And yet, another place to find my jewelry!

Many other beautiful pieces too, from my fabulous JETs! Thanks guys:)

*NEW*

Tara And Tara Jewelry

Fantastic collaboration's with the wonderfully talented glass artist:

Combustion Glassworks

If you're interested in some beautiful handcrafted beads, and cabochons:

Combustion Beads

San Diego is officially a Disaster Area!

Dearest Friends,

I felt it was time to come on here and put some words down. We have been suffering through a seriously scary time in San Diego. The upside of all this is that we are safe and sound, in our house. The bad news is that 100's of thousands of our neighbors and friends, have been displaced. To read the latest news on this tragedy, please go here:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/

Special thanks to http://www.etsyforanimals.com/ for donating to our San Diego animals. Also, to all the wonderful people on Etsy and MySpace for giving percentages of their profit to the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

I just want to say that we have the most fantastic fire fighters, police, millitary, and citizens in San Diego! What a difference from what I saw in Louisiana! The people at Qualcomm Stadium have had to turn away volunteers/donations, because there was too many! Everyone has opened their doors to animals and people alike. What a wonderful town we live in! For those of you who know me, you understand that this praise is not the norm for me. But I actually cannot find anything negative to say about the wonderful response this city has seen.

Thank you all, you give me hope:)
T♥

Please visit our JET Holiday sale myspace page:

Special thanks to KreatedbyKarina, for making it!

Great new JBT feature here:

http://indiepretty.blogspot.com/

Check this blog out, it's fabulous!

The Personal Penis Pendant is back! And this time, he's Au Naturel!!!

Click on MATURE to view:

Etsy myths...

If you list it, they will buy!

Nothing is TMI

Religion and Politics are a good thing to post about in the forums!

Whatever you make by hand is art.

Alchemy is coming back soon!

More treasuries are a good thing.

All it costs you is .20!

If you flag a non-handmade item, it will be deleted forever.

Etsy isn't really hard to search on...

When the holidays come, everyone w/low sales will be very busy!

Anyone can be the "Featured Seller".

Policing the forums will help people.

If someone sounds rude or patronizing in the forums, it's just because it's in a thread. In real life, that person is so sweet!

My personal fav, dead animals w/glitter on them, are art, not roadkill:(

Enjoy! And please add your own "Etsy Myths", in comment form:)

**This is for humor purposes only, not intended to start flame wars, rudeness, back stabbing, nastiness, snarkiness, or blog locks.

♥Oh and most importantly, if someone has a different opinion than I do, unlike Etsy, I will let your comments stay!

Is Etsy getting enough searchers? I'm really concerned about it, because it seems that if I don't relist constantly, I have no customers. So, if relisting/listing = sales, but costs money, is it worth it? Between Etsy fees, paypal fees, supply costs, packaging, tools, time, non payers, and other overhead, I'm really questioning myself.

Does anyone else feel like they are working 24 hours a day/7 days a week for a couple of small sales? I was extremely busy in the Spring and early summer, now nothing! Of course, supplies are still going pretty strong. Maybe I won't bother to make anymore jewelry, and I'll just let it all run out?

Open to comments, opinions, and Etsy nuttiness!

Happy Holidays from JBT, or it's never too early to buy a gift certificate! Plus, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and any other occasion your family forces you to attend!! LOL

Click here to view my new E-Gift Certificate that takes the mystery out of what they really want!

Fame Is Fleeting....


Finally mader the front page of Etsy sometime early this morning:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=7609

And a JET member was nice enough to capture a screen shot for me.

My Oui Et Non earrings sold out immediately, so I was off as soon as I got on! But I'm still excited because it's my first time.

Thanks for looking♥

I have decided to keep a Handmade Top Ten Seller's List. I think this will be beneficial, since so many artists are upset over vintage and supplies on Etsy.

Here are some reasons that I feel supplies/vintage should not be added to the Etsy Top Seller lists:

Supplies usually come in smaller quantities/prices and therefore appear to be selling better.

Vintage/supplies are not made by the seller, therefore, not really in the spirit of Etsy.

Sellers are frustrated enough having to compete with each other and hobbyists on Etsy. Why should they have to compete with non-handmade items for recognition?

I can understand the need for supply shops on Etsy. I'm not quite sure where Vintage fits in, but it's been on there since Etsy started, so they must have had a reason?

There is a huge problem on Etsy with communication between these groups of people and anything we can do now to promote and help each other out would be beneficial to us all.

That being said, I too sell supplies on Etsy and I would not mind non-handmade sites being taken off the wiki list.

Etsy is my full time job, and I need the income. My supply shop and jewelry shop have done extremely well and I'm truly grateful to everyone.

Hello Kitty, Vintage Brass, and more! Please visit my supply shop and you will receive a FREE bag of goodies! Not junky leftovers, but some nice beads and other fun things from my shop♥

Please click on the kitty to visit me:)

No need to enter any info., just want to pass on some love to my friends!

Click on this kitty to visit my handmade jewelry store, where you can find already made Hello Kitty and vintage jewelry:

Thanks so much=^..^=

NEW Kid's Section at Jewelry By Tara!

It's a toy, necklace, and babysitter, all rolled into one! Makes a great Xmas, Chanukah, Bday, or anyday gift!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6826687

More colors coming soon! Plus new kid's products♥



Thanks friends!
Tara

JET Contest Winners

Original Questions

1. When/what inspired you to start making jewelry?

2. Where do you get your ideas for your designs?

3. What are your favorite materials to work with?

4. In the future, where do you want to be with your jewelry business?

5. What do you like about being a part of JET/Etsy?

First Place Winner

Jewelry Creations

1. I have always enjoyed making things. Painting, ceramics, wood ornaments and my own greeting cards. I've always had a love for jewelry since childhood. I discovered jewelry making one day while in a local craft store. I thought that I'd give it a try and make gifts for family and friends, so I bought a load of beads, chain and wire and a few books. I had no idea at the time that I would love making jewelry so much!

2. I get a lot of inspiration from books. I usually just buy supplies that I think are beautiful then just keep arranging them until I like the look. I usually make things that I would wear myself. I get the most heartfelt feeling knowing that people love wearing my jewelry.

3. My favorite materials are wire, Lampwork glass, gemstones, semi-precious stones, Bali silver and crystal. I guess you can tell that from my designs, LOL

4. It would be nice someday to make my entire income from my jewelry but I think that is a long way off. But it is attainable with hard work. Since selling on Etsy and joining the JET street Team, my sales have increased and I'm getting my name out there.

5. Being a part of Etsy and a member of JET has been a fantastic experience. The community of Etsy is so friendly. I have been finding so many great handmade items to buy. Being a JET member is like having a huge family. We're all there for each other for inspiration, knowledge, kindness and friendship. I look forward to the weekly thread and talking with the friends I have made. I love being a JET member and can't wait to see what new and exciting things we can do as a group.

Second Place Winner

JemsByJBandCompany

1. While hiking in the Adirondack mountains several years ago, I discovered garnet in one of the streams. I fashioned our very first piece of jewelry using it and have been going full steam ever since.

2. I sit down with a selection of materials,depending on my mood, and just start to create whatever comes to mind. Sometimes it takes me awhile to get an idea, sometimes I have several all at once.

3. I love sterling silver and semi precious gemstones.

4. I am hopeful that I will someday be able to open my own boutique, (I have the place all picked out!!) and quit my day job.

5. Everything! The comraderie is wonderful. Whether it be to lend a supporting ear, crack a few jokes, or just vent, the group is an awesome support system, not to mention a talented bunch of artists.As for ETSY it is a great venue to sell our creations and get the encouragement from our buyers too.

Second Place Winner

Gypsy Charms Jewelry

1. When/what inspired you to start making jewelry?Before motherhood I worked as a chef for about 9 years. That is a very creative profession. After I had my children I realized I was in desperate need of a creative outlet. I told my husband that jewelry making was something I was interested in but did not have a clue as to how to go about learning the craft. 2 days later an article appeared in my local paper about the “beading craze” and it mentioned a bead show that was coming to town. I decided that was my chance to see if it was for me and I have been hooked ever since.I have made things for friends for 4 years, but it wasn’t until last year that I decided to start selling earrings in a local boutique. My Fleur de Lis Charm earrings went over so well that I began receiving requests for more and more “themed” charm earrings, mostly school mascots. Thus Gypsy Charms Jewelry began.

2. Where do you get your ideas for your designs?For the contest piece I was inspired by my son. A lot of my jewelry comes from ideas they have. I also like doing custom work. I love trying to create a piece of jewelry to specifically match an outfit.Not to mention all the Etsy members that challenge and inspire me on a daily basis.

3. What are your favorite materials to work with?Most of my jewelry is made from Swarovski Crystals and Pewter charms. I like the elegance and sparkle. Lately I have been enjoying working with artistic wire. I have found using that to make rings is very relaxing and rewarding.I have just begun to work with a very rare collection of vintage glass Mardi Gras beads. Most of the strands were factory-made and hand strung in Czechoslovakia from the 1920’s to the 1930’s. At the onset of WWII, the factories were shut down, never to re-open. The beads were recycled by Krewe members and kept in circulation into the 1960’s. Some still retain the original “Imitation Jewellery” tags.

4. In the future, where do you want to be with your jewelry business?I would like to continue to sell my charm earrings. I am working with several schools to sell my earrings as fundraisers. I also would like to have more of my regional pieces in local boutiques and gift shops. The thing I am most excited about is the Mardi Gras bead creations I am working on. So many people lost their antique Mardi Gras collections during Katrina. These beautiful beads have been restyled for people to be able to wear a touch of New Orleans nostalgia

5. What do you like about being a part of JET/Etsy?The feeling of camaraderie, I never feel a sense of competitiveness. I have only felt support and acceptance.The inspiration, The information and The view into so many different cultures and

Third Place Winner

Lush Beads

1. I started making jewelry when a friend showed me in 2000. She had recently learned jewelrymaking and she was SO enthusiastic about it that when she taught some of the rest of us, it was infectious! Ever since, I have been hooked. I love working with color, that is what inspires me.

2. I get my design ideas by bringing beads to the table and looking at them until a grouping strikes me. Then I fuss with them until I like the design. It's very unstructured.

3. My favorite materials are stone and Swarovski. When I do weaving projects, I like working with Miyuki seed beads.

4. I currently own a beading supply store, and I'd like to become more of a destination for finished jewelry and accessories sales.5. I love Etsy and JETT because there is such a sense of community here, and I love to see everyone working together to forward our businesses!

New supplies are in!

Visit us here:)



Thanks so much!
♥Tara♥

How to start/run a successful Street Team on Etsy

I was just reading in the forums that sarahwearsskirts, our wonderful new Etsy Street Team go to gal, was posting this thread about how to start a Street Team on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5173621

Since I have started 2 Street Teams with http://www.crescentmooncreation.etsy.com, CCCOE, and JET, I thought it might be helpful to add my two cents to the mix!

The first thing I recommend doing before you start anything, is to sit down and decide what the goal is for your team. It's the first question everyone will ask you, and it's good to have a prepared statement ready. Also, choose a name before posting the thread. It's hard enough to get a group started, but using the democratic process for everything, can hold your group up for weeks! If you don't know what name to pick, then of course, post for ideas.

After you've decided a name and goal, contact admin immediately! It takes a very long time to get a Street Team going and a page for it on Etsy. You need to get a jump start on this right away. Once Etsy recognizes your team you will be required to submit all your information to them. Here is a direct link to Etsy Street Teams on the blog, you will find the contacts and more info. here:

http://team.etsy.com/?page_id=4

Okay, so you've got a name, goal, and hopefully applied for Street Team recognition on Etsy. Now comes the fun! Start a thread calling for members, ask them for their shop names and URLS. I no longer ask for regular emails, many people feel spammed when they receive a lot of group messages, and the forums are just as good for getting the word out. It is very important that you keep a seperate, updated list of members. You will be referring to this all the time and admin likes to receive a good copy for the Street Team page.

So now you've got a Street Team, what's next? Well, depending on the goal's of the team, you want to start getting to work. I think the most important thing for all teams is to promote yourselves. There are so many ways to do this on the web, you should have no problem getting started. I use blogs, myspace, and my own personal blog and email list. Encourage all your team members to do the same. Remember to ask for help, let others keep track of individual sites, otherwise, it can be very overwhelming.

Another great way to market your group is to have a contest, sale, or giveaway. It encourages people outside of your team to visit your blogs, shops, etc.

I am more than happy to mentor anyone who wishes to start a Team on Etsy. I am currently running the JETs with Tanya AKA crescentmooncreation, and I am helping where I can with EFA. I also belong to Etsy Veg, CCCOE, and I am assisting gerrysjewelrybox to start an Etsy Victorian Team here:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5171445

If you need to get in touch with me outside of Etsy, please contact me through me business email:

customerservice@jewelsbytara.com

Good luck to everyone starting a team! It's a very rewarding and fun experience.
Tara

I'm almost at the top!! LOL

I have been added to the blog with the Etsy up and coming Top Sellers here:

http://etsymilk.blogspot.com/2007/06/big-sellers.html

Special thanks to http://www.daniellediy.etsy.com/ for adding me to her blog and my friend http://www.crescentmooncreation.etsy.com/ to the Etsy Wiki Top Seller List here:

http://www.etsywiki.com/index.php?title=Top_Sellers

♥♥♥SNS Super Store Specials♥♥♥

BOGO, buy any supplies tonight only and get supplies free! With ALL purchases, no matter how big or small, I will include a FREE bag of beads, findings, vintage flowers, etc.! All the good stuff:0

http://www.suppliesbytara.etsy.com/

**************************************************************************************

BOGO, Buy One Get One Bracelet sale!! Buy any bracelet in my shop and get one free!

**Free bracelet must be of equal or lesser value, mix and match, buy as many as you like!

Just put "SNS" in message to seller, wait to pay, and I will reinvoice through PayPal:0

Bracelets
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5052903§ion_id=5046068

Vintage Lucite Stretchy Bracelets
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5052903§ion_id=5094751

Thanks so much!
http://www.suppliesbytara.etsy.com
http://www.jewelrybytara.etsy.com

I have decided to open up a supply store on Etsy! I'm very excited to share all of my wholesale and discounted supplies with you:0

My shop will feature vintage, and unique pieces at reasonable prices. Please stop by and take a look:

Thank you!

JewelrybyTara

JBT Top Ten Do's and Don'ts of Etsy

I was thinking this morning about Etsy and how much it has consumed my life. It's a managable thing, but it's taken me almost 6 months now, to figure out how to be profitable there. The following is a list of my top ten do's and don'ts for success on Etsy. I'm not saying I have all the answers, but I just wanted to pass on the personal knowledge that I've acquired.

The Don'ts

1. One thought on the forum, enter with caution!! Do not get caught up in what other seller's are doing or saying. Just be positive, add your items to posts, and for god sakes do not talk about religion or politics!! Remember, everything you say on the forum, stays on the forum forever!!



2. If you like recycling, that's fine. But if you send me a package that's dirty, disheveled, and not presentable, you will lose out on future sales.



3. Please, oh please, do not tell us too much about your personal life in your store or profile! Customers buy things because they feel that it will fit into their home, life, etc. They don't want too much background information, or they may decide it's a personality clash with your products.



4. When describing products, customers don't want to read about your personal musings on nature, colors, and childhood stories! They really want a great technical description, so they don't have to convo you!



5. Pictures say 1,000 words, so even if you take wonderful artistic photos, please put pictures that show all the angles of your actual product.



6. Don't ask your customers to contact you regarding shipping prices, choices of product, or customization. Spell it out for them somewhere on your site. I can guarantee that almost 100% of people (myself included), will run screaming from asking a seller questions.



7. Over promotion happens! It is extremely immature and irritating, to see people on MySpace telling us every time they have a new color for a $5 pair of earrings! This applies to email too. Sending out a monthly newsletter or an appropriate sales bulletin, will do the trick.



8. Do not let your shop ever have less than a full page of listings. Imagine going into a shop and only seeing 5 items? If you don't immediately like one, it's over for that store.



9. When answering customer questions, please use real words and terms. Even if they are a seller on Etsy, we all like to see grown-up behavior. No funny symbols, just direct answers, and polite words.



10. Please do not pretend you're an expert on everything! I am not an expert on anything! I admit when I've mislabeled, shipped incorrectly, or sent you a broken item. Accidents happen, we're all human, customers will respect your honesty more than excuses.

The Do's

1. If you want to make part-time money on the internet, work full-time. Want full-time income? You need to work 24 hours a day/seven days a week!



2. Blog, MySpace, Stylehive, Ebay, Technoratti, have your own personal site, etc. Live it, breathe it, and update it daily!!



3. You will always be an artist, even if you have reasonable prices:) Buy wholesale!



4. Do unto others... I would say that the first four months I was on Etsy, I spent 75% of my time helping others with Street Teams, graphics, listings, etc. You will be greatly rewarded for this and it feels good too:)



5. Join and/or start a Street Team.



6. You may hear people complaining about avatars, banners, etc. Stick with what represents you. Only you know what your company and style is.



7. Prices are personal and you shouldn't change them often. Different things command different amounts, but you should never start out with insanely high prices. Building a good customer base that trusts you takes years! Please don't scare customers off, list something for everyone's market.



8. Do take into account that if you want sales on Etsy, you might not have a product that is popular now. If you don't care about this, then please don't complain in the forums that you have no sales. If you do care, study stylehive, Etsy, and other trendy places for an idea of what is going on this season. FYI, I am not suggesting you copy others, just take a look at colors, season, lifestyles, and trends.



9. Have cut and dry policies in your store that are not too wordy. Don't change these unless it's necessary. Customers like consistancy, and they don't want a different shipping cost or return policy every time they visit you.



10. Give the customer their way. You may hate this particular customer, but you have to do it. They don't know you're seething inside, and it usually has a very positive outcome.

These are some of my best tips. I have to tell you that I wish I'd read them when I started! I have done most of the don'ts and I continue to remind myself not to repeat them! Thankfully, most other human's are forgiving:)

Hope some or all of these help you out, and good luck to everyone on Etsy!