I'm
really looking forward to being a part of the 20th Annual Seaside Craft
Show this weekend (Sat 10-4, Sun 11-4) in Beach Meadows. Last year's show was
wonderful, and this year looks to be just as great!
This year, I'm excited that my friend Amanda of Little Scamp's Made by Hand Gifts will be there exhibiting her amazingly intricate handmade fishing flies, duct tape wallets and jewelry. Also, my brother-in-law Jason, owner/operator of Earthstone Engravers, will be there with his beautiful handcrafted stone products.
Come enjoy the local
crafts, the yummy foodies, and find a treasure for yourself or a
friend. There's something for everyone!
For more info, go to www.seasidecentre.ca
(My online shop will be closed during the weekend.)
New Shop & New Journal
Things have been hopping here. Besides binding, and preparing for an upcoming craftshow, I've been busily setting up my storefront over at Storenvy. I've finally completed it. Also, my domain lapaperie.ca is now referring visitors directly to my shop there. While I still have my Etsy shop open, I am gradually going to be phasing things out there, as I want my Storenvy shop to take center stage. Please take a peek and tell me what you think! :-)
I've also created a new journal, with "green thumbs" in mind. It's my Gardener's Journal - a terrific place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks. Perfect for the gardener in your life! I'm really happy with it, as it was inspired by my dear friends who love to dig in the earth.
I've also created a new journal, with "green thumbs" in mind. It's my Gardener's Journal - a terrific place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks. Perfect for the gardener in your life! I'm really happy with it, as it was inspired by my dear friends who love to dig in the earth.
Etsy's new rating system gets "zero stars"
...not only from me, but many others.
Etsy recently implented a new Shop Rating system, replacing it's former Feedback system (positive, neutral, negative). It is now strikingly similar to Ebay and Amazon's seller rating system, where you can rate your transaction experience with one ("disappointed"), two ("not a fan"), three ("it's okay"), four ("like it"), or five ("love it") stars.
I have been a member of Etsy since 2007. True, there have been many changes since then, both large and small... I have weathered and rolled with all them. However, this is the first time I have been disappointed by a change that Etsy has made, as it seems to strike at the very heart of what Etsy, as a handmade marketplace, stands for. I am VERY disappointed.
My shop has carried 100% feedback with almost 2200 sales and 1042 positive feedback (equivalent to 5/5 stars). But as many have already pointed out, it is VERY rare that someone leaves a five-star rating, no matter how good the service/product... and yet, I feel that potential buyers will misconstrue a 4-star shop with less than acceptable service or products, as many do on Ebay and Amazon. I much prefer the old feedback setting, where you could either leave positive, neutral, negative feedback... none of this wishy-washy stuff that can be misconstrued by potential customers.
The so-called "new and improved" feedback system is not fair to either the seller or the buyer. It strips the positive feedback that our customers have worked so hard for (and also many Etsy shop keepers who are also buyers on Etsy!). As well, it removes our right as sellers to defend ourselves against unfair feedback, should that ever occur. For the majority of sellers on Etsy, the closest connection we have to the customer is being able to leave glowing feedback for them, and vice versa. That is being withdrawn from us with this new system.
There is a discussion on the Etsy forum about this new rating system. I appreciated what this individual had to say:
Well said!
If you haven't already guessed, I am averse to this new rating system in every way. If Etsy doesn't change it, I am actually considering looking for another venue to sell my items. I have heard many shop owners have already closed their shops or put them in 'vacation mode' hoping Etsy will do something, in the meantime.
Etsy recently implented a new Shop Rating system, replacing it's former Feedback system (positive, neutral, negative). It is now strikingly similar to Ebay and Amazon's seller rating system, where you can rate your transaction experience with one ("disappointed"), two ("not a fan"), three ("it's okay"), four ("like it"), or five ("love it") stars.
I have been a member of Etsy since 2007. True, there have been many changes since then, both large and small... I have weathered and rolled with all them. However, this is the first time I have been disappointed by a change that Etsy has made, as it seems to strike at the very heart of what Etsy, as a handmade marketplace, stands for. I am VERY disappointed.
My shop has carried 100% feedback with almost 2200 sales and 1042 positive feedback (equivalent to 5/5 stars). But as many have already pointed out, it is VERY rare that someone leaves a five-star rating, no matter how good the service/product... and yet, I feel that potential buyers will misconstrue a 4-star shop with less than acceptable service or products, as many do on Ebay and Amazon. I much prefer the old feedback setting, where you could either leave positive, neutral, negative feedback... none of this wishy-washy stuff that can be misconstrued by potential customers.
The so-called "new and improved" feedback system is not fair to either the seller or the buyer. It strips the positive feedback that our customers have worked so hard for (and also many Etsy shop keepers who are also buyers on Etsy!). As well, it removes our right as sellers to defend ourselves against unfair feedback, should that ever occur. For the majority of sellers on Etsy, the closest connection we have to the customer is being able to leave glowing feedback for them, and vice versa. That is being withdrawn from us with this new system.
There is a discussion on the Etsy forum about this new rating system. I appreciated what this individual had to say:
"What a mess!! So most buyers will leave 3 & 4 star ratings which buyers think are absolutely reasonable even if the seller gives discounts, free shipping and gifts. This was proven on Ebay to the point where for example, they had to force 5 stars to be automatic if free shipping was built into the listing.
A few buyers will use the feedback leverage to blackmail sellers into giving whatever their creative little hearts will deem appropriate to prevent poor ratings. It only takes a few of those to knock out a seller's reputation.
Sellers become anxious, annoyed, insulted, defensive.......
Buyers can't understand why sellers don't seem to be as flexible, generous or responsive as they used to be....buyers become anxious, annoyed, insulted, defensive.......
All evaluations are highly subjective, personal, emotional, critical, manipulative.......
Comments help with self reflection.....but with anything less than 5 stars those stars become weapons and will be felt that way by sellers and used as such by buyers.
Admin. keeps asking that we give it a chance. I would suggest that thousands of Etsy's sellers are very experienced in the ways of selling their products online. I personally have over 10 years of selling on Ebay and Etsy. When I see a car coming at me on the road I know to step out of the way. For Admin. to say just stand there and see what happens sounds very foolish to me."
Well said!
If you haven't already guessed, I am averse to this new rating system in every way. If Etsy doesn't change it, I am actually considering looking for another venue to sell my items. I have heard many shop owners have already closed their shops or put them in 'vacation mode' hoping Etsy will do something, in the meantime.
DaWanda
Hi folks! It's been a while since I've last posted. Not much has changed. Still creating new journals for you, and looking for inspiring quotes here and there to incorporate in my books.
Also, I've opened up a small shop here at DaWanda. Please visit, if you have a chance, and show it some love by clicking on "Add to Favourite Shops" or sharing the link via social network (the sharing links are small images at the bottom right hand corner of my shop's page).
Though I don't have much listed yet, my shop at DaWanda will feature ALL 'made-to-order' journals, whereas all my ready-made journals and made-to-order options will still be available over at my Etsy shop.
DaWanda is set up similar to Etsy, featuring artisan/handmade items along with some supplies and vintage items. Though it caters more to the European market (it functions on a German platform), it's available to customers and sellers worldwide.
While I love Etsy, it has become very popular and so many are selling there now. As a result, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle, so to speak. I thought it would be nice to offer my journals in a different setting.
Also, I've opened up a small shop here at DaWanda. Please visit, if you have a chance, and show it some love by clicking on "Add to Favourite Shops" or sharing the link via social network (the sharing links are small images at the bottom right hand corner of my shop's page).
Though I don't have much listed yet, my shop at DaWanda will feature ALL 'made-to-order' journals, whereas all my ready-made journals and made-to-order options will still be available over at my Etsy shop.
DaWanda is set up similar to Etsy, featuring artisan/handmade items along with some supplies and vintage items. Though it caters more to the European market (it functions on a German platform), it's available to customers and sellers worldwide.
While I love Etsy, it has become very popular and so many are selling there now. As a result, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle, so to speak. I thought it would be nice to offer my journals in a different setting.
The Shark Riddle
Best Children's Program ~ International Wildlife Film Festival
Best Children's Program ~ Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival
Best Educational Short ~ International Family Film Festival
You can watch the trailer of the dvd on their site (you can see some shots of the journal in it too). The producers kindly sent me a copy of it, and I watched it in its entirety today - it's absolutely terrific! I was so thrilled to be a small part of it all.
Melvin’s Pick of the Day
Hey! La Paperie & Cozy Handmade Journals is "Melvin’s Pick of the Day" over at Mom's Basement. :-)
My Sherlock Holmes inspired journal is featured in the post.
Please Stop by and leave a comment or two on the post!
My Sherlock Holmes inspired journal is featured in the post.
Mom's Basement is both a blog and community for awesome geeks like yourself. Everyone has a little geek in them right? With giveaways every two weeks it's easy being geeky.
Summertime at La Paperie & Cozy
Summer is in full swing!
Things have really been hopping at the bindery. I've introduced four new quote pages to my inventory... I think my personal favourite out of all of them is the Henry Van Dyke quote (see journal at the bottom).
I have also been working on some buttons for my journals. Here is the latest batch; I'm very pleased with how they turned out! :)
Things have really been hopping at the bindery. I've introduced four new quote pages to my inventory... I think my personal favourite out of all of them is the Henry Van Dyke quote (see journal at the bottom).
I have also been working on some buttons for my journals. Here is the latest batch; I'm very pleased with how they turned out! :)
Handmade Mode interview
I was honoured to be asked for an interview featured in Handmade Mode's first ever issue, published on Thursday, June 7th!
Handmade Mode: Living the Handmade Life is an an online e-zine for all things handmade, created by the talented ceramicist Sandra Marie Rosa of Portugal. It features artisans and their unique art from all over the world... people offering themselves through their work.
Click the image below to read the first ever edition of Handmade Mode. (My interview starts on page 9.)
Handmade Mode: Living the Handmade Life is an an online e-zine for all things handmade, created by the talented ceramicist Sandra Marie Rosa of Portugal. It features artisans and their unique art from all over the world... people offering themselves through their work.
Click the image below to read the first ever edition of Handmade Mode. (My interview starts on page 9.)
“What on earth would I do with a journal?”
What on earth would I do with a journal? Oh to have a penny for every time I've heard that, when the topic of journaling comes up! Does it take an inflated ego and a lot of spare time to journal? In my humble opinion, no. One can take great joy in writing about the "every day"…little things that can make life special. In only a few minutes a day you can record day to day events, what you ate for lunch, what movie you saw, what book you're reading – looking back on it can be a very enjoyable and enlightening experience! I'm particularly referring to tangible journals, bound books that you record your thoughts and life events in.
So do you have a blank book lying around? Don't know what to do with it? Well, here are some ideas to put that blank book to good use... let's start with the most obvious one:
Daily Diary – Chronicle daily thoughts and events; they're such fun to look back on. Things may seem boring and uninteresting now, but it's neat to look back on what you've written in a few years time to see how much has changed (and how much as stayed the same). Keep it in your bag to jot down things as the inspiration moves you. But what if you're not a daily record keeper?...
Recipe Book – A special place to keep treasured family recipes and 'foodie goodness', for generations to come
Photo Journal – Paste in photos that inspire you and/or are important to you, and write about them.
Family History/Genealogy – Turn a journal into a treasured family heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next.
Gratitude journal – Every day, write about things for which you are grateful...even just one thing, daily. Gratitude journals are used by individuals who wish to focus their attention on the positive things in their lives.
Book Log – Write about the books you're reading; discuss plot lines, characters. Praise the good reads and have fun throwing figurative tomatoes at the literary catastrophes!
Baby Book – A place to record baby’s firsts. Makes a beautiful family keepsake.
Friend Journal – Do you have a far away sweetheart, friend or loved one? Why not add your notes to each other to a journal instead of on a piece of paper, and send it to your friend…have them fill out their pages, and send it back…and do so continuously until the book is completed. By the time you're finished, you have a lovely bound collection of your correspondence with each other. (I wish I would have thought of this when hubby and I were dating, long distance!)
Guestbook – A book where friends/family write their name along with some fun notes about their time visiting with you; or of course a wedding or anniversary guestbook too!
Sketchbook – Self explanatory. Many enjoy doing a "sketch a day"… a journal’s a great place for that!
Travel Journal – Whether it be a short jaunt, day trip, or world excursion, write about it and include photos, ticket stubs, maps, etc… you'll cherish the memories and experience for years to come!
Gardener’s Journal – Everyone enjoys the rewards of a good harvest, but the careful planning of the garden and the satisfaction of watching each plant progress, are special joys savored by the gardener alone! A garden journal would be a great place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks.
Wine Journal – What vintage? Was it a good year? Red, white, rose? Desert wine? What was it best paired with? Write it all down in your wine journal!
Bird Watcher Journal – What sort of bird was that? Write it down in a journal.
Fitness Journal – Whether your training for the next marathon, charting weight loss and exercise, or keeping a food log, this is a great way to keep on track and chart your progress!
Taking Notes – Meetings, conventions, or kept in your case/purse to jot down just about anything
Dream Diary – To be kept on your nightstand as a place to track your 'interesting' dreams!
Poetry/Quote Book – A place to collect poems or quotes you enjoy, or write your own.
Other Ideas – Film/movie log, pregnancy journal, small scrapbook, calligraphy book, ship's log
Photo Journal – Paste in photos that inspire you and/or are important to you, and write about them.
Family History/Genealogy – Turn a journal into a treasured family heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next.
Gratitude journal – Every day, write about things for which you are grateful...even just one thing, daily. Gratitude journals are used by individuals who wish to focus their attention on the positive things in their lives.
Book Log – Write about the books you're reading; discuss plot lines, characters. Praise the good reads and have fun throwing figurative tomatoes at the literary catastrophes!
Baby Book – A place to record baby’s firsts. Makes a beautiful family keepsake.
Friend Journal – Do you have a far away sweetheart, friend or loved one? Why not add your notes to each other to a journal instead of on a piece of paper, and send it to your friend…have them fill out their pages, and send it back…and do so continuously until the book is completed. By the time you're finished, you have a lovely bound collection of your correspondence with each other. (I wish I would have thought of this when hubby and I were dating, long distance!)Guestbook – A book where friends/family write their name along with some fun notes about their time visiting with you; or of course a wedding or anniversary guestbook too!
Sketchbook – Self explanatory. Many enjoy doing a "sketch a day"… a journal’s a great place for that!
Travel Journal – Whether it be a short jaunt, day trip, or world excursion, write about it and include photos, ticket stubs, maps, etc… you'll cherish the memories and experience for years to come!
Gardener’s Journal – Everyone enjoys the rewards of a good harvest, but the careful planning of the garden and the satisfaction of watching each plant progress, are special joys savored by the gardener alone! A garden journal would be a great place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks.
Wine Journal – What vintage? Was it a good year? Red, white, rose? Desert wine? What was it best paired with? Write it all down in your wine journal!
Bird Watcher Journal – What sort of bird was that? Write it down in a journal.
Fitness Journal – Whether your training for the next marathon, charting weight loss and exercise, or keeping a food log, this is a great way to keep on track and chart your progress!
Taking Notes – Meetings, conventions, or kept in your case/purse to jot down just about anything
Dream Diary – To be kept on your nightstand as a place to track your 'interesting' dreams!
Poetry/Quote Book – A place to collect poems or quotes you enjoy, or write your own.
Other Ideas – Film/movie log, pregnancy journal, small scrapbook, calligraphy book, ship's log
-Beverly Wong-Kleinjan, bookbinder
Shop: lapaperie.ca
soap n' stuff
It's funny... for the longest time I've avoided making soap due to the messy monotony of the process. I remember the last time I made it, which was back in 2009. I was busy with my bookbinding and loving it, and the soap (which I was also selling at the time) just seemed like a chore. The final product is fun and absolutely lovely, but getting there was horrendously boring and I hated it. So I just STOPPED making soap, even though I had some supplies left over.
Fast forward to today - well, actually 2 days ago. I made my first batches of soap in three years and I'm amazed to say that I enjoyed it. Perhaps it's due to my current state of mind. It's actually the methodical monotony that I've recently found soothing and somewhat therapeutic. Perhaps like puzzle-making - which I personal find soothing - it's a way for my mind to heal itself somewhat (still dealing with the loss of my Mom).
I made 5 small batches all together:
- Lavender & Oatmeal
- Juniper Berry & Clary Sage
- Sweet Orange with orange peel
- Coconut
- Honey Almond & Oatmeal
I'm planning two more batches, perhaps this weekend: Coconut Lime and Eucalyptus & Lemon with lemon rind. That will use up most of my supplies. Then I'll take a bit of a break from soap-making again... another 3 years? 3 weeks? Who knows. heh.
While I won't be getting back into selling soap (sorry, you soap lovers) - this will definitely restock our own personal supply and keep hubby and I smellin' okay for a while. :)
It was nice to switch gears for a little while and break out of the old routine for a bit.
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