CRAFTS :: Trying to get some designs online with what I have to work with...

Finding the fastest way to sell online is quite a challenge for my life.  I have been trying to list products that are available to me with drop-shipping through PRINTFUL (.com) - this link is connected to my first affiliate link, another effort to increase my income.  

My newest efforts are POSTCARDS, but tonight I added an 18x18 inch framed poster to my ETSY shop as my November discount item.  I want to add more color and other elements to my designs, but don't have that option yet.  I definitely am learning the limits of text-only designs and the Printful design tools.

This is one design I made tonight.  This is a postcard format. I think it can be small art  (4x6)  messages.  I'm trying to get messages that work on mugs, too.

I tried some of the color options for this one.  I don't like the text now that I have it saved.

I was trying to make this POSTCARD design into a listing and noticed the citation text at the bottom got messed up somewhere from design to save.  It has to be done over.

What I ended up for now is this logo design element for Working Together that is also a major statement on our relationship as Christians.  I made it when I first started WT back in 1987.  It represents the theme of what WT is trying to do... get us together as ONE Body of Christ.

This is a POSTCARD format.  I focused on the major words only in the square POSTER I listed.

I may get this onto a t-shirt as a wearable statement for all to see and think about.

I guess I get upset when I see the wonderful colorful art in Christian shops on ETSY.  I wonder what software they have.  I am not able to print in color right now... not sure why my printer suddenly stopped printing color even though all the setting are set right and it has a new ink cartridge.  One of my goals is to get a better computer system, including a better printer. 

It has occurred to me since starting this learning journey that digital art is not as good as selling physical art products.  I want to have some digital listings at my shop, but more individual physical items.

When I can find the best format for my creative expressions, I will not feel so futile in my efforts.  Finding my "zone" is the quest.

Well, this is my first post of November.  My effort to post more often is beginning to take shape.  I want to share my efforts more... and to learn in the process.  I'm moving into video as an online tool.  Once I learn the smartphone, that will be easier.  :-)    So MUCH to learn.

If you have any suggestions for my selling (income) quests, let me know them.

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

This statement helps me to keep going...

4 MAY 2015 :: Just checking in...

I wanted to check in with this blog so you don't think I have totally forgotten it.  For two weeks I have been working on changing my small living space (11x13) to try to make better spaces for my supplies and table space to work in.  I also am working on a shipping supplies area, and inventory options to save up for Christmas.  :-)

It takes a lot of time, energy, and money to get things organized. I am working on it.  I have a small amount of money and will keep working to increase that amount with my crafts.  I am always hoping to reach a goal amount and a living space that will take me to the end of my life... which isn't too far away now.  :-)

All this work at home has caused me to reduce my time on Etsy and other places online.  I have been able to see the effects of letting things go...and it is helping me to make a better plan for the future. 

I went out looking at cameras, camcorders, and tablets.  I plan to check on laptops and desktops soon.  Not having technology has always been a problem with my goal achievement.  I continue to pray that GOD will provide for me the things I have sought Him for all these years.

There will soon be a production process for me...finally!  I am looking forward to it.  I have habits for the days and nights, and have to find the balance between work and rest.  This is always a problem with home-based businesses, but I shall overcome!  Setting up SHOP HOURS is becoming a really good goal... and I am working out the details... I think making them my online hours will let me take care of customer contacts at a specific time and help me to limit activities that get away from me.

I was really encouraged to read that other people have the same issues with Facebook and other social media when they get online...  the problem with wanting to check on your account, thinking it will take only a few minutes, and then realizing you have been looking at posts for two hours!  :-)  A real problem when you are trying to work out a schedule.

Well, I hope you are organizing for the most important sales season in your goals  (mine is Christmas - September to December).  It is a challenge, but we can learn how to find the customers that matter to us, who will like our products and return to buy other things as time goes by.  Until next post, May GOD bless those who love Him, who struggle to make ends meet, who trust Him for their survival, and who want to help others.  Amen.