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Book Review: Crafty Superstar

As Posted by B.Link on 2/11/10:

I am a bit of an addict when it comes to buying books and magazines, especially when it comes to crafting. I have never taken a class to learn any particular craft, but rather, I learned everything I know from reading. I love the idea of having a reference at my disposal at any time. This particular book I'm reviewing is different from most craft books or zines in that it talks about the ins and outs of crafting game like selling online, in craft stores, at craft shows and expos, and how to be an overall crafty sellout... but in good way.

Crafty Superstar by Grace Dobush was released last year in 2009, which means much of the information and resources given in the book are still extremely relevant and up to date. Now will it still be the case in a year or so; that remains to be seen. This book is an attempt to answer the question of "now what?" that many crafters ask themselves after they see a certain bit of popularity grow in their handmade goods. It gives different scenarios for the part time crafter to the more entrepreneurial full time crafter. One particularly handy section is in Chapter 3 where, Dobush talks about the different avenues of selling you goods, such as creating a personal website, Etsy.com, consignment stores, craft shows, etc. For each avenue she specifically talks about the pros and cons of each, how each one typically works, and a bit of extra advice for each one so that you can optimize exposure and ultimately sales.

There are checklists and great color photos galore throughout this book, but what seemed most useful is the information given in Appendix A-I. There, Dobush lists popular craft blogs, craft friendly publications, listings of small business resources (most of which are free), and even major indie craft shows throughout the North America. It is here she also includes a breakdown on the sketchy and sometimes controversial topic of pricing your handmade goodies.

One of the most compelling things I found about this book was Dobush's acknowledgement of what today's crafter goes through. She talks about how to deal with bad online customers, haters blasting you in cyberspace, rejection from juried craft shows, snubs from cheap buyers and copycats. While making these acknowledgements on a personal level, she still makes sure to recognize the legalities and necessary bookkeeping of a new and budding independent craft business.

While this is not the first "how to" book on selling that I've picked up, it is the first that I've thought to be both practical and relevant to my selling style. One very dated book I picked up several years back stated that one should take as many opportunities as possible to get out there and sell, so at the time I did. I signed up for several bazaars and church craft shows, and then figured out that they were a big waste of time, money and effort, mostly because I wasn't selling to my target market. One of the things I like about this book is that while it points out that you should love what you make, you should still not forget who you are making it for, how much is your target market is willing to spend, and especially WHERE to get a hold of your target market.

Now, grant it, the majority of this info is available for free if you look hard enough and spend hours and hours delving in for your self, but the beauty of this little book is that, Dobush has done all of the hard work for you and with the help of many other successful crafters which are quoted in the book. For the many crafters out there that are ready to take their handmade game to the next level, then this book is for you.

Crafty Superstar by North Light Books

By Grace Dobush

SRP: $17.99

Resource Guide Vol. 1 - Jewelry/Beading

Recently, the question was asked, "Where do you get your stuff?" As far as beading and jewelry making goes, here is a list of places in the San Antonio area that may be helpful. Now we all go the big craft chain superstores, like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, etc., but in order to give your creations and extra bit of umph, and edge, one does have to delve deeper and find that strand of beads that no one else is going to have. Here are a few places that may lend a hand in that:

Local Bead/Jewelry Suppliers:

• Beads Plus - beads and findings

2109 San Pedro Avenue

San Antonio, TX 78212-3318
(210) 733-1772

• Rainbow Jewelers Supply - findings, boxes, tags, hardware, supplies, lost wax, sterling/GF wire

2109 San Pedro Avenue

San Antonio, TX 78212-3300
(210) 735-3366

Both Beads Plus and Rainbow are located in the same building. Beads Plus is located on street side, while Rainbow is located on the floor below. Most supplies are pretty reasonable at Rainbow. They have got a wide variety of different gauge wires that sell by the foot and by the ounce.

• Tres Rebecca's - Studio, beads, tools, notions, fabric, retail... overall interesting place.

711 S. St. Mary's

San Antonio, TX 78205
210-224-5733

Tres Rebecca's is one of those places that you go to in order to get some inspiration. There is a little bit of everything in there. Plus, they are just a few doors down from me!

• Originals - beads, retail

555 W. Bitters Rd., Ste 108
San Antonio, TX 78216
210.490.ROCK (7625)

418 Villita St, Bldg 700
San Antonio, TX 78205
210.226.ROCK (7625)

Originals has got two San Antonio locations. One in historic La Villita in downtown, and the other in Artisans Alley in the north side of San Antonio.

• Ann Pearce Jewelry - beads, retail

1826 Nacogdoches Road
San Antonio, TX 78209-2216
(210) 656-2745

I was first introduced to Ann Pearce Jewelry at a bead show. The selection of her beads were quite unique.

• Bitter Creek Designs - beads, findings, supplies, and retail

17711 IH 10 West

Bldg 700 Suite 104
San Antonio, Texas 78257

While at Bitter Creek you will find an impressive selection of beads and findings, they are pretty pricey. Bitter creek is located in the Rim Shopping Center near La Cantera.

• Mica Jewelry and Beads

Ste 111, 2838 N Loop 1604

San Antonio, TX 78232-1713
(210) 651-3050

Area/Online Suppliers:

• Beadstuff.com

You are most likely to see Doug and Pam Larson at traveling bead shows in the surrounding areas. They have got a wide and impressive selection of glass, Czech, and crystals. They are located in NW Austin, and you can browse their collection online, or in person by appointment only. I first became acquainted with the Larson's while in college, when I would sneak off to their home between class to spend my work study money on some of their fabulous beads. Very helpful when I was new to the beading game.

• Nomadic Notions

The one in SA has just closed, but the one in Austin is still kicking. I worked at the Ausitn location all throughout my later years in college, and it remains very dear to my heart. While pricey at times, they do carry a great selection of semi-precious stones and lots of sterling silver findings.

• PMC123.com

Located in the NE side of San Antonio, you can call to set up an appointment to check out their stock. Sherry Fotopolis offers classes and the best quality of supplies when it comes the craft of precious metal clay. I make a trip over to her place about every other week or so.

• AdrianasBeads.com

Chain Stores:

• Beads 2 go
• Hobby Lobby
• JoAnn Fabrics
• Michaels
• Hancock Fabrics

Touring Gem and Jewelry Shows:

Now If you are serious about jewelry making, then these shows are where you really want to go. The prices are either near or at wholesale and the quantities are immense. Now, most of these shows (especially at the Live Oak Civic Center) are open to the pubic. The bigger ones will usually have restricted areas for wholesale only, which means that you will have to show a business card and tax ID certificate in order to enter. The Parker Trade show listed below is wholesale only and NOT open to the public. Here is a list of upcoming shows and their dates.

• San Antonio Bead Market - thebeadmarket.net

February 27-28

Live Oak Civic Center

• Parker Trade Show - parkertradeshow.com

March 19-21

San Antonio Event's Center

(near 410&Marbach Rd.)

• International Gem and Jewelry show - intergem.com

March 19-21

Palmer Events Center

(downtown Austin)

• Southwest Gem and Mineral Show - swgemandmineral.org

March 20-21

Live Oak Civic Center

• San Antonio Bead and Orniment Society Bead Bazaar - sabostx.com

May 1-2

Live Oak Civic Center

More installments of our resource guide are coming, but if you feel I left anything out of the Bead/Jewelry guide, let me know, and leave a comment! Happy Beading!

-Brandy

blinkdesign.etsy.com

San Antonio Crafting Resources

As mentioned at our last team meeting held at Sew Delux, we are looking to compile a list of resources and suppliers to local crafters. We are asking you all out there in the San Antonio/Central Texas area, where do you get your stuff? Keep in mind that we already know about the big chains, like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc., so we are looking for the other places; the little boutiques that seem to get the coolest faceted jasper beads that you can't find anywhere else!

Email me with your thoughts and suggestions. Please be sure to include the business name, address, hours, phone, and category of craft (i.e. beading, scrapbooking, sewing, fabric, sculpture, etc.)

Send these thoughts to b.linksouthtown@gmail.com

Come back tomorrow for a posting on local jewelry/bead suppliers.

-Brandy

Visible Changes on Etsy

Many of us on the ACH team use Etsy as a way to sell our goods all over the world, and while very convenient at times, the admin team at Etsy definitely seems to have their favorites. Many of which were constantly given over exposure via the coveted front page and gift guides. In recent days, it seems that Etsy is trying at a more democratic approach?

While the admins still pick and choose on who the would really like to focus on, Etsy's GIFT GUIDE seems to have been taken down. For many sellers on Etsy this is considered to be a great relief. For those familiar with Etsy, it is easy to see that there are millions of items to choose from. That fact in itself can be a little overwhelming when it comes to first time buyers on Etsy looking for some cool, one of a kind, handmade earrings. To this person, the Etsy GIFT GUIDE seems to be a helpful tool. The only problem is that it's the Etsy admins that choose who gets on those guides, and unfortunately, it is those few featured sellers that get the disproportionate amount of exposure and, in the end, sales. GIFT GUIDE monitoring has also seemed to have disappeared on Etsy seller resource sites such as CRAFTCULT.COM and CRAFTOPOLIS.COM, finalizing the demise of this Etsy feature.

Another topic of concern to many sellers on Etsy were spots on the coveted FRONT PAGE. Prior to the new year, each collection featured on the homepage of Etsy were created two ways: by Etsy admins and by Etsy treasuries. Not much has really changed to that respect, however now, the majority of all front page features are actually member curated features created via the Treasury. What used to be 50-50 when it came to member curated front page treasuries to Etsy admin front page treasuries, is now 66-33. Of course, Etsy still decides which treasury listings are featured on the front page, however it is nice to see that more members within the Etsy community are taking a hand in giving each other exposure rather than the handful of Etsy Admins.

So for many, the obvious answer seems to simply be more visible in the treasuries, right. Well, unfortunately it still isn't that easy. Creating a treasury takes A LOT of time and patience. The opportunity to create a treasury of your own can literally be gone within a millisecond, and to get into one is any one's guess. The only actions working in your favor are the same ol' same ol' mantras of Etsy: keep renewing and relisting within your store. It really is the only way to attract attention and keep your store fresh.

Attention Crafters: Would you like your stuff promoted for free?

Alamo City Handmade wants your stuff! If you would like your handmade goodies to be featured any of the next batches of Alamo City Handmade Loot Bags please let us know! We need sample sized goodies to be distributed at upcoming events this spring!

We have a few events coming up to cover:

Backbeat Magazine Release Party/40 Bags - March 6
The magazine covers the local music scene.

Lunafest/40 Bags - March 12
This film festival has a women's empowerment theme.

Backbeat Magazine Release Party/40 Bags - April 6
The magazine covers the local music scene.

ACH's 1st Birthday Bash/50 Bags - April 17
Our first birthday party will have a cupcake theme.

ArtSlam/50 Bags - April 24
This live art & music event has a Fiesta theme.


You can choose one or more to send goodies for. We just ask that items are attached to your shop information so that the folks who win your goodies can find where they came from. People will either win them in a raffle or they will go to the first to arrive at each event, they are never sold! We encourage crafters to send items on theme, so if you have questions or need more information or some inspiration please ask! We'll be happy to help you however we can.

Contact GeminitaArt@gmail.com to be included in any of our upcoming promotions!

First Alamo City Handmade meeting of the Year

Have a delicious lunch at Casbeers at the Church and meet with Alamo City Handmade members! We'll talk about the ins and the outs of the crafting business while offering support and gathering ideas for upcoming events and promotions.

Bring business cards for networking and any supplies that you would like to swap and any promotional items that you would like to hand out or pass along to Alamo City Handmade to disperse.

We hope to see you there! Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Handmade Market – New Site for Sellers

Damien, from Yaami and HandmadeMarket, recently shared information about his team’s new site, tips for handmade sellers, and what he thinks buyers look for online.

Why did you start HandmadeMarket.com? Who is your target audience for the site?

“We wanted to take the traditional way of browsing craft items (the local craft market) and today’s way of browsing craft items (online marketplaces such as Etsy and ArtFire) and mix the two together to create a more ‘real-life’ experience to browsing craft items online,” he said.

“Our target audience are buyers and sellers of handmade, art and craft items who want to buy or sell online while also experiencing the traditional craft market experience.”

What makes you different from other selling platforms for crafters (i.e. ArtFire, 1000 Markets, Etsy)? What does the site offer sellers?

“The market is unique in that it creates a more ‘real-life’ experience for the shopper,” Damien told HandmadeMarketing.org. “HandmadeMarket’s role isn’t to provide a selling platform, as we think there are many great platforms out there already, but to provide a new and unique way for sellers to showcase their items – a shopper can then purchase via the sellers’ site of choice (such as Etsy, ArtFire or their own website).“

What does the site offer buyers? Why should those who love handmade buy from HandmadeMarket.com?

“The online handmade world brings many benefits to those who love handmade – browsing items from all over the world from the comfort of your home is one of the benefits – but in doing so you lose the experience you get from your local craft market. HandmadeMarket allows shoppers to browse from home, while still experiencing the craft market experience,” he said.

Tell us a bit about the team behind HandmadeMarket.com. Who is involved in managing the site? Why did they choose to work on this project?

“The market is managed by the small team at Yaami Handmade,” he said. “Originally planned to be a feature of Yaami.com, we decided the idea deserved its own website. We’re hoping other sites in the online handmade world will become involved in the project to make the market even bigger and better.”

Where do you see the site going in the future – 6 months? 1 year? 5 years?

“In the future we want to continue to add features and implement improvements to make the market even better,” Damien told us. “A chat feature is one of the features we plan to implement, allowing shoppers to talk with other shoppers and sellers, just like you would at a ‘real-life’ craft market.”

“We’re planning a themed market for the Christmas holiday season and more themed markets throughout the year,” he added.

What are some tips you would give crafters looking to break into selling online for the first time? What are your top three “musts” for all online craft sellers?

Damien told us the following three tips for sellers:

1. Create a brand for your shop and be consistent with the use of your brand image.
2. Market your shop and items – let your shop be known to shoppers.
3. Present your shop in a professional yet friendly manner, especially in communication – you want your customers to be return-customers.

Have you visited HandmadeMarket.com? What do you think of the site? What types of features would help you sell more handmade online?

Alamo City Etsy is switching nams!

Alamo City Etsy will now be known as Alamo City Handmade. We're opening our membership to non-Etsy sellers, as the need has shown itself to be quite large in San Antonio. Be expecting wonderful things to come as we roll out the changes!

5 Tips for Item Descriptions

Do you have writer's block when it comes to crafting your Etsy item listings? You're in luck! Optimize your shop with the following five tips for effective and descriptive prose in your product listings. You'll have a way with words in no time!

1. Create an inverted pyramid. The most important information about your item should be first in your description — not only because shoppers want the details on your items as soon as possible, but also because it's a smart way to optimize the way your description displays in Google search results.

2. Short paragraphs and bullet points are your friends. Visitors to your shop might be looking for a specific size or material, so make it easy for them to glean that info from your descriptions by cutting out superfluous language and making good use of bullet points. Think about your descriptions as a way to answer your buyer's questions (within reason, of course). Here's a forum thread, 20 Questions Your Buyers are Asking, to help you get an idea of what those questions could be.

3. Keep an eye on your web analytics results. (Find out how to set that up in the Seller FAQ.) Keep a list of the keywords visitors searched for when they found your shop and write with these keywords in mind. Remember that your tags are keywords used by Etsy Search, but your most important tags and materials should also be scattered throughout your descriptions so that internet searches (through Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc) can find you too! These sites are more likely to pick up keywords from your descriptions rather than your list of tags.

4. Just like a good therapist suggests, use "I" statements. Speaking in the first person will help you connect with your visitor on a personal level — and isn't that what they are looking for when they come to shop on Etsy? Show a bit of your personality! Think of your item descriptions as you would when meeting a new friend: you want to be polite, but you also want to be your natural self.

5. End with a link. Did you know you can copy and paste Etsy URLs in your descriptions and they will function as a hyperlink? Use this to your advantage. If your visitor has read your item description and is not biting, don't let them float away off the computer, to another website, Etsy shop or back to their search results. Instead, give them a link to learn more about you, see your entire shop, check out your policies or even a link to send you a conversation.

Weekend Update

Don't miss this amazing stop on the East Austin Studio Tour. In addition to Flatfork Studios and the other permanent art galleries and studios which make up this locale, over 40 Etsy Austinites will be rotating over the two weekends selling their art and handmade wares. Sip on Tito’s, nibble on food, shop, and of course, fill your heart with art. Live demonstrations will be held each day. Mark your tour map and we will see you there!

Etsy Austin @ E.A.S.T
Saturday & Sunday Nov 14th & 15th
Saturday & Sunday Nov 21th & 22th
10 am to 5 pm

Smith Road Studios
1406 Smith Road
Austin, TX

Holiday Handmade Market on Saturday!

Come out on Saturday to the Holiday Handmade Market at Bubblehead Tea located at 1035 S Presa for early holiday shopping! Come by to support the Alamo City Etsy team by purchasing buttons, lip balms and loot bags. Look out for our ad in Backbeat Magazine this month.


We'll be having a 2nd Holiday Market on December 12th with even more vendors! Come by and see us!