Sneak Peak Studio Update

I've been very busy in the studio again! These are a few pix from last week, but there was even more exciting things being created this week! If you have the chance, stop by my flickr photostream for the latest studio update pix, or checkout my artfire studio, She's Batty Designs, to see what creations have made it into my shop :)

What's Up in Handmade Marketing News

In the last week we have seen a lot of changes at Handmade News! The site design is in the "tweaking stage", and my bio is now up as the editor of the department! Hooray! We've also had a lot of buzz around our articles! I'm sure you'll see why when you check them out!

I wanted to share with you all the awesome articles that got published last week in the Marketing Department so you can stay on top of the latest marketing strategies and tips! Here they are:



1. The Marketing Secrets Behind Volume 25
Volume 25 is a very busy shop at Etsy. Run by Jessica, Volume 25 has had over 860 sales since opening its virtual doors in January of 2008. Today Jessica shares the marketing strategies she’s used to help build such a successful business.



2. Business Card Marketing
One of the most important, and least expensive ways to market is to make use of your business cards.Find out how you can put something as simple as a business card to work for you!






3. Forums: Fun, Free Advertising
In this article, Kristin dishes on how to have fun while advertising for free! Everyone wants to know how to have free fun that is also productive for your handmade business right? Check out Kristin's article for all the




4. Say it with Stickers
Kelli shares why using stickers is one of the most cost-effective and easily obtainable methods of promotion. In these tough times we all need advice on how we can make our marketing efforts go further. Kelli shows us how stickers can fit into our tiny marketing budgets but still have a bit impact!




5. Marketing Interview with Rebekah of The Dog Lady and Positive Propaganda
This week Rebekah of The Dog Coat Lady (on Etsy) and Positive Propaganda (on ArtFire) shares how she got started in the handmade world and how she's continued to grow her successful business. She's sold over 7640 items on Etsy and she's now expanding onto ArtFire with a goal to change the world with a button. Check out this article learn more about this unique seller and her creative marketing strategies.


6. What a Street Team Can Do for
In this article, Kristin let's us know what a street team can do for us and our handmade business! She sets the record straight about what you should look for in a street team and what to watch out for. If you've been thinking about joining a street team now is the time - but not before you arm yourself with the info in this article!



7. Guerrilla Marketing and You #2: Give It Away Now
This article has so much information we had to split it into two parts! Kelli covers guerrilla marketing strategies for contests, samples and sales - things every handmade business should know about and use! Even if you are already using contests, samples or sales, you'll want to read this article! It covers information for the newbie to guerrilla marketing and the advanced guru how as done, and seen it all. Check out part one for samples and sales, and part 2 for contests.

Vegan Craft Samples

The day is finally here!!! Its all in the bag is now on sale and you can get yours on our blog or website. Each order comes in a handmade reusable bag and includes 17-20 crafty samples!

http://www.vegancraftsamples.com
http://www.vegansamples.blogspot.com

Its a chock full of indie handmade samples from makeup, lotion, scrubs, lip balms, papercrafts, jewelry, keychains.

Want to promote your craft in our HOLIDAY bag?
http://www.vegancraftsamples.com

100% profits go to Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary.

Think outside the box, vegan craft samples!

http://www.vegancraftsamples.com

What's Up with She's Batty Designs

Hey All!

This is Jamie of She's Batty Designs! I haven't sent in an update in a while so I thought I'd post a quick studio update .

The studio wasn't as busy as I would have liked it this week because I was sick for most of the week but here's a look at a few of the creations that I made. Most of my creations this week where paper based and I hope to have pictures to share with you soon.

I'll have better pictures of the above creations soon so stay tuned :)

August Newsletter: Preparing for the Fall?

Hi All! I hope your summer is going well. Its now time to prepare for the fall season. If you have any tips please share :)

Also, please take a look at our new members and send them a little greeting. The guild area is not really user friendly so try sending them a little message through artfire!

Show Your CFA Pride!

With the new Artfire layout you can show off your CFA pride by placing our CFA Guild image in your right hand widget area. Take a look at my shop for an example. If you need help, just let me know.

Member Sales!

Check out these great sales at our members' stores!

Hair clips, jewelry, and more - Buy 2 at Simply Smiss Accessories and get free U.S. shipping or half off international shipping at her artfire or etsy stores! Offer valid through September 2009. Also, with your purchase 10% is donated to an animal charity.

Clothing and accessories for pets - 20% off everything at CutsiePoochie until the end of August 2009.

Bag n' supplies including swivel clips and magnetic snaps - 5% off everything at Tantalizing Stitches to first time customers at the TS artfire store. Simply enter "CFA" in Note to Seller! As always, 5% of the purchase price of every item is donated to El's favorite animal charity: http://paws-saipan.org.

If you are a CFA member and would like your promotion included in next month's newsletter, please email me.

Welcome New Members!

Please welcome our latest new members: itsmeowornever, christyrobinsondesigns, PocketfulOfSunshine, Raw, shannonsgoodies, christyrobinsondesigns, QuirkyCreatures, JMTGlassworks, and SweetFrostings. Please greet them and welcome them to our guild!

Your Pet Here

I would love to include a pic of your pet here. If you'd like to bring fame to your pet, please email me a pic of your furbaby!

And don't forget, spay or neuter your loved one! They will appreciate it as much as you :)

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Volunteer~~~~

Help our guild grow by volunteering. If you don't have a project in mind I have a couple ideas. Just email me.

What's Happening at CFA?

Our Flickr group (needs a moderator)

Our Facebook group (moderated by Recupefashion)
Our Featured members (hosted by BagsandMorebyPam)
Get to know our members and how they help animals

Thanks!

El - http://tantalizingstitches.artfire.com

Crafting for Animals Guildmaster