First and foremost, Crafty Superstar is for the part-time crafter. Author Grace Dobush sympathizes with many crafters who already have a full-time gig, but love creating in their spare time and yearn for a successful business model. If you’re looking to be the next Jenny Hart, this book is not for you. Keep in mind there’s no secret formula to launching any business, but Dobush certainly gives more than enough spot-on tips to kick-start you in the right direction.

Crafty Superstar is a business guide to help you achieve the book’s tagline to “make crafts on the side, earn extra cash and basically have it all.” A cast of excellent business-savvy crafters lend their invaluable advice including: Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge, the aforementioned Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching, Olivera Bratich of Wholly Craft!, Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane, Jessica Manack of Miss Chief Productions, Garth Johnson and Caitlin Phillips of Rebound Designs.

Dobush starts with a very important question. “Should I try to sell this stuff I’m making?” It’s definitely a query to think about along with your expectations such as, “What makes my product stand out from the crowd?” and “Is there an audience for my work?” which is important in terms of monetary gain.

From there, the book is organized by different situations part-time crafters face. It starts with beginner tips like setting up your crafty business including, finding the right name, how to price your product, options to sell on online marketplaces, simple legal advice, different blog platforms to utilize and the importance of good customer service.

Crafty Superstar also boasts information more experienced crafters will find pertinent. Such as tips on selling wholesale by Kati Hanimagi of Oddball Press who said, “My biggest move to generate business in the wholesale market was to attend the National Stationary Show.” Or the pluses and minuses of sponsorship by Cinnamon Cooper of Poise.cc stating, “It’s up to each crafter or organizer to figure out how their brand identity and personal beliefs and business correspond with the business they’re teaming up with.”

Excellent photos and illustrations complement the text making Crafty Superstar a fine investment for visual learners. There are even mini-tutorials such as how to make your own light box out of items found in your home. There’s also a screenshot of an Etsy store and step-by-step directions to setting one up.

All in all, Crafty Superstar is an outstanding source of advice for the part-time crafter. Don’t think of it as a book. Think of it more as an intimate sit down Q&A crafters wish they could have with someone more experienced.

Crafty Superstar by North Light Books is available for $17.99 online or at your local bookstore.