Defining My Mission

It's the time of year to assess past goals, celebrate successes and establish new goals. With that in mind, I've decided that this year I will be trying some new things with my blog. I'm really excited to share what you can expect from the Sleepy Moon blog in the future:
It's been a goal of mine to build this blog into a busy and bustling place where you can find helpful information, ask questions, read inspiring posts and be part of a community. I'll be sharing posts about my creative process along with my achievements and (hopefully not too many) failures. I will also share tons of up-and-coming artist's work. I love to show off how inspired the artisans in the Etsy community are.

I know that I like to read blogs that have tutorials and help me with my business, but I also like to read about the artist behind the blog and behind the art. What type of blogs do you like to read? I would love to hear some feedback.

OK This Is Funny

"Tired of boring old single sunsets? We have DOUBLE SUNSETS for DOUBLE ROMANTICNESS! Our sunsets are GUARANTEED! Where will the sun set? WE DON'T KNOW! Order NOW!"


I came across this site today. Photoshopdisasters.com

I recommend taking a look at it because there are some very funny mistakes on magazine covers and adds. You might even recognize some of them! It also goes to show that you CAN NOT believe any of what you see when you look at the tiny models in magazines!!! Their missing hips air brushed thighs and alien-like long arms and legs. How about this lady in the picture below with the missing arm?

Win A Cheese Plate

PRBdesigns is having a giftaway and she is giving away one of her lovely wine glass cheese plates.
Visit her store here
Enter the giftaway here

My First Interview

I have an interview with me posted on missmalaprop's blog. Check it out!

10 Ways to Get Your Etsy Shop Noticed

1. Facebook
Facebook is a great place to market to your friends, your friend's friends and your friend's friend's friends. This is called viral marketing. The thing to do with Facebook is create a business fan page. This way anybody can become your fan without being your friend on facebook and being able to see your private information. You can update you photo albums with pictures of your latest creations, start discussions and host giveaways. www.facebook.com

2. Twitter
This is another viral marketing tool. Your goal on twitter should be to follow as many people as possible. Most people you follow will follow you back. It is good to have a mass following because then when you tweet about your shop more people will see it. www.twitter.com

3. Blog
You do not have to be a writer to have a blog. Some good things to do on a blog if you are not a writer are: post some of you favorite items from other peoples shops, host a giveaway, every time you post a new item on Etsy you could write a bit about what inspired that piece, or just copy and paste the description that you wrote on Etsy. You can also put your Etsy mini in your blog.

4. Etsy Showcase
The Etsy Showcase only costs $7 to $15. If it doesn't get you a sale it will at least get you a bunch of views and 'hearts' that might turn into future sales.

5. BNS or BNR
BNS stands for Buy and Stay. BNR stand for Buy and Replace. You will find these on the forums in the promotional section. What this is, is basically a list of shops that have bought from each other. If you buy from one of the shops on the list you are put on the list. Just don't buy anything that you don't really need. Be patient.

6.Start a 'Thread Killer'
Killing a thread is when you are the last person to post your comment. A thread killer is a forum post where the person who posts the thread is giving away an item to the person who kills the thread for a specified amount of time.

7. Host a Giveaway
You can host a randomized giveaway on your blog or on your Facebook fan page. Many other sites also host giveaways. One example is www.girlgetstrong.com.

8. Start a Mailing List
A mailing list can start with just your friends and family at first, then you can get other people to sign up later. Don't send mail to people who do not sign up though. You can send special sales codes to your list that are only for them. Or you can just send exciting news about your store.

9. Word of Mouth
Get your friends in on what you do. Talk to them and get them to talk to others. Word of mouth can be very effective, you've just got to start talking.

10. Renew Your Items
Remember to renew your items and list more every day in order to stay at the top of the categories list.

11. Get Whacky!
Remember you could always stand out side in an animal costume with a sign that has your shop address on it. Just kidding.