Hogans' Handiwork

Planning Ahead

19 Apr 2011 21 Comments

by Denise Therese in Etsy, Hogans' Handiwork, Miscellaneous Tags: business, business plan, Etsy, etsy shop, Handmade, Hogans Handiwork, home business, planning ahead

The past few months since I established a shop on etsy, I’ve learned a great deal. I’ve learned about banking, taxes, pricing, buying, selling, and profits. But most of all, I’ve learned to plan ahead.

I’ve found that one of the best ways to plan ahead is to track etsy finds, which comes in an e-mail almost daily. I look at what’s been “picked” by etsy administrators, and I pattern my future projects accordingly.

So, if I start seeing stars and stripes, I’m gonna think July 4th, even if it’s months away. It’s not foolproof, of course, and I’m still learning to observe and plan. But etsy finds has helped me greatly to keep a step ahead of my customers.

How do you plan ahead for the upcoming holidays and seasons?

Learning to Have Fun

05 Apr 2011 19 Comments

by Denise Therese in Etsy, Hogans' Handiwork, Knitting and Crocheting, Miscellaneous Tags: business, crochet, crochet clutches, Crocheting, Etsy, finances, Handmade, headband, home accessories, home business, money, scarf, scarves

Funny title, isn’t it?

But I’ve come to realize that that’s EXACTLY what I need to do where my business is concerned.

Etsy is hard to break into. It is a constant challenge getting your work noticed, admired, and sold. Take a break, and your shop gets buried.

I have been stingy with my funds, mapping out my shop’s future without letting myself spend over a certain amount. That alone had me so stressed I wasn’t finding any joy in the success I have had so far.

What I’ve come to realize is that it’s okay to spend the money I’ve worked so hard to make. It’s okay to treat myself to a cheery polka dot dress (a *wink* to all of you who’ve heard THAT story) or to splurge on a heap of new supplies, even when there haven’t been any new sales in days (or maybe weeks). The money I have saved so far is meant to be used (wisely, of course, but used all the same).

So I am now determined to have fun with the money God has seen fit to bestow on me, just as determined as I had been to save it in the beginning.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71222091/aquamarine-cosmetic-clutch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69272291/granny-smith-crochet-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70661267/orange-crochet-headband

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68566547/purple-and-green-braid-scarf

Sometimes I feel so GOOD about spending money (*wink*), and other times I can barely slip my debit card out of my wallet.

Is anyone extra frugal like I am? What do you do to keep a balance? I am still learning.

Easter Is Right Around the Corner… Part 2

30 Mar 2011 26 Comments

by Denise Therese in Etsy, Hogans' Handiwork, Knitting and Crocheting Tags: april, clutch, crochet clutch, crochet clutches, crochet easter, crochet easter clutch, crochet purses, Easter, easter accessories, easter bunny, Etsy, fashion, Handmade, purse, shop, spring, women

So, my mother tells me that she was the one to first suggest this idea… these days I tend to forget until the idea comes to me on its own. So, I give her the credit for my new collection!

Yes, I have embarked on a new adventure…. the purse adventure. I’m liking what I’ve discovered so far!

Easter Is Right Around the Corner…

25 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment

by Denise Therese in Etsy, Hogans' Handiwork, Knitting and Crocheting Tags: assorted easter eggs, Blue, coupon, crochet easter, crochet easter eggs, crochet eggs, Crocheting, decorations, discount, Easter, easter decor, easter decorations, Easter eggs, Etsy, etsy shop, for sale, green, Handmade, Hogans Handiwork, holiday decor, on sale, orange, pink, purple, yellow

…So be ready for it!

I sell these crochet easter eggs in singles, sets of three, and sets of six. However, I can really make them in any quantity you desire! If you want a set of twelve or more, I can do that! Or if you want only 4 or 5, no problem!

I also have a special listing of six–you choose your colors! Like the purple and the green, but not the rest? Order three of one and three of the other! Or maybe you like the blue, the pink, and the yellow? So order two of each! It’s completely up to you!

Use coupon code: Sale10 at check-out for 10% off your purchase!

Don’t wait! Easter will be here before you know it:

http://www.hoganshandiwork.etsy.com

Happy Easter!

Denise’s Workspace

23 Mar 2011 31 Comments

by Denise Therese in Etsy, Hogans' Handiwork, Knitting and Crocheting, Miscellaneous Tags: Crocheting, Etsy, Handmade, workspace tour

…Or rather, the lack thereof.

I have a type of workspace, I suppose, but I would love someday to devote an entire room (or at least an entire HALF of a room) to my business. Right now that isn’t possible, so I make due.

Here it is. I almost ALWAYS crochet on this couch! There’s nothing like a place to do your work that is comfortable and convenient. The tote on the couch is for extra yarn or my latest project, if I want to crochet in the car, or at the doctor’s office, or at the hair stylist’s, etc.

I spend hours working on projects at night. So, very often I am able to finish two or three before bedtime. I always lay my projects on the couch beside me, especially if I am making two or three of the same thing, in order to compare sizes and simply give me a boost of self-esteem for the work I’ve done.

The small bin beside my projects is where I keep my buttons and my small packing supplies, my business cards and maybe even a pattern or two! (I should really put my beads in there too…)

This is where I keep all my finished projects! When I first started, I had them all in a big bag… well, after you have 40-some odd items, that doesn’t really work anymore! So my mom gave me this HUGE bin! I’ve laid everything as flat as possible to keep things from getting squished.

And here is where I keep my yarn! It looks nice on the top, but you really don’t want to see underneath… Excess yarn often just stays in the shopping bag I brought it home in!

Well, I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Versatile Blogger Award & 7 Random Things About Myself (Denise)

22 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment

by Denise Therese in Etsy, Hogans' Handiwork

What a surprise it was to find that two of my good etsy friends decided to give me the Versatile Blogger Award! Leah and Carol, I am honored that you think so highly of me! I thank you SO very much.

Here are the rules:

*Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post.

*Tell 7 random facts about yourself.

*Pass the award on to 15 new found bloggers.

*Contact each blogger you want to pass the award onto and let them know you’ve done so, and let the giver of your award know you’ve accepted it!

So, 7 random facts about myself, eh?

Here goes!

1. My hope is to see the pyramids someday.

2. My earliest childhood memory is picking farm-fresh strawberries, for free because we were friends with the farmer’s daughter. There’s nothing like a juicy strawberry that hasn’t even had a chance to sit in the carton. Half of them went into the cartons, half were past our lips before we could be told not to.

3. I fancied myself an Irish dancer when I was 6-7 years old. Deep down, I think I still like to pretend.

4. Polka dots are my thing. If not polka dots, then paisley.

5. The first thing I ever wanted to change about myself was my hair. I wanted dark auburn hair. The day I found out I had red highlights, I felt like I was walking on a cloud.

6. When I was 11 months old, I fell down a flight of stairs and fractured my skull. I was in the hospital for nine days.

7. I can’t stand the smell of cold leftovers.

Was that random enough? ;D

Now as for passing this award on, I would have to say that there are too many great bloggers out there to make a decision! I think each and every one of you is special and deserving. Thanks again to Leah and Carol for thinking me worthy!

Life Is Change

08 Mar 2011 31 Comments

by Denise Therese in Miscellaneous Tags: change, Christ, Crohn's Disease, faith, Gastroinestinal Disorder, God, hope, life

Everyone knows that life is change. We see it all around us. We see change IN us from day to day. I sometimes feel that I’ve experienced more than enough change in my short lifetime. Whether it is a change of place, a change of lifestyle, a change of the heart–these things continually mold and refine us as people. It makes us interesting. It gives us strength. Thank God we do change!

If it weren’t for the events that formed my life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

In December of 2006, a month before my 17th birthday, I had a most terrifying experience. After months of excruciating pain, and finally a hospital visit and subsequent exploratory surgery, I found out I had Crohn’s Disease, a gastroinestinal disorder which I couldn’t just “fix.” I was stuck with it. You can read more about this at my other blog http://www.freetofeast.wordpress.com .

At first I was devastated, then I was confused (and maybe even a little angry). But I learned so much about myself and my faith in the weeks, months, and years to follow! If I hadn’t undergone the pain of these past 4 years, I may not have changed things about myself that needed changing.

Everything happens for a reason. Change is constantly a part of us. We shouldn’t resent or fear it, because God is using the events in our lives to shape us into better people.

I am 21 years old now. The last four years have been tough, but I am finally healing. There are days (and even weeks) where I forget I even have a problem. Now I’m going to college in the fall. Another change, one I welcome and dread at the same time. What will September of 2011 hold for me?

I pray. I wait.

What the Customers Have to Say…

01 Mar 2011 27 Comments

by Denise Therese in Knitting and Crocheting, Hogans' Handiwork, Etsy Tags: Handmade, Etsy, Solomon Knot, fashion, Tunisian Crochet, accessories, shawl, wrap, winter, women, cowl, scarf, scarflette, love knot, crochet, gift guide, neck warmer, hat, newsboy cap, slouchy newsboy cap, hoganshandiwork, for sale

I was inspired last week by a fellow etsian, Angela, to write a post about the feedback previous customers have given me.

Reading and re-reading positive feedback is a great way to encourage yourself when times are slow–when you’re not getting those sales you need to continue developing your shop. I wanted to share with you some great testimonials I have received over the past four months since I opened my shop.

Slouchy Newsboy Cap

(this lady bought a custom newsboy cap and a matching chain cowl)

“I LOVE, LOVE my items!!! Beautifully made, super wonderful to work with on my requested items, and quick turn around and shipment. All and all a wonderful experience. I have gotten so many compliments on the items. Thank you so much!! Will definitely return for gifts for self and others!!”

Black Buttoned Neck Warmer

“This is just beautiful and so warm and cozy! This etsy seller was wonderful to work with as the communication was great! originally there was going to be a ceramic button attached, but her shipment never came in. she contacted me right away to see if I’d prefer a plastic or wooden button in it’s place. I have to say I think the TWO plastic buttons look wonderful on my neckwarmer and I couldn’t be happier!! She is very talented and a gem to work with – if you need anything made work with her as she works fast and get it shipped out ASAP too!! Thanks again – hope to be back soon! – Jen”

Ruby Lace Cowl

“This is fabulous! Oh my goodness, it is stunning, just absolutely stunning. I absolutely LOVE it!!! <3 Thank you so much! <3″

: Garnet Chain Cowl

“Special request handled swiftly, flawlessly and with perfect results! Thank you so much! Love your work!”

: Winter Wrap

“This is possibly the coziest thing I have ever worn in my life! It feels like home! It is as comfortable and comforting as a day in your favorite broken in sweats but it looks glamourous and sophisticated. It is as wonderful as my snuggie but I can confidently wear it in public! I have only owned it for about a week but have already gotten BILLIONS of compliments on it, every girl in my office wants one. I HIGHLY recommend chocolate brown- it is a fab neutral so it will work with most everything you own, though it would be even better for you to just get one in EVERY COLOR of the rainbow! “