Let Me Help You!! :)

I'm still here!! 

 Shocking, I know!!  

Now that I've shooed away the crickets and the cobwebs, I want to give you a quick update.

Most of you have been visiting my blog looking for the Etsy Start Up Guide.  

You may have noticed that most of it is now missing.  It's not missing...it just moved.  Here's the deal. Because the guide has been so tremendously popular and I have received so many emails with comments and questions, I decided it was time to condense everything into one document and add a bit more information.  I have now put all the info from my blog into a pdf available in my Etsy shop. It contains all the information I had here, INCLUDING the 40 free listings with additional information (Hello, tax questions!!) for $5.00.  The free listings more than pays for the fee of the guide; I didn't want the guide to be a financial detriment to your shop.  However.  If you just want the 40 free listings, you can still get those HERE.

So.  

If you want the entire Etsy Start Up Guide + 40 free listings, go HERE.

If you want just the 40 free listings?  Go HERE.

In the mean time, I hope to be back here on a regular basis.  What do you want to see more of?  Products?  Etsy tips?  Recipes?  Home life?  Let me hear from ya!!

Etsy Start Up Guide Part 5: Packaging & Shipping

UPDATE:  I have now condensed this entire blog series, added a few new sections and now have it available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE.  It also includes 40 free listings to help you get your shop started.


Congrats!  You made your sell!

Now it's time for packaging and shipping.

Shoppers on Etsy seem to have a higher set of expectations when it comes to packaging of their products. Obviously, they want their purchase to be safely and quickly delivered. But they also want that extra touch; hand written cards and cute packaging.  They love the extra attention and detail added to their packages, and I'm right there with them!  It's part of the handmade/small business charm. I admit I'm not always the best in this department; it's one of my goals to work on for 2015.  I do always include a hand written thank you (sometimes it's just on their invoice, sometimes a card), and I try to slap some cute washi tape on the outside of my packaging.

Pretend with Poppins is an excellent example of amazing packaging.  I mean, just look at all that cute stuff that goes along with her orders!  I kind of want to order from her just so I can get that fun party that comes with it (but really?  Her stuff is super cute and I highly recommend you check her shop out!)

Again...there are lots of Etsy shops that provide super cute options for helping make your packages cuter.

Stationary Boutique is one of my favorites.  I love her stamps and postcards.

If you're needing plain, simple poly or bubble mailers, check Royal Mailers.  They are reasonably priced and deliver quickly. They also carry the clear poly bags. And obviously, if you're shipping Priority Mail, all that packaging is free and can be ordered from USPS.

Once you've got that package wrapped and ready to go, you need to get it addressed and in the mail.

If you choose to hand write your address labels, that's awesome!  I'd recommend setting specific shipping days in your shop so you're not running to the post office everyday for postage.  (IE: "All packages are shipped out on Tuesdays and Saturdays.  If your scheduled shipping time falls between these days, your package will go out on the following shipping date)

However, the easiest thing to do is just print your labels and postage off at home.  You can do this through Etsy and, if your customer paid via PayPal, you can print a shipping label/postage from PayPal as well.  There is also a specific label printer that you can purchase through Etsy that prints your labels on adhesive paper so you don't have to worry about cutting and taping labels (I, however, am still part of the cut and tape crowd).

Also.  Did you know that postage purchased through Etsy is slightly cheaper than what you'll pay at the Post Office?  A flat rate, Priority Mail envelope typically costs $5.75 to mail.  Purchase that postage through Etsy and it's only $5.05.  Another good reason to just do everything at home!

Once you've packaged and labeled your package, it's time to get it to the postman! You can either drop it off at any post office/mail drop/UPS store/etc., OR if you have large items or a large amount of smaller items, you can schedule USPS to pick up from your doorstep for no extra charge.

Now that I've walked you through opening your shop and getting your first sale out the door, I'm going to start diving into more detail!  On Sunday, I'll introduce you to Etsy Teams and the Forum.
Let me know if you have any questions - or anything in particular you want me to discuss!

Are you just joining us?  You can find Part 1 HERE.

Etsy Start Up Guide Part 3: Listing Items for Sale

Find the update regarding my Etsy Start Up Guide HERE.

Yay!  You've opened up your shop and all of your policies and About Me sections are finished and perfected.  Let's get some items up for sale!!

**note: you  can always go back and make changes to your policies and About Me sections**

 Still need to get your shop opened?  Get your first 40 listings for free HERE.

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday!!  

Merry Christmas!

Etsy Start Up Guide Part 2: Shop Announcement, Policies & "About Me"

Find the update regarding my Etsy Start Up Guide
HERE.

Okay.  You've got your Etsy shop all set up; you've got your items ready to go.  Now what?

Still need to set your Etsy shop up?  Click HERE to get 40 free listings!!

Did you miss Part 1?  Find it HERE.

Etsy Start Up Guide Part 1: Getting Started

Find the update regarding my Etsy Start Up Guide
HERE!

UPDATE:  I have now condensed this entire blog series, added a few new sections and now have it available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE.  It also includes 40 free listings to help you get your shop started.

Super Holiday Sale 2014

Oh my lands.  How is it November already?!?
As I've been getting things ready for our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, I've also been excited to start prepping the shop for a huge holiday sale.  This year, Kadydid Designs is going to have a massive holiday sale starting Black Friday and going all the way through Cyber Monday.

So.  What can you expect?

Free shipping on all blankets and car seat covers   
(use coupon code HOLLY)
$2.00 off all Leg Warmers and Bunny Teethers (use code SANTA)

Bibs for only $5.00.

Pacifier clips are buy two get one free.

And.  If you email or convo us (via Etsy OR Facebook) with a pre-order anytime before November 20th, you will get an additional 10% off your order.  That's on top of the discounted prices and free shipping.  It also includes ALL custom orders.  PLUS - watch our Instagram account for special flash sales that will be good only for our IG followers and only for a very short time (like 24 hours max).

Gift wrapping will be available.  You can choose to have the items shipped to yourself or to the family you plan on giving them to.  We want to make your holiday shopping as easy as possible for you this year!

There you have it!!  Go make your lists, check out the shop and get your pre-orders in before November 20th to get your extra 10% off!!

CarolesArt Giveaway!

Handcrafted Starfish Necklace
with Blue Chalcedony Beads

Any piece from CarolesArt is certainly a treasure. The pendant necklaces and other jewelry pieces are unlike any others you'll find. With an earthy, artisan quality, these pendants and stones simply shimmer with beauty and exquisiteness!

PRIZE:

A one-of-a-kind necklace, featuring a stunning starfish pendant adorned with striking blue Chalcedony beads and pearl.


The starfish has several meanings, and to most of the people, it is a star that fell from the sky into the ocean.

Find CarolesArt online!

Etsy |
Facebook |
Pinterest


Would you like to win this lovely necklace?


Contest ends on September 21, 2014. Open to U.S. entrants only.
Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to submit your entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Thank you to the BERRY HANDMADE blogging team!}




Browse CarolesArt to see what else is for sale.

Christmas in July

It's already the middle of July!
This year, Kadydid Designs is going to have a massive Christmas in July sale starting today and running through July 26th.

So.  What can you expect?

Free shipping on all tutus and car seat covers   
(use coupon code HOLLY)

Bibs for only $5.00.

Pacifier clips are buy two get one free.
15% off all Halloween items (use code SPOOKY)

Etsy Shop Spotlight: Caramels for Karson

I just happened to stumble across this Etsy shop the other night, and couldn't help but share. Grandma Cindy is the woman behind this shop, and she is selling her homemade caramels to help raise money for her sweet grandson, Karson, who has already had a couple of open heart surgeries and fully anticipates more surgeries to come.

I am anxiously awaiting my first order (of what I'm sure will be many!) of caramels to arrive at my doorstep.  As you can see in the first photo above, they come beautifully packaged and ready for gift giving.  Be sure to stop by Caramels for Karson to grab yourself a sweet treat, and help this sweet little one with a future full of medical procedures!

Etsy Shop Spotlight: Lisa Marie Accessories

Welcome to another week of our Etsy Shop Spotlights!

This week, we are taking a look at Lisa Marie Designs.

If you're like me, January is all about cleaning and organizing, which is why I am loving Lisa's shop!

She has these adorable wall pockets that would not only look cute in any office area, but would be great for storage or organization!

Chevron Wall Pocket

She has quite a few fabric options to choose from, but if you don't see one that matches your home/office decor, just let Lisa know and she'll be happy to work with you.

Floral Wall Pocket

Not only does Lisa have a variety of wall pockets to choose from, she also does these cute hanging picture frames as well.  You can have all of your little cuties hanging near your computer.

Hanging Picture Frames

If you are in the market for cute office accessories and need a couple of new places to store papers, Lisa is offering a 10% discount for all Kadydid Designs readers!  Just use code Kadydid10 at checkout.

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And congrats to Dana West Young, the winner of our Little Dorn Designs Giveaway!

Etsy Shop Spotlight: Little Dorn Designs

Happy New Year!!

I hope everybody enjoyed their holiday season.  I have enjoyed taking a bit of a blogging break for the last month or so to enjoy the extra time with my family.  However, now it's time to get back to work!  I have quite a few new shops I want to introduce you to, new items in our shop to show off and a few projects that I've been working on.

Let's get started, shall we?

We are kicking 2014 off with an Etsy Shop Spotlight.
My friend, Chelsea, is the momma behind Little Dorn Designs.
She offers adorable vinyl artwork to show your favorite place: home.

Do you have a family member serving in the military?  Or a missionary far from home?
Or maybe you just live far from your home?
These are perfect little reminders of where your heart lies.

Michigan Home Sweet Home

Want a different color scheme?
Chelsea is more than happy to help you get exactly what you're looking for.

 New Jersey Home Sweet Home

Or perhaps you have a college student away from home?
This is a perfect way to show a bit of school spirit!

ASU Dorm Sweet Dorm

And guess what??  Little Dorn Designs is giving away one of her states to one of my lucky readers!
You will be able to choose any state your heart desires.  Just follow the Rafflecopter prompts below.
Winner will be announced before next week's Etsy Shop Spotlight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 12!!

This is it...we made it!

DAY 12

SO, there's going to be kind of a lot going on in this post, 

but bare with me 'cause we've got 5 gifts to give away today.

First of all, a HUGE Thank You to all of our vendors for participating this year.  This year has been our best yet and it wouldn't happen without their generosity.  If you didn't happen to win one of their prizes; please, please, please consider doing some of your holiday shopping with them this year.

And.  Speaking of holiday shopping.  A quick plug for my own Kadydid Designs.  Our massive Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday sale officially starts on Friday and will run through December 3.  However.  Chances are good that you'll be able to snatch some, if not all, of the deals before Friday even gets here.  Just sayin'.  If there's something that you really want, be prepared to get a quick jump on it.  You can get a run down of all our deals HERE.

Did you know that you can still 
enter to win the prizes from Days 1 - 11?
We are going to keep the giveaways open for an extra 24 hours, so you have until FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 to get all of your entries in.  All winners will be announced and notified on Saturday!

If you need to, you can click on the number for the corresponding day
and it will take you to that day's contest.  Here you go:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11

Okay.  Now I think we can move on to the important stuff.

Rilos & Mimi is back this year giving away this cute baby gift set.
It includes a diaper clutch, pacifier clip and hand sanitizer cozy.

Expert Craftss is giving away this simply adorable hat in any size the winner would like.
Isn't this just the sweetest photo?

Angie's Handmade Gifts and Aprons is giving today's winner a $15.00 gift certificate good towards anything in her store, so be sure to stop by and do some lookin'!

Isn't this poster so fun?  It would look great hanging in any child's room or even a classroom.

Bee Happy Art is giving one away today.

And last, but definitely not least, we have these cute earrings from The Pink Senorita.

Two pair.  Two colors.  Two styles.

Perfect for gift giving or stocking stuffing.  Or keeping for yourself.

There you have it, guys!  I hope everybody had as much fun as I did. As much work and effort as it is to get this all organized and put together, I love every minute of it.  SO much fun!!  And I love finding so many great shops and shop owners along the way.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will be back on Saturday to announce all of our winners!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 11

Day 11

This has been so much fun!

Just one more day...

First off today, we have Too Cute Invites giving away a $10 gift certificate good towards an invitation of your choice PLUS matching cupcake toppers for free.  Their creations are super cute; I have some of their products set aside for my son's upcoming birthday party (which you will get to see sometime next week...).

AnAddieline is giving today's winner their choice of a set of 4 cards.  There are seriously SO many different sets to pick from in her shop.  Be sure to stop by and see what catches your eye.

And then Rusty Saturday, a cute shop in the Phoenix area is giving away this "I believe in Pink" sign.
I love everything about this sign!

If you haven't caught up on all 11 Days of the giveaway yet, be sure to do so before tomorrow.

Tomorrow is another BIG day; with 5 gifts up for grabs.

You definitely don't want to miss it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day 10

Happy Monday!!

I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend.  

Everybody sure was busy yesterday entering to win all these giveaways!

This week, my littles have the entire week off from school, so we will be putting up Christmas decor and thoroughly enjoying every second of Thanksgiving!

But.  Enough about me.  Let's get on with our giveaway, shall we?

The cute new Etsy shop, Jonesers, Etc. is giving away any one item from their shop; winners choice.

This is just one of your many options.  It just happens to be my favorite.

So...be sure to go check out the shop and see which one you might pick if you happen to be the lucky winner!

 

Flor de Luz is giving away this sweet dress.

It's a 12-18 month size.

I am dying to snag one for my daughter.

 Pink Sparkle Designs is giving away one of these personalized cups.

If you can stand giving it away to somebody else, I think it would make a great teacher gift.  

OR a perfect stocking stuffer.

And finally, The Pink Senorita is giving away this set of  6 hair clips in a cute gift bag.  I see a pair (or two!) that would match the dress above quite nicely...

There you go!  If you haven't already, be sure to go back to enter all of Days 1-9 before the giveaway is over.  We only have 2 more days!

a Rafflecopter giveaway