Scoutmob says:

It’s the holidays. You’re in gift-buying, festive party-planning, dining out with friends mode. So what better time of year to jump aboard the Scoutmob “shop indie”" bandwagon? Make a decision to support independent shops and restaurants, using the Scoutmob app as a compass to discover the best small businesses at a great price near you.

Plus, when you sign up, you’re entered to win one of three Etsy shopping sprees. Enter to win here.

What handmade sellers or independent businesses are you buying from this year? Let us know your favorites in the comments below.

Is this man your favorite customer? (Screenshot from "The Room")

I loved all the responses and discussion my last post tipped off about discounts and whether makers should use them. As discussed in the comments, there’s a time and a place for coupons and discounts—one great example is using discounts to reward frequent customers for their support.

So who are your most valuable customers? I’m not just talking about hermione3918 who buys out all your Gryffindor scarves. I mean more generally—who are the kind of people who buy from you? What are they like?

Creating customer profiles—mini bios of fictional people based on the folks who buy your goods most frequently—is really helpful and seriously fun. This marketing trick is used in lots of fields, but especially in magazine publishing (which is my day job). If you search for magazines’ reader profiles, some of the info from media kits will be heavy on statistics. But a lot of magazines create ideal readers, who they keep in mind as they plan coverage, write headlines or consider redesigns.

When you know exactly who you’re speaking to, writing descriptions of your items and creating a Facebook fan page gets a lot easier. Does your audience have a sense of humor or are they stoic? Are they prim and proper or super casual?

For an example, my three “customers” are Allie, Diane and Jackson. Like cameo characters on “Law and Order,” these people are fictitious and any similarity to actual people is purely coincidental.

• Allie is a college student with just a few bucks, but she’s got a nerdy sense of humor and is likely to stockpile funny handmade cards and stickers. She’s probably got artist or writer tendencies herself—$10 says she is or was an English major. She shops at Trader Joe’s and reads McSweeney’s and the Onion. (The bulk of my customers are Allies.)
• Diane is an upper-middle-class lady who likes to support local arts organizations and buys presents for her friends—sometimes a bunch of handmade books at a time. She’s retired but doesn’t identify with the “ladies who lunch.” She shops at Whole Foods and reads a printed newspaper. (About 20 percent of my customers are Dianes.)
• Jackson is a middle-aged guy who seems out of place at a craft show. But he’s really into craftsmanship and asks a lot of questions. He comes of as not that interested then out of left field makes a big purchase. He shops at Kroger and reads nonfiction books mainly. (About 5 percent of my customers are Jacksons.)

What does this mean for my business? When I’m making new things, I consider how my core audience of three would like it. Try writing up some customer profiles yourself! You might have one core type, or a half-dozen. Start thinking about the customers you meet at craft shows or the shoppers at stores you consign with, and ask yourself these questions:

• Where do they live?
• What do they do for a living?
• Do they have kids? Pets?
• How old are they?
• How much money do they make?
• How much do they spend on handmade items?
• What do they like to read, watch or listen to?
• Do they ride the bus or a bike or have a car?
• Why are they so into your work?
• What other things do they like?

Take a little time to brainstorm about your most valuable customers, and I hope you’ll post one of your mini bios in the comments!

Below are some of my favorite calendars. The Writing Women Calendar from groovygirl includes quotes from famous female writers like Sylvia Plath, Anais Nin and Gertrude Stein. Also, as I’ve been a bit obsessed with llamas lately, I’m particularly attracted to the Macchu Picchu image included in bruboo’s calendar, which features images of toy models the artist captured during her travels. Some of them, like the ones from AfricanGray and PaperSubmarine, allow you to customize the calendar by coloring or embellishing with your own design. No matter what your style, there are plenty of calendars to chose from. If I left one out, please share in the comments.

‘2011 Printable Calendars’

Printable 2011 postcard… flrwnx $3.00	2011 PRINTABLE CALENDAR… bubbo $9.00	DIY Tidepool Calendar 2… AfricanGrey $9.50
2011 Printable Writing … groovygrrl $5.00	2011 Fun Cubes Printabl… Reworkshop $4.50	cut-out – 2011 printabl… bialakura $6.00
2011 Printable Calendar… bluetricycle $5.00	2011 calendar – print a… ALittleHut $5.00	Eat More Veg 2011 Calen… LaurieCoyleDes… $20.00
DIY Blank Printable 201… PaperSubmarine $3.00	2011 Printable Write In… TheArtOfJoy $7.00	NEW Large 2011 Town Cal… TheSketchedBoo… $27.00
Creative Inspiration – … empapers $10.00	2011 Calendar Printable… printableproje… $5.00	2011 dodecahedral calen… Paper2Download $5.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Tick Tock! Crimson Clock from 1byliz

The last minute flurry of holiday activity is upon us. Don’t panic. Yes, time is short, but don’t get desperate and shower your loved ones with useless plastic and mass-produced junk. Take a deep breath and keep reading for last minute gift ideas you can still buy or even make, including a quick and easy zipper pouch project with video instruction from my favorite lady in the whole world (thanks Mom!).

You Can Still Buy Handmade

It’s true! You can buy handmade even this late in the game. Here are some suggestions:
Check your local handmade retail shops, including any holiday pop-up shops (like these in Portland, Atlanta and Providence). After a quick whip around the web along with some phone calls, here’s a list of shops that will be open either late tonight or during the day tomorrow (check their sites or call for exact hours).

Magpie in Somerville, MA
Art Star in Philadelphia, PA
Double Dutch Boutique and Red Tree and in Baltimore, MD
Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta, GA
Renegade Handmade in Chicago, IL
Fancy Tiger in Denver, CO
Schmancy in Seattle, WA
Land Gallery, Frock Boutique and Collage in Portland, OR
Rare Device in San Francisco, CA
Reform School in Los Angeles, CA

You can also try places like Whole Foods, which tend to carry lines from different crafty businesses like bodycare products from Biggs & Featherbelle or jewelry from Figs & Ginger. Check the sites of your favorite artists for a listing of retails shops that carry their products. You may be surprised and delighted by the increasing accessibility of handmade items.

Give Your Crafty Friends Patterns

I know lots of crafty people that are always looking for a new pattern to try. Patterns from .pdf downloads are a great way to handle last minute giving for this group of folks.

Crochet Handwarmer Pattern from adventuresofjr.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Cross-stitch Pattern from My Paper Crane.

Sublime Stitching has various PDF patterns available, including this one featuring designs by Carson Ellis.

Lots to choose from on Magpie Patterns, including knitting, sewing, crochet & embroidery.

You Can Still Make Stuff

These knit envelopes look like a great project for a plane or car ride. Magpie Patterns has a bunch of patterns you could purchase as a gift or make yourself. I particularly like the Breckenridge Cowl from French Press Knits and think the “instant gratification” nature of the project sounds promising for last minute making. Lots of kids at your holiday gatherings? Marimekko has a fun star wand project that looks easy and would make cute gift toppers or festive place cards for your holiday table.

Zipper Pouch Tutorial

If you have basic sewing skills, some fabric & access to a sewing machine, here’s a quick & easy zipper pouch you can whip up in 30 minutes.

Hello Craft Presents Crafting with Mom: Quick & Easy Zipper Pouch Project.

Basic step-by-step instructions included after the jump.

Quick and Easy Zipper Pouch
Supplies used:
-fabric (we used one pattern for the inside & another for the outside)
-zipper
-fuseable fleece (optional)
-Seam-to-Seam (optional- you can use pins instead)
-scissors
-sewing machine (or needle & thread)
-iron

Instructions
Step 1: Cut fabric & fuseable fleece to desired size.
Step 2: Iron out any wrinkles.
Step 3: Adhere fuseable fleece to back of the 2 pieces of outside fabric.
Step 4: Apply Seam-to-Seam to top edge of print side on one piece of outside fabric.
Step 5: Adhere fabric to one side of zipper. If it doesn’t stick, adhere with iron. Do not iron the fuseable fleece side (it will melt).
Step 6: Apply Seam-to-Seam to top edge on print side of lining fabric.
Step 7: Adhere lining fabric to zipper on same side of the zipper teeth as the outside fabric, but to the back side of the zipper. The fuseable fleece side will be facing the wrong side of the lining.
Step 8: Draw sewing line if desired. Sew both pieces of fabric to the zipper. You’ll need to reposition the zipper pull to complete the seam. See video for specifics.
Step 9: Repeat steps 4-8, applying the 2nd piece of outside fabric & lining on other side of the zipper teeth.
Step 10: Position so outside fabric & lining pieces are matched up & facing each other. Trim excess zipper & pin if desired.
Step 11: Sew seam down one side. Sew seam down 2nd side.
Step 12: Sew bottom seam on outside fabric/fleece side.
Step 13: Sew bottom seam on lining side, leaving a gap in the middle to turn the fabric right-side-out.
Step 14: Turn fabric right side out.
Step 15: Poke out the edges with a pointed utensil (my Mom uses a hemostat or bone folder)
Step 16: Sew seam at bottom of the lining on the right side of the fabric.
Step 17: Tuck lining into bag and admire you’re awesome work.

Now, off to finish my list. Happy last minute making & shopping!

Time is running out, but it’s not too late to buy handmade gifts this year.  In this post I cover three holiday pop-ups shops where you can find a large selection of handmade goods from super talented artists.

Crafty Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Portland, Oregon
Runs through December 30th

Craftland Holiday Show
Providence, Rhode Island
Runs until December 31st

Indie Craft Experience Pop-Up Shop
Atlanta, Georgia
Runs until December 30th

Craftland Holiday Show

Over the last nine years, the Craftland gang  (Margaret, Art, Devienna, Jen, Deb, Kristin C, & Kristin A) has expanded their month-long holiday show in Providence, Rhode Island into a full-blown year-round shop that carries handmade goods and offers crafty workshops.

They continue their holiday tradition every November when the shop transforms into the magical Craftland Show with a wide range of handmade treasures from nearly 200 artists.  The vendor list is a who’s who of indie craft and includes endless gift possibilities.

Below is a collection of  great gift ideas for guys the Craftland gang shared with their email subscribers.  They’ve got another collection of items for everyone on your list here.

Attention Last-Minute Shoppers: Craftland will be open until MIDNIGHT this Thursday!

Crafty Wonderland Holiday Pop-up Shop

Many of you already know Portland is a super crafty town bursting with amazing talent.  Can you believe it keeps getting better?  In addition to lots of independent shops & galleries that carry handmade goods like Frock and Land, Portland now boasts a holiday pop-up shop with one of the best cash-wraps I’ve ever seen.

Cathy Pitters & Torie Nguyen, the awesome duo behind Portland’s Crafty Wonderland show, worked with the city of Portland this year to open a temporary holiday shop that features handmade goods from local artists.  In addition to prints by Berkley Illustration & Jill Bliss, you’ll also find household items from Appetite Designs, jackets from Bella Sisters, cardigans and skirts from Bossa Nova Baby (that’s Cathy’s line), hats from Knot Ugly, jewelry from Betsy & Iya and soooo much more.

You can see photos of the shop on Facebook (including the image of Mayor Sam Adams proudly displaying his locally made Portland pennant).

Crafty Wonderland is open until 7pm nightly and will host a Crafty Holiday Happy Hour this Thursday from 5pm-7pm.  The shop winds down with a closing party next Thursday, December 30th.

ICE Pop-up Shop in Atlanta

Christy Petterson & Shannon Mulkey, the masterminds the produce Atlanta’s super popular Indie Craft Experience (ICE), have curated a wonderful mix of handmade goods from some of the best makers throughout the country to feature in their temporary Atlanta shop.

The primary goal of ICE is to encourage everyone to buy handmade during the holiday season.  Christy says, “through our annual holiday shopping spectacular and the pop-up shop we tried to make [handmade gift shopping] as easy and fun as possible for everyone.”  Looking at their vendor list it looks like they are doing just that.  Stop by the shop and see for yourself.

The shop runs until December 3oth and is located at the Woodruff Arts Center in midtown Atlanta.  Hours of operation this week are 7pm today, 5pm Monday-Wednesday, 9pm Thursday and 6pm on Friday.

Here’s a small sample of items you’ll find at the ICE Pop-up Shop:

Are there retail shops that carry handmade goods where you live?  Do you make stuff that people can find in different shops throughout the country?  Drop me a line and tell me about it or share with everyone in the comments below.

Happy shopping!

In case you didn’t already know, it’s down-right hostile out there in the world of holiday shopping. Just this afternoon, for instance, I was elbowed in the back so hard by an angry shopper that I probably could have brought battery/assault charges against her. So, how does one try and minimize exposure to the passive aggression and spazzing that goes hand in hand with shopping this time of year? Why not make one of the many December holiday craft shows your one-stop shop for your entire gift list. You’ll meet amazingly talented people and get some one of a kind presents in the process. Below is a gift guide featuring some of the beautifully made and unique wares I perused at Second Storie — an annual holiday craft fair in upstate New York that I wrote about here — to give you a peek at the types of goodies that could be awaiting your purchase at your local craft market.

For Your Lady Friends:

From top left, left to right: Handwoven Loop Scarf by Secret Pocket. These scarves are very, very soft and sumptuous in person — I would like to commission some sort of full body suit made of them.  Feather Cardigan in Grey by RedPrairiePress. Simple, flattering, and comfortable. Check, check, and check. Classic Sedum Rosette Posts by Mani Designs. With it’s rustic yet polished look, this nature-inspired jewelry literally looks as if it’s glowing. 1920s Vintage Reproduction Garter Set by Previously. These cheeky and girly garters are constructed with the same techniques used for garters in the 1920s. Light on Water Necklace by Foundling. Much of the jewelry by Foundling cleverly features recycled bits of paper or fabric. I bought a ring for a best friend that showcases words cut from an old book.

For the Kiddos:

From top left, left to right: Classic Night-Owl Night Light by Happy Owl Glassworks. I showed this owl night light to my thirty year old friend and she said she wanted one for herself. I think that says it all. Imaginary Monsters Comics, volume 1 by Imaginary Monsters. The plot summary of this comic book reads like every Sci-Fi obsessed kid’s dream: lizard wizards, necromancers (?), and a skull who lives in a dungeon. Birdie Onesie by Peekaboo Collective. This screen printed onesie is cute, but it’s the look on this child’s face that sells it for me. Animal Softies by Bookhou. Check this shop out —  there are awesome tea towels, cute baby bibs, and amazingly crafted chairs in store. These colorful animal dolls look like they could be both a wee one’s best friend and their pillow.

Deck the House:

Cake Plate and Cake Flags by Herriot Grace. I immediately need to own everything in this shop. These very beautiful hand carved wooden kitchen items will make anything you cook look 10 times more delicious and impressive. Dotted Garland by Shanna Murray. What a clever girl, this Shanna Murray. A wall decal that serves as a picture frame of sorts?! Yes (to cake) by The Maple Ridge. I think we can all agree on this one.  M is for Magazine. In Black. by Paper Doll Wood Shop. If you’re like me, this is not only a well-designed magazine holder, it’s a direly needed organizational and de-cluttering item.

Happy Holiday Shopping!!!

Have you unearthed any rare treasures at holiday craft fairs? Do you choose to shop at them instead of at other venues? Please write to us below!

Top: Image from 21 Assorted Muffin Recipes e-book by Etsy seller Ezebooks; Unusual Squared pie dish by Etsy seller Kadarit

From l to r: Ceramic measuring cups by Etsy seller In A Glaze; Vintage handmade rolling pin by Etsy seller Callooh Callay; Nesting bowls by Etsy seller Loris Hippy

Porcelain teapot #7 by Australian artist Samantha Robinson; Honey dipper by Etsy seller WoodElements; Tingle tangle spoons by Etsy seller AtelierOKER

Forest Friends Cookie Cutter Acorn by Etsy seller WeeWaldorf; Crow Kitchen Towel by Etsy seller Ooladesigns; Winter mugs by Etsy seller Marywibis;

Blue Kitchen Conversion by Etsy seller SweetFineDay; Apron SS0929 by Stanley & Sons Apron and Bag Co.

Take note: You need to hurry if you want to secure a space at the first ever Renegade Austin–applications are due this Friday!  The deadline for Portland’s Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale is also fast approaching with a Feb. 15 due date.

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Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale
Portland, OR
Show Dates: May 1-2
Application Deadline: 2/15/2010 (apply now)
craftywonderland.com

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Renegade Craft Fair Austin
Austin, TX
Show Dates: May 15-16
Application Deadline: 2/5/2010 (apply now)
renegadecraft.com/austin

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Bazaar Bizarre Maker Faire SF
San Mateo County Expo Center
Show Dates: May 22-23
Application Deadline: 3/16/2010 (apply now)
bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco

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Renegade Craft Fair Brooklyn
Brooklyn, NY
Show Dates: June 5-6
Application Deadline: 3/5/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/brooklyn

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Renegade Craft Fair LA
Los Angeles , CA
Show Dates: July 24-25
Application Deadline: 4/2/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/los-angeles

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Renegade Craft Fair SF
San Francisco , CA
Show Dates: July 31-August 1
Application Deadline: 4/2/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/san-francisco

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Renegade Craft Fair Chicago
Chicago, IL
Show Dates: September 11-12
Application Deadline: 6/11/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/chicago

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Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair
Washington, DC
Show Date: October 2
Application Deadline: 7/5/2010 (info)
www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards

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Holiday Renegade Craft Fair Chicago
Chicago, IL
Show Dates: December 4-5
Application Deadline: 10/15/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/holiday-chicago

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Holiday Bazaar Bizarre SF
Fort Mason Center
Show Dates: December 11-12
Application Deadline: TBD
www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco/

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Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale
Portland, OR
Show Dates: December 11-12
Applications will be available in early September
craftywonderland.com

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Holiday Renegade Craft Fair SF
San Francisco, CA
Show Dates: December 18-19
Application Deadline: 10/15/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/holiday-sf

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Art vs. Craft
Milwaukee, WI
Saturday, Nov. 28th

Did I miss one?  Tell us about it in the comments.

December 11-13, 2009 (Preview Night December 10)
Pier 94, New York

After 35 years in Toronto, and 8 in Chicago, the One of a Kind Show and Sale is now making its New York City debut. The One of a Kind Show and Sale is a huge holiday shopping event featuring fine art and craft from hundreds of unique artisans and designers from across North America. Every item for sale will be made by hand, and every artist represented will be in attendance.

Join Hello Craft in the Awesome Area to try out free craft projects, participate in handmade seminars, and much more!

Win Tickets
We’re giving away 6 pairs of tickets to this show; each ticket is good for all four days!  To win, just comment to this post and share your favorite place to shop handmade in NYC or tell us who your favorite NYC crafter or designer is.

Deadline to enter is November 30th.

We’ll be posting more information the One of a Kind Show soon, so stay tuned.

For more information, please visit oneofakindshowny.com.