Thursday, May 31, 2007

Book Cover Designs


Book Cover Designs: I always thought this would be a hoot to do. I have several that I have created for promo.
It seems I have stuffed my versions so deeply into my computer, that these links seem to be the best sources for showing this type of my work. Ever do that? Loose you images to the masses of creation?

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Mineral Makeup Products







Crystal Astolfo of domalyminerals agreed to answer some questions about her mineral makeup products.



What products do you carry in your shop?



My products as of right now include mineral foundations, setting powders, bronzers, blushes and eye shadows. I am currently working on a mineral lip gloss to soon be added.




Can you share a favorite marketing idea?



Hmm, I would have to say that my favorite marketing is my friends and family. They are all so gossipy that I can’t make or do anything without every relative and neighbor knowing, this is how I first got started with my business.




How about a favorite advertising venture?



Not sure if this counts as an advertising venture, but my dad's company currently deals with quite a few of the hotels in our area. Some of the hotels have found out of my business (that’s where my gossipy family comes in), so I am in the process of creating an amenity line of bath and body products for the guest rooms. It is very exciting and by far my favorite so far.




Have you always been a "maker?" (someone who creates)



Before making cosmetics I had always baked desserts. I would watch the cooking shows on television and try to recreate all of those fancy desserts. Everyone once in a while I still cook, but mostly for family and parties.




What prompted you to start making your products?



I’ve bought and tried just about every cosmetic known and my skin disliked everyone of them. I had seen all of those commercials for mineral cosmetics and thought maybe I could make my own. So I started researching online and began mixing my own products. I gave samples to friends and family and they fell in love with my products and convinced me to start selling them.




What other activities do you enjoy?



Besides making cosmetics, I make bath and body products: lotions, sugar scrubs, body butters, soaps and more. Creating my own products helps relieves stress and gives me a sense of relaxation.




Were you parents creative?



Not so much, my mom was sort of creative, but more in the fact that she helped with art projects and cooked with me.




Is there anything else you'd like to share about your products?



I love making my products and I take the time to make sure that my products are ones that everyone will love, I won’t sell a product that I myself wouldn’t use on an everyday basis.
How did you come up with your package designs or labels?The name for my products is for my two children. Dom if for my son Dominic and Aly is for my daughter Alyssa. As for my packaging style, I like simple designs so I wanted clear and black for my containers and a friend of mine drew the design for my labels.




Can you tell me, how you store your projects and supplies?



I store all of my finished products in a cabinet inside my home, all on shelves and in those storage drawers. All of my supplies are stored in my workspace in my garage, in cabinets and on shelves.
Do you work outside the home?



My two children are 3 and 4, I haven’t worked outside of the home since before they were born.




Painted toes or natural?



Definitely painted, my toes are always bright pink.



Crystal, thank you very much for sharing some about your mineral products. I look forward to updates and seeing more new items in your shop. Since we last spoke, Crystal has added so many new items such as eye shadows, foundations and setting powders. Please visit her shop and say hello with an Etsy convo! (make sure to join Etsy.com, it's a snap and you won't regret it!)


Friday, May 11, 2007

Beautiful Active Wear for Women

Talk about value and style! Today, women demand more from their apparel, Marika offers three unique brands – Marika, The Balance Collection and Shiva Shakti – which have ultimately satisfied the active woman's lifestyle. You'll find yourself with 45 minutes, (okay it's a random event) anyway, you decide to squeeze in a brisk walk and pick up your paper supplies in town before collecting your children. No need to change your clothes after the walk because you look great already!

If you have never heard of this brand of active wear, now is the time! Treat yourself to something beautiful check out Marika!

Click here to see the complete collection of Marika fitness and activewear!

Another Fine Treasury Up at Etsy...two days only!




Lunalove created this treasury on Etsy.com as well as the beautiful necklace here too! Thanks so much Luna for including my Morphans print with your selections in the treasury!

Treasuries give people a chance to see work for the first time, in a new light and sometimes even on the front page of Etsy!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Beautiful Tree Treasury on Etsy!


AdornJewelry has created a wonderfully beautiful treasury of trees! These only last a couple of days--so check it out quick! Also stop by her shoppie too!

New Note Cards Designed




Of course these go with the Groovy Inclinations Ultimate Plaid and Tropics Stationery pack~ But, I have decided to sell a few sets of the postcards outside of the stationery pack. I'm such a paper nut...I just like holding these postcards!

Friday, May 04, 2007

Treasury List at Etsy.com




chicalookate.etsy.com
has put together this treasury! This artist has a great eye! This is one of Chickalookate's images. I wish I was on this Ferris Wheel right now!

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Natasha's Leads!

There is something really exciting about designing a newsletter and sending it out to a list of customers and waiting for the results. It wasn't long ago that I didn't have a large enough list of subscribers making it worth sending out newsletters and promotional news about my products. Until I started looking into Natasha's Leads. Now I have some good solid leads to build upon. She really makes it affordable for people just starting their business! You'll have to sign up and check out the leads available. Hurry she's currently reduced some of the prices too!

Natasha's Leads

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Groovy Inclinations Feature in the Mother's Day Showcase


I'm one of thirty-six artists featured in the Mother's Day Showcase on Etsy's front page. Surely one will find something special for mom there!

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Groovy Inclinations Ultimate Plaid and Tropics Stationery pack








This a 40 piece stationery pack that I've been working on.

will be fun for mom and daughter both. Each pack holds:
sixteen sheets of perfectly plaid designed 5.5 x 8.5 paper
with eight envelopes.
four large glossy tropics inspired 5.5 x 8.5 postcards and envelopes
two 5 x 7 hello greeting cards with plain envelopes
two 5 x 7 thank you cards with quirky plaid envelopes
four 3" circle gift tags
six 1" round plaid stickers
six 1.5" tropical flower stickers

40 pieces plus 16 envelopes

Gosh I'd love to have one for Mother's day! LOL...I know couldn't I just whip up one of these grand sets for myself? It doesn't seem to be that easy. For customers, no problem. But ask any carpenter's wife how many projects she has scheduled and rescheduled for her man. Does the phone man's wife have a need for a new jack? (uh, yah I do...right next to my computer so that I can shop for shoes with my beef!!)So, it goes I hardly ever use my own stationery--But, I would love it!! I usually only allow myself a card, or a sheet of the paper...sigh. I want this though!
 
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