OLFA has launched a new charitable initiative intended to help support creative endeavors in diverse communities throughout the US. Called OLFA Builds Diversity, the program will gift OLFA cutting solutions to individuals, organizations, classrooms, and training programs that demonstrate a focus on creative and professional skill development for people from diverse backgrounds.
SNAP Conference is an annual event held in Salt Lake City, Utah, targeting creative bloggers/content creators. This year in 2019, it ran Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 11-13. In their own words from the conference’s website: “We’re joined by the best bloggers representing modern handmade, contemporary craft, mind-blowing home-based events, and DIY, along with dozens of creative entrepreneurs.” Stephanie Woodson was there and brings us this report.
Customers are like snowflakes; no two are alike. Some are wonderful people that reinforce your belief in humanity while others make you question why you ever got out of bed. Thankfully, most customers fall somewhere in the middle and are pleasant, happy people. It’s important to recognize the potential high maintenance customers before you accept their orders and to be aware of potential business challenges you may face. So how do you spot different personalities?
Today Prym Consumer USA (PCUSA) announced the acquisition of the Indygo Junction and Fabriflair pattern brands, and hired their creator, Amy Barickman, as a Senior Brand Ambassador.
Get ready to be inspired! These talented handmade artists craft unique and amazing jewelry. There’s a lot of talent in the handmade jewelry space, here are 10 who’s designs and Instagram feeds inspire us every day!
Etsy now integrates with 3D printing marketplace Shapeways, a top manufacturer and marketplace for 3D printed goods for small businesses. Shapeways offers over 40 materials and finishes and has offices in both the Netherlands and New York.
In an effort to learn how to pack better — and lighter — for her next trip, Stephanie Escheveste asked some artists who do work on-the-go about what they pack. She found that each artist has their own unique set of art supplies, based on their own practice. Instead of packing their whole studio, they each select only the essential items and have found that the limitations actually help them be more creative.
Partnerships between retail shops and indie makers can be fruitful and mutually supportive. Consignment can help craftspeople reach new customers, and offers a proving ground for makers interested in expanding into wholesale. Curious about what consignment means, and whether it’s a good fit for your business?
Fans of Ruth Bader Ginsburg rejoiced at her return to the Supreme Court a few weeks ago. Copyright holders were, perhaps, less excited when they read Ginsburg’s decision in Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corp. v. Wall-Street.Com.[1] Although the decision merely clarifies a procedural point relating to infringement litigation, makers who vigorously protect their IP rights are concerned about the delay the Court’s decision will add to the already time-consuming process of copyright litigation.
On April 7 PayPal released an update to its user agreement that changed how the company handles refunds. The new policy, which goes into effect on May 7, will significantly impact ecommerce sellers who use PayPal to process credit card transactions.
Craftcation, the five-day business and makers’ conference held in Ventura, California, has once again served up a delightful mix of hands-on craft workshops, business classes, and problem-solving “think tanks” geared to makers and creative entrepreneurs. The event, which ran from April 3-7 and is now in its 8th year, attracted about 500 people, including presenters, sponsors, staff, and volunteers, many looking to start, build or refine their businesses while having fun and learning new skills. Roberta Wax was there and brings us this report.
From patent lawsuits to mergers to store closures, there’s a lot going on in the scrapbooking industry. Nancy Nally of Scrapbook Update brings us the latest news in this report.
Set within view of Washington State’s majestic Mt. Rainier, the 35th annual Sewing and Stitchery Expo took place February 28th – March 3rd. According to organizers, a record number of attendees shopped over 400 vendors and took over 100 classes per day from industry experts at this year’s show. Unique in the world of sewing shows, the Sewing and Stitchery Expo is owned and managed by non-profit Washington State University and is the largest consumer sewing show in the USA. Attendees and business owners come from all over the US, Canada, and several other countries. Annette Millard was there and brings us this report.
Motivated by the desire to make their own costumes, cosplayers are buying sewing machines, patterns, fabrics and supplies and they’re taking classes to develop their sewing skills. The sewing industry is taking note, especially since cosplayers are typically between 18-39 years old, a market that retailers are desperate to reach.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 15 million American adults suffer from this disorder, which can seriously and negatively affect one’s life, from social to business.
Last week MailChimp threw the ecommerce world into a panic by announcing that they would no longer integrate with Shopify. The two companies were apparently unable to resolve a disagreement overcome to an agreement over a data privacy issue. Here’s how we recommend you proceed.
Etsy sellers have been persistently asking for phone support from the online marketplace for many years now, and yesterday their request was finally fulfilled. In an update to the Seller Handbook Etsy staff explained, “We’ve been working to make support on Etsy even better with a suite of new help tools so you can contact us when you need to get answers quickly. With our new phone support option, you’ll have a direct line to an Etsy support advisor.”
In its 6th year, Edinburgh Yarn Festival (EYF) welcomes thousands of knitters and crocheters from around the world for five full days of woolly fun. The festival, with its ancillary events, took place March 20-24 at Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Paige Sato was there and brings us this report.
Erin Dollar is back as the Craft Industry Alliance resident librarian, offering her picks for Spring 2019’s best art books, creative business titles, and self-help books. Erin has found some excellent new titles to kickstart your springtime reading.
If you’re feeling inspired by artists using video on Instagram to boost engagement, it’s time to integrate video content into your own social media efforts. The good news is there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to use your smartphone to create engaging video for Instagram.