Learn to create two sided fabric tags

Printable Two Sided Fabric Tag Class

In this fun and easy class you'll learn how to create these fabric tags. The unique thing about these tags is not only do they have the vintage image on the front but also 1800's advertisements on the back of the tags. With this self-study class you will receive step by step photos and instructions as well as the download for the front and back tag images.

This is such a fun and easy class and we think you'll love it. To view more information go to: http://www.patternmart.com/classes.php

Do you use printables for crafting?

We recently launched a brand new site called www.InstantPrintables.com . It's quickly filling up with some wonderful printable items you can use to craft with. There also is other types of printables you can use for your business, scrapbooking, tags, fabric printables and much more.

If you design printable items we offer low cost memberships where you can sell your printable goods as instant downloads.

Also while your there be sure and visit the "Freebie" page where you can participate in a short survey and receive a free printable!

Pocket Doll Tag Class

There is a brand new class available on Pattern Mart where you can learn how to create these darling little pocket doll tags. Imagine making tiny raggedy annes, bears, bunnies, snowmen, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. Well, this class will show you how to make this wonderful little doll tag creation that you can add to your finished dolls as a nice touch or even create them as ornaments or actual gift tags. Too cute!

The class offers you a template for the doll to download and step by step photos and instructions to complete this project.

You can get more details and also take the class by visiting http://www.patternmart.com/classes.php

Holiday Email Marketing

Creative e-mail marketing tips to increase your holiday sales or just let your customers know they are on your mind this holiday season. They are all simple to do.

Remind customers about gift cards. Whether you own a retail store, e-commerce site, restaurant or spa, you can use e-mail to promote your gift cards. You could offer a discount or an added bonus to those who purchase gift cards from you. For example, you could offer a free ornie to the purchaser of a $25 gift card.

Offer gift ideas. Some folks just go blank at the holidays when they pick out gifts. Make it easy for your customers by giving them great gift ideas. Everyone's trying to figure out what to buy their friends and family. Highlight gifts that would be great for dad, mom, brother, sister or the friend who has everything.

Send a customized holiday e-card. A great way to connect with your customers or clients is to send a personalized holiday e-card. You can include a photo of your staff along with their signatures. You can also include a poignant thought, poem or short story that helps express the sentiments of the season. Show them how much it has meant to you to have them as customers.

Tracy(Cedara)Dunn of http://www.thrutheatticdoor.com

We need our computers!

So many of us are running our business from a computer. I myself am checking a few dozen times a day. It is the main tool of my buiness and so there are a few things that I try to do to keep it running in tip top shape.

1.Think before you install. So many times I’ve heard someone say their computer isn't working properly. Come to find out.... they've downloaded several programs from the internet or from a CD of a friend. Installing all these programs on your computer will take up space on your hard drive, which will eventually slow your computer down. They could also be an open door for viruses and cause other programs to crash. So install as few programs as possible on your computer. If you can, use a second computer to “play with” and test programs you're thinking of using company-wide.

2.Dump what you don't need. Every few months you should go thru your computer to find and delete any programs you don't really need. These unused or unnecessary programs take up valuable hard drive space, and if you're not using them, you should remove them from your computer via the “Add/Remove” programs option in your control panel.

3.Defragment your hard drive. The hard drive is one of the hardest-working parts of your computer—you're using it all the time, every day (whether you realize it or not) to access the programs you use and store the files you create. The hard drive doesn't save the files in any particular order; instead, it uses the first empty space it encounters (space that's created when you delete files). So data gets scattered around the hard drive, making it slower for you to access the data stored there. That's why it's critical to defrag your hard drive on a regular basis to keep things running as quickly as possible. Do it monthly if you're a “light” computer user and weekly if you're a power user.

4.Security is important. Things do go wrong. Therefore, its important to always backup your important data. You can back it up online, to an external hard drive or to a central server, or you can place the data on CD-ROMs or DVDs. Whatever method you choose, make sure to back it up on a regular basis so that if your computer crashes, you can easily recover your important data.

Tracy(Cedara)Dunn of http://www.thrutheatticdoor.com/