Saturday, August 27, 2011

Saturday Theme Treasury Challenge - The Last Hurrah!




Grilling!  Games!  Goodbye!  As the summer begins to wind down we do have one last hurrah to plan for - Labor Day Weekend.  In the states and in Canada we celebrate Labor Day, (and Labour Day with a 'u' for our Canadian friends!) the first Monday in September.  It was created due to the labor movement and all of the economic and social achievements of workers.  Ok, history lesson is over.  


For this week's challenge curate a Treasury that represents how we may be spending our last hurrah for the summer.  Etsy is promoting this theme by showing how we will spend time outdoors, sipping cocktails and getting back to school.  Click here to read the entire Etsy Fins email titled, '3 Day Weekends' 

There is always a photo used to express the theme but this item does not have to be included in your treasury.

The Rules:
1. Include at least 8 Curation Nation team members. 
2. Tag the treasury "curationnation" 
3. Tag the treasury "etsyteamtreasury" - if you tweet, tweet your treasury using the hashtag #EtsyTeamTreasury.
4. Tag the treasury "3 day weekend".
5. Post a comment here on the blog with a link to your treasury - your treasury will not be judged unless you have posted it below in the comments. Your shop could be chosen as the winner to be featured on our Wednesday Item Treasury Challenge.  
6. Put a link to this blog post in the comments of the treasury - this helps others find the challenge and enter. 
7. Please follow our blog. 
8. DUE DATE: Tuesday, August, 30. 
9. Saturday Treasury Challenges are the only challenges that get judged.

Everyone is invited to play - these challenges are open to all! These challenges are also voluntary - never mandatory for team members. Remember to try to include team mates you haven't used before.  These challenges are meant to build your treasury making skills, promote the team and make Etsy connections.  If you deal in vintage it's a great time to promote your vintage goods by making the old new again!




Thursday, August 25, 2011

September's Merchandising Plans & Treasury Tips

Pumpkin Cheesecake Lollipops - Set of 6 from VintageConfections


Happy ‘September” Curation Nation teammies and faithful followers! Here are the targeted merchandising points for the month of September - they are straight from Etsy’s Merchandising Desk. These specifics are what Etsy will be looking to showcase on the front page. It’s a great guideline to use to create items for your shop or for the vintage shops to be on the hunt for. When you curate Treasuries using these merchandising tips, remember to tag them with these words and themes as well.
                 
ETSY’S central merchandising will focus on autumn, Halloween, and preparing for the holidays ahead.

SEPTEMBER’S  BIRTHSTONE: Sapphire (my note: traditionally blue but sapphires come in ALL colours except red which is a ruby)

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS: Libra (August 24 – September 23)Virgo (September 24 – October 23)

COLORS: classic color combinations (orange, black, yellow, white, red, green, purple). Pantone’s color trend report for for fall 2011 includes quarry, cedar, and teal greens, nougat and coffee browns, orchid and phlox purples, bamboo mustard yellow, honeysuckle pink, and ember-glow coral. We’re also noticing interest in turquoise, rustic fall colors, jade greens and mustards.

CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITTIONS: Look for references to the activities classically surrounding Labor Day, the U.S. Tennis Open, Oktoberfest, weekend cookouts, family gatherings, references to sports, beer drinking, festivals, and German traditions.

BACK TO SCHOOLWe’ll be wrapping up back to school promotions early in the month, with a heavier focus on fashion and office gear. Think organizational essentials, gadget and computer accessories, notebooks, writing utensils, cases, book bags, backpacks, satchels, lunch carriers, and fall fashion.

HALLOWEEN: Halloween searches are in their prime right now. Particularly popular at this time is decor, party supplies, full costumes and accessories (both baby and adult), jewelry, pumpkin decorating ideas, DIY kits, treats and treat alternatives, and the darker side of Etsy. Get in the game by listing your full Halloween line now.

AUTUMN: Seasonal shift in weather, colors, and activities. Think autumn home decor, entertaining, woodland motifs and nature’s symbols. Harvest themes encompass fall planting, preserving the summer garden’s bounty, rustic farm references, and fall food favorites. Tagging tip: “Autumn” is a more global seasonal association than the more American-based “fall” term; try including both as descriptive words.

FALL FASHION: Entering the height of 2011 fall fashion in clothing, accessories, and jewelry. More specifically, key basics, layering elements, the introduction of winter accessories and outerwear components, thick fabrics and rich leathers, autumnal tones, vintage boots and heavy-weight all-weather bags.
WEDDINGS: Coinciding with our Halloween promotions, unconventional approaches to pulling off a creative event will have their time to shine. Don’t forget to stay a step ahead for brides currently planning and shopping for 2012 winter and spring weddings.

THE HOLIDAYS: That’s right, now is the time to list your full holiday focused line. Emphasis on gift ideas, decor, and options for entertaining.  
central merchandising will focus on Back to School, Intros to Autumn, Halloween!!! (those exclamation points are mine), Wedding Season, Preserving the Summer and Outddor Activities.

While emphasis will be placed upon the seasonality of the Northern Hemisphere, it’s important to remember that the Southern Hemisphere is preparing for spring. Maintaining seasonally appropriate options year-round is good practice for boosting international and overall sales.



Trending Topics:

Halloween:  Celebrity references, film and pop culture reinventions, clever costuming plays on words, pet costumes, baby costumes, group options, vampire themes, folk and vintage decor, photobooth props, and the classic color combinations (orange, black, yellow, white, red, green, purple).

Wizardry, magic, owls, and mysticism with the release of the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Vampires: They’re back on the radar with shows like HBO’s True Blood and fall’s approaching premiere of Twilight: Breaking Dawn.

Feather Hair Extensions: Still going strong.

Sports: The U.S. Open this month brings attention to athletes and tennis while the start to NFL and college football seasons brings on the football and tailgating fever.

Weddings: Handmade and Vintage variations on the wedding dress, and engagement ring along with creative invitations, save the dates, and signage on the rise.

Fashion: Plaid, polka dots, tribal and snakeskin patterns, and lace embellishments. Feathers, menswear, blazers, vests and jackets, maxi skirts, gray basics, tailored and wide leg pants, patterned leggings and opaque tights, oxfords, vintage boots.

The Local Artisanal Shop and the Speakeasy: The butcher, baker, ice cream shop, patisserie. Barware of mixology, nightlife, live music, and secret passwords.

Garden Preservation: Canning, jams, preserves, and stocks.

Culinary Trends: Year of the homemade pie, whoopie pie, and macaron. DIY culinary kits are on the rise. Classic cocktails, home brewing, beer and wine accessories, herb infusions, garden to table.

Designer Vintage: Authentic fashion, collectibles, bikes, and auto accessories.

Letters, Numbers, and Symbols: Large vintage signage letters, letterpress blocks, monogram housewares, and typewriter keys.

Personalization: Monograms, initials, text, numbers, zodiac, constellations, portraits, custom labels, stamps, fingerprints and family trees.

Natural HistoryWoodland forest themes and animals, namely birds, owls, squirrels, hedgehogs, chipmunks, bunnies, butterflies, feathers, nests, eggs, acorns, leaves, trees, branches, woodgrain, and natural colors.

Lockets, secret hiding places, skeleton keys, arrows, diamonds, paper cuts, silhouettes, fortune cookies, wishbones, constellations, fortune telling.

Large scale vintage and handmade paper maps, botanical and anatomy charts.

Upcycled lights, lamps, exposed bulbs, and chandeliers.

Creative gadget cases, docking stations and accessories.

Bike caddies, baskets, and creative accessories.

Shabby chic decor and accessories.

Video game inspired references.

Writable chalkboard surfaces.

Wall and laptop decals.

All things steampunk.

Vintage cameras.

Braided hair.

Mermaids.

Peacocks.



EVENTS IN AUGUST:
September is known as National Honey, Classical Music, and Self-Improvement month

August 29 – Sept 11: U.S. Tennis Open Tournament, NFL and college football seasons begin.
September 1-4: Ethical Fashion Show (a Parisian-based show featuring ethical trends and designers)
September 5: Labor Day
September 5: Back to school day for primary and secondary students (France)
September 7: Brazil’s Independence Day
September 10: Sewing Machine Day
September 11: 10th Anniversary of World Trade Center attacks
 September 11: Grandparents Day
September 12: Harvest Moon Festival, Mid Autumn Festival
September 16: Mexico’s Independence Day
September 17 – October 3: Oktoberfest
September 17- 18: Hello Etsy Summit
September 19: Talk Like a Pirate Day
September 23: Autumnal Equinox
September 25: International Rabbit Day
September 27 – October 5: Paris Fashion week
September 28 – Conficius’ birthday  September 28 – 30: Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown
September 29 – October 2: Art Forum Berlin, biggest international art show in Germany

*** Special tip: Tagging your Treasuries with a single word, or multiple word that is meant to be a multiple word, will help us find your lists. Tagging with multiple words that do not relate to one another might be detracting your list from being found.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Wednesday Item Challenge

So because we didn't have a Saturday Theme Challenge this week I've decided the Wednesday Item Challenge is going to be a bit different. Instead of featuring an item all week we're going to feature a location instead! Best idea ever right? haha!

The rules are going to be a bit different so make sure to read carefully. For example you will not be required to include 8 CN teamies in your treasury like normal. I know this is goes against the general rules for the team but this way we can feature some of our fellow Etsians, give our team some more exposure and perhaps even drum up some more participation for our weekly challenges. Anyone can play after all, not just team members. So....

Rules/Instructions:
1. Below is a list of all CN team members and their locations (found in their shops).
2. Pick a team members shop and therefore their location (eg. craftedbylindy = Calgary, Alberta as the location)
3. Go to the Etsy home page and click on "Shop Local" on the left hand side.
4. Type in the location you want to search and start curating! 
5. Include 1 item from the team members shop you got the location from (eg. one item from craftedbylindy's shop)
5. Tag the treasury "name of location you're featuring (eg. "Calgary Alberta")"
6. Tag the treasury "shoplocal"
7. Include a link to this post in the comments of your treasury as well as an explanation of what the challenge is all about (eg. "The Curation Nation treasury team is having a Shop Local treasury challenge this week. All shops in this treasury are from Calgary, Alberta, Canada").
8. If you tweet, tweet your treasury using the hashtag #EtsyTeamTreasury
9. DUE DATE: Wednesday August 31.
10. Have fun!

Promote, promote, promote.....tell all your friends about our challenges. Everyone is invited to play - these challenges are open to all and are great way to get some extra exposure for your shops. These challenges are also voluntary - never mandatory for team members.

Locations - I apologize if any of these are wrong or incomplete. If you need a change made to your location please let me know, thank you! It looks like we have 9 shops from Canada, 11 shops I classified as International (not Canada or U.S.) and 62 shops from the U.S!

 US -
















Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wednesday Item Challenge - creashines

Better late than never, that's what I always say! heeheehee! So sorry for my tardiness in getting this weeks Wednesday Challenge post up on the blog but it's here now and a huge thank you to everyone who participated this week!

I'm thrilled to announce that this weeks winning treasury is "Eco-Grape-fabulosity" by CreaShines! Congratulations Stacey!




This screen shot is a live, clickable version of Stacey's "Eco-Grape-fabulosity" treasury. You can click on any of the images above to be taken to each individual shop!

This week we'll be featuring CreaShines's Teeny Tiny Acorn Post Earrings.
Straight from this recent Etsy Finds lets think Autumn Preview! Think decor, preserves, natural colours, rustic, woodlands, etc. Let's get a head start on the upcoming season! : )

The Rules:

You must include at least 8 Curation Nation team members - use the sidebar on the blog for a list of team shops.

1. Please follow our blog.
2. Put a link to this blog post in the comments of your treasury. This helps other people find the challenge and enter.
3. Post a comment here on the blog with a link to your treasury.
4. Tag the treasury "curationnation"
5. Tag the treasury "etsyteamtreasury"
6. Tag the treasury "autumn preview"
7. If you tweet, tweet your treasury using the hashtag #EtsyTeamTreasury
8. Include the featured item in the first three rows of your treasury.
9. DUE DATE: Wednesday August 24.
10. Have fun!

Wednesday Item Treasury Challenges feature one item from a shop - the item must be included in your treasury. The featured Wednesday item is picked from the winning shop of the Saturday challenge. If the winner doesn't have a shop on Etsy, they will get to pick an item of their choice! Everyone is invited to play - these challenges are open to all. These challenges are also voluntary - never mandatory for team members.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Saturday Theme Treasury Challenge - Re - Eco - Ful - Able




Reclaimed. Eco-friendly. Repurposeful. Recyclable.  If it fits into one or more of these categories then you've got yourself a Treasury!  For this week's challenge curate a Treasury that represents an Eco-Friendly look.  Etsy is promoting this theme via gifts, home decor, children, and fashion in the Friday's 'Eco List!' email.   Click here to see the entire Finds email.

There is always a photo used to express the theme but this item does not have to be included in your treasury.

The Rules:


1. Include at least 8 Curation Nation team members. 
2. Tag the treasury "curationnation" 
3. Tag the treasury "etsyteamtreasury" - if you tweet, tweet your treasury using the hashtag #EtsyTeamTreasury.
4. Tag the treasury "eco friendly".
5. Post a comment here on the blog with a link to your treasury - your treasury will not be judged unless you have posted it below in the comments. Your shop could be chosen as the winner to be featured on our Wednesday Item Treasury Challenge.  
6. Put a link to this blog post in the comments of the treasury - this helps others find the challenge and enter. 
7. Please follow our blog. 
8. DUE DATE: Tuesday, August, 16. 
9. Saturday Treasury Challenges are the only challenges that get judged.

Everyone is invited to play - these challenges are open to all! These challenges are also voluntary - never mandatory for team members. Remember to try to include team mates you haven't used before.  These challenges are meant to build your treasury making skills, promote the team and make Etsy connections.  If you deal in vintage it's a great time to promote your vintage goods by making the old new again!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wednesday Item Challenge - ChirpAndBloom

Fantastic theme Yvonne and amazing treasuries everyone! It was very hard to choose a winner this week. I am happy to announce however that I have and the winning treasury is "Carnival Diablo" by ChirpAndBloom. Congratulations Becky!





This screen shot is a live, clickable version of Becky's "Carnival Diablo" treasury. You can click on any of the images above to be taken to each individual shop!
 
This week we'll be featuring ChirpAndBloom's Patchwork Skirt - girls any size- avocado & teal listing.
Straight from this months Etsy Merchandise Report think, Fall Fashion and Pantone's Fall Colour Trends (teal greens, orchid purples, mustard yellows, etc.).

The Rules:

You must include at least 8 Curation Nation team members - use the sidebar on the blog for a list of team shops.

1. Please follow our blog.
2. Put a link to this blog post in the comments of your treasury. This helps other people find the challenge and enter.
3. Post a comment here on the blog with a link to your treasury.
4. Tag the treasury "curationnation"
5. Tag the treasury "etsyteamtreasury"
6. Tag the treasury "fall fashion"
7. If you tweet, tweet your treasury using the hashtag #EtsyTeamTreasury
8. Include the featured item in the first three rows of your treasury.
9. DUE DATE: Wednesday August 17.
10. Have fun!

Wednesday Item Treasury Challenges feature one item from a shop - the item must be included in your treasury. The featured Wednesday item is picked from the winning shop of the Saturday challenge. If the winner doesn't have a shop on Etsy, they will get to pick an item of their choice! Everyone is invited to play - these challenges are open to all. These challenges are also voluntary - never mandatory for team members.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Saturday Theme Treasury Challenge - Winner Gets Choice!


Funnel Cakes! Balloon Darts! Bumper Cars! Summer wouldn't be summer without a trip to Coney Island! For this week's challenge curate a Treasury that represents Coney Island or your local traveling carnival.  Etsy is promoting this theme via food, freaks and fashion in the Saturday's 'Step Right Up!' email.   To see the entire 'Step Right Up' Etsy Finds email, click here. 


Just remember to keep your hands inside the ride at all times.


There is always a photo used to express the theme but this item does not have to be included in your treasury.

The Rules:


1. Include at least 8 Curation Nation team members. 
2. Tag the treasury "curationnation" 
3. Tag the treasury "etsyteamtreasury" - if you tweet, tweet your treasury using the hashtag #EtsyTeamTreasury.
4. Tag the treasury "coney island" and "carnival"
5. Post a comment here on the blog with a link to your treasury - your treasury will not be judged unless you have posted it below in the comments. Your shop could be chosen as the winner to be featured on our Wednesday Item Treasury Challenge.  
6. Put a link to this blog post in the comments of the treasury - this helps others find the challenge and enter. 
7. Please follow our blog. 
8. DUE DATE: Tuesday, August, 9. 
9. Saturday Treasury Challenges are the only challenges that get judged.

Everyone is invited to play - these challenges are open to all! These challenges are also voluntary - never mandatory for team members. Remember to try to include team mates you haven't used before.  These challenges are meant to build your treasury making skills, promote the team and make Etsy connections.  If you deal in vintage it's a great time to promote your vintage goods by making the old new again!


Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wednesday Theme Challenge - lacocorouge

Thanks so much to everyone who participated! This weeks treasuries were hot, hot, hot!

I'm happy to announce that this weeks winning treasury is lacocorouge's Emperio Rustico treasury! Congratulations Jen!




This screen shot is a live, clickable version of Stephanie's Emperio Rustico treasury. You can click on any of the images above to be taken to each individual shop!

This week we'll be featuring lacocorouge's Fascinator with Orange Jewels and Cream Velvet Leaves
as we make some awesome Halloween treasuries. Think, what goes bump in the night. spooky, creepy crawly, pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls.....all things evil and fun. Happy curating!

The Rules:

You must include at least 8 Curation Nation team members - use the sidebar on the blog for a list of team shops.

1. Please follow our blog.
2. Put a link to this blog post in the comments of your treasury. This helps other people find the challenge and enter.
3. Post a comment here on the blog with a link to your treasury.
4. Tag the treasury "curationnation"
5. Tag the treasury "etsyteamtreasury"
6. Tag the treasury "halloween"
7. If you tweet, tweet your treasury using the hashtag #EtsyTeamTreasury
8. Include the featured item in the first three rows of your treasury.
9. DUE DATE: Wednesday August 10.
10. Have fun!

Wednesday Item Treasury Challenges feature one item from a shop - the item must be included in your treasury. The featured Wednesday item is picked from the winning shop of the Saturday challenge. If the winner doesn't have a shop on Etsy, they will get to pick an item of their choice! Everyone is invited to play - these challenges are open to all. These challenges are also voluntary - never mandatory for team members.