I figured it was time I posted something about WHY I’m no longer using ETSY nor selling files online until I launch my own store. A little while back I got an email from the billing department telling me I owed all these fee’s in ads and if I did not pay, I would be shut down. Mind you, I never enabled ads- I have no record of ever paying for ads- it came out of the blue and I was confused. I tried to inquire and nothing ever more came of it- but I realized that after hearing all the horror stories about ETSY just shutting shops down left and right and pulling all these stunts- I knew I did not want to be a part of any of that. So I let my listings expire and i’m moving my shop elsewhere!
There has also been a lot of issues with trademarks and compedetors falsely reporting products to get the upperhand. Just some really shady practices going on and i’d rather just do my own thing now.
Originally I was going with Shopify- however iv’e been trying to code my site for over 4 months now and i’m sick and tired of basic features not being available unless through 3rd party apps for all these fees. After much consideration I am moving to Bigcommerce! I had a phone call with them today and I think it will allow me to do what i’ve been trying to do WITHOUT all the crazy coding involved.
SO! While I do not have my shop or files up yet- I did want to share the amazing files iv’e been collaborating with over at OMTech! If you have a laser and want some fun and unique files; they recently launched a shop where you can DIY all your own products! Iv’e been having a blast coming up with projects and testing them on my machine. Iv’e been trying so many new and different things in my 60w machine, the possibilities are truly endless! It’s been awesome to collaborate with the team I have been.
Also a huge shoutout to another fellow designer, Max at LaserbeastLab for his advice and expertise with lasers! He’s been providing some helpful advice and insight for areas I never really worked with (i’m also terrible at social media hahaha). If you haven’t checked out his stuff, you should! He also sells a variety of different blanks- so if you are getting started with a laser and are looking for a place to start, check his site out for some info!
Are there any special kinds of files and/or designs you are looking for and having troubles finding? Feel free to leave a comment below! I’m always looking at new things to try. Also- if you have any questions about any of the files iv’e designed or made (or any projects you see on here)- just send me a message!
How do you get the video to look like that? I do not have a laser but that is dope! Id be interested in a tutorial or step by step for that. Looks awesome my dude!
Hi Josue!
I actually have a large lightbox that I use when photographing and filming. I have it on my ticker to upload something sometime for it! Glad you like.
Can we just buy the finished products from you? What if we like the designs and do not have a machine to make these on? Can the files be used with other machines like Cricut? I love the bee one but do not own a laser. Can it be made out of paper?
Hi Andrea!
Eventually I hope to sell finished products once my shop launches. The files shown here are intended for laser use. I have not personally tested the laser created files with my Cricut/ Silhouette machines to give a more solid answer. Perhaps i’ll have to give it a go sometime! I usually keep my paper based SVGS and Laser SVGS separate because I build them differently with the layering. Plus the instructions are different as well.
These are SUPER CUTE hun! Just wanted to say that. Sadly I cannot afford a laser to make things but I did want to tell you that I think your work is amazing. Let me know if you ever sell blanks and do moulds. I often buy silicone moulds for my soaps and wax melts and would love to support you if you ship to the UK. I figure eventually I will get into mould making but at the moment I just buy on Etsy from independent sellers but many do not ship overseas. I have heard about the problems… Read more »
Thanks so much! I really do appreciate it! I honestly am not familiar with how to make blanks and molds- but I do have it as something to try someday. 🙂 I used to ship overseas but has so many issues with my products getting stuck in customs which resulted in some very unhappy customers! I think the worse was Germany when I had a plush get held up for 3 months! UK wasn’t too bad- so i’d be happy to do a case-to-case basis. I tried FB shops but making handmade products I could not abide by their rules.… Read more »
Yikes! So sorry hun. I get that though. I would be more than willing to work with you on timelines for customs if you so decide on it. I understand the delays and customs so keep me in mind if you do blanks and moulds. Or if there is a waitlist I would be happy to sign up.
Thanks Deidra! If you’d like- feel free to email me kristina@kristhecreative.com and i’d be happy to make a note in my ticker. I’m often not patrolling my blog and have comments on as being approved (way too much spam lol) so emailing me would be the best if you ever have any questions.
Curious if you do toppers that go with floral arrangements? I had a supplier who used thick card stock but it always ends up getting ruined so I did away with ordering from her because nothing held up. Sometimes instead of paper cards customers want something they can use as a keepsake for their anniversary- birthday-child and big life events. I have looked around and the closest thing I find is garden stakes which isn’t what I want. It is more like a cake topper but thinner and longer depending on the arrangement it goes with. My old supplier used… Read more »
Hello Lori,
I think I have an idea of what you are talking about; like a decorative piece of acrylic that has a personalized name or date on it that can stick inside the arrangement? If you can- email me at kristina@kristhecreative.com some photos and i’d be happy to look into this more. I have done some acrylic toppers for floral vases as gifts (see attached). Not sure if this is what you mean?
Yes! On that idea but with names and dates on them. Like for this anniversary it would have a date that relates to the customer. Some of my customers have asked for something more memorable so they can use it as a keepsake. I am open to ideas. I do not know how much customers can do with something like this unless it detaches somehow but if you have any ideas on how to make a keepsake out of this I am all ears.
I can totally brainstorm some ideas for you! I was thinking you could try doing a longer acrylic stem then maybe having the top as an inset that could be made out of acrylic or wood and you could mimic the cards that you get with arrangements (or custom make something)- but it would be etched on the wood/ acrylic. So after the flowers die (assuming you do real arrangements) they could just save the little etched card VS needing the whole stem. Or maybe they want the stems to put in another plant? I admit- I know nothing about… Read more »
Where do you get your packaging done?!?!?! It is so cute. I have been ordering from Ali and Wish but I really need something custom like this. Simple with my logo and social. I also vote you should ad your social on these. Maybe even a 3D barcode for ease. I sell faux leather earrings and people say it is helpful having my instagram on there so they can tag when they post unboxing videos.