selling your crafts » Craftsyble

The 2012 GBK Golden Globes Artisan Series: SariBlue

Dec 272011

Here is another extremely talented artisan who will be gifting the celebrities at the 2012 GBK Golden Globes Gift Lounge. Here is more info on her company and products:

SariBlue

Beautiful, simply designed jewelry to add peace, positivity and a bit of fun to your style! There’s nothing evil about it….

SariBlue collection of jewelry is designed with gorgeous handcrafted glass beads from Turkey. Their beads come directly from artisans in Turkey who have learned the craft of making these historic glass beads through the generations. SariBlue travels to Turkey to work with the craftsmen directly for their collection. The beads are then tied together in a unique and modern way for my original designs.

Their pieces are fun, colorful, very distinctive, adding a great conversation piece to any wardrobe; they also add an ancient element of protection to your life by wearing the Nazar Boncuk (Evil Eye Bead).

Every piece of SariBlue jewelry has at least one Evil Eye bead to help protect the wearer from the potential negative forces out in the world. It is believed that the wearer of Evil Eye beads will not only be protected from negative forces but also find good fortune so as we like to say… There’s nothing evil about it…

Contact information:
SariBlue
http://www.sariblue.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/bigandsari
https://www.facebook.com/SariBlueJewelry
http://pinterest.com/sariblue/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sariblue

Etiquette Tips for Craft Shows

Running your Craft Business Comments Off

Jul 192011

Crafters often sell their creations at local shows and fairs. The opportunity provides great exposure for artisans and generally forges connections that can help businesses go. You can learn about craft shows in your area by reading the newspaper, subscribing to trade magazines, and browsing online. Once you get into the swing of attending and participating in craft shows – it’s a good idea to become familiar with common etiquette.

Read the entire application.

Usually, you must submit an application or fill out a form in order to participate in a craft show. Read all of the terms and conditions, as well as become familiar with the code of conduct. You don’t want to break any of the rules on your first appearance.

Dress casual.

Appear neat, casual, and professional when participating in a craft show. Wear some of your own products if you make accessories or clothing. Come dressed in an apron if you are demonstrating a craft. Business T-shirts and sweatshirts also double as effective advertisements.

Prompt set-up time.

Your booth should be completely set up before the show begins.

Mind your manners.

While showing your wares at a craft show, respect your fellow crafters by being friendly, courteous, and professional.

Keep socialization down to a minimum.

Sometimes the excitement of participating in your first craft show is overwhelming and you may appear overly friendly. Remember that this is a time to sell your creations. If you monopolize the time of other vendors – both of you miss out on potential customers. Never block a customer’s path to a seller.

Mind your space.

You paid for a certain area to show off your crafts and that is the space you should stay within during a show. This also means making sure your display, brochures, posters, and crafts do not invade the space of others.

Come prepared.

Some crafters offer demonstrations or on-the-spot creations during a show. It is important to have all of your tools and supplies handy so you don’t need to rely on the generosity of fellow crafters.

Be helpful.

When a fellow crafter needs to dash to the bathroom or take a food break, and they ask you to watch their booth for a few moments – score cool points by lending a helping hand.

Stay positive.

Just like any gathering that involves different groups of people, there is the possibility that you will face competition, off-putting comments, gossip, and jealousy. Stay positive and don’t feed into negativity.

6 Tips for Beginners Running a Home Crafts Business

Running your Craft Business Comments Off

Oct 252010

When you’re ready to make a little extra money at home or transform a hobby into a full-fledged crafts business, there are a handful of ways to prepare for this new adventure. Are you ready for the groundwork and organization it takes to run a crafts business at home? Before you get started, there are a few things that all beginners should know before they dedicate their time, energy and resources to the competitive world of crafting.

1. Determine Money-Making Potential

For the majority of beginners, the point of running a crafts business at home is to turn a profit. Whether you’re a wizard at crocheting baby blankets or making organic lotions for sensitive skin, you have to ask yourself if your craft is something that customers need. Your crafts business will be a success if you provide goods that serve a purpose, which translates into sales. Will there be a demand for what you have to offer?

2. Do your Homework

Before establishing a home-based crafts business, one of the first things to do is research the basic market. After establishing the demand for your crafts, pinpoint the type of people who will most likely purchase your goods. This will also come in handy when making advertising decisions. Identify the places where your potential customers will live – think of local, regional, national and global interests. Research the average price of similar products.

3. Are You Unique?

Since there are thousands of crafts businesses competing for the attention of consumers, it is important to stand out from the rest. To succeed in the industry, you must offer something unique and in many cases – one-of-a-kind crafts. For example, if you make beaded necklaces – what sets your creations apart from the thousands of other jewelry makers? Do you use a special technique, exotic stone, or offer an intricate pattern? Recognize your competition and analyze what makes their business work. This doesn’t mean the same formula will work for you, but you can get an idea on how to become a better business within your industry.

4. Test Out the Demand

It’s hard for many crafters to take a step back from their creations and assess the true demand for their product. When you’re looking for constructive criticism, call upon friends and family to lend a hand. Seek out five to ten of the most honest loved ones who will give you the best opinions. Also, pick people who most likely shop for the kinds of products that you offer. For instance, if you sew baby outfits, ask new parents for their opinions. Interview each loved one on an individual basis. Ask them what they like about your products, if any improvements are needed, if they have any concerns, and would they give your product as a gift.

5. Set a Competitive Price

Once you’ve assessed if there is demand for your product, you’re going to need a competitive price. One of the easiest ways to create a price range is to follow the lead of competitors. Take notes of an acceptable range for highest and lowest dollar amount. Keep in mind that your prices will fluctuate throughout the lifetime of your crafts business.

6. Sell Beyond the Internet

The Internet is not the only place to sell your crafts when starting a small business at home. Many crafters find success in setting up a booth at a local craft fair, farmer’s market, and other venues. Approach local shops that sell gifts, art and other trinkets. Ask the store manager if they’d be willing to carry one of your lines.

5 Ways to Sell Your Crafts

Running your Craft Business Comments Off

Sep 282010

Every day, new crafts businesses are born. From handmade soap collections to hair bows for children, someone is making money selling a product that they create on their own. In order to make the most out of your talent and hard work, it’s important to explore the different ways you can sell your crafts. To get started, below are a handful of craft-selling suggestions:

1. The Internet

The Internet provides a convenience for shoppers who don’t like leaving the comforts of their own home to obtain products, crafts, and gifts. Online craft businesses also save money because they don’t have to worry about maintaining a costlier bricks-and-mortar shop. Selling your crafts on the Internet is a low-risk approach towards making money. An online crafts business is relatively easy to establish and offers a wide range of selling options, including Artfire, Etsy, and establishing “shopping carts” on personal websites.

2. At-Home Business

Depending on the type of business you plan on running, a simple home office or large basement can become an ideal place to sell your crafts. Some people have taken advantage of a walkout basement and have transformed the lower level of their home into a crafts business. In addition to making crafts, the large space is also perfect for storing equipment, organizing supplies, and greeting customers looking for custom pieces. Things to think about include the need for a permit or license, signage options, parking space, and the practicality of using your home space.

3. Home Parties

If you don’t want to commit to using you’re a large part of your house as a place to physically sell your crafts, consider hosting events at home. Similar to Tupperware parties, you can invite family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and other interested faces you meet along to way. To alert potential consumers when you’re hosting the next party, an inexpensive method is to create an email list to send virtual invitations.

4. Craft Shows and Local Fairs

A large number of crafters are selling their creations at local fairs, festivals and other events about town. When selecting a venue to sell your crafts, keep in mind fees, advertising costs, and how many visitors you expect to come in contact with. Print up business cards to make the most out of your craft show encounters.

5. Family and Friends

One of the best ways to sell your crafts is to let your family and friends pass along your information. Word of mouth is a powerful method of advertising. For example, a jewelry maker should float a few eye-catching pieces to loved ones, as well as arm them with business cards. When someone asks where they got their fabulous necklace from, they can talk up your business and hand out your contact details.