When I got started as a custom rug maker, I admit I was in it for the money and a much
needed career change. Since then I've had decorative rugs featured in Designer
Showcase Homes, Corporate Headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 Companies, and
even a Generals office in the Pentagon. It's been a great ride. But what if you don't care
about all that, maybe you don't want a career change? What if you're just looking for a
creatively rewarding hobby that'll blow the socks off your friends or family? Here's a quick
guide to decorative rug making in 5 easy steps.
Step One - Learn the Basics: What's the best approach to learning how to make a rug?
Do some research, identify the different techniques used for rug making. You'll find basic
teaching guides for latch-hook rug making kits that that will tickle Granny Smith's fancy.
If the antiquated Latch Hook rug-making techniques make you *yawn*, then keep your
eyes open for more comprehensive custom rug fabrication programs that are designed
for more serious hobbyists and entrepreneurs. Hint: Google 'rug making'.
Step Two - Invest in Your Education: Identify an investment level that you're
comfortable with.
Some hobbies require a larger investment than others. If you want a
very low budget entry point, then Latch Hook rug-making with grandma is definitely the
way to go - expect a measly investment of 50-100 dollars. On the other hand, a more
specialized custom rug training program will cost 1,000 - 10,000 dollars, tools and
equipment included.
Step Three - Create Your Studio: Create a space for your new studio / workroom.
A garage-like workshop with a 4 x 8 table is fine for a hobbyist. The table top should line up with your hips, not too high or too low. I like to add some splashes of color in my work-
space. I make cool and colorful samples and hang them on the walls. It's fun to let those
creative juices flow. Make your studio a fun place to come too and practice your hobby.
Step Four - Have fun with your rug designs: Fill up your home with your new creations.
Give them away to your friends and family. Identify themes to play with; what are your
interests? There are countless attractive themes like - animal print rugs, abstract designs,
company logos or heck, even a Star Wars Yoda Rug! Replicating a design into a rug is
easy once you learn the tricks.
Step Five - Brace Yourself: Prepare for the WOW! comments coming from friends and family when they see what you're doing.
The questions will come: 'Where did you get this rug? You made this? Wow what talent you have... You're so talented... this is amazing, I had no idea you could make a rug like this...". I am not making this stuff up, it will happen.
Decorative rug making is one of those fun and creative hobbies that has the potential to
uplift your spirits because it's so rewarding. You're actually producing something from
start to finish. It does take some practice, but the steps are manageable and relatively
easy to learn. Give it about 30 days of practice and you'll be well on your way to a
enjoying a fun hobby.
Selasa, 22 Agustus 2017
Kamis, 03 Agustus 2017
How to Turn Your Handmade Crafts Hobby Into Cash
If you enjoy creating handmade crafts and you always hear people telling you that you should sell your creations, it may be time to journey into the world of selling your crafts for money.
Like starting any type of home-based business, entering the world of selling handmade crafts should be carefully planned out. There are many websites and venues where you can sell your crafts both online and off.
Before jumping right in to sell your crafts, whether locally through an online website, be sure to take some time and do research first. Ask yourself the following questions as you think about the idea of selling your crafts:
Will people even want to buy my items? This is the most important question you have to ask yourself. If there is no target market for your products, you will have a hard time trying to sell your crafts, not because your items aren't nice, but they may not be in demand.
Who is my potential target market? This is a continuation of the question above because you need to know who to advertise to and how to successfully draw your target market to your items. It would be a waste of time trying to sell baby clothes, for example, to those who do not have children.
What will I charge for my craft items? Pricing is an important strategy. All too often, people underprice their crafts, forgetting to take into consideration the time and materials that go into a product. Make sure you account both the cost of the materials as well as the time and effort you put forth to create your goods. Also be sure not to overcharge. You may find that your items don't sell because they are over priced.
Where will I sell my items?
Sell Your Crafts Online
Online websites are plentiful when it comes to selling handmade goods. There are websites such as Etsy and Artfire who only allow the sales of handmade crafts or the supplies needed to make them. eBay is also another popular venue to sell handmade goods. Be aware though, that you will be competing with the other goods that are not handmade and may be cheaper. A good description of the item and its benefits is always a good idea.
Sell Your Handmade Crafts at Craft Fairs
If you choose to sell locally, you can set up a local craft fairs. Craft shows are usually just a one or two-day local sale where you rent space or a table for the day. Other crafters will be there too so you can sell to the visitors and sell to other crafters.
Partner with a Local Store
Check with local stores that sell handmade crafts and see if they'd be interested in displaying some of your crafts on consignment. Be sure to get all of the sales terms in writing, especially if the store owner will be taking a type of commission.
It is very possible today to make some good money selling your crafts. With some work and planning, your handmade crafts hobby may even turn into a full time income source and you'll be able to "quit your day job."
Like starting any type of home-based business, entering the world of selling handmade crafts should be carefully planned out. There are many websites and venues where you can sell your crafts both online and off.
Before jumping right in to sell your crafts, whether locally through an online website, be sure to take some time and do research first. Ask yourself the following questions as you think about the idea of selling your crafts:
Will people even want to buy my items? This is the most important question you have to ask yourself. If there is no target market for your products, you will have a hard time trying to sell your crafts, not because your items aren't nice, but they may not be in demand.
Who is my potential target market? This is a continuation of the question above because you need to know who to advertise to and how to successfully draw your target market to your items. It would be a waste of time trying to sell baby clothes, for example, to those who do not have children.
What will I charge for my craft items? Pricing is an important strategy. All too often, people underprice their crafts, forgetting to take into consideration the time and materials that go into a product. Make sure you account both the cost of the materials as well as the time and effort you put forth to create your goods. Also be sure not to overcharge. You may find that your items don't sell because they are over priced.
Where will I sell my items?
Sell Your Crafts Online
Online websites are plentiful when it comes to selling handmade goods. There are websites such as Etsy and Artfire who only allow the sales of handmade crafts or the supplies needed to make them. eBay is also another popular venue to sell handmade goods. Be aware though, that you will be competing with the other goods that are not handmade and may be cheaper. A good description of the item and its benefits is always a good idea.
Sell Your Handmade Crafts at Craft Fairs
If you choose to sell locally, you can set up a local craft fairs. Craft shows are usually just a one or two-day local sale where you rent space or a table for the day. Other crafters will be there too so you can sell to the visitors and sell to other crafters.
Partner with a Local Store
Check with local stores that sell handmade crafts and see if they'd be interested in displaying some of your crafts on consignment. Be sure to get all of the sales terms in writing, especially if the store owner will be taking a type of commission.
It is very possible today to make some good money selling your crafts. With some work and planning, your handmade crafts hobby may even turn into a full time income source and you'll be able to "quit your day job."
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