Saturday, August 25, 2012

Hey there! It's been quite awhile since I've posted, but I've been busy working on a few new projects that I hope to share soon. I posted last time about diving into the PDF tutorial world, but I'm torn about it. I want to provide nice, clear, concise instructions on how to complete each mini, but the reality of it is I'm not sure if I have it in me. I like a lot of detail in my albums and sometimes there are so many steps to completing an interactive element that I wouldn't know where to begin if I was trying to explain it to others. Meanwhile, I was asked to join an artist group on eBay to sell my mini-albums. I've enjoyed listing them in my Etsy shop, but I never know how to price them. It's a complete mystery to me. If I list them too high, I feel like I'm being greedy and risk turning off a lot of people. If I list them too low, I feel like I'm not being fair to myself and my time and efforts.

So, by listing them on an auction site, I can set the minimum bid nice and low and let the buyer decide what they'd like to pay for my work. It's a win-win situation and one that I feel better about. I love making minis and I love sharing them with others, especially to inspire, but I don't want them to just collect in my home. If there's a market for selling them and finding them a new home with those who will enjoy them, I'm going to pursue that. I hope that doesn't make me out to be a greedy person. I have truly loved making this a little "business" and the pride and accomplishment I get each time someone likes my work enough to spend their hard earned money on it. I'm flattered and humbled at the same time.

With that said, I have a "take 2" on my vintage paper-bag mini that I did last year (my first YT vid ever) that's up for auction right now on eBay. I made this one with more of a focus on space for photos rather than all of the interactive elements in the first one. There's a ton of tags in this one ( I think 22?) and lots of pockets, die-cuts, etc.

Here's a link to the eBay listing: Vintage Paper-bag mini

Here's the video:



I'm currently working on a beach mini that I should have completed right before Labor Day weekend. I'm really excited to share this one! I also have plans to offer some smaller things in my Etsy store like individual embellished cards and tags. I have recently found a love for a little stamp company that's not my usual style and I think will make some fun and cute cards. I'm anxious to start working with them!

So, I haven't completely shut down the idea of mini-album tutorials, but I need a little more time to think about it and decide if it's something I can do well. Until then, I will keep sharing my minis on YouTube and hopefully keep inspiring with different techniques and ways to use paper lines!

Hope you enjoy the weekend and make time to get crafty!