How To Successfully Sell Your Product at Craft Fairs

Anyone who has any crafting skills can have a successful craft show. All it takes is a little know how.
Before I became a full time on-line retailer, I participated in a number of craft shows. Even then I operated my business from my home and the majority of "real time" interaction was with my children and husband. As a result, I found that I enjoyed the camaraderie that exists among craft peddlers and the interesting conversations with customers. It's a great way to get out and make money doing something you enjoy!
Of course, the first rule of thumb is that you have a craft. A craft doesn't have to be just candles, woodworking signs, or floral arrangements; a craft can be something you do regularly as just a hobby and never thought about turning into a cash-producing business.
For example, there are many of you out there that are talented in creating beautiful scrapbooking pages. People like myself, who aren't so gifted in that art and/or simply don't have the time to create those gorgeous keepsakes, are willing to pay a pretty penny for a pre-made page that requires only the insertion of photos and a couple of handwritten notations.
Everyone has the ability to create a craft project. And most of them are going to be pieces of work that many are willing to pay for. Looking for a craft idea or maybe something new to compliment an existing project? Try YouCanMakeThis.com for some really neat, simple ideas!
Now that you have your craft, it's time to market it!
One must first realize that there are two types of shows: juried and non-juried. If you are a new crafter, I would recommend that you begin with non-juried as the juried shows require submissions of the product (via photo or other methods) to be judged whether your item should be accepted for a space. However, if you have been crafting your product for some time and feel confident that you could easily pass inspection, feel free to choose either type show to enter.
Once you've made the decision for juried or non-juried, you must next locate craft fairs in your area. Google "arts & crafts fair" plus your state (or states you to which you are willing to travel) to find listings for shows in which you want to participate.
Since most craft shows offer 8′ x 10′ or 10′ x 10′ spaces, it's a good idea to practice setting up in roped or tape area the size of your space in your garage, basement, or any area large enough to accommodate. If your show is being hosted outdoors, make sure that your canopy will also fit into this space. (The most popular craft show canopy is E-Z UP from Van Raalte & Co., Inc.)
In arranging your display, one very helpful hint to remember is the use of levels is very eye-catching to potential customers. Simply laying your items out on a flat table surface is just plain boring. Use milk crates, small ladders, hanging hooks, etc.
Choose a theme for your space. Many craft fairs designate a theme such as Fall or Christmas. Whatever the theme, use an assortment of fabrics to drape across your tables. For example, for a Christmas theme you may choose to use a solid green fabric as your table cover then use white lace dollies to drape atop the green. Continuing with this theme, strategically place red tulle to create a swag to the front of your table. And don't hesitate to use decorations amid your products for sale. (Decorations should be clearly defined so as not to create confusion among buyers.) Just bear in mind that your coverings should be attractive, not overbearing; nor should they overpower your product. Simple, solid colors are best.
Next, you should organize. An easy example of this idea is candles. Arrange your candles by size. Pillar candles should not be mixed in with container candles. Floral scents should not be surrounded by bakery scents. In addition, if possible, use your product to decorate. Again, candles is an excellent example, in that you can take three varying height pillars (same scent is suggested), arrange them in a triangle atop a clear platter, and light (if permitted by show hosts) for a beautiful, eye-catching display.
Bottom line: think of your items as being placed in a grocery aisle. If there is no organization, your shoppers will wonder aimlessly and could possibly just walk away. In addition, include a nice assortment of products from the lowest price range to the highest for the best selling potential. With this methods, you catch most every budget! Complimentary products are also a great addition too (ie, candle lighters).
Now you need to create a sign displaying your business name. If there is information about your product (ie, soy wax vs. paraffin wax), this should be made onto a separate sign. If using more than one sign, be sure that the one with your business name is the largest. Pick up inexpensive, plastic sign holders at office supply stores such as Staples or OfficeMax. If you have a website or eBay store where you also sell your products, be sure to place business cards in holders in a couple of visible places for easy retrieval by customers.
Count on sticky kiddie fingers! Every show that I ever participated in was overrun with children. Since most craft show shoppers are mothers, this is to be expected. A great way to get mom's attention and keep grubby little paws off your delicate merchandise is to offer a cheap goodies basket. A great idea for a Christmas themed show is to purchase approximately 50 of the miniature stockings found at dollar stores. Along with the stockings, purchase several bags of candy. Fill each stocking with four to five pieces of candy and sell them for a dollar each. It's absolutely amazing how many sales can be created from such a simple idea. Even at the smallest shows, you'll be sold out of these "idle hand detractors."
Another good idea is to invest in a shirt bearing your logo and business name. Vista Print offers low cost screening printing for such an occasion. Many embroiderers can stitch your name onto a nice polo for a relatively low price. If you will be enlisting help for your show, be sure to fit them with a "company" shirt too for a professional, uniformed appearance.
The last idea is one that is purely optional. In an effort to gain contact with customers after the show, offer a raffle for one of your products. Provide slips of paper with pre-printed information such as: name, address, telephone number, email address, and the question of whether they would like to be contacted (via standard mail or email) about promotions, upcoming shows, and new products. Everyone loves a chance to win something and you will be surprised at how many people will feel obligated to mark "yes" in regards to contact; several will even become great customers! Just be sure to follow through with the raffle. If you have a website, be sure to post the winner's name to instill trust in your customers.
Now that you have all the technicalities out of the way....you're ready for show day!
Arrive at least one hour before scheduled opening time. This gives you the time needed to add finishing touches. You'll also catch those early birds who will undoubtedly arrive and anxiously began browsing booths.
If business comes in sprints, use the time in between to rearrange and/or restock. You can also take this opportunity to discreetly eat a quick lunch or snack.
Most importantly, have fun. Smile. Be friendly. Your craft show is sure to be a success!

Turning Your Hobby Into Crafting Income - pros, cons, tips & tricks for income through crafting

Where To Start???

The first thing you need to remember is - just because you thought of it does not mean it will be a winner. Making money from your hobby or craft is more of a lifestyle than a viable income source for most people. That is because most people enjoy crafting (sporadically) rather than dedicating the majority of their week to cranking out items for sale and end up having to market them as well.

First , you need to test the waters. Go to some craft shows and see what people are selling. Go early and stay awhile then go back near the end and see who is still hanging out. Check them out carefully to see if they are packing up a lot of merchandise or if they have a significantly smaller inventory than what they came with. Flea markets are good for this as well.

Second , check out things of interest to you on the internet as well as what is "hot". If what you want to sell is not in demand you may need to modify either your urge to become your own boss or change what you are willing to make &/or sell (just because you want to sell it does not mean there is a large market for your item). -- Here I speak from experience. You have to remember that what you are selling today, this week, this month or this year may not or more likely will not be popular the next week, month or year from now. Another point of concern is you can't make just one of an item unless you are making high-end, high cost items that do not necessarily turn over very fast (which is not good if you are trying to establish income from your 'handiwork'.

Third , you have to be willing to dedicate your time to it as if it were your full time job. Even if you are working full time and trying to get started. Making money from something you create means you are the factory, salesperson and CEO. I do not want to discourage you, rather to get you prepared for what is to come.

I sold my crafts for years on e-bay but only as a hobby or in-between jobs. I also sometimes sold my crafts at school and park craft shows. Each one has their own flavor and clientele base. If you are blessed with children that are interested in making the same types of things, there are things they can do to help, but in the grand scheme of things you are also quality control. Give them jobs they can do without having to denigrate their efforts.

Fourth (& final), life is supposed to have flavor, challenges, hardships, fun, and sometimes failure. If you take the flavor and taste it for yourself, seek the challenges, ride out the hardships, laugh, love and sometimes fall down, but always get up then you will gain so much more than the knowledge of life. You will take the essence into yourself and send it right back to others.

So, You Are Still Ready To Proceed?

Ok, so, you want to do it anyway, sucker! No really, I applaud you in your effort.

Your options are varied.

1. If you want to target craft shows: You should set up a schedule of small goals to accomplish prior to the date you need to show your wares. Everything you want to sell must be made prior to arriving at the craft show/fair. (Remember that you may/will not sell everything that day.)

As you attend more and more shows you will see what is in demand, what sells well on a regular basis and what is not selling well at all. You should always cater to what is popular while still remaining true to your inspiration. In other words, if you don't like making it don't chose to sell it, even if it is a money maker. You don't want to get yourself away from the job you don't love now just to get yourself into a situation you can't fire yourself from! You will keep telling yourself it is for the money. However, nothing in life is worth torture if you can't enjoy your life. If you end up eating spaghetti more often than not but are comfortable and satisfied, isn't that better than eating Fillet Mignon but dealing with a stomach ulcer?

2. If you want to target internet sales, make sure you are aware of the variables. Lets say you make an item that is all of a sudden very popular. You need to make sure you have a good source of supply (stuff you use to make your crafts) and keep yourself supplied, or set a cap on stock so that once it is gone it is no longer available.

What I used to do is make something and have enough supply to make a few more (say 5-10) of that item. If it sold quickly I could refill my supplies and make more. Usually if you say you will ship within 2 business days make sure you have enough time to make the quantity you are offering and get it shipped out. Also remember you are not offering one item only. Make sure you don't overlap item production. This means that if it takes 4 hours to make 5 total of one item and 2 hours to make 5 total of another item and you need to make 4 different variations of it that is 12 total man hours. So, don't list the entire quantity as in stock & as ships in 24 hours. If the best happens and they all sell all of a sudden, guess what? You are staying up with your friend, 'Monster', and working your hinney off to get them ready to ship! That is what the CEO does, make sure the production is accomplished. Guess what? you are the CEO, Head of Production, and Factory Staff!

If, however, your items did not sell quickly, leave them in inventory and promote them later or stop them and featured them as 'close out items' at a later date. You can always set up an auction for quick sale as limited quantity 'buy it now' items. Usually you can pay one auction fee for an individual item or multiples of the same type of item (showing variations) so why not offer them all for the one low fee?

p.s. auction fees are a 'cost of business' which is deductible on your income taxes. Having to sell something at a reduced price is a 'business loss'. Do you see where I am going here? Don't worry about how much you are losing now if it will lower your taxes at the end of the year. **Remember that I am referring to filing long form, Schedule C, not a short form. Even if it is classified as a hobby you cannot file 1040A or EZ. Definitely speak to your tax professional and keep all your records on external hard drive. You can always print them out if needed.

Let's Wrap This Up!

Ok, as the title says, "Let's wrap this up!"

Make lists! Take notes! Write down your goals!

Make an outline of what you want to do and when. Forecast a budget. It will not be accurate, but can easily be revised and help you with achieving your goals. Get a journal or start an Excel spread sheet. List all your income in one column and all your expenditures in another column.

Take a hint from someone who has been in the trenches. If you don't know how much money you have or don't have you will soon feel discouraged. Highlight anything that can be deductible. This will help you see how having to sell something at cost or a loss now is not always a bad thing at the end of the year. (Show yourself the full selling price, the sold at price and the difference as business loss) Don't get lazy, keep those records up to date! No matter how awesome your memory is, once you start to multi-task on a daily basis you will not remember what that receipt in your coat pocket was for unless you record it the same day! Your enemies are stress and lack of sleep. Take time every day to do something with your family or for yourself if you are by yourself. Absolute satisfaction is the key to your happiness!

How to Start a Home Design Studio or Craft Room

If you own a business that designs, creates, and sells handmade items from your home, or even if you just love to put your hands and mind to work, it is likely that you need a studio that intrigues your imagination, inspires you to create, sets your mental gears turning, and provides a tidy and accessible craft space for working. The photos and suggestions below will get you thinking and dreaming about starting your own home design studio.

Fancy Craft Workspaces

Most important is that you fill your space with things you love. Cut out scraps of fabric that inspire you, newspaper clippings or color swatches that caught your eye; save photographs, postcards, antique advertisements, nameplates, greeting cards, bits of texture from your garden. Have a bulletin board or two at eye level that will give you plenty of eye candy when your ideas run low. These bits of paper and string put together by Design Sponge would inspire me; what about you?

Surrounded by Flights of Fancy...

Organize Your Craft Space

The most functional design spaces are usually stacked floor-to-ceiling, on at least one wall, with shelves of supplies. Two or three small boxes can usually fit on a shelf, and can be slid out easily to get to the contents. Supplies that you use more frequently should be at arm's length or in drawers near your working space. Spools of threads, ribbons, or wires can be placed on a peg board on the wall nearest your work table, and tools such as scissors, pens, and knives can stand up in a small container. The design studio for PinkLovesBrown paper goods and fine items is a great example of an organized storage space and inspiring design studio in one!

My favorite kind of work space involves lots of sunlight, and plenty of lamps for when it gets dark. There is occasionally something inspiring about a dim atmosphere, but as for working with colors and textures and details, natural light is the best thing that can come into your craft space! Don't ruin your eyes for the sake of creativity. Pull back those curtains, let in the sunlight, and you can be sure your designs will look their best in any lighting.

Another advantage to having a window near your workspace is the view outside. Whether you live in a woodland or a city, you will appreciate a look out the window now and then to get fresh ideas from what you observe of the great outdoors. The Bark Design work studio by the Bark Design Architects combines the best of the work environment with the best of the outdoors: plenty of natural light, views of the coast, and the workroom itself elevated amongst the treetops. How would you like to work in a place like this?
Create Your Own Design Studio in an Abandoned Chocolate Factory!

An art studio can appear out of the strangest places! Helen Rawlinson, who designs and creates textiles for home decoration use, has found the perfect place for her studio: an abandoned chocolate factory in London! Built in the Victorian era, this building was bought recently by another designer, then rented out to specific crafters like Helen. She has each wall piled high with shelves and products, little toys underfoot from her son, and when she needs a break, she takes a few steps out into a cobblestone courtyard surrounded by potted plants. It sounds idyllic, doesn't it?

Your Craft Table and Chair

A clutter-free table is a must for all crafters, because the clutter only increases as you work --which it should! As a wise man said, "Where no oxen are, the trough is clean, but much increase comes through the strength of the ox." Your clutter should be your increase, not your demise. Choose a desk or table that offers you plenty of space without crowding your hands or the square footage of your room. You need to be able to move around freely from supply shelves to workspace without bumping into corners of tables or cabinets. A great way to have add-on desk space is to attach slide-out extensions to one or both sides of your desk or table. You can easily adjust the surface area of your desk according to your needs.

Decide if would rather work standing up or sitting down. John Adams nearly always composed his documents and letters while standing up, and he had to have a special desk tall enough for him to write while standing. Now many people have admitted they work better while standing (or even pacing), and there are several desks and counters for the stander/pacers. If you prefer to sit, consider getting a stool or an exercise ball to improve your posture and strengthen your back. Your chair should be high enough to let your forearm rest on the desk without overextending it or crunching it in to your side. You should also be able to keep both feet flat on the floor or foot bar of your stool or desk.

Fragrance your home the natural way

Today, aromatherpist, Louise Green of Vital Aromatherapy talks to us about how to fragrance your home the natural way.

Most people like to fragrance their homes in some way. Commercial air freshener aerosols, plug-ins and scented paraffin candles are commonly used. These are generally made with synthetic fragrances that mask unwanted odours but can be toxic to our lungs and the environment when used on a regular basis. There is a natural alternative that is effective, affordable, beneficial and creative. You can make your own Aromatherapy home fragrance solutions using Essential Oils!

1. Use a tea-light burner or an electric diffuser
Use up to ten drops of a single essential oil or a blend in the burner or diffuser

* Romantic blend: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Jasmine and Orange
* Sleep blend: Roman Chamomile, Mandarin, Lavender, Vetiver
* De-stress blend: Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender

2. Make your own spritzers. You can use these as room sprays or as linen mists

Room sprays will need approximately 2-3% of essential oil to the base water and linen sprays approximately 1%. I use floral waters, also known as hydrolats, but you can use Spring Water.

Simply add the required amount of essential oil to the hydrolat, bottle in a suitable container with an atomiser, and then shake and spritz every time you use it.

Lemon-balm water with essential oils of Lemongrass and Rosemary clears unwanted smells
Rose Water with a few drops of Rose and Jasmine Absolutes or Geranium essential can be used to delicately fragrance your underwear or you can wear it as a natural perfume.

3. Make Lavender bags to fragrance your drawers or airing cupboard

You can make simple cotton rectangular bags secured with ribbon, hearts to hang or simply fill a pretty organza bag. Save Lavender when you cut it back at the end of the summer, dry it and strip or cut off the petals. Keep in an air tight container until you are ready to make the bags. You could make bags or pouches with other natural materials such as hops or wheat and fragrance the "stuffing" with essential oil. Cedarwood is traditional for keeping moths at bay.

4. Make a natural and contemporary pot pourri with any dried flowers, leaves, fruits, cones, spices etc and fragranced according to the seasons

Use a beautiful bowl to present the pot pourri or make cones for a lovely gift. You will need some Orris root as a fixative and essential oils for the aroma. Geranium, Rose, Lavender and Lemon essential oils would make a beautiful blend for Spring.

5. Make your own fragranced beeswax furniture polish

Make polish with beeswax, pure turpentine and carnauba wax. Add any essential oils you like to the polish base once it has cooled a little, before pouring into your container. Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Pine, Lavender and Cedarwood all smell fantastic in polish or you can make a blend that you love. The polish fragrances the wood, and the aroma will linger in the air every time you use it.

6. Make your own Aromatherapy soy candles with Essential Oils

1. Use sturdy glasses, pretty hexagonal jam jars, vintage tea cups or other suitable container.
2. Measure how much water the container will take leaving approximately 1cm at the top. This is how many ml/g of wax you will need.
3. Weigh out soy wax and melt it in a heat proof jug using a microwave or over a bain-marie.
4. Using a suitable wick for the diameter of the container you are making, glue the wick sustainer to the bottom of the container and centre it with a wick holder, using masking tape to keep the holder in place if necessary.
5. Cool your soy wax before adding essential oils; check with the supplier as to the correct temperature but it will often need cooling at room temperature for about half an hour or till the wax is on the verge of turning slushy and opaque.
6. Add approximately 3% volume of essential oils to wax with a pipette and stir well before carefully pouring the wax into the container.
7. Allow to set until completely solid. Remove the wick holder and trim the wick to about 1cm. Allow to rest for 24 hours before lighting. After the first burn keep the wick trimmed at 0.5cm for optimum burning.

You can use any essential oils but some do seem to hold their fragrance in candles more than others. Anything that smells very intense like Patchouli, Geranium or Lemongrass will work well in a candle and can be blended with lighter oils such as Lavender, Sweet Orange or Grapefruit. You can use Citronella or lemon Eucalyptus oil to http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3765535675833442775#make a candle to keep biting insects at bay.

邀您搭手工藝術列車 卡卡市集廟會獻創意

（檳城／北海5日訊）遊樂於城市街頭的卡卡手創藝術市集（Kaka Art Market），原班人馬將移陣到“好運一條龍”廟會來，誠邀你一起放慢腳步，體驗一次創意能量之旅，把獨一無二最“夯”的手創藝術品帶回家，以最亮麗的心情迎接龍年！
來自中馬的25個手工藝術隊伍已經趕工製作新年為主題的各類藝術品，並於本月14日及15日晚帶到檳城中路及北海斗母宮；不管是用的或是穿的，所有的作品絕對讓您愛不擇手，包您恨不得要通通搬回家。
卡卡手創藝術市集負責人林彥杉（Tuna）說，人味與創意是一般商品最缺乏的元素，該市集匯聚文化、美術、音樂、手工、表演藝術等領域的藝術工作者，北上為大家呈獻作品，大家都滿心期待這25個熱愛藝術的青年攤主給廟會帶來的驚喜。
“這個市集主要是想讓本地手作人有個平台，也讓本地人多了解手作藝術的意義。此外，也會把街頭表演藝術放在這個市集上，讓表演工作者有個展現的平台。”

鼓勵全民動手製作

不僅如此，還以“手工做的用品，多了一股人味，手工做的飾物，多了一股創意”為自我鼓勵的格言。
卡卡手創藝術市集的各類手工作品，全由攤主們親手製作，包括飾品、娃娃、包包、筆記本、首飾、插畫明信片、攝影作品、陶瓷、卡片、恤衫等。現場也可以體驗陶土拉坯，動手做出自己獨一無二的陶杯、陶碗等作品。
值得一提的是，卡卡藝術市集鼓勵全民動手做，回歸自然的生活形態，因此市集現場也有售賣製作手工品的材料，如花布、粘土、軟陶、吊墜、繩線、手工雜貨等，更有多種選擇的造型材料包，民眾可以買回家根據教材學習製作，現場也有提供製作教學和詢問等。
喜歡手工品的朋友，想要搶先獲知更多詳情，也可先瀏覽www.facebook.com/kakaartmarket。

藝術家發揮創意平台

卡卡手創藝術市集結合文化、美術、攝影、陶瓷、表演藝術、音樂、藝術交流等於一屋簷下，每月固定召集各地手工藝術家，於吉隆坡半山芭邵氏廣場為手工藝術者提供平台，也讓民眾一賭藝術作品。
每月不同主題的市集都吸引許多民眾參與，熱愛藝術的北馬朋友也會因為這個市集而特地赴會，如今本報邀得市集北上，絕對是引頸長盼的北馬朋友的好消息。
卡卡手創藝術市集以年輕、創意及獨特性為市集切入點，打造新文創市場的展銷平台，創作分享與藝術交流的新據點，讓本土藝術家、創作人展示作品，亦為藝術與企業間搭建橋樑。市集的成立，也為年輕朋友提供了不少的機會。
卡卡藝術市集是個講究主題性質的市集，例如過去的8月是“馬戲團”，9月“田園風情”，10月“搖滾Kaki”，11月“西部牛仔”及12月“我的聖誕襪”。來到1月份，當然是“新年快樂”才夠應景，風格獨樹一幟，看起來又時尚創新，有夠“夯”。

新年穿衣福 文化時尚兼備

新年穿新衣，如果您打算購買一些富有文化氣息卻又不俗氣的上衣穿過年，不妨到廟會逛一圈， 各種不同設計的“衣福”，說不定會給您帶來意外驚喜。
“衣福”備有各種不同的設計及尺寸，且價錢合理，男女老少都適穿，喜歡的話，還是可以多購買幾件，一家大小家庭裝齊過年。