French Inspired Boxes
This week I’ve been working on some more decoupage boxes and altered bottles in hopes of opening up a little shop on Etsy. And I have to confess, I’ve been procrastinating because I’m a little insecure about it. What if no one buys my stuff? What if I don’t price it right? “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Isn’t that how the saying goes?
I started with plain, paper mache boxes from Hobby Lobby and added script paper.
I had a sheet of floral pictures that I found at the Kane County Flea Market.
The floral circles were added to the tops of the boxes.
The edges of the lids are trimmed with crocheted lace.
Each box wears a different script pattern, this one is really more of a French ephemera paper.
The bottom of the interiors were lined, as well.
The French script on this box is a printable from The Graphics Fairy.
I have a few flea market cigar boxes to decorate, which are wooden, not paper mache.
My postal scale should arrive tomorrow so I can figure out shipping costs.
Then all I need to do is upload the photos and info to Etsy.
Note: Any words of Etsy wisdom are greatly appreciated!
Note: Any words of Etsy wisdom are greatly appreciated!
Jennifer,
Your boxes are so pretty!I am so excited to hear you are going to sell on etsy.If you ever get the chance check out Jeanne Oliver’s blog http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/.She has building a business seminars.I took one months ago and I am so glad I did.I learned allot about merchandising,pricing,photographing etc.Look around and see what people are charging to get an idea.
(((Hugs)))
Anne
Dear Jennifer, I get more and more amazed by the beautiful work you do, I really admire your work and you are a truly inspiration. Love this box, the paper is beautiful, the whole concept is wonderful and the french feeling is so nice. Thanks for sharing it, keep creating pieces of art.
Your boxes are beautiful, Jennifer! I can tell you really take the time to make sure every detail is just right. I can understand being a little nervous, I would be too, but I know your wonderful merchandise will sell! I have thought about doing something similar but until my kids are a little older, I just don’t have time for it. I’ll be expecting some tips from you when the time comes!! : )
What very pretty boxes! Your craftsmanship is really wonderful! I am looking forward to seeing your etsy store! 🙂
Gorgeous! You do make beautiful items and I am sure they will sell on Etsy just don’t be in a rush or get your feelings hurt because I have several friends that do it and it takes time for the word to get out. But if you have a lot of followers then you’ll probably do good right out of the box (oops…no pun intended! LOL!) Good luck!
P.S. What happened to the pictures of the wedding and reception? Did I miss something?
Wow! These are even more lovely than your first batch (although I do love them all!). Love the paper, lace trim – everything!
Jeanine
Lovely. Lovely, absolutely lovely! Good luck on Etsy. I’ve thought about trying that too, but I really don’t even know how to get started.
Your boxes are so sweet. Looking forward to checking out your etsy shop. I had the same reservations, but if you don’t try you’ll never know. The costs are minimal compared to renting a space in a shop.
I wish you well,
Mary Alice
They are very pretty. Follow your dream but plan well. I have two small businesses (not online) and I keep very detailed spending and accounting records so I can see what my real net profits are.
Well, these are lovely! I think you should go for it! Good luck!
Cindy
Your boxes are so charming, Jennifer!
Thank you for sharing your creativity at Potpourri Friday!
Your boxes are so pretty! I had a cottage painting business for years, and I found the hardest thing to do is price your merchandise. I see you got some good tips, so I wish you the best of luck with your etsy shop!
You have created some very sweet boxes! ♥ them! Judy
So beautiful and charming boxes!!!
Too cute! Go into it w/ a very low expectation and all will be fine 🙂 I’ve been doing online sales for years and am still insecure…
Beautiful! Your so talented at decorating boxes. I love the added lace.
Dee
These are beautiful! Good luck with your Etsy shop. You should do well!
I love what you’ve done with your boxes and your bottles. I think you should do very well. I know nothing about etsy. I’ve only made a couple of purchases from fellow bloggers to show my support so that’s the only end of it I am familiar with. I will gladly buy something once you are up and running!
These are just gorgeous! They’d make wonderful gift boxes too. Let me know when you have them listed, I want one!!
Love your boxes! You should not have any problems selling those. If you need any info I’d be happy to help you..i have been selling for over 5 years on etsy.
Blessings, Lorena
Linda caixa, amei, parabéns!!!
Seu blog é fantástico!!!
Um grande abraço.
Eliane Amorim
Wow! So gorgeous! Please link to the French party on Monday!
Xo
Isabelle
http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/
Adorei suas caixas, são lindas e de muito bom gosto. Parabéns!
Lauriane
I follow you already! Link this to the French party! You are so talented!!!
Dear Jennifer, I love your boxes!
As you know I am just starting, so I am also learning… but you talked about pricing. In my opinion, you need to figure out how much you want to make an hour. Then calculate how many hours you take to make each. Add the cost and voila! You got your price. If people don’t buy at that price, is not worth selling it. And of course, you need to take in account all the time you spend sourcing and administering your business. I am not there yet. So far what I do is to get my cost and the hours I work on each project. I will visit your Etsy shop when you open it! Cheers,
Words can’t describe how much I love your boxes. So beautiful!!
Hey – congratulations on your new adventure, Jennifer! I just know that you’ll be very successful with your new Etsy shop! Your boxes are so pretty…and unique! I think that’s the secret. To offer things that are one of a kind. Good luck and let us know when you’re open for business! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Hi Jennifer,
Seeing the link for your boxes at Metamorphosis Monday caught my attention. There are lots of people out there doing boxes, but yours have a unique touch. I think you’ll do well, especially since you have all these wonderful fellow bloggers offering good tips. Have a good week.
Barbe
By the way, love if you’d link to my Frugal Treasures party. : )
These are beautiful! when I saw the picture on Uncommon Slice of Suburbia I thought it was a piece of china…so pretty I had to click! 🙂
This is so fabulous! I really love that you did inside too 🙂 Did you link it up at Wow Us Wednesday yet?
Take the leap Jennifer… you won’t know if you don’t try and you things are always beautiful.
Thank you for sharing on Shabbilicious Friday.
these are adorable!! you should try etsy–love your bottles and the goodwill box, too:)
Jennifer the boxes are so pretty! I was so excited to read one of the script that you decoupaged inside the box. It’s Italian. It’s a document “Permission to Sail” and it was authenticated in “Ragusa” a small town in Sicily. The city of Ragusa is were I went to school. (I now reside in California)
What a small world!
Thank you for sharing Rita