Hippie Peaceniks: A few of our favorite things

Good morning!! I hope everyone has woken up this morning ready to take on the world! Thank you for starting your day off with the Hippie Peaceniks Etsy Team. Once a week, I ask the Facebook Group a few questions and include their answers in this blog. I think that knowing the person behind the product is one of my favorite reasons to keep shopping on Etsy. When you make things with your hands or find special items to pass on and give a new life, I think a part of you goes with the item. Every single piece has a story and life of it's own and as a creator it's really exciting to imagine the new owner wearing your product and living their life in it, adding to it's story. Inspiration comes from every where, here's a few examples of just that. Check out the shops and items below, you won't be disappointed! 

"What's your favorite item in your shop? Why is it your favorite? How did  you come to own it or how were you inspired to create it? What sets your shop and items apart from the competition?"

Deni from Cutterstone

Huge Amber and Sterling Artisan Drop Tongue Pendant Vintage Estate

" I am not a huge amber fan, but this piece is so large and artistic, and I do love the colors. This is a vintage piece we picked up in one of our buying sprees. As for our shop, I'm sure there are many out there that can rival us, but hubby has a lot of jewelry knowledge which definitely helps in choosing and making new pieces. He can also repair or upcycle imperfect pieces. We may be a little behind the times though....LOL."

 

 

 

Fiona from TheHappyMushroom 

 

 

Sugar skull long necklace

"Today this is my favorite item in my shop. It is a sugar skull, Day of the Dead festival themed necklace in bright, fun colors. I usually create my own bright, colorful beads but the assorted glass and stone beads on here come from various sources. They just jumped out at me as they were all so colorful and jolly and said 'turn me into something fabulous!'. I love sugar skulls and so I embellished dome stone skull beads I had so they had glittery, flowery eyes. I combined them with some very fancy glass lampwork beads which had a wonderful festival feel to them with their colors, stripes and patterns. It is a lovely long, bold statement necklace, really unique and unusual. Almost everything in my shop is a one of a kind creation and I like to make each piece really special. I focus on design and quality construction and put a big dollop of love into everything I make."

 

 

 

 

Jennifer of JClaireP

Vintage Owl Stickpin

"This is a favorite of mine. It is a 1970's Sterling Silver, Turquoise and stone owl stick pin and I was lucky enough to come across it at a yard sale. This particular yard sale was AMAZING because the owner was an AVID owl collector in the 1970's and the items she had to offer were just fabulous! I was so so excited when I found this sale! These are the type of items I enjoy hunting for and that is why I think my vintage items are unique. I really look for rare or unique items and I so enjoy the stories behind them. Every item, piece, linen...anything... has a story behind it. These items will get passed from person to person to enjoy and that is why vintage is a bit of a passion of mine. You never know what the next story will be!"

Holly from TakeTwoBabyQuilts

Chevron Baby Quilt Blue Green

"This quilt is my favorite so far because I love the bright colors and patterns."

This week I decided to answer my own question, so you can check that out on my personal blog HERE, if you like. I hope everyone has an amazing start to their week and it just keeps getting better! Until next week, smile and pass it on! A smile is like a happy seed, if you keep watering it - Joy WILL grow!

X's and O's

Lulu of DivineLuluCreations 

 

 

  

Member Monday Group Share; Improving Your Small Business

Good Tuesday Morning! I hope you all had a fabulous Father's Day over the weekend and enjoyed some nice weather, it was a doozy here in Florida, and it finally started living up to being the "sunshine" state! Once a week I pose a few questions to the group on Facebook and then blog about it here the following day, here's a look at this week's group share, enjoy and make sure you visit the awesome team shops to check out all the new improvements and goodies they've implemented! 



"What are you doing to update the direction of your shop? What is your favorite social media site to use for promotion? What do you feel you've improved in your business since starting it? What are you working on improving next?"

Deni from Cutterstone

"We've been adding many more vintage pieces. I seem to have my shipping and stuff streamlined, but hope get an area set up just for my Etsy stuff. John has his studio, but not the same. I'm not sure about my favorite social media site, but I tweet and pin everything. Seem to get views from Twitter the most."

Jill & Kelly from WhisperingMetalWorks

"I had a great weekend with my husband...we very busy getting our displays and inventory ready for our upcoming show season. Today I started the week off right by spending a few hours promoting other shops and of course posting up a few of my items as well I am working very hard to improve my photos and listings, and am in the process of re-vamping and completing our web page as well. Oh an our shop banner needs some work, but that one is on the back burner for now. I don't really have a favorite social media site, but am active on Pinterest, Wanelo, and of course Facebook. I do have a twitter page, but I really am not sure if it has proven to be successful for me. Since opening our shop we have greatly improved our photos...it is still a work in progress, but our goal is to get them all update as soon as we possibly can" 

Lisa from ChakraMojo 

" Aww, sigh.....rain has kept me couch-bound because even tho it causes me pain head to toe it also causes it in all my fingers of all ridiculous things- so hard to type, write (obviously I'm getting better, lol!) But lotsa thinking. Was reading up on YANTRAS and the meanings of them, choosing a few to meditate on. I've made the changes in my head to re-vamp my shop to make it focus more on Color Energy/Chakras but stilll have many listings to change. Also been making lists of what to put in the "sales rack" to bring more focus. Have also been designing mandalas in my head, a bit with fingers, both simplistic and very intricate...again, good meditation!" 

Michelle from BabygirlsCreations 

"I am finishing up a custom order for a family member. It is a camouflage car organizer, but I am making an extra to list in my shop. Then, I need to work on some inventory. I have a very busy July. I'll be visiting with family quite a bit, and I have a craft show on August 4th."

 

 

 

 

Sounds like our hippie friends are busy bees this summer! Stop by their shops and take a peek, maybe you'll find something you just can't live without! What are YOU up to this summer? Are you trying to improve your small business or something in your personal life? What goals are you working towards? Share in the comments below, we'd love to hear what your plans are and how you're attacking them to get them done! Until next week, smile and pass it on, remember your mood is contagious, so if YOU want to have a great week with those around you - smile! It's the best way to get them to smile too, and make YOUR life a little brighter! :) 

 

X's and O's,

Lulu of Divine Lulu Creations

 

Member Monday; Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Good morning! I know Mother's Day is only a week away and some of us may not have found that perfect gift for Mom yet, so here are some of the Hippie Peaceniks teamies great Mother's Day Gift Ideas and how the talented shop owners will be spending their Mother's Day. How are you spending yours? Comment and share below!

Jennifer from Jclairep

Gorgeous Mosaic Vintage Brooch 

"Here is a vintage brooch that I think is great for Mother's Day because it has a timeless beauty..it was made in Italy, and just a lovely piece. For Mother's Day... I think we are going to my Mother in law's in NJ..but I am not positive...No matter what, it will be a great day! Enjoy!"

Dawn from AbundantEarthWorks 

 

Chalcedony Druzy Heart Pendant

"This is a new pendant that would be a great gift for Mother's Day, every Mom wants to know she's loved and a sparkling gemstone with properties that encourage nurturing and compassion and is heart shaped is sure to show Mom the Love. We don't have any plans for Mother's Day, I will probably have a marathon phone conversation with my mom. There is still a few days left to take advantage of our Mother's Day sale, use coupon code MOMLOVE at checkout to receive 15% Off everything in our shop. Coupon valid through May 12th."

 Cathy from JulianosCorner

 

Monet Faux Pearl Necklace With RhineStone Pearl Teardrop Pendant

"Good Morning, I have a A Vintage Monet Necklace that I think would be a good Mother's Day gift because it's says love all over it and a piece that can be used a lot. I have no clue what I will be doing on Mother's day but I know I will see my kids"

Sarah from StarJewels

Family tree birthstone pendant

"I have several items made specifically for Moms, this is one of my faves and would make the perfect gift for Mother's Day (especially for a grandmother), because it it a family tree necklace that shows the children and geneology with birthstones. I made this one for MIL and she LOVES it. For Mother's Day I will be going over to MIL's the day before and seeing a movie with DH then having dinner with DH and SIL her spouse and BIL while MIL watches the kids. For Mother's Day I will lie out by a pool and make jewelry, and have dinner at MIL's with my Mom present, along with DH's family."

Nancy from RedBarnPottery 

Mother and child pottery sculpture

"I think one of my mother and child sculptures makes for a nice Mother's Day gift. No matter how old you are, you are always your mother's babe. This sculpture celebrates that nurturing and everlasting love. My oldest is flying home from college on Mother's Day, and we are all super excited to be reunited for some nice family time. She'll be home for only 3 weeks before she has to return for her summer job."

I hope you enjoyed browsing a few of the many talented Hippie Peaceniks member shops and maybe found something special for your Mom (or yourself!). Have an awesome week filled with lots of smiles, and a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!! 

Hugs,

Lulu of DivineLuluCreations 

Ask Luci: Low Etsy Sales and Putting Granny Squares Together

Hello Friends!

I am the captain of the Etsy team The Hippie Peaceniks.  I have been an accountant/bookkeeper for 10 years.  I worked at an ecommerce company for a year, and a search company for 2 years.  I have been crafting for almost 30 years.  So if you have questions about accounting, taxes, SEO, the ecommerce game, or crafting you have come to the right place!  If you have a question email it to askhippiepluci@gmail.com!

Lost on Etsy

Dear Luci,

I have been on Etsy for a year and have had no sales.  I am ready to throw in the towel.  I love knitting and making things for my shop, but am frustrated at no sales.  What can I do?

Dear Lost on Etsy,

There are a few things you can do.  First is check your prices.  Search on Etsy for items similar to yours and see if your prices are in line with everyone else's.  Now prices on Etsy can vary widely, so be sure to check and see what kind of sales those shops are doing.  

Another thing I would do is see if you are in a saturated market,  By that I mean are there are lot of similar items to yours on Etsy.  If so, I would suggest looking for items you can make that are unlike what you are seeing on Etsy.  Find a niche, create a brand, and market the crap out of it.  Being unique and providing an item that people can't find in other shops can greatly increase your sales.

Make sure you have great pictures and engaging descriptions that will make shoppers want to buy from you.  Many shops have difficulties in this area and spend most of their time tweaking listings.  You can't spend enough time on making sure your listings are perfect.

Also make sure your SEO is working for you.  If you don't know about SEO you can read previous posts on Ask Luci, or you can do some research on your own.  Google provides great information on SEO, but only some of it will relate to how you name your shop, title your listings, write your description, and what tags you use.  Those are the areas you will work on for an Etsy or Etsy like shop.

On Etsy, I would also recommend becoming active in a team.  Teams are a fantastic support and a great way to help promote and get your shop noticed.  There are many teams on Etsy.  Look through and find the one that best suits you.  You may just love being on the Hippie Peaceniks.  ;)

Best of luck!  And don't throw in the towel just yet.  The internet is a huge place and getting noticed can take a while, but work on these things first before you give up.

Much Love and (((HIPPIE HUGS))),

Luci

What's Up Granny?

Dear Luci,

I am making a granny square blanket.  I have all of the squares made, but am not sure what the best way to put them together is.  I have looked online and there are several ways to do it.  How do you put yours together?

What's Up Granny

Dear What's Up Granny,

There are several ways to do this.  It really depends on how much stretch you want and what you want it to look like when it is done.

I do it one of three ways.  You can attach the squares by crocheting one single crochet into each of the stitches on the squares.  Make sure you have them lined up evenly.  This will allow for some stretch and will create a lovely seem on one side of the blanket.

If you do not want a seem, the other way I put the squares together is by sewing them together with a yarn needle and the leftover yarn I used to make the squares.  Line up the squares like before.  Use a whip stitch, one whip stitch per crochet stitch.  This will leave you with a seem that is not very visible, but there is not a lot of stretch between the stitches.

A great compromise between these two options is to use a slip stitch.  Like always, line up your squares and use one slip stitch for each stitch on the squares.  This leaves a less noticeable seem than a single crochet, but allows for more stretch than a whip stitch.

I would recommend trying out all three and seeing which method you like best.  

Much love and (((HIPPIE HUGS))),

Luci 

Have a question?  Email askhippiepluci@gmail.com!!  Ask Luci appears on the Hippe Peaceniks blog every Saturday!! 

HippieP Thrifty Thursday

We all love a sale, right?  So here is a list featuring some of our fabulous HippieP shops that are having sales!  Enjoy the savings my friends!

Divine Lulu Creations

Our own Lulu Divine is having a sale in honor of her Mom's Birthday!  Lulu is the sweetest person and you will not be disappointed in her products or her service.  Her shop is full of fabulous goodies like these:

These bracelets are like nothing I have seen before.  I need to buy about a dozen of them!  

You can purchase this fabulous bracelet here!

Lulu also makes the most beautiful fingerless gloves.  These gloves here are made from milkfiber and cotton.  Pretty, soft, and stylish.  What more can you ask for??

You can purchase these beautiful fingerless gloves here!

Lulu's coupon code is MAMAMIA.  It will get you $5 off of purchases over $25!  This sale is only going until March 25th, so load up this weekend!

Linarain

Linarain has a fantastic store full of fun clothes and stylish jewelry.  Take a peek!!

This oversweater is just adorable!  Perfect for summer with a tank top under it.

You can purchase this adorable sweater here!

She also has a fabulous selection of jewelry.  I can just see myself in the sweater above wearing this set.  It may be my love of the color green, but this set spoke to me.  See if it speaks to you too!

You can purchase this lovely set here.

LInarian's coupon code is GYPSYWEAR!  It will get you 25% off of her entire shop until the end of March!  Stock up on some fabulous skirts, sweaters, and jewelry here!

Ozma Autonomy

Samantha describes her shop as "I have a style that I can't quite describe but I love all types of people and things and pull beauty from the unordinary".  It is full of many beautiful items from jewelry to vintage cloths.  Below are a couple of her most popular items.

This necklace has real pot seeds and stems in it.  Yes all you potheads, she is speaking to you.  I just love this and am going to have to get one. 

You can purchase this unique necklace here!

 Another unique item, continuing with the stoner theme, is these seeds, stems, and ash hair clips!  That's right, you heard me, seeds, stems, and ASH!  I LOVE it!

You can purchase these rockin hair clips here!

Samantha's coupon code is EQUINOX13 and you will receive 10% off her entire shop until March 31st!  

Nature Made Treasures

Jean is having a sale on some beautiful wild flower seeds.  Here are just a couple of the special items you can find.

These pink poppies are just stunning!  The color really pops and will add curb appeal to any garden.

You can purchase the seed for this eye catching poppy here!

And if you are looking for something to plant with that poppy these blue vervain will look fabulous!

You can purchase these lovely flower seed here!

All seeds are already marked down to $1.75 a package until they are sold out, so get yours now!

Idle Hands Boutique

Luci's shop is full of a variety of items.  Everything from home decor to baby items.  Her most popular items right now are her spring accessories.  Here are just a couple examples of her work.

These fingerless glove arm warmers have been selling fast!  There are none in stock right now, but you can custom order your own pair!  Chose the colors that best fit your boho style.

You can order your own pair of these boho fingerless glove arm warmers here!

This infinity scarf is simple and fabulous for spring.  It is a wonderful accessory.

You can purchase this fabulous infinity scarf here!

Use coupon code SPRING15 for 15% off the entire shop!  Sale will continue through the entire month of April.  Time to get shopping in here!

That's all for this week!  Find us next Thursday for more fabulous sales from our HippieP team on Etsy!