The internet has given us so many wonderful things. Things like 24 hour shopping from the comfort of home, access to information that was unimaginable, a fabulous way to kill time, and the disappearance of customer service. Once business became as impersonal as the internet, customer service wasn't something a lot of companies felt they needed to invest in anymore. It doesn't matter to them if they lose a customer. They have millions of potential customers all around the world that they can make up the loses from. Clearly from my tone I have been denied customer service this week. It is true. This rant is inspired by Twitter.
Admittedly, I am something of a Twitter hater anyway. First, you can only "tweet" a 140 character message. My cell phone 6 years ago could text a 400 character message. So they are starting out technologically behind a 6 year old cell phone. Not a good starting position in my book, but I deal with it because people seem to like it and it is probably important to my business. Although I have not seen any evidence of that yet, I hang in there. The hashtag thing would be great, except that by the time I truncate a message to fit in 140 characters I don't have any room to use a hashtag. Yet, I am getting used to it and could deal with that if I received customer service when things went wrong. Like my account being hacked. Repeatedly. I tried to get some assistance. I sent several emails detailing exactly what had happened and begging for someone to help a girl out, but all I received in return were form emails that clearly showed no one had read my messages to them. I felt like I was beating my head against a brick wall and finally gave up.
Now I understand that these things happen. I worked in tech world for several years. I get that things go wrong. That is just the nature of the business. That is all perfectly understandable, but the lack of customer service is unforgivable in my book. With this being a repetitive issue, I feel they should have looked at the messages and investigated what had gone wrong with their security. My security on their site should be a priority to them, right? I guess not because they didn't seem the least bit interested. By their lack of responsiveness, I can only assume that my security doesn't matter to them in the least. The result is that I still have my Twitter account because I don't feel right bailing on my followers, but it is only out of a loyalty to my followers that I have decided to keep the account open. If not for them I would have told Twitter exactly where they could shove their form emails and closed my account. I don't feel at all confident that my Twitter account is secure and they have done nothing to reassure me that it is.
The real problem is that Twitter isn't alone in this. This isn't even a problem that is limited to online companies. Many companies have let customer service slide. They set up confusing help sites that don't clearly offer you a way to contact them and if you do find something to use to contact them with your problem you will only receive form emails in return. There is never a phone number and if there is it will likely be to a call center and you will speak to someone that is very limited in what they can do to assist you. It is easy to feel like you and your business or membership just doesn't matter to them.
I would be embarrassed if any of my customer received service like this. I never forget that my customers are the most important part of my business. I think many small businesses and artisans feel the same way. I often see artisans and small businesses wondering how they can compete with the large corporations and my answer is always customer service. Give your customers the service they deserve. The service that they won't receive from a corporation. That is how we will get the consumers. By knowing that our customers are the foundation of our businesses, we will be able to provide the service that the large corporations do not. As a customer, I am always going to return to the business that gave me the best service. If you want my money, you will need to appreciate me and make me feel like my business matters. I know that my customers rightfully demand the same and I adore them for it.
For good or ill, corporations are a large part of our modern world and we all purchase from them, myself included. I keep it at a minimum (really it is only a limited amount of food items that I end up going to a corporation for), but it is difficult to escape. So how do we get the service from these monstrous entities that we deserve? I honestly don't know, but am open to suggestions. Anybody have any ideas?
Peace and Love,
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn Supply
Friday, May 25, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Shop Feature: The Smile Emporium
This weeks shop feature takes us to the coastal town of Wollongong, Australia to The Smile Emportium, where a happy expression on your face is practically guaranteed. The shop owner, a proud wife and mother named Debbie, has a store full of several fun items to choose from. Debbie opened her shop while reflecting on her creative endeavors and uses it as an outlet for her energies, as well as some extra income.
Let's start with the question of the month and see what she has been up to with tarn (t shrit yarn). How did she start working with this? Well, it all began by losing a television connection and this You Tube clip...
"At 37, I found myself pregnant with a lovely surprise baby. Our other three children were 17, 15, and 13. We decided to put on an extension to accomodate this little one. My husband took some time off of work and did it as an owner builder. In the process, we had the TV ariel off for 3 weeks. While we were never big TV watchers, just having it as "not an option" at night was great. We learned new skills on the internet. With my interest in recycling and an Aunt who makes lovely hook rugs, that was one of the first things I investigated. After the roof went on, we never put the ariel up again. Four years later we have an adorable little boy (the older kids are wonderful with him), and I have learned how to play the ukelele, make ballon animals, wire wrap jewelry, knit (my mom started me off), make pendants, we read the bible, and much much more"
Wow Debbie! It is so inspiring what we can learn to do and how we can grow our relationships without the distraction of television! I just love trying new things and Debbie's house sounds like the perfect environment for that. So what is she making with the t shirt yarn? Well, let me show you...
First let's talk about some rugs! Debbie's rugs are just beautiful. Take a look below. I have included a few pictures as well as her comments under them.
Debbie: I found the material in an op shop. My favorite color is purple. It is the first one I have done all the same color.
Debbie: Purple again. I collected these colors for a few years until I had enough purple for the rug. My absolute favorite item I have ever made.
Debbie: Most of the material was bought at a Salvation Army store or from my stockpile of our old clothes.
Debbie also told me that she got a crick in her neck from spending so much time bent over working on the lounge rug above, but that it was worth it to see her little one playing on a rug made by his Momma. Such a lovely and heartwarming thought!
Debbie also likes to make bags from tarn. She sent me this picture of this darling purple bag.
Debbie told me that this purse was made from old track suits and remnant material. She loves combining skills like sewing and rag rug techniques.
I can't talk about Debbie's shop without mentioning her aprons. They are so darn cute! And made from upcycled fabrics. Take a look at this child's apron made from an old pair of board shorts.
The Smile Emporiums goal is to "assist a smile to creep onto your face" and she does it well by creating items that make people smile. What I have shown here is only the beginning of what you will find in her store. Such as quirky button stuff, National Geographic pictures in cuff links and pendants, birds nest jewelry, and coffee cozies just to name a few. There is a fabulous mix of creations using new and recycled products.
I was intrigued by Debbie's philosophy regarding upcycling. She said, "I'm always looking at people's clothes and possessions and thinking 'How coud I extend the usage of this item in a way that functions well and looks good'. The other part of my process is asking myself questions like 'Will the item potentially be a positive addition to someone's life?'. For example, aprons encourage creativity and skill building, bags carry our things allowing us to participate in outings, and rugs warm the feet. Buttons remind us that the simple things in life are beautiful. National Geographic pictures in jewelry have an element of recycling and promoting the beauty around us that is to be enjoyed, yet treated so others in the future can enjoy it as well."
Words to live by, Debbie. Stop by The Smile Emporium and have a smile put on your face! Also visit Debbie at Facebook and this very fun Australian site called madeit.com. You can find Debbie on there by clicking here.
Love and Peace,
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn Supply
Let's start with the question of the month and see what she has been up to with tarn (t shrit yarn). How did she start working with this? Well, it all began by losing a television connection and this You Tube clip...
"At 37, I found myself pregnant with a lovely surprise baby. Our other three children were 17, 15, and 13. We decided to put on an extension to accomodate this little one. My husband took some time off of work and did it as an owner builder. In the process, we had the TV ariel off for 3 weeks. While we were never big TV watchers, just having it as "not an option" at night was great. We learned new skills on the internet. With my interest in recycling and an Aunt who makes lovely hook rugs, that was one of the first things I investigated. After the roof went on, we never put the ariel up again. Four years later we have an adorable little boy (the older kids are wonderful with him), and I have learned how to play the ukelele, make ballon animals, wire wrap jewelry, knit (my mom started me off), make pendants, we read the bible, and much much more"
Wow Debbie! It is so inspiring what we can learn to do and how we can grow our relationships without the distraction of television! I just love trying new things and Debbie's house sounds like the perfect environment for that. So what is she making with the t shirt yarn? Well, let me show you...
First let's talk about some rugs! Debbie's rugs are just beautiful. Take a look below. I have included a few pictures as well as her comments under them.
You can purchase this rug here.
Debbie: I found the material in an op shop. My favorite color is purple. It is the first one I have done all the same color.
Debbie: Most of the material was bought at a Salvation Army store or from my stockpile of our old clothes.
Debbie also told me that she got a crick in her neck from spending so much time bent over working on the lounge rug above, but that it was worth it to see her little one playing on a rug made by his Momma. Such a lovely and heartwarming thought!
Debbie also likes to make bags from tarn. She sent me this picture of this darling purple bag.
You can purchase this bag here.
I can't talk about Debbie's shop without mentioning her aprons. They are so darn cute! And made from upcycled fabrics. Take a look at this child's apron made from an old pair of board shorts.
You can purchase the apron here.
The Smile Emporiums goal is to "assist a smile to creep onto your face" and she does it well by creating items that make people smile. What I have shown here is only the beginning of what you will find in her store. Such as quirky button stuff, National Geographic pictures in cuff links and pendants, birds nest jewelry, and coffee cozies just to name a few. There is a fabulous mix of creations using new and recycled products.
I was intrigued by Debbie's philosophy regarding upcycling. She said, "I'm always looking at people's clothes and possessions and thinking 'How coud I extend the usage of this item in a way that functions well and looks good'. The other part of my process is asking myself questions like 'Will the item potentially be a positive addition to someone's life?'. For example, aprons encourage creativity and skill building, bags carry our things allowing us to participate in outings, and rugs warm the feet. Buttons remind us that the simple things in life are beautiful. National Geographic pictures in jewelry have an element of recycling and promoting the beauty around us that is to be enjoyed, yet treated so others in the future can enjoy it as well."
Words to live by, Debbie. Stop by The Smile Emporium and have a smile put on your face! Also visit Debbie at Facebook and this very fun Australian site called madeit.com. You can find Debbie on there by clicking here.
Love and Peace,
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn Supply
Monday, May 14, 2012
My First Love2Upcycle Blog Post
My first article for Team Upcycler's blog, Love2Upcycle, is live! It offers some options for eco friendly crafting supplies and some tips from some of the team's artisans on where they find their materials. I have featured some fabulous shops and they have shared some thoughtful and practical advice on how they obtain supplies for their upcycled products. Take a look and visit the shops to see how the pros do it.
Some Thoughts on Eco Friendly Crafting Supplies (Love 2 Upcycle blog)
Love and Peace,
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn Supply
Some Thoughts on Eco Friendly Crafting Supplies (Love 2 Upcycle blog)
Love and Peace,
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn Supply
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Shop Feature: Prairie Threads
As our month of shop features continues, please let me bring your attention to a couple fabulous shops owned and operated by Laura, who is a talented textiles artisan. Prairie Threads and Prairie Peasant both use only upcycled materials. We are focusing on Prairie Threads today, but be sure to check out Prairie Peasant also. It has a fun selection of journals, including travel journals, sketchbooks, envelopes, and more. It makes my heart happy just looking through her shops, both of which are bright, fun, and very well laid out. You will have a wonderful time browsing through her many fabulous items.
As we are doing a focus on tarn this month, one of my first questions to Laura was how started working with tarn. Laura has had an incredible adventure with tarn, as she describes it, "My first foray into using tshirt yarn was in 2009. I was part of the TransCanada Etsy Team, and as a promotion for Canada Day we did a joint project where members cut up t shirts into strips, and the shop FiveForty wove them into a gorgeous rug that one lucky person won (see the lucky winner and rug here. After this, I learned that after cutting the strips you can stretch them, making the edges curl, and making a yarn that is nice to knit or crochet. I made a set of rainbow t shirt yarn for a gift the next year, but the rug I am currently working on is my first project where I am actually using the yarn myself!" The gift of a rainbow of balls of tarn was a wonderfully thoughtful gift. If you haven't already clicked on the link you should give it a look.
The rug is turning out beautifully, as you can see from the pictures below.
I just love the colors on this rug! So beautiful. Laura said that the thicker tarn, which would be a 4 or 5 WPI, is working well for this rug. The thicker tarn WPIs are wonderful for rugs and what I usually recommend using, however, she said that she has seen thinner tarn (6-8 WPI) used for everything from hot pads and placemats to tote bags and even a bikini! The bikini is a new one to me, but I would love to see it. The thinner tarns are wonderful mediums for all of those things.
*I often throw around terms like WPI, which if you are a tarn person is very common, but if you aren't you have no idea what I am talking about. WPI simply means Wraps Per Inch. It is in indication of how thick the tarn or t shirt yarn is. For example, 4 WPI would be 1/4" thick and 8 WPI would be 1/8" thick. If you would like to learn more please read my article This Wonderful Thing Called Tarn found in my archive on the side bar.*
I also want to give a shout out to Laura's coiled bowls and mats. They are absolutely lovely. A must have for any home. Laura was kind enough to send me a picture of a set of her blue bowls with a mat. One look and you can see why I am so in love with these. They are made from coils of fabric that Laura then sews together to create durable and long lasting items you will be proud to use for many years to come. You will even find coasters made in the same way.
Laura told me that enjoys what she does creatively and it shows in her work. In Laura's words, "It's so much fun to take some unwanted object and transform it into something new and useful. I am proud of my work and would never sell something that I myself wouldn't be happy have in my home".
Laura has two wonderful shops going and says, "The focus of both of my shops is on making beautiful functional items out of recycled and repurposed materials. I would like to be able to say that there is a shortage of materials to work with, that all goods were used until they wear out, but unfortunately there is so much that is routinely discarded and I make new finds at thrift shops or friends give me unwanted fabric or paper all the time". Well said, Laura.
You can find Laura on Etsy, of course, but be sure to check her out on her social media sites I have listed below. Give her page a like or follow her to be the first to see the new items as they come out! Tell her Idle Hands sent you!
Love and Peace,
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn Supply
As we are doing a focus on tarn this month, one of my first questions to Laura was how started working with tarn. Laura has had an incredible adventure with tarn, as she describes it, "My first foray into using tshirt yarn was in 2009. I was part of the TransCanada Etsy Team, and as a promotion for Canada Day we did a joint project where members cut up t shirts into strips, and the shop FiveForty wove them into a gorgeous rug that one lucky person won (see the lucky winner and rug here. After this, I learned that after cutting the strips you can stretch them, making the edges curl, and making a yarn that is nice to knit or crochet. I made a set of rainbow t shirt yarn for a gift the next year, but the rug I am currently working on is my first project where I am actually using the yarn myself!" The gift of a rainbow of balls of tarn was a wonderfully thoughtful gift. If you haven't already clicked on the link you should give it a look.
The rug is turning out beautifully, as you can see from the pictures below.
*I often throw around terms like WPI, which if you are a tarn person is very common, but if you aren't you have no idea what I am talking about. WPI simply means Wraps Per Inch. It is in indication of how thick the tarn or t shirt yarn is. For example, 4 WPI would be 1/4" thick and 8 WPI would be 1/8" thick. If you would like to learn more please read my article This Wonderful Thing Called Tarn found in my archive on the side bar.*
I also want to give a shout out to Laura's coiled bowls and mats. They are absolutely lovely. A must have for any home. Laura was kind enough to send me a picture of a set of her blue bowls with a mat. One look and you can see why I am so in love with these. They are made from coils of fabric that Laura then sews together to create durable and long lasting items you will be proud to use for many years to come. You will even find coasters made in the same way.
Laura told me that enjoys what she does creatively and it shows in her work. In Laura's words, "It's so much fun to take some unwanted object and transform it into something new and useful. I am proud of my work and would never sell something that I myself wouldn't be happy have in my home".
Laura has two wonderful shops going and says, "The focus of both of my shops is on making beautiful functional items out of recycled and repurposed materials. I would like to be able to say that there is a shortage of materials to work with, that all goods were used until they wear out, but unfortunately there is so much that is routinely discarded and I make new finds at thrift shops or friends give me unwanted fabric or paper all the time". Well said, Laura.
You can find Laura on Etsy, of course, but be sure to check her out on her social media sites I have listed below. Give her page a like or follow her to be the first to see the new items as they come out! Tell her Idle Hands sent you!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Love and Peace,
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn Supply
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Shop Feature: Gooses Golden Eggs
May is going to be the month of features of shops that use tarn and other upcycled goods starting with Gooses Golden Eggs. Ilse has a fabulous shop going full of goodies. While browsing her shop, you will find a variety of jewelry and knitted goods, as well as the household items that we will be looking at today.
Of course, I am a sucker for tarn. I asked her how she started working with tarn.
Ilse: "I had a bunch of old t-shirts laying around. Normally I chop them up for dust rags once they've passed their prime. I got the idea to use them for craft projects from a magazine, Disney Family Fun I believe it was. They had a project to make pot holders with old t-shirts. So I looked around on the internet for ideas on what to do with these old t-shirts. I stumbled across a webpage that showed how to make yarn out of them. It just grew from there. I've been doing it ever since. My family and friends find my habit of buying old tie dye t-shirts amusing."
And how did the pot holders turn out? Well, Ilse was kind enough to provide us some pictures. Take a look for yourself!
Ilse: "This was the first time I dyed the t-shirts to make a set of matching pot holders. They used to be two,
white, mens undershirts that had seen better days. I love the idea of giving the t-shirts a second lease on life."
Ilse: "These used to be an old tie dyed souvenir t-shirt from Hawaii and a red
souvenir t-shirt from San Francisco. I like that they mirror each
other. I found both t-shirts in a second hand store just waiting to be
reborn into something new and useful."
You can purchase these adorable pink and red potholder here.
Ilse started her Etsy shop in February of 2011. Like all of us shop owners, she closed her eyes and jumped right in.
I have gotten to know cyber know Ilse a bit and find her to be just lovely. I was curious to know how she got started and what motivated her.
Ilse: "This rug was super fun to make. Watching it come together was cool.
It's made from about a yard of black fleece and an old second hand
snuggie. I had used this particular technique to make some coasters
once in
middle school and figured if I just went bigger I could do a rug.
These
fleece rag rugs make really awesome bath mats because they are
absorbent but dry super fast. They also save your feet from a cold
tile
floor when you get out of the
shower."
I just love the wild kinda jungle look of this rug. This rug is available for purchase here,
Ilse has also been kind enough to offer an awesome coupon for 25% off! Just use coupon code Luv2Upcycle25. The sale will run from May 3 through May 10 so don't miss out! You can thank Ilse for her generous sale by visiting her on Facebook and on Twitter. She often displays special deals on both sites that you won't want to miss out on.
Thank you Ilse for allowing me to feature you! I had a lot of fun browsing your shop and getting to know you. Next week we will feature a shop that upcycles fabrics into bowls. I can't wait to introduce you! Til then...
Love and Peace
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn and Supply
Of course, I am a sucker for tarn. I asked her how she started working with tarn.
Ilse: "I had a bunch of old t-shirts laying around. Normally I chop them up for dust rags once they've passed their prime. I got the idea to use them for craft projects from a magazine, Disney Family Fun I believe it was. They had a project to make pot holders with old t-shirts. So I looked around on the internet for ideas on what to do with these old t-shirts. I stumbled across a webpage that showed how to make yarn out of them. It just grew from there. I've been doing it ever since. My family and friends find my habit of buying old tie dye t-shirts amusing."
And how did the pot holders turn out? Well, Ilse was kind enough to provide us some pictures. Take a look for yourself!
You can purchase these adorable pink and red potholder here.
Ilse started her Etsy shop in February of 2011. Like all of us shop owners, she closed her eyes and jumped right in.
Ilse: "My shop was opened on a hope and a prayer. So many people had
suggested I try my hand at selling my hats online. I'd made a few sales
through friends and word of mouth. I finally got the courage to put
myself out there in February of 2011. I encouraged my friend to join
me last summer and she has a few items in the shop as well."
I have gotten to know cyber know Ilse a bit and find her to be just lovely. I was curious to know how she got started and what motivated her.
Ilse: "I'm a single mom of two wonderful little boys, ages 2 and 9. They
are the driving force behind everything I do. I've been making jewelry
for 15 years, crocheting for 8 years and knitting hats for 5 years. I
got my need to create from my mom who was an amazing candle maker,
painter and jewelry maker. I always thought my mom was an artist but
have a hard time labeling myself one. I am an avid recycler/upcycler.
This I also got from my mom. She could turn random "trash" into
beautiful things. Around my house everyone asks if I have any use for
things before they throw them away. It's kind of a joke these days. I
love creating beautiful things for others to enjoy."
Ilse doesn't just make potholders from tarn. She also says she has made coasters, hats and used it in jewelry in place of chain, ribbon or other cord. She's also made a couple scarves. I also want to give a shout out to her rugs. They are not made of tarn, but from upcycled fleece. The one below used to be a Snuggie. I personally find this to be a huge improvement over a snuggie. Talk about the definition of upcycling (talking something and increasing its value)!
I just love the wild kinda jungle look of this rug. This rug is available for purchase here,
Ilse has also been kind enough to offer an awesome coupon for 25% off! Just use coupon code Luv2Upcycle25. The sale will run from May 3 through May 10 so don't miss out! You can thank Ilse for her generous sale by visiting her on Facebook and on Twitter. She often displays special deals on both sites that you won't want to miss out on.
Thank you Ilse for allowing me to feature you! I had a lot of fun browsing your shop and getting to know you. Next week we will feature a shop that upcycles fabrics into bowls. I can't wait to introduce you! Til then...
Love and Peace
Luci
Idle Hands Yarn and Supply
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