Our Own Economic Stimulus
- February 20, 2009
- Category: Daily Diary
- (18) Comments
Here on Red Pine Mountain, we have felt the pinch of the downturn in the economy. Gas and oil needed to run farm equipment have increased in price. Animal feed has become more costly. Utilities have increased. Groceries are more expensive. Taxes, as always, are rising. The list of increasing expenses is endless. At the same time our costs are rising, our income is decreasing. People are not in the market for second home camping cabins nor are they buying lumber for wood flooring and other expensive projects. We have tightened our belts and decreased our spending. I have put ads on my blogs, started selling unwanted items on Ebay and I’m always looking for creative ways to generate income.
I am also a much more conscientious shopper than I was in the past. I make an effort to purchase locally made products from the small business in our town. However, every now and then there is a product I can’t find locally.
Before I started blogging, I would automatically turn to the nearest catalog and order products from large, well known stores but that was before I discovered the world of talented bloggers. Many fellow bloggers have Etsy shops brimming with beautiful handmade goods. And, I’ve come to know many of these bloggers. They are all working to support their families and they are struggling just as so many of us are.
I recently decided to run monthly blog contests. This month, I am featuring a handmade bird house from Life on a Southern Farm. Next month, I will choose another Etsy shop to feature. I hope you’ll have fun participating in the contests but more importantly I’d like to raise awareness that there is another way to shop and at the same time help support families and farms we have come to know through blogging.
I think it’s wonderful that you will be highlighting the work of others to hopefully drum up some business for other crafty bloggers.
Date: February 20, 2009
What a great way to promote homemade products! Great idea!
Date: February 20, 2009
This is a great idea and a wonderful way to highlight all of the great craftspeople out there.
Date: February 20, 2009
I am totally with you on this one.
Date: February 20, 2009
That is a really great idea! How could I go about doing something like this?
Date: February 20, 2009
What great ideas! You really sound like the kind of person that inspires change and makes things happen.
Are you making much of the blog ads? I always wondered how lucrative that really was. I also have a ton of things I could sell on Ebay. I’d just have no idea how to do it, LOL!
Date: February 20, 2009
Great idea. My effort to curb my own expenses is to enjoy my home more, … otherwise, stop mindless trips to city for one or two items. Stay home, watch a video, cook dinner instead of going to Plattsburgh, eating out and going to the movies. I’m discovering some of our blogger family’s Etsy shops, wonderful items, and I’ll be shopping there when I need a gift.
Date: February 20, 2009
I appreciate you highlighting the birdhouses from my Etsy site.
We also are experiencing the economical pinch here on the farm.
Animal feed prices rise weekly. Property tax has doubled. So any sales from the farm goes right back into the farm.
Thank-you to everyone who is participating.
and
Thank-you Mountain Woman.
Have a great day.
Pam
Date: February 20, 2009
Nice idea…everyone is feeling the pinch I think! I look to Etsy first when I need something…
Cheers
Date: February 20, 2009
I think this is a wonderful idea and look forward to participating in your contests.
Date: February 21, 2009
What a great idea! You are so thoughtful!
Date: February 21, 2009
I agree, shop locally as often as possible. I just wish things would turn around soon.
Date: February 21, 2009
Mountain Woman I echo your sentiments. I am so glad you have written this post and perhaps we can all raise awareness. A few weeks ago, I started running a notice on my blog for my friend Patti at Peacox Creations. She is an amazing crafter who works from home. Her items are beautiful!!! and reasonably priced. In fact, online catalog items or store bought items made in another country may even be more expensive than her unique cards, baskets and clothing items. I join in your quiet crusade to showcase and support the many talented bloggers who use ETSY.
Perhaps we can start our own peaceful but effective mini revolution!!!!
Date: February 21, 2009
I just learned about etsy from you here before Christmas and still havent really looked at it. I should try ebay ? instead of having a garage sale this spring.
Date: February 21, 2009
I LOVE this idea. I buy locally whenever I can, for food. And Etsy is the “local” of the blogosphere. I love the idea of the “mini revoluation!” It will take all of us supporting one another in our efforts.
P.S. The essay for the contest is in your mailbox.
Date: February 22, 2009
Thanks everyone for stopping by. Pony Girl, I am making money from the ads especially because there are so many on the photo blog. I did start that blog primarily to help make money for the farm. To do my first listing on Ebay took a couple of hours
but after that I got the hang of it.
Cedar, we have become homebodies as well. Netfix is our movie supplier and we only venture out when we need something. There has been something wonderful about rediscovering the simple joys of home life.
Fearless Blog, I’ll contact your friend Patti. There are so many wonderful items for sale from our fellow bloggers.
Alan, Ebay is good for me because I don’t live near anyone. A garage sale might be better for you if you want to get rid of items quickly. Ebay also has people who are resellers, who will take your item and list it and sell it for you and that might be a way to go.
Date: February 22, 2009
What a beautiful place; I found you by accident, but I would like to visit again, if that’s ok…
Date: February 24, 2009
Mandingo, Welcome. I’m so glad you found me. I’d welcome your visits!
Date: February 24, 2009