(Photo: Lynne Harty)

Nicole McConville spends her work days thinking about decoupage and origami, sawdust firing and slab building, felting and T-shirt embroidering – even about how to combine gourd decorating and basketry. But the 35-year-old Asheville, North Carolina, resident isn’t planning the ultimate multimedia craft project. Instead, she’s overseeing the Craft Your Life line for Lark Crafts, a local publisher of art and craft books that’s been in business since the 1980s. She calls the range, which includes everything from how-to books for beginners to titles on hard-core homesteading, “a loose umbrella” covering technique, community, and lifestyle. “Our aim,” she says, “is to appeal to everyone from the curious dabbler simply seeking a creative outlet to the serious studio practitioner wishing to add techniques and inspiration to their arsenal.”

Lark has always done that. Some of its older titles include 2 x 4 Furniture, Basketry: The Shaker Tradition, and 45 Fine & Fanciful Hats to Knit. But the year-and-half-old Craft Your Life initiative is designed to respond to a new conception of craft. “Today people see crafts not just as a hobby but as part of a homegrown, handmade, do-it-yourself lifestyle choice,” says McConville, who’s been with Lark for 14 years. “With craft’s expansion – and its happy collision with self-sufficiency and community movements – lines have blurred.” So alongside Quick & Easy Paper Crafts and Big Little Felt Universe have come 2010’s Homemade Living: Canning & Preserving and Homemade Living: Keeping Chickens, as well as this year’s Homemade Living: Home Dairy and Homemade Living: Keeping Bees.

The last four are the work of Ashley English, a friend of McConville’s who’d left the rat race in Washington, D.C., for Asheville – and then left Asheville for a 12-acre organic farm in tiny Candler, North Carolina. Her timing was fortuitous. “Just as I was conceiving of the series and seeking a way to tackle such big topics,” McConville says, “Ashley was making a personal commitment to shift from an office job as a nutritional consultant to a full-time writer and homesteader. … We thought that it would provide readers with a truly sincere experience if Ashley wrote from the perspective of someone learning by doing. She learned to can, raise chickens, make cheese, and keep bees as she was researching and writing the books.”

McConville has her own “work in progress” garden, and her personal life can seem as diverse as Lark’s 35-title fall list. Besides tending to her tomatillos, she plays accordion and pursues her own art. Gathering together vintage photographs, old book pages, cast-off hardware, and the occasional dead animal, McConville creates moody, evocative boxes and encaustic collages influenced by the work of Joseph Cornell and the Brothers Quay. She’s exhibited nationwide and in Europe – and has also been featured in a Lark book, The Altered Object.

But even with all of that going on at home, McConville finds it difficult to leave her work entirely at the workplace. Homemade Living has had “a profound impact on the way in which I look at the world,” she says, “particularly the importance of food within a community. … It has been a delight to be a part of one project that has been part of a much larger paradigm shift.”

Over email, McConville chats about the business of making books for makers – and making time for yourself.

Tell us a little bit more about your job at Lark Crafts.

My days are never the same, filled with pockets of acquisitions work (seeking out trends and book ideas, discovering designers and authors, and mapping out plans for a well-balanced list), editorial and design guidance with my team, financial planning and analysis, big-picture strategies, digital programs, social media and networking, publicity and marketing, and more. Imagine someone juggling while riding a unicycle and singing and you’re getting close to a snapshot of a normal day.

As a working visual artist, I find that I am able to keep the two worlds of my day job and my creative pursuits separate. Having a full-time job does alleviate some pressure to sell my artwork, but it also leaves little time and energy for time in the studio. Finding a balance between the two is essential in maintaining my own feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction as a creative person.

Oooh! Can you really ride a unicycle?

I wish!

Can you juggle?

Just metaphorically. Don’t we all? I do dabble in the accordion, which sometimes feels like keeping a lot of balls in the air at the same time.

Signal, 2008, wooden drawer, found photos, sparrows, dictionary definition, metal tin, encaustic, nails (Photo: Steve Mann of Black Box Photography)

You mentioned “finding a balance” between your day job and your own independent artistic pursuits. What are some of the ways you do that, even if we’ve all heard them before? I want some practical advice!

One surefire trick I have found to guarantee a solid commitment to my artwork is to simply set some firm deadlines. … In order to really devote the time and energy required to not only create new work but also explore new ideas and techniques, I need a set timeline. I’ve found that participation in shows serves this function beautifully. If I know that I have a date by which I need to complete a single work or a collection of pieces, I will do everything in my power to meet those obligations. There’s certainly nothing wrong with the power of creative intention lining up with your calendar.

How did you got into assemblage?

I spent numerous years immersed in the world of correspondence art, exchanging elaborate letters and packages with friends around the world. Over time the desire to make those deliveries more and more enticing, playing with the sense of discovery of words and images being concealed and then revealed, drew me strongly towards collage and assemblage. The creative process was very much informed by the fact that each piece would eventually have an audience (of one or of many) that would interact with and explore the environment I had created. The incorporation of found objects simply seemed like such a natural fit for the medium, breathing new life into the forgotten to encourage a second look. … Over the years I have learned of the need to be discerning in my acquisition of objects. I simply listen to that inner pull that draws me to something. I may know right away that it will find its way into a piece, or (more often than not) I’ll tuck it away until the perfect moment presents itself.

What’s one of the most interesting things you’ve found that inspired you to build a piece around it?

There are too many wonderful things to spotlight just one! I can say that the photos are usually what stands out the most as a starting-off point. There is something about the face of a long-departed stranger that elicits the desire to weave a story, or at least a new home, around it. I find photos everywhere from junk shops and antique malls to the generous offerings of family and friends. I’ll be honest, though – it takes quite a bit of digging to find the one image that truly stands out.

Mask Series, 2010, vintage photos, rat skulls, toothpicks, encaustics (Photo: Steve Mann of Black Box Photography)

In your own work you do a lot with encaustic, which is one of those media that people often learn from someone else as opposed to teaching themselves. It’s not super-straightforward to work with. Lark Crafts hasn’t yet published a how-to book on encaustic, but it has done books on basketry, bookbinding, kiln-formed glass, and other potentially intimidating crafts. How does Lark ensure that its how-to books are actually how-to?

We at Lark are mindful of our curatorial role and the need for quality, dependable content. For those who need a lot of hand-holding, you-can-do-it assurances, and guidance, we rely on the experienced voices of our authors and designers, many of which have extensive teaching experience. Since the world is moving more and more toward an interactive, visual model, we often offer extensive how-to photos in our books walking folks through every step of the process. And thanks to the ease and availability of digital tools, we also offer up bonus content, including downloadable patterns/templates/motifs, exclusive interviews, and features with our authors and contributors.

You talked about “seeking out trends” in crafting for your work with Lark. What does that entail?

The online world holds a significant amount of power in so many ways. Many of the tastemakers of today are curating what they view as the hottest trends, showcasing their own passions and musings, championing and supporting the vibrant culture of their respective communities. Just like anyone who spends a good deal of time online, we as publishing professionals develop our own favorites we frequent. … That said, tapping into that world is but one tool. It’s important to also reach out to various communities through in-person events such as indie craft fairs and industry-specific trade shows. To spend all of one’s time tucked away in an office without real interaction and engagement with the community would only permit a wee peephole view into what real crafters are actually excited about and genuinely interested in. We always try to have our eyes and ears open.

What do you see as current trends in crafting? Lark has published books on seemingly everything from the very ’70s craft of macramé to the currently big craft of soap making. Have you noticed some apparently bygone crafts or media that have resurfaced in new incarnations? What hasn’t come back?

I think one of the truly exciting things about contemporary crafts is the constant reinvention of traditions and techniques that have come before. … At Lark we’re very excited about the publication of a brand new series launching this September called PUSH. The aim is to highlight individuals who are truly redefining their craft, blurring the lines between art and craft, tradition and innovation. PUSH: Paper and PUSH: Stitchery, the first books in the series, will hopefully encourage a sense of excitement to explore new territories of very established areas.

It’s hard to pinpoint any particular craft that has not come back in one way or another. Yes, even macramé! As soon as I might call out an example here, you know it’s going to start to poke its head out as the latest craze. Just like fashion, things that may cause mockery and disdain today could reappear as an eye-opening, resurgent trend tomorrow.

How To Sell Your Work To Boutiques, Part 1: Getting Your Foot In the Door
Vianza
For many crafters who want to take their business to the next level, selling wholesale or consignment to brick and mortar shops is large but necessary step. Although it can be daunting, andis a financial risk, the rewards – both monetary and promotional – can be great. In this Viana article by Abby Kerr, many tips are laid out on how to approach and work with retailers, which should be added to any business plan.

Every Little Bit ~ Betz White on Zero-Waste in the Sewing Industry
Sew, Mama, Sew!
If you’re into the needle craft, sewer extraordinaire, Betz White, shares some fantastic ideas, on how to truly stay green with you craft by elminating as much waste as possible. From using digital patterns to applying no-cutting techniques, as well as upcycling household items (turn your pillow case into a nifty apron), White provides simple instructions on how to flex your creative muscle while saving a little corner of the environment.

Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colossal Spring Sale
Portland’s Art + Craft Extravaganza
Ever since our 2010 Summit of Awesome, we’ve had a love affair with everything Portland, Oregon. If you’re out that way, we implore you to stop by Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colossal Spring Sale (one-day only – May 7th) , to peruse and buy cool handmade goods, make crafts all day at the Collage table, and meet and greet several crafty authors, including Heidi Kenney, Susan Beal and Cathy Callahan.

Crafting a Career on the Road (and On Stage)
Torontoist
Life on the road in any sense can be hard, but comedian, crafter and blogger, Becky Johnson, makes it look awesome. In this Torontoist post, Johnson’s fascinating life is put in the spotlight: As a traveling comedian who started knitting, crocheting, and button-making as a part-time business, Johnson took her life on the road as an opportunity to sell her crafts, start The Sweetie Pie Press blog/shop and create Toronto’s favorite winter fair, City of Craft. She also recently got Kickstarter funding to get back on the road for an interactive crafting/blogging tour. This busy dame is definitely someone to check out.

Can Rob Kalin Scale Etsy?
Inc.com
If you sell on Etsy, you need to read this article by Max Chafkin. It’s a thought-provoking, behind the scenes look at Etsy, that includes a look at its investors, profit and where Founder, Rob Kalin, wants to take it the company as a whole. the article focuses on the main problem that plagues many business: How do you grow while thinking small?

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!

Step 1

I created a simple triangle design in Illustrator with the Hello Craft logo and repeated the design to fit as many flags on a single sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper.

Step 2

I exported the file from Illustrator and saved it as a .jpg. I then opened the file in the Silhouette software and scaled the file to fit on the page within the cutting guides.

Step 3

I then traced a simple triangle with the line tool in the Silhouette software and duplicated the shape to fit over each flag.

Step 4

I opened the cut style window to make sure that the cut lines were where they needed to be on the paper.

Step 5

I then sent the saved file to my inkjet printer directly from the Silhouette software.

Excuse the color, as my printer is running out of color ink, but: Printed!

Step 6

I then lined up the printed sheet on the adhesive cutting mat and loaded it into the machine.

Step 7

I lined up the mat with the guides found in the machine. Make sure you really pay attention to these lines to get the cut as close to where is should be as possible. I hit cut in the software, which sends the file to the Silhouette.

Step 8

After the machine was done cutting, I unloaded the cutting mat and pealed the little cut flags off of the adhesive cutting mat. Then using white glue, I attached two pieces together and glued them to a match that had it’s flammable head removed.

Ta Dah! Mini-Pennant Flag

Contest!

Don’t forget, we’re giving away one of these bad boys. For a chance to win, all’s you have to do is:

• Leave us a comment here.
• Follow us on Twitter and mention this contest in a mention with @hellocraft
• Friend us on Facebook and leave a comment about the contest for us there
• Stop by the Hello Craft booth (#57!) at Crafty Bastards and join our email list there for a chance to win.

That’s right! You have four chances to win! So hop to and good luck. The winner will be announced right here next week!

Only U.S. residents and only one winner per household

Here’s what your playing for:

• A Silhouette machine (a $299.99 value)
• Software for Windows XP/Vista, Mac
• Power cable, USB cable
• Two Cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media)
• One cutting blade
• $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store

If you decide to purchase a machine before October 4, use the discount code: WORLD to receive:

• $50 off (receive for $249.99)
• Two rolls of Heat transfer ($29.89 value)
• $10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store(Comes in the Box)
• Cutting Blade (Comes in the Box)
• Two Cutting Mats(Comes in the Box)

All for $249.99 (A savings of $79.98)

Punch needling is a marriage between embroidery and rug hooking. The process involves “punching” a threaded needled through fabric to make raised clusters of loops that create a pattern or image. The result is a plushy, soft look and texture. If embroidery were compared to a crisp colored pencil drawing, punch needling would be a hazy watercolor.

I was surprised to discover that punch needling is actually a very ancient craft, first practiced by the Egyptians who used bird bones as needles. It was especially en vogue in 15^th century Europe to embellish religious clothing and tapestries, and by sailors who busied themselves making rugs on long voyages.

Japanese Tokyo Bunka Cottage Farmhouse Embroidery Kit from Etsy shop AliceStitchesArts

The Japanese are also fans of the punch needle, although their slightly different process, Bunka, uses of a specific thread called koya to create very detailed  “thread paintings.” Possibly the most well known punch needle tradition is Igolochkoy, a method preserved by the Russian Old Believers. The Old Believers broke off from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17^th century, and subsequently formed their own reclusive culture that still uses this embroidery today.

Personally, when I think of punch needling I flashback to the tacky badges and appliqués that were ironed onto backpacks or jeans in the early 90’s. But punch needling is making a stylish comeback, and it’s exciting to see how designers are re-inventing its aesthetic in contemporary ways.

LaurenFish Design uses punch needle to add unexpected texture and detail to her kitschy pillows.

Image by Flickr user Patapri

Yuko Uemura of PataPri attaches embroideries to a solid background to create a colorful and dimensional wall hanging.

Vena Cava punch needle wrap dress via Opening Ceremony

Punch needle is even making an appearance in mainstream fashion- this outfit by Vena Cava offers a chic and modern alternative to the knit dress.

The punch needle tool looks a little intimidating-which means my curiosity was instantly piqued. So on a lazy Sunday I decided to expand my craft horizons and experiment. Included below are the fruits of my labor-a mini tutorial on how to get started, as well as some pictures of the process.

How to Thread and Embroider with a Punch Needle:

The punch needle is a pretty simple tool. It has a beveled needle protruding from the front of a hollow tube, and usually comes with a plastic or wire threader.

1. Begin by pushing your threader, looped end first, all the way through the hole in the top, pointed end of your punch needle so that the loop is now poking out of the open, bottom end of the tool.

2. Put embroidery floss through the loop end of the threader.

Then pull the non-looped end of the threader out of the front, pointed end, of the punch needle. The embroidery floss should now be threaded through the punch needle.

3. Now pass the threader through the eye of the needle on the needle’s beveled side (the open side).

4. Put the strand of floss coming out of the needle through the loop of the threader, and pull it back out the eye of the needle. The needle eye should now be threaded.

5. Remove the threader, and adjust the floss length so that only an inch or so is coming out of the needle end of the tool. Now you’re ready to start throwing punches…

To Punch Needle:

1. Secure your fabric, pattern side up, in an interlocking stitching hoop. Just as a reminder: when punching, you’re viewing the back or under side of your project, so that the finished result is visible on the other side of the fabric.

2. Punch through the fabric so that the needle completely penetrates. Then draw the needle back out, dragging it along the surface of the fabric, making sure that the beveled side of the needle is facing the direction you’re stitching.

3. Continue to punch following along your pattern. Make sure your punches are very close to one another, with as little space between as 1/32”.  It’s often easier to start with the larger shapes on your pattern first.

I’ll let you know how the rest of my project goes! If you have any tips, tricks or stories about punch needling, please feel free to share in the comments.

If you’re not able to attend the Summit in person, or are a lucky one or two day pass holder and still want to get in on the action for the other days you’re not in attendance, Etsy will be broadcasting a small selection of our super amazing schedule in the Virtual Labs.

We had so much fun doing this last year that we can’t wait to include all of you who can’t make it in person again this year! After the jump see the full schedule for the Summit of Awesome in the Etsy Virtual Labs.

Wednesday June 16

2pm PST Online Marketing Mistakes with Diane Gilleland
Don’t fall prey to these mistakes. Join Diane on a talk focused on common mistakes craft business owners make when they try to market in the online space. This includes broadcasting marketing messages in engagement spaces, blogging only about products, and failing to participate with other people in the online space.

Thursday June 17

1:00 pm PST Selling Online with Danielle Maveal
In this session, learn what it takes to make your products standout from the clutter that is the internet and run a successful online store.

2:30 pm PST How to pitch a magazine or blog with Kim Werker and Jena Coray
Every crafty entrepreneur loves press coverage, but you can’t wait for the press to find you – you have to knock right on the virtual door of media outlets and introduce yourself! We’ll discuss how to pitch your shop and products to blogs and magazines: which publications you should pitch to, the dos and don’ts to include in your intro email, what to expect, how to follow up, how to approach an editor or blogger about writing an article or a guest post, and much more. You’ll find the confidence you need to get out there and start showing the press how awesome you are!

3:45 pm PST Branding and Product Development with Ryan McAbery and Marlo Miyashiro
Need to take your business to the next level? This session will focus on branding your online presence, product development and pricing for profit. Participants are welcome to bring a product sample for a chance to discuss them after a short lecture.

Friday June 18

11 am PST Best of Etsy Success with Danielle Maveal
With over 3 million users, Etsy the online market place can sometimes be a bear to navigate. In this session, Danielle will review the best of the best of Etsy Success stories, chock full of helpful business advice and common sense solutions on how to make your shop run in tip top shape.

1:45 pm PST The Creative Community with Cathy Pitters, Torie Nguyen, Christine Claringbold and Rebecca Kerr
This panel will explore what a healthy creative community looks like; from craft fair organizers, nonprofit organizations and induvidual artists. Hear how each interacts and supports one another for a thriving artist community.

Join Hello Craft in the Etsy Virtual Labs this Tuesday, as we talk Craft Show 101!

With many indie craft fairs putting out their call for vendors for their Spring and Summer shows, it’s time to start filling out those applications.  Whether your applying to one fair or twenty, Hello Craft can help you get into the shows you want to be in!

From photo tips to vendor statements, to giving you the inside info on what craft fair organizers are looking for, we’ll be discussing it all!  Bring your questions, application stories and advice for other crafters to the Virtual Lab this Tuesday.

To take part in the Virtual Labs, you must be an Etsy registered user.
Not registered on Etsy? It’s easy and free –  Go here to sign up, then click into the Community tab, and then go to the Virtual Lab link from there.  See you in the Labs!

Etsy Virtual Labs
Craft Show 101, hosted by Hello Craft
Tuesday, March 17th
4pm EST
Online at Etsy.com

Here we continue with our series on the trials and tribulations of starting a craft business. Shall we learn together?

Sometimes finding the time to create, make and do the other 5,000 things associated with trying to get a craft business off the ground, is a tad bit overwhelming. I can be easily distracted by the most mundane things, like laundry. I have come to realize that I need a lot of structure to accomplish the many tasks that need doing and have a couple of tricks up my sleeve that I pull out when I need to get my butt in gear.

If my work area is cluttered or generally not clean, I’ll procrastinate to the nth degree. It’s so easy to leave all my crafting supplies out and about when I’m finished for the day. But I know that it will come back to haunt me the next, so I try and put everything away once I’m done. Sitting down to a clean and clear work space helps me to focus on the tasks at hand.

Taking five minutes before starting any work to write out a to do list, helps me see everything that I want to accomplish for the day. It is a great tool to organize the many tasks that accumulate and it is a great feeling to see the list dwindle when I can cross items off. It also gives me a clear end to my day, once everything is off the list, allowing me to get a head start on the next day’s tasks.

Another trick I learned from a past co-worker, is the other five minute rule. If there is a task that you are dreading to tackle, just do it for five minutes. Only five minutes, that’s it. After the five minutes are up, more than likely you won’t notice that the five minutes are over and so into the task that you’ll continue it until complete. Sometimes starting the task is all it takes to get it done. I find this also works for tasks that you might not be dreading but need a little incentive to get to it. So applying this technique to anything on your list will usually help get you through it.

Setting up a simple reward system has proven successful as well. If I’m currently embroiled in a page turner of a book, I start rewarding myself with chapters. I’ll complete one task on my to do list, then read a chapter. Cross another item off, I get to read another chapter. If books aren’t your thing, work for 50 minutes then reward yourself with 10 minutes of whatever reward works for you.

Have any other tips and tricks that help get you through your list? We want to know, please share in the comments.

Image by jek in the box

I have a confession to make. My craft business doesn’t have a name.

There, I said it. No big deal, but it is one. The name of your business is, well THE name of your business. It is something that helps guide your branding. It is the first impression people get of your shop, your products, your everything.

Names are important. It’s something that you have to live with day in and day out, for (hopefully) many years to come. It will be on legal documents. It will be on accounts that pay taxes.

In choosing a name, it seems that I could go one of two ways:

1) Use my name
2) Pick a made up name

There is a tradition among artists to go by your full name. This means that your work is tagged with your name and your name becomes your business name. But for indie crafters, having a made up business name seems to be the norm.

Since I mostly knit, if I go with a made up name, using a word like knit, or knitting would be advantageous because there wouldn’t be any doubt as to what I do. Pare that with an adjective to describe my work and that can be some good branding. For example, Sublime Stitching is a craft business that does unique embroidery. It sums it all up, right in the name.

If I were to start using my full name, people wouldn’t know what my business was about. I would have to work hard at associating my work with my name, a good tag line wouldn’t hurt either. Crafters with a successful ongoing career can use their name synonymously with their business name, for example Jenny Hart.

See what I did there? Sublime Stitching and Jenny Hart are the same thing. It’s a great goal to aim for for any crafter.

For anyone who might be in the same boat as me, there are some tech issues to consider when choosing a business name. You will need to register the name with your state. To do this you will need to search to see if your name is already taken.

The quickest and easiest way to do this is to search for your name online to see if the domain name is available. If a legitimate looking business pops up, you’ll have to find something else. You will also need to search within your Secretary of State’s office. Here in D.C. all business matters go through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. You should also search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

When you take the step to register your business you will start with your state. It is also recommended to register your name with the Trademark Office, since this protection of your name will extend nation wide. This is important to have, especially since many crafters have online shops which are not relegated to the state you are based in.

So how did you pick your business name? Do you want your real name associated with it? Let us know in the comments!

For more information about choosing a name for your business visit the Small Business Administration’s page on the subject.

Have you ever run into the problem of making with no one in mind to receive your handmade gift of awesome? So your thing of beauty ends up languishing away with no one to appreciate it?

Well no more! If you haven’t gotten around to trying your hand at selling, swap-bot is the perfect way to test your creativity out.

Swap-bot helps facilitate group snail mail and internet swaps. It removes the hassle of collecting swap participants and assigning swap partners. Once you sign up for a swap, Swap-bot will assign you a partner and someone else will be given your name. At the end of the swap, you will send off your lovely creation to your partner and you will be mailed something equally awesome from your other partner.

You can choose to enter a myriad of swaps from themed swaps, where people create and swap items related to the theme, to de-stash swaps, where you swap old crafting supplies. Each swap has rules that must be followed and if you sign up for a swap you must complete it! Imagine your partner thinking that they’ll be receiving a pretty sweet handmade item, but instead you blow them off. How rude!

You can even start a swap of your choosing, but are in charge of marketing and promoting the swap yourself. So if you want lots of people to join in, start working your networks!

A little marketing tip: No matter the swap, include a business or show card in the package. If your swap item is of exceptional quality, you might create some buzz around your work.

Have any experience with Swap-bot? Tell us about it in the comments.