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A new kind of paypal email scam

I thought I should warn you guys that there's a new paypal scam email going around.

Last night I got an email saying that paypal charged my credit card for $32 and to basically click here for more info. It seemed kinda fishy to me so I looked at the email more carefully and here's what I saw:

1. the email doesn't address me by my name.
2. the email has one of those paypal banners where in the corner there's suppose to be a link that says "learn more" but it's not a real link.
3. there's a link that goes to your account but when you hover over the link it goes to some weird website.
4. when you hover over the http://paypal.com link it goes to the same weird website.

DON'T CLICK ON any of it!!! Just report it to spoof@paypal.com

Adventures in Gocco

Yesterday I whipped out my gocco for the first time and did some fabric printing. It was kind of a pain having to clear off my entire workspace so I had enough room to print but it was fun. It didn't really turn out quite the way I wanted but not bad for the first try.


The original

PA-70 screen for fabric printing

Checking to see if everything lines up and if the blue screen is there

Screwing in the lamps


Ready, set, FLASH!

Lamps after flashing

Burned screen

Burned screen lying on top of the blue filter

Mixing green ink :D

Test print

Oopsies I registered it wrong.

Finally got it registering properly on paper but I can't seem to get consistent prints. I guess I need more practice.

Sometimes we forget what we already have.

If you've been on Etsy for a few months, chances are that you have formed somewhat of a customer base or in simpler terms people who will constantly check in on your shop to see what is new and what's happening. As sellers, we are always trying to come up with creative ways to draw attention to our shops that sometimes we forget what we already have. A CUSTOMER BASE!

These people are constantly visiting your shop looking to see what you've got. They are usually people who have purchased from you, people who have seen you in the forums or on social networking sites and people who have heard about you from someone else. So right now you're probably thinking "If I have a customer base why aren't they buying anything?". Well, just think about it for a second... If they've bought from you before they have probably already purchased what they wanted. If they have seen you around in the forums, social networking sites or have heard about you from someone it could mean that they probably like your style but haven't quite found the perfect thing for themselves or perhaps they're saving up to make a big purchase.

Regardless of what type of customer they are, it's important to take these things into consideration because then you can figure out how to keep them coming to your shop. From what I figure, the best way to keep customers intersted is to consistently offer new products. By offering new products frequently there is a higher chance that they will find something that suits themselves or someone they know. So, instead of ONLY focusing on ways to attract new customers, you also need to keep your focus on ways to keep your current and potential customers interested and coming back.

Here's somethings you could do:
1. Release a new creations once or twice a week so they'll keep checking back and so your shop will remain fresh in their minds.
2. Re-do dark/dull photos so they are more attractive and descriptive. You'd be surprised at how many more views that item will get.
3. Create a blog updating your customers about your latest creations, achievements and plans for the future.
4. Send out a monthly newsletter. Maybe something like an update and a coupon code. Remember to ask for permission.

If you've got more ideas share them!

Resin

So I love the dome look of resin and decided to get some for coating my charms. Well, I still love the look but I'm not really sure it's worth the headache. I guess next time I use it I'll have to wait for a nice warm sunny day so I can do it outside and let it air itself out. I didn't really have much problem working with it. Easy to spread but kind of messy.. if you pour or brush too much on it flows over the edges and onto the paper but the good part is there are none of those tiny bubbles that everyone talks about. Of course I waved a heat gun over it just in case. I'm still waiting for them to fully cure but they look good so far. I'll post photos later.

The 350 club :D

I hit 350 sales today. I'm a bit surprised it happened so quickly since it's summer. I just thought things would be slower but they're actually pretty steady. Anyways, I just updated my books gawwd it takes me forever. I need to find time to do it every week instead of every month!!!

I've been working hard on designing my new prints. I hope I'm not being overly ambitious by to want to print multiple color designs. Here's a sneak peek at one of them. Sorry watermark is a must!

Still waiting...

For my Gocco supplies to arrive but in the mean time I still have to order paper... What's better 5x7 prints or 8.5 x 11?

I'm still upset..

That Pittsburgh lost the Stanley Cup finals last night. I've been watching them play since the for the last few weeks and my heart just broke at the last second of the game... it was so close.

Anyways, I did it. I spent over $200 on Gocco supplies today. So much for not buying new supplies.. haha I really couldn't help it. Time to put that beautiful machine to good use especially if I can't sell it. Now all I need is some paper to print on..

Go Pens Go!

I've been a bit penguin obsessed lately. I'm still rooting for Pittsburgh to win the cup!

P.S. I'm pretty bad with a paint brush :(

I can't decide what to do..

A while ago I bought a Gocco and it's been sitting in the box ever since I got it and so I thought it would be a good idea to sell it and move on but the thing is... it's freaking heavy and it will cost me about $130 to ship it anywhere. So, I thought about keeping it and making some limited edition prints and well... I'm sitting here calculating the costs of all the supplies.. the screens, inks, coverstock, lamps, and while it doesn't sound like a lot it costs A LOT. Basically my options are.. find someone who's willing to pay the ridiculous shipping price, leave my $450 machine sitting in a box or invest $500 in supplies. The only good thing is that I think I found a local supplier for the coverstock I was looking at buying which would save me tons on shipping and customs.. but I haven't decided. What do I do???