Shoppe Critique

I have been in a bit of a slump with my Etsy Shoppe. There is a lot of competition to get recognized when one sells jewelry. There are so many people selling jewelry. Recently we I had several gals from the Etsy Team look over my shoppe and give me an honest critique.

There were so many things I learned about Photograpy, Wording Descriptions and about SEO. I finally feel like I really have a handle on what will create a successful shoppe on Etsy. This is huge, because in person, my display is awesome, and people can pick things up. Shopping on line is a different story. I think more and more people are starting to shoppe on line, and its up to the store owner to make the process us easy as possible. This also means your photos and appeal must be exceptional because that can almost speak louder than the actual product does initially.One thing I did was retake most of my photos.  I was advised to get a background that helps the store look uniform. I like what I have come up with. I think it pops.

I am really excited about some of the latest additions to With Wild Abandon.  Check out these two gorgeously elegant Monet Peal Necklaces!

I have spent the last week or so working over the shoppe with a fine tooth comb. I have a new banner yeah, and will have two shoppes now.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the newest items listed.... I love them! I hope you do to.

My First Boutique/Show.. a Recap.. and how I created a knockout booth for $50.00

I had my first show this weekend. This shy girl felt quite naked as I revealed myself in person to many of the fellow women I have admired who pioneered this journey for me. I have been creating my whole life – but it has only been the last couple of months I have been gifted with the time.. and the drive to overcome many of the obstacles blocking the  fulfillment of my dream of sharing my creations. In February- I began a mandatory medical leave that has become permanent. When life gives you lemons.. make lemonade… I love that saying and its been what I have been trying to do. We have been on a shoestring budget and putting together enough products and creating a display has been a challenge. I began several weeks ago to collect items from thrift stores that might work as display items. I probably spent about $40.00 total.. if that. My husband found a table at a garage sale for $10.00. I chose to paint everything black with the hopes that it would make my colorful items pop! Then I distressed and antiqued the items to complete the look. I actually am quite happy with the display…

I was so excited to meet several people in person… and was so impressed by their friendly, warm spirits. I am in awe really at how many talented women there are..!!!! Patrica Wright has some awesome twilight inspired jewelry, Bugs n Bees has gorgeous sassy children’s clothing and accessories, WatchOut has those sweet bracelet watches and Beaded Socks  who has lovely childrens accessories and clothing also. I saw "Dizzle Pop" and "It’s the little things" also.. and would have love to met the women behind those shops as well.

I am off to regroup.. as I have the Art Garden this next weekend. … there is much to do. I am really looking forward to this weekend.. and I am sure if you like art, music, or food.. this will be the place to be. See ya there: )

Would love to know if you think setting up for the first time my booth was a success for $50.00?  Ofcourse I am not talking about the many many hours it took to create the product- or whether the show its self was a success.

Let Your Spirit Shine... Women's Empowerment Wristlets...

These wristlets... were totally inspired by a beautiful group of women that have been teaching me how wonderful we each truely are.. individually. 

Let Your Spirit Shine……
Women’s Empowerment Wristlets( still working on a name .. if you have a suggestion) are designed to inspire healing, responsibility, empowerment and hope for women. Women’s Empowerment Wristlets serve as a reminder to bring forth the beauty and strength within ourselves, to be inspired to be the best we can be, and to let our individual Spirits shine through. Each wristlet is organic in nature, unique in its own design, size and shape and not made from a pattern... symbolizing the unique difference’s and beauty each woman has.
Namaste.. Love Mikel

Oh.. and the most important thing... %20 of all profits from this item will be donated to the

Rape Recovery Center. 

Much love.. and Namaste..

Mikel

PS... please enjoy some of my favorite quotes...

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud

was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

~ Anais Nin ~

People are like stained-glass windows.

They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,

but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed

only if there is a light from within.

~ Elizabeth Kübler-Ross ~

A woman is the full circle.

Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.

~ Diane Mariechild ~

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly,

what is essential is invisible to the eye.

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ~

When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed.

But when we are silent, we are still afraid.

So it is better to speak.

~ Audre Lorde ~

BraceLace.. is it a necklace or a bracelet....

Here is a couple of my new items... :0... daughter and I cant agree on the best way to wear it... These versatile sassy pieces are so expressive of your individual style... I love them. My daughter likes necklaces.. and these look stunning doubled up as a choker..(her favorite way) or as a longer piece. I am partial to the bracelet.. I am enamored with the layered look with charms. So.. guess what.. these pieces let you decide which way you want to wear them...

Can you believe this is all the same piece?

A new edition to my collection... Antique Ocean

So excited to finish this newest piece. With just over three hours of sleep, I had time to whip up this set.

I am in dire need of help with my pricing. I would so appreciate any feedback your willing to give me.

Please visit my etsy shop at www.withwildabandon.etsy.com

If you havent shopped that site.. its pretty awesome. It has tons of handmade items for sale.

Most of the work is quality,unique and fairly priced.

Announcing New Jewelry Collection

Well, I decided I should start to figure this blog thing out more and hopefully promote my work at the same time.

I have been on a medical leave from my job since February 14, 2009. I miss my job, and the people that I work with immensely. I hope to return soon.

I have Narcolepsy, with Cataplexy and right now sleeping is not fun for me. I have been trying to get back to being able to sleep several hours a night. For now, my body is not co-operating with me at all. I am taking a new prescription that as of yet has not had much success - but am still crossing my fingers.

I have been trying to stay busy-but my ability to concentrate is minimal.... in my up time, I have been working on a jewelry collection... which I just listed on Etsy. I am not sure how to go about the promotion, but plan to document that here so that I can have a record and share with anyone interested.