the new year

January 1st, 2008

This isn’t quite a year in review, seeing as I’ve only had this blog since September, but the pictures are all toys I designed and made since then. Really it’s more of a gratuitous pat on the back for finally getting off my ass and making the things I think up.   I’m horrible when it comes to doing new things, especially when they are creative endeavors.  The teenager in me is scared of what people will think and of failing miserably and the grown woman in me doesn’t understand where the hell the impulse to make soft toys came from anyway (there must be a Frosted Flakes joke in there somewhere).

I have a bunch of things I want to do for my kids, my husband, my house, and even my poor dogs this new year, but I would like to open up an etsy shop for me.  We’ll see. I have to make a few more things first (and I have to figure out packaging, branding, shipping, blurb writing).  I have a whole year to cross that one thing off my list.

Posted in plush.

14 Responses to the new year

  1. DeerDominique says:

    I am shyly considering both a blog and an etsy. Eek!! There is also Mintd (seems to be picking up speed) to consider. Your softies are super! They are original and you will do great.

    Cheers!

  2. kristin says:

    an Etsy for you sounds like a very doable venture…you would do very well there. it was your softies people that first drew me here from Flickr. Happy New Year and good luck with your new goal :)

  3. Ali says:

    My advice on etsy? Just pop something on there and wing it. I found myself with some craft fair leftovers and put them on without too much thought or planning and I sold every last thing before Christmas.

    I was gobsmacked. Mo major promotion, no flash storefront. But the thrill of the sale meant I got the things packaged up beautifully and sent off in no time. And then you can learn on the job and refine these things as you go.

    Because quite frankly, if I bought one of your lovely softies, I’d e happy if it arrived in a bin liner! Now go and set up that shop.

  4. sallyd says:

    love your softies, and your blog.. good luck with the etsy store… ::happy new year!::

  5. meg says:

    i think your softies are wonderful – i hope you decide to open a shop. happy new year!

  6. i’d just go for it with the etsy shop to be honest, thats what i’m going to do. i’ve done craft fairs in the past and didn’t find them any use, too much work involved with very little return, at least with etsy you can do it all from home, bar the posting!

  7. Lina says:

    Good luck with the Etsy venture – your work is very original so I’m sure you’ll do really well!

  8. twiddletails says:

    The fat and skinny girls are my favorites. Good luck on etsy!

  9. jen s says:

    as a fan of your blog and your work, i say go for it! i jumped on etsy last november, and had so much fun and made a little money. the best thing about it is you commit to the time you have available – it doesn’t have to be full-time or stressful. if you’re not feeling creative, no one is expecting you to constantly create. best to you in 2008!

  10. Tricia says:

    Definitely go for the shop! I totally relate to your entry……afraid your stuff isn’t “good enough” or feeling too old to make toys:) I just use my littleones as an excuse right now, even though I would make stuff even if they were older…..I just found your blog, its great!

  11. soverydomestic says:

    Your softies are beautiful, I love them. I recently found your blog buried in my bookmarks and all of your creations are so sweet and inspiring! An Etsy store would be great for you!

  12. Monica says:

    I’m sure that with your talent and skills you’ll be very successful on etsy. Good luck!

  13. Julie says:

    I really love the toys. For me, it’s the small details that I love — the nose on the little man, the way the chicken is all tall and thin, the patchwork ears on the elephant, the crossed arms on the fat lady. Nice work. Here’s a pat on the back from me, too.

  14. […] January 1, 2008 I moved to a new site and you can now find this post at http://www.elsiemarley.com/the-new-year.html […]