1. Make your table or stand look as nice as possible – although you may get a table that is covered with a white cloth, bring along your own, better quality material that will stand out from your competitors, to cover your table with, e.g. some black velvet or the like.
2. Make sure that you have some business cards prepared to give out to people – it doesn’t matter if these are home made (well you are a crafter after all) as long as people know where to contact you after the event. Always make sure you give a business card to anyone who buys anything from you.
3. Have a list on your table for people to give you their email address so that you can create a database of possible customers.
4. Make sure you have a clear pricing structure and perhaps make up some attractive price tags to complement your wares.
5. If the craft fair is a regular one maybe go down to one of the fairs beforehand and check out who is selling what, at what kind of prices and where the best locations are. You may not get a choice of location but if you do it is best to be armed with the right knowledge.
6. Make sure you have plenty of wrapping and bags for customers to take their purchases away in, as well as change.
7. If you generally sell more expensive items, for example large paintings, make sure you also have some small items available for those who like your work but maybe don’t have the money or space to buy a big item. This can be a good way to at least recover your table fee.
8. If you can’t bring all of your work with you, ensure you have a portfolio that customers can browse through.
9. If you have the space, it can be a good audience grabber if you can demonstrate your art or craft at the venue.
10. Chat with the other vendors about other art and craft fairs and which are the best venues to make sales.

Overall, if it is your first craft festival then make sure you enjoy yourself, learn as much as you can and make as many contacts as you can. It always takes a while to build up a successful craft business.

Having enjoyed taking part in arts and crafts festivals for 5 years, you can get more information on my arts and crafts website and also on my US arts and crafts blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marian_Lishman

Blah! Blah! Blah! This is what your readers will be mentally deciphering if they are reading a boring newsletter about arts and crafts.

Whether writing an arts and crafts newsletter for a hobby or as a means to stay in contact with your customers it is vital that the newsletter remain simple, descriptive and full of relevant content.

When describing in a newsletter how to complete an arts and crafts project details are a must. The steps to the project should be laid out in numbered format and be descriptive as possible. Sometimes, it’s even best to state the obvious because it is assumed that the reader has never made this project.

Content is necessary in an arts and crafts newsletter. Content relevant to crafting tips, ideas, techniques would be great to use. Also, if the content is your own that’s even better. That begins to show the subscriber that as a crafter you are confident and have a true knowledge of your craft.

If you are writing the newsletter to stay in contact with customers then periodically offer your customers special promotions that only the subscribers will receive. It’s important to build a relationship with your subscribers and what better way than to save them money.

Brandi Clark, owner of Visit Floral Creations, is an experienced crafter. Join her free newsletter “Crafty Corner” to begin receiving craft ideas, crafting tips, and techniques plus discounts to be used at Visit Floral Creations. Join by visiting http://www.craftycorner.makes.it

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandi_Clark

Religious arts & crafts allow artisans and crafters the opportunity to showcase the symbols of their faith, and the opportunity to craft an expression of their faith into tangible form. In this manner, religious arts & crafts provide a way for the faithful to proudly acknowledge their beliefs, and profess their love for their god or gods. Religious arts & crafts usually do this by referring to their religion’s main textual tenants or predominant symbols.

Which religions use arts & crafts to express belief?

Religious arts & crafts, as commonly thought of in western society, is concerned primarily with Christianity. For this reason, the common symbols of Christianity – the cross, fish and loaves, angels, Jesus Christ, etc. – are commonly incorporated into American arts & crafts. Another popular theme is to incorporate scripture quotations. Of course, Christianity does not have a monopoly on religious arts & crafts; arts & crafts are well known within the Jewish tradition, for instance. Jewish arts & crafts typically focus on the most widespread symbols of Judaism, and include the Star of David, menorahs, and other icons of the belief. Jewish sayings are also frequently featured on Jewish arts & crafts.

Ideas for religious arts & crafts

Religious arts & crafts are designed to serve as decoration for one’s home, office, vehicle, or church. Although religious features could be showcased in virtually any type of arts & crafts, these are some popular ideas for religious arts & crafts used for decoration:

1. Beaded Crafts: With a set of beads and string, pipe cleaners or safety pins, the devotee can create cute, creative religious arts & crafts. The possibilities for these crafts are almost endless, and are great for the whole family. These beaded crafts can be designed as jewelry, decorations, and other adornments. Virtually any religious symbol is possible with this versatile craft idea, from the Star of David to the Shroud of Turin.

2. Paint Your Own: Try to let your creative side out and paint your religious items for decoration and display or even for use in a religious service. Special ceramic paints are great to use for painting, decorating, and personalizing ceramic crosses, angels, and even scenes from the Bible. Personalize these paintings with names, birthdays, and scripture to make wonderful personalized gifts.

3. Cross Stitch & Embroidery: While it may take more skill and expertise, with a bit of practice most devotees can become experts and creating needlework arts & crafts. Religious needlework is especially noteworthy as it can combine both graphical images of crosses, angels, doves, and Bible scenes, as well as scripture, Bible verses, and other words of inspiration. Some more popular options for religious arts & crafts using cross stitch and embroidery include religious pillows and Bible covers.

4. Stained Glass Arts & Suncatchers: Stained glass art is popular for religious arts & crafts since stained glass is usually associated with churches and places of worship. This does not mean that you need to be a church to afford stained glass art. Far from it, inexpensive stained glass kits are readily available in most hobby and craft stores, and can be used by those without any previous experience.

5. Ornaments & Window Hangers: Ornaments and window hangers are often quite simple to create – in the absence of specialized skills, all you need is some imagination and a dash of creativity. Ornaments may be designed specifically for the Christmas season, or may be year-round crafts that can be hung anywhere, even from your rearview mirror. Look on the Internet for some fun ideas for religious ornaments, hangers, and other crafts.

6. Handmade Jewelry: Most religious people will happily wear the symbols of their faith as a personal reminder of their faith and devotion. Handmade religious jewelry is very popular, and can include anything from resin angel earrings to homemade metal crucifixes. Brooches, necklaces, and bracelets are also very popular, and while they are generally designed for women, men are becoming increasingly comfortable wearing fine handmade crucifix necklaces.

Looking for resources for making religious arts & crafts

Many arts & crafts shows will feature quite a bit of religious crafts and artwork. While there are rarely shows designed specifically for this niche market, a very high percentage of artisans & crafters feature work that includes a religious focus. If you are not able to attend any shows, do not give up hope. When looking for other ideas for religious arts & crafts, head to your local Christian bookstore or specialty shop. These stores will almost always maintain special sections dedicated to arts & crafts supplies of a religious nature. These stores also typically have arts & crafts ready for purchase and gift giving. If you are more adventurous, go to a hobby and arts & crafts store and convert a secular hobby kit into a testament of your faith.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been creating beautiful projects for years. See her exciting new ideas for religious arts and crafts at Religious Arts and Crafts, and be sure to visit Arts and Crafts for more fun projects !

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Amos

Every Sunday, we would get in the car and drive across town to visit my grandparents. My mother and grandmother would sit and have tea. As a very young girl, I was invited to participate in this weekly ritual. When I was very young, I had my own miniature tea set that I enjoyed.

As I grew older, I was able to sit with the ladies and drink from the English bone china tea set. I remember that I looked forward to seeing which set my grandmother would use. Years later, I found that the tea sets were also a feast for the eyes.

These dainty pretty cups are a far cry from today’s coffee mugs and cups.  They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any table setting. A beautiful plain tablecloth can be transformed into a memorable table setting in just a few minutes. This is what memories are made of: sharing, enjoying another’s company and a good cup of tea, served in a dainty tea cup.

There is something about drinking out of a proper tea cup that makes tea taste better. As a young girl, I appreciated the beauty and elegance of these delicate cups. I unknowingly became hooked at collecting these pieces of beauty.

The manufacturers of tea cups and tea pots started to make the cups and saucers as a stand alone purchase. That means that the cups and saucers were not necessarily part of a dinner or tea service. This is the reason when you go to your favorite tea room you will see a very eclectic setting of tea cups.

More on china tea sets

For those who dismiss this hobby of collecting as being “common” really shows how little they know about the history of tea cups and tea ware.

Collecting tea cups, saucers or tea pots is a hobby that every one can afford. The price range can vary from as little as 25 cents at a yard sale to $250 for the more upscale manufacturers such as Royal Doulton china or Royal Albert china.

There is nothing common about English bone china or Royal Doulton. When bone china was developed, it was found to hold bright colors and patterns.  The Royal Albert and the Royal Doulton companies have created a plethora of patterns to please.

Collecting china tea sets is making a comeback. With the growing trend of tea drinkers comes an appreciation of the taste of a cup of tea from a proper tea cup. In a society where our lives are so busy and hectic, many are finding the time to sit and appreciate the finer moments of life. Drinking a cup of tea from a tea cup is an old tradition that is making a comeback.

Many enjoy the sense of refinement and tradition while drinking out of a proper tea cup. If you have found some very special settings in the back of your cupboards, or have had once loved tea ware passed down from another generation, it is a great time to take them out and use them.

Be careful, if you are not a collector of china tea sets, you may find yourself overcome by the beauty of the tea cup and surprised by the taste of the tea when it is served in a proper tea cup. The experience will have you hooked and anticipating your next tea experience. You will want to join a growing group of tea lover’s trying to rekindle some tradition and refinement in their life.

Connie Bednar has been a tea enthusiast all her life. Being a tea drinker naturally causes an appreciation of fine china and collectible tea cups and tea sets. Learn more about collecting bone china tea sets at her web site here Sign up for her informative newsletter while you visit. Here is another article you won’t want to miss on collecting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Bednar

China crystal decoration glassware can be distinguished from traditional glassware by its lead content and weight. Ultimately, crystal glass is defined by the percentage of lead it contains. Industry standards offer a guideline pertaining to crystal lead content; those pieces that contain thirty-percent or more of lead are considered to be full lead crystal; a piece that contains less than twenty-four percent lead is considered crystal glass; any lead content in between is referred to as lead crystal.

The inclusion of lead – however small in china crystal decoration glassware – offers a visual difference from traditional glassware as well. Lead enables the crystal glassware to be soft enough to cut into varying angles and patterns. It’s no wonder, therefore, that china crystal decoration glassware makes such a lovely gift – each particular pattern reflective of the glassmaker’s creativity and style.

China crystal decoration glassware – aside from its reflective beauty and decorative uses – makes a functional gift or purchase for the home. China crystal decoration glassware, although it has a fragile beauty, is quite sturdy and makes for a well-used addition to any dinner table.

Finding china crystal decoration glassware can be as easy as heading to your nearest high-end department store where you will find a dizzying array of styles, patterns, and colors from which to choose.

For easy to understand, in depth information about crystals visit our ezGuide 2 Crystals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery

With such an addition into the home environment there has been much promise revealed in terms of bringing a family closer together. Bonding, creativity, interaction, learning as well as many other positive outcomes have followed. So, you need to ask yourself, what is your family like; and, more importantly, are they in need of some arts and crafts inspiration?

Typically, Your Family Doesn’t Do Much

On their own or as a collective, your family is really rather boring and inactive. You’re a dormant bunch. And not much goes on in your home other than a bit of T.V. and movie watching. Your children do their own things, whether it be in the basement with friends or in front of their computers by themselves. All this said, it’s clear that the family environment is rather mundane, but significantly less than creative or interactive.

However, this is something that needs to be remedied. For, to live in a household that is on a regular, non-creative schedule is nothing short of selling you and your family entirely short. Think of all the interaction, all the shared moments you’re currently missing out on by not having some family arts and crafts moments.

It’s Easy To Fix: Just Have Some Family Arts and Crafts Nights

To reverse this mundane and isolated family atmosphere why not arrange the entire family to have an arts and crafts night each week? All you need to do is schedule for when the family is all most likely to be around to get their creative juices flowing, together of course. It will be important to get all the members of your family in on the experience as to get the most out of the sharing, bonding and creating aspects planned ahead. If you do this it will prove to be a great event that will hopefully turn out to be so enjoyable that you and your family stick to the once a week plan or even tag on a few extra nights each week.

If You’re Uncertain of What Your Family Should Do…

You can easily find some enticing options in magazines, websites and books. The possibilities in the arts and crafts sphere are literally limitless. And that’s the beauty of it all – there are endless options for you and your family to choose between. The only true limit is your collective sense of creativeness. And together, it’s certain that you’ll be able to find some sort of option you can all creatively agree and build upon.

And if you’re at the beginning stage and a loss for ideas hits you know that you can get a bunch of craft ideas on the Internet to satisfy your family’s arts and crafts tastes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E.S._Cromwell

What are ‘arts & crafts’? Generally, the term ‘arts & crafts’ refers to handmade products that have been designed individually with the intent of creating a piece of artwork or a decoration. People engage in arts & crafts as artisans and crafters – that is, those who make their living by producing and selling handmade objects – as well as countless hobbyists who do it just for their own enjoyment. Of course, there can also be a hidden benefit if you can make your own gifts rather than having to purchase them. Arts & crafts are deeply rooted in regional and ethnic cultures, so the specifics of what kinds of objects constitute arts & crafts varies greatly across the world.

How long have arts and crafts been around?

The origin of arts & crafts can be found in simple bartering transactions; expert artisans and crafters would trade their skill for sustenance. The artisans and crafters would then pass their knowledge on to the next generation through an apprentice – an assistance who grew up with the artisan for the sole purpose of learning their trade. Artisans who passed their knowledge on in this manner include ironworkers, glass blowers, weavers and blacksmiths.

Of course, this all changed with the industrial revolution. Many of the lovingly handcrafted items that were formerly made by crafters and artisans could now be cheaply produced in large quantities. As a result, arts & crafts as a widespread profession quickly died out; individual artisans and crafters could just not compete with industrial efficiency. Today, those individuals who specialize in the former staples such as glass blowing or weaving are rare, and usually create high-priced items, in contrast to their utilitarian forbearers. In the end arts & crafts is mostly made up by hobbyists and small retailers.

How do you find arts and crafts?

Arts & crafts are generally not difficult to locate. Artisans often participate at arts & crafts fairs in order to have the opportunity to sell their wares, and allow buyers the opportunity to browse and shop from a variety of different types of arts & crafts.

Festivals and fairs are good destinations to look for arts & crafts. Many vendors will rent booths at these events in order to reach a wide audience. In addition to shows and fairs, permanent arts & crafts malls are also easy to find in most metropolitan areas. Frequently, these malls include a collection of semi-permanent booths rented out by multiple artisans and crafters.

Of course, if the buyer knows exactly the kind of item he or she is looking for, the Internet can be a great resource for finding the perfect arts & crafts item. More and more artisans and crafters are now posting their wares online with the ability view photos and read descriptions of their unique products. Nonetheless, while online retail sales have taken off in other industries, arts & crafts buyers typically like the experience of finding and seeing the one-of-a-kind products in person, which has slowed down its adoption in this area.

‘Art’ and ‘Craft’

Art generally refers to fine arts, such as glass creations, paintings and sculptures. The people behind the creation of these objects have usually received formal training at art schools or have studied art through other programs. These art objects are usually expensive.

Crafts, on the other hand, are usually considered to be smaller in scale, or colloquially known as ‘grassroots’ in their creation. Those who create crafts are generally doing so based on passed down knowledge without any formal education. This of course does not mean that they are any less talented than artists. ‘Arts & crafts’ then is the merging of these two creative trends; grassroots objects made by highly skilled artisans and crafters.

The most common arts & crafts objects

As stated above, there are literally countless variations and iterations of arts & crafts objects in the world. Nonetheless, most arts & crafts can be fitted into a few basic categories: handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, metalworking, and sculpture are some basic categories into which most arts & crafts can be assembled. Other common types of arts & crafts include cross-stitch, weaving, crochet, knitting, embroidery, patchwork, quilting, macramé, and others. Still more common types include ceramics, wood, metal, needlepoint & textiles, and glass works. Still others are based on paper and paper products, including scrapbooking, calligraphy, collages, paper mache, and origami.

How do you find other arts and crafts collectors?

There are a number of national, regional, and local arts & crafts organizations that can provide both artisans and collectors a place where they can network and gain a sense of community. Some examples of popular organizations include the American Sewing Guild, the Arts & Crafts Society, the Black Crafters Guild, the Home Sewing Association, the National Art Materials Trade Association, the Canadian Craft & Hobby Association, the American Quilter’s Society, the Craft & Hobby Association (United States).

Mary Amos is an expert on arts and crafts and has been creating exciting gifts and projects for years. Learn where to find amazing arts and crafts at Arts and Crafts, and be sure to visit Arts and Crafts for more fun projects for kids and families!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Amos

The Arts & Crafts period developed late in the nineteenth century and continued until the 1930s. With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, assembly-line production enabled the mass production of merchandise. This was troubling to artisans and anyone who valued individually hand-crafted items and merchandise of top quality. This is the group that advocated well-made items of a quality that mass production could not achieve. The movement began with furniture and expanded to ceramics, wallpaper, metal work, architecture, and stained glass. The emphasis was on quality workmanship and consisted primarily of black, brown, yellow, and green tones in all fields. Of the many Arts & Crafts artisans of the period the most well-known are Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, and William Morris. Reproductions of their work are widely available today.

William Morris

One of the earliest champions of the Arts & Crafts movement was William Morris of Britain (1834-1896), who formed Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. with a group of likeminded artisans. The company, later renamed Morris & Co., worked in many areas including stained glass, ceramics, fabric, wallpaper, and architecture. The company designed his home, Red House, which is one of the earliest examples of architecture ascribed to the movement.

It’s no surprise that anything made by Morris is highly sought after today, as he is considered a founding father of the Arts & Crafts movement. Most of his best work can only be found in museums. His work can generally be authenticated by the “Morris & Co.” stamp.

Gustav Stickley

Gustav Stickley (1857-1942) and his family began the Arts & Crafts movement in the United States in upstate New York during the 1870s. An architect and designer, he started a furniture company and introduced the Craftsman line, which continues to be produced today. A Gustav Stickley sideboard was sold at a Christie’s auction in 1997 for $596,000 by a preeminent collector of Arts & Crafts, Barbra Streisand.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Best known for his work as an architect, American Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was a pioneer of the Arts & Crafts movement. His specialty was designing not just a home, but all of the furniture as well. Today his work commands top dollar when available, but it is rarely available. Two of his most famous architectural designs and the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Fallingwater, a residential home.

Furniture

Solidly constructed simple oak and ash furniture typifies the furniture of the Arts & Crafts period. Common design elements include rush seating, horizontal or vertical slat backs and sides, and spindle backs and sides. Upholstery colors typify the period, generally done in brown, green, or black leather. Much of this furniture is still in use today because of its rigid construction.

Ceramics

Mass production was abhorred by the potters of the Victorian era. The graceful Japanese Aesthetic Movement style influenced craftsmen to emulate it, and creative forms and new glazes gave potters a new area to pursue. The fundamental perception of ceramics in North America changed as a result of the Arts & Crafts movement. Long seen as utilitarian, pottery became more decorative to appeal to the new upper class that could afford to splurge on a superfluous object. Dragons and flowers were often depicted in yellow, green, and brown glaze on pottery of the era.

Metalwork

Artisans who worked with copper, brass, silver, and pewter soon joined the move to hand-crafted workmanship. Tiffany and Liberty are two companies of the era that produced pieces combining both machine and hand production methods. Green and brown enamels and hammered surfaces are common characteristics of this work.

To save on arts and crafts supplies, fabrics, and other accessories, Vince suggests using a Joann Coupon and an Oriental Trading Coupon from CouponKathy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vince_Nitti