Easy Mug cozy in Red

This mug cozy pattern is the easiest to do.  Perfect for beginners in crochet.  I have a crochet pattern book that gives you step by step illustration, on how to create this simple mug cozy pattern.  Best of all you can download it on your Nook or Kindle for only $.99 cents on amazon.com or barnes and nobles. 

Barnes and Nobles
Amazon.com

For all you expert in crochet pattern reading, here's the pattern:

12 chain
sc in 3rd chain from hook
sc in each stitch 'till end of row
*  chain 2 (counts as dc), turn and dc in each stitch (working in the back stitch)
repeat * 'till you reach the desired length.  (for standard size mug, repeat * 14 times) (or have 14 rows of dc)
loop - chain 1, (counts as sc) sc in the next 5 stitch, chain 10, slip stitch at the base of the 10 chains, continue to sc till end of row.  end of pattern

finishing touches:  add button, and secure remaining yarn to pattern. 

Mug Cozy in Red and White

 I've become more confident on my Mug Cozies crochet patterns.

I've added flower embellishments on some of my mug cozies.

Sold on etsy today

I started my etsy shop last year in January.  and I must say, I love etsy.  Compare to last year, this January is off the chart.  I'm very thankful for that.

I wanted to share what I've sold today on my etsy shop.

 

Handmade crochet cover for Nook tablet 

 

handmade crochet cover for Nook Simple Touch in bright yellow and green

 

handmade crochet cover for Nook Simple Touch, I actually love these color combination.  Its orange mango and fuchsia pink. my inspiration was that button.  I made this cover with two strands of extra soft yarn. and it turned out beautifully.  the yarn is bit expensive that my usual choice, but the brand does carry these gorgeous colors.

planning on buying more.

New Year, New Beginnings and New Goals

I love New Years.  It's a great time to plan for an  even better year.  And thanks to a wonderful 2012, I have an idea what to expect this year and I do believe its going to be even better.

Last year, in January, I opened up my etsy shop optimistically.  I wasn't expecting much, more like testing the waters, so to say.  and after a year later, I am overwhelmed with the outcome and looking forward to an even better year selling on etsy and beyond.  I am very happy that I started in 2012 and saw all of the wonderful upgrades etsy website done, to help us, sellers, sell more of our handmade crafts. 

At the beginning of my etsy shop, I was only accepting Paypal payments.  But as months went along, etsy has added a new feature, to shop owners.  My etsy shop now has the ability to accept both Paypal and Credit card payments.  And they also added a new feature which is gift cards.  I did received some gift cards orders.  That was another wonderful upgrade.

The best upgrade that I saw on etsy, is the ability to print shipping labels right on etsy.  That's saves me time and money.  Not only that, you can track all packages under my "SOLD ORDERS" tab.  Another time and money saving option.

I really love the fact that etsy only charges 20 cents per each item you list for sale.  and what I really like is they also upgraded that too.  So now, if you have one particular item and 20 in quantity, etsy no longer, charges you 20 cents each, but it only charges you 20 cents to list an item with multiple quantity and re-list your item when you make a sale.  And that is the only time etsy charges another 20 cents.  

So for this year, I'm planning on upgrading my packaging method by creating my own custom boxes for my crochets using cardstock papers with my logo imprinted on the box.  I think that will take my products to the next level. 

and I'm actually going to order some business cards and postcards.  Last year, I printed some flyers to include in my orders, but I can't find them right now.  I think if I made custom boxes it will eliminate the flyers, maybe. 

and I would like to include a Thank you card.