Question about Etsy--daughter wants to raise money for reptiles!

[CoffeeCat]

I have some questions about Etsy. My nine-year old daughter, Riley, loves reptiles, chameleons in particular. In our
area, we have a reptile rescue, which is the only one of its kind in our state. They have space in a local
mall where they take in reptiles that people no longer want or can take care of. They do a great job and this
is a non-profit organization.

My daughter so wanted to volunteer there. We asked about volunteering and the owner said that volunteers must
be 16, due to insurance/liability issues. Riley teared up when he said this. My daughter and I had a long talk
about "making a difference" even when you're little. I told her that even though she wasn't sixteen, she could
still make an impact. We would just have to be creative about it!

I told her to brainstorm and she came to me with an idea. She would paint pictures of chameleons and sell them
online for $10 to raise money for these homeless reptiles. I thought that was a terrific idea. Now, I just
need the appropriate venue in which to post them.

That's why I'm wondering about Etsy. I noticed that the items on Etsy are incredible...created by talented artists.
My child is not a professional artist, but these paintings (she used acrylics) are really colorful and cute.

We made color copies of them and they look terrific. We were thinking about selling these copies/prints for $10 each. Her father
and I would spring for the postage and mailing to support her effort.

My daughter is incredibly sensitive. She was so moved by the chameleons, snakes, frogs, turtles and alligators (yes, alligators)
that this rescue had taken in. Some of them were very injured due to neglect and abuse. One chameleon had to be
removed from a home, after DHS visited on a child-abuse call. The chameleon was blind in both eyes due to an untreated
infection. Riley spent a lot of time near this chameleon and I think she had a tough time processing how someone could
do that to such a helpless, beautiful creature. I think these paintings, and her effort--are her way to dealing with
those feelings and conquering those feelings.

Thank you for any information about Etsy or other online sites that may be appropriate for her paintings! :)

[Angry Dragon]

1. You might want to cross-post in GD and the Lounge

to get more exposure ......... just a thought
I know nothing about Esty

[CoffeeCat]

2. Thanks for the suggestion! (nt)

[hippywife]

3. Read through the seller information on Etsy.

They give instructions there about opening a shop to support causes. Your daughter sounds very sweet and unselfish.

:hi:

[Maraya1969]

4. Well you will have a large traffic source from DU. Most of the people

who show up on my site come from here. My parents have a picture that my niece panted when she was about 10 hanging on the wall and she just got married. It looks wonderful. I'm sure your daughter has the same kind of talent and when you say she like bright colors I already like the pictures!

[burrfoot]

5. Update?? n/t

[rocktivity]

6. There's also a site called fiverr.com

You can buy or sell anything for five dollars. With the money going to charity, she might do well.

:headbang:
rocktivity

[Oak2004]

7. You may want to look into Artfire

Artfire does a much better job of SEO, in my opinion, and has more satisfied users.


That's where I have my shop, and I am very happy with them.