Handmade Triad

Social Networking List

2011-04-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

"Every individual directory that you submit to is another chance to get found online so it's important to make sure you're listed in every directory possible."

Here's a blog post that completed a list of the top 50 social networking opportunities, along with lists, pages, etc. all of which can help get your name out there and really increase your inbound linkage (people finding your site).

While it's not quick, or really easy to complete all of them, it is free--mainly. So, take advantage as you can! & thank you Hubspot, for sharing this information!

Check it out here.

info shared by lacey's husband of Eyes & Ears, Sound & Security, Inc.

March Treasury Contest Winner 'Pattern Recognition'

2011-04-08T14:03:00.000-04:00

Thank you PopRocket for this fantastic treasury! View the treasury here & click around!

Congratulations on winning the February Contest. Thanks for entering.

Want your chance to win front page on the blog & get extra promotion? Enter our March contest--no theme required. Make sure to tag your treasury with 'HandmadeTriadApril' & comment on our Facebook Fan Page with a link!

One Minute with Lisa Snedeker

2011-04-05T03:30:00.010-04:00

Our Handmade Triad group is proud to welcome social media consultant, Lisa Snedeker to our April meeting where she will take us through a social media bootcamp. Currently serving as Director of communications, public relations & social media at Wake Forest School of Law, Lisa is fascinated by the growth of social media applications like Facebook and Twitter.

A teacher of journalism and even French, Lisa now helps businesses take advantage of the power of social media. "One of the biggest misconceptions people have about social media is that it's a fad" Snedeker says.

ONE Minute with Lisa...

ONE time when I was little my parents left me with their friends in Japan for two weeks and I didn't want to go home when they got back.

ONE day I hope to return to China.

ONE movie I would never tire of watching --'Field of Dreams' and 'Out of Africa'.

If I had to create with ONE color for the rest of my life, I would pick sage green

ONE of my best strategies for fueling my creativity is running.

If I could add ONE hour to my day, I would read.

ONE thing I hope to gain from teaching this course is new insights.

ONE thing you really need to know about me is I like good conversation.

ONE thing I know for sure is that prayer works

Find Lisa on Twitter: lisa_snedeker

Photo credit: divadea

Social Media Help for Crafters

2011-04-04T12:53:00.004-04:00

Still don't have a Facebook page for your craft business? Does the thought of Twitter cause you to twitch? Well no worries friend! This week our Handmade Triad group will be delving into the world of social media at our April meeting. To get you started, here are some links to help you get a leg up.

Videos for Creating a Facebook and Twitter Page:
If you are like me, visual learning is sometimes easier than reading instructions. Check out HubSpot's video here for setting up a Facebook page for your business. You will set up a page, learn ways to promote your page and tips for creating a great page.
HubSpot also has a video here for setting up a Twitter account for your business.

Ebooks - Twitter and Facebook
Meylah, the blog devoted to building an online creative community, has a free downloadable eBook to get you started with Facebook, Twitter and Flikr. Inside the presentation are additional links to articles to help

See wasn't that easy? Now that you have your page built, check out Meylah's article on 10 ways to maximize your Facebook fan page here. And finally after your Twitter business page is ready, check out the post by Social Media expert Chris Brogan on 50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business.

Be sure to check out our blog tomorrow. We will feature local social media expert Lisa Snedeker. Lisa will be taking our group through a Social Media Bootcamp that will surely get us 'in shape' with social media.

To find out more about Handmade Triad click here.

Photo Credit: Asthma Helper

March Treasury Winner--VOTE!

2011-03-31T14:35:00.000-04:00

Below is a list of 3 top picks for the March contest (based on number of views) Vote for your favorite--winner announced online & at the next Handmade Triad Meeting (tuesday, april 5th).

by SweetAnnaCreations

by PopRocket

by Gremlina

Handmade Happenings this Weekend

2011-03-18T14:15:00.009-04:00

Ahhh! The weekend is here and the weather is going to be grand! Come out and support our fellow Handmade Triad Team members at these weekend events.

Saturday March 19: Start your day off early at 9am for Jamestown UMC's Spring Bazaar. Treat yourself to some lovely crochet items by HMT's own Mandy Nelson of Purple Hook. While you are there, finish off your look with jewelry from Jean Jarvis of Jean Jarvis Designs.

Take some time for lunch then head on down to The Hand to Hand Market - 3-10pm at and above the Green Bean in Downtown Greensboro. There will be demos, crafts to make and goodies to buy! Go here for more information.

Handmade Triad members Justiann Ard of Witchhazel Handmades and Laurie O'Neil from Slow Turn Studios will be there offering their lovely and unique creations.

The crafty goodnes comes to an end (for now) on Sunday at the Greensboro Farmer's Market. See Jean Jarvis and other craft artists at Spring Arts & Crafts @ the Market from 11am-5pm.

Tell us what crafty things are you doing this weekend!

-Photo credit: Green Mum Totes

Happy St. Patrick's Day !

2011-03-17T15:02:00.003-04:00

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Handmade Triad team!

We’re lucky to have joined together to support handmade and vintage in the Triad area. As treasury curator, Meghan Noble Thomson says, “Let our city's artisans help you discover a little piece of Tir Na Nog (the land of eternal youth)!"

Check our her wonderful Etsy Treasury -Wearing O' the Green(sboro)-

Spring 2011 Fashion Trends

2011-03-14T18:35:00.000-04:00

The following can be found in its original form on Andrea's blog here. Also stop by her shop to admire! Thanks Andrea & Valencia--great inspiration!

I attended my first Handmade Triad meeting last night and after some laughter and a wonderful presentation, I went home with some great ideas! See below for some trends I’m looking forward to both wearing and being inspired by in Spring 2011.

Revival of the 70′s

“Foxy” Belt Buckle- Good Gaudy

Caramel Disc Earrings- Val B Designs

Tassels!

Tassel Necklace- Studio Eleven 11

Punk

Black Bow Ring- Studio Eleven 11

Silver & Gold Evening Bag- Jerushad

Black Studded Bracelet- pureGARAGE

Feathers

Feather Bracelet- Glazed Black Cherry

Turquoise & Coral Earrings- Studio Eleven 11

Vendors Wanted!

2011-03-08T20:55:00.002-05:00

Booth fees are as low as $10 for a 12' x 12' booth! For more information or vendor application email GlenwoodEvents@gmail.com or witchhazelhandmades@gmail.com.

February Treasury Contest Winner 'Where Winter Meets Spring'

2011-02-24T20:36:00.001-05:00

Thank you Keena of Keena's Kreations for this fantastic treasury! View the treasury here & click around!

Congratulations on winning the February Contest. Thanks for entering.

Want your chance to win front page on the blog & get extra promotion? Enter our March contest--no theme required. Make sure to tag your treasury with 'HandmadeTriadMarch' & comment on our Facebook Fan Page with a link!

Upgrade Your Business with Facebook!

2011-02-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

Don't let the opportunity to use a free Facebook page pass you by! Whether you're an Etisian, Artfire lover, eBay shopkeeper or other, there is no better way to network, socialize, promote, explore, discover and upgrade your business. From sharing with friends at the click of a button, to keeping past customers up to date on new sales, coupons, new products and events, Facebook makes staying in touch SIMPLE!

Recently Facebook has added an 'upgrade' option making pages even more effective. Already using Facebook as a tool to reach new and existing customers? Take the tour of the facebook upgrade nad find tools, like the ability to post to other folks pages AS YOUR BUSINESS. This is huge! Now you can spread your little business icon all over the place--like dropping business cards all over the internet!

Other key features:

You can link your posts with twitter--double exposure without double work.
Pictures of your work blaze across the top for visitors to see choice examples of your creations.
When logged in as your business you get a News Feed of different pages you've 'liked' as your business.

& remember--first things first. 'Like' Handmade Triad's page & SHARE with your friends and customers.

this post brought to you by Lacey of Gremlina Vintage(for ideas on how to use your facebook page, feel free to stop by ours!)

Love day

2011-02-08T20:50:00.001-05:00

Shopping locally is big. Keeping money close, investing in our communities, supporting folks around the corner--nothing feels better than finding what you need, meeting the person who's providing for you, and walking away satisfied--nothing.

Holidays are the PERFECT time to achieve this world-saving notion.The perfect time to think a little outside the box, think ahead a bit & order from local folks--heck, have something specially made for the person most special in your own life!

Here are a few examples of great local folks who are ready to supply you with goods that will make your loved ones feel special. All from our delightfully talented Handmade Triad team members.

from danikeith & loads more.

from HauteChocolate & these taste better than they look--i've sampled.

could you go wrong with misunrie's vase filled with your love's favorite flowers??

And something slightly more masculine from Ikow Designs

What can't you find from our local artisans?! All these shops & more conveniently found at Handmade Triad.com

this blog post provided by Lacey of Gremlina Vintage

Treasury by TBSCreations

2011-01-06T18:20:00.007-05:00

Latest treasury featuring some members of Handmade Triad.

Check out this talent!

Some of our newest members are featured in this treasury.

Be sure to check out their etsy shops.

WhatWasOld Vintage

MSR Pottery by Misunrie

HauteChocolateNC Handmade Chocolates

Faux Design Studio

Gremlina Vintage Shop

Witch Hazel Handmades

Hello 2011...

2011-01-05T20:19:00.005-05:00

Hello 2011... we were wondering when you were gonna get here.

This is Traci, aka TBSCreations. I am the "leader" of Handmade Triad. We had our first team meeting of 2011 last night. It was great because we had lots of new people, plus the 'usuals'.
We have some great new ideas for 2011 and lots of excitement and enthusiasm to go with it. Something we need! One of our goals we discussed was getting our blog back on track. Hopefully my fellow team members will help out. I have total faith in them.

Speaking of my wonderful team members, I created an Etsy treasury today featuring members of Handmade Triad. Check it out!

We are looking forward to all the wonderful things in store for us in 2011.

Helpful Hints for Crafters

2010-06-14T10:38:00.003-04:00

From the ever helpful Valencia of Fayes Crochet- here are some helpful thoughts for a hot summer day:

Not too early to start thinking about forming a Christmas plan!! Christmas in July What will you offer?
How will you keep up with orders?
Lessons learned from 2009?
Holiday Promotions?
Maximizing your time during the holidays.

Updated site for Handmade Marketer: . This site provides information and a newsletter on marketing your craft.

Craft Show:
Gifts from the Heart Craft Show - Odd Fellows Clubhouse - 185 park Ridge Circle, Winston-Salem, NC
Date: Nov 4/5/6 - thurs & friday - 9a -8p; Sat 9-5
Vendors are required to work at least 5 hrs per day
8x10 Booth - $105.00
2 table space -$75.00
1 table space $50.00
Contact Sheree Joyner 945-9375 for full details

Valencia
www.fayescrochet.etsy.com

Handmade Triad Organizers Chris, Mandy and Traci Featured in GoTriad!!

2010-06-03T09:04:00.002-04:00

Here's a great article about the founding of Handmade Triad, the First Friday indie Markets, and the future of the Handmade Triad Team. Way to go Chris, Mandy and Traci on the Great article!!

Witch Hazel Handmades Go Triad Featured Artist.

2010-02-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

Congratulations goes out to Justiann Ard who is Go Triad's featured artist this week. Justi is the creative and crafty mind behind Witch Hazel Handmades. You can read the full article here.

http://gotriad.news-record.com/content/2010/02/24/article/meet_an_artist_justiann_ard

You can also check out her work on www.HandmadeTriad.com

2009-11-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

Handmade Triad would like to personally invite you to the First Friday indie Market at the Festival of Lights, Downtown Greensboro, NC, on Friday December 4th on the Corner of South Elm Street and MLK, from 4 PM to 9PM.

Check out www.indiemarketgso.blogspot.com for more info!!

See you there!!!!

News and Record keen on NC Triad Etsy Team and First Friday indie Market

2009-11-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

Several NC Triad Etsy team members and local First Friday indie Market vendors were featured today in the Greensboro News and Record.

Way to go Dale Waterson of DMW woodworking, Zeke Vantreese of Rewined Recycled Glassware, and Suzanne Rehbock of Flying Pig Pottery

Check out all the other talented NC Triad Etsians by clicking their link in the sidebar -->

Etsy: Quit your Day Job Feature

2009-11-10T11:16:00.000-05:00

NC Triad Etsy Team Member bodhicitta featured on the Etsy Quit your Day Job Series!!!!!!!

Zeke of bodhicitta was able to successfully cut back on the hours at his previous glass fabricating day job until he was able to give full notice and venture into a "right livelihood," running his own environmentally-friendly business selling recycled post consumer wine bottles. Zeke notes Etsy enabled him to make this leap and advises reading the business articles on The Storque. Keep reading to find out why Zeke says every Etsy seller should learn the basics of SEO and why he thinks he just may need to invest in a trust time-clock.

Read the full interview on Etsy's Blog the Storque and leave a comment!!!

First Friday Indie Market Time!!!

2009-10-30T18:29:00.000-04:00

Come join us in Downtown Greensboro from 4-9 pm on the corner of South Elm Street and MLK for the First Friday Indie Market. Too much awesomeness to even begin to describe, you should just come!

check out www.indiemarketgso.blogspot.com for more info.

Greensboro Youth Orchestra Painted Violins Raffle at the indie Market

2009-10-29T16:49:00.000-04:00

Nothing feels better than being a force for good. One of the many reasons for wanting to start the indie market was to be able to raise awareness for the many hard working, passionate organizations we have in our community. I am thrilled that this month we will have two of these organizations at the indie market. Along with Bricolage we are proud to be one of the hosts of the Greensboro Youth Orchestra Painted Violins Raffle!!!

The Greensboro Youth Orchestra is running a fundraiser from late Oct until Dec. The GSYO is one of the Greensboro Symphony's music education programs.

The Painted Violins fundraiser is to help students raise money for the GSYO Tour in March to Austria!!!

The GSYO acquired 11 instruments and paired them with a visual artist who has generously donated his/her talents to produce one of a kind art. The diverse results are brilliant. "Painted Violins" is actually a bit of a misnomer as there is also a trombone in the mix and paint is not the sole medium. We have included fiber artists, collage and sculpture as well. Some will be playable instruments. One sprays water. All are works of art. The entire collection will be on display at Greensboro Symphony Concerts on Oct 29 and 31 and Nov. 21 (Pops Concert) and at the INDIE MARKET ON NOVEMBER 6th!!!

Participating artists are:

Betsy Bevins

Amy Gates

Louise Grape

Martha Herbolich

Naomi Keltz-Jones

Beth Latture

Don Morgan

James Quinn

Janet Oliver

Jack Stratton

Beginning Oct 25, Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra will be selling raffle tickets for the instruments ($5 each, or 7 tickets for $25) Purchasers will be able to designate which instrument they hope to win. All money will go toward the GSYO Austrian Tour next spring. The drawings will be held at the Youth Orchestra's fall concert at Greensboro Day School, Dec 6. The concert is free. Raffle tickets can be purchased from any GSYO member during that period and at the concerts.

Come on down to the indie market and help these kids go on a lifechanging trip to Ausrria!!

November Sponsor: Bricolage

2009-10-20T12:23:00.000-04:00

We are proud to welcome Bricolage as our sponsor for Novembers indie market. Bricolage is all about creative potential. The word “bricolage” means to create a new work using materials found on hand. With low-priced re-purposed materials and classes taught by local artists, they offer an eco & people friendly environment for extending your creativity.

Bricolage holds a variety of arts workshops throughout the year for all skill levels, from beginners to arts professionals. All are accessible, short term, and taught by friendly local artists. For more info and the current list of workshops visit the Bricolage Website.

Visit Bricolage at the indie Market on Friday November 6th from 4-9pm or at their storefront location at 716 West Market St. Greensboro.

First Friday Indie Market Time!!!

2009-09-22T17:35:00.000-04:00

Join us on October 2nd from 4-9pm for the First Friday indie Market on the corner of South Elm Street and MLK in Downtown Greensboro!!

Check out www.indiemarketgso.blogspot.com for more info

Become our Facebook friend click here!

October's Sponsor: Animal Rescue and Foster Program!!

2009-09-20T14:14:00.000-04:00

We are so proud to welcome Animal Rescue and Foster Program as our sponsor for the October
indie Market. We are also super excited about the indie market raffle to help raise funds and awareness of the great great work ARFP does. Many indie market vendors are donating handmade items to be included in a super-duper-indie-market-goodie-basket-prize-pack-extraordinaire worth over $300!!! Here is just a few of the items that will be included in the prize pack. A set of Rewined Recycled Glassware, a handmade cherry bowl by DMW Woodworking, Loose tea gift pack by Tea Hugger, a hand knit scarf (75% wool and 25% nylon and measures about 4.5" wide x 62" long) by Purplehook plus much much more!!!

More Pictures from September's Market!!

2009-09-11T18:27:00.000-04:00

2009-09-08T15:42:00.000-04:00

Our first team event, The First Friday Indie Market last Friday, September 4 was a WHOPPING SUCCESS thanks to our wonderful team leader, Zeke of Bodhicitta Glass!!! This new treasury created by Anna of ZellBell Designs showcases some of the wonderful items for sale at the market. Please mark your calendars for Friday, October 2 when we do it again!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=80994

The Banner!

2009-09-08T14:58:00.000-04:00

Many people have inquired about the totally awesome banner for the First Friday indie Market. Well it was made by our very own Anne Schroth owner of Red Canary -Fabric Print Studio on Elm Street. Visit her website to see more of her amazing work!! www.redcanary.com
Yeah! Anne!

Gary- the big red knitting monster is artwork done by one of my favorite artists killtaupe. See more of his great work on his blog.

Pictures from Septembers Market

2009-09-06T17:01:00.000-04:00

What people are saying: GoTriad

2009-09-06T15:27:00.000-04:00

Check out this article from GoTriad.

Where the heck am I gonna park???

2009-08-28T19:37:00.000-04:00

View Larger Map
There are lots of parking options downtown! Here are several that I recommend when you come down on First Friday. Please don't expect to park right in front of the market. The idea here is that all of downtown is your playground, so come prepared to walk around. Many of the participating galleries are within a four block walk and there's no better place to stroll than South Elm Street on a warm September evening. With this in mind you will have no problems finding safe parking.
Here are some of your choices:
1-The Greene Street Parking deck-This is 'the sure thing'. Located on the corner of Greene Street and Washington it is a very convenient place to stow the car. It is about 3 blocks from the market, but you will walk right past many of the open Galleries on the way! Stop and get a coffee at the Green Bean!
2 The Elm/Greene Street Surface lot-This is the surface parking lot across the street from the Green Bean at 330 South Elm. This lot stays packed on Friday nights! You can try your luck but it will be tough. Come early to get a parking spot here, eat at McCoul's, Grey's Tavern or Natty Greene's and you'll get to keep your spot!
3-Street Parking- There is on street parking on Lewis, Elm, McGee, Arlington, Davie, Spring Garden, and MLK.
4- Kindley's Furniture is allowing parking in their lot on the corner of Arlington and MLK
5-If you're wanting to start your stroll at City Center Park (where poet Josephus III is holding open mic from 6-8) or the Cultural Art Center (where the Shape Shifters will be performing in the Atrium every half hour starting at 7) then you could use the Davie Street Parking Deck on the corner of Friendly and Davie Street right across from City Center Park and next to the Self Help Building. From here it is only a four block walk south to the market.
6-The Bus Depot Parking lot on the corner of Washington and Davie-The secret gem. This is the most convenient, under-utilized downtown lot. One block from Natty Greene's, 2 blocks from the Market. Surface lot so it's easy in, easy out. Walk to Lyndon Street Artworks only 2 blocks NE Not a lot of traffic.....ahhh! heaven!

View Larger Map

See tons of options!!! Don't let the parking grind you down!! It really isn't as bad as they say!

Helpful Articles from the Storque

2009-08-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

As if you were not busy enough making stuff, here is some articles to help and inspire from the Storque, etsy's super helpful blog!!

Thinking of color schemes for fall?? Seriously??? Who plans ahead for fall color schemes?? Anyway, of you are one of those on the ball peoples, then this article might be helpful.

Craft Attack! in Charlotte.

2009-07-24T07:59:00.000-04:00

Art Oasis at The Greenhill Center Greensboro

2009-07-24T07:50:00.000-04:00

Firday August 7th members of the NCTriad Etsy team will be participating!! The event is from 6-9pm in front of the Greenhill Center on Davie Street in Downtown Greensboro. We would love to see you out there!!

Artist and Crafters Wanted!!

2009-07-22T08:28:00.000-04:00

My SUMMER BLOOMS QUILT

2009-06-08T17:56:00.000-04:00

Just listed this quilt today, feedback always welcome!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39163663@N08/?saved=1

karol

Rewined Recycled Glassware @ Salute! Wine Festival

2009-05-08T07:59:00.000-04:00

Rewined Recycled Glassware will be at the 'Salute! Wine Festival' in downtown Winston-Salem Saturday May 9th. It's going to be a great time, come join us if you can!

This picture is from the Great Grapes wine festival we did last month in Cary, NC. The Rewined Recycled Glassware banner was done by my friend Anne at Red Canary a digital fabric printing company.

The fine ladies helping me out are Justi from witchhazelhandmades and Katie from the Green Bean. Thanks so much for your help!!!

Tagging: Getting found on Etsy

2009-05-07T08:14:00.000-04:00

One of the complaints I hear often from sellers is that it is so hard to be found on etsy. I agree that there is a TON of stuff on there and it is sometimes hard to stand out in a crowd, BUT there are some simple things you can do to maximize your chances of being found. The very first and easiest is to be a good TAGGER. You get 14 tags on each of your items and if you are not using them all then you are not being a good tagger. Check out this article on Etsy containing great tagging tips. I include things like " mom, dad, wedding, housewarming, green, eco chic, etc, etc" I try to put myself in a shoppers shoes. Check out this item of mine and the tags I put on it for ideas.

Etsy also tries to do lots of promotions. Often to participate all you have to do is tag your item with a specific tag. For instance, Etsy wanted to feature earth friendly products and asked sellers who were interested in participating to tag their item with 'earth tones'. This increases your likelyhood of your stuff getting seen by the etsy admin's and featured in an 'etsy finds' email. (By the way, I was featured in one and got over 3,500 unique visitors to my shop in one day!!!)
These promotions can often be found in the storque. Glance through it now and again to see if there is something your items fit with.

Happy Tagging!!

New Stuff at ZellBell!!

2009-05-05T20:10:00.000-04:00

check this out!!!