Some tulips to bring a smile to your face this Monday morning. I am determined to keep fresh flowers in the house this winter. Fresh flowers change my mood for the better and thanks to Trader Joe’s, the cost is minimal.
The hyacinths are just starting to bloom. As I leaned in, even my stuffy old nose couldn’t deny their beautiful scent.
Today is the first day where I feel like I’m coming out of the worst of the cold. Thank goodness. I need to go out and buy a postal scale today because try as I might, I can’t even estimate what shipping costs will be for the items in the Etsy shop. I’m this close to opening. The Handmade section of the shop will open this week, my friends – most likely, Wednesday or Thursday. I’ve been taking photos, cropping photos, editing listings – it’s a lot of work! Here’s the banner for the shop:
ScoutHarper is the name of our shop. Both Meredith and I will contribute our handmade creations and I will search for pretty little vintage finds.
Meredith sent me more beautifully woven shawls. Her shawls are light as air and perfect for any season of the year.
So, today I figure out shipping costs, take a few more photos, tackle more listings and very soon…we will be open. The Vintage section will open a week or so later.
I’m still loving my doily/industrial swag lamp. Silly, I know, but I think it might be one my most favorite creations ever. I love, love, love it.
Reminder: Our monthly Defending the Small House series will post tomorrow.
Have a marvelous Monday.
How exciting to be opening your Etsy shop! I’m doing the same, and you’re right, it’s a LOT of work, especially getting the photos just right. Be sure to stop in for my 25% off Hope of Spring sale going on this week only. BTW, I love your header, and that little bird on the left is adorable. It always catches my eye first thing!
I am so excited for you about opening your Etsy.
Speaking of shiping. Hartstone was having an online sale. I started to order the mug and the shipping was unbelievable. So I will have to wait til I go to the factory and mail it myself. Sorry.
Hope you are feeling much better.
I am as well…..hate surgery even minor stuff.
Hi Claudia,
The tulips are lovely and I really do love the doily light too!
Best wishes on your etsy shop!! It is a lot of work, but it also so much fun! The shop’s name is so perfect!
Happy Monday xoxo Debbie
Glad you are feeling better Claudia…colds can be so annoying! Can’t wait to see your Etsy shop when it opens!~Hugs, Patti
Looking forward to viewing your new shop online – know you and Mere will have some awesome items asking to be scooped up! Good luck dear.
Also happy you are on the mend – sniffing hyacinths always gives me a lift – they are so gorgeous, a perfume like no other in springtime.
Be well, Mary X
Pretty flowers and best of luck on the new venture! If your items are anything like that industrial vintage type lamp you made, it should do REALLY WELL!
I found that estimating shipping costs were SO difficult for my handmades business. I underestimated it every time, and had to eat the cost. It is tricky!!! Good luck with your shop. Love the flowers, and love the swag lamp!! Glad you are feeling better. I am fighting a cold!!!
Boo
You need to make some swag lamps too for your Etsy shop.
A scales is a must to have. Also, shipping supplies, boxes and such, check out recycling Box containers and ask stores like Bed Bath & Beyond to give you their used boxing material. Also on Etsy you can search for used supplies, many have used bubble envelopes to give if you just pay the shipping.
God bless your new business.
Can’t wait for your Etsy shop. Will add you to my favorites first thing. I bought my postal scales through Overstock.com. It is a lot of work but a lot more fun. The Etsy environment is so wonderful. Everyone is so nice and always willing to lend a hand to help. Good Luck
Tina
Glad to see you’re getting a breakthrough with your cold. I seem to have gotten another one on top of the one I had. Misery! It makes the days seem long but night brings relief. At least, I sleep well. Happy to see your little shop is coming along. Looking forward to the big day. Take care!
Hooray for the shop, it is getting close to opening day! I am taking the next shawl off the loom this morning, hope it turns out alright.
XO,
Mere
Awesome! Can`t wait!!!!!
sue
xo
Claudia,
Congratulations on your Etsy Shop! I know you will be very successful. I finally found a singing bird! Amazing what makes me happy!
Glad you are feeling better and I agree about the flowers.
Carol
Glad you’re beginning to feel a bit better.
Best wishes on the Etsy shop. Can’t wait to see what lovelies you have.
So glad you are feeling better! Colds are so annoying. I LOVE your swag lamp, but I love doilies. I may have to try. I have a little table lamp that needs a shade. Am eagerly awaiting your etsy store. I want one of those lacey scarfs, or is it scarves (I only want one)?? And I love the name of the shop! Blessings, Linda
Hi Claudia,
Pretty flowers! I like the idea of keeping fresh flowers in the house, maybe I’ll pick some up tomorrow. And, your Etsy banner looks great! I look forward to the opening of “Scout Harper”!
-Lynn
You’re almost ready for ETSY! Make sure you weigh the box/packing with the item.I am guessing that the shawls/scarves/fabric you be mailed in bubble lined mailing envelopes of various sizes. Glad your cold is over the worst of it.
Hi Claudia, sweet ,pretty flowers, and happy news about your Etsy- I wish you great succes.
I am sad for you, reading about your mother, what a hard time for all of you.
Warm thoughts ,
Dorthe
hi claudia! hope you’re better today! looking forward to seeing what creative beauty awaits in ScoutHarper!
xxo
becky
ps: cool shade, too!!!
hi claudia!
i am so happy to see that you are thisclose to opening your shop!
it really is a lot of work and i’m still terrible at estimating shipping. if i overcharge $2 or more, i send it back via paypal. another route is to use those pre-priced shipping boxes that are free at the p.o. you’ll figure it out.
happy selling! (perhaps hold a giveaway to spread the news when your shop opens???)
xo
elyse
Wishing you all the best with your shop, Claudia. I’m looking forward to seeing the things you’ve created. I agree that a house is always better for having flowers inside.
Oh how I LOVE your lamp…. I can see why it’s one of your all time favorite things. Isn’t it funny how something like that just makes our heart go pitty-pat?
I just bought a new chair at the thrift store and I believe it’s just like yours…. under that wonderful lamp. Too funny. It’s pretty beat up, but I’m going to leave it like that.
Also saw another Claudia book at the thrift store last week. Same blue.
Have a great week……I think I need some posies too.
xoxo
Spencer
I agree the lamp is just perfect in that space.
How exciting that you are so close to opening your Etsy shop. I can’t wait to see it. I’m sure it is a ton of work to get ready to open up. xo Diana
I look forward to seeing you new Etsy shop! I agree figuring out the shopping costs are the hardest part of selling online. Love your flowers. I need some now. I have a Primrose and it makes me really happy! hugs, Linda
Hi Claudia! Can’t wait for your shop to open! From personal experience with my own shops, make sure you charge enough shipping. You can always offer to reimburse shipping overages in your description (like me, you’re on the east coast and you need to cover an east to west coast shipping scenario). For heavier items, the USPS Flat Rate boxes are great. But again, make sure you charge enough on all of your shipping. You can always reimburse your customers for overages; but you can’t really ask for more once the shipping is set :)… Donna
Claudia,
That sounds great! I’m loving the name. I like your shade better! My shade is somewhat shabby.. I just posted. It will grow on me. I was looking for a different look. Like one of the pics I showed you. Well it certainly is original and fun making.
Have a good night!
xxx Liz
I am glad you’re feeling better. How exciting to open your shop soon. I look forward to seeing all your treasures. Patty
I love fresh flowers in the house too! They just cheer the whole place up!
Hmm, maybe this is one of those times when you just state that you are sending everything in flat rate priority boxes, so you know the postage ahead of time, no matter which zip code it goes to. ??? It would sure make things simpler.
I am so glad that you are starting to get over your nasty cold. We have a Trader Joe’s opening here soon. I can’t wait. I am really looking forward to welcoming you into the Etsy family.
Hugs,
Laura
Yeah! Congratulations on all your hard work! Can’t wait to see your online shop. It will be exciting for you to do what you are passionate about and have it generate an income! Tulips are one of my favorites. I’m headed out to the store today to get some more fresh flowers. Glad to hear that you’re feeling better.
Thanks so much for popping by my space to leave a couple comments. I really appreciate it. I usually reply back within the comment section. Still a newbie when it comes to blogging so not sure which is best.
~Sandy
I am in love with your swag lamp, too – great job! Hugs ~ Mary
I absolutely love that “Hymnal Board”. Maybe someday I will find one to hang by my grand piano.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your home. xo rachel