I haven't posted in a while I know, but it's because I've been extremely busy. From writing new patterns that will be released soon to re-editing old patterns to getting my photo biz off the ground. It's been hectic and if you add moving to a new place to that, well you'll understand my absence =)
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The countdown begins!!!
I haven't posted in a while I know, but it's because I've been extremely busy. From writing new patterns that will be released soon to re-editing old patterns to getting my photo biz off the ground. It's been hectic and if you add moving to a new place to that, well you'll understand my absence =)
Friday, February 8, 2013
Have you heard of the "Crocheting Blues"?
Hello all!!
Have you ever heard of the "Crocheting Blues"? No? Are you sure??? I think you have! It's that period (short, long and OMG what am I going to do?) of time when you're in a crochet block and no, not those kinds of blocks!!
Have you ever heard of the "Crocheting Blues"? No? Are you sure??? I think you have! It's that period (short, long and OMG what am I going to do?) of time when you're in a crochet block and no, not those kinds of blocks!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Woo hoo!!
Hi!! Oh my God I have to share with you the reason why I'm so happy!!
I designed a new Raggedy Ann and in a matter of hours it was trending number five on Craftsy's paid patterns. By the time I got up it had gone to number three!!
I designed a new Raggedy Ann and in a matter of hours it was trending number five on Craftsy's paid patterns. By the time I got up it had gone to number three!!
Monday, January 21, 2013
How to price your handmade items
Happy Monday!!
Today we're going to talk about pricing your handmade items. Whether you knit, crochet, make jewelry, etc. you have to know how and what to do in order to make money out of your creativity.
Doubt
Many times as designers we question our own talent and are afraid of charging what our work is really worth because we're afraid that others might think it's too high or not worth that much. Well, I'm here to tell you that I've been where you are and it took me some time to FINALLY realize that what I make is just as good as anyone else's product.
Competition
When I first started crocheting I did it just for fun and to release stress. It took some convincing from family and friends to actually get me to start selling my items. I didn't think what I made was worth charging for and with SO many talented people out there, I didn't think I'd stand a chance at making money. But, there's room for everyone in this and other markets. There's thousands of people that knit and crochet and make jewelry but you can't let that stop you from doing what you LOVE to do and earn money at the same time.
First impression
You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Your client will know if you believe in your product or not by your confidence in it. Believe in your talent. If you don't believe your product is good enough neither will your clients. Remember not everyone is a client either and don't get discouraged if you don't sell something. It just means that person doesn't know the true value of handmade items.
How does it work?
The main thing you have to do is figure out how much it costs YOU and what your earnings will be once you've got an order. I found a blog that will tell you how to price your items accordingly without losing money =0)
Don't give up!!!
No matter how long it takes you to start selling, don't give up!! The first sale is always the hardest. Once you get that first sale out of the way, the rest follow easily. Two years ago I wouldn't have thought of selling anything and now I can say I'm well accomplished in selling my items. I'm no longer afraid of charging what my talent and time are worth. Two years ago wouldn't have dreamed of making patterns and today I have 25 patterns of my own that had I let doubt win, I wouldn't be sharing with you. If I can do it, so can YOU!!
Have fun doing what you love and remember that it's all about believing in YOU and the rest is easy!
Check out this detailed blog on how to price your items and make money doing so.
Today we're going to talk about pricing your handmade items. Whether you knit, crochet, make jewelry, etc. you have to know how and what to do in order to make money out of your creativity.
Doubt
Many times as designers we question our own talent and are afraid of charging what our work is really worth because we're afraid that others might think it's too high or not worth that much. Well, I'm here to tell you that I've been where you are and it took me some time to FINALLY realize that what I make is just as good as anyone else's product.
Competition
When I first started crocheting I did it just for fun and to release stress. It took some convincing from family and friends to actually get me to start selling my items. I didn't think what I made was worth charging for and with SO many talented people out there, I didn't think I'd stand a chance at making money. But, there's room for everyone in this and other markets. There's thousands of people that knit and crochet and make jewelry but you can't let that stop you from doing what you LOVE to do and earn money at the same time.
First impression
You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Your client will know if you believe in your product or not by your confidence in it. Believe in your talent. If you don't believe your product is good enough neither will your clients. Remember not everyone is a client either and don't get discouraged if you don't sell something. It just means that person doesn't know the true value of handmade items.
How does it work?
The main thing you have to do is figure out how much it costs YOU and what your earnings will be once you've got an order. I found a blog that will tell you how to price your items accordingly without losing money =0)
Don't give up!!!
No matter how long it takes you to start selling, don't give up!! The first sale is always the hardest. Once you get that first sale out of the way, the rest follow easily. Two years ago I wouldn't have thought of selling anything and now I can say I'm well accomplished in selling my items. I'm no longer afraid of charging what my talent and time are worth. Two years ago wouldn't have dreamed of making patterns and today I have 25 patterns of my own that had I let doubt win, I wouldn't be sharing with you. If I can do it, so can YOU!!
Have fun doing what you love and remember that it's all about believing in YOU and the rest is easy!
Check out this detailed blog on how to price your items and make money doing so.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Do you make your own labels?
Hey everyone!
Today I'm not talking about patterns exactly but rather about labeling your items. We all know that a watermark is essential for your photography work well so it's labeling your handmade items. Not only does it tell the client the materials and care instructions of the item, but it's a constant reminder of where the item came from.
My good friend Tanya Naser from HodgePodge Crochet created this awesome blog giving step by step instructions on how to make your own label for a minimal cost. Enjoy and make sure to show her some love and follow her =0)
http://hodgepodgecrochet.wordpress.com/
Adventures in Label Making!
For those of you that might not be aware, crocheters (or really anyone for that matter) who creates items designed for children are expected (by US law) to label them. The law actually went into effect August 14, 2009 and basically says:
Now, a lot of people might look at that and shy away from it because basically–everything you make that is intended for young kids HAS to be labeled…and that can get expensive. But it really doesn’t have to be! If you have access to a printer, a graphic program (you can use paid ones like Photoshop or free ones like GIMP, or Sumopaint), some plain white ribbon, T-shirt transfer paper, and a hot iron–you’re set!
Start by opening your chosen graphics program. Create a new image as wide as your ribbon and as long as you want. In my case I decided on a fold-over, so I set mine to 1.5″ high by 4″ wide. Make sure you set your pixels per inch (ppi) to at least 300. That will give you a nice and crisp image for your label.
Once that is set, it’s time to design! Here is what mine looked like when I was finished.
Today I'm not talking about patterns exactly but rather about labeling your items. We all know that a watermark is essential for your photography work well so it's labeling your handmade items. Not only does it tell the client the materials and care instructions of the item, but it's a constant reminder of where the item came from.
My good friend Tanya Naser from HodgePodge Crochet created this awesome blog giving step by step instructions on how to make your own label for a minimal cost. Enjoy and make sure to show her some love and follow her =0)
http://hodgepodgecrochet.wordpress.com/
Adventures in Label Making!
For those of you that might not be aware, crocheters (or really anyone for that matter) who creates items designed for children are expected (by US law) to label them. The law actually went into effect August 14, 2009 and basically says:
…manufacturers…have (to affix) a tracking label or other distinguishing permanent mark on any consumer product primarily intended for children twelve and younger. The tracking label must contain certain basic information, including the source of the product, the date of manufacture and more detailed information on the manufacturing process such as a batch or run number. The scope of this provision is quite broad in that it applies to all children’s products, including, but not limited to, items such as clothing or shoes not just toys and other regulated products.You can read more about the law here: Tracking Labels for Children’s Products
Now, a lot of people might look at that and shy away from it because basically–everything you make that is intended for young kids HAS to be labeled…and that can get expensive. But it really doesn’t have to be! If you have access to a printer, a graphic program (you can use paid ones like Photoshop or free ones like GIMP, or Sumopaint), some plain white ribbon, T-shirt transfer paper, and a hot iron–you’re set!
Start by opening your chosen graphics program. Create a new image as wide as your ribbon and as long as you want. In my case I decided on a fold-over, so I set mine to 1.5″ high by 4″ wide. Make sure you set your pixels per inch (ppi) to at least 300. That will give you a nice and crisp image for your label.
Once that is set, it’s time to design! Here is what mine looked like when I was finished.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Hey there!!
It's been a while since I posted something, so sorry I neglected all of you =0(. But I'm back with a bunch of new projects and ideas that I can't wait to share with you!!
These are some of the new things that I've worked on. I have a testing pattern group that you can join here https://www.facebook.com/groups/471039082918785/
These are some of the new things that I've worked on. I have a testing pattern group that you can join here https://www.facebook.com/groups/471039082918785/
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