Just a Few Business Tips I Have Learned Along the Way

Six years ago I was in a craft store buying a little bit of fabric to make a gift for someone and happened to strike up a conversation with the lady at the fabric cutting desk about what I was doing with it. Within 15 minutes she had mentioned her daughter selling and succeeding on Etsy and that started the ball rolling in my brain about the possibility of my starting my own business. I wasn't too secure enough to think I would be able to sell what I make, since all I had ever done with it is give my artwork out as a gift, but I decided to take the jump and much to my surprise, I have been pretty successful and love what I do even more than I did in the beginning!

Do I have a magic formula for success in this arena? No... sorry, I don't...so don't be too disappointed that I have no great revelations on how to have a successful business in 3 easy steps. What I can share with you is just a few basic observations that I think are absolute musts if you want to go in this direction with whatever it is you wish to sell...so here goes, Debbie's self
learned business tips that may or may not help you...

1. Sell something somebody wants

Yes, I know you are thinking , "Well everybody should want a crocheted nose warmer with a pom pom ball on the end... Or a rubber baby buggy bumper, or my handmade purple snow cone cup holder...right?"
Maybe, but my first tip is to think twice before you jump in and sell something you think every would want to buy and ask yourself how different will you stand out, and how crowded is the market with such things? If what you have in mind to sell is unique, or really useful, practical in some way, and not a saturated market, you may have something there!

2. Expect to work at it a loooooooooooong time and not expect overnight success. Yes, it would be wonderful to set up your shop, list everything and be swamped with people who have handfuls of cash, (or their credit card or PayPal account), begging for your items and listen to the merry sound of flowing cash coming in to your bank account at a rapid pace, but that seldom happens...really seldom. You have to take time to learn what you are doing, find customers who want what you have to sell, find people who have money to buy, and take time to learn what to do and what not to do in order for your business to build up. And unfortunately, that does take time, there is no easy route, and even the best of businesses have periods of feeling like they perhaps may have fallen off the face of the earth and no one knows where to find them...But expect that to feel like that sometimes and also expect that it could easily pick up again and in the meantime keep working at it.

(Kind of like a snail climbing a mountain-slow, steady, hard, and takes time to reach the top...sometimes a long. long time!)

3.Finally, I will add just one more tip, (and there may be a few more coming in the future), but I have learned that when you start a business, be the owner of it and take responsibility for it. Don't ask other people what you should charge for your doojiemaflopper...do the research and figure it out on your own. Look at the others out there, see what the going rate seems to be, and then look at what it costs you to make, the time involved to make it, and all the other expenses that will go into it. Don't "not charge" for something because you think your item will then be too expensive. Don't assume people won't pay you what you need to make a profit. The right customers always will, and if you aren't making a profit, there really is no point in being in business..so keep that in mind when deciding on prices.

And there you have it folks, my three business tips I have learned and wish to pass on to you. I hope they help, more to come in the days ahead!

General Stonewall Jackson Civil War General- Found at Uneek Doll Designs

Town Living or Country Living- Either is Good!

I love this scene- it is from a house we rented when we had to come down to Alabama and needed a place to stay until we could find a house we wanted to buy. The house still sits on 10 acres of land, partially wooded, and at one time, (though no more) was quite a showcase with flower beds, a well groomed lawn, blue martin houses, apple trees, and a catfish pond in front.

Since the owners have left, the house has just been sitting empty and needless to say, many things were not kept up and so the house really isn't up to par any more. The grounds have not been kept up like in its former glory days, which was about 30 years ago.

None the less, when we decided to rent the place for a short time, I found many things about that I liked, and that included getting to see a magnificent sunset view every night over the catfish pond. Does the pond still have fish? It was still full of them when we stayed there, but I never did feel inclined to fish them out, nor would I have wanted to skin one- let alone cook it! I would just go out some days and feed the fish with stale bread or cereal just to enjoy watching them eat.

Occasionally a long legged heron would stop in the pond and try his luck at catching a meal too. Many a day cows would often side up to the wire fence on the border line of the property and I would toss them a mushy apple from the old apple trees that really weren't producing too many apples any more.I even got brave enough to give them a scratch on the nose a time or two and think I made some lifelong friends that way!

On this property there was a group of three or four dogs that came over almost daily from a nearby farm and they would come up to our dog and just like a group of friends they would all go off on a jaunt in the woods for part of the afternoon. A motley crew consisting of a a medium plump old dog with just three legs, a tiny and shy terrier looking dog, a brown beagle looking mutt who would zip around the acreage like a Speedy Gonzales, and our own husky mix who seemed to enjoy his friends daily visits.

I am glad though that we finally have been able to find a house and are now moved in, there were some drawbacks about living in a place where no internet service existed... but from time to time I like to look at the pictures I have taken of the rental house while we stayed there. I like living in the middle of town where we now are, but there is also something to be said for the peacefulness of out of town rural living and being able to see a beautiful morning sunrise or evening sunset.

Weather or Not?

Winter in Alabama is an interesting thing since I am from the north, even though I now live in the south. I am very well used to the snow, the cold, the ice, and all that goes with it. And I miss it some days...sort of...ok, maybe not much but just a teen bit some days...I give myself away as a northerner all the time down here by my way of talking (although I don't think I have an accent!) and the way I dress in winter- I wear a sweater while everyone else is wearing a parka with gloves!

Now that I have moved to Alabama with my hubby, it is a totally different kind of weather- much warmer temps and if it snows down here,it does well to come down for one day and in 24 hours that 6 inches is already melted away as if it was never there! Every time there is even the slightest hint that it may snow even the teeniest bit, it is a most interesting event that wreaks havoc with the residents who have lived their whole lives down here. Just about everything, and I do mean everything, closes down when snow is even a remote possibility! And woe to you if you need milk or bread, you will be out of luck if you wait to see if the snow actually comes at all.

Our first winter down here -which was just two years ago- it snowed about 6 inches in just a couple of hours and in that time of us driving around the small town we live in, we counted over 21 cars that were slid into ditches . Being used to northern winters, it was nothing for me to drive in a blizzard to get groceries and not think twice about it- but I think if it were to happen down here (which I could never se a blizzard happening, I would be less likely to do so since the area around here is quite hill ridden and I am more used to driving in winter weather where the roads are much more level.

I guess all this came to mind today because the temperature outside is unusually cold for down here, and I even saw a few flakes of snow fall-made me glad that I had already gotten my regular groceries a day or two ago because I am sure the stores are full right now . I think a pot of chili is in order today, and later on a sit down book reading session with a cup of hot green tea and honey! What do you do when it is cold outside?

Samuel Adams American Patriot of the Revolutionary Era

Historical Figure of the Week:

Samuel Adams was born on September 27, 1722 in Boston, Massachusetts. A strong opponent of British taxation, he helped organize resistance to the Stamp Act (1765) and played a vital role in organizing the Boston Tea Party. Samuel was a second cousin to U.S. President John Adams, with whom he urged a final break from Britain and signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence. He died on October 2, 1803 in his hometown, Boston.

Early Life

Samuel Adams was born on September 27, 1722 in Boston, Massachusetts. Adams graduated from Harvard College in 1740, and would soon be known as an American revolutionary and one of the nation's Founding Fathers. Political Career
A strong opponent of British taxation, Adams helped organize resistance in Boston to Britain's Stamp Act of 1765. He also played a vital role in organizing the Boston Tea Party—an act of opposition to the Tea Act of 1773—among various other political efforts.

Adams served as a legislator of Massachusetts from 1765 to 1774. Among his accomplishments, he founded Boston's committee of correspondence, which—like similar entities in other towns nationwide—proved to be a powerful tool for America's communication and coordination during the Revolutionary War.

Following his run with the state legislature, Adams served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, until 1781. As a delegate, he urged a final break from Britain and signed America's Declaration of Independence alongside his second cousin, John Adams, the second U.S. president.

Adams became a Democratic-Republicans (following Thomas Jefferson) when formal American political parties were created in the late 1790s. Adams's final political role was serving as Massachusetts' governor, from 1794 through 1797. He died on October 2, 1803 in his hometown of Boston.

Artist Interview with Uneek Doll Designs- Debbie Ritter

I was happy to be interviewed on Channel 2 in Cullman- I thought I would share with you if you would like to see the artist behind Uneek Doll Designs. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to share if you feel so inclined!

Susan Boyle- Still Going Strong

It is no secret I am a huge fan of Susan Boyle- I love listening to her sing, and I just plain enjoy her humble attitude, and being the age that she is, I can relate to getting to finally do what you enjoy, even though at a later time in life. This is why I keep her as a constant staple on my creating list, and just listed this character of her and her new look. Best wishes to you Susan on your journey to sharing your voice and story with the world!

A Christmas Carol- One of Charles Dickens Finest!

I love Charles Dickens novels- I am working on reading them all, and someday I may just get there!

One of his finest, my personal opinion, is A Christmas Carol, mostly because of the message it brings, and the ingenious way he presents it.

A Christmas Carol is what inspired me to go into work mode and create this cast of characters and put them in my art shop online. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, the three ghosts, and Jacob Marley are all there, ready to bring a more tangible way of seeing the wonderful Dickens story come to life.

I hope you enjoy!

Ma and Pa Kettle- Those were the days

I may be giving my age away here, but oh well... When I was a youngster I have vivid memories of being very excited when on Sunday afternoons a Ma and Pa Kettle movie be on television. I never got tired of watching them with their huge brood of children and listening to Marjorie Main as Ma Kettle holler out, "Come and get it!!!!" And to this day I sometimes jokingly call family members to the table in the same way!

In case you wonder whatever happened to Marjorie, while she did appear in various movies and shows in her career, she didn't marry or have children, and passed away at the age of 85. Percy Kilbride played various characters that were similar to his Pa Kettle role, but he too never married or had children. He passed away after an unfortunate accident at the age of 76.

For all those who enjoyed this duo, this pair was created, Marjorie and Percy.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, A Taste of Fall and a Culinary Piece of Art Work

Not only do I do art work , but I can find my way around the kitchen too...so in honor of the upcoming fall season, I made some soft, warm homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls- and here they are, fresh out of the oven:

This will be my "recipe of the week" I will share with you- because we all know that most everyone likes to eat too!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Dough: 1/4 c. warm water 2 1/2 tsp yeast 1 tsp sugar 1/2 c. milk 2 eggs 1 c. canned pumpkin puree 1/3 c. margarine, melted 1/2 c. sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp cloves 1 tsp salt 5-6 c. flour

Filling: 1/2 c - 2/3 c. canned pumpkin puree (to your preference) 1/2 c. butter, room temperature 1 c. packed brown sugar 2 T cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting: 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature 3 T butter 1/2 tsp vanilla 2 - 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Directions: 1. Combine warm water, yeast, and teaspoon of sugar in small bowl. Stir until yeast is dissolved. Let stand until froth doubles.
2. Combine milk, eggs, pumpkin, margarine, the 1/2 c. sugar, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Mix until smooth.
3. Add 4 cups flour to mixing bowl. Pour frothed yeast mixture on top of flour. Knead about 5 minutes, adding flour 1/2 c. at a time until dough barely begins to clean the sides of the mixing bowl. Dough should be smooth and moist, but not sticky.
4. Spray a bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Place dough in greased bowl. Cover with wet towel, or plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Allow to raise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. While dough is raising, prepare filling. Place room temperature butter and pumpkin puree in small bowl. Using electric mixer, beat until mixture is smooth. In another small bowl combine brown sugar and cinnamon, set both bowls aside.
6. Pour dough out on slightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle 16x21 inches, dough should be about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the pumpkin/butter mixture over rectangle. Next, evenly spread the sugar/cinnamon mixture on top, slightly pressing it into the dough.
7. Roll up long side of dough, forming long tube. Cut tube with sharp knife about every 2 inches, making 12 rolls. Place rolls in lightly greased 9x13 baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
9. Bake rolls in oven until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to make frosting. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.

Will Geer and Ellen Corby

I remember when the television show, The Waltons, first made its debut back in the 70's. It was one of a handful of shows we were allowed to watch as children and I clearly remember being very excited every week when it was time for the show to come on.

To this day, I still watch it and with as much enjoyment as I did when growing up. Not sure why it appeals to me so much, unless it is because the Waltons don't have much money and lived a simple life, and watching Ellen Corby and Will Geer sparring but with in a way that you can see they still love each other was and still is a source of amusement to me. (Reminds me of my maternal grandparents a lot!)

Seeing how I liked Will Geer and Ellen Corby in their roles in The Waltons so much, I created the pair to add to my character list. I do admit looking at them evokes fond memories of when I was quite a bit younger and life was less hectic because I was too young to have to deal with anything more difficult than getting up for school or keeping my room picked up! (And trying not to fight too much with my siblings.)

Good night, John Boy!

Reading- My Greatest Relaxation

It all started when I was very small and first went into the library at school. I was in heaven when I went and saw all the books that lined the walls. I checked out "The Wizard of Oz" and that was the beginning of my life long attraction to books. I read every chance I get, which isn't always every day, but I have been known to stick a book in almost every room so that if I sit in that room I have something to read.

If you ask me to pick my favorite author, I simply can't answer that, there are too many that I enjoy. Anthony Trollope, Margaret Mitchell, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Laura Ingalls Wilder (who I might add didn't write her Little House Series until her 60's) but also wrote articles for farmers wives and was quite interesting at that, and a host of other writers that would require a lot of typing to put their names down.

Fiction, non-fiction, biographies, history, poetry, it's all good reading material to me. I find it especially interesting to read about the author's life when I pick up a book of they have written- it often gives me a perspective of where their writing ideas came from.

A good book, a good chair, a cup of hot tea or cinnamon dolce latte, and I am set! I might add also that the world of books and reading has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration in my art work, so it serves a multi fold purpose to me too. Can you tell?

Boris Karloff- Vintage Hollywood The Original Frankenstein

You know, if I had to watch a scary movie, it would have to be one of the old black and white ones. I am not a fan of the modern day horror flicks in the least, but you just might catch me watching one of the the olden days of Hollywood versions. One of my favorites would be Frankenstein played by Boris Karloff. According to the daughter of Karloff, no one expected that the movie would really be much of a success, but Boris Karloff did emerge as the star, despite the fact that he wasn't even invited to the premiere. Thank goodness he took the role and that it did indeed become the hit that it did, it makes for a fun night of watching a classic horror film that was also a great boon to the career of Mr. Karloff. And in case you didn't know, Mr. Karloff was the wonderful "grinchy" voice of non other than "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", yet another wonderful classic that was only enhanced by the unique voice of Mr. Karloff himself!

King Richard lll Has Been Found!

The latest discovery of the remains of King Richard lll inspired me to do a replica of the unfortunate king and his consort Anne Neville. How interesting to think that this long ago ruler fell and spent so many years undiscovered, and then to be recovered under a parking lot... A most exciting find for the archeologists!

Here in Alabama....

We just moved to another state recently, and I will admit it has been a challenge to feel settled, but as with things in life, I know that it will all work out. The good thing is while we are waiting on our house to sell- no small feat in this economy- I am enjoying the designated workroom I have put myself in while we rent this home until our other home sells. Who wouldn't want to work in a large, multi windowed sunroom after all? I get to see all the weather changes, the birds, the chipmunks, and smell the fresh air from different angles while working on my art! I am getting all geared up as much as possible for the upcoming holidays, last year it got really crazy, and I became a first time coffee drinker to help keep myself a bit more alert...flavored coffee that is...but I am trying to indulge a little less often nowadays! At any rate, this sunroom is going to be great for a work room, and I am looking forward to using it at least for a few more months!

Clothespin Dolls "Hanging Out" in Fisher - IllinoisHomePage.net

You can find out a little bit more about me as an artist in this television interview here...


Clothespin Dolls "Hanging Out" in Fisher - IllinoisHomePage.net

Business Tips Round 2

What are some things an artist can do during times when the sales well is dry, or crickets are chirping?

Some of the things I do that I have found to be useful are probably not new to all, but I find them to be of benefit and always seem to pay great dividends when I keep at them:

1. Don't complain..I know, it is hard not to. And when things aren't going to well it is easy to get on the gripe wagon
and think of whose fault it is that one is not selling hand over fist...okay, maybe not even a pinkie over fist. The economy gets blamed, the seasons , the lack of supplies, the lack of money to promote, the website one sells on, the internet SEO, even Great Aunt Ethel on your mother's cousin side can get the blame- but the truth is it could be any or none of those. The bottom line is complaining does little to help and using the slow time more positively is a way better choice!

2. Try upping the promoting during slow times, and try some new venues you haven't done before- Yes, I know, everyone uses Twitter, Facebook, and their blog to promote if they have one. That's good, but there are plenty of unusual ways to get people to know about your shop if you look around. A good start might be to google things like, "art wanted" or magazines that cater to your type of art work. (Magazines often hold contests and you could possibly enter what you do in them. You never know what could happen!) Blogs that center around jewelry, or parenting if you sell child related items can be a good place to try. Never miss a chance to hand out your business card. Keep a supply stashed with you so when the subject comes up of what you do, you can whisk out a card. It will happen, trust me! Always be on the alert for that opportunity that will let people know what you do. (Just don't make a pest of yourself, use good manners and judgement!)

3. Write down new ideas - During slow times one's creativity can get sluggish due to lack of inspiration. After all, what is more inspiring than to have people clammering to buy your art work? But when that slow time comes, it is a good time to go idea hunting for some fresh thoughts and ideas and begin working on them. You will be glad you did when things pick up and you have less time to go scouting around for something to create next. I keep a thick spiral notebook and keep it busy with scribbles. It keeps me busy and full of ideas to interject freshness in my art work!

4. Finally, try cleaning your work space...That is a biggie for me. You should see my floor during a work binge. Scraps of fabric and thread everywhere and piles of fabric stacked everywhere that I used but haven't yet placed back...scissors hidden beneath thread spools, trim and doodads needing to be placed back in drawers. I find when things are slowed down, it really aids my productivity to make everything back to neat organization. Clears drawers that stack are my best friend and the more I have the better. I am not a neat nick so to speak, but I detest my room being in a mess for long- and slow times give me that chance to regroup and make things better for the big pick up that is sure to come sooner or later!

Those are my tips for round 2 - I hope that they help you and increase your productivity in your creating business!

Ways to Increase Your Business

Now let me start off by saying I am not an expert in the field of business...but that being said, I have been selling my art work online for going on three years, and each year there is a substantial increase in my sales. I have learned some things and thought I might share a few with you- just in case someone out there may benefit!

I have been fortunate enough to have been "discovered" and featured by some pretty notable places, such as the Today Show, Telegraph UK, Art Doll Quarterly Magazine, some museums, Showtime, and some others I won't bother to mention.
With all that, I know that there are many out there starting out and wanting to know how to do well when they start a business. Even if one has a long time established business, there is always room to learn more and improve!

While these tips I share won't be earthshaking or maybe not even new to you, they are for sure must haves in order to have some success in selling what you have! Are you ready? Here goes...

1. Have something people want to buy-

Want to sell crocheted kleenexes , peanut scented breath spray, battery operated socks with massage action, or anything else? Try to get a feel for what is already out there and how large a market you may have. And if you do want to sell something that is in a highly competitive market, make sure you have some ideas on how to really be distinctive in what you do. If you can't be different, you will have a tough time being found or getting people to want what you have!

2. Do your research and see what you will have to do before selling-

Making a bunch of items, popping them on a website and then sitting back and waiting for the sales to roll in just won't happen.
You have to know what you are getting into and do a lot of leg work before counting on making a bunch of easy cash. Easy cash is a term I cringe on since I just don't think there is such a thing. Know the laws of your state for selling online, or what have you. Ask lots of questions of those who have gone before you, read helpful articles, write out ideas for what you will sell, ideas for getting your business built step by step.

3. Be patient-

If you have done the above and now you are set up and wondering why the sales aren't pouring in, I have news for you...
they generally won't! Success in selling or in business is 99.9 percent of the time a waiting game. I know, you did not want to hear that, but it is true.

Success is built slowly in most cases, and one step at a time. It involves a wealth of patience, learning, rebounding from setbacks, and running into the occasional "break" that you just might get when the right person comes along and finds you. It involves a little bit of gambling too, since no one can really say for sure what form of advertising may trigger a boost in your business- It involves careful thinking about who your buyers are and where they may be. In other words, don't run an ad for your diamond encrusted tiaras in an agricultural magazine , or buy a commercial spot for your knitted dish towels during a football game...

And may I add, even the best of all business have dry spells and dips...you have to ride them out most of the time.

4. Customer service-

To me, this is a no brainer...but you would be surprised how many times I have heard other businesses and sellers say things like.."I don't have the time to say 'thank you', I'm too busy for that. I send their item to them and that is enough"...I hate to say so, but one should never be too busy or too important to say thank you to their customers!

If there is one huge tip I have for those in business it is this...Be as personable as you can. I don't mean you strike up a friendship with all of your customers, but letting them know you appreciate their patronage and are friendly and approachable is a good thing.

If they buy something, or have questions then be prompt as possible in your response. Show your appreciation by saying "thank you" and be polite for heaven's sake! You should never be too big or busy to say so, period. If a customer is being "difficult", you can still be polite while being firm... Yes, there are demanding people out there, and no, you don't have to give them everything they want- but you sure can be polite while telling them so. The bottom line? Treat your customers how you would like to be treated...simple and effective most of the time!

Those are my tips for the day, and stay tuned for future tidbits. I wish all success in their business endeavors!



Debbie Ritter- Artist and Designer @ uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com

Frida Kahlo, Another Interesting Personality

Until I started doing my art work, I had never even heard of Frida Kahlo.


Born in 1907 – died 1954, Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo was a Mexican painter, and perhaps best known for her self-portraits. At the age of six, Frida developed polio, which caused her right leg to appear much thinner than the other. It was to remain that way permanently.

Later, Kahlo had a marriage with the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera. She suffered lifelong health problems, most of which resulted from a traffic accident during her younger years. These issues are perhaps shown inspired in her works, many of which are self-portraits of one sort or another. Kahlo suggested, "I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best."

One of the interesting benefits of what I do in my art work is when I look at who I want to do next, I many times run across new personalities that I know nothing about and learn a slew of facts that really add a needed flair to my art. Somehow it helps me to capture an overall feel for the look I want to convey when I read some background on the character. In other words, I really not only create, but I really learn something too, and that makes what I do all the more enjoyable!

You are quite the interesting character Frida!

A Little Bit of Percy for the Poetry Lovers

I don't read poetry as often as I do novels, but once in awhile I do because I am in the mood to do so....
Today, I am in that kind of mood... and thus, I share a bit of prose from this little guy and share the characters I made in honor of the Shelleys and their marriage....

Love's Philosophy

by Percy Bysshe Shelley


The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean;
The winds of heaven mix forever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In another's being mingle--
Why not I with thine?

See, the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister flower could be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;--
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?

The Royal Wedding

I had insomnia this morning at 3:44 so I decided to get up and watch the beginnings of the Royal Wedding via computer.
I was so glad I did because I found it very intriguing from start to finish. So many elegant things to watch and see, I loved the pageantry and even the solemn proceedings!

While I know some could care less about such matters, I enjoyed it partly for the reason that the news has been so sad of late that
it was quite refreshing to see something of a positive nature, and with a hopeful tone. I sat there while watching the proceedings and thought of how whether we are very poor, or very rich, a prince with every material need met, or just an ordinary person who labors to make it day by day, everyone has the desire to love and be loved.

I wish the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge every happiness and long wedded life together for many years to come!