In My Studio: Launching New Products

So Handmade Train Play mat

I have been working on some new products in my studio this last couple of months and realized it would help me enormously if I listed all the steps I take to get a new product launched for the next time I want to develop and launch something new. I figure that a lot of makers have their own processes and development strategies but this could be useful to others and can be adapted to fit different specialties.

These are the steps I took before launching my new Construction and Train Play Mats:

1) Idea: That light bulb moment when you come up with a great new idea or concept. I tend to think about a new product for quite a long time before putting pen to paper- or fabric to the sewing machine. The idea can come from anywhere- by adapting something you make already, fulfilling a need for something in your own life or from being inspired by outside influences.

2) Prototype: The next step I take is to make a mock up of the product using scraps of fabric I have lying around. This may happen a couple of time before I get it right.

My Play Mat prototype

3) Design: Once I have the prototype mocked up I start designing on paper doing a few rough layouts before drawing it out properly in pen and ink. I do my designs in black on white to be able to transfer them onto screens. 

My drawing board where I design my new products

4) Supplies: Around the same time that I am designing I think about the supplies I am going to need to make the new products. How many am I going to make, which fabrics will I need and how much. Also will I need any fastenings such as buttons or velcro. In this latest product I decided to use organic materials so sourcing and ordering was a little more challenging.

Organic fabrics and threads ready to make my new play mats

5) Printing and making: I usually start a new product with a run of about 30 to insure a good supply for craft fairs and Etsy for a few months. After hand screen printing the fabric I cut it out and sew them together.

My sewing station whilst watching the Great British Sewing Bee on the Ipad!

6) Photography: Once the first few have been made its time to photograph them for use on Etsy and on Social Media. When photographing them a good tip is to remember to take a few shots using holiday styling to switch out when the time comes.

7) Listing on Etsy: Keep in mind how you will be packaging your new product when you have to ship them out. Will you need any special packaging supplies and will you need to create a new shipping profile.

8) Promote these new products on your social media accounts (instagram, pinterest, Facebook etc) and remember to post in the Makers on Hudson new and renewed items chat thread.  

9) Copyright: I have been making it a habit to copyright my new products right after I launch them. It is pretty quick and easy to do on www.copyright.gov website and well worth the small investment.

10) Display and Marketing: Think about how the new product will be displayed in your craft fair booth or at any of your sales outlets and if any new displays will be needed.

Construction Play Mat by So Handmade

Good Luck and Good Making!

Sarah

So Handmade

THIS SATURDAY! Meet us at The Howland in Beacon - Holiday Craft Fair!

We are just days away from our 7th Annual Holiday Craft Fair at The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, NY. Will you be joining us?

Here is the last group of vendors joining us this Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.  View the full list of vendors here. 

Phoenicia Honey Co.

Duane Lakin Photography

Mary's Dream Studio

Knit In Color

Ehstern Silk Jewelry

Reclaimed Designs

2015 Holiday Craft Fair Sneak Peek #3 - Beacon, NY

Today we are happy to share with you the second batch of vendors you will find at our Holiday Craft Fair this year.   We will have a nice mix of members of the team as well as other local artisans and makers bringing you a great collection of fun and unique gift ideas for your shopping list.  Go back and view our first and second batch.

If you are on Facebook and plan on joining us, click here to RSVP!

Beyond The Picket Fence

Pulp Sushi

Hudson Valley Makers and Artisans Cooperative

Indigo Lane Jewelry

2015 Holiday Craft Fair Sneak Peek #1 - Beacon, NY

Today we are happy to share with you the first batch of vendors you will find at our Holiday Craft Fair this year.   We will have a nice mix of members of the team as well as other local artisans and makers bringing you a nice mix of fun and unique gift ideas for your shopping list.  If you are on Facebook and plan on joining us, click here to RSVP!

Digilio Designs

Kmiotek Art Works

S2 Stationery and Design

Squirrel Den Studio

Knot By Gran'ma

In My Studio: Craft Fair Prep

So Handmade Christmas Tree Skirts at a craft fair

I am frantically getting ready for my first craft fair of the season at the moment. There are many holiday fairs that start around now and continue almost every weekend until Christmas. These holiday fairs can be the most lucrative time of year for selling and can also provide a great opportunity to network and market your business.

I was looking at an old blog post I did about craft fair prep and thought it would be good to share it again.

Here are some tips and challenges:

1. Which Holiday Fairs: Choosing the holiday fairs to participate in is the first challenge. Balancing the sometimes high cost of a spot with the potential for earnings. A great way to gauge which fairs are good and which to avoid is by talking to fellow vendors and don't overstretch yourself by applying for one every weekend between now and Christmas, pace yourself. On the weekends in between go and visit local fairs to see if doing them the following year might be worthwhile. Look at the other potential costs involved or doing the fairs such as the distance to the fair, hotel costs if it's a two day affair etc.

2. Plan your space. Once you have decided which fairs to do look at the size and shape of the booth you have been allocated. A good way to plan your booth is to mark it out on the floor of your house with masking tape. Arrange your booth furniture in the space allocated making sure that you are aware of where the flow of people will come and make your space easy to negotiate. A booth that's too cluttered will put people off from entering, make sure it's open enough to entice customers.

Does your set up require an electrical outlet and where will it be? Remember to give yourself a designated space/ chair to sit, the fairs can stretch on and on and on and being comfortable is important. Take photos of your mock up so you can easily replicate it on the day. Finally make sure all the booth furniture is manageable and will fit into your car, doing extra trips costs more and wastes precious set up time.

3. Tablecloths: Make sure you have table cloths that cover the front and any visible sides of your tables all the way to the ground. This makes your space look more professional and also gives a great storage space for things you don't want to be on view. Choose the color wisely to best show off your products.

My craft fair display

4. Presentation: Work out beforehand where your products are going to go and if you need special stands/ baskets for them. Play around with the layout and once you are happy take photos so you can remember. Keep your products clean, ironed and stored carefully, presenting dusty, creased products at the fair will not help your sales.

5. Branding: Label your stand with your business name as visible as possible. Banners are a great way of doing this, Staples and other stationary stores are often giving good deals on printing them. Keep business cards easily accessible to visitors and put one in every customers bag. Donating an item to the obligatory raffle is also a good way of getting visibility for you business. Remember to have out a visitors book for e-mail addresses so you can start to build up a mailing list.

6. Price your products with labels that are easily visible, do this before the show to save time but also remember extra labels for any products you missed or for any changes/ discounts you want to make on the day.

7. Payment Options: Remember to bring with you a cash box with as much petty cash as possible, at least $50-$100 in a variety of different denominations and change. Look into ways that you can accept non-cash payments, this might be on a smart phone or iPad with a Square/Etsy card reader or similar but be aware of the additional costs. Remember to add the states sales tax to every purchase made, bring a calculator to easily work this out. Register online to file these payments.

8. Be your own advertisement: If possible wear one of your products (if it's jewelry or apparel) and remember to tell people that its available.

9. Don't Forget:

• Plastic or paper bags for customers purchases and packaging such as bubble wrap or tissue paper if needed 
• Business cards, banners and other branding items 
• Calculator, receipt book and notebook to keep track of sales 
• Pens, pins, safety pins, scissors, string, tape, small sewing kit 
• Food and drink to keep you going and a book for slow times 
• Extension lead for electrical supply if needed
• iPhone/card reader and cash box

I used my cart as a handy packaging station 

10. Network: Lastly don't forget to tell people where you will be at the weekend, make sure all your family and friends are going to visit the holiday fair and especially your booth. Post details of your schedule online and encourage visitors with promises of cookies!

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.
Alexander Graham Bell

Good Luck and Good Making!

Sarah Omura - So Handmade

In My Studio: Periscope

In the last couple of months I have been obsessively watching Periscope. In case you don't know Periscope I am writing this blog post to show how it works and how it can be used by your own small craft business.

What is it?

Periscope is a free video streaming app which you can download onto your device from the app store. It allows users to watch or broadcast videos in real time. What this means is that a bit like Skype or Facetime you can watch something that is happening right now. Whilst you are watching you are able to add comments which the broadcaster can see their end and also tap your screen to add hearts if you are enjoying what you are seeing. These broadcasts are then available for anyone to watch within 24 hours after which they are deleted.

How could this apply to my small craft business?

As a viewer:

Follow like minded crafters and small business owners for great advice and info. A couple I would recommend are:

Caitlin Bacher  @caitlinbacher    Small business advice, especially about social media strategies

Merriweather Council @merriweatherc  Wonderful and practical advice about Etsy

Recent Periscope from the Merriweather Council about optimizing your shop for the holidays

Danielle of the Merriweather Council

As a broadcaster:

There are many ways you could use periscope to video stream live to potential customers, collaborators and followers, here are some ideas:

1. Show off or demo a new product
2. Launch a new collection
3. Small business discussion
4. Tour of your studio
5. Work in progress
6. Behind the scenes look at a photoshoot or a craft show
7. Question and Answer session
8. Focus group (feedback on a new product)
9. Teach a technique, do a demonstration
10. Talk about a blog post
11. Celebrate milestones

How this could be used by the HV Etsy Team?

1. Host meetings: As everyone lives so spread out across our region meeting up has proved difficult. Persicope is a way that we could bring everyone together. One of the group leaders could host a periscope that them all team members could watch. They would be able to join in the discussion through their comments..
2. Go behind the scenes at craft fairs, interview vendors and team members

I am yet to pluck up the courage to do a scope myself but would love to do one in the future so follow me on Periscope at @saraho32. I would love to see fellow members start to do scopes so please add your address in the comments and also add any recommendations of people to follow.

Good Luck and Good Scoping!

Sarah

So Handmade

Getting Ready For Show Season

Show Season is fast approaching and is already here for some. I usually don't do any before June and since June is almost here I am reviewing my show "necessities" the items that come with me to each and every show, the items that never change throughout the season. One of my most important items is... THE BOX.

It is a pretty little thing that I purchased at a Michaels Store on sale of course.

This holds all of my most important items to run my craft fair business. The items are always packed and when they run out are quickly replenished.

My Square reader really gets a workout! I have yet to try the Etsy reader but it's there just in case.

I have some office supplies, a small stapler and extra staples, a roll of sticky tags, small scissors, calculator, small notebook.

Advil, one for my knees and one to share.

Receipt books, business cards, lots of pens and sharpies.

 VERY important.... Tax ID Number and Breath Mints!

Everything fits neatly into this box.

And we are ready to go.

What items are your necessities?

Any good suggestions to add?

Have a great show season!

Susan DiGilio

digiliodesigns.etsy.com

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

Wither Wilt Thou Goest This Weekend? 

"Love, whose month is ever May

 Spied a blossom passing fair 

Playing in the wanton air."

Mulberry Flower Renaissance Fair Mask 

Shakespeare's  words celebrating Love and the month of May are the perfect theme for this week's post. Spring is here, the world has again turned green and it's time to visit member Dara of DaraGallery at the MayFaire on the Green in Holland Patent, N.Y. on Saturday and Sunday May 16/17. Dara will be bringing her beautiful, handmade masks to the Faire. Each one is handcrafted and exquisitely decorated, plus they are available for Lords and Ladies alike. www.mayfaireonthegreen.com

Blue and Silver Brocade "couples" masks

 For something completely different, yet equally joyful and full of love, why not find Joann of Lollypups Designer Petwear at opening day of the Chappaqua Flea this Saturday May 16. Choose the perfect ensemble for your pooch from her selection of stylish, whimsical, harnesses, coats and costumes for your best friend.  www.chappaquaflea.com

Patches. Harness, vest and matching leash

Spring Song harness vest, and leash

Rounding out our Spring Weekend tour, you will find Gwen, soap artisan and shopkeeper of Beyond the Picket Fence, back at the Beacon Farmer's Market Sunday May 17, from 10-3. Stop by and treat yourself to some of her handcrafted bath and body products including soaps made with local craft beers. www.beaconfarmersmarket.org

Vendors wanted! 22nd Annual Fishkill Fine Art & Craft Fair

The Fishkill Business Association is back with it's annual Fine Art and Craft Fair. This year, the fair is moving back to MAIN STREET in Fishkill. The street will be closed off and vendors will line the street with their beautiful work.

There are vendor spots still available for this fun day. You can get more information and view the application here. 

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend

While craft fair season is still a couple of months away we do have one date for you this weekend. It's not in the Hudson Valley but why not travel on South searching for warmth?
Elena Rosenberg will be participating in the prestigious American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, MD this weekend. The show is open Friday, February 20, through Sunday, February 22.
Elena is known for her inventive, luxurious and colorful knits, that are made from the finest yarns available.

Elena Rosenberg

Elena Rosenberg

Elena Rosenberg

Elena Rosenberg

Elena Rosenberg

Happy shopping!

In My Studio: Packaging



Lovely packaged set of cards from Cynla Cards and Design

During the holiday season I was lucky enough to get out to a few craft fairs. Looking around at the merchandise on offer I noticed some really interesting ways that vendors had packaged their wares. One company used wooden thread spools on which to wind bracelets and wooden rulers to hang necklaces. These beautifully and uniquely packaged items were by far more appealing to me as a customer and got me thinking about the ways I too could package my products more successfully. By spending a little more time and money on the end product could have a big difference in profits 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 boxes 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.

My own SO Handmade fabric labels

Taking all of the above into account I set about packaging some play mats I had just made.  I used leftover scraps of fabrics I had to make them and then added some printed labels. I also used vintage buttons to finish the effect.

I was very happy with the result and think they look really effective. I hope to add the same pizzazz to the rest of my collection in the future.



Lego/ small toy play mat from SO Handmade

Good luck and Good Making!

Good things come in small packages!

Sarah Omura - SO Handmade