The Extravaganza Craft Productions

How Do Social Media Sites Help You Research Art and Craft Trends?

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:01:58 GMT

Have you wondered what arts and crafts are selling well at craft fairs this year? Need to know what colors are in style this season? Want to know if one neckline is more popular now than another, for either your jewelry or clothing festival booth?

This is just another way that Facebook and Pinterest can help.

Why?

They have derived a way to get people to tell them exactly what they like. In other words with some research on your part on Facebook or Pinterest you can also know what people like. With a little insight on your part on who exactly is your target market you can even narrow your research to just them so you can know exactly what your target market does and doesn't like.

It can be as easy as asking your friends or followers on Facebook to share a picture of their favorite sweater, their favorite color or their favorite clothing style and asking them why it is their favorite.

Another way to know whats trendy this season is just do a search on it. Search for popular styles, stylish women's clothing and take a look what people are saying about what's in and what's out.

Create your own boards or posts and invite people to comment on which color, style, pattern they would prefer. It gets your followers interested and allows you to get to know them better and provide for their needs.

This can come in very handy when creating handcrafted works of art knowing which colors, styles, pattern and stitches are popular this season.

Say you create home decor items for the kitchen and you would like to start selling them to your friends and then spread outward from there. Begin by looking at your friends boards on Pinterest, many of them will have boards labled for the home, my dream home, my dream kitchen etc. A quick glance will tell you if your friends styles are mainly country, elegant, formal, informal and what colors they are drawn to. Some friends will even pin color combinations that they like together.

Now you know if you should create pot holders that are simple elegant colors or cute and country. You will probably already have a pretty good idea of exactly who they will appeal to.

How else could you use Facebook or Pinterest to research the popular and not so popular trends this year?

Is Facebook and Social Media Selling Art?

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:28:24 GMT

Social media is working for my business but...

I have gone to where my customers are on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. and that is where I post.

Try searching keywords related to your product in the Facebook search box.

Want to know how many people like fine art? Type in fine art in the Facebook search box and go to fine arts-interests.

Check out your competitions pages from the search above. See what they are posting and where, visit the businesses that sell art or crafts like yours and see what they are doing, where they are selling, what they are saying and where.

Try putting some posts in some of those places and see what happens. Knowing where my customers were looking for information has greatly increased my businesses exposure and profits.

What do you think?

Entry 6 of 6 in the series Social Media Networking for Artists and Crafters. Other entries in the series are:
Use LinkedIn to Build Your Art or Craft Show Business
How to Setup Your Art or Craft Show Booth Facebook Business Page
How Your Facebook Page Helps Your Art or Craft Business Know Who Your Customers Are

Craft Show Booth Display Ideas

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:30:00 GMT

While researching where the traffic from my blog came from I found these ideas for inexpensive craft show booth displays and I thought you might want to see them.

http://blah-to-tada.blogspot.com/2012/04/more-craft-fair-ideas.html

Thanks blah to TADA! for sharing.

Great Organizational Ideas for Art & Craft Supplies

Thu, 10 May 2012 17:08:00 GMT

I have been looking for Blogs to comment on, link to, write guest articles for etc.

What I found was this post on organization of art and craft supplies.

http://pixiepaperarts.blogspot.com/2008/06/show-tell-sunday.html

Hope it helps you get some ideas.

The Big One Art & Craft Fair Fargo, ND

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:46:01 GMT

Don’t forget to to visit the The Big One Art & Craft Fair in Fargo, North Dakota this Oct. 20 & 21, 2012. Also reserve your booths for the shows in Minot, ND on Nov. 2 & 3, 2012 and Apr. 5 & 6, 2013.

Handcrafted arts and crafts festival vendors contact Stacy or Lisa Frank at 701-837-6059 to reserve your show booth now. Remember to tell them thank you for listing their show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in North Dakota each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

Places to Sell Handmade Arts and Crafts Online and Off

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:32:00 GMT

Where do you sell your hand-crafted arts and crafts?

Do you sell online at a place like Etsy, Artfire, Ebay or do you have your own website?

Do you sell your crafts at art and crafts shows, fairs, festivals, bazaars, boutiques? Do you license your art to companies or do you sell it in specialty shops like gift stores?

There are so many places to sell your works of art including:

art fairs, festivals, craft shows, bazaars and boutiques, flea markets (not a good choice for higher priced crafts), antique markets
local restaurant and hotel lobbies
local gas stations
small hometown grocery stores
libraries
gift shops, visitors centers, and other tourism sites
specialty stores including Bridal shops, flower shops, salons
Online places like Etsy, Artfire and more. Read this great list of places to sell crafts online and this article that tells you a little bit about them http://smallbiztrends.com/2011/10/29-places-sell-handmade-creations.html.

So where do you sell your arts and crafts? What places have the best results for you? What do you think?

Shasta McLaughlin is a lifelong artist and crafter. She has attended craft shows as a vendor and produced them. Her life has been dedicated to improving her families living conditions through building her business. She believes all problems have a solution that can be found through greater creativity. Her goal is to share with you the things she has learned, to give people greater confidence in their abilities to provide for themselves, to improve the world one crafter at a time. Visit her website The Extravaganza Craft Productions at www.extravaganzacrafts.net.

How to Do Live Demonstrations at Art Festivals

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Want to do craft demonstrations in your art festival booth but...

Don't have a helper to watch your booth and sell your crafts while you do them?

Veronica Campos-Hallstrom of one of my LinkedIn groups shared this tip and gave us permission to share it with you.

She said, "To take the place of live demonstrations, I use a digital photo frame, a photo book, and displayed photos of me at work for "proof" that it is actually me as the artist creating. You can show a step-by-step process in those means without loading up all the needed materials.

Depending on the space, I do also display a newspaper feature article so that locals can further connect my face with my art and read details about my art for themselves if I am engaged with someone else at the time they are interested in looking or speaking."

I think this is a great idea or you could take your laptop and play a YouTube video of you making your craft or a Power Point of you making them.

Also Read Karen's tip Crafts That Sell-Selling Customized Arts and Crafts and Holly's tip How Giveaways Sell Arts and Crafts.

Please thank Veronica for sharing this great tip with us by visiting her sites below:
Hand-crafted beads created by hand in clay and glass. Art That Sets You Apart.
One-of-a-kind beaded jewelry and home decor items.

Club Creative Studio Blog- Learn About Creativity

Follow the artist as Veronica interacts and shares information about her unique beaded art on Facebook

Are You Pricing Your Original Art Too Low?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:26:11 GMT

You are not only doing others a huge disservice, you are doing yourselves one if you price your original art too low.

It is possible to price your product so low that it implies low quality thus decreasing your sales. It is a wrong assumption to say that if you sold them for what they are worth you wouldn't sell any.

What actually happens is that you sell a few less works of art at a much greater profit and so you make more on each piece driving up profits on your business overall.

At that point you find customers willing to pay that price and sell to them again and again. These customers expect to pay these prices, value the pieces and are much more likely to share your products with others raving about how great they are. Something you will never get from a customer who just wants the best deal. They just don't care enough to spend their time on referrals.

Read How to Price My Art or Craft Show Product for a formula to help you know if you are pricing your original art too low.

Those of you who are actually charging the correct price what are you doing after the sale? What I'm getting at is when you have a customer buying a piece from you what do you do at that moment with that customer? What do you do after the sale is over, do you do something to keep that customer involved in and coming back for another purchase in the near future?

Simple Inexpensive Ways to Collect Art Festival Customers Contact Information

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:16:00 GMT

Are you collecting the contact information of the people who buy your one of a kind works of art? If no, why not?

Collecting a customers contact information is simple and makes it so much easier to make sales increasing profits greatly.

Here's how:

Use duplicate receipts and ask them if they would like to be added to your mailing list as you complete their purchase.

Write all the information you need on the receipt like their email and mailing address. Record on the receipt if they did or didn't want to be added to your list.

Keep one copy of the receipt for yourself give them the other copy-make sure it contains the information they need to contact you. Use a label or stamp to include your phone number, and links to your Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter on their copy of the receipt.
Have a guest book in your booth that gives them an idea of what they are signing up for and an incentive to sign up. For instance a small sign on the guest book says, "Sign up for our mailing list to receive important information regarding use and care of our products, specials, discounts, and sales, and a 10% discount for first time purchases."
Have your first email include the coupon for the 10% discount.
Sign up all customers who have bought from you, be sure and include a way for them to opt out.

Have a purpose for the emails you send. Include a call to action.

Send mailing lists information that is useful, relevant, and important to them to keep them engaged.

Follow the Can-Am Spam Act by including your company name, address, phone, website, and email address in each one. This gives recipients lots of ways to opt out.

Also read Why Add Art and Craft Buyers to Mailing Lists and How to Add Art and Craft Buyers to Mailing Lists and How to Email Your Craft Show Booth Customers

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.net to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Get Jewelry Buyers to Purchase at Craft Shows

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:33:00 GMT

Found this fun idea for getting customers to buy jewelry (or any art or craft) at craft shows.

How to Get Your Jewelry Customer Buy at Craft Show Event.

Thank you Ooh-la-la Beadtique for sharing such a fun idea!

Also read Do Sales and Discounts Hurt Craft Show Sales? and 5 Places to Market & Display Your Handmade Jewelry for Free

How do you get your customers excited about buying?

Public Art Opportunity -Missoula Montana

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:24:00 GMT

Artists in Montana, Idaho, Oregen, Washington and Wyoming-Missoula Public Art committee is looking for artwork for their parking garage.

Previous proposals either had various maintenance or security problems or were too small in scale for the size of the building.

Be sure that the proposals you submit are in scale with the size of the project and that they would be less likely to be subject to vandalism.

To be notified when the city's Public Art Committee is accepting proposals for public art pieces in Missoula visit http://mt-missoula.civicplus.com/list.aspx?Mode=Subscribe#bids.

Thanks Kim Hurtle of Montana Arts Council for sharing this with us.

Why Add Art and Craft Buyers to Mailing Lists

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:22:39 GMT

Are you collecting the contact information of the people who enter your Art Festival booth and buy your one of a kind works of art? If no, why not?

Collecting a customers contact information is simple and makes it so much easier to make sales increasing profits greatly. Why?

Well let's start with the fact that the person who just bought from you has told you that they like and want your product, trust your service, and are willing to spend their hard earned money with you.

Also read How to Add Art and Craft Buyers to Mailing Lists and Simple Inexpensive Ways to Collect Your Customers Contact Information.

I started The Extravaganza Craft News without this knowledge and I spent most of my time chasing new customers. I struggled because I really didn't know who was interested in buying my products. I felt like a dog chasing my tail-going around and around in circles but never getting any results.

As I learned about marketing I found that you will spend more time and money always chasing new customers than you would if you just sold and resold to those who had already bought from you.

Now I'm focusing my time and attention on ways to get people to tell me they need my products and services and then sign them up for email marketing.

I send slightly different emails (designed to keep my current customers coming back) to people who have bought from me and the results have been much better profits and less work.

18 Things to Add to Your 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:02:42 GMT

I’ve told you the things I did on My 30 Day Plan to Greater Profitability and I promised that I would let you know some things you can do to increase the profits your art or craft show business receives.

Draw a marketing map that shows how the people you meet at craft shows are going to move from cold contacts, to warm prospects, to hot buyers. Include on your marketing map all of your sales tools including your craft show booth, your fliers, business cards, website, blog, social networking, advertising, and more.
Make sure each sales tool mentioned above (and any others you use) moves your customer through a process that leads to them buying your art or craft.
Get a website. Click here for easy instructions on how to build a website.
Get your website search engine optimized.
Arrange to take credit cards.
Offer a payment plan.
Get email marketing (auto-responders). See my post on following up with your customers by clicking here.
Create emails for your current customers. Remember to follow the Can-Am Act for email. Send your customers useful relevant information. You want this to help your business reputation not hurt it.
Create emails for your warm prospects.
Create emails for your cold contacts.
Sign up your customers to the proper groups above. Ask permission before signing up people for your emails.
Check if your business cards, fliers, etc. look professional and are updated. Be certain they have current contact information. Make sure they mention your website if you have one.
Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the people who are interested in your product. Ask if they would like to be signed up for your emails.
Sign up for Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Fast Pitch Networking or many others. Let your customers and prospects know they can follow you there. Post regularly.
Create a blog. Post regularly. Mention your social networking sites and your website often.
Make sure your posts to your blog automatically post to your social networking sites.
Pick up the phone and call a customer that you haven’t heard from in a while. Renew your relationship with them. Tell them the news from your business. Offer to send them free information or ask if they would like to sign up for your newsletters.
Send an email to customers that haven’t bought in a while. Renew your relationship with them.

How to Add Art and Craft Buyers To Mailing Lists

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:01:15 GMT

First read Why Add Art and Craft Buyers to Mailing Lists.

Next decide what information you need to mail and email your customers useful information that will encourage them to buy your one of kind handcrafted art work. Information that is generally collected includes:

First Name
Last Name
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Birth Date

Remember that the more information you try to collect at one time the less likely your customer will be to give you any information at all. Try to collect small bits of information at a time but...

be sure to collect information that makes sense together all at once. For instance mailing address, city, state and zip code. It wouldn't make sense to ask for the street address and not get the other information.

Begin to collect your customers contact information. Read Simple Inexpensive Ways to Collect Your Customers Contact Information.

A database program will make it so much simpler to mail your customers. Many people also use a spreadsheet program like (Microsoft Excel) and that will work but may have some flaws that could cause you hassels as your database and needs grow.

I'm using Microsoft Excel successfully for now.

Don't have money for expensive database software or Microsoft Excel? It's free to download Open Office (which includes a database, word processing, a spreadsheet, a simple graphics program, a power point like program, and more at http://www.openoffice.org/.

Now all that is left to do is create mailings or emails that share valuable information (valuable to them-not you) with your customers about your products or services. Merge their information into the mailings or use it to print address labels and send.

Need to see examples of email messages that give your customers valuable information? Visit http://www.extravaganzacrafts.net, on the right it says Get 6 Articles Free put your email address in that box and hit Sign Up. You will receive my marketing emails, including 6 articles that will help you make your art festival or craft show booth more profitable, some bonus articles etc. Don't forget to think about how you can make your emails valuable to your customers! Comment below and let me know how I can make my emails more relevant to you.

Art and Craft Show Booth Display Pictures

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:41:38 GMT

I came across a new resource today. I know that many of you come here looking for photos of art and craft show booth displays to gain inspiration for your own show booths.

Today I found out that Flickr has very many art and craft show booth pictures. I saved several of them to my favorites to share with you. View them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/37771513@N02/favorites/.

Many more pictures of art and craft show booths as well as the merchandise being sold were copyrighted so I haven’t included them.

Keywords you can use to search for more great pictures are:

handmade
arts market
arts & crafts
holiday craft show
holiday
art

art show
craft show
farmer’s market
market
craft
indie craft fair

Want to get your craft show booth featured on our blog with links back to your sites, social marketing and more? Read Show Off Your Craft Show Display

I've also pinned many pictures of craft show displays or art fair booths at Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/craftshowextra/craft-show-booths/

Interview with Artisan Blacksmith David Robertson

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:10:29 GMT

Interview with artisan blacksmith David Robertson
www.artistblacksmith.com

Shasta: Tell us a little bit about yourself i.e. how old you are? Where you grew up etc.?
David: I grew up just outside of Hamilton Ontario Canada and I turned 44 this year. Once you get into your 40′s time seems to pass pretty fast.

Shasta: How long have you been doing arts and crafts?
David: Ever since I was a kid I have worked with my hands. Most kids do crafts but mine quickly escalated into wood working with the available hand tools, electronics, and making rustic clothing. Very diversified interests.

I could often be found modifying something I had bought to make it work just the way I wanted.

I finally opened my business in 1987.

Shasta: How did you get started?
David: As you can see I have always enjoyed working with my hands. One day I was in a tourist town just being a tourist, and stopped in an artistic blacksmith’s shop. He was working on some project at the time but I was entranced with the fire and the ease of manipulating the metal when it was hot. I watched for several hours fascinated.

When it was time to leave I saw that he gave classes so I signed up for his basic course. That was followed by his intermediate course, then I ended up working for him.

At the time I was going to university to become a geological engineer, but working for the blacksmith to pay my way.

When I got my degree there were not a lot of jobs in my field where I lived but I still needed to pay my bills. The part time blacksmithing became a full time occupation. A sink or swim situation. Fortunately starting part time I had narrowed down some selling products, and some craft shows that paid well for me.

Shasta: What products do you make?
David: Artistic blacksmithing is not your average craft. It takes a number of years to acquire the skills and tools to create really interesting work. The good news was I could make simple low cost items, and these are ideal for craft fairs and markets.

When I started I made 100′s of hooks and candle holders. These were my bread and butter items. In essence these were simple rods of steel shaped and forged a bit then bent into the required shape. Very functional and more esthically pleasing than what you buy from the hardware store.

Think of one man mass production.

Over the years my skills and markets evolved. I still produce some hooks and similar items but now I do more sculptural art pieces and home furnishings, and custom window grills.

Shasta: What types of shows do you find work best for selling your product?
David: There are three types of shows that work well for me.

The first is the common “juried” art and craft show. Juried is in quotes because I have found the non-juried shows pulled in a buying crowd that really didn’t want to spend the money for hand crafted items. In a juried show I at least stood a chance of not being set up beside someone who is importing their product.

Some juried art and craft shows were better than others. A lot depended on location and the education level of the people attending the show. I also use this type of show to advertise for my custom work and the blacksmith classes I teach. Usually lots of people through, giving maximum exposure.

This type of show was for not only targeting immediate sales but future sales. A cheap form of advertising and make money at the same time.

The second type of show I use is a wholesale trade show. For me this is the most enjoyable show to do. I only take sample products and only store owners are allowed to attend. These are well educated people who know exactly what will fit in their store. They don’t waste your time.

Qualified store owners order my product months ahead of time from my samples at the show. I take my orders home make the products ship them out. 30 days later the store sends me a check (called net 30). I don’t have to deal with retail customers have a huge inventory of stock and be constantly looking for new shows to do.

There is one day to set up and a day to tear down. I don’t have to do a show every weekend.

The third type of show I do is the high end art or designer show. This is completely different than the other shows. I take only a couple of high end art pieces. This show is not about sales. It is all about handing out business cards. Or now in some cases portfolios on CD’s.

Virtually no sales are made at this type of show. It is all about the contacts. Galleries, designers, architects, and knowledgeable end use customers. Things are discussed in abstract terms, such as can you do such and such. When can you complete this project. It is a lot of fun but there is a good deal of pressure to be polished and not how I am in the workshop.

Shasta: Tell us some of the other avenues you use to market your crafts for instance internet, gift and specialty stores, catalogs etc.
David: The internet has had a huge impact on my business. For literaly pennies you can have 24/7/365 advertising. The down side is there is a steep learning curve and the computer will use up a huge amount of time at first.

I strongly recommend to every craft person that they have a webpage. One that they pay for and either set up themselves or have someone build, not a free one. The most common question I use to be asked at shows was “Do you make all this your self?” Now the most common question “Do you have a web page?”

What do we commonly do, when we want something or want to learn about something. The first thing typically is hop on the internet and go to google and type in what we are searching. I am guessing that if a person has internet access this is what they do first 99.9% of the time.

So if your craft page comes up in the search listings boom you are right in front of a potential customer. This customer could be anywhere in the world. Don’t be afraid of shipping things outside your country. It increases your market potential hugely.

Ebay is another vast source of customers. Easy to set up and sell an item in a few minutes. You can even set up an online store through ebay for your craft. No shows, storefront overhead, less staff to pay, works for you 24/7. All kinds of plusses.

Shasta: If you don’t mind sharing how your income breaks down by percentages of income sources, in an average year.
David: That is a bit tricky and it has changed over the years. When I first started 90% of my income was directly through craft show retail sales. The other 10% was custom work that was generated at the craft shows. This was my only outlet and only advertising.

After a couple of years things shifted a bit. I took on the wholesale trade shows and dropped a number of smaller craft shows. The wholesale shows accounted for 40%, craft shows 20%, teaching blacksmithing, 30% and custom work 10%.

Now with the internet there is a new mix. 20% from wholesale shows, 80% income from the internet. See how important a website is. Of that 80%, 40% is for custom work, and 40% is related to teaching.

I do very few retail shows now.

Shasta: What tip do you feel has improved your business the most?
David: Learn html and build your own website. If you absolutely dread learning code (html is not that hard) hire a high school student with the html ability. A web presence is so important now.

Shasta: Tell us about the book you wrote and how it can help us improve our businesses.
David: I wrote How to Be Successful in Your Craft Business to help people recognize when to get help and what they can do by themselves. It is not at all about blacksmithing.

When I was just starting out I was on a shoe string budget for everything. Remember I had just finished university with a rather large debt, and many other commitments. Anything that cost money to do I usually shied away from.

This meant that I did everything with my business. Making the product was the work that actually paid, but I did the accounting, the photography, customer calling, advertising, product development…. the list goes on and on. Later I realized I would have made far more money (had I just done what I like the most, the smithing) if I had divided up these responsibilities and yes even paid for people to do them.

Over the years many good friends have helped me with suggestions from booth design to marketing principals to product suggestions. They just wanted to help out. This book is my way of giving back to the community. I do believe that you need to balance things in your life.

The book covers many of the mistakes I made as well as areas I would still recommend people tackle themselves. I detail the different selling options I have used, areas for advertising, accounting, show planning, collecting overdue accounts, and much more. It is really the nut and bolts of everything that I didn’t get paid for. The whole running of my craft business.

How to Be Successful in Your Craft Business is equally applicable for someone doing stained glass, stuffed teddy bears, or blacksmithing.

I am hoping to help a few people save their time and headaches by giving them my insights from over 20 years in this business.

Shasta: As I said feel free to tell us anything else that you think is pertinent.
David: Any sort of craft business is not the easiest business to be in. It is directly tied to disposable income. It can be profitable but there is often more behind the scenes work, than what you do that actually pays your bills. Many of us start our craft business for a love of the work. Taking a few moments every now and then to remember what inspired us in the first place helps keep our craft fresh.

David Robertson is an Artist Blacksmith who has been working in the craft industry for over 20 years. He makes his living creating sculptural art work and teaching.

Help Fund A Project to Help Wisconsin Artists Thrive

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 04:37:30 GMT

Meet Matt & Tonja Sell who plan to convert a two story Quonset building into an artist's gallery & workshop.

Matt & Tonja are working artists who teach classes for adults and children in their community. They hope to fill a need by offering free art classes to area children affected by cuts in the arts programs at school.

With experience in architecture, building a business and raising children this is an advernturous couple.

The new studio space will allow for equipment for a variety of mediums that wouldn't be available locally otherwise including ceramic kilns & glass working equipment, metal forge and more.

Learn more about Tonja in these online interviews Ten Minutes with Artist Tonja Sell Part 1, Ten Minutes with Artist Tonja Sell Part 2

Tonja and Matt expect the project to need $12,000 start up costs and are offering lots of great items for your pledges.

See their Kickstarter project and help fund their project.

7 Ways to Protect Your Art and Craft Show Investment

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:21:11 GMT

Today while working on my site I came across this information that will help artists and crafters be more aware of tactics thieves use when stealing our one of a kind works of art.

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_jersey&id=8520395

Some tips to help keep your art fair or craft show booth secure:

Be aware of what's going on around you.
An open safe is as good as no safe at all.
Have someone you trust with you in your booth at all times.
Have two adults make bank deposits during the show. Have them carry pepper spray.
It's better to give them the merchandise or money than to be killed if someone threatens to harm you. Give them what they want and call the police when they are gone.
Don't leave large amounts of money where it's visible.
Showing alone. Ask a vendor nearby to watch your booth while you unpack, pack and eat etc. Offer them a small piece of merchandise and to watch their items when they need.

How to Get Art and Craft Vendors to My Show

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:41:00 GMT

There are several ways to advertise your art and craft event to vendors. The idea is to find the most effective ways and stick with them. You must test and record the results of your advertising to know what was most effective.

Advertising is best done when it reaches a target audience. Your target audience is artists and crafters who sell merchandise at art and craft shows, advertise where they are most likely to see it.

Places artists and crafters look for shows include (but are not limited to) Art and Craft Show Publications, local Chambers of Commerce, visitors centers, fairgrounds and events centers, bulletin boards, the internet, newspapers, radio, and TV. Have a successful show already? Maintain a mailing list. Art and craft vendors also ask other artists and crafters at events they are attending if they know of other great shows in the area.

Art and Craft Publications
Art and craft publications are also known as craft fair guides, art and craft show listings, and many other names search the internet using the right keywords and you will find more than a few. Art and craft publications contain many listings of art and craft shows. They also usually contain some advertising for event insurance, outdoor canopies for shows, displays, and art and craft supplies. They usually cover a specified area such as one state, several states, a region, or the nation. Some will also contain hints and tips, checklists, book and product reviews, display ideas, etc.

Now for a quick message from our sponsor, smile:
My favorite, The Extravaganza Craft News, covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Local Places Artists and Crafters Look for Events
Local places artists and crafters look for events include the Chamber of Commerce, visitors centers, civic centers, fairgrounds and events centers, basically any where an art and craft show might be held. Ask when booking your event if they will include your event on a calendar of upcoming events. Be sure they inform their employees of your upcoming event so they will be ready to refer artists and crafters your way.

Bulletin Boards
Artists and crafters will also check bulletin boards in grocery stores, gas stations, art and craft stores, on college campuses, in salons, at local restaurants, and many other businesses.

Hang posters, postcards, or business cards on bulletin boards everywhere you go. Be sure your advertising has a headline guaranteed to get the attention of artists and crafters who want to sell their merchandise. Don’t forget the basics a date and time for your show and a way to contact you including (at least) your name and phone number.

The Internet
The internet is a great resource and you don’t have to spend a fortune on a webpage or webdesigner anymore. You can buy a website and everything you need to run it for under $100/year. You can get one that has a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get editor) so that you can design and run it yourself or hire someone to run it for you. A website is a great place to tell artists, crafters, and customers about your upcoming shows, and to upload your applications. Need simple instructions for building a webpage visit Build a Website.

Newspapers
The problem with advertising anything in newspapers is actually reaching your target audience. Reaching thousands of people who don’t sell their art and crafts at shows probably won’t help your business as much as reaching 100 people who do.

Newspapers do have other resources available other than paid ads. Call the paper and ask about their policy for press releases, people in business, guest written articles, and calls to artists and crafters. Ask who you send them to and the correct address. Send a press release and call to artists to many local newspapers. The free resources will probably benefit your business more than paid advertising at this time, but if they won’t run your articles ask if they offer a deal on paid advertising with submissions.

Ask if they have a (printed/online) calendar of events and how soon your event will begin appearing on it. Don’t forget your contact information.

Press releases are informational articles sent to the newspaper. They inform the public of events (art festivals, craft shows, bazaars, musuem openings, and so much more) happening in the area. They are free and printed in most publications as space allows (so send yours early and often). Read Press Releases for Art Festivals and Craft Shows.

Radio and TV
Radio stations often offer a discount on large numbers of ads. Ask them if they can offer you a deal if you order ads now to advertise to artists and crafters and again later to advertise to customers. They also offer package deals for onsite advertising. Ask the radio station if they would like to sponsor your event and have their logo included on all your advertising.

I have never used TV advertising but I hear that cable ads aren’t that expensive and can be targetted to reach people in the area of your show. Again ask a TV station if they might like to sponsor your event. Feature a happy artist or crafter in your ads looking for vendors.

Don’t ask more than one radio station, TV station, or newspaper to sponsor your event and ask them if they only work with specific people i.e. ABC Radio only works with XYZ News.

Mailing List
Tell artists and crafters which publications they can find your listings in. Contact art and craft exhibitors who have attended your show in the past. Keep them happy and they are likely to return. Keep your list updated so you don’t waste money mailing to bad addresses.

Email autoresponders from AutoWebBusiness.com or Constant Contact make it easy to stay in contact with vendors. I highly recommend you check out these two companies if you don’t already have some kind of automated follow up/email system in place.

AutoWebBusiness.com Increase your sales by 100% GUARANTEED! CLICK HERE

Word of Mouth
Many artists and crafters still only hear about shows through word of mouth. Keep your vendors happy and they are more likely to tell others only good things about your show.

List your show with The Extravaganza Craft News now!

My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:35:49 GMT

My adjustable shelves are really deep (18 inches) and my craft supplies are much smaller. Even 12 x 12 paper doesn’t use the space well. One thing really made the shelves much more versatile for me – Wire Storage Cubes!

We found wire cubes at Target. They are the organize-it brand and they measure 14 in. square. These were more expensive than the ones I bought before, but that was a long time ago.

Wire grid for Wire Cube Storage

Certain colors were on sale and I recommend getting more than you think you will need. The reason is because they are very versatile and you can change the configurations that you use (I’ll explain my configurations in a post tomorrow). They just look much nicer if you have all the same color (see example below) this is where having an extra set comes in handy.

Empty Wire Storage Cube

When you think of wire cube storage you think of big wire boxes, right?

Well that isn’t very versatile which is why I use plastic zip ties, also known as plastic cable ties to make them into several more useful configurations.

Get Your Wire Cube Plastic Connector Set Here.

Plastic Zip Ties

Purchase plastic zip ties at any home improvement store and possibly in the automotive/tool section of places like Walmart. They come in several sizes and colors although for this project I recommend the almost clear color and the smallest size. They are easy to use and inexpensive.

Tomorrow I will post pictures of the different configurations I have created using my wire storage cubes.

Also Read My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes Part 1 and My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes Part 2

Selling Custom Arts and Crafts

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:40:00 GMT

Barbara Perelman of one of my LinkedIn groups had this great suggestion on how to sell custom arts and crafts on Etsy. I feel her suggestion could work any where you post your items for sale.

" I do 90% custom knitting. I don't think many people read shop policies.

What I do is post, say, a blanket that has been personalized. The title should say personalized or custom as should the tags and the description. In the description list how you would customize an item, give a link to your FB page that shows all your customized items that you have done. Use the pictures in your listing to show what you have done.

If you have small items that you repurpose see if you can get on a blog, use it as a give-away. I get a lot of traffic from that sort of thing.

Good Luck! - Barb "

Please thank Barb for her tip by visiting her sites:
www.blazingneedles.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/YORKnits

Also read Karen's tip Crafts That Sell-Selling Customized Arts and Crafts and Holly's tip How Giveaways Sell Arts and Crafts or Veronica's tip How to Do Live Demonstrations at Art Festivals

Reasons Your Art or Craft Business Needs Social Marketing

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:25:31 GMT

The idea behind a blog (and other social media) for your handcrafted arts and crafts is that if someone comes to your craft show booth and isn't ready to buy for any reason such as they don't have the money right now, planning for a future purchase or occasion, love your product but don't need it right now, or just looking...

They can follow you and you can continue to market to them. It's great because they have asked to follow you meaning they want to receive your advertising and are more likely to purchase your handcrafted works of art.

It's also a way to keep your current customers engaged and coming back (they are easier to sell to than constantly looking for new customers).

Also read Is Facebook and Other Social Media Selling Art? or Facebook Page Helps Your Art or Craft Business Know Who Your Customers Are and 5 Ways to Use Facebook to Sell More Arts and Crafts

How To Make Handcrafted Barefoot Sandals

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:16:00 GMT

I just found this fun tutorial for handcrafted Barefoot Sandals and I wanted to share it with all of you. I thought it might give jewelry artists some more ideas for their handcrafted jewelry.

Otherwise it's just plain fun for those of us who want to run around barefoot this summer.

Becoming a Better Art and Craft Salesman

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:59:44 GMT

You need to be a great salesman to make money selling arts and crafts. The problem is how do I become a great salesman without becoming the pushy salesman?

I have to admit I haven’t been the best example of a good art and craft salesman. Why, because I was always afraid of being too pushy. So, when I heard the word no I took it to mean no and I didn’t push the issue any further.

A good salesman of arts and crafts will have already contemplated all of the reasons someone would buy their product as well as the reasons someone wouldn’t buy.

They will already have answers ready to overcome the objections made by people considering buying their arts and crafts. They won’t take no personally and will simply see what they can do to gently persuade the customer to make the purchase, without being pushy.

So what are the reasons people should buy your art or craft?

high quality
price-affordable vs. good value for the money
handcrafted
great customer service
support local economy – local artist
help a good cause – charity

What are the reasons someone might not buy your handcrafted merchandise?

poor quality
price – not affordable or not a good value for the price
poor customer service
not ready to buy right now
not what customer is looking for -salesman needed to offer something else
salesman didn’t ask for the sale

So now you know why someone might buy your handcrafted art and you know why they might not. You are now prepared to offer the customer the sale several times through out the sales process and work to overcome their objections.

Also read 6 Reasons Your Art Festival Customer Won't Buy

What other objections do you face? How do you overcome these and other objections? What do you say when faced with these problems?

How to Know What Crafts Sell at Craft Shows

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:19:53 GMT

Determining which handcrafted items will sell at craft shows is a very hard process. Each and every buyer at a craft show will have their own individual experiences, styles, tastes, and needs. Many other factors may also play a role in sales such as local economy, demographics of residents, what other events are happening in the area, etc…

So how can you know if your art or craft will be a profitable business for you?

First you have to determine if there is a market for the craft you’re making. Be sure there is a large enough market for your specific product not for a broader category that includes your product. For example…

While there is a large market for handcrafted jewelry each buyer of one of a kind (OOAK) jewelry has their own individual needs.

Not every jewelry buyer will buy EVERY kind of jewelry.

Jewelry buyers have styles as varied as Western, Oriental, Vintage, Classic, Contemporary, Magnetic, and many more.

You will only waste your time and money if you try to sell Vintage jewelry to every jewelry buyer. Unless you’re extremely talented and have unlimited time and resources you probably won’t be able to create OOAK jewelry to fit every style.

If you’re making vintage jewelry you need to determine how many jewelry buyers are buying vintage creations and then you need to determine where they go to get it. Remember that if they go to flea markets looking for vintage jewelry they will expect the price to reflect the “flea market idealism” which might make the product unprofitable. Yet if vintage jewelry buyers go to up scale, high end boutiques in a classy area, you might be able to make the same product very profitably.

So how do you guarantee that the craft you sell will be profitable.

Do your research.
Choose a niche market. Choose a specific group of people to serve and meet a specific need they have.
- For instance: Meet the needs of women who buy vintage jewelry, create and sell vintage jewelry. Don’t just create jewelry in general and try to sell it to vintage jewelry buyers or create vintage jewelry and try to sell it to everyone.
Verify that the niche market you choose has a large number of buyers and a small number of competitors providing that service.
Sell your product to the right people, in the right place, at the right time, and at the right price. Read How to Price My Art or Craft Show Product
Offer a complimentary upsell to every purchasing customer at a small discount.
Collect your customers contact information (with their permission of course) and continue to contact them regularly with relevant product information, discounts, services, your show schedule, etc. Also read How to Add Art and Craft Buyers to Your Mailing List

Don’t abuse this or you will do more damage to your business than good.

Crafts that Sell-Selling Customized Crafts Online

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:11:00 GMT

Karen Hornsten of my LinkedIn group The Extavaganza Craft Productions shared this tip for listing customized crafts for sale in your Etsy shop.

"If you go to your Etsy shop settings you can Go to the left side and look for Options. Under the options tab be sure and check the two customize features and save these changes if it is noted to save. Then on your shop page it will list that you do customized work. Also, as Barbara stated, list an item that has been customized. Do you have a sale section on your shop main page? You could also have a customized section with a few items in it. I would try to offer a few pieces that are a little less expensive. And link your shop to your Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you haven't done so already. Good luck with your shop. It seems to be a never ending uphill ride. Success is measured in relevancy and search terms."

Please thank Karen for her tip by visiting her sites.
Facebook.com/gracelineshop
Gracelinepaperstudio.etsy.com
Twitter.com/#!/gracelinepaper

Also read Barbara's tip Selling Custom Arts and Crafts
and Holly's tip How Giveaways Sell Arts and Crafts or Veronica's tip How to Do Live Demonstrations at Art Festivals

How Long Tail Keywords Sell Arts and Crafts

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:40:00 GMT

Have you used Google's Adwords keyword tool to find out what words people are using when they are searching to buy arts and crafts? https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__u=1000000000&__c=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS#search.none

I visited an Etsy store and right clicked to view the source code which is what the search engines use to view your store. What I found is:

< meta name="keywords" content="fancy stone necklaces, wire wrapped pendants, hangings and suncatchers, stone bracelets, stone chain necklaces, men's collection" >

I typed those keywords into Google's Adwords Keyword tool and learned.

stone bracelets High 9,900 5,400
wire wrapped pendants Medium 2,900 1,900
fancy stone necklaces - - -
hangings and suncatchers - - -
stone chain necklaces - - -
men's collection - - -

So what this tells me is that the keywords stone bracelets has high competition (meaning many other people are using those keywords to sell their stone bracelets) but only receives 9,900 global monthly searches and only 5,400 local monthly searches not enough to support any business.

I didn't see the keywords metaphysical jewelry (which the owner of the site often uses to describe her jewelry). The results for metaphysical jewelry were High competition 590 global monthly searches and 390 local monthly searches.

The key to using Google Adwords and selling art online is finding long tail keywords that buyers use not browsers.

Browsers get online and start their research using general terms. If they are looking for jewelry they may search for the keywords "jewelry" then as they learn that what they really want is jewelry made of a certain element they add that word to the search. For instance if they want a semi-precious stone or silver, gold or a pearl. When they learn the specific name of that element their search gets even more specific. At this time they are probably using a 3-4 (sometimes not always) keyword phrase known as long tail keywords.

Now they are using keywords that specifically describe the product, they are now ready to buy. This is when we want them to visit our website, Etsy store, or Artfire.

Using general search terms like jewelry, jewellery or jewellry gets 13,600,000 global monthly searches but these people will generally not be prepared buyers and by the time they are prepared buyers they won't find your shop using these general keywords.

Very rarely is anyone going to find your site if you use keywords that people either aren't searching for or there aren't enough monthly searches for.

Keywords with high competition will mean that your site has to be highly optimized to be listed high enough on the search engines to rank.

The ideal keywords would have low competition, 10,000-100,000 local monthly searches, and describe your product exactly in 3 to 4 words.

All of the information above tells me either people aren't looking to buy metaphysical jewelry or the site owner hasn't zoomed in on the correct keywords people are searching for when they are looking to buy her product.

This information holds true whether you are selling on Etsy, Artfire, or your own website.

Learning where to place keywords is as important as using the correct keywords to optimize your site for both search engines and for your human visitors.

To receive a free 30 minute review of your site like the one above or to get help learning what keywords are best for your site and where to place them email me.

Hi Shasta,

I think of you so often. I hope your website, email and all are ok now and that you were able to restart everything ok. Hope everything is ok with the children and your family.

I want to thank you again for all the help you gave me in the fall even though a lot of the time I now feel like I am going under the radar screen with my shop. My sales are improving and I got over 3000 views in dec and made $800+. It was busy for a while. It got busy again last week for some reason and then now nothing.

I will need eventually to connect with you again to try to understand the shop stats etc. I am not sure how to track where people are coming from and what gets their attention.

Jeanne Costello of the Passionate Pearl

Do Sales and Discounts Hurt Craft Show Sales?

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:09:16 GMT

Sales are a tool in your tool box when used correctly they will only help your business. When used incorrectly they can hurt it.

A sale is used to push an undecided buyer into buying. Does this hurt your business is the question you must ask?

The answer is based on many things but the way I see it is:
Everyone loves a bargain

You get a sale you wouldn't have gotten otherwise. Take this opportunity to upsell and downsell.
Continue to market to this buyer.
Use sales to fill down times and seasons.
Sales increase the $$ amounts people spend when you take the opportunity to upsell, downsell and cross sell.
Discounts create cash flow for a business when there isn't any.
Sales can be used to celebrate special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, special recognition, grand openings, or re-grand openings. Remember that by offering your customers a discount on their special day you make them feel special and like they are important to your business.

Also read Get Jewelry Buyers to Buy at Craft Shows.

What do you think? Have you used sales and discounts? How did they work for you?

Sewing Techniques for The Blind

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:49:00 GMT

I want to thank Heather and her home economics class (especially Rebecca) for sharing this very interesting resource.

Sewing Techniques for the Blind from National Federation of the Bling of Nebraska.

Advertising is Everybody’s Business

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:09:09 GMT

I have struggled as a show promoter to figure out what the perfect mix of advertising is for any show. I have learned that nothing is ever guaranteed and with the advent of cable TV, internet, and satellite radio advertising has become all the more difficult. My advice to vendors and promoters alike is this:

Advertising is everybody’s business.

Vendors remember that the more advertising a promoter must do, the more the booth will cost.

I have had a few vendors at my shows ask how they could help and I decided that how they could help was to tell everyone about the upcoming shows they are attending.

For the vendor:

I suggest that you create a simple flier on your computer that shows your schedule of upcoming shows. Take your schedule with you everywhere. Take it to your kids school, after school activities, lessons, work, church, and out to eat. Talk to people and ask if they are interested, give them a copy of your schedule of shows. Ask at restaurants, grocery stores, work and church if they will hang it on their bulletin board or lay it on an informational table or counter.

Let’s use 30 vendors for an example:
30 vendors tell 10 people about a show=300 people know
30 vendors tell 50 people about a show=1500 people know
30 vendors tell 100 people about a show=3000 people know

Write a simple press release to the local newspapers. Press releases are free as space allows so write as early as a few months before the show and again just before the show. Tell a little about your product what makes it unique and give a copy of the schedule of your upcoming shows.

For the promoter:

I suggest making a four up flier (or four ads to a page) mail or e-mail the flier to your vendors as they sign up for your show. Suggest that they make copies and hand them out or hang them everywhere they go. I also take the four up with me to activities etc. and talk to people about the show. It has been very well received and I have even found new vendors this way.

Send press releases at 8 weeks to show time, 4 weeks to show time, and every week after that.

Everyone use an automated email system like AutoWebBusiness.com or Constant Contact to keep in touch with clients, let them know of your upcoming events, offer product information etc.

AutoWebBusiness.com Increase your sales by 100% GUARANTEED! CLICK HERE

Show Off Your Craft Show Display

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:43:00 GMT

We are always being asked how to display different arts and crafts. We can't come up with a way to display every craft but we know you can.

Send us pictures of your art festival or craft show booth and pictures of your products displayed on them. Include instructions on how you built it.

If your display is chosen we will put together a blog post featuring your booth pictures and pictures of your products, instructions, and links to your Etsy, Artfire, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Pinterest.

Send us your links and pictures by email.

How Giveaways Sell Arts and Crafts

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 04:44:24 GMT

Holly Sennott creator of Kooky Critters had this great idea.

"I have a large FB fan following and it brings loads of traffic to my Etsy shop and my website. I have not tried Payvment yet, but will certainly check that out.

One thing that I have found effective in Facebook marketing is giveaways. I do my own little giveaway each month and also do larger giveaways on other pages (they must have 2000 fans or more). You can typically expect to gain 5 − 10% of their fans during a giveaway period. I just completed one last month and gained 500 fans from it!

This is how the give away works... I am approached by a business to enter the giveaway. I then check to be sure that they have a large fan base. I offer a small product of mine (typically a $5-10 item) for their event. I will also offer free shipping to US and Canada. People are then required to "like" my page in order for the chance to win it. When the giveaway is over, the organizer lets me know who won and I then mail it directly to them.

It only costs me between $5-10 dollars in total and I can gain 100+ fans. That seems like pretty inexpensive advertising to me.

You can go looking for giveaways to enter if you are not approached. It has really worked for me and I always get orders from participants who did not win. BUT, be choosy about which ones you enter, be sure that they are your target audience."

Please thank Holly for her tip by visiting her pages:
www.kookycritters.com
www.etsy.com/shop/kookycritters
kookycritters1@gmail.com

Pin It

Also See Barbara's tip Selling Custom Arts and Crafts
and Karen's tip Crafts That Sell-Selling Customized Arts and Crafts

Summerfest Art & Craft Show -Evergreen CO

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:50:40 GMT

Visit Summerfest in Evergreen, Colorado happening Jul. 21 & 22, 2012.

Arts and crafts festival vendors contact Becky Guy at 303-674-0056 to reserve your booth now. Please thank then for listing this show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in Montana each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

Omak Western & Native Art Show -Omak WA

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:48:11 GMT

Visit Omak Western and Native Art Show in Omak, Washington happening Aug. 9 to 12, 2012.

Contact Ester Hinger at 509-422-2826 to reserve your booth for this Juried Art Show now. Please thank her for listing this show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

List your art and craft fairs in Washington in The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.net/promoter.

How Doing Arts and Crafts Makes You Healthier

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:40:00 GMT

I was going through some old information I had gathered for my business when I found this article on how doing arts and crafts makes people healthier. In this time of economic uncertainty and worry we could all use better health.

Other ways that arts and crafts make these times better for us all. They give us a job and income that only we control (job security). They also give our local economy a boost as the more money we make selling arts and crafts the more money our city, county, and state will have circulating in it. So buy local handcrafted items and enjoy selling them for your health.

Can Quilting Really Promote Good Health?

May 2005 – La Mesa, California – Around the world, there is an increasing awareness of the health benefits derived from participating in various forms of art.

In hospitals across the US, doctors, nurses and patients are discovering that participation in the arts – including quilting, dancing, listening to music, and working with beads, clay and collages – is beneficial to the healing process, and in staying healthy. As a matter of fact, last year more than 300 health and arts professionals gathered in Alexandria, Virginia for the 13th annual conference of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare (SAH). This group is slated to meet in Alberta, Canada in June 2005, and will combine its conference with Partners in Healthcare.

Stories abound of patients suffering from cancer, ALS, Diabetes and stress-related diseases, whose recovery has benefited tremendously from their participation in various forms of art. Once considered on the fringe of healthcare, the arts are being used by a growing number of healthcare institutions around the globe. Here in the US, the University of Washington Medical Center uses art in its entrance to create a friendly, welcoming environment and reduce the stress of actually walking in to their hospital. Quilts, paintings, sculpture and musicians scattered throughout the hospital continue the theme of relaxation and reflection through art.

Frequently patients are given directions to offices or labs with references to sculptures or the Healing Garden. Nurses are known for taking a piano break, and providing soothing live music in the corridors. Artists work with patients teaching them new art skills so the patients can express themselves creatively during their stay in the hospital.

And what’s the Quilting Connection?

The Society for the Arts in Healthcare sponsors the Healing Gardens Quilt Show, a collection of 27 quilts made by Northern Virginia Quilters. These quilts are currently on tour and available for members to display in their healthcare facility. Each quilt depicts a plant currently under study or being used as a potential source of cancer-fighting drugs. This display uses art to educate people about a healthcare issue.

While men and women find joy in making “happy” quilts – baby quilts, wedding quilts, graduation or friendship quilts – many find relief in making quilts that depict life’s tragedies such as divorce and death. A case in point is the AIDS quilt project which now contains more than 44,000 quilt panels; each panel memorializes the life of a person who died of AIDS.

And, if quilts and making quilts can be helpful in healing, won’t it be helpful in preventing illness?

It must! Advice from healthcare professionals around the world includes engaging in constructive, creative activities as well as contemplative activities. Quilting is all of that. During the planning and construction of a quilt, all of your contemplative and creative talents are tapped into. As a matter of fact, many quilters report that they get completely “lost” in their quilts time and time again, thereby providing relief from life’s stresses and promoting good health.

So, the next time your spouse or other family member asks you about your quiltmaking activities, just say “I’m doing it for my health!”

© 2005, Penny Halgren. Penny is a quilter of more than 24 years who hosts www.How-to-Quilt.com, Inspiration and Education for Beginning Quilters, and seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to have a positive learning experience.

Are Art and Craft Show Reviews Worth Their Weight in Gold?

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:23:12 GMT

While attending an art fair in my area a few years ago I visited with artists and crafters. We discussed my newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, and if I should include artist and crafter reviews of shows. I found this an interesting topic as I had never really considered all the pros and cons of show reviews before.

The only positive point I see to show reviews are that artists and crafts people hopefully don’t get suckered into doing bad shows where the promoter is not truly doing their best to advertise the show.

There are many factors involved in if a vendor has a good show. Factors ranging from their financial and emotional investment, what is happening in their lives-before, on the way to, during, and after the show, what they are selling, how they are displaying their items, their own marketing skills, their own attitudes and actions in their booth, to the purchasing habits of the customers at the show. Even the placement of your booth and the weather (too good or bad) could affect sales at a show.

As the artist who prompted the conversation pointed out some crafters who know of really good shows wait years to get juried in. They might not want extra competition either getting in or competing for sales so they might hesitate to tell you everything they know about the show. On the other hand everyone who has ever experienced a bad show is pretty quick to tell you about it.

So how do you know if you can trust a show review? I suggest using your best judgement. Reviews by someone selling merchandise similar to yours should be more valuable to you than those by someone whose product sells in a whole different category, but then again they are your competitor.

Compare the number of bad reviews to good, remembering it’s nearly impossible to please everyone all the time. Ask lots of questions about why people felt that way about the show and which factors might have played a part, while talking to crafters personally about shows. When possible consider the values and motives of sources.

Better yet, attend shows as a customer if possible before entering as a vendor. Look closely at the number of people attending, look at what booths are busy, what is selling, how much money is being spent. If booths in one area of the show are making lots of sales while others aren’t see if the set-up allows for proper flow of traffic to all the booths. Is your most likely customer in attendance, are people buying products that are the same style as yours and that sell in your price range? How many competitors will there be in your category?

Remember while it is the promoters job to advertise the show, it is your job to advertise your product. How much better would every show be if, every vendor told 100 other people about the show?

What do you think are art and craft show reviews worth their weight in gold?

My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability Review

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:17:00 GMT

Recently I’ve been working to make my business more profitable each and every day. Today it occurred to me that I should share with you how I plan to do that.

Week one I worked on catching up on left over unfinished projects from previous weeks to prepare for my 30 days of greater profitability. As usual I accomplished some of the things I intended to do, did some things I planned to do later early, and didn’t accomplish some of the plan.

Week two I learned new things about my email marketing to keep my messages from being flagged as spam. I joined a networking site I’ve been meaning to join for months when they ran a special I couldn’t pass up. I did a client consultation which was a new service for me. I blogged about what I was doing and I did all this while keeping up with requests for information about my business.

Week three I mailed coupons to show promoters, had a second client consultation, worked on Facebook profile and group pages. I created a profile on Fast Pitch Networking and added a few contacts there. I worked on cleaning out my email box, and signed up for a MySpace account, and I blogged about what I had done to make my business more profitable this week.

Week 4 what I had a new member join my Linked in account and contacted her right away with other places she could get more information. I found my friend that was already on MySpace and reconnected with her. I created an email I can send to all my customers and prospects reminding them that they can follow me on my blog, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and LinkedIn. I still need to finish formatting it and send it to everyone. I remembered to tell a client over the phone that they could follow me all these places. I also worked on creating my profile on Fast Pitch Networking and added a few contacts there. I blogged about my experience working toward greater profitability this week.

This last week while checking my email and cleaning out my inbox I made a horrible mistake and downloaded a malicious file. I spent the whole last week trying to back up my files so I can reformat my computer. I didn’t accomplish many of my goals except blogging about this weeks experience.

What I learned over this 30 days is that although I didn’t always accomplish everything I set out to do by having a goal every day and working toward it I did improve my business. I am confident that my business will be more profitable in the future because of the efforts that I made this month.

Next time I will blog about the many things you can include on your 30 day Plan to Greater Profitablility.

Entry 4 of 6 in the series My 30 Day Plan to Greater Profitability.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

How Working Together Multiplies Your Craft Show Sales

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:05:00 GMT

One day I was riding in my sisters car. The roads were slick and the car slid off the road into a deep snowbank. The car was very stuck and trying to drive it out did no good. Along came a car with 5 guys in it. They couldn’t pull the car out using their car. They all got out and stood at different points around my sisters car then lifted up her car and put it back on the road.

One guy couldn’t have lifted the car alone, but together the 5 of them easily moved it.

Business is like lifting heavy objects. Doing it alone it’s too heavy but with many people working toward the same goal it becomes light.

Craft businesses often go out of business before they even get a good start when business owners try to do it all alone. There is just too much work to do and too many things to learn for one person.

Have you noticed that KFC and A&W teamed up? Have you thought about why they would do that? I have.

KFC and A&W are in direct competition with each other.

They chose to work together because they share costs and reach a wider customer base.

They rent/own one building instead of two as well as sharing equipment.
KFC and A&W share advertising costs. They put out one ad with both chains specials mentioned.
They both use one set of employees rather than each company having to hire their own.
KFC and A&W foods compliment each other. You might want rootbeer and ice cream with your fried chicken and mashed potatoes. You might want fried chicken and mashed potatoes while your friend wants a coney dog and tator tots, and everyone wants a rootbeer float. Both companies get more sales by working together.

In the business world working together is called a Joint Venture (JV for short). Jeff Dedrick says doing a joint venture isn’t like if I would make $1000 selling jewelry and my friend would make $1000 selling hair bows that we would make $2000 together. He says that if I would make a $1000 working alone and she would make $1000 working alone it’s possible that we would make $5000 working together.

So how do you make joint ventures work for your art or craft show business?

Choose someone with similar products but not exactly the same.

Jewelry-Handbags-Accessories-Clothes-Other Types or styles of Jewelry-Makeup
Woodworking-Furniture-Home Decor-Pillows-Curtains-Florals-Pictures-Light Plate Covers-Wood Carvings
Pottery-Table cloths and place mats-Furniture-Florals
Body Care-Embroidered Towels-Bath Fixtures
Rugs-Furniture-Lamps-Curtains

Choose someone with a different style than yours if you choose a product that is very similar to yours. For instance two Asian jewelry artists can work together if one does very elaborate work and the other does only very fancy work. They would be able to offer products that closely match their target audience but would be able to offer a wider variety of price ranges, making more sales. Both jewelry artists would be experts in the same field and able to share information on the use and care of Asian jewelry.
Ask show promoters if it’s okay to share a booth or rent two booths next to each other and mix products.
Make an agreement to know each others products and to offer them equally if someone is looking for that item. Offer each others product as an upsell or downsell.
No one likes to work for nothing. Be honest with your partner and keep good records making sure they get paid for their items that sold.
Evaluate partnerships and adjust or discontinue as necessary

3 Easy Steps to Make Your Hand Crafted Website Sell More

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:46:15 GMT

I have had a website for just a few years now. When I created my own website I knew that websites existed, that if you were looking for one you could type in the address or you could search for keywords to find them. I must admit I was pretty good at finding what I was looking for on the internet to. However I knew nothing about how sites were created, that you needed a host and domain registration, let alone anything about HTML, PhP, CSS, XHTML, javascript or anything else needed to create a website. Beyond that I knew even less about how to make people able to find my site, and how to sell to them.

Despite my lack of knowledge I found a program for under $100 and created a website in less than a week. The first year my site was online, I made just enough money to cover the costs of having it there. I kept it, figuring those customers were more than I would have reached without it and that the repeat business from them would make it worth my time.

In the meantime I kept looking for ways to make my business more profitable. I don’t know how it happened but I came across the site of an Internet Marketer named Derek Gehl. I signed up for his free newsletter and began reading them. I figured, “What the hay?” it couldn’t hurt my business. What Derek said seemed to make a lot of sense and so I put a few of his tips to the test. They were working so when he offered a trial to Internet Entreprenuer Club for just a few dollars, I figured I would give it a try. Well to make a long story short they quadrupled my sales in the one month of the trial period. My business still wasn’t making enough to be able to afford staying with the club, but I tell you what, that was some of the best money I’ve ever spent on my business.

So on to the point of this message there were a few things that I was missing on my website. They were search engine optimization, search engine submission, and long sales copy a.k.a. a long sales letter.

Search engine optimization means that you use the right keywords for your customers to find your website and put them in the right places on your website. For instance in your domain name, page titles, headlines, and subheadlines, etc. Read How Long Tail Keywords Sell Arts and Crafts to learn more about SEO for your art and craft website.
Search engine submission means that you tell the search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN and thousands of others that your site exists and where to find it. You give them some basic information like your website title, description, and URL (which is just the address of your site). Then they list it, so that people looking for your keywords can find you.
Long sales copy also know as a long sales letter is usually the most effective way of giving your customer the information they need about your product so that they are more likely to buy from your site.

You can do as I’ve done and search the internet for the keywords which are in bold above and come up with some pretty good resources on how to make your site sell. You can also go to the library and look for books that will teach you how to do these things. I am sure that you will find quite a few.

You can also click on “How to Start Your Own Internet Buisness” below and have Derek Gehl and his team of experts help you along the way. I did and it was truly worth it!

How to Start Your Own Internet Business
Discover the “missing ingredient” that thousands of people with no technical know-how or Internet marketing experience have used to start their own moneymaking Internet businesses from scratch…

Art of Turning Lookers into Buyers at Craft Shows

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:51:06 GMT

Just as creating your art or craft is an art, turning a looker into a buyer at a show is also an art. You want to encourage each looker to imagine themselves at home using or wearing your product.

First you need to recognize that every person is bombarded with advertising/marketing materials for hundreds if not thousands of items everyday. They may need or want some of these items but don’t have time to sift through all of the information that they see to find the ones they need.

How do you bring customers who are most likely to buy your product into your booth?

Before the Show

Send a postcard to customers in the area who’ve visited your booth in the past. Offer them a discount for bringing in the postcard and a friend.

AutoWebBusiness.com or Constant Contact is a good way to let customers know about upcoming events. I highly recommend you check out these two companies if you don’t already have some kind of automated follow up/email system in place.

AutoWebBusiness.com Increase your sales by 100% GUARANTEED! CLICK HERE

Signage

Your sign should be visible from all the sides of your booth that your customers will be approaching from. It should be clean and in a clear font. It should tell the reader exactly what you have to offer them (not your business name).

For example:
If your product is baked goods your sign should say, “Delicious home made muffins, pies, candies, fudges, cakes, and cookies,” not Lacey’s.

If you product is woodworking your signs should say, “Woodturned pen and pencil sets, handcrafted wood utensils, unique wooden dishes, and original knotty pine picture frames,” not Jake’s Crafts.

This way a customer who has never seen your booth before knows exactly what you are selling before they arrive in front of it. By telling them exactly what you have to offer you remind customers interested in your product not to miss your booth from across the building.

Layout and Traffic Flow

The next thing to consider is the layout and traffic flow of your booth. Arrange your booth so that customers can enter (and exit) easily where they will be approaching from. Is there enough room inside your booth that many customers can shop and move easily or will people feel trapped inside?

Selling large items or if you have a large variety of items to sell ask the show promoter for an additional half (or whole) booth. You want to have plenty of space to display your items properly and still have room for your customers to move about freely. You also need a place for customers to make purchases that is out of the way of shoppers but where you can keep an eye on your investment.

Look and Feel

The look of your booth needs to complement your products. Use western style decor for western products, oriental style for oriental jewelry, if your make beach hats and bags you might use a beach cottage theme.

Color can add to or distract from your product so choose colors carefully.

Customers become attached to items through their senses. They see something they like, touch it and feel the texture, and finally try it on. Part of turning a looker into a buyer is to encourage them to see themselves using or wearing the item.

Encourage this process through your display by:

Selling wearables be sure and include a mirror in your display so they can see what they look like wearing the item. Display items in a way that encourages people to try them on.

Selling furniture or home decor display your items as though you were decorating your own home with them. The customer can now imagine how the items would look in their own home.

The smell of food is one of it’s biggest selling points next to a sample of the product.

Display your products with these things in mind and see your sales increase.

Make Money and Beat the Economy

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:37:09 GMT

Found this great article containing 6 Simple Tricks to Make Money and Beat the Economy when selling your arts and crafts.

How To Reduce Craft Show Costs

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:23:28 GMT

By Natalie Goyette

It’s not always easy. You have to be creative with how you pare your craft show costs down. That’s what I’m going to help you with. I think there are 4 main ways you can do this, without sacrificing the quality of your craft, nor affecting the overall sales.

1.) Buy in bulk – You do it for your groceries in order to save a few pennies, so why not on your craft supplies? If you are buying pipe cleaners (for example) and you only need 10, it might cost you $2 – because you are paying for nice packaging and the convenience of only purchasing 10. But, if you bought 100, in a dull cardboard box – you might pay $4. The individual cost for the first 10 is $.20 each; the individual cost for the 100 is a measly $.04. All of a sudden you have dropped your cost by $.16 cents on each craft. That’s smart business.

2.) Less frequent trips – We live in an instant gratification world. If we need something right now, we go and get it. It’s no different when you need a couple of things for a few crafts that are unfinished. We often take for granted that there is fuel in the vehicle and that we can travel across the city to the specialty craft store that carries our supplies. What we don’t realize is that each time we pull the vehicle out of the garage, it costs us money. If you are going to go out for just a couple of supplies, why not take stock of all of your craft supplies and see if you are near empty on a few other ones? By doing it all at once, you are going to save a great deal of time and money – reflected in your craft show business bottom line.

3.) Reduce and reuse – Reduce the amount of waste you create with your craft show items and you are most certainly going to cut down on the costs of producing them. Similarly, try to reuse some of the tools or supplies that have previously gone unused. Be creative – find ways to make a little go a lot further – without sacrificing quality for your crafts.

4.) Plan – If you take the first three steps and put them together, what do you have? That’s right – it is a craft show plan! By planning how, when and how much, you are going to give yourself a chance to make good decisions and reduce the cost of producing your crafts. Those without a plan are going buy less, spend more, travel more, and likely in the end waste more. That is not a way to run a successful business.

Each penny you can save when you are making your crafts is a penny that is back in your pocket. If you can reduce your costs by $1 for each craft, and you sell 100 crafts, that is $100 extra dollars in your jeans. All of a sudden, reducing costs seems well worth the work.

Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: Craft Shows

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Goyette

My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:42:29 GMT

Standard wire cubes divided vertically.

We were talking about how the wire cubes are nice if the things you need to put in them are 13 x 13 but most of us need some different configurations for our storage. I used plastic zip ties to add shelves to my wire cubes. While I was looking around the internet today I noticed that some sets of cubes come with clips to add shelves.

I divided my cubes into fourths, third, and even eighths by attaching a shelf to the grid on all 3 sides of it using the plastic zip ties. I also added little plastic drawers. The plastic drawers fit perfectly and add a lot of versatility to the shelves. Unfortunately I can’t remember where I got them.

Wire cubes divided every inch for 12 x 12 paper storage.

Also read My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes and My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes Part 2

Booth Etiquette for Artists and Crafters

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:11:38 GMT

Looking at it from both the perspective of a show promoter and artist the one thing that other vendors at shows do that bothers me the most is not including the legs of their displays into the size of their booth.

Having the legs of their display sticking into the aisles and into the booths next to them is hard for show promoters, as well as dangerous for customers and also inconveniences the vendors in booths nearby. Show promoters are then pressed to find an acceptable compromise for everyone.

Keeping all parts of your display in the footprint of your booth keeps everyone happy.

Also read Attending Craft Shows Isn't Just About Selling Arts and Crafts.

What is one thing other art & craft vendors do that tick you off at craft shows?

Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous -Ridgway CO

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:59:06 GMT

Don’t forget to to visit the Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous in Ridgway CO this Aug. 11 & 12, 2012.

Arts and crafts festival vendors contact Kentee Pasek at 970-318-0056 to reserve your booth now. Remember to tell her thank you for listing her show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in Colorado each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

16 Great Tips to Increase Artists and Crafters Sales

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:51:00 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I was out looking for great resources to share with you all and came across this article. It is written for #Indie crafters selling books but contains great tips that many artists and crafters can use to improve their sales.
Selling Your Wares: 16 Tabling Tips
http://nomediakings.org/books/selling_your_wares_16_tabling_tips_.html

Is Your Home Properly Zoned for Your Art or Craft Business

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:10:00 GMT

I just came across this article Making Sure You Have Proper Zoning For Your Art or Craft Business by Maire Loughran of about.com.

It's important to be sure that any building you do business in is properly zoned to avoid potential legal problems. I strongly suggest you read her article and check out your own zoning laws.

Also see:
Starting Your Art or Craft Business-Legal Requirements to Start Your Business
License Requirements for Art & Craft Businesses

Taste of Fort Collins -Fort Collins CO

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:19:04 GMT

Visit Taste of Fort Collins in Fort Collins, Colorado on Jun. 9 & 10, 2012.

Arts and crafts festival vendors contact Katie Schultze at 877-328-2783 to reserve your booth now. Please thank her for listing her show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in South Dakota each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

Traveling the Circuit-Improving Fuel Economy for Artists and Crafters

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:40:00 GMT

It’s no secret that fuel prices are on the rise. High fuel prices either affect the profits your #handcrafted art or craft business makes or you adjust prices and methods to account for them either way someone pays the difference.

FuelEconomy.gov will help you to make driving to and from shows more efficient by helping you maintain your vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency.

Some other ideas to help you keep your profits in your pockets where they belong:

Time your trips to see friends and family to correspond with the best shows in the area. Attending shows while visiting nearby friends and family makes the trip accomplish two purposes. It also makes the trip a business trip which is a tax write off, so save your receipts. By staying with friends and family you will save money on hotels and probably food.

When traveling long distances to shows find other events to attend on the way to and from the show. Increasing the number of shows you attend increases the number of people who see your product and hopefully your sales. Reducing the distance between events reduces the number of gallons of gas used per show. Also you will spend less time driving from place to place, giving you more time to see the sites and rest between shows. Keeping the distance short between stops also helps you to plan ahead better, you won’t be caught looking for a hotel between 10pm and midnight when most of them are already full. You can also make reservations further in advance when rates are better saving you money.

Do more shows close to home. This is obvious but worth mentioning the closer to home the events you do, the less money spent on gas getting to them. Tie a string to a pin and place the pin in your city on the map. Use it to draw circles on the map at distances of 30 miles, 100 miles and 150 miles then check out which shows happen in the cities inside your circles. In places where the population is dense you should be able to find quite a few shows happening in your area. For areas where there aren’t a lot of shows happening consider starting one, pick up business cards of artists and crafters off of bulletin boards, at farmers’ markets, and at shows happening in the area. Contact them and ask if they would be interested in attending a show. Some of the most successful shows I’ve seen were held in a large back yard with 4-6 crafters participating.

Get a website. I know some of you are afraid of computers and probably don’t even own one of your own. Don’t let your fear of technology stand in the way of your profits. Many adult education classes offer all the basics of computer usage. You don’t even need to know any special computer languages to create and maintain your own website anymore. My website costs me under $100/year and came with a what you see is what you get editor with great tutorials. Your website works 24/7 to sell your product and inform your customers. You can’t get a salesman as dedicated to selling your product for a better price. Include your website on your business card. Give your card to everyone who purchases from you at events. Have them available to anyone who visits your booth. Use your website to inform your customers about your product, about where to find your product, and to sell your product between shows.

Create a mailing list. Ask each of your customers permission to add them to your mailing list. Mail a postcard to customers in the area you will be doing shows letting them know where they can find you. Offer them a discount for bringing the card and a friend to see you at the show. People who’ve already bought your product are more likely to buy your product than the average Joe by staying in contact with them you increase your sales and profits.

Introduction to Artisan Blacksmith David Robertson

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:22:00 GMT

David is a 44 year old blacksmith who grew up just outside Hamilton Ontario Canada. He has always been an artist who developed his talent for blacksmithing in college, and sold his work at shows to pay for school. He has had his own blacksmith business 20 plus years.

David wrote the book How to Be Successful in Your Craft Business which I can’t wait to buy for myself after reading this powerful interview.

David’s upcoming interview with us will share what types of shows work best for his product and a breakdown of what percentage of his income comes from which marketing efforts for example craft shows, trade shows, art shows, and the internet. This is must see information.

Bookmark this blog so you don’t miss the debut of the interview with David Robertson.

Art and Craft Group "Facebook Like" Exchanges on LinkedIn

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:49:13 GMT

Leslie shared this tip on LinkedIn for "Facebook Like Exchanges" that are very common in the Art and Craft Groups. It's funny I've been doing this all over the internet and hadn't thought to put it to use on Facebook yet.

Leslie said, "Tip: When you LIKE a page, be sure to leave a comment and include your page link. It will bring in more return LIKES. Moreover, it activates the "talking about this" algorithm and increases your chances of receiving more internal Facebook LIKES!

For those new to Facebook, you can leave a link to your page by typing @yourpagename. You'll notice as you begin typing this a drop down menu will appear and you can select your page."

Leslie is so right this is a strategy for link building which helps your sites to be ranked higher by the search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing.

Tell Leslie thanks for the tip by visiting and following her pages at:

www.facebook.com/BlythHouseCreations
www.BlythHouseCreations.etsy.com
www.BlythHouseVintage.etsy.com

Also read How to Setup Your Art or Craft Show Booth Facebook Business Page and How Your Facebook Page Helps Your Art or Craft Business Know Who Your Customers Are. 5 Ways to Use Facebook to Sell More Arts and Crafts and Use LinkedIn to Build Your Art or Craft Show Business are also interesting.

BetterSofts Software Company Rips Off Software Buyers

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:27:00 GMT

I recently went looking for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Software online since software is so expensive and I can very rarely afford it. What we found was Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 on sale from a company known as BetterSofts for $109.99.

The software I purchased was supposed to include Microsoft Word 2010, Microsoft Excel 2010, Microsoft Powerpoint 2010, Microsoft Access 2010, Microsoft Publisher 2010, Microsoft One Note 2010. As well as Microsoft Outlook with Business Contact Manager 2010, Microsoft Info Path 2010, Microsoft Share Point Workspace 2010, and Microsoft Communicator 2010.

I purchased Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 from BetterSofts on Monday July 26, 2010.

What tipped me off to the fact they were ripping me off was that I purchased this software mostly for the Business Contact Manager function. When I discovered it wasn’t functioning I tried to contact them (Aug. 12 and 16, 2010) at their email address joyshoppingnow@gmail.com several times they never responded.

After my third attempt to contact them with no response I contacted Microsoft to see if they could help me install the software properly. They said that the seller was reselling software under their own user license and weren’t licensed to sell me the software at all. Microsoft did not do anything to help me resolve the matter or get my money back.

After contacting Microsoft I tried to contact BetterSofts to get my money back. For a while their website was down. Now it seems to be back up again with a new address.

Do NOT BUY Software from BetterSofts their only purpose is to rip you off.

http://www.thetopbuy.info/

http://www.bettersofts.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=21&zenid=ecd74cba580b9fb630041c9b782c0225

http://www.linkedin.com/company/bettersoft

Get Your Handmade Art In Seattle Storefronts

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:32:00 GMT

Seattle seeks artists for temporary storefront art projects
Artwork to be installed in vacant storefronts in various Seattle neighborhoods

SEATTLE — Storefronts Seattle, in partnership with the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, seeks artists to develop art projects for vacant storefronts in various Seattle neighborhoods, including Pioneer Square, the Chinatown-International District, Capitol Hill, South Lake Union and Rainier Beach. The projects will be programmed in available spaces throughout 2012 and into 2013.

Storefronts Seattle is accepting applications in three tracks, open to all artists and arts groups. The Installation track is for artworks in any two-dimensional, three-dimensional or new media. The Artist Residency track is for visual and performing artists to create work, rehearse and perform in vacant storefronts. The Creative Enterprise track provides a storefront as a place to experiment and test out new and creative business ideas, such as a retail art gallery, boutique or museum.

Artists selected for the Installation track will receive $250 to $1,000 per installation. Participants in all tracks will receive the use of a retail storefront space at no cost for three months, with a possible extension in the Creative Enterprise track. The request for proposals is intended to create a roster of projects from which to program storefront spaces as they become available. Roster inclusion does not guarantee placement in the program. Application deadline is 11 p.m., Wed., Feb. 22. A link to all three online applications is available at www.storefrontsseattle.com/opportunities.

Storefronts Seattle is a program designed to activate vacant storefront and display spaces in Seattle’s various neighborhoods by providing temporary space to artists, creative businesses, organizations and community groups. The installations, creative enterprise and artist residencies will produce destination-quality displays, increase foot traffic and encourage the presence and work of artists and other creative professionals.

Storefronts Seattle began in early 2010, when members of the Pioneer Square neighborhood sought solutions for the growing number of vacant storefronts in the area, as well as the lack of foot traffic and community engagement. The program has now expanded to include five Seattle neighborhoods, as well as neighborhoods in Auburn and Tacoma, Wash. In its first year of programming, Storefronts put more than 70 arts projects into nearly 25 spaces in Seattle.

The Storefronts Seattle community partners are the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, Seattle Department of Planning and Development, Seattle Chinatown-International District Preservation and Development Authority, Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area, The Alliance for Pioneer Square, SEEDArts, Vulcan Inc., Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, Broadway Business Improvement Area, Sound Transit, 4Culture and Shunpike.

For more information on the Storefronts Seattle program, visit www.storefrontsseattle.com.

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle. The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the city agency.Seattle seeks artists for temporary storefront art projects
Artwork to be installed in vacant storefronts in various Seattle neighborhoods

Craft Show Canopies are a Weighty Issue

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:41:00 GMT

The weather can really affect how your outdoor craft show goes. Wind, rain, and sun are all considerations.

Items that will help are a plastic cover and tarps to put on sides of canopy in case of rain. I don’t recommend counting on driving tent stakes into the ground at most shows so weights for all four corners are necessary. Considering the overall weight is important as you must be able to lift them.

Some examples of canopy weights are: small buckets with a piece of PVC pipe in them then filled with concrete, a piece of PVC pipe filled with concrete, even a plastic milk jug filled with concrete, sand or water might work. With all weights safety must be considered so be sure weights are firmly attached to canopy not swinging in the wind and paint them a bright orange so they can be seen. Make sure any container you use is sturdy enough to hold the weight you are placing inside before using.

How to make bucket canopy weights:
Put length of PVC pipe over bottom of canopy pipe. Drill holes in the PVC pipe and the canopy pipe at the same time (so holes will align). Mark canopy pole and PVC pipe with colored paint or electrical tape so each of the four corners is a different color. Repeat for each corner. Put PVC pipe (hole up) in small plastic bucket and fill the bucket with concrete being careful to keep the concrete outside the PVC pipe and below the holes. Let dry. Place these on the ground slide in canopy poles and line up holes, slide screws through and place a nut firmly on the end.

How to make PVC canopy weights:
A short length of PVC pipe filled with concrete can be made by drilling a hole through a pvc cap and threading through an eye loop. Then glue the pvc caps on one end of the pipe.

Carefully fill the pipe with concrete, be sure the eye loop is secured into concrete. Let dry then glue on pvc cap on other end. String a sturdy rope through the holes and tie a secure knot. Hang these on the corners of your canopy.

You can also:
Fill an empty milk jug or brightly colored laundry detergent bottle with sand. Thread a rope through the handle and tie knot tightly. Hang on the corners of your canopy.

Gallon jugs of water can be used as weights. Take empty jugs and fill with water at the event for ease of packing and carrying. The handle of the jug makes a natural place to tie to the canopy.
-Family Comforts

Do you have ideas for craft show canopy weights or pictures of how to make them? Send us pictures of your weights by email and we will share them with our readers including links back to your store, social networking and more.

Super Bowl Ads for Your Arts and Craft Show Business

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:22:00 GMT

How many of you watched the Super Bowl? How many of you watched it just for the advertisements? Do you know how much advertisers paid just to have their ad displayed during the Super Bowl?

Okay I admit it I didn’t watch the Super Bowl, not even one second, not even one ad. I’m sorry if this upsets you.

I almost missed this opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the big boys and to use it to help my art and craft business grow.

Which brings me to these questions that have been bothering me ever since:

Were the ads displayed during the Super Bowl effective?
Did the advertisers get what they paid for?
Did their advertisements bring in the sales they were looking for?
Did the ads leave you with a positive idea or feeling of their product?
Were you more or less likely to purchase their product after seeing their ad?

I’ve heard a lot of comments about the Doritos advertisement so the ad was memorable. However most of the comments weren’t very positive so I’m wondering if the ad really made people more likely to buy Doritos.

See the Doritos ad on YouTube

“that commercial will haunt my dreams for weeks.”…”I was eating a Dorito at the time and put it down.” ~Ron Bean

“I will forever be traumatized by the man who licked off on another man’s finger….and if I ever buy Doritos again, I will always remember the licking…..so, I will probably buy Pringles from now on because you can’t find any special “dust” and no one will likely “lick” your finger after you are finished. So, to answer your question…..I don’t think Doritos left me with a good impression.” ~A. Moncur

I guess that what I’m getting at is…

that if you are going to pay anywhere near a million dollars for an advertising slot (or any $ amount for that matter) that you should do your research to make sure that your advertising will be effective and accomplish a goal for your arts and craft show business.

Step number 1. Set a goal for any advertising you do for your craft show business.

For instance: This ad will…

drive traffic to my website, blog, or email course
encourage sales of this craft
encourage people to visit my craft show booth
bring back previous customers for a second look at my arts and crafts
encourage people to bring a friend to my craft show booth or refer someone to my arts and craft show business
encourage multiple purchases (such as buy one get one half off sales)

Step 2. Choose a target audience (which could be swapped with step 1).

New customers
Old customers
People who buy handcrafted jewelry, woodworking, quilts, blankets, etc.
People with kids, people without kids, retired people, teens, mothers of teens, etc.

Step 3. Make your ad attract the attention of your target audience and accomplish your chosen goal while appealing to their emotional needs.

Step 4. Make sure your ad leaves a positive impression of your company and product.

So my question to you is would it change your opinion of the commercial if they had the really nerdy guy finish the last of the doritos and the really sexy girl come over and lick his fingers (or vice a versa for the girls in the audience)?

Call for Artists - Lewiston Idaho Public Arts Initiative

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:44:29 GMT

The first Public Arts Initiative Call for Artists is now available. This call is for entryway artwork located in the 5th Street corridor. Application deadline is March 15, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Download Request For Proposal Document

For more information about the new Public Arts Initiative in Lewiston, Idaho, please visit: http://www.downtownlewistonstreetscape.com/category/arts/

Breanne Durham
Executive Director

Beautiful Downtown Lewiston
www.beautifuldowntownlewiston.org
PO Box 617 | Lewiston, ID 83501 | 208.790.1148

Thank you Montana Arts Councils

7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers Part 7

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:04:00 GMT

Parts of this 7 part series have been reprinted with permission from the article “7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business” by Pam Grimm of Ideaco.

7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business

By Pamela Grimm, Ideaco

7. No asking for the business: Not once did anyone say… “We want to be the store you come to for your crafting needs….we want your business!” There was no attitude of we want to impress you and guarantee your return to keep you as a customer. No one asked “Have we met your needs today?” They would say… “Did you get everything you needed?” instead of asking if there was more that they could do to meet my needs today! I was surprised at just how little interest there was in gaining my business.

How to Ask for Business

Remember that the value of every customer is equal to the total of their purchases over the length of time they will be your customer. When you remember the potential value of every customer over a life time of purchases it’s easier to offer exceptional customer service. Customers are looking for exceptional customer service something that sets your business apart from everyone else.

Remember make a positive impression, show your interest in your customers, share your product knowledge, and find the customers needs. Present the customer with the benefits of the product as they apply to them, offer the options they need like customization, ability to pay by check, money order or credit card, free gift wrapping and shipping to any address.

Ask the customer if you have met their needs and listen quietly to what they say. Take notes if necessary and carefully consider if you can provide their needs. Is the value of that customer worth the time and money that you will spend to meet their needs?

Meet the needs of your customers with a wow and they will keep coming back for more!

Entry 7 of 7 in the series 7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Week 4 -My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Recently I’ve been working to make my business more profitable each and every day. Today it occurred to me that I should share with you how I plan to do that.

Week one I worked on catching up on left over unfinished crafts and business projects from previous weeks to prepare for my 30 days of greater profitability. As usual I accomplished some of the things I intended to do, did some things I planned to do later early, and didn’t accomplish some of the plan.

Week three I mailed coupons to show promoters, had a second client consultation, worked on facebook profile and group pages. I created a profile on Fast Pitch Networking and added a few contacts there. I worked on cleaning out my email box, and signed up for a MySpace account, and I blogged about what I had done to make my business more profitable this week.

Week 4 what I accomplished.

Power Pay contacted me but then never got back to me. I guess I still need to call them next week.
I remembered that I had a Linked in account and had a new member join there.
I found my friend that was already on MySpace and reconnected with her.
I created an email I can send to all my customers and prospects reminding them that they can follow me on my blog, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Linked in. I need to finish formatting it and send it to everyone. I remembered to tell a client over the phone that they could follow me all these places.
Worked on creating my profile on Fast Pitch Networking. Added a few contacts there.
Worked on cleaning out my overly full email box which got even fuller despite my efforts.
I blogged about my experience working toward greater profitability this week.

Here is what I didn’t accomplish.

I still didn’t get my accounting done.
I didn’t call the people I just mailed free newsletters to in the last few weeks to ask them what they thought of the newsletter. It is probably too late but I will try to fit this into next week anyway. Call your prospects right away they are only interested about 7 days!
I didn’t create any articles to send to show promoters that will encourage them to list their shows with me.
Since I didn’t write the articles I also didn’t start calling my huge list of show promoters. Obviously I didn’t sign them up in my email marketing system.
I didn’t get the article written for my newsletter although I have some very good ideas to write about.

I hope that this series is inspiring you to work along with me to improve your businesses profitability by doing something each day that will make your business stronger. I know that I’m a bad example but I would really suggest that you write your goals down on a calendar. This way you can truly see what you did accomplish and will remember what you didn’t get done so you can work on it in your spare time or in your next 30 day plan.

The plan for the next 8 days:

Day 24-Write and send a quick email to all my customers from the past asking them how their businesses are doing? Tell them how my business is doing and showing them where they can get more information from my business. Sort of bring them back to take another look at my business.

Day 25-Write the article for my newsletter.

Day 26-Finish writing my book.

Day 27-Clean out my email box.

Day 28-Do my accounting

Day 29-Create articles to send to show promoters who haven’t listed with me yet.

Day 30-Call show promoters and ask them if I can send them free articles.

Day 31-Blog about my 30 days to Greater Profitability for my art and craft show business.

Entry 4 of 6 in the series My 30 Day Plan to Greater Profitability.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business To Outsell the Retailers Part 6

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Parts of this 7 part series have been reprinted with permission from the article “7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business” by Pam Grimm of Ideaco.

7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business

By Pamela Grimm, Ideaco

6. Lack of service options: In many stores, customer service failed miserably. Most think that service equals sales explanation, however it doesn’t; it equals a sales pitch. When we did gather and pile up products that we might want to purchase no one offered to take our pile up to the counter, or get us a basket or cart. We were not offered to have a product explained to us to ensure that we knew how to work the new “gadget” we had just bought. When a product was out of stock, rarely was there an option to have it ordered in and we would be called when it arrived. Overall, there were no WOW factors being provided in the customer service end of retail.

Improve Customer Service

As mentioned earlier in the series customers want to know how a product or service improves their lives. Explain to the customer how the product or service will benefit them. When the customer has narrowed down their choices, offer to carry their purchases to the counter.

If your craft needs explaning take the time to show the customer how to install and use it.

Offer to create a customized product for your customers if you don’t have the perfect one for them. Offer to ship it to them.

The more ways that your service stands out from the competition the more likely that customers will purchase from you instead of them. Think what service options you would like if you were a customer and provide as many as you can. Every time you offer a new option-whether it’s another way to make payments, gift wrapping, customization, or shipping to the customer-you set yourself apart from the competition.

Entry 6 of 7 in the series 7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 7

7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business To Outsell the Retailers Part 5

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:55:00 GMT

Parts of this 7 part series have been reprinted with permission from the article “7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business” by Pam Grimm of Ideaco.

7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business

By Pamela Grimm, Ideaco

5. Lack of sales skills: Too often a salesperson could give information, but not transition the conversation into a sale. More than not, staff members would walk away with apparently no regard for whether the customer had actually picked up the product or were going to purchase anything. We were given a very informal information session that did not inspire or motivate us to purchase that product. 90% of the stores did not even show us a sample or give a mini demo on how the product could be used or create an urgency to purchase. In many stores we walked in, asked questions, got brief answers and walked out without purchasing anything.

How to Transition to a Sale

Be sure to answer customers questions with the benefits of the product to them not the features. Remember they want to know how the product will solve a problem for them, save them time or money, or make their life easier. People make emotional purchases, help them feel this product will help them in some way.

Show your art or craft in the setting it will be used. It requires less imagination for your customers to see it in use in that setting. Demonstrate the benefits of the product to the customer.

Artists and crafters are often afraid of being too pushy and possibly driving customers away. Fear makes us too reserved and passive. Be assertive not aggressive. Remember when customers enter your booth they are interested in buying your product. Asking them to make the purchase isn’t being pushy as long as you take, “No” as well as you take, “Yes.” Remember the worst thing they can say is, “No.” Be as grateful for the customer who doesn’t purchase as you are for the one who buys. Not every customer is going to make a purchase, so don’t take it personally. Remember that every NO leads you one encounter closer to the big sale.

When the customer seems to be standing there looking like they’re lost, ask if you have answered all of they’re questions. If you’ve answered all their questions they may need some prompting. Ask if you can ring up their purchases for them? Ask them if you can bag them up for them? Ask if you can take the crafts to the counter for them?

By asking the customer if they would like to purchase you’re giving them one more opportunity to think about the product without allowing them to talk themselves out of the purchase.

Entry 5 of 7 in the series 7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 6, Part 7

CHUN Capitol Hill People's Fair -Denver Colorado

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:22:08 GMT

Visit CHUN Capitol Hill People's Fair in Denver, Colorado on Jun. 2 & 3, 2012.

Arts and crafts festival vendors contact Andrea Furness at 303-830-1651 to reserve your booth now. Please thank her for listing her show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in South Dakota each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business To Outsell the Retailers Part 4

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:05:00 GMT

Parts of this 7 part series have been reprinted with permission from the article “7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business” by Pam Grimm of Ideaco.

7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business

By Pamela Grimm, Ideaco

4. Assuming not Assessing: When a staff person could speak about products, she often told everything she knew about it before asking any questions. Most of the time the information was not even relevant to the question or need. We found most staff members don’t bother to probe for information to meet a customer’s need; they download all they know in hopes they have covered it.

How to Assess A Customers Needs

They say to assume makes an @$$ out of you and me. To assess what a customer needs you need to ask questions and hear the answers. Don’t get ahead of yourself and spill everything that you know about the product instead simply answer the question. When you’ve answered the question if they don’t say anything wait a few seconds and ask another question, it could be that they are considering one product over another or how much money they have to spend or it could be that they are waiting for you to ask for the sale.

Questions that might help you know what they would like are:

Are you buying for someone special today? This tells you if they are looking for childrens items, items for teens, adult items or items for the elderly.
Are you buying for a special occasion? People need different kinds of things for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and everyday.
Are you looking for a particular style? Depending on your craft your merchandise will have some varying styles some things might be more modern or contemporary, others might be more country, some things will be Victorian or classic. Things like jewelry will vary from an abstract random pattern to a symmetrical pattern that repeats itself. Some of your items may have an Americana flair while others might have an ethnic flair from other regions. Some items will be more natural while others may be more synthetic, some may be recycled.
If they are buying for themselves you can ask if they are buying to match a particular outfit? What color is it?
What are their favorite colors?
When the choices have been narrowed you might ask if you have answered all their questions.

Your job at this stage is to discover their questions and answer them while narrowing the choices. It’s a fine art but you’re a creative person you can do it!

Entry 4 of 7 in the series 7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

7 Ways For Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers Part 3

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:43:00 GMT

Parts of this 7 part series have been reprinted with permission from the article “7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business” by Pam Grimm of Ideaco.

7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business

By Pamela Grimm, Ideaco

3. Lack of product knowledge: With so many products coming and going it is understandable that you can’t know everything about everything. However, many stores could not even explain the basic details of what are considered staple products of the craft. These are the products that don’t change out often…they are essential to doing the craft. Most often, we were shown the area in which to find the product we were looking for, then left to fend for ourselves.

Share Your Product Knowledge

You obviously know all about the products that you create. The question is do you appropriately convey that knowledge to the customer. Do you know the difference between the benefits and the features of the arts and crafts you create? The features are what the product does, the benefits are what the product does for the customer. If you were considering buying something what would you want to know first, the benefits of course. Customers want to know how this product will save them time, save them money, make their lives easier, or solve a problem for them. What are the benefits of your art or craft? Tell your customers first the benefits and then the features.

The benefits of a towel rack are

Keeps your bathroom organized saving you time because you no longer have to pick up smelly wet towels.
Dries your towel saving you money because now you don’t have to wash your towel every time you use it.
Towel warmer which makes stepping out of the bath a luxurious experience.
Quick warming and energy efficient saves you money.
Never gets too hot so it won’t burn your child or your towels.

The features of a towel rack are

Silver color so it matches any decor’-which might double as a benefit.
Three towel bars so you can hang a towel for each person in the family.
Towel warmer.

You can improve on the retailers mistake here by realizing it won’t work to sit in your booth waiting for your craft projects to sell themselves. Show off the benefits of your product by demonstrating it. Show people how your towel rack matches the toilet paper holder and the hand towel rack. Plug in the towel warmer and hang towels on it so customers can feel how nice a warm towel is. Help them imagine using your product in their own home and you’re on your way to a sale.

Entry 3 of 7 in the series 7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

How to Stage Your Art or Craft Show Booth

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:51:58 GMT

What does Real Estate have to do with selling arts and crafts?

The way I see it your art or craft show booth is kind of like trying to sell a house. If you try to sell an empty house people can’t see in their minds what the house will look like when it’s all finished, painted, furnished, and decorated. You will also have a hard time trying to sell a house that is full of clutter, people can only imagine that the rest of the house hasn’t been taken care of well. They will see that the house will be too much work and cost too much money.

Your art or craft show booth is like selling your house. The booth will help your customers imagine using the product they have purchased from you. You have to do the imagining for them. How?

First you need to think about your product, who is it designed for, how and where will it be used? The answers to these questions should affect the theme and design of your booth.

Is what you’re selling for boys, girls, men or women? Is it for children, preteens, teens, young adults, or mature adults? Don’t present children’s items in an adult setting or adult item’s in a child like setting. Use colors that appeal to the ages you’re selling to. What ideas and themes appeal to them?

For instance fancy jewelry for teens might be presented as if at a prom, towel racks might be presented as in a high class hotel bathroom, and clothing needs to be presented as if it were in a fancy closet but also as outfits on the person.

When you created your product you had a vision of how people would use it, your booth is your opportunity to present them with that picture. Want to see pictures of art festival and craft show booths? Read Art and Craft Show Booth Display Pictures

Stage your booth just like you would a home that you were trying to sell. Imagine yourself as a customer walking into your booth. Critique and criticize as if you were the customer, ask friends and family to do the same. Ask for them to point out things that are distracting, look odd, and especially anything they feel is not safe.

Sell Your Finely Crafted Art Wholesale to Galleries and Museums

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:32:00 GMT

Looking for wholesale tradeshows for selling finely handcrafted art? Want your works of art displayed and sold at fine art galleries and museums?

The Buyers Market of America is scheduled for Feb. 18-20, 2012 in Philadelphia and NICHE: The Show is scheduled for Jun. 1-3, 2012 in Las Vegas.

http://vimeo.com/8842063

Fine craft exhibitors get more information at: http://www.buyersmarketofamericancraft.com/exhibitors/

Facebook Page Helps Your Art or Craft Business Know Who Your Customers Are

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered exactly who your customers are? Who you should target in your advertising? How to find out if your target market is male or female, what age they are, or where they are located? Have you ever wondered who was the most likely to walk into your craft show booth?

Your art and craft based facebook business page can help.

First of all if you don't have a facebook business page I suggest getting one. You can learn how at How to Setup Your Art or Craft Show Booth Facebook Business Page.

So you are asking how does my Facebook business page help me know who my art fair customers really are?

Your Facebook business page allows you to begin conversing with people about your business then it gives you statistics it calls insights about those conversations and others taking place about your business. When done correctly-meaning most of your conversations are with people who will benefit your business in some way prospects, current clients, partners, affiliates, etc.-you will start to see some trends in those statistics.

For instance the likes The Extravaganza receives are mostly (78%) from females ages 25 to 55+. I also receive likes from males (13%) ages 25 to 55+. The age groups are broken down further but I think you get the point.

I can look further at the break down of ages of the females who like my page that tells me that most of my customers (44%) are going to be females between the ages of 45 to 55+. I know know where the focus of my marketing efforts should be. I also know that I totally waste my time and money when doing any advertising and marketing to males or females under the age of 24 as 0% of my likes are in those categories.

Take a look it will give you a place to start examining the demographics of your buyers and it's free.

Read 5 Ways to Use Facebook to Sell More Arts and Crafts and Art and Craft Group "Facebook Like" Exchanges on LinkedIn as well as Is Facebook and Social Media Selling Art?

Do you agree?

Singer Brilliance 6199 Sewing Machine Review

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:15:00 GMT

We bought a Singer Brilliance 6199 Sewing Machine for Christmas.

I was worried because I'm new to sewing as I had a bad experience with learning to sew in Junior High School sewing machines.

I wanted to learn to sew (again) after a fun experience sewing with my neighbor so when I saw the Singer Brilliance on sale for a price I considered really good we bought it. Okay having a coupon made it irresistible.

The machine was easy to set up and use once I understood how important it was to check the needle tension. Before that I picked out several projects but afterward very few.

I may have started with a project that was much too small as my first project was Barbie clothes. I would suggest making your first project on any sewing machine a pillow or simple bag as they have long straight lines you can use to practice.

I haven't played with all the stitches yet but there are many options available. I have used the needle position and found it made it a little easier to sew very close to the edge of the tiny clothes I was making.

I had some trouble with the machine sucking in the fabric if I sewed too close to the edge of the fabric while backstitching.

Overall I've made a few barbie doll clothes and found it to be a very easy machine to use for an (almost) beginner to sewing. The instruction manual was fairly easy to understand and follow and I was set up and sewing pretty quickly. Do read the part about checking needle tension though as it will save you picking out your first project over and over and ... well you get the picture.

If I had to rate the sewing machine on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best:, I would probably give it a:

4 for ease of use for a beginner.
5 for quick setup and time to begin sewing.
5 on quality of stitches

Singer Brilliance 6199 Sewing Machine - Automatic Needle Threader, Automatic Stitch Length & Width, Extension Table, 8 Presser Feet included

Dimensions 16" long x 8" wide x 12.5" high
Weight 14.5 lbs
Adjustable stitch length 0-3 mm and width 0-6 mm
Built-in needle threader
Adjustable tension
Adjustable Needle Positions
Simple bobbin winding system
Large extension table and removable accessory box
8 Presser feet including
- All-purpose foot
- Zipper foot
- Invisible zipper foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Button sewing foot
- Blind hem foot
- Overcasting foot
- Roller foot
100 Built in Stitches
6 Automatic 1-Step Buttonholes
Hard-sided machine cover
Also includes:
- Needles
- Bobbins
- Thread spool cap
- Auxiliary spool pin
- Spool pin felt
- Darning plate
- Needle plate screwdriver
- Seam ripper/lint brush
- Instruction manual with stitch guide
- Foot pedal and power cord

How to Setup Your Art or Craft Show Booth Facebook Business Page

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:59:32 GMT

Why do you need a free Facebook business page for your craft business?

There are more than 800 million active users on Facebook.
More than 50% of active users log on to Facebook in any given day.
The average user on Facebook has 130 friends

More statistics from Facebook https://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics

Facebook business pages appear on search results on their site.

Does that answer the question? 800 million people with 130 friends they interact with and influence in some way. Who wouldn't want their art or craft business out there interacting with them?

A craft business page gives you a place to post your business related messages including but not limited to:

links to blog posts
links to your craft web site or web store (Etsy, Artfire, etc.)
information about upcoming art festivals and craft shows you will be attending
sales, specials, or discounts on your handcrafted works of art or services you offer
community events and fundraising you are participating in
other places people can get your crafts
information about the materials and workmanship of each piece of art
pictures of yourself creating your art
personal discussions relating to the creation of your crafts
business happenings, awards, contests, recognition you receive etc.

So are you asking how do I get my Facebook page?

First things first, you need to sign up for a free Facebook account-if you don't already have one-at www.facebook.com and choose a password.

Create your craft business page on Facebook here.

Here are some links to articles that might help you understand how Facebook and other social media can help your art or craft show booth flourish.
Why is a Page Better than a personal account?
How Your Facebook Page Helps Your Art or Craft Business Know Who Your Customers Are
5 Ways to Use Facebook to Sell More Arts and Crafts
Use LinkedIn to Build Your Art or Craft Show Business
Art and Craft Group "Facebook Like" Exchanges on LinkedIn
Is Facebook and Social Media Selling Arts and Crafts?

Get Your Art and Crafts Into the Hands of Celebrities

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:03:00 GMT

Want to get your Art or Crafts noticed and mentioned by Celebrities?

You know those swag bags that celebrities get at The Oscars, Emmys, and The Golden Globes?

Artisan Group helps you by getting your handcrafted artwork into them.

Be sure your work is high quality as you wouldn't want a celebrity to pick up your piece for pictures and have it fall apart. Make your packaging exquisite as presentation can make a big impression. Don't forget to include a high quality business card and brochure.

Get celebrities talking about and using your hand knitted scarves and hats, your handcrafted jewelry, hand carved sculptures and more.

Who wouldn't like to say their art was in the swag bags at The Oscars?

What is a Jewelry Shopping Service?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

What is a Jewelry Shopping Service?

I first stumbled onto the “jewelry shopping service” approach to marketing my handcrafted jewelry a few years ago.

I couldn’t believe I’d never heard anyone talk about this before – because it’s a wide-open field with TONS of opportunities to sell your jewelry. It’s the main way I sell my jewelry now. Personal shopping services are a growing trend in all kinds of market niches.

Typically a personal shopper helps clients determine what they should buy, locates the best deal on an intended purchase, or finds the perfect gifts for customers to give. Personal shoppers tend to specialize in a particular area of expertise, where they know a certain market and its suppliers inside and out.

Above all, personal shopping is a service business, and as people get busier and shopping options get more overwhelming, there’s an increasing demand for specialized personal shopping service businesses of various types.

What if you operated your handcrafted jewelry business like a personal shopping service?

There are absolutely immense opportunities for jewelry artists to sell their work this way, as you’ll see in “Secrets of a Handcrafted Jewelry Shopping Service”.

A jewelry shopping service could easily be your entire jewelry business, or just one income stream of it.

It’s a very flexible way to sell your jewelry, and I’ve found that it’s very easy to fit it in around all the other things going on in your life.

Why It’s Such a Profitable Way to Sell Your Jewelry

By operating as a jewelry shopping service, you’ll be selling directly to your clients at full retail prices, so you won’t be paying any booth fees, shop commissions, party hostess incentives, wholesale discounts, etc.

In fact, one of the best things about it is that you have very few sales-related expenses, because there’s no “middleman”. Nearly 100% of the proceeds go directly to your business.

And what’s more, many of your clients will be fairly big spenders. They’ll shop from you over and over again because they love your customized products, personal service, and the way you take their problems out of their hands – and they’re willing to pay quite well for it.

The book also has a chapter describing a clever strategy that will increase your profits even more; I give an example of this strategy from my own business, and explain why it’s so profitable.

Everything You Need to Know
to Start Your Own Jewelry Shopping Service

In this ebook I share my entire successful business model with you. It’s easy to do, and it really works. I’ve tested and refined my jewelry shopping service strategies, and I describe them in detail in this step-by-step guide.

I also share dozens of real-life examples of successful products, services, marketing methods, and stories from my own jewelry shopping service, to help you get started.

You don’t have to re-invent the wheel and go through the same learning curve I did to figure out what really works (and what doesn’t!). It’s all in the book.

———————————————-

Unlock the secrets of a new way to sell your jewelry to customers who are VERY willing to buy from you, again and again, in Rena Klingenberg’s ebook “Secrets of a Handcrafted Jewelry Shopping Service” -
http://www.jewelry-books.com/shopping-service.html

Difference Between Creating Interest in Your Arts and Crafts and Getting People To Buy Your Crafts

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:29:00 GMT

In order to have a successful full time business selling your arts and crafts (defined as making enough income to support yourself or your family without having a part time job) two things must happen.

There must be enough people interested in buying your arts and crafts.
You must be able to persuade people who are interested in your art to buy.

These are two very separate and distinct problems with different solutions.

First one needs to realize that to be very successful selling their handcrafted goods they must chose to create a craft that is wanted and needed by a large enough group of people to support the number of sales the artist needs per day, week, month or year.

Most artists choose which craft to sell based on which one they like to create the most, the one they get the most compliments on, or the one they like the best. This is actually backward and can be detrimental to your business ever succeeding.

Crafters spend too much time looking for those who want their crafts this way. Artists don't realize they are trying to make people who aren't even interested in their art not only like it, but buy it-a losing game to be sure.

They are always looking for people interested in their handcrafted merchandise and have no real direction to look... instead of going to a group of people who are already interested in their crafts and trying to persuade them to buy.

It's like trying to tell your customers their favorite color is purple when really their favorite color is green. They aren't going to even want to stand around and listen.

Like trying to sell hand tatted doilies to every child, teen, and young single adult that comes near your booth rather than slightly more mature married adults and grandmothers.

Let's be honest here we can't make people like what they don't like or want. They just won't buy it and our time and money will be wasted in the effort.

If your artwork meets the needs of a large group of people but still seems like people aren't interested the problem may be:

is the group of people who want, need, and like your product large enough?
- one caveat here is that you want to target a very specific group of people. Get too generic and you go back full circle.
are you targeting your prospects well in your advertising, marketing and offers?
are they are willing to pay your price to get it?
are you selling where your buyers are, where they are prepared to buy, when they are prepared to buy?

What successful crafters do is choose a large group of people with common needs then meet the needs of those people.
They can do research and see if there are enough buyers in the group to support their dream of not having to work a part time job that detracts from a craft business.

You can still succeed selling your artwork this way if

there is a large enough group of people who want, need, and like your product.
they are willing to pay your price to get it.
you learn where your buyers are and go where your they are to sell your product.
you don't mind that your business will be less profitable than it could be.

On the other hand persuading a person to buy your crafts when they are already interested is much easier. It requires many skills but most of them are small and can be learned over your career.

The skills you will need include:

correctly pricing crafts.
using signage and tags effectively.
proper displays.
learning to make small talk that draws out the needs of your buyer.
recognize the needs of your customers from clues they give in conversation.
not over selling or underselling -giving the customer just the right amount of information so they don't feel overwhelmed or that their questions haven't been answered.
recognizing when a buyer is on the fence-knowing what will get them off the fence and on the buying side.
using coupons, discounts, sales, samples, upsells and downsells effectively to persuade an undecided buyer. Read Do Sales and Discounts Hurt Craft Show Sales?
staying in touch with and following up with customers so they will buy for the first time, make repeat sales, and refer you to others.
using your business documents, fliers, business cards, to sell more handcrafted works of art.
asking for the sale and calls to action.

The difference between trying to create interest in your crafts and persuading people to buy your crafts is: You won't be able to create an interest in your crafts where there is none! You will be much more successful trying to persuade a large group of people who want, need, or like your craft already to buy.

The way I see if people really aren't interested in buying your artwork you have 3 choices:

Go where people are interested in buying your crafts.
Find a craft they are interested in buying and sell it.
Find a job working for someone else.

What do you think?

Quilters Save Time with New Calculator

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:35:00 GMT

I was looking on the internet for cool things to share with you all when I came across this calculator for quilters.

FabriCalc - Using this convenient little tool, you will never again need to guess how much fabric to buy, how many strips to cut, how wide to cut your strips or how much your fabric will cost.

Selling Your Art Online-How to Take Better Pictures

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:15:00 GMT

When you are selling your art online little is more important than the quality of your pictures.

You won't get many sales if the quality of the pictures make it hard for the buyer to see the quality of your art or craft. Worse yet the quality of the pictures can make the buyer picture in their mind that your items are poor quality because you didn't seem to care if the photos were low quality.

Taking pictures of our handcrafted items is something that overwhelms and irritates many artists and crafters. It seems like it is too complicated and our photos are never good enough causing us great frustration.

I was very excited to learn of an inexpensive tool that can help us all take better quality photographs of our crafts. I would like to thank Nancy for this wonderful information please visit her sites below and say thanks.

Nancy's blog
My Artfire shop
Nancy's Etsy shop
Find Nancy on Facebook

Nancy uses a light tent by CowboyStudio on Amazon.com to take pictures of her jewelry. Actually I found quite a few there and was pleasantly surprised at the price.

Nancy's described her lights as "just clamp lights, about 8 bucks at Lowes, with 23W 5000K natural daylight compact fluorescent bulbs.

Nancy also shared with us this link to a great video tutorial on product photography. http://www.prophotolife.com/prophotolife-instructional-video-diy-studio-product-photography/

Thanks again for sharing such great information with us Nancy!

Lighting a Fine Craft Trade Show Booth – Options for the Budget-Conscious Artist

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:10:00 GMT

By Alice Horrigan

Good lighting is a main ingredient of a successful trade-show booth. Just the right lighting system can help an artist create the atmosphere of a fine-craft gallery. This will lure gallery owners off the isles and into your booth – the first step toward making a sale.

Lighting is a relatively expensive investment. So how does the budget-conscious artist find the right solution?

When it comes to choosing a lighting system, artists new to the trade show circuit often become overwhelmed. Prices vary wildly, and each convention center may have its own lighting rules. Lighting technology is changing rapidly, making the choices harder still.

This article details what I learned while tackling the challenge of lighting my 10’X10’ booth at the American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE), a large wholesale show for American and Canadian craft artists. As I am new to trade shows, this information is meant only as a pointer for artists in the process of choosing lighting, and perhaps also for more seasoned artists looking to update their systems.

In examining many different lighting options, my objective was to illuminate my glass jewelry beautifully but inexpensively. I wanted the lights to be lightweight and modular, to fit in boxes for shipping to the show. I was looking for contemporary styling, in silver or black. And I wanted to have at least one special lighting effect – not too flashy – to give my booth a unique element.

In his CD on booth design, art business consultant Bruce Baker suggests 1,000 watts will light up a 10’X10’ booth very effectively. I decided to stay at or under 500 watts, however, because the ACRE show includes 500 watts with the booth price, and the halogen lighting I ultimately decided upon illuminates my displays very well. Since I bought the lights at a “big-box” store with sites in virtually every city in the U.S., I can add more lights once I’m at the trade show if necessary.

The Battle of the Bulb

Contractors Choice Lighting (www.ccl-light.com) says a light fixture is simply a “bulb holder.” The bulb, therefore, should drive one’s choice of a fixture. This is somewhat true for trade-show lighting, although the fixtures may dictate the types of bulbs, depending on the choices available at the store where one shops for the lights. The CCL website offers a “Bulb Photometrics” page (http://ccl-light.com/photometrics.html), whose graphical representation is a refreshing departure from the complex descriptions of lighting options that have proliferated on the web.

Halogen is the bulb of choice for many trade show exhibitors. It offers a crisp, white light. Although people commonly refer to halogen as non-incandescent, it is in fact a kind of incandescent lamp. It generates light by using a thin filament wire made of tungsten, heated to white by passing an electric current through it. According to General Electric, the first halogen lamp was developed in 1959 – not too long ago for many of us!

Halogen bulbs differ significantly from the traditional type of incandescents we grew up with. The halogen bulb’s filament is surrounded by halogen gases (iodine or bromine, specifically). These gases let the filaments operate at higher temperatures. The end result is a higher light output per watt.

The gases also do something rather miraculous: Tungsten tends to evaporate off the filament over time, and the gases actually help re-deposit the tungsten onto the filament. This extends the bulb’s life way beyond that of the traditional incandescent bulb, whose evaporated tungsten clings to the walls of the bulb like a smoky apparition and eventually the uncoated filament snaps. Who hasn’t rattled a burnt-out light bulb and enjoyed the jazzy cymbal sound of the broken filament inside?

In addition to giving off more light than traditional incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs emit a whiter light that provides better color rendition. “For highlighting and bringing out true colors, use halogen lamps,” suggests USA Light and Electric’s website (www.usalight.com). “Nothing looks better than the drama brought in with halogen lamps.”

Baker also suggests halogen lights – floodlights in particular – for a contemporary look, especially for jewelry and glass. It’s important to consider that other fine craft materials such as ceramics and wood might be better enhanced with halogen spotlights, or even with some of the more traditional incandescent lights that emit a warmer color.

Having decided upon halogen lighting, my next task would be to choose bulbs. The ACRE show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which has instituted a strict halogen lighting policy. Each light cannot exceed 75 watts, and all halogen bulbs must be factory sealed in glass (not in a removable lens or linear shape).

Thankfully, there is plenty of factory-sealed halogen lighting, in the form of PAR halogen bulbs. PAR is an acronym for “parabolic aluminized reflector.” PAR bulbs have a built-in reflecting surface made of pressed glass. The glass provides both an internal reflector and prisms in the lens for control of the light beam.

PAR bulbs are numbered, as in PAR 16, PAR 20, PAR 56. The PAR number refers to the bulb shape. Bulbs.com has a halogen section of the site where you can quickly compare the various PAR bulbs visually. Within a given category of PAR bulbs there are various wattages, wide and narrow spotlights and floodlights, different base sizes, and even different colors.

Fortunately I was able to skip the process of deciding on a PAR bulb by deciding first where to shop for my lights (more on that below).

Power Issues

When you go to shop for track lights, you’ll notice there’s a choice between 12-volt and 120-volt fixtures. 120 is the standard voltage that comes directly into most homes and offices – and convention centers.

For a lamp using 120 volts, no additional parts are necessary beyond a regular socket. 120-volt fixtures generally are lighter than 12-volt fixtures because they don’t need a transformer. They also cost less and can use halogen or regular incandescent bulbs.

I stopped short of investigating 12-volt fixtures, except to find out that they step down the amount of energy being used to a lower voltage, and thus are more energy efficient. They require a transformer to convert the 120-volt household current to 12 volts, and they may require hardwiring (although one artist I know found a 12-volt fixture with a built-in transformer which she was able to plug into a 120-volt outlet. A 12-volt fixture accommodates very efficient bulbs that offer a variety of wattages and beam spreads, including the 50-watt MR-16, which is popular in galleries.

I decided on 120-volt lighting for the trade show, because I wouldn’t have to worry about transformers and could just plug it in.

Choosing a Store and Track Lighting

I read the ACRE online forum for clues about where to buy lighting. What one artist said struck me as eminently sensible: He buys all his lighting at Home Depot, because if anything goes wrong at the show, he can find a store nearby for replacement parts.

This was something to consider: Tempting as the gorgeous designs might be, special-order lighting of any kind introduces the risk of having a malfunctioning light for the duration of a show.

Another artist on the ACRE online forum said he buys his lights from Lowes. It probably doesn’t matter which big-box store one chooses, as long as there’s one in every city.

Since I was new to trade shows and this was to be my first lighting kit, I resisted choosing from the many good suppliers on the web. I settled on the limited but attractive selection at Lowes. A side benefit of this was that my choices were comfortably narrowed.

Within the category of halogen lighting, you can get either track lights or stem-mounted lights (with arms extending outward). I went with track lights. This was partly because the stem lights I found on the web were relatively expensive and Lowe’s didn’t offer them, and partly because with track lights I could have one cord instead of several hanging down.

The Lowes lighting salesperson was helpful in putting together a full package from the track lighting on display and in stock. I decided on four, two-foot tracks to keep the size of my shipping boxes down. Here’s a rundown of what I bought:

· 4 two-foot track sections, Portfolio brand, black finish, Item #225678. Each section holds 2 lights, for a total of 8. Total: $23.12

· 8 Flared Gimbal Track Lights, Portfolio brand, Item #120673, with a satin chrome finish for a contemporary look. They are easy to attach to the track by following the directions. Total: $80.76

· 8 halogen bulbs, Par 20, 50-watt, for bright, crisp light. I bought several floodlights and a couple of spotlights. The bulbs are very packable, at a little over 3” long and 2.5” in diameter. Total: $60.00

· 2 Miniature Straight Connectors by Portfolio, Item #120716, for joining two of the track sections end to end. The idea is to have only one cord to plug in from a row of four lights. Total: $5.92.

· 2 Cord and Plug Sets, Portfolio brand, Item #120827, to power track from a standard AC wall outlet. I connected these to the end of the two of the track sections by unscrewing the covering on one side of the track. Total: $17.06

· Various Multi-Purpose Ties (cable ties), by Catamount, for attaching tracks to booth pipes. Total: $5.00

· 2 heavy-duty extension cord/power strips – 14-gauge, 15-feet, with three outlets each, Woods brand, from Lowe’s, Item #170224, model 82965. Total: $22.00

Grand total: $213.86

The Gimbal lights I chose only accept a 50-watt, PAR 20 bulb, which made it easy to pick out the bulbs. So in this case, the fixture drove the choice of bulb, not the other way around.

According to the Bulb Photometrics page at Contractors Choice Lighting, a PAR 20, 50-watt halogen flood bulb will emit a beam of light with a 5’4” diameter when it reaches 10 feet away. It offers about 12 foot-candles worth of light at 10 feet away from the bulb (a foot-candle is the level of illumination on a surface one foot away from a standard candle.)

For the sake of comparison, a PAR 30 beam offers a diameter of more than 8’ at 10 feet away, and you still get about 14 foot-candles at that distance. What happens if you notch it up to a 75-watt bulb? You get a lot more foot-candles (38) at 10 feet away. This suggests that larger trade-show booths might want to take advantage of higher PAR and higher watt bulbs.

All together, the track lighting system I chose uses 400 watts of electricity. This left me another 100 watts to add specialty or accent lighting to my booth, while still remaining at the 500-watt limit.

Cords, Plugs and Hanging Lights

The Las Vegas Convention Center has very strict rules for cords, plugs, and hanging lights.

The two-pronged, 18-gauge cords that the manufacturer has attached to your lights are acceptable (leave the UL tags and labels intact). These lighting cords cannot be plugged into the convention center outlet, however. Instead, you must plug them into a three-pronged, heavy duty, 14-gauge extension cord – or a breaker strip with a 14-gauge cord. You can then plug that 14-gauge extension cord into the convention center outlet.

A 14-gauge extension cord is capable of handling 1,825 watts. It’s helpful to read the brief extension-cord sizing and safety information on the web pages of the Underwriters Laboratories (www.ul.com/consumers/cords.html) and the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY800) before purchasing a cord.

Bruce Baker suggests the cord be 20 feet with six outlets, and that it include a cord reel. I couldn’t find this type of cord at Lowe’s, so I decided on two 15-foot, heavy-duty, 14-gauge extension cord/power strips, each offering three outlets. If you have a larger booth, you can find a 25-foot cord with three outlets at Lowe’s.

There are so many different approaches to hanging lights, and so many variables to consider, that it could be a topic for another article. In general, you can hang or clip lights onto a cross bar or onto the “hard walls” of your display if you have them. Depending on the rules of a particular trade show and the size your lighting system, you may be permitted to attach the lights to the booth’s existing pipe and drape.

Since my booth design does not include my own walls, my lights will attach either to the existing pipe or to a cross bar. Cable ties (commonly called “zip ties”) appear to be tool of choice for attaching tracks to the pipes or bars, and even for attaching additional cross bars to existing pipe and drape. One artist I know uses Velcro strips, followed by cable ties to secure the attachments. There are a few entire websites for cable ties. One of them is http://www.cabletiesplus.com .

I purchased Multi-Purpose Ties from Home Depot. They can bundle 4 inches in diameter, withstand temperatures up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and hold up to 50 lbs.

Accent Lighting: LEDs

There are many ideas for accent lighting – although a fair treatment of the topic is beyond the scope of this article. Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is one technology that is experiencing breakthroughs and growing fast. It takes many LEDs to equal the light output of a 50-watt bulb, and LEDs are fairly expensive, so LEDs aren’t ready for prime time when it comes to lighting a whole booth.

There are several close-up applications for LEDs, however, that are worth looking into now. An example is the in-counter light bar sold by MK Digital Direct at www.mkdigitaldirect.com (at a whopping $175 per foot). The more affordable MK Sparkle Light Pocket ($30) is a portable device that has extra long-life of over 100,000 continuous hours and promises to give jewelry “maximum sparkle and scintillation.”

The Nexus mini LED light system (www.ccl-light.com), meanwhile, offers a lot of illumination for its size – a puck shape not much bigger than a quarter. The company says it is for direct display lighting of crystal and glass, and it can even be submerged in water. The light is attached to a 12’ cable that ends in a plug, and has “mode switch” with seven different color choices. Unfortunately, white is not one of the color choices, and at $25 it’s a bit expensive. Still, a few of these lights combined with room lighting could draw viewers into your booth and toward your most dramatic displays.

LEDS also include tube lights, flexible lights, linear lights, and bulbs. Superbright LEDs (www.superbrightleds.com/edison.html ) has a collection of 120-volt screw-in LED bulbs for accent and other low-lighting applications, as well as a host of other fascinating products such as “plant up-light fixtures.”

At this writing, the search was still on for accent lighting to give my booth an extra special glow. Stay tuned for a future article on the results.

Online Resources

The following list is not an endorsement, but rather a starting point for research on lighting systems, cable ties, and accent lighting.

www.ccl-light.com – inexpensive and many choices, has “Bulb Photometrics” page to help determine how much light and what kind you want from a bulb

www.direct-lighting.com – stem-mounted and track lights

www.usalight.com – large selection of lighting and bulbs

www.bulbs.com – quick visual comparison of PAR bulbs (in halogen section)

http://www.cabletiesplus.com – Cable (zip) ties for securing track lights to pipe

www.mkdigitaldirect.com – LED lights for jewelry cases

http://www.american-image.com/products/lights/lights.html – a nice selection and visual layout of stem-mounted and other lighting (but not cheap)

http://www.brightmandesign.com/products/wash-super.html – good technical information and images of lights set-ups for trade shows; several stem-mounted clip-on designs

www.superbrightleds.com – LED accent lighting, including screw-in bulbs and light bars

Alice Horrigan is a glass artist living in Ithaca, New York
http://www.fingerlakesgifts.com
http://www.wholesalecrafts.com (Artist #23436)
Retailers may see Alice’s work at the American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) wholesale show, May 2-4, 2007, Booth #333. Pre-show appointments call 607-351-3284, or write to alice@fingerlakesgifts.com .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Horrigan

Producing Vegetables and Crafts For Farmers Markets

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:45:00 GMT

For all of our readers who like to garden, who love to have all the books on gardening but don't have space to keep every one there is a new solution.

There are tons of free Gardening Books for Kindle on amazon.com.

I love Kindle for PC (as I don't have a Kindle) and love having all the free cookbooks, books on gardening, etc. I must have downloaded a hundred free books by now-wonder when I will have time to read them. I haven't yet looked for books on arts and crafts, what was I thinking?

Craftsperson’s Seven Deadly Sins

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:15:00 GMT

Are you committing the Seven Deadly Sins that kill sales for artists and crafters? Are they actually deadly sins?

Find out at Handmade Lives.

What do you think are you committing these sins? Are they deadly?

5 Ways to Use Facebook to Sell More Arts and Crafts

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:55:00 GMT

Being an artist or crafter is about so much it's about having an idea, a talent, and a skill and developing that into a business. It's about learning there are proper ways of marketing those skills and that when done properly any business can succeed to some degree of success. It's about knowing what you define as success-as each person defines it differently.

The stigma surrounding home based businesses comes from the many mistakes that you see home based businesses making. For instance:

posting hard sale messages
posting numerous sales messages
lack of marketing skills
lack of salesmanship
lack of customer service skills
the idea that all home based businesses are MLM
the idea that it's impossible to make a living selling your own hand crafted arts and crafts.

Many hand crafters make the mistake of posting messages that are self serving with no benefit to the readers of the group. When posting messages on social media sites like Facebook be sure your messages really benefit the reader on their path toward success. Gear posts toward providing value to the readers not toward yourself.

So my piece of golden advice would be to be sure when ever you post on Facebook think about 5 things:

Why am I posting here? What am I trying to accomplish? Am I trying to drive someone to visit my website, my blog, get them to follow or like me on Facebook, LinkedIn etc.?

Am I in the right place to do that?

Have I given the reader information that is valuable to them?

Did I include a clear call to action that accomplishes my goal in #1?

Am I developing a relationship with the reader or am I pushing them away?

Guide each of your contacts gently to the desired goal. Don't expect anyone to buy from you when they first meet you. Give them several chances at getting information that is relevant and valuable to them with each piece taking them a little closer to the desired goal-making a purchase from you.

Entry 1 of 5 in the series Social Media Networking for Artists and Crafters.
Use LinkedIn to Build Your Art or Craft Show Business
How to Setup Your Art or Craft Show Booth Facebook Business Page
How Your Facebook Page Helps Your Art or Craft Business Know Who Your Customers Are

Week 3 -My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:14:00 GMT

Recently I’ve been working to make my business more profitable each and every day.

This week I got less accomplished than I had intended but what I did do I feel good about.

Week 3 what I accomplished.

I did mail coupons to show promoters.
I had a second client consultation.
I learned something new about my facebook profile and group page. Added links to my group from my profile page.
Worked on creating my profile on LinkedIn. Added a few contacts there.
Worked on cleaning out my overly full email box.
Signed up for a MySpace account. You can follow our posts at http://www.myspace.com/extravaganzacrafts.
I blogged about my experience working toward greater profitability this week.

Here is what I didn’t accomplish.

I still didn’t get my accounting done.
I didn’t call the people I just mailed free newsletters to in the last few weeks to ask them what they thought of the newsletter. It is probably too late but I will try to fit this into next week anyway. Call your prospects right away they are only interested about 7 days!
I didn’t create any articles to send to show promoters that will encourage them to list their shows with me.
Since I didn’t write the articles I also didn’t start calling my huge list of show promoters. Obviously I didn’t sign them up in my email marketing system.
I didn’t contact Power Pay and get signed up to accept credit cards.

The plan for the next 7 days:

Day 16 -Call the people I sent newsletters to. Ask them if they would like to receive free articles. Sign them up as prospects.
Day 17 -Create articles for show promoters.
Day 18 -Call show promoters and ask them if they would like to receive free articles to make their businesses more profitable.
Day 19 -Call Power Pay and get set up to accept credit cards.
Day 20 -Find my friends who are already on MySpace and try to connect with them.
Day 21 -Do my accounting!
Day 22 -Write article for my newsletter.
Day 23 -Blog about my accomplishments this week.

Entry 3 of 6 in series My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Public Art -Call for Artists Rapid City SD

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:17:47 GMT

The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) along with Destination Rapid City (DRC) is looking for an aritst or team or artists to sculpt the 21 granite boulders at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City, SD.

Individual or team of artists to create a stone sculpture expected to be completed on-site by the artist(s) during the next 3-5 years.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 17, 2012

Up to $2 million dollars is already set aside apply on-line at www.callforentry.org.

Thank you Montana Arts Council

7 Ways For Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers Part 2

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:23:30 GMT

Parts of this 7 part series have been reprinted with permission from the article “7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business” by Pam Grimm of Ideaco.

7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business

By Pamela Grimm, Ideaco

2. Lack of interest in customers:

It surprised me how often I could walk into and out of a store without having a single conversation with anyone. No one seemed interested that I was even there. When we did come in contact with staff, they really didn’t know how to conduct small talk to establish some kind of personal relationship connection. It was all business. Why is this important? Because the personal connection made with the store is the core of a positive experience…making a connection that makes you want to come back to that store, think of that store,and become an advocate for that store. Another “dropped ball” was in the lack of gathering contact information. In over 95% of the stores, we walked out with no way for the store to ever follow up, market to us, or make another connection with us.

How to Overcome a Lack of Interest in Customers

As I mentioned in part 1 everytime a retailer misses a sale they leave an opportunity for you to make the sale, if you have a product of similar quality and value. I feel like it is obvious that if a customer walks into your booth and leaves without even a greeting that you have missed an opportunity, but since it happens so often in every industry it bears repeating. If a customer walks into your booth and walks away without having a conversation with you, you have missed an opportunity for a sale.

I admit it is hard to find the motivation to happily greet every customer when a show has few customers and sales are slow. Remember it is more expensive to find new customers than it is to sell to those who have already purchased from you. It’s not the purchase one customer is making that will make your business profitable it is the many purchases they will make in the future that will. Retailers who fail to greet their customers aren’t seeing the full potential of each customer. Every customer has the possibility of one sale or one thousand sales depending on what you do to earn their business. If you follow up with correct marketing principles with the customers who have purchased from you approximately 20% of them will make 80% of the future purchases from your business. By treating each customer like your best customer you won’t miss your next golden opportunity.

A customer walked into your booth, saw something there that interested them, your job is to establish a relationship of trust with the customer. Find out what is was that brought them into your booth, and ask for the sale. How do you establish trust with someone? What makes you trust someone? Establish trust by getting to know them, find out what it is that they want and give it to them. You can’t establish trust if you haven’t spoken to them. Start off with a simple, “Hello.” Don’t ask, “How are you today?” unless you truly want to know, customers know when you care and when you’re just asking to start a conversation. If you ask, “How are you today?” you must truly care how they are today. Ask where someone is from, or what brought them to the show today, ask what they are looking for, or if you can help them find something. Ask if there is someone they are shopping for or if they are shopping for a special occasion. Ask if they are looking for a particular style or if they are looking for something in a certain price range. Listen carefully to their answers without trying to figure out what you are going to say next. When they are finished speaking then take a moment to consider what to show them. When you have narrowed the choices to a few of their favorites ask for the sale by saying, “May I wrap those up for you?” or “May I take those to the counter for you?” If they’re having a hard time deciding, offer to give a small discount (10% off) the lower priced item if they buy them both.

When ringing up the a customers purchase always offer an upsell. An upsell is an additional complimentary product for example McDonalds offers a larger fry and drink with every hamburger (or hamburger meal) purchased. Done correctly chances are some customers will make the extra purchase, but no one will if you don’t offer. Don’t forget to collect the customers contact information during this step. They have purchased from you showing a need or want for your products so you should follow up with them to find out if they have additional needs, You can’t follow up if you have no way of contacting them again. You can collect their personal information by using duplicate receipts and including their name, mailing address, phone and email on every receipt you make out. Be sure to ask if you may include them on your mailing list and mark that on the receipt. Only mail to those that gave permission to be included.

Treat every customer like a golden opportunity. Follow up with them multiple times and soon you will be able to sort out the customers who will make many multiple purchases in the future and focus the largest part of your marketing budget on them and your profits will definitely grow.

Entry 2 of 7 in series 7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Craft Show Booth Jewelry Display Options

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:40:00 GMT

Jewelry is one of the easiest arts to create and thus one of the hardest to sell. There is much competition among jewelry artists, and buyers of jewelry are highly individualized. What I mean is that everyone buys jewelry that they like. Each buyer usually prefers one type of jewelry over all the others. Each buyer has their own taste.

Do you have a sign that tells buyers exactly what you have to offer them? Having your business name on your sign doesn’t attract buyers as well as telling them exactly what you have to offer. Do you have kids jewelry, oriental jewelry, ancient Chinese jewelry, Native American beaded jewelry, western jewelry, or vintage jewelry? Tell the buyers and be specific include some of the materials you use.

Having a professional display is very important to your show sales.

Having your display be unique while still showing off your jewelry well, might also attract buyers. If your jewelry is western style you might use driftwood, elk or deer antlers to hang your jewelry from or even drape your jewelry over cowboy hats.

You need to think carefully about how the color of your display affects the way buyers will see your jewelry. Most jewelry displays well against a black background which also usually looks professional and clean.

I’ve seen everything from wooden drawer dividers (or deep picture frames) filled with rice, beans, or split peas to fancy wrought iron displays.

Remember that your display needs some depth to draw buyers into the booth. Don’t just lay jewelry flat on the table.

Also read Get Your Jewelry Customer to Buy at Craft Shows and Sell Handcrafted Jewelry by Making Your Booth Stand Out at Shows.

I’ve included a link to a site with many jewelry display and boxing ideas.

http://www.jewelrydisplay.com/

What are your favorite jewelry display ideas and sites?

Grant and Funding Sources for Artists

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:46:00 GMT

I’ve been looking for sources of grants for artists and crafters for a very long time. This week Dee Bishop the craft shop examiner for examiner.com contacted me and when I asked about grants she posted an article that I wanted to share with you Grant and funding sources for artists.

Week 2 -My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Fair Profitability

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:44:27 GMT

Recently I’ve been working to make my craft fair business more profitable each and every day. Today it occurred to me that I should share with you how I plan to do that.

Well last week I worked on catching up on left over unfinished projects from previous weeks to prepare for my 30 days of greater profitability. As usual I accomplished some of the things I intended to do, did some things I planned to do later early, and didn’t accomplish some of the plan.

Here is what I did accomplish.

I kept up with incoming orders and new requests for information while getting my kids ready to go back to school.
I published my monthly craft newsletter that I try to accomplish the last week of the month (although it won’t be due out until the next week).
I learned something new about my email marketing that will keep my messages from being flagged as SPAM as often.
I worked with a new client doing a phone consultation on building their website (this is a new service I offer).
I blogged about my experience working toward greater profitability this week.

Here is what I didn’t accomplish.

I really didn’t get my goals written down on a calendar although I do have them planned out in my head.
I didn’t get my accounting done and it has been falling behind a few months now.
I didn’t get my office really clean (instead I worked on my daughters room and it is greatly improved).

The plan for the next 7 days:

Day 8 -Get my coupons sent out that I mail to show promoters each month.
Day 9 -Call the people I just mailed free newsletters to in the last few weeks. Ask them what they thought of the newsletter and if I can sign them up for a free report and to receive further information from my company. Sign them up as prospects in my email marketing system if they say yes.
Day 10 -Do my accounting.
Day 11 -Create a few articles to send to show promoters that will encourage them to list their shows with me.
Day 12 -Start calling my huge list of show promoters and ask them if I can send them free articles that will help make their businesses more profitable as well as articles that will make their vendors businesses more profitable. Sign them up in my email marketing system.
Day 13 -Continue calling my list of show promoters and sign them up for the articles in my email marketing system.
Day 14 -Contact PowerPay about getting a system in place to be able to accept credit cards.
Day 15 -Continue getting PowerPay set up and blog about my experiences this week.

What are you doing to increase sales in your craft fair booth?

Entry 2 of 6 in series My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Commonwheel Artists 38th Annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival -Manitou Springs CO

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:28:22 GMT

Don’t forget to to visit the Commonwheel Artists 38th Annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival in Manitou Springs, CO this Sep. 1 to 3, 2012

Handcrafted arts and crafts festival vendors contact Julia Wright at 719-577-7700 to reserve your show booth now. Remember to tell her thank you for listing her show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in Montana each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

FTC Guide Concerning Use of the Word "Free"

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:36:44 GMT

If you're a customer of The Extravaganza Craft News or have followed my posts for a while you know that I:

Encourage you to follow up with your customers
Encourage you to use special offers in your marketing

When you use special offers marketing arts and crafts you push buyers who are sitting on the fence off to the buying side by giving them a deal or adding value to your craft offering.

I recently started using coupons for nearly everything I buy. Coupons and special offers have been the deciding factor when I bought many products I considered unnecessary luxuries (In other words I never would have bought them without the coupon, deal, or special offer). I definitely believe that special offers will increase sales of arts and crafts at festivals, shows, and on your craft website.

When encouraging a consumer to buy our arts and crafts it is important to follow the FTC GUIDE CONCERNING USE OF THE WORD ``FREE'' AND SIMILAR REPRESENTATIONS to be sure our offers are clear and easily understood by the purchaser. We want to effectively sway the buyer to purchase our handcrafted art but we don't want to deceptive or deceitful in our offer.

Learn New Crafting Skills

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:01:00 GMT

Do you love to knit, crochet, make food crafts, garden, do your own home decor, make jewelry, do paper crafts, quilt or sew?

Then Craftsy is for you! Looks like a lot of fun and has some deals on craft supplies to.

Check it out at http://www.craftsy.com/!

Resources For Women In Crafts Business

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:42:00 GMT

Women Empowered Businesses is a resource you can use to help keep your business growing.

They have some good articles on taxes and tax liability at http://welcometoourweb.wordpress.com/taxes/.

My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:22:59 GMT

On my wire cubes I have these little plastic drawers with the Boy Scout emblem on them. I am not sure where I got them but I have all kinds of things in them. I would take some better pictures of them except something happened and my phone camera isn’t synchronizing correctly with my computer. Hope to get that fixed soon.

They contain roller stamps and ink for them. They also contain pop dots a.k.a. thick foam tape for scrapbooking and rubber stampers. They have boxes of paper clips I used to make angels, baskets of shells, juice can lids and scratched CDs saved for various kids art projects, corner rounders, stickers for kids projects, and so much more. I also have several of these little plastic drawers in a cupboard full of rubber stamps.

I love these little drawers on my wire cubes because two of them side by side perfectly fit the width of the cubes. You can also do as I’ve done here and use the plastic drawers as a shelf. Another option would be to stack 3 plastic drawers on one side of the cube and use the wire cube pieces to divide the rest of the cube vertically.

Also see
My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes
My Art and Craft Supply Storage-Wire Cubes Part 1

101 Reasons Your Customer Should Buy Handmade

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:51:00 GMT

Customers at craft shows often balk at the price of handcrafted works of art. One reason is they are used to going to Walmart and buying imports at half the price.

Help your customers realize the value of buying arts and crafts by sharing this article I found 101 Reasons to Buy Handmade.

Why do you buy handmade?

Help Your Art or Craft Show Customer Get What They Want

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:48:00 GMT

How many times has someone who was trying to help you actually hurt your chances of getting what you wanted? How many times has someone with good intentions tried to help you reach what they saw as your full potential but actually stood in the way of you reaching your dreams? How many times has a pushy salesman stood between you and the car you wanted trying to sell you a different one?

Your job as a business person is to help a customer who already has an idea what they want, find it and then sell it to them. Remember not to stand in the way of them buying your handcrafted art.

Some Don’ts. Don’t stand in front of your craft show booth (or anyone’s booth) talking to people you haven’t seen in a while catching up. Get their number so you can call later and allow them to move on. Don’t read in your booth. If you work on a project in your art festival booth talk about what you’re doing even when no one is around. Don’t get so caught up in the project that you become unapproachable.

As an art or craft vendor it should be
your goal to discover what every customer
who walks into your booth wants.

First establish a relationship. Smile, say hello, and introduce yourself. Give customers an idea of how things are arranged in your booth. For example say, “Hello, my name is Shasta. Necklaces are here, bracelets over there, and rings are by the checkout stand.” Tell them your special of the day. For example, “Today we’re having a sale on jewelry buy one necklace (valued at $x) and get a free pair of earrings (valued at ($x).” Some art show promoters don’t allow sales so be sure that you are not breaking the rules. If you are not allowed to have sales then show the customer the featured item of the day. You don’t always have to run the same special, but if you find one works particularly well for you, use it often.

Narrow the choices. You might allow customers to shop a few minutes or you could try to help them narrow their choices. Ask them if they are shopping for themselves or for someone else today. When you know who they are shopping for you narrow down which questions to ask to help make their choice easier.

By asking where a person is from you establish a casual conversation which can give clues to what styles they might be looking for. You can ask them if they like the style most common to their area. For instance people from Montana might like a western or outdoor theme, while people from Florida might like a beach theme. They might like that theme but be looking for something different just because they like to be different. The question is really just meant to give them a way to express what they do and don’t like and what they might be looking for.

You can always ask if they had a specific item in mind, or if they would like you to show them some of your ideas.

Close the sale. When they seem to be stuck ask if they would like to see more options or if you can ring up their selections? They might just be waiting for you to ask for the sale.

Offer an Upsell. Never let a customer who is purchasing just buy the one thing they have picked out. Offer an additional item similar or complimentary to the one they purchased at a small discount. For instance if they decided to buy a platter ask if they would like the matching gravy pitcher for 10% off or offer them two platters for $x.

Keep in contact. Try to collect every customers name, address, phone number, and email address. Ask their permission to add them to your mailing list. Tell them you will be sending relevant product information, specials, notices of where they can find your products. If they will share their birth date with you send them a special discount on their special day. Only mail to customers who give you permission and keep all information relevant. Remember how much you hate junk mail and spam!

For automated email responders I use AutoWebBusiness.com . I highly recommend you check them out if you don’t already have some kind of automated follow up/email system in place.

AutoWebBusiness.com Increase your sales by 100% GUARANTEED! CLICK HERE

Listen carefully for the clues your customers give you, that indicate what they are looking for. Watch your sales increase now that you’re an expert in helping them find what they want.

After posting this message I found this great resource and wanted to share it with you. How to Sell: Eliminating Obstacles to Sales

Versatile Shelving Makes Professional Craft Show Booth Display Easy

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:25:00 GMT

I’ve been keeping my eyes out for ideas to share with you that would help make your craft show booth more professional. One of the key factors to me has been portability, ease of set up and a clean professional look.

I found this versatile shelving system from The Container Store and wanted to share it with you.

The supports and shelves can be set-up in any configuration. Supports can be set up further apart or closer together, they can also be set up facing each other or facing away from each other. Shelves can be added at several heights to bring your crafts up to your customers eye level and add interest to your display.

With extra pieces available you can add extra supports or shelves or subtract them from your set up to make your shelves fit in any size craft show booth.

With the right hooks art could be hung from the outside of the supports as well as set on the shelves.

A versatile shelving system that can be set up in many different layouts to create the perfect art or craft show booth display.

Helping Artists Become Artists

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:25:00 GMT

Read Helping Artists Become Artists
by Agnes Gund
International Council of the Museum of Modern Art

Thanks State of the Arts

7 Ways For Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers Part 1

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:29:00 GMT

Parts of this 7 part series have been reprinted with permission from the article “7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business” by Pam Grimm of Ideaco.

7 Common Disconnects In Retail Business

By Pamela Grimm, Ideaco

Many of you have contacted me wondering where I have been; as you may have noticed, I haven’t had an article in this magazine for several issues. Well, here’s your answer. For the past several months we have been working with a major financial institution analyzing why their stock value has decreased and where they are going “wrong” in their front line business. We identified some major issues that have simple solutions; these changes will ultimately have a huge impact on their business practices and their front line behavior, but will require a paradigm shift in their thinking.

Our results were not a surprise, however the reaction from the company was interesting. They basically indicated that they had moved from being unconsciously horrible at the business to being consciously horrible at the business. They couldn’t see what they were doing wrong even though it was right in front of them. Sometimes it requires an “outsider” to come in and take a good look around. Our end results brought us to 7 key disconnects in their business practices that needed to be addressed. These problems have been seen both in mainstream retail and independent stores, so we decided to do an “unofficial” business audit and note similar business practices. Here are the 7 common disconnects found on the retail level within the craft industry:

First Impression Failure: When a customer comes into a store, she is either there for the first time, is a repeat customer or she has come in with a problem. Regardless of the reason, every time a customer comes in, she gets a certain impression of the store. We found, in the majority of the stores, that the first impression failed miserably. Often staff members were too busy to say hello and didn’t know how to approach a customer to see if she needed assistance. Many times, the staff wouldn’t even talk to a customer and she could walk out as quietly as she came in. Sometimes the atmosphere of the store was uncomfortable, like a fight had just happened between the staff and the management, and everyone was in a terrible mood. It showed on faces and in the manner they moved products around, or just in the way they spoke to each other.

First impression from a physical standpoint failed horribly in the independent store sector as products were disorganized and crammed in anywhere…or there was a great lack of products. Samples seemed old and tired, and handmade signage promoted classes that had already been taught weeks prior. Many stores had no personality or flavor, leaving the feeling that you had walked into an overpriced dollar store.

How to Improve the Customers First Impression of Your Booth

We need to recognize that their mistake is our opportunity. When retailers fail to make the sale they leave the door open for anyone with a similar product to make the sale. What is the first impression that you are creating?

Always greet every person who is passing your booth. Your greeting may be the only reason they look your way. Ask them if you can help them find something. Point them in the direction of whatever it is they are looking for even if it’s somebody’s booth.

No matter how slow the sales are that day remain positive and don’t discuss the slow show with other vendors or customers. Remember there are opportunities everywhere so be prepared to take them with a smile and positive attitude.

Set-up your booth at home and take a good look at it? Consider the first impression that you’re creating. Is your booth professional, clean, organized, warm, inviting, interesting and attractive? Is it cluttered or empty, disorganized, confusing, and unprofessional? Ask the show promoter for an additional space (or half space) if you need more room to keep your booth looking it’s best. A larger booth makes it easier for customers to enter and leave making it feel less claustrophobic as long as there is enough product displayed to fill the space. Display more arts or see about sharing booths, if your booth looks empty. Set-up products between your knees and eye level for the best visibility. Don’t lay things flat on the table, use packing boxes under table cloths to add some height. Arrange items that have something in common together and then display attractively. For instance all the T-shirts should be together, then all the large T-shirts might be together on the rack, then medium, small, and extra small.

Are the colors of your booth showing off your crafts well or are they distracting from and competing with them? Make corrections now to improve sales.

Set-up early at a show and use the extra time before the show to get the opinions of other artists and crafters. Ask them to tell you as much about their first impression of your booth as they can. Record what they say in a notebook for reference after the show. Carefully consider their opinions and you will know which ones make sense for your business. Take a good look at the booths around you and record the things they are doing right and the things they aren’t in your notes for later.

Next do an informal survey of your customers. During your conversation with them at the show tell them that you are working to improve your customer service and ask if they would be willing to spend a few minutes telling you what they thought about your booth. Always take notes.

If show promoters won’t allow surveys or drawings in your booth print some simple business cards that have a link to your online survey. As customers make a purchase include the card with their purchase. Tell them it’s there and that they will be entered to win a prize or will receive a small gift for answering the survey. Ask about things like first impressions, colors, displays, greeting they received, how prompt service was, price of product compared to value, etc. Make the survey as simple as possible while collecting the information that you need. Don’t forget that the survey will be skewed if you only ask people who purchased so ask people who check out your booth and a few passers by to take an extra look at the booth and do the survey as well.

Make signs on the computer for a more professional appearance. Check them for wear and tear. Update them occasionally be sure to make them timeless, simple and as clear as possible.

This entry is part 1 of 7 in the series 7 Ways for Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Customer Service 101 for Your Art and Craft Show

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:32:00 GMT

Recently I signed up to do business with a big company and have had nothing but a terrible experience. They have however helped me to realize what good customer service is and what it is not.

Good service is delivering what was promised, on time. It is realizing that as a business person it is your job to deliver value for your customers dollars.

Good customer service is having a way for your customers to reach you regarding any problems they are having with your art or craft, your policies or your business in general. It is having a clear effective way for them to report problems. It is listening to them and valuing their opinions.

Customer service is NOT giving people the run around. It is NOT making them call and leave several messages to resolve a problem. Customer service is NOT WAITING two weeks before returning phone calls. It is returning their calls within 2 days of them calling even if it is only to tell them you are sorry for the problem and working to resolve it. Then resolve it and let them know.

Providing good service ISN’T about correcting customers misconceptions about your business after they happen. It is preventing them in the first place, or taking responsibility for them if they do occur.

Great customer service is having a 100% satisfaction guarantee that states:

If you are unsatisfied with our product or service for any reason we will refund you money completely. No questions asked. However if you would like to tell us what is was wrong with our product or service we would be happy to listen so we can improve our business in the future.

It is informing all your employees of this policy. It is telling them that listening means not talking. It is giving them the authority and resources they need to refund the customers money.

Lastly customer service is about seeing upset customers as an asset. Upset customers can do the most damage to your business OR you can see that they are your best opportunities to grow. By hearing your customers complaints you know the places that your business needs improvement. If you resolve their problems with your business satisfactorily they may even become your best customers.

Do You Want to Know What Other Artists and Crafters are Doing?

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:15:00 GMT

Well today I was checking the polls and there have been a lot of you respond to them. So I will let you know what the results are as they currently stand.

What is the average price of your product?

1 person answered $20.01-$30
1 person said $100.01-$125

What are the 3 biggest obstacles your business faces?

1 person answered How to Market/Advertise My Business
1 answered Displays
2 said it was How to Make my Website Make More Money
1 said Cutting Costs
1 said How to Make More Sales at Shows

What seasons do you do shows?

1 said they do Fall Shows
2 said they do Winter Shows
2 of you do Spring Shows
2 do Summer Shows
1 only does Holiday Shows
2 or you do Shows All Year Long

When do you start selling Christmas and holiday merchandise?

1 said I sell holiday merchandise all year round
1 starts selling holiday merchandise right after Halloween
2 start selling holiday merchandise right after Thanksgiving

Do you change the look of your booth to coordinate with seasons, holidays, and other special occasions?

2 of you said Yes, I decorate my booth for the holidays and seasons
3 said No, my booth stays the same through out the year

What is your average income at craft shows per year?

4 answered Between $0 and $10,000
1 answered Between $30,000 and $40,000
1 answered Above $50,000

What do you sell at shows?

Note: I changed some of the answers to this poll so some of the answers are skewed just a bit.

3 answered Fine Art-Painting, Sculptures (this is where I made some changes, I divided Sculpture into it’s own category so some of the answers here might have belonged in the new category).
1 of you does woodworking
1 sells candles
1 sells health and beauty
1 pet items
2 of you sell jewelry
3 answered Other
1 answered Sculpture
1 answered Photography, Scrapbooking, or Paper Crafts

What types of shows do you usually sell at?

2 answered Juried Fine Art & Craft Shows
3 said Unjuried Art & Craft Shows
1 said Fair or Festivals
1 of you sells at Gem and Bead Shows
1 of you sells at Other Specialty Shows

Do you sell your arts and crafts on the web?

12 of you said Yes, I have a website
5 said No, I don’t have a website

Do you do any marketing outside of craft shows?

Is this poll working? So far only 1 of you has answered this poll. I wonder if this is the same person that is making over $50,000 a year. Do this one thing to out compete your competitors.

1 of you answered Yes I follow up with my customers outside of craft shows.

Do you do arts & crafts on the side or as a regular 9 to 5 job?

6 people do arts and crafts to make an extra income
2 people said Arts and crafts are my regular 9 to 5 job
5 people said that they want arts and crafts to be their regular 9 to 5 job

How much of you time is spent looking for quality show?

2 said 30%
1 said 50% or more
2 said 10%

So that is the results of the polls. I hope that gives you some insight into your business and your competitors. Please participate in the polls on our home page.

Free Books From Interweave

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:42:12 GMT

Get
Quilting Daily: Quilting Blocks
Artist Daily: Painting Portraits
Spinning Daily: Spinning Silk
Sew Daily: Sewing for Beginners
Beading Daily: Glass Beads
Knitting Daily: Cable Knitting
Cloth Paper Scissors: Assemblage
Crochet Me: Simple Crochet
Weaving Today: Weaving Projects
Jewelry Making Daily: Jewelry Business

All these great book free from one link!
http://e1.interweave.com/dsm?sna=fb&id=568DF61BC4A952F81253383F2D52F9627B7FAE81235DAFC2

Art and Craft Fair Taxes Due

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:37:00 GMT

With the New Year just around the corner I'm reminded it's tax time.

We have more taxes withheld from our personal income than what we will owe. This way we can plan on getting a substantial return and therefore are motivated to get out taxes done early.

How do you handle taxes for your art festival and craft show booth?

Are you organized and have everything in file folders or do you have everything in a shoe box? How is your system working for you? Do you file yearly or quarterly? Do you know what is required of your business?

Things you might need to help get your taxes filed in an orderly fashion are:

I'm working on being more organized next year but honestly this year haven't done my accounting all year. I guess I should get started so I won't be the one holding up our tax return.

Do Your Crafts Stand Out from The Crowd

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:11:00 GMT

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love HGTV. This week I was watching Unsellables and Sofie Allsop said something that made sense to me for craft show booths. Sofie said that in order to sell our house we have to make it stand out from the crowd.

How do we make our craft show booth stand out from the crowd?

Make your craft show display professional. Make it highlight your crafts not compete with them. Don’t over crowd or clutter your booth, also don’t let it get a picked over look.
Make your crafts the best quality.
Collect your customers contact information and respectfully contact them with information that will be valuable to them.
Offer the best customer service. Develop a relationship with them.
Offer the best guarantee.

These are just a few ideas of how you can make your handmade craft business stand out from the crowd. How do you make your handcrafts stand out and make an impression that people will remember positively?

Pilot artist space program launches in Pioneer Square

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:45:04 GMT

Pilot artist space program launches in Pioneer Square, International District
Artists invited to attend space workshop Jan. 7, take survey and apply for space consulting services

SEATTLE — The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs has launched the Artist Space Assistance Program (ASAP), a pilot program designed to provide relocation and placement services for artists and arts organizations seeking affordable studio, live/work, exhibition, performance and/or rehearsal space.

Nonprofit arts service organization Shunpike is developing and managing the program, which is focused in the Pioneer Square and Chinatown-International District neighborhoods. The program, also supported by 4Culture, grew out of community concerns related to the recent loss of artist studio space in Pioneer Square. The 619 Western Building, home to about 100 artist studios, closed in October to make way for construction of the Highway 99 tunnel below.

“One of the primary goals of ASAP is to connect property owners looking for tenants with artists in search of space,” said Vincent Kitch, director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. “Arts and culture play an important role in sustaining and building active, engaged neighborhoods that attract visitors, residents and businesses.”

Shunpike will assess artist needs and space opportunities, offer direct services to artists and arts groups and develop a model for expanding the program to other Seattle neighborhoods. Artists and arts groups working in Pioneer Square and the Chinatown-International District – especially those displaced by the closure of the 619 Western Building – will receive priority for participation in a small pilot group, which will receive free planning and placement services in January and
February 2012.

To help determine current art space needs citywide, Seattle artists and arts groups are invited to take an online survey available at www.shunpike.org/artist-space-assistance-program/. Artists and arts groups who want to be considered for the pilot program must complete the survey and check a box indicating their interest in the pilot group.

Shunpike will host a free art space workshop, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7 at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. Real estate broker Richard Hesik will give an overview of commercial real estate issues for artists. The event will include roundtable discussions, where artists will work with facilitators from Shunpike’s Arts Business Clinic. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit Shunpike’s website: www.shunpike.org/artist-space-assistance-program.

Shunpike’s mission is to fuel innovation in the arts by building productive partnerships, cultivating leadership and providing direct services to arts groups of all kinds.

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle. The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the city agency.

Are You Making Money Selling Your Crafts?

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:23:00 GMT

I was just wondering if you are making any money selling your crafts in this economy? What crafts are you selling, are they selling well? Have your sales improved or dropped off with the “recession” and what are you doing differently that has helped or possibly hurt your business?

Successful Handcrafts Business-Defining a Successful Craft Show Booth

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:33:00 GMT

“Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals, and then to work
toward them everyday, will do more to guarantee your success than any
other single factor.”
~Brian Tracy

How do you know if your craft show booth is successful if you haven’t defined what success means to you?

Does success mean money to you, if yes how much money? Does success mean time to spend with your family, how much time? Does it mean working fewer days and hours a week, how many hours a week is success to you? Does success mean working from a constant vacation-where, working from home, quitting your other job, or having a really great car -what kind? Does success mean talking to 100 people and getting the contact information for 25 so you can follow up with them?

Write down your goals for your handcrafted art and craft business. Define success for your craft show booth.

When you achieve your success who do you want to be there with you? Write it down.

Set goals both for your handmade craft business as a whole but don’t forget each time you are doing something for your craft show booth or business to define success for it. Remember if it’s not accomplishing something to help you reach your long term goal it is just a waste of time and money.

Haphazardly wandering through your business is like wandering aimlessly through the wilderness without knowing which peak you are trying to climb. You won’t ever reach the top if you don’t know where the top is. Choose a goal and know where it is then choose a path to get there.

Now choose a path that will take you to that place. Choose a narrowly defined path one that keeps you on track to achieving the goals you have set for your craft business. Wider paths can take you many places and are less likely to take you straight to your goals. Break down your large goal into the smaller more specific steps you can take to get there. Get out your calendar and write down 30 things you can do to help your business reach your goals. One on each day for the next month. See my series My 30 Day Plan to Greater Profitability to see some of my goals.

Your plan to reach your business goals is like your map to reach the top of the mountain. So choose your path to success and let everything you do for your craft business lead you to that goal.

Building List of Best US Art and Craft Shows on Twitter

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:26:00 GMT

Dear Readers,

I’m working to build the best list of art and craft shows in the US that Twitter has ever seen.

I’ve already started a list of artists and crafters that show promoters could visit looking for vendors of handcrafted items.

Help me get the two groups together if you are an artist or crafter on Twitter follow me at http://twitter.com/#!/TheExtravaganza and message me to that affect.

Message me your favorite art and craft shows that tweet and I will follow and list them for all to see.

Thanks,

Shasta

Money Management for Art & Craft Show Vendors

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:35:00 GMT

One of the things that baffles artists and crafters is how do I manage the money for my business.

First see my post on business licenses requirements. Having a business license is actually an asset to your business that allows you to open a business account, buy wholesale, do business in your location and more.

After you have a business license and have registered in your state as DBA (Doing Business As) go to the bank and open a business account. Mine was inexpensive (something like $5 if I remember correctly plus an initial deposit). My bank included a stamp that basically says:

Pay to the order of xxxxxxxx Bank
For Deposit Only
Business Name
Account Number

Be sure and get a checkbook register and record that first deposit. Put this in a safe location that won’t easily be forgotten.

Get a lock box that you feel is secure. A keyed lock box that is fairly heavy will allow you just a little more security at shows. Get petty cash just before shows so that you will be able to make change for your customers. See my hint on things to take to shows including change. Record how much petty cash you put in the box.

When a customer makes a purchase always write them a receipt which should include your business name, address, web address, email and phone number. A stamp or printed address label can make this easy to add. It should also include the customers name, address, phone and email (you can ask them if they would like to be added to your mailing list at this point and write it on the receipt with a simple “Y” or “N”). A memorable description of the item or items purchased, for instance jade and pearl necklace and earring set. Recording an accurate description of the item will help you determine your best sellers later on.

If they pay in cash place the money they hand you next to or on top of the lock box and make the appropriate change. This way you will know if they handed you a $1 bill, a $10 bill, a $20 bill or even $50 or $100, no confusion or debates. Then don’t forget to place the money in the appropriate place in the lock box and lock it if you won’t be using it again right away.

If they pay with a check immediately take out your stamp and stamp the back of your check. Place all checks in the bottom of the lock box.

If you accept credit cards follow the procedure defined by your merchant account and place all slips in the bottom of the lock box.

After shows:

run credit card purchases if they aren’t processed automatically at shows.
Count cash, checks, and credit card purchases.
Subtract petty cash from the total and verify that nothing was lost or stolen.
Deposit cash and checks into business account.
Transfer funds from merchant accounts, wait for check, or wait and verify direct deposit for all credit purchases.
Record all transactions in your business account register and on any accounting software you run.

At the end of the month balance your account with the statements from the bank or have your accountant do it. Immediately correct any mistakes.

If you use good accounting software that is it. You will simply need to print a profit and loss statement at the end of the year and give your accountant the invoices from your income and receipts you’ve saved for all your business purchases. You can create a handmade profit and loss statement if you don’t have accounting software (I recommend the free trials of accounting software though). Your profit and loss statement should include all sources of income broken down by categories such as purchases, interest, rebates etc. It should also include all expenses such as supplies and materials, travel, discounts given, donations, and more. Add all the income, add all the expenses, subtract the expenses from the income.

KEEP ALL PERSONAL EXPENSES SEPARATE FROM BUSINESS EXPENSES

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Commenting Etiquette For Craft Businesses

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:10:00 GMT

On January 7, 2011 I received this message from electric fence wire:

“Thanks admin for sharing this and link back to http://www.xxxxxxxxxx.net website that can help people to know about an advantage of electric fence wire.”

Why am I posting about this message? I am posting about this message because it is the kind of comment I get on my art and craft blog all the time. It proves that people are destroying their business reputations because they don’t know how to use blogs to draw attention to their business.

What did they do wrong?

Their business had nothing to do with the purpose of my blog?
Their post had nothing to do with the post or blog? They obviously didn’t even read the original post.
They gave no information that was relevant to my blog, post or customer.

Frankly I find it conceited and rude that they think I would just link to their site. I have no reason to recommend electric fence wire to my art and craft customers, they wouldn’t find it relevant to them. I have no reason to trust them or do business with them, so why would I risk the reputation of my business to link to them? The only thing I know about their business is that they treated me like a fool assuming I would just post such a link.

Comment correctly to build links and drive traffic to your site.

Visit blogs and communities that are related to your craft business.
Keep your comments relevant to the purpose of the blog and the individual post.
Share information that will be useful and valuable to the customers of the blog and to the original poster.

Use good commenting etiquette to build traffic to your craft business.

Find Thousands of Loyal Art and Craft Vendors

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:51:00 GMT

I have an account on Twitter with 800 followers mostly artists and crafters. Each of them has several to several thousand followers mostly people who buy the arts and crafts they produce.

What does this mean for your Fair, Festival or Craft Show?

If you are not on Twitter you are missing a huge opportunity to build a loyal following of artists and crafters who are potential vendors for your shows as well as missing the potential customers that buy those crafters products.

What is Twitter? It is a place people get together and share bite size bits of information about themselves, their business, and things they find interesting.

Why is Twitter a powerful tool for your business? Twitter allows you to establish a relationship with your customers by sharing fun tidbits about your events in a tweet. Your followers will receive those tweets, but the key here is that they can retweet (share) those tweets to their followers who can then follow you and retweet your posts to their friends. This means that you have access to hundreds and thousands of potential artists, crafters and the people who buy their arts and crafts.

How do you effectively use Twitter?

Sign up for a Twitter account. It’s quick and easy.
Let your loyal customers know you have a Twitter account and let them know where they can follow you.
Create a list for each type of craft you include in your show. Add each follower to the correct list so that you can contact just woodworkers, quilters, knitters, etc.
Follow The Extravaganza on Twitter and message us letting us know how we can categorize you in our lists.
Check out and follow some of our followers. Quality is as important as quantity in who you follow. Also check out their followers and follow them if appropriate.
Tweet post) fun tidbits about your art and craft show often.
Set your settings so you receive an email each time you get a new follower. Each time check to be sure you are following them if they are appropriate to your business type. Remember to check out their followers followers and follow them if appropriate.

Visit our website to list your show now,
remind us to tweet about your show
to our followers on Twitter in your comments.

Week 1 -My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:40:00 GMT

Recently I’ve been working to make my business more profitable each and every day. Today it occurred to me that I should share with you how I plan to do that.

Day 1-Set a goal to do something to make my business more profitable each day for 1 month.
Day 2-Make a plan. Get out a calendar and write down the goal for each day until calendar contains one goal for each day. Make each goal one that can be accomplished in a time frame of 1 day to 1 week.
Day 3-Finish writing down goals on calendar. Breaking larger goals down into step by step goals if necessary.
Day 4-Clean office so I can find everything I need to accomplish goals.
Day 5-Do projects I’ve been putting off for the past month or so especially accounting.
Day 6-Finish projects I’ve been putting off for last month.
Day 7-Blog about my experiences this week.

PS. This is not my office! LOL

Entry 1 of 6 in series My 30 Day Plan to Greater Craft Show Profitability. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Brief Introduction to Pam Grimm

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:03:00 GMT

Well before I use Pam Grimm’s article on the blog for the upcoming series I wanted to give you a brief introduction to her.

Pam is a lifetime crafter but got into the paper arts business 17 years ago. She ran a successful retail and manufacturing business which had retailers seeking them out to help them break into the then new Scrapbook business. Ten years ago Ideaco was formed and has helped hundreds of retailers from independent to franchise in many different retail industries with their business development from ground up to expansion. Pam has written for many magazines, TV spokesperson and is a speaker/trainer for leading retail institutions and conferences.

Ideaco is known for it’s leading edge, innovative direction that takes retailers into a strategy for success.

The Extravaganza Craft Productions would like to publicly thank Pam for allowing us to use her article in our upcoming series

Remember to bookmark the Extravaganza craft's Blog. Don’t miss a single post of “7 Ways For Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers” this great series that will improve your sales in simple ways that even the retailers are failing in. We will tell you how to overcome poor first impressions, lack of interest in customers, lack of product knowledge, assuming not assessing, lack of service options, and not asking for business.

What Type of Show Are You Most Likely to Attend?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:16:00 GMT

Just wondering what types of shows everyone is most likely to attend? So I would like you to comment with art show, art and craft show, juried craft show, unjuried craft show, fair or festival with commercial vendors allowed, rodeo, home and garden show, bridal show, or other specialty show. You can comment here or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ExtravaganzaCraft.

What type of show does your craft sell best at?

6 Reasons Your Art Festival Customer Won’t Buy

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Your customers won’t buy art from you if:

They don’t know where to find you or your product.
They aren’t prepared to buy now. For instance they weren’t expecting to see a product they wanted so they don’t have money right now.
They don’t know what you are selling.
You aren’t selling what they want.
If your handcrafted product is hard to get, the wrong price or bad quality.
You haven’t asked them if they would like to buy.

We were selling World’s Finest Chocolates as a fundraiser to earn our trip to Jamaica with ROC Wheels in March 2011.

The first day the kids sold chocolate bars, they sold very few. The next day more people knew they were selling them and several bought. The third day their sales increased again because people knew they could count on them having them and had their money together.

Problem: Not knowing it was available!

Solutions: Consistency, advertising, marketing your finished crafts to correct market, having a website or blog to show case your art work, email marketing.

One day my son took the chocolates to school. A child asked him if he had Mint Meltaways. He answered yes and was swarmed by kids who wanted the mints. They hadn’t bought before because they didn’t know he had them.

Problem: Not knowing what was available! Not offering enough variety.

Solutions: Better advertising and signage, having a website or blog, email marketing. Offering the right product to the right customer.

We arranged to sell the chocolates at a grocery store in town, set up a table and sat down to wait for our first customer. I noticed that although we were directly in front of the door many people walked right by or bought a product right next to us without even seeing we were there. When we asked if they could use chocolate for stocking stuffers many people checked out what we were selling.

Problem: Not knowing where to find you. Not knowing what you are selling.

Solutions: Consistency, better advertising and signage. Not being afraid to offer your product and ask for a purchase.

The favorite chocolate we are selling seems to be the caramel candy bar. Chocolate sales increase when we keep those in stock and decrease greatly when we run out. Some people will buy another variety, some won’t.

We noticed however that when we sold to a wider variety of people (at the store instead of the school) the different flavors all sold about the same.

Problem: Not selling what the customer wants.

Solutions: Find the right market for your product by selling to a different group of people. Change your product to meet the needs of the group you are currently selling to. Offer a wider variety of products or narrow your products to the ones your customers buy.

People at the store weren’t expecting to see us so they didn’t have a few dollars cash on hand. They usually went to buy groceries and came back with money to spend.

Problem: Customers aren’t prepared to buy now.
Solutions: Follow up through mail, email, a website or blog or even an occasional phone call. Remember just do it respectfully always giving the customer something they want for instance information they need, a discount, or even a special just for them.

One problem we didn’t face was resistance to price or quality. The problem is that a low price can give the idea that a product isn’t high quality, but if the price is too high customers won’t buy. The solution is to do your research and carefully set your price within a range the customer will pay. Decide if you want to have the lowest price, the highest price, or some where in the middle.

Press Releases for Art Festival and Craft Show Booths

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:20:00 GMT

Press releases are informational articles sent to the press. They are meant to inform the public of things happening in the area. They are free and will be printed in most publications as space allows (so send them early and often).

Press releases are a great way to advertise your art festival schedule and your craft product. A press release includes certain necessary parts:

Exciting and newsworthy headline
Summary that clarifies and defines the rest of the release
Body answers where, when, who, what, why and how

The body contains 6 parts they include:

Include your schedule of art fair, holiday arts and craft show, street fairs, and festivals and shows.

Lead paragraph
- City, State – Month Day, Year – Your Business Name
- What is happening
Quotes – From previous newspaper articles, quotes from show promoters, other crafters, or previous customers about your product.
The Why and How paragraph – Tell the reader why you are attending this craft show, why you make your product, why someone should come see your product and how to attend the event.
Call to Action – Ask the audience to do something i.e. See me at The Extravaganza or at my other upcoming shows.
Corporate Summary – Include a short summary of your art festival business here.
Contact Information – Name, Business Name, Phone Number, E-mail Address, Website

For samples of press releases look in your local newspaper, also examine the People in Business Section to determine the best place for your advertising.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

How to Know If I Should Attend A Trade Show

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT

The biggest difference between a craft show and a trade show is the buyer who will walk into the show.

Buyers at craft shows are the end consumer or the person who will use the product. Many buyers at trade shows are representatives or agents of retail stores. They come to trade shows looking to buy large quantities of various items which will then be resold to the end consumer.

These representatives will expect to pay a much lower price (usually half) than the customers at a craft show because they will then need to mark up the price again to make a profit on the resale.

Things to Consider

1. Will I be able to make my product quickly enough to fulfill many wholesale orders in large quantities? Will I have space to create, pack and ship large orders?

2. What price should I charge for my product wholesale?

Most retailers will mark up the price you give them at least 30% and in some industries up to 700% is standard. The key to knowing what price to charge is to do some research.

Call the owner or manager of retail stores selling products like yours and tell them you are doing market research on your product. Ask them about the product you are considering, the usefullness of the product to their customers, the style and other design elements of the product. Ask what price they would expect to pay for such a product and what they would charge for similar products.

The most common rule for wholesale pricing is to charge two times the cost of producing the item (don’t forget to add costs not directly associated with the item like studio rent, travel, shipping, electricity). Expect retailers to at least double your wholesale price, when setting retail prices.

3. Am I able to create my product for this price and still make a reasonable profit on my business overall?

4. Do I want to offer:
• A discount for buying larger quantities?
• A guarantee, how long is my product guaranteed, and what is covered?
• Additional materials to help with the sale?
• Samples?
• Marketing materials?
• Case prices and packaging?
• Product buy back if it doesn’t sell?

5. Am I going to continue to sell my product retail? How am I going to set my retail price without competing with my wholesale buyers?

The Pros and Cons of Trade Shows
Pro: Larger orders
Con: Lower price

Pro: Larger orders
Con: How to produce those large orders in a short time?

Pro: Trade shows may target my exact industry or customers for instance a Toy Trade Show would be perfect for selling handcrafted toys.
Con: Cash Flow -Cost of preparation and having enough supplies on hand.

Pro: Less time spent selling. I now sell my product to one person whose job is to sell my product.
Con: Less connection/ feedback from/with the customer.

Pro: Selling to a wider audience.
Con: Chance of creating competition with people who bought from you. In essence competing with your self.

How Face Shape Affects Sales of Handmade Jewelry

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:47:00 GMT

Lets face it selling handmade jewelry is tough. Handcrafted jewelry artists need every advantage they can get. I found an article I think will help.

Face Shape and Jewelry Choices by Barbara Van Look of Fire Mountain Gems is a very informative article. I thought it might help jewelry artists suggest the most flattering jewelry choices for their customers faces and increase their sales.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/encyclobeadia/beading_resources.asp?docid=A21B&WT.fmg_linksection=1K2B4BPKRVB81&_rid=173300.1704.459736&WT.mc_id=NL100511H_2#roundface

License Requirements for Art and Craft Show Businesses

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT

Is a license required for your art and craft show booth, art and craft show, or online art and craft business?

The answer is it depends on the city, county, and state you live in. Every city, county and state creates their own rules and regulations regarding business licenses and special event permits etc. Each location will also have it’s own rules on tax collection at art and craft shows.

So how do you find out if you need a business license or special event permit for your craft business? Call your city offices and ask them what department handles business licenses and special event permits. You can also type your city, county, state and the keywords business license requirements or special events permits into a search engine.

My business is outside the city limits so my city won’t issue me a business license. My county and state don’t require business licenses for my type of craft business. I finally visited a neighboring city and was issued a business license.

You will usually need a business license to buy wholesale. It is to your benefit to get a business license even if you aren’t required to have one.

Register your business with your state as a DBA (Doing Business As) as this allows you to get a business checking account which will make doing your taxes so much easier.

Also read Starting Your Art of Craft Business-Legal Requirements to Start Your Business

Visit the State Resources page at Extravaganza Craft Productions for more information if you live in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, or South Dakota.

Know the requirements for your city, county or state and live in the areas mentioned above?

Please comment on this post with the address, phone number and website of places artists and crafters can contact for more information. I will add that information to the State Resources page to help other crafters in your area.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Places to Look for Art & Craft Shows-A Getting Started Guide for Beginning Artist or Crafter

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:16:00 GMT

Looking for art and crafts shows occupies a large amount of time for the vendor who makes a living selling at shows. One time saving hint: knowing where to look for shows is the key to saving time looking for them.

For the longest time the only place you could find good shows was to attend a show and talk to the different vendors about the shows they had attended. Unfortunately these show had often happened in the previous two weeks or were about to happen in the next two weeks. Often there wasn’t time enough to get registered for them and the shared information was already forgotten by next year.

And now a brief message from our sponsor:

If you’re looking for shows in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota or South Dakota…The Extravaganza Craft News is a great place to look!

Okay enough of tooting my own horn, smile!

When I was looking for shows to attend the places I looked were:

The internet-using different combinations of keywords you will come up with all different kinds of results. Search for combinations of: arts, crafts, fairs, festivals, antique shows, jewelry shows, gem and bead shows, trade shows, farmers’ markets, shows, show listings, bazaars, boutiques and other words to do with your craft to narrow down the search. Include the name of the city and state to search the area where you would like to sell. Include Christmas or holiday if you’re searching for seasonal shows.

Many sites will give you sample listings, some will have free listings, and others will have paid memberships, newsletters etc. Hint: Find a listing that covers your area and purchase it. It will help you find the information you need before considering which shows to apply for. Freeing up your time to do other more profitable tasks.

Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Centers, Community Centers, Fairgrounds-These are either the places local shows are held or they are often the sponsors of local shows. They will usually know about which shows happen yearly and might have phone numbers for the contacts of many local shows.

Local Newspapers-Newspapers will often carry advertising for shows that are happening in their area of coverage. Look for call to artists/crafters in the press releases as well as in community calendars, etc.

Grocery stores, gas stations, local restaurants, store windows-You will find bulletin boards in many businesses around town. Many places will even hang posters in their windows so open your eyes and look.

Ask show promoters-Don’t forget to ask show promoters if they hold other shows or if they know of any other shows they recommend in the area.

Word of Mouth-Word of mouth is still a good way to go. Ask your friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, and church group about their favorite shows/events in your area. Ask other artists that you meet, attend shows and ask vendors what other shows they know of. Keep a log and you’ll be prepared to find the shows again next year.

Craft Festival Vendors Make Your Business Card Do Double Duty

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:28:00 GMT

I received an email the other day from Give to Get Marketing expert, Joe Gracia, that shows how Mullen’s Ice Cream Shop uses their business card to do double duty.

The business card contains the business contact information including name and phone number, but also includes an offer to the business’s customers.

The business card functions as a coupon for $1.00 off purchases of $6.00 or more, $2.00 off purchases of $12.00 or more, $3.00 off purchases of $18.00 or more, or 2 scoops for the price of one. They easily fit all this information on one side of a business card.

There are several ways this concept could be adapted to any business, but I immediately thought of art and craft festival vendors.

Different craft vendors should use different offers.

For instance lower priced jewelry might use an offer very similar to Mullen’s offer above with just a small increase in savings for a slightly larger purchase. Instead of two scoops for the price of one you could use get a free pair of earrings valued at $x.xx with every necklace valued at $xx.xx purchased. For higher priced items like fine art or furniture you might want to increase the size of the discount (or use a % off offer) and purchase to fit more with your items.

The idea is to encourage a customer purchasing one item at craft festivals to purchase an additional item or complimentary item as they will receive a larger discount or savings the more they purchase.

Other offers that could be used on a business card include:

$x.xx off offers
x % off offers
buy x get x -1/2 off and other similar offers
buy x get x free

The back of the card should have a picture of your best seller and say, “Bring this card and a friend to any show and receive xx offer. See our website for current show schedule.” It should then list your website address. NOTE: Your website should tell what shows you will be attending, have other places they can purchase your items (such as galleries, specialty shops, etc.), and have pieces for sale. By including a coupon code beneath each offer on the front they could use the coupon on their online order to encourage larger online sales.

HOW TO ATTRACT CUSTOMERS LIKE A MAGNET
Marketing is all about ‘helping people get what they want.’ Simply do that and you’ll have all the customers and sales you’ll ever need. Learn this simple formula and your business will begin to grow instantly. For more information, visit: Give to Get Marketing

Rocky Mountain Arts & Crafts Festival -Billings MT

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:24:44 GMT

Don’t forget to to visit Rocky Mountain Arts & Crafts Festival in Billings, Montana this Mar. 10 & 11, 2012.

Handcrafted arts and crafts festival vendors contact Doug at 406-696-6585 to reserve your show booth now. Remember to tell him thank you for listing his show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in Montana each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

To list your show with The Extravaganza Craft News and advertise directly to art and craft vendors visit our Art and Craft Show "Promoters" page.

How To Double Craft Show Fair Booth Sales and Make More Money

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:13:00 GMT

We all face the same problem how to sell more handcrafted arts and crafts and make more money. Want to know the easiest way to double sales on your website and in your craft show fair booth?

People want what they want and they want it now! Make it easy for them to get your items now and in the future.

My family sold fireworks the past 3 years. The first year I noticed something that held true the other two.

I noticed that 50% of sales at the fireworks stand were made on credit cards. I also noticed that people who had decided they had already spent their limit often decided to purchase more when they learned we accepted credit cards.

More people buy when they hear that we accept credit cards because psychologically they are separated from the feeling of spending money. Taking out a piece of plastic and handing it to someone feels different than taking out a dollar and handing it to someone.

People spend more money when buying with a credit card because they can. They want something right now and they can get it now by putting it on a credit card.

People have been conditioned to forget about the payment involved with a credit card, because… they can pay for it later.

Lori Mulholland of Stitch a Book (www.Stitchabook.com) says,
“My experience at shows are your HAVE to take CC’s. Some of my shows are 50 % CC income.

I started out with the old Knuckle-buster hand push-pull contraption, and was recently told about SQUARE. It’s a white square that has a divot in it. You attach it to your smart phone, and you can slide the CC in the divot and process it that way. You get the customers email address, and the reciept is sent to them via email. Google “Square” and you will see it. The Costs of accepting CC’s is way better than the alternative. I have used Propay for many years and it has worked well, but it was brought to my attention at a recent show, that the use of the knuckle-buster is now illegal, for identity theft purposes. Having access to the whole number is OUT-Dated and Out lawed. The Square takes all that off your plate.”

When people pay cash for an item they may have to wait six months or more while they scrimp and save up for it. Giving them the feeling that they will have to work and sacrifice for it, something they don’t want to do.

In the meantime they will probably forget that they wanted the item or where they saw it. Save yourself time, effort, and profits by making it easy for customers to purchase now.

What does this mean for your arts and craft shows booth? It means that you can double your sales at fairs with this one simple solution, accept credit cards!

Why don’t we all accept credit cards?

Most of us look at the cost of accepting credit cards and it seems that it’s going to cost us more than we can afford.

We look at the options available and we see that it’s going to be seemingly inconvenient for us. With new solutions like SquareUp (https://squareup.com/) that work with our mobile phone there are no excuses.

The costs of accepting credit cards becomes unimportant when you consider that you will double your sales and profits by accepting them.

PS Don't forget to have a sign saying you accept credit cards. People will actually stop by because they can use their card with you.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Quick, Easy, Inexpensive Christmas Crafts

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:31:00 GMT

With the economy the way it is everyone is strapped for cash. Artists and crafters can always create inexpensive gifts for Christmas, but it usually helps to have some ideas on hand for inspiration.

So it was nice to have this link shared with me. Thanks Jasmine.

100 DIY Gift Ideas for the Cash-Strapped College Kid

Sell Handcrafted Jewelry by Making Your Booth Stand Out at Shows

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:52:00 GMT

How can you make your booth stand out at jewelry shows?

1. Specialize in something!

Artisans can specialize in:

* gold or silver jewelry
* vintage pieces
* bridal jewelry
* jewelry from natural gemstone, precious or semi-precious stones
* Western, outdoor, rugged, or nature jewelry
* Silverware jewelry
* Pieces inspired by any race or nationality
* Beaded jewelry
* remake antique jewelry

Your pieces can be inspired by a place such as all your pieces having the colors of the Grand Canyon or your favorite mountain scene. They might be inspired by your favorite city, or even by an industrial building.

The key in specializing is to choose a large group of people with similar tastes in handcrafted jewelry and design jewelry specifically for them.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Make Your Craft Show Display Stand Out From The Crowd

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 06:54:00 GMT

By Amrendra Singh

If you have decided to try your hand at setting up at craft shows, festivals, or flea markets, then you’ll need to have the right craft show display to make your wares stand apart from the rest. This is especially important if you are selling something like jewelry or any other staple craft show item. Having a great craft show display can make a big difference between having someone walk right by you or stop for a look and hopefully a sale. Here are some great ways to create an eye-catching craft show display.

Craft Show Display Basics

When you first get started you will have to purchase the right equipment and this can be a bit of an investment, but if you think you will continue doing shows then you’ll need the following:

Canopy or tent – The proper canopy or tent will protect your goods from rain and sun. Delicate crafts made from fabric, paper or handmade clothing can become damaged from just a few hours of direct sunlight.
Tables – Most craft show displays require at least table or two for their set up. Buy the lightest, easiest thing to carry around. You can find many aluminum models that fold up with ease and can be tucked away in almost any vehicle. Don’t forget a small chair for yourself.
Weights – Make sure you carry weights, large water bottles that can be filled, or small sand bags. You will need to tether these to your tables or tent with bungee cords in case of a windy day.
Display cases – No matter what you are selling you can find the right craft show display case for your items. Look at retails suppliers or ask other vendors. A thrift store can give you some great items on the cheap.
Quality fabric – Cover your tables in bright fabric. Take your time to come up with a great color scheme for your craft show display. Work your tent color, table covers, and products into a harmonious craft show display.

Beyond The Basics

Once you have the basic equipment that you’ll need for your craft show display then you’ll need a few creative ideas to get people into your booth.

The set up – Make sure that your tables are positioned in a way that is easy for customers to see. Keep your tables near the front of the tent so people can walk by casually. Don’t expect people to walk to the back of your booth, it may seem obvious, but people want to keep going unless something really interests them.
Height – Try hanging things from the tent to catch people’s eye from afar. This can work for a lot of items. If you can’t do that, make sure you vary the height on your tables. Use small shelves, boxes, or other display items to give the tables a richer feel.
Mirrors – Always bring a mirror for people to look at things they may want to try on.
Signage – Have a banner or business cards on display is a great idea. Even if someone doesn’t want something today, they can come back and find you or email you.
Pricing – For many people seeing clear price tags on items is very helpful. Lots of shoppers don’t feel comfortable engaging in chitchat over every item in the booth. If you are getting really busy, this will save you lots of time from answering questions.

Hints To Keep You Ahead

If you are a newcomer to the festival scene then you may not yet realize what an ally other vendors can be for you. Although they may seem like the competition and in some cases they are, they can also help give you invaluable advice. Remember to always respect your boundaries with your craft show display. Most arguments between vendors center around just an inch or two! When space is at a premium people can become very territorial, just remember to take care with your craft show display and stay on your neighbor’s good side. He’ll be the guy you entrust with your craft show display when it’s time for a bathroom break. Follow these tips to have a great craft show display no matter whether you’re a newbie or a festival regular!

http://www.fairsandfestivals.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amrendra_Singh

How to Sell Crafts Online

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:50:00 GMT

Many artists and crafters are learning that to really succeed at your hobby as a business you need to market your crafts well.

Marketing involves engaging your customers in a relationship that builds trust and friendship. It is easiest and most cost efficient to maintain this relationship using the resources that the internet provides us. For instance online stores, web sites, e-mail marketing, and more.

Selling crafts online gives customers who want to buy but don’t have the money right now another place to buy when they are ready. Include a coupon and link to your online store or website on your business card and give it to every customer who enters your craft show booth. Let customers know if they visit your online store and enter the coupon code they will receive a discount.

With more crafters than ever looking to sell crafts online more and more places to sell crafts are popping up all over the internet. I’ve created a page to help you sell your crafts online.

Get YourNewbieQuick Start Guide to Internet Marketing!

Please comment below and let us know if you’ve used any of these sites and how you felt about your success with them. Also please include the price range of your arts or crafts, and what you sell, if you sell crafts online feel free to include a link to your online store so we can take a look.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Craft Fair Vendors-Benefits of Hiring Your Child

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:48:00 GMT

There are many benefits to hiring your children to work in your art or craft show booth. Your children will learn responsibility and business skills while your craft business will reap the tax benefits. You can teach your child about scheduling, work ethic, entrepreneurship, setting goals and accomplishing them to the best of your ability.

Give your child clear tasks and hold them accountable for accomplishing them.

The law is simple treat your child like an employee :

Have your child do tasks that are appropriate for their age. Choose tasks they are already good at, for instance a computer savvy teen might be able to type letters to your clients, or even build websites. Artistic teens could design brochures and younger children could place address labels and stamps on mailings. Children who enjoy crafting might help assemble less technical parts of the jewelry you are creating or paint base coats on the
Document the tasks and hours that your child works. Keep good records just like you would with any other employee.
Pay your child the same wage as you would pay any other employee doing the same task. Pay your child minimum wage for stamping envelopes if you would hire an employee to stamp envelopes at minimum wage. Pay your child per envelope if you would pay a temporary employee per envelope.
Pay your child regularly with a check.
All assignments completed must be necessary to the business. The child must actually be doing work for the business.
File state and federal quarterly payroll reports, a W-2, and a tax return for the child at the end of the year, even if no taxes are due.

The long and short of it is that the IRS when performing an audit needs proof that the work your child did for your business was a necessary business task, that was actually completed by your child, and that you paid them a fair and reasonable wage. Waiting to pay your child until the end of the year will cause suspicion that you are just trying to avoid paying taxes.

Visit the US Dept. of Labors website at http://www.dol.gov/whd/childlabor.htm for more information.

Building Your Art or Craft Show Blog

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:45:00 GMT

Buyers at art and craft shows love to hear the story of the person creating the crafts. They love to feel that they know person they are doing business with and that they are doing business with a real approachable person. This is an important part of the trust building process that must go on between a buyer and seller.

A craft blog (short for weblog) is a great inexpensive way to share your story with buyers at the markets, both before and after they attend craft shows. There are many different providers of free blogs including WordPress. I used WordPress because when I built my website I had no technical knowledge of HTML, installing blogs, etc. WordPress was fairly easy for me to figure out and install, yet it has many different plugins that add functionality. You pick and choose what you need your craft blog to do.

Your blog is a great place to let people know what craft shows you are attending and what booth number you will be in. It’s a wonderful place to announce new products and services, as well as to share tips on product maintenance. Share bits of your personal story, as well as information about the techniques and supplies you’ve used.

Key to getting a lot of traffic to your blog stay on topic giving your customers the information they are looking for, and post search engine optimized posts often. Be sure your blog points your visitors back to your website if you have one.

One last tip that was shared with me recently join blogfrog at http://theblogfrog.com I joined a few weeks ago and new people follow my blog every single day.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Explaining What You Do In 15 Seconds with Your Marketing Message

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:08:00 GMT

by Charlie Cook
©2007 In Mind Communications, LLC, all rights reserved.
www.marketingforsuccess.com

You’re in the elevator and your friend John introduces you to Barbara who is the CEO of one of the companies you’d like to do business with. Barbara asks, “What do you do?”

Here is your chance to make a connection with a prime member of your target market. You want to get her attention, make a positive impression and get her interested enough to continue the conversation. You’ve got about fifteen seconds to do this.

Do you have an elevator speech?

Whether you are in the elevator, or on the phone, the way you start the conversation will determine whether or not it will continue. You could tell anyone what you do if you had half an hour, but with fifteen seconds you’re likely to simply label yourself, as most people do.

Labels don’t tell us much. Imagine you told Barbara, in the elevator, that you are a coach or a consultant. Are you talking about working with high school kids, senior managers, or actors? Few job labels tell your audience who you work with. Most labels are not only vague but don’t help to prompt the conversation to continue.

You could be more specific and tell your prospect you are a tax accountant or an automation specialist. That gives people some idea of what you do, but still doesn’t explain why your prospect should care.

Instead of using a label, you could tell your prospect how you do your work, the processes you use. You might say, “We analyze light manufacturing companies to identify areas where the addition of a programmable logic controller could boost throughput.” If she understands what you are talking about, you still haven’t given her a reason to contact you.

Whether you are an executive coach, lawyer, accountant, or automation specialist, when you start talking about the processes you use eyes glaze over and minds shut down. While you may have developed processes that no one else uses, prospects don’t car about the process, at least not initially.

One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming their message should be about themselves. If you are in business to provide services and products to clients and customers, your marketing message should be about their needs and wants. Here’s the difference:

• “I’m a marketing coach.” (It’s about me, and who really cares?)
• “I help independent professionals attract more clients and make more money.” (It’s about what I do for others and should prompt the question, “How do you do that?”)

Your prospects’ primary concern isn’t you. They want to know what you can do for them and how you can help them profit, financially, physically or emotionally. They want to know if you can solve a problem for them.

To get attention with a short sentence about the problems you solve, you might tell Barbara you “help reduce manufacturing operating costs and increase profits”. Cost containment is a continual problem for any CEO and should pique her interest and prompt follow up.

Stop shutting the door to new business with your business marketing message. When people ask you what you do, avoid using a label or a discussion of process. Instead, quickly clarify who you help and what type of problems you solve. One sentence should do the job.

Talking about what you do in a new way takes a little getting used to. The first couple of times you stop yourself from saying, “I’m an executive coach or consultant” and replace it with a marketing message or elevator speech that describes how you actually help clients, it will feel awkward. Keep using and fine tuning your small business marketing message and soon it will not only give prospects a clear idea of what you do but you’ll be comfortable using it.

Once you have a 15 second marketing message that works you can use it in the elevator, in the airport, on the phone, and at parties and watch your business grow.

You’ll b e more successful with a brilliant marketing message and elevator speech. You’ll be able to quickly help people understand how you can help them so they’ll buy from you.

The author, Charlie Cook, helps small business owners and marketing professionals attract more clients, whether you are marketing in print, in person or online. Sign up for the Free Marketing eBook, ‘7 Steps to get more clients and grow your business‘, full of practical marketing strategies you can use to increase profits at www.MarketingForSuccess.com

Creating a Marketing Plan For My Craft Show Business

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:32:00 GMT

People in general require 7 or more contacts with a person or business to become comfortable with them.

Most people only buy from your craft show business after 7 contacts with it although there will be the rare person who will buy from you the first time they come into your show booth.

Do you see the same customer walk into your craft show booth very rarely, rarely, sometimes, regularly, often? Are those contacts daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly?

You are making a common mistake if you answered that you very rarely, rarely, or sometimes see the same customers at craft shows. Many crafters spend too much time and money chasing new art and craft show customers and don’t spend enough on turning people who are already interested in your crafts (your prospects) into buying customers.

You are losing most of your sales if you don’t follow up with customers who come into your booth.

Follow up with your customer by creating a marketing plan.

A marketing plan is a very simple guide for your business. It shows you what you are doing to guide your prospects through your process to buying your arts and crafts.

Quickly make a list of everything you use to create a contact with your customer including business cards, fliers, emails, website, blog, art and craft shows, direct mailing pieces, phone calls, and social networking. Leave lots of space between each item so you can write down the goal of each thing. Decide on and write down a single goal for each marketing piece.

Goals can include things like getting prospect to:

visit my blog
follow me on facebook, twitter, LinkedIn or other social marketing
visit website
give me name and contact information
share their email
tell me their needs
getting a testimonial
visit my craft show booth
buy something

The goal of each marketing piece will help you determine where that piece of marketing will go in your marketing plan. Make sure to emphasize the desired action you want your customer to take in each piece of your marketing so that your prospects can easily tell what action you would like them to take.

Customers aren’t likely to trust you enough to buy handmade crafts from you on the first contact. Now draw a map of how you would like to encourage your customers from their first contact with you down the path to buying crafts. Remember to continue to encourage those who come into your booth and have purchased crafts from you before to come back to your craft show booth or website.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Does Your Art and Craft Business Need a Business Plan?

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 05:20:00 GMT

A business plan can help direct your business in it’s advertising and marketing efforts, help you get a small business loan, find investors, apply for grants or scholarships, or even help you sell your business.

A business plan can consist of many things but a simple formula to create your own business plan is to write a few paragraphs about each of the following:

The history of the business (if you’re purchasing an existing company or creating a business plan for a company that has been in business a long time).
Your experience as a business person in the industry.
A plan for the future-The Mission Statement and goals of your Business
Who you target market is and how you plan to reach them
Expenses and income (in general) over 3 to 5 years.

A business plan is sort of like writing down your long term (3 to 5 years) goals and then breaking them down into bite size chunks. You can then break down each short term goal and set a date to accomplish those things that well help you achieve your long term goals.

Your plan helps guide your advertising and marketing decisions because there is no point spending thousands of dollars advertising if your goals aren’t that big. It helps you remember what your goal is and sort out if the advertising and marketing you are planning will help you reach that goal. It keeps you on track doing what is really important… to accomplish what is really important to you.

Looking for business credit? Banks and other lending establishments know that most businesses fail in the first few years. They want to lend to those businesses that are most likely to succeed. A business plan helps to set your business apart from all the others. It shows that you have a goal and that you have a plan to accomplish it. It makes your business more likely to succeed so lenders and investors will be more willing to work with you.

Many grants and scholarships are may be available and will require copies of your business plan as part of the application process.

People planning on buying an arts and craft show business will have a better idea what they are purchasing if you have a business plan in place. When buying your business they will need a business plan to give to the bank. They can base their plan off of yours just adding their own experience in the space where yours was and adding their own goals for the craft business.

In other words, “Yes, your business probably does need a business plan.”

Get Your Business Plan Guide and Workbook for Business Success!

Get Your Business Planning System Here!

Do-It-Yourself Guides, Tools & Templates! + Support for Business Plans

Reach Your Art or Craft Business Goal

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:18:00 GMT

Set a goal for your art or craft business, then set a reasonable amount of time to accomplish that goal in. Working on it a little bit every day makes it nearly impossible not to accomplish it eventually.

Goals that you might need to work on to improve your handcrafted business:

Learn to know my customers and market better.
Improve the customer service my customer receives.
Sell more at shows-become a better salesman.
Follow up more with customers-collect contact information and follow up respectfully.
Improve marketing plan or pieces.
Build a website.
Promote my “handcrafted” website.
Automate more of the sales process.
Make my business paperwork including business cards, fliers, brochures, catalogs, invoices, etc. more consistent to build brand awareness.
Make sure all my business paperwork has correct information on it including business name, contact name, complete mailing address, phone, website, and email.
Improve my displays.
Find new places to sell my arts and crafts including gift shops, galleries, specialty shops, and handcrafters boutiques, etc.
Improve my online sales.
Improve my offline sales.
Improve my accounting techniques.
Improve profits-set correct prices or cut costs.
Organize my workshop, studio or store for a better customer experience and better efficiency.

Setting a goal for your art or craft business is like climbing a pyramid you can’t do it in one giant step. Instead break it down into smaller steps. Promise yourself to at least try and do one smaller step a day. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t, instead try to go on the next day and celebrate the days you accomplish more than one step.

Work on one of your business goals at a time until you get really good at doing it consistently. When you are really good at reaching your current goal add another goal without dropping the first one.

Grow Your Craft Show Business During Tough Economic Times Published

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:06:00 GMT

The Extravaganza Craft Publications would like to thank State of the Arts for publishing their article Grow Your Business During Tough Economic Times. Check it for great tips on how you can grow your business even when times are bad financially.

Thank you Montana Arts Council

Attending Craft Shows Isn’t Just About Selling Arts and Crafts

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:07:00 GMT

Okay, I know what you’re thinking if attending craft shows isn’t about selling crafts then what is it about?

It is about selling crafts but it’s also about many other things. For instance attending craft show is about knowing who your customer is, building a relationship with a them, it’s about collecting your customers contact information and later following up with them, and it’s about getting feedback about your product.

If you base the success of a craft show solely on the number of customers you saw, the number of sales or the dollars you made there, you are missing the boat. Attending a craft show means so much more to your business.

Let’s start with market research. A local craft festival can be a good place to try out your new product idea without a large investment of your time or resources. You can create just enough of a product to fill a booth and create a nice display. Create a few signs stating the benefits of the product to the customer. Rent an inexpensive booth at a show where the type of person who would buy your product would be in attendance. Now pay close attention to who comes into your booth:

what age are they?
are they men or women?
are they well educated?
what seems to be their income level?
do they have children?

Make notes about your observations and soon a pattern will emerge. You now know what kind of person to market your product to. The type of person who enters your booth most often will probably be the type of person to buy your product most often so pay close attention.

Now that you know who you customer is you will always want to focus on that type of person with all of you advertising and marketing dollars.

People want to buy from companies that they trust. They want to know if they have customer service issues that someone will resolve them. Attending craft shows is your opportunity to show customers what level of customer service they will receive when they buy your product. Treat every customer like your best customer and they just might become, “Your Best Customer.” Get to know the customer and establish a relationship with them. Find out their name and say it a few times during the conversation. Try to remember it the next time you see them, they will be impressed when you remember their name.

Your best customer is the person who just bought from you, so you need to devise a way to contact them. A simple way to do this is to use a duplicate receipt book and include their name, address, phone, and email on the receipt. Ask their permission to add them to your mailing list and write that on the receipt. Include your contact information on the receipt and they have everything they need in one place to contact you if they have a problem or need to make another purchase.

Having a customers contact information doesn’t do you any good if you never contact them again. Send out a birthday discount (be sure and collect this info if they will tell you on the receipt), special occasion and holiday discounts, notices of where they can find your product, and relevant merchandise information. Tell them to bring your mailing and a friend to see you at craft shows to receive a small gift.

AutoWebBusiness.com is an inexpensive way to follow up with your customers through automated email series a.k.a. autoresponders.

The best part of attending a craft show is getting feedback on your product. This is all about your attitude. You can be offended by criticism or you can see it as market research. Anyone who comes close enough to criticize your product was probably interested in it. Criticism can help you improve your product and make more sales. If many of your customers would want what was suggested it is worth it to try to implement the changes suggested. So instead of getting down about criticism enjoy the compliment that they were interested enough in you and your product to try to help out.

Smile genuinely and thank complaining customers for their advice, write it down and consider the benefits and risks of implementing them when you have more time and energy to deal with them. Write down the compliments as well and remember you don’t want to change these things unless you can improve on them.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

How to Build a Website for Artists and Crafters

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:27:00 GMT

Easy instructions for creating a website are located at:
https://www.storesonlinepro.com/store/4184138/build%20a%20website

Know Who Buys Jewelry at Art and Craft Shows

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:02:00 GMT

What would be easier trying to make everyone aware of and want your product OR trying to sell your product to people who already want it?

A key building block to a successful business is knowing who your target audience is. Without knowing your target audience it’s likely you will spend your money trying to make everyone aware of and want your product instead of trying to sell your product to those people who already want the product you are offering.

Demographics is the word used to describe the characteristics a group of people have in common. For instance the people who most often buy jewelry have many things in common that will help you know exactly how to market your product to them.

I’ve found that getting the demographics for any particular group of people could be especially cost prohibitive for artists and craft persons. Most of us can’t afford the $2500 it costs us to get a professional report on who our target audience is. I was thrilled when I found so much free information about the demographics of jewelry buyers on Google Answers http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=339097.

Of course you might find that your exact customer doesn’t fit the mould of most jewelry buyers.

The best way to obtain exact information about your target customer is to survey the people who buy from you. Ask questions like age, average income, amount spent on jewelry a year, who they usually buy for, how much they are willing to spend on one piece, time of year they spend the most on jewelry, if they usually buy one piece or multiple pieces, etc. Asking this many personal questions will probably require an incentive so you might consider offering a coupon for a free or discounted piece of jewelry to respondents.

One thing is certain your business will be more successful if you gather the demographics of your customers and then market specifically to that group of people.

Also read How to Know What Crafts Sell at Craft Shows and Sell Handcrafted Jewelry by Making Your Booth Stand Out at Shows

5 Ways NOT to Get Invited Back to Art and Craft Shows

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:21:00 GMT

Everyone probably remembers the artist or crafter who bugged them so much they asked not to be placed near them again… Don’t be that person.

Don’t put together a professional display. Make sure the legs of your booth stick out into the aisles, don’t use sturdy tables and don’t cover them. Don’t make things secure. Just bring cardboard boxes and let people rummage through them.
An unstable display will not make your business profitable, is dangerous, and might get you and the show promoter sued. Remember to keep all parts of your booth including the legs and storage in the space the show promoter provided, everyone paid for their space and no one is happy when their customers are tripping over the legs of your booth.

On the other hand a professional display will be safe for you, your customers, the artists around you, and the show promoter. It will also increase your sales. Ask show promoters for an extra booth or half booth if you need more space to create a safe display.
Refuse to hand out fliers, postcards, or to hang posters saying this is the job of the show promoter. When sales are slow go around asking everyone if they made back their booth price. Then accuse the show promoter of taking advantage of the artists and crafters.
OR

Imagine there are 100 artists at an art and craft show, each one mailed 100 postcards to their customers in the area asking them to come see them at the show. They also told everyone they talked to about the show. More than 10,000 people knew about the show before the show promoter did any other advertising. The show promoter also advertised the show in the newspaper, radio, TV, on every bulletin board, and on the internet.

Every artist and crafter at a show benefits from the word of mouth advertising any other vendor does. Being a responsible vendor means doing your part.
Don’t bring the things you need and then ask everyone around you for them. Don’t bring tools to set up, don’t arrange in advance to rent tables, don’t bring change for customers.
Set up your display at home in advance, as you do make a list of things you need and pack the things you have. Careful planning can make it so you don’t get a reputation as the show pest.
Block the aisles, stairs, demonstrations, or other displays while visiting with friends, family, and even customers.

Blocking the aisles makes it so customers can’t get to the booths. It also makes it unsafe for the customers if they are in a hurry to get out. Remember, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If you wouldn’t like someone to keep customers from being able to see your merchandise, don’t keep customers from being able to see theirs.
Leave a mess in your booth.

You’ve worked hard all day at a show and you’re tired, but so is the show promoter. Don’t clean up after yourself and you cost them extra time and money after they already had a long day. Chances are you won’t be asked to come back.

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Visit http://www.extravaganzacrafts.comto get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Use LinkedIn to Build Your Art or Craft Show Business

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:35:00 GMT

LinkedIn has helped me connect with many professional artists and crafters.

I love when newer artists ask questions I never thought to ask, I learn from the answers they receive. It’s also a great place to learn from those who are successfully selling their arts and crafts.

I was just checking out LinkedIn this morning and came across this great article on how to use this professional networking tool more effectively.

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/6-powerful-linkedin-marketing-tips-for-small-businesses/

I have to admit I joined LinkedIn and had a nearly blank profile for months (maybe more, was it years?) and I wasn’t getting any connections, or gaining anything from having a LinkedIn account. Then I came across another article like this (and bought the product it was promoting).

I used that product to fill out my profile and BAM! I started making connections, getting referrals, making sales, and even appointments for consultations.

Not everyone can afford to buy a product to fill out their LinkedIn profile so use the free tips in the article above and see what a difference it can make in your art festival booth.

LinkedIn is a great resource for any artist or crafter. It is a great place to connect with your craft show customers. Share good information with your clients about things that interest them and they will share you with their professional connections.

Start your own LinkedIn Group invite your family, friends, clients and social network followers.

Use your group to:

start conversations and build relationships
tell your customers about upcoming art shows and craft festivals you will be attending
inform buyers of other places to buy your arts and crafts
inform your group of materials used in the creation of your crafts
offer product maintenance tips
give valuable information and discounts
share blog posts
learn what your customers really want
promote your customers and their products (what goes around comes around)
refer the businesses you enjoy

LinkedIn is a great place to establish yourself as an expert in the art and craft industry. Use it to promote your craft show booth.

Get Your LinkedIn Training Course!

Fast Social Marketing Fan Pages!

Entry 1 of 1 in series Social Media Networking for Artists and Crafters

Use Facebook to Sell More Arts and Crafts

Getting More Sales from Your Craft Show Customers

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:45:00 GMT

I was reading a post by Carla of Cobweb Corner and it got me thinking how she got her prospects (people in her craft show booth) into the buying mood making them buying customers.

Read her post here:
Jewelry Shows – There’s Something about a Sale

The internet marketing gurus I’ve been studying suggest creating a loss leader (a product you lose money on in the beginning to get people buying). They often offer a free product to gain the trust of the prospect and charge shipping on the product because if the customer would pay for shipping they are a qualified buyer.

The thing I didn’t see in her post was after she had her craft show prospects in the buying mood, what she did then.

The thing I’m learning as I study marketing is always offer an upsell or a downsell when a customer is making a purchase.

When you have a customer making a purchase always offer them a complimentary product (meaning a product similar in style or nature to the one they are already purchasing) as an upsell. You can even offer a product that is twice the price of the original one they are buying. Keep offering additional upsells as long as they keep saying yes.

When they say no, offer them a down sell. A down sell can be another lower priced product, a discount on the whole set, or a payment plan.

Tell me what you offer as an upsell or downsell.

How to Price My Art or Craft Show Product

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:31:00 GMT

Pricing an art or craft show product is more of a science than an art. You can’t just set a price that you think is okay and expect to sell a lot of your product for a profit.

First of all you need to know what it costs you to produce your product. You want to include the costs of the goods used to create your product plus a little more to buy extra supplies.

Second you need to include your wages. What price per hour would you like to make? How many hours did it take to create your product?

Third you need to add in the price of your other expenses. Don’t forget to include things like the cost of your studio, electricity, advertising, cost of travel, cost of shows, in this figure. Then spread these costs out over the price of all your products.

NOTE: You will recover a small portion of these miscellaneous costs each time one of your products sell. For example your miscellaneous costs add up to $2000 a year and you sell approximately 1000 products a year that means that you need to add $2 to the price of each product to recover those costs.

In order to make a profit you must build one into your price. At this point adding 1or 2 dollars to your price probably won't hurt sales but...not doing it can hurt your business.

Last and definitely not least you need to know what price the market will support. What this means is that your price can’t be higher than the amount the people who buy your product are willing to pay for it. IF you sell a product that is similar to a retail product you can go to the stores and see what price products like yours are selling for.

Then you need to decide if you can make your product for that price.

Here is a formula to help!

A. Cost of goods used x 1.5 = cost to replace supplies used + costs of new supplies

B. $dollars per hour I would like x #number of hours it took me to create product = my wages

C. Miscellaneous expenses for the year divided by approximate number of products I can sell a year = cost of miscellaneous expenses per product

D. Whatever Profit you would like to receive.

E. Add A + B + C + D=Total wholesale cost of product. This is the price you would receive if you were selling to someone who would resell your item to someone else at a significant markup.

It is not necessarily the price you should charge a retail customer, that price will usually be almost twice your current figure.

F. E x 2=Approximate Total retail price

Compare the answer you got in F to retail prices in the area to know if your price is inline with market expectations.

It may take some adjustment to find the price point that sells the most product at the best profit. Read Are You Pricing Your Original Art Too Low? to know why pricing your crafts too low isn't a good idea.

Here is a link to a simple example of how this works http://www.whatthecraft.com/arts/pricing.htm

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Visit http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

Starting Your Art or Craft Business-Legal Requirements to Start Your Business

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMT

Are you just starting your art or craft business and don’t know what the legal requirements for your new business are?

The IRS has a Checklist for Starting a Business located on their site http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small.

Also read License Requirements for Art and Craft Show Businesses

Grow Your Craft Show Business During Tough Economic Times Published

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:23:00 GMT

The Extravaganza Craft Productions would like to thank Montana Arts Council for publishing the article “Grow Your Business During Tough Economic Times” by Shasta McLaughlin in their November/December issue of State of the Arts.

The article contains suggestions that help you cut costs at craft shows and market your business to grow your craft show business during tough times.

View the article at http://svcalt.mt.gov/art/soa/pr.asp?ID=1289

Thank You Montana Arts Council!

Meet Jewelry Artist Angela McKenna

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:34:00 GMT

Name: Angela McKenna
Shop name and address:
AMDesignsbyAngela http://amdesignsbyangela.com
Blog: http://amdesignsbyangela.blogspot.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/amdesignsangela
Facebook http://facebook.com/amdesignsbyangela

What type of jewelry do you make?

I make artfully handcrafted OOAK artisan jewelry employing a variety of techniques including metalsmithing, wire weaving, etching, with plans to add others as I continue to learn new methods.

What materials do you use?

The materials I use include sheet and wire metals including sterling, fine and argentium silvers, copper, brass and bronze, semi-precious and mineral stone beads and cabochons, pearls, shells and sometimes lampwork glass. I prefer to use materials from the earth although I will occasionally include a synthetic material.

What brought you to jewelry making?

It all started when I wanted a turquoise necklace and was put off by the retail prices of the things I liked. I then decided that I can make it…and I did, and I was hooked…my first addiction was collecting a wide variety of semi-precious stone beads. I haven’t looked back since.

How long have I been making jewelry? I started on this journey in February of 2006 and after five years I am still passionate about learning and creating. There are many roads for me yet to explore and look I forward to each bump and turn along the way.

What did I forget to ask?

Do you have an art background?

Well I never received any formal training in art but I have always been a creative soul. I loved drawing as an adolescent, studied Fashion Buying and Merchandising in college, worked as a menswear designer, interior decorator and graphic designer in my professional endeavors. I spent five years creating hand built and wheel thrown pottery as a hobby before I got hooked I jewelry.

Did you study with someone, or are you self-taught?

I haven’t taken any organized classes. The knowledge I have was attained through research done online and in printed media, networking with other jewelry artists on forums, like Starving Jewelry Artists, and in person at gatherings with other jewelry artists. I am always amazed at the generous sharing of knowledge and experience other artists are willing to share. It serves as an inspiration to me to pay it forward to new jewelry artists just starting out.

Do you have a philosophy behind your jewerly making?

My only philosophy is to offer good quality, primarily One of a Kind, designs that will become treasured pieces to my customers.

	The Black Agate Druzy Viking Knit Bracelet is also another first…my first Sterling Silver viking knit project. This is a completely metalsmithed piece…Ficus Cuff. Sterling Silver wire and sheet completely hand fabricated and forged by me.
	This is a beautiful Chrysocolla Lapis cabochon bezel set pendant done in Sterling Silver. The backplate is textured and oxidized.

Tell us about your life: work, hobbies, family, friends, etc.

My life is simple…I am foremost a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. My family is the most important part of my life…I really love being with them. Currently, my primary interest outside of them is my passion to create jewelry. I am working on developing this passion into a small business that will help to supplement a greatly reduced “full” retirement income.

Red Jasper Turquoise Necklace

This is the design that started it all. My very first creation, a simple strung triple strand necklace of red jasper and turquoise with sterling silver accents.

Where do you get your inspiration for making jewelry?

Much of my inspiration comes from nature, but in reality I am inspired by my total environment which includes all people, places and things.

It’s not easy. Although I like to believe I am semi-retired, I actually work from home on a daily basis managing my husband’s HVAC service business…so it all really depends on how much energy I have left at the end of the day to get into my studio. Most recently, I have found that I can more easiHow do you find the time to make jewelry?

How do you hope people feel when they wear your jewelry?

Special!

Angela aka Beady Eyes

7 Habits of Highly Successful Crafters

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:55:00 GMT

1. Take risks-Highly successful people know you can’t get any where without some risk.

2. Make quick decisions. They know that you can start out in a direction and if they don’t like the results they can correct their course and head for another destination.

3. Don’t pass up opportunities. They know opportunities don’t disappear they are snapped up by others.

4. Learn from their mistakes. They don’t keep making the same mistakes over and over again for long periods of time.

5. Get a guide. Highly successful people don’t go into the wilderness without a guide. They look for someone who will guide them around the dangers of the wilderness to make their time there more pleasurable, profitable and enjoyable.

6. Measure-Highly successful people have a way of measuring if things are working to improve their lives or businesses. They know the statistics and when they make changes they use these measurements to decide if the changes they made improved their profitability/chances of success.

7. Active. They don’t wait for things to happen to them-they make things happen for them.

How can you make your craft show booth more profitable by using these characteristics? What other habits do highly successful people exhibit?

What do you think?

Folding Bookshelf Makes Professional Craft Show Booth Display Easy

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 16:37:00 GMT

I’ve found another idea that would help make your craft show booth more professional. The main factors to me have been portability, ease of set up and a clean professional look.

This shelving system comes from The Container Store.

This system folds flat for transportation and is made of hollow tube cast iron in a pewter finish.

Available in 3 shelf, 4 shelf, 6 shelf, 4 shelf media or 6 shelf tower there are lots of possibilities for your art or craft show booth display.

My affiliate link is below.

3 Shelf Folding Bookcase
Makes Portable Craft Show Set Up
Easy and Professional

Follow Up With Art Festival Customers

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:59:00 GMT

I have to apologize for my recent lack of posts as I’ve been focusing on establishing an email follow up system for my artists and crafters.

One of the things successful marketers keep saying is to follow up with your craft show customers. They say as much as 80% of sales are lost due to not following up with prospects.

In this economy it is more important than ever to follow up with your customers reminding them of their interest in your product.

This is one of the key things you will hear me harp on through out this blog-Build a List and then Follow Up With Your Customers!

I’ve finally found two programs that I felt were in my price range to provide email follow up with my customers.

Each one provides scheduled emails and/or autoresponders that can turn leads into prospects, prospects into customers, and turn current customers into repeat customers.

One is AutoWebBusiness.com and the other is Constant Contact. I highly recommend you check out these two companies if you don’t already have some kind of automated follow up/email system in place.

Do you agree?

Links below are affiliate links.

AutoWebBusiness.com Increase your sales by 100% GUARANTEED! CLICK HERE

Chart Your Craft Show Booth Course

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Why is it that 20% of the artists and crafters make 80% of the money?

The reason is that 20% of the artisans set goals and take steps that will take them to their desired effect.

A captain of a ship at sea decides on the final destination of his ship, then he charts his course mapping out each stop along the way. He departs from the docks and sets his course.

In order for your craft show booth to achieve the goals you want for it you must define what those goals are. Your goals (your definition of success) are your final destination. What do you want from your craft business?

Do you want to do crafts to make extra money for the holidays?
Do you want crafts to be your full time job?
Do you want to create handcrafted products to supplement your income?
How many craft shows do you want to participate in a week, month, season or year?
How much money do you want to make at a show, a month, a year?
When do you want to achieve these goals?

When you’ve chosen the final destination for your craft show ship you need to decide on the course you are going to take to get there. The course you chart will vary depending on your final destination? You will have to do more to achieve greater success.

Places you might need to stop along the way to achieve your success:

A certain number of shows each week or month.
Know which shows are best for your product. Juried, unjuried, art, craft, fair, festival, bazaar, boutique or commercial. Which one best suits your product, has products in your price range, has your customer in attendance and the least competition? Do you want to do wholesale and retail shows?
Know which products are most profitable and at what price you sell the most while still earning the most profit.
A way to collect your customers contact information and an incentive to encourage them to give you their information.
A way to follow up with the your prospects, and a way to follow up with your customers.
A website.
A blog and other social networking sites.
Email marketing system
Mailed advertisements
Participate in contests
Press releases, call to artists, and other publicity

After you’ve chosen your destination, and charted your course the next step is to leave the dock. Like the captain of the ship you are never going to get anywhere if you never start out. The sea is always threatening and unpredictable but the captain and his crew put on their brave faces, prepare the ship, untie it from the dock, raise the anchor and set sail.

Like the ship at sea you are going to get blown off course a little every time the wind blows and the waves threaten so as the captain of your ship the last thing you need to do is check your compass make sure you are on course and adjust accordingly.

That’s what 20% of the people do that earns them 80% of the money. They chart the course of their ship, set sail and correct their course as necessary.

What do you think?

10 Things to Take to Art and Craft Shows

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:47:41 GMT

Taking the essentials to art and craft shows is well… essential (excuse the pun). Take these 10 things to art and craft shows and your experience will be much more pleasant.

1. Enough merchandise-Take more merchandise than you plan on selling. A booth that is not well stocked looks picked over. Customers imagine that all the good stuff has already sold and won’t even stop to look.

2. Tables and Chairs-Bring your own tables and chairs unless you’ve made arrangements with the show promoter to rent them (expect to pay for this service). Choose sturdy displays, tables, and shelving you don’t want them to fall injuring customers or damaging your merchandise.

Cover tables with a table cloth or even a sheet. Make sure coverings fit tables properly and extend all the way to the floor.

3. Professional Displays-I have seen displays ranging from totally uncovered falling down tables to artfully and carefully thought out booths. Your booth should help your customer see themselves buying and using your items. Help their imaginations by creating a theme that goes with your product. Pack any tools you need to set up your display in a rubbermaid tote and keep them there at all times.

4. Change-A secure coin box can be all it takes to discourage thieves at shows. Have a jewelry artist make you a necklace/keychain that you can wear at all times. Keep the key to your lock box and car on the necklace around your neck at all times.

Having enough change for your customers is really important. Take at least $100 (maybe 2 or 3) in small bills and coins. The exact amount needs to be determined by your prices and if you’ve included sales tax. If you round your prices up to the next even number you will need less pennies or nickels. If your prices are closer to $20 expect people to want to pay with bigger bills so include in your change box more 5, 10, and 20 dollar bills. If you price your items at $19 instead of $20 so that customers perceive the item as being under $20 then you will probably need to take more $1 bills.

5. Canopies/Awnings-For outdoor shows take a canopy or awning to protect yourself and your crafts from the weather. All canopies will fly with enough wind, check the manufacturers recommendations for canopy weight types and sizes.

Discuss with show promoters their philosophy on when to close up shop and take down canopies so that you know when it will be okay to close up early. Use you common sense when it becomes dangerous to yourself or others it’s time to take down the canopy.

6. Helpers-Take someone with you to shows who knows your product. They can watch your merchandise while you unpack the car, watch your booth while you go potty or eat, run to get more change, etc. If you can’t find someone to go with you offer to do these things for your neighbors and ask them if they will do it for you. Offer them a small piece of merchandise as a thank you.

7. Food and Water-Food at shows is often greasy, messy or expensive. Take your own if this will upset your tummy or your pocket book. You can still treat yourself if there is something you want in your price range.

8. Emergency Phone Numbers and Cell Phone-Take a list of the places you might need to call in case you will be late, your car breaks down, or you have an emergency.

9. Your Identification, credit cards, and wallet-These things might be necessary to check into and pay for hotels, gas, car repairs, extra tools or supplies, and food and water.

10. Luggage and Medication-Take an extra pair of clothes even for local shows you never know when you might spill on yourself. Take the clothing you need for each day plus a few extras. Don’t forget your medications.

What’s your best tip?

Art and Craft Show Expert Shasta McLaughlin provides articles, hints and tips, checklists and more for artists and crafters that sell handcrafted products who want to save time looking for shows, packing for fairs, and get more sales at festivals. Now she is revealing how to collect your customers contact information, follow up with them and make more money while working less. Go to http://www.extravaganzacrafts.com to get her newsletter, The Extravaganza Craft News, that will help you avoid mistakes, save time and money when preparing your craft show booth.

How to Email Your Craft Show Booth Customers

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:19:50 GMT

9/26/11 Need an AWeber Contractor? Try Our oDesk Group

9/23/11 7 Lessons from Social Media and Inbound Marketing All-Stars

9/22/11 Email Marketing + Contact Management = One Easy Interface

9/21/11 How to Write a Super-Sized Autoresponder Series

9/19/11 Marketing to the Millennial Generation

9/16/11 Build Your List On Tumblr

Winterfest Arts & Crafts Festival-Evergreen Colorado

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:08:51 GMT

Don’t forget to to visit Winterfest Arts & Crafts Festival in Evergreen, Colorado happening Nov. 12, 2011.

Arts and crafts festival vendors contact Becky Guy at 303-674-0056 to reserve your booth now. Remember to thank Becky for listing her show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in Wyoming each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

Holiday Happenings Craft Show-Great Falls Montana

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:06:43 GMT

Visit Holiday Happenings in Great Falls, Montana happening Nov. 19 & 20, 2011.

Arts and crafts festival vendors contact Nanc or Rachel at 406-590-0042 to reserve your booth now. Please thank then for listing this show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in Montana each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

Made In Montana Marketplace -Great Falls Montana

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:45:52 GMT

Don’t forget to to visit the Made In Montana Marketplace in Great Falls, Montana this Mar. 23 & 24, 2012.

Handcrafted arts and crafts festival vendors contact Paul Davies at 406-455-8510 to reserve your show booth now. Remember to tell him thank you for listing his show with The Extravaganza Craft News.

Want more information on this and other art and craft fairs in Montana each month subscribe to The Extravaganza Craft News at www.extravaganzacrafts.com.

Coming Up On Arts & Craft Show Extravaganza

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:16:00 GMT

I am writing to tell you about a few exciting things in the works for the Arts & Craft Show Extravaganza.

First of all I just finished a very inspiring interview with an inspirational artist and crafter, James Dillehay. I can’t wait to post the full interview. James tells us about how he gave up what was pretty much guaranteed to be a successful future to start his own business following his passion and how that led him to feel more successful. He pulls out all the stops and holds nothing back.

Next we have a great 7 part series coming up “7 Ways For Your Art or Craft Business to Outsell the Retailers.” I found a wonderful article about how retailers in the art industry aren’t serving their customers as well as they could be. The author, Pam Grimm, has given me permission to quote portions of her article and point out how we as artists and crafters can outsell the retailers by improving on their mistakes. The series will take place over a period of at least 7 days (as my time allows) and will be broken into 7 sections. Don’t miss this series designed to help you Outsell the Retailers.

Art Jewelry Forum's Emerging Artist Award

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 20:50:00 GMT

This is the twelfth year that Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) will be providing the Emerging Artist Award of $5,000 to a contemporary jewelry artist.

The purpose of the award is to acknowledge promise, innovation, and individuality in the work of an emerging jewelry artist, and to help advance the artist’s career. The competition is open to makers of wearable art jewelry who: • have completed their academic/professional training,
• have been out of school for one year or more,
• and whose submitted work must have been unsupervised;
work from BFA or MFA shows may not be submitted.

Beginning with this year’s award, artists who have had a solo exhibit in a gallery or museum may also apply.

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

For more information about the award, visit the AJF website, www.artjewelryforum.org/programs. Applications may be submitted beginning in May at www.callforentry.org.

The winner will be announced at SOFA New York (International Exposition of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art), April 2012, where the artist’s work will be exhibited at one of the AJF member galleries.

The artist’s work will also be featured in an AJF ad.

Art Jewelry Forum’s Emerging Artist Award

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:40:00 GMT

The purpose of the award is to acknowledge promise, innovation, and individuality in the work of an emerging jewelry artist and to help to advance the artist’s career.

The competition is open to makers of wearable art jewelry who:

have completed their academic/professional training,
have been out of school for one year or more, and
have not had a solo artist exhibition in a commercial gallery or museum.

Submitted work must have been unsupervised if from an academic setting.

Jurors for the 2009 competition are: Ursula Neuman, jewelry curator at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York; Gail Hufjay, long-standing member of AJF and a collector of contemporary jewelry; and Masumi Kataoka, jewelry artist and recipient of the AJF’s 2008 Award.

Information is available on the AJF website.

More information about the award may be found on the AJF website, www.artjewelryforum.org. Applications may be submitted at www.callforentry.org.

The winner of this year’s competition and $5,000 cash award will be announced at SOFA Chicago November 6-9, where the artist’s work will be exhibited at an AJF member gallery.

Application deadline is June 14, 2009