell-crafts

I’ll be seeing you soon!

Eco Friendly Shopping bag

2010-11-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

So every now and again, I take it in my head that I'm going to start a sewing project ( and every time I FAIL, but that's besides the point). Usually it starts because I have 'something left over' or a piece of clothing that's just too nice to throw out.

So this time I wanted to make a stack of t shirts that no longer fit me, but are pretty cute - into something new! I know I could make a pillow case or something ( with a seam split back because I can't sew zippers in right ) OR I could up cycle it into a tote bag.

After trying to figure it out in my head, I was pretty sure I had it, lined and all. But after putting it together for the second time, I still have seams, boo!

Anyway it's still pretty cute and it has cured me of my need to sew. I'll keep this one as my sample and if I ever want to try it again, I might just leave out the lining all together and then there has to be raw seams and its not my fault!

I'm a lucky ducky

2010-10-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

So sometimes I get in a mood and I'll search through the Etsy forums for a good give-away, I mean who doesn't love the possibility of getting something GORGEOUS for free?!

I didn't have to search for long before a blog that is well known to me because I adore all the shops connected to it popped up advertising it's October Give-aways. Well my eyes nearly popped out,
Our Little Universe blog was doing a multi give-away with so many things to sign up for I genuinely didn't know where to start.

After giving each item my careful attention, I decided not to be too greedy and I only entered for the items that would have been useful to me. And guess what? Because I'm such a lucky ducky I WON! And I didn't win just anything, I won the exact thing i wanted to win most!

A beautiful Orange Autumn Chunky Cowl from NutshellFarms. When I received it I was over the moon, its even softer and chunky and so luxe it's going to make a fantastic addition to my winter wardrobe! She no longer had photos of the exact cowl on her etsy but she does have some more stunning Cowls that just had to share with you!

This beautiful green and blue striped cowl is a hot item in my favourites list!

And how unusual and artful and intricate is this?! Completely stunning

And as if the talent with crochet and knit isn't enough, Nutshellfarms make their own Jams and preserves, how delicious does this look, seriously?

They do their own range of Household items such as dishcloths and flax seed bumps and bruises packs. And even a range of childrens booties, hats and Burp cloths!

I'd just like to Add a huge thanks to OurLittleUniverse Blog for hosting this give-away, and to Nutshellfarms for donating such a wonderful Cowl for me to win!

Thank you!

xxx
ABE

Getting ready for Christmas

2010-10-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

So I've been meaning to make these for quite a while, probably since before last Christmas, but you know how it is, one thing or another always gets in the way!

Finally I have made them! So far only in warmer colours, orange, yellow, gold etc. but I plan on having the full range of colours made, photographed and available to buy on-line.

Lovely handmade Christmas tree baubles

But i was thinking while I was putting them together, I'm sure they could be used at weddings too, they'd be gorgeous hanging into the aisle as pew decorations, or hanging on the handles that lead to the reception room!

Hope you like! More projects to come soon!

Update on Etsy

2010-10-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Update on my previous post, I've decided to permanently close all of my Etsy shops Barr one. My wedding/ handmade supplies shop is alive and well and I will be pouring all my creative energies into it alone!

Wish me luck!

(new colours available too! here's a taste!)
IndigoChampagne

Verdigris

Its been quite a while!

2010-10-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

So a lot has changed within the last few months, After opening four Etsy shops, that's right four! It has become apparent that because I am considered an 'international seller' selling supplies and small jewellery and accessory items is just a complete waste of time. It costs too much to post the smallest things, I mean, come on... who is going to buy a set of beads at $0.99 and then have to pay $4 in shipping on top of it? So I've come to the sad but inevitable realisation that I need to re think my Etsy strategy.

2010-04-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

Not sure if it's the beautiful day outside or the crappy night I had last night or even the fact that I'm looking forward to spending time with friends tomorrow. But I just have this overwhelmingly sad feeling today that i've lost touch with a lot of people and that even more have outgrown me. I realise that life takes us all in different directions, and i'm quite happy with the direction i've taken - starting a family and getting married, working from home. It's still sad all the same when old friends forget about you or just don't feel as connected to you as they used to.

So my thought for you today is;

“If I never met you, I wouldn't like you. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't love you. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't miss you. But I did, I do, and I will.”

Keep in touch.
Steph

2010-02-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Lady Luck has been smiling on me recently, I love looking through blogs here on-line, especially at those of my friends on the trade-a-holics team. I was lucky enough to be linked to a blog written by our lovely Handy Maiden in which she was doing a give-away. And guess what? I won! Generally I'm not applicable to enter blog give-aways because I live here in the UK and the bloggers don't want to pay international postage, but the lovely Handy popped my Prize in the post and it was here in no time!

So I thought I'd show you all what I got, and let you know that HandyMaidens charms are definitely worth buying ( if you're not lucky enough to win one!) So cute, so original and extremely well made!

I won the Gold finch pendant shown below

And because Handy is such a sweety she included a beautiful small pink owl pendant because she knew I loved them!

So if you need a gift or just want something for yourself that will make you smile, why not check out Handy Maidens store for jewellery and wearables, or her new Terra Farma store for figurines perfect for your terrarium, fish bowl and dolls house!

2010-02-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

Okay so I know it's been a while since I updated, but boy do I have some brilliant news.

We all know I'm a bead-a-holic, so much so that I have opened a new Etsy shop dedicated to my 'over spill' - Stephs Destash

But i just can't help myself, and i had to enter Julies Blog giveaway!

Just follow this link to enter yourself, a chance to win 1 of 3 sets of beadings with findings! Lovely colours to choose from!

Set 1
Set 2Set 3

Good luck!

2009-11-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

I have previously bought 2 tutus from 2 different etsy sellers and always thought they were a bit of a disappointment when i received them. When i received this tutu from thegirlyplace, i had to smile. It's wrapped adorably. And when i opened it i was shocked by the amount of tulle used, it's easily 5 times the amount from other etsy sellers.

I am so happy with this tutu i know i will definitely be getting any of my tutus from thegirlyplace from now on, they're fantastic quality, very full and flouncy, so many layers that you can feel safe no ones going to see what's underneath as this is a problem i had with previous purchases.

As an international customer, and for the tutu to have been handmade i received in super record time!

So i would definitely recommend this seller, she's fast efficient, friendly, affordable and has the best quality tutus on etsy.

My daughter loves it and immediately tried to shove her panda into it, so here's a pic of panda in the tutu and matching bow.

I'm just Giving it away!

2009-11-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

November 15th to November 30th I will be having a huge Christmas sale! During the 15 days i will be offering buy 2 get the 3rd free, and to celebrate the launch of my sale, the same 15 days i will be contributing to a contest give away over on Audreys blog.

So if you head on over there and follow the instructions, you could win my lovely ''she sells sea shells'' bracelet

So if you love this beautiful boho beach babe jewellery just pop on over to Audrey blog for the give-away, there's lots win! And remember 3 for 2 on EVERYTHING in my shop!

I got thank yous!

2009-09-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you both so much, PeculiarParchment and Pennyspug for their wonderful assortments of thank you cards! i was using scrap pieces of pretty paper up until now, i know these cards will give me a professional yet 'crafty' edge!

Above from peculiarparchment and below from pennyspug!

PeculiarParchment got some lovely beads and PennysPug got these fab earrings

I'm going to need a handbag room!

2009-09-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

I got this amazing bag, finished to perfection from tootsweethandbags. She got a selection of different sized organza, silk and satin flowers finished with pearls and other beads.

This bag really is amazing, it's sort of a carry-all and i'm currently filling it with my toddlers outside junk for when we go shopping!

Yay nice trade for mummy!

Just wanted to thank...

2009-09-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

cr8ted4u for a wonderful trade. One of the nicest most honest Etsians i've had the pleasure to trade with so far! She sent me and extraordinary little package of many paper baggies with tissue and cards!

cr8ted4u got some lovely beads for the trade!

So i got a little greedy...

2009-09-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

but could you really stand back during a trade frenzy and let these gorgeous items pass!? i know i couldn't and didn't!

During our mad mad trade frenzy i traded these amazing bags from Nitelily3. I desperately want to keep them all but unfortunately not one is for me. They're all gifts!

Nitelily3 got some exciting destash, buttons, fabric and brooches!

Another one ticked on my list!

2009-09-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for gifts for my bridal party, as when i get married in october i would like to give everyone a little keepsake or thank you.

The girls were easy enough - still picking up some random things but the boys were proving a little more difficult.

Then i found thepinkkite. She makes excellent value plastic covered notebooks with kawaii images. I was intrigued and so i convod her to see if it was possible to get my own artwork on the notebooks.

Our best man is an artist and is obsessed with starwars, he had made a charcoal and paint smokey painting of a storm trooper and even if you're not into star wars you have to admit it's an amazing picture.

She was able to make one of her kawaii journals from this

into this!

I've received it and i was extremely blown away by the quality. The image is on fantastic quality paper it looks so professional!

From this trade thepinkkite received some lovely beads!

P.S. If anyone like the twilight movie series, thepinkkite has some amazing twilight notebooks!

It started with...

2009-09-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

I've found a new obsession - dichoric or dichroic glass ( whichever way you spell it!)

It all started with a trade i did with an amazing glass artist moonofglass. I spied this lovely hair bobble and thought it would be perfect for a friend as a christmas gift. She goes from hair down to hair up to hair down to hair up ( you get the picture) quite a few times during the day, and this piece of art would look great in your hair or on your wrist which is where her bobble usually ends up!

So i got that bobble and moonofglass got a lovely assortment of beads from my abespoketouch shop. Because of this trade i'm currently placing ( buying) a custom order for 6 more bobbles, some for myself for Christmas and some for my sister for Christmas!

Can't wait to get them!

First in a line of many!

2009-09-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

I've decided to blog about the wonderful trades i've completed over the last few weeks, all since i joined the Trade-a-holics team on etsy!

My first real trade was with ReadingBunky. I received these 2 fantastic bags ...

For this chunky pearl and silver bracelet!

The bags arrived super fast, they're amazing, such a vintage and cared for feel to them!

Thanks so much to ReadingBunky!

Thunder storms make me smile

2009-07-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well ladies and Gents i've been having a sex and the city marathon while i work through printing some wedding booklets. Then in season 3 i saw Carry wearing a beuatiful gold tone lightning bold necklace.

It's inspired me to go on a wet wether hunt!

In my travels I came across these fantastic storm cloud earrings! They come in oxidised, semi matt or polished sterling silver and I've hearted them to be on my Christmas list. They are part of Free Forged's Storm series and i'm thinking of requesting a matching pendant.

These lightning bolt earrings by rocked jewelry are possibly the cutest earrings i've seen in a long time! They're sterling silver an inch long with matching 3 inch chains.
rocked jewelry also sells matching necklace!

Then I came across a few necklaces by cfoley11 this one is is named Tsunami and it just reminds me of cresting waves. It's forged copper and I think I would be in love if it was in silver. It's patinaed with gold leaf but if it was silver with gold leaf it would be amazing.

This card by mwilson is a water colour cloud presented with a thoughtful phrase of 'storms do pass' melancholy yet hopeful.

2009-07-23T03:37:00.000-07:00

Have been on the Etsy promotions forum and found a link to a competition.

http://thingsaboutiqueownersees.blogspot.com/2009/07/wonderland-boutique-clutch-bag-coin.html

It has the most beautiful black and white bag and wallet set. They look to be superior quality with a lot of thought gone into the design process.

Have entered and hope i win!

New to blogging

2009-07-23T02:03:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm new to blogging. Have seen so many people talking about it on Etsy i thought i'd take it up myself!