Descriptions: part three!

Just a reminder that Descriptions parts one and two are well worth a read - each seller has a very different style. I'm in the process of editing all my descriptions in the light of what I've learned from these guys!

Today I'd like to look at CuteDesigns who (as the name suggests) designs and crochets the cutest amigurumi critters.

Here's one of her descriptions (I'm going to split it up and add my comments):

Alongside our world a parallel world exists, rarely known to anyone. With every full moon a gateway is briefly unlocked between our world and the “Enchanted Forest”– a mysterious world that is home to little creatures who resemble some of the much-loved animals in our own… only with a difference.

Nifty: I love this beginning! I'm expecting something (but I don't know what) very unusual, magical - I'm intrigued!

A Leaf Rustler is rare to find as they are shy creatures who conceal themselves under fallen leaves and quickly scurry away if discovered. If you ever hear rustling in the autumn leaves, tread carefully as it may be one of these little critters.

Nifty: Aha! So it's a Leaf Rustler - but what's a Leaf Rustler? And is there anyone out there who doesn't love crunching through the Autumn leaves? I adore Autumn, and leaf crunching is listed in my hobbies. I shall tread more carefully in future.

This little Leaf Rustler measures approx 4.5 inches wide and 5.25 inches tall. (12 x 13.5 cms). It is crocheted using 100% acrylic yarn and stuffed with polyester filling. It has safety eyes to see with and felt under ear decorations.

There may be very slight differences from the photo as it is totally handmade and no two can be exactly the same.

Please note that the plushies at Cute Designs are collectables for older children, teenagers and adults and are not toys for young children.

Nifty: I think cutedesigns has ordered her description very well - she's made sure we fall in love straight away, and then gets to the (still important, but no so interesting) business details - telling us about size and suitability, and making sure nobody is expecting an exact replica. Hmmm...might have to go back to the beginning of my own editing again!

Want to see a Leaf Rustler? Of course you do!



Thanks Cute!

A follow-up idea has been suggested to me - if anyone would like to join me in a paired blog post (you don't need to have your own blog, we can do it just on this one if it's more convenient), the idea is this: each of us takes an item from the other's shop and describes it in a different style, and we look at before and after. Anyone feeling brave enough, please get in touch!

Descriptions: part 2

Yesterday I showcased Celeste of CricketsCreations, today I'd like to introduce Cindy of Yellowbugboutique.

Cindy's descriptive writing works (for me) in an entirely different way. When I first saw this pillow I wasn't at all sure what it meant (you're probably quicker than I am!)

WASD pillow

The picture intrigued me though, so I read the description:

If you're under the age of thirty, you probably understand the significance of these four keyboard keys. These are the keys you've abused in marathon running, jumping, shooting, casting, straefing, climbing or diving sessions. These are the keys that gave millions of leftys an unfair advantage. These are the keys that made fortunes for orthopedic surgeons specializing in carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you're over the age of thirty, you likely have no idea what the heck we're talking about. That's OK. Just be confident that you could give this as a gift to one of the younger set and they'd be thrilled. They'd probably even think you were pretty cool for knowing what these keys symbolize.

Under 30s are now feeling all nostalgic - and over 30s like me are discovering a way to be cool! Cindy is using the description in an entirely different way to Celeste, but is (I think) equally effective.

One more - I don't know about you, but these descriptions make me wish Cindy could come round for tea, but it's a long way across the pond for a cuppa.



Here in our fabulously exciting, over-stimulated Yellow Bug Bungalow, we sometimes get completely overwhelmed by the joy! the wonder! the pure delight that each day brings! In such moments, we often find ourselves swinging from the chandeliers and singing "I Gotta Be Me" at the top of our lungs.

It's hard to keep the shop stocked when we're in such moods.

So here's our antidote - the meh pillow. This baby will suck the over-enthusiasm out of a room faster than you can say "Paula Abdul". Just give this pillow to your overly optimistic boss, your chihuahua with an hyperactive bladder, or your friend who's waaay too into politics, and watch the tone come down to post-Ritalin levels.

Conversely, when we're looking at our sales figures and our rapidly-dwindling bank accounts, and wondering which piece of furniture we should break up for firewood next, this pillow helps get us back on an even keel. "It's just great Aunt Edna's priceless boudoir set", you'll hear us say. "She's been dead for years. Pass the hatchet."

So it's 12 by 12, and made from black ultrasuede. If you want one, cool. If not, no worries.

I think I'll go lie down for a while.

Note: Fez not included. (betting I'm the only person who wrote *that* phrase today)

Meh. Pillow

Thanks Cindy! After reading your descriptions I really feel like I've got a friend round for a drink and a giggle - thank you. Another twist on writing descriptions tomorrow - see you then!

Descriptions - painting a thousand pictures?

Online sellers know that a picture paints a thousand words, but I'm learning that our titles and descriptions are just as important. Our photos are our shop window, and entice our buyers inside. Our descriptions need to make the buyer feel they've now been tempted inside the shop and are picking up our lovely whatever-it-is deciding whether to buy.

Etsy have some great articles in the Storque: Making the most of your descriptions and 5 tips for item descriptions and Zibbet have an article about writing descriptions that sell

Over the next few days I want to share a few examples of descriptions I really like, starting with Celeste.

Celeste of CricketsCreations knits scarves. But not just *any* scarves - oh no! Let's read just the beginning of a description for one of her scarves, this is what will appear in google search results:

All ribbon scarves are made with a soft, textured center to warm and caress the neck. This circus-inspired, harlequin scarf features feathery, multi-colored ya

I think you'll agree Celeste is highly skilled at using keywords without sounding unnatural, she's used her available word space to intrigue us. Now let's look at some more of her seductive prose:

"All ribbon scarves are made with a soft, textured center to warm and caress the neck. This circus-inspired, harlequin scarf features feathery, multi-colored yarn at the neck, ends and fringe with blue, emerald green, orange red, white and more. And then I added even more crazy, fun, sparkly, textured, clown-colored yarns in the ends and fringe!

This interesting, handknit design is so different! This boldly colored scarf is warm without being suffocating and is the perfect length (almost 6 feet or 2 metres long including fringe) to dangle down to the thighs/knees like a rock star or bundle around the neck to really set off your features.

Only soft, designer, vintage or novelty yarns (vegan). No allergenic animal fibers.

Designed & knit in the clean, fresh, high desert air in the heart of Grand Canyon country, USA (no cigarette, perfume or pet odors)

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Resist wringing to dry. Dry flat."

You almost don't need to see a picture! Look how much information Celeste has given us! We know all about the colours, the texture, her inspiration, and that we can aspire to being rock-chicks if we buy this lovely scarf. We know it'll be fresh and clean, we know how to care for it once purchased. We're imagining our night out on the town...

I'm going to take pity on you now and let you see a picture (and check out the amazing title!), but remember to come back to finish reading after you've bought the scarf please!



She Joined the Circus at an Early Age (Handknit Ribbon Scarf in Green, Blue, Red Orange and White with Satiny Sheen and Glittery Sparkles)

Thank you Celeste "Queen of Adjectives" - you're an example to us all! Come back tomorrow to read a very different style of descriptive writing from another seller who inspires me - but for now, I recommend spending some time browsing CricketsCreations. It's not long till Christmas...!

Spam - and comment moderation

I've reluctantly added comment moderation after spotting this comment left recently....

"I’m currently being held prisoner by the Russian mafia *link removed* and being forced to post spam comments on blogs and forum! If you don’t approve this they will kill me. *link removed* They’re coming back now. *link removed* Please send help! *link removed*"

Being of the female persuasion, Niftyknits has no need for enlargement in that area.

I wish my anonymous commenter every success in his escape plans.

Giveaway result

Thank you everyone who entered - it was great to hear what "says home" to you.

I listed the total of 24 entries (including the second goes - it seems we're all manet fans) and asked random.org to choose the winner:



11th entry was jms, also known as blogger joyknitt, congratulations!

GIVEAWAY!

Ever wanted to train yourself in a quality British accent? Now's your chance! Our weekend newspapers gave me two audio books of classic British stories read by classic British gentlemen: Alice in Wonderland read by Alan Bennett and The Wind in the Willows read by Sir Derek Jacobi. (Although Alice Meerkat leapt at the chance to get in the photo, she is not included)



One of my favourite sections in 'Wind in the Willows' is when Mole suddenly senses he's near home and gets all excited - so to enter my giveaway I'm going to ask you to leave me a comment telling me something that says "I'm home!" to you.

On Friday I'll put the entrants into random.org and choose the winner - that's it! Easy peasy! I'll also send you one of my fridge magnets which go out with each of my knits. I read recently on Etsy forum that some people chuck magnetic business cards like mine straight in the bin, so for a second entry please leave me an honest answer (don't worry about hurting my feelings) - do you throw fridge magnets away, or would mine end up on a fridge somewhere?



***WORLDWIDE*** (forgot to add this earlier!)

Is it me, or are alleys getting narrower?

Does Nifty's butt look big?



Can you see the name of the cottage behind Mr Nifty?



Yes, this really is the name of the alleyway, in Whitstable on the Kent coast.



This is one of many similar alleyways in Whitstable, left over from the days when smugglers needed to make a quick escape! Whitstable is a very strong contender for where Mr Nifty and I want to live when we grow up.