Sunday, January 31, 2010

Under the Dome.

I recently finished reading Stephen King's new book Under the Dome. Both my librarian and I were shocked about how large this book is - over 1,000 pages! But don't let the size intimidate you. I've read a lot of Stephen King's books, and this is one of the best...right up there with Lisey's Story and The Cell. (per my opinion)

It's about a small town in Maine that is suddenly covered underneath an impenetrable dome (and the break down of the entire town.) It was amazing, and he did a very good job with the details. At the end of the book in the author's note he mentions how he wanted to start this book back in the 80's but never felt he could write it the way it needed to be written. I'm glad that he finally wrote it - I think after all of his writing experience he wound up sharpening his skill just enough to compliment the story of this book quite nicely.

If you're a Stephen King fan and have not yet read it, what are you waiting for? I've seen it on sale in a lot of local stores, and it's free at the library.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Fresh. Bring it on 2010.

Another decade is upon us, and since it is only January thoughts of resolutions and goals still cloud our heads. I have one main goal this year, and that is to successfully run __1337 Art so I do not have to work at a day job for someone else. Here are a few things I am working on:

Simple is Good - I have some left over necklaces (including new cameos, lockets, and masculine pendants) from a craft show. They are all very simple designs with a pendant on either suede, copper chain, silver ball chain, or gunmetal chain. Sometimes simple is good, and all you want to is wear something simple. I will have a few installments of this miniature series, and once these necklaces are gone they may not be available as part of my regular inventory.

Clean Studio - I never thought I had so many beads and supplies until I spent a day organizing them and still have a few containers to go! A clean, organized workspace is important, and now that I see that my tables have a clear surface I now feel a little less overwhelmed and a little more inspired. Starting off a new decade with a clean space is totally worth it. If I were you I would do it now. (!)

Masculine Pieces - I have three necklaces designed with men in mind waiting to be finished, photographed, edited, written about, and listed. You should see these available within a week or so. I would like to focus on more necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, and other accessories for men this year.

You can also expect more frequent postings to my blog and email newsletter. If you are not yet signed up for that you can subscribe in the box in the right hand column of this page.

Are you on Facebook? __1337 Art sure is:
http://www.facebook.com/1337art

Thank you for reading,

-
Christina

Saturday, December 19, 2009

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.) How do I use a coupon code at your Etsy shop?


A.) Etsy.com is not set up to accept coupons automatically so there are a couple of ways to go around this. One thing you can do is contact me before placing your order with the items you would like to purchase and the coupon code you would like to redeem. Once I receive this request I would adjust the listings with the discount so you can then add them to your cart and proceed through checkout as normal. The other thing you can do is leave the coupon code in the note to seller box during checkout. Then you have the option to immediately pay with PayPal where I would refund the discount once I receive your order, or you can wait for me to send you a PayPal money request, which is an email from PayPal where you would have to log in to your PayPal account and authorize/conduct the payment.

If you are paying via check or money order and want to redeem a coupon just put the code in the note to seller box during checkout, and I will email you with your new total.

Q.) When are you going to get (insert item name here) back in stock?

A.) I am a one-person business so I do not have multiples of every item I make. If you have been waiting for something to become available in my Etsy or Artfire shops you can send me an email (support@1337art.net) to check availability. Most of the time I would be able to remake the item for you.

Q.) How can I contact you?

A.) You can email me at support@1337art.net or send a letter to:

1337 Art
P.O. Box 291
Vaughn, WA 98394-0291

Q.) I would like to be featured on your blog. What do I need to do?

A.) I appreciate your interest in being featured on my blog. You can send me an email letting me know how you are interested in being featured, (Etsy/Artfire Artisan Feature, Jewelry Box Feature, etc.) what items you offer, and your contact information. I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. Please be aware that I have the right to reject requests not suitable for my website.

Q.) What is "1337 Art?"

A.) It is an online acronym for "elite" where numbers can be used instead of letters (also known as 1337speak), such as:

1 = L
3 = E
7 = T

Other examples of 1337speak are:

lol = laugh out loud
thx = thanks
ttyl = talk to you later
rofl = rolling on floor laughing
hi2u = hello to you
31337 = elite
1337 = elite (slang)

For more information on 1337speak visit the Wiki article below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1337speak

Q.) What inspires you?

A.) It starts with a cup of coffee, and it can lead to a photograph, an emotion, colors, or textures. Sometimes I sit down with my beads and pendants and components and my pieces make them selves. Other times I find a new bead or pendant or material, and it starts telling me its story.

Q.) Do you offer coupons and discounts?

A.) Yes. You can occasionally find them advertised on my website and in my email newsletters. You can sign up for the __1337 Art newsletter by imputing your email address in the box in the right hand column.

Q.) Do you have a store front and/or sell locally in shops?

A.) At this time I only sell online in the following places:

http://www.1337art.etsy.com
http://www.1337art.artfire.com
http://www.zibbet.com/1337art

Q.) How often do you add new items?

A.) I have a full time day job so sometimes it's hard to find the time to create, make, design, photograph, list, write a description for, edit, price, package, etc. new items. My goal is to add at least one item a week, and I have high hopes that in early 2010 (if not sooner) I can reach my goal every week.

Q.) Do you accept custom orders?

A.) Yes, and you can check on the status of custom order requests on my website and shop announcements. There are times when custom orders are closed, such as around the holidays.

Q.) What payment methods do you accept?

A.) I currently accept PayPal, credit cards (via PayPal), checks, and money orders. I am working on adding Google Checkout in the near future.

Q.) How long does it take to receive an order?

A.) I do my best to package and ship orders as quickly as possible. For Domestic US orders the turnaround time is approximately 1 - 3 business days for an order to ship. For Canada and International orders the turnaround time is approximately up to 4 business days for an order to ship.

All packages are sent via the Postal Service standard shipping. Domestic orders take approximately 2 - 5 mailing days to be delivered. This is not a guaranteed time, and delivery can be delayed due to natural disasters and holidays. Canada and International orders take approximately 5 - 10 mailing days to be delivered. This is not a guaranteed time, and delivery can be delayed due to natural disasters, holidays, and Customs.

Q.) How do I place an order?

A1.) On Etsy: You need to register for an account. Please see this link for helpful information. Then you visit my shop: http://1337art.etsy.com and add the items you would like to purchase into the cart. Once you are done shopping you click on the cart link at the top left hand of the page. Once there you go through each step (shipping address, payment method, final review of items in your cart) then you click "commit to buy." Then you will need to click on the PayPal button, and you will be forwarded to PayPal where you will log in and submit payment. Once you submit payment, your order is placed and on its way to you!

A2.) On Artfire: You do not need to register for an account. Simply visit my shop: http://1337art.artfire.com and add the items you would like to purchase to your cart. Once you are finished shopping click on your shopping cart in the top right corner of the site. Once in your cart enter your shipping address and any applicable coupons. Then you click on "submit order" where you will be prompted to make your payment. You will be forwarded to PayPal where you would sign in and submit payment. Once the payment is submitted, your order is placed and on its way to you!

Have a question not covered in this FAQ? Please feel free to send an email to support@1337art.net

Saturday, November 28, 2009

2 Days Left for Custom Orders!

The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you are still looking for something special you have 2 more days to place a custom order with __1337 Art. You can take a look at some of my previous custom made jewelry and accessories here:

http://1337-art.deviantart.com/gallery/#Customs


If you have a budget or a general idea of what you would like please feel free to contact me via email at support@1337art.net I would love to work with you to create something special for the person you love.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working with you soon.

-
Christina
__1337 Art

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Turkey Cooking Directions: Falls off the Bones!

My husband is a great cook (he should be a pro chef) and I thought I'd share his little recipe on how to make a tender and juicy turkey this Thanksgiving.

12-25 pound Turkey (100% Thawed Turkey)

Temp. 375 (F)
Cook Time: 2-2.5 Hours (DO NOT OPEN EVEN ONCE!)
Don't Open Oven and Don't Open Foil for 2-2.5 Hours!!!
Keep Turkey Covered at least in TIGHT Aluminum Foil!!! NO Venting!

Ingredients (WHOLE) (No Stuffing Recipe)
Rinse out carcass and rinse outside of Turkey with water.

Salt (Cupped Handful) rub inside of the carcass.

Goal: Fill cavity!
1 or 2 Onions (Peeled)
2, 3, or 4 Apples

Gently rub butter under the skin of the turkey starting from the sides keeping the top and bottom of the skin attached, careful not to break the skin. Also rub outside of turkey with butter.

After 2-2.5 hours if the leg comes off or just the bone comes out and leaves the meat in tray then its done!

Broil to desired brown.

Cut, EAT!!!!

Warning meat may fall off the bone due to tenderness and juicy-ness ;)

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Holiday Shipping Schedule Deadlines

Holiday Deadline to receive your gifts by December 25th:

Africa/Central & South America Customers:
December 3rd

Canada Customers:
December 6th

International Customers:
December 6th

Domestic US Customers:
December 10th

All orders are mailed First Class via the United States Postal Service. Please contact me if you need to expedite your shipping method at an additional cost.

And remember that I offer Free World Wide Shipping for all orders over $25.00! Any shipping upgrades will be at an additional cost.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Monday Special!

***Free Gift with Purchase***

Receive a free pair of beaded hair pins with any size purchase. Just leave the code "freegiftblog" in the comments section during checkout. Colors will vary but feel free to specify a preferred color, and I will do my best to accommodate.

You can visit at my shops below:

http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.artfire.com

And remember that I offer Free World Wide Shipping for all orders over $25.00!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

10 Tips on Being Green this Holiday Season

1. Reuse old gift wrap/tissue paper or magazines and newspapers to wrap gifts.

2. Send email gift certificates instead of plastic gift cards if possible. Or give cash.

3. Bake holiday cookies and cakes instead of buying them to reduce packaging waste.

4. Send holiday emails instead of paper cards via snail mail. If you still want to send cards look for plantable cards - most are made with recycled paper, and they contain flower seeds so the card can be planted.

5. Throw a holiday get together with lots of friends and family to save on food costs, energy, water, electricity, etc.

6. Plan shopping trips to save on gas.

7. Use old jars as vases or for the ingredients of a cookie/cake recipe (just tie a tag with the recipe around the neck of the jar - makes a great gift!)

8. If you are buying someone an electronic device do some research and also provide them with a list of places where they can dispose of their old one.

9. Write gift lists, wish lists, to do lists, etc. on the back of old bills, scrap pieces of paper, even the newspaper instead of using a new clean sheet.

10. When mailing packages to friends and family out of state be sure to use envelopes and packaging materials that are recycled.


Do you have any tips you would like to share? Please feel free to leave a comment.

Thank you for reading,

-
Christina

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Poll Results: The Best Sale



















With the holidays quickly approaching it is time to start thinking about sales. They heavily influence where a customer makes their purchase. I conducted a brief poll of 211 participants with different "sale" options to see what was the most favored. Free shipping was the most popular with buy one get one free in a close second. Interesting results to keep in mind if you are a shop owner.

I recently started offering free global shipping for orders over $25 so it looks like I am heading in the right direction.

I hope these results are helpful to you, and be sure to check back next Tuesday for more poll results. If you have any suggestions for future poll results that you would like to see please feel free to leave a comment.

Thank you for reading,

-
Christina

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Poll Results: Shipping Turnaround Time















I conducted a survey with 168 participants regarding their desired turnaround times for their orders to be shipped. You can view the results in the above image, and below you can read some of their helpful comments:

"I understand that people don't always have time to ship immediately. So, the Tuesdays and Fridays option. (I'm used to 6 months long waits....)"


"I said other because usually artists have two jobs, a "regular" job and their artwork...if you balance out all of that and life in general, it comes down to when your next free day to go to the post office is :)

From a business stand point however, and given the way some customers can be absolutely horrible (if it arrives so much as one day later than what you said, they post nasty reviews all over the internet and tell their acquaintances not to buy from you, so on and so forth) I would say Tuesdays and Fridays."


"Well, a shipment asapc would be the best, and by ASAPC I mean "as soon as you possibly can", when you receive the payment etc.
If there is to be a delay, I'd like to know about it, I'd appreciate it!

I hope this was helpful :)"


"It depends if you pay for shipping. If shipping was free then i wouldn't mind waiting a week or two for it to be shipped, but if i had paid for shipping, especially if it was expensive, then i would expect it to be shipped the next day, or within a few days if it wasn't too expensive.
Hope i helped :)"

Thank you so much for reading. I hope these results were helpful to you. Be sure to check back next Tuesday for more poll results.

-
Christina

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