New Stuff for a New Year

The obvious news is that I've been a bit distracted from this blog.  The better news is that I've been building a following at my poetry blog and have been crocheting while I write.  I also finally caved in to a life long desire to learn to make jewelry.  I've only created a few rings so far, but I look forward to making many more beautiful things.

Sales this Christmas came from unexpected places, which was nice because my two longest running wholesale customers didn't order a thing.  Despite all that and an only mildly fruitful craft fair in Santa Ynez, I found a way to make a profit.  The best advice I can give you from my experiences this winter is that the more you make your products available, the more often you will sell.  Friends came by my house and others shopped the selection I stocked in the back of my car despite having to sheild themselves from a winter storm to do so.  Another friend put in a good word for me at Santa Barbara Winery and I sold a very respectable amount of candles there.  Right now they are considering adding my soap and/or lotion to the shelves as well.  Keep your fingers crossed!

I hope you like my newest creations.  They are calling me now...  gotta go play!  I hope you're having a great day!

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Crafts, Blogs, Art, Business, Opinion, Writing

Come visit me at the Unity Shop Fundraiser!!!

Come visit me at the Unity Shop's Christmas fundraiser! Take the 101 North to the Dos Pueblos Canyon Exit and follow the signs to Rancho Dos Pueblos. 10% of the proceeds from that day's sales go to support the Unity Shop in their efforts to help low income families in Santa Barbara.

Local Support is Priceless

It's not easy to work your way to the top when the opponent has mass marketing abilities you can never match as a struggling sole proprietor. This is why I am especially thankful to live in a town that loves to support the "little guy". Not every town has a plentiful supply of locally owned retail stores that aren't tied to specific preordained product lines. Without these venues, my company's public exposure and income potential would greatly diminish as I'd be left with (1) the internet, where there is WAY too much competition, and (2) craft fairs, which are expensive and time consuming. And so, tonight I'd like to thank all the web surfers and store owners who seek out handmade products, especially Midnight Sun, who placed an order for fall candles today.

You can look for my freshest batch of candles in town late next week at:

Midnight Sun
427 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101