Techniques and Materials Tips, Questions & Answers

[NaturelMistik]

Post your questions about problems you are having, tips you have discovered, etc, here!

[NaturelMistik]

I have a question for those of you creating wood talking boards (Ouija style) - what do you use to varnish the surface so the planchette moves easily? I tried the two part epoxy but do not have a clean room environment to make it work. I looked into having glass cut to size, but that added too much cost and weight for shipping. Suggestions?

[Former_Member]

how about resin? and little felt pads on the planchette so it glides easier?

[MerlynsRealm]

Hi Naturel Mistik. I use a water based polyurethane. I give it quite a few layers (like 5-7) and I sand in between each layer. I add small wood 'feet' to the bottom of the planchette and then add felt to the bottom of the feet. This allows the planchette to glide effortlessly on the board.

[NaturelMistik]

Thank you both farida and Merlyn! I discovered (OK, finally noticed) the spray version of EnviroTex and will give that a go after my shows and the xmas season are over. Has anyone here ever used that?

Merlyn - I tried the felt feet, but they would not budge on the poured version of EnviroTex. Maybe the problem is the EnviroTex? What brand of polyurethane are you using? Also, do you make your own planchettes? (Your boards are gorgeous, BTW!)

[NaturelMistik]

Etsy revamped their seller handbook:

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/?ref=help_seller_handbook

[NaturelMistik]

Here are some photography tips:

For vintage sellers
https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/time-saving-photography-tips-for-vintage/22933942088

Small product photography
https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/6-tips-for-perfecting-small-product/22230318684

Smart phone photo tips
https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/top-tips-for-smartphone-photography/22642842100

Taking photos with models (video)
https://blog.etsy.com/en/2012/how-to-take-photos-using-models/

Mastering depth of field
https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/mastering-depth-of-field-techniques-for/22793892943

Improve your photos with color and lighting
https://blog.etsy.com/en/2010/uk-edition-photography-tips-with-heidiadnum-part-1/

Product photography for beginners
https://blog.etsy.com/en/2011/etsy-success-product-photography-for-beginners/

You have to purchase this one, but the Create & Thrive website is FULL of good information - go join if you can!
http://www.createandthrive.com/guides/product-photography

[NaturelMistik]

More goodness from Etsy:

Subject: Promoting Your Etsy Shop
When: Monday, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. ET
Where: https://www.etsy.com/community/online-labs
Who: Seller Education and YOU!
__________________________________________________

Promoting your business online and offline can help bring in new customers, but finding the right strategy can be tricky. That's why we’re sharing tips and tricks for promoting your shop in the Online Labs (https://www.etsy.com/community/online-labs) on July 27 at 11:30 a.m. ET. We are rebroadcasting this session due to popular demand.

This time around, we want you all to take on the Etsy Promotion Challenge! Before the Online Lab on July 27, try out a new promotional method. It could be as big as starting an Instagram account for your shop or as small as experimenting with a new type of tweet. Share your thoughts and questions in this thread or on Twitter with the hashtag #EtsySuccessChat.

PARTICIPATE:

Take a moment to reflect on your experience with the Etsy Promotion Challenge. What did you learn by mixing things up? In addition, think of your number one question about promoting your Etsy shop. Share your thoughts and questions in this thread.

The live chat will be available for anyone who would like to talk with us in real time. We'll be highlighting your responses and answering questions via Twitter from @EtsySuccess, our channel for tips and advice for running your shop. During the live stream, use the hashtag #EtsySuccessChat to ask questions.

REMEMBER:

There are no sign-ups or automatic reminders for this session, so be sure to mark your calendar. If you are unable to attend, we will be posting a link to the archived version of the video in this thread after it has aired. Please note that if you would like to participate in the live chat, it will be available only during the stream.

[NaturelMistik]

I can really get into number one ...

http://etsy-preneurship.com/7-ways-to-simplify-your-life-so-your-business-has-room-to-thrive/

[NaturelMistik]

Some good tips on getting your creative mojo back:

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/how-to-rekindle-your-creative-spark-in/27365563581

[NaturelMistik]

We have all heard this one before ...

http://www.creativehiveco.com/i-could-make-that/

[NaturelMistik]

Posting to keep thread current for team migration.