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Well, it is quicker for me to blog here.  Time is an important factor when you are self employed.  I have been in business for 19 years.  I hate numbers, but the only reason I can remember how long it  has been, is my youngest son is 19.5 years old.  You see I have gone from selling my "wares" from a Walmart Craft Show parking lot, to now selling wholesale to Art Galleries in New York, high-end Home Decor Design Firms in California to precious Mom and Pop unique boutiques and the greatest of all, Church Book & Gift stores.....all demoinations

Selling at Churches and even speaking to groups of all Religions has been a big life changer, esp. since I was not raised with my Faith being a big part of my upbringing.  This will be a large part of my blog, but lets touch on some simple common sense business principal.  First, being creative is very important, you must have something unique to sell.  Don't copy others, you will never last long.  Also, don't get caught up in people "taking" your ideas.....it is going to happen, just remember God will give you another idea soon.  Read The Entrepreneur Magazine, lots of current infor.  Start to sell retail direct to the customer to get their feedback face to face.  I did the "show circuit" for years.  It is hard, but you learn. Find your passion and the real reason you are doing this (besides money) and you will do well.  Always, remember why you are doing what you are doing.  For me, I will always be creating something with my hands, it keeps me grounded.  We just restored an old Texas Farm House in Round Top Texas and it kept me centered (tired & sore) but working on something, and seeing what you have completed is inspiring to me. 

Once you have some creations you and a few others seem to like, price the item at a price that will cover your cost, include what you want to make an hour, plus the cost of doing the business (ie show fee, marketing, etc.)  Remember, if your item is an original and no one else has it, the price can bring a premium.   However, you must be reasonable, if you want to sell.  Search for your supplies to make your craft in places you would not normally go to for that item.  For example, if you are going to sell a piece of painted wall art, paint on something you would not normally paint on.  I taught my self to paint roses.  Since I was unsure at first of my painting skills, I painted on cool objects like old windows, water cans, shutters.  Now people paint on these objects all the time, but 19 years ago, I was "cutting age".  After I saw people liked the way I blended colors, I had my basic paints mixed in 5 gallons using Sears House paint.  Therefore, some of my original birdhouse and wall signs are still in use after 19 years.....remember to sign all your work!  Sketch your own designs using an overhead projector traced onto kraft paper. Take pictures of all finished work,  keep organized.

After you have your sales up, back in the "ole craft days", I would gauge my show on a certain amount and if I made $1K a day it was a good show.  Then you will realize you can do the larger Jr. League Shows (ie, my personal best show I participated in for years was the Houston, Tx. Nutcracker Market, still held in the fall).  Spring and Summer shows are not as financially good, so I would suggest doing Etsy to promote your designs.  The cost of travel may not be beneficial so know your area.  Usually shows that request you to give back a percentage of your sales to their supporting charity is the best run shows.  The typical booth fee for the larger shows will be costly; average cost for retail shows runs $1200 (10x10) booth.  This will cover electricity and tables.  When I share the next level of wholesale, I will cover costs  and logistics then for the wholesale market. 

Well, I have to get ready to fly out to the summer wholesale Market in Atlanta and Dallas.  Let me know if this little bit of information has been helpful.  I will cover pics and suggestions of marketing yourself and booth design.  Also, shipping and packing will be covered at the wholesale level.  Let me know what you think.....I need your feedback and questions.

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