Saturday, December 27, 2008

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

Saturday, December 20, 2008

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

Monday, December 8, 2008

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

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Featured Etsy Blogger Artist: Spotted Cow Soaps

soap peppermint holiday christmas candy cane 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:
soap relaxing herbal
And sugar scrubs such as this that look good enough to eat!:

sugar scrub bath and body moisturizing cleanser
Lovely packaging such as this that will make your gift look outstanding (my candle packaging matches, you know:):

soap packaging kraft giftAnd body lotions that sound absolutely wonderful!:

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

washcloth cotton handmade
bath scrubbie
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


Wednesday, December 3, 2008

What's the Big Deal?

bliss soy candle grand haven michigan
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



Tuesday, December 2, 2008

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."
-Suzanne