I sold 5 pens to a lady this week, she found my web site and got an email to me, She was looking specifically for two pens for Fathers day made from Irish Bog Oak, I didn't have any on my web site so I asked her how she found me, here is her reply, so lets not totally discount the social networking sites.


Hi Ken,  hmmm, how did I find you.  Once I decide what I want, I'm kind of obsessive about getting exactly what I want;-) 

Beyond a doubt, my search started here:  Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Yep, I linked you to my store.  There are 3 artists who create ink pens on 1000markets - but selection is limited - so I expanded my research. 
When I discovered a pen crafted from bog oak, I decided that's what I wanted - my family toured Ireland last year with Grandpa to return to family roots there - tada, perfect.

I found the pic of your gorgeous (altho too fancy for my tastes) bog oak pen, saw that it was a current post to flickr - linked to your Leapwood site and liked what I saw.  I'm a careful shopper - educate myself on product and pricing - your photos, descriptions, pricing is right too - the discount is ever so appreciated.  It does make a difference for me.  I will always buy handmade if possible.  I'm truly excited about these bog oak pens just for my special order and yes, as you've described keeping character of the wood will be beautiful.  I figured since your website was dated Dec 08, your inventory was current - even if you're making all 5 pens custom just for me - Your response time and information you provided, including date for mailing - I'm happy. 

You should consider opening a shop on 1000markets.  It's a new venue, not a whole lot of traffic, but you don't have to pay a penny until you sell. 

I'm sorry if this is boring, but given the post about facebook it seemed relevant , Oh and by the way I nearly had to be beaten to put pictures on fliker,

Mike this all leads back to the post about advertising your craft on facebook and the other social networking sites, I was amazed when the lady told me how she located my stuff,  I only put the pictures on fliker to placate a friend that also happens to be on the board of directors for our chapter of Tennessee Association of Craft Artists  but this turned out to be one hack of a sale I thought it was amazing.