Coast Chimes Wind Chimes, Suncatchers, Home and Garden Art Blog
Coast Chimes designer, artist, craftsman Tim Kline works with glass, copper, beach stone, and driftwood creating beautiful one-of-a-kind wind chimes and suncatchers. Inspired by nature. This blog focuses on his art, his materials, his inspiration.
Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Home and Garden Ready for Spring Outdoor Decor
Friday, March 22, 2024
Navigating the Evolution of Online Selling: A Journey Through eBay to Etsy
Etsy SEO, Titles, Descriptions, Tags, Etc.
In the early 2000s, as the internet blossomed with opportunities, I embarked on my online selling journey, initially through eBay. Back then, eBay was a novel space, with a relatively sparse community of sellers, particularly those offering handmade crafts. It was a golden era for sales, with a growing wave of curious shoppers exploring the platform, excited by this thing called 'online shopping'. These were the days of effortless transactions, where success seemed just a click away.
However, before long seasoned sellers began to forewarn of changing tides, signalling the end of the easy selling days. Amidst these whispers, a new player emerged onto the scene – Etsy. In 2005, I decided to explore this fresh avenue, joining a community that was still in its infancy. With fewer sellers vying for attention, establishing a presence and achieving success was relatively straightforward.
Over the years, Etsy underwent significant transformations. The once spacious marketplace became increasingly crowded, teeming with sellers eager to showcase their wares. The platform evolved from a menu-driven interface to a visually-driven one, dictated by the mysterious algorithms of its creators.
Having been an early adopter of Etsy, I found myself fortunate to have a loyal customer base, which somewhat shielded me from the full impact of these changes. Yet, I couldn't ignore the shifting landscape entirely. As a precaution, I diversified my online presence by creating a Shopify website, heeding the age-old advice of not placing all eggs in one basket. Very recently, despite my reluctance, I delved into the world of SEO, spurred on by community discussions and the ever-present reminder to "work on your SEO." This with great reluctance, as just looking at the term SEO brought forth yawns.
While my sales remained steady, the staggering influx of new sellers onto Etsy, numbering in the hundreds of thousands each month, gave me pause for thought. The marketplace was undeniably more crowded, making it increasingly challenging for products to stand out, particularly those lacking in SEO optimization.
It wasn't until I found myself assisting a friend in setting up their Etsy store that I decided to delve deeper into the intricacies of SEO. Armed with resources like the Etsy Sellers Handbook and insights gleaned from forums, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement. With the aid of tools like eRank and Listadum, I began to unravel the complexities of Etsy listings – from crafting compelling titles to optimizing images and fine-tuning tags.
The process was undeniably labor-intensive, especially for the first, and worse, listings I attempted to improve. However, as I honed my skills, the task became more manageable. The results spoke for themselves: increased visibility, higher engagement, and, most importantly, a tangible impact on sales.
A definitive moment came when I revamped a listing for a set of copper wind chimes, positioning them as the quintessential 7th-anniversary gift. Previously buried in the depths of search results, a some significant tweaks propelled them into the spotlight. Within days, the subsequent surge in views, favorites, and sales served as a testament to the efficacy of SEO optimization.
In hindsight, the journey to mastering SEO may have been arduous, but the rewards were undeniable. It's a constant learning process, but one that is indispensable in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of online selling. So, is it worth the effort? Absolutely.
Free Shipping, Free Engraving
Monday, February 12, 2024
New Works, Coast Chimes Wind Chimes
Wednesday, February 07, 2024
Mexico, Junk Food Labels - A Great Approach
Short Break on a Long Beach
Todos Santos Mexico
Oh look! This won 5 stickers. Hard pass.
Too many calories, sugar, saturated fat. Maybe I'll snack on some carrots instead.
Just back from a short visit to San José del Cabo and Todos Santos in Baja California, Mexico. The towns were lovely, the people warm and welcoming, the beaches awe inspiring.
Visiting local grocery stores, I was struck by the junk food warning labels. To help fight obesity and a number of health problems known to be caused or made worse by poor diet choices, the Mexican government implemented this labeling requirement in October of 2021. I was struck by the labels, and I also noted what people had in their carts. Wow! No Coke, no chips, no cookies-- a lot of fruit, some bottles of water, fish...
I have to wonder why in the world Canada (my country) has not noted this exceptional legislation and copied it. It's simple, and does not cost the population anything (unlike taxing junk food), leaving the choice to the consumer (and to the manufacture in that they are free to improve their ingredients to get some, or all, of the black stop signs off their product). I think it takes some boldness (read low intelligence, ha) to grab something on the shelf with 4, 5, or, gasp, 6 black stop signs. This is a good thing. The health issues caused by poor diet cause not just misery for the individual, but society as a whole (we all pay for sick, disabled people).
Come on Canada! Get with this.
Tuesday, February 06, 2024
Wind Chimes, Coast Chimes, New Works
Natural Beach Stones with Cobalt Blue Glass Chime
$87 US at Coast Chimes, including shipping to the USA or Canada
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Making an Art Website
Coast Chimes' Website Banner
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Natural Driftwood Copper Wind Chime, Coast Chimes
Natural Driftwood Copper Wind Chime
by Coast Chimes
Saturday, January 06, 2024
Natural Simple Materials: Driftwood, Beach Stone, Shell Wind Chimes
Coast Chimes Beach Stone Zen Chime
$85 incl. shipping at Coast Chimes
Thursday, January 04, 2024
Coast Chimes Website Update
Coast Chimes Handcrafted Wind Chime
glass, copper, driftwood, beach stone, brass
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Post Christmas Rush Coast Chimes
Wednesday, December 06, 2023
Coast Chimes Fantastic Christmas Gifts
Kaleidoscope Wind Chime, Coast Chimes Time flies, and now there is probably just a week left for shipping in time for the 25th. Maybe 10 days, with luck. The good news is that there still is time. More good news, there is still a great selection to choose from. From Zen natural beach stone wind chimes to lovely sea glass chimes, there is something for every lover of beauty. All handmade in Canada with the highest quality materials, all with free, fast, expert shipping. So head on over to Coast Chimes now, and pick up special things for your special people |
Coast Chimes — Great Selection |
Monday, January 16, 2023
Why Copper Wind Chimes
Investing in a copper wind chime is a great way to bring a touch of nature and elegance to your home. Copper is a durable and beautiful material that's perfect for a wind chime, and it will last for years, becoming even more beautiful as it ages.
The soothing sound of a well-made wind chime can promote relaxation and peace, making it an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors. Copper is an increasingly popular choice for wind chimes because it produces a pleasant tone that is sure to please anyone who hears it.
Not only will a copper wind chime enhance your outdoor space, but it's also a wise investment. It is the one design metal that looks better over time.Visit Coast Chimes for the most beautiful real copper wind chimes.
Saturday, December 03, 2022
Exceptional Christmas Gifts: Coast Chimes
Several of the many one-of-a-kind handcrafted wind chimes available at Coast Chimes. Free, fast, expert shipping to the USA and Canada.
Monday, November 28, 2022
One-of-a-kind Gifts, Designed to Last: Coast Chimes
Artist-made Sea Glass
Available at Coast Chimes with Free Shipping
An abundance of unique, beautiful, handcrafted wind chimes at Coast Chimes, it's a great place to shop for all those on your list, but especially for those who seem to 'have everything'.
The best thing is that all the works are not just beautiful, but also extremely well made: designed to last. This is where you will find handmade copper hardware: no string or fishing line.
attention to detail and quality, built into every piece
Below, a few examples of the diverse works available right now. Visit Coast Chimes to see many more.
Thursday, November 24, 2022
Christmas: Give the Beautiful, the Unexpected, the Durable
Monday, November 21, 2022
Wind Chimes for Christmas
Natural Beach Stone Wind Chime
$200 including shipping
Impossible that a Christmas Holiday Season is already fast approaching, again! I guess time does fly when you are having fun, and busy. It has been crazy busy going on two years for Coast Chimes, and so it is with somewhat reduced stock that I announce holiday shipping has commenced. It's okay, there are a lot of nice works (everything I make is nice!). I do recommend not putting off choosing, if a Coast Chimes wind chime is on your list.
From beach stone wind chimes to artist-made sea glass, there is something for everyone, and a wide range of prices. All are designed to last, and to be beautiful. Visit Coast Chimes and choose something that will amaze and bring enjoyment.
Kaleidoscope Wind Chime
$235 including shipping
Saturday, January 08, 2022
2022, Coast Chimes
We enjoyed a rare white Christmas here on the Sunshine Coast, BC. That only happens about once a decade. And usually when it snows here, it quickly changes to rain and washes away. This time it has stuck around for over two weeks! Loving my daily hikes: snow changes everything! That said, it is certainly a little trickier getting around without falling hard!
2021 was an absolutely fantastic year for Coast Chimes, and I wish to thank all my customers for supporting small business, art. Daily now I am enjoying thank you emails from people who love their wind chime Christmas gifts-- very heartwarming!
Stock at Coast Chimes is a bit low (still plenty of beautiful works to choose from, just not quite as much as usual). After taking a bit of time to breathe, I am back making nice things. Hopefully I will have a nice line up to photograph, once the snow melts.
Best wishes for 2022! Tim, Coast Chimes
Cobalt Glass with Black Beach Stones
$95, Free Shipping, Coast Chimes
Monday, November 29, 2021
Something Beautiful, Something Durable: Gifts That Last
Too many gifts provide fleeting pleasure and end up soon discarded, broken, in the landfill. What a shame.
This year, consider a well designed, low impact, long lasting gift. Coast Chimes uses recycled / upcycled materials, natural materials, and materials that are valued by the recycling industry.
Best of all, each item has been carefully designed to last a long time. For example, the large wind chimes have only copper (even handmade copper hardware), and a small amount of weather resistant cedar. There are customers still enjoying their wind chimes after 20 years!
Shop Coast Chimes for long lasting, beautiful, meaningful gifts.
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Full Moon Glass and Copper Outdoor Wind Chime
Heavy, thick, frosted glass full moon wind chime with 7 handcrafted polished copper chimes: so cool!
When my friend offered me this giant circle of glass, I knew immediately what I would do with it. And it turned out just as I envisioned.
Visit this full moon wind chime at Coast Chimes to learn more, or to purchase.
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Exceptional Christmas Gifts
Coast Chimes has a selection of high-quality beautiful wind chimes guaranteed to please everyone on your shopping list.
These skillfully designed one-of-a-kind works of art are built to last. It's a crime, all the junk that gives momentary pleasure only to end up in a landfill far too quickly. Not Coast Chimes. The large chimes have all handmade copper hardware (no nylon, string, cord) providing many, many years of enjoyment.
Visit Coast Chimes. Free, fast, expert shipping to the USA and Canada.
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Copper Natural Beach Stone and Driftwood Wind Chimes
Driftwood and beach stones just go very nicely with Coast Chimes copper wind chimes. And they fit so nicely into any landscape: a gorgeous focal point!
It is a bonus that part of my job is to hike local beaches looking for exceptional driftwood and the perfect stones. This involves a lot of long walks, but they are so enjoyable, especially when I find good materials to work with!
To see all the original wind chimes, and to learn more, visit Coast Chimes now.
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Everyone Loves Copper — Beautiful Gift!
The thing about copper is that it is beautiful. Other metals are often treated with paint or a powder coating to make them look nice, but that is a temporary finish that will flake off, fade, crack. Over time, copper just looks better and better. That's one reason Coast Chimes' wind chimes are a great choice. They won't be headed for the landfill in a few years.
Coast Chimes' wind chimes are designed for beauty, for sound, and for durability. All the hardware is handmade from copper: the rings that attach the chimes to the cedar roundel, the hooklets, even the wire that holds the beach stone clapper.
When looking for the perfect gift, consider something that will last, that is unique, that is clearly built with attention to detail and great care.
Go to Coast Chimes to see the selection. As of today, there are 113 items, but that count will be going down fast, and production is pretty much finished for 2021. For the best selection, don't delay.
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Beach-combing, Sunshine Coast BC
Many trips by bicycle to local beaches these days. I have several favourite beach-combine beaches; one for beach stone clappers for the large copper wind chimes, another for larger stones for Zen wind chimes. I just huge order of diamond ball bits delivered, so between trips to the beach to collect stones (and driftwood), lots of time cutting holes in the stones I bring home.
Visit the Beach Stone section of my website to view all the new works. I will be adding more in the weeks to come. All these works are terrific outside in all weather-- the stones look even nicer when wet from the rain.
Zen Pacific Beach Stone Wind Chime, 7 Copper Chimes
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Wind Chimes, Beautiful and Built to Last
Beach stones make fantastic wind chimes. They are naturally smooth and rounded (such pleasant shapes!). They always look great, and then they look even better when it rains. When wet, they often get quite shiny, and more colours are revealed. So cool!
They are also durable, which is great, since my wind chimes are designed to last, and last, and...
All handcrafted copper hardware, no string, no nylon, no wearing out or breaking down from UV. They take a lot more time and skill to make than simply tying a knot in fishing line, but we should all push back against the throw-away society. You know, buy cheap, use a short time, toss to the landfill. Spend a little more, buy quality, enjoy for years.
See all my large copper wind chimes at Coast Chimes.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Handcrafted Wind Chimes Coast Chimes
It has been super busy at Coast Chimes. A good thing. But it has been a struggle to create enough new wind chimes and suncatchers, while keeping up with shipping and website work.
The past few weeks I did manage to make a whole new batch of kaleidoscope wind chimes, as well a quite a few really nice beach stone chimes. Check out my website soon to see these terrific works... before they are gone.