Is Your House Overrun With Handmade Goodies?
Have you ever thought about selling the things you make?
A friend of mine is thinking about starting to sell her handmade craft work and asked me for a few pointers about how to start. Obviously I thought this would be a great opportunity to make another lens.
I'm also going to add some of the lenses I've found on this topic that are already out there.
I hope I can add something new. I'm going to talk about how I started and also clue you in to things that I haven't done and why I and you should be doing them.
A lot of tips I've found are specific to the USA- not entirely helpful to me as I'm in the UK but I'll hopefully have some information that's beneficial to people on both sides of the pond!
The Most Important Thing
This might sound obvious to you but the most important thing I could ever say to anyone is to be successful you have to WORK HARD.
Handmade Marketing
I've found some awesome tips here including a whole host of things I should be doing but I'm not.
Topics include everything that a handmade seller should know from the perfect way to photograph your handmade items to how to brand your items.
- Handmade Marketing
- Great advice for handmade businesses.
Handmade Marketing
Recent articles.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byRemember to Photograph the Inside
Autonomous Artisans
They're pretty awesome and every now and then feature an artist or craftsperson (like me!).
- Autonomous Artisans
- Great advice for Handmade Businesses.
- Me On Autonomous Artisans
- Artisan of the Week: Rachel of Melted Fabrics.
Autonomous Artisans
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byUseful Handmade Blogs
Please add to the list.
Handmade Marketing - You Can Sell More, Here's How.
HandmadeMarketing.org is a community devoted to sh more...0 points
Tips!
Get Some Business Cards Made Up
My main bag that I carry around with me is one of my own creations. Whenever anyone mentions that they like it I whip one of my business cards out and thrust it at them so they can visit my website when they get home.Business cards don't need to be complicated. You can make them in Microsoft publisher, print them out onto card and cut them up. Why not hand make some of your own, if you have the time?
Failing that there are places that will make them up for you cheaply and professionally.
You don't need to put a lot of information on your cards if you don't want to. A website address will suffice.
I would recommend finding an image that's recogniseably your work so that when your "business card victim" comes across your card weeks later they know who you are!
Carry Your Work Around With You
Above: My Shoulder Bag.
If you make clothes or jewellery, then wear them. If you make bags then make sure your main bag is one you make. What better advertising is there?
This is also the perfect opportunity to roadtest your work and find out if it does the job you say it does, or if it needs changing.
Places to Sell Your Work Online
There are many places where you can sell your work online. Have a look at them all and see which you think is best. Alternatively try out a few of them at the same time.
Ebay
I Started with eBay
I started to sell some of the textiles pieces I'd made whilst studying costume.
I don't use eBay anymore. There are a lot of things I don't like about it but that doesn't mean you can't make a success of yourself using this auction website. You have to try things out and see what you're comfortable with.
Starting an eBay Business for Dummies
Starting an eBay Business For Dummies
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 02/17/2012)
Not used ebay before? Try starting with a book like this one.
Personal Website
Setting Up a Website
If you do have a website you're going to have to work even harder to get traffic to it than you would have to with an etsy store.
However, a website can be a great hub for you to work from. I use my website as a portfolio of my work and make sure it's linked to all the other places that I sell from.
Melted Fabrics Homepage
Not the best website ever, but it's all mine.
Adobe Dreamweaver CS4
![Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31%2BOQmkOT5L._SL160_.jpg)
Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 [OLD VERSION]
Amazon Price: $1,995.00 (as of 02/17/2012)
THis is the newest version of Dreamweaver. I learnt Dreamweaver about 6 years ago. It's probably full of lots more groovy stuff now!
Learn Dreamweaver on YouTube!
Dreamweaver CS4: The Missing Manual
By David McFarland.
Dreamweaver CS4: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals)
Amazon Price: $15.90 (as of 02/17/2012)
I taught myself how to make websites with Dreamweaver and a book. The only other thing you need is time!
Lenses About Making Websites
If you're a beginner and want to get started straight away on making a website then I would use a free site that already has everything built in place for you.
Have a look at these lenses for more information.
Where Can You Make Free Websites?
Do you know any places that let you make a free website? Add them here.
Weebly - Create a free website and a free blog
Create a free website or blog in minutes by using more...0 points
Bravenet - Web Hosting, Free Web Hosting and Web Tools
Web hosting and free web hosting from Bravenet.com more...0 points
Webs - Make a free website, get free hosting
Webs helps you make your own free website. Persona more...0 points
Free Website Builder - Moonfruit - Beautiful websites, simply
Moonfruit offers a free website builder that creat more...0 points
Yola | Build a Free Website
Learn how to make a free website. Yola will allow more...0 points
The Really, Really, Really Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Website
For Absolute Beginners of All Ages (Step By Step Guide).
The Really, Really, Really Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Website: For Absolute Beginners of All Ages
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 02/17/2012)
I'm sure this book could give you much better advice than I could on building your own website.
Promoting Your Lens Outside Of Squidoo
By Lensmaster Jeffwend
Selling Your Art Online
By Lensmaster MysticMama
I Always Forget To Do This
Photograph your handmade item with a human!
This is important for size comparison.
Etsy
Etsy
Your place to buy and sell all things handmade.
My favourite place to sell and buy handmade items is Etsy.Etsy is all kinds of awesome.
I don't use it so much anymore because I've moved on from selling handmade items to wanting to sell my self-published books about textiles. My store has been sadly neglected recently, which is a shame.
If you're selling handmade items then this is the place for you! People sell a range of different handmade items- from bags to soap to cookies all with different prices from the thousands of dollars to a small amount of cents.
If you do open up an etsy shop then please sign up for their various maling lists- they are full of excellent tips to make your selling experience brilliant.
(click me to visit etsy)
Melted Fabrics...
...on Etsy.
You need to select some items to show.
Tools For Your Etsy Shop
By Lensmaster Noadi.
Etsy On Youtube
101 Ways to Market Your Online Jewelry Shop
Free and Cheap Ways to Market, Promote, Advertise, and Increase Traffic to Your Online or Etsy Jewelry Shop and Sell Your Jewelry Now
101 Ways to Market Your Online Jewelry Shop: Free and Cheap Ways to Market, Promote, Advertise, and Increase Traffic to Your Online or Etsy Jewelry Shop and Sell Your Jewelry Now
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 02/17/2012)
Do you make jewelry? Have a look at this book and see if there's anything that could help you.
Other Online Marketplaces
Online Marketplaces
Why not try them all?
If you produce small items that are quickly made then why not try having several online shops. See what works best for you.
Wherever you choose to sell your work try to get involved with the community. These sites have forums where you can meet and get advice from other members.
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Folksy is a relatively new site. It's similar to Etsy but it's based in the UK.
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The great thing about Artfire is that you can try it out for free.
You can list 10 items for free and see how it goes. After that you pay a fixed fee every month and can list as many products as you like.
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I've not tried 1000markets myself but I've heard good things. Try searching the Handmade Marketing site (link at the top of this page) to find out more.
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I believe Coriandr is another UK based site. Have a look at it and see if you like it. It might be just the kind of place you've been looking for.
- Folksy
- A place for selling handmade items.
- Artfire
- A handmade selling place.
- 1000markets
- A handmade selling place.
- Coriandr
- A handmade selling place.
Which Online Market Place Do You Use?
Sell Your Jewelry
How to Start a Jewelry Business and Make Money Selling Jewelry at Boutiques, Fairs, Trunk Shows, and Etsy.
Sell Your Jewelry: How to Start a Jewelry Business and Make Money Selling Jewelry at Boutiques, Fairs, Trunk Shows, and Etsy.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 02/17/2012)
Do you make jewelry? Maybe this book will be useful for you.
What Else Can You Do With Your Art and Craft Work Online?
Writing
Melted Fabrics CD Books
My Textiles E-Books
Giving Away Little Bits For Free
Below I've created a simple slideshow which features information from my first textiles book "Melted Fabrics".
The awesome thing about, the UK online marketplace, Folksy is that you can upload tutorials to theri "Make" section. I added the same information there that's in the slideshow below.
Prints and Merchandise
Zazzle
Prints, t-shirts, postcards and more.
Zazzle
Zazzle 101 ... How to make a profit on Zazzle
By Lensmaster bdkz
One of the Images I Use on Zazzle and Cafepress
Cafepress
Prints, t-shirts, postcards and more.
My Cafepress Store
How to Run a Successful CafePress Shop (and make lots of money!)
By Lensmaster KimberlyDawnWells.
Promoting Online
Where ever you sell your work online you're going to have to do a tremendous amount of promotion.
Blogs
Get a Blog
It gives you a way to promote yourself.
It gives you a way to show off your new products.
It makes people trust you more if they have a way of contacting you.
It gives you an opportunity to show how much work you put into your products.
It can give you a supportive online community.
It's a way of building up a list of people who are interested in you and your products.
What's also important is that you keep your blog regularly updated so that people remain interested in you and your work.
It's also important that you spend time communicating with other bloggers and leaving them comments. Show that you're not just there for the advertising.
Below you'll find a link I made about my Live Journal. Excuse me, whilst I go and follow my own advice!
Blogs
Feel free to add any great blogging sites you've come across
http://www.blogger.com/
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Crabbysbeach Squidoo blogging community, where lensmasters blog.
Crabbysbeach blog community for all things, and le more...0 points
Squidlog.net %u2014 Home
SquidLog.net is not only a great blooging platform more...0 points
Get a Twitter Account
You can get Twitter to work with lots of other websites- Squidoo, for example, Facebook and your blogs.
My Twitter account picks up new entries from my blogs and posts a link into my feed. That feed then goes onto my Facebook status. I also post links to new Squidoo lenses on Twitter. My etsy store is linked to Twitter and so is my Artfire store, so that any new products are linked there as well.
Don't forget to add other little bits of info about what you're up to during the day- don't just spam your Twitter friends with links!
Twitter Advice...
...from Noadi.
Do You Have Any Great Tips for Using Twitter?
Add them here.
Don't forget to add other little bits of info about what you're up to during the day- don't just spam your Twitter friends with links!
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Remember Twitter is for having conversations
Dont talk AT people, talk TO them. Get involved. D more...0 points
Videos
Make Your Own Videos
Like I said above, I love the etsy videos and I love that some of the sellers have told us about themselves, where they live and work, what materials they use and their techniques. It makes me much more likely to visit their shops.
I make textiles kits and I figured I finally better use one myself to show people how you can use them to make similar textiles pieces to me.
I've only got a crappy 6 year old webcam so my videos are a little fuzzy- but at least I've made a start.
The hardest thing, for me, about making videos is getting over my feelings of stupidity at talking to myself!
Oh and prepare yourself for friends who are going to quote bits they found amusing over and over at you: "you know, grass".
Watch All My Textiles Art Kit Videos Here
Displaying your Artwork on YouTube
By Lensmaster Noadi.
Newsletters
Newsletters and Mailing Lists
You're compiling a list of people who are interested in your work and want to know more.
The only difficult part of writing a newsletter is making sure you have enough material to tell people about in both your blog, on Twitter and in the newsletter. A good way to do this is to make your newsletter a compilation of links where you've posted that week- for example i have quite a number of sites where I post information and not everyone is going to be looking at everything. Besides, some people would rather get an e-mail than go visit a blog.
How often should you send your newsletter out? That's up to you. I've been sending mine out almost every friday but that may be too much for you.
Using Newsletters to Promote Your Shop
Do You Know Any Useful Sites for Newsletters?
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/
Free, easy email groups0 points
Bravenet - Web Hosting, Free Web Hosting and Web Tools
Web hosting and free web hosting from Bravenet.com more...0 points
Squidoo!
The First Time I Ever Heard of Squidoo...
I joined Squidoo and looked around and liked what I saw and started making lenses and I haven't stopped.
The number of people visiting my website has definitely improved since joining.
I'd recommend looking through Noadi's blogposts and lenses to get some great tips for running your own handmade business.
The First Lens I Saw on Squidoo
Noadi's advice for handmade businesses.
Handmade Business
Noadi's handmade business blog.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byUsing Squidoo to Promote Your Business
By Lensmaster Noadi
Making a Living in Crafts: Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Business
By Donald Clark.
Making a Living in Crafts: Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Business
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 02/17/2012)
Still need some advice? Have a look at this book.
Join Communities
For support and advice.
Pick An Identity and Stick With It
Use the same icon on every online community. That way you are instantly recogniseable.
Feeling Lonely or Want More Advice?
Try joining a crafting community.
Crafty Communities
Add your favourites here!
Crafteroo: Craft Forum
Craft Forum0 points
Craftster: Crafting Forums & Community: Crafts, Free Patterns, Projects, Handmade Gifts & Back to School Craft Ideas
Craftster.org is a crafting community that include more...0 points
Crafters Chat Community for Sharing Free Craft Ideas, Patterns, and Tips
Craft community for craft ideas, projects, and adv more...0 points
Flickr
As well as being an awesome place to stash your photos online there are many communities on Flickr.
Craftgrrl
On Livejournal.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand by
Craft, Inc
Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business.
Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
Amazon Price: $4.20 (as of 02/17/2012)
Thinking is trying to make money from your hobby? Find out how with this book.
IRL
In Real Life
Craft Fairs
Show Your Items Off in the Flesh!
The problem with the Internet is that people are only looking at photos of your products- so they have to be amazing looking images. I have problems with this because my textiles pieces rely on texture and the way they look as light moves across them.
Your customers are much more likely to buy from you if they can touch the items you've made. They're much more likely to fall in love with your handmade items if those items are right there in front of them. Therefore they're going to be much more likely to spend more money on an item.
To do Craft Fairs you are going to need transport so that you can drive all your products, tables, tents (if it's an outdoor fair).
You are also going to need a lot of stock. Remember to take smaller, cheaper items too.
Check out Noadi's lens below to find out more information.
Craft Fair Advice
By Lensmaster Noadi.
Do You Do Craft Fairs?
Let us know what you think about craft fairs.
Do you sell you craftwork at fairs?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes. They're a great way to make money and meet people.
FunkyFriendsFactory says:
I love them as it is a great way to meet your customers in the flesh and see their reactions to your work - good and bad! Ha!ha! : )
Posted May 11, 2011
FunkyFriendsFactory says:
I do and I love it - as it is a great way to meet your customers and see their reactions to your new work! Good and Bad!!! : )
Posted May 11, 2011
Wednesday_Elf says:
I've sold my craft at craft fairs occasionally over the years, then two summers ago I became involved in two local Farmers Markets (produce, plus craft tables) and did very well. As you say, seeing (and holding) in person goes a long way towards a sale! Plus, it's delightful to meet many of the people who stop by your 'table'.
Posted November 19, 2010
No. I just sell online.
MeltedRachel says:
No. I'd like to, although they look absolutely exhausting. Might help if I could drive, of course!
Posted February 07, 2010
aj2008 says:
I just sell online on Zazzle, but I am thinking of getting some of my stuff made so I can carry it around with me.
Posted February 05, 2010
MeltedRachel says:
I haven't sold at any craft fairs yet. I don't drive which causes a bit of a problem for me as I'd have to rely on unsuspecting friends and family members.
Posted July 21, 2009
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
If your handmade items are more art based than craft based then you might want to have an exhibition for your work.I make a lot of big quilt-like pieces so exhibitions are good for me to show off these pieces- they can also work in a similar way to craft fairs.
Make sure you have enough ways to display your craftwork.
My Step-Dad kindly made up three standing boards for me to use as displays. I also borrowed a few tables and even used my own futon (I had to sleep on the floor for two months!).
Exhibitons take a lot of planning. You can see in the images below that my first exhibition was a huge space! I made a couple of extra large quilts so I could fill the place and I had to think about how everything needed to be spaced out.
If possible try to be at your exhibition space as much as possible- some places will have their own stewards to watch your work but it's always great to be there to answer peoples' questions yourself.
Running your own handmade business can often be a lonely job so going to craft fairs and having exhibitions is a way of making sure you see people and get feedback on their comments. Remember to also have a Guestbook in place so that you can get feedback from people even if you're not there.
Don't Forget to Get a Guestbook
A guestbook is a must for your exhibition.
How else are you going to get uplifting comments like "Too many wooden beads" and "Very beautiful work but what point is it?"
But remember never use the Internet to get back at visitors who leave you comments!
My Second Exhibition
A few photos...
Original summer art quilt and figurines.
Workshops
Workshops
When you're selling an item you're aiming it at people who like to buy nice handmade things but what about the other people who'd like to learn how to do what you do?
I know a lot of people wouldn't want anyone to know how to make the things they make and then go on to sell them but as far as me and my work is concerned the more the merrier. I suppose the stuff I make is more a technique of fabric manipulation rather than making a specific item so I'm not worried about people taking any business away from me. Encourage people to experiment and find their own little twists on your techniques.
There are several ways you could teach workshops.
You could teach workshops in schools. I've done this a couple of times.
You could set up your own workshops in your home or village/town hall. Make sure you look into insurance and all those boring important things if you're going to do workshops.
You could find some sort of adult learning class to teach with your local council.
Keep a Folder of Worksheets...
...and other bits of information for your workshops.
What Do You Think About Teaching Your Skills to Other People?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byPeople should learn how to do their own things their own way.
MeltedRachel says:
I'm going to argue for both sides because you can come up with some great ideas and experiments all on your own. A lot of my techniques came from looking at somebody else's work and trying to figure out how they made it and then how I could make it without spending much money in the process. However if I had no art training whatsoever then I wouldn never have known how to start or what was possible.
Posted February 07, 2010
If no one taught anything then skills would die out completely.
JoaniesGifts says:
I think sharing is always the right thing to do. In my blog I've started to share all of the things I've done wrong in setting up my online shop with no technical skills, so hopefully others can avoid my mistakes. I could keep it all to myself and make everyone else suffer too but that's not nice and I couldnt like myself if i did that. Teaching is about helping people to think for themselves so all you are really doing is guiding someone on how to use their skills to achieve something - it's not doing it all for them..
Posted November 21, 2010
MeltedRachel says:
The awesome thing about passing on skills and ideas to other people is when they take them and make them their own, evolve them and come up with something new. Everyone should experiment on their own too but sometimes it's good to have a little knowledge before you start.
Posted February 07, 2010
KathyMcGraw says:
Absolutely! I used to have a weekly craft night where interested people met at my house and we shared ideas, talked and made things together. I learned a lot, had fun, and everyone came back week after week for 2 years.
Posted November 29, 2009
Laniann says:
We can't let techniques of how to make and do things die. Teaching others your skill will keep the craft living on into the future.
Posted November 29, 2009
Share Your Thoughts
Reader Feedback.
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Kimbesa
Sep 5, 2011 @ 8:43 am | delete
- Very useful and comprehensive...thanks! **angel blessed**
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Wednesday_Elf
Feb 20, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
- Returning to let you know I've now 'featured' you on my SquidAngel lens (and lensrolled this one to mine). Glad I came back because I see at least two links I need to go back and read that I 'forgot' about. Such a wonderful list of resources and business tips here. Thanks for putting this all together for us online 'crafters'. :)
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MeltedRachel
Feb 25, 2011 @ 5:52 am | delete
- Thanks so much! Sorry I didn't reply to your last comment - I must have missed that one :/
Hope the crafting is going well!
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Wednesday_Elf
Nov 19, 2010 @ 6:02 am | delete
- What an excellent list of resources, suggestions and ideas for promoting (and selling) your crafts online. I have an Etsy shop and have written a few Squidoo lenses about my handmade items. I keep 'planning' to begin a blog -- haven't gotten that far yet. I have participated weekly throughout the past two summers in local craft fairs/Farmers Markets and done well there. I am aware that carrying your product around in public (as you can do with your lovely handbags) helps 'promote' your work, but I haven't figured out a way to go shopping or to the grocery store carrying one of my crocheted stuffed animals! :)
Interesting that you talked about Noadi several times here. I 'visited' one of her wonderful lenses just before I came here to read yours! What a coincidence.
Very well done lens with a wealth of helpful and useful information for all crafters! ~~Blessed by a SquidAngel~~
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WhiteOak50
Feb 14, 2010 @ 6:19 am | delete
- Happy Valentine's Day!! You did a really good job putting this lens together!
"Blessed by a SquidAngel"
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About Melted Rachel
Textiles Artist.
This UpMarket page written by
MeltedRachel
I'm Rachel, a textiles artist from the southwest of England.
I love using recycled materials to create one-of-a-kind:
textiles art pieces,
handbags,...
more »
Deluxe. Remarkable. Creative. Unusual. Successful. Upmarket businesses push the envelope -- does yours?
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