What is
Crafting?
Crafting
includes a whole host of activities associated with skillful attempts at making
useful things with your hands. These crafts were created using skills passed
down from generation to generation, and were motivated by necessity. There is
an amazing redemptive power and pride that comes from the ability to make your
own things.
Crafting is putting ideas
into action and then holding them together with an inexpensive adhesive. But
where do the ideas come from? Is it okay to wonder? Usually, the best ideas
come from other people's good ideas, which then, after a short gestation
period, become your ideas
Today,
virtually anyone of sound mind can join the elite society of crafters.
Is Crafting right for me?
Anybody can craft! There are
an exhausting amount of crafts requiring a wide array of skills, so that
regardless of age or artistic ability there is a project that is perfect for
you.
Many people look at crafters
with respect. Not everybody feels talented enough to make a living by performing
a craft. Though, it is important to keep in mind that there are countless
different crafts. Items that are being produced differ a lot in appearance and
function. The process of creating those items also differs. So, there is no
reason for you to give up the idea of becoming a crafter. All you need to do is
learn how to do so.
Right mindset
The most important step is to
get in the right mindset. That involves finding the much needed motivation.
Thought that you want to become a crafter is not enough. You will need to look
further for motivation. Monetary gain can provide such a motivation.
Desire to create useful
things and works of art is even better motivation. Crafts enable you to
immortalize a piece of your soul. The things you create will be unique. In some
cases, they might last centuries or even millennia.
Anyway, the motivation is
just a part of the process of getting into the right mindset for becoming a
crafter.
Find the right craft
It is very important to find
the craft that fits you the best. You need to look for a craft that you can
enjoy. Otherwise the lack of motivation and love for that particular craft will
cost you dearly. The quality of items made by you will suffer greatly. Also,
you are very likely to lose interest in the venture.
Focusing on one’s hobbies and
interests is a good path to follow. This way, it will be easier for you to
stick to the plan. After all, you will not be a crafter if you abandon your
efforts after few days.
Knowledge and insight
The next step is to broaden
your knowledge of the chosen craft. There are many brochures and books devoted
to certain crafts. Though, not everything is covered in the printed form.
However, the internet is a great source of information too. Information on
every craft can be found on the internet. Search for this information so that
you can make use of it in your crafting efforts.
Other crafters are even
better source of information. They already have a lot of experience. Ask them
politely whether they are willing to share it. Most of the time, they will be
delighted that you show interest in their craft.
Tools and materials
The last step before you can
make anything is to obtain the right tools and materials. This might be a bit
hard. However, do not give up! That would be a pity. All the time you have
already spent preparing would be wasted. So, search the market for those tools
and materials. If they are not available, try to make them by yourself.
Keep working
No one is considered a
crafter unless he does something. You found motivation, picked a craft and
obtained all the needed knowledge, tools and materials. Giving up now would be
very unwise. Initial failures should never set you astray. They are bound to
occur until you gain enough experience.
To conclude, you can easily
become a crafter. Though, it is vital to get in the right mindset and choose
the right craft. Not everybody is fit for every craft. After you chose the
particular craft, search for valid information and gather insight from other
crafters. Finally, invest into the tools and materials needed. Now, the only
thing that can set you astray is the lack of persistence.
Can I make
money from my crafting? YES!!! Absolutely!!!
Making a commitment
Once the decision to go into
business has been made, time needs to be allotted not only for making what is
going to be sold, but also for pricing, packaging, promoting and selling.
"Sometimes a crafter doesn't realize how much actual work is involved. Talk
to others who are successful, and also to those who have failed. Learn from
their experiences, so you won't have to make all the mistakes yourself. "
Finding an outlet
Where is the best place to
sell? Craft malls, consignment stores, seasonal boutiques, craft shows -- the
list goes on. "There are lots of opportunities to sell crafts these days.
Especially with computers," "Every day a new on-line crafters'
marketplace surfaces out there beckoning for people to sell their wares on the
web. It's a great place for crafters to test the waters with their products. If
you shop around you can rent a booth for as little as $10 a month. There's usually
a set-up fee for scanning the images and a percentage goes to the store when an
item is sold." So, what will it be?
THE SIX P'S OF
PROFESSIONAL CRAFTING
There are many things to consider when deciding to turn your crafting hobby
into a business.
PURCHASING
Even
if you plan to sell your items through a craft mall or blended boutique where
the store owner collects the sales taxes, you should obtain a Resale
Certificate and order your supplies in bulk. The money you save by purchasing
materials wholesale will increase your profit margins considerably.
PREPARATION
Plan
to make at least six to twelve items at a time and work in assembly line
fashion doing repetitive tasks all at once. This will increase your overall
profit by decreasing the time it takes you to make an item and you can
therefore make more inventory in less time.
PACKAGING
Consider
purchasing professional looking price tags or labels with your name imprinted
on them, or use your computer to make some sort of hang tag that creates an
"image" for your line of products. It will encourage customers to
contact you for special orders and they will be taking home your advertisement
each time they buy one of your products.
PRICING
Comparison
shopping helps you keep your prices within a fair market value for the area you
are selling in. You need to be competitive, but do not undervalue your time and
talent. People do appreciate quality, so if your goods are exceptional, don’t
be afraid to ask a better price for them than mass produced imports.
PROMOTING
Advertising
pays, and you pay for advertising. But in some cases, a small ad on facebook gets
plenty of exposure.
PROFESSIONALISM
Always
do what you say you will do. If you promise to deliver a special order this
week, do it. And don't promise what you cannot deliver. Taking an order for 100
stuffed animals for a department store that you have doubts you can complete is
not only foolhardy, it is unprofessional. Don't be afraid to say, "no
thank you" or "I'm sorry. I can't do that." People will
appreciate your honesty and they will be back another time with a different
request, maybe one you can fulfill.
Misty
McEwen
