Still haven’t gone to Esty to become a member? I know, I know, one more thing to have to sign up and make a profile for, right? But I think Etsy is worth spending a couple minutes on the computer. So I’m going to state my case for Etsy and my shop, MissFiKingdom. Plus I will give you some helpful hints that I’ve been picking up on the way.

Etsy is a great place to see what handmade artists are doing around the world. Color trends, fashion trends, and retro flashbacks are updated daily on Etsy. You can network with talented artist and buyers. Etsy even offers online crafting classes, competitions, forums, workshops, and critiques.

I think one of the most unique things about Etsy is, Alchemy. As a buyer you can post what you want made and how much you want to pay for it. As a seller you can respond with a proposal to the buyer. Check it out and you will see it is a great place to find a truly handmade one-of-a-kind item.

Finally Etsy has great support! They are quick to resolve any questions and concerns buyers and sellers have. They have a great track record with me. I sent more than my fair share of questions when I was starting my Etsy Shop. Every time I got a quick response. I got answers that had links to even more information and online feedback from others at Esty. It isn’t just the Etsy support staff that is helpful! I’ve gained a lot of helpful free advice about the art of running a business through convos with other artists on Etsy.

So now that I have you all excited and ready to be a member of Etsy let me give you some pointers on your account setup. Here is the link to register with etsy, https://www.etsy.com/register.php . Choose your username wisely and read the advice Etsy gives on names. Use your imagination this isn’t a work email account. Don’t forget to use “MissFiKingdom” as your Etsy Referral. Most importantly take the time to set up your profile and download an avatar. Sign in to your account and go to “My Etsy”. This is your information hub. Select “Public Profile” to get started with a brief Bio. In your profile include things like; what handmade art you like, what are you shopping for (jewelry, eco-friendly art), what crafts do you like to do, who do you shop for (myself, grandchildren). Not everything in a profile is necessary if you aren’t selling, but putting some kind of information gives people an idea of whom you are and what you are interested in. It is very helpful to sellers like me, who want to know who is buying or looking at their shop. An avatar is the little picture that accompanies your username. It is your icon whenever you buy something, posting a comment in a blog, or “heart” someone. It can be a picture or a graphic of anything. Whatever it is, an avatar should reflect you (and not violate etsy’s policies). If you don’t upload an image then your initial will be your avatar.

Now that you have created an account on Etsy… Will you “heart” me? Go to my shop, http://www.MissFiKingdom.etsy.com and add me as one of you favorites and “heart this seller”. When you “heart” an artist you are giving them kudos and warm fuzzies. By “hearting” you are expanding the seller’s network of possible clients. Famous companies, investors, and most importantly Martha Stewart use Etsy as a treasure trove! By actively participating on Etsy, you can have a deciding role in the outcome of an up and coming artist. So I’m asking you to help me by “hearting” my shop and the items in it. When you “heart” me my network grows and more and more people will come to my shop. When you “heart” an item it gives me an idea of what potential buyers are really interested in. It is a good way to for me to chart the interests in my shop.

Want to get a little handmade treasure from Miss Fi? Be one of the first 20 people to post a comment under this blog posting, http://www.missfikingdom.com/blog/ . Include your new username for Etsy and what you found surfing Etsy and Miss Fi’s and/ or “heart” Miss Fi’s Kingdom and you will get a free bookmark. (bookmarks shown on the www.missfikingdom.com home page and will be randomly picked). No need to include your address… I will contact you to get that information. Don’t forget to come back here and comment under this blog!