Sunday, December 6, 2009

Have a Craft Show Online Anytime!! The Handmade Craft Show

The Handmade Craft Show is a website that hosts incredible crafts in the format of a craft show.  Each crafter has a display booth to showcase their beautiful creations. 

Rhonda Jai is the founder and designer of HandmadeCraftShow.com and WorldOfHandmade.com.  She has had such a passion and interest in the handcrafted world that she has dedicated her site to help starving artists get a start.

This site is excellent for you to shop handmade items.  You can shop at a craft show (booths lined up with displays of handmade arts and crafts) but from the comfort of your own home! 

As an artist this is a very affordable way to hold craft shows for your creations!  Imagine a craft show all year round... this site can create an abundance of exposure for your handmade items.  The Handmade Craft Show has achieved top search engine rankings which means 1000's of visitors each month!

This site not only gives you your own booth to display your handmade crafts but there are a lot of opportunities for cross promotions.  Rhonda, helps get your items into all the major search engines.  Plus there are opportunities to blog and tweet about all of this too!

Please feel free to forward this blog, copy it and use it for twitter, facebook or other venues.

For more information click on over to the Handmade Craft Show website. Or you can check out the Handmade Craft Show Blog, too.
 
http://handmadecraftshow.com/
 
Thanks.  I look forward to your comments and feedback.
Janet
http://www.trinketsnwhatnots.com/
http://www.galla15.etsy.com/

Friday, December 4, 2009

Holiday Projects

First I want to thank all of the new followers for sticking with me :) 

I am finished with all of the craft shows for this year!  So now I am just working on special gifts for loved ones, and creating something new and spectacular for 2010. 

I plan on creating a new line of necklaces that will be made with beads but will HOPEFULLY look like a beautiful fluffy, ruffle around the neck. 
Look at this stunning Swarovski Bracelet:


Luckily my mom is not into the internet much, and has no idea about my blog because this will be a gift to her this xmas!! 

I just love the graduation of colors, and the layers put into it... it naturally forms a cuff. 







I make earrings but haven't listed any in my Etsy shop, so look forward to that!  I am making a bunch of those too for the holidays.

I would love to hear your comments on what your plans are for the holidays.  I have purchased a special order from Etsy for my dad, and one for my sister.  I try to shop handmade as much as possible.

Feel free to leave comments with ideas you have for your loved ones, or share ONE piece from your shop that you think would make an extra special gift!

Thanks again everyone.
Janet

http://www.trinketsnwhatnots.com/
http://www.galla15.etsy.com/

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Craft Show Checklist

Since this is the time of year when many of us attend craft shows, and I just finished one... I thought I would give some information on what to expect, and what you should bring to be prepared.

*  Obviously you should bring your jewelry or finished craft items! 
*  You should bring tables to set up on (unless the show is providing them).  Make sure you know the size of the space so you can plan ahead.  And don't forget your chairs!!
*  Drapes for your table (I use neutral drapes so that the jewelry will pop off the table).  Try to bring drapes long enough to reach the ground.  This way you can store things under the table so your space looks nice.
*  Bring extra price tags just in case one is lost or you create a new piece while you are there.
*  Bring all of your tools to be able to make adjustments on the spot (shorten a necklace, change a clasp etc.)
*  Bring receipt books, for credit cards or just your company receipts
*  Equipment to process credit cards (get a knuckle buster, or check into Propay or even paypal)
*  Bring extra supplies (I couldn't possibly bring everything I own so you have to choose wisely) I generally bring extra chains for necklaces, extra clasps in case someone wants a different type then what is on the piece, and some of my more popular beads.
*  Bring scissors, tape and paper, and pens (for some reason I always think of a sign or special while I am at the venue)
*  Bring a banner for your space if allowed at the venue
*  Bring marketing materials (brochures, business cards, giveaway slips if you are having one, etc.)
*  Packaging (boxes, tissue paper, cotton filling, shopping bags etc.)
*  Bring a mirror and appropriate cleaning supplies to keep it shiny for each customer!
*  If your show is outside you should consider a canopy, fans, wet wipes, sun screen, hats, bug spray, etc.
*  Don't forget to bring plenty of change.  I usually bring about 100-150 depending on the size of the venue.  And it all depends on how you price (even dollars, 5's, or 10's or if there is change etc.)
*  You may want or need a calculator too
*  You may want to bring a camera to take pictures of your booth setup.  This is required for some shows so take advantage and get some good pics in natural lighting!


It wouldn't hurt to bring a portfolio, price lists, or wholesale lists .. you never know who you will meet.

Lastly, bring a positive attitude and a smile!  Don't forget that a successful craft show isn't based upon sales alone!  Remember to network, share information, so that you can find out new places to attend, or even find out about a great supplier!  And get your customers information for future use.  I usually set up a giveaway of one of my more popular designs.  It is free to enter, and they just have to enter their name, and e-mail address.  Now I have e-mail information for future mailing lists and possible sales in the future.  And if you hand out business cards to EVERYONE then you can still get future sales.

So have fun and GOOD LUCK!

http://www.galla15.etsy.com/
http://www.trinketsnwhatnots.com/