Copyrights, are common concerns for craftspeople. If you've invented a unique product, you will more than likely want to protect it from others who can create knock-offs of your craft show gem at cheaper prices. Although it may be flattering to have created a craft item others want to duplicate, it can also be a nightmare to see your distinctive creation on the Home Shopping Network! The United States Patent and Trademark Organization Web site (www.uspto.gov) is a good place to learn the ...
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The requirements for your booth will be spelled out in your contract for each show. This includes set up and break down times and policies to which you must adhere. In order to avoid having to have different displays for different shows, it makes sense to create a moveable display that will work well in the majority of situations--both for indoor and outdoor events. Even if the promoter supplies a backdrop, a rug or tables, you can bring your whole set-up and use it instead. Your display is ...
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Here's a quick and easy Spring decoupage project for yourself or friends who garden. Materials: Plant images and names cut from your seed catalogues or magazines Cardboard or balsa wood rectangles to fit your images Wooden tongue depressors, popsicle sticks or stainless steel skewers as stakes to mount your plant tags and poke them into the ground Elmer's Glue-All or Mod Podge Scissors Small bowl of water Acrylic paint (optional) Prep surface: If you are using balsa wood, you may need to ...
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The nature of your craft show business and your budget will determine whether or not you need others to help you with any aspect of your craft show business. Needless to say, the success of your crafts at craft shows will also have a considerable effect on whether or not you will need to hire employees. On the "free" end, you can get help from friends and family to produce your crafts and help with any business aspects. A tax benefit for "hiring" your children under 18 is that you don't have to ...
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These are similar to, but not exactly like a copyright. In fact, a patent and trademark are a far more in-depth than a simple copyright on your craft show items. "A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office. The term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, in special cases, from the date an earlier related application was filed, subject to the ...
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Building model airplanes or flying radio control airplanes is a popular hobby. It is something educational, and can give you a feeling of intelligence and accomplishment. There are also people who are just avid airplane fans and like to collect handcrafted mahogany airplanes, which are a little more expensive, but worth it to those are really interested in Model Airplanes. Mahogany is a fine type of wood that the planes are designed from. Many types of nice furniture are designed from mahogany. ...
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You've done it! You've signed up to do a craft show'.now what! Where do you start? This is a dilemma most first time craft show participants (sometimes even us veterans) feel shortly before the show. I am going to give you a few basic tips and some tricks of the trade to help make your show go smoothly and hopefully successfully. The first and most important thing is to be sure to read the rules and regulations of the show. The last thing you want to do is show up and set your table up with ...
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Cracks in Leather The only way to un-crack leather is to replace it. One approach that leather repair specialists use is to clean the leather and then re-color it. The result is that the leather will have a uniform appearance. The cracks will still be there but will be less apparent. You can also have a leather repair professional replace the cracked areas and match the new leather to the original color. This works best when you are working with a panel of leather, for example on a car seat or ...
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Thrill of all thrills--you've got a potential buyer in your booth! Now what? First smile, make eye contact, greet the customer and start a simple conversation--anything but, "Can I help you?" Walk the fine line between being available and being pushy. And definitely never sit in a corner reading a novel! Ask questions to create a personal connection like, "Are you looking for a gift or for yourself? "What colors do you enjoy best?" "What are your favorite styles of crafts?" Buyers often come to ...
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As you gain experience selling your crafts at craft shows, you'll be planning your schedule a year in advance. Although a business plan isn't essential, a marketing plan is a good idea to have as you plan your shows. You'll want to keep your customers on your mailing list informed of new products, special sales and upcoming shows. You may need to update your marketing materials from time to time as well. In addition, between shows, you may decide to pursue other paths to selling your ...
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