ba de ya - say do you remember?

File this one under random inspiration. Over the past few weeks certain songs have been following me around. During Christmas it was "Baby It's Cold Outside". How many versions of that damn song are there anyway? I'm so over it.

And in the past few days this song has been popping up EVERYWHERE. From the grocery store, on my car radio, some rerun I was watching the other day, and today? At an antique mall of all places.

When I got home I had to look it up - of course, Earth Wind and Fire. Taking me right back to 1978. My mom had this album. Too disco for my dad, I think we played it loudly during the day while he was at work. Everything about this video inspires me. The sparkly outfits, the random lyrics (ba de ya?) and Maurice White who totally reminds me of my (hot) 7th grade art teacher - huge crush. If I ever realize my dream of becoming a late in life aerobics instructor this song will totally be included in my workout. I'll wear a sparlkly headband. It will be awesome.

Anyhow, more topical stuff tomorrow. For now - dance!

Tips of the Trade #6: Pricing your work

Go Out on a Limb 8 x 10 giclee print : $20 over at my Etsy Shop

Last week during my blog break, I met with a local Creative Business Consultant, Marlo M of Creative Arts Consulting. Wow! What a resource this lady is! I feel so lucky that she lives in my city. Seriously, if you need any help getting your creative biz started, need help getting out of a rut, or just want your questions answered by a super neat, hilarious, successful and knowledgeable crafts-person, check her out. Such a worthwhile investment! 

One thing we talked about was pricing work for both wholesale and retail. While I love Etsy, I want to branch out and get my work in more brick and mortar shops as well. One of the many steps in this process is getting my pricing ready for wholesale.

Here are some articles (the last one is from Marlo's blog) on the topic of pricing, whether you are just getting started selling work online or ready to branch out!

The Art of Pricing: Preparing for Wholesale
The Art of Pricing: Understand your costs 

Daily Worth: Profits come from business models not Ideas 

Wholesale Checklist 

Raising Your Prices 

I'm off to make some spreadsheets!

Etsy Wednesday #12: Last Minute Etsy!

Since it is last minute gift time, here are 9 great Etsy finds priced between $5 - $25. I'm so proud and excited that I have done almost all of my holiday shopping on Etsy this year, and everything I have purchased has far exceeded my expectations in terms of quality. It's not too late to get your hands on some handmade goodness!

Starting at the top left corner:

Recycled Guitar String Pendant : $10 by Stringcycle

Trusty Typewriter Tag : $12 by Neogranny

Husband and Wife Finger Puppets : $10 by Yaelfran 

Happy Stampies (pick any 4 stamps) : $20 by HappyDoodleLand  

Superhero Shoes Silver Wings : $24 by Smallfly

Felt Pancakes : $16 by PickleThings

Adjustable Coffee Cup Sleeve : $8 by ChicoCozy

Saltine Cracker Earrings : $22 by  BrillianceFound

Rock Squirrel Mirror : $6 by BoyGirlParty

Happy Handmade Shopping! 

There's a Hole in the Bucket

The last day of NaBloPoMo! And all I can offer you is this vintage Sesame Street clip. As I was singing this song to my kid the other day I realized how my life can feel very much like this song sometimes. I need a new bucket, people. 

I may take a break for a day or two to recoup from nearly a month of constant posting. Until then....