Friday, December 12, 2008

Input Requested

This morning, my mind is aflutter with ideas, thoughts and questions about this endeavor. And, I hope you will share your opinion as I plan what the next step is!

Some thoughts:

~ Shipping just about knocked me out during this last sale. I would go to the post office twice for each package and this accumulated to LOTS of trips since payments did not come in steadily but in trickles. Any suggestions?

Here are my dilemma's on shipping:
- I want to keep it low.
- I want to charge you only what it costs.
- I have three small children and all these trips to the post office are time consuming and difficult.
- I have no way of knowing which combination of items any one person will buy - which makes it hard to calculate in advance.
- Would a flat rate shipping based on amount be appropriate?

~ Format: a few of you mentioned that scrolling through the list of items was tedious. Would it be easier for me to set this up on etsy and have a gallery of pix you could click on and look at? The advantage to etsy for me is that it would not require a separate step in billing - what do you think?

~ Billing: This time around, I sent out invoices in Pay Pal or accepted checks through the mail. This worked out fine, it was a bit labor intensive, but again if I move it all over to etsy - that will be taken care of. I am pretty sure I can still accept checks that way as well. Thoughts?

Other constructive comments or advice? Thanks - I have started my stash of goodies for the next sale already and am looking forward to working on those things and fixing them up for you!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Thanks!

A big huge thank you to everyone who made yesterday such a big success for the first day of The Rusty Robin!!

Due to the unique nature of these items (thrift store finds revamped!) I am not able to recreate many of them easily!

However, there were lots of extra requests for the wool dryer balls and the Names of Jesus garlands. These two I can do easily.

I do not have any more of the little tins that the garlands were in (thrift store find) but would happily make more garlands for a reduced price.

Wool Dryer Balls: $3 each
Names of Jesus garlands: $6 each

Thank you again for your wonderful support and encouragement!!

UPDATE: Again, thanks for all the wonderful orders! I am going to close orders until I can get caught up on the ones I already have! Thank you!!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Welcome!

Welcome to the first "Open House" of The Rusty Robin! I hope you will enjoy perusing the works of my hands ~ please come in! Wish I could pour you a cup of steaming cider and hand you a homemade Christmas cookie!

Here's how we'll do this: each item is numbered so just leave a comment letting me know the item you want to purchase. I will calculate shipping based on your zip code and which items you are interested in. This way, I can group items together. I promise to charge you only the cost that is charged me and to send it as economically as possible unless you specify that you want quicker shipping.

I'll send you an e-mail letting you know you were the first to purchase the item and then get your mailing info. Please make sure to leave an e-mail address so that I have a way to contact you!

Also note: comment moderation has been enabled, so don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away - I will still have them in the order they were received on my e-mail! Thank you!!

Thanks for looking!

1 & 2: Cheery Holly Apron
Red and white stripes are cheery to start with! But when paired with green and white gingham and a felt Holly pin - the cheer is contagious! Machine wash and dry ~ please remove holly pin before laundering! Apron is 20 inches in length and ties are each 40 inches long.

Two available SOLD!

$12 each

* * * * *

3 & 4: Vintage Canning Jar Lid Ornament
Zinc canning jar lid is tied with a sage and brown ribbon adorned with a cinnamon snowflake. Face of lid is decorated with paper and felt and says,
"Have yourself a cozy little Christmas with the ones you love!"

$4 each; 2 available SOLD!

* * * * *
5: Candle light on a pedestal.
Black candle pedestal boasts a milk glass vase with votive inside! I love this so much! A toile fabric bow ties together the black and white! Votive holder and candle included.
Stands 12.5 inches tall total.

$8 SOLD!

* * * * *

6: Stripey Scarf & Pin
Fun and cheery colors make up this scarf! A button pin adorns or holds scarf in place! Machine wash and dry. Scarf is approximately 60 inches long.

$8 SOLD!

* * * * *

7 & 8: Vintage Juice Glass Candle Holders
Vintage juice glasses measuring 3 inches in height are all decked out for the season! Each glass has brown and white gingham and white ric rac trim printed on them. Each has been decorated with paper and ribbon to express the joy of the season. Notice the corresponding numbers to the appropriate wording on each one. Unscented tea light candle included.
** Note: The Merry Christmas candle lights shown were given as prizes to the name winners ~ so are not available. **

7: JOY!
8: Cozy Christmas!

$3 each or 2/$5 SOLD!

* * * * *
9, 10 & 11: Names of Jesus Garland in Tin
Patterned papers are topped with names of Jesus and laminated. All circles are tied to a ribbon creating a wonderful garland praising the One we celebrate at Christmas! Nine circles in all saying: Oh, come, let us adore Him; Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace; Jesus; Emmanuel; Son of the Most High; Glory to God in the highest.
Garland measures approximately 60 inches in length and has loops at each end for hanging.

Each garland comes in a round paisley green and pink tin. Ribbon may vary.

$8 each; three available
SOLD!

* * * * *
12: Cheese Grater Lantern
An old cheese grater is sprayed brown and remade into a cute lantern! Fabric "doily", votive holder and votive candle are all included.

$4 SOLD!

* * * * *
13: Mint Hot Cocoa
Vintage milk glass sugar shaker is filled with mint hot cocoa mix ready to stir up! Includes peppermint sticks for stirring and directions for mixing. Shaker is 5 1/2 inches tall.
A fun little gift!

$4 SOLD!

* * * * *

14: Gift Tin with goodies
Metal pot painted brown with black handles is filled with treats to share! A white dishtowel accented with red and white gingham; peppermint sticks; chai and an apple cinnamon candle in votive holder. A fabric bow and gift tag complete the gift that is ready to give! Pot is about 3 1/2 inches tall and 7 inches across.

$6 SOLD!

* * * * *
15 & 16: Candy Cane Ornaments

Canvas is sewn into candy cane shapes and hand painted, stuffed and glittered. A twine hanger makes it a cute ornament for your tree. Ornament is approximately six inches high.

$3 each; two available SOLD!

* * * * *
17: Mini Candy Cane

Same as the candy cane ornament, but I forgot to sew a hanger on! Would look so cute just nestled in your tree or accenting another spot in your home!

$3; one available

* * * * *

18 - 21 Medium Candy Canes:

Same as ornaments, but candy cane pillows! Medium candy canes are approximately 12 inches high.

$5 each; two available

* * * * *

22 & 23 Large Candy Canes:
Same as all candy canes above, except approximately 18 inches high.

$7 each; two available SOLD!

* * * * *

24: Noel sign
Cabinet door is transformed into a Christmas declaration! Black 'Noel' is on a red and white background with red and black ribbon accent. A silver snowflake finishes off the top!
Metal hangers on back for hanging. Sign is approximately 12 x 17 inches.

$8 SOLD!

* * * * *

25-30: Wool Dryer Balls
Use in place of fabric softener - I've been using mine for several months and love this frugal option!

$3 each; six available SOLD!

* * * * *

31: Small jeweled frame

This small frame is covered in fabric and then decorated with beads and a jewel top. I included a verse inside, but you could easily remove that for a photo if you prefer! Frame is approximately 5 1/2 inches square with a 3 inch square opening.

$2 SOLD!

* * * * *

32: Fruit Frame
White frame with colorful fruit is a perfect pair with the Fruit of the Spirit Scripture! Glass front can also easily accommodate a photo or other print. Frame is 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches and the open will be suitable for a 4x6 photo!

$3

* * * * *

33: Holly Hospitality Tray

Are you expecting company for Christmas this year? Wouldn't this make a lovely way to welcome your guests?! Twelve inch metal "holly" tray is topped with lovely things to accommodate your guests during their visit!

Included are: water carafe and doily for top, two star drinking glasses, milk glass vase filled with two granola bars, two lip gloss and a package of gum. A cheery Merry Christmas vanilla candle and poem are included.

Poem reads,
"We're glad to have you as our guest
And hope you have a good night's rest.
Tomorrow you again may roam
But while you're here just feel at home!"

$10 SOLD

* * * * *

34 & 35: Sweets & Treats Tins
White tins with red trim are so cute with little chalkboards on front! Trimmed with ric rac, ribbon and embellishment ~ each also has a dangly piece of chalk for re-labeling. According to the label, these are not for food - so I'd suggest dog treats, wrapped candy or a cute container in your bathroom.

12: Sweets Tin: 7 inches high; 5 inches diameter; $7
13: Treats Tin: 5 1/2 inches high; 4 inches diameter; $5
Both tins together: $10 SOLD!

* * * * *

Thank you so much for browsing! Again, if you are interested in purchasing an item, please leave a comment with the corresponding number and an e-mail address so I can contact you!

Since this is my first time doing anything like this - I'd also appreciate hearing your feedback. Tell me what you liked, what you didn't (kindly, please) and what you think I should do the same or differently next time. Thank you!

Please also visit Brie's Holiday Craft Bazaar!!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Coming Soon!

First sale of The Rusty Robin will be Thursday, November 20th! Please come back to browse the works of my hands.