Artistic enterprise helps seniors sell their crafts

An organization called Ageless Enterprise is helping senior citizens and disabled individuals sell their crafts at craft shows and through their web site. You can get more information from the KVOA News 4 web site here.

Ageless Enterprise is paid for by a three year-grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, and was started to help Arizona seniors in Yavapai, Navajo, Pinal, La Paz and Gila counties out of poverty.

This is a great example of how local government can get involved in helping people earn extra money through crafts. If you're interested in starting a similar program in your area, I would suggest contacting Ageless Enterprise for some advice.

Happy Crafting!
Chuck

Technorati Tags: craft business, crafts, sell my crafts, small business, work at home, craft fair, craft show

Brazil : Artisans craft bio-jewels

Local artisans in Brazil are turning seeds, shells, pits, and other local raw materials into exquisite jewelry art according to the www.fibre2fashion.com web site.

Joining these "bio-jewels" into necklaces, bracelets, rings, or earrings, local craftspeople create designs indigenous to their regions. And these local Brazilian articsans do business with buyers in Switzerland, the US, and England.

So, think outside the box and try to brainstorm some unique uses for everyday objects that you can incorporate into your crafts!

Happy Crafting!
Chuck

Technorati Tags: craft business, crafts, sell my crafts, small business, work at home, craft fair, craft show

Business of Crafts Workshop Comes to Seattle

Do you live near Seattle, WA? If so, there's an opportunity to take the Business of Crafts Workshop, a comprehensive 2-day workshop that comes to Seattle on March 16th and 17th of 2007. This workshop, taught by an artist and a gallery owner, is designed for artists and craftspeople new to selling their work or who have been selling on a small scale and want to take their craft business to the next level.

According to their press release, the Business of Crafts weekend seminar includes classes on selling art and crafts in retail settings as well as through wholesale outlets. Pricing and marketing tips will be addressed, as well as some great ideas on how to make a booth stand out in a crowded crafts show. Successful artists who earn their living through selling their art will share their stories. There will even be a panel of art gallery owners who will share their tips on how to make a great impression on them.

One of the most valuable parts of the weekend is the opportunity for artists to get feedback on their artwork from Corwin and Schilperoort (the instructors), as well as other craft professionals. They'll offer tips on how to price work, marketing ideas best suited to your work, and where the best targets markets lie. All this from experts who will offer feedback and encouragement.

I've heard great things about this weekend seminar, so if you have the chance, and want to start a crafts business or take your fledgeling crafts business to the next level, sign up for the weekend seminar at www.businessofcrafts.com.

Happy Quilting!
Chuck

Technorati Tags: craft business, crafts, sell my crafts, small business, work at home, craft fair, craft show

New Forest to Fuel Country Crafts

Wow... what a great idea! The British Council for Culture and Tourism is planting a forest in the city of Kirkham in order to provide woods for crafts and bio-fuels. The trees, which will be harvested every five to six years, and will provide wood for local craftspeople.

The trees will also help fight climate change, enhance the environment, provide additional leisure opportunites, and also serve as an educational asset for the school children of the area. This is a wonderful way to make crafts environmentally conscious, and something I hope the government here in the United States takes note of.

Happy Crafting!
Chuck

Technorati Tags: craft business, crafts, sell my crafts, small business, work at home, craft fair, craft show

Fabric Origami Workshop

Just a quick update to let you know about a cool site I stumbled upon. It's called the Fabric Origami Workshop, and it shows you how to do some VERY interesting boxes using fabric. For crafters, this may be a very unique way of packaging your products (if they are small), and would even make a great craft to sell to others looking for a unique package for a very special gift.

Happy Crafting!
Chuck

Technorati Tags: craft business, crafts, sell my crafts, small business, work at home, craft fair, craft show, origami

One Family's First Craft Show

I found a really great article by a crafting family from Maine who endured their first craft show. It talks a lot about what crafters who are aspiring to start a crafting business can expect from their first craft show. I found it to be a good read and very informative.

Check it out!

Happy Crafting!
Chuck

Technorati Tags: craft business, crafts, sell my crafts, small business, work at home, craft fair, craft show

Craft Business Movie Trailer

I came across this movie trailer for a documentary about people making a living on the craft show circuit - basically travelling around and selling their crafts. This is one option for people who want to make a living with their crafting, and can be a very exciting way to live (especially if you don't have any children or your children are older).

You can find out more about the filmmaker at her YouTube profile page.

WARNING: There is a bit of salty language in this trailer. You want to make sure that your little ones, or people who are offended by a small amount of cursing, are not within earshot. I don't condone the language, but the content was good so I thought it would be a shame not to share.



Happy Crafting!

Chuck

Technorati Tags: craft business, crafts, sell my crafts, small business, work at home, publicity