ArtFire vs Etsy. Etsy vs. ArtFire.

After my last post and after reading this article, I have had many conversations and even some debates, with fellow shop owners over which is "better", Etsy or Artfire.

Personally, I love both! Yes, this IS possible. Both of these lively online markets places have what I feel is most important: A supportive and friendly community.

Another thing it comes down really, is what YOU feel is most important. While Etsy has listing fees and a much larger community, ArtFire has no listing fees, but a smaller community. While ArtFire gives you the option to customize your shop to your website, Etsy has a feeling of unity within the shops. Etsy has been around longer and has many "kinks" worked out, while Artfire is relatively new and is still under development. I could go on and on...

Both of these marketplaces have something in common. One very vital aspect that I think is most times over looked, YOU are in charge. Both Artfire AND Etsy embrace your ability to create, grow and communicate with society through your creations. After all, isn't that what it's all about anyway?

I think I simply feel torn about The Etsy Wars article. I owe a huge chunk of my success to Etsy. My sales continue to grow there and I continue to meet such wonderful people, even though I now link my website to ArtFire. And even though my site links to ArtFire, my ArtFire links back to my Etsy. With the rise in shipping and supply costs, my Etsy fees are a bigger blow to pay, but I just don't make the sales I need, yet, on ArtFire. Does this mean when (and if) ArtFire becomes huge I will leave Etsy? Absolutely not.

We just need to remember, it's all about supporting EACH OTHER, and not losing ourselves in argueing about the marketplace. ♥ Without US there would be no Etsy OR ArtFire.

♥♥♥

Monday Mini Feature: ArtFire.com

If you visited LuxuryLaneSoap.com this weekend, you may have noticed a big change. A new ArtFire online shop!

Why did I make the switch from Etsy to ArtFire?

Firstly, my Etsy Shop is still up and running! I love Etsy and I have met some of the most wonderful people there. Etsy will always have a special place in my heart. ♥ ArtFire respects this and they encourage you link to your Etsy shop if you'd like! (And your website, blog, twitter, flickr, etc...)

I opened an ArtFire shop because I instantly fell in love with the customizations available. You can add your own html coding to your shop, adjust shop colors and banner size! The customizations alone are so worth it, to me, because my ArtFire shop now matches my website so well.

Another great feature is Rapid Cart. Your customers no longer have to register for an account to purchase from you! I have been able to beautifully link my ArtFire shop within my website for seamless transactions. I had my first sale this weekend (yay!) and was actually told the checkout system is " Wonderfully uncomplicated ".

Could it get any better? Yup! No listing OR selling fee! Yeah, seriously! So you can re list items daily for more exposure without racking up a daily fee. *swoon*

Give ArtFire.com a little look. A basic account is totally free with a verified account being only $12.00 a month! Since my Etsy listing/selling fees have been well over $12.00, I thought why not give it a try? That's how the love affair began...
Give ArtFire.com a look

As a way to say "Thanks!" for giving my new ArtFire shop a try, I am offering 15% off ALL items for the entire month. It's time for a Christmas in July Sale, don't you think? Combine that with newly reduced shipping rates, and I'd say it's time to shop!
♥♥♥

♥♥ Soapsicle Smoothie Giveaway ♥♥

*Contest has ended. Winners to be announced!*
Now that summer has officially began, its time for a nice, soapy giveaway! Woohoo! Also, I've been so busy with the kids out of school and wedding orders, I wanted to have a big 'ol giveaway to say "Thanks" to all of my awesome readers for your patience, as this blog has been rather lacking lately. With Bible Camp, the Summer Reading Program and revamps to our home coming to an end, I will finally have my coffee and networking mornings back. Yay!

Ok, ok...now back to the giveaway! I will be giving away THREE of my brand new Soapsicle Smoothies! That's three chances to win! I will randomly choose three winners, who will each win a free Soapsicle Smoothie, of your choice! ♥

These fun soaps are shaped just like delicious popsicles and scented in yummy smoothie scents. Banana Cream, Cherry Cola Cream, Snickerdoodle Buttercream, to name a few! YUM! These Soapsicle Smoothies are ultra rich and creamy. Made with Oatmeal and Shea Butter. A wonderful treat for your skin!

All you have to do is check out my Etsy Shop and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite item is. That's it!
*Please leave your email address so that I can reach you if you win

♥ For extra entries
(Please leave a comment for each entry)
1. Follow me on Twitter (KyleeLane) and tweet this giveaway. Please leave a link to the tweet.
2. Follow this blog.
3. Blog about this giveaway. Please leave link to your post
4. Become a fan of the all new
Luxury Lane Soap & Soy Facebook page!

*Contest has ended. Winners to be announced!*
A huge thanks to those who have entered!
♥♥♥

New Sweet Peach & Berries

I really enjoy making detailed soaps. I enjoy planning color schemes and matching fragrances. Thinking it might be nice to make a more "simple" soap, I made a delicious bar in one of my best selling scents, Peach and Sweet Berries. Previously this scent was only offered in my Hello Kitty Soap and my new Pony Soap. Turns out some people liked just keeping their soaps around to sniff them and not use them because "They just look so cuuute!" *wink* So, I wanted to make a pretty bar that was simple, to encourage guilt free use.

Let me officially introduce you to my newest Peach & Sweet Berries Soap!

This is a beautiful peach and shimmery pink soap and it smells AMAZING! Super creamy and bubbly, this soap was blended to have extra lather.

Naturally crushed Shea Butter has been added to produce this creamy soap. Shea butter produces a luxurious lather, which provides moisture as it softens. Approximately 3.5 ounces each

I just might have to do a few more sets of soaps like this...maybe in my yummy Cupcake scent....or seductive Satin Sheets scents... *Eep* I love getting excited about my work. ♥♥♥

Any scents you'd love to see? Let me know and you will be sure to see them soon!

Yart Sale on Etsy ♥

My Etsy Shop is participating in the second annual Yart Sale on Etsy.com. What is a Yart Sale you ask? Check out this Etsy Storque Article for more information! ♥

Check out my Yart Sale section to see my goodies either drastically marked down, or offered with free shipping!

There are SO many talented people on Etsy and it always blows my mind seeing some of the things people come up with. Be it either astoundingly simple, or exaggerated and complex, crafty or mechanical...It makes me happy people are still creating. Why not purchase something during this years Yart Sale you might not otherwise purchase? LOTS of GREAT sales right now...simply search: Yart . There is even a trending # if you use Twitter! Search: #Yart ♥ Check out these awesome items I found from other Etsy Sellers participating in this years Yart Sale ♥ Enjoy!