Remember Hello Etsy? This Is A Recap!

The last time we met, reader/ fellow crafter/{NewNew} lover/ lover of handmade goods, I talked about my excitement for the Hello Etsy Summit back in September (we are not going to talk about how we are three days away from November). Today, we're gonna recap that long ago event and share some tips I think you need to know to help jump start your inner eco-warrior.

Be a Better Blogger

We NewNew folks are an ever-evolving bunch. Always trying new things, trying to better ourselves, our crafts, our businesses.

Enter NewNew Team Workshops!

Ice Cream! Get Your Ice Cream!

There is nothing better than a nice, delicious, ice cream cone in the summer. Or the autumn. Or really, anytime. Last week, my two daughters and I decided to make fake ice cream to include in our food play; read more to find out how we did it.

Money – It’s not a Dirty Word!

Wallet by LolaFalkDesigns

Last week, I was speaking to a crafter who sells on Etsy. I asked her how she manages her money. Her response may sound familiar: “Oh, yuck! I’m not a corporate type – I don’t pay attention to that stuff.”

In my job working with Etsy sellers at Outright.com, I see this happening again and again – many crafters don’t want to think or worry about money. It is scary to them and is something they avoid.

Yet, knowing where you are spending and making money in your business is critical to making a crafting business work. By keeping an eye on your finances, you can make decisions about what expenses to cut, how much to charge customers, when you can afford to invest more in your business, and what products you should be selling.

It doesn’t have to be scary and it doesn’t have to be avoided. In fact, paying attention to your business’ money situation can be rewarding and helpful. If you simply pay attention to two things: 1. Where is your business spending money and 2. Where is your business making money, it can mean the difference between a great business that supports your lifestyle versus needing to close down shop to take a “corporate” job. (And, who wants to do that?)

So, don’t avoid your money situation – take a small amount of time each week to take a quick look how you are doing financially. Your business will thank you.

About the Author:
Laura Messerschmitt is the Vice President of Marketing at Outright, a free online accounting software for small businesses. She loves helping the self-employed and small businesses to be more successful and grow their businesses.

2011 Holiday Handmade Cavalcade Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

We are gearing up for The {NewNew}'s annual Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, this year to be held on December 3 at Public Assembly in Williamsburg. That's right, the {NewNew} shows Brooklyn some holiday love! Up until the event, we will be posting gift guides by recipient, featuring work by artisans who will be vending. We are kicking off the series with gifts for the female in your life.
First up is a gorgeous Silver Suit Boutique Dress handprinted and sewn by Better than Jam.

































Loella Medina's Chrysoprase earrings coordinate beautifully,

























JTopolski uses actual snakeskin in her amazing Ourobouros Necklace. Talk about a conversation starter!



























I love the colors Lola Falk Designs uses in her vibrant Leather Shoulder Bag.































The beauty of the Morlock Circle Scarf is that B Shorr created it to be worn as a scarf, hood, or shawl!

























Why choose just one, when Astor Knot has placed all 7 deadly sins on her Rainbow Lettering Applique Tote?









































I hope I have whetted your appetite for the inimitable Holiday Handmade Cavalcade! Come see the above items in person, along with gifts for men, children, home.

See you there!


LuCrafts


P.S. Don't you love the crafty bear and adorable sewing fox in this year's postcard? They were done by the talented My Zoetrope, whose 2012 calendar I can't wait to buy!

Introducing Our New Financial Guest Blogger

The {NewNew} is please to introduce a new guest blogger,  Laura Messerschmitt. 

Laura is the Vice President of Marketing at Outright, a free online accounting software for small businesses.   She loves helping the self-employed and small businesses to be more successful and grow their businesses.    Some of the topics Laura will be writing on are: 

- Women and Money: Why you should track your money
- Getting Your Etsy House in Order for the Holiday Sales Rush
- End of Year Financial Checklist for Crafters

We are all looking forward to Laura's posts which will be on the last Tuesday of each month.  If you haven't subscribed to our blog yet you'll want to.  Subscribing is easy just scroll on over to that little subscribe box to the right, fill in your e-mail and hit submit.

Holly / EllisDesign

On Being a Saver, Part II

In my last post I confessed to saving a couple of really raw materials --- so raw, in fact, that it's difficult to imagine how exactly I might use at least one of them (metal lampshades). This time I'm revealing a couple of things I save (or collect) for their obvious utility, regardless of whether I actually capitalize on that utility (i.e., use them).

The {NewNew} Returns to Chelsea!

This Saturday The {NewNew} returns to Chelsea. A critics' pick of Time Out New York, this fundraiser for PS 11 under the direction of Brooklyn Craft Central, will line both sides of West 21st Street with more than 80 vendors selling "all manner of artisanal wares and food."

As every year, The {NewNew} will be very well represented. You will find the sleek jewelry of Metalicious with her signature faceted sterling fake diamonds.

Teeny Tiny Faceted Sterling Square Fake Diamond Stud Earrings

d.s. lookkin's cheery crocheted accessories will brighten up the upcoming winter days.

Big Silly Fuchsia and Green Bow Tie Pin

Keep your kid warm with a monster hat by Ellis Design.

Children's Monster Hat

And conclude the day with a bag or wallet from LolaFalk.

Rust Red Shoulder Bag

Happy shopping!

Simone
groundsel.etsy.com

Comparing New York to Paris

A couple of weeks ago I was sent on my first business trip at my new gig - to Paris! Not a bad place to be sent (during fashion week, no less), but I am pretty sure that everywhere else I get sent in the future will surely disappoint. The last time I was in Paris was in college, which is far too many years

NewNew Treasuries on Etsy

I have a joke for you today: How many computers does it take to write a blog post? If I actually get this up on the internet, the answer is 4...well, 3 and an iPad. And you have to crash one of the computers. Today is off to a great start!