Boost your Blog // Why Should I Open a Digital Etsy Shop?

If you're a blogger looking to make a little bit of income on the side, opening a digital shop might be for you.  You can sell digital prints, stock photos, worksheets, workbooks, planner printables, etc. especially if it is relevant to your content.  Opening a digital shop will add another revenue stream from your blog!  There are a ton of eCommerce sites where you can open this type of shop, but I want to tell you about why Etsy is the best place.

this post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Etsy is the leading handmade marketplace.  It's been around for 13 years.  I remember when I first heard about Etsy and it was then that I decided to open up shop selling earrings and crocheted items.  I didn't have much success with physical items - plus I did not like to go to the post office!  When I moved up to Indiana in the Fall of 2012, I'd been selling digital items in my Etsy shop for about a year.  At that time I sold blog templates & custom Blogger designs.  It was when I started selling digital items that I found the most success.  It was a balance between being creative and not having to go to the post office!

I've shuttered my online doors a couple of times in the past but I've kept my current shop open for a few years now.  Currently I sell digital planner printables as well as stickers designed to cut with your Cricut Explore.  But I'm thinking about branching out to selling more digital supplies for creative businesses - graphics & templates, social media stuff, etc.  Check out the shop here.

But why Etsy?  Especially since they just announced a plan to increase the transaction fee from 3.5% on the sale price only to 5% on the sale price + shipping starting July 16, 2018.  I've written a post here on why I keep turning back to Etsy, by why should you consider Etsy in the first place?  In the age where eCommerce shops can be made quickly & easily, why start with Etsy?

Low Start Up Cost

Etsy has the eCommerce platform down for you.  You don't have to build or pay someone to build the website for you.  While there are a lot of drag & drop options and most eCommerce platforms are easy to use, with Etsy you don't have to invest much time or money into getting your shop up & running.  It is free create a shop, you can use free software to create a shop graphic & even edit/create your shop listings.  At a cost of .20 cents a listing you can list 100 items for about $20.  Each listing lasts for 4 months.  You're only charged the transaction fee (3.5% prior to July 16, 2018) once a sale is made and if you're not finding success, delete and item before it renews and you won't be charged another .20 cents to relist it after the 4 months expires.  You're not investing the time or the money you don't have!  Plus if you're selling digital items you're not going to be shipping anything.  So this increased transaction fee won't impact you as much.

Digital Fulfillment Service Built In to the Platform

Selling digital items means you'll need to actually get that file to the customer.  With Etsy there is a fulfillment service built right in at no extra cost.  You list the item and you're done.  You don't have to monitor sales and deliver the files to a customers email.  Etsy does this for you after the payment has cleared.  Other eCommerce platforms often require the use of either their app or a third party app to execute this fulfillment process.  While that's not too bad, Etsy makes it very easy to run a digital shop without any extra work.

Name Recognition & Search Optimization 

Etsy allows you to tag your listings with relevant search tags.  You're also given ample space in the product title to include relevant search terms.  The description area is a thrid place to create a through product description.  All of these allow you to show up in Etsy's search.  Because Etsy is the leading place for handmade & creative products, people come to Etsy to search for what they need.  If they are coming to Etsy to search they will find your shop as long as you tag your products properly.  This is the most work that you'll need to put into your listings (well, this and your photos).  The more work you put in to properly tagging your products the better you'll show up in the search.  It's as if the advertising is being done for you.  Of course you'll need to share that you actually have a shop on your various platforms but you're not going to need to pay for advertising space.  While Etsy does offer the option to advertise in search results, my unscientific studies have proven to me that this type of advertisement really has no bearing on sales.

Ease of Use

All points above add to the fact that Etsy is just easy to use.  You don't have to manage security certificates, cookie notices, or any changes to internet use laws because Etsy will do it for you.  I feel, you're getting a great convenience for a very low price and peace of mind.  If you want to take it upon yourself to manage your own website and eCommerce and fulfillment, good on you.  I just place big importance on ease of use.  You're getting the advertising & the digital fulfillment covered, your partnering with a big name in the game and you're not having to create & maintain your own stand alone site.  The overall design of the Etsy platform is aesthetically pleasing as well and you're not having to make all these design decisions that cost moolah on your own site!

So, while there are some restrictions Etsy is a great place to start selling.  I am of the set it & forget it mindset.  I am also not going to fix something that isn't broken!  What I am going to do though, is change with the times.  I plan to raise my prices in my shop in July.  Why do that?  Why not move to another platform?  Because I like this platform, I find value in this platform, and I think my community finds value in my product.  When we partner with businesses that are in the business of doing business, we must realize that things will change - these partners want to make money just like we want to make money.  This is also the first increase in 13 years of the platform so I find this site rather trustworthy and believe they aren't ripping us off!  Etsy does a lot of the managing for you - fees, fulfillment, security, advertising, etc - and I find value in their service.  

If you're thinking about expanding your blog income by starting a digital shop, forget the headache & start with Etsy!  Want to read more about running an Etsy shop? Check out these posts.

Do you have an Etsy shop?  Why do you use Etsy?

xoxo, Moe

Three Things to Consider Before Opening an Etsy Shop

Handmade is all the rage - so much so that the handmade market is really, really saturated.  Etsy is my number one marketplace for selling handmade goods (read why I chose to open up shop back on Etsy here).  And a lot of people looking to buy handmade find Etsy to be their number one market place, too.  Etsy has it's own built in advertisement - with the ability of shops to place relevant ads in the searches of buyers to the built in ability to maximize your own shop's SEO - you can get a lot of bang, for very little buck.

(this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.)

The listing fee is .20 cents, the selling fee is 3.5% of the sale, and with Etsy's direct check out option + the use of paypal it is easy to set up shop.  These fees are small potatoes for someone just starting out with a handmade business.  For those who can't invest hundreds (or more) from the get go to build your own site (plus spend the time to manage the back end, like ensuring everyone's credit card safety), Etsy's fees are affordable and totally doable.  You're out max .20 cents if you don't sell an item as the item is listed for 4 months and you can set the listing to automatically renew once expired (or once sold).  This can help you evaluate what has sold and what hasn't...and help you develop the why behind it.

It seems like every Tom, Dick, and Harry are opening shops to sell loads of things - we even opened a vintage shop and had a blast, but have since shuttered the doors - so don't be afraid to look for what you're shopping for on Etsy.  And if you are a Tom, Dick, or Harry looking to open up shop, here are 3 things to think about before you start listing:

Am I offering something unique?

Search Etsy right now for the item you are thinking of listing.  Do you see that there are 300+ pages of that item?  If so, rethink what you're offering.  With vintage items as long as you use your keywords, tags, and descriptions properly you may find that you do well with your shop.  Everyone is always looking for something vintage to add flair to their home or wardrobe.  Be sure to do your research, too as you may find that something isn't as rare or valuable as you'd think.

Are you thinking of selling crocheted hats? Do you know how many crocheted hats there are on Etsy?  If you're not offering a unique product, make sure you are offering a unique take.  How does your product differ from the hundreds of thousands of similar products listed on Etsy?  If you can't find a distinct difference, I'm sorry but your product may get lost in the crowd.

Like I mentioned above - everyone is selling something on Etsy so it is hard to stand out in a crowd.  Find a niche, that is your best bet to success.

Do I have the time for this?

An Etsy shop isn't just make it, list it, rake in the dough.  There's more time to it.  Do you have time to create new stock for demand?  Are you going to follow a ready-to-ship or custom order model?  When and how will you promote your shop?  Are you willing to network with others?  How often are you willing to drive to the post office?  How much time will you have to respond to customer's questions?

These are all questions that led me to the shop model I have - digital downloads, with minimal customization (if I have time).  I didn't like dealing with the post office (I live sort of rural so I get worried my pick up won't happen).  I don't like that a package could go missing and I'd have to refund/deal with a claim.  I struggled to meet shipping deadlines because of life and life changes.  Custom orders would mean I'm tied to the computer either designing or responding to conversations on Etsy.

So consider the time it might take you to spend to have a successful shop.  If you're worried you may not have enough time, consider these 3 time saving apps - if you still feel you man not be able to take this on the go (especially if you already have a 9-5 job) the reconsider your shop or your business model.

What is my end goal?

Are you in it to make it big?  Or are you in it because you want to make a little money?  Are you in it because you figured 'why not'?  If you answer yes to any or all of these questions, that is fine!  It is wonderful to decide on something and jump in feet first.  If you've made it to this last point here and are still considering opening shop that means you're ready for whatever happens. You've accepted all the info above and still want to give it a shot.  Good for you.

Consider why you're doing this - consider why you love making what you make.  I loved having our vintage shop because we both loved the thrill of the hunt.  It was a fun time for us to spend together and we got to branch out and purchase things we'd never purchased before.  I love having my digital shop because I didn't see too many affordable printable sticker sets with the items I needed on them.  That's really the reason I started all my endeavors - I couldn't find blogs I wanted to read, or videos I wanted to watch, or planner things I wanted to have.....so I made them myself.  And if that is your reason, that is just as good as one.

It is important to define this reason now because when you get busy, or slow, or have too much work to do, or feel like a failure....this reason will be the reason you continue on.  What makes this endeavor worth it to you?  What is your end goal?  And keep that close to your heart.

If you're still with me, consider signing up for Etsy to see what the hype is all about.  It's my number one platform for buying and selling handmade.

Have you had a shop before?  Any tips to offer?

xoxo, Moe

Boost Your Shop // Why I Keep Going Back To Etsy

When I first decided to dive into selling handmade goods, I turned to no other place but Etsy.  I posted my first pair of earrings for sale at a boyfriend's suggestion and it was a snowball from there.  My last year of college I challenged myself to make 10 sales before Christmas - I wasn't a successful seller really - and met my goal.  Then with Zach's encouragement I opened up my design shop selling blog designs.  With the invention of the instant download I was hooked.  We then opened up our vintage shop, 516Vintage (we've since shuttered the doors, but who knows...we may open up again).  Between those two things though I switched my handmade things to an ecommernce platform called Storenvy.  This switch had it's pros and cons, you can read that here.  You can also read a slightly dated Storenvy Rundown here.

But once I finally decided I really wanted to open up a shop again.....with out a doubt I chose to go back to Etsy.  Now, you may say that it costs too much to run an etsy shop, that you're going to be up against those who sell mass produced items from China...but I say the ease of use, recognition, and necessary evil of seller fees are great considering one has to do very little in the grand scheme of things to promote a shop.  Here are the pros, for me, for sticking with Etsy for my ecommerce needs:

They do the advertising for you - If you didn't know not only does Etsy promote through various targeted ads on websites, but they also have a crazy cool email marketing strategy, and even get their name in print.  I've seen adz for Etsy in various magazines in various doctors offices and waiting rooms.  This targeted marketing and promotion means that Etsy has made a name for itself.  Etsy has become the go to place to search for independent artists and creators.  Meaning it is a great market place for you - the artist or creator - to be a part of.  Millions of people all over the world are constantly searching Etsy for billions of keywords hourly (these stats are totally made up, but they make sense).  If you're a part of the largest market place you'll be a part of something big.

They do the ecommerce for you - Do you really want to be responsible for building & maintaining an ecommerce site?  Yes, you can add ecommerce to your Wordpress blog (Blogger platform forever!) but do you really want to deal with that?  Do you really want to be responsible for security certificates?  Do you really want to deal with a design?  Do you really want to figure out how to make your stand alone site mobile friendly?  Do you have all these resources? If you do, wonderful! But for the average hobby seller all this seems crazy.  Of course you could go with a place like Storenvy or Tictail for ecommerce, but when you have the biggest name in indie commerce behind you......why would you bother?  Everything is integrated from fees to shipping to instant downloads to revenue to stats to payments to label printing.  Storenvy has at least a majority of those things done through 3rd party websites.

Simplicity & ease of use - All those things above leads me to this point: Etsy is easy to understand for the novice seller.  You don't have to manage security certificates on Etsy because they do the eccommerce for you.  You don't have to figure out a mobile design because Etsy does it for you.  You can get to the creating, making, and listing with out having to worry about the crazy stuff.  Etsy is a great place to learn what works, what doesn't, what pays, and what you need to charge to make what you need to make.  If you end up being a big shot and going into your own website, great.  But Etsy is easy to use, easy to understand, and easy to build from with out having to worry about who's credit card might get stollen.  The fees are a necessary evil of running a shop where you don't have to deal with the things mentioned above.  Listing is easy, tracking is easy, hosting a shop is just plain easy.

You'll be among creators like you - I would say the majority of buyers on Etsy are looking for a creator like you.  Etsy is a leading name (in my opinion) in handmade sellers.  Buyers navigate Etsy to find something unique and made by an independent creator.  People want to support those doing things their own way.  Yes, you're also in the boat with mass produced resale from China but you're also among creators that like to create.  You can find tons of Etsy communities on Facebook as well to really reinforce the handmade community.

Using a site that does nearly all the important things for you is important to my sanity as a shop owner!  I love that Etsy is everything I need wrapped up in one site.  I hope this little post was helpful for you to see why hosting your shop on Etsy can many pros for the small time (and big time) shop owners.  If you're just starting out, there's not too much to be overwhelmed with.  If you're a seasoned Etsy pro, then you realize the importance of being a part of the popular market place.

So, if you're down for starting your own etsy shop....go ahead and get started here.

Do you love Etsy?  Is there another all inclusive ecommerce site that I need to know about?

xoxo, Moe

Five Sixteenths Designs Is Back

After a crazy long hiatus, I've opened my Etsy shop back up for digital downloads.  Currently there are only Personal Sized and A5 sized planner pages listed but I plan to have listed downloadable stickers, Midori sized inserts, journaling cards, and planner page bundles.

I'm also hoping to add dividers and even my own planner covers!  This has been a fun little journey that I'm not taking too seriously.  I'm adding things as I go and not putting too much pressure on myself.  I want to get back to having fun with my Etsy shop and not just feeling so pressured!

I'd love for you to take a look!

xoxo, Moe

Do You Leave Etsy Feedback? 6 Points on Leaving Feedback

I've been selling on Esty since 2006.  I still remember sitting on my ex boyfriend's couch debating if I should push publish on the first pair of horribly photographed earrings I'd decided to sell.  As a shop owner I've grown so much in the past 6 years from that first listing.  But one thing that has always confused me is feedback.

Sometimes buyers leave feedback & sometimes they don't.  Personally, I've noticed this in both of my Etsy shops but more so in 516VINTAGE since it's so new.  You'll see we've had 8 sales but only 1 buyer left feedback.  As a shop owner I make sure to leave feedback about the buyer to show my appreciation & to continue the relationship with the customer.  But with Etsy shops growing, artists & crafters handling their own e-commerce sites, & e-commerce sites that don't have an option for feedback, I ask this: Does feed back mean anything any more?  Of course if you've had a bad experience you're going to tell your mom, dad, & anyone on the internet....but do you leave feedback when everything went as expected?

Why feedback is important to shop owners

Feedback means a job completed - Feedback, whether positive or negative is a gauge on how a shop is performing vs how they perceive they are performing.  It also lets the shop owner know you got the package, it arrived as advertised, & that the interaction for the purchase is done.  While there may still be questions or interactions or returns, it lets the seller know that everything is finalize.  It's just another way they know they've done their job.

Feedback looks good to other buyers - Feedback wouldn't be listed on your sidebar in your Etsy shop if it weren't important.  It's listed right there under shop owner meaning it's a reflection of you.  If a buyer wants to know more about you they've got to at least peak that number.  Which is why a 100% is always a wonderful thing.  It may not be important to certain buyers but it could be a deal breaker for others.  So it's important to leave feedback so that your purchase goes a long way with the shop & it's future customers. If you like the shop your feedback could help boost business.

Feedback is informative -  Feedback is the arena for information about working with a seller.  Was the seller easy to work with? Were you impressed with their personality & professionalism? Share it!  Was the item gift wrapped? Let other buyers know how you enjoyed your experience with the shop so that buyers feel they can get what the need.  Feedback goes beyond the product descriptions, beyond the photos, & beyond the information the seller provides.  Feedback is the behind the scenes, customer satisfaction other buyers like to hear about.

Why feedback may not be important to buyers

Picture quality can connote a great shop & good customer service - If you're browsing a shop that has a great cohesiveness, wonderful photos, & great descriptions it's more than likely that this business owner is taking his or her job seriously.  This also suggests that they've done their research & are ready to provide to you the excellent customer service you deserve.  If their shop looks like it could be supported on an e-commerce website of it's own you're probably dealing with high quality lads & lasses.  There is the off chance that you'll find a dud, but better image quality & cohesiveness speak volumes to shoppers.  Because of this shoppers are less likely to check feedback first & some may not even check it at all before purchase.  It is also highly likely that their feedback rating is 100%.

One & Done Buyers - We'd all love for our customers to be repeat buyers & sometimes they are.  This has only happened to me, personally, once!  But sometimes shoppers are just looking for one thing whether it be a knit hat, a wheel thrown mug, a unique vintage item, or an item to match a set.  This is the downfall to a site like Etsy - there are millions of shops to choose from & you'll pick one thing here, one thing there & then be done.  You may not even go back to that shop again!  Sometimes buyers are just looking for that one perfect thing & it's not in their mind to leave feedback.

There's just not much to say - Maybe they are satisfied.  I try to leave feedback every time I'm on Etsy but I rarely leave feedback on sites like Amazon because I've got nothing to say.  People will keep buying from there right? Well for Etsy it's a bit different, small businesses can't compete with the big box places like that & rely on advertising, word of mouth, and customers who appreciate handmade/small businesses...feedback is important.

A little note here: This is just what I've observed both being a shop owner & an online buyer.  From my own experiences, observations, & my own shopping experiences.

Do you think feedback is important? Do you leave feedback?

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Etsy vs Storenvy // What do you Think?

So I've been talking a lot this week about the switch I am ultimately going to make from etsy to storenvy after the holidays.  I've spend a crazy amount of time working on the storenvy storefront, customizing, etc & have actually taken the big step in adding items to the shop.  The shop isn't live yet & that is where you come in:

Should I switch to storenvy now (before the holidays) or switch when I've planned to (after the holidays)?

Here's what I've been thinking, the pros & cons if you will:

pros:
- already a part of a growing handmade market place
- have been on etsy for years (people know where to find 516)
- already have a group of people that have favorited things
- popular place others search for handmade items & I'll show up in those searches
- already paid a butt load in listing fees + I am adding things for the holiday season
- don't really have to do too much promoting, etsy sort of does it (kind of)

cons:
- overtime, those fees add up (oh yeah they do)
- .etsy.com domain is more recognizable than .storenvy.com domain
- not customizable
- not even sure if this marketplace is helping me make sales
- seems to be doing better for blog designs than other things (jewelry & crocheted things)

pros:
- FREE (listing, no expiration, etc)
- ultimate customization
- chance to build a better, cohesive look
- fits in with the 516 brand
- can have multiple categories & put things in multiple categories - more organized
- grown up step for 516

cons:
- switching may be bad for holiday sales as I am moving, how will others know?
- do people search storenvy like they search etsy?
- how will I show up in google searches? Google is hardly ever in my stats on etsy anyway!
- would have to do more independent advertising

So I want to know from you: Do you think it's a smart move to just switch now (or soon) or should I hang on for a bit until after the holidays?

I also have more things I'd like to list on etsy for the holidays, but I'm not sure if it's worth it! gah, this is hard!

I do have a few more bugs to figure out that I may be able to figure out before September since I'd probably switch over then.  I've also gotten some wonderful tips from yesterdays post that I can't wait to incorporate in the future!  

For me, all things are pointing to waiting....especially if I am relying on these holiday sales.  But if you were in my position...

What would you do?

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Trend Tuesday // I Like Your Style

With the launch of the 516VINTAGE shop here in the next coming weeks (read the story here), I feel like I am struggling to get by with my other endeavors....the Five Sixteenths shop mainly.  I have a load of cool items, lovely handmade things....and no sales (well, some sales).  I've struggled with consistency, photo quality, etc.  I think, to sum it up, I struggle with a look.  For the vintage shop, I think we've got a look down & it was pretty simple: 516VINTAGE is about curating collections through story telling so, when taking pictures, I tried to tell a story.  Staging the photos was so fun & making little vignettes that put the items in a place made sense.  For the blog, I've got a pretty branded look - it's well designed yet playful & I really like how it looks over all and how it compliments my content.  But for Five Sixteenths shop......I struggle with coming up with a cohesive shop look.

Sneak Peek at the look of 516VINTAGE

Current look of Five Sixteenths

This is where my trips to the mall come in: I am constantly looking for color & design inspiration and while I soak it up, I don't seem to squeeze much of it out.  I am half writing this post because I love finding inspiration & half writing it so I'll remember and maybe do something about it.  Here's some shop love inspiration from around the web:

found via For the Makers on instagram

I am in love with this fall display from Anthropologie.  The earthy tones, deep pumpkins & purples makes me remember why I love fall so much! I think (and this was pointed out to me in art school) that I have a hard time because I try not to do what I'm inclined to do - I think it's stupid so I don't do it!  I think taking the shop's overall feel back to an earthy look would be wonderful.  Those big handmade flowers look lovely too.  Anthropologie & Free People inspire the heck outta me!  In fact, here's another one:

via Bleubird on Instagram

The sense of home & collection in Anthropologie is amazing! Love it!

I also want to seamlessly blend the blog design elements in the shop with the real, tangible things.  For this I look to the Red Velvet shop for some help.  I don't know how they do it but blending web & real life so effortlessly is something I admire!

via the Mandy Lynne blog

the Red Velvet Shop online

I've actually been taking the Dream Job E-Course offered through Red Velvet & have a better apreciation for the way their online shop looks now.  It's clean & simple and can grow with them.  This is something I really, really want to finally settle on!  I've actually tried to gear my logos/headers/etc towards this look of simple. Again inspired by the Red Velvet shop + Anthropologie's shop.  Sophisticated boho chic...i guess.

I am also digging the online sites like LibbyStory with painted elements & arty brush strokes.  Keeping with the arty-ness of the blog, that is what I want to translate into the Five Sixteenths shop:

LibbyStory Website

Another shop I dig online & in stores is Francesca's.  Again with the boho chic-ness.  Just an overall house, home, clothing, accessories, etc store where everything comes together in a seamless fashion.  I know that photos are half of it but I just can't get that consistency!

Francesca's Collections website

With going through the Dream Job E-Course & following the A Beautiful Mess blog every day I've gotten excited about a lot of things.  I really can't wait for Elsie to share more about her color story process because that just looks so fun & a great way to start thinking about colors.  I really need to focus on the style of the shop & hope that I can figure something out here soon.  I just have to remember to go my way & not lead into something else!!

Have any tips for branding or keeping things cohesive? let me know!

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Shop Five Sixteenths // Two Ways to Find 516 Goodies

Since I've been in Michigan I've been working hard on spreading around the Five Sixteenths brand as well as focusing on developing a solid online store front.  Honestly, I never thought I'd be trying to do as much as I have been doing right now!  But I wanted to let you know where you can find Five Sixteenths goodies currently & in the future.

Right now the main store front is on Etsy.  Five Sixteenths on Etsy includes knitwear, pottery, & design.  I am working towards launching a fully custom store front to bring the brand into a more cohesive look between the blog & the shop.  516 is a lifestyle brand: a creative blend of art & life.  Soon to be across the front page of the new shop is the following description:

516 is a brand that provides you with things to wear, things to use, & things to do.  Lovely, unique jewelry & knitwear, handmade stoneware pottery, simple design, & creative classes are the essences of the Five Sixteenths shop.

Stemming from my inability to sit still & need to be working on something at all times, I decided to throw in some creative online & PDF based creative classes to be completed at your own pace.  The first of these eCourses is the Blogging 101 eBook to be launched in September.  Sign up for the newsletter to get access to a super secret Chapter 0 to see what all the fuss is about!

For now, you can shop on Etsy but I'll be moving to this new storefront after the holidays.  I'd love it if you help clear out stock for me (wink, wink).  You can use the code FALL12 for 15% off your knitwear purchase too!

The second place you can find Five Sixteenths goodies is on Society6.  If you follow me on Pinterest you'll see I have a board labeled Hello Monday.  This board is where I pin inspirational quotes that I take a peak at when I'm feeling down...or on Mondays!  I found out about Society6 a long while ago but didn't decide to start it up until we took our trip to the Coast Guard Festival.  

Wanting to design some inspirational prints & posters for my studio I thought about what I could do with them besides have them sit on my computer after I have them printed.  So I decided to share them with you on Society6.  I love a little pick me up & a pretty poster.  I used to cover my mirror in sticky notes with inspirational quotes handwritten across them to get me through tough times.  A pretty poster for my wall is much better than that now!

Now for a sneak peak into the new storefront like I promised yesterday, somethings are gonna change but this is the gist of it:

I've been playing around with the code in Storenvy & it's taken me all week but I finally have it down & I am so excited.  I want to move from etsy super soon....but am not sure if I should.  I've already paid all the fees, etc.

So there you have it, two ways to shop Five Sixteenths goodies.  In September there will a third way with the launch of the 516VINTAGE shop! Check out more about that here.

Where can I find you at? Do you have an etsy shop?

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Our Vintage Story // A New (Old) Project

A little bit ago & probably even today actually, I've been hinting at a new project Zach & I are embarking on.  You may have noticed that both Zach & I love thrifting, antiquing, yard sale-ing, flea market-ing, & all around finding cool stuff.  We both love connecting with pieces from by gone eras.

Zach is a collector of electronics, books, & instruction manuals.  I am a collector of purses, luggage, & knick knacks.  Zach's tastes range from the late 1800s to the late 1940s.  My tastes begin in the 1950s & stretch to about the 1970s.  Together our interests span nearly 100 years of history, fashion, trends, electronics, & collectables.

For me, loving vintage all started with being raised in my Grandmother's home surrounded by pictures & pieces from my Grandparent's marriage.  They were married 57 years until my Grandfather's passing.  Growing up, days were spent at their house studying antiques brought over from France, eating at a dining room table purchased mid century, & flipping through photo books where my Grandmother grew to look more & more like myself everyday.  I was drawn to longer hemlines, higher waists, coiffed hair, & to look as flawless as my Grandmother did.  Vintage to me means a sense of family, a sense of belonging.

For Zach the turn of the century was the beginning of our modern era. Cars had just been invented, flight had just taken off, and we as a people were beginning to finally explore our world and connect like we never had before. We emerged so gracefully from our isolation into the world stage; men were civilized and women were refined. All you needed was someone's word and their handshake to seal a deal. Collecting things from this age really connects him to that time. "As the radio tubes warm up and their faint glow is the only light in the room, I imagine a family gathered around the shortwave waiting for news from the western front, or news about Al Cappone or another gangster," he says. It was a time when we, as Americans, were still innocent. When you literally had to know some one to get into a club and the secret knock opened a door to a secret room. These were very hard times, back then, but Zach aches to add a small amount of class to today's impersonal world.  This class sets him apart from a mere collector.  Zach, like me, is a connector.

Not just collectors of things, we are connectors with people.

This leads me to announce that Zach & I are taking part in a new little venture that will launch here at the end of August:

The launch of our Vintage Shop 516VINTAGE.  With a focus on luggage, instant book collections, & home decor 516VINTAGE will be updated monthly with new, vintage connections.  A focus on telling stories, on creating an atmosphere, & on giving you a way to connect with the past 516VINTAGE hopes to be a place of vintage inspiration to you.

Zach & I are going to launch 516VINTAGE on September 1st & have already started photographing and filling the shop with lovely, lovely goodies.

Another super cool thing launching in September is the Blogging 101 eBook! Subscribe to the newsletter for all Five Sixteenths info.  I can't wait for you all to see our little project!

Have a great Sunday!

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Trend Tuesday // Pottery Inspiration

So my pottery class has gotten back in to the swing of things & I can't wait to get my hands dirty more! We've had a few classes but my goal for this class is to just be better! I want to make bowls & more tumblers. I also want to make wide serving bowls & focus on glazing.  I want to experiment more with shape too.  I am so excited to be able to think about getting into my home studio! A girl dreams of these things & when they happen she kisses the man that helps her out & runs to play in the mud.

I am so lucky to have such a guy that is so supportive.  I know he sees us as a team but I also appreciate that he wants me to be able to live a dream I've always wanted.  He's said on many occasions that he wants to live in a house with me where we cook dinner served on plates I've made.  How damn fairy tale ending is that?

Here is some inspiration from my Pottery pin board:

one // two // three // four

I love the look of natural clay & really dislike having to cover it up with glazes.  But people buy things that are blue...at least that's what I've noticed.  I loved my clear glaze combination, but that's not seen too much interest & I've been told I need to branch out (even though I don't want to).  Recently, I tried a white glaze that really made the speckles stand out but I'm not sure I like it.  Most recently I did a blue/green combo.  We'll see how I like that.

I struggle a lot with knowing that I am good & have the potential to be great and then the seeming realization that my stuff is worthless.  It is a struggle that I really dislike having with myself.  I find myself on an emotional roller coaster of sorts.  Where I wonder why I am even starting this in the first place, why I was even awarded a degree, & how the heck I could even imagine being successful?  Zach has seem me question myself & wonder why the heck I am even thinking about doing this.  It's been hard letting him see me feel weak.  Then I have a break through in the studio & fall in love with something or meet a goal....only to be discouraged to the fact that I am still not good enough.  I draw so much inspiration & come at it with high hopes that I fulfill, then look around and feel as if it's only been good for me.

Then I think, what does anyone else care? I am growing, I am becoming a better artist.  Look at where I've come from!  I try to remind myself everyday that even little progress is progress made.  Then again I find myself envious of others...a word I don't like using to describe myself.  I don't like to compare myself..it's not helpful...but I find myself wondering why I can't do the same thing others are doing.  It's a low, low point & I feel totally worthless being envious.  It's like a sinking feeling.  I try to avoid envy & encourage others to do the same.  I am getting better about not being green.  I am sure if you look back on all the pottery posts it's a roller coaster of I love this! I suck at this! It's awesome! I'm a failure.

The one thing that is constant is that I just don't give up.  I keep on trying.  I keep on trying new things, I keep making, I keep listing, I keep trying.  I've never been a quitter in fact my first sale was like 2 years after I opened my shop.  It was something that I can't believe I even made, not related to ceramics at all! But trying has gotta pay off sometime right?  I've been semi-successful with blog designs, crocheting, etc...but now I want it to be ceramics!

I have more pottery listed in the shop now, if you're interested in a lovely wheel thrown piece of serving ware.  If you like blue, there's something for you...but if your a clay lover like me there are pieces where they clay shines through.

How do you combat inner struggles?

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New in the Shop // Summer Jewelry Update

I've been trying to spend my Mondays on a sort of Work From Home Schedule.  I wake up around 8ish, make coffee, & set to work on the shop/blog/promoting/etc.  It's been very productive for me & I love it!  Today, in fact, 8 new pairs of earrings were added to the shop.

Shop SUMMER JEWELRY

Each piece of jewelry in the shop is One of a Kind! I don't make any 2 pieces the same.  While a lot of the pieces have the same elements, no two are designed the same.  I love uniqueness & want you to have a completely unique piece made only for you!

If you'd like to pick up a few pairs, I am running a 15% off sale with the promo code SWEET15.  Head on over to the jewelry shop to check them out!

I am also looking for some advice on how you balance your work from home schedule.  I know there are tons of techniques, but do you do work the whole day or do you work on one thing, throw a load of laundry in, work on something else, wash the dishes, etc.  I think I am a work all day kind of person.  I want to get as much done as I can! But I'm not sure if it's efficient! Any advice or resources would be awesome!

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Trend Tuesday // Summer Outfit

Hello, hello! I can't believe I have an outfit post for you all this week! It's been so hard to squeeze them in &, coupled with the fact that I don't like my remote for my camera, I almost gave up on doing some until Zach and I were reunited.  But since I finished up a lot of my goals yesterday (three new blog designs in the shop & a super awesome post for tomorrow) I decided to get all dressed up with no where to go.

Sometimes it helps to get dressed on Mondays, even though I am off from my 9-5 job, because I get more done.  I was sitting near the jewelry I just listed so I threw a few necklaces on for these pictures.  I couldn't believe how much I got done these past two days & am so proud of myself.  I did this to get sort of 'set' for attempting to go self employed here in the next few months, but I'm not quite sure how to translate all the work into sales.  I think I need to do more in advertising & will most likely start to sponsor blogs as a shop.  I need to get reading on the Esty Seller Handbook & all the other books I have in my possession.  I also need to find a wheel!

I love this outfit because it carries over from last weeks Trend Tuesday with stripes.  This skirt is from Target (I got another in a different color combo!) & it was on sale.  I've often toyed with the idea of going on a shopping ban, because every time I see an awesome deal I can't resist.  But, I buy pieces that I know I will wear & when target has a 50% - 75% off sale, I have to pick up something!  I will say I haven't bought shoes in ages! I have one pair of go to shoe for the sumer & it's these t-strap studded sandals from Rack Room Shoes! I got them last Summer when I bought some comfy (read as ugly) shoes for my first ever job!  It was a BoGo sale & I don't regret it one bit.  I've hardly touched any other shoe in my collection!

Details

Skirt, Cuckoo Clock Necklace // Target

Tank // Forever21

Bracelets & Ring // Claire's

Turquoise Ring // Room Mate's (made with this tutorial

Cardigan // Khol's

Studded Sandals // Rack Room Shoes

Geode Necklaces // Five Sixteenths Shop here & here

I love that the weather is getting warmer! I need to find a good pair of bike shorts to wear with my skirts though..it gets hot under there!  But I've already made my first voyage to the water park & have taken a dunk in my grandmother's pool, so Summer is on it's way.  I will eventually be moving up north with Zach before the end of the summer & am nervous, excited, and freaking out.  So with warm weather comes change I guess.  I've spent a year here & it seems that the wind is pushing me in another direction & I can't wait.

On Saturday after going to the waterpark, I discovered that my opal ring was turning colors.  It was gold plated silver, so I knew it was possible, but this was a yucky color..it almost looked like I was even jipped on the silver part!  So I took it back to JC Penny to send it off to be fixed.  My hand feels weird with out that ring on it so I've been subbing some of my ring collection on my hand.  This huge gaudy one i

Also, I want to thank everyone who's been leaving sweet comments here! I got a comment the other day saying that the reader feels like they are learning more about me & (I believe it was the same person) that I'm so honest & sweet.  That really touched my heart! My goal with Five Sixteenths is to share with you the things that I am learning as I go through this thing called life, because there's no guidebook!  I love having Five Sixteenths as an outlet for sharing my experiences with the world!  You all are so sweet & I really do love you!!

If you haven't seen either, I finished up the first little eCourse regarding making your own Social Network Icons.  You can check it out & purchase it here (only $5!).

Happy Tuesday, guys! Hope you enjoy your week!

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Finally Getting Somewhere // On Owning a Dream

A while ago I did a guest post over on PulpSushi about living creatively.  Lately I've been putting more & more thought into just going for it & trying to make it on my own.  No boss, just me telling me what to do.

I have to admit this dream of being self employed has mostly been more of a fantasy.  For the majority of my time working on etsy & trying to sell things has discouraged me.  But I stuck through it for some reason that I'll never understand and finally feel like I'm getting somewhere.  Honestly, I didn't stick through it because I knew I could get somewhere.  I stuck through it because, why not...it was fun.

But now that I've sort of seen my sales grow & now that I kinda see that I am making sales, I want to keep going.  I would eventually like to add a whole slew of pottery to the shop & just haven't had time to.  Taking a class & making pottery is different that being able to sit down & make when ever you want.  If I could do that, I'd be at the wheel every single day.  It is so hard knowing that I have a kiln & wheel waiting for me when I move & it kills me every day not be able to go into a studio & make.

But I feel like things are falling into place for me.  I feel like I may finally be making something for my self or of myself even.  I am finally seeing results.  I know it is hard. I know you have to work.

So long story short I just wanted to share with you some lovely jewelry I have for summer in the Five Sixteenths Shop:

Coral, Green, & Gold Beaded Necklace

(perfect for layering!)

Turquoise & Gold Medallion Necklace

Wooden Geometric Bead Necklace

Each item has been carefully designed & is totally unique! I only make one of a kind pieces.  You can be assured that there will not be another person with your same necklace, bracelet, etc.

I love being able to make & share.  I am so thankful that I live in an age where it's possible to connect with so many people.  I value that more than I value any sales I could ever make!! Connecting with others & sharing experiences makes me feel like I am a part of something!

Have you ever struggled? What did you do to make it?

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Tempted Tuesdays // Color Crush - Spring

While out shopping with my mom & sister on Monday, I noticed that coral really is the color for this spring.  Everything is color block, coral, & hints of neon.  I have to say, I am ALL OVER THIS. Bright colors are the bomb & spring is just around the bend!  It was so cold & dreary on Monday (and Sunday, too!) that I was so happy to see these bright colors.  I mean c'mon....even my blog links are in mint & a pale coral color.

These are like the big kid pastels.  Remember when you were little & once spring came around your mom dressed you in soft pastel pants & shirts with little bunnies on it? No? Was it just me? Well, none the less I am loving the spruced up pastel feel of these Spring colors. I am also loving the colors translated in to polishes. You know I am about to bust out my neon yellow polish from Icing!

Color Crush by fivesixteenthsblog featuring messenger bags

I thought about snapping some pictures in the mall because it was totally apparent that Spring was in the air.  I am still a little bit apprehensive about whipping out my iphone & snapping away.  People may think I am weird, right? A bit crazy?

My sister, mom, & I went to a yummy Mexican restaurant before heading out.  My sister fell victim to the trend & picked up some awesome yellow shorts from LOFT.

I was so surprised that I seemed to hit the trend head on with some jewelry recently listed in the shop:

here here here here

Those coral & mint beads were just calling to me! I had to answer!

Are you happy that Spring is just around the corner? Wearing any fun colors to usher it in?

Sum Up Sunday // 3rd Week in February

I was about to start off this post along the lines of 'I've nothing really great to report here for this week' & then just post some random things.  You know, it'd be a post of just filler things with a photo.  Just a post say I posted.  But then I realized, a lot happened this week:

On about Monday of this past week, I listed my first customizable pre-made blog template & a non-customizable/generic version of the same template.  On the 16th of this past week I sold the customizable version.  I spent the next two days assembling the customizable parts & putting together a licensing & instructions file.  I was super excited to embark on this new little project of mine.  

So I guess this post is the unofficial announcement of the blog design section of the esty shop.  If you want a full update on the workings & the new things I'll offer in the blog design department (both free & otherwise) sign up for the newsletter! I wasn't expecting to sell a design so fast & was just testing the waters before I announced what I'd been working on.

His & Her's breakfast before a day of antiquing.  We didn't find anything awesome :(

On another note, I've been wondering about pictures on the blog.  I know that super edited 'instagram-y' like pictures are a general no-no, but I've seen some blogs I really admire have some sort of vintage effect on their photos.  This adds to the over all feel of the blog & I guess plays a long with their design.  These types of photos fit in well & add to the image of the blog.  I just for the life of me don't have the time or patience to take super fantastic photos of my everyday life.  If I did, then I'd have nothing to blog about because I'd be editing photos & not doing anything.  As a responsible blogger, I should be focusing on how the pictures portray the overall feel of the blog...but sometimes I really like the vintage effects on photos, if they aren't over done.  I dunno, it's all up in there air on this front.  I just try to make sure you all don't have a page full of overly instagramed pictures to look at.

Also, remember when I was bitching about picnik closing & having to learn photoshop? Well, I think I am doing just fine.  However, I did find a few programs you may want to check out thanks to Kam over at Campfire Chic & I found this one through the photo app on my phone.

I also did a midnight redesign (that I'm still working on) for the blog.  To which, Zach asked me to come to bed & didn't understand that you can't just simply leave a blog redesign hanging!

This week was a very productive week.  I have pottery here in about 2 hours & I can't wait to get started on that front too.  I hope to have some end products I can share with you all here soon.  I was a little bit rusty a last session but this session I've got it going on.  I've also been going to open studio meaning I am now churning out 2x as many things as if I were going once a week.  

Also, don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway over at Pulp Sushi for a $20 shop credit a long with a whole flipping slew of awesome things from other bloggers & shop owners!