5 Hobbies You Can Turn Into Craft Show Profits

Many hobbyists turn toward bead craft activities, which can result in some of the most beautiful and artistic creations available. Intricate bead craft work takes both time and patience, but is widely recognized as some of the most valuable handmade creations in the crafting industry. There are many different bead craft possibilities, some of which are featured in this article.

Jewelry. The most popular bead craft hobby is that of jewelry. Everything from beaded earrings to necklaces and bracelets are widely available and are handmade by artisans around the world. Found at craft shows, in specialty stores and online, bead craft jewelry designers are responsible for hand threading each bead until the desired look is completed. Jewelry beads are available in a variety of metals, including goldtone, silvertone, genuine gold and genuine silver. Products used to create bead craft jewelry are typically found at most wholesalers that deal in jewelry findings.

Pocketbooks. If you have ever seen a bead craft pocketbook, then you have already seen the workmanship that goes into this type of product. However, many do not realize this, but some pocketbooks are made completely of beading. Understandably so, these are very expensive due to the amount of time and work involved, not to mention the cost of the beads themselves, but they are quite possibly one of the most elegant purses that a woman can own.

Napkin rings. A popular bead craft hobby is that of creating handmade napkin rings. These rings are designed to hold a rolled napkin into place before dinner. With bead craft napkin rings, many people choose to use them as decor, but they are actually quite functional and are more than capable of serving the purpose as they are intended.

Hair accessories. It’s all about the added touches, right? When it comes to hair accessories, bead craft work is everywhere. It is commonly found in barretts and other hair embellishments that complete the perfect look.

After creating their latest designs, most bead craft artists make their work available at craft shows (either local or national), at online auction or through specialty craft stores. In some cases, their work is even sold nationally in retail stores. Bead craft artists are skilled professionals that opt to display their artwork in the form of beadwork rather than on canvas. But, make no mistake - a bead craft artist is no less of an artist than anyone who uses a pencil or paintbrush.

As you gain experience selling your crafts at craft shows, you'll be planning your schedule a year in advance. Although a business plan isn't essential, a marketing plan is a good idea to have as you plan your shows. You'll want to keep your customers on your mailing list informed of new products, special sales and upcoming shows. You may need to update your marketing materials from time to time as well. In addition, between shows, you may decide to pursue other paths to selling your products. Some of these are: the Internet (your own Web site or eBay), retail (your own store, space in a gallery or retail store), wholesale (trade shows, distributors or sales reps), trade or consumer magazine ads (extremely costly), mail order, catalogs, TV shopping networks and home shows.

Selling wholesale at galleries, stores, trade shows or through reps or distributors cuts your profit in half. The only way to make it up is through large quantity sales—and then you may find yourself in a bigger production mode than what you feel comfortable with. Selling wholesale has other drawbacks, like return policies, cancellations and late payments. And some shops and galleries will only take you on consignment.

Although billions of dollars are spent by consumers buying products over the Internet, online sales for craft items has not been spectacular—and nothing compared to craft show figures. However, it's relatively inexpensive to sell over eBay and for under $1,000 you can have a decent Web site designed. Check out eBay for yourself to see if anything like your items are being marketed there. If you have to sell way too low to match the competition that you won't make a profit, it's not worth it. Put up your own Web site and let it be a virtual shop for you—for existing customers to see what you're up to and to attract new buyers. You can post your show schedule, have information about yourself and your crafts and sell whatever items photograph well and ship safely.

Research other Web sites selling similar products, decide how you would like your electronic store to look and find a competent Web designer. Make sure you are quoted all costs up front including monthly maintenance so you can keep your site updated. Design your Web site with the same care you designed your booth—so it represents you and your product in the best light. Make it easy for people to buy and to contact you. Have your phone number and e-mail address so they can ask questions. If your Web designer is not marketing savvy, have someone help you submit your Web site to search engines and do whatever you can to make it visible to potential buyers.

Another way to promote yourself online is to join craft forums or chat groups, where buyers and sellers gather to discuss crafts. If you position yourself as an expert answering various questions, people may visit your Web site to gain more contact with you. Also consider having links and resources on your site so people will see you as a source of knowledge about crafts. As a creative person, you'll probably have so many ideas to enhance your Web site—just don't become obsessed so it takes you away from your first love—making crafts! Once you have a Web site, put the address on all your marketing materials—from business cards to show schedules.

If you are doing well selling your crafts at craft shows, that may be all you need to do. The more avenues for sales you take on, the thinner you spread yourself, and the less you're doing what you love most and what you started this business for—creating crafts!

Making Your Craft Show Booth Functional and Profitable

Creating the right booth involves a variety of aspects and you need to take these all into consideration when you are buying equipment and creating a art and craft show booth display. Getting the right equipment and knowing how to use it will make your craft show booth stand out from the crowd. With a little imagination and these tips(like festival guide) create the art and craft show booth that will be visually appealing and help you make a profit.

First Things First

The first thing you need to do is purchase the right equipment.Get the tent you want by knowing what the standard is for the festival you plan to vend at. Most tables that you can buy that are cheap, light, and easily transportable are generally not tall enough. You can use them anyway, but adding some PVC piping to the legs can give them a foot or foot and a half that will make it easier and more visually appealing for customers to view your wares. You should always have a chair with you and factor in where you will be seated. Sitting down in the back, but remaining visible can be a good way to be accessible to your customer’s questions without scaring off timid shoppers. Come prepared with all your signage and any supplies or tools you may need for the show.

Creating A Great Display

Your art and craft show booth needs to have its own feel and theme to set it apart from the rest. Use fonts on your signage that represent the feel of your product. Choose fabric and materials that complement your product. Give your tables more height with portable shelve or other decorative display items. Many craft shows will want you to cover the entire table to the floor with fabric. You can buy pre-made covers to achieve this effect or create your own. White sheet material is a cheap and effective solution for creating your own table covers. You can purchase lots of great display items from retail fixture companies. Just remember that everything you use in your craft show booth including your display, your products, your equipment, and your supplies are all things that you’ll have to lug around. Keep in mind the weight of certain objects like shelves and tables before you buy them. Keeping your craft show booth simple and light will help you to save your time and energy for making sales.

Practice Makes Perfect

After you have a tent and all your other equipment, then you should make a mock-layout of your craft shows booth. You can set your tent up in your yard to get the full craft show booth feel or just market your floor with masking tape to set up inside your house. You can use the tables you’ve bought and any other displays to work on your craft show booth. It is very important to practice your craft show booth set-up at home and to perfect it from the comfort of your home. As much as you set up and practice, you are you are still always free to change your set up and perfect it over time. Most festival vendor will tell you how much their craft show booth has evolved over time. It takes a lot of practice and energy to discover what works best for you. Take notes from other craft show vendors and use your imagination and talent to create a visually appealing craft show booth.