Lofted Designs Marks 600th Etsy Sale

I kind of want to throw a party and do a happy dance, but it's really busy right now up in the loft so I'm just going to write this quick blog post and have my own private party while I make more jewelry.

I JUST HIT 600 SALES ON ETSY!!!!

In case you're wondering, the 600th sale was a customer in Canada purchasing a personalized birthstone necklace. Thank you to ALL of my wonderful customers for helping me reach this milestone!

2011 First Quarter Donation - Helping Japan

Like most people, I am heartbroken by the recent natural disasters in Japan. I knew immediately when the earthquake hit that Lofted Designs' first quarter donation for 2011 would go to helping those who have been devastated by these events. But where to donate? With so many organizations collecting money, it's hard to know which ones will do the most with what they have.

When I heard about Real Medicine's Japan relief fundraising, and matching donations being made by the Ace Hotel, Rudy's Barbershop, Bimbo's Cantina and the Cha Cha Lounge, I knew it was the right organization for me. These companies are partnering to match donations dollar for dollar up to $18,000. I can't give much, but now I have effectively doubled what I can afford to give.

The funds are focused on Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief, a Japanese non-profit organization based in Tokyo. JEN was founded in 1994 in response to the humanitarian crisis in Bosnia, and has since been conducting relief around the world for victims of war, internal conflicts and natural disasters. JEN is focusing on providing food and other needed supplies to those in Tokyo and in the earthquake/tsunami-affected northern zones.

To donate, click here and be sure to specify that your donation is for Japan Relief Efforts to get matching funds from the generous sponsors.

The Warm Fuzzies of Success

The verdict is in. 2010 was a great year for Lofted Designs thanks to all of you!

I finally did my 2010 paperwork (yes, I am a procrastinator when it comes to boring stuff like taxes). You know how sometimes, when you're in the middle of something, you can't get a feel for the big picture? It's just too close, too busy, all happening too fast. So sitting down this weekend and getting organized was a HUGE eye-opener for me. As I rooted through my receipts and files and put everything together I discovered the following incredible things:

• I participated in 12 amazing craft fairs in 2010 (who knew?!)
• I had wonderful success on Etsy -- sales nearly doubled from 2009!
• I was able to donate to many terrific organizations

If you aren't familiar with my philosophy on giving back, please take a moment to read this page.

I typically donate to one non-profit organization each quarter based on sales. Well, with 2010's increase in sales came an increase in donations. I would love to give a shout-out to all of the wonderful organizations (and the people behind them) who benefited from this success. May they continue to do great things in the world!

Click on the logos if you'd like to learn more about any of these organizations. Thanks for helping me give back!