Flowersbyfarha

   Sometimes I like to branch out and work with other materials or expand a design beyond the typical flower pin.  

    An invitation to vend at a fairy/renaissance fair gave me a perfect opportunity to create some fairy crowns that incorporated my silk flowers.  Although that market place seemed to prefer cheap, manufactured wreaths of factory stamped artificial flowers, it was fun to step outside that box and create some unique designs.

    This one, dubbed "Autumn Curls" is one example.  Because of the curling tendrils, it really would work best on someone with a very short "pixie" cut to avoid tangling in the hair.  A nice feature is that the tendrils can be adapted to highlight the wearer's features by gently coaxing the tendrils into position.

    Halloween or perhaps Mardi Gras are typical times one might wear Autumn Curls.  Or anytime you feel like "branching out!"

    While pulling out examples of ribbon colors for a client to show how they make up, I felt this pair of leaves would be a good example to illustrate how differently one variegated ribbon could manifest.

    In this case, this is a French ribbon with the wires removed.  ("French" ribbons are a luscious taffeta, often with wires inserted in the selvage edges.)

    "Variegated" means the color changes from one hue to another.  In ribbons, this typically means one edge will be one color which is shaded into another color on the other edge, usually with intermediary shading so the color blends as it flows from one to another.  Otherwise, it would be striped.

    Another color shading term is "ombre"--which means a monochromatic shading from dark to light.  For example, a saturated yellow would fade to pale yellow even to white.

    In StoreChat has rolled out and is now available to all sellers.  It's easy to use, and like any  new function will probably receive a few more tweaks.  For now, it adds another way for buyers and sellers to connect with each other more immediately than email.  

    Currently, the Seller Online feature is still disabled (coming back soon).  So,the awkward thing is being at the computer or stepping away for a minute, and possibly missing someone because your eyes were elsewhere and your visitor doesn't realize you might be online.  Chat history will eventually either drop-off or fade-away so for best results, to make sure the seller receives your message, it is best to send a message via Contact User, possibly set an appointment for real time chat.

    Because I had the privilege of beta-testing storechat, I'm familiar with it's ins/outs and will be glad to help anyone with any questions.
   

    UPDATE:  I've posted a tutorial "Store Chat 101" in my shop blog with insights and tips:  http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com/forum/thread/671?menu=1

    Exploring the potential of this Mini-Chat makes me feel like dancing!

    Only day 2 of the Mini-Chat beta-testing, and SilkFair already has made some improvements.  One of the improvements was recolorizing the scroll bar, making it easier to use.

    Another challenge with the Mini-chat box is size.  It needs to be large enough to function yet as small as possible so it doesn't hog the page.  

    An original feature is HIDE/SHOW Store Chat.  Each visitor has the option of minimizing the box so he or she can go right to shopping without distraction.  Got a question?  <Click!> It's open again and you can type in your questions or comments.

    Overnight, SilkFair made a subtle redesign which also tightened up the spacing.  And-- in response to a frustrating moment I had trying to keep up with 2 or 3 folks chatting at the same time and trying to scroll back and forth to keep up, SilkFair implemented a Change Chat Size drop down menu for the shop side of the chat room.  I can maintain the same size box as you would see while visiting, which display up to 4 lines of text, or I can enlarge it with a selection of 5 sizes.  Very nice to have all those options.  Thank you SilkFair!

    The next challenge is how to manipulate the size and position when keeping the mini-chat open so I can be available when needed, and still get some deskwork done.  

    And maybe ask for an edit option so we can correct typos that we don't see until we hit that "post" button!


   

  Great Mileage and it's Free!

   So,  the beta-testing is going well...we are learning and negotiating some tweeks, but essentially, it's good.

I'm very interested in getting the shopper perspective.  Is it a welcome opportunity for you to be able to connect with sellers more immediatly?   Do you have reservations about it?