Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Budget advertising

 
Karen Ruffles,
Grin, Grimace and Squeak! 

Last week we covered using your social media to spread the word about your amazing products. We've been using Facebook for quite a while and have steadily built up a small following. However, we'd noticed that although we kept attracting new people, we didn't seem to be getting as much of a response as we'd like, in part because posts like ours are being dropped from the page feeds of those who haven't been interacting with us lately. So, what to do?

  

 We decided to try promoting some of our more recent posts like the one below, which featured an image from our most recent photo shoot. We opted for the minimum budget of a few pounds and let it run for three days. The result was impressive- we had around 150 new visitors to our Etsy store from FB, new page likes and lots more comments. Not just on the promoted post either but around our page, showing that people were genuinely interested. This is great news because that interaction means people will continue to see our posts.


We experimented with different types of post but found the most effective by far was a nice bright photograph uploaded to Facebook with a short update on what we'd been doing. The result was so good in fact we're doing another shoot soon so that we have more new content to use in this way. These promotions are so easy to run, can be stopped at any time and offer a real solution for small businesses on a tight budget to start advertising. We'd highly recommend using promoted posts on an occasional basis if you're noticing a drop in traffic to your page or to your shop from Fb - give it a go :)

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Madcap Fashion Monday


Valerie Robichaud
ValerysGallery
Website



Welcome to this week's edition of Madcap Fashion Monday.  I love visiting our members shops and viewing their unique designs.  On one of my recent excursions, I visited a new It's A Madcap Life team shop (although not new to Etsy) and a dress inspired me to create this Boho Chic fashion set on Polyvore.

The dress designed and made by Yuliya of yuliyawimmerlin is perfect for this boho chic look. The dress was woven with beige and brown panels and the flowers are knitted and sewn on to the neckline and straps. There is no custom order for this dress, it is available for a size extra small to small. Visit Yuliya's shop for other art-to-wear fashion.


Madcap Boho chic


I just loved these little ballet flats handmade by Laura of Lolliette.  The flats are made from
soft leather and by sending your foot measurements customized just for you.  Laura has many other handmade leather shoes available in styles and colors you're sure to love.

To add a bit of Madcap to this set I added the wonderful felt purse in the shape of a piano
from krukrustudio.  If you have not visited this shop yet, you must stop in and see their felt purses in fun shapes like violins, jam jars, gas cans, cameras, pumpkins and much more.

The creme rosette headband is from Laurie's shop, Turban Diva.  The head band is made from stretch jersey and is self lined, double thickness, so there are no raw edges. Mix the headband with one of Laurie's head wraps to achieve the look shown.

I've added an orange wrap bracelet with a gold Hamsa charm made by It's A Madcap Life Team Leader Daria of 443Jewelry  The bracelet is made from one dyed silk ribbon and can be wrapped and tied as many times as you like.  Daria offers as wide selection of jewelry made with druzy and geodes, unique raw rock stones, precious gemstones, charms, and more. 

For earrings I chose these lovely mango colored teardrop earrings from Chashway. Maryam created these earrings from matte glass beads and iridescent crystal beads. The ear wires are handcrafted copper.  Visit Maryam's shop for lovely woven wire wrapped, beaded jewelry.

I hope you enjoyed this week's fashion set.  Boho chic needn't be prairie skirts, peasant
tops and sandals!!

Stop by a Madcap shop today!!

Val

Friday, February 22, 2013

Fabulous Friday Finds!




Jennifer Hawkins
Grey Girl Designs
Facebook
Twitter
Website

Welcome Madcap readers!  I don't know how it is where you live but winter decided to remind us all around here that it is not quite spring yet.  We have about a foot of snow to deal with- so fun.  Well, not for me but my dog is quite happy about it!  Since it's terrible outside what better way to spend a snowy cold day than doing some internet shopping in our Team Madcap shops on Etsy!  

I think I'll start off with a vintage find for the horse lover!  Here's a cool vintage green horse perfume bottle from Wendy's shop, hipposdream:

Vintage green horse perfume bottle from hipposdream on Etsy

This is a great collectible item from the 1960's.  The bottle is 5.71" (14.5cm) tall and the seller states it is in perfect condition.  There are no stamps or maker marks but you can still smell the perfume that was once inside.  I think it's perfectly charming and would make a great addition to any bottle collection.

Want a unique idea for your next baby shower gift?  How about a personalized children's clothing hanger from Danielle's shop, DesignsByDaniC:

Personalized Children's Hanger by DesignsByDaniC on Etsy

The hanger can be customized with any name you like, up to 10 letters long.  The wire is strong galvanized steel that will not easily bend or distort.  The wooden hanger is 7.5" H x 12" W x 2.25" D and features carved notches on each side that will help prevent garments from slipping off.  What a great keepsake for a new mom.

Here's some handmade soap in Sea Glass scent from the Delawder's shop, LostRiverRags:

Soap Sea Glass Scent by LostRiverRags on Etsy

This is a 4 oz glycerin salt scrub bar in Sea Glass scent.  Sea Glass is an original Lost River Rags scent with citrus notes, fresh marine essence and eucalyptus.  It smells fresh and clean and works great for a man or a woman.  The soap has a top layer that exfoliates with salts and the bottom layer lathers to get you super clean.  It looks really pretty too!

On cold bleak days like today, it's nice to remember that spring is right around the corner.  Why not send that message to someone you love on one of these beautiful pink rose watercolor note cards from GemsofJune?

Pink Rose Watercolor note cards, set of 6 by GemsofJune on Etsy

Here is a set of six 4.25 x 5.5" note cards.  The cards are reproduction prints of the artist's original artwork, "A Noble Scottish Rose".  The cards are blank inside so you have plenty of room to write your own message, and come with matching envelopes as well.

My last find for today is something charming to keep your treasures safe!  I love this personalized Alice in Wonderland trinket box from Fiona's shop, Bellecardsandgifts:

Personalized Alice in Wonderland trinket box by Bellecardsandgifts on Etsy

What an adorable wooden box that is made to order and can be personalized.  The artist uses vintage papers to decoupage the box and adds whimsical touches like playing cards, vintage key charms, satin roses and a miniature bottle filled with sparkly magic potion and a "Drink Me" label.  Fiona will make the box in your choice of 3 sizes.  Isn't that a fun one of a kind gift? 

Thanks for joining me today for my fabulous Friday finds!  I hope you liked my picks and maybe it will inspire you to check out what great things you can find on Etsy.  Until next time....

Keep singing your Madcap songs!

Jennifer   

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Vintage Decor

Valerie Robichaud
ValerysGallery

Hello Madcappers and welcome to this edition of Madcap Decor!  Whatever your home decor style, vintage furniture or accents can add a sense of history to your home.  Today we are going to explore some of our Madcap shops for vintage finds.


This wonderful wooden sewing box, popular in the 1950's, would look great sitting on the floor beside your favorite chair to hold a current handmade project.  It could also be repurposed, left open on a table and filled with a dried floral arrangement perhaps.  With one side left open and sitting on an entry way bench it could be used to hold a collection of colorful, folding umbrellas.

The uses for a vintage wooden sewing box are endless and this lovely choice is available
from bigbangzero.  

Vintage Wooden  Sewing Box

These vintage porcelain double candle sconces would look lovely on either side of a doorway, window, mirror, hutch....so many possibilities.  Wouldn't they look lovely as part of a Christmas vignette above a mantle!  Even on the wall behind a soaking tub or hot tub how romantic is that!

These lovely sconces are offered in Pat's Lakeside Cottage shop and can be used with flameless or real candles.  The porcelain medallions are six inches in diameter and the candle holders span to 8 1/2".


Porcelain Double Wall Sconce Pair


Looking for a unique coffee table, side table or ottoman?  How about this vintage Bethlehem Wire Rope wooden spool?  A glass top with an etched motif around the edges (easily done with decals and etching spray paint) would make this a stand out addition to your room decor with an industrial vibe.  Just love that worn paint!
.
This wire rope spool is available from Chase Vintage.  The diameter of the spool is 22" and it stands 10 1/2" and it is printed on both sides.  There is only one of these left in the shop!!


Bethlehem Wire Rope Spool

There are so many uses for a peg rack in our homes other than it's intended use for clothing. Mounted on a kitchen island for towels and pot holders.  On a bedroom wall for jewelry, belts, and/or handbags.  In our craft rooms to display a myriad of craft supplies. Even brought out once a year for a holiday display, a vintage wooden peg rack versus today's plastic alternative is a versatile accessory.

This vintage wooden peg rack from Jennifer's 22 Bay Road shop is a lovely choice with it's painted white ivy design.


Wooden Peg Rack with White Ivy Design



I am ending this vintage home decor treasure hunt with a lot of silver plate from Janine's
MomsAntiquesNThings, what a treasure trove.  Get out the chalkboard paint for those trays and platters!  There are several smaller pieces that would make lovely pincushions.  Or just place them all on display with their lovely patina.


Lot of Silver Plate




I hope I inspired you to add a bit of vintage to your home.  'Til next time "Keep Calm and Madcap Shop On".

Val

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Treasury Tuesday


Valerie Robichaud
ValerysGallery
Website


Hello and welcome to Madcap Treasury Tuesday.

Treasuries are a great way to promote our team members shops and listings.  You can promote a treasury within Etsy by viewing a treasury, clicking on items, and leaving an admirer comment.  You can also promote a treasury, item and/or a shop through your Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest social media by clicking on the "Like", "Tweet" and "Pin it" buttons. 

This week on our 100% Madcap treasury thread I chose four treasuries with cool themes and unique items from our team member's shops.  The links will take you to the curators treasury where you can show them and your teammates how much you appreciate their promotion of our Madcap shops and listings!

And off I go to do just that!!

'reuse . recycle . re-purpose . upcycle' by bhsoycandles



Little Vial of Smal...
$20.00

Set of 2-Wine Tags ...
$22.00

Vintage Stirrups In...
$20.00

Antique rescued not...
$37.95

Handmade Purse Embr...
$45.00

STRAW TOTE VINTAGE ...
$125.00

Upcycled Bottle wit...
$5.00

Vintage Book Jewelr...
$20.00

Upcycled Leg Warmer...
$28.00

Steampunk Metal and...
$6.00

Vintage Pendant Wat...
$17.00

Fabric Cones - 2 Ha...
$19.95

fabulously upcycled...
$35.00

Tea Stained Wish-Ti...
$295.00

Rhinestones Haircom...
$22.00

Silver Drop Pendant...
$32.00



'Lucky Finds' by pbrigneti

Inspired by Pineza Jewelry100% Madcap Team


evergreen infinity ...
$16.20

Chinese dragon prin...
$16.00

Skull rubber Bracel...
$15.00

Hummingbird Gift Ca...
$12.00

Grey and Silver Shi...
$17.50

Military Vintage Bu...
$10.00

Unicorn Laser Cut ...
$15.00

Husky Wolf Howling-...
$48.50

Cute Little Lucky H...
$10.00

Skeleton Brooch - L...
$10.00

Black Cat Cameo Nec...
$8.50

Vintage Black Swan ...
$25.00

Batman cufflinks - ...
$25.00

Cute sheep earrings...
$6.50

Leather Elegant Cat...
$6.00

Set of Four Avon Vi...
$15.00



'Fresh' by bitchoni

100% team madcap


It was in 1976. Vin...
$9.95

Blue beaded necklac...
$16.00

Faux Taxidermy Larg...
$120.00

Navy blue, Harley t...
$21.50

Vintage-Blue-Suitca...
$29.00

Adorable Standing Y...
$12.00

60s Dress / Mad Me...
$48.00

Vintage Antelope or...
$18.00

horse brass tote ba...
$14.00

Blue Bronze Ring, B...
$13.00

choker statement ne...
$48.50

Vintage Holland-Ame...
$10.00

Yellow Toss wedding...
$18.00

Original oil painti...
$250.00

Orange and White Ca...
$35.00

Summer yellow blous...
$45.00

'E V E R Y D A Y L I F E ' by willowstainedglass



BC7 - Bouquet Photo...
$60.00

Modernist 80's ...
$24.00

Woodland Fabric Pen...
$24.75

Sky Blue Clouds and...
$2.50

Voyages Extraordina...
$80.00

Classic Tags Set of...
$5.00

Charleston Photogra...
$15.00

Printmix dress
$75.00

Apple Stuffed Plush
$6.00

Art Deco emerald gr...
$40.00

Large Spoon And For...
$25.00

Handmade leather li...
$13.00

House numbers, Hand...
$26.00

Isabella Stewart Ga...
$16.50

Satin Scarf - Circ...
$15.00

Knitted Cat Baby To...
$25.00