Bliss Featured!

I have been featured on Rose Works Jewelry's blog! Check it out and be sure to comment!

http://roseworkstreasury.blogspot.com/2008/12/inspired-bywhite.html

-Suzanne

How to Create a Fan Page in Facebook

Facebook and other social networking sites offer another free avenue for artists to display their products, send notes to "fans," and promote their web sales sites (i.e. website, Etsy, Artfire, etc). One popular option is a Facebook Fan Page. Here are instructions on how to create a Fan Page in Facebook for your business.

1. Login to Facebook. If you don’t have a login, you will need to create one. You need to decide ahead of time whether the base profile you are creating will be for your business or personal. You can make the profile personal and the Fan Page business related.

2. The easiest way I have found to create a Fan Page is to go to another Fan Page. Therefore, go to mine at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Soy-Candles-Bliss-Soybean-Candles-and-Gifts/32950178226


3. If you want to become a fan of my page, now is the easiest time to do it. You should see “Become a Fan” in the upper right hand corner in the options.

Now, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page. Click on “Create a Page for My Business.”

4. Choose the type of business you are promoting.

5. Type in the Name of the Business you are making the page for. Keep in mind that you do want to use wording that will trigger your page to come up in searches. While my business name is Bliss Soybean Candles and Gifts, Bliss Soy Candles may have been a better choice.

6. Click on the "Create Page" button.

7. Edit the page. You can upload a primary photo and other photos, add information about your business, post notes on the wall, and even set up a calendar with upcoming craft shows and other events. Once you have some members you can start discussion topics and offer product reviews.

It’s that easy! Now be sure to promote your new Fan Page on your blog, on Etsy, on ArtFire, and wherever else you have a voice!

Fabulous Find: Solid Perfume - Romance

I indulged myself quite a bit over the holidays with great Etsy finds! One of my favorites is this "Romance" solid perfume from The Copper Cauldron. The fragrance is very soft and enticing.

Here is part of the listing description:

"This particular scent is based on the fragrance by R.L. This is one heavenly floral scent! Top notes of rose, muguet, and lilac with touches of apricot blossom, heliotrope, iris, sandalwood, amber, and musk. A truly feminine fragrance that is not to be missed. Just put a touch of this on all your pulse points. The best time to apply is right after you've toweled off after a shower (with the matching soap of course!) when your pores are open. Of course you can reapply when you feel the need to freshen up.This solid perfume comes in a lovely hinged tin... perfect for on the go! No messy spills!

Made from olive oil, shea butter, beeswax, and fragrance oils. There is no greasy feeling with application and it melts beautifully into your skin."

Would you like your own? Follow this link to the listing on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18983263

-Suzanne

Whew!

It has been a crazy last three weeks or so! Just want you all to know that I am still alive and I will be back to blogging soon. Thank you for all of the orders, the wonderful comments, and the support. I made quite a few fabulous Etsy purchases from some of you and I am delighted with them as always!

"See" you soon! -Suzanne

Fabulous Find: Itty Bitty Lotus Ring

I have been on a purchasing spree on Etsy lately and have found several wonderful items that I absolutely love (yes, I'm shopping for me!). One of those items is this beautiful, well made little lotus ring I purchased from CatherineMarissa. A fellow Etsy West Michigan teammate, her work is a great example of the high end work that this group does.

Visit her shop at: http://CatherineMarissa.etsy.com

She has also posted another listing for this sweet little ring if you would like one all for yourself!

Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17741941

Have a great Monday! -Suzanne

Featured Etsy Blogger Artist: Spotted Cow Soaps

Featured Etsy Blogger Artist: Spotted Cow Soaps

So, I went into this thinking.."okay, I'll do my artist feature on the Etsy Blogger this month real quick and be done." I checked out with three items about ten minutes later and never did my article!

Spotted Cow Soaps offers a wonderful array of goodies for yourself or your gift recipient this holiday season. They offer yummy and relaxing soaps such as this:

And sugar scrubs such as this that look good enough to eat!:

Lovely packaging such as this that will make your gift look outstanding (my candle packaging matches, you know:):

And body lotions that sound absolutely wonderful!:

And for those of us with allergies, they have delightful handmade scrubbies and wash cloths for the shower (of course I bought one!):

The customer service was outstanding and I highly recommend you take a peek at this great shop! Check them out at: http://spottedcowsoaps.etsy.com/.

-Suzanne

http://blisscandles.etsy.com/

What's the Big Deal?

I often have people ask, "What's the big deal about Bliss Soy Candles?"

First...I only speak for my own soybean candles. I named my business, "Bliss," for a reason. When I first started making candles, the difference between mine and others was very noticeable. They were much stronger, burned better, and the colors were beautiful (thank goodness I paid attention in that Kindergarten class on blending colors!).

If you buy a Bliss Soybean Candle, here is what you can expect:

1. Zero to little soot. Soy wax produces little to no soot if burned AND made properly (keep out of drafts, use the appropriate amount of oil, etc). I use the no more than the maximum fragrance recommended to make sure you don't get soot.


2. An attractive container that you can be proud to display in your home. There is a reason why I search for cool lids and cute candle caps - I'm a very picky decorator! It would always drive me crazy when all I could find was jelly jars.


3. A candle made with the best ingredients available. My candles are often pricier for a reason. You pay for quality. I don't buy from people who sell "discount oils." I buy the most awesome wax on the market. Most of my jars still say Made in the USA!


4. Metal - free wicks. My wicks are all made with paper and cotton...period. No zinc or lead to worry about.


5. A stronger candle. Most of my fragrances are quite strong. Cozy Home, Hot Apple Strudel, Clove, Victorian Christmas, Christmas Berry...oh I could go on! There are also several that are on the lighter side. Many of your vanilla or clean fragrances are softer. The food fragrances and fruit fragrances will knock your socks off!


6. A better burn. If the instructions on the back of my candles are followed, they will burn across every time and straight down to the bottom of the jar using nearly all of the wax. And if you are a "liquefy" junkie like me, you'll love the burn pool on these!


7. Beautiful colors. I love color and I am very picky about my dyes.


8. A candle that supports American farmers...they make the soybeans (yep..this stuff really comes from soybeans!).

I'll admit it. I love my candles. If you look at my Etsy feedback, you'll see I'm not alone!

DISCOUNT!! If you read this entire article, take 5% OFF in any of my shops below. Just use the code BLOG at checkout and I will send you a refund!

Etsy: http://blisscandles.etsy.com/

ArtFire: http://blisscandles.artfire.com/

Lollishop: http://www.lollishops.com/bliss-soybean-candles-and-gifts

Regular Website: http://www.blisscandles.com/

-Suzanne

Fabulous Find: Donna Striped Rachelle Handbag

Fabulous Find: Donna Striped Rachelle Handbag

I was hunting around for some great EtsyBloggers finds and found this wonderful handbag/purse by TiLT Creations. And...the bonus is that there are matching accessories available! Here is the description for the great find:

"This larger purse is perfect for people who need to carry just a little more than the basics everyday. It closes with a zipper and has a flap that snaps shut. The main fabric is is a bold striped outdoor fabric. The flap and straps are both made from tan ultrasuede. Hiding under the flap is the same material as the blue scroll cotton lining. Decorating the flap is a wooden button. The bottom of the bag is seamless so there will be less stress from the things you carry. The roomy interior is fully lined and has both an open pocket and back wall zippered pocket."

Check it out at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15525791

-Suzanne

Fabulous Find: Happy Hippo 3 Piece Gift Set

I came across this adorable set when searching for fellow EtsyBloggers Team members. How cute would your little one be in this outfit, handmade by Candy Stick Lane, for Christmas?

The set inludes your choice of a long or short sleeve custom onesie, Happy Hippo Easy Wearing Elastic Waist Pants, and our fabulous burpie.~Burpies are a stylish and affordable addition to your little sweeties wardrobe accessories.This Burpie is made from Cotton fabric wrapped around high quality, super absorbent cloth diaper.

Check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_14&listing_id=16158467&show_panel=true

-Suzanne

Fabulous Find: Soft Knit Neckwarmer

With the winter storm that is coming today, wouldn't this neckwarmer by LazyTcrochet be a great find?! This neckwarmer, in steel grey, would be a perfect gift for mom, sister, aunt, or yourself this Christmas. Check it out here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_5&listing_id=17969982

-Suzanne

Fabulous Find: Fingerless Handknitted Gloves

These fingerless gloves, made of wool with a touch of cashmere, show off two of my favorite colors. Another item I came across in the treasury -- what a great gift for yourself or someone else! Check them out here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17595777

-Suzanne

Fabulous Find: Leash Hook Plaque

Here is a great item for all of us dog addicts out there! You know who you are! This is a great item from Jakeybb. Not only is it adorable but it provides you with a handy place to hang your buddy's leashes and such! Check it out here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16933273

-Suzanne

Featured Etsy Shop: Nostalgia Organics

Featured Etsy Shop: Nostalgia Organics

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My etsy shop name is NostalgiaOrganics. I sell all-natural, artisan soap and skincare products made with pure botanical oils.

2. What is your shop URL? http://www.nostalgiaorganics.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL? http://www.nostalgia.typepad.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I am new to selling on Etsy and recently launched one of my lines, the aromatherapy doll soap, in November.

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I love the collaboration of creativity. It’s a wonderful, supportive community of talented people from around the world.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? It was important to me that my products were not only natural, but functional and beautiful. I am excited to bring luxurious soaps to market that aren’t full of harsh detergents, colors or synthetic fragrances. My soaps are created with an all-natural, vegetable base, colored with natural earth pigments and enhanced with aromatherapy essences from fruit, nut and herb oils. I also love to offer my collection in heirloom quality packaging, such as antique style apothecary jars or hat boxes, which can serve another purpose after the soaps are gone.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? We have a lot of lovely items in production that are not currently on our etsy shop (but will be soon). But, of the items listed, I love our aromatherapy doll soap collections. Our hand-crafted doll soaps were inspired by antique penny dolls and each collection was created with a specific aromatherapy blend to enhance positive emotions. They're very unique and always make people smile.

8. What teams do you belong to? None yet, but hoping to join a few soon.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Online, I have a lot of fun at Twitter.com. I've met a lot of interesting people there and our fans can keep up with us daily at twitter.com/nostalgialife. I also enjoy participating in the Etsy forums. But mostly, I enjoy meeting and greeting people at local arts and craft shows, passing out samples and inviting people to learn more about us.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Oh, there are many. But, if I had to choose a few of my recent favorites: I love the baby bunny slippers by Jenniferladd and all the sweet vintage trinkets at efinegifts.

11. What do you do in your spare time? I have fun exploring and learning with my 1 1/2 year old son, Michael. We get lost at the zoo or find a new slide to test at a local park. He is so much fun.

12. What blogs do you follow? I enjoy the vintage eye candy at velvetstrawberries.typepad.com and the sweet inspiration at sweetcandycreations.typepad.com. Those are just a few that come to mind, but there are many!

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Sure, I think this is an interesting bit about our products that your readers might appreciate. It took well over two years in research and development to bring my first collection to market. Not a detail was overlooked in creating each product: from the selection of hard-to-find botanical oils from remote places such as Bulgaria or France, to the late evenings designing vintage-inspired patterns and imagery for each collection. I've always believed that style and substance are not mutually exclusive, and it is my goal to offer products in which the finest materials, elegant design and handmade craftsmanship converge to inspire a fresh approach to skincare.

Fabulous Find: Candy Cane Brownie Cookies

Here is another wonderful find I came across today in the Treasuries! This shop is too scrumptious to describe!! These are Candy Cane Brown Cookies from KE Cookies. You get a dozen and can even purchase special gift packaging!

Check them out here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16933273

-Suzanne

Featured Etsy Shop: Silver Lake Studio

Featured Etsy Shop: The Silver Lake Studio

What is your shop name and URL? The Silver Lake Studio
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5614518

I sell handcrafted sterling silver jewelry, sometimes incorporating stone and faceted gemstones.

Blog URL: I do not currently have a blog.

When did you start selling on Etsy? I joined last February and opened my shop in March,

What is your favorite thing about Etsy? The fact that there is so much diversity and talent in one place.

What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I am a bling kind of girl, so I love it all!

What is your favorite thing in your own shop & why? It has to be the pansy cuff bracelet that I just finished and will list tonight. When I finish a new piece, it automatically becomes my favorite.

What teams do you belong to? Metalsmiths In Action and Etsy Dallas.

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Without a doubt, it is talking to others in the forums. There is so much knowledge to be found there.

What are your favorite finds by other Etsy sellers? I love kathydkeith’s photography, Davidloongs jewelry, and I have a beautiful leather journal from MyHandboundBooks.
I am also in awe of the jewelry made by JoyfulCrow.

What do you do in your spare time? I love to cook and I have a new gas stove that I refer to as my Porsche. I also enjoy reading and I’m hooked on HGTV!

What blogs do you follow? Only one so far…TimothyAdams.

Do you have anything else to share? In 2005, after a routine mammogram, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I started chemo the week before Christmas, and by February, after only 2 rounds of chemo, I was cancer-free. The Dr. put me through 4 more rounds to be safe. And, I’m still here!

Fabulous Find: Sweet Pumpkin Spice Soap

I came across this wonderful soap in a Treasury today and it just happens to be by one of our fabulous Etsy Bloggers Team members! Only 4 left as of right this minute and it (along with all over soaps) is 20% OFF!

Check it Out Here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17896120

-Suzanne

Featured Etsy Shop: JoBead

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
JoBead sells jewelry and hair accessories, mainly made with Swarovski crystals.

2. What is your shop URL?
http://www.jobead.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?
I do not currently blog, but you can find more info on me at http://www.jobead.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
Oct. 7, 2008

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
The entire community is very helpful and welcoming. It's nice to know that there are people willing to help you out and talk through ideas with.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
100% of the proceeds from JoBead go to supporting Wellspring International. It feels great to know that the customer is getting what they want and then is simultaneously able to help out someone else who really needs it.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
Currently, I'm partial to the 'Simply Fabulous Earrings.' They really do go with just about anything.

8. What teams do you belong to?
TeamCAC and CAST

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Once a month, Miss Ruby Boutique in Milwaukee hosts a Girl's Night Out. I get to go in and make custom designs on the spot all night! We have chocolate and wine and I get to talk up Wellspring International.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I find something that I love every day! I absolutely love things that incorporate great design with practicality, so for today I'll choose Funnyfinn and artology. They both make wonderful hats for kids!

11. What do you do in your spare time?
I didn't know the words spare and time could be used together! I'm a wife to my best friend and a mother to two wonderful little kids. Between all of the things that entails, running JoBead and helping out where needed, I guess I sleep through the rest of it.

12. What blogs do you follow?
Lots of family and friends - we're spread all over the world, so it's great to be able to keep up that way.

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I am so amazed by the work Wellspring International does that I'd like you to know about them! 100% of all the donations given there are used for projects like providing a home for AIDS orphans in Africa, feeding Iraqi refugees, providing shelter for the elderly and destitute in India and helping to rebuild an entire village in Indonesia after the tsunami. You can find out more about them at: http://www.wellspringinternational.org/ When you purchase from JoBead, 100% of the proceeds are donated here.

Featured Etsy Shop: Curly Girl Crochet

Featured Etsy Shop: Curly Girl Crochet

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
My Shop is Curly Girl Crochet and I sell hand crocheted treasures.

2. What is your shop URL?
CurlyGirlCrochet.etsy.com

3. What is your blog URL?
I do not have a blog right now (not enough time!).

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
March 2007

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
I love the wide variety of creations. I sometimes find myself in wonder when looking at some of the handmade creations! I also love my Etsy friends and feel so fortunate to have met them. There are so many kind, thoughtful people on Etsy.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
I love creating something from yarn. I love seeing my creations come together as I work and become something.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
Right now, this is my favorite. The colors are gorgeous! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8634466

8. What teams do you belong to?
I have looked into a joining few Teams, but do not belong to any right now (again, not enough time!).

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?

I enjoy monkeying around in the Etsy Forums. I also enjoy sending useful, promotional items to my customers along with their purchases.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I have so many and wish I could include everyone, but here are just a few of my favorites:
Love this necklace by rhbdesigns http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17278288
I want this chocolate mint yarn by larimeloom! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13160581
This Water Ring by jsurine is gorgeous http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=16604188
Golden Apples of the Sun by ara133photography is a fine art photographic print that really I just love! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16231719
This gorgeous necktie lady pillow by twolefthands would look fabulous on my bed! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9342633

11. What do you do in your spare time?
Besides crochet, I love to read, gardening (especially flowers), watching birds at the bird feeder, spending time with my family, and watching movies.

12. What blogs do you follow?
http://twolefthands-twolefthands.blogspot.com/

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I have taken the handmade pledge and love supporting other crafters and artists by buying handmade.

Bliss Favorites: Bears Baked Goods

Just wanted to give a little shout out to a wonderful shop on Etsy (especially for those of us who either can't bake or don't have time!).

I have bookmarked several shops that I love and this was one of the first. Being "food-motivated," it caught my eye right away. Don't worry...I'll feature some art too :)

What a wonderful gift for someone who has everything but could use a little "sweet" in their lives! Check out this scrumptious shop - I bet a treat and a candle would be an even better gift :)

http://bearsbakedgoods.etsy.com/

-Suzanne

ArtFire - I Took the Plunge!

Just a little FYI...I took the plunge an opened a shop on ArtFire. I only have three items listed currently but I'll keep working on it! Wish me luck :)

http://blisscandles.artfire.com/

-Suzanne

Featured Etsy Shop: Fairy Fae

Featured Etsy Shop: FairyFae

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop name is FairyFae and I sell images of my original fairy paintings. The images are prints which I make into greeting cards, ACEOs and larger prints for wall art.

2. What is your shop URL? http://fairyfae.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL? http://www.seefairies.blogspot.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy? September 7, 2008

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? The community!

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? The creativity and the other-worldliness.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? I think I love the Basil Fairy the most. I worked hard on her and she is beautiful. I took photos of my own home-grown Basil for some of the images in the painting.

8. What teams do you belong to? I belong to the POEST team! Pagans Of Etsy Street Team

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Blogging. It is terrific fun!

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Navajo handmade goat soap by Itafrank. She also has lots of other items in her shop. CardinalDesigns has terrific medicine bags that are so magical, as well as art gourds.

11. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time? What is that? Just kidding. I love to garden. But now most of the gardening season is over so I love to hike. I take my dogs with me. I also have 2 cats and 2 birds.

12. What blogs do you follow? I follow Blackfeatherfarm, Gypsymarestudios and Katherine a.k.a. Kathie's Corner, but my blog is very new and I want to follow some more!

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I would just like to say thank you very much and I would love to feature you, too! If you want to have me feature you, let's do it soon before the November is over.

Featured Etsy Shop: Ginger Snap Novelties

Featured Etsy Shop: Ginger Snap Novelties

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Ginger Snap Novelties. I sell a variety of items, including handmade jewelry, bookmarks, original art, mini figurines, handpainted treasure boxes, and more!

2. What is your shop URL?
http://www.gingersnap1988.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?
N/A

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
October 29th, 2007

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
All the fun trinkets you find!

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
How each one is unique and has a piece of my artistic soul breathed into it.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
Lola, my Zombie Chibi, because she is so horrific yet cute at the same time. I will never make another figurine like her.

8. What teams do you belong to?
As of now, none.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Make some products for me and wearing them around town! Wearing your own items is the best (and most fashionable) advertisement!

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I Heart Seamonsters pendant, cupcake pincushion, black rose choker

11. What do you do in your spare time?
sketch, make jewelry and other random trinkets, create new t-shirt stencils, and other creative hobbies.

12. What blogs do you follow?

As of now, none.

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I am just a young housewife looking to turn passion into profit!