Kari Chapin’s book The Handmade Marketplace is chock full of tips on how independent business owners can be successful in the handmade industry. Whether you are a part-time crafter or someone ready to quit the dayjob and try crafting full-time, the resources Chapin shares are extremely helpful in the quest for profitability.
Chapin has an impressive [...]

Talk Shop is the series where we interview independent store and gallery owners from across the country, to get their inside take on running an independent business that supports the handmade community.
I’m excited to bring the Talk Shop series back after a short hiatus. This week’s Talk Shop features Pterodactyl — a super cool creative [...]

Name: Katie McClanahan
Shop: BlackStar Jewelry Company
Website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackStar
Blog: http://blackstarjewelry.blogspot.com/
Location: middle Tennessee
What do you make, and how are your products environmentally-friendly?
I make jewelry, mostly comprised of vintage elements and thrifted finds.  These bits and pieces are already here, waiting to be used, so why not use them?

Name: sara selepouchin
Shop: girls can tell
Website: http://shop.girlscantell.com
Blog: http://blog.girlscantell.com
Location: philadelphia, pa

What do you make, and how are your products environmentally-friendly?
I hand screen-print drawings of everyday things onto everyday things. It’s important to me that girls can tell wares are all useful items or made from discarded useful items.

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 [...]

Talk Shop is the series where we interview independent store owners from across the country, to get their inside take on running an independent business that supports the handmade community.
The Talk shop series went on a small hiatus since the holidays, but this segment is now back in full swing, and we’ve got some awesome [...]

Elise of Argyle Whale reviews the Yudu and finds herself befuddled.