I just finished an article on three arts and crafts trends from the last decade: conflict-free diamonds for fashion crafts, using eco-friendly raw materials and designing organic arts and crafts.

To stay current with customer demand, all arts and crafts businesses should incorporate eco-friendly practices into their business - even if your only eco-friendly act is to recycle shipping material. And, make sure to advertise that fact to your customer.

The December issue of The Crafts Report lists four tips for 2010. One is the fairly new Flat Rate Boxes from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Honestly, I can't quite remember when USPS switched to this method, but anything you can cram into one of their Priority Mail boxes ships for a flat fee, regardless of how heavy it is.

And FYI, even the USPS is jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon as their shipping boxes are - you guessed it - eco-friendly.

If you're looking for another online marketing option for your arts or crafts gallery, The Rosen Group, publishers of AmericanStyle magazine has launched a directory of galleries and boutiques that exhibit and sell gift and home goods made by American artisans. If you don't have a gallery to add to their list, it's a handy resource guide you can use to find galleries in your area who may be interested in showing your work.

Also, if you're an artist/crafter in the U.S. and Canada check out the Niche Marketplace, also powered by American Style. For a fee, you can create a profile, post pictures and descriptions of your arts/crafts work you'd like to wholesale to galleries, jewelry stores, museum shops and other art retailers.

Made in America banner courtesy of The Rosen Group.

If you're a new artist/crafter or just new to the craft show junket, this is the time of year to start planning for craft shows you may be interested in attending during next year's holiday season. Your planning should include keeping track of current shows to see if you might be interested in applying to them next year.

Here are two of the latest I've received info about:

All Things Handmade - Including Edibles in Sacramento, CA.

Beau Arts Bizarre in Columbia, MO

I also update the Arts/Crafts Forum throughout the year with info on shows, grants and contests.

And, check out the comprehensive list of Arts/Crafts shows in the USA and Canada from Sunshine Artists

I received a new catalog in the mail this week that has some really interesting crafts books on the topics of fiber, textiles, wearables, jewelry making and metals. There are also books on the topics of beads, basketry and clay. The range of coverage is fantastic. Check out the online catalog and you'll see what I mean.

If you're into oil, pen and ink and watercolor, you'll be interested in the offerings at North Light Shop. I've ordered from them many times for my mother and she's been delighted with the quality of the books. Plus they have fast and free shipping (orders over $25).

Lastly, if you're an artists, designer, jeweler or metalsmith consider joining the Society of North American Goldsmiths. Members have special advertising rates in Metalsmith magazine and there is a new online resource list promoting artists who give workshops.