You asked...

A little while ago, I asked if anyone had a question for me to leave a comment and I would answer it here!  I wanted to do this in vlog form, but until I can figure out how to get my oldschool webcam to work on Windows 7, we're stuck with text.

I was surprised at how many of you commented and emailed me about business related questions.  I've compiled them here and will attempt to answer them all for you though!

How tall are you?

I am about 5'8" - 5'9"!

What music do you find annoying?

Dance.  I'm sorry to those that love it, but seriously everything on the radio these days drives me insane. There is nothing original anymore that doesn't use autotune, and anything with a dance beat that reminds me of the year 2000 (or jersey shore... same deal) makes my head want to melt off. I'm a real band kind of gal ;)

What's your favorite 3 blogs?

Ah such a hard question! I will have to go with my girls here and say Story of My Life, the Just Lovely Things blog of course, and this isn't really a "blog" but I love reading Clients From Hell because I relate to the stories way too often and get a kick out of it haha.

How much would you recommend goes into advertising a handmade shop? I've found it can be VERY pricey and sometimes doesn't reap the rewards I'd hoped for. I had to stop almost all advertising because I was LOSING money to it. With that said, what blogs/sites ARE worth it for sponsoring?

This one is a little tricky because I am honestly still figuring it out for myself.  The best advice I can give you is to make sure you are advertising on sites/blogs that update regularly, and actually use their blogs as tools. What does that mean? Well... blogs that interact more with their readers and are active on other social networking sites are usually a good bet.  I have advertised on some blogs in the past and received zero traffic, and others that have contributed to a huge amount of my site stats.  The difference between the two is that one didn't involve their readers in any way (no facebook, no sponsor highlight posts, no sponsor giveaways... etc.), whereas the other has been a huge supporter of it's sponsors... pushing traffic to the advertiser's sites. Don't just go nuts and buy ad spots on a bunch of random websites without doing a bit of research first.

I'm wanting to open up an online shop during January since I just started selling my stuff at some holiday parties. I notice that you have an Etsy site and other site - and that your prices are a little less on Etsy. Do you recommend using two sites or what is your reasoning behind that? And what's the reasoning behind lower prices on Etsy?

My prices were actually a little more expensive on Etsy, not Storenvy. I just realized though that they probably seemed like they were less because my shop currency was in Canadian funds for a while (they are now back to US funds to keep things consistent).  I sometimes intentionally price things a little higher on Etsy because of the fees involved. Also, because I am trying to get people over to my other Storenvy shop for deals and better product selection. I have both shops up because I am slowly trying to transition over to the new Storenvy store and hopefully eliminate Etsy for good one day. It still helps to get that extra traffic to the Etsy shop though, because a lot of people still find me through there.

Where have most of you sales come from?

Etsy for sure since I've had that shop the longest.

If I'm wanting to open a shop, which site is better sales wise- etsy or storenvy? And what is the best way to go about advertising?

I really love Storenvy for its features but Etsy is still in the running for more sales. HOWEVER, since they made the recent changes to how people search for things, it's tougher to get noticed on there.  Storenvy is great if you have a following already and can push people to that site.  They also have an online marketplace search which has far far less shops than Etsy, so it's easier to get noticed in the crowd. On the other hand though, they are a less-popular website.  Basically, you can't really count on any storefront to make sales for you. You have to push your store out to people and do the advertising if you really want to see a return.  Don't expect any website to do your marketing for you.

For advertising -- I highly suggest getting a Facebook Page if you don't have one and getting really active on it. Facebook is the ultimate advertising tool and can work wonders for a shop.

How did you get the idea to create stuffed toys? do you feel an "attachment" to each one you create?

I was inspired by those retro/vintage plush from back in the day. I loved how they looked like they had a bit if history and were made by someone's own hands. I've always loved vintage deer (i have a little collection of them) so obviously that was the first animal I attempted to make!

I definitely feel an attachment to them!! There are some I create and honestly, it takes me a few days to even list them because I consider keeping them for myself haha.  When I start creating one with the thought that "this one is for someone else" though, I am usually able to detach myself from it ;)

Does your babe love your creations as much as you do?

Yes!  He is my biggest fan haha. He actually gives me ideas as well and is super excited when I actually make something he suggested. I show him everything I create, and he's always quick to say "that's my new favourite one!" <3

I'd like to know how you come up with your plush designs, and how you keep the creativity flowing!

It's really as simple as thinking of an animal or something to create. Once I have that in mind, I'll do a little google search to make sure I know what that animal really looks like haha.  I use real photos for reference and sketch out how a "Wonder Forest" version of that animal would look.  Then I create a pattern out of paper and get to it. Sometimes there is no pattern at all and I just start cutting. How I keep the creativity flowing? I take breaks. haha. Seriously, the best way to get your creative spark back is to take a break from what you're doing and let it "reload".

I know you are self-employed, and are an amazing designer/blogger/artist. How did you decide to become self-employed? What was your first step? Was it difficult? Do you find disciplining yourself to sit down and "do work" everyday to be easy? 

Thank you first of all :)
I have actually been self employed for.............  7-8 years?! It just really comes naturally to me, I don't know if I'll be any good at answering this question!  I used to work dumb retail and service jobs. I could always keep a job no problem, but I just hated working for other people. I am so much more of a leader than a follower. Taking orders from someone doesn't sit well with me at all.  I was working my last job in a lingerie store (I worked there for about 2 years) while I was doing web design work on the side.  I had been doing websites for a few years prior to that already. My business was already underway and it was just getting really really busy.  There just came a point when I was like "alright, I need to get out of this retail job... it's holding me back".  I knew that if I quit that job, I could dedicate my entire time to my growing business. So I did. You just have to take that leap sometimes if you know in your heart it's the right thing to do. Sure, I was scared at first, thinking "what if this doesn't work out??" but if you're dedicated enough to making it work out, then it will happen.

Funny story actually... D and I were talking not too long ago about the future, and what would happen if my business sank and I had no work. He was like "I'll just have to work harder, more hours, etc." and I said "Yeah and I might actually have to get a job".  He stared at me for a moment and was like "Oh yeahhhh... you COULD get a job!" as if that had just never even been an option or crossed our minds haha.  We are so used to things being this way, it's so strange to think about getting a job somewhere else.

I love what I do so I don't usually have to force myself to do it. Unless I'm just reaallllly not feeling creative. And those days do happen... and when they do, I take a break and do nothing. It's all I really can do, because if you try to force creativity it comes off as just that... forced. I'd much rather give someone a quality product than a forced one. 

Ok I think that's enough for your eyes today!! Hopefully I did alright with answering your questions!  Next time I'll try to make it a vlog if I can get this cam to work... but only if the questions require shorter answers hahaha. If you have any more, feel free to leave a comment and ask!