In this age of cyber hacking and concerns about security, I have decided to move all of this website to a secure server – Https not http. Although no personal financial information is collected at this site and I provide information only, you can’t be too careful. This has been done now. You will see that the top address bar now takes you to https://www.allfiberarts.com
Category Archives: Craft Biz Info
Information about setting up a crafts business.
Etsy
I have recently become more active in promoting my hand crafted products and am using the online shops of Etsy and Folksy.
I have had Etsy and Folksy shops for some time now, but didn’t have a lot of products displayed on them, partly because I have also been working at a ‘real job’ so haven’t had a lot of time to devote to crafting. And also I didn’t realize that the number of items listed in your shop affects how many visitors you get.
Crafts online
I have been selling my handwoven items for some time now online. I have a website where I display some of my products and this continues to be an effective method of selling for me.
I realize that as crafters/weavers/handspinners, many of us are looking for alternate ways to sell our work, in addition to selling at craft fairs. The internet is a good way to do this and recently there have become more avenues to promote your work. Here are a few things that I have discovered.
Book Store: Craftbiz books
Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
A step-by-step guide to everything from developing products and naming the company to writing a business plan, applying for licenses, and paying taxes. Chapters on sales, marketing, trade shows, and publicity round out the mix.
The Creative Professional’s Guide to Money: How to Think About It, How to Talk About it, How to Manage It
This book focuses on proven techniques and resources used by a wide range of successful creatives to manage their business finances.
Craft Shows: aa042999
Some tips on attending a craft show
Product Labelling: aa052298
Product Labelling for Crafts, what you need to know
Pricing Handwovens: aa091197
Even though you may not be a weaver by profession at some point someone will ask if you are willing to sell your work. How much do you charge? How do you determine a reasonable price that will cover your costs and hopefully give you a bit of profit for your effort as well?
There are a number of points to consider:
supplies – the cost of your materials,
your time – both warping, weaving and finishing,
and the market price – what the customer is willing to pay.
Craft Business Information: craftbiz
Resources and business information for the artist and craft person