The Week in Review...February 14-20!

Hello Readers,

What a week it has been.  The Olympics are well under way.  Everyone is in full Olympic spirit!  Go CANADA Go!!!  I'm especially looking forward to the rival hockey game between Team Canada and Team USA Sunday night! 

This week we wrote about our new venture...earrings!  Numerous F.E.D. customers had requested earrings to match their other jewelry.  Not wanting to disappoint, I whipped up a few pairs.  I am so pleased with the results and can't wait to make more!!!

My favourite things covered "Sweet Deals" on Etsy.  We found some really great finds for under $20!  That is the great thing about Etsy...unique handmade items at price points for every shopper.

Zakka Canada was our Canadian supplier for our Thursday supply and demand post.  They were so pleased with the posting that they are adding it to their news feed!!!  Thanks Zakka Canada!

Our featured artist this week was Paper Route.  There shop carries envelopes, stickers, postcards, etc.  It was such an honour to have them this week. 

Well, we soon begin another week and I am thrilled to see what comes with it.  Thank you for taking the time to check out Four Elements Design's blog. 

Your Friend,

F.E.D.

Feature Friday...Paper Route!

It's Feature Friday!!!  This week we have the pleasure of sharing the spotlight with Paper Route.  Paper Route's Etsy shop sells envelopes, post cards, stickers, etc.  Plus, every purchase receives a free gift/extra!!!  Let's take a look at Paper Route's artist...

1. Tell us about yourself?

Until recently, I was a high school English and Creative Writing teacher (10 years) but then my beautiful daughter came along and now I am enjoying maternity leave (for at least another few months) and trying new things and enjoying things I was too busy to do before. I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth (I think this is actually a tourist ad on TV but I do feel that way) and I am happily married to a really sweet guy coming up on five years now – time flies when you are having fun! I love reading, writing, photography, the beach, mail, random acts of kindness (not so random ones are good too), travel, a good cup of tea, quiet moments, and good food.

2. Why did you decide to open a shop on Etsy?

I came across Etsy in a roundabout sort of way and browsed for a long time, bought a few things and then thought, “Hey, I could open a shop on here.” So I did. It has been a really fun venture.

3. Who or what inspires your designs?

I love old maps and old books – this is mostly what I work with. I’m an avid recycler (from way back when it wasn’t cool or even available in some places) and I love that I can create something new from something old (Etsy is such a great community for this). One of my favourite things to do is send cool, happy, day-brightening mail to people in my life (near and far) and what’s cooler than a fun envelope? I just started a passion – project on the subject actually: www.one-thousand-letters.blogspot.com (check it out – shameless plug).

4. Why is supporting handmade important to you?

I love handmade because it is so personal and that just feels good. There are so many wonderful artisans and crafters out there doing the things they love to do and loving life because of it – how can I not support that? If they get to quit their day jobs or stay home with their children – even better.

5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Wondering where the time went... and hopefully enjoying my kid(s) and family as much as I am now.

A special thank you to Paper Route for taking

the time to be featured on our blog!

To get your Paper Route products visit their Etsy shop at:

http://www.paperroute.etsy.com/

Supply & Demand...Zakka Canada

About Us

Zakka Canada, your first choice for all jewelry display, sunglass display, gift boxes and bags, mannequines and store fixtures in Canada.

Based in Barrie Ontario, Zakka Canada provides Canadian retailers with large selection of display and store fixtures at most competitive price and fast delivery. We've been serving local jewelry makers, vendors, boutiques, stores and online sellers since 2003. With a purchasing office in China, we are able to buy direct from manufacturers and pass more savings to you. All display we offer are best price guaranteed for the same quality products within Canada.

Shopping locally, you as our valued customer, will enjoy fast delivery, low shipping fee and A+++ customer support from Zakka Canada. A peace of mind - Never worry about unexpected import duty, broker fee and slow delevery any more.

Purchase online or visit our showroom at 1 Saunders Road in South Barrie. Our 1500 square foot warehouse stock large variety displays at your chocie. We are 35 minutes drive north of Toronto, just off Hwy400 Exit 90. We open to both business and public.

Customer satisfaction is our top priority and we care about your purchasing experience at www.zakkaCanada.com. This is a 24x7 store for you at your fingertips. We hope you enjoy this site and look forward to serving you today!

1 Saunders Road - Unit 6

 Barrie, Ontario

 L4N 9A7

Hours

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Eastern Time

Monday - Friday

(Saturdays by appointment only)

Toll Free: 1.877.412.1119

Tel: 705.812.1119

Fax: 1.705.812.3922

Email: info@zakkaCanada.com

$18.95 CAD

 

To place your order visit:

 

http://www.zakkacanada.com/

Favourite Things...Sweet Deals!

It's Wednesday and that means it is favourites things time again!  This week favourite things is finding sweet deals to share with our readers.  Every item listed is priced less than $20!  It doesn't get sweeter than that!

Let's get started.  The Little Pine Drop earrings from Tryst by Kerry are so adorable!  All of Tryst's jewelry is vintage inspired, but handmade.  These earrings are discounted because of a slight irregularity.  Priced at $4 I'm sure no one will notice!  To see more of Tryst by Kerry visit her Etsy shop http://www.trystbykerry.etsy.com/.

Next up, Floridity's Bantam Lovebird Necklace in Turquoise.  Floridity specializes in handmade polymer clay beads and jewelry using those beads.  This Lovebird necklace is an excellent deal for only $12.  To get your own visit http://www.floridity.etsy.com/.

Creations by Juliann's, The Which within Me Burns Necklace is a stunner.  This clear crystal pendant is beautiful.  And at a price of $19.50 it is affordable by all!  If you want to see more of Creations by Juliann visit http://www.creationsbyjuliann.etsy.com/.

Finishing off our collection of sweet deals is the Brass Feather Necklace by In God's Hands.  A simple statement piece for any outfit.  With a $7 pricetag it is even harder to pass up!  Want your own?  Check out http://www.ingodshands.etsy.com/.

I love Etsy!  Better yet I love sweet deals on Etsy!!!

A special thank you to all the Etsy shops who

inspired this favourite things collection.

How to...Shipping!

Ah, shipping!!!  The nightmare that every Etsy seller will face!  Why is shipping such a dilema?  Let's take a look...

To start, there are different rates to ship within Canada, to the US, and Internationally.  Then, weight and dimensions affect the prices.  And lastly, you have to select a shipping method, ground, express, etc.  Like I said a nightmare. 

Lucky for us, Canada Post now provides the service Ship-in-a-Click!!! It is shipping made easy!  With Ship-in-a-Click you follow the simple steps.  Type in the addresses.  Enter the dimensions and weight which is simpler than it sounds.  Select between the shipping options.  All done in the comfort of your own home using your credit card to pay.  Lastly, you print your shipping lable and place your package in your nearest Canada Post Box.  It is really that easy!!!

To take advantage of this sites time saving tool click the link below.

http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/tools/cst/intro-e.asp

My Monday...Earrings!

Yay!!!  Four Elements Design is branching out.  As our business contiues to grow we are expanding our product line to fulfill the consumer's needs.  Many of our faithful customers have wanted a pair of earrings to compliment their F.E.D. necklace or bracelet.  So F.E.D. has excepted the challange and is now creating earrings!

Four Elements Design's earrings will be an extension of what I have designed thus far.  Each pair will be unique.  F.E.D. strives to ensure each piece is one-of-a-kind.

I am looking forward to this new venture.  I will include pictures as soon as possible.

Tip of the Week...United We Stand!

So many aspiring artists are trying to get known.  We are all looking for our big break into the world of commerce.  We have our Etsy shops, blogs, twitter account, facebook page, etc.  But how are consumers going to recognize you and your product everywhere?

Just like we discussed with our "How to" post on branding you need to unite all of your accounts.  Every viewer should be able to distinguish your signature colours, style, and font between sites.  Take some time and create your layout.  Then apply your cohesive design to all your sites. 

Each site should flow seamlessly into the next.  So go ahead, take the time, and unite your sites!