Blog Feature - Christie Cottage

One of my favorite posts to do is a blog feature. I haven't done one in a long time and I've decided to bring them back. 

Please visit Christie's shop, buy and heart a few items. I've included Pinterest and Retweet links. Let's show Christie some love. 

This week's feature is Christie from Christie Cottage who has shops on both Artfire  and Etsy. I met Christie on Etsy and we promote each other on Etsy and Artfire. 


Tell me how you started selling on Etsy:
I stumbled on to etsy one day when I made a typo in a search. I was thrilled. I thought this is where I should sell, and immediately stopped selling my handmade items on ebay. (Something I regret now. I should have continued selling in both venues.)

Comfort Cross

Retweet: https://twitter.com/lindab142/status/291364420133724162

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
I have always made things by hand. Even as a little girl. My grandmother and great-grandmother made everything by hand. I always tried to make whatever they were making.  

What is your favorite color combination?
Purple and green or peach and green. It's a tie.

Where do your ideas/inspirations come from?
I believe all inspirations come from God, and I thank Him when I get one!

Original Painting

Repin: http://pinterest.com/pin/285274957618130223/

Why should people buy handmade?
To support those who are trying to make it in a world where imports have taken away the livelyhood of so many.

Any tips for selling handmade items? Promotion?
I think the biggest "tip" is to always promote others when you are promoting.  

I have recently changed how I do Collections on Artfire and Treasuries on Etsy. One of my items (minimum) is always included. Afterall, I am investing time in that promotional tool, and it needs to benefit my shops as well. I also include my twitter link to all who are included to gain more followers.

Speaking of Twitter, I would never purchase followers. They are not interested in what I am tweeting and that money could be better spent advertising on a blog where my items are promoted. My twitter followers were "earned".

Wedding Gift Box

Repin: http://pinterest.com/pin/285274957618130215/


What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
In the "old days" on etsy, posting in the forums. I had no idea they were even there. I was used to eBay. List it, it sells, list again. Etsy required that extra attention and then it became an all day job.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with other sellers (or buyers)?
Always leave feedback. When someone purchases from you and you don't bother to leave feedback it is like not thanking them at the checkout.

Knit Neck Warmer & Matching Fingerless Gloves

Retweet https://twitter.com/lindab142/status/291364952835493888

Thanks, Christie and happy sales!