This past weekend I got to indulge in one of my favorite weekend activities by visiting a crafts fair. I’m not quite sure why I enjoy crafts fairs so much, but there is something about the combination of being outdoors, munching on kettle-corn and seeing good old-fashioned entrepreneurship in action that I find hard to resist.
As I strolled among the booths, I found myself thinking that in many ways being a crafter is a perfect lifestyle career (although having to work the occasional weekend might be a deal-breaker for some). It allows you to be creative, work a flexible schedule, deduct travel expenses and meet interesting people. And thanks to sites like Etsy.com, it is now possible for people to sell their crafts while working from home as well.
The amount of income you can potentially earn from your crafts will depend upon a number of variables (skill level, demand for your products, pricing strategies, etc). But if you’re willing to take the time to learn the “business of the business” it is possible to turn your passion for crafts into real profits.
If this sounds like an income option you’d like to learn more about, here are nine resources to help you get started:
1. The Craft and Hobby Association: An international association that hosts two industry expos, ongoing training programs and offers a full-suite of purchasable benefits (health, life, long-term care etc.) to association members. Click here to learn more.
2. Etsy: In addition to hosting the world’s largest online marketplace for crafters, Etsy has an impressive educational and community component to their site. This is a great place to learn regardless of whether you want to sell online or not.
3. Festival Network Online: With over 22,000 event listings, this is an informative resource for people who want to sell their crafts at art shows, fairs and festivals.
4. Barbara Brabec: I must admit that I hesitated to include Brabec’s site as the crafts section has not been updated in some time. Nonetheless, her knowledge about the business of crafting is tested, extensive and impressive. She wrote three excellent books on the topic and the site still has a number of articles worth reading.
5. Craft Classes: As crafting gains in popularity, the number of schools offering classes in the business of crafting is increasing as well. Your local craft store, continuing education program or local community colleges often have useful classes.
6. The Mommy Sites: There are numerous mommy bloggers who blog in the craft space (soap making, food products, jewelry, etc.) — a good place to find them is on Blogher.com.
Helpful Books:
7. The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally and Online by Kari Chapin: As the name implies, this a guide that gives you the “how-to” of selling your crafts in different venues.
8. Grow Your Handmade Business (also by Kari Chapin): This book helps crafters who are ready to take their business to the next level. Offers advice on everything from creating a business plan to legal issues to marketing tips.
9. Craft, Inc. Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creative Hobby into a Successful Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco: This book offers a nice combination of practical advice and helpful resources for both newbies and experienced crafters.