CRAFT

Meet our CRAFT Artist Member Hank Goodman

noemail@craftonline.org — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Hank Goodman Hank Goodman creates Hank Goodman Stoneware in his studio in the mountains of North Carolina. Recycling large amounts of wood ash collected from families who heat with wood gives Goodmans stoneware the subdued and sensuous wood ash glazes that are its trademark. Wood warms twice is a popular expression in the densely forested western North Carolina mountains, referring to the warmth generated in the chopping and burning of wood. But through Hank Goodmans distinctive wood ash glazes, wood warms a third time in their lasting beauty. Somewhere between the distinctive glazes and graceful forms of Hank Goodmam’s pottery lies another layer, one you sense more than see. This is where individual artistry comes alive, drawing on subtle yet strong influences from centuries of art history, decades of family tradition, and years of personal experience. Hints of historical Oriental and Western vessels show up in each vase and bottle, teapot and sculpture. An...

3-May-08 3:00 AM

Niche Top Retailer Nominees D-H

noemail@craftonline.org — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

D Dancing to the Spirit of the Wood Hendersonville TN Dashka Roth Contemporary Jewelry New Orleans LA Datura Gallery Ivins UT Dayle Dunn Gallery Half Moon Bay CA De Novo Palo Alto CA Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery Shepherdstown WV Dollywood Pigeon Forge TN Dolphin Galleries Kahului HI Don Drumm Studios & Gallery Akron OH Don Muller Gallery Northampton MA Dovecote Westport CT DVVS New York NY E Earth & State Media PA Earthenworks Gallery La Conner WA Earthwood Artisans & Collections Estes Park CO East Wind Silver Co ...

18-Apr-08 9:00 AM

Niche Nominees for Top Retailer

noemail@craftonline.org — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

a-c # 9th Street Gallery Newport OR A Adamm’s Stained Glass Gallery Santa Monica CA Alcove Gallery & Studio Atlanta GA A Mano Gallery New Hope PA Abacus - Boothbay Boothbay Harbor ME Abacus Gallery - Portland Portland ME Accentrics, Ltd. Mequon WI Accents & Images Lahaska PA The Afternoon Omaha NE Alaska Glass Gallery Anchorage AK The American Artisan,Inc. Nashville TN American Craftsman Galleries New York NY American Craftworks Collection Annapolis MD American Folk Art Museum New York NY Ann Arbor Art Center Ann Arbor MI ...

18-Apr-08 9:00 AM

Niche Top Retailer Nominees I-Z

noemail@craftonline.org — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

I i d Provincetown MA Iago Blowing Rock NC Idyllwild Gallery of Fine Art Idyllwild CA I. Gorman Jewelers Washington DC Imagine Santa Barbara CA Imagine Artwear Alexandria VA Imagine, Art for Adornment Skaneateles NY Impulse Gallery Provincetown MA indigenous, a handcrafted gallery Cincinnati OH Indigo Moon Gallery Manteo NC Intermission Philadelphia PA Iowa Artisans Gallery Iowa City IA Iris at the Basin Park Eureka Springs AR Island Style Gallery Key West FL J Jane Sauer Gallery Santa Fe NM J. Parkes Originals ...

18-Apr-08 9:00 AM

POS SURVEY/INITIAL RESPONSES

noemail@craftonline.org — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

CRAFT has received over 20 responses to its initial request for information about POS (Point of Sale) systems that members are using. To date members indicate they are using the following systems: Artisan, Certek Software Designs, Inc., www.certek-software.com. (Artisan/Certek is a member of CRAFT and will be exhibiting at ACRE) Quickbooks Point of Sale, Intuit, www.quickbooks.intuit.com. (enter pos in search) ICE, CAM Commerce Solutions, www.camcommerce.com. (This program is basically offered for free or next to nothing as an introduction to the more advanced CAM products) DACEASY, Sage, www.daceasy.com. PAYGO, Christian James, Inc., www.christianjames.net. Retail 2005 (there are later editions), Seaport, www.seaportsoftware.com. Retail Pro, www.retailprosoftware.com. MicroBiz, CAM Commerce Solutions, www.microbiz.com. (MicroBiz was a separate company that CAM acquired several years ago which it continues to support.) Shopkeeper, www.shopkeeper.com. POSIM, Ensign...

18-Apr-08 8:00 AM

Recession-Proof Your Business

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT

From Business Week Small Biz experts tell you how to prepare for the worst—stay lean, talk to your customers, and dont stop hiring and marketing by Karen E. Klein This year stock values have taken a wild ride, fueled by worrying economic news, from the mortgage crisis to home sales declining to a credit crunch. While a formal recession can only be declared in hindsight, talk of a downturn—or at least a slowdown—has been rampant. Whats a small business owner to do if the current economic climate extends through 2008? Business consultants are busy weighing in on this question, so we rounded up some of their advice. Dont be caught off guard if the slowdown hits your company, says Gregg Landers, director of growth management consulting at CBIZ Accounting Tax & Advisory Services, San Diego. Prepare a worst-case, 12-month cash flow scenario. Assume a 10% to 20% drop in revenues and identify what changes you would make and when, he says. If you need to, improve your management reporting...

10-Feb-08 7:00 AM

CRAFT Today - Newsletter January 2008.

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:07:00 GMT

January 2008 Hello [firstname], Welcome to CRAFT Today January 2008 This month we are sending our newsletter in 2 formats As a pdf that you can download and print - Click Here Or read each individual article by clicking on the title below: In This Newsletter Presidents Column CRAFT Marketing Plan to be unveiled at Annual Dinner Philadelphia BMAC...

20-Jan-08 12:07 PM

Kentucky Crafted - The Market

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:00:00 GMT

KENTUCKY CRAFTED: THE MARKET 2008
Open to the Public Saturday, March 8, 2008 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 9, 2008 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)

Open to the Trade Thursday, March 6th, 3 - 7 pm EST Friday, March 7th, 9 am - 6 pm
South Wing B Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, Kentucky

20-Jan-08 10:00 AM

NYIGF Feb 2008

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Are you going to the New York International Gift Fair the first week of February?

Once again, the show is offering benefits to CRAFT members that make our lives easier, provide opportunities for networking and education.

Use of the Club Lounge at Javits 1E03. This is the room on the basement level past the food services. We can hang coats, leave luggage and use the seating and computers! Retail members: pick up some lunch and join us everyday at 12:30 to chat and exchange exciting finds. Artist members: exhibitors are not allowed in the Lounge. However, they are letting us use the attached meeting room on Monday at 12:30 for you to join us. We'd love to see you if you can get away.

NYIGF is giving all members the opportunity to attend one educational session free. Go to www.nyigf.com/invite to sign up. Use promo code - NYIGF 208.

Donna Milstein will be on the panel "Made in the USA: Sourcing and Selling American-Made Products" on Friday 2-3 PM, Javis A02-03. If you would like to attend free and support Donna email Cathy Steel for free tickets (in addition to the free one above) Cathy Steele by Jan 25.

Also - in searching the show site I found a few interesting things. Will you be in NY on Friday? There is a free breakfast sponsored by Crafts Report 8:30 - 10 am in the Lobby Hall 1D.

Then head to the Piers. Go to the Transportation Desk and ask for a free metro card to use in the city.

First come basis until they last. Then enter a raffle for a free dinner certificate for Friday night. Enter by filling out a form at the rear of Pier 92, the 40,000 aisle of Pier 94 or the Special Events Booth at Javits by 2 PM. Winners will be called between 2 and 3 PM on Friday.

- Karen Hohler

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

Table Topics Lead by CRAFT at BMAC Feb 2008

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Table Topics Breakfast Seminar Sunday, Feb 17, 8:30-10AM Room 201A $25 in advance, $30 at door TOPICS TABLE 1: Customer service and beyond. Create a reputation for outstanding customer service that will make your customers return again and again. Tips and ideas will be shared to help you stand out from the rest. Led by Pam Corwin, Paper Scissors Rock. TABLE 2: Hopping on the Green Bandwagon. How to sell high style, earth friendly home furnishings and gifts. What works - What doesnt. A discussion on how to incorporate environmentally friendly items into your inventory from a store thats been doing it for eleven years. Led by Jenn Sem, Home and Planet. TABLE 3: The basics of Web marketing (a beginner course for retailers). Designed to meet the needs of retailers just beginning to establish their web presence, these web-savvy leaders will share basics and practical tips to help you market your business on the web. Led by Diane and Madis Sulg, Maddis Gallery. TABLE 4:...

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

“To everything , turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn…”

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Remember that old Byrds song? It popped into my head when I was talking to someone recently about after-holiday sales - how far to take them, how to get ready for the next round of wholesale shows. To everything there is a season. And turn is the name of the game. Sounds like some good retailing principles in that song to me! After several years in business (back in the dark ages when we learned by the seat of our pants and there was no one to talk to, network with) I began to realize that every inch of space is valuable. If an item is not selling, has stopped selling, is seasonal its costing money. Its taking up the space of something else that will sell. It is impossible to make the right product choices all the time. Sometimes wonderful work just isnt going to sell to your particular clientele. After moving it within the store at least three times and trying it in the windows and it still doesnt sell its time to consider moving that work out of the store. At the end of...

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

USA - United States Artists

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

In 2003, the Urban Institute published Investing in Creativity: A Study of the Support Structure for U.S. Artists, http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411311_investing_in_creativity.pdf. This 107-page report was funded by 36 different foundations and apparently somebody not only read it but did something about it. In 2005, USA, not the country but the charitable organization, United States Artists, www.unitedstatesartists.org. was founded. By 2006, the organization had rounded up $20,000,000 in seed money from the likes of the Ford, Rockefeller, Prudential and Rasmussen Foundations with more coming in from some individual donors. USA has a stated mission: To nurture, support, and strengthen the work of Americas finest living artists And a stated vision: To ignite and endow the creative potential of America So what does that mean where the rubber meets the road? For USA, one thing that those statements of mission and vision meant immediately was creation of USA Fellowships...

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

Matching Service - a new service of CRAFT

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

CRAFT is continually looking for ways that it can provide additional service to its members. The association recognizes certain unique qualities of craft retailing that make the sale of a gallery distinguishable from the sale of other businesses. CRAFT believes that it is in the best interest of the entire American craft community that viable galleries continue in business after the founders of that gallery decide it is the right time for them to retire or move along. Sale of a going American craft retailing business at its fair market value is preferable to liquidation and closure or distress sale. The entire craft community, other American craft retailers and artists alike, suffers when an otherwise viable gallery closes merely because of the hassles and inconveniences of locating a qualified buyer. Who else is more likely to personally be interested in or know others not now in the business that might be interested in acquiring a going concern than a CRAFT member? somebody who...

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

BULLETIN/BULLETIN

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

THIS JUST IN: The Travel Section of the Sunday New York Times for January 13, 2008 included a an article recommending visitors check out a usually missed neighborhood in Philadelphia called Fish Town. Those interested should check out the article at:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/travel/13dayout.html?scp=1&sq=fish+town%2C+philadelphia.

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

CRAFT Booth at ACC in Baltimore

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Are you going to Baltimore? For the first time CRAFT will have a booth there. Can you spare an hour and help us cover the booth?

This is an important opportunity for CRAFT. There will be buyers there who do not come to Philly. Please help. No experience necessary other than your usual wonderful self! Please email Karen Hohler at hohassoc@aol.com

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

EATS - At the Shows

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

There are two things CRAFT members do every February, go to shows and eat - not necessarily in that order. Wouldnt you know it? Craftees just cant catch a break when it comes to gastronomical bargains while making the show rounds in early 2008. Not one of the likely itinerary stops, Philly, Baltimore or NYC matches up with a Restaurant Week this year. (OK if you go a little early to NYC you can catch the tail end of one, January 28 through February, check out www.opentable.com for participants and deals.) Cest la vie. You are still going to eat, so lets see what Zagats and Open Table and other unreliable sources suggest as new, different or funky. NYC---Not enough room to list but here are some places to consider: 1. db Bistro Moderne, 55 W. 44th Street, 212-391-2400, www.Danielnyc.com. Daniel Boulud food in a casual and convivial (that means a little loud) atmosphere at one half the price. Dont pass on dessert. 2. Nobu 57, 40 W. 57th Street, 212-757-3000,...

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

Marketing Through Networking

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Two and a half years ago I moved Whippoorwill 4 blocks and you would have thought I had set up shop in another country. After 25 years at one location I found myself running a new business. I could fill this newsletter with great marketing ideas, campaigns and dollars spent that didnt bring in new business. This fall I ran into two ideas that did work both generated by loyal customers and both involving women seeking to network. Long time customer Bonnie wanted to meet other women working in Bostons Financial District. She asked if we would consider hosting a networking night. Yes, we certainly would consider it and did, twice. What is it? Its an evening of cheese and mulled cider and talking. We ran it from 5 6:30 PM so women could stop by after work. We put out an invitation through Constant Contact to our mailing list. We handed out invitations to every woman who came into the store. We asked them to take invitations back to their offices and post them on bulletin...

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

CRAFT(ING) ON LINE

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Who am I? 1. I am 2 ½ years old and come from Brooklyn. 2. I have over 70,000 members around the country. 3. 90% of my members are women. 4. I sold approximately 2,000,000 items, worth a total of about $26.5 million, in 2007. 5. I sold 300,000 items for a total of more than $4.3 million in November 2007 alone. 6. I charge a listing fee of 20 cents for each item and receive a 3.5% commission on every sale. 7. I am a member of the Handmade Consortium (http://buyhandmade.org) 8. My investors include Union Square Ventures and the founders of Flickr and del.icio.us 9. I anticipate being profitable sometime in 2008. Who am I? If I could talk I might say Im Etsy, or more precisely, www.Etsy.com , and have been described as a cross between Amazon and eBay or an online craft fair in such publications as the New York Times Magazine (Handmade 2.0, 12/16/07) and Business Week. If you were to ask me, I may just be the next big thing in American craft....

20-Jan-08 9:00 AM

CRAFT Marketing Plan to be unveiled at Annual Dinner

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Friday, February 15 6 pm cocktails, 7 pm Dinner at the Loew’s, Phildaelphia Register online at www.CRAFTonline.org click on Register now online How can C.R.A.F.T. help your business grow? Attend the annual meeting and dinner at 6PM, Friday, February 15, at the Loews Hotel, Philadelphia to hear exciting news! Havent we all wished that we had the advertising budget of that big retail chain down the street? And great ads designed by professional designers? And sophisticated in-store graphics? And the instant recognition and power of a great brand like the Target bulls-eye? Think of how our businesses could boom if we had that kind of pull with consumers! The C.R.A.F.T. board of directors has spent much time over the past year thinking and talking about how we can more effectively market American craft to consumers, and do that in a way that specifically benefits our C.R.A.F.T. members. To help guide us in this project, the board has worked with...

20-Jan-08 8:00 AM

Presidents Column - January 2008

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:00:00 GMT

            January 2008. What happened to 2007? How come I didn't get done half of what I intended to do? I've come to the conclusion that to be in retail is to be overwhelmed. We prioritize with a vengeance. It means living with lists. It means snips of paper that I stick in my pockets when I remember something I need to do because if I wait to add the thought to my list I will have forgotten what the thought was by the time I find the list again.

             I worry about the number of CRAFT members who haven't taken advantage of all the wonderful cost saving programs we offer. And I think it's just because we are overwhelmed. We have so much to do that we don't make time to take advantage of the things that are in our own best interest. I do the same thing. Even though I use Constant Contact, I haven't signed up for the part that saves me money! Duh?? It's on my list. It's been on my list for 6 months. Well, I'll get there 'cause it's on the list.

             So, starting with this issue and in every future issue, we're going to list the names, phone numbers, and emails of every contact for every program that will save you time and money. Add them to your list. One of these months you and I will do everything we can to save money and improve our businesses!

             See you at the Shows! - Karen Hohler    HohAssoc@aol.com

20-Jan-08 8:00 AM

CREATING CRAFT CONSUMERS, COLLECTORS & LEADERS

noemail@craftonline.org — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:45:00 GMT

The 2008 Craft Organization Development Association (CODA) international leadership conference will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 10-13, 2008. The theme of this year’s conference is Creating Craft Consumers, Collectors & Leaders and will include the following sessions: Relationship of Collectors and Institutions, Interior Designers Using Craft Items, Selling Craft on Organization Websites, Wisdom of Hands (an arts in education program concept), Marketing and Promoting Your Craft Organization and Creative Economies Assessment along with the following standing peer group discussions. 1. Guilds/Membership Organizations 2. Craft/Art Schools and Education Center/Programs 3. Craft Exhibition Presenters /Museums/Galleries 4. Fairs/Festivals/Shows 5. Public Service/Development/Government Agencies Speaker, agenda and all conference details can be found on the CODA website: www.codacraft.org/pages/08/agenda.htm Registration for the three day conference is $245, with the early...

10-Oct-07 9:45 PM

Another Opening Another Show

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show - Milwaukee September 29 & 30, 2007

The Second Annual Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show / Milwaukee took place on September 29^th and 30^th at the Midwest Airlines Center in the heart of downtown.

With approximately 125 exhibitors, the show was small but the works represented by these artisans was exquisite. With wood crafts making up the majority of exhibitors, other artists displayed works of glass, metal, fabric, jewelry, photography, paintings. Also represented were a handful of galleries and several trade exhibitors primarily in the publishing arena.

As in its first year, there were a significant number of woodworkers displaying larger pieces (dining room tables and chairs, sideboards for example) for retail sale in the several thousand dollar range. Aside for a rare ornament or two, attendees were hard pressed to find much in the $100 or under range. Regardless, the skill and quality of work shown was unparalleled.

Unfortunately there was a noticeable paucity of attendees and buyers. Unofficial numbers were 600 people were admitted on Saturday and a mere 300 on Sunday. Day 2 undoubtedly fell victim, in part, to "Packer fever" a common occurrence for those of us in the retail trade during the Fall football season.

From the comments I heard, the show produced very few buyers, if any, for most exhibitors. Those selling larger pieces may, however, see leads following through in the next several weeks or months.

Show dates for 2008 have already been set. It appears that show organizers will need to do a better job of getting the word out next year to boost attendance. Marketing needs to be improved. Perhaps they should consider partnering with local and regional galleries to raise awareness of this quality show.

Barclay Gallery & Garden Café
158 South Barclay St
Milwaukee WI 53204
414/347-0500

10-Oct-07 8:00 PM

What Are You Getting out of CRAFT?

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Glad you signed up for CRAFT? Finding personal and business rewards because of it? Lots of us can answer a resounding YES! If you can’t, why not? Let me ask, what are your expectations from CRAFT? Do you expect to pay your dues and have wonderful things fall in your lap? Guess what. They won’t. CRAFT is a participatory organization. The first part is easy to participate: Sign up with Bank of America and save on credit card fees. Call Karen Black at - Office 301-493-2864 Cell 443-418-5530 Sign up with Packaging Specialties and save money on your bags and boxes with fifth column pricing (I saved $2,000 my first year). Call Eric Shea at 1-800-722-7732. Sign up with Constant Contact for sending out enews. http://craftonline.constantcontact.com Attend Table Topics at the Philadelphia and Las Vegas wholesale shows. Call into the educational teleconferences such as the recent ones on Constant Contact, Public Relations and Hiring Good Employees. Utilize the...

10-Oct-07 8:00 PM

CRAFT Teleconference - Email Marketing August 29th

noemail@craftonline.org — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:36:09 GMT

Hello [firstname], Craft Retailers Association for Tomorrow presents a series of Teleconferences this fall. The first is Email Marketing - registration deadline is August 28. Cost is $22. Sign up online by clicking register. Email Marketing Speakers Name: Alec Stern, VP Strategic Market Development, Constant Contact Day: Wed 29-Aug-07 1:00 PM Location: Teleconference Summary: In this session you will learn how permission-based email communication can solidify existing relationships, initiate new ones and convert...

26-Aug-07 9:36 PM

Proxy Vote

noemail@craftonline.org — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

CRAFT Candidates Proxy Ballot 2007 CRAFT Candidates for Election PROXY BALLOT 2007 The undersigned member of the Craft Retailers’ Association For Tomorrow (hereafter CRAFT) hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Gloria Brooke, or in her absence, the President of CRAFT, as proxy of the undersigned to attend, act and vote for and on behalf of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of the members of CRAFT to be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at Gallery Morada, 81611 Old Hwy., Islamorada, FL, 33036 beginning at 2 PM, local time and any adjournment thereof. In voting for Directors of CRAFT, my proxy is instructed to cast my votes as follows: (Circle either Specific or General authority below) 1. SPECIFIC PROXY: Cast my votes only for the candidate(s) whose name I have selected below and no others unless indicated in (3)...

22-Jul-07 11:00 PM

Table Topics Lead by CRAFT

noemail@craftonline.org — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Table Topics Breakfast Seminar Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 8:30-10AM Room 201A $25 in advance, $30 at door TOPICS TABLE 1: The basics of Web marketing (a beginner course for retailers). Designed to meet the needs of retailers just beginning to establish their web presence, these web-savvy leaders will share basics and practical tips to help you market your business on the web.Led by Diane and Madis Sulg, Maddi’s Gallery. TABLE 2: Customer service and beyond. Create a reputation for outstanding customer service that will make your customers return again and again. Tips and ideas will be shared to help you stand out from the rest. Led by Pam Corwin, Paper Scissors Rock. TABLE 3: How to hire, train and retain good employees. Learn to cut down on costly employee turnover and have happy, productive employees for the long term. Led by: Donna Milstein, Hanson Galleries TABLE 4: Hopping on the Green Bandwagon. How to sell high style, earth friendly home furnishings and gifts. What...

22-Jul-07 11:00 PM

[firstname], CRAFT Newsletter 22-Jul-07

noemail@craftonline.org — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:56:23 GMT

Hello [firstname], Welcome to the CRAFT newsletter for July 2007! To read the newsletter by download via pdf file CLICK HERE or read individual articles by clicking on the titles below In this newsletter From the President Have you renewed your membership? We need your proxy vote for Board elections before July 24th! Philly newworking social Dont miss the CRAFT Networking Social at BMAC, Saturday August 4th 6PM room 202 A ...

22-Jul-07 7:56 PM

Have you renewed your membership?

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

You can renew online at www.craftonline.org.
You should have received an email with your user id and password. If you did not please email info@craftonline.org and request this information be sent again.

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

We need Your Current Email Address

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

More and more we will be relying on email to keep in touch with CRAFT Members - so it is crucial that we always have your current address.
If you change it please change it in your user file on the website, if you don’t know how to do it please send your new email address to the office at info@craftonline.org and we will update your file.

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

Craft In America

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

         You should hopefully be aware of CRAFT’s support of the CRAFT IN AMERICA program. If this is news to you go to www.CRAFTINAMERICA.org for more information. Copies of the DVD can be purchased and info about ordering the book for resale can be gotten at the CRAFT booth in Philly
          About the Craft in America Organization - Craft is all around us, giving pleasure as well as serving a function. It is inspirational as well as useful. It is the best representation of who we are as a culture. Craft is democratic -- broad enough to accommodate anyone who makes something or appreciates the handmade. In short, craft is us.
          Our mission is to document and advance original handcrafted work through programs in all media, accessible to all Americans. We are dedicated to the exploration, preservation and celebration of craft, the work of the hand, and their impact on our nation’s cultural heritage.
          Carol Sauvion, Executive Director, Craft In America, Inc.

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

CRAFT Members - We need your involvement

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

To make this organization work for you, your involvement is necessary!

Getting involved in CRAFT isn’t that hard -

- come to the social at BMAC, Saturday August 4th 6PM room 202 A.

- send us your thoughts as Karen requests in her letter in this newsletter

- send in questions on anything you want from store design, POS, merchandising, lighting, etc - answers/responses will be sought from experts and published in upcoming Friday emails and newsletters. Send these questions to UScraft@aol.com.

- stop by the CRAFT Booth in Philly and buy a CRAFT pin and a leather badge holder.

- bring photos, brochures and business cards to the booth to put in our CRAFT book.

- submit articles or websites of interest to share with other members by sending them to uscraft@aol.com.

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

See You in Philly!

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Don't miss the CRAFT Networking Social
at BMAC, Saturday August 4th 6PM room 202 A

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

CRAFT Partners with Constant Contact

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

         CRAFT has teamed up with Constant Contact®,the leading email marketing service for small businesses, to bring you a new and exciting way to stay in touch with your most important audience, your customers. With Constant Contact, email marketing is easy, affordable, and effective.
          In just minutes, you can: Communicate consistently with your customers and prospects, send great-looking, professional email newsletters, and announcements, Track which customers are opening your emails and what links they are clicking on, build and manage your email addresses.
          As a CRAFT member, sign up for Constant Contact and get an extra 10% discount when you prepay. This becomes a 20% discount for 6 months and 25% for 12 months.
          Sign up for a 60 Day Trial by visiting http://craftonline.constantcontact.com
If you are already a Constant Contact user, all you need to do is send your username to uscraft@aol.com and CRAFT will take care of the rest.

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

Orphans Act - It's effect on the crafts industry

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Orphan Works Act is legislation that changes significantly the way copyright protection works. Below is a sample letter that can be written to your Senator, Congressman and Congressman Lamar Smith asking them to stop this legislation from passing. For questions regarding this issue contact Rich Kolb at rich@yardbirds.info. To Your Senator, Congressman and Congressman Lamar Smith: Re: Copyright Modernization Act of 2006/ORPHAN WORKS ACT (previously HR 5439) Dear ____________: I am writing to you as a resident of _____________________ (insert City, State) and a member of Craft Retailers Association for Tomorrow (C.R.A.F.T.) to emphatically oppose the proposed Orphans Works Act legislation. C.R.A.F.T. is a trade association of craft designers and producers and the galleries that sell American-made crafts. The Orphans Works Act is a significant threat to the American crafts industry. The legislation’s provisions attempt to address the scenario where someone wishes...

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

We need your proxy vote for Board elections before July 24th!

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Please go to http://www.craftonline.org/en/cms/?476 and print out the proxy,
sign it and fax it to the CRAFT Office at 305-664-0199 before Tuesday July 24th.
We cannot do this online because we need your signature.

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

Breakfast in New York

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

A breakfast is available to retailers of handmade American craft on Saturday August 11th, 8-10 AM, sponsored by The Crafts Report.

22-Jul-07 0:00 AM

From the President

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:00:00 GMT

This is the kick-off of a new feature in CRAFT Today - a regular column of News from the President.

From the President

       First, I'd like to thank Gloria Brooke (Brooke Pottery) and David Brooks (Appalachian Spring) for 5 years on the Board as President and Chairman of the Board. You can not begin to imagine the number of hours these two people have dedicated to CRAFT to get the organization started, growing and the new web site up and running. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
       The Board of CRAFT meets monthly by teleconference. However, after the show in Philadelphia in August we stay an extra day, sit down and talk face to face. It's a fabulous day.
We are now planning for the next 5 years of CRAFT at the this meeting. What would you like to see CRAFT doing? What issues do you feel we should tackle? We would love your input, now, before the August meeting.
       If I could, I would personally stay in touch with each and every member of CRAFT - don't I wish I had the time! However, if you have anything to say please get in touch.
       My email is hohassoc@aol.com and my cell phone is 617-571-5267. I'd love to hear from you.
Karen Hohler
CRAFT President

21-Jul-07 8:00 AM

CRAFT It's Friday!

noemail@craftonline.org — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:46:06 GMT

Untitled Document

Hello [firstname],

Welcome to the CRAFT newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

14-Jul-07 8:46 PM

CRAFT Newsletter Summer 2007

noemail@craftonline.org — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

CRAFT Today Summer 2007

This is the kick-off of a new feature in CRAFT Today - a regular column of News from the President.

Firstly, I'd like to thank Gloria Brooke (Brooke Pottery) and David Brooks (Appalachian Spring) for 5 years on the Board as President and Chairman of the Board. You can not begin to imagine the number of hours these two people have dedicated to CRAFT to get the organization started, growing and the new web site up and running. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The Board of CRAFT meets monthly by teleconference. However, after the show in Philadelphia in August we stay an extra day, sit down and talk face to face. It's a fabulous day. We are now planning for the next 5 years of CRAFT at the this meeting. What would you like to see CRAFT doing? What issues do you feel we should tackle? We would love your input, now, before the August meeting.

If I could, I would personally stay in touch with each and every member of CRAFT - don't I wish I had the time! However, if you have anything to say please get in touch. My email is hohassoc@aol.com and my cell phone is 617-571-5267. I'd love to hear from you.

Karen Hohler

In this Newsletter

13-Jul-07 7:00 AM

Shopping WHY WE LOVE IT

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Shopping - why we love it and how retailers can create the ULTIMATE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE This is Pamela Danziger’s latest book and well worth reading. She writes about the luxury market, backed by the research of Unity Marketing. Her findings from a survey of 1248 upper-income shoppers and focus groups interweave with stories about real stores that pop. It provides encouragement for the small independent retailer who can innovate quickly and reinforces much of what many of us already do. Ms Danziger concludes that The future for retailers is to transform the retail experience to focus on the shopper, what they want and desire in the shopping experience…being personable and personal with the shopper…to place them first in the design and operations of your retail store. She cautions that If you are a person who likes the things that you are selling more than the people you are selling it to or with, then your retail enterprise is headed for disaster. ...

10-Jul-07 6:00 AM

ACRE, the view from Montana

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Although what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, when it comes to the ACRE show, we thought that we could share a bit of our experience with those of you who didn’t make it to Nevada. The first ACRE show was a great show for us. The registration was fast and easy, the show was held at a convenient time of year for our summer-intensive seasonal business, we reconnected with some of our favorite current artists and found 25 new artists, the convention center was clean, bright and easily accessible by public transportation, and Las Vegas was fabulous and fun (Showgirls! Slots!)

We have been buying through Wholesale Crafts for the past several years and have been generally pleased with the work that we’ve received. But there have been times when the web photos really haven’t adequately shown an artist’s work. It was wonderful to be able to see and touch the work personally – to really know what was going to be coming in the mail without any surprises (except for those folks who can’t manage to call when they’re in a backorder situation). It was also good to see artists with high quality work who haven’t participated in the Rosen or east coast ACC shows.

Most of the artists with whom we spoke felt that ACRE had the potential to grow into a successful show, but there just weren’t enough buyers this year. They did think that the show was reasonably priced and well managed. Perhaps with enhanced buyer incentives, more retailers could be persuaded to give ACRE a place on their buying calendar.

Other points of concern were that the emerging artists section was tucked away at the back in a different orientation than the rest of the show aisles, making it hard to navigate and not truly visible. The online show planner would have been a great idea and advance planning tool, but it did not consistently work to pull out the categories of work, artists and booth locations needed. And for the budget conscious among us, it would be helpful to hold the show mid-week when the Vegas hotel rates are lower.

ACRE is a show that we plan to attend in the coming years. It is a great alternative to the large, established shows and as it builds a more substantial buyer base, it will, in turn, attract new artists and fresh work. And that’s a good thing!

9-Jul-07 9:00 PM

Emerging Artists’ Passion for Creativity Ignites Art World

noemail@craftonline.org — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:15:00 GMT

Emerging Artists’ Passion for Creativity Ignites Art World AmericanStyle magazine shines spotlight on 10 hot craft artists Baltimore, Md. (June 21, 2007)—Ten new artists are setting the art world on fire with their own passion for creativity, according to the most recent issue of AmericanStyle magazine. In its second annual spotlight on emerging artists, AmericanStyle magazine’s August 2007 issue features 10 artists whose work engages the senses and pushes the boundaries of creativity. The featured artists are (in alphabetical order by last name): Jason Antol (glass, mixed media) Columbus, Ohio Anastasia Azure (jewelry) Smithville, Tenn. Vivian Beer (metal furniture and sculpture) Penland, N.C. Lindsay Feuer (ceramics) Philadelphia, Pa. Nancy Klimley (glass) Bellingham, Wash. Owen Mortensen (mixed media) Logan, Utah Anya Pinchuck (jewelry) Washington, D.C. Lauren Schlossberg (jewelry) Lutherville, Md. Erika Tada (glass) West Henrietta, N.Y. ...

9-Jul-07 8:15 PM

Where's The Food?

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:00:00 GMT

When going over your checklist for attending the upcoming Buyers’ Market don’t forget to give some consideration to where you are going to eat. There is a lot of good food in Philly but it is not unusual to have difficulty getting last minute reservations over the weekend. ZAGAT, www.zagat.com, lists over 60 restaurant openings in or near Philly this year. Of particular interest is a new and additional location for Sabrina’s Café. Previously a trek from the Convention Center area to the Italian market area of 9th and Christian was required to partake in the funky fare offered. Sabrina’s has opened a second location at 18th and Callowhill, just a short ride from the show. Check it out, breakfast is great but the line grows as the morning goes by, lunch and dinner are fun too. According to a recent Open Table report, www.opentable.com, the most frequently sought restaurant reservations through the service over the past few weeks were: ...

9-Jul-07 8:00 PM