Though I think I have read what seems like hundreds of books on crafting and the business of crafting, I am just now getting around to compiling a list of some of the best/better books I have read.
In no particular order....
Crafts and Craft Shows: How to Make Money by Philip Kadubec
Though this book was written in 2000, it is written from the perspective of a seasoned crafter who has been touring the Pacific Northwest exhibiting at craft shows for 18 years. It covers such topics as: marketing yourself and your product, pricing, show selection, booth display and set up, customer service and more!
The book is an easy read and written in common language...in other words, you won't need an art degree or business degree to understand any of the topics.
Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry : The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit by Viki Lareau
Published in 2006, and written by a jewelry/business mentor, this guide to entering the jewelry business compiles firsthand knowledge and wide experiences for those looking to take their hobby to the next level. The books starts with the basics of assessing style, time commitment, and target markets Equally important, the sections progress through business licenses and tax numbers, developing a cohesive presentation for a business, and the fine art of pricing for a profit.
Another easy read. I finished the book cover-to-cover on a train ride to Chicago (1 1/2 hrs.).
More to come.....
Showing posts with label crafting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafting. Show all posts
Thursday, March 27
Monday, December 31
SPECTACULAR FINDS OF 2007
As the year comes to a close, I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to some wonderful products, artists and crafters over the year. I will share them with you!
- Natures Corridor is a Wisconsin artist who creates warm and wonderful watercolor and acrylic paintings. I absolutely love the colors she uses, the hint of whimsy in her watercolors, and the movement she creates in the trees and landscapes are mesmerizing!
- Natalya Sots is a ceramics artist from Schaumburg, Illinois. She makes teapots, cups, plates, bowls and bells too! Her creations are fun and pack a colorful punch! My favorite piece is the Mad Hatter Teapot.
- sjDESIGNS is an exquisite greeting card crafter from Omaha, Nebraska. I have been purchasing cards from Stephanie (sjDESIGNS) for over a year, and every card is perfection. If you are looking for unique and very well-made greeting cards, look no further!
- Block Party Press is no ordinary polymer clay artist! Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, she creates all of her designs by first making a hand-carved stamp, then using the stamp in the clay. Thus all of her designs are uniquely hers! Additionally, she uses a special distressing technique on her items too, which further creates a unique yet distinguished look.
- Soapylove is the creator of bright, cheerful, and perfectly scented glycerin soaps and soapsicles. They make great gifts, especially for kids and the kid-at-heart! Debbie (Soapylove) hails from San Diego, California, and her soaps can be found around the globe and on Etsy.
- KimonoMomo is obsessed with vintage Japanese textiles. Carol is the creative genius behind Kimono Momo where she reconstructs vintage kimono and obi into one-of-a-kind works of art, namely scarves and handbags. Each piece is uniquely beautiful...and if you are looking for vintage fabrics, Carol also has some available in her Etsy shop!
- Precious Meshes is a wire and jewelry artist. Emily Conroy crochets fine gauge wire to create masterful works of art! Some of my favorite pieces are her Anemone Hoop Earrings. Emily is also co-owner of VIX Emporium in West Philadelphia, which features independent artists and crafters from around the world.
- Purusha creates "All Natural Handmade Soaps" and is based out of New York City. I have been an avid handmade soap user for over three years for two main reasons: Handmade natural soaps are better for the environment (no nasty chemicals being washed down the drain) and handmade natural soaps have done wonders for my skin.
Of course, these are in no particular order and I'm almost certain I have neglected a few talented artists and crafters...but the best thing about a blog...I can edit and update the list! :) So watch for additional 2007 Spectacular Finds over the next week or so.
Again, I would like to wish everyone a warm and joyful New Year! Oh, and be on the lookout for a special sales announcement in your mailbox (hint-hint)!
Sunday, December 9
The day AFTER
Yesterday was the ART vs. CRAFT event in Milwaukee, and despite freezing temperatures, the show was outstanding!
I was able to meet a few new crafters and briefly catch-up with familiar faces too. At this event I was next to two wonderful upcyclers, Holly and Alex of GroveCraft. The duo is from Minnesota and create wonderfully warm and soft embellished mittens and hats from upcycled wool and cashmere sweaters. Toasty!
Also near me was Becky of MyMishMosh. Becky is from the Milwaukee area and specializes in making creations from bicycle parts (jewelry, collage and assemblages) and duct tape wallets and purses. Ingenious!
I was also pleased to meet fellow WIST (Wisconsin Street Team) member, Bobbi of KittyGrrls, Knits and Spins. She makes wonderfully soft and colorful hand-dyed yarns. Yum! Even Cari from MudandMint stopped by to say "hi."
A familiar face, or should I say faces, were Emily Frances and her husband, Pat. If you recall, they were my booth neighbors during the Summer version of Art vs. Craft. I am proud to announce they have joined Etsy and will be selling their silkscreened shirts, oil cloth aprons (my favorite!) and her wonderful capes. Visit their soon-to-be-open shop on Etsy.
I also must give some much-deserved praise to the promoters, Faythe Levine and Kim Kisiolek! They have always done a superb job of organizing and advertising the event. Thank you, ladies!
I was able to meet a few new crafters and briefly catch-up with familiar faces too. At this event I was next to two wonderful upcyclers, Holly and Alex of GroveCraft. The duo is from Minnesota and create wonderfully warm and soft embellished mittens and hats from upcycled wool and cashmere sweaters. Toasty!
Also near me was Becky of MyMishMosh. Becky is from the Milwaukee area and specializes in making creations from bicycle parts (jewelry, collage and assemblages) and duct tape wallets and purses. Ingenious!
I was also pleased to meet fellow WIST (Wisconsin Street Team) member, Bobbi of KittyGrrls, Knits and Spins. She makes wonderfully soft and colorful hand-dyed yarns. Yum! Even Cari from MudandMint stopped by to say "hi."
A familiar face, or should I say faces, were Emily Frances and her husband, Pat. If you recall, they were my booth neighbors during the Summer version of Art vs. Craft. I am proud to announce they have joined Etsy and will be selling their silkscreened shirts, oil cloth aprons (my favorite!) and her wonderful capes. Visit their soon-to-be-open shop on Etsy.
I also must give some much-deserved praise to the promoters, Faythe Levine and Kim Kisiolek! They have always done a superb job of organizing and advertising the event. Thank you, ladies!
Friday, August 3
Just a CLICK away
Or maybe a snap.
Great photography. But why is photography important? The obvious reason is that because most crafters either participate in an online gallery of sorts of have their own ecommerce site. Customers cannot touch your product, so you must be able to provide an exceptional visual representation of your product coupled with a wonderful (and accurate) product description.
Therefore, photography is another subject and art form that, besides photogs themselves, crafters need to develop (no pun intended). I'm sure most of us can spot a great photograph right away. It is crisp, clear, bright, in focus, and interesting. More than likely the subject of the photo is quickly identified. These type of photographs are what draw people in. They want to see more, know more, and get their hands on whatever is in the photo. Obviously, this is the type of photography we want to use for our products.
A not-so-great photo is muddy, dull, uninteresting, maybe even distracting. It's a real ho-hum, boring, don't-even-glance-at-it-twice kind of photo. Again, obviously, this is not the kind of photos we want to represent our work.
In my opinion, this is one of the most difficult topics an artist will tackle. How does one get "great photos?" Some folks will tell you it's all about your camera, some will say it's the photo editing software, some will say lighting, and still others will say something entirely different. I have found the truth lies in all of these factors. Some more than others, I must add.
Normally I would just tell you what has worked for me in the past and what learning curves I have had to overcome. However, when it comes to photography the variables are just too great. I don't know what type of camera you have, what your studio set-up is, what type of photo editing software you have access to, what type of spending budget you have, etc.
At this point I am going to make a suggestion that some readers may dislike, and other may love, but....GO READ! Search the bookstore for books on photography, read forums, get a copy of Consumer Reports that discusses cameras, find a few copies of various craft and art magazines that have articles on photography, scour the library, ask friends and fellow crafters for opinions. In a huge nutshell....do some homework. You will save yourself some pain and agony and maybe even some cash by doing some very pointed research.
Where should you start? I love the library. More than likely many of the magazines I have suggested are available (for free) at the library. Ask friends and coworkers. (Some may think photography is a highly guarded secret, so don't be put off if they zip their lips on the subject.)
Of course...take a few shots and choose the ones that YOU think are best and ask for outside opinions. Listen to what they say and ponder it. It is always difficult to separate yourself from your art, and as a human, criticism is hard to swallow. But, hey, when you are able to look at your art or photography with neutral eyes, good things are sure to follow.
Now go do your homework!
Great photography. But why is photography important? The obvious reason is that because most crafters either participate in an online gallery of sorts of have their own ecommerce site. Customers cannot touch your product, so you must be able to provide an exceptional visual representation of your product coupled with a wonderful (and accurate) product description.
Therefore, photography is another subject and art form that, besides photogs themselves, crafters need to develop (no pun intended). I'm sure most of us can spot a great photograph right away. It is crisp, clear, bright, in focus, and interesting. More than likely the subject of the photo is quickly identified. These type of photographs are what draw people in. They want to see more, know more, and get their hands on whatever is in the photo. Obviously, this is the type of photography we want to use for our products.
A not-so-great photo is muddy, dull, uninteresting, maybe even distracting. It's a real ho-hum, boring, don't-even-glance-at-it-twice kind of photo. Again, obviously, this is not the kind of photos we want to represent our work.
In my opinion, this is one of the most difficult topics an artist will tackle. How does one get "great photos?" Some folks will tell you it's all about your camera, some will say it's the photo editing software, some will say lighting, and still others will say something entirely different. I have found the truth lies in all of these factors. Some more than others, I must add.
Normally I would just tell you what has worked for me in the past and what learning curves I have had to overcome. However, when it comes to photography the variables are just too great. I don't know what type of camera you have, what your studio set-up is, what type of photo editing software you have access to, what type of spending budget you have, etc.
At this point I am going to make a suggestion that some readers may dislike, and other may love, but....GO READ! Search the bookstore for books on photography, read forums, get a copy of Consumer Reports that discusses cameras, find a few copies of various craft and art magazines that have articles on photography, scour the library, ask friends and fellow crafters for opinions. In a huge nutshell....do some homework. You will save yourself some pain and agony and maybe even some cash by doing some very pointed research.
Where should you start? I love the library. More than likely many of the magazines I have suggested are available (for free) at the library. Ask friends and coworkers. (Some may think photography is a highly guarded secret, so don't be put off if they zip their lips on the subject.)
Of course...take a few shots and choose the ones that YOU think are best and ask for outside opinions. Listen to what they say and ponder it. It is always difficult to separate yourself from your art, and as a human, criticism is hard to swallow. But, hey, when you are able to look at your art or photography with neutral eyes, good things are sure to follow.
Now go do your homework!
Thursday, July 26
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/
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/
Thursday, June 28
Interview with Nancy Addante
Name: Nancy Addante
Company Name: Smokey Lady 54
Years in Business: About 10 years
Location: Illinois
Where can we find your work?: http://smokeylady54.etsy.com/
EbD: Everyone asks this question, but what is your first memory of creating art or crafting?
Nancy: When I was about 5 years old, I went to my first circus. When we got home I drew pictures about my adventure until dinner time. At bedtime, I was still very excited and did not want to go to bed. But, mom and dad won that battle. Oh, I thought I would fool them! I got out my crayons and drew everything I could remember about the circus on my bedroom walls! I got into trouble and had to wash it all off. It took me days.
EbD: When did you start to seriously consider crafting as a business and not just a hobby?
Nancy: Friends kept telling me to start selling my work at fairs and such. I don't like sitting all day, so that did not last long. I am currently in two local stores and on Etsy. But, to me it is still just having fun.
EbD: What do you feel is the most important lesson you've learned about being in the crafting business?
Nancy: Never get impatient. You need to make a good product, and then wait for the right person to see it and say "Wow." Always take pride in your craft and never rush the project you are working on. Never be sloppy.
EbD: What do you wish you would have known before opening your business?
Nancy: I wish I knew more about taking pictures of my items. I also wish I knew how to write better product descriptions.
EbD: Do you have any techniques or skills you're interested in or would like to learn in the future?
Nancy: I want to learn how to put dots on lampwork beads. I am always trying to learn something better. We can all improve our skills.
EbD: What are three words that describe you or your craft?
Nancy: Simple, colorful, cute.
Company Name: Smokey Lady 54
Years in Business: About 10 years
Location: Illinois
Where can we find your work?: http://smokeylady54.etsy.com/
EbD: Everyone asks this question, but what is your first memory of creating art or crafting?
Nancy: When I was about 5 years old, I went to my first circus. When we got home I drew pictures about my adventure until dinner time. At bedtime, I was still very excited and did not want to go to bed. But, mom and dad won that battle. Oh, I thought I would fool them! I got out my crayons and drew everything I could remember about the circus on my bedroom walls! I got into trouble and had to wash it all off. It took me days.
EbD: When did you start to seriously consider crafting as a business and not just a hobby?
Nancy: Friends kept telling me to start selling my work at fairs and such. I don't like sitting all day, so that did not last long. I am currently in two local stores and on Etsy. But, to me it is still just having fun.
EbD: What do you feel is the most important lesson you've learned about being in the crafting business?
Nancy: Never get impatient. You need to make a good product, and then wait for the right person to see it and say "Wow." Always take pride in your craft and never rush the project you are working on. Never be sloppy.
EbD: What do you wish you would have known before opening your business?
Nancy: I wish I knew more about taking pictures of my items. I also wish I knew how to write better product descriptions.
EbD: Do you have any techniques or skills you're interested in or would like to learn in the future?
Nancy: I want to learn how to put dots on lampwork beads. I am always trying to learn something better. We can all improve our skills.
EbD: What are three words that describe you or your craft?
Nancy: Simple, colorful, cute.
To read more about Nancy and her crafting adventures, look here: http://shinnybling.blogspot.com/
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