So you've decided that you are going to use your skills to make some extra money have you?

Selling your Arts and Crafts can help to supplement an already existing family income or it can be your full time job.  It's really up to you and the product

that you intend on making.  SO how DO you decide what you are going to do?

Well, first you have to figure out what it is that you like doing.  It can be creating cards, working with paints, designing with material.. basically it can be anything you can dream up.  What really helps though? Is that you have to "enjoy" what you want to make money doing.  Making and selling arts and crafts is much easier if it's something you actually like doing - your talents and skills need to show in your work.  

Most likely, if you are reading this article, you already know what it is that you love to do, and are looking for advice on the next steps to take. 

In no particular order, here are a few things to do.

1.  Go to as many Arts and Craft show in your area.
You'll want to look around to see if anyone else is doing what you do. If the market is over saturated with one particular crafting skill and or one particular type of product? You most likely will not make a very good income doing this.  Take the time to go to as many craft shows as you can (even take notes if you need to) but take note of what others are creating and the prices that they are asking for their work.  Be careful here though as some artisans are sensitive about their work being looked over by other crafters.   

2.  Try and find a "niche" product
Finding a "niche" product means simply that you need to sell something that not many others sell (or no one sells) or something that makes "your" artwork special.  For me? I work with gemstones, but 80% of my sales come from selling the "metaphysical" aspect (or healing) of the stones I work with.  I've followed the trends of the jewelry market and this is currently where most folks are leaning towards.  If you go to a lot of craft shows you'll know that there are usually a half a dozen to a dozen jewelers per show - if you can pull customers to your booth by giving them more reasons why YOUR product is better? Or you appeal to their emotional side? Then you'll sell more.

3.  KNOW your product.
No I'm not crazy.. you have to KNOW your product to be able to sell it.  For me? That means studying and reading books and researching as well as just making jewelry.  Over the past 8 years of selling my own art work, my customers have started to dub me "the Rock Lady" and come to ask questions and look for information.  At shows where I attend every year? I have customers that bring me stones they have found and I take the time to sit down with them and try and identify what they are.  This is huge business and it results in very good sales!! Consider it like buying a car.. would you buy a car from a guy dangling a set of keys in your face? Or would you buy from the guy who sat down with you, listened to what you had to say, asked questions and helped you?  Knowledge is power when it comes to sales.  And it's superb for your reputation.

4.  Talk to people.
If you make something? Take it with you when you go shopping (if you can that is).. show it to friends and ask their opinions.  Ask them if they saw it in a store, would they buy it?  If you have a website (even a Bog) post a picture of what you are doing and take a survey or a poll.. have people tell you what they think of the item.  If you get a lot of OOOOHS and AHHHS or better yet I WANT ONE!! HOW MUCH? Then you have the right idea. 

Even if you are not getting a lot of positive feedback? You can still take a chance and see if your product may sell.  After all, everything starts somewhere!

5.  Craft Shows
I'll be posting more articles on Craft Shows in the future but for now? My advice is to search out a few small craft shows in your area. Try a school or a church venue (they don't cost much to attend) and test run your products for sale.  This will also give you an idea of what people think about your items.

6.  Do you have the money to make these items?
Figure out how much it will cost you to make your item.  If you are a painter and making small cards? Find out how much paint you will need and if you have enough supplies on hand.  You really want to make sure that you write down all your costs when doing this - otherwise it makes it next to impossible to figure out what you "should" charge for your craft (I'll write an article on "what to charge for your crafts" later on).  Keep records!!  If you are a knitter, make sure you will not work into the family budget in making your items - especially just starting out. 

7.  DREAM!
This is very important.. NEVER let anyone negative spoil your dreams!  Quite a lot of people just do NOT understand that making crafts or being an Artist IS a job. .it IS a way of making income.. and in turn? You are helping to support your family.  You may find that you are being pushed to stop creating and or "get a real job" as my X husband used to say to me (all the time)..  If you believe in yourself and what you do?  You CAN DO IT!  Remember the wonderful benefits too.. if you can do this? You'll be able to make money and stay at home and be there for your children.

It is possible!

Copyright 2006 Vikki S.