chimesblog » etsy http://chimesdesign.com/blog Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:27 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 FO Friday: Polka Dots and Seahorses Zippy Pouch http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2012/02/03/fo-friday-polka-dots-and-seahorses-zippy-pouch/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2012/02/03/fo-friday-polka-dots-and-seahorses-zippy-pouch/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4989 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I came across this little finished object when cleaning my craft room the other day. I can’t believe I hadn’t listed this adorable zippy pouch on etsy. It’s there now. It’s made out of several of my favorite fabrics … gray polka dots, some echino, habitat and some of what’s left of my mendocino from [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I came across this little finished object when cleaning my craft room the other day. I can’t believe I hadn’t listed this adorable zippy pouch on etsy. It’s there now.

It’s made out of several of my favorite fabrics … gray polka dots, some echino, habitat and some of what’s left of my mendocino from blocks I made back in 2010.

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2012/02/03/fo-friday-polka-dots-and-seahorses-zippy-pouch/feed/ 0 artVend http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2012/01/16/artvend/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2012/01/16/artvend/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4885 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } Guys … guess what? My stuff is in the ArtVend machine at Wheatsfield.   See that? Super cool! 40% of the proceeds go to support  local art. [ you should go buy one of my zippy bags ]   [ here are some of my other zippy bags that aren't in the vending machine ... in [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

Guys … guess what? My stuff is in the ArtVend machine at Wheatsfield.

 

See that? Super cool! 40% of the proceeds go to support  local art.

[ you should go buy one of my zippy bags ]

 

[ here are some of my other zippy bags that aren't in the vending machine ... in case you're curious ... they are on my etsy shop ]

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2012/01/16/artvend/feed/ 0 End of the year SALE http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/28/end-of-the-year-sale/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/28/end-of-the-year-sale/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4792 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I’ve got a couple of goodies that are on sale until January 1. Teensy Flowers Plate // $5 — normally $15 Baby Blue Zippy Pouch // $5 — normally $10 That’s Kinda Kitschy Zippy Pouch // $5 — normally $10 Big Beautiful Butterflies Wallet // $25 — normally $35 (there are 2 of these!) Get [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I’ve got a couple of goodies that are on sale until January 1.

Teensy Flowers Plate // $5 — normally $15

Baby Blue Zippy Pouch // $5 — normally $10

That’s Kinda Kitschy Zippy Pouch // $5 — normally $10

Big Beautiful Butterflies Wallet // $25 — normally $35 (there are 2 of these!)

Get ‘em while the gettin’s good … before January 1.

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/28/end-of-the-year-sale/feed/ 0 Tu-tu-tu-Tuesday: Asymmetrical Snap Scarf http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/tu-tu-tu-tuesday-asymmetrical-snap-scarf/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/tu-tu-tu-tuesday-asymmetrical-snap-scarf/#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4782 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I’ve been asked by a few people to provide a tutorial for this lovely scarf I made as a commission by Mark for his mom for Christmas. Which, by the way, I might have to make a few more of because they are really cute. You can snap all 3 snaps, leave some open, mismatch [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I’ve been asked by a few people to provide a tutorial for this lovely scarf I made as a commission by Mark for his mom for Christmas. Which, by the way, I might have to make a few more of because they are really cute. You can snap all 3 snaps, leave some open, mismatch snaps … so many combos and ways to wrap!

 

Also, I severely need to take better photos. I’ll take photos with me and a cute outfit for the next one I make. I wanted to have pictures of this so I could remember how I did this next time I did it. But now I have a tutorial put together for you all.

Here’s a PDF tutorial. Enjoy!

 

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/tu-tu-tu-tuesday-asymmetrical-snap-scarf/feed/ 0 Handmade Ryan Gosling http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/21/handmade-ryan-gosling/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/21/handmade-ryan-gosling/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4702 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I wanted to blog about this on Monday, but I’d already posted something and my Tuesday was taken with a pre-Christmas tutorial I wanted to share. SOOOooo … Today I bring you MY submissions to Handmade Ryan Gosling. For those of you who don’t follow the internets very closely, this is a newish meme that [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I wanted to blog about this on Monday, but I’d already posted something and my Tuesday was taken with a pre-Christmas tutorial I wanted to share. SOOOooo …

Today I bring you MY submissions to Handmade Ryan Gosling.

For those of you who don’t follow the internets very closely, this is a newish meme that I’ve been chuckling at. Ryan Gosling is apparently attractive and the meme makes him sound like he’s a handmade craftster’s dreamy mcdreamboat dream man — not only because he’s hot*, but because he’s super sweet and winds your bobbins.

So here he is.

*For the record, I don’t think he’s that hot. He’s not UNATTRACTIVE, but for one, he’s blonde. Not my thing. Two: He looks like my 10th grade history teacher. Or at least reminds me of him. Also, as we all know, I have rather odd taste in men. MARLON BRANDO FROM 1950 FTW.

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/21/handmade-ryan-gosling/feed/ 1 New Shipping Policy http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/06/new-shipping-policy/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/06/new-shipping-policy/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4589 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I hate to be a Debbie-downer, but I recently had to change my shipping policy on Etsy. This applies ONLY to my dishes, not to the other items. Here’s the sitch: Dishes are fragile and heavy, and therefore, cost a little more money than other items to ship. Said cost is more than most people [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I hate to be a Debbie-downer, but I recently had to change my shipping policy on Etsy. This applies ONLY to my dishes, not to the other items.

Here’s the sitch: Dishes are fragile and heavy, and therefore, cost a little more money than other items to ship. Said cost is more than most people are willing to pay to have something shipped to them, so I’ve had a lower shipping rate in the past. I kept small items to $5 and large items to $10. However, I didn’t take into account that I always have to wrap these items extra carefully and that they can’t just be put into an envelope.

I have lost a TON of money shipping dishes, so I’ve changed the way I’m handling shipping of these fragile items. I was typically paying $1-2 extra for shipping itself, not to mention I put a tracking number on all my items. So I was eating the shipping overage costs PLUS the shipping materials costs. Even if shipping was about right for the product I still had to pay extra for the shipping materials.

It’s not kosher to ask somebody to pay more for shipping after purchasing an item that has shipping prices included. THEREFORE I’m instituting a flat-ship rate policy. The shipping rate for all dishes is the same up front. This rate covers the worst-case scenario cost of shipping the items. However, all customers will be refunded the overages. The cost includes $4 for packaging materials.

I wrote a new policy after checking to see what others do about this same situation.

The policy reads:
Shipping will be calculated after your purchase and overages will be refunded. Shipping price below is standard on ALL dishes. Please keep in mind these objects are very fragile and require extra care (and bubble wrap) when packaging. Shipping price also includes $2 for bubble wrap and $2 for a box.

Please convo me before purchasing if you would like me to pre-calculate correct shipping for you. This will require me to reserve the item for you, but will result in you paying one accurate charge for the item instead of receiving a refund later.

If you need overnight or express shipping on this item, please convo me before buying so I can calculate the actual cost and adjust the shipping price.

All items to Des Moines or Ames can be delivered at no charge. Please convo me to arrange a pickup/drop off time/place before placing your order to receive the free shipping.

 

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/06/new-shipping-policy/feed/ 0 Lotsa New Stuff! http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/05/lotsa-new-stuff/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/05/lotsa-new-stuff/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4574 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I’ve been really busy lately making a ton of new stuff! Last month I made new wallets, zip bags and then decided to make a big box full of new dishes. Free shipping to Ames and Des Moines and Christmas orders must be placed by December 20 to receive them on time. Here’s a small [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I’ve been really busy lately making a ton of new stuff! Last month I made new wallets, zip bags and then decided to make a big box full of new dishes. Free shipping to Ames and Des Moines and Christmas orders must be placed by December 20 to receive them on time.

Here’s a small taste of what I made (click the link to go to the etsy listing):

 

 

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/12/05/lotsa-new-stuff/feed/ 0 Wedding Invite Wednesday: Christine Invites http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/11/30/wedding-invite-wednesday-christine-invites/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/11/30/wedding-invite-wednesday-christine-invites/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4239 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I haven’t been posting many wedding invites. This project has kind of gone on the backburner … which is sad, but true. I’ll pick it back up again at the end of December. Anywho, I designed this lovely invite a while back and listed it on my etsy. I love the funky chunky font. This [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I haven’t been posting many wedding invites. This project has kind of gone on the backburner … which is sad, but true. I’ll pick it back up again at the end of December.

Anywho, I designed this lovely invite a while back and listed it on my etsy. I love the funky chunky font. This obviously can be changed to fit any color scheme or wedding theme. You can choose to have the word “love” or your initials featured.

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/11/30/wedding-invite-wednesday-christine-invites/feed/ 0 Craft Saturday! Be there or be square. http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/11/03/craft-saturday-be-there-or-be-square/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/11/03/craft-saturday-be-there-or-be-square/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4368 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } The Craft Saturday Holiday 2011 show is THIS SATURDAY from noon-6 at the Fourth Street Theatre in Des Moines. I will be there. And so will my new wallets. And all my old stuff will be on SALE. Major sale. Clearance. I want to get rid of it to make way for new stuff. So [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

The Craft Saturday Holiday 2011 show is THIS SATURDAY from noon-6 at the Fourth Street Theatre in Des Moines.

I will be there. And so will my new wallets. And all my old stuff will be on SALE. Major sale. Clearance. I want to get rid of it to make way for new stuff. So that means awesomely cheap holiday gifts for you!

[new wallets for $30 each — $35 on etsy]

Besides that, there are going to be a TON of awesome vendors there. Check out the vendor preview page. I know I am planning on getting some things from these fabulous vendors. Bean and the Sprout will be there, so will JuneCraft and Florence Oliver.

I hope to see you there!

]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/11/03/craft-saturday-be-there-or-be-square/feed/ 0 Wallet 2.0: Prototype A http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/10/03/wallet-2-0-prototype-a/ http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/10/03/wallet-2-0-prototype-a/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000 chimes http://chimesdesign.com/blog/?p=4223 #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; } I decided it’s time to up the quality of construction of my wallets and add some functionality based on feedback I’ve gotten over the past few years and my changing tastes. What I’m doing: replacing the button + elastic closure with a more sophisticated magnetic snap closure adding a divider in the middle to help [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I decided it’s time to up the quality of construction of my wallets and add some functionality based on feedback I’ve gotten over the past few years and my changing tastes.

What I’m doing:

  • replacing the button + elastic closure with a more sophisticated magnetic snap closure
  • adding a divider in the middle to help organize
  • including smaller pockets (credit card-sized) on the divider to help organize
  • producing one size instead of three sizes — the 9.5″x5″ (medium) size, which was the most popular-selling size
  • replacing the other two sizes of wallets with other products that have a more specific use and were very frequently asked for when a customer was looking at the small or large wallets (iPad cover and glasses case)
  • adding a label (which I didn’t on the prototype because I didn’t want to waste labels)
What does all this mean?  First, it means I’m thinking harder about what I’m producing.  I actually sat down and built a cost structure for all my items and potential items based on materials cost and my hourly rate. [why i didn't do this before is beyond me]  It turns out that I was actually almost PERFECTLY on for all the items.  The only one that I’m undercharging for is the teeny tiny wallets — and it’s time I’m losing out on. I still make my materials back and make about half of what I want to make per hour on these.
[wallet 2.0 should cost between $25-30 — would like to charge $30, but the old wallet this size without the upgrades was $15]
So I decided to build a prototype for wallet 2.0.  I started by going to a local craft store and checking out the different types of closures.  I ended up with the magnetic snap closure that I mentioned above.  I sketched out all the pieces of the wallet — starting with the regular wallet (the shell) and the extra pieces I’m now adding.
Then I got to work.  I grabbed a fabric that I never use and don’t like for the inside and a cheap solid fabric for the outside. I experimented with adding lace on the outside (thinking about adding bits of lace to my items here and there).
One thing I realized when I was into production — these wallets compliment the production of my zippy pouches perfectly.  I have to cut 10″x10″ squares for those and I do the same for these wallets.  So I could cut a TON of fabric at once (or be super lazy and order layer cakes of my favorite fabrics).
And I was right on the time guesstimate I had created for pricing — it took me about an hour to build this.  However, if I was making 3-4 add about 15 more minutes to production for cutting the other fabrics and interfacing and sewing all the pieces for others together.  Once you make one, it’s easy to “sweatshop” a few more in a similar amount of time.
There are a few things that I am planning on changing for Prototype B. I already sketched them out.  In the meantime, I’m planning to use this wallet to see if there are any other improvements. One thing is that I didn’t have the super-heavy fusible interfacing I normally use for my wallets. The non-fusible kind will not make due.  It’s not stiff enough.
Here are photos of my prototype.  There are 2 more things I’m planning on doing but not sharing now because it’s much easier to show than tell.
]]> http://chimesdesign.com/blog/2011/10/03/wallet-2-0-prototype-a/feed/ 3