Tag: Mediterranean art crafts

Subscribe to Mediterranean Art Newsletter: let’s keep in touch!
Blog in Italiano · Life in Malta · Textile jewellery · Wooden crafts

Subscribe to Mediterranean Art Newsletter: let’s keep in touch!

Rosadirocca
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Pexels.com

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The best way to know when we work on a new project or we’ve just made a new item and shared on our social media or we want to tell you a story from Sicily or Malta is to SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter! Don’t worry, I won’t bombard you with emails 😉 I usually find some time once a month to recap our new activities, such as new necklaces of a different color or print pattern.

www.mediterraneanart.etsy.com

During July for example, I created a new collection of crochet bangles and my uncle finished the very last Miniature nativity set in shell and olive wood he managed to make. I would also like to share with you pictures of the product process and coupon codes to thank you for your interest and time. I think it is a way to keep in touch and get back from you, too! So, what are you waiting for? SUBSCRIBE

www.mediterraneanartmt.etsy.com

 Il modo migliore per sapere quando lavoriamo ad un nuovo progetto o abbiamo appena realizzato un nuovo articolo e condiviso sui nostri social media o vogliamo raccontarvi una storia dalla Sicilia o da Malta, è quello di ISCRIVERTI alla nostra newsletter! Non preoccuparti, non ti bombarderò di email  😉 Di solito trovo un po’ di tempo una volta al mese per ricapitolare le nostre nuove attività.

Questa giostrina con pesci in legno rustico è un’affascinante decorazione nautica da appendere, intagliata e dipinta a mano. La trovi su: coral.shopping/store/mediterraneanart

Durante il mese di luglio, per esempio, ho creato una nuova collezione di braccialetti all’uncinetto e mio zio ha consegnato gli ultimi Presepi in miniatura fatti a mano in guscio di noce e ulivo che è riuscito a fare. Vorrei condividere con te le immagini del nostri lavori in corso d’opera e i coupon sconto per ringraziarti del tuo interesse per noi. Penso che sia un modo per tenersi in contatto, sentiti libera di scrivermi e fare due chiacchere. Allora, cosa stai aspettando? ISCRIVITI

How a gecko, butterflies, fish and sperm whales can make positive vibes at home
Wooden crafts

How a gecko, butterflies, fish and sperm whales can make positive vibes at home

Rosadirocca

www.mediterraneanartmt.etsy.com

We experience the home not only as a comfortable retreat but as a place to enjoy ourselves and meet safely with friends and family, in person or remotely. Our domestic space is an extension of our mind, and surrounding ourselves with objects that have meaning and value is relevant, especially in uncertain times like these. It was the stimulus that my uncle Salvatore had, even before the pandemic, when he decided to focus his creativity on making original Mediterranean-style home decorations.
Working at his stand in tourist seaside areas, he listened to those customers who asked him for something more than the classic souvenir they found in all the shops. Something unique could remind them of the nature they had touched during their holidays and the contact with the island they had managed to establish. That’s why the collection of hand-painted animals was born. To evoke and remember in time the colours and smells of nature and Sicily. Each fish, gecko, or butterfly that my uncle works on is an individual creation. Read on to discover some of his treasures!

Hand-painted wooden decoration for desk, shelf, wall. Made of wood, cut and smoothed, it has been painted by hand with acrylic colors and then with protective varnish.
The gecko is a very common reptile in temperate climate areas and has several peculiarities that distinguish it: the ability to adapt and change colors, its legs manage to adhere to various types of surfaces and still the equipment of the voice instead of a hiss which allows it to communicate with each other. It is harmless but above all useful, in fact it feeds on insects, for its intervention it is appreciated in homes. For many cultures it represents adaptability, regeneration, strength and survival skills. It is also a symbol of eternal friendship.
mediterraneanartmt.etsy.com
Sperm whale made of wood cut and smoothed, hand painted with acrylic colors and then with protective varnish. Unique piece is very special thanks to the copper tail, obtained from scraps of other processes. Eyes are made from a nail and a leather disk.
On the back a string of twine will allow you to hang it in the direction you like most.
This rustic fish wind chime is a charming hanging nautical decoration carved and painted by hand. It is made of natural driftwood, painted fir and knotted cotton rope. Colorful and easy to hang on, it can be placed indoors and outdoors in a decorative way.
It looks like a bunch of fish caught by the village fisherman.
Our wooden fish is a beautiful accent piece that will personalize your home décor. The rope is macrame braided, while each fish is handmade by the shabby chic technique. It will amaze your relatives and guests, too. This decorative driftwood fish is a simple, yet thoughtful gift idea for any occasion.
www.mediterraneanartmt.etsy.com
These one-offs painted butterflies are colorful spring and summer decorations, carved and painted by hand. Easily place them indoor and outdoor in a decorative way. You can hang our fir wood butterfly as a beautiful accent piece that will personalize your home décor or your nursery. We did not screw a hanger behind it. We rather leave it to you to choose the way you most like to hang it. But you will find a triangle hook and nail in the envelope to be ready to hang it!
www.mediterraneanartmt.etsy.com

Hello summer!
Wooden crafts

Hello summer!

Rosadirocca
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Hello summer!
Spring home decor
Wooden crafts

Spring home decor

Rosadirocca
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Spring home decor
Italian coin earrings, handmade jewellery one of a kind
Textile jewellery

Italian coin earrings, handmade jewellery one of a kind

Rosadirocca1 commento
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Italian coin earrings, handmade jewellery one of a kind
Buying and selling on Etsy
Textile jewellery · Wooden crafts

Buying and selling on Etsy

Rosadirocca

I opened our Etsy shop already seven years ago, it was the beginning of March 2013. It was not a decision taken in a few days but an idea born during the Christmas market after talking to my uncle’s daughter, who is a jewellery designer. She was the first introducing me into the Etsy world. Starting from reading the “Seller handbook” and make research how to write a good description and title, I tried several times how to make clear and nice pictures using my uncle’s camera and very important, studying British English and American English after 12 years, when I studied it at school.

ABOUT US

My uncle makes cute and colourful home and outdoor decorations and ethnic jewellery. He is the maker of our family. Where we come from (North East of Sicily coast) has never been proper tourism, are mostly relatives coming from Northern Italy or heirs from abroad during summer peak months and the only chance to sell is standing on the promenade where folks walk at night having an ice cream or a drink. I have also thought that it is a hard task working long hours while uploading and downloading boxes, standing at a stall for a very short period of the year. And this summer would be even complicated because of the breakdown. I still cannot figure out this. Back in 2013, I was unemployed so I had all time possible to learn new skills I trusted I would be found useful for future jobs. Looking at what is happening all around us I am happy to still keep open and manage our Etsy shop. it is my daily aim of improving it and get sales to compensate my uncle missed earnings.

SELLING HANDMADE CRAFTS

Our first sale arrived four months later. They were two doorstops to be shipped to the US. After the enthusiasm I had a sort of panic attack, asking myself what kind of packaging would be best and how to ship, not forgetting the receipt. Opting for a simple gift wrap and bubble envelope, I went then to the post office. For a long time I hoped for a reply from the buyer but it never arrived. In all these seven years I must admit the most exciting moment of this business is not the famous “cha-ching” (sound of purchase) but reading the message or the review of a buyer who is happy and says: <<keep up the good work>>. Reviews boost me and confirm I am on the right way.

It is hard trying to sell online if you are never done this before. First of all, everyone should know laws, digital and marketing skills. If you do it without any help and little money is much harder. Having and manage time is another requirement too, even for those who have digital skills. My obsessions are the views of listings, especially when in a full month I have zero views. I struggle to find the right keywords for both Italian and English, but English is more time consuming and attempts. Photography is as well a critic moment since I do not live in a large apartment and have a lot of natural light. There are just specific timings of the day when I can shoot, making my best to get clear and nice pictures. It has been in the last two years I took this business seriously, studying and reading digital and content marketing in my spare time, following group chats on social media and experimenting myself.   

In the meantime, I built up a collection of fabric yarn necklaces which I started making and selling first in Sicilian open-air markets and later in Malta. In this small country I also finally got a job as Assistant Librarian after several years after reading a master degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage. Moving to Malta has enabled me to think in English rather than use a translator any time. I believe that otherwise, I would not be able to support buyers from the US first, then Australia, Canada, Japan, Hawai, Thailand, Singapore, Israel among the countries I shipped handmade items with a vivid joy of my uncle.

Starting this business has changed my interests.

Ten years ago I was not used to read fashion magazines, I was not keen on psychology and communications techniques. Since I manage this virtual space including this blog, I realize that interests expanded. Today I mostly read essays than fiction but this might be influenced by my main job as academic librarian. I must confess digital marketing is fascinating and transferable in each field.

CHOOSING WITH AWARENESS

Why Etsy and not a different marketplace, maybe are you asking dear reader.

Because I liked the way of thinking and approach passing through the website. It was the first marketplace to admit of causing pollution because of emissions due to deliveries and trying to support sustainability planting new trees. It is a specific platform where you find marvelous gift ideas and lovely vintage items. There is so much great design and art that you are never tired of browsing.

Links below might be useful for those of you who want to learn more:

https://help.etsy.com/hc/articles/115013196707

https://help.etsy.com/hc/articles/115015521108

https://help.etsy.com/hc/articles/115015410208