International Seasons: DesignsbyCristal – #CIJSeasons

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Fall Is The Favorite Season Of Cristal From DesignsbyCristal

DesignsbyCristal

 1. What is your favorite season and why?

Fall is my favorite season. I love fall because after the hot and humid summers in GA this cool and crisp weather is a welcome feeling. I also love the fall because I can visit Stone Mountain Park or any of the mountains to see the beautiful colors in different hues of red, yellow and orange from all the trees changing.
There is one mountain my kids and I walk up called Kennesaw Mountain National Park and you can stand on top of the look out station and view all the beautiful colors for miles and miles with the city of Atlanta in the backdrop!

2. What season is it now where you live? Have you seen a visible sign of the season changing?

Right now in GA we are still in the summer season. Although in 12 days Fall is supposed to start but with 91 degree temps expected over the next 10 days it would be hard to tell. The only thing that tells me Fall is upon us is the morning sun is coming up earlier than before and a few mornings have been kind of cool which I love.

3. What item in your shop represents your favorite season and the story behind it?

This dog bandana is one of my items that represents the fall for me. In GA everybody seems to love this season as you can see many places already putting out their decor. I have friends who are even decorating the inside of their homes with fall decor! I can’t wait to start driving around neighborhoods to see their beautiful fall displays of pumpkins, hay,scarecrows and all the pretty foliage that represents our fall season.

4. What seasonal traditions are celebrated in your part of the world? 

In GA we celebrate with fall/harvest festivals every single weekend!! You will find them at churches, parks, and even quite a few farms. I attend about 3 or 4 as a vendor and get my booth dressed up in fall decor to go along with the warm atmosphere. The others we just go as a family to enjoy all the festivities each one has to offer.

5. What are your social media sites?

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/creativedesignsbycristal
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/creativedesignsbycristal
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/dsignsbycristal
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/dsignsbycristal

International Seasons: ZenCatPottery – #CIJSeasons

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Summer Is The Favorite Season Of Margie From ZenCatPottery

ZenCatPottery

1. What is your favorite season and why?

Summer! I grew up in S. California and love the beach and warm weather. Flip flops are my favorite footwear. I dislike wearing a lot of clothing and being cold!

2. What season is it now where you live? Have you seen a visible sign of the season changing?

It is still summer, but things are beginning to move into Fall. The nights are getting colder and the days are getting shorter. The other day, I saw a tree whose leaves were beginning to change! It made me sad, but the person I was with was very happy (she loves Fall)!

3. What item in your shop represents your favorite season and the story behind it?

The Lemon Yellow Fruit Juicer in my shop represents summer. It is bright and cheerful. It can be used to make lemonade in the summer. Growing up we had a lemon tree in our back yard. During the summer, it was always full of lemons. My mom used to make pitchers of lemonade for us to drink on hot Los Angeles summer days!

This juicer can be used all year round to squeeze lemons, oranges and limes.

4. What seasonal traditions are celebrated in your part of the world? 

I live in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Summer here is filled with outdoor activities: hiking, camping,swimming,biking etc. But I sure do miss the beach!

5. What are your social media sites?

Twitter: twitter.com/ZenCatPottery
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sarrao/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZenCatPottery/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/zencatpottery/
Blog: zencatpottery.blogspot.com

Trending On Social – #CIJParty 2018

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

I am fascinated by trends. Are you? There are weather trends, work place trends, business trends, job trends, food trends, real estate trends, hair trends, fashion trends color trends and so on.

The definition of a trend is a general direction in which something is developing or changing. In college I took several classes on trends. I remember distinctly studying pre peak – peak – post peak timelines. I find trends intriguing. They pique my curiosity.

Trends unite us. Give us a common ground. A connecting point.

Today during the #CIJParty 2018 let’s discover what the team has trending on social media!

Follow The Etsy Christmas In July Team On Facebook

Follow The Etsy Christmas July Team On Instagram

Follow The Etsy Christmas In July Team On Pinterest

Follow The Etsy Christmas In July Team On Twitter

May Etsy Christmas In July Photo Challenge – #EtsyCIJPhotoChallenge

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Good Thursday evening everyone!

We’re super excited to share with you that the month of May the Christmas In July team is going to focus on a photo challenge.

Use the hashtags #EtsyCIJ, #EtsyCIJPhotoChallenge and #FloralChallenge!

Be sure to share the article on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

 

Please follow the team!

#EtsyCIJ Facebook: EtsyChristmasInJuly

#EtsyCIJ Instagram: EtsyChristmasInJuly

#EtsyCIJ Pinterest: EtsyCIJ

#EtsyCIJ Twitter: EtsyCIJ

Be sure to check on our social media sites every day!

In addition to liking the floral items it’s important to comment and share!

Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions!

Alicia and Cindy

Etsy Christmas In July 2017 – Begins 1 Week From Today

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Etsy Christmas In July 2017 begins 1 week from today! This year our event will be held July 1st – July 10th!

The leaders have been busy working behind the scenes coming up with creative, innovative ideas to get everyone involved in the event.

To participate please join the Christmas In July team! Once you have joined there are many ways for you to be featured on our blog during #EtsyCIJ 2017! Please see the opportunities below!

Celebrate #EtsyCIJ 2017 by joining us on social media!

CIJ Team Facebook

#EtsyCIJ Facebook Event Page

CIJ Team Instagram

CIJ Team Pinterest

CIJ Team Twitter

We have several events planned during #EtsyCIJ 2017 where you can get involved. Here are 3 of the upcoming events!

#CIJLovesJuly – 10 Day Photo Challenge

Join the 10 Day Christmas In July Photo Challenge! Use the hashtag #CIJLovesJuly in the caption of your challenge photos! We look forward to getting to know you! The team leaders will be looking for your photos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to share!

#CIJLovesJuly

#CIJParty 2017

On July 5th we will host the #CIJParty 2017 right here on our blog! We are working behind the scenes right now prepping for the party!

Curious about our #CIJParty 2016? Here is the link:

#CIJParty 2016

We are looking for team members to make this #CIJParty 2017 creative and innovative! Please see the following links to submit a Christmas Inspired Tutorial or Christmas Inspired Printable:

#CIJParty 2017: Submit A Tutorial

#CIJParty 2017: Submit A Printable

Every year we invite team members to write Christmas Inspired Guest Blog Articles. This year the first step in the process will be to pitch us an idea. Then the ideas we choose will receive a submission form for writing the article.

#CIJParty 2017: Pitch A Guest Blog Article Idea

The blog leaders and guest contributors will be writing special Christmas Inspired blog articles for the #CIJParty! Please see the following threads to have an item and the story featured on July 5th!

Alicia: Christmas Wish List – Chance To Be Featured During The #CIJParty

Alicia: Food And Drink – #CIJParty 2017

Alicia: Music – #CIJParty 2017

Alicia: Photo Booth – #CIJParty 2017

Dawn: The Twelve Days Of Christmas – Chance To Be Featured During the #CIJParty

Judith: Christmas Decor – Chance To Be Featured During The #CIJParty

Sheila: Holiday Jewelry – Chance To Be Featured During The #CIJParty

Once again we will serve Food and Drink at our #CIJParty:

Food And Drink

We will also enjoy Music to our #CIJParty:

Music

And new this year to our #CIJParty is a Photo Booth:

Photo  Booth

You are all invited to join us in the fun and festivities!

We have created a Facebook Event Page! Please join us and invite your friends! Christmas In July 2017!

Mark your calendar today and let the preparations begin!

Want a sneak peek of one of the Christmas Inspired Articles that will be featured on Wednesday July 5th? Here’s The Twelve Days Of Christmas from Dawn of DeeDeeDeesigns! A big thank you to Dawn!

Nine Ladies Dancing From DeeDeeSupplies

#CIJPopUpMarket 2017

We are thrilled about our third annual #CIJPopUpMarket – a party in the streets of our blog! The streets will be shut down and your tents will be up and ready to showcase your unique items for you.

This will be an innovative and creative way for members of the #EtsyCIJ team to get to know one another and customers.

This year we will host #CIJPopUpMarkets on 4 days!

Tuesday July 4th

Thursday July 6th

Friday July 7th

Saturday July 8th

There are still a few tents available for Saturday July 8th!

#CIJPopUpMarket #4

Etsy Christmas In July 2017 – Begins 2 Weeks From Today

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Etsy Christmas In July 2017 begins 2 weeks from today! This year our event will be held July 1st – July 10th!

We have several events planned during #EtsyCIJ 2017 where you can get involved. Here are 3 of the upcoming events!

#CIJLovesJuly – 10 Day Photo Challenge

Join the 10 Day Christmas In July Photo Challenge! Use the hashtag #CIJLovesJuly in the caption of your challenge photos! We look forward to getting to know you! The team leaders will be looking for your photos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to share!

#CIJLovesJuly

#CIJPopUpMarket 2017

We are thrilled about our third annual #CIJPopUpMarket – a party in the streets of our blog! The streets will be shut down and your tents will be up and ready to showcase your unique items for you.

This will be an innovative and creative way for members of the #EtsyCIJ team to get to know one another and customers.

For more information regarding the #CIJPopUpMarket please see this thread:

#CIJPopUpMarket 2017 #3

#CIJParty 2017

On July 5th we will host the fourth annual #CIJParty 2017 right here on our blog! We are working behind the scenes right now prepping for the party!

Curious about our #CIJParty 2016? Here is the link:

#CIJParty 2016

We are looking for team members to make this #CIJParty 2017 creative and innovative! Please see the following links to submit a Christmas Inspired Tutorial or Christmas Inspired Printable:

#CIJParty 2017: Submit A Tutorial

#CIJParty 2017: Submit A Printable

Every year we invite team members to write Christmas Inspired Guest Blog Articles. This year the first step in the process will be to pitch us an idea. Then the ideas we choose will receive a submission form for writing the article.

#CIJParty 2017: Pitch A Guest Blog Article Idea

The blog leaders and guest contributors will be writing special Christmas Inspired blog articles for the #CIJParty! Please see the following threads to have an item and the story featured on July 5th!

Alicia: Christmas Wish List – Chance To Be Featured During The #CIJParty

Alicia: Food And Drink – #CIJParty 2017

Alicia: Music – #CIJParty 2017

Alicia: Photo Booth – #CIJParty 2017

Dawn: The Twelve Days Of Christmas – Chance To Be Featured During the #CIJParty

Judith: Christmas Decor – Chance To Be Featured During The #CIJParty

Sheila: Holiday Jewelry – Chance To Be Featured During The #CIJParty

You are all invited to join us in the fun and festivities! We will be sharing more information in the weeks to come!

We have created a Facebook Event Page! Please join us and invite your friends! Christmas In July 2017!

Mark your calendar today and let the preparations begin!

Want a sneak peek of one of the Christmas Inspired Articles that will be featured on Wednesday July 5th? Here’s Christmas Decorations from Julie of EveryoneLovesGifts0! A big thank you to Julie!

Christmas Decorations

Celebrate #EtsyCIJ 2017 by joining us on social media!

Please use the hashtag #EtsyCIJ on social media!

We are ready with social media for CIJ 2017!

CIJ Team Facebook

CIJ Team Instagram

CIJ Team Pinterest

CIJ Team Twitter

Christmas In July Photo Challenge – #EtsyCIJPhotoChallenge

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Good Thursday afternoon everyone!

I’m super excited to share with you that the month of April the Christmas In July team is going to focus on a photo challenge.

Please use the hashtags #EtsyCIJ and #EtsyCIJPhotoChallenge

Please share the article on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

Please follow the team!

#EtsyCIJ Facebook: EtsyChristmasInJuly

#EtsyCIJ Instagram: EtsyChristmasInJuly

#EtsyCIJ Pinterest: EtsyCIJ

#EtsyCIJ Twitter: EtsyCIJ

Be sure to check on our social media sites every day!

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions!

Alicia and Dawn

Leadership Spotlight – TheMarchingBee

Contributor post by Alicia of AliciasFindings

Leaders are an essential part of any team or organization. Leaders help other members succeed and grow as well as help the Captain achieve their objectives. Here at Christmas in July we have some wonderful Leaders and we want to honor your accomplishments in what we are calling Leadership Spotlight.

 

Carrie from TheMarchingBee is our next honoree!

1. What made you decide to join the CIJ team and what do you love about the team?

Honestly, I don’t really remember exactly. I believe that I was searching the groups and stumbled across it. All I remember is that it didn’t take long for me to love the idea of it. Everything is just so organized and alive. That’s really what I love about the group. It’s not dead and drab, but fun and alive.

2. What made you decide to become a CIJ team leader and what do you enjoy most about being a team leader?

I was approached by the captain and was honored. She noticed I retweeted a lot and asked if I was interested in being a leader. It took a little while to get my ducks in a row, but I’m happy to help. I enjoy seeing progress. If I see any improvement in retweets and sales to others, that makes me happy. It makes me feel like I’m paying it forward.

3. What is your style of leadership?

I’ve never been super strict on any leadership role I’ve had, but I do expect everyone to give something. I know that it’s not always easy, or possible, when you manage a large group of people such as Etsy groups, but I am always encouraging. The more I get wrapped up in my leadership roles and projects, the more I encourage others to do the same. I try to do a lot of one-on-one. I find that it works best when you create a bond with your members, not to mention you make new friends along the way.

4. Tell us about yourself and your shop.

I am a happily married mommy from the country in West Virginia USA. I love to read, write, blog, and do pretty much anything that has to do with words in general, including talking. I enjoy crocheting, which is why I opened my shop Little Cotton Tail back in… 2010 I think? It quickly was changed to Stitchy Little Witch and stuck for quite a few years. Then, in 2016, I decided it was time for a revamp. I needed a name that said less “Halloween” and more “kids” because my shop is now mainly for babies and children. My son came up with the name The Marching Bee, and I couldn’t have been happier with it since I love honeybees and was in Marching Band in high school. I used to take a lot of custom orders, but I have decided that life is too short and that my son needed more attention, so I mostly sell in-stock now. It seems like a perfect balance now.

5. What are your social media sites?

I am a member of many, many social media sites, but I mainly use Pinterest and Twitter. I am working on my Facebook page more lately as well. I have given up on Instagram for my shop though. Here are my links:
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/TheMarchingBee/
Twitter: twitter.com/TheMarchingBee/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarchingbee/

Leadership Spotlight – EveryoneLovesGifts0

Contributor post by Alicia of AliciasFindings

Leaders are an essential part of any team or organization. Leaders help other members succeed and grow as well as help the Captain achieve their objectives. Here at Christmas in July we have some wonderful Leaders and we want to honor your accomplishments in what we are calling Leadership Spotlight.

Julie from EveryoneLovesGifts0 is our next honoree!

1. What made you decide to join the CIJ team and what do you love about the team?

I first came across CIJ on Facebook, I posted a few times for their blogs. I was hooked from there. I love the whole idea of shopping all year round (even though I never get there myself).

2. What made you decide to become a CIJ team leader and what do you enjoy most about being a team leader?

I decided to join the team when Alicia asked if I would like to join. I love the idea of being more involved in not only my business but others as well. As small businesses I think it is important to all work together.

3. What is your style of leadership?

I am friendly in leadership but get to the point. I play fair, friendly approachable.

4. Tell us about yourself and your shop.

My shop started after I found out I had Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am unable to work in a normal employment fashion, but the thought of staying at home twiddling my thumbs all day is enough to drive me mad. I had always wanted to start my own jewellery business and thought it was a good time than any.
Within my shop I love to make awareness jewellery but especially Fibromyalgia awareness jewellery. When a piece sells a percentage goes to FMAUK.com, which is a Fibromyalgia Research charity based in UK.

5. What are your social media sites?

Facebook: facebook.com/EveryoneLovesGifts
Instagram: instagram.com/everyonelovesgifts
Twitter: @every1lovesgift
Pinterest: uk.pinterest.com/everylovesgifts

Social Media

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Social media marketing has become the way to retain existing and bring in new clients to your business. There are so many different sites and they all have their own target markets. Which site(s) you use depends on who you are looking to bring in to your business.

Here at  CIJ we want to know what is your favorite social media to use for your business? Why is it your favorite? What about it helps your business,etc?

Mrs.A. from 2aEmporium says this is a hard one. I’ve increased my social media presence with several new-to-me social media venues.. The main venue I have been using is tried and true, but I have begun another one recently that I believe is increasing my Google hits. So….it has increased my sales.

The envelope please…Google+.

Google+ is my new favorite social media. It is much like Pinterest in that you can make collections. People can follow you or follow certain collections you have made. You comment, like and repost items…again very similar to Pinterest. I also like that the pictures are large. It appears you can put anything on Google+ because all you have to do is copy and paste the link into a post. But what I like most is posting on Google+ appears to give my shop an increased Google presence, and therefore, more sales.

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio said We Heart It is one of my favorite social media platforms.
It is geared toward a younger audience and is very visual.
It is easy to post on We Heart it right from Etsy.
I usually get Etsy views from We heart It.

I think it’s important to try out different platforms and then pick a few to concentrate on because it can get overwhelming. But don’t delete or abandon the other platforms. You might want to try them out later. And by opening an account in your shop name, you are reserving your shop presence on that platform: no one else can open an IG or Pinterest account or any other.

Diana from joliefemmebydiana states that I like all the SM mentioned above and do wish to try We Heart It.

I want to talk about Wanelo. I have been on there for a long time and it started to seem a waste when they stopped posting to FB and stopped allowing us to make stories.

However, it is easy to post Polyvore collages to Wanelo instead of stories and it works well with Google+. I have been able to post my Wanelo collections there and get some shop views from it too.

I use Wanelo every day to promote my shop and my fellow etsians and there is also the capability to sell straight from the site too. I have many connections on Wanelo and that is the key to getting more exposure. You have to follow more people and post regularly.

I like the large format of the images and you can add hashtags in the comments. It’s very easy to click from Wanelo to Etsy to shop too. I’m going to stick with it for a while longer.

spoiledfelines1 from SpoiledFelinesArt says as one of the team leaders on Twitter, I’ll talk about why I like being on Twitter!

I got into Twitter because a team that I was a member of had Twitter parties … I thought it would be a great way to be social with other team mates and followers. And it was!

I not only got to tweet my own items and have them retweeted by others, but also retweet others’ items as well. During the Twitter parties, there was a lot of chit chat, and it was a great way to meet other team members and followers from around the globe.

I really enjoyed the fun and engaging conversation that is afforded via the Twitter parties!