Stacy Altiery « oh my! handmade goodness

Stacy Altiery

Meet the Creative Women of Atlanta

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

1.) Istanbul Designs 2.) Luxe Design Workshop 3.) Jeanette Zeis Ceramics 4.) Jessica Swift 5.) Easy Edges Studio 6.) Re-paper

by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

Hello from the sunny South! Well…truth be told we’re having our coldest winter on record but I’m still optimistic that I will get to retire my little space heater here in my workshop soon!!

I was super excited when Jessika suggested the Oh My Handmade contributors show off the creative and crafty people in our own communities as an idea for February’s postings. Atlanta is a proverbial hotbed for us creative, handmade types {must be all that Southern charm that surrounds us} and today I’d like to introduce you to a few of my personal favorites. So grab a peach, sit back and enjoy!

In October of 2008, I was fresh on the handmade scene having launched InkSpot Workshop on Etsy just six months prior. I’ve always been a fan of Atlanta’s long list of art and artist fairs such as Virginia Highland’s Summerfest, Inman Park Spring Festival, Grant Park Summer Shade Festival and the Brookhaven Arts Festival, right in my own neighborhood. Something about being outdoors, good-n-greasy festival food and being surrounded by beautiful hand crafted, unique wares puts me in the shopping mood. I was so inspired by all of the talent I saw from Atlanta on Etsy’s “shop local” feature that I decided to throw an artists get together right in my own backyard, we called it the Fall Showcase, click here to read the original post.

We had a lot of fun that day and enjoyed some of the most beautiful Fall weather ever. More importantly I formed lasting friendships and still keep in touch regularly with most of these amazingly talented women. In fact stay tuned to InkSpot Workshop’s blog because on Wednesday, February 16th until Friday, February 18th, Jeanette Zeis Ceramics is offering up the cutest prize ever for my weekly Hump Day Giveaway. Click here to enter.

Pictured from L-R: Yours Truly, Sherry, Jessica, Peg, Alicia, Jeanette and Sarah. The other pictures show our setup and InkSpot Workshop’s first ever display table.

1.) ClaireBella 2.) Sensatiables 3.) Yummy Delicious Cookies 4.) Layla Grayce 5.) IceMilk Aprons 6.) Mama

This next group of Atlanta’s finest represents talented, creative women who’s work I have come to know and admire, plus most I have had the chance to meet and get to know recently. How funny is the fact Ashley with IceMilk Aprons, lives just a few streets away from me in the same neighborhood? I treasure our logistics and that I can conveniently meet up with these amazing women and discuss business over a cup of coffee. Always I am humbled and so very thankful at how accessible these women are and so free to share their time and have their brains picked by me:)

Pinch me now cuz I’m living my dream and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I hope you have enjoyed meeting all of us down here in Atlanta and I encourage you to reach out to the women who are making creative waves in your community and just say HI! You never know the types of friendships you can make or the ideas that may blossom.

Back to Basics Marketing with InkSpot Workshop

Monday, January 17, 2011

by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

Hello Everyone! Today I thought I’d do a post for you to help you get back to the basics of marketing your business, so to speak. With all the social media we’re all involved with these days, even I sometimes forget to get back to the basics when it comes to promoting both of my shops InkSpot Workshop and Fire Hydrant Press. I recently came across this post by Joy Gendusa, CEO, PostcardMania and it inspired me to use the tips she offered to make a new postcard and share it with you today. For space’s sake today, I’m just showing you the front side of my postcard, but be sure to check out Joy’s full post here to see examples for both sides.I like to have postcards on hand when promoting my business. In the past I have mailed postcards directly to my customers, but in retrospect it’s not a very efficient way to gain a response from your customers. Why? people move and don’t always include a forwarding address!

What I have found works much better is to include postcards with each package I ship out. I like to cross promote both of my shops so whenever I’m packing up an InkSpot Workshop order, I include a Fire Hydrant Press postcard, and vice versa. If you don’t have 2 shops, reach out to your online friends and see if they’d like to do some cross postcard promoting with you, it’s fun!

Postcards in general are a great to have on hand since they are inexpensive you can have different postcards for different product lines, seasons or promotions. I have several at all times…
- a general all purpose postcard promoting the basics of my business
- a bounce back one, featuring a coupon code for a savings or discount to a customer who just made a purchase and hoping to offer them something to “bounce back” to my shop.
- a postcard featuring each season, for example Christmas, Back To School, Valentine’s Day, etc…

The list could go on forever, but I think you catch my drift, right? You can either design and print your own postcards or use a company like Moo.com or Vista Prints where you can upload your own design or choose from many templates they already have on hand. It’s super easy and fast.

Moo.com is also home to the Mini Moo cards shown below, which like many business owners I absolutely LOVE! Why? They’re like little, mini postcards and/or business cards. You can use these in place of postcards to tuck away into your customer’s packages, plus they’re small enough you can carry them around with you at all times. So often I run to the dog park or the grocery store with just my keys and my wallet and that’s always the time I end up running into people I want to tell about my businesses. With my little Mini Moo cards and card holder key chain from Moo.com I always have something on me to give them! Plus you can upload your own pictures of your products, up to 100 images can you believe that? That means you can have a different product pictured on each card!

And guess what?? Feel free to use the code I showed on my postcard above to get some goodies from InkSpot Workshop.

Thanks for reading today and Happy Marketing!!

great grandma’s sour cream apple pie + recipe cards

Saturday, December 18, 2010

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by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

Hello everyone! Today I want to share a super special family recipe with you, choc-full of “how to” photos and even a downloadable file for you to print. Also be on the lookout for a special discount promo code for all of you OMHG readers to enjoy at my shop. If your tummy is rumbling by the end of this post…..I’ve done my job well!

Today I am showing you how to make a “not so typical” apple pie and this tradition was handed down to me by my “not so typical” great grandmother Emma Geiger LaGorin. I was lucky enough to have my great grandmother alive and well until I was around 20 years old. I called her “great grandma on the farm” because…well… she lived on a farm of course! She was a first generation American, born of German immigrants who migrated to a very heavily German populated, rural area of Ohio, called Defiance (in the area of New Bavaria, Ohio). She grew up speaking German until WWII then everyone ceased speaking the language during those times. Grandma on the farm then married my great grandfather Albert, who was a first generation American, born of Swedish parents. Together they had 4 children (including my grandfather) and raised them all on the family farm. Without reservation I can tell you this bunch was seriously fed well.

By the time I came around there were no more animals on the farm, only crops. My grandfather would take me on the long drive from Cleveland to Defiance, a couple times a year and what educational car rides those were, even included smoking cigars together on a few occasions. I will forever treasure those rides, especially when I came to realize years later there was something called the Ohio Turnpike, which grandpa never took and cut the drive time in half! I grew up believing Ohio was huge and full of dirt roads only!

Each visit to grandma on the farm’s house would begin with a huge dinner, farmer’s wife style. When we arrived and walked through the back door, instantly you would be welcomed by the smell of her fresh baked Sour Cream Apple pie cooling in the pantry. I would rush through dinner just to get to this sweet, tangy, creamy pie! Till this day when I bake this pie I’m transported to grandma on the farm’s house.

It wouldn’t be until many years later that I would develop an interest in cooking, even obtain a culinary degree. Although I’m not really a baker, this is one pie I can’t seem to tire of. Sure wish I would have spent more years in the kitchen with grandma, but I think she tried to get all the baking out of the way before we arrived so we could spend 100% of our time visiting:) Which is exactly how we spent our visits. My grandfather told me she would make this pie with peaches in the Summer! Wow. As a young adult I started making this pie for Thanksgiving and now this holiday is not complete without great grandma’s Sour Cream Apple Pie but it is a perfect recipe to share during Christmas too.

Thanks for letting me go down memory lane with you today and share a recipe which is very near and dear to my heart. I hope this posting sparks a new tradition in your family for years to enjoy!

Gather All Ingredients aka, Mise en place.
A little culinary lingo for you:)

Fill your favorite pie pan, lined with your favorite crust, with enough cored, peeled and sliced apples (I prefer Granny Smith’s)

I’ve included a recipe for my favorite pie crust
Click here to download

Beat together eggs, sugar, salt, lemon juice then sour cream

Pour sour cream mixture over apples and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Then combine crumble topping, sprinkle over pie and bake at 350 degrees for another 35 minutes or until bubbly and yummy.

Your house should be smelling amazing by now.

Mmmmmm!

Hungry?
Click here to download your pretty recipe cards.

Special Deal for OMHG readers:

Receive $10.00 of all InkSpot Workshop orders until Jan 1st by using code OMHG at checkout.

Happy holidays!

Giveaway: InkSpot Workshop $100 gift certificate

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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This month, contributor Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop is offering a giveaway to showcase her new 2010 Holiday Line, like the gorgeous Mod Presents designs pictured above. Stacy has offered a $100 gift certificate to be used toward the purchase of any holiday item! Here is a taste of all the handmade goodies in question:

How adorable is this Retro Bike Collection?

Spread cheer to family and friends with the Christmas Lights Collection.

How to enter this giveaway:

Click on any of the pictures to explore InkSpot Workshop‘s Holiday Line and comment here with how you would spend your $100 gift certificate

Become a fan of InkSpot Workshop on Facebook . Then come back and leave a comment letting us know if you are a new fan or current fan.

Click here to follow InkSpot Workshop on Twitter or Tweet about this giveaway.

Subscribe to the InkSpot Workshop e-newsletter

This giveaway will close at midnight (EST) on Saturday November 21st and the winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on Sunday, November 22nd. By entering this contest you are agreeing to the OMHG giveaway policies.

I love the Mod Ornaments Collection-which is your favorite?

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! ANY COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 12PM ON SATURDAY WILL NOT BE APPROVED!

Envelope Lining Tutorial by InkSpot Workshop

Saturday, October 16, 2010

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by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

Hello everyone! I get tons of questions about how I line my envelopes. They range everywhere from…”do you use a machine?” to “where do you buy your liners?” Today’s post is where I hope to shed some light on the subject and most importantly inspire you to try your hand at a few. Although envelope lining is a labor of love, nothing makes your invitation or stationery set look more coordinated than this!

Step 1 – Make It Your Own
There’s nothing I enjoy more than making up a design for my envelope liners made to match a special element in my invitation or stationery design. I make my design on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper on my computer screen and also print that size. If you are not going to use a computer to make your own design, scrapbook paper or wrapping paper work like a charm. Since I use envelopes from Paper Source I purchased their Envelope Liner Template Kit and simply trace the template onto your sheet of paper. If you are using 8.5 x 11 paper and using an A2 liner like mine shown, you will need to overlap the 2 slightly in the middle and make sure you cut right in the center of where the two liners intersect. This will make the liner slightly narrower than the actual envelope, but it doesn’t show up at all.

Step 2 – Ready, Set, Cut & Glue
Next cut all of your liners with super sharp scissors and get your favorite Glue Runner ready to go. I do not like white glue as it puckers the paper, instead I am a Glue Runner loyalist and only use Ad Tech’s Permanent Bond Glue Runner, which can be purchased in just about any craft supplies department or online at Create For Less, which is where I purchase in bulk.

Step 3 – Anchors Aweigh
Now apply just a little strip of glue to the plain side of the paper, along the flat bottom portion of the liner, place liner inside of envelope and make sure the liner is placed exactly where you want it, not overlapping the gummed stripped for licking. When it is lined up as you’d like, press down to make sure the bottom of the liner is anchored to the bottom of the envelope. This little step will prevent slippage as you now get ready to glue the other half.

Step 4 – “V” is for Victory
Now that your liner is securely anchored inside your envelope and it is lined up perfectly, turn envelope over, lay printed side of liner on workspace and gently pull envelope flap back. Now with your glue runner apply a V shaped line of glue to your liner. Flip envelope over and press liner into envelope.
Step 5 – Crease Me
When envelope liner is securely stuck inside of your envelope, use your hands or a bone folder and fold the flap of the envelope to get a nice crease in your liner, which will help your envelope lay flat.

That’s it! Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. To see my Magnet Making Tutorial I did here on Oh My Handmade a few months ago, click here

Industry Expert FAQ: Top Questions Ask Before Starting A Home Based Craft Business

Saturday, September 18, 2010

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photo credit to http://www.workfromhomeuk.org.uk

by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop and friends

Hello Everyone! By the time you read this post I will be sunning myself on the lovely island of St. Martin (ahhhhh) don’t hate me, somebody has to do it:) While scanning my braincells to come up with a good post for you this month, it occurred to me there are probably a lot of you reading this who are right on the verge of jumping into their own home based business, right? I sure get a ton of emails each week from biz newbies asking me questions about all sorts of different topics, mainly regarding how to “start”. I’m always flattered to receive such inquiries and always respond thoughtfully and promptly. It is for this reason alone I reached out to some of my favorite, successful online “peeps” to see what types of advice they had for ladies looking to get started. I also thought it would be a good idea to put them into question format (like Jeopordy) and this post could be a little marker of sorts where you could get some straight forward FAQ’s and even some answers on starting a crafty, home based biz.

We all hope you find these Q+A’s to be helpful, thought provoking and most importantly the little shove you needed to get out there and hang your “Open” sign on your very own shop! If you already have a business, please feel free to leave a comment (in the form of a question of course) should you think of a helpful question you wished you would have asked when first starting out.

A big thank you to everyone listed below who gave us their two cents worth:)

Emily of Emily Ley Paper suggested you ask yourself…

1. What is my brand? Is it a true reflection of myself and my personality/personal style?
Strong brands are authentic and personal. They grow and change with the owner/designer/creator, but at their core, they are truly representative of the heart upon which they are based. As you develop your brand, consider every aspect of your business. Is your brand reflected in your aesthetic (website, packaging, logo, etc). Is your brand reflected in the way you work with people (emails, customer service, turnaround time, Etsy shop descriptions, etc). Making sure that you consider the smallest of details from the beginning is a great way to build a strong reputation even as you are just starting out.

2. Consider your business name – what does it say about your business? Does your business name explain what your business is all about? Are you using your own name to help brand yourself and let your customers get to know you? Or, are you using a name that you created yourself? Be certain, if this is the road that you’re taking that you search the TESS system (this can be found on the USPTO website here) as well as Google for any brands that may already be using your name. I highly suggest trademarking your name if you are using a “made-up” name. Choosing not to trademark basically gives the rights to your name to anyone else who decides to trademark it first. Naming a business can be very difficult. Many people start out, as I did, attempting to appear to be a big conglomerate – using words like “we” and “our” instead of “I” and “my.” Keep in mind that personal connections are so important. Many customers aren’t as impressed with the big business appeal as you might think.

Debra Buker of Yummy Delicious Cookies asked herself …
Do I have the desire or stamina to work late at night or early in the morning on my business while still being the main caregiver to my children? Using nap time to get work done is far too stressful. My answer to that was “NO” for the longest time. It’s only now that I have both kids in school that I am committing to my business.

Kate Landers of Kate Landers Events says her top 3 are…
1. Why am I doing this? Is this something I love to do, am passionate about, and want to make profitable?
2. Is there a market for my creation? Is it unique, original–who am I targeting, and how am I going to get the word out about my handmade products?
3. How do I register my business with the state and national government and how will I file taxes?

Lauren of Sunbasil Garden suggests asking…

1. Do I need to have everything “perfect” before starting my business? Your business is a work in progress, just like people. Do not allow perfection nto prevent you from trying and getting started. Everything online can be modified and changed, added and deleted (well except the name of your Etsy shop (should you choose the Etsy route) Some of the proudest soaps are my first ones because without them I would never be where I am now.

2. Is there a “secret” to easier printing shipping label methods? I wish I would have purchased my Dymo Printer on day one. I use it now to print all my shipping labels. It’s fast and never requires you to purchase ink, it is a huge time saver, inexpensive and very professional looking. Buy it sooner rather than later (plus you will label the entire house too, it’s very addictive!).

Jen of Posh Tots Events says most importantly…
How much is my time worth? Make sure you factor in time and not just supplies when determining price.

Tanya of Save The Date For Cupcakes lives by these three…

1. What is the market you wish to pursue?
2. Is there a demand for that market?
3. How can you market yourself differently than your competitors?

Vana of Le Papier Studio always suggests…
1. How will I finance my business? Will I get a loan or use personal savings?
From the get go I knew I wasn’t going to knock on anyones’ door to finance my business. I started small borrowing some money from my personal saving which I was able to pay back shortly

2. Is there order in my house? Will my current situation allow me to commit to growing this business?
I know this is something I struggle with even to this day but what I’m trying to say is you should have some sort of order in your house which will allow you to focus on the business. Chances are you have little ones, without any help around you wont be able to take your business to the next level.

3. Where do I go for advice on how to start, etc?
Surround yourself with people who have gone through this before and are willing to share what they learned when they started out. Do your research! Blogs, websites geared towards small business offering tips and free advice should be number 1 on your list. Connect connect connect! I cant stress this enough and check out books on small start ups from your local library.

Stacy of InkSpot Workshop tells everyone to ask…

1. Do I need a PO Box?

The answer is yes and no. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have your home address listed on items visible to the public eye, such as mailing labels, the internet, etc… this is the perfect place for your PO BOX. You will need a home address (for some applications) if you are getting a LLC or perhaps something else “official” but I would still try to use a PO Box when you can because all of those lists are sold and you may even find a picture of your house when you google your home address, not good when you have little ones! I do use my home address for my suppliers because it’s easier to get my deliveries at my house rather than dealing with the USPS. Try to deal with suppliers who keep their lists private, although there is no guarantee.

2. Do I really need a Blog, Twitter Account, Facebook Fanpage, etc.?Are you sure I can’t just have a booth at my local arts and crafts showcase or online shop?

My answer will always be YES! Social networking is everywhere like air and constantly increasing in usage and popularity. It’s not only a great way to connect with your customers and potential customers, it’s a great resource tool when looking for advice or info from your fellow craftsy, business owner peeps. Not to mention if you are not social networking, it’s a SURE bet your competition is! For more info on getting the word out visit this Oh My Handmade post on Social Networking 101.

3. Should I get a state sales and use tax certificate and pay sales taxes to my state?

More than likely my answer is always yes. I have a state of Georgia Sales and Use Tax ID certificate and I pay sales taxes to the state each month. My business is online so most of my sales occur outside of Georgia, so I don’t pay very much, more of a hassell than anything else. The main reason I have a tax certificate is to get wholesale prices from my suppliers that require such identification. It’s also the main way to get into the merchandise marts and large trade shows.

Thank you for reading!

Work + Life = A Fine Balance

Saturday, August 21, 2010

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PHOTO: courtesy of seeveeaar’s flickr photostream

by Stacy Altiery of Inkspot Workshop

Hello Everyone! This month I’d like to share with you a post I did on my blog last year about work life balance. I’m always getting asked, “how do you balance a day job, side business and family?” There really isn’t an easy answer, rather a different way to look at things that seems to make me feel better, and ultimately more “balanced”. I hope you enjoy this and are able to find a new perspective and some balance of your own.

Originally published as Balance, March 30, 2009

I’ve been ENLIGHTENED!

We all strive to achieve some form of balance every day. Regardless if we are working moms struggling to find a balance between work/family or single people struggling to find a balance between work/personal life, we are all on the same teeter totter of life together.

Recently I heard something that has changed the way I view “balance” and consequently it has taken a load of stress off of me and I hope by sharing this story you too will feel enlightened.

I was listening to a talk radio show and they had on a guest Psychologist. A caller asked the question about how to find balance in life and the answer was simply thought provoking (in my humble opinion). Not extremely unique, but just so simple and easy to grasp it made me wonder why I had not thought of it already.

The Doctor replied (and I’m paraphrasing) “You never really reach a state of balance because balance is not a state, it is a PROCESS.” He went on to tell a story about how he never thought he could ride his bike without using the handle bars, because every time he tried the bike would sway to one side or the other. He chalked this up to not having “balance” and figured he’d never be any good at it. Then one day he realized, wait! the actual process of shifting your weight back and forth from one side to the other IS how you balance!

Now everything is crystal clear to me. When I’m spending time with my son, I used to stress out about how I needed to be working. Then when I’m working, I feel tremendous guilt about not spending time with my family. Now I understand this is completely normal and the constant shifting of how, where, with whom and when you spend all of your time is actually the art of BALANCING.

Here are some great links about finding equilibrium:

Another real mommy telling her balancing story…

http://blog.amyatlas.com/2010/07/ask-amy-the-balancing-act/

A resourceful site for moms trying to do it all!

http://www.theproductivemom.com/

I hope this has helped- thanks for stopping by!

Giveaway: InkSpot Workshop Popsicle Notecards

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

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This week Stacy Altiery from InkSpot Workshop and Fire Hydrant Press has offered a set of 20 popsicle notecards for either a boy or a girl. Celebrate summer in style with these adorable personalized cards with matching lined envelopes.

ENTERING IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3

1. Go to InkSpot Workshop’s website and come back here and post your favorite item

2. Become a fan of InkSpot Workshop on Facebook by clicking here. Then come back and leave a comment letting us know if you are a new fan or current fan.

3. Click here to follow InkSpot Workshop on Twitter. Then come back and leave a comment letting us know you are following

4. Get extra entries by subscribing to OMHG, becoming a fan on Facebook or following OMHG on Twitter and posting separate comments here.

This is a global giveaway-residents from anywhere are welcome to enter. Giveaway winner will be selected using random.org at midnight (EST) Saturday, July 24. Entries received after midnight are void! By entering this contest you are agreeing to the OMHG giveaway policies.

Glass Magnet Tutorial

Thursday, April 22, 2010

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by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

Hello Everyone! Ready to get some sticky fingers? Well roll up your sleeves because we’re getting ready to make those cute glass magnets you see everywhere. Or, instead of gluing magnets to the backs of your tiles, try bails (the little things that allow your glass tile to hang from a chain), and make an adorable pendant. All supplies listed below can be found on Etsy.

(read more…)

Etsy 101

Thursday, March 25, 2010

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by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

When I started InkSpot Workshop two years ago, I was making stationery and invites for friends and family, but had never entertained the idea of starting my own craft business. That all changed when a good friend introduced me to Etsy. I was blown away with the quality and selection of handmade items available. It was like having all of my favorite vendors from my local craft shows under one roof and multiply that number by 1,000! I was instantly smitten.

Then I started to realize, “Hey, I can do this, too”. My creative juices instantly kicked in, and when I saw Etsy shops such as sarah + abraham, I got completely inspired. Within an hour, InkSpot Workshop was born. I’m not an expert on Etsy, but I’ve had an incredible amount of success selling on Etsy. In just two short years I’ve opened a second Etsy shop called Fire Hydrant Press and launched my own website in August of 2009. (read more…)

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