Where to Find Makers on Hudson This Weekend

 Ceramic Serving Tray

This weekend our lovely Hester of:

HestersStudio

Will be in Bethel, NY for the Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Sunday September 3rd.

http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/events/detail/2017harvestfestival

Just imagine serving your summer bounty on Hester's lovely ceramics.

 

Ceramic Basket

Enjoy this last weekend of summer by going to visit Hester at Bethel Woods.

In My Studio: Updating my Packaging

So Handmade's New Packaging

In January I decided to give my packaging a much needed update. Getting the right packaging can benefit your craft business in many ways. I decided to go with these recycled boxes and mailers from EcoEnclose.

By spending a little more time and money on the end product could have a big difference in your brand identity at the end of the day.

Great packaging can:

1. Get your products 'noticed' in a sea of vendors at a craft fair or in the Etsy search pages.
2. Increase the perceived value of your products, enabling you to increase your profits
3. Be informative- giving the customer info about the product and your company for potential future orders.
4. Make your line of products more cohesive
5. Elevate your brand and make it memorable

Great Packaging from The Pudgy Rabbit

In order to achieve this the packaging should:

1. Be thought of as an integral part of the product and not just an afterthought.
2. It should reflect or complement your brand, your ethos and your style
3. Be easily replicated for future items
4. Affordable
5. Not too time consuming
6. As green as possible

Some different ideas for creating your own unique, eye catching and memorable packaging could include making your own stamps or block prints, printed materials, stickers, fabric bags and ribbons or even including a small 'freebie' with your product.

I posted on this blog a little while ago a tutorial to make your own fabric labels. This technique could be applied to making your own packaging ribbon and labels. Click this link to access the tutorial.

Also adding a gift wrap option in your listings can help customers who would like to send the purchase direct to the recipient and its a great way of adding value to your shop.

Adding a Gift Wrapping Option is a great way to add value to your Etsy Shop

Good luck and Good Making!

Good things come in small packages!

Sarah Omura - SO Handmade

Where to Find Makers-on-Hudson This Weekend

Castles, Vineyards and Parks

Field of Poppies Wearable Art Nuno Felted Shawl by HuzzahHandmade

That's where you'll find our makers this weekend. Our venues are as diverse as our products, and you'll have great opportunities to explore and discover them all if you plan accordingly.  The weekend starts on Friday evening with Kathryn of Huzzah Unique Handmade Wearables. She will be among the artists at the Canvas & Cocktails Show from 6 - 8PM at the Castle Hotel and Spa, Tarrytown, N.Y. The show is a collaboration between the Castle and RiverArts.

Essential Oil Handcrafted Soap by Beyond the Picket Fence

Saturday, travel just over the border from Orange County to Milton, N.Y. and you'll be delighted to find several of our members at Nostrano Vineyards for the Mid Hudson Marketplace Fall Festival . It's the perfect time of year to enjoy this beautiful part of our area. The vineyard is perched in the hills above the river. You'll find vendors in their beautiful, large barn as well as in the field surrounding it. Wander around and find Gwen from Beyond the Picket Fence, Hester of Hester's Studio, and Sarah from SO Handmade.

Bowl in Teal and White with Tree by Hester's Studio

Owl Embroidery Hoop Art by SOHandmade

Saturday will also find a member of our Makers' "pack," JoAnn from LollyPups Designer Petwear, in New Jersey enjoying the weather and the furry company for a good cause, the Bark in the Park . Stop by to support Liberty Humane and pick up the perfect accessory for your pooch. A chill is in the air, so it's definitely time for some new, snugly duds.

Winter Mittens Wool Plaid Harness Vest by Lollypups Designer Petwear