Monthly Archives: November 2014

Craft Ideas & How-To's, News

Jack’s Back

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Here’s a great Christmas idea for you this year…instead of making Christmas cookies make Jack Snack Soaps!

You remember Jack, he’s the crazy skeleton who tried to steal Christmas in Tim Burton’s unique (read: crafty!) and eventful movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Why soap? Because just like Jack tried to steal Christmas and do things his way, you can create soap and leave in your bathroom this holiday…it will look so good people won’t know whether to use it or eat it.

Take a look at the picture and instructions and go get your craft on, you crafties!

Read the full article here: Melt and Pour Soap: Skeleton Cupcake

Craft Ideas & How-To's, News

Thanksgiving is Rolling in soon…

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So here are a few ideas of crafts to impress the friends, neighbors and most of all family, who will be coming to your home this season.

These particular crafts are easily done, use materials that are not hard to come by, and my personal favorite…are not very expensive at all.

You’ll learn how to make stunning placement holders and utensil settings for your table, and other great holiday ideas.

So take a look today and enjoy.

Read the full article here:  10 DIY Thanksgiving Place Setting Ideas

Commentary, Creative and Marketing Advice

From Hobby to Career

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One of the beautiful things about this craft hobby we have and love so much is the fact that if you love it to death, and are passionate about it, then it can definitely become more than just a hobby. It can become a career. That’s what has happened for many people I know, friends who have been passionate about their craft, who are really great at it, and have found some success about it.

Their passion has taken them from the local craft show to stores on etsy and portfolios on pinterest. This growing trend has been absolutely awesome and awe-inspiring to watch.

Maybe you have a desire to grow more in this area and are wondering how to start. Well, if you do find yourself thinking about such things, we have a little treat for you today. The Weapons of Mass Creation is a conference held every year focused on those who are building there own brand craft companies. It gives ideas, direction, and even stories from others who have gone before to inspire.

The nice thing about this conference is that they place many of their speakers presentations online, and you can take a look today at this wonderful conference and find a bit (or my guess is “a lot a bit”) of inspiration from these awesome crafties.

Watch and be inspired! Take a look here for one of the videos, and then take the jump for some more goodness:

Now take the jump…

Read the full article here: Weapons of Mass Creation

Commentary, Craft & Soap Business

How to Heighten Your Craft Business’ Holiday Cheer

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The busiest season in retail has begun and this is the perfect opportunity to market your soaps, your handmade clothing, art, and other crafts for the holiday rush. Making small changes to your usual selling strategy might help fill Santa’s sack with a little bit extra money than usual.

First, remember that your customers might not be buying for themselves, so imagine who your customers might be buying for. Check your inventory and maybe re-write the product description to include people who would like this product as a gift (example: “cute blanket for your friend’s new baby”). Next, cross-promote and collaborate with other online shops. Sending an email to your customer list with recommendations for another shop as your collaborator does with his or hers will hopefully gain more customers for the both of you. It might not hurt to offer free shipping either, especially for large orders. Following some or all of these tips might help give you an even happier holiday season. For a full article on this topic, click here:: 3 Business Boosting Tips for the Upcoming Holidays

Craft Ideas & How-To's

Create Quality Christmas Crafts with Cones

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Tis the season to pick up pine cones! As the holidays approach there are several seasonal crafts you can create as gifts using pine cones you have found. You can create wreathes, decorative trees, and even make colorful pine cone roses to add a seasonal touch to any home. For a complete article with how-to’s and other pine cone inspirations, click here:: 25 Holiday Pine Cone Crafts

Craft Ideas & How-To's, Soap

Give Manly, Mustachioed Men the Movember Soap They Deserve

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This November, or “Movember,” men across the country are growing out their facial hair and sporting mustaches this month to raise money and awareness for testicular and prostate cancer. One way to join in the movement is to make some mustachioed soap bars to show your support and possibly sell to help fundraise cancer research. For a full tutorial on making soap with mustache molds, along with other Movember information, click here:: Movember Mustache Melt and Pour

Commentary, Craft & Soap Business

Knowing Yourself = Knowing How to Get Your Best Work

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The typical jobs are 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on weekdays, but as a creative entrepreneur those might not be the times or the number of hours where you’ll be at your best. Too many times we forget that a) making your craft project, soap, or jewelry requires you being in a good space and b) you are in charge of yourself. Knowing how your process works can not only make sure your products are the highest quality, but also allows fresh ideas to flow for more items in the future.

So how do you know what conditions allow you to make your best work? Well, a good first step is to monitor your mood and energy during various conditions throughout the day. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Are you more productive when you are isolated and quiet or when there is hustle and noise around you? Do you need to take frequent breaks or get into a “zone” where you feel that any interruption kills your momentum? Address these questions and you’ll find out the best schedule for yourself and become a better creator because of it. For more a more detailed article on this subject, click here:: Discover How You Work Best

Craft Ideas & How-To's

Great Gridiron Crafts for the Football Fan

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Whether you’re watching the game on Sundays or aren’t a fan at all, there is someone in your life that might enjoy a football-related craft as a gift. A cross stitch of your friend’s favorite team’s mascot, a scarf fringed with football designs, and custom bleach pen t-shirt with your team’s emblem are just a few ideas. For a full article with details on how to make those items and other football crafts, click here:: 10 Football themed craft projects

Commentary, Craft & Soap Business

Tips for Craft Vendors to Make the Most Impact

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You have stocked up on your personally made soaps, jewelry, clothing, or other crafts and are ready to display them for the masses. This may seem daunting and can sometimes create anxiety for crafters, especially for the first time. However, there are some tips out there that can help give you a great, profitable experience as a vendor.

Put your creativity to good use; put up a display and a storefront in your vendor space. It’ll catch the eye more than just a splayed out table. Be approachable and smile at people who stop by at the booth. It might seem weird and uncomfortable at first, but if you approach with positivity, it’s likely other people will be positive back to you. Lastly, you might want to give in-booth demonstrations or work on a current project as you are selling your wares. This gives potential customers an idea and an appreciation of how these crafts are made. These tips should give you a good start for the next craft fair or expo. Read a full article on this topic here:: Little Known Ways to Sell More at Market