Signal Winter 2021 Newsletter

www.alliancecom.net 5 QUICK TIP: It might be time to sell your crafts when friends and family start requesting themas gifts. How to Cash in on Your Crafts If you’re getting really good at crafting, you might want to try selling some of your creations. Here are a few tips for getting started: 1. Begin with one type of craft that you’re especially good at. 2. Research pricing on sites like Etsy and eBay to determine a fair price for your products. 3. Promote your creations first to family, friends, and neighbors using word of mouth and outlets like Facebook. 4. Ask for reviews that you can use when you create your online shop (see next step). 5. Create an online shop using a plat- form like Etsy Shop, Shopify Store, eBay, or Amazon Handmade. 6. Keep records of your inventory and sales. 7. Seek out craft shows, fairs, festivals, and other physical locations where you can set up a booth. When you make a sale, include a business card that lists your online shop. 8. Consider which products are selling best and promote them more. What types of crafting and DIY projects were most popular during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here are some of the categories that have been trending: Try Your Hand at One of These Trends Candle Making Why buy expensive candles when you can make your own? Kits are available that help you create varieties with different types of wax, scents, and other options. Put them in your home to create a warm ambiance or give them away as gifts. Outdoor Décor During the pandemic, many people got used to socializing outdoors and naturally wanted to spruce up their entertainment areas. Crafts like DIY lanterns and pretty birdhouses are a great way to add some color and whimsy to an outdoor space. Paint by Numbers Maybe you want original art in your home but don’t feel comfortable making your own design. Paint by numbers is the perfect solution. Not only does it create beauty, it’s also fun and relaxing. You can buy kits that include a canvas with the numbers printed on it and some of them are even framed. Furniture Upgrades Spending a lot of time at home leads to thinking about what could be done to improve the spaces. Upcycling household items like vases, lamps, and wall hangings is a fun and inexpensive way to spruce things up. Embroidery Embroidery is yet another way to make something with visual interest to place in your home or give to a friend. This craft brings images to life with texture and color, and can be used on a variety of objects including blankets and pillows.