Crafters of America

Talking to the crafters of America, especially.

We have, in recent years, faced a whole new challenge to make a living by our own hands. Reason? China! Well, and Taiwan, Peru, Mexico, etc.

The more advanced we've become, in world trade, the harder it has become to create, on our own, and make a living. Just about anything we can make, the big department stores can have made for half the price. Why? So they can grow fat and sassy off the profits.So where does that leave us? Nobody wants crocheted doilies, they can buy it cheaper at Walmart.

Selling quality is boiled down to a narrow market that can afford such ideas.We have to figure a way to produce a product that is marketable. There's the quandry.So now it's time to sit down and examine your own talents, materials at hand and workshop space. Hard to do when you're poor and just trying to find your way through life. Right?

Sit down with pencil and paper and just start scribbling. The goal is to come up with a unique idea that fits into your abilities.Just start out listing eveything you can do, craft wise. What are the materials you use? How many ways can those same materials be used?

Let's say you work with wood. You already know you can make furniture and toys but have you considered little things like walking sticks, carved coasters,figurines, wall hangings?While its true that the big stores are looking for that bottom dollar, the interior decorators look for uniqueness, flair, personality.

There are two choices: go very big or go very small. Since most of us are not in a position to open up a factory, I suggest very small. Narrow down your market, if for no other reason than giving yourself time to grow.

Considering that most of us are just that tiny little speck on the world map, we have to learn from the ants. One crumb at a time. Naturally, I'm speaking to those who must start small.Let's say you come up with a unique shape for a wooden candle holder. Take pictures of it with the candle. Drape something blue behind it. Blue accentuates just about anything. Take another picture with it in a setting, like a coffee table or end table.

Imagine a 2' tall wooden candle holder in its natural shape, coating in plastic. Something meant to sit in the foyer or accentuate a fireplace.Take those pictures to the buyer in the furniture store, the owner of a decor shop and offer consignment.After the first few sales, you can approach them for outright wholesale sales, as they already know what price the piece will command.

Once you have a product established with a store, keep right down that same path. In other words, make it your line of expertise.When you find something that works, you don't go flying off into all directions looking for another. You perfect what you've already started and begin building your name through it. Become the author.

Promise nothing. You can give folks exclusives in a certain area, maybe a mile radius or a certain shopping area but that's it. You need room to grow.No matter what, keep this in mind: if the first guy doesn't want it, the next one will.

Don't get discouraged. That will bring you down faster than anything. There is a store out there that will give it a try.Just a note. Styrofoam and crochet just will not make it to a store shelf. Find something else. Wood, wool,clay,metal. And have faith in yourself.