An evening with Jess Van Den - Come along to a FREE Session and start making social media work for your business!

Mini Creative Development Sessions

BrisStyle Inc. is once again partnering with Brisbane Library Services to bring you a series of Mini Creative Development Sessions  as part of the Libraries Stitchers Library Digital Literacy Project. These sessions are snapshots of our council supported I ♥ Craft  Creative Development Sessions and are aimed at crafters wanting to explore the viability of taking their hobby to the next level.

 To Book:

•To Book: Call the Brisbane Square Library directly on 3403 4166 (Please be patient with the Library staff who will book you in.)• Choose between the dates and topics below

Social media and your handmade business

Presented by: Jess Van Den 

How to turn your handmade hobby into a real business

Want to turn your handmade hobby into a real, profitable business? Learn the steps you need to take and the decisions you need to make in order to make it happen.
WHEN Friday 16 August
TIME 6pm - 7.30pm
WHERE Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street Brisbane CityCOST FREE
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - Call the Brisbane Square Library directly on 3403 4166 (Please be patient with the Library staff who will book you in.) 

The three pillars of marketing your online handmade business

In this talk I'll be discussing the three pillars of online marketing for makers (social media, blogging, and a mailing list), and how you can combine and leverage them to grow your online handmade business.
WHEN Friday 6 September
TIME 6pm - 7.30pm
WHERE Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street Brisbane CityCOST FREE
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - Call the Brisbane Square Library directly on 3403 4166 (Please be patient with the Library staff who will book you in.)  

Get started with blogging and grow your handmade business

An introduction into how to use blogging to build your brand and bring in new customers. Full of tips and ideas to get you blogging - and enjoying it!
WHEN Friday 27 September
TIME 6pm - 7.30pm
WHERE Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street Brisbane CityCOST FREE
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - Call the Brisbane Square Library directly on 3403 4166 (Please be patient with the Library staff who will book you in.)  

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!

Jess Van Den is a successful designer, maker, and blogger. Jess runs her own full-time handmade jewellery business, and she also speaks and writes about how others can turn their handmade hobby into a successful online business.

Proudly Presented by BrisStyle Inc. and supported by Brisbane Library Services

Go Team BrisStyle!! Yay!!

Monketi by Manx Minx

If you follow the Etsy Blog as feverishly as we do, you will have heard the good news that BrisStyle have received funding from Etsy for next year's I Heart Craft : Creative Development Sessions - brilliant!!

A huge pat on the back to the BrisStyle committee for their awesome efforts in scoring such a fantastic prize for BrisStyle and Brisbane's crafty community.

If you would like information on the I Heart Craft : Creative Development Sessions for 2012, please subscribe to the BrisStyle newsletter via the link on the top right of this page.

Go Team BrisStyle!!!

:: Oct 22 :: From Hobby To Wholesaling Wrap :: Art Bites Forum Q&A

For those who have always dreamed of selling their handmade wares in a shop or gallery, last Saturday's Q&A  session provided valuable insight to help them on their crafty ways from Hobby to Wholesaling.

 

 There were also many emerging and established artists and crafters who not only learned some extra tips and tricks from the panelists but had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences too.

Super assistant Teneale took notes throughout the day on her trusty vintage typewriter and added them to the the BrisStyle Indie "Tree of Knowledge" for all to take noted from.

Nicole from Collecting Feathers held court with her colourful and down to earth experiences about when she first started out wholesaling.

Amanda from Hungry Designs explained how wholesaling has given her more freedom and time to illustrate, create, and develop her  unique range.

Belinda from Sybella shared her experiences about selling "bespoke" items and the importance of pricing "one of a kind wares" accordingly.

Mel from Kimono Reincarnate captivated everyone including the panelists with her wealth of information from her full time crafting practices and trade show experiences.

  Kellie Christie gave very practical advice about pricing items which involve salvaged or recycled/ vintage components and how to evolve that range into a signature style of your own.

 The vibrant Vicki from in.cube8tor gave valuable advice from a retailers perspective as well as how  their gallery make it super easy for both customers and artists alike.

Delicious morning Tea :: Indie Cupcakes by Tanz

 
10 TOP TIPS to get you inspired:
1)  When working out how to price an item, take into account: materials, research
for materials/ designs, prototypes, consulting time, time taken to drive to your
stockists, all your packaging and merchandising materials, photography etc.

2) Selling your wares is all about building relationships and there’s nothing more
important than establishing sound relationships with any party selling your
wares. These relationships need to be nurtured and clear lines of
communication right from the start are paramount.

3) Another benefit of consigning is that often you have control over your displays
therefore experimenting with a different look for every story you create.

4)  Ensure you obtain and understand a written consignment agreement & don’t be afraid to
negotiate.

5) Stay in contact with the retailer to ensure your stock levels are at their optimum.

6)  Simple Wholesaling Formula:  Cost Price (Labor + Materials Cost) x 2 = Your Wholesale Price
Wholesale Price x 2 = Retail Price.

7)  Branding is very important to both potential stockists and customers alike. Some people will
even notice your name, logo, font or business card before your actual product ! From a stockists
point of view, tags are extremely important.

8)  If other people are making something similar then take the time to think about
how you can put your own twist on it – make it truly yours in your own unique
way.

9) When meeting with a potential retailer dress in a way that you want your product to be looked at. Your own personal presentation is paramount as it reflects the quality and energy of your work.

10) Love what you do and look at every experience as an evolution to a better and stronger business.


Most of importantly embrace other crafters and the crafting communities that you are involved in and continue to build relationships that will support and inspire you!

Thank you to the panelists, the wonderful and creative audience and to all the team from Brisbane City Council's Creative Communities.
 
Our last BrisStyle Info Session for the year is being hosted next Saturday and is set to be a real hoot.
 
STOP PRESS: More Seats have just been released so to secure to secure your place please email: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com  so we can lock you in!!!


Here are all the details:

 :: NOV 5 :: Social Media :: From Etsy and Beyond ::
with BrisStylette Jess Van Den from *Bespoke Zine* and Epheriell

 It's hard to ignore the popularity of social media in today's competitive marketplace. With so many social media outlets available, it can be hard to know where to begin and how to make it work for any emerging indie craft business.

If you would like to know how to get started with social media and how to make it work for you, then this information session will answer all of your questions.

Presented by top blogger and social networker, Jess Van Den - from Epheriell Designs - participants will be sure to come away with lots of tips and tricks to kick start their success with social networking from handmade websites such as Etsy, to facebook, twitter, blogs ...and beyond.
Presenter: BrisStylette Jess Van Den from Bespoke Zine and Epheriell
What: BrisStyle Information Session
When: Saturday, November 5, 2011, 9.30am for a 10am start til 12pm
Where: St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd Hamilton
Cost: FREE

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL : email:: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com 

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

:: BrisStyle Information Sessions ::

Just when we thought it couldn't get any busier at BrisStyle HQ.....it's time to announce all the details for the remaining BrisStyle Information Sessions for 2011.

A big Thank-You to all who have attended this year's BrisStyle Information Sessions. As promised, we're excited to announce that our next two creative development sessions will be supported by the Brisbane City Council's Art Bites Program.

The sessions will still be hosted at our retro home in St. Augustine's church hall in Hamilton but the exciting news is that they will both be FREE events!

So, without further ado, here are the session details so you can make your bookings.....

:: OCT 22 :: From Hobby to Wholesaling ::

Pricing, Wholesaling and Consignment Tips for the Indie Crafter

Have you always dreamed of selling your handmade wares in a shop or gallery?  Let our panel of local experts give you some great advice on how to take your craft from hobby to wholesaling/consignment.
Whether you are just starting out or have been crafting for some time, this session will give you basic tips and tricks on turning your passion into profits.

This is the second in the series of Q&A information sessions where a panel of creative experts will impart their knowledge in a forum based setting. In this interactive session you'll gain insight into the different practices of each panelist and then have the opportunity to ask questions.

The who's who of your panel ::

• Vicki Sinclair from in.cube8r Brisbane
• Melanie Gray Augustin from Kimono Reincarnate
• Kellie Christie
• Belinda Chisolm from Sybella Boutique
• Amanda Whitelaw from Hungry Designs
• Nicole Zupanovic from Collecting Feathers

:: NOV 5 :: Social Media :: From Etsy and Beyond ::

With Jess Van Den from *bespoke zine* and Epheriell Designs

It's hard to ignore the popularity of social media in today's competitive marketplace. With so many social media outlets available it can be hard to know where to begin and how to make it work for any emerging indie craft business.

If you would like to know how to get started with social media and how to make it work for you, then this information session will answer all of your questions.

Presented by top blogger and social networker, Jess Van Den - from Epheriell Designs - participants will be sure to come away with lots of tips and tricks to kick start their success with social networking from handmade websites such as Etsy, to facebook, twitter, blogs...and beyond.

Bookings Open: 9am Monday 19th September

Bookings are Essential: call qtix on 136 246 or book online here

Session Dates:
Saturday Oct 22 :: From Hobby to Wholesaling ::
Saturday Nov 5 :: Social Media - From Etsy and Beyond ::

Time: 10am - 12noon

Place: St. Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane

Price: FREE to all participants (bookings are essential)

Bring along:

• Your sense of adventure and humour
• A notebook and pen
• Your business cards to leave on our 'networking' table

Tea and Coffee are provided but please feel free to bring along a small plate of goodies to share for morning tea.

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!

:: I Heart Etsy :: Notes :: Part 3

Welcome to the last installment of our :: I Heart Etsy :: Information Session SNAPSHOT notes.  If you missed Part 1 or 2 you can check them out here and here.  Today we will be discussing the ins & outs of getting your shop noticed: listing/relisting, Etsy Communities, telling the world and staying active. We might even include some useful links for further reading! If you're after more info we will be running the :: I Heart Etsy :: Information Session again next year, so stay tuned for all the deets!

Image Courtesy of Wicked Child Designs

 Listing/Relisting

• Uncle Gravy's Renewing Agent - for automated 'hands free' renewing of your Etsy listings or 'hands free' relisting of your sold items.  This article has more info as well as download and installation links. Free 10 Day Trial!
• SimpleList2 is an iPhone/iPad or Android app specifically for Etsy sellers.  There's more info over here.
• Relist to the US market before you go to bed or first thing in the morning.  Between 5am-8am is ideal!
• Relist regularly - hourly, daily, weekly depending on your level of business.
• The more you list/relist the more you will be seen on the first pages of your given category.
• Renew sold items that you make multiples of instead of creating a whole new listing.

Etsy Communities

• Important for support and making connections.
• Join an Etsy team such as BrisStyle. For more details on becoming a BrisStyle member click here.

Tell the World
Spread the word about your Etsy shop via a Facebook fan page, a blog or a Twitter account. There's a great article over on the Marketing to Women Online blog all about why social media is so valuable.

Stay Active
Buyers want to trust you, and the more active you are on Etsy, the more they know you've invested in your new endeavour.  Keep adding stock to your shop and check out other ways to connect with your community.

Useful Links
There's a lot that goes into opening a new Etsy shop but it sure is thrilling! Just take it step-by-step and be realistic with your expectations.  Cherish your first views, hearts, conversations and sales.  Before you know it you'll be a pro and will hardly remember how nerve-wracking these first steps were. Here are some links to help you get started:

• Etsy Apps and Shop Tools
• How-To's about Selling
• Shop Stats
• Etsy Success eNewsletter

We hope you've enjoyed the 3 part :: I Heart Etsy :: Information Session SNAPSHOT notes. For more info on upcoming BrisStyle Information Sessions pop over to our website.

:: I Heart Etsy :: Notes :: Part 2

Did you miss Part 1 of the :: I Heart Etsy :: Information Session SNAPSHOT notes? Don't fret, you can catch up over here then pop back for Part 2. In this installment we will be briefly covering pricing, shipping/postage, product titles, product descriptions and tagging. Don't forget that we will be running the :: I Heart Etsy :: Information Session again next year so for the full low down stay tuned for the announcement of our 2012 sessions.

Image Courtesy of Wicked Child Designs

Pricing
Your time is valuable and you should reflect this in the price of your items. You might like to read over this useful Etsy article when contemplating the price of your items. For a more in depth look at pricing, stay tuned for details of our October 22 Information Session - Pricing, Wholesaling & Consignment!

Shipping/Postage

• Make your postage as cheap as you can.
• Postage will be cheaper if you keep your packages under 20mm in thickness.
• Take time packaging your items - we all love receiving a nicely wrapped parcel from the postman.
• Add something small in with your items as a 'thank-you'.
• Buy all your postage needs - envelopes/padded bags etc. in bulk to save $$ - they are cheaper by the 100.
• If selling regularly, register at your local post office/business centre for a Business Post account - this will reduce the cost of shipping both locally and overseas.
• A useful link - Shipping How-To.

Product Titles
Titles should be descriptive instead of whimsical.

• Ensure you mirror your description details in your tags.
• Say what the item is first ie: earrings, then colour and materials.
• Keep any whimsical product names to the end e.g. Blue Moon.
• Use both Australian and US spellings - depending on your biggest customer base.

Product Descriptions
Remember to answer all the questions your buyers might have in the description field of your listing.

• Make your descriptions quirky and interesting.
• Put all your descriptions in a word document for easy editing and uploading.
• Ensure you describe colours and sizes accurately.
• When pitching to the US market put your sizes in inches as well as centimetres.
• If selling clothing/shoes then add a conversion link to your descriptions to make it easy for your customer: something like this.
• Your descriptions should be personable, articulate and free from spelling and grammar issues.

Tags
Get specific! Colour, texture, style and size are as important as the type of item it is.

• Use the one tag line to enter multiple words.
• Ensure you are as descriptive as you can be with your colours.
• If you belong to a street team then add their name to your tags.
• Add your location ie. Brisbane Australia.
• Some useful tips for tagging.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of the :: I Heart Etsy :: Information Session SNAPSHOT notes. In Part 3 we will be covering the ins & outs of getting your shop noticed: listing/relisting, Etsy Communities, telling the world and staying active.

Click here for more info on BrisStyle's upcoming Information Sessions!

:: I Heart Etsy :: Notes :: Part 1

The :: I Heart Etsy :: Information Session in August definitely provided plenty of 'food for thought' for all who attended! So much so that we will be delivering a SNAPSHOT of the notes from the day in three lovely parts.  We will be running the :: I Heart Etsy :: session again next year so for the full experience stay tuned for the announcement of our scheduled 2012 Information Sessions.

Image courtesy of Wicked Child Designs

Today we will be sharing a snapshot of the notes on how to make your Etsy shop shine. Before we get started with all the good stuff we would once again like to thank our panelists from the day for sharing their time and knowledge :: Rachael from Penelope and Pip, Rebecca from edward & lilly, Nicole from Hot Toffee, Jess from Epheriell and Bespoke Zine, Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate, Sophie from Strat Designs, Emma from Red Revival and last but not least El from Rock n' Wrap.

Making Your Shop Shine

:: Stand out from the crowd with unique twists on popular items, fabulous photos, a great shop assortment, and lots of items for your buyers to choose from ::

Shop Name

Having a memorable name is one of the more important things you can do to brand your shop and encourage sales. Your name should be easy to pronounce, easy to spell and should reflect your style or what your shop is all about.

 

 

Shop Banner

Choose something that looks professional and sets the mood for your entire shop! Make it interesting so shoppers are tempted to keep on scrolling down. Hot link for banners!

Avatar

Share a sneak-peek into your personality with a well-lit, well-cropped 75 x 75 pixel photo of you or your most interesting item.

 

 

Shop Policies and Profile

Policies define the rules for your shop and can answer buyer's questions.  Your profile page 'personalises' you. Etsy shoppers love that they buy directly from the artist, so tell them about yourself and your craft to get them interested in your work. Check out this link for some great ideas on crafting a profile page.

 

 

Products

Etsy shoppers connect with items that tell a good story, have a unique point of view, and are quirky, uncommon and beautifully made (or for vintage and supply sellers, thoughtfully curated).

• Make original products that stand out.
• Do your research to make sure your original product isn't already being made by somebody else.
• Take a popular trend and put your own twist on it so it's unique and totally yours!

Photos

Get out your digital camera and start taking photos - hundreds of photos! Photography is the most important aspect of selling online and the most important aspect of your shop.

• Photograph like you have no description/write like you have no photos'.
• It's your images that grab people first.
• Your lead photograph needs to be just a little bit of a tease.
• Keep backgrounds simple - not too busy.
• Keep the look of your photographs consistent.
• Use natural light.
• No flashes.
• Photograph the same time and place each time.
• Photograph in batches - multiple products at the same time.

Useful Links 

• Beginner's Guide to Starting an Etsy Shop
• Shop Makeover

Tune in next week for all the goss on pricing, shipping/postage, product titles, product descriptions and tagging! For a full list of upcoming BrisStyle Information Sessions click here!

::::September 10::::BrisStyle Information Session:::: ::Lights, Camera, Action::Photography Tips & Tricks for Online Selling

BrisStyle's resident photographer and Kimono aficionado Melanie Gray Augustin is back to share her insighful online photography expertise.

:::Diana Camera Print :: Hey Harriet::: 

In this session Mel will impart her easy to apply tips on:

• Lighting, including super easy lighting set ups
• Camera angles
• Image styling including backdrops and using props and models
• Basic camera know how
• Photo editing

:::Teapot Brooch ::  Kimono Reincarnate:::

Crisp, gorgeous, contemporary photos are the key to selling your work online and this session will show you how to convey the style and feeling of your brand as well as the shape, size, color and texture of your work. You’ll leave with practical tips, as well as lots of great links to transform your online shops ready for selling success!

Date:  Saturday September 10,  2011

Time: 10am - 12noon

Place: St. Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane

Price: Free to BrisStyle members. $20 for non-members

Bookings open from: Now -  29th August

RSVP by emailing: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com with your name (s) and business details (if applicable)

Non-member payments due:  September 1st

NB: Payments are non refundable or transferable

Bring along:

• Your sense of adventure and humour
• A notebook and pen
• Your business cards to leave on our 'networking' table

Tea and Coffee are provided but please feel free bring along a small plate of goodies to share for morning tea.

:: STOP PRESS ::

Be the first to book in and WIN one of 10  in-season double passes to see Hopscotch 's new indie flick  'Beginners' starring Ewan McGregor!

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!

To get all the news on the upcoming BrisStyle Information Sessions subscribe to our Monthly eNewsletter ( via the little box on the side bar).

:::: August 13 :::: BrisStyle Information Session :::: :: I Heart Etsy :: Building an Online Relationship with etsy.com

This is the first in the series of Q&A information sessions where a panel of creative experts will impart their knowledge on various industry and business related topics in a forum based setting.

In these interactive sessions you'll gain insight into the different practices of each panelist and then have the opportunity to ask questions directly to them . After the main section of the forum Q&A each panelist will be on hand to chat about any other burning questions you may have related to the topic.


So with no further ado, here's all the info you'll need to share a fun morning of crafty goodness with creative like-minded souls...

I Heart Etsy :: Building an Online Relationship with etsy.com ::

Falling in love with Etsy is so easy and discovering all her secrets can be the start to a beautiful relationship. Get some heart-warming advice from our panel of BrisStyle experts on how to get intimate with the largest online marketplace for everything handmade… etsy.com

Whether you are just starting out or have been an Etsy seller for some time, this session will give you basic tips and tricks on making the most of this global online community to further your Etsy experience.

The who's who of your panel ::

These gals have been rockin' the Brisbane craft and market scene for some time now, all the whilst cultivating their relationships with etsy.com. Collectively they have a wealth of knowledge not only about the practicalities of using Etsy to nurture their practices but also to build relationships with lovers of handmade the world-over ::

Rebecca Cason from Edward and Lilly
Rachael Smith from Penelope and Pip
Nicole Lacey from Hot Toffee
Jess Van Den from Epheriell and Bespoke Zine
Melanie Gray Augustin from Kimono Reincarnate
Sophie Straton - Ferrier from Strat Designs
Emma Gascoyne Red Revival Design and Indie Laser
El Holland from Rock n Wrap

Date: Saturday August 13 2011

Time: 10am - 12noon

Place: St. Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane

Price: Free to BrisStyle members. $20 for non-members

Bookings open from: Now - 1st August

RSVP by emailing: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com
with your name (s) and business details (if applicable)

Non-member payments due: 4th August

Bring along:

• Your sense of adventure and humour
• A notebook and pen
• Your business cards to leave on our 'networking' table

Tea and Coffee are provided but please feel free bring along a small plate of goodies to share for morning tea.

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!

To get all the news on the upcoming BrisStyle Information Sessions
subscribe to our Monthly eNewsletter ( via the little box on the side bar)