Join the Hudson Valley Etsy Team!

Are you an Etsy seller in the Hudson Valley looking to connect with other handmade businesses in the area?   The deadline to apply for the Fall is TOMORROW!   You can read more our team criteria and how to apply on our website and while you're there, don't forget to check out our gift guides!

Nurturing Creativity while Running a Business

One of my business goals for 2015 is to set aside 2-3 hours each week to make "things" without worrying about finishing it, selling it, or promoting it. This might mean a few of my other goals take longer to complete (building out my About page on Etsy, getting my website up and running after a 2 year hiatus, using Instagram for marketing), but I think making time for creativity will spill into the business side of things and bring greater success - not to mention happiness!

I'm out of practice when it comes to simply enjoying the process of making things and not worrying about if it will sell. I haven't totally figured out how to get over this hump so for now I'm just trying new things.

Last night a friend of mine hosted a gathering to make vision boards. Over 20 of us showed up and we started with a meditation and then just went crazy on the pile of magazines. Honestly I still don't totally understand how to make a vision board or how to use a vision board, I am so creatively blocked that I found myself ripping out images and words that would look good together so I could show it off on Instagram. It looked good, but it wasn't authentic so I tore them off my poster board and started over.

The woman next to me brought a Marimekko magazine and once I got my hands on images of their patterns the flood gates opened. I was able to tap memories of being a middle school kid making collages and suddenly it started to make sense.

My vision board is still a work in progress, I had to go home to start dinner and tend to my sick toddler, but I also wanted to leave some room so that I can add more later this week when I take time to create freely. I'll keep everyone updated as I find new ways to spend my creative hours. If you have any ideas or want to share what works for you I'd love to hear them!

Craft Display Changes

A Crafter and her Display

Over the years, my display has changed and changed again.  I made mistakes and discovered the sort of things one has to take into account when selling at craft fairs or on the street or in every kind of weather.  I tried to make a playful, attractive display at first, with these really fun jewelry carousels made from dowels and old candelabra and candle holders.  My fanciest beads were displayed in a mosaic frame. At my first street fair I was selling lampwork glass bead necklaces and my daughter had started a business of selling button hairbands.  We had a flimsy cheap tent that threatened to blow away with the slightest breeze, and it wasn't exactly waterproof as well.  There were some thrilling moments as we hung onto the tent and tried to talk to customers at the same time.

Grandma holding down the fort in the background.  Daughter off looking for food.  This was a family enterprise.

In the next few months, I made more carousels and put the button hairbands into glass fish bowls.  It just so happened that it  rained at every outdoor fair I went to for an entire year.  The cheap tent bought the farm by the second Spring Crafts in Chelsea when I loaned it to Lauren of Paperelle, not long after this picture was taken. I had bought a heavier one, but even this one couldn't withstand the gusts of 21st Street, so  I took it down before it broke as well.  Now people tend to not even bring tents to Crafts in Chelsea.

Nothing like untangling 25 sterling silver necklaces from a fallen carousel.

Then I decided I wanted to apply to slightly higher end craft fairs, which meant one needed a good picture of one's display.  My reaction was to make my display even fancier, with shelves covered in beadboard panels, and this was the picture I used for my applications.  Obviously this was only for an indoor show.

I love the wacky candelabra, but they belong in a store display.

But I was still doing some street fairs, and using my carousels, so I screwed the carousels to a wooden plank, decorated in mosaics, and clamped it to the table.  That took care of the falling over in wind.  But I didn't like having to set up the frames to display my longer, fancier necklaces, and thought I might try a single board with easel style framing behind it, which also clamped to the table.  After one show I decided this was too heavy and just didn't show my work to advantage.  It was better to show jewelry in smaller sections rather than on one huge board.  I was also inspired at this time to make some sea monsters with their own lamp work eyes and pocket mouths.

This board will probably find a future as a mirror.  Really nice mosaic border of sea glass and broken china.

In 2012 I brought my crafts out to Hyannis, out on Cape Cod.  I did very well out there but oh the days were hot and long.  And I really missed having my etsy team around.  I simplified the beadboard panels to attach to a raised six foot table, and bought some cheap book shelves from Target to display my prints.  The shelves are pretty flimsy, and less than two feet wide.  I put weights on the bottom shelf to keep them upright.  I finally got a banner to hang behind me, and found a cute vintage aqua and cream table cloth for my display.

I have these great rocks with furrows cut into them to hold my prints.

The next year I went in for making a lot of monsters!  And bunting, which I hung from fiberglass safety poles from Home Depot.

Anyone remember the bunting post I made last year?  Here's how they look on the street!

A day later, this was the display up in Beacon with the Hudson Valley Etsy Team.  The crowd was light due to the heat wave we were going through but I still made money with the jewelry.  I'd pretty much had enough with trying to stand my frame displays up, so I let them lie flat on the tables and they did fine.  Customers didn't seem to mind.  No more risers, either.  All of these displays were made with the thought in mind that I would have a car and would be driving to the fair site.  Weight was not an issue.

I like the sea shell tablecloths I made, but the shells are very large and bold.

My basement is crowded with displays I've made and had to abandon.  But now I'm looking at doing some fairs where I will not be driving, I'll be taking public transportation.  Time to really lighten up!  I want everything, product and display and selling paraphernalia, to fit into a backpack, rolling cart, or luggage.  It would be fun to fly to other cities and try out the craft fairs there, and having a light and flexible display would be great.

I hope this post will give my fellow crafters some ideas for their own displays, and give fair warning to others about what not to do!  I'll make another post about my new light display in the future.

Jody

a Studio by the Sea

Inspirations for 2014, the computer saved the radio!

With the New Year comes an evaluation of the last year, followed by plans to improve the upcoming year.  Lately I have been improving my outlook on the world through many different outlets on the internet.  Many of them have been very inspiring for me to plan my year and take a new look on how I go through my life.

As a busy business owner and mother, it’s hard for me to go to lectures and workshops.  Lucky for me in today’s savvy media world, I can put on my headphones and take a class, listen to a lecture or have a discussion in a topic of my interest.   Radio shows about human struggles and accomplishments can inspire you in your everyday.  Now with streaming, I can listen  to most radio programs on my schedule.  I listen to my favorite programs or podcasts while working in my workshop.  Two I enjoy often are Hidden Kitchens and This American Life.  Don't miss King's Candy: A New Orleans Kitchen Vision.

Ted Talks offers diverse subjects and many inspirational speakers. 

Jarret J. Krosocczka offers his amazing journey from kid to an artist here.

Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk about body language ends with a personal story at the end that is so inspiring. 

When I want to learn something new and want more then a how to book, I have been turning to online courses. Craftsy has been great. Classes I can watch or rewatch, paced on my own time.  They also offer free courses to get you hooked.

A new site I found is Skillshare.  They have designed their learning experience to be a project.  There are videos followed by assignments that apply to how you want to use the skill they are sharing.  I promised myself that I would become better organized so I needed a system to get all the to dos out of my head so I could be less stressed and get the important things done to achieve my goals.  I got myself set up with a system with Tiago Forte’s Get Stuff Done Like A Boss:Design your Workflow and double your productivity in 21 days.  

I have also enjoyed Jeff Staple’s A Staple of Branding: How to Start Your Fashion Company.

His story with mistakes and successes in business is useful beyond just making apparel.

A friend has started Creative Life Coaching, Karmen Lizzul where she does radio broadcasts with people about creativity.  One broadcast was  with Erin Cochran of Revealing design.  If you have ever found your workspace has gotten a little out of hand this is the lady to listen to.  She has some great ideas and revelations on how to create a space that lets you enjoy and focus on what you do.  

Listen Here

I've got my space cleaned out, my goals set, my inspirations and mentors playing in my ears.  2014 is going to rock!

Karen - LarkPractial

In My Studio: Quality Control

Sarah with a basket making group in Northern Namibia

I was lucky enough to work in Namibia in Southern Africa for 3 years helping crafts people to make and sell products for the burgeoning tourism industry.

The crafts were mainly made from natural resources such as basketry, wood carving and pottery. I helped to design products they could make which would both appeal to tourists and be easily transported.

One of the main problems with the products was maintaining good quality control. As one way to illustrate this for people who spoke many different languages we came up with a list of '10 Commandments For Making Quality Craft Products'. 

I was looking at this the other day and was amazed how relevant  it is to crafts people everywhere- including us. So I thought I would share these Namibian 10 Commandments so we can all keep in mind the importance of quality control and to remember that we are only a small part of a much larger community of crafts people working all over the world.

 Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten. Gucci Family Slogan


Good Luck and Good Making!

by Sarah Omura, SO Handmade

www.etsy.com/shop/SOhandmade1

In My Studio: How to Start Your Own Small Craft Business

When I first started my business So Handmade at the beginning of 2012 I was completely in the dark as to how to go about it. After much research and frustration I finally got it up and running. I realized how wonderful it would have been at the time to have a check list of all the steps involved to follow. So in order to save the same frustrations and endless research this is how I went about it, I hope it helps crafts people like myself on the ladder to starting new and successful businesses:

1. Brainstorm some name ideas.

2. If you are planning on creating your own website it's a good idea at this point to look online at Go Daddy or other IP address providers to see if any of the names you like for your business have a corresponding IP address that is available and affordable. I believe if you want your own website address it's best for continuity and ease for people to find you to have an IP address that is as similar as possible to your business name.

3. Decide on the name and buy the IP address. At this stage for a small amount of money you can also add on your own new business e-mail address which is great to keep your business and private e-mail addresses apart.

4. Go to the local county clerks office and register your business. There might be a form to fill out before hand so check their website. You will have a pay a small fee to register, approx $25

5. Register for an EIN (employer ID number) online at www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/How-to-Apply-for-an-EIN

6. Open a bank account, shop around to get the lowest fees possible. I believe that having your personal and business bank accounts separate is much easier for book keeping purposes.

7. Design a logo

8. Take photos of your products and have prototypes ready to show potential retailers.

9. Get business cards printed remember to include your e-mail address, website, etsy shop address, phone number and even your facebook page address.

10. Develop a template for a letterhead/ invoices etc

11. If you registered your own website in step 2 now is the time to design your website. The IP provider usually includes a website builder program where you can easily use their templates and drop in your own photos and blurb.

12. Open a facebook page for your new business and invite all your friend to 'like' you. Try and keep this regularly updated with new products, craft fairs you are participating in and other news from your business

13. Start your own Etsy shop if you want to begin to sell to customers around the country and internationally

14. Investigate local craft fairs and apply to be a vendor

15. If you plan on doing craft fairs or selling direct to the public register online to collect sales tax: www.tax.ny.gov/bus/st/stmp.htm (if you are in NY state). You have to begin by filing quarterly but they will assess your payments and you may be able to file annually in the future.

16. Visit local stores that might be interested in stocking your merchandise.

17. Sign up for Outright to keep track of your income/ expenditure, this is a free book keeping website which helps to keep track of all your accounts and what's coming in and what's going out.

18. Remember to keep good records of your sales and expenditure for tax purposes. If you are working from home you can claim for utilities and also any childcare expenses.

"Do what you love in the service of people who love what you do" Steve Farber

Good Luck and Good Making!

by Sarah Omura, SO Handmade

www.etsy.com/shop/SOhandmade1

Keeping Track Of Etsy Expenses With Outright

For a few years I've been devoted to my many Excel spreadsheets to keep track of money coming in and going out of my business.  Without fail, I always miss SOMETHING and I'm scrambling come tax time.   I tried software programs like Quicken and I just couldn't get it right.  I thought I was stuck with my 15 spreadsheet system until I learned about Outright.com and wanted to share this treasure with everyone.

Outright is all about helping small businesses succeed. They know that a lot of us dread dealing with the books so they're here to help.  Outright is a super easy application to setup and nothing needs to be installed in to your computer.  You just plug in your info and you'll be linked to all of your business accounts.  You'll soon be keeping track of all your Etsy sales, shipping costs, fees, coupon deductions and more.

I got a head start on prepping my expense reports and was able to generate reports based on Etsy Transaction fees, Etsy Renew fees, Search Ads, supplies purchased, PayPal fees and much more.  I can't tell you how excited I was to see everything so neatly on paper!

The best part about all of this is that it's FREE! No kidding! They also offer Outright Plus at $9.95 per month and get additional features but so far I think I'm doing fine with what's available free but the additional perks may benefits those with a 'bigger' small business.  Outright is a godsend and definitely worth trying out.

If you can make it down to Brooklyn, an expert from Outright will be leading a workshop at Etsy headquarters on Tuesday January 29th: The Lowdown on Taxes for Etsy Sellers

Creating Success from the Inside Out - Chunk It Down

If you were a fly on the wall of my studio of late, you would find a half-crazed woman with glue on her hands, half-buried alive in boxes full of beads with a trail behind her of camera set-ups and half-made jewelry pieces.  Not to mention the pile of items by the computer yet to be described and added to Etsy.  Perhaps you can identify.  Indeed, it is the holiday season in the land of Etsy shop owners everywhere.

That’s why it’s serendipitous that the next principle in Jack Canfield’s self-improvement book, Success Principles, is Chunk It Down.  As busy Etsy shop owners in the midst of holiday madness, knowing how to take our goals and break them down into manageable tasks could prove helpful.  At the very least, re-reading this chapter may very well have saved my sanity.

In this chapter, Canfield discusses making overwhelming goals more attainable by breaking them down into a series of tasks from beginning to end.  He suggests a couple of different ways to do this.  One way is to work backwards from successful completion and identify each step along the way.  Another way is to create a mind map.  A mind map is pretty much a to-do list that is set up in a visual way.  Start off by writing your goal in the center of a big piece of paper and circling it.  You can also do this on post-it notes on your wall or on a magnetic board.  I prefer post-its because it’s dynamic (and because I’m completely addicted to them).  Divide your goal into major categories of tasks.  Underneath each of these subcategories you can write your spokes or task items.  You can break it down as far as you need to until you get to individual tasks or steps.  I took my insane and unfocused attempt at my goal and turned it into a mind map that has structure to it (see below).  My major goal is to make a certain amount in sales by the end of the year.  That is written on the orange post-it note in the center of the map below.  Next, I identified my sub-categories (in pink).  In this case, I wrote the vehicles for my profits:  repeat customers, local shop sales, Etsy sales, and craft fair sales.  Lastly, I broke down into steps the things I need to do in order to generate more sales within each of these subcategories.  These tasks are written on small blue post-it notes.  I may break this down even further.

Once you have your mind map, you can use it to create daily to-do lists.  Ideally, you would create your next day’s to-do list the night before so that you are ready to go in the morning.

How do you chunk it down?  I’m interested in how you all organize your busy lives so that you can be efficient and focused when you do have time to devote to your business and your shop.  How are your holiday preparations going?  Please share!

Craft Fair Displays Part Two

More Displays from the Garrison Craft Fair

  
This stunning display belongs to GaryYatteau, who constructs sailboat models of wood, copper, and antique brass.  I so admire the skill of this clever and talented artist, who not only makes one of a kind yacht sculptures, but also built these neat pilings, shelves and a nautical box to show them off.  His customers must feel like they’ve entered a seaside village in Newport or Nantucket.

 Artist April DeMarco avoids the stuffy formality of woolly Propanels and had the excellent idea of showing her original artwork attached to wooden planks that she then ties to her tent.  It matches the outdoorsy, rustic feel of her equine paintings and looks great!

 Virginia Piazza Hand Thrown Porcelain has such a pure, sophisticated simplicity to her work and her display.  Two tables with complementary tablecloth colors, a simple wooden hutch, a few clear plexiglass stands, and a vase of flowers makes up her river’s edge display.  See how the aqua sets off her white and yellow glazes. 

Beautiful and irresistible!

Be sure to keep checking the HVNY Blog for our latest posts.  Later this month is I will attend the Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, NY.  This is a major high end fair and I will be sure to share with you what these craftspeople do to make their work stand out for the crowds.

Jody Lee from astudiobythesea.etsy.com

Craft Fair Displays Part One

How you display your wares is an important part of your craft business.  Whether you have only a table or a whole tent to showcase your craft, you can do so much to show your style and create an inviting ambiance that says, “Come in and look!”

Here are a few displays from the Hudson Valley Etsy Team and others who were in the Garrison Craft Fair in August.  You couldn’t find a lovelier spot for a fair, on the Hudson opposite the stony edifices of West Point, with the river only a few feet away from the tents.

Come in and buy me!

Here is a very effective display by Jess of Knot by Gran’ma.  Her two tables are covered in black, and her boxes and baskets are painted black.  This gives great cohesion and brings out the bright colors of her unique hand-crocheted monsters and soft sculptures.  

Take me home, please.

A black basket and child’s chair adds to the charm!

Many of us are constrained to keep our displays as light and simple as possible.   Sarah-Maria of Meerwiibli has two racks for her dresses, two tables for her accessories, a mannequin and even a dressing room for her customers of light and easily assembled materials.  Her tablecloths, banners, and even her hangers match the colors of her clothing designs, making a fun and enticing display.

I loved the clean modern style of L&M Studio!  It was like stepping into a chic shop in NYC.  Her shelves are made from Ikea furniture and wire cables attached to her tent frame hold up her wonderful birdhouses, lamps, and planters.  Gorgeous work in a great setting!

More displays from the Garrison Craft Fair coming soon!

Jody Lee
a Studio by the Sea