Do's and Don'ts For Teaching Craft Classes For Business Exposure-Part 1

There are several marketing techniques available for building your rubber stamp crafting business. These include building websites, going to craft fairs, and finding the right potential market for your type of craft. Also there is the possibility of creating crafting classes. This will help others appreciate your crafts.

The first thing to keep in mind when deciding to do a crafting class is the market that you want to reach. If your crafts are directed more towards children, it would be best to give your class as a program at a school. If it is for families or older people, it is best to find a local area that will allow you to conduct the class. Libraries, nursing homes, public venues, etc. are all good places to offer your class. When deciding on your crafting class, finding the right place and the right audience to conduct it for will help with your success for business exposure.

One place that can be considered for offering the class is at a craft or trade show. Many different workshops are usually available during the shows. If you decide to teach a class in this area, then you should also have a booth. The class will then expose your different types of items, which many will go to see after the class is over.

The second thing to keep in mind when conducting a craft class is the topic that you want to speak about. Many times, a crafting class will include how to make things. While this will provide for a stronger attraction towards the class, as well as allow you the room to be a master in your craft, you should also keep in mind that giving too many insights into your craft will not help you to sell your own items. With this in mind, it is best to offer the class with either a smaller item or one that is not as important for you to sell as others. At the same time, you want to make sure that everyone leaves the class feeling like they have learned part of your craft.

EBay Your Way: How to be Profitable Selling Your Crafts Online

Selling on EBay has become a popular phenomenon. Many a time I’ve heard people mention that they bought their latest gadget from no other then EBay. For the craft lover who doesn’t know where to begin marketing their crafts, EBay would be a good start. It is the best way to get the broadest audience’s attention.

When listing your craft, be sure to give plenty of detail. If there is a default in the craft, make sure you explain that in the description. Also describe the color and the size of the item. If you sell it in various colors, explain this to the potential buyer. Some people are looking for a certain color and you want to be open to them. If they like your item, they might come back for more in the future.

Be sure to list pictures. People love to see pictures of the items their bidding on. You even have the option of placing multiple pictures on your auction site. Try to get different angles when taking pictures. Get close-ups of any detailed work. When taking the picture, be sure to get it in the right lighting and best background. Appearance sells!

The most important thing to remember when getting started is to be honest about the item, and explain the craft in detail. People want to know all there is about an item that they may purchase. Explain the texture if you’re selling something that is wearable. Let them know about the special detail you’ve put into a painting. And if you’re expertise is pottery, elaborate on the special colors used for the craft.

Participate in, or Consider Putting Together an Arts and Crafts Fair For Your Rubber Stamp Crafts

If you want to get the word out about your rubber stamp crafts, one of the easiest ways to ensure a steady stream of customers is by organizing an arts and crafts fair at a community meeting point. If you are a member of a local church or community organization, check to see if any arts and crafts shows are held on a regular basis. These types of shows are especially common during the holiday season, when people become particularly interested in handcrafted objects and crafts.

If you’re local school, church, or community center doesn’t have hold any type of arts and crafts fair, offer to organize one. Be prepared, however, to commit and follow through with the amount of work this type of project entails. You’ll need to recruit other craftspeople to display their work, and make sure the venue is available for the date you need it. Perhaps you’ll also want to secure food or snack vendors.

One of the greatest benefits of holding your craft only sale at a community meeting point like a church or school is that the foot traffic is generally greater than it would be at a garage sale. Another nice benefit is that your event is easier to advertise. If, for instance, your craft-only sale is being held at a local church, you can ask that the sale is mentioned in the weekly announcements and published in the weekly newsletter. Holding your craft-only sale at a local school event also allows you to reach a much larger segment of the community.

Supplement Rubber Stamping By Offering Craft Lessons

Maybe you were lucky enough to find a way to make money out of your passion for rubber stamp crafts, and even launched your own crafting business. But now you find yourself wondering how to make extra money from your crafts. One of the best and easiest ways to supplement your crafting business is by offering craft lessons.

How can you start your own crafting classes? A good way to begin supplementing your crafting business is by organizing small home parties where you can invite friends, family members, and co-workers. This is a wonderful way to ease into teaching. If you’re a little nervous about the idea of teaching, remember that a home party is basically just a small gathering of friends. Focus on your love for your craft have confidence in your skills, and the rest will follow.

At your home party, ensure that your guests have a memorable experience by making the lesson as pleasurable as possible. Prepare well, provide light refreshments, and send your guests off with a completed craft, or if this is not possible, some sort of sample or party favor. You can bet that if your guests have a good time and enjoyed the experience of crafting with you, they will tell their friends, and positive word of mouth will begin to spread.

If you feel comfortable teaching at a professional level, you may want to seek out your local community college. Many community colleges offer non-credit, community development, crafts classes that are always in need of instructors. Teaching part-time is an excellent way to supplement your income. Be aware that to get this type of teaching position you will have to demonstrate significant knowledge and experience in your field. If you are a novice in your craft area, the chances of getting hired for this type of position is slim.

Teaching at a local college is not only a good way to make extra money, it also allows for an excellent opportunity to network and make contacts. When telling your students about your expertise and background, mention your crafting business. This type of exposure is invaluable because you are targeting a room full of individuals who have a deep interest in your craft.

Hold A Craft Only Garage Sale, Unique and Effective Marketing

Holding a rubber stamp craft garage sale is one of the easiest ways to attract a large number of interested customers. If you plan to organize one of these sales, however, be prepared for the work it will entail.

Not you’re Average Garage Sale

A craft-only garage sale is a wonderful idea because it allows potential customers to meet in one place specifically designated for showcasing the work of local craftspeople. You’ll want to advertise your craft sale like you would a regular garage sale. Put up very nice, colorful flyers around your neighborhood two weeks before the date of the sale.

The appearance of your flyers is important. You’ll want to convey the fact that your sale is not the normal garage sale. Don’t use the standard red and black ‘yard sale’ signs. Make professional-looking signs that emphasize the variety of items that will be available for sale. Make it clear that you will be selling new items, suitable for gift-giving.

Target Other Craftspeople and Enthusiasts

Of course, you’ll want to market your craft-only garage sale to other crafts enthusiasts. Visit your local hobby shop and crafts stores and put up flyers. Stand outside the door and hand out flyers, if you really want to get the word out. You might also consider visiting local crafts workshops and classes to inform students about the upcoming craft sale. Even easier, e-mail local crafts instructors and ask politely if they would be willing to make an announcement in class regarding the sale. If possible, deliver copies of your flyers to the instructor so he or she can pass them out in class.

Another easy way to reach your target audience is to advertise at craft fairs and shows. Again, pass out fliers and put up signs. People at craft sales are already in the mood to shop for crafts, so don’t be shy about marketing your show at these types of fairs.

Donating Your Decorative Rubber Stamp Crafts to NonProfits- A Great Way to Increase Your Craft Profile

Donating your rubber stamp crafts is a great way to make people aware of what your special crafting talents are, along with helping your community.

Not only will this allow you to network and make important contacts, you’ll also be making a difference where it really counts and strengthening your bonds to the community. Here are some easy ways to get involved:

1. Find a cause you have a passion for. Simply stated, passion cannot be faked. You must choose a nonprofit charity that you really care about, and for which you would be willing to work for with no thought of compensation. Perhaps you’ve always been touched by hospital-bound children stricken by illness. Why not donate some of your best work to spread a bit of joy?

In this scenario, you would want to seek out a nonprofit organization or charity that works with young hospital patients. Speak to the outreach director or volunteer coordinator of the agency you’re interested in. Tell them the ways you would like to help, and listen to their suggestions. They should be able to tell you about their current situation and needs. Hopefully, there will be a match, and you can begin to work together. Whatever you do, you should always check with the nonprofit agency before you simply start donating your crafts.

2. Offer to spearhead a charity event. If you specialize in kid’s craft parties, offer to hold a craft party for a local nonprofit agency. Be aware that this sort of undertaking will demand a lot of your time and energy. You may work with the nonprofit agency to coordinate the event.

Strive to make this collaboration as smooth and pleasant as possible. Remember that the event you organize will be a show of your leadership and organization skills. You’ll want to make a good impression as you connect with potential clients, and re-connect with previous customers. Most importantly, remember that the true goal of the event is to make a small difference in the lives of others.

I'll have more ideas for donating your crafts next post.

More Places to Show Your Rubber Stamp Crafts

As promised, here are more ideas for promoting your rubber stamp crafts.

Magazines and other Publications

You can consider advertising yours in a magazine or a newsletter. Even better, you could try to have yourself featured in an article in your local paper or a craft magazine. This way your potential customers will learn more about you and the back-story of your craft. With crafts, a lot of customers like to know the process and story behind its creation, so this is an excellent way to connect with them and generate more interest in your new venture.

Online

Just a few years ago, there were very few crafters online. Now, you can have a website devoted to marketing your rubber stamp creations. A website that displays your products and provides some background on you and your craft can also be a really effective marketing tool. You can also sell your products directly online. This will allow you to sell your products to people all over the world with minimal advertising costs to you. Just think of the exposure!