AllCrafts.net Free Crafts Update Blog

American Flag Bookmarks - Plastic Canvas

Two different USA bookmarks stitched on plastic canvas. I like the eagle design - it has a vintage feel. Added to Plastic Canvas and Patriotic Crafts.

Wedding Memories Box - Wedding Crafts

Single Use Soap Petals - Soapmaking

AllCrafts.net Crossword Puzzle - Halloween

Hello from Wendy - Newsletter

AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Make Money Making Scrapbooks for Others

Make Money Making Scrapbooks for Others: The Complete guide for Creating the Career of Your Dreams by Sue DiFranco

Wondering if you could work from home, doing the craft you love? Well, if you have a talent for scrapbooking, you may be in luck. This book is a thorough and encouraging guide to every aspect of starting and succeeding as a Custom Scrapbook Artist (CSA).

The 3 main sections of the book are: (1) Starting a CSA business, 2) How to be a CSA, and, 3) Marketing your business.

There are many issues to consider when opening a home-based business. From local zoning laws, to registering a business name and a domain name, a business owner needs to make careful decisions. There is excellent info in these chapters to guide you in starting your business right. The checklist at the end of the chapter is handy for any businessperson.

Once the basics of a business are covered, the book moves to the details of being a Custom Scrapbook Artist, and really begins to excel. This author is not afraid to tackle difficult issues head-on, and she begins with the thorny topics of copyright and supplies. Avoid the pitfalls when you are reselling scrapbook supplies in albums to your clients by reading this chapter. It's good info.

Many business crafts books give little attention to teaching pricing, while it is usually a craftsperson's first and recurring question. The pricing chapter considers the issue from different perspectives, giving you tools to apply to your marketplace.

I enjoyed the detailed example of arranging a client consultation - before the meeting, confirming the meeting, what to bring, and more. Being well prepared for working with your client and their photos will help make the entire album go more smoothly.

Marketing your business is the largest section of this book. No marketing experience is necessary - it begins with the basics. The next chapters provide enough business promotion ideas to last for years. Many of these techniques are applicable to any business. Here are some of the topics - "Almost" Free Marketing, Direct Mail, Publicity, and Paid Advertising.

After you've become a bit established, your business will be ready to try the more advanced techniques. She suggests ways of marketing to niches, and adding items and services. Plenty to keep your business humming along.

This book is up-to-date - websites and pay-per-click search engine marketing are discussed. There is an extensive reference section of vendors and groups to contact. A CD containing documents to help you in your business, including a sample contract, is included.

The tone of the book is encouraging while presenting a great deal of specific practical information. It covers many issues that I had not considered, including the tricky topics of supplies, pricing, and customer contracts. Many of the ideas and tips are helpful for any home-based business.

If you are considering this career choice, I highly recommend this book. You will return to it again and again - as you begin as a CSA, and while running your business.

New Projects in Beading and Jewelry-making

Jewelrymaking is all-new! Here's some of the free projects added:

Fabric Bowls - Quilting

Santa Penguin Miniature Ornament - Christmas Crafts

Too cute! Polymer clay project that uses basic tools and some sculpey knowledge.

Added to Christmas Crafts section at AllCrafts.net.

 

 

 

 

Oak Leaf Cuts - Holiday Crafts

Kids paper craft for autumn. Very similar to cutting paper snowflakes. Added to Holiday Crafts section at AllCrafts.net

Candy Corn Keychain - Halloween Crafts

Quick and easy beading project. It would be great as an embellishment to a Halloween wallhanging or decoration. Added to Halloween Crafts section at AllCrafts.net

Clay Gingerbread House Ornaments - Xmas Crafts

While I'm working on the update of Jewelry-making & Beading for later this week, I keep finding cute Christmas projects. They're a preview - Christmas Crafts will be updated after Jewelrymaking is finished. Added to Christmas Crafts section at AllCrafts.net

Dish Towel Angel - Wedding Crafts

Fabric Gift Basket - Sewing

Chemo Caps - Sewing

This pattern is designed for knit or fleece, and comes in sizes for men, women and children. Added to Sewing section at AllCrafts.net

Lion Brand Yarn Ponchos Auctions for AmeriCares

New - Buy text ads at AllCrafts.net

Paper Piecing Mini Blocks - Quilting