CRAFT Articles RSS Feed

CRAFT: It's Friday, August 28

Rani Richardson — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:30:01 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, August 28

T3, Tuesday, Sept. 15,

9 am EDT

Janet Francoeur, CRAFT Board member and owner of Carolina Creations in Carolina Creations in New Bern, NC leads a discussion of ideas for Christmas Promotions and ideas for stocking stuffer priced items for Christmas.

Have a list of what you're doing for Christmas and a list of items with contact information to share with others on the call.

More information on line at

www.craftonline.org

CRAFT is a national organization of artists, retailers & show sponsors working to support American craft, save money, educate & network.

CRAFT would like to welcome the following new members.

ARTISTS

Eric & Trudi Cooper

Sea of Glass Studio

Manchester, MI

www.seaofglassstudio.com

Kathryn Pearce

Veleska Jewelry

Lancaster, PA

www.veleska.com

Josie & Mark Lamb Williams

Mayapple Creations

Lexington, KY

www.mayapplecreations.com

RETAILERS

Cathy Durkan & Anne Johnson

Mixed Greens LLC

Annapolis, MD

www.shopmixedgreens.com

Rose Marie Cutropia

RMC Designs

Stroudsburg, PA

Paige Riley

Hillyer House

Ocean Springs, MS

www.hillyerhouse.com

This week's Links from Don Gorenberg

Tips, Guidelines & Templates for Writing an Effective Press Release from PR Web.

It might be a good time to reintroduce the 4-5-4 method, even though it is geared to the apparel and department store business. The 4-5-4 Calendar from the National Retail Federation.

Check out this video for some interesting statistics on social media.

This article, by Barbara Crowhurst, has some good tips for making over or sprucing up your store.

28-Aug-09 0:30 AM

CRAFT: It's Friday, May 1

Susan Clayton — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:26:00 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday - May 1, 2009

LINKS from Don Gorenberg, CRAFT's Secretary for Communication -

The One of a Kind Show educational teleconference with Bruce Baker can be heard at

www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/artistbenefits.html

Bruce covers booth design and selling tips in a tough economy in his address to artists, “Thrive not Merely Survive: Ways to Improve your Business.”

One of a Kind Show application deadline for the Chicago and NYC shows is Friday, May 1 (TODAY.) Apply through the One of a Kind Show web sites:

Chicago - www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/application.html

NYC - www.oneofakindshownyc.com/artist_srvs/app.cfm

From the Wall Street Journal: How #etsyday Grew on Twitter

Both Don and Karen Hohler recommend the Profit Mastery Newsletter from Business Resource Services: sample it at www.brs-seattle.com

Get Glorious American Craft merch at www.craftonline.org

Greetings from St. Paul, MN -

CRAFT Vice President Ann Pifer and I attended the recent Craft Organization Development Association (CODA) Conference, held here in our backyard April 23-26. Ann will report next week.

A highlight of the conference for me was the keynote speech from Ann Markusen, Director of The Project on Regional and Industrial Economics at the Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota. Dr. Markusen focuses on occupational approaches to regional development and on artists and cultural activity as regional economic stimulants. (In other words, she can tell us why fostering artists and the arts makes economic sense for communities.) Her research shows that artists and artisans are highly entrepreneurial and represent a hidden but vitally important arts dividend for the economy.

For more information see PRIE-U of MN Humphrey Institute

Ann Markusen

Also at the conference: Craig Nutt from the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) discussed the frequent loss in natural disasters of artist images and archives. Craig reminds artists (and others) to BACK UP YOUR DATA to a safe outside source!

Susan Clayton

CRAFT Administrative Assistant

For more on CODA see www.codacraft.org

Worth Repeating -

ACRE's approaching - ARTISTS: be sure to forward your booth numbers to susan@thegrandhand.com for distribution to our RETAIL members. Thanks to those who have already done so!

Connect with CRAFT: can you lend a hand with CRAFT at ACRE? Contact Donna Milstein for information on how you can help while meeting and greeting in Las Vegas. donnamilstein@hotmail.com

Take a moment to use the Tip Forum - accessible on the home page of the website at www.craftonline.org

The 3/50 Project is based on the idea that independent specialty stores are important to our economy and can be helped when consumers take ownership and pledge to shop them! Consumers are asked to choose their 3 favorite retail stores and spend $50 a month (total) at them. Get involved at www.the350project.org

Save Handmade Toys at www.handmadetoyalliance.org

Want to be featured in an upcoming It's Friday message? Contact Susan - susan@thegrandhand.com

CRAFT is a national organization of artists, retailers & show sponsors working to support American craft, save money, educate & network.

Submitted by Susan Clayton

4-May-09 8:26 AM

CRAFT: Quarterly Newsletter; April 10, 2009

Janet Francoeur — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

CRAFT: Quarterly Newsletter; April 10, 2009

CRAFT Website Tutorial

Installment Four from Janet Francouer

This week: the Membership Directory (located under Membership Services)

Every member of our organization has a page, referred to as a profile, in the membership directory. The directory lists all the usual things you would expect: name, address, fax, website, email, etc. You should look at your entry to make sure the information is up to date. You can add your photo by clicking on "add a photo," click "browse," find the preferred image on your own computer, doubleclick on it, hit "submit," then "view this profile" which will take you back to your profile.

If you have other members of CRAFT that you correspond with regularly you can create your own contact list. To do this, call up their profile - on the left under the area where a photo can go you will see "add as contact." Click on this link for each of the people you want on your contact list. When you go back to your own profile you will note at the top of your profile page tabs named "profile," "contacts," then "favorites," "contributions" and "groups."

If you click on the "contacts" tab you will see your own list of contacts, all in one place. To view your contact's profile page, just click on their name, it will also show anything that your contact has posted on the website if you click on "view (contact name's) contributions."

The next tab, "favorites," is a place where you can make a list of websites, blogs or pages you visit regularly. Add a favorite by clicking on "add favorites," type in the name, the url, then hit "enter." You can return to your own profile page by using the back arrow at the top of your browser.

The next tab, "contributions," will list everything that you have posted on the CRAFT website.

The last tab is "groups." Groups are a subset of people that can be corresponded with as a group. This is an area that the adminstrators of the site generally use.

If you have questions don't hesitate to email me at janet@carolinacreations.com

Janet Francoeur, CRAFT Board member

Carolina Creations; New Bern, NC

www.carolinacreations.com

LINKS from the Recovering Craft Retailer, Don Gorenberg, CRAFT's Secretary for Communication:

Intuit seems to be offering its QuickBooks Cash Register Plus via download for free.

It can be ordered on line at www.qbcashregisterplus.com/GetCRPlus (cut and paste link in browser) or you can order via phone at 877-556-4345 ext 3749--mention special offer code 5374960548.

Their mailing says the offer expires April 30, 2009.

I am pretty sure this is a very basic POS system that is being offered in hopes of getting people to either upgrade to a different system or order credit card processing or hardware from Intuit. However this could be an easy and cheap way for stores, probably small stores, to get into a pos system. All members should be reminded to review the system carefully for themselves before committing to its use.

The Intuit free product will not run on 64 bit machines only on 32 bit machines.

I believe that CAM Commerce also offers a "free" introductory pos system in hopes of having people upgrade.

PLEASE SHARE: If you are already using either the Intuit or the CAM product, send in your thoughts on the pros and/or cons to Don at uscraft@aol.com

and, from WWD-Women's Wear Daily, Predicting the Retail Bounce-Back

Headed to ACRE? Members report reasonable rates near the Las Vegas Convention Center at the Best Western Mardi Gras

And while you're in Vegas . . .

Connect with CRAFT as a volunteer! Oprah says one of the keys to longevity is to participate in community. YOUR CRAFT COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT: check It's Friday messages each week for ways that you can help. First up, a request from CRAFT's Vice President of Education Projects Donna Milstein:

The Education Committee needs more volunteers for the Table Topics event happening at the ACRE show in Las Vegas on Sunday morning, June 1st. Anyone who is going to ACRE that is a CRAFT member and would like to volunteer, please contact me at either email address listed below. We could use TT facilitators and also greeters and meeters before 4 of our sponsored events. Please step forward now if you are willing to help. If you have never volunteered for CRAFT, this is an easy way to offer your services and get to network and meet new people.

Regards,

Donna

donnamilstein@hotmail.com

crafts@hansongalleries.com

Hanson Galleries; Houston ,TX

www.hansongalleries.com

CRAFT President Karen Hohler reports:

We've had a request to make the T3 at a better time for west coast members. So let's do it!! Even better, let's make it convenient for both coasts. Next T3 on Tuesday, April 21 will give you 2 opportunities to call in and chat. Join either call... or both if you want. 9 AM est or 9 AM pacific, or if you prefer... 6 AM pacific or 12 noon est. If we get enough participation we will continue both. Topic for the next T3...Surviving this Economy. Bring your ideas and questions.

T3 Third Tuesday Teleconference

Karen also shares this message from Commission Junction, an arm of Carbonite, a CRAFT Affinity Partner

March 19, 2009: As you may already know, there are proposed California bills that could require the collection of sales tax for online purchases similar to bills proposed in other states and that could resemble the law that recently passed in New York State. At this time, a hearing date for AB 178 has been set for April 13, 2009. As with all laws, if passed, these laws may or may not apply to you and your business.

Commission Junction is headquartered in California and impacted by the current California budget crisis. Nevertheless, we are opposed to the recently proposed legislation and are working with a lobbyist and other groups in hopes that we can influence the rejection of the bills' passage. Rest assured, we recognize that our industry and many of our clients may be impacted by these bills.

The application of the bills is dependent on particular business and factual circumstances, and Commission Junction is not in a position to provide legal and tax advice regarding the bills. However, we encourage you to perform the appropriate due diligence as it relates to your business. You may be contacted by advertisers in the Commission Junction network as they perform their due diligence.

Additionally , following are two sources of information on the proposed California bills that you may find helpful:

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a14/News_Room/Press/

20090202AD14PR01.aspx

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html

If you feel that you need more counsel on the bills, we recommend you seek independent tax and legal advice.

Sincerely,

Commission Junction

CRAFT Buzz:

A Busman's Holiday:

Recently Art and Donna Milstein of Hanson Galleries in Houston hosted a visit from fellow CRAFT members Tom and Connie Quilter of Clarksville Pottery in Austin. They exchanged artist information and discussed business matters as well as attended the Bayou City Artshow. Some fun was had by all.

If you can't or don't attend wholesale shows, a visit like this proves very valuable to all concerned.

A good find on on-line selling:

http://www.fluentself.com/blog/biggification/for-artists-and-anyone-else-who-sells-stuff-online/

Ann Pifer, CRAFT Vice President

The Grand Hand Gallery; St. Paul, MN

www.thegrandhand.com

Click here to hear Robert Siegel on the economy and "The New Normal" at NPR.

Thanks to CRAFT Board Member Deb Kneale at Show of Hands, Denver for forwarding this link. Visit Deb's gallery at www.showofhandsdenver.com

Take a moment to peruse the Tip Forum - accessible on the home page of the website at craftonline.org. Catch up with the 3/50 Project, pick up some sales floor strategies and share your own suggestions!

Want to be featured in an upcoming It's Friday message? Contact Susan - susan@thegrandhand.com

Your login information is listed below. To log into the site, visit http://www.craftonline.org/en/ and enter your Username and Password.

Username: [username]
Password: [password]

If you have any questions please contact the Site Administrator.

CRAFT is a national organization of artists, retailers & show sponsors working to support American craft, save money, educate & network.

Submitted by Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

TEST

15-Apr-09 0:00 AM

CRAFT: It's Friday, February 6

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:15:34 GMT

Visit these CRAFT MEMBER EXHIBITORS at BMAC:

Nanette Asbury

Nanette Orijinels Inc.

www.nanetteorijinels.com

Booth #2312

Julie Bergstein

Just Jules

www.justjules.com

Booth #1303

Maud Boleman

Black Mountain Studios

www.blackmountainstudios.com

Booth #4010

Steven Bronstein

Blackthorne Forge and Gallery

www.blackthorneforge.com

Booth #3019

Tom Davin and Mary Kesler

Davin and Kesler, inc.

www.davinandkesler.com

Booth #2302

Lisa Drumm

Don Drumm Studios

www.dondrummstudios.com

Booth #3402 & #3502

Nancy Giere

NGlassworks

www.nglassworks.com

Booth #5517

David Goldhagen

Goldhagen Studio

www.goldhagenartglass.com

Booth #4506

Hank Goodman

Hank Goodman Stoneware LLC

www.hankgoodman.com

Booth #4202

Jeff Gray

Jeff Gray Jewelry

Booth #503

Nomi Green

Nomi

www.nomijewelry.com

Booth #302

Jon & Suzanne Greene

Chesnik Scopes

Booth #3119

Carol Hall

Seaglass by White Light Productions

www.Seaglass.us

Booth #114

Rollin Karg

Karg Art Glass

www.rollinkarg.com

Booth #4606

Ilene Kay

Kay Design Studio

www.ilenekay.com

Booth #631

Caryn Kinzig

www.kinzigdesign.com

Kinzig Design Jewelry

Booth #700

Kinzig Design Home

Booth #2605

Susan Knecht

QueensWear

www.susanknecht.com

Booth #5415

Rich Kolb

Yardbirds

www.yardbirds.info

Booth #3508

Sandy Ku

amoroso collections

www.amorosocollections.com

Booth #2328

Lori Lieske

Lieske Designs

www.LieskeDesigns.com

Booth #1234

Ann Lindsay

Lindsay Art Glass

www.lindsayartglass.com

Booth #5306

Eduardo Milieris

Watchcraft

www.watchcraft.com

Booth #1912

Jill O’Reilly

Jill O’Reilly Designs

www.jilloreilly.com

Booth #512

Cindy Pacileo

Little Guys and Backyard Birds

www.cindypacileo.com

Booth # 3813

Mark Pietrzak

Green Mountain Glass

Booth #5329

Bettina Pressman

Beads By Bettina

www.beadsbybettinadesigns.com

Booth #120

Deborah Rethmeyer

Patricia Locke, Ltd

www.patricialocke.com

Booth # 1326

Bob Rickard

Rickard Studio/KronosWorks

www.kronosworks.com

Booth #2715 & 2815

Carina Rossner

Carina’s Creations Jewelry

www.carinascreationsjewelry.com

Booth #1027

Linda Shull

Shull Design Studio

www.shulldesignstudio.com

Booth #5512

Brit-Simone Sutter

Vinosus LLC-Handmade Jewelry

www.vinosus.com

Booth #713

Peter Tonjes

Ed Levin, Inc

www.edlevinjewelry.com

Booth #1615

Janna Ugone

Janna Ugone Associates

www.jannaugone.com

Booth #3100

To download a pdf of this list click here.

CRAFT: It's Friday, February 6

2009 CRAFT Board Election

Watch for your online ballot to elect 3 directors to the Board. Via email, members will receive a unique ID number that will enable you to cast your vote after logging in to the website at craftonline.org

On the ballot:

Hardin Abrams, owner of Meadowlark Gallery in Corte Madera, CA. Hardin has been a retail member of CRAFT since 2002 and is a current Board member.

Bob Rickard, owner of Rickard Studio/Kronosworks in Taos, NM. Bob has been an artist member of CRAFT since 2006.

Diane Sulg, owner of Maddi's Gallery in Charlotte, NC. Diane has been a retail member of CRAFT since 2004.

NEXT WEEK at Philadelphia BMAC, find CRAFT:

From Thursday through Monday, February 12-16, stop at the CRAFT booth across from the coffee stand at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and at Booth #4315 inside the hall for drop-by discussions all week, led by fellow artists and retailers. Check the boards at both booths for the schedule. Take a break, eat, network. Open to all.

Renew your CRAFT membership at the show - regardless of your renewal date - and get $25 off of the annual rate of $150

Table Topics Breakfast Seminar:

Saturday, Feb 14, 8:30-10 AM

Room 201A

$25 in advance/ $30 at door

Scheduled Topics - relevant to both ARTISTS and GALLERIES:

TABLE 1: Ask the Expert.

Are you looking for ways to leverage the internet marketing strategies? Bring any of your ideas, questions and concerns to this roundtable and small business marketing expert Karyn Greenstreet will solve them!

Led by Karyn Greenstreet, President, Passion for Business

TABLE 2: How to Run a Successful Business in Tough Economy.

Are you looking for ways to achieve financial success in an uncertain economy? Take this opportunity to learn some effective financial strategies to survive and thrive in an uncertain economy from someone who has managed 30 years of ups and downs.

Led by David Brooks, Appalachian Spring.

TABLE 3: Rev Up Your Internet Marketing.

Charge up your battery and bring your questions for a lively, interactive conversation about free and paid e-marketing to expand your reach and rev up your sales. Learn how to use social networks and Google services that cost nothing, and evaluate the fee-based programs to get the most for your money. Participants should bring a laptop with wireless capability.

Led by: Wendy Rosen, founder and president, The Rosen Group.

TABLE 4: E-newsletters using Constant Contact - Why you should do it right now!

Don't hesitate any longer. Learn why, when and how to add email marketing to your toolkit. Facts and figures from Constant Contact will be given and story ideas and examples will be handed out.

Led by: Alison Brooks, Handscapes Gallery

TABLE 5: Take the “cons” out of consigning.

How to establish consignment relationships that work for artists and retailers. We’ll discuss incentives, ethics, trunk shows and accounting and explore how fresh inventory can increase the bottom line for everyone.

Led by Douglas Brugger, Show of Hands.

TABLE 6: What to know in advance to better weather a disaster.

Be prepared! How to survive a hurricane, earthquake, burst pipes or other unexpected disaster. It can happen to you, too.

Led by Donna Milstein, Hanson Galleries

Topics relevant to ARTISTS:

TABLE 7: What I wish I knew my first two years in business. (Artist point of view)

Want to cut your learning curve? Attend this inspirational welcoming session loaded with content about the business side of being an artist.

Led by Bonnie Blandford, Concepts in Metal.

Topics relevant to GALLERIES:

TABLE 8: What I wish I knew my first two years in business. (Retailer’s point of view)

Same as above, but from a retailer’s point of view.

Led by Karen Hohler , Whippoorwill

TABLE 9: How to Build Your Craft Jewelry Business.

Are you looking for fresh ideas in buying, displaying and selling handcrafted jewelry. Come hear how this mother/daughter team has built a stellar jewelry business.

Led by Cindi Ray and Wendy Dunham, Carlyn Galerie.

TABLE 10: Advertising and public relation strategies for galleries.

You need to get the word out about your fabulous craft gallery …but what works? This discussion will include strategies for creating a marketing plan that fits your business, your market and your budget. Learn effective strategies for print, radio, direct mail, e-mail and PR as well as how to attract unpaid editorial coverage.

Led by: Ann Pifer, The Grand Hand.

TABLE 11 You’ve Got Sales! The beginner basics of an e-gallery.

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 12: Customer Incentive Programs. Gain new customers and inspire customer loyalty with customer incentive programs that work. Learn a wide range of ideas based on a series of interviews with several galleries from around the country.

Led by Larry Williams, Hanson Galleries.

Sponsored by CRAFT Education Committee -

Donna Milstein, Alison Brooks, Sherry Masters and Nancy Giere

Plan to attend CRAFT's Networking Night:

Saturday, February 14 from 6-7:30 PM

Beverages, snacks, and time to talk to old friends as well as meet new ones.

Room 204AB

Everyone Welcome -

Many thanks to Eric Shea of Packaging Specialties for sponsoring this event!

Laurie Wickham at Gallery Morada in Islamorada, FL suggests Teri's Restaurant, 1126 S 9th Street, Philadelphia (in the Italian Market section, one block below Washington Ave.)

Laurie says: "No reservations necessary, BYOB, entrees $20 or less, appetizers $10 or less, and all cooked to order. Vegetarian friendly. Open 5pm Wed - Sunday. Chef Davis Denick is the son of artist David Denick, who shows in Gallery Morada and A Mano Gallery. He's a wonderful chef - I've enjoyed his food! Tell him the Keys contingent sent you!"

Hear about it, talk about it at the next T3 - Third Tuesday Teleconference, scheduled for February 17 from 10-11 am, EST

Karen Hohler leads the discussion: email your thoughts to Karen at hohassoc@aol.com

T3 remains a FREE a benefit of CRAFT membership.

Click here more information

CRAFT is a national organization of artists, retailers & show sponsors working to support American craft, save money, educate & network.

Submitted by Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

9-Apr-09 11:15 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 23

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:11:21 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 23

Tuesday's T3 Teleconference gave a number of CRAFT retailers a chance to compare notes about the economy, business and thoughts for going forward. It was great to have a chance to lean on each other a bit and not feel so isolated.

The next T3 is on Tuesday, February 17 at 10AM EST. Call 1-800-898-1908, pin code 19897#. T3 is FREE!

The New York International Gift Fair runs Sunday, January 25-29, 2009 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 90, 92 & 94.

CRAFT members who are exhibiting include:

Tom Davin and Mary Kesler

Davin and Kesler, inc.

Artisan Woodwork

www.davinandkesler.com

Booth #6023; Handmade, Level One

Carol Hall

White Light Productions

Seaglass Jewelry

www.Seaglass.us

Booth #6512; Handmade, Level One

Rich Kolb

Yardbirds

Metal

www.yardbirds.info

Booth #5303; Handmade, Level One

A related note:

Deborah Rethemeyer at Patricia Locke, Ltd. reports: "We have made the decision to go to New York on Tuesday and Wednesday during the Gift Show. Anyone interested in meeting us there should contact us. We will be seeing folks at The London NYC 151 W 54th Street. Please call 847-217-6768 to set up an appointment." More on Patricia Locke jewelry at www.patricialocke.com

The Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft is slated for February 13-16, 2009 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Join CRAFT in Philly for a networking night!

Saturday, February 14 from 6 to 7:30 PM we will have beverages and snacks, time to talk to old friends as well as meet new ones.

Save the date: More details to follow.

CRAFT will have a second, larger booth inside the showroom at Philly - #4315. It's a place we can gather, network, eat lunch together. We will also have a schedule of activities such as a time to meet top Niche award retailers, get some mentoring, learn about saving money through CRAFT, mini table topics. Do you have an activity you would like to lead or learn more about? Please contact Karen Hohler at hohassoc@aol.com. We'll send you more details closer to show time. Also, check the CRAFT booths for listings of activities.

BMAC Exhibitors: Remember to forward your booth information for posting to Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com. Thanks to those who have already sent messages!

New post on Articles at craftonline.org:

Mentoring Works

Your friends and family, the Web, periodicals, and even casual acquaintances can provide you with a steady daily flow of information regarding news, industry developments, and opportunities. Industry analysts, consultants, employees, and good networking contacts can share their expert knowledge with you regarding particular situations and needs you may encounter. But only a mentor can truly share wisdom with you on an ongoing basis. A mentor is someone with more entrepreneurial business... [More Info]

New on the Directory at craftonline.org:

Shipandinsure.com

Contact: Elaine Lockard

Random Acts of Art, Inc.

Contact: Rani Richardson

Amanda Ryznar - Yoga Goat Pottery at Random Acts of Art, Naples, FL

Submitted by Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

9-Apr-09 11:11 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 16

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:10:13 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 16

News from the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF):

Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF Director, has extended to CRAFT members an invitation – with two special benefits – to attend the upcoming event slated for January 25-29, 2009 in New York City.

Dorothy states: "The Winter 2009 NYIGF will feature 2,900+ exhibitors in nine specialized divisions, including Handmade, a juried craft division featuring 575 artisans and makers of unique handcrafted ceramics, textiles, home décor, jewelry and apparel. In addition to a special Handmade in the USA showcase area, the Winter 2009 edition will expand its identification of some 250 'designer-makers,' allowing you to more easily find the American-made products that you are seeking."

For CRAFT's retail members only, NYIGF is offering complimentary Club GLM Lounge admission for each member and one other store representative during the show. The VIP Lounge offers complimentary beverages, phone, internet accessibility and seating, during all regular Fair hours. Club GLM is located in on Level One at the South end of Javits in Room 1E02-04. Simply present this letter for admission.

All CRAFT members are offered one free seminar admission ($20 value) to any one of the Fair’s seven educational seminars. Please visit nyigf.com/programs for complete details. To redeem your free seminar registration, contact Nicole Farrell by email at Nicole_farrell@glmshows.com

Click here for Dorothy's letter to CRAFT.

Are you an artist member who will be exhibiting at an upcoming NYIGF, BMAC, ACC or ACRE show? Send CRAFT the details and your booth number: we will post the information in an It's Friday email message and include it on handouts available at the CRAFT booth during these events. Contact Susan Clayton at susan@thegrandhand.com

Top Twelve Things Every Successful Retailer Must Do In 2009

Tips from Bob Negen at WhizBang! Training - whizbangtraining.com

1. Treat every single person who comes into your store with the love, respect, and honor they deserve as your customer! A customer in your store is like gold... even platinum. Come up with new and better ways to show them how much you care.

2. Start a short, personal, regularly scheduled e-mail newsletter. Make sure your emails are not merely product pitches or sale notifications. They should deliver interesting or valuable content to your customers tips, checklists, patterns, ideas, how-dos, articles, recipes, jokes, stories, where-to-go suggestions, and so many more possibilities.

3. Start a loyalty / frequent buyer program. The program alone will increase loyalty and make you more money. In addition, a good program makes it super-simple to get your customers contact information, especially their e-mail address.

4. Fill up your promotional calendar! Contests (lots), sales (only a couple), customer appreciation parties, classes, lectures, trunk shows the list goes on and on. Give your customers a good reason to come in and shop with you.

5. Train your staff to sell. This relatively easy-to-do task delivers a double whammy benefit. Employees who know how to sell CORRECTLY give much better customer service and at the same time will increase your sales dramatically. Happier customers, more money in the register... yeah, that'll work.

6. Keep customer-friendly store hours. This means the same hours as your local mall and big box stores. One of the biggest reasons your customers don't shop with you? You're closed when they want to buy. These days you really can't afford to put any barriers between your customers and your cash register - and a locked door is a big barrier.

7. Clean your store from top to bottom. A spanky clean store is the easiest (and cheapest way) to set yourself apart from the competition. A clean, fresh, well-cared for store looks and feels prosperous. It'll be good for your mood, as well as your customers.

8. Make a commitment to coaching your staff. The people on your staff are face to face with your customers bringing, or failing to bring, money into your register. Like a pro-sports coach, one of your most important jobs is to motivate your team and keep them performing at peak levels. Catch them doing things right and praise them. If you see problems, nip them in the bud.

9. Get a great recruiting and interviewing process in place now - before you need it. Hire only the best people. You can't afford to have mediocre or (heaven forbid) poor performers on your floor working with your customers.

10. If you don't have a POS system, get one. If you do have one, make sure you're using it to its fullest effect. This tool can make you more darn money but not if you're merely using it as an electronic cigar box.

11. Put an open to buy plan in place and run it. Managing expenses in the upcoming year is going to be a make-it-or-break-it activity for most retailers, and your inventory is probably your biggest expense. That makes running an open to buy plan a critical success activity.

12. Make a commitment to your professional education. Read, listen to tapes, talk to your colleagues Engage your brain! Retailers that learn new skills and take action will make it through 2009 stronger, better, and ready for explosive success.

Plan to dial in NEXT WEEK:

T3 - Third Tuesday Teleconference

January 20 at 10-11 am EST

One of the best parts of being a member of CRAFT is the ability to network with peers . . . plan to call in to talk about issues affecting your business. T3 conference calls are FREE a benefit of being a member of CRAFT.

Click here updated information.

Butter Bells at Clay Coyote, Hutchinson, MN - claycoyotegallery.com

We are experiencing extreme cold, icy roads and school closings here in Minnesota this week, which, ironically, can be good for business - defiant locals often find sport in the challenge of getting out and about anyway!

Wishing you a great weekend, whatever the weather,

Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

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9-Apr-09 11:10 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 9

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:09:13 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 9

News from the Craft Organization Development Association:

CODA members are invited to participate in a “Best Practice" presentation, to share with your colleagues on a national stage. We’re looking for anything that is new, now, hot, and exciting. Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your recent efforts, creativity, and successes! Participants will be highlighted in promotional materials and on the CODA website before and after the conference!

Already slated, for example: CraftNet will present its “e-Commerce for Artisans” online curriculum, developed to assist community college faculty and to help artists use the Internet more effectively to market and sell their creations.

Please submit a brief one page outline or summary for a 20 minute presentation to CODA. Deadline for submission is January 20th.

Contact Linda at info@codacraft.org for more information.

Linda Van Trump, Managing Director

Craft Organization Development Association

P.O. Box 51, Onia, AR 72663

870-746-5159

info@codacraft.org

www.codacraft.org

Mark Your Calendars!

2009 CODA Conference

“CRAFTING PARTNERSHIPS FOR GROWTH: CREATING CONNECTIONS”

April 23-26,2009 • St. Paul, Minnesota

Host: American Association of Woodturners

Sponsors: American Craft Council, The Crafts Report, CraftNet, & Handmade at New York International Gift Fair

Meet renewing CRAFT members Tom Wirt & Betsy Price of Clay Coyote Gallery and Pottery, Hutchinson, MN:

This pair have operated a studio and showroom in rural Minnesota since 1992, producing their own pottery and promoting work by other artisans they have met doing shows and during studio visits on travels around the country. Read about Tom, Betsy and their business model at www.claycoyote.com

Did you know that you can list your business on CRAFT's online directory? After logging in to the website at www.craftonline.org (contact Laurie Wickham at galmorada@aol.com for password assistance), select "Directories" from the menu to edit your entry and to browse the listings of fellow members.

A recent entry:

Spirit of the Hand Gallery

Contact: Nanette Asbury

The next T3 - Third Tuesday Teleconference is January 20, 10-11 am EST

Check the website for more information.

Remember to send your news & notes to Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

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9-Apr-09 11:09 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 2

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:08:10 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, January 2

Addressing the holiday aftermath, Janet Francoeur at Carolina Creations reports:

We actually ended up in better financial shape today, as opposed to this day last year, even though our sales were off 5.5% for the year, our December sales were off only 1/2 of 1 %. A couple reasons for this:

We spent less on inventory, making smaller orders more often.

I chaired a committee of our downtown merchants to promote the entire season. We did some paid advertising but got a lot more free advertising because we promoted not only what we as merchants were doing but all the community groups were doing downtown, like tours, plays, etc. We had crowds of people downtown. It was a lot of hard work, countless hours, but it paid off.

I also have my own blog, where I write about what's going on in the store, our life and general topics, local politics, promoting local events, etc. Right now I have a series of 3 "why buy local" entries inspired by an article in last Sunday's USA Magazine. I've had people stop me in the grocery store and say "I read this or that on your blog." I started blogging last year after going to hear Amy Shaw of Greenjeans, Brooklyn, at the ACC show talk about the value of blogging. For many years I've heard people say "you need to have a blog." In my mind I said "I don't need 1 more thing to do." But when Amy explained what it could be and what it could do I decided to try it and I really like doing it.

Visit Carolina Creations at Janet's blog: carolinacreations.blogspot.com or at the website: carolinacreations.com

Lyman Speckheuer, Via Creativa Gallery, poses a question:

The shopping center we are in offers a great deal to the local community as far as shopping, pampering and eating. It is at a really well-traveled intersection, but is difficult to actually see what is offered here from passing by. There isn't much foot traffic though the center would be a great place to spend several hours instead of just being frequented by targeted customers. I would like to try boosting our shopping center's branding by connecting with other store owners here and developing an ad campaign/web site. We have had some support from the landlords in group advertising.

Has anyone got any experience they would like to share with organizing this type of group?

Contact Lyman at lyman.speckheuer@gmail.com or send your comments to susan@thegrandhand.com to post in an upcoming edition of this weekly CRAFT message. Group promotions will also be addressed at the next T3: Third Tuesday Teleconference scheduled for January 20th at 10am EST. Check the website for details: craftonline.org

Preparing for the shows? CRAFT recommends -

Jay Conrad Levinson's Trade Show Tidbits from the Guerrilla Marketing Weekly Intelligence newsletter, guerrillamarketingassociation.com

Instead of a brochure, hand out a one-page fact sheet.
Do a pre-show promotion because 33% of people attending a show do so because of a promotion.
Design your booth for intimacy using small, round discussion tables.
Attire your people in bright, business casual clothing.
The most serious prospects emerge late in the day because they run out of time and rush around to the most intriguing displays.

Barbara Crowhurst on Display 101: Creating Strong Displays in the OneCoast newsletter at onecoast.com

Happy New Year! welcome 2009

Submitted by Susan Clayton,susan@thegrandhand.com

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9-Apr-09 11:08 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 26

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:06:56 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 26

The National Retail Federation reports that they are tracking the effect of markdowns, returns and shoppers with gift certificates today on what they are calling "Black Friday Two." For more from this advocacy organization, subscribe to their daily email at www.smartbrief.com

Time is running out to pre-register for the American Craft Council Wholesale Show in Baltimore!

Here is the link to more information: www.craftcouncil.org/wholesale

Next Up: The January CRAFT T3-Third Tuesday Free Teleconference:

Tuesday, January 20 from 10-11 am EST

Check the website for updates on the number to call.

Submitted by Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

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9-Apr-09 11:06 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 19

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:05:07 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 19

Season's Greetings! from CRAFT

with best wishes to everyone at this hectic time

Post-holiday, mark your calendars for the January CRAFT T3-Third Tuesday Free Teleconference:

Tuesday, January 20 from 10-11 am EST

Check the website for updates on the number to call.

Submitted by Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

9-Apr-09 11:05 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 12

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:02:34 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 12

Although we are hearing from our members that business is indeed down this year, there are positive steps to take, even in this economy. Consider:

Greg Worden and Deb Kneale are exploring John Schallert's advice on 4th quarter strategies. Read John's Top 3 December Resolutions here.

Hanson Galleries in Houston reports that their business has remained healthier than expected considering Ike, election and economy because they have developed a strong e-marketing program with their newsletters. Using Constant Contact for the past 17 months, Hanson Galleries has increased their repeat customer business beyond expectations (or at very least they stayed in business).

In the last newsletter, they had over a dozen click-through opportunities and had 40% of those opening the email go ahead and click-through to one or more of the hotlinks. That got the customer to the website. That meant that before the newsletter was sent, many hours were spent on photography and updating the website so that the click-throughs were as strong as possible. When they get photos from artists at time of placing order, it is always a big plus.

They plan these newsletters by quarter and work ahead as much as possible. They send out one per month with two each month in Nov and Dec. They have included incentives (gift with purchase, customer birthday discounts, for instance) that have met with only a small success.

The buyers' education programs that Donna Milstein handles with her committee always includes a Table Topic on this valuable marketing tool. Power Point seminars have been offered at wholesale venues as well. Constant Contact is an affinity partner. Hanson Galleries has spent under $500 a year with Constant Contact on this effort. Many, many hours of photography, writing, proofing and gathering the email addresses is the price you have to pay to have these results.

They were certainly not the first in the craft community to use electronic newsletters and have never been nominated for any awards on them, but believe strongly in their use and hope that this note gives others not using them already the incentive to forge ahead and get started.

See Hanson Galleries' newsletter by subscribing here.

Submitted by Donna Milstein, owner, Hanson Galleries, Houston

Post-holiday, mark your calendars for the January CRAFT T3-Third Tuesday Free Teleconference:

Tuesday, January 20 from 10-11 am EST

Check the website for updates on the number to call.

Submitted by Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

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9-Apr-09 11:02 PM

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 5

Janet Francoeur — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:01:15 GMT

CRAFT: It's Friday, December 5

Douglas Brugger at Show of Hands in Denver reports:

"Here are some pictures of our American Style Magazine Top 25 Arts Destinations presentation to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (on November 12.) We staged the presentation to help kick off Denver Arts Week, a city wide celebration for the visual & performing arts here in the Mile High City.

He was so gracious & honored receiving the award & proclaimed to do his very best to move Denver from #15 this year to the #1 spot next year. It was great fun and a real treat to meet Mayor Hickenlooper on behalf of this industry...He is a BIG proponent of the arts."

CRAFT Board Member Don Gorenberg recommends How To Lift Your Retail Spirits During Slow Times by Matt Parmaks for One Step Retail Solutions POS Software Specialists.

Are you on Facebook as an artist or retailer? For some informal research on the site as a networking tool for the craft world, I am interested in hearing from those who have had some experience using it to connect with buyers, stay in touch with colleagues, etc. What does Facebook do - or fail to do - for you? Contact susan@thegrandhand.com

Submitted by Susan Clayton, susan@thegrandhand.com

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9-Apr-09 11:01 PM