Author Archive
Bad Economy Not Affecting Crafts Conferences
“Conference planners were very concerned last year whether anyone would register this year, based on the economic conditions,” reports Bobbie Irwin, weaving teacher and author. In fact, at most of the conferences where I taught this year, attendance was up,” reports weaving teacher and author Bobbie Irwin.
Secrets to Developing a Good Product Line
While it’s important to focus on an art or craft you love and do well, you must always consider the marketplace. Making what you love to make is not necessarily going to be what people want to buy. Here are mistakes to avoid, and tips for success.
Crafty Market Research
Do you have a great idea for a new product? Will anyone buy it? How should you price it? This article offers simple but effective ways to get answers to these questions before you lay out a lot of time and money making products that might not sell.
promotional line art portraits
People don’t do business with businesses; they do business with people. And they like to know what those people look like. Whether it’s a formal portrait, a casual photo of you at work, or a nice line drawing, a picture can do what mere words cannot accomplish.
Tips for Working Around Children
The trick in successfully working at home with kids underfoot lies in being flexible, say moms in Barbara’s network. Here are several of their practical tips and ideas.
Finding Your Niche
This niche marketing article, adapted from one of Barbara’s ”Selling what You Make” columns for Crafts magazine, features a jewelry maker whose design ideas and words of encouragement will be inspiring to crafters working in all mediums.
Tips for Beginning Craft Designers
Professional crafts designer Lisa Galvin offers practical and motivational tips for how beginning crafts designers can get started in this industry. She emphasizes the importance of joining professional organizations to meet the individuals who will help you up the ladder of success. Includes links to several resources.
Sharon Rifilato’s Success Story
Success in life is about much more than making money. It’s about living life to the fullest and looking for the sunny side of life even when days are cloudy. Here’s how one woman’s lifelong involvement in crafts has helped her cope with multiple sclerosis (MS) and get through many difficult days.
Refresh Your Spirit with a Staycation
Do you find that you’re working so hard all the time, or so constantly busy with activities that you don’t have time to relax, let along quietly ponder your life and goals? Maybe it’s time to hang a Gone Fishin’ sign on your door. Learn why you need to give yourself the gift of a staycation from time to time to ease your stress and refresh your spirit.
Barb’s 2009 Garage Sale Update
In this update to an earlier post, Barbara talks about what did and didn’t sell at her huge “garage estate sale” in June. Includes photos and some shopper stories.
