Earring Cards

In order to better display Homegrown Accents' earrings I use earring cards. In the past I have purchased them from a vendor on Etsy. Two days ago I ran out and needed more for a show in January. But when I went to reorder the vendor was on vacation. :( So I started searching the internet, I was shocked how easy it is to make my own.

What you need:
Image or Logo
Push Pin
Heavy Stock Business Cards
A Piece of Card Board

Using a downloaded Avery template (find the right template by using the Avery template number on the card box), insert your logo into the template boxes then print.  (I created background in Photoshop Elements.)  Once printed separate the cards, then use the push pin to poke holes for your earrings. To make it easier, I placed two stars where the holes should be. Also, when poking the holes, place the card on card board to prevent damage to your furniture.

In Stores

I am so excited! Homegrown Accents is now in stores!!!! Two local stores agreed to place select items in their store.  Both are in downtown Summerville, SC. So the biggest hurdle (getting through the door) is done, what's next?  Well, my next challenge will be to create enough unique jewelry to keep the store owners happy.  This is where I need some advise. As an artist you experience periods of non-creativity. When your there how do you find inspiration? 

Lost My Job

As with many small business owners Homegrown Accents is a part time career. Last week I lost my full time job, so until I find a new position HGAccents is becoming my full time job.  I have decided to use this time to be creative! I will be creating new products and leveraging social media a lot more. Wish me luck :)

How to post during the Holidays

We can all agree that social media increases sales. Posting to Facebook and Twitter often increases visibility and your chances of making a sale. While it sounds simple often times it is difficult to accomplish when your a small business. Especially, when your a one person show. So when the holidays approach and your spending time with family and friends the last thing on your mind is spending time posting to FB. This holiday season I am planning ahead. Using a post scheduling program called Hoot Suite I am able to preschedule my postings.  Allowing me to enjoy a family dinner while technology does my marketing.

Halloween Earrings

Normally, I do not make a lot of seasonal jewelry.  Until, now I have not seen a high demand for it.  This year though, it seems everyone is more festive from Easter to Halloween people are decorating and wearing themed costume jewelry.  So I decided to give it a shot and make five pairs of earrings for Halloween.  To my shock and excitement, they became a best seller.  All five sold!  Ok, this may sound crazy but I was over the moon.  And the best part? People keeping telling me how much they like them and how they went great for dressing up today.  Yippy!

Hmmm.... Which is better?

I have been trying to come up with a new recipe for handmade lotion.  The problem I am having is finding the right ingredients to give the lotion a long shelf life.  Of course, I could add chemicals but I want to keep it natural. 

So which is better using chemicals or having a short shelf life?

Girls Night In

In the Charleston, SC area and looking for something to do? How about a girls night?