Where to Find Makers-on-Hudson

Vintage stamps are fascinating tiny little pieces of art 

that have many stories to tell.

Our Makers-on-Hudson member Erica Everett has given new life

and purpose to these tiny travelers. 

She will be displaying her selection of jewelry created from 

vintage stamps at the 

Nyack Street Fairs 

this coming Sunday, April 9th.

Look for these gorgeous springtime Japanese Cherry Blossom earrings.

cherry-blossoms-1962-japanese-stamp

Or a delightfully spring green Swiss postage stamp pendant featuring a Astronomical Clock.

1980-astronomical-clock-zytglogge-tower

 There are many more little travelers to pick from in Ericka's Etsy Shop.

CuriousVintageShoppe 

But better yet, get out this Sunday and stop by Ericka's booth at the Nyack Street Fair.

In My Studio: Planning for the Year Ahead

Some of the tools I am using to plan for 2017

With the new year arriving I have been spending some time planning and organizing for the year ahead. I would love to share some of my new favorite tools to get the most productivity and creativity out of the year to come.

1) Many Moons 2017 Calendar from Cynla (top left) I love this calendar from our our Makers on Hudson teammate Cindy. Each month includes a beautiful illustration of the moon and dates of the moon phases are marked on.

2) 17 Actions and Insights for a Prosperous and Profitable 2017 (top right) e-book from The Merriweather Council  This is a really useful book to get you started with some easy actionable steps to help your small handmade business grow and prosper in 2017.It is written in a really straightforward no fluff manner with lots of  space for note taking. 

3) Get to Work Book (bottom left) from Elise Joy This planner is the planner of my dreams! As a prolific list writer this is the place I can corral all my lists and take pleasure as they are crossed off one by one. Full of inspiring quotes, pages for project planning and easy weekly layouts it has been a huge help in getting my work done.

4)  Etsy Seller Spreadsheet (bottom right) from Paper and Spark
I have been getting all my business paperwork in order from 2016 and these spreadsheets from Paper and Spark have helped enormously. They enable you to copy and paste all the relevant information from Etsy into a usable and legible document. Paper and Spark also includes video tutorials to walk you through many of the processes and has many free resources on the website for small handmade businesses.  

Here are some of the tools Patricia van Essche from PVE Design is using for planning her 2017

1) Spiral Organizer by Red Star Ink
Great for organizing your budget, paying bills and planning ahead.

2) Boxwood Maze Notebooks by PVE Design 
This stunning spiral bound notebook is wonderful for jotting down to-do lists, shopping lists or ideas for the new year ahead.

3) Small floral clipboards by Staples

Have a wonderful organized and prosperous 2017!
Good Luck and Good Making!

Sarah
So Handmade
  

"A goal without a plan is just a wish" Antoine de Saint-Exupery

In My Studio: Sight and Sound

Sewing a big pile of play mats while watching the Great British Sewing Bee

Since schools have gone back its been all systems go in my studio. I have been knuckling down to some hard work to getting stocked up before the fall and holiday craft fairs.

In this blog post I would like to share some of the things that have been keeping me entertained, inspired and sane while I have been working:

The Merriweather Council Podcast: The host Danielle Spurge is a craft business consultant with many years selling her embroidery on Etsy. She is a fountain of knowledge and with her new podcast shares some great tips to help other small handmade businesses thrive. This podcast was only launched a few weeks ago but she has already covered so much in her concise and 'no nonsense' manner. Episodes have included topics such as: shipping, pricing, blogging, inventory, feedback, creativity and photographing your products.

I highly recommend listening to this podcast for some great ideas and inspiration.

Available on the Merriweather Council website and Itunes.

Mid Hudson Library System Digital Downloads: If you reside in the Mid-Hudson Valley and are a member of a local library you can use your membership number to access audio books (and ebooks) from their website. Using the Overdrive app (available in the app store) you can download and listen to these audio books on the device of your choosing.

I download them onto my ipad and listen to audio books while I work. It's a great (and free) way of listening to some really good books. You are entitled to borrow up to 10 titles at a time and can also put holds on titles that are currently checked out.

I recently listened to the thrilling third installment of the Comoran Strike books by Robert Galbraith 'Career of Evil' which I highly recommend.

Streaming TV Shows: Sometimes if I am on the sewing machine for a long period of time I also like to watch TV shows, especially 'crafty' ones (photo at the top). My favorites include Project Runway which is about to start a new season and The Great British Sewing Bee (available on you tube).


I would love to hear what inspires you while you work....

Good luck getting ready for the busy season and good listening! 

Sarah
So Handmade

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

In My Studio: Adding Value

In the last few months I have been working on bringing more value to my Etsy shop. Adding value can increase your sales, increase your chances for return customers, increase your exposure and your chances of being featured on an Etsy blog or on Etsy Finds.

Through my research I have come across some great ways to bring extra value to your shop:

1) Offer customizable products. This one has recently featured alot on Etsy and is a great way for customers to receive truly one off, handmade and unique products.



Secret Message Bracelet by Charms of Faith

2) Step up your packaging game: Great packaging can really add value to your products and inspire return customers. Using photos of your packaging in your listings or in your shop updates can show potential customers exactly what they will be receiving and who wouldn't love to receive a beautifully packaged parcel such as this from Mira's Naturals:



Wonderful packaging on this lip care set by Mira's Naturals

3) In the same way offering a gift wrap option at the checkout can inspire sales that can ship direct to the intended recipient. Again showing the finished gift wrapped parcel in your product photos or in your shop updates:



Gift Wrap option available for my kids products at SO Handmade

4) Adding value through 'extras'. Listening to a periscope the other day from the Merriweather Council, Danielle was talking about discounts. To summarize she advised not to give discounts but rather offer added value to the order- so instead of offering a discount if someone orders 4 of your products, give them an extra one free. This means you do not lose any money at the end of the day but you might secure a nice order and a follower in the process. 

5) Responsible Materials: Another way to increase the value of your products by using responsibly made and/or local suppliers. This could be done by sourcing American-made materials or locally grown/ made materials near to you. Another way is to go the organic route, ensuring supplies are made using non-harmful processes and good working conditions for the manufacturers.  

This can add greatly to your shops story and inspire customers to choose your product over your competitors. Not to mention the impact it will have on the environment and working conditions for the companies you are sourcing from. 

Read this great Etsy blog post for some more information about this.

Good Luck and Good Making!

Sarah

So Handmade

Happy St. Patrick's Day

May joy and peace surround you,   contentment latch your door,   and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore!

Irish Flag Ornament from Harp & Thistle

Check out some more GREEN items from the team!

e-Reader Kindle Sleeve from Huzzah! Handmade

Sophie Gemstone Double Circle Necklace from Emily and Eden

Agate Slice & Silver Arrow Pendant from Incarnate Anew

Czech Glass Beaded Bracelet from Pulp Sushi

Wood Shawl Pin from Elena Rosenberg

Holiday Gift Guide: for the Ladies

We rounded up a few of our favorite gift ideas for all the moms, sisters, nieces, wives and girl friends on your gift list this year. You can find even more of our favorites on our team's Etsy page.

Cupcake Quote Poster by Silently Screaming, $12.00 and up

Cashew Cardamom Brittle with Black Lava Salt by Catskill Candy Co., $18.00

White Feather Ornament by HestersStudio, $14.00

Moon Phase Necklace by Incarnate Anew, $30.00

Pink Druzy Earrings by Nixe Jewels, $39.99

Lavender Roses Bath Soak by Beau Tea Studio, $14.00

A Visit To Hudson, NY

Wandering on (and off) Warren Street is a great place to start your visit to Hudson, NY. The shops on Warren Street are amazing and very high end. Many of the antique stores (over 300) sell museum quality pieces with price tags to match. Creativity and style is everywhere. 

Hudson combines the best of both worlds: nature and the kind urban ease that you would expect to find in the city.

As an artist and maker, a visit to Hudson is inspirational. The window displays are imaginative and styles are tightly curated. Katherine Moore, founder of the Hudson River Exchange says the Hudson Valley is "...an ideal place for creating. Setting up a sustainable living here poses several questions. Part of what we do (at Hudson Exchange) is seek people from the greater maker community to stimulate that dialogue." They have a lovely pop-up shop on Warren Street (just closed on October 18) with locally crafted items and studio spaces. They organize local events offering visual and community inspiration as well as platforms for commerce and exchange for local makers.

There is also a lot that you can do on the cheap in Hudson says founder of The HudsonRiver Exchange, Katherine Moore: "There are two art stores - Sketch up by the park and Spotty Dog - along with a lot of parks including the river front. Grabbing some art supplies and heading to the river is amazing. Another nice thing to do in Hudson is just wander Warren. Go into antique stores and just look at the oddities and eras of design. There is one antique store Hudson Mercantile in the 300 block of Warren. You can buy little industrial trinkets from a dollar or two. There is also the Red Chair in the 600 block. Also sells small little items from France." 

Our favorite spot was the Spotty Dog Books and Ale: a bookstore, watering hole, art supply shop rolled into one. Beer on tap is mostly local and always delicious. Growler friendly. Also loved the funky vintage clothing shops on and off Warren.

Hudson River Exchange upcoming events include: a workshop on Visual Merchandising with Nick Blaine of Hawkins New York (a design shop and brand on Warren Street in Hudson) on October 27th. 

The workshop will be directed towards market booths as we approach the holiday season, but will include foundations of visual story telling relevant for people selling on Etsy as well. Importantly it will also be attended by other creatives and is a great way to connect with peers. 

We ventured out of Hudson on two day trips. One to Frederic Church's Olana and the other to the home of Church's mentor, The Thomas Cole House. Both locations offered insight into each artist's work and passions and hosted a contemporary art exhibit called, River Crossings. The surrounding landscape was also quite beautiful. The Hudson River School artists painted the American landscape and our relationship to nature through themes of wilderness, discovery, exploration, and settlement. The artists often traveled to remote locations and painted from memory or from an amalgamation of sketches.

Looking forward to exploring more of the Hudson Valley. 

For more info about Hudson, NY check out the following websites:

Design Sponge Hudson Valley Guide

Hudson River Exchange

What are your favorite places in Hudson or the Hudson Valley? 

Susan - Lunule

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

Attention Lords and Ladies, don your regalia, 

summon your squires and handmaidens, 

get thee to Fort Tyron Park Medieval Festival this Sunday

 for frivolity, games, and feasting

    

White and Gold Wing Shaped Leather Mask by Dara Gallery

Fort Tyron Park is the location of the beautiful Cloisters Museum, a place not to be missed. Whist wandering the festival, you definitely should not miss Hudson Valley Etsy's Dara of Dara Gallery, purveyor of handmade leather and paper mache masks extrodinaire, as well as accessories to compliment your attire.  

Please, scrolleth down for more information.

Brown Mulberry Paper Mache Mask, by Dara Gallery

Leather Hair Slide Celtic Symbol by Dara Gallery

The Medieval Festival at Fort Tyron Park brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Performers, guests and festival goers dress in medieval costume. Visitors are greeted by authentic medieval music, dance, magic, and minstrels, as well as jugglers and jesters. The afternoon is concluded with a thrilling joust between four knights on horseback. Costumed vendors will be on hand to demonstrate and sell a wide variety of medieval crafts as well as food and drink.

What's New In September

It's finally here! Our favorite time of the year.  Living in the Hudson Valley, we already know how extra beautiful it gets up here in the Fall.  Although it's going to be a wet one the next couple of days, cozy on up and check out what's new with our members shops. You can see a full list of all new items from the team here.  We have a lot to show you so make sure click the "Read more" link at the bottom.

Maple Leaves Felt Cup Sleeve from QuarterLifeLuck

Cinnamon Spice Soy Candles from Beau Tea Studio

Feather Charm Necklace From Pulp Sushi 

Fiber Art Scarf In Merino Wool from Elena Rosenberg

Harvest Moon Lunar Cycle Necklace from Incarnate Anew

Champagne Brocade and Leather Pirate Eye Patch from Dara Gallery

Flicker Flight Feather Watercolor Print In Frame from Katie Grove Studios

Small Bowl With Lavender Imprint from Hesters Studio

Hand Crochet Alpaca Sweater from Lollypups

Small Zipper Pouch From Hand J Star Creations