Arts / Crafts Business: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Income Statements
All types of business entities prepare an income statement regardless if they are sole proprietorships, partnerships or corporations. The three major sections are revenue, cost of goods sold and general and administrative expenses. Find out more about how to prepare and read an income statement.
All types of business entities prepare an income statement regardless if they are sole proprietorships, partnerships or corporations. The three major sections are revenue, cost of goods sold and general and administrative expenses. Find out more about how to prepare and read an income statement.
Three Financial Statements
There are three types of financial statements: income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows. Each one serves a different purpose and contains different information. You should regularly review each one.
There are three types of financial statements: income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows. Each one serves a different purpose and contains different information. You should regularly review each one.
Sample Chart of Accounts
The Chart of Accounts report is a complete list of all the accounts you create for your business and their current balances. You can use these accounts to enter transactions to create various reports for determining profitability, cash liquidity, how much is due to you, and how much you owe.
The Chart of Accounts report is a complete list of all the accounts you create for your business and their current balances. You can use these accounts to enter transactions to create various reports for determining profitability, cash liquidity, how much is due to you, and how much you owe.
Getting Craft Business Started
A list of the steps to take before starting a craft business and quick tips about each step.
A list of the steps to take before starting a craft business and quick tips about each step.
Types of Crafts
All crafts can be broken down into five major headings: textile, paper, decorative, fashion and functional. Check out the list below and you may have an ‘aha!’ moment. Sometimes we’re just so busy doing the everyday tasks that make up our business that we forget there are other complimentary craft areas we can expand into.
All crafts can be broken down into five major headings: textile, paper, decorative, fashion and functional. Check out the list below and you may have an ‘aha!’ moment. Sometimes we’re just so busy doing the everyday tasks that make up our business that we forget there are other complimentary craft areas we can expand into.
Five Types of Inventory
Your arts and crafts business will have a merchandise inventory if you operate a retail shop. Otherwise your inventory will consist of raw materials, work in process and finished goods.
Your arts and crafts business will have a merchandise inventory if you operate a retail shop. Otherwise your inventory will consist of raw materials, work in process and finished goods.
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet is the financial statement showing your arts and crafts assets, liabilities and equity. You'll need this information to make business decisions, apply for loans and to write your business plan. While sole proprietorships don't include a balance sheet with their tax return, this is a requirement for all other business entities. Learn about the difference between assets, liabilities and equity and what types of accounts your arts and crafts business will have in each.
The balance sheet is the financial statement showing your arts and crafts assets, liabilities and equity. You'll need this information to make business decisions, apply for loans and to write your business plan. While sole proprietorships don't include a balance sheet with their tax return, this is a requirement for all other business entities. Learn about the difference between assets, liabilities and equity and what types of accounts your arts and crafts business will have in each.
Jewelry Soldering Basics
One method of jewelry making uses a hot torch to join pieces of metal using solder. Soldering is one of the most basic techniques in jewelry making, but also one of the hardest to master. Learn about the basics of soldering including jewelry making resources.
One method of jewelry making uses a hot torch to join pieces of metal using solder. Soldering is one of the most basic techniques in jewelry making, but also one of the hardest to master. Learn about the basics of soldering including jewelry making resources.
Compare Business Entities
When choosing a form of business entity, compare the tax, liability and management impacts of a sole proprietorship, corporation or flow through.
When choosing a form of business entity, compare the tax, liability and management impacts of a sole proprietorship, corporation or flow through.
Start Selling on Etsy
If eBay’s the king in online marketplaces, the queen for crafters is Etsy.com. Etsy accepts listings for handcrafted items, is an online marketplace for supplies and also allows listings for vintage items.
If eBay’s the king in online marketplaces, the queen for crafters is Etsy.com. Etsy accepts listings for handcrafted items, is an online marketplace for supplies and also allows listings for vintage items.
Plan to Start a Craft Business
Before you start a crafts business, carefully consider why you want to do it. Being a self-employed owner of any type of business is not a direct pipeline to financial success. Going into a crafts business with this type of mindset can set you up for failure.
Before you start a crafts business, carefully consider why you want to do it. Being a self-employed owner of any type of business is not a direct pipeline to financial success. Going into a crafts business with this type of mindset can set you up for failure.
Crafts Self-Employed Taxes
Handling the tax obligations of self-employed arts/crafts businesses can be confusing. Federal, state and local government can assess taxes. These taxes can show up in the form of income, sales, and use taxes. Find out more about the different type of self-employment taxes and which ones you may be liable for.
Handling the tax obligations of self-employed arts/crafts businesses can be confusing. Federal, state and local government can assess taxes. These taxes can show up in the form of income, sales, and use taxes. Find out more about the different type of self-employment taxes and which ones you may be liable for.
Elements of a Business Plan
Information on the eight different parts of a standard business plan, why writing a business plan is important and what type of information is contained in the appendix.
Information on the eight different parts of a standard business plan, why writing a business plan is important and what type of information is contained in the appendix.
Types of Companies
Which type of arts and crafts company do you own? Depending on how you operate your business you can be a service, merchandising or manufacturing company – or any combination of the three.
Which type of arts and crafts company do you own? Depending on how you operate your business you can be a service, merchandising or manufacturing company – or any combination of the three.
Craft Business Experience
If you've ever thought about starting and running your own successful craft business it's a good idea to get good practical experience working for another established craft business first. Don't have the time to be an intern? There are alternatives.
If you've ever thought about starting and running your own successful craft business it's a good idea to get good practical experience working for another established craft business first. Don't have the time to be an intern? There are alternatives.
Websites and Craft Businesses
These tips will help you get started with web design. Once you understand the basics you're on your way to having your own business or ecommerce website.
These tips will help you get started with web design. Once you understand the basics you're on your way to having your own business or ecommerce website.
Six Suggestions for Free Advertising
Promoting your arts and crafts business is an ongoing process. While methods will change and evolve over the life of your business, free and low cost advertising is always a good idea. Find out about different ways you can promote your arts and crafts business on the cheap.
Promoting your arts and crafts business is an ongoing process. While methods will change and evolve over the life of your business, free and low cost advertising is always a good idea. Find out about different ways you can promote your arts and crafts business on the cheap.
Price Your Crafts
Your objective is to price your crafts so that you make a reasonable profit while not pricing yourself out of the market. It can be an art. Find out how variable and fixed costs plus perceived value factor into the equation.
Your objective is to price your crafts so that you make a reasonable profit while not pricing yourself out of the market. It can be an art. Find out how variable and fixed costs plus perceived value factor into the equation.
Collage Supplies
When thinking about collage, the first thing that pops into many heads is that collage is a paper craft. Certainly many wonderful pieces of collage art and craft are created using paper. However, collage technically involves combining any type of material that is the same. Therefore, in addition to paper collage artists can use other raw materials such as fabric, metal or wood. Collage using a mixture of materials is referred to as 'assemblage'.
When thinking about collage, the first thing that pops into many heads is that collage is a paper craft. Certainly many wonderful pieces of collage art and craft are created using paper. However, collage technically involves combining any type of material that is the same. Therefore, in addition to paper collage artists can use other raw materials such as fabric, metal or wood. Collage using a mixture of materials is referred to as 'assemblage'.
Paper Mache
Paper mache is one example of paper crafts. Dating back to AD 200, this type of craft is inexpensive and easy to learn. Plus, it can be incorporated into other arts and crafts designs to add surface interest. Find out the basics of making paper mache.
Paper mache is one example of paper crafts. Dating back to AD 200, this type of craft is inexpensive and easy to learn. Plus, it can be incorporated into other arts and crafts designs to add surface interest. Find out the basics of making paper mache.
Sole Proprietorship
Most brand new arts / crafts businesses start out as a sole proprietorship because it is the easiest and cheapest type of business entity to start and maintain.
Most brand new arts / crafts businesses start out as a sole proprietorship because it is the easiest and cheapest type of business entity to start and maintain.
Etsy Shop Basics
Learn the ins and outs of opening a shop on Etsy. Walk through the seven basic steps from picking an Etsy username to finding out about the listing fees and the Etsy community of crafters.
Learn the ins and outs of opening a shop on Etsy. Walk through the seven basic steps from picking an Etsy username to finding out about the listing fees and the Etsy community of crafters.
Create an Etsy Account
Your first step to open an Etsy shop is to create a Etsy account. This requires you select a unique username representative of your shop concept.
Your first step to open an Etsy shop is to create a Etsy account. This requires you select a unique username representative of your shop concept.
Milan Jewelry Design
Read Milan Jewelry Design owner, Lena Gott's, advice on how to meeting customer deadlines, self-promotion and handling criticism. Each of these topics affects the non-creative side of running your business. Of the three, in my experience, self-promotion seems to be a major sticking point with artisans.
Read Milan Jewelry Design owner, Lena Gott's, advice on how to meeting customer deadlines, self-promotion and handling criticism. Each of these topics affects the non-creative side of running your business. Of the three, in my experience, self-promotion seems to be a major sticking point with artisans.
Etsy Shop Setup
After you’ve created your Etsy account, your next step is to create your shop. Ever open a brick and mortar craft shop? The concept online is not very different. You want your Etsy shop to be a visually appealing place for your online shoppers that is easy to navigate and clearly spells out all your shop policies.
After you’ve created your Etsy account, your next step is to create your shop. Ever open a brick and mortar craft shop? The concept online is not very different. You want your Etsy shop to be a visually appealing place for your online shoppers that is easy to navigate and clearly spells out all your shop policies.
Artfire.com
ArtFire.com is a new online marketplace for artists and crafters. They have two plans available to sellers - a free basic plan and a verified plan that costs $12/month with no listing fees. Find out more about ArtFire in a question and answer session with ArtFire's Member Engagement.
ArtFire.com is a new online marketplace for artists and crafters. They have two plans available to sellers - a free basic plan and a verified plan that costs $12/month with no listing fees. Find out more about ArtFire in a question and answer session with ArtFire's Member Engagement.
Directory of Crafts Marketplaces
Considering selling your arts and crafts in an online marketplace? This articles gives you a heads-up on the most popular from Etsy to ArtFire to Artful Home and more! Get concise info to the policies and costs of each and come back frequently for updated information!
Considering selling your arts and crafts in an online marketplace? This articles gives you a heads-up on the most popular from Etsy to ArtFire to Artful Home and more! Get concise info to the policies and costs of each and come back frequently for updated information!
Merchandising COGS
An arts or crafts merchandiser is a retail business like a craft boutique, craft supply store or art gallery. The arts and crafts business purchases goods from another artist or crafter and in turn sells the handcrafted items to the end user — a consumer like you or me. If you do this as part of your arts or crafts business, find out how to account for these purchases in the cost of goods sold section of your income statement.
An arts or crafts merchandiser is a retail business like a craft boutique, craft supply store or art gallery. The arts and crafts business purchases goods from another artist or crafter and in turn sells the handcrafted items to the end user — a consumer like you or me. If you do this as part of your arts or crafts business, find out how to account for these purchases in the cost of goods sold section of your income statement.
Protect Your Craft Ideas
Every arts or craft product starts with a basic idea. Designing a product is hard work. Learn the difference between copyrights, trademarks, patents and licensing - four ways you can protect your intellectual property from theft by your competitors.
Every arts or craft product starts with a basic idea. Designing a product is hard work. Learn the difference between copyrights, trademarks, patents and licensing - four ways you can protect your intellectual property from theft by your competitors.
Wrapped Leather Bracelet
If you are looking to add some leather jewelry to your arts and crafts business product line, try this easy-to-make wrapped leather bracelet. Wrapped leather bracelets have been popular for quite a few years now, from simple braided and tied to those with a elaborate, decorative clasp system. Recently they've been seen on many celebrity wrists which makes them a good seller for your business if you properly promote them.
If you are looking to add some leather jewelry to your arts and crafts business product line, try this easy-to-make wrapped leather bracelet. Wrapped leather bracelets have been popular for quite a few years now, from simple braided and tied to those with a elaborate, decorative clasp system. Recently they've been seen on many celebrity wrists which makes them a good seller for your business if you properly promote them.
Equity Section of Balance Sheet
Equity shows the combined total of your investment in the business. Another term for equity is net assets, which is the difference between assets, which are resources a company owns, and liabilities, which are claims against the company. Find out how to record equity on the balance sheet for a partnership.
Equity shows the combined total of your investment in the business. Another term for equity is net assets, which is the difference between assets, which are resources a company owns, and liabilities, which are claims against the company. Find out how to record equity on the balance sheet for a partnership.
Plan of Operations
Learn how to take the basic components of a business plan's plan of operations and tailor the components to an arts and crafts business plan of operations.
Learn how to take the basic components of a business plan's plan of operations and tailor the components to an arts and crafts business plan of operations.
Storage and Desk Ideas for Arts and Crafts
Having enough storage space is always a challenge. Learn how to organize your arts and crafts business home office. Plus information about innovative desk options by designers such as Eric Pfeiffer.
Having enough storage space is always a challenge. Learn how to organize your arts and crafts business home office. Plus information about innovative desk options by designers such as Eric Pfeiffer.
Hobby Loss Rules
If you operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or S-Corporation to be able to write off your arts and crafts expenses, your work has to be regarded as a business rather than a hobby. Find out how to report arts and crafts revenue and expenses if you're deemed to be a hobby rather than a business.
If you operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or S-Corporation to be able to write off your arts and crafts expenses, your work has to be regarded as a business rather than a hobby. Find out how to report arts and crafts revenue and expenses if you're deemed to be a hobby rather than a business.
Altered and Found Art
Check out these five great arts and crafts books on the topic of using eco-friendly materials. Find out about altered art, using materials from the recycling bin and stitching up a Kate Spade or Prada-like handbag using recyled plastic, vinyl and micro-fibers.
Check out these five great arts and crafts books on the topic of using eco-friendly materials. Find out about altered art, using materials from the recycling bin and stitching up a Kate Spade or Prada-like handbag using recyled plastic, vinyl and micro-fibers.
Executive Summary
The executive summary portion of the business plan is in the beginning of the business plan. The purpose of the executive summary is to give your reader a thumbnail sketch of the business.
The executive summary portion of the business plan is in the beginning of the business plan. The purpose of the executive summary is to give your reader a thumbnail sketch of the business.
Free Business Software
Find out about free business software programs you can tailor to your arts and crafts business. Included is information about word processing, spreadsheet, database, file syncing and sharing programs. Need to tweak product images? Learn about GIMP, a free program similar to Photoshop.
Find out about free business software programs you can tailor to your arts and crafts business. Included is information about word processing, spreadsheet, database, file syncing and sharing programs. Need to tweak product images? Learn about GIMP, a free program similar to Photoshop.
Arts/Crafts Movement Artisans
Simple, clean and unpretentious describes the Arts and Crafts Movement. From Stickley's mission-style furniture to Steubens' art glass, check out a few home furnishing examples representative of the movement.
Simple, clean and unpretentious describes the Arts and Crafts Movement. From Stickley's mission-style furniture to Steubens' art glass, check out a few home furnishing examples representative of the movement.
Craft Description Examples
It may be impossible to please all your customers but you can increase customer satisfaction and decrease returns by including a complete product description for every item you sell. This is especially true for items you sell on the internet since your customer won't be able to see the art or craft product in person prior to purchase. Check out these examples of arts and crafts product descriptions.
It may be impossible to please all your customers but you can increase customer satisfaction and decrease returns by including a complete product description for every item you sell. This is especially true for items you sell on the internet since your customer won't be able to see the art or craft product in person prior to purchase. Check out these examples of arts and crafts product descriptions.
Selling on Consignment
Selling arts and crafts on consignment means you supply a shop, the consignee, with goods that their customers can buy. In return you receive a percentage of the retail cost when your arts or crafts item is sold. Find out the ins and outs of doing this and whether it's worth the effort.
Selling arts and crafts on consignment means you supply a shop, the consignee, with goods that their customers can buy. In return you receive a percentage of the retail cost when your arts or crafts item is sold. Find out the ins and outs of doing this and whether it's worth the effort.
Add Etsy Items
Before you can sell on Etsy, you need to add items. Etsy has five templates to help walk you through this procedure. Your first step is to make sure you have a good description and images for your item.
Before you can sell on Etsy, you need to add items. Etsy has five templates to help walk you through this procedure. Your first step is to make sure you have a good description and images for your item.
Setting Up a Home Office
Save money by operating your arts and crafts business out of your home. Here are some tips for finding and organizing space in your home for your arts and crafts business.
Save money by operating your arts and crafts business out of your home. Here are some tips for finding and organizing space in your home for your arts and crafts business.
Policies Page
If you sell your arts and crafts online, having a good policy page increases sales, enhances customer satifaction and saves you time by reducing unnecessary customer emails. Here's a list of issues you should address from payment processing to who pays for shipping - you or the customer?
If you sell your arts and crafts online, having a good policy page increases sales, enhances customer satifaction and saves you time by reducing unnecessary customer emails. Here's a list of issues you should address from payment processing to who pays for shipping - you or the customer?
Manufacturing COGS
An arts or crafts manufacturer handcrafts the products sold directly to the consumer - for example at a craft show or through a website. A manufacturer can also sell on a larger scale to unrelated retail businesses like a craft boutique or art gallery. If you are an arts or crafts manufacturer, find out how to account for your expenses on your income statement.
An arts or crafts manufacturer handcrafts the products sold directly to the consumer - for example at a craft show or through a website. A manufacturer can also sell on a larger scale to unrelated retail businesses like a craft boutique or art gallery. If you are an arts or crafts manufacturer, find out how to account for your expenses on your income statement.
Naming Your Arts/Crafts Business
Learn how to pick a name for your new arts and crafts business. Find out about name recognition. Also discussed is picking out a name for your business that is descriptive of the type of art or craft you plan to market, taglines and picking out a website domain name.
Learn how to pick a name for your new arts and crafts business. Find out about name recognition. Also discussed is picking out a name for your business that is descriptive of the type of art or craft you plan to market, taglines and picking out a website domain name.
QuickBooks Price Level Lists
The price level option is a handy QuickBooks tool allowing you to change the standard charges you enter into QuickBooks to bill out to your customers. You use them to modify standard customer billing. This option lets you quickly set up automatic price increases and decreases that you can apply to various customers or inventory items.
The price level option is a handy QuickBooks tool allowing you to change the standard charges you enter into QuickBooks to bill out to your customers. You use them to modify standard customer billing. This option lets you quickly set up automatic price increases and decreases that you can apply to various customers or inventory items.
Selling Crafts in Museums
One of the many ways to sell your arts and crafts is to market them through museum gift shops. Think back to every time you’ve paid a visit to a museum, I’m sure you’ve noticed that a gift shop is usually front and center, luring you to come in and browse after your visit. If you’ve ever done so, you’ll find some of the items in museum gift shops are mass-produced, others are hand crafted.
One of the many ways to sell your arts and crafts is to market them through museum gift shops. Think back to every time you’ve paid a visit to a museum, I’m sure you’ve noticed that a gift shop is usually front and center, luring you to come in and browse after your visit. If you’ve ever done so, you’ll find some of the items in museum gift shops are mass-produced, others are hand crafted.
Setting Up QuickBooks Price Levels
In this article you learn what QuickBooks price levels are and how you can use them to modify standard customer billing. Find out the difference between price levels with a fixed percentage or per item type.
In this article you learn what QuickBooks price levels are and how you can use them to modify standard customer billing. Find out the difference between price levels with a fixed percentage or per item type.
Pop-Up Retail Store Layout and Design
Page one of this series of articles about pop-up retail stores discusses finding the right location and mix of arts and crafts for your pop-up retail shop. Page two discusses pop-up shop management. This article wraps up the topic by covering tips for opening the pop-up such as visual merchandising, laying out your store plan and pop-up retail store pitfalls to avoid.
Page one of this series of articles about pop-up retail stores discusses finding the right location and mix of arts and crafts for your pop-up retail shop. Page two discusses pop-up shop management. This article wraps up the topic by covering tips for opening the pop-up such as visual merchandising, laying out your store plan and pop-up retail store pitfalls to avoid.
Registering a Copyright
This article walks you through the procedure to electronically register a copyright on an original piece of work. Any original piece of work is automatically copyrighted regardless if it is published. However, registration is required to seek legal action against violators of your copyright.
This article walks you through the procedure to electronically register a copyright on an original piece of work. Any original piece of work is automatically copyrighted regardless if it is published. However, registration is required to seek legal action against violators of your copyright.
Schedule C Gross Income
Sole proprietorships report items of income and expense on Schedule C. Gross income consists of revenue and cost of goods sold. Find out how to calculate gross income and fill out Part 1 of the form Schedule C.
Sole proprietorships report items of income and expense on Schedule C. Gross income consists of revenue and cost of goods sold. Find out how to calculate gross income and fill out Part 1 of the form Schedule C.
Standard Mileage Rate
If you drive your car in the normal course of running your arts / crafts business you have two methods to choose from when figuring your business mileage tax deduction. This article discusses using the standard mileage rate.
If you drive your car in the normal course of running your arts / crafts business you have two methods to choose from when figuring your business mileage tax deduction. This article discusses using the standard mileage rate.
Yarn Suppliers
Thinking about opening a yarn shop or are involved in fashion or textile arts or crafts? Find out how to find wholesale suppliers of yarn, textiles and related accessories.
Thinking about opening a yarn shop or are involved in fashion or textile arts or crafts? Find out how to find wholesale suppliers of yarn, textiles and related accessories.
Corporation Double Taxation
There are few instances of double taxation in USA Internal Revenue Code. However, the taxation of corporate dividends and S-Corporation distributions are handled differently. Find out how to handle each one and why in the final analysis, neither is a tax-free transaction to you.
There are few instances of double taxation in USA Internal Revenue Code. However, the taxation of corporate dividends and S-Corporation distributions are handled differently. Find out how to handle each one and why in the final analysis, neither is a tax-free transaction to you.
Doing a Trademark Search
Trademarking protects your arts and crafts business name, logo or slogan. Your first trademarking step is to make sure it is available. This article walks you through my TESS search.
Trademarking protects your arts and crafts business name, logo or slogan. Your first trademarking step is to make sure it is available. This article walks you through my TESS search.
Describing What You Sell
Preparing a business plan is very important even if you don't plan on getting outside financing for your arts and crafts business. Writing one makes you focus yourself and alerts you to any potential problems with your business model before you start your business. Find out what you should include when describing your arts and crafts products.
Preparing a business plan is very important even if you don't plan on getting outside financing for your arts and crafts business. Writing one makes you focus yourself and alerts you to any potential problems with your business model before you start your business. Find out what you should include when describing your arts and crafts products.
depreciationbasics
Long-lived arts / crafts equipment and supplies are subject to depreciation. Depreciation spreads the cost of arts / crafts assets over their useful life. Find out the rudimentary facts of depreciating assets.
Long-lived arts / crafts equipment and supplies are subject to depreciation. Depreciation spreads the cost of arts / crafts assets over their useful life. Find out the rudimentary facts of depreciating assets.
Locating Local Craft Shows
It's easy to understand the need to know the schedule of available arts and crafts shows within local driving distance. Many artists and crafters enjoy and find it profitable to exhibit at shows, but would prefer to do it locally. There is sound rational in that decision if you are a new artist or crafter or are just doing it part-time. Here are my suggestions on how to find local arts and crafts show.
It's easy to understand the need to know the schedule of available arts and crafts shows within local driving distance. Many artists and crafters enjoy and find it profitable to exhibit at shows, but would prefer to do it locally. There is sound rational in that decision if you are a new artist or crafter or are just doing it part-time. Here are my suggestions on how to find local arts and crafts show.
Beehive Co-op
Beehive Co-ops offer both arts / crafts business franchise opportunities and select highly qualified arts / crafts busineeses to work with Beehive as wholesalers. Find out about the franchise fees, the advantages and how to get started with Beehive.
Beehive Co-ops offer both arts / crafts business franchise opportunities and select highly qualified arts / crafts busineeses to work with Beehive as wholesalers. Find out about the franchise fees, the advantages and how to get started with Beehive.
Collage and Assemblage
Collage arts and crafts are created when similar types of materials (paper, fabric etc) are combined, using a variety of methods to create paper and decorative arts and crafts. Assemblage combines different types of materials. This form of arts and crafts requires no special tools or training. Want to get your arts or crafts feet wet in collage or assemblage? Here are some fantastic free and relatively cheap resources.
Collage arts and crafts are created when similar types of materials (paper, fabric etc) are combined, using a variety of methods to create paper and decorative arts and crafts. Assemblage combines different types of materials. This form of arts and crafts requires no special tools or training. Want to get your arts or crafts feet wet in collage or assemblage? Here are some fantastic free and relatively cheap resources.
How to Open an Arts and Crafts Retail Pop-Up Store
A pop-up shop is a short-term retail space that appears seemingly out of nowhere, quickly drawing in customers, and then disappears when the optimal selling season is over. Using pop-ups shops are a great way for artists and crafters to have a retail presence during major selling periods during the year without the hassle of maintaining a full time lease. Here are my tips for opening a arts and crafts retail pop-up store.
A pop-up shop is a short-term retail space that appears seemingly out of nowhere, quickly drawing in customers, and then disappears when the optimal selling season is over. Using pop-ups shops are a great way for artists and crafters to have a retail presence during major selling periods during the year without the hassle of maintaining a full time lease. Here are my tips for opening a arts and crafts retail pop-up store.
Intro to Breakeven Point
An important first step when deciding whether to go ahead with a business idea, is whether you'll turn a profit. Breakeven point analysis helps you make this determination as it shows you how much you'll need to sell at a certain price to cover your costs.
An important first step when deciding whether to go ahead with a business idea, is whether you'll turn a profit. Breakeven point analysis helps you make this determination as it shows you how much you'll need to sell at a certain price to cover your costs.
Intro to Accounting Software
Thinking about using a computerized system to organize your arts and crafts business income and expense? It's important to lay a good foundation with your chart of accounts, following through by keeping your transactions straight. Here's your intro on how to use any accounting software such as QuickBooks.
Thinking about using a computerized system to organize your arts and crafts business income and expense? It's important to lay a good foundation with your chart of accounts, following through by keeping your transactions straight. Here's your intro on how to use any accounting software such as QuickBooks.
Moulage
Moulage is a fashion design technique where the designer fits or molds the fabric directly on the model or dressmaker dummy.
Moulage is a fashion design technique where the designer fits or molds the fabric directly on the model or dressmaker dummy.
Five Rules for Managing a Business
I have five basic rules for managing my business. I've found that if you follow these five basic rules, the other aspects of running my business fall inline.
I have five basic rules for managing my business. I've found that if you follow these five basic rules, the other aspects of running my business fall inline.
S Corporations
The S corporation is another example of a flow-through type of business entity. S Corporations have limited liability like corporations but taxed as a sole proprietorship. Find out more about how this type of business entity works.
The S corporation is another example of a flow-through type of business entity. S Corporations have limited liability like corporations but taxed as a sole proprietorship. Find out more about how this type of business entity works.
Preparing Form 8829
One area of confusion when deducting business related expenses is office in the home. Find out how to prepare the tax return Form 8829 allowing business related expenses.
One area of confusion when deducting business related expenses is office in the home. Find out how to prepare the tax return Form 8829 allowing business related expenses.
Using Celebrity Images
Using an image of a celebrity for an arts or crafts product will more than likely involve copyright and model release issues. Find out the basic facts of using a celebrity image to sell your product.
Using an image of a celebrity for an arts or crafts product will more than likely involve copyright and model release issues. Find out the basic facts of using a celebrity image to sell your product.
Craft Business Market
Successful businesses research the marketplace first and then design products that will sell in that market. Research and a little bit of basic human psychology are good jumping off points for tailoring your craft business to the market.
Successful businesses research the marketplace first and then design products that will sell in that market. Research and a little bit of basic human psychology are good jumping off points for tailoring your craft business to the market.
2011 Arts and Crafts Trends
Strike up a conversation with most artists and crafters business owners and you’ll quickly find that the creative aspect and not the lure of quick, easy cash is the reason for this career choice. Successful artists and crafts have to keep an eye on emerging trends and constantly be ready to modify business operations to make their art or craft work with what’s selling now and in the near future. Find out more about the continuing trend in eco-friendly arts and crafts for 2011.
Strike up a conversation with most artists and crafters business owners and you’ll quickly find that the creative aspect and not the lure of quick, easy cash is the reason for this career choice. Successful artists and crafts have to keep an eye on emerging trends and constantly be ready to modify business operations to make their art or craft work with what’s selling now and in the near future. Find out more about the continuing trend in eco-friendly arts and crafts for 2011.
QuickBooks Vendor Types
This article shows you how to use QuickBooks types to organize your jobs so you can organize your customer base by grouping similar customer or jobs together. Using this info, you can run reports to provide timely and relevant information about which type of customer or job is the most profitable.
This article shows you how to use QuickBooks types to organize your jobs so you can organize your customer base by grouping similar customer or jobs together. Using this info, you can run reports to provide timely and relevant information about which type of customer or job is the most profitable.
Preparing Form 941
If you have even one employee for your arts and crafts business, you have to submit Form 941 four times a years. While this form is pretty easy to fill out once you do it a few times, it can be confusing the first time you tackle the job. This article gives simple, easy-to-follow instructions on how to fill out Form 941: Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return.
If you have even one employee for your arts and crafts business, you have to submit Form 941 four times a years. While this form is pretty easy to fill out once you do it a few times, it can be confusing the first time you tackle the job. This article gives simple, easy-to-follow instructions on how to fill out Form 941: Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return.
Preparing Handwritten Invoices
If your arts and crafts business is small or you sell just a few high-price items each month, you may feel it’s not worth the effort or expense to buy accounting software or spreadsheet software to prepare computerized invoices. In addition, if you are at a craft show or a similar type of venue, you probably won’t want to go through the hassle of bringing along your printer so you can prepare a computerized invoice for each sale. This article walks you through how to handwrite customer invoices.
If your arts and crafts business is small or you sell just a few high-price items each month, you may feel it’s not worth the effort or expense to buy accounting software or spreadsheet software to prepare computerized invoices. In addition, if you are at a craft show or a similar type of venue, you probably won’t want to go through the hassle of bringing along your printer so you can prepare a computerized invoice for each sale. This article walks you through how to handwrite customer invoices.
Tips for Starting a Knitting Business
Thinking about starting a knitting craft business? Your primary objective is to make sure you can make a profit while turning your love of knitting into a craft business. This article contains my tips on starting a knitting business from selecting knitting patterns to finding knitting resources.
Thinking about starting a knitting craft business? Your primary objective is to make sure you can make a profit while turning your love of knitting into a craft business. This article contains my tips on starting a knitting business from selecting knitting patterns to finding knitting resources.
How to Make Goats' Milk Soap
After you purchase the raw materials and supplies you need to hand craft goats' milk soap, this article shows you how to mix and cook the soap in your oven.
After you purchase the raw materials and supplies you need to hand craft goats' milk soap, this article shows you how to mix and cook the soap in your oven.
Newbie Craft Business Guide
Do you want to start a craft business, but are just not sure what type of craft you want to sell? From your Arts and Crafts Business Guide - find out the five recommended steps to move a craft business idea from infancy to fruition.
Do you want to start a craft business, but are just not sure what type of craft you want to sell? From your Arts and Crafts Business Guide - find out the five recommended steps to move a craft business idea from infancy to fruition.
Goats’ Milk Soap Recipes
Once you have the basics down for making hand milled goats' milk soap, it's time to get creative with essential oils, herbs and flowers. This articles gives you eleven popular soap recipes using lavender, jasmine, lemon, sea kelp, ylang ylang and much more!
Once you have the basics down for making hand milled goats' milk soap, it's time to get creative with essential oils, herbs and flowers. This articles gives you eleven popular soap recipes using lavender, jasmine, lemon, sea kelp, ylang ylang and much more!
Price Level Lists
In this article you learn what QuickBooks price levels are and how you can use them to modify standard customer billing. Find out the difference between price levels with a fixed percentage or per item type.
In this article you learn what QuickBooks price levels are and how you can use them to modify standard customer billing. Find out the difference between price levels with a fixed percentage or per item type.
Find Arts/Crafts Supplies
Finding great,reliable vendors is one of your first steps in starting an arts and crafts business. Without knowing how much your vendors are going to charge you for the art or crafts supplies you use to make your product, how can you set a reasonable retail price? It's also important to have reliable art and craft supply vendors that you can count on to ship the crafts supplies and arts materials when you need them.
Finding great,reliable vendors is one of your first steps in starting an arts and crafts business. Without knowing how much your vendors are going to charge you for the art or crafts supplies you use to make your product, how can you set a reasonable retail price? It's also important to have reliable art and craft supply vendors that you can count on to ship the crafts supplies and arts materials when you need them.
Registering a Crafts Business
If you’re a brand new arts and crafts business owner, you may be wondering if you need to register your business. The answer to this question depends on your individual business and where you operate it. Find out about zoning, business licenses, your Secretary of State and the Internal Revenue Service registration requirements.
If you’re a brand new arts and crafts business owner, you may be wondering if you need to register your business. The answer to this question depends on your individual business and where you operate it. Find out about zoning, business licenses, your Secretary of State and the Internal Revenue Service registration requirements.
Lease Inclusion Amount
The amount of money that is taxable as ordinary income when you use a leased vehicle in your business. The purpose is to equalize the tax effect between depreciating an owned vehicle and writing off a lease. Find out how it is figured and why.
The amount of money that is taxable as ordinary income when you use a leased vehicle in your business. The purpose is to equalize the tax effect between depreciating an owned vehicle and writing off a lease. Find out how it is figured and why.
Images For Ecommerce Web Sites
If you have a fashion craft arts and crafts business, I find it makes a huge positive impact on sales to show celebrities wearing the same sort of item you're selling. However, what about using celebrity images on your Ecommerce site? If you don't have the opportunity to shoot the images yourself, is it possible to use celebrity images without violating any copyrights? This articles introduces the legality of using images you find on the internet.
If you have a fashion craft arts and crafts business, I find it makes a huge positive impact on sales to show celebrities wearing the same sort of item you're selling. However, what about using celebrity images on your Ecommerce site? If you don't have the opportunity to shoot the images yourself, is it possible to use celebrity images without violating any copyrights? This articles introduces the legality of using images you find on the internet.
Tips for Preparing Invoices
A fundamental of owning any type of business is preparing customer invoices. If you're a new arts and crafts business owner, you may be unsure about how to prepare one that looks professional and provides all the payment information your customer needs. Find out the basic information you should include on each customer invoice. Learn how to prepare a manual invoice. Use QuickBooks? Find out how to organize your customer and jobs.
A fundamental of owning any type of business is preparing customer invoices. If you're a new arts and crafts business owner, you may be unsure about how to prepare one that looks professional and provides all the payment information your customer needs. Find out the basic information you should include on each customer invoice. Learn how to prepare a manual invoice. Use QuickBooks? Find out how to organize your customer and jobs.
Average Tax Rate
The average tax rate is the total tax paid as a percentage of total income earned.
The average tax rate is the total tax paid as a percentage of total income earned.
Selecting Activity Codes
Sole proprietors fill out a Schedule C to report arts / crafts business taxable income. This form asks for a activity code. Find out what this is and where to find it.
Sole proprietors fill out a Schedule C to report arts / crafts business taxable income. This form asks for a activity code. Find out what this is and where to find it.
Choosing Car Expensing Methods
There are two methods you can use to deduct business vehicle expenses - the actual cost method or standard mileage rate. Some arts/crafts businesses are limited to one or the other. Lacking any limitation, you should pick the method that gives you the highest tax deduction over the life of the vehicle.
There are two methods you can use to deduct business vehicle expenses - the actual cost method or standard mileage rate. Some arts/crafts businesses are limited to one or the other. Lacking any limitation, you should pick the method that gives you the highest tax deduction over the life of the vehicle.
Partnerships
Definition of partnership, a legal form of business entity that can include both general and limited partners. Find out about formation, taxation and how partners get paid.
Definition of partnership, a legal form of business entity that can include both general and limited partners. Find out about formation, taxation and how partners get paid.
Images for Breakeven Analysis
Break Even Point Analysis 4 Year Income Statement
Break Even Point Analysis 4 Year Income Statement
Artist Cost of Goods Sold
Figuring cost of goods sold is the first step in setting a price for your arts or crafts. This article walks you through the typical cost of goods sold expenses an artist may have.
Figuring cost of goods sold is the first step in setting a price for your arts or crafts. This article walks you through the typical cost of goods sold expenses an artist may have.
Learning Craft-Making Skills
It’s never a bad idea to take a class in your field of arts or crafts to advance your basic skills. Watching the instructor and your peers just may show you a better way to set up your workbench, perform your craft or you may get a referral to a fantastic vender. Here are some suggestions to find local arts / crafts classes.
It’s never a bad idea to take a class in your field of arts or crafts to advance your basic skills. Watching the instructor and your peers just may show you a better way to set up your workbench, perform your craft or you may get a referral to a fantastic vender. Here are some suggestions to find local arts / crafts classes.
1040-ES
Every attempt should be made to send in Form 1040 tax returns with a balance due of less than $1,000. To achieve this goal, the sole proprietor uses IRS Form 1040-ES to make tax deposits throughout the year.
Every attempt should be made to send in Form 1040 tax returns with a balance due of less than $1,000. To achieve this goal, the sole proprietor uses IRS Form 1040-ES to make tax deposits throughout the year.
Jewelry Making Cold Connection
If you don't want to learn how to solder or don't particularly want to invest in the necessary gas, cleaning and torch required to use hot connections to make jewelry, there are unlimited ways to make fine jewelry using cold connections. Cold connections include wire-wrapping and using rivets, staples and glue to connect metal to form your jewelry creations
If you don't want to learn how to solder or don't particularly want to invest in the necessary gas, cleaning and torch required to use hot connections to make jewelry, there are unlimited ways to make fine jewelry using cold connections. Cold connections include wire-wrapping and using rivets, staples and glue to connect metal to form your jewelry creations
Artful Home Craft Marketplace
Another online marketplace for artists and crafters to sell their products online is Artful Home. Unlike Etsy and ArtFire there is a jury process costing $35. However, at Artful Home you have the possibility to not only sell your arts and crafts online but also through their catalog, which is widely distributed. I took a look through the Artful Home website and here's what I found out.
Another online marketplace for artists and crafters to sell their products online is Artful Home. Unlike Etsy and ArtFire there is a jury process costing $35. However, at Artful Home you have the possibility to not only sell your arts and crafts online but also through their catalog, which is widely distributed. I took a look through the Artful Home website and here's what I found out.
Resin Charm Instructions
Making resin jewelry charms is quick, easy and inexpensive. This article shows you how to use two-part epoxy resin to make a resin pendant.
Making resin jewelry charms is quick, easy and inexpensive. This article shows you how to use two-part epoxy resin to make a resin pendant.
Knitting for Profit
If you knit as a hobby and would like to turn your love of knitting into a profitable craft business, you may be afraid you'll never make a profit since it takes so long to knit a garment. To work around this problem, you may have to modify your knitting mindset somewhat. Check out my suggestions for transforming knitting from a hobby to a profitable craft business.
If you knit as a hobby and would like to turn your love of knitting into a profitable craft business, you may be afraid you'll never make a profit since it takes so long to knit a garment. To work around this problem, you may have to modify your knitting mindset somewhat. Check out my suggestions for transforming knitting from a hobby to a profitable craft business.
Supplies For Soap Making
It's very easy to make goats' milk soap from scratch. Find out what supplies and raw materials you need to make your own goats' milk soap. This articles provides information about the basics and add-ons such as essential oils, herbs, flowers and grated fruit peel.
It's very easy to make goats' milk soap from scratch. Find out what supplies and raw materials you need to make your own goats' milk soap. This articles provides information about the basics and add-ons such as essential oils, herbs, flowers and grated fruit peel.
Donating Arts Crafts Inventory
One of my bad habits is to buy more inventory than I need. Sometimes, there’s a business purpose such as volume purchasing to get a bigger discount or I think I’ll have a use for raw materials I’m buying. Other times, I just don’t sell as much of an item as I think I will. Rather than having inventory sitting around getting dusty, I use the lag time between Christmas and New Year’s to earmark and make donations of surplus arts and craft inventory.
One of my bad habits is to buy more inventory than I need. Sometimes, there’s a business purpose such as volume purchasing to get a bigger discount or I think I’ll have a use for raw materials I’m buying. Other times, I just don’t sell as much of an item as I think I will. Rather than having inventory sitting around getting dusty, I use the lag time between Christmas and New Year’s to earmark and make donations of surplus arts and craft inventory.
Artist and Crafter Statement
Every artist or crafter needs an artist statement. Your statement concisely gives a basic introduction to your art. This article show you how to prepare your own art or craft statement.
Every artist or crafter needs an artist statement. Your statement concisely gives a basic introduction to your art. This article show you how to prepare your own art or craft statement.
Linking Price Levels to Customers
The first few articles in this series about using the QuickBooks price levels option discuss what price levels are and how to set them up. In the article, you learn how to use QuickBooks to associate your price levels with customers.
The first few articles in this series about using the QuickBooks price levels option discuss what price levels are and how to set them up. In the article, you learn how to use QuickBooks to associate your price levels with customers.
Reporting Corp Total Income
If you operate as a corporation or S-Corporation, report your arts and crafts taxable gross income in Part 1 of the Form 1120 or 1120S respectively. Calculate it by subtracting your cost of goods sold from your arts and crafts business revenue. Check out these step-by-step instructions on how to transfer amounts from your income statement to the applicable corporate federal tax returns.
If you operate as a corporation or S-Corporation, report your arts and crafts taxable gross income in Part 1 of the Form 1120 or 1120S respectively. Calculate it by subtracting your cost of goods sold from your arts and crafts business revenue. Check out these step-by-step instructions on how to transfer amounts from your income statement to the applicable corporate federal tax returns.
Writing Product Descriptions
Writing a good product description is an art. However, once you have a base for your arts or crafts product descriptions, it can be quickly modified for most of your other items. Most arts or crafts products descriptions require size, weight and material information. Find out how to write good arts and crafts product descriptions.
Writing a good product description is an art. However, once you have a base for your arts or crafts product descriptions, it can be quickly modified for most of your other items. Most arts or crafts products descriptions require size, weight and material information. Find out how to write good arts and crafts product descriptions.
Gold Filled
When jewelry or other items are identified as being gold filled, it means they are made from a hollow tube of usually 14K gold (sometimes 10K is used) that is filled with another metal.
When jewelry or other items are identified as being gold filled, it means they are made from a hollow tube of usually 14K gold (sometimes 10K is used) that is filled with another metal.
Cooperative Crafts Show
If the art or craft show jury process seems a little intimidating, a good way to exhibit in craft shows is to form a cooperative and hold your own. Organizing a cooperative craft show is a lot of work but the money you can make and the experience you get out of the process can more than offset the set-up work involved.
If the art or craft show jury process seems a little intimidating, a good way to exhibit in craft shows is to form a cooperative and hold your own. Organizing a cooperative craft show is a lot of work but the money you can make and the experience you get out of the process can more than offset the set-up work involved.
Classifying Craft Expenses
If you operate your arts and crafts business to make a profit there are several different types of expenses you can use as a write-off. The three major categories are cost of goods sold, sales and general/administrative, Find out about the common expenses an arts and crafts business incurs and how they should be classified.
If you operate your arts and crafts business to make a profit there are several different types of expenses you can use as a write-off. The three major categories are cost of goods sold, sales and general/administrative, Find out about the common expenses an arts and crafts business incurs and how they should be classified.
Before Quitting Your Job
Before you quit a full time job working for someone else to start a craft business make sure you prepare a business plan. Working through the business plan will give you a good idea if you can cover your personal living and business expenses with the new venture.
Before you quit a full time job working for someone else to start a craft business make sure you prepare a business plan. Working through the business plan will give you a good idea if you can cover your personal living and business expenses with the new venture.
Ms Accounting 2009 Kit Option
Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2009's Kit feature expedites item entry when you create invoices. Kits includes all service, inventory, or non-inventory items for sale by your company.
Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2009's Kit feature expedites item entry when you create invoices. Kits includes all service, inventory, or non-inventory items for sale by your company.
Avoid Accounting Entry Errors
Many small arts and crafts businesses use credit cards to make inventory and other business purchases both online and in stores. What's the best way to enter these transactions into your accounting software? There are a few different ways. To keep accounts straight, make sure you follow through on your preferred method. Here are some suggestions on how to do this.
Many small arts and crafts businesses use credit cards to make inventory and other business purchases both online and in stores. What's the best way to enter these transactions into your accounting software? There are a few different ways. To keep accounts straight, make sure you follow through on your preferred method. Here are some suggestions on how to do this.
Google Profiles
Learn how to take control of your Google search results by setting up a profile to drive traffic to your arts/crafts business. It’s easy and free.
Learn how to take control of your Google search results by setting up a profile to drive traffic to your arts/crafts business. It’s easy and free.
Plastic Craft Storage
Looking for a way to store your arts and crafts supplies? Check out these plastic storage suggestions. Ranging in size from 40 gallons to desk-top organizers you'll find the perfect storage solutions for your arts or crafts business.
Looking for a way to store your arts and crafts supplies? Check out these plastic storage suggestions. Ranging in size from 40 gallons to desk-top organizers you'll find the perfect storage solutions for your arts or crafts business.
Collage,Paper Mache,Assemblage
Find out the difference between collage, assemblage and papier mache.
Find out the difference between collage, assemblage and papier mache.
Selling Arts and Crafts at Handmade Artists' Shop
Many artists and crafters sell either wholly or partially online. Those that don't care about or don't have the time to maintain their own website sell through online craft marketplaces such as Etsy or ArtFire. I recently discovered another online craft marketplace called the Handmade Artists' Shop (HAF shops). This is a relatively new online marketplace started by The Handmade Artists Forum. I took a look through the Handmade Artists' Shop website and here's what I found out.
Many artists and crafters sell either wholly or partially online. Those that don't care about or don't have the time to maintain their own website sell through online craft marketplaces such as Etsy or ArtFire. I recently discovered another online craft marketplace called the Handmade Artists' Shop (HAF shops). This is a relatively new online marketplace started by The Handmade Artists Forum. I took a look through the Handmade Artists' Shop website and here's what I found out.
Accounting for Arts and Crafts Inventory
Inventory is probably one of the largest costs for your arts and crafts business. This cost is initially classified as a current asset on the balance sheet. As you use it to make arts and crafts items and sell them to customers, the cost moves to the balance sheet. Find out how to account for your arts and crafts inventory regardless if you are a retailer or manufacturer.
Inventory is probably one of the largest costs for your arts and crafts business. This cost is initially classified as a current asset on the balance sheet. As you use it to make arts and crafts items and sell them to customers, the cost moves to the balance sheet. Find out how to account for your arts and crafts inventory regardless if you are a retailer or manufacturer.
Difficult Craft Shoppers
Difficult shoppers come in two different varieties: time wasters and profit cutters. Wasters passively cost you money because they keep you from attending to tasks. Profit cutters actively reduce your profits, mostly due to haggling, which is asking you to reduce your already well-though out price. Here are some suggestions on dealing with each type of difficult customer.
Difficult shoppers come in two different varieties: time wasters and profit cutters. Wasters passively cost you money because they keep you from attending to tasks. Profit cutters actively reduce your profits, mostly due to haggling, which is asking you to reduce your already well-though out price. Here are some suggestions on dealing with each type of difficult customer.
Actual Cost Method for Cars
If you drive your car in the normal course of running your arts / crafts business you have two methods to choose from when figuring your business mileage tax deduction. This article discusses using the actual cost method.
If you drive your car in the normal course of running your arts / crafts business you have two methods to choose from when figuring your business mileage tax deduction. This article discusses using the actual cost method.
Product Costs
Product costs are any costs that relate to manufacturing or merchandising an item for sale to customers.
Product costs are any costs that relate to manufacturing or merchandising an item for sale to customers.
Issuu and Photosynth
Issuu and Photosynth are among those on Time.com’s 50 best websites. Arts and crafts business owners with websites might find both of value. Issuu's Smart Look feature is an excellent way to create a catalog within your website or make instructional pages (like your FAQs) look like a book. Use Photosynth to create a three dimensional image of your product for online shoppers. Best of all - both offer a free version.
Issuu and Photosynth are among those on Time.com’s 50 best websites. Arts and crafts business owners with websites might find both of value. Issuu's Smart Look feature is an excellent way to create a catalog within your website or make instructional pages (like your FAQs) look like a book. Use Photosynth to create a three dimensional image of your product for online shoppers. Best of all - both offer a free version.
Pop-Up Retail Store Management
The first page in the series of articles about pop-up retail shops discusses finding the right location and mix of arts and crafts. This page discusses pop-up retail store management issues such as avoiding a craft mall feel, advertising your pop-up shop and setting pop-up retail store policies.
The first page in the series of articles about pop-up retail shops discusses finding the right location and mix of arts and crafts. This page discusses pop-up retail store management issues such as avoiding a craft mall feel, advertising your pop-up shop and setting pop-up retail store policies.
Polymer Clay Dollmaking Supplies
If you want to use polymer clay to make dolls for your arts and crafts business, it's important to have the right tools. This articles gives you information about various polymer clay equipment and supply items. Of special interest is the polymer clay for dollmaking which eliminates the needs to use flesh-colored paints and a source for gorgeous, shiny mohair for your doll's crowning glory - their wig!
If you want to use polymer clay to make dolls for your arts and crafts business, it's important to have the right tools. This articles gives you information about various polymer clay equipment and supply items. Of special interest is the polymer clay for dollmaking which eliminates the needs to use flesh-colored paints and a source for gorgeous, shiny mohair for your doll's crowning glory - their wig!
Inexpensive Stock Images
It's hard to always be able to shoot just the right images for your web site. Additionally, sometimes you don't have the right camera equipment to take the perfect shot. However, having appropriate images builds user interest, helps illustrate articles and is a good selling technique for Ecommerce products. Find out where to purchase inexpensive (or free) images to use on your arts and crafts web site.
It's hard to always be able to shoot just the right images for your web site. Additionally, sometimes you don't have the right camera equipment to take the perfect shot. However, having appropriate images builds user interest, helps illustrate articles and is a good selling technique for Ecommerce products. Find out where to purchase inexpensive (or free) images to use on your arts and crafts web site.
Directory of Online Markeplaces
Considering selling your arts and crafts in an online marketplace? The first page of this list covered Etsy, ArtFire, Artful Home and more! This article continues with more arts and crafts online marketplaces, find out about Folksies and Chictopia, DaWanda and Coriandr.
Considering selling your arts and crafts in an online marketplace? The first page of this list covered Etsy, ArtFire, Artful Home and more! This article continues with more arts and crafts online marketplaces, find out about Folksies and Chictopia, DaWanda and Coriandr.
Form 941 Page 2
If you have employees for your arts or crafts business, you need to fill Form 941 four times a year. This article shows you how to fill out page 2 of Form 941.
If you have employees for your arts or crafts business, you need to fill Form 941 four times a year. This article shows you how to fill out page 2 of Form 941.
Customer Invoices
A fundamental of owning any type of business is preparing customer invoices. If you're a new arts and crafts business owner, you may be unsure about how to prepare one. Here are your customer invoicing basics.
A fundamental of owning any type of business is preparing customer invoices. If you're a new arts and crafts business owner, you may be unsure about how to prepare one. Here are your customer invoicing basics.
Start Selling Using ArtFire
Find out about ArtFire.com, a inexpensive way to market your arts / crafts online. ArtFire offers both a free Basic plan and a Verified plan costing $12 per month with no listing fees or commissions. Like any online presence, maintaining an ArtFire shop takes work. Curious about ArtFire? Find out more about how crafters can use this online marketplace for their arts and crafts business.
Find out about ArtFire.com, a inexpensive way to market your arts / crafts online. ArtFire offers both a free Basic plan and a Verified plan costing $12 per month with no listing fees or commissions. Like any online presence, maintaining an ArtFire shop takes work. Curious about ArtFire? Find out more about how crafters can use this online marketplace for their arts and crafts business.
Intro to Making Hand Milled Soap
A nice addition to many arts and crafts product lines is hand milled soap. Using my instructions, it is quick and easy to make your own hand milled goats' milk soap tailored to a specific need such as religious, health, beauty or relaxation.
A nice addition to many arts and crafts product lines is hand milled soap. Using my instructions, it is quick and easy to make your own hand milled goats' milk soap tailored to a specific need such as religious, health, beauty or relaxation.
Pop-Up Shops
A pop-up shop is a short term retail space that appears seemingly out of nowhere, quickly drawing in customers,and then disappears when the optimal selling season is over. While you'll see large retailers such as Target, Saks and Macy's incorporating pop-ups in their main retail space to briefly promote trendy events, pop-ups shops are a great way for artists and crafters to have a retail presence during major selling periods during the year.
A pop-up shop is a short term retail space that appears seemingly out of nowhere, quickly drawing in customers,and then disappears when the optimal selling season is over. While you'll see large retailers such as Target, Saks and Macy's incorporating pop-ups in their main retail space to briefly promote trendy events, pop-ups shops are a great way for artists and crafters to have a retail presence during major selling periods during the year.
Corporate Entity
The main advantage for a craft business interested in forming a corporation is the limited liability aspect that applies to shareholders and officers of the corporation. A big disadvantage is having to learn how to write payroll checks.
The main advantage for a craft business interested in forming a corporation is the limited liability aspect that applies to shareholders and officers of the corporation. A big disadvantage is having to learn how to write payroll checks.
Review of Ruby Lane
One online alternative for arts and crafts businesses is to open a Ruby Lane shop. Monthly fees are not exorbitant. Ruby Lane’s standards for quality of workmanship are very high.
One online alternative for arts and crafts businesses is to open a Ruby Lane shop. Monthly fees are not exorbitant. Ruby Lane’s standards for quality of workmanship are very high.
Learn How to Make Pop-Ups
Learn how to make pop-ups, a cheap and creative way to add pizzazz to your arts and crafts progects. The Pop-Up Book by Paul Jackson is a great introduction to the topic for the beginner pop-up artist. Find out more about this excellent pop-up resource.
Learn how to make pop-ups, a cheap and creative way to add pizzazz to your arts and crafts progects. The Pop-Up Book by Paul Jackson is a great introduction to the topic for the beginner pop-up artist. Find out more about this excellent pop-up resource.
Understanding Fixed & Mixed Costs
This article explains fixed and mixed costs. Fixed costs remain the same no matter if you make one or one million arts and crafts products. Mixed costs can fluctuate somewhat. Find out more about fixed and mixed costs.
This article explains fixed and mixed costs. Fixed costs remain the same no matter if you make one or one million arts and crafts products. Mixed costs can fluctuate somewhat. Find out more about fixed and mixed costs.
Depreciating Computer Equipment
This article discusses common arts and crafts computer and data handling tangible assets and how to depreciate them. You learn how to use MACRS depreciation to write off the cost of buying these types of assets with practical examples on how to do the calculation.
This article discusses common arts and crafts computer and data handling tangible assets and how to depreciate them. You learn how to use MACRS depreciation to write off the cost of buying these types of assets with practical examples on how to do the calculation.
Bridge Jewelry
Bridge jewelry is so named because it is the bridge between costume and fine jewelry.
Bridge jewelry is so named because it is the bridge between costume and fine jewelry.
Amy Flynn Found Artwork
It’s becoming more common for artists and crafters to change the purpose of scraps to create crafts. For example, recycling billboards to make paper jewelry or old nuts and bolts to make sculpture. In fact, this is such big business that many books on the subject have been written. This article shows NICHE Award winner Amy Flynn's FOBOTS - Found Object Robots.
It’s becoming more common for artists and crafters to change the purpose of scraps to create crafts. For example, recycling billboards to make paper jewelry or old nuts and bolts to make sculpture. In fact, this is such big business that many books on the subject have been written. This article shows NICHE Award winner Amy Flynn's FOBOTS - Found Object Robots.
Betsy Ross Flag Plaque
Easy instructions to make a 13-star flag plaque loosely based upon the original flag design Betsy Ross made for the Continental Congress.
Easy instructions to make a 13-star flag plaque loosely based upon the original flag design Betsy Ross made for the Continental Congress.
How to Fill Out Form 1040-ES
Think you may need to make an estimated tax deposit for your arts and crafts business? This article gives easy to follow instructions on how to fill out and file your Form 1040-ES. You'll learn if you need to add your spouse's information on the form and also how to electronically file and pay.
Think you may need to make an estimated tax deposit for your arts and crafts business? This article gives easy to follow instructions on how to fill out and file your Form 1040-ES. You'll learn if you need to add your spouse's information on the form and also how to electronically file and pay.
Series LLCs
You may have heard there is a new type of business entity - a Series LLC. Basically this entity allows many separate limited liability companies to operate under the umbrella of a parent LLC. The purpose? Simplifying the protection of business assets.
You may have heard there is a new type of business entity - a Series LLC. Basically this entity allows many separate limited liability companies to operate under the umbrella of a parent LLC. The purpose? Simplifying the protection of business assets.
Quick Tax Tips for 2009
Here are some quick tips for filing your Form 1040 and Schedule C for a self-employed arts or crafts business owner.
Here are some quick tips for filing your Form 1040 and Schedule C for a self-employed arts or crafts business owner.
Preparing a 1099-MISC
If you paid a non-corporate entity more than $599.99 for services provided to your arts and crafts business in 2009, you'll need to issue them a Form 1099-MISC. The Form 1099-MISC has to be issued to the recipient by the last day in January and mailed to the Internal Revenue Service with the Form 1096 (transmittal form) by the last day of February.
If you paid a non-corporate entity more than $599.99 for services provided to your arts and crafts business in 2009, you'll need to issue them a Form 1099-MISC. The Form 1099-MISC has to be issued to the recipient by the last day in January and mailed to the Internal Revenue Service with the Form 1096 (transmittal form) by the last day of February.
Mind Body Spirit Properties Plants Flowers
Before adding plants and flowers to your hand milled goats' milk soap recipes, you need to know what each brings to the soapmaking table. Here is a description of rose hips, lavender, hibiscus, jasmine and eucalyptus leaf.
Before adding plants and flowers to your hand milled goats' milk soap recipes, you need to know what each brings to the soapmaking table. Here is a description of rose hips, lavender, hibiscus, jasmine and eucalyptus leaf.
Responsible Arts and Crafts
Smart arts/crafts business owners practice responsibile crafting as a method to increase prices and sales. This is particularly true in the areas of conflict diamonds and using eco-friendly and organic raw materials. Besides being good for our environment,it's good business practice to recycle and reduce waste in your arts and crafts business as cutting costs increases the bottom line. To follow is a brief tutorial on three popular socially responsible arts and crafts trends of the last decade.
Smart arts/crafts business owners practice responsibile crafting as a method to increase prices and sales. This is particularly true in the areas of conflict diamonds and using eco-friendly and organic raw materials. Besides being good for our environment,it's good business practice to recycle and reduce waste in your arts and crafts business as cutting costs increases the bottom line. To follow is a brief tutorial on three popular socially responsible arts and crafts trends of the last decade.
Depreciating Office Equipment
This article discusses common arts and crafts tangible assets and how to depreciate them. There are basically three type you'll have for your arts and crafts business: office, computer and those special ones for your type of arts and crafts business. You also learn how to use MACRS depreciation to write off the cost of buying these types of assets with practical examples on how to do the calculation.
This article discusses common arts and crafts tangible assets and how to depreciate them. There are basically three type you'll have for your arts and crafts business: office, computer and those special ones for your type of arts and crafts business. You also learn how to use MACRS depreciation to write off the cost of buying these types of assets with practical examples on how to do the calculation.
Depreciating Used Assets
From the emailbag: A reader wonders how to assign value and depreciate tangible assets they use in their arts or crafts business - in particular used or donated tangible assets. Find out how you should value and depreciate any assets for your arts and crafts business that you didn't purchase brand new.
From the emailbag: A reader wonders how to assign value and depreciate tangible assets they use in their arts or crafts business - in particular used or donated tangible assets. Find out how you should value and depreciate any assets for your arts and crafts business that you didn't purchase brand new.
Costs Versus Expenses
Arts and Crafts business costs are not the same as expenses. As you get your books and records in order to figure up your net income from your arts or crafts business (and to figure out how much you owe in taxes), you can't confuse the two. Find out how to determine what is a cost for your arts and crafts business and what is a deductible expense.
Arts and Crafts business costs are not the same as expenses. As you get your books and records in order to figure up your net income from your arts or crafts business (and to figure out how much you owe in taxes), you can't confuse the two. Find out how to determine what is a cost for your arts and crafts business and what is a deductible expense.
Understanding Variable Costs
This article explains variable costs, which are costs that go up and down depending on how much arts and crafts inventory or products you sell. This includes your cost of goods sold, credit card fees, shipping costs and sales commissions you may pay to sales staff who rep your arts and crafts items.
This article explains variable costs, which are costs that go up and down depending on how much arts and crafts inventory or products you sell. This includes your cost of goods sold, credit card fees, shipping costs and sales commissions you may pay to sales staff who rep your arts and crafts items.
Natural Dyes and Home Dyeing
Book review of Natural Dyes and Home dyeing by Rita J. Adrosko. 52 recipes for fabric dyes made from plants.
Book review of Natural Dyes and Home dyeing by Rita J. Adrosko. 52 recipes for fabric dyes made from plants.
Designing the Doll
A superior book about doll making covering topics from concept to construction. Spanning design in many different materials, it also provides stellar information about making armatures. Due to this fact, those working in paper mache will also find this book very valuable.
A superior book about doll making covering topics from concept to construction. Spanning design in many different materials, it also provides stellar information about making armatures. Due to this fact, those working in paper mache will also find this book very valuable.
QuickBooks Job Types
This article shows you how to use QuickBooks types to organize your jobs so you can organize your customer base by grouping similar customer or jobs together. Using this info, you can run reports to provide timely and relevant information about which type of customer or job is the most profitable.
This article shows you how to use QuickBooks types to organize your jobs so you can organize your customer base by grouping similar customer or jobs together. Using this info, you can run reports to provide timely and relevant information about which type of customer or job is the most profitable.
Marking-Up for Shipping Costs
How do you pass business costs and taxes to your ecommerce customers? Do you mark-up your product prices or add these costs during the checkout procedure? Find out how to give your customers one price by marking-up the cost of your arts or crafts product for shipping and sales tax.
How do you pass business costs and taxes to your ecommerce customers? Do you mark-up your product prices or add these costs during the checkout procedure? Find out how to give your customers one price by marking-up the cost of your arts or crafts product for shipping and sales tax.
Cease and Desist Letter
If someone infringes on your copyright and doesn't respond to your email request to remediate the situation, your next step is to send a cease-and-desist letter.
If someone infringes on your copyright and doesn't respond to your email request to remediate the situation, your next step is to send a cease-and-desist letter.
Craft Show Talkers
Ever been cornered by a craft show attendee that just wouldn't leave your booth area, in the process keeping you from helping paying customers? Here are some suggestions for politely but firmly letting the craft show talker know it's time to visit another booth.
Ever been cornered by a craft show attendee that just wouldn't leave your booth area, in the process keeping you from helping paying customers? Here are some suggestions for politely but firmly letting the craft show talker know it's time to visit another booth.
Crafts Business Incubators
Business incubators provide arts and crafts workspace, equipment, business services and relevant mentoring to new and emerging businesses for a fraction of the actual cost. Interested in finding out more about entering such a program? This article provides info on finding an incubator in your local area and details incubators located in Toronto, New York City and Kansas City, MO.
Business incubators provide arts and crafts workspace, equipment, business services and relevant mentoring to new and emerging businesses for a fraction of the actual cost. Interested in finding out more about entering such a program? This article provides info on finding an incubator in your local area and details incubators located in Toronto, New York City and Kansas City, MO.