SILKFAIR Blog – July 2009

Be Brave! Be Bold!

Jul 31, 2009
11
Jewelry can make or break an outfit, and often times the pieces you choose to wear with your clothes are the first things that people notice. What you choose to add to your outfits makes a statement about you and clothes. You want to be bold and be noticed without being overdone, so here are some tips as well as pieces that speak loudly should you be brave enough to wear them.

A necklace can be an outfit maker depending on what you choose. For an every day outfit, a simple chain with a unique pendant is usually enough. Scrapples has plenty to choose from that range from simple and unique to complicated and bold. They’re gorgeous and different, but aren’t too over the top that you can’t wear them on a daily basis. Another great pendant comes from RocknWow. The spiral figure gives it a unique shape while the solid color makes it versatile so it can be worn with a multitude of clothing. The necklace is adjustable so you can let the pendant hang or you can tighten it up and wear it like a choker, either of which is pretty bold and beautiful if you ask us.  

If you’re feeling braver than usual, you can go for a gorgeous, over-the-top necklace that makes a bold statement. The bead work at Good River Gallery is stunning and pieces like this are perfect for those feeling brave. And if you’re still feeling brave checking out pieces from Ella Gem Art. Her stunning necklaces range from waterfalls of pearls to vibrant, multi-colored braided pearls. If you’re wearing a bold necklace like any of these it’s safe to say that further jewelry is not necessary.

As a bonus, if you’re feel crafty and want to make a bold piece of your own check out Best Amulets for tons of gorgeous pendants and amulets. What’s better than saying that you made your jewelry when you’re asked about it?

Now, when it comes to earrings the best rule of thumb we can give you is to never wear necklaces with long, dangly earrings that brush your shoulders like these from Kalicat Jewelry Designs. You can also be a little funky and sophisticated with these or these from Sweet B Jewels.

You have about as much freedom with bracelets, bangles, and cuffs as you do earrings. Bracelets can be classy and sophisticated or fun and chunky. This bangle from Neroli is one of the many unique bracelets she has in her shop. You can wear one or pair up several in a look that is so versatile it works for everyday to going out at night. Naughty Monkeys has several pieces made from fabric, one amazing piece even inspired by Slumdog Millionaire.

Last, but certainly not least, we come to rings, an accessory that I’m sure everyone can say they love to wear. Take advantage of large stoned rings like this and this from Beads & Things. They go perfectly with your favorite outfit or little black dress. These from Sweet B Jewels are just as eye catching, but the stones aren’t as large. For the super daring check out this fun ring from Jenuine Articles. They won’t be in style forever so take advantage!

Photos

11  4  3  1 

1246202668

Photos

1246202668  1232036833  Chocolatefudge  1235494500 
It's true.  Everyone loves a freebie, even celebs.  Have you ever seen that Oscar swag?  Of course, we all expect it as children, that makes the torture of watching the birthday boy or girl open all of their gifts a bit more bearable.  Here are a few ideas for party favors, big or small, that we thought might add an inventive touch to your next soiree.

Wedding Shower, Baby Shower (or a Hot Bath instead of a shower)
Bubble Bar  - One step beyond the bubble bath is the bubble bar by by Flowering Tree Botanicals.  A revolution for the very bubbly bather.
http://floweringtreebotanicals.silkfair.com/214705

Encourage Communication
This notepad is the perfect party favor for a bachelorette party or a very saucy lady's birthday bash.  The sentiments say it exactly, without even having to write anything at all.  Have a look, you'll see what we mean - Notepad by Terri Taylor Design http://territaylordesign.silkfair.com/172011

Holiday Parties
There's no harm in feeding your guest's sweet teeth and Home Remedies for the Soul has just the prefect combination of confections.  http://homeremediesforthesoul.silkfair.com

Romantic Dozen
Sparklepants Industries has a way of putting even the seemingly mundane into something worth giving (and keeping).  http://sparklepantsindustries.silkfair.com/186161  If you like this dozen of old romance novel paper roses, then you will love the ornamental homework!  The romantic dozen are not only a very unique party favor, but can double as creative decor.

**Bubble Bar pictured above and remaining items pictured below.

Beach
It’s nearing the end of July, which means that summer isn’t quite over, and there’s still time for those trips to the beach. Luckily, Silkfair has a little bit of everything that you might need for your trip. Whether you’re walking along the beach, sitting in the sun, or going to a romantic dinner with someone special, we have plenty of stores filled with great items just for you.

If it’s summertime clothing you want, check out Leatherville Lace (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/1330) for some fun and flirty dresses, perfect for frolicking in the sand or heading out to dinner. Clementiny (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/1534) has some really great vintage dresses and tops for women and little girls. Creations by Carol Ann (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/340) has fun summer prints for boys and girls, adorable outfits that are perfect for little ones to play around in.

For accessories with those fun dresses, check out Ariel’s Dad (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/1186) for beautiful beach items that are actually made from pieces found along the shoreline. Jewelry :ninja! (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/1091) has really great colorful pieces that would add fun and flair to any outfit.

Heading to the beach means you need something to carry your sun block, towel, snacks, and flips flop in so check out Bags Plus More (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/1719) for some fun totes, and if you want a fun bag to carry around JiJi’s (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/1138) is full of them.

When you’re finished you’ll need something to wash the sand and salt water off with, so check out Adamboro Soap Co. (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/368) and Body’s Bliss (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/834) for some great smelling soaps.

There’s also Kimberly’s Candles and More (http://www.silkfair.com/store/index/809) filled with beautifully, summer scented candles to set that mood and relax you on those hot, summer nights. She has scents from margarita to coconut to ocean mist, perfect for taking with you to the beach or to light up once your home and want to remember your trip.

Now that you’ve got a list for some last minute items, get shopping before your trip! We hope you have a fabulous time wherever your vacation takes you, and please come back and tell us all about it!

Did a favorite beach item from Silkfair not make the list? Feel free to add below in the comments. There are just far too many goodies here for us to get all of them, and we would love to see your favorites too!

Photos

Beach 

N66420008329_9401
...TOOT! TOOT! TOOT!

As you may have noticed, we have been blogging about our Custom Shops feature quite a bit lately.  We have heard a lot of chatter about certain sellers being concerned that they are not getting the results they want from certain marketplaces, and even being concerned that if the site isn't all handmade, then the handmade revolution won't be supported or noticed.  We say, ALRIGHT to all of those things.  A Custom Shop designed your way with your own branding is the best way to make your own statement, no matter what it may be.  If you're still not convinced that the Custom Shops are not only innovative, but the future of indie boutique retail, then you might want to peruse the following reviews.

A Busy Mommy Blog:
http://www.abusymommy.com/2009/07/silkfair-site-review-giveaway.html

E Commerce Guide Reivew by Vangie Beal
http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/solutions/article.php/3825506

Sugarplum Swank Blog
http://sugarplumswank.blogspot.com/2009/06/free-offer.html

Auction Bytes
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/cab/abn/y09/m06/i16/s02

Craftmarketer Blog by James Dillehay
http://www.craftmarketer.com/sellyourcrafts/6245/silkfair-announces-new-platform-for-selling-crafts-at-online-storefronts/

Photos

N66420008329_9401 

So, now that you have plenty of reasons to open a Custom Shop, we’re going to give you even more by showing you around some of the shops powered by Silkfair. They’re personal, unique, and a lot of fun! There are different layouts to choose from, and if you’re a little HTML savvy, you can personalize the look and feel of your entire shop to your liking.

A perfect example of this is BJohnson Jewelry (http://www.bjohnsonjewelry.com/), which houses amazing, handmade pieces from bracelets to earrings to necklaces. The time and effort put into her work is obvious in each one, and you can see that she put just as much time and effort into customizing her shop.

Like her jewelry, the shop is classy, sleek, and sophisticated. She keeps updates on sales and information to her blog and Twitter posted on the front page and thanks to the custom layout feature, she’s able to match her Twitter and Blogspot to her Silkfair shop too! Layouts are a piece of your shop’s identity, and she’s woven them perfectly together to various places across the web.

Pretty neat, huh?

The overall look of the Custom Shop layout she’s chosen is similar to the main page of Silkfair; categories listed on the side, a menu bar across the top, and the items for sale neatly listed. You can see in the two stores listed above that the menu bar allows for easy browsing; see the newest products, learn about the store and it’s owner, check out the site’s blog, and get contact information quicker than it’s taken you to read this.

A more minimalist look is Notuboc’s (http://books.notuboc.com/), which has beautiful handmade books, perfect for jotting down all those thoughts and ideas you might have. The layout is different from the BJohnson’s, but still showcases the items, a blog, and all the contact information you need.

The customization is one of the greatest aspects to having a Custom Shop. You’re in control and you own the entire look and detail of your shop, and we can’t help but think that that’s pretty cool.

Superstock_1538r-49516

Photos

Superstock_1538r-49516 
So, why open a Silkfair Custom Shop?

First, let's go two steps back and describe the Custom Shop feature.  Essentially, Silkfair provides the technology for you to design and open your very own selling website.  Your shop, your way.  The shop will have it's own, dedicated url, and function like your own e-commerce site, totally separate from the Silkfair site.

Now, two steps forward.

Why open a Custom Shop?

We think the following comparison is reflective of the custom shop vs. marketplace scenario:

Remember the days when you used to shop in actual brick and mortar stores?  Compare the concept of a Custom Shop to owning your own boutique.  A stand alone boutique, separate from any other shops, with your own brand.  Customers identify your unique boutique as your own shop, not affiliated with anyone or anywhere else but you.

Having a store in the marketplace, alternatively, is similar to having a store in a mall or a kiosk in a market.  Your store is one of many options for shoppers to peruse.  The key difference is that shoppers have the option of searching for specific items which will lead them to your shop, unlike the brick and mortar counterpart, of course.

If you are ready to take that step, and open your unique boutique, we would love for you to open a Custom Shop here on Silkfair.  And, if you still have questions or concerns let us know, we would be glad to help you.  Oh, and if you are a bit apprehensive, chat with some of our other Custom Shop sellers who have struck out on their own with amazing results.

http://www.bjohnsonjewelry.com/

http://mtmsports.silkfair.com/

http://notuboc.silkfair.com/

http://yoboseiyo.silkfair.com/



Tech Talk

Jul 21, 2009
Tech_journalist_0519

Photos

Tech_journalist_0519 
We are very excited to announce that our developers are going to be taking part in our next chat event.  For all of you interested in joining in our Tech Talk, we will be convening in the chatroom on Wednesday July 29th at 9 PM Eastern, 6 PM Pacific.

If you have any programming, operational or functional questions, please do not hesitate to join us and ask away.

Oh, and if you are unable to attend, but are dying to ask a specific question, please send your questions to teams at silkfair dot com or internally to Silkfair Community and we will make sure that we ask your question during the chat.

Tech Nerds Unite!  You know who you are........

To join us in the chatrooms, go to top menu and select "Community > Chatrooms" or select this link http://www.silkfair.com/userplane/webchat2

Chit Chat

Jul 15, 2009
N66420008329_9401

Photos

N66420008329_9401 
We would love it if you could join us tonight at 9:00 PM Eastern (6:00 PM Pacific).  It's another free topic event, so bring your favorite late night snack, a cocktail and any topic that suits your fancy.

We are creating a calendar of event topics and guest speakers for future chats.  Let us know if you have any suggestions or recommendations and we'll add them to the list!  E-mail your suggestions to teams at silkfair dot com or send an internal message to SilkfairCommunity.

Keep on chatting.  We love getting to know all of you.

Nautilus__2_

Photos

Nautilus__2_ 
The summer time conjures up images of sun, surf, sea and sand, trips to the beach and buckets full of shells.  So what to do with all of the mollusks that wash ashore.  Some of these Silkfair creatives had some great ideas:

Sailor's Valentine Shell Collage - This very inventive collage by Better 'n Before uses actual shells to interpret the Sailor's Valentine story from the 1700s http://betternbefore.silkfair.com/182945

Ran, Norse Goddess of the Sea Necklace - The intricate work of this necklace by the Jewelry Ninja will leave you breathless and imagining casting your own net at sea for loves lost, or perhaps found.  http://yoboseiyo.silkfair.com/199523

Natural Nautilus - Shell World sells various natural items including the lovely nautilus specimen pictured above.  The store is a wonder of natural formations. http://shellworld.silkfair.com/143299

Seashell Wreath - BJs Place has create a wreath of shells perfect for your beach house door.  http://bjsplace.silkfair.com/195310

Mini Sea Angel - This very creative magnet by Monhegan Moments combines all natural or re-used materials collected from in and around the seller's home on Monhegan Island. http://monheganmoment.silkfair.com/1591

On your next beach visit, we hope you are inspired.  Collect a few shells, display them at the their best and post your creation in your store.  We'd love to see your interpretation of mollusk mania.



Summer Fun

Jul 07, 2009
1233201520

Photos

1233201520 
Everyone loves a bit of outdoor fun in the Summertime.  We love spending the longer days outdoors and here are just a few suggestions for enriching that fun...

Bubble Wand - The Fairy Star Joy Bubble Wand (pictured above) http://thyme2dream.silkfair.com/176842 made by Thyme2Dream helps to form the perfect, enormous bubbles.  Bubbles=simple summer fun.  Enough said.

Outdoor Sports - From hiking to water skiing, the possibilities for outdoor sports in summer are endless.  Start your summer sport quest by shopping for a new water skiing life vest http://xman.silkfair.com/145073 in the Boat Things store.

Garden Decor - Aside from the beauty often displayed by natural surroundings in the summer, a bit of color and comfort added to your garden with outdoor cushions and pillows can make the summer evenings so much more enjoyable.  Crafts from the Heart hand makes such pieces. The Ribbon Fairly pillow is a perfect accent for any garden. http://craftsfromtheheart.silkfair.com/148178

No Bugs Allowed - Spend endless hours outdoors without the worry of pesky bugs or chemicals.  Try the Herbal Insect Repellent by Ladybug Soapworks http://ladybugsoapworks.silkfair.com/176093 for your family and your pets.

Vacation - While vacations are welcome year round, the majority of families take at least one little vacation in the summer.  We highly recommend the well-deserved R & R that summer vacation brings,  If anyone can figure out how to package that and sell it here on Silkfair, we will be the first customers in line!



Bsilvia_grunge_stars_photoshop_brush

Photos

Bsilvia_grunge_stars_photoshop_brush 
On this Independence Day we are celebrating the beauty of independence.

Here at Silkfair we have striven to provide the best, most practical tools to help every user become an independent business owner.  With just a few clicks and about 10 seconds, you can create your own Custom Shop.  Your own brand, your own products, your own design, your business, your way.  Easy.

You have the opportunity to take control of your business, work at your own pace, direct traffic to your site (instead of to a well-populated marketplace) and enjoy all of the benefits of independence.

So on this Fourth of July holiday, we are wishing everyone a very happy Independence day.  Take your first step toward total independence.  At Silkfair, every day is Independence Day!

Learn more and sign up for your SIlkfair Custom Shop here