One Week Left Till The Start Of My Craft Show Season

Friday was the first day of spring (and Hannah's birthday) 

and that leaves me only 1 week to complete my preparations for....

my first craft show of 2015!

While munching on birthday cake, I found some more display ideas on Pinterst....

(I love love love Pinterest)

Yesterday I got my canopy...it's bright pink!  You know how I love color!

What tips do you have for a successful show?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Being Part Of A Team

Hey Everyone!!!!  Sorry it's been over a week since my last post (mybad) but I've had an exciting and busy week.  Let me tell you my great news....I am now an official member of The Craftstar team....and I can't think of a better team to join.

Heading into the 2014 Holiday Season....Bethan Davies is practically exploding with ideas to help promote The Craftstar, and every artist there.  Let me show you what we're doing now....

The Creative Community Celebrates...

...and this is how it works.  During the week, (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), we choose a TCS shop, make a wonderful graphic (see above) and then share it on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs.  (On the google+ graphic you'll even find the links to the shops, plus tips on what to say on all the social media outlets).  It's as easy as playing tag...and when you use the hashtag #TCScelebrates, you may win a free month on The Craftstar.  It's a win win for everyone.

Now for my part of the teamwork...I am contacting the local media for each artist that we are celebrating, so our artists may even get interviewed for more local exposure!  How great is that?  Plus I am working on spreading the word about The Craftstar in the blogosphere....links everywhere. lol

Want to know what else you get by becoming part of The Craftstar?  Help!  With everything.  Rhonda makes video business cards for you, (and commercials) Google+, Facebook, and helps with tech issues.  Natalie helps with Twitter and Pinterest, Sherri runs our fun Facebook auctions, and Carrie loves to help with photography tips (she's a professional).  And that's not all, if you need ANYTHING, we will work hard to help you succeed.

So come on and join the "team" at The Craftstar, because no-one becomes a success all by themselves.

Be blessed,
Debbi

Where handmade hangs out.

Do you love handmade.  Whether you buy it, sell it, make it, keep it, or give it away, you'll love hanging out at Handmade Artists.  I've been there for a while now, and I love it.  Andrew and Kimberly Kitchen started the forum as a safe place for artists to get together without fear of...well, bullies.  Because let's face it, when someone is rude, or critical, or sarcastic, that person is being a bully.  And for some reason, when people get on-line, they may act in a totally opposite way that they are in real life.  And the forums on some not to be named handmade selling venues are just plain full of bullies.  But here at Handmade Artists, you won't find bullies, you'll find friends.  No teams, no cliques, just lots of friends.  And lots of fun things to do too.  

classy black beaded necklace

First you introduce yourself, then just wait, soon (probably within seconds) you'll meet your first friend.  Yesterday Tree Craft Diary joined the fun, and already this necklace has 139 views.  Why?  Because we all love handmade.  There are several twitter accounts, other sites, and a facebook page all associated with Handmade Artists, so every new item is shared as soon as it is listed.  Plus other members (like me) loves to promote handmade and we tweet and share and pin as many new items as possible.  There is On Fire for Handmade where Anne shares other artists on her Great Finds and Handmade shoutouts.  And Kimberly keeps up It's Better Handmade where she not only features artists, but we can post our own items, with links, on the site for others to see.

purple raccoon card

We also have a highlight challenge every week.  A highlight is just like a treasury or a collection of handmade items that meet a specified theme.  Last weeks winner was Bethie's Cards.  As the winner she received extra free promotion on the above sites.  Plus the knowledge that her highlight got the most views.  

Now you don't need to have a shop on the site, the forum is open to all artists...and while we don't have teams, we do have rings that are open to everyone, regardless of where you sell your items.  We have a blog ring for those who like to write, a twitter ring, a facebook member spotlight, a pinterest ring, and a google + ring...so there is plenty to do here.  

But my favorite section is the "what are you doing today" thread under the general discussion section.  Everyone just shares our day to day struggles and triumphs.  A great place for love and support.  Speaking of support, if you have any crafty questions, or tips, share it on the forum, and you'll be sure to get help from someone.  Oh, and if you're looking for a new home for your shop...we've got you covered there too.

So come and visit, you'll be sure to love it there!

Be blessed,

Debbi