Why is it that it that there always seems to be less time on a Bank Holiday weekend. Maybe it's because we try to pack too much in, trying to catch up on all those little jobs that have slipped over the weeks until there was a bit more time! Just about have time to squeeze in a
Handmade Monday post.
So, not much bag making going on at Handbags by Helen at the moment. Trying to tweak my new handmade handbags
website has been taking a lot of my time. It seems, in my enthusiasm to get it looking right with nice pictures, new logo etc., I kind-of forgot that I would have to have a way for people to pay. The site currently takes paypal - but I think I maybe need other options too for those who don't have a Paypal account. What do you think? How do you prefer to pay for your online purchases?
I've also been fiddling with the dark art that is Search Engine Optimisation. I'm not sure it's working terrribly well. But then I don't really know what i'm doing, so that's hardly surprising. But I have picked up a few tips over at the
UK Craft Blog.
But my main activity has been trying to design some new purses. I've been making these little zipper purses as useful bag charms.
I tried a few different designs - a Scottie dog, bird, butterfly, apple. But most of those have ended up being - erm - recycled! The only ones which I think will make it to my
shop are the heart and the footprint.
I have a few other shapes in mind which may work - and an idea for a Christmas tree version (mostly because I love this fabric. Apologies for using the c-word in August!). What do you think? Any suggestions for other interesting shapes?
And finally......
I should have predicted the comments on my last blog post, shouldn't I? Thank you for all your lovely, lovely comments. So, by popular demand, here is a piccie of the finished handmade wedding dress (you'll notice that the 1950's sewing pattern cover had a somewhat curvier model!)...
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| Me & my big bruva! |
Oh your dress look absolutely gorgeous. Lovely picture!
ReplyDeleteI really like your butterfly purse. I think it would sell. Very well if you use related fabric :)
ReplyDeleteThe footprint purse is lovely- I think they all look though. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeletePaypal should work just fine - people don't have to have a Paypal account to use it they can just use their usual credit/debit cards
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks great :)
I think Christmas tree versions would make great stocking fillers!
ReplyDeleteWhen buying online, I prefer to pay via paypal, but I know some people don't trust it that much so it might be best to offer both.
Claire
PayPal works fine for me. Occasionally people don't understand they can pay via PayPal without having a PayPal account, but the vast majority have accounts anyway, and the others are almost always ok once you explain.
ReplyDeleteThe charm purses are brilliant and clever. I like the pink heart best. If you were up for making a purse in two fabrics I think a cupcake would work really well, and they're always popular!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see your wedding dress, it is lovely.
I also like the butterfly one. Your dress is amazing. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteI also like the butterfly.... Wedding dress looks amazing. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteStyle never goes out of fashion. You have made a great wedding dress. I bet the charm purses will be very popular. Like the little cartoon, made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteI love your little purses!!! But I love the wedding dress more!! Simply Stunning xx
ReplyDeletei love your dress! sooooo pretty :)
ReplyDeleteyour idea for zipper purses as handbag charms is fab, i can see why it might be hard to find shapes that work but it seems worth persisting as the added practical element could make them really popular :) x
Fantastic dress! Love the purses, they are so witty... especially the foot. And don't worry about the C word, I have started already :)
ReplyDeleteWell done on your new makes and website, paypal is fine as they do not need an account to pay through paypal
ReplyDeleteI love the new little purses, and that Christmas tree fabric is great :-)
ReplyDeleteFirst, you look glorious in that dress! WOW what a great job you did and what a beautiful bride you were. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for paying, I will use Paypal but would always rather just use a credit card. I don't know any other methods for online purchases.
As for the little purses, LOVE the footprint. What about making a flip flop with that pattern? I KNOW those would sell like hotcakes in a US market (at least I think they would.
Love your dress and handbag charms
ReplyDeletelove your purses, especially that polka dot red heart, it definitely stands out!
ReplyDeletethe cartoon made me smile ha ha LOL
i love online shopping, esp crafts. i always prefer to pay through paypal - faster and safer :)
I really like the footprint one :D
ReplyDeleteYour purses are so cute and being different shapes rather than looking like a standar purse makes them quite eyecatching.
ReplyDelete