More Cuties

I've been having more fun engraving Custom Photo Ornaments! Every photo I get just makes me go "Awwwww" :) I love editing these and making them come to life! Check out my latest group of cuties :)

Just look at those eyes!!!

I ♥ this one of Mommy & Daddy holding their new bundle of joy!!!

I'm going to miss Christmas season most because I won't be making as many ornaments. I have several ideas in the works for after the first of the year to hopefully keep these selling. Thank you for all the ideas I have received so far! Keep them coming :) What would you like to see on these ornaments, or what else do you think they could be used for?

Open Season

Here in SW Iowa, hunting season is in full-force. First and second deer seasons have come and gone and there will be a doe season later in the year. While some hunt just for sport, many people in this area hunt for the meat. With beef prices so high lately, venison is a good substitute.

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I was recently asked to engrave some hunting photos and I love how they turned out. And since guys are always so hard to buy for...these make great gifts!

I know some of my readers aren't big fans of hunting, but in such a rural area, it is actually necessary to keep the animals from becoming over-populated. People hit deer with their cars everyday...I totalled my car this way! So I hope no one takes offense to these photos :)

More Great Engraved Ornaments

Last week I showed you some super cute Engraved Baby Ornaments. If you missed that post, or just want an "Awwww" moment...check it out here :)

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Along with adorable babies, I've been engraving other fun ornaments as well. One of my favorites was this double sided ornament with photos of a couple's trip to Greece. Here is the Parthenon and the Colosseum.

Just look at the detail in these photos!!!

I also did 4 company logo ornaments.

Another favorite is this kitty :) We didn't have the greatest photo to work with, but I think it turned out nice :)

I'd like to find other fun ways to use/sell these after the holidays. If you have any ideas, I'd LOVE to hear them :)

Sales in Unexpected Places

Many times if we're not at a craft show or checking our Etsy shops, we're not thinking of making sales. Our brains aren't in "crafty mode" and we're not on top of our game.

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In the past couple of weeks, I've made sales in some unexpected places! So I encourage you to always have a line or two ready and ALWAYS carry business cards!

I was at a local glass supplier recently and bought A LOT of beer mugs. The lady behind the checkout counter asked if I was going to use these at a bar. I told her that I actually etch on them and told her a few things I had done. She said her son would love something like that. I said Would You Like a Business Card! I pulled one out of my purse right there and she called last week to buy two mugs :)

And just this past weekend I had a package delivered from FedEx. Usually they just leave our packages in our cars or at the front door because they know we sleep strange hours. This time the guy knocked on the door really loud. I went to see who it was and thanked him for my package. I was about to shut the door when he said...I was wanting to ask you about placing an order! Over the summer he had asked what type of business I run (since he delivers here quite regularly!). I told him all about my laser and he seemed pretty interested. He placed an order for a custom picture frame with both the wood and the glass engraved...how cool! And I was sure to send a couple of business cards with him in case he wants to spread the word :)

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Have you sold any items in unexpected places before? Do you always carry business cards with you so you're prepared when the occasion arises?

Engraved Photo Ornaments

I've been having so much fun making my Engraved Photo Ornaments! Photos are my favorite thing to engrave...I love watching them while they laser :) And having such cute subject to work with makes it even more enjoyable :)

Here are some of the recent ornaments I've made...just look at these faces!

I bet you can tell why I love engraving these so much :)