Walking Leaf Co.

A New Home!

2010-05-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Walking Leaf's Blog is growing up....sniffle, sniffle! Visit us at our new home, but pardon the dust...we're still fixing the place up! Hope to see you there!

It Never Rains...But it POURS!

2010-01-30T18:38:00.000-06:00

You know how the old saying goes, "I have good news, and bad news....which one do you want first?" It's been like that here today!

I got my very first EVER actual, real, bona fide order through my website today! Yay! Celebration! Except, it's for 8 oz. tins, which I don't have in stock at the moment, because I made a bunch of samples for the hubby to take to work and that was what I used for them since I only had a few left, I think 8 or so. Sigh. So, I placed an order with my local supplier to get some more, which I'll go pick up on Tuesday because I'll be off for my birthday. Thank goodness, a crisis averted!

So, sat down to do my taxes...and got a nasty surprise in that instead of the government owing me...I owe THEM. Not good....not good at all! I had plans for whatever tax refund I was going to get this year, but there goes that. And not only am I NOT getting the tax refund, but I have to PAY, too! I could live without getting a refund as long as I didn't owe the IRS anything, because that would mean I'm keeping my money in my pockets, instead of in the government's. Alas, it seems I'm keeping TOO much of my money in my pockets!

On top of all this, I am SICK as a DOG. I have some kind of crazy head cold, sinus thing going on and it's NOT fun. I feel like that big nose in the commercials, you know? And I'm talking like "dis." "Honey, bould you hand be de Kleenex, pwease?"

Yeah....it's been that kind of day. Really, it's been that kind of WEEK! I'm ready for a long hot soak in the tub, I'll tell you!

Project Management Guidebook

2010-01-26T20:28:00.001-06:00

In pursuit of getting organized and accomplishing my earlier post on setting up a marketing plan for my business this year, I was searching through folders on my computer to find printable calendars I can put in a binder. I'm a huge hoarder of downloadables, many from Microsoft's Office Templates site (which is GREAT, check it out!), but also from various other websites I've come across in my many searches on everything from home businesses to recipes. I ran across an interesting e-book I downloaded from Method123.com, called the Project Management Guidebook. While a lot of the information is specific to industrial projects, such as construction, I think there's plenty for the home-based crafter just starting out in business. I will definitely use it to help me think more objectively about my goals and how to reach them, and to think in a more linear pattern, something I have trouble with sometimes. There's a glossary at the end that outlines all the key terms in the book and it's laid out in an easy to read and understand fashion. Feel free to download it from my link, but please respect the author's distribution and copyright.

Have a great evening!

Fits and Spurts

2010-01-25T19:32:00.000-06:00

One of my resolutions for 2010 is to really work on building my business. I'd like to ultimately leave the rat race and work from home, become my own boss, the boss of me! In keeping with that goal, I've realized that I need a solid marketing plan, like a road map.....laid out in black and white.

I have a Twitter and a Facebook page for my business, as well as my website and this blog. My previous efforts have come in fits and spurts, whenever I had the time to post....or tweet....or visit my Facebook account. I've got to come up with a set of activities to perform at set intervals, goals to accomplish each week, so that I know what I'm doing, and when. I think it will help me to know what I hope the ultimate outcome will be for these efforts, too, so the first item on my To Do list is to write down my goals. From there, I'm going to formulate a plan to reach them. My wandering aimlessly days are over! Darn...and I liked them so well, too! It's off to the trenches for me!

A new installment of the review of "What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It" is coming, I promise. I had to set the book aside for a while to concentrate on other things. It's patiently waiting on my nightstand, and I will pick it up again soon. Since the subject matter dovetails nicely with this post, I'm thinking it's going to be sooner, rather than later, so stay tuned!

Have a good night, everyone!

41 Home Party Theme Ideas!

2010-01-18T17:49:00.003-06:00

I found this interesting article by Shelly Hill at e-oferte.com, and I must admit I have NO idea what the site is about. Nevertheless, the article is informative and has some GREAT ideas for themed home parties! Enjoy!

Direct Sales – 41 Home Party Theme Ideas!

If you are in Direct Sales, you have probably noticed how popular theme home parties have become. These days hosts are looking for something different. We have all been to those parties where a consultant just stands up there and shows you her business products, but these days, those type of parties are becoming less appealing. Hosts now want an interactive and fun theme party. I have compiled a list of some very popular theme ideas for you to consider the next time you are demonstrating a party for your Direct Sales home business.

1. Home Organization: These days, everyone is looking to downsize and to get better organized. If you are with a company that offers products that a customer can use to get better organized, then consider using this theme.
2. Couples Cooking Class: A lot of couples enjoy cooking, baking and grilling together. If you are with one of the Kitchen or Gourmet Food company’s this is a fun theme just for couples.
3. Men Only Cooking Class: I have found that a lot of men enjoy being in the kitchen. If you can find a male party host, this would be a great theme to do, so that they can invite all of their ‘male’ friends to the cooking class.
4. Girls Night In Slumber Party: This theme idea will work for most of the direct sales home businesses. Girls are always looking for a reason to get together.
5. Home Daycare Owners: Millions of women run daycares out of their home and they make excellent hosts. They know plenty of parents to invite to their party plus they can invite other local daycare providers. This is a great theme if you sell children’s products as daycare providers are always looking for new things for their daycares so why not let them earn some free products by hosting a home show.
6. Children Only, Gift Shopping Event: This is better done with Cash and Carry Products. Invite the children over to your home to shop for a Gift for Mom and Grandma. You can get cheap wrapping paper and some crafting supplies at the dollar store and have them make a Greeting Card too!
7. Treat Your Mom: You have the guests bring their mothers with them to the show. Have your host serve appetizers and beverages.
8. Mystery Hostess Open House: I always recommend that new Direct Sales Consultants start out by hostessing their very own open house event. Every guest who attends your open house and makes a purchase will be entered into a special drawing where they will be named the host (if they are the winner) and will earn all of the free hostess goodies and gifts.
9. Bridal Shower Party: If your host is getting married soon, consider turning the home show into a Bridal Shower. This works well if you are with a home decor company or a kitchen company.
10. Baby Shower Gathering: If you know someone who is expecting a baby and you sell baby and children’s products, this would be a really nice theme to incorporate into your home show line-up.
11. Partying For Charity: Have a party to raise money for charitable organizations or donate the free items that the hostess would earn to a womens shelter, low income family, etc.
12. Open House Weekend Cash and Carry: This is a great theme if you have a lot of product on hand, especially discontinued merchandise. I like to do these type of parties twice a year to just clean out my overstock. I always discount the products and make it a cash and carry weekend shopping event.
13. Best Friends Evening Out: (works best with bath and body products, candle, skincare and cosmetic products).
14. Quick and Easy Meals Taste Great: This theme works well for those who sell gourmet food products or if you are with a kitchen and food Direct Sales company.
15. Work Place Lunch Office Parties: (can also hold them at the workplace after work too!) Works great especially for the smaller privately owned businesses.
16. Sports Themed Tailgating Bash: If your host doesn’t mind asking her guests to each bring a food dish to the home show, try this theme around some of the big sporting events such as the NBA Playoffs, The Stanley Cup and The Super Bowl.
17. Movie and a Meal Night: Have your host provide the movie. Have the demonstration before the movie then let guests mingle, eat and watch the movie together while you finish up your party.
18. Ditch the Casual Wear and Bring out the Party Wear: If you are doing an all girls theme, try having them all dress up in their favorite dresses and gowns! What girl doesn’t love a reason to get dressed up?
19. The Good Old Days: Have guests dress up in 1960s and 1970s attire. Put the ‘groove’ back into partying! Dig out those bell bottom jeans and pointy collared shirts! Bring back Flower Power!
20. Italian Pizza Night: Have your host order a few pizzas. Have guests wear red, white and green which are the colors in the Italian National Flag.
21. Rainy Day, Kids Craft Day: (great for those in scrapbooking and paper crafts Direct Sales home businesses) Moms are always looking for things to keep kids busy on snowy and rainy days.
22. For Teachers Only: If your host is a teacher and you sell educational product for children, try hostessing a Teachers Only Party.
23. Sweet 16 Build Your Hope Chest Show: If you have a host who has a daughter who will be turning 16, you can try having this type of theme party if you sell home decor, houseware or kitchenware type of products.
24. Game Night for Guys and Party Night for Girls: This is great if you have a big enough home. Do it on a day that there is a big sporting event! All the guys in one room watching the game while the girls get together in another room.
25. Food On the Go: Works well if you are with one of the Kitchen Direct Sales Companys. Adults are always looking for ways to transport their food to work and back as well as packing school lunches for the kids.
26. Make Great Treats and Sweets for Bake Sales: Busy Moms are always looking for a way to make treats for all of those bake sales! Works really well with Parents of Elementary School Aged Children. You can contact the schools PTA and see if they would be interested in having you come to the school and doing this with the moms after one of their PTA meetings.
27. Moms on the Go Gym Show: Contact your local Fitness Gyms and see if you can come to the gym and do a show, set up a table or teach a class.
28. Beat the Clock: (these are fun to do on the days that we have time changes here in the USA) but you can do them any time. You can set it up that if guests order within 30 minutes of the party starting they get a 15% discount, at 45 minutes it drops down to 10%.
29. Auction Event with your Cash and Carry Products: A great way to unload all of your overstock merchandise and offer your customers a bargain at the same time.
30. A Cut Above the Rest: Great if you sell cutlery, food choppers, scissors or if you just sell stylish products.
31. Ice Cream Social: If you are holding a Ice Cream Social, make sure you have enough variety of ice cream toppings and ice cream available. Now who doesn’t love ice cream? This is a great theme during the Spring and Summer Months.
32. Kitchen Cooking and Household Solutions Party: If you are with company that offers kitchen products, household products and/or cleaning products, this might be a good theme for you to try out.
33. Pass the Catalog: Take a few catalogs and staple an order form to the backside. Have your host pass the catalog around at her church, workplace, meeting groups etc. Same concept as a catalog order party.
34. Community Work From Home Event: Use this more for recruiting, but you can also accept orders from those who attend your event. Part of growing your business is getting your business out in front of your community.
35. 5 Ingredients or Less: This would be appropriate for kitchen and food type of companies.
36. Moms on a Budget: During this type of home show you should only demo items that are $25 or less.
37. Multi-Consultant Neighborhood Event: Find other consultants who represent Non-Competing types of products in your community and hold one large event.
38. Adopt a Neighborhood Needy Family: Find a neighborhood family in need, (churches are great sources for this) and donate all of the freebie and 1/2 prices items that are earned during this event to the family.
39. Mans Best Friend: If you sell pet foods and supplies this is a great theme party for you.
40. New Moms Time Out Show: Invite all the new Mothers to attend your show. New moms need a break so giving them a few hours without the kids is something they look forward to.
41. Dieting Buddies: They say that losing weight is more successful if you have a dieting buddy. So if you sell gourmet foods, natural and healthy supplements, vitamins, or exercise equipment you can start a dieting buddies program.

Author: Shelly Hill
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Times

Book Review: What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It

2009-12-31T16:56:00.002-06:00

(by Chris Malta and Lisa Suttora, copyright 2006 by the McGraw-Hill Companies. eBay is a registered trademark of eBay, Inc.)

Really, I guess this will be a Chapter Review, since I'm not done with the first chapter yet! I just started this book a couple nights ago, and I've already learned something. I bought it hoping to get some information about market research and product selection. The whole book discusses developing a product line and product sourcing, but market research goes hand in hand with that. I've already gotten several good ideas, so I think this book will be a great resource for me, and one that I'll keep to refer back to when I need a refresher.

Chapter 1, Fundamentals of Product Selection, discusses myths and fundamentals of product selection. I'm hoping to bolster my skills in not only selecting products that consumers want to buy, but also in doing the necessary research and planning, so that I'm not at a loss when there's a trend shift.

You can pick up your own copy here, or try the local library. If you're looking to boost your skills in identifying your market and market research, trend predicting, product sourcing and similar topics, I recommend this book! Other chapters will discuss The Product Sourcing Mindset, Idea Hotspots, How to Find and Identify a Niche Market, Getting Legal, Wholesalers, and the pitfalls to avoid while you're chasing your dream products!

Have a SAFE and Happy New Year! I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be GREAT!

Layers!

2009-12-27T17:17:00.003-06:00

I practiced a little more with making layered soaps, and I think I did pretty well this time! I made more of the Dreamsicle that I used for the chunks I tried last time. I really like that fragrance, I'm going to have to make some candles with it! The three layers are a clear top that I colored orange, a semi-clear middle, also orange and the opaque bottom layer, which is of course -- orange! The batch made 6 soaps, but I've already wrapped the others, so this bar was the only one left unwrapped to show off.

Sorry for these awful pics, my camera didn't like the shiny surface of the soap! I'm going to make more again soon and I'll get my new "studio in a box" set up and use it for the pics, along with my "big" camera, they should come out much better. These were taking on my floor with my little point and shoot, the one I use to take pictures for my eBay listings. What do y'all think?

In other news, I'm getting close to opening a booth at the Plano Antique Mall. I'm going over there next week to inquire about what they have available. There's also a place here in Princeton that's advertising space for rent, I'm thinking about calling them to find out more. It looks like it might be more than I can handle right now, but I don't guess it hurts to ask, right? Wish me luck!

Quit Your Day Job....

2009-12-23T17:52:00.001-06:00

with Etsy!

I just read an excellent article from the NY Times about Etsy's Quit Your Day Job blog. I've had occasion to read the blog a few times, and I have to agree that it's a great resource for beginning Etsy sellers (like me!) and even for seasoned sellers who need a little boost of motivation to take them to the next level. Here's a link to the article, That Hobby Looks Like a Lot of Work. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did!

For more of Etsy's Quit Your Day Job, go here. And don't forget to check out all of Etsy's great communities and blogs here and here! There's really a wealth of information available.

While I'm plugging resources for crafters who want to start their own businesses selling their wares, let me also mention CraftsU, the new social and shopping site from James Dillehay. Sign up, it's free! Don't forget to "friend" Walking Leaf, I'll be looking for you!

Have fun, and everyone please have a safe and happy holiday!

Trying Something New!

2009-12-13T16:12:00.001-06:00

I have some "ooops!" leftovers from my soap experiments, which are perfectly GREAT, but not very aesthetically pleasing. I also have WAY more soap in my house than we're going to use over the next year, unless we suddenly become very OCD about our cleanliness. Hence, I'm trying something new by doing a giveaway! The soaps are Dreamsicle, a white soap chunks in a clear orange overpour, and Lavender, a solid very light lavender middle with star cutouts in a clear, purple overpour. They both smell wonderful, and like I said before, are perfectly good soaps, the only thing wrong with them is that they're cut crooked, or the chunks melted a little, or some similar slight flaw. I have 5 of them to give away, 3 Dreamsicle and 2 Lavender, who gets what will be at my discretion. Anyone who leaves a comment on my post will be considered, which means no anonymous comments! Only those with names will be put in the drawing. I'll put all the names in a hat, and draw randomly on Dec. 18th. I doubt the soaps will be there in time for Christmas, but I'm sure they'll get there before New Year's! Only US responses, please! Once winners are notified, you can contact me with your shipping info, and I'll put the soaps in the mail! Thanks everyone, and I hope you enjoy them!

James Dillehay at Craftmarketer

2009-12-12T12:13:00.001-06:00

I've been perusing craft blogs, sites, and other resources for making and selling handmade crafts lately. One website and newsletter that I ALWAYS enjoy is James Dillehay's Craftmarketer Newsletter. His topics always include great, timely information and even if he's not talking about a craft that's specific to me, I've never received a newsletter that didn't have SOME piece of useful information. Mr. Dillehay's website is craftmarketer.com, chock FULL of great articles and links to help any crafter develop his or her business. Definitely sign up for the newsletter, and while you're at the site, check out the back issues of newsletters, too. I just downloaded a special report from his website detailing some common myths of copyright infringement that promises to be a great read!

Mr. Dillehay also has a Twitter, and I believe a Facebook page, so check out those sites to network with him. You won't be sorry you did!

Happy Crafting, and Merry Christmas to all!

Gift Basket!

2009-10-27T20:34:00.001-05:00

I took some pics of the gift basket I made for donation to the auction to be held next week at TXPPA's Fall Conference. I think the basket came out very well! It has a 16 oz. soy candle, 16 oz. bath salts, an 8 oz. lotion, 2 small bars of soap (I didn't weigh them, so no idea how big they are!) and a wooden soap dish. What do you think? The scent I used was "Dreamsicle" and the house smelled really GOOD! I wish I had one of those cellophane bags to put the whole basket in, but I don't. It's just going on to the mailing box as is, packed with peanuts, and I hope everything makes it ok!

The studio setup is still not working very well, I'm going to have to think of something different there, not sure what yet.

In other news, I tried my first "chunk" soaps the other day! Obviously, I need to work on my technique, but it was really fun and I learned something! (Getting soap to layer is HARD!) I had leftovers from soaps I made for the gift basket, so that's what I used for the chunks. Then I overpoured with another layer of clear that I'd colored orange and scented with more of the Dreamsicle. I think next time I'm not going to try and embed the chunks in the clear, I'm just going to leave them on top, maybe with a small layer of the same soap, then put a layer of clear underneath. I'm thinking it will look like soap erupted from the top of the clear?

I got a new mold I'd ordered, it makes soap balls! When I get the order of clear I'm waiting for, I'm going to make colored soap balls to embed in it. I think the scent will be something fun.....maybe like Fuzzy Navel or something? Hmmmmm....

Well, everyone! I'm off to get the label printed for my gift basket box, then enjoy some TV before bed! Have a good night!

Well!

2009-10-25T21:02:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty proud of myself! I finished the gift basket, got to do a little soap project I'd been planning but didn't have all the supplies I needed for, and I had some soap left over from that, so I played around with making some "chunk" soap! That's still in progress, probably won't be finished until tomorrow....Oh! And I almost forgot, I sold the hubby's old phone on eBay, so yayyyy, more crafting supplies for me!

I promise to post some pictures of the gift basket before I pack it up to mail...will be some time this week. I didn't finish it in time last night to take pictures, and I didn't have time today. So, I'm hoping I'll get home early enough this week to take some before it's completely dark outside!

Happy crafting, everyone!

Plans Within Plans Within Plans

2009-10-23T11:52:00.000-05:00

Well, after much thought, I've decided I'm going to make some candles this weekend specifically so I can take pictures of them for my website! I had some pictures I took a few months ago, but they didn't come out as well as I'd like. Besides, I've recently changed all of my labeling so it will match my website, so I'll need new pics anyway. I also put together a new "studio" (really just a simple plastic box that I lined with white paper, I'm being frugal!), so I'm eager to try it out again. The pictures of the 4 oz. wickless candles on my website were taken with the studio set up in my front room, which gets a lot of sunlight anyway, plus I have some clip on lights, too. I think they're decent. I didn't have time to really play around with the white balance and repositioning the clip on lights, but I'll take more time with the candles.

In other news, I'm donating a gift basket to the TXPPA, a professional orgainzation I belong to, for the Fall Conference in Bryan/College Station. I'm planning to make a candle, soap, lotion, and maybe a salt or sugar scrub for the basket. I think that will be fun to do, and if I leave myself enough time, I promise to post some pics of it, too!

Be sure to stop by my eBay store: Walking Leaf on eBay, and check out the great deals! I'm planning to load up some more stuff this weekend as well, so check back often! The holidays are upon us, there's no better place than eBay!

Have a great weekend, everyone! I look forward to seeing you soon!

Calling All Bloggers!

2009-10-21T20:59:00.001-05:00

I'm very new to blogging, as you can probably tell! In an effort to make this blog more interesting (and generate more traffic, of course!) I'm inviting other bloggers to "guest post" here on Walking Leaf.

If you have a blog or website about crafting, handmade items, candles, bath and body crafts, secondhand shopping, recycling, eBaying, Etsy shopping, social networking for business, home based businesses, WAHMs, WAHDs, etc., feel free to submit an article to be published here! I reserve the right to accept or reject any submissions. You'll be given full credit for your original content. Link exchanging also available!

Thanks!

eBay!

2009-10-18T15:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I think I'm making real progress on getting eBay stuff done. Ok, not really, but leave me with my delusions, m'kay? Thanks!

I listed some 4 Oz. Soy Wickless Candles today, using my brand new, website matching auction template. I love it! I think it looks great, and the design is just FUN! Check it out and let me know what you think. Buy Handmade! 4 Oz. Soy Wickless Candle.

Brand, Spanking NEW!

2009-10-17T16:59:00.001-05:00

So, as you may or may not have noticed, Walking Leaf's blog got a brand new look recently! I have a couple of designers who own the absolutely GREAT design company, She and I Designs. Check out their work, because Cindy and Melissa are a delight to deal with and have just beautiful work to offer!

She and I Designs redid my website, Walking Leaf.com, my blog, my eBay store, Walking Leaf on eBay, my About Me page on eBay, About Me!, and my Twitter, Walking Leaf on Twitter. As you can see, everything matches beautifully! I even got some Outlook stationery, business and post card templates for use at Vistaprint, a new logo (she's very cute, I think!) and banners and buttons for linking. I am ECSTATIC with the work Melissa and Cindy did, and I'd HIGHLY recommend them.

Off to do some housework, not my favorite thing in the world, but someone has to do it! Have a wonderful weekend, all! See you soon!

New eBay Listings!

2009-10-04T14:13:00.002-05:00

Finally got off my bottom, or rather....not....but at least I'm doing something constructive while I'm on it, and listed stuff on eBay today!

My eBay sales tend to slack off in the summer, everyone's out doing stuff with the family while the days are long. I took a break in August and thought I was going to get back to it mid-September, but as you can see, I'm just listing stuff today, that didn't pan out!

I'm working toward updating my website, eBay store, Etsy store, Twitter page and this blog so that they'll all match, hence the getting my listings done! I like to include a little "thank you" free gift, too, usually a little soap sample or a soy melt. You never know what you might get tho, so take a chance!

Check out my listings, happy eBay'ing to everyone, WELCOME TO FALL (my favorite time of the year next to Christmas!) and welcome to Walking Leaf's blog!

Walking Leaf eBay Store!