Artist Introduction - One Way To Do It

There are many ways to get your creations out there. Pounding the streets with business cards is one way - and can be scary for some. Joining business societies is another. One approach I have used, is doing google searches for local galleries, consignment shops, co ops in the area and emailing them an introduction letter. Do your research - go to their site, and look at the items they have posted. Make a comment about those items that you love in the introduction. Tell something about yourself, about your work, about your goals, awards, publications, other stores you are in and show examples of your work.

Here is an example of the letter I sent out, it has got me in two stores in the area -

Hello!

I have visited the site for your store and the items you have listed are wonderful! The peculiar pets are a scream! I would love to have the opportunity to bring my pieces by to be considered for display/sale in your store.

Please let me introduce myself. My name is Tish McDermott and I am a local jewelry artist. I have had the wonderful opportunity to have been shown , at The Arts Council of Farmville, NC in March 2009 and also the Arts Council of Holly Springs, NC in April, 2009.

My pieces have been consistently seen in Bead Trends magazine from Sept of 2008 to October of 2010, and also online at www.beadage.net. Locally, I have pieces for sale at Gifts With A Heart in Cary, NC and Tirza’s Imports in Apex, NC. I also have a presence at Let It Grow in Winston - Salem, NC. Most recently my designs were seen on the runway at Awakening C.H.A.N.G.E – Runway Revolution.

Bead Trends

Flashes of Autumn – As seen at Awakening Change – Runway Revolution

My line of pendants

Approaching your store, is the first step to broadening my audience, and giving my pieces more exposure.

Please feel free to visit my site at http://www.justatish.com or my Facebook page Just A Tish

Thank you for your consideration,

Tish McDermott

Just A Tish Designs

tish@justatish.com

Another you may consider is sending an actual letter with a sample of your work. That is what I am doing for the more upscale boutiques that are out of the area.

Good Luck!!

Create Hype wants to help you!!!

From Justine Smith - Editor of Create Hype

"I'll have a killer place for you to submit your work to later this week BUT in the meantime, an exciting giveaway!

I'm giving away $100 cash (via Paypal) to 1 lucky winner to help you boost your creative business! I didn't want to give away something you may not need so use the cash to buy something you really want like new business cards, graphics, craft supplies and more!

To enter the giveaway, all I ask is you answer 4 super short questions so I can better understand who you are and what you need from Create Hype.

Enter the giveaway by answering 4 easy questions here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KY8QZJY

*I'll announce the winner via email on March 18th*"


If you don't get her emails - sign up - it is free and a great way to boost your business!!!
Join at the Create Hype web site so you don't miss out!!!

Something I have been thinking about

Do you need to dress like an 'artist' to be taken as an artist?

I read up on, review other booths, research who sells well, and try to model my booth after that. There is a lot to it, the placement of items, the colors, the decorations and so forth that set up a feel for a booth and brings customers in. I try to stay ahead of the curve with my booth display to the best of my means, considering I am at an outside market.

I am getting more comfortable with my booth, now what about me. Is it just as important that I am dressed the part? And what is the part anyway? I love tie dye, and wear it often. Am I portraying the right image as an artist? Should I be more conservative and wear a button down and pants? I don't want to sell my soul to sell my pieces, but at the same time there is a lot to the selling formula.

If I look like a business person, will I look like I am selling product that I bought from a wholesaler? Here is the reason I ask this - I have tried different outfits just to see customer responses. When I dress more conservatively, I get asked quite often "Did you make this?" "Do you sell for other people?"

If I look like an eccentric artist will I be taken as one? It isn't that I sell more if I dress 'artsy' but I don't hear those questions. I hear more comments - "I love your designs" "These are so unique" and so forth.

These are just questions I roll around in my head - Do you have suggestions? Do you have questions you wonder about in this craft business world?

I would love to know

More packaging ideas - to set you apart

I got a sweet little note in the mail from the winner of my December giveaway.



The person who won, actually did not have email, so she had no idea she had won until the package arrived in the mail. She sent me a little note inside tiny origami boxes -



I love personalized packaging. I did a post back in April, 2009 - Wrap it up - on the little fabric pouches that I use for all of my orders. One customer told me she put ornament hooks in them and hung them on the tree for Christmas presents! The idea hit me - these would be great little packaging ideas. That little extra something that you can do to set yourself apart. Customers love that special attention to detail. These would work great for earrings or smaller necklaces.



I used the boxes that Barbara sent me as the examples in these pictures. I put the earrings in the box on card stock with a hand written thank you



Fold over the edges and secure it with a bright sticker. Beautiful!!





I found these instructions online:



Have fun!!!

A year in review - More craft business - how to's, tips and hints

To carry on the theme for the week, again, a blog from my past - from June 24, 09

Free Craft Fair is a fantastic site for craft business owners. The site is full of so much information on how to start, build and maintain a craft based business.

I stumbled on this doing a directory search. I applied and they accepted my link in their directory. I will do the same from my site back to them. While poking around their site and seeing what they offer, I ran across some great tips on how to market 'offline'. I am taking her challenge of doing two a week. Will keep you posted on the progress.

To see the original post by Shelly Hill - Click Here or read on. (I don't know if this is a big blogging no-no to repost someone elses blog, but I see it all the time. My intent is to credit the author, and link back to them, the information is too good not to share)

#1. Make up advertising filler packs and pass them out every where you go, every event that you attend and swap them with other women home business owners.

#2. When you travel and stay in hotels, leave your catalog, business card, business coupon behind in your room, lobbies and other places that people congregate. I like to leave my business card with my hotel housekeeping (maid) tip.

#3. Print out flyers with your business name and contact information along with any specials you are running. Leave these flyers in public places where others can see them. Public Places: Grocery store message boards, community center message boards, employee lounges, etc.

#4. Contact local area bridal stores, bridal supply stores, caterers, tux rental centers, dj’s, photographers, etc. if your company/business offers a bridal registry. See if you can leave them your business cards!

#5. Daycare Centers: You can get a lot of business from the parents who use daycare centers so contact them about leaving your business cards or flyers.

#6. A lot of churches and religous groups hold spring and fall festivals, so make sure you contact them about getting a booth space at one of their events. Booth spaces are usually very economical with these types of groups.

#7. Join your local Chamber of Commerce! They always hold local business events in your area. This is a great way to network and to make new business contacts.

#8. College Campuses: College Students are always looking to spend money and they are usually on the hunt for a business opportunity to help pay for their school expenses so you can target them for sales and for recruiting into your business opportunity. Most schools have a student center, so that is where you would want to leave your business cards and flyers.

#9. Contact your local area Welcome Wagon or Welcome to the Neighborhood group. See if you can add your business info to their Welcome to the Neighborhood bags.

#10. Contact your local area hospitals and see if you can add your business info to their New Mommy Diaper Bags. A lot of hospitals give out free bags filled with goodies to all the new moms who have babies at their facilities!

#11. Contact your local medical offices, particularly the Obstetrics & Gynecology Offices and the Pediatrician Offices. A lot of those offices also give freebies to expecting or new moms. See if you can add your information their freebie packages.

#12. Donate a prize or a gift certificate to your local radio station for their numerous prize giveaways and contests. This gets you free business exposure. Often times, they will also list you as a prize sponsor on their website too.

#13. Donate a prize to your local area Bingo Halls! They are always looking for prize donations.

#14. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out when there will be local job fairs in your area and get a booth at one or at the very least attend one so you can make some new contacts in your local area.

#15. Call your local area colleges and trade schools to find out when their next local area job/employment fair will be. A great way to market your home business opportunity to others who might be interested.

#16. Contact local area car dealerships. I make up small packets of business information, my business card, my coupon and a small freebie. Ask them if you can drop off 100 packs to them to hand out to others who come in for those FREE test drives.

#17. Contact your local area gyms and fitness centers. A lot of times you can get a table and market your business for an economical fee of $25.00.

#18. Network with others in your community who have home businesses. They are usually in the know on local business events that are upcoming in your community.

#19. Contact companies in your local area to see if you can come in and set up a display in their employee lounges or cafeterias for an employee shopping break. This works best if you offer an exclusive discount or deal to their employees.

#20. Does your local area TV Cable Company have a local information channel? If so, contact them to see if you can advertise on their information channel.

#21. Contact local small companies and shops to see if you can offer an exclusive discount to their employees. Companies like to offer perks to their employees such as shopping discounts from various local businesses.

#22. Small home town newspapers! I don’t get a great response to the big city newspaper ads but I do get a great response if I place ads in small home town newspapers!

#23. Get a low cost outdoor banner ad printed up to market your business during outside community events such as: sporting events, music concerts and so forth.

#24. Take your business on the road during the nice weather seasons. Contact your local area parks and recreation centers to see what kind of events are coming up and inquire about getting a table or booth at their outdoor events.

#25. Community coupon clipper packs and coupon packs. If your community has them, call them up and find out how you can advertise in them.

#26. Contact local area businesses such as: salons, banks, massage parlors etc. See if you can come in and set up a display. Offer a contest and prize with your display. Use the entry forms to gather contact information for possible new contact leads.

#27. Contact local area pizza shops, diners, deli’s and coffee shops. Most of these types of businesses have paper placemats where you can buy ad space and have your business ad placed on them. People do READ these ads!

#28. Contact local area bars, restaurants and clubs to see if you can buy some advertising on their paper beverage coasters.

#29. Local Television Newstations are always holding on-air contests and website contests for their viewers. Contact them to see if you can donate a prize to get some free business exposure for your business.

#30. Attend local area Holiday Shopping Events. Customers who are ready spend some holiday money and looking to purchase holiday gifts attend these events. Get a booth or table space and market your business to them.

#31. Hold a local community block party at your home or at your local community center. Families are always looking for something to do on the weekends!

#32. Get your business listed in your local yellow pages phone book. Way too often home business people over look this valuable advertising tool. These days a lot of phone books have coupon sections too, so make sure you inquire about adding your coupon to that section.

#33. You can take this phone book idea one step further by finding out who prints up those vinyl phone book covers that are covered with local business advertising in your area and find out how much it would cost for you to add your business ad to that phone book cover.

#34. Get your business information printed up on pencils and hand them out for FREE to local colleges and adult technical schools.

#35. Get a vehicle banner made for your automobile. I recommend the vinyl clings so that you can easily remove them when it comes time to wash your vehicle.

#36. If your city has a travel guide that tourists request, make sure you place a business ad in that travel guide. This is a great way to get your business information into the hands of non-local customers.

#37. Local City Maps! These days you can find all kinds of small business advertising printed on the sides and backs of those city maps! You can get really good economically priced ads placed onto those maps.

#38. Contact local area hotels, motels and bed and breakfast inns in your local area. Ask them if you can leave your business information with them for their guests to peruse when they are in the lobby.

#39. Get your business information printed up onto balloons. Give these ballons to local sporting events, charity events etc. A great way to get more business exposure.

#40. Find a few home business owners in your local community and team up with them! You can all sponsor a local boys/girls sports team, a parade float or other things in your community! This makes it very economical for those who are in small business to get business exposure and to participate in your local community events.

#41. Get T-shirts printed up with your business information printed on them. Hand them out to your friends and family members and ask them to wear them when they are out in the community running their errands.

#42. Get some canvas tote bags printed up with your business information on them. Pass them out to a few lady friends and ask them to use them when they are out and about in the community attending events or running errands.

#43. Get a license plate made up for the front of your car with your business information on it.

#44. Wear a business name tag every time you go out in the community. People do read them and do notice them!

#45. Local Area Magazines! Does your city publish their own local area magazine? If so, contact them about placing some advertising in their magazine.

Thursday Quickie - Filler

I have a show on Saturday and am really excited about it. I have been working putting together new displays and a new look for the booth. I think it will be nice. As I was arranging and pricing new items I looked at my earring board. It was sad and lonely. I didn't like a lot of the earrings that were there, I have had them for a while, and in my mind they are 'dated'. I removed the earrings I was not happy with, and now there are holes in the display.

*ponder*

So I sat down this morning and whipped up what I call filler. Filler are the items that are easy and inexpensive to make but still have a great quality about them. They make the booth appear fuller, they have a nice shine to them, so they are eye catching (magpies love them too), they are priced just right as to not detract from the higher end pieces, and this allows a broader customer base to shop. Although the money is nice, I can't have a 'target' customer base of rich people. I want everyone to walk in and find something they like, that is beautiful and in a comfortable price range. Putting the filler in the mix will also allow the customer to buy something without having to justify the purchase and more than likely they will come back for that higher priced item when an occasion rolls around for gift giving or they just want to splurge on themselves a bit.

That said, here is a handful of the filler earrings, priced at $8. Now to get them on cards and hung :)

Wednesday quickie - Personalized Thank You's

I like to personalize my packaging for customer orders the same as I like each piece of jewelry to be you-neek. It is a an extra special way to say thank you.

I was putting an order together this morning and thought I would share something you may want to use with your customers as well. If the item is handmade, why can't the thank you be as well.

This is what I do for earring orders.

A tablet of colored paper/cardstock



Pick a color and cut out a smallish rectangle - I chose this lighter color because I wanted to use the orange ink.



Cut the rectangle in a unique shape - something curvey or lopsided something to give it a more organic look.




Ink and stamp (I am getting a custom stamp make with a JAT logo on it :)







Poke two holes in the paper, hang the earrings and scrawl a Thank You!



There you have it! If the customer stops by my site and appreciates my work enuff to buy it - I want to show them a little appreciation with a personal thank you.


Tomorrow - same bat time, same bat channel - I will be posting my July Rings & Things blogger challenge necklace!

Stay Tuned!

Friday quickie

Watch yourself as you make jewelry - Do you follow a trend? Are you completely random? Do you have 3 or 4 styles that you keep going back to?

I know I do.

So to have a little fun, I have started my "Collections".

These collections are a way to cat-oh-gore-eyes my pieces, and maybe give repeat shoppers an easier way to find what they are looking for.

One of my collections is the "Off Center" collection. This is a collection of earrings made from sterling free form designs. I call them off center because no matter how hard I try, I cannot get a perfect match of the set.

So I embrace it and market it as such.

Off Center Collection - Krystin's Raven



Have a great weekend kids!!

Marketing Monday

A few days ago I shared some offline marketing tips by Shelly Hill. She says you should try to do at least two a week. I was looking thru them earlier and I may jump in hip deep and try -

#42. Get some canvas tote bags printed up with your business information on them. Pass them out to a few lady friends and ask them to use them when they are out and about in the community attending events or running errands.

Everyone has become waste conscience, not wanting to use disposable bags, paper or plastic and are moving to re usable totes. It got me thinking. I don't throw away any odds and ends, because there may be a use for them down the road. I love re purposed jewelry. Breathing new life into old pieces. With that in mind I will be looking online at the likes of cafepress and zazzle and see if i can get a good price on some small totes, and start the whisper campaign :)

EDIT - This tote thing is redonkulously expensive!! I need to do some rethinking.......


I announced my monthly contest giveaway on my facebook page for July this weekend. I am offering this as the prize.





I was sluffing around this weekend, with a ho-hum kinda attitude, and thought I would make some new pieces to lift my spirits. Being that the garnet was already out, I made earrings and necklace to compliment the July's braclete give away.




I made the necklace a convertible style necklace - you can hook it at the top or the bottom of the chain link, giving it to distinct looks. I packed it full of garnet, citrine, carnelian and vintage crystals. I had no rhyme or reason behind how I attached the stones. Some had sterling beads added to them, some did not.











What are you doing to market you business?

More craft business - how to's, tips and hints

Free Craft Fair is a fantastic site for craft business owners. The site is full of so much information on how to start, build and maintain a craft based business.

I stumbled on this doing a directory search. I applied and they accepted my link in their directory. I will do the same from my site back to them. While poking around their site and seeing what they offer, I ran across some great tips on how to market 'offline'. I am taking her challenge of doing two a week. Will keep you posted on the progress.

To see the original post by Shelly Hill - Click Here or read on. (I don't know if this is a big blogging no-no to repost someone elses blog, but I see it all the time. My intent is to credit the author, and link back to them, the information is too good not to share)

#1. Make up advertising filler packs and pass them out every where you go, every event that you attend and swap them with other women home business owners.

#2. When you travel and stay in hotels, leave your catalog, business card, business coupon behind in your room, lobbies and other places that people congregate. I like to leave my business card with my hotel housekeeping (maid) tip.

#3. Print out flyers with your business name and contact information along with any specials you are running. Leave these flyers in public places where others can see them. Public Places: Grocery store message boards, community center message boards, employee lounges, etc.

#4. Contact local area bridal stores, bridal supply stores, caterers, tux rental centers, dj’s, photographers, etc. if your company/business offers a bridal registry. See if you can leave them your business cards!

#5. Daycare Centers: You can get a lot of business from the parents who use daycare centers so contact them about leaving your business cards or flyers.

#6. A lot of churches and religous groups hold spring and fall festivals, so make sure you contact them about getting a booth space at one of their events. Booth spaces are usually very economical with these types of groups.

#7. Join your local Chamber of Commerce! They always hold local business events in your area. This is a great way to network and to make new business contacts.

#8. College Campuses: College Students are always looking to spend money and they are usually on the hunt for a business opportunity to help pay for their school expenses so you can target them for sales and for recruiting into your business opportunity. Most schools have a student center, so that is where you would want to leave your business cards and flyers.

#9. Contact your local area Welcome Wagon or Welcome to the Neighborhood group. See if you can add your business info to their Welcome to the Neighborhood bags.

#10. Contact your local area hospitals and see if you can add your business info to their New Mommy Diaper Bags. A lot of hospitals give out free bags filled with goodies to all the new moms who have babies at their facilities!

#11. Contact your local medical offices, particularly the Obstetrics & Gynecology Offices and the Pediatrician Offices. A lot of those offices also give freebies to expecting or new moms. See if you can add your information their freebie packages.

#12. Donate a prize or a gift certificate to your local radio station for their numerous prize giveaways and contests. This gets you free business exposure. Often times, they will also list you as a prize sponsor on their website too.

#13. Donate a prize to your local area Bingo Halls! They are always looking for prize donations.

#14. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out when there will be local job fairs in your area and get a booth at one or at the very least attend one so you can make some new contacts in your local area.

#15. Call your local area colleges and trade schools to find out when their next local area job/employment fair will be. A great way to market your home business opportunity to others who might be interested.

#16. Contact local area car dealerships. I make up small packets of business information, my business card, my coupon and a small freebie. Ask them if you can drop off 100 packs to them to hand out to others who come in for those FREE test drives.

#17. Contact your local area gyms and fitness centers. A lot of times you can get a table and market your business for an economical fee of $25.00.

#18. Network with others in your community who have home businesses. They are usually in the know on local business events that are upcoming in your community.

#19. Contact companies in your local area to see if you can come in and set up a display in their employee lounges or cafeterias for an employee shopping break. This works best if you offer an exclusive discount or deal to their employees.

#20. Does your local area TV Cable Company have a local information channel? If so, contact them to see if you can advertise on their information channel.

#21. Contact local small companies and shops to see if you can offer an exclusive discount to their employees. Companies like to offer perks to their employees such as shopping discounts from various local businesses.

#22. Small home town newspapers! I don’t get a great response to the big city newspaper ads but I do get a great response if I place ads in small home town newspapers!

#23. Get a low cost outdoor banner ad printed up to market your business during outside community events such as: sporting events, music concerts and so forth.

#24. Take your business on the road during the nice weather seasons. Contact your local area parks and recreation centers to see what kind of events are coming up and inquire about getting a table or booth at their outdoor events.

#25. Community coupon clipper packs and coupon packs. If your community has them, call them up and find out how you can advertise in them.

#26. Contact local area businesses such as: salons, banks, massage parlors etc. See if you can come in and set up a display. Offer a contest and prize with your display. Use the entry forms to gather contact information for possible new contact leads.

#27. Contact local area pizza shops, diners, deli’s and coffee shops. Most of these types of businesses have paper placemats where you can buy ad space and have your business ad placed on them. People do READ these ads!

#28. Contact local area bars, restaurants and clubs to see if you can buy some advertising on their paper beverage coasters.

#29. Local Television Newstations are always holding on-air contests and website contests for their viewers. Contact them to see if you can donate a prize to get some free business exposure for your business.

#30. Attend local area Holiday Shopping Events. Customers who are ready spend some holiday money and looking to purchase holiday gifts attend these events. Get a booth or table space and market your business to them.

#31. Hold a local community block party at your home or at your local community center. Families are always looking for something to do on the weekends!

#32. Get your business listed in your local yellow pages phone book. Way too often home business people over look this valuable advertising tool. These days a lot of phone books have coupon sections too, so make sure you inquire about adding your coupon to that section.

#33. You can take this phone book idea one step further by finding out who prints up those vinyl phone book covers that are covered with local business advertising in your area and find out how much it would cost for you to add your business ad to that phone book cover.

#34. Get your business information printed up on pencils and hand them out for FREE to local colleges and adult technical schools.

#35. Get a vehicle banner made for your automobile. I recommend the vinyl clings so that you can easily remove them when it comes time to wash your vehicle.

#36. If your city has a travel guide that tourists request, make sure you place a business ad in that travel guide. This is a great way to get your business information into the hands of non-local customers.

#37. Local City Maps! These days you can find all kinds of small business advertising printed on the sides and backs of those city maps! You can get really good economically priced ads placed onto those maps.

#38. Contact local area hotels, motels and bed and breakfast inns in your local area. Ask them if you can leave your business information with them for their guests to peruse when they are in the lobby.

#39. Get your business information printed up onto balloons. Give these ballons to local sporting events, charity events etc. A great way to get more business exposure.

#40. Find a few home business owners in your local community and team up with them! You can all sponsor a local boys/girls sports team, a parade float or other things in your community! This makes it very economical for those who are in small business to get business exposure and to participate in your local community events.

#41. Get T-shirts printed up with your business information printed on them. Hand them out to your friends and family members and ask them to wear them when they are out in the community running their errands.

#42. Get some canvas tote bags printed up with your business information on them. Pass them out to a few lady friends and ask them to use them when they are out and about in the community attending events or running errands.

#43. Get a license plate made up for the front of your car with your business information on it.

#44. Wear a business name tag every time you go out in the community. People do read them and do notice them!

#45. Local Area Magazines! Does your city publish their own local area magazine? If so, contact them about placing some advertising in their magazine.

Repurpose, reuse - DIY Displays

I have added a few display ideas for shows. If you are doing a craft fair or art show, these are some fun ideas using repurposed items from your home.

I like to give a feel of creativity or an artistic flare to my booths. It seems that when people are shopping, they are looking for something different. Something to draw them in. Let's face it, there are a million stringers out there. Set your booth apart from all the other vendors and it will also set your product apart.

If your booth allows you to have the real estate to get big and creative go for it. If not, keep those creative display ideas to a minimum and use them to 'show case' your best items.

Shutter earring display.

There are two types to consider. If you are at an outside event, have tables and a tent, use the plastic stutters. You can run ribbon thru the top slot and tie them to the supports of the tent and use a C clamp to secure them to the edge of your table - here is a picture from my former business and how the plastic shutters worked in our booth. -



I have completely revamped my business model since those days, but this gives you and idea how you can incorporate it into your outside booth.

Wooden shutters are heavier and won't clamp as easy to a table. Use folding chairs for your base, covering them with cloth. Set the chairs at the end of the tables and set the shutter in the chair. The chairs will support the shutters and make the front of your booth inviting. This shutter was used at a local gallery for my earrings that were for sale. The gallery owner painted it the great shade of purple. I love setting these at the front of my booth. they just scream "COME ON IN!"



Here is the shutter with the earring cards. Don't pack the shutter, leave some spaces. Let the customer breath while they are shopping instead of having so many choices. It can be over whelming. You dont' have to have all of your inventory out for display to secure a sale. Sometimes less is more. Watch your customers. If you notice a customer pausing at a few differnt items, ask them if they are looking for anything in particutlar. You may have some more stashed for back ups.



The shopping experience is so much more relaxed when they are spaced and easy to get to.


See how the cards thread thru the slats to help anchor them.








Pendant displays.

Lets talk repurpose again - use an old frame, floral foam or packing foam, material and glue. Forgive me for not documenting as I made it, the thought came later. It is pretty self explainitory.

Cut the foam about an inch smaller than the glass in the frame. Cover the foam with material securing the material to the foam with glue. Now glue the material covered foam to the glass of the frame.

VI-OH-LA! A pendant display. Now you can secure your pendants to the foam with a stick pin, and it will set up anywhere!







Bracelet displays -

Old bottles are great show cases for bracelets. you don't want to put stacks of them down the neck, it will hide the bottom pieces and make them harder to get at if a customer wants to try them on. Use the bottles to present 1 or 2 of your better pieces - be prepared to be offered money for the bottles too :)







Wire baskets can also be great for bracelet displays. Once set up, there is no need ot tear them down.

I have seen these baskets in varying sizes everwhere - Wal Mart, Dollar General, Target, and even at The Dollar Store. They are a great little investment that won't set you back.




Stand it on it's end and the handle becomes a brace for the display. Attach the bracelets onto the wire. This also can act as security. They are harder to lift if the toggle has to be fiddled with to get it off the display.

You can use several of them and color co ordinate your displays by keeping similar bracelets together.



I'll have my booth set up with all these ideas and more implemented. I'll take more pictures and show you how it all comes together.

Wrap it up - I'll take it!

Hey kids lets talk about packaging today. I like to make the packaging that holds my pieces just as fun as the piece itself. When my customers get their orders, they have nice little 'gifts' wrapped up with that personal touch. It is perfect for those items bought as gifts, being it is already wrapped.

When I first started, this was the packaging I used and got such raves about it, that I thought it was time to bring it back. I got away from this practice when I was sharing the business with friends for continuity's sake, and am glad I am back to it.

It is all about utilizing what is around you, making it personal and showing that little bit of extra effort. Don't settle for an organza bag - everyone is doing it. Your art is a one of a kind, why not make your packaging the same.


i have a bunch of fabric scraps -



Cut a circle - oh, say - about 5 inches across for this example




I use embrodery floss for my thread. it comes with 6 threads to a strand, typically i separate it in half - and just use 3 strands. Pick a coordinating color. coordinating color for me means first one i pick



Measure your floss to about double the width of the circle. thread your needle, knot the tail of your thread so you don't pull it thru and start a running stitch around your circle




you can allow your material to gather on the needle as you work. don't make it perfect, you want it to have personality.



When the needle is full, push the fabric out onto the thread and continue around your circle.



Go all the way around your circle with the running stitch. Now you want to give it a tag. I printed my little slogan on card stock several times to fill the sheet.




now i take my scrapbooking star punch and punch out the tags.



position the slogan in the punch




LOOK AT YOUR TAG!!!!!!



Now push the needle thru the tag, and push the tag till it is against the fabric. Pull the needle from the thread and knot the tail.





Pull your strings together to gather up the material and make a little pouch. Tie a bow and you are set!!!





Fun packaging made easy!

Finding Support

I spend a good part of my day online searching for ways to improve my craft, my sales, my business, my approach, basically, my "all things business and who I am" search - I am an information junkie! In my searches I found these "inside(area-code)" networks. These little networking communities are popping up all over, and more than likely in an area code near you! They offer a springboard type platform for you to immerse yourself into your community, find out what is going on, and who it is happening with. All you have to do is create an account, log on and start your networking, it is that simple and best of all - IT'S FREE!!!!

Did I mention FREE!!!!

With casual posting, you can share about yourself and in turn find out the expertise, and experiences of others. One thing that holds true to most - people love to talk about who they are and what they do. General rule of thumb - People who are successful in what they do, love what they are doing. I am not saying to use this as a mentoring program. Actively search for answers, comment on posts, and ask questions. This is a great wealth of information. Help yourself, after all it is YOUR business.


This is also a great way to meet people in your community, help support your local businesses, and start new friendships.

O.K, I know this has to be coming across as a shameless promtion, and well, I guess I do mean it to be. It has helped me so much, that I want it to help you too!

Here is more information - I hope there is one in your area that you can benefit from!

Getting your name out there

I was pah-roosing around on craigslist (as I normally do when bored at work) looking for something interesting, when a post caught my eye - donations for an auction - more precisely - art donations for an auction.

This got me thinking, wrinkled brow and all.


It has to start somewhere.

Being in the craft/art business, one of the hardest things I have found, is to get your name out there. When you have this kind of business you don't always have startup capital - is more of a "pay as you go" plan. Cut costs where you can, forgoing business cards for your name and number scratched on a napkin when someone compliments what you are wearing. Printing up small flyers and adding them to the local community boards, spamming your friends with 'pass this along for me' messages - It really is a word of mouth campaign to get started.

When I first started I was desperate to get my name out there, to get noticed. I had to get my foot in the door, and secure me a corner at a local consignment store. If I was in that brick and mortor, I knew people could see me. Money was my obstacle - "How can I get people to take me seriously and also to see my work on this budget?"

Donate.

Donating items to local charity organization for auctions is a GREAT way to get your name out there. Not only are people seeing your work, they see your business card (even if you have to go to Staples, buy the paper and print your own) AND you are typically invited to attend. At the auction, you get a night out, you get to dress up, you can 'hob nob' (do ppl still use that term?) with other auction goers. You get to shake hands, you get to not only promote your items, but network and met other people in the area and make great business connections.

*insert sage widsom*
Sharing interests with others, creates interest from others.

So kids, whether it is an item, or a service, more than likely it is needed by someone, and can be auctioned off for a great purpose - plus you get a tax deduction!!!!

*drops two cents*

someone can pick it up or drop two more!!!!