crafte-blog: Business Life and Really Cool Crafting

Random Tutorial Generator

2012-01-06T11:12:00.003-07:00

Click here for crafty fun times! Happy weekend!

Small Craft Business: Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Small Craft Business: Vendor Tuesday: LYS

2011-12-27T17:51:00.001-07:00

LYS = Local Yarn Store. Check out your local listings. Yelp is a good place to start. Find your local yarn store, and check out what they've got. JoAnn Fabrics doesn't count as an LYS. It has to be an indie place. Feel new stuff. Look at new colors. Try something made of cotton or bamboo, or both. Buy local, and support an independent business.

Wacky Search Terms, Installment Deux

2011-12-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Why is: maaaaaaapapa a search term for my blog? (Seriously! 3 times!) Or perhaps foot care diploma makes sense? Tired small business owner actually does make sense.

Small Craft Business: Vendor Tuesday--eBay

2011-12-06T08:26:00.001-07:00

Is eBay still in fashion? Maybe? Maybe not. But my husband was reminded of the wonders of bargain shopping when he discovered he could purchase his favorite guitar strings on eBay for less than half the price of retail. A few years ago he was busy selling things on eBay--mostly rare and/or valuable CDs. He stopped it when he realised how expensive it was to sell there. Digression over. I

Small Craft Business: Monday To-Do List

2011-12-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

pack Fae's and Ashlee's orders for Tuesday night derby practice wait for email from Juno about necklace update soap website for out-of-stock items make ref necklaces update supplier list for recipes book begin new formatting for first book find photos for book wrap gifts and mail

Vendor Tuesday: Fancy Tiger

2011-11-29T05:36:00.001-07:00

Fancy Tiger is a local craft shop that is quickly becoming legendary. We can all take a lesson from Jaime and Amber. They have amazing style and a great sense of what the community wants and needs. Their shop offers classes, supplies, and they host the most popular craft show of the year here in Denver--Holiday Handmade. If you are in the Denver area, I command you to shop there, just

Freedom Friday: Putting a Fine Point On It

2011-11-18T11:13:00.001-07:00

I would like to be free from: being interrupted by people who think their work is more important than my work being told to solve other people's problems getting up before dawn when I don't want to working in a place where most people hate themselves listening and nodding my head when I really want to kick that person in the teeth caring for everybody else, and everybody else's children,

Time on Task Thursday: Craft Fair Looming, Still, Plus my To-Do List

2011-11-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

Since this appears to be Slacker Central, I will attempt to redeem myself by combining To-Do Monday and Time-on-Task Thursday. My tasks today involve getting ready for the Sugar Plum Bazaar. This is the big show I will do this year, and I'd like to have good sales. This involves having SOMETHING TO SELL, I realized last week. Ha ha. So, my to-do list (that I lost yesterday, because I

Another Wordful Wednesday: Craft Fair Looming!

2011-11-16T09:33:00.001-07:00

I have a HUGE show coming up this weekend, and I'm trying to get ready. Couple that with roller derby championships last weekend (I sold some necklaces!), and I'm scrambling. I have had to make a to-do list for both my husband and myself. This time of year is absolute MADNESS for a crafter. Tell me of your madness in the comments, wouldja?

Wordful Wednesday

2011-11-09T07:46:00.002-07:00

Wow, NaBloWriMo ends, and my posting vanishes. Life happens, and that's what's happening to me. Remember my pendant project? Yeah, I'm selling these at the roller derby championships this weekend. Tonight I am doing step 2 of 3. Tomorrow, 3 of 3, and packing the bag. Oh, nuts. I need to print out those papers. My mind! It gets scattered sometimes.

Saturday How-To: Liquid Soap Video

2011-11-05T07:39:00.001-06:00

This is a video I made and posted on YouTube, which is actually kind of popular. Enjoy!

Freedom Friday -- Missed it!

2011-11-05T07:37:00.000-06:00

I was too busy being free, and didn't post on Freedom Friday. Imagine that! I am working furiously on my necklace project, because roller derby championships are next weekend! I have to be ready. On that weekend, I will work hard toward freedom. The weekend after that, I am vending my soap at a craft show. It's a new one, and I predict it will be popular. I'm working for that, too. These next

Time-on-Task Thursday: Create Something

2011-11-03T17:37:00.001-06:00

Time to create something! Today I am on the final step of the necklace process for about 24 of them. Once that is finished, I can bag them up and mail one of them out! I had an online order already! Can you believe it? Your Time-on-Task directive today: make something!

Wordless Wednesday: Preparing for Roller Derby Championships

2011-11-02T13:47:00.001-06:00

Vendor Tuesday: Michael's

2011-11-01T07:38:00.001-06:00

I love Michael's. I just love it. I love that they have a little bit of everything. I love that they have awesome coupons going all the time. I love that they have an APP for my iPhone, so I can have my coupons with me ALL THE TIME and the cashier can just scan it right from my phone, done and done. I've been spending quite a bit of time there, recently. What's your favorite local craft store?

Small Craft Business: Monday To-Do List

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've done it! I've blogged every day in October. Last year I was a big loser, foregoing the project altogether, and I'm the one that started it. Terrible! This year I sucked it up and did it again. And I'm always glad I did. To wit: I have figured out how to keep this blog focused and relevant, by declaring each day of the week to have a particular focus. This will help me to build an audience

Small Craft Business: Sunday Funday

2011-10-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

Small Craft Business: Saturday How-To

2011-10-29T10:23:00.000-06:00

I purport to write how-to nonfiction. I teach people how to make soap. I've had several other books in the works for a while now, and need to get cracking on them. Like making balms and butters. And making lotions. And how to run a damn craft business. And how to make gifts for the holidays. While I do publish others, I have recently come to the conclusion that I need to publish more and

Small Craft Business: Freedom Friday

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Freedom Friday will be a new blog feature here at Craft e-Blog. I want very much to be free of my day job, because it vexes me. However, the health insurance (no matter how expensive it is) and retirement I've already worked so hard for, keep me there. Also, I'm not quite ready financially to take the leap into self-employment. What to do? In the meantime, on Fridays I will focus on the

Small Craft Business: Thursday Time-on-Task

2011-10-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

Let's have a regular feature be "Time-on-Task." This will be a day where I remind you of that annoying small-business thing that you need to do, but hate doing. It needs to be done. TODAY. This week's task: Ordering Go through your supply inventory, and see what is running low. Make a list of next month's activities for your craft business (i.e. shows you are doing), note what products need to

Wordless Wednesday: Roller Derby Necklaces

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

Vendor Tuesday

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's vendor of the week! I really should figure something out for each day of the week, to keep this blog both a) rolling, and b) relevant and c) useful. So I'm starting with Tuesday, and calling it Vendor Tuesday. I will do a little write-up with a link to a favorite vendor of mine, inviting commentary about said vendor. That's relevant to crafters in business, right? So, one of my

Sundays are Fundays -- I know you are reading this on a Monday.

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

Today I get to watch my kid play roller derby in the last bout of the season. She's off until April, so I'll have to start taking her to Skate City once per week, or drag her along to the Sunday morning drop-in practices that I do, sometimes. I will miss her Sunday practices. Her practice time was time for me to just sit and talk and do nothing much else. I don't often get time like that. Other

To Wit

2011-10-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

I love the phrase, "To Wit." When using this phrase, you are essentially saying, "Hey, that thing I just said? Here's a good example." So, today, I'm using it with regards to my last post: talk to people about your craft ideas. TO WIT: This photo was posted to my Facebook page on Thursday at about 8:30pm. All the commentary I got was positive, and several people said "WANT!" and "Must have!

Small Business: Talking About Your Ideas

2011-10-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: talk about your business ideas. There are far more benefits to talking about it than keeping it to yourself. The benefits FAR outweigh any possible risk. Here is what I'm thinking: Talk about a new business idea to a friend. Your interested friend will ask you questions about your idea. These questions will help you to figure out the details.

Small Business: Take a Break!

2011-10-21T05:00:00.001-06:00

Turns out I was ill! A low-level virus infected our house. My husband and daughter had it, too. We are all worn out and dragging. Thanks for hanging in there with me! This weekend, I am going to declare Saturday to be Family Time at Home Day. Popcorn will be popped and movies will be watched. Jammies will be worn. We need it! Which reminds me: Hey, you! Small business owner! Take a day off

Small Business: How Tired are You?

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

I'm curious about all of the small business owners who read my blog here. How tired do you get? I am still in a "day job," so my business pursuits have to happen after work. Fortune has shined on me with a husband who works for one of my businesses, as well as works for the household, so cooking and much of the housework is taken care of. I know I'm lucky, there. But the overwhelming exhaustion

Needed: Glue

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

I need a crafty recommendation. I am gluing glass domes on top of paper artwork inside pendant trays. I now realize I should have glued the paper TO the dome, and then put those inside the pendant trays. I will do that next time. As it is, I have to resort to putting Diamond Glaze on top of the artwork, and pressing the dome on top, keeping it pressed down with a book. I plan on cleaning up the

Small Craft Business: Top 10 Actions You Must Never, Ever Do

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

As the counterpart to this post, I present my list of Never-Evers for small craft business owners. You should never: Take business criticism personally. If it comes from a customer, listen carefully and respond professionally. Think that because you are small and independent, you must lower your prices and compete with big, corporate enterprises. You are in business to make money, right? Then

Knees and Worker's Comp

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

Remember that post of the beautiful day up on the mountain? Yeah, that knee injury? Is pissing me off. It is interfering with my fun time. I get fun time once per week, when I practice roller derby. One evening per week, it's my time. MY TIME. MAMA'S TIME. And my knee is injured, and they still haven't called me for the MRI, and IT'S REALLY ANNOYING. When you can't participate in your

I'm Number One!

2011-10-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Small Craft Business: What You Must Always Do -- an Incomplete List

2011-10-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Always Always Always: Have your business license ducks in a row. It's as easy as having one drawer in your desk dedicated to 'business legal stuff.' Use electronic calendars to alert you. Make the events bossy; tell yourself what to do, to avoid unnecessary worry and thinking. Plan one season ahead. Two is better. Set aside 25% of all money you make, for retail taxes, self-employment taxes,

My Favorite Business Blogs: I Read Them, Too

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

Since this is a business blog more than a craft blog, I thought I would share with you a couple of the other business blogs I read, that I find helpful: The Middle Finger Project -- Ash is amazing, and I'm considering buying her ebook. I need to read some inspiration to keep myself moving forward. The Smaller Box Blog -- their link love on Fridays is a great resource. (Kinda like what I'm

Jeezy Crotch

2011-10-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Statistics! How I love them. I love looking at the stats for my blog, grabbing a tissue, and weeping. I kid, I kid. What I really love is when the "Search Keywords" stats really bring it. Like, today, for instance. In the past week, the top search terms for my blog were: crafte-blog.com rex smith soapcrone denver 80's style leather pants cool craft business free crochet slipper frog

How to Decorate My Craft Fair Booth?

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

Help me with my display, please. I think it's just okay. I don't have the flair that some people do. I know that I should display items at different levels, use bright colors ,and hang things from my tent to catch the eye. Is a chock-full table the way to go, like I have above? Or is a neater display the way to go?

Up the Mountain and Down

2011-10-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

Public school teachers catch a lot of grief from politicians, which trickles down to the general public. We are the devil, you know. We sit around on our fat asses, collecting big, fat, unionized paychecks. For nothing, I tell you. Nothing! I cannot account for you the million things I do every day for the children of Denver, Colorado. I will tell you that I took them up the mountain

Family Business

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

Vendor Gift from Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market, October 1, 2011 My craft business has recently changed course just a bit. The economy tanked a while ago, as I'm sure you all know, and my husband had been looking for a job for two years (since our daughter started kindergarten). I finally asked him, "Why don't you work for me, and make soap full-time? We could really expand the business

Crafty: Full Speed Ahead

2011-10-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

This! This is part of what I've been working on. This project is holding all of my attention, and when pesky things like "working for a living" get in the way, it helps me to stay sane. I don't have all my eggs in one basket, but if I can make this work, it will be a very, very good thing. Stay tuned.

Lucky Red Shoes

2011-10-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

When I was studying for my undergraduate degree, I had a routine on mid-term and finals day. I would don my red Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, pack up my all-red pencils and pencil sharpener, and head to class. I thought this helped me to do well on exams, that these items were somehow lucky. I now realize that the routine of dressing the same and using familiar tools helped to calm me so

Living the Life of a Hero

2011-10-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

"If you could live the life of any heroine or hero from one of your favorite books, which one would it be?" I read this and think, "You're kidding, right?" Because all of the heroes from my favorite books lived wild, adventured-filled lives, full of action and intrigue. And in the older literature, all the heroes were men, of course, which doesn't really matter for the sake of this prompt. But

Pertinent Quote of the Day

2011-10-06T18:06:00.000-06:00

"A vegetable garden in the beginning looks so promising and then after all little by little it grows nothing but vegetables, nothing, nothing but vegetables." --Gertrude Stein

To-Do List: A Glimpse into the Life of a Crafty Entrepreneur

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

file annual report to keep LLC updated order pumps for 4oz bottles call ahead on pumps to see if you can return the seals that did not fit, and can order seals that do fit with the pump order create sheets of designs to be printed at Staples get said sheets printed at Staples (use 30% off coupon) launder clothes put new toe stops on Maulie's skates figure out how to set pendants so they are

Roller Derby is Crafty

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

Skull Headband Roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the U.S., and possibly the world. Following trends like this can be good for your crafting business. I did a search on Etsy for "roller derby" and found these great examples of handmade items that support the roller derby community. The headband above is an example of derby culture. Skulls, weapons, icons for lightning or pain--

I Can't Even Read Blogs

2011-10-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

My work as a public school teacher has been wearing on me this year. (Insert boring whiny list about principal, union stuff, time management, etc. You know the drill.) Because of this, I set my mind every Monday toward the task of becoming self-employed. I decide what weekly task will help me get there, and I try to complete that one task. This morning, having one minute before my day starts to

What I Do In Meetings

2011-10-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

I get bored easily. Today, in a meeting, I was half-heartedly listening to the speaker, when she used the word "focuses," as a plural noun. I looked at Mike, seated at my right, and mouthed the word "foci." He wrinkled his brow, so I wrote it on my notebook and showed him. He nodded and smirked in appreciation. When the speaker used the word "thesauruses" a minute later, Mike and I looked at

Top 5 Productivity Tips for Small Business Owners

2011-10-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

How do you find balance as a business owner? My work colleagues ask me this in a roundabout way all the time. Their way of asking isn't usually a question, it's an exclamation: "How the hell do you do all that?" Or maybe, "When do you sleep?" Or sometimes, "Do you sleep?" I do sleep, I promise. I don't always get 8 hours of sleep, as I imagine most of the world doesn't. As a business owner, I

Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market, this Saturday!

2011-09-29T17:14:00.002-06:00

Small Business Tip of the Day: Take the Help

2011-09-29T07:57:00.000-06:00

I was talking to a friend yesterday, and mentioned my busy schedule for the next month. She said to me, "If there's anything I can do to help, let me know." Now, this is a good friend, and I could tell she meant it. I am a do-it-yourself kind of person, and usually I reply, "Thanks, I appreciate that. I'll let you know." Yesterday, though, I really needed the help. This Saturday I am vending

Gearing up for NaBloWriMo

2011-09-25T16:58:00.004-06:00

I will start posting regularly (very!) on October 1, because I am participating in NaBloWriMo--National Blog Writing Month. Participants are challenged to blog once per day during October. That's it! This year there are prizes, though! If you are a blogger, you should definitely join up. Click the link above to read more about it.

Anxiously Awaiting Acceptance

2011-09-19T07:54:00.003-06:00

I wish I would get word about my application to Holiday Handmade. I need to plan my fall calendar! The dates are filling up. And if I don't get in (*sob!*), I will need to plan something else. Like, invite all my loyal customers to a vacant lot where I set up my tent for exactly two hours, or something. Or go on vacation. Ha!

Soapcrone at Sugar Plum Bazaar in November

2011-09-15T14:44:00.001-06:00

Woo hoo! I've been accepted to vend at the Sugar Plum Bazaar! I'm very excited about this one. It's being held in a fancy old mansion, and my vending space, for soap and bath products is, get this: In the loo! Yes, my vending space will be in the upstairs bathroom! I will be able to encourage everyone to sample the products, as it has a functional sink! Now, I have to think about how to

It's Time Again for NaBloWriMo!

2011-09-07T13:12:00.002-06:00

NaBloWriMo! It's on again! I started doing this a few years ago (blogging once per day in October), and then last year my life went stupid, and I didn't participate.And I missed it.So I'm doing it again! Time constraints be damned, I will blog once per day. You should, too!Click the link up at the top to read the latest post, and sign up with wonderful Heather (notHannah), who is still running

Do the Numbers Add Up?

2011-09-07T11:12:00.003-06:00

Image by espos.de. Permission via a Creative Commons license.Cost of materials: $600Income generated, if every item sold: $15,000Would you do it?

Time to Send in Your Applications!

2011-08-26T07:43:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year! Check your calendars a bunch of times, because you should start thinking about application deadlines for the craft fairs you want to do. It's rare to be able to email them the week beforehand and get it. Like the show in the image above--Holiday Handmade? It's a juried show, and they will probably get over 200 applications for 65 spots. I sent my application yesterday.

Saving Money as a Small Business -- Trade, Trade, Trade

2011-08-14T08:27:00.000-06:00

Saving money when in business or starting a business is crucial to its success. I try my best--here are the two things that I do well: 1. Buy in bulk. With a small crafting business, you may be tempted to buy small to begin with, and then reinvest that money again and again, until you can afford to "buy bigger." I recommend against this. I think you should learn the value of buying in bulk to

Featured Crafters: Things I Think are Cool

2011-08-05T05:00:00.001-06:00

Crochet slipper pattern from Broken HallelujahRoller derby hair clip from Marmalade CreationsCustom alphabet pillows from Hilary CosgroveCrocheted mug sweater from knotworkshopKnitted frog dissection from aKNITomy

I Am Not an Imbecile

2011-08-02T09:10:00.003-06:00

"Really, dude?" she seemed to say.I got an email the other day, asking me, "What does it take to get a link on your soap website to mine? I'm a fellow soaper." Um...my death? Seriously, why would I link to your soap website from my soap website? Why would I send people to you when I want them to buy soap from me? Why? So I emailed the guy back, saying the links I have just show a bit about who I

It's time for the Denver County Fair!

2011-07-25T09:01:00.003-06:00

First Denver County Fair offers Ingenious Entertainment Line-up The first-ever Denver County Fair is doing things a bit different than other county fairs. Okay ... a lot different. The whole thing is indoors, in 10 adjoining pavilions - each with its own theme. Each Pavilion has it's own theme-appropriate blue ribbon competitions, local exhibitors and vendors and a stage for entertainment,

Featured Crafter: Doree Klassen of Pink Quartz Minerals

2011-07-22T05:00:00.002-06:00

This week's featured crafter is dear to my heart, and my face, as she is the person who makes my makeup: Doree Klassen. Her brand is Pink Quartz Minerals, and I think everyone should experience the quality of her products. She's got a website, and a presence on Artfire and Etsy. She's all up in the Internet's grill. (Something for us to consider?) Do you sell online exclusively? In person, at

Small Business Tip of the Week: Just Keep Swimming

2011-07-21T14:50:00.002-06:00

Sometimes you have too much on your plate, and don't know how to prioritize. Pick one thing, and do it. Pick the biggest thing. Sometimes it seems you don't have enough to do--you're bored for some reason. That's when you go to your "someday" list, and do one thing. (Need a Someday list? Try Teux Deux.)Sometimes you just can't take it anymore, and if one more person calls, emails, texts, or

Small Business Tip of the Week

2011-07-14T16:33:00.003-06:00

Tip of the Week: talk to everyone. Everyone!Let every person with whom you regularly interact know about your products, your business, your ideas. Let them know your dreams for the future. Let them know your plans for taking your business to the next level.Even if they aren't interested, someone will remember and will tell another person who is interested.Furthermore, THEY MIGHT BE INTERESTED.

Featured Crafter: Melissa Lopez of Whimsypics

2011-07-08T11:27:00.014-06:00

Please welcome Melissa Lopez from Whimsypics, today's featured crafter.How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you belong to a crafter's alliance? Do you do all your own research?I find out about local craft shows and fairs mostly from my local Etsy team – NC Triangle Street Team. I joined when I first started on Etsy and they have been an invaluable source of information.

Featured Crafter: Me.

2011-07-01T09:35:00.010-06:00

I have run out of crafters to feature for right now, so today's featured crafter is me! I am Amy Kalinchuk, of Olde Crone's Bewitching Bath Soap. I guess I'll answer all the same questions that I ask others, huh?How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you belong to a crafter's alliance? Do you do all your own research? Do you sell online exclusively? I find out

How To Write a Craft eBook for Craft e-Revolution

2011-06-24T15:59:00.001-06:00

A photo from my upcoming book, Handmade Holiday, Volume 1.At Craft e-Revolution, I have created an outlet for crafty folks to be published, in a modern, yet old-fashioned way. Authors do not pay to be published--I decide what to produce. That's the old school part. The new school part is the fact that I don't offer an advance, but I do offer a hefty cut of the proceeds. Authors are paid off the

Promises, Promises

2011-06-24T09:01:00.003-06:00

I note that a couple of weeks back, I said that Featured Crafter was back. And then I did one featured crafter post.And then nothing after that.I might have one to do today--I will have to check my archives. But I'm working on my Big. Fat. Post. So please stay tuned a while longer, mmkay? Click the "Subscribe" button and you will be alerted when the BFP is up. Carry on with your magnificent lives

Working On It

2011-06-23T21:41:00.002-06:00

I am working on a big, fat post. Big.Fat.Post. Stay tuned!

Featured Crafter: Rebecca George of purpleandlime

2011-06-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

Tropical Flowers WristletPlease welcome Rebecca George of purpleandlime on Etsy, this week's featured crafter. Huzzah for bacon! How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you belong to a crafter's alliance? I find out about craft shows in the area through word-of-mouth, Facebook, and Twitter (and sometimes I hear about a show at another show!). I'm a member of the Chicago Style

I'm back!

2011-06-09T10:34:00.003-06:00

The Featured Crafter segment will air again tomorrow! Hooray for me healing from my illness!Being sick sucks.But I'm back in action, and I want to know--who are your favorite crafters online? Artfire, Etsy, individual websites--it matters not. Tell me in the comments, please. I need to build up a queue!

Soapcrone at First Friday

2011-05-28T08:54:00.000-06:00

Woo hoo!

Taking a Short Break

2011-05-19T11:01:00.004-06:00

Artwork by HikingArtist.com. Used under a Creative Commons license.I am taking a very short break from the featured crafter segments, as life is getting in the way of blogging. I know, I know! Terrible, right? Is there anything other than blogging?Apparently, there is. This crazy thing I have called a "full-time job" is making my life crazy stupid right now. Luckily, this job will be ending for

Featured Crafter: Susan Peterson from Signs of Elegance on Artfire

2011-05-13T23:04:00.001-06:00

Please welcome Susan Peterson, from Signs of Elegance on Artfire, as this week's Featured Crafter.How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you sell online exclusively?I sell mainly online and through a couple local shoppes and boutiques. I have done craft fairs, and really enjoy them! I usually find out about them through word of mouth from other local artisans, or local

Featured Crafter: Sara Lombard from Lilly's Paper

2011-05-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Butterfly Scalloped TagsPlease join me for our Friday Featured Crafter interview. Today: Sara Lombard from Lilly's Paper.Do you sell exclusively online? What are your plans for increasing sales this year?For the moment I do sell online exclusively. This year I plan to expand and contact a few stores to carry my items. My jewelry store is already located in two stores so I don't see a problem

Homemade Body Products: Easy and Cheap

2011-04-29T10:53:00.010-06:00

I make and sell handmade soap, lotions, lip balm, and other such wonders. However, I know there are a lot of folks out there who would rather make their own. That's part of the reason I write books--to teach people how to make their own body products, and save money and be more independent.There are some products, though, that are just so easy to make at home, I don't even bother making them to

Featured Crafter: Deedra Wilburth from Astoria Lane

2011-04-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

"Words of Wisdom" bookmarkPlease welcome Deedra Wilburth of Astoria Lane on Etsy, who makes the most delightful magnetic bookmarks. How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you sell online exclusively? As of right now I only sell online. I am hoping to be part of a local craft fair in the fall, so I am focusing on creating enough inventory for that. I research events online, as well

Hoseshoe Craft and Flea Market is one week away!

2011-04-28T17:08:00.000-06:00

Featured Crafter: Michelle Dempsey of Talia Custom Designs

2011-04-22T06:20:00.001-06:00

Fancy Flower-Topped Bowl CoverPlease welcome Michelle Dempsey of Talia Custom Designs to our legion of Featured Crafters. I am IN LOVE WITH her bowl covers. My grandma had these, only hers were made of plastic and elastic, and they were a bitch to clean. Of course, grandma didn't have an automatic dishwasher--all of those horrible plastic bowl covers had to be hand-washed. These covers are bright

Featured Crafter: Maria Konstantin

2011-04-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Crochet beadsThis week's featured crafter is Maria Konstantin. Her Etsy shop has the most delightful crocheted items. Maria is from Bulgaria, so I have edited her responses for clarity. Enjoy.Where do you sell your crafts? I sell my creations exclusively online in my Etsy shop: www.MariaKonstantin.etsy.com. I totally love it and I spend every spare minute working on my products and my shop.Rose

Featured Crafter: Amy Castle of Rainy Roots Studio

2011-04-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

Pear IIIPlease welcome Amy Castle of Rainy Roots Studio on Etsy. Her art makes me happy. What about you?Please tell us about yourself and your art.My earliest memories of being really happy and feeling worthwhile and “good” are of my elementary art classes. I was horrible at math and science but was really lucky to have had some phenomenal art teachers early on. That, along with a loving mom who

Soapcrone at Makerie Market (by Firefly Handmade) in Boulder, Colorado

2011-04-04T13:53:00.003-06:00

I will be vending at the Makerie Market this coming weekend. If you are in Boulder, are near Boulder, or think about Boulder more often than once per year, then perhaps you should come visit. This market is going to be amazing.Stop by for the crafty! And bring a friend!

Featured Crafter: Becky Fowler of Harriet's Haven on Etsy

2011-04-01T05:00:00.003-06:00

Dinner napkinsPlease welcome Becky Fowler of Harriet's Haven on Etsy. Her delightful designs make ordinary items special. I hope you enjoy her interview.How has owning and running a business changed you? Is your life better? Worse? More stressful?Owning my own business has been wonderful in the sense that I get to keep my own schedule and balance the daily activities according to my family's

Accepted!

2011-03-28T19:31:00.002-06:00

Soapcrone.com has been accepted to vend at the French Nest Open Air Market in Fort Collins, Colorado! The first one is May 21, 2011. The third Saturday of the month is when the market is held, May through October. I won't be there in July, but otherwise--that's where I'll spend my Saturday. Hooray!

Featured Crafter: Cari Shannon of Coquette Bath on Etsy

2011-03-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

This week's featured crafter is Cari Shannon of Coquette Bath. Her interview has a lot of good information for crafters starting a business. There are several lessons to learn, here. Take one! How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you do all your own research? What about selling online?I find craft fairs from eventlister.com. Once at a show, I do ask the other vendors where

Business Update: 2011 Moving Right Along

2011-03-24T07:11:00.008-06:00

World's best lip balm. Yummah.Earlier this year, I posted some of our goals for 2011. Things are moving right along, and I thought an update is in order--not just to show you all what the goal-setting and follow-through process looks like, but to keep my ass in check. Keeping such close tabs on my goals is an actual goal of mine this year, but I don't think I wrote it down. Or kept track of it.

Broke

2011-03-22T13:29:00.004-06:00

Photo by ribarnica on Flickr. Used through a Creative Commons license.What do you do during the hard times? What can an entrepreneur do, to make it? Furthermore, what defines "hard times?"I have been creating an Environment of Economic Scarcity in my household, because our refrigerator died. We have almost saved enough money for a new one. But as far as I'm concerned, we're broke. That money in

Featured Crafter: Alison Goyette of Boston Sea Glass on Etsy

2011-03-18T05:00:00.005-06:00

For your inspiration, today we offer a glimpse of nature, elegance and the shore. Please welcome today's featured crafter, Alison Goyette of BostonSeaGlass on Etsy.Describe your online selling experience.Right now I sell online at Etsy. It has been a huge learning experience for me, but it is so satisfying to create something and have someone send you a note telling you how much they love it--

Now We're Talking

2011-03-16T10:06:00.002-06:00

So this is the quote from today's featured seller on Etsy, Julie Nolan:"Handmade means dirty fingernails, scratches and cuts. And an occasional blister, maybe even a burn."Now you're talking, sister.

Funny

2011-03-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

I have been looking over the "stats" option on the blog, and I find it hilarious that this post is the second-most popular post for this blog's lifetime.Hee.

Take Time for Yourself

2011-03-15T11:01:00.006-06:00

Image by the tahoe guy on Flickr. Used through a Creative Commons License.If you are:illshort on sleepuncaffeinated because you just couldn't get your act togetherseething with bitternesswanting to poke your eyes out with a stickthen you should take a day off. Whether you work for someone else or for yourself, you must take a day off every once in a while. You must.Or else you are no good to

Handmade = Slower? Seriously?

2011-03-14T11:39:00.004-06:00

Image by William Hoffman used under a Creative Commons licenseI just saw this quote from the featured seller on Etsy:"Choosing handmade is choosing a slower way of life, one rooted in tradition and creative expression."Okay, I can accept that handmade things are traditional and creative. But a slower way of life? Really?Not if you sell your crafts, it ain't. I'm just sayin'.

Featured Crafter: Jessica Partain of Inedible Jewelry on Etsy

2011-03-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Cupcake earrings with pink sprinklesPlease welcome Jessica Partain of Inedible Jewelry to our featured crafter party. With her sister, Susan, she creates teh kyootest (but inedible!) miniature foods and turns them into jewelry. Their items will appeal to all of us who love teeny-weeny cuteness. Count me in. Your inedible food jewelry is adorable. What was the impulse to turn this artwork into a

Why I won't sell through Amazon

2011-03-10T07:57:00.009-07:00

I refuse to sell my books through Amazon. There are many reasons for this, the most glaring one being that the Kindle has a black-and-white screen. All of my books are in full-color fabulousness, and that's part of their appeal. I won't dilute that experience for the scraps that I might get from Amazon's table.Here is one more reason that I won't sell my ebooks through Amazon. The books you buy

Featured Crafter coming Friday!

2011-03-09T10:11:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned--we've got another featured crafter this Friday! Click the Subscribe button to the right to get all posts in your reader, automatically.

Why Do You Do What You Do?

2011-03-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Image by rubyblossom. Used with permission via a Creative Commons license.There is value in what you do.I was reminded of this lesson the other day. I was lamenting the fact that I am not yet self-employed all the way, 100%, and why was it taking so long, and maybe this isn't the way to go anyway. What am I doing, here? This is taking far too long to see any financial results. Is it worth it?And

Featured Crafter: Riley of MagnusJournals on Etsy

2011-03-04T05:00:00.004-07:00

Handbound JournalsEveryone, please welcome Riley, from Magnus Journals on Etsy. This shop is unique and an ultra-niche: paper and journals. That's it! Please click the photos if you find them intriguing--they are all linked to Riley's shop. This blog is about crafts and business. How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you sell online exclusively? Craft fairs right now are still

All at Once

2011-03-03T13:28:00.003-07:00

The life of an entrepreneur does not happen bit by bit. You must know this. If you have not yet started your craft business, know this. Accept it now.If you are the sort of person who does not handle chaos well, then this business life may not be for you.I'm not saying to you must accept the chaos or embrace the chaos. I'm asking you to accept the fact that entrepreneurial things happen all at

Featured Crafter: Celia Boaz from Glitz Glitter

2011-02-25T05:00:00.012-07:00

Mint Green Prehnite NecklaceI am thrilled with today's featured crafter, Celia Boaz from GlitzGlitter on Etsy. I own two of her pieces, and have recently fallen in love with the necklace featured at the bottom of this post. Her jewelry definitely has, as she says below, her own voice. I hope you enjoy her interview. Also, please note the detail in her photos--she really knows how to show off

Product Review: Square Up

2011-02-22T12:57:00.004-07:00

The Square Up Card reader, on an iPhone. It works on other smartphones, too. I have recently decided to change my merchant account provider. The Square Up card reader is the reason why. It is my personal opinion that all crafters who sell in person should have this device. Here are my reasons why: 1. The fee structure is amazing. It costs 2.75% per transaction, and that's it. No contracts. No

Featured Crafter: Tera Larson of CreativityisMessy on Etsy

2011-02-18T07:43:00.014-07:00

Antique Brass Dove and Nest Necklace from CreativityisMessy on EtsyPlease welcome Tera Larson of Creativity is Messy on Etsy. I find her items quirky and fun--Spokane, Washington is lucky to have her. Please read her interview and join the conversation by leaving a comment.1. How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you belong to a crafter's alliance? Do you do all your own

Guest blogging

2011-02-16T14:21:00.001-07:00

I am the guest blogger over at Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market's blog! It's about finding your niche. Let me know what you think!