Just a quick post to show the latest cushion ( currently backless so not finished yet) , to announce an award, and a pathetic plea for help!!!
First things first - the cushion...
This one is made from a mix of vintage and new fabrics, in pale blues and turquoises - I couldn't seem to get a good photo that really shows off the colours accurately, and they are rather pretty I think - I will try again when the cushion is finished and I can take a photo of it elsewhere.
The bright floral is from a 70s pillowcase that I bought for a song, sadly ripped but the fabric was so pretty I knew I could re-use it.
The pale turquoise and cream is also from a pillowcase, probably 80s.
The checks and plain pale blue linen are all from my stash.
I have been making this sort of basic patchwork cushion for many years, and it's still a favourite way to use up scraps of fabric quickly and easily to get an instant result.
One of the reasons for making so many cushions at the moment is to reduce the size of my stash which is gradually taking over my workspace.
Another reason is to use some of the lovely fabrics I have instead of just piling them up half hidden.
And a third reason is that I love making them, and I want to put them for sale on my Etsy and Folksy shops
But I still have to face up to actually listing something, and I don't know where to start! Although a veteran buyer on eBay, I have never even listed anything on there. I shall be fine once I take the bull by the horns and list the first item.
So, if you have any tips or instructions please I shall be very grateful!
I know I need some good photos, and a description and measurements of the item, but how do you calculate the postage? And what about postage abroad???
Help please !!!!
It's fear of the unknown stopping me here.
I made the above oven mitt a few years ago, one of many pairs that I made for a fair I was doing, and I thought I would make some more for the shop once I have tackled that first listing. I still have some of the special heat resistant wadding to use up.
Moving on.......
Pretty Little Jewels blog has very kindly awarded me the Liebster Blog Award.
Thank you Juli!
The award is given to blogs that inspire you that have less than 200 followers, with a view to helping them attract new followers and visitors.
The rules as I understand are:
Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
Post the award button on your blog
Pass the award onto 5 blogs that inspire you .
I have some in mind already but need to do a little more research before I announce to whom I shall pass on the Award - so watch this space, it could be YOU!!!!
I have a Folksy shop, but I probably don't do it as well as I should! For what it's worth... I often write my descriptions into a document on the computer, so that when I get to listing on Folksy, I can just cut and paste, rather than composing at that stage. That said, it's easy enough to edit your listing, even when it's live. As for postage, I have a basic rate of £2 to cover postage and packing to UK, rather than trying to be accurate. It normally costs a bit more, but it's more straightforward. It really is easy - just grab those horns!
ReplyDeletex
Dear Gill, Sorry no idea on calculating postage and packing maybe the Post Office have a guide - as don't they charge according to weight and the size of the parcel? I'm like you bought things on ebay but never listed items for sale! The Flour tin you saw on my last post is a vintage one - it's Worcester Ware from the 1950's / 1960's I would guess! Sorry if I've rambled on a bit and been no help! Good luck with the new venture!
ReplyDeleteJune
I was nervous of selling on ebay,only ever having bought before,but it's much easier than you think.You are guided as you go along and you can review your item and details beforehand,so you can change things if you want to.With postage costs you can see what other people are charging for the same sort of items you would be selling,but there is guidance for that as well.Uploading photos is easy,just the same as you do on your blog posts.Go on...have a go,it's fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Gill, I calculate my postage by using a leaflet from the post office which gives the rates for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. I then weigh my stuff on the kitchen scales and then add on the cost of a padded envelope. As I only have bags and corsages I only have to work two different sets of rates.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps a bit!
Vivienne x
Brilliant! Thank you so much Alix, June, Bellaboo and Vivienne - that really does help as its all useful practical advice that I can take on board!
ReplyDeleteI just knew you guys would be able to help!
Thanks!
Gill xx
Hi Gill,
ReplyDeleteHeres the link to the Royal Mail price finder I use it successfully for Folksy and Etsy shops.
http://www.royalmail.com/price-finder
Best to mock up a ready to go parcel first to estimate the correct weight and then it's really easy to use. Hasn't let me down yet. Good luck with it
aahhh im glad everyone has been able to give you some advice. I have listed on ebay before and that is straight forward it more or less talks you through. Just make sure you have your photo's loaded onto your pc ready. Good luck with etsy you will do well im sure your items are gorgeous. dee x
ReplyDeleteI use this info from the Royal Mail website for my Etsy listings - http://tinyurl.com/7dochvk (the original link was too long for this comments box!)
ReplyDeleteI weigh each item I have and then make an additional allowance for the jiffy bag/packaging and identify which category they come in. I use mainly recycled packaging so that doesn't cost me anything, but if you buy all your packaging materials new, don't forget to add that in - either to your item retail price, or included in the p&p pricing.
As Alix says, it's sometimes easier to write the descriptions in a word doc and then cut and paste them in to the specific listing. Proofread carefully and don't forget to keep pressing 'Save' as you go along...
The selling part of Etsy is pretty easy to use - but do let me know if you want a 'walkthrough' to get you started.
Gill, so cute colors! Just love your new cushion!
ReplyDeleteCongrats with the Award!!!
Well deserved!
Have a sunny and crafty week
Natasha
Hi Gill, First congrats on your award. Well deserved my dear.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting an online shoppe and our local postal office gave me a chart to help calculate the shipping costs which included overseas too! I hope that helps.
Love your cushion. I gave away many a lovely pattern like yours and these day wish I had kept them.
Hugs Rosemary...xx
I'm sorry but I have never set up and Etsy shop or submitted anything to ebay. Your quilting work is lovely. My favorite though is the pot holder.
ReplyDeleteOoo I love the cushions and the oven mitt! I would just bite the bullet and list them!
ReplyDeleteI use royal mail to calculate postage - just weigh the item on your kitchen scales and round up a bit to allow for the weight of packaging - then use their calculator to work out postage for here and abroad!
Good luck! And so glad you liked the award! x
The fabrics you've used in your new cushion are so pretty, and the oven mitt is lovely, nice and bright. Congratulations on your award. When I'm listing on Ebay, I weigh the item and then use the Royal Mail website to find out how much it will cost to post. Don't forget to add the cost of your packaging to the postal price.
ReplyDeleteYou could use the usps calculator.its very helpful!
ReplyDelete