The Alchemist

One of the books I read that I liked was "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. That's why when the Alchemy feature in etsy opened, I was really curious. Obviously, it doesn't have to do with the book at all... Anyway, lately I've been busy making custom items that were custom requests in Etsy Alchemy and I'm having a blast!

Aside from sales, I'm really happy to make things for other people with my own creativity based on their design preference.

So how do you do that? How do you come up with an item based on customer's preference with your own creative approach?

One of the things I try to do before I make a bid in Etsy Alchemy is read the description of the client requesting on what she needs. How she wants it made. I wanna make sure that with the time allowance he/she gave, I'll be able to do it and I have enough resources. I think about the things/materials I have already and the materials I need to buy if necessary...then I bid.

I also try to make a sketch of the design I will make (if necessary or if the client asks for it) after I made the bid. Usually, you'll receive a message under "conversation link" in you etsy which will be sent by the The Etsy Alchemy Convobot. I tried to keep all communications within that convo thread so I won't get confused at all the messages.

I had 10 custom orders made within this month in various deadline dates. So, to keep organize, I have an Alchemy notebook. I keep all Alchemy Requests there that I won with all the fine details. It's hard to always go back and forth to the computer and check the address, the details, the deadline dates....etc...while your paying your bills as well.

I also made an Alchemy Database in MS Access but since I've been busy lately creating things and at the same time trying to start my new painting...I haven't transferred my notebook data in the database. But in the future, I think a database of your alchemy requests would be helpful to help you keep track of your deadlines. Anyway, I put in the Alchemy Bid Title, etsy username (of the one requesting the item), Deadline date, Amount and shipping cost, Full description of what I will make based on people's requests on the notebook. This cut me time from going back & forth and what I have to make especially when it comes to sizes and everything. I made from graphic design to sewn items and now I'm currently making custom painted furniture.

Oh by the way, I have a chalkboard where I put my custom orders for that week and cross it out when it's done. The chalkboard is beside my computer so I can easily see it and be reminded. One of the most amazing thing in the Alchemy requests is, I always ended up with the project where I'm in the mood of making. I've made bids in client requests and I've been declined as well. And it's okay...it just means it's not the right one. It's like getting the right fish in this big wide lake of Etsy Alchemy.


"My Heart Is Afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky."Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams."~THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

Intro to Alchemy

It just came back recently, a feature called Alchemy in Etsy. I have no idea what it was before until I got a newsletter update from Etsy about this feature.

Alchemy is a feature where you can request a custom handmade item. It's a great feature especially if you can't find a particular item in Etsy using the search window. At the same time, for buyers, it's a shortcut to find the seller who can make the item for you and for sellers, it's a way to reach out to their buyers.

Sellers or artists will make a bid on your request and you will pick which is one will suit your requirement. I've worked previously in an ad agency and this just reminds me of making a pitch. You basically pitch for the customer's requirements.

My first Alchemy request is a Bistro Chalkboard. When I made a bid, I sent the buyer a sample sketch of what I can make for her. Here's the sketch of the bistro chalkboard:


Well, I primed and waited two days for my first and second coating of chalkboard to dry. Now, while Gwen is napping, I'm taking my hands on this on. The buyer sets a desired deadline date and as a bidder, you also get to set the date you can actually finish the product. In this case, my completion date is April 9, but I'm so excited to finish this that I will try to show it off to the buyer by end of this week.

If you haven't gone to the Alchemy feature in Etsy, check it out. Somebody out there might be able to take your request.

Don't forget to read first also the Alchemy Guidelines.