Interview with Linda Hartman

Name: Linda Hartman

Company: PaperNClay

Years in Business: About 2 1/2 years. I started selling polymer clay canes and a few beads on eBay first then I started selling on Etsy a year and a half ago. I prefer to think of it as just playing and sharing the results to help cover the cost of my addiction.

Location: Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Where can we find your work?: http://www.papernclay.etsy.com/

EbD: Everyone asks this question, but what is your first memory of creating art or crafting?
Linda: When I was 7 or 8 years old my mother/Santa got me a kit to make a pink crocheted potholder. It was basically a round piece in a single crochet. My mother didn't know how to crochet but my grandmother showed me how and sent me home to finish. I returned to her a few times to fix my bunched up potholder because it wasn't laying flat like it was supposed to. I was very proud and my mother used the potholder for years to come even though I know it was ..........rough.

EbD: What do you feel is the most important lesson you've learned about being in the crafting business?
Linda: One has to firstly enjoy what they're doing or it just won't go well. That's most important.

EbD: What do you wish you would have known before opening your business?
Linda: Organizational skills are what I'd like to fine tune. My work station is a horror.
Most of the time I find what I'm looking for, I guess that's what matters most?

EbD: Do you have any techniques or skills you're interested in learning or would like to learn in the future?
Linda: I will always be looking into new and different areas of the arts and crafts world. I've done a lot of things but there's so many more out there and I'd like to go where ever my path takes me.

Ebd: What is you favorite medium to work in, and why?
Linda: I honestly don't have one favorite but many right now. I'm thoroughly enjoying the art of fusing glass and right along with that I love playing with polymer clay, then there's origami. I don't think I can choose one favorite.
I also volunteer at my church providing the children with crafts at their functions. A task that involves a constant search for items that lend themselves well for a child attention span and skill level. A rewarding effort but very time consuming effort that encourages me to keep doors always open to new ideas.

Ebd: How do you feel the craft industry has changed since you first began crafting?
Linda: It has definitely become more popular again to create. The trend seems to be making a full circle.We went through a stage where it wasn't quite as cool to craft but we're back to the way it should be. :)

EbD: Do you feel this is a positive change, negative change, or maybe a little of both?
Linda: Definitely positive for me. I enjoy creating. I work as a floral designer as my full-time occupation and I am best when I'm making something at work and at home.

EbD: What are three words that describe you or your craft?
Linda: unique- my kids will tell you I'm very unique,
creative-I don't give up till I can figure out a way of achieving my goal. I can be very creative on how I do that!
enjoyable- I find what I do most enjoyable!

If you would like to see more examples of Linda's work and read about her crafting adventures, look here: http://www.papernclay.blogspot.com/

It must be ANNIVERSARY time

Because I just renewed my web hosting, domain name and WhoIs guard. My Etsy anniversary is also fast approaching. Exciting? Yes!

I'm wondering if I should celebrate somehow. I have so much work to do...but maybe a bowl of ice cream would be OK. Perhaps I will reward my inner tool nerd with a new tumbler or a nice shiny dapping set? Hmmm..... Well, I'm off to ponder the possibilities of nice new shiny and oh-so-beautiful tools.

Tips I LEARNED at the Show

These tips aren't really show specific; they can apply to any craft show.

• Know your product well. Customers are bound to ask questions about your craft. A good craftsperson understands and knows their materials, processes and completed product like the back of their hand. Knowing your product well shows understanding, confidence, and competence.
• It's a good idea to have something to give your customers and potential customers. Most shoppers only spend seconds at each booth. How will you let them know about your craft and about you, the artist, in only a few seconds? I developed a tri-fold brochure that introduces me and informs my customers about how I make my craft and why. I also included information on the materials I use. In addition, I added contact information and some of my store policies. If a brochure isn't your cup of tea....how about a postcard or other promotional item?
• Make your customer the center of your attention. If you have a booth-mate, make sure your partner understands that customers come first. Too many times I have heard customers complain that when there are two or more vendors at a booth they will seem more interested in chatting than assisting their customers. Remember why you are at the craft show! To meet, greet, sell, educate, and have fun. You can always chat with your booth-mate after the show over pizza and a bowl of pasta.

If you're just starting out doing shows, I found it incredibly helpful to keep a small notepad handy. Make note of what worked and what didn't. What pieces were people drawn to? Which pieces didn't receive any attention? What comments did you overhear? Don't forget to write down specifics about the show too. What was the average customer like? Is this average customer your target market? Did it seem well promoted? Was there a good mix of various types of art and craft? Is this a show you would like to participate in again?

If you have a chance, walk around and meet other vendors during a slow time. This is usually right after lunch (2pm-ish). It's always nice to meet other artists. I have found that 99.8% of artists and crafters are friendly. This will also give you an overall feel of the type of customers the show is targeting. Oh, and a very, very important factor....ask how many vendors are repeat vendors. If most or all of the vendors are new to the show (assuming the show isn't new itself) it should send up a huge red flag! Vendors will not waste their time, energy, and money on an unsuccessful show.

Next: An interview with Linda from Paper n' Clay...

When it's all said and DONE

It's Monday, July 9th, 8:00am. I'm just rolling out of bed after a wonderfully long weekend in Milwaukee.

ART vs. CRAFT is one of the best shows I have ever participated in. The promoters did an outstanding job of organizing and advertising the show.

Unloading and setting up was painless, and tearing down at night was easy too. The crowds were plentiful and very diverse.

My booth was situated between MaryInk and a "newbie" clothing designer. I think her name was Emily. Next to "Emily" was RelishDress. MaryInk is from Tennessee and travels with her boyfriend to many of the Eastern and Midwestern indie shows selling their handmade silk-screened T-shirts. "Emily" is a newlywed and was there with her husband, Pat. She also made silk-screened tank tops and wonderful oil-cloth aprons and capes. "Emily" and Pat were locals from the Milwaukee area. RelishDress was also there with her husband and sold hand crocheted earrings and necklaces. RelishDress is from Flint, Michigan.

And then there was me. I did the show by myself and was selling my Argentium, fine silver, and copper jewelry.

As you can see, the vendors were quite a diverse bunch too.

I also met many wonderful shoppers, many of whom either had taken a jewelry making class or were currently enrolled in a class. As an artist it always makes my heart flutter when I here "I tried making jewelry and it's hard work" or "your pieces are so elegant" and my favorite comment of the weekend came from a gentleman who simply referred to himself as a Visual Artist, said, "your work is elegant, simplistic, with great lines." I just about melted. Nothing makes me happier than to have customers recognize the thought and intention behind my work!

Next: Tips I learned at the show...

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday!