Etsy vs. Artfire

Question:
"I'm thinking about signing up with Art Fire but want to ask a few of the vendors about their experience with it. How is the traffic on the site? Is it worth selling here? Thank you for your help. 
Jena"

Answer:

That really depends.  

I've been on etsy since Jan of 2012.  and I am doing good on etsy.  I've sold over 500 items on etsy shop.  (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HaniyyaBazaar)

I've only been on artfire (http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/HandmadebyHaniyyah) for almost a month and have not receive any sales.  I can recall my first month on etsy, I didn't made a sale either.  So I'm still testing the waters on artfire.

Reason for my decision to open up an artfire account is because they have one set monthly fee of about $12 bucks per month.  Etsy charges .20 cents per item.  And because I have over 400 items listed on etsy, I didn't want to keep adding products.  But if you ever sold on etsy, you know the holiday is a blessing to sellers.  I did really well last holiday season and wished that I had much more products listed.  So in a way I'm preparing for the holidays.  

the other reason for an artfire account... I've accumulated lots of email address of customers and want to introduce to them my artfire shop, and draw traffic this way.   I'm still trying to fill up the shop before I send out a mass email.  So I'm not really getting that type of traffic on artfire.   What I do love about etsy is their stats report, even if I don't sale an item, I love the fact that you can see who favorite your items and how many views is getting.  This way, you kinda know what to keep creating and keep in stock in your shop.

What I did notice is that artfire really push your products and listed items on google search engine and shop.  And I also noticed that I don't have much competitions.  and I love their blog sections, which I plan on using.  

Hopes this helps you.

my new flyer

Surprisingly I don't have any business cards.  So I finally designed my new flyer for my crochet goods.  And I used one of the photos of the model (Deela) from my first photo shoot session.

So now, I don't feel so bad about not having a business cards, I can atleast hand over my flyer. 

I printed 4 to sheet to save ink.  

Ball of Yarn and Crochet Hook or Needle

I was working on my flyer and google a clipart photo of Yarn and crochet needle, but the ones I found wanted me to sign up on their website to download the image.  So I decided to just take a picture of my ball of yarn and needles and post them here on my blog for everyone to use as you please.

Ball of pink yarn and blue crochet hook needle

Free yarn and needle clip art

Crochet Hooks

Bamboo Crochet needles

Photo shoot for upcoming catalog

Finally completed first step of a much needed photo shoot for my etsy shop.  Thanks to Deela and Ashley for being my models for today.  They were awesome.

Crochet Cup or Drink Carrier Holder

Yes, this is probably one of the most use items in my crochet  stuff.  I often get coffee out in the morning and sometimes, I carry two or more coffee cups or drinks.  And because I walk to my nearest restaurant or cafe for my morning joe, I crochet me some drink carriers.  They are so helpful and I'm glad I thought of them.

I made some for my friend's grandchildren  and they love them to.  

Celebrities and Crochet

Ok, so I watches "Charmed" on netflix when I crochet.  and every now and then I catch a glimpse of them wearing something crochet.  And because I watch netflix on my laptop, I sometimes can screen shot the image.

crochet or knitted hat

crochet or knitted, mid cut, top

that is definitely a crochet halter top

I love how the beads are used on this crochet halter top

Prue one of the Charmed sister with crochet head piece

I had to post this.  I was watching the Charmed on Netflix, while crocheting and notice that Prue was wearing a crochet headpiece.  I had to share it.

I screened capture Prue with her crochet hair piece.

this hair net can be easily done in crochet

Crochet halter top worn by Phoebe of the Charmed Sisters

In need of much organization

I get into my craft and sometimes forget everything else.  But the Virgo in me, demands organization and cleanliness.  And so I must.

my desk was a mess

much better

my desk drawer was in such of a disarray 

Now I can find things

my yarn organizer was empty because I had yarn all over my room.

everything in its place

there's no resting on that bed.

Finally clean, neat and organize!

now lets get back to crocheting.