CRAFT

CRAFT Its Friday Emails - Jan-June 2008

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:24:36 GMT

April 25, 2008 Report: Paid Search Top Acquisition Tool for Retailers Written on April 17th 2008 Autthor by Kathleen ADOTAS - In a year of dismal retail sales projections, a recent report says Americans will continue to snap up clothes, computers and cars online. A Shop.org conducted by Forrester Research found that online retail sales should climb 17% this year to $204 billion. Shop.org also found that 53% of online retailers marketing budgets are allocated to online customer acquisition and that 21% is devoted to customer retention. Retailers are finding that search engine and affiliate marketing are also powerful retention tools - as well as methods of attracting new shoppers. Search-engine marketing is responsible for 35% of sales, the report said. Nine out of 10 online retailers use pay-for-performance search placement and 79% say they will make search-engine marketing a top priority in 2008. ...

Reviews and Photos

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:34:06 GMT

Glorious American Craft Products

Glorious American Craft Logo

Glorious American Craft Banner

Glorious American Craft Tissue Paper

Glorious American Craft Window Decal in Use

Raku Demonstration at Carolina Creations - New Bern, NC

Board of Directors

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:02:28 GMT

Chairperson Emeritus David Brooks - Appalachian Spring Chairman of the Board Gloria Brooke - President Karen Hohler - Whippoorwill Crafts Vice President Ann Pifer - The Grand Hand Gallery Treasurer Mary Kesler - Davin and Kesler, Inc. Secretary Deb Kneale - Show of Hands Vice President Education Projects Donna Milstein - Hanson Galleries Secretary for Communication Don Gorenberg Directors: Donna Milstein - Hanson Galleries Ann Pifer - The Grand Hand Gallery Ronni Kaman -The Collector Hardin Abrams, - Meadowlark Karen Hohler - Whipporwill Gloria Brooke Janet Francoeur - Carolina Creations Rich Klob - Yardbirds Maud Boleman - Black Mountain Studios Deb Kneale Show of Hands Mary Kesler - Davin and Kesler, Inc. Greg Worden - Vermont Artisan Designs Administrative Assistant: Laurie Wickham PO Box 293, Islamorada FL 33036 Phone 305-664-3650 Fax 305-664-0199 info@craftonline.org Board Minutes

Upcoming CRAFT Events

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:46:41 GMT

Educational Conference Calls What are they? An hour long dialog led by experts in their respective fields. A short question and answer session will always follow. Cost: $22.00 each for members of CRAFT, $25.00 each for non-members To register: For more info & to register online click on the Register now link under the topic you wish to register for or call Laurie Wickham, CRAFT Executive Administrator, at Gallery Morada, 305-664-3650, or email her at info@craftonline.org. You will be contacted with the call-in 800 number closer to the time of the conference call. It’s Not Only About the Interview... How to Hire Good Employees March 11, 2008, 1:00pm EST with Linda Bailey of Bailey Consulting Group With over twenty years of experience as a Human Resources generalist, Linda Bailey is a consultant, speaker, trainer and teacher on many Human Resource issues while emphasizing the employer-employee relationship. This teleconference on Interviewing Techniques will...

CRAFT Marketing

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:07:14 GMT

As a service to CRAFT members, the newly formed CRAFT Marketing Committee is underway with its mission of developing a marketing and branding strategy for American Art and Craft Retailers and Artists. The committee is fortunate to have two outside branding & marketing professionals assisting them with this project. They are Chuck Ruhr and Rose Larson who bring with them long careers of working with some of the largest corporations and retailers in the country.

Part of the committee's mission is to inquire about what gallery owners would like to know about their customers, find out what drives customers to shop at American craft galleries and learn what customer's perceptions are of the galleries they shop at.

The committee has developed a questionnaire and survey that will be sent to a sample of our member galleries. The committee's research consultant is assisting the committee with the development and analysis of the questionnaire to insure its objectivity and accuracy.

Committee Minutes

Martin Rishty Award

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:53:48 GMT

The Martin Rishty Award, is named after a founder of CRAFT in tribute to his efforts as a member of the Board and Membership Committee. CRAFT’s Executive Committee annually selects the association member who has made the greatest contribution toward CRAFT’s accomplishing its mission and best exemplifies Martin’s work on behalf of the organization.

The Winners are

2007 David Brook, Appalachian Spring, Janet Francoeur, Carolina Creations & Nancy
Vince, Wholesalecrafts.com
2006 Don Gorenberg, Seldom Seen
2005 Hardin Abrams, Meadowlark Gallery
2004 Donna Milstein, Hanson Galleries and Polly Brooke, Appalachian Spring
2003 Joanne Sterlacci, Simple Pleasures Gallery

CRAFT Committees and Committee Chairs

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:40:24 GMT

American Craft Marketing Ann Pifer - The Grand Hand 651-312-1122 ann.pifer@thegrandhand.com Annual Dinner Gloria Brooke - (retired) Brooke Pottery 863-670-1314 brooke.pottery@att.net Artists Co-chairs Maud Boleman - Black Mountain Studios 828-686-1011 blackmountain@bellsouth.net Rich Kolb - Yardbirds 502-637-8752 rich@yardbirds.info Booth & Volunteer Karen Hohler - Whippoorwill Crafts 617-571-5267 hohassoc@aol.com Business Information - Surveys Hardin Abrams - Meadowlark Gallery 415-924-2210 hardinabr@aol.com Business Practices Polly Brooks - Appalachian Spring 703-533-0930 ext 26 pbrooks@appalachianspring.com Communications Don Gorenberg (retire Seldom Seen) 352-375-0563 uscraft@aol.com Education Donna Milstein - Hanson Galleries 713-984-1242 crafts@hansongalleries.com Membership Greg Worden - Vermont Artisan Designs 802-257-7044 vtart@sover.net Mentoring Deb Kneale - Show...

Business Information Committee Goals

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:39:22 GMT

Surveys will be conducted to determine trends.
Topics would include

Sales per sq foot
Sales per FTE, employee
rent per sq ft/mo
etc.
Trends in product demand, but requires common categories (jewelry below $50 retail, between $51 & ?) etc
Advertising performance
employee compensation (requires common scope of responsibility)
Sales incentive programs & performance
Need to come up with categories about artists needs.

In our past we only gave responses to those who contributed, but the artists need to see some of the data to benefit. The big challendge is to get participation.

Affinity Partners

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:04:15 GMT

Cost-Saving Affinity Programs The Craft Retailers’ Association for Tomorrow (CRAFT), leverages the collective purchasing power of member retailers to find and offer high quality, favorably priced business services, all designed to meet the specific needs of American craft retailers. Programs available as a benefit to CRAFT members include: Bank of America Merchant Services for preferred card processing discount rates Through our partnership with Bank of America Merchant Services, we have negotiated a program that entitles every CRAFT member, regardless of size or volume, to the same low interchange pricing for their credit card processing. A number of our members have already compared these rates to their present programs and switched to the Bank of America Merchant Services/CRAFT program because of the cost savings. Every switch has resulted in annual savings far in excess of annual CRAFT dues. We encourage every member who is interested, to contact Edith Ransom and...

Membership Committee

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:27:21 GMT

The mission of the CRAFT Membership Committee is to encourage eligible retailers, artists and other associates to join CRAFT and to oversee new member orientation and membership retention efforts.

The Committee makes suggestions, observations and recommendations about Membership activities to the Board of Directors. It maintains contact with eligible prospective and new members through correspondence and personal solicitation.

The Committee is responsible for preparation and distribution of membership brochures and public relations materials and applications and review of all incoming applications for the purpose of determining eligibility for membership in the Association.

Membership Committee Minutes

Annual Dinner Committee

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:19:40 GMT

The Annual Dinner is held each year at the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia, PA.

American Craft Council Names Andrew Glasgow Executive Director

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:27:19 GMT

New York, NY (February 11, 2008) – The American Craft Council has named Andrew Glasgow as its new Executive Director. He has been serving as Acting Executive Director since Carmine Branagan resigned in November. Prior to joining the Council, Glasgow was Executive Director of The Furniture Society, based in Asheville, NC, for seven years. Glasgow will oversee a staff of 25 employees at the Council’s national headquarters in New York City, while developing and promoting new cultural programming and partnerships with corporate and community stakeholders across the country. Andrew is a clearinghouse of information, a human rolodex, in the widening world of craft, said Marc Grainer, Chair of the Council’s Board of Trustees. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable but he’s well regarded by everyone in the field. Working with the Council’s talented staff, Andrew’s top priority will be to ensure that the Council’s strategic vision is realized. He possesses all of the attributes of a...

Greg Worden - Vermont Artisan Designs

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:17:22 GMT

This unusual gallery has been located in Brattleboro, Vermont, for more than 35 years. Owners Suzy and Greg Worden invite you to visit when you're in southeastern Vermont, please stop by our 106 Main Street location.

We're open seven days a week. Our regular hours are 10-6 except Friday until 7 and Sunday from 11 to 4. Hours will be extended for the holidays. Please call for details. Our phone is (802) 257-7044 and e-mail is service@buyvermontart.com.

We also operate a gourmet kitchen store, Kitchen Sync, and a bath and body boutique, Melange, both on Brattleboro's Main Street.

Our home, Brattleboro, is nestled in southeastern Vermont alongside the Connecticut River in the Tri-State region of New England that nurtures the creative urges of artists, craftspeople and musicians. Some of the finest handwork found in the United States comes from the people living in these hills and river valleys of Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Recently Brattleboro - population 12,500 -- was named one of the Top 10 Arts Towns in America with populations of 30,000 and under and to the Top 25 Arts Towns with populations of 100,000 and under. It's also home to the Vermont Jazz Center, World Learning, the Brattleboro Music Center, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Marlboro College's Technology Center and the Holstein-Friesian cattle registry.

Ann Pifer - The Grand Hand

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:46:29 GMT

Ann Ruhr Pifer is the owner of The Grand Hand Gallery in St. Paul, MN. Prior to opening the gallery, Ann spent 15 years working as a commercial banker in New York and Minneapolis. She received her B.A. from Smith College, in Northampton, MA, and her M.A. International Relations from The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C.

She is a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Paul Academy and Summit School in St. Paul, MN; and is a past member of the Board of Directors of WAMSO - The Volunteer Association of the Minnesota Orchestra. She is a member of the Metro Independent Business Alliance and the Grand Avenue Business Association, and is frequently invited to speak to student and professional groups on marketing and public relations for arts businesses.

Ann lives in St. Paul with her husband, Nic, their sons Christopher and Owen, a dog, two cats and one very friendly white rat.

www.thegrandhand.com

Karen Hohler - Whipporwill

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:43:22 GMT

Karen is one of CRAFT’s staunchest cheerleaders. Participation on committees and the Board of the group have created opportunities for networking, learning, growing and change that have helped her transform and expand Whippoorwill.

Whippoorwill has been a Boston shopping destination since 1980, its first 25 years as part of tourist mecca Faneuil Hall Marketplace. In October of 2005 it moved to a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city’s Financial District. The new location quadrupled the selling floor and created a warm and sparkling setting for contemporary craft!

Whippoorwill, 93 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 617-571-5267

www.whippoorwillcrafts.com

CRAFT Its Friday July - December 2007

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:46:40 GMT

Rate Changes from UPS As 2008 approaches, all of us at UPS would like to express our appreciation for your continued business. To help you plan for the coming year, we want you to know about new UPS rates and services that will take effect December 31, 2007. UPS published small package Daily Rates will change as follows*: UPS Ground and UPS Standard to Canada services will increase 4.9%. Air and International express services will increase a net 4.9% through a combination of a 6.9% increase in rates and a 2% reduction in the air and international fuel surcharge. Changes will also be made to accessorial charges. Delivery Area Surcharges and Residential Surcharges will increase by $0.10. The Additional Handling charge will increase by $0.50 and the charge for Address Corrections for UPS Ground packages will increase by $1.00. The charge for Declared Value will increase by $0.05 per $100 of Declared Value, with a minimum charge of $1.80, and you, as the shipper, will have the...

CRAFT Business Conditions Surveys

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:45:52 GMT

We need to improve the value of the surveys. Some of this is for your background. We have used our management company to send out and collate the results so we can keep the results anonymous. This has striped away some of the ability to analyze. For example, we ask for your location to see if a particular region is behaving differently, and have asked what type of business; we get numbers for each question and can not see the small gift store in NE Vs the big store in a mall in the NE. This is something we can talk to them about but we need to put together a strategy first. I have tried to get members to report by store for those like us who have more then one store. We have had few responses; maybe it is too much effort? I have tried to get results by these categories: Region: NE, SE, Central, West [based on numbers of members] Size of store/business: Less then $300k in sales, $300 ?750k, etc. [tried couple groups so must find out most relevant] Location: Stand alone...

Laurie Wickham

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:34:51 GMT

Gallery Morada in the Florida Keys represents over 200 of America's best craft artisans producing one of a kind and limited edition pieces

Maud Boleman - Black Mountain Studios

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:18:34 GMT

We do not consider art to be some obscure, esoteric pursuit that is practiced by the extremely "gifted" and understood by few. Art is the work of our minds and hands, is the result of the creative process, and we are all creative. How you carve a piece of wood, dig a trench, fold your laundry, or, yes, shape a spinning ball of clay all involve the creative process.

The purpose of the work that we do at Black Mountain Studios is quite simple: it is to make objects that are pleasing to the eye and the hand, to make things of beauty, be they utilitarian or not. If you look at one of our pieces and have a little bit of your breath taken away, or hold it in your hands or lift it to your mouth, and it feels good, it feels right, then we have achieved our goal.

Maud’s exposure to the world of art began in her childhood, visiting the museums of New York City, and continued through her studies at Nova Southeastern University. In the last twenty years, as a maker of pots and a teacher of makers, her technique and style have developed into a synthesis of the rustic and the refined, with form and function playing an intriguing duet.

Operating Black Mountain Studies is another chapter in their ongoing story of love, for each other, clay, and the artwork they produce.

Bank of America Documents

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:30:36 GMT

2007 Mastercard Interchange Rates

2007 Visa Interchange Rates

BOA Merchant Application

Credit Voucher for MC

Credit Voucher for Visa

BA Merchant Value Proposition

BA Craft Retailers Association

Business Information Archives

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:29:54 GMT

CRAFT is a member driven organization. What that means is that all work, programs and development of ideas are done by volunteer members. This is what makes our organization vital and relevant. As you can see, this page is under development - translate that as, it needs a volunteer to take care of it. Can you help? We can tailor a job to your skills and time availability. Click on this link if you would like to volunteer to help info@craftonline.org

Membership Services

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:28:08 GMT

Membership in CRAFT allows you access to the top American Craft Galleries and Craft Artists in the Country in their effort to promote American Craft.

Mentoring Program by CRAFT Members

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:24:11 GMT

Thinking of opening a retail shop, store or gallery based on American Craft? The CRAFT mentoring program matches seasoned retailers with those wishing to start a business, or with those who are already in business and have specific needs or questions. OBJECTIVE: To help a prospective shop/gallery owner determine feasibility. To help an individual learn aspects of owning a shop/gallery faster than they would on their own, by directing them to information/resources based on the experience of the mentor. To grow our industry with knowledgeable and ethical retailers. STRUCTURE: We will consult with you (first hour gratis) to determine which aspects of the business you need help with (feasibility, operations, structure, set-up, marketing, merchandising, financial, resources, common practices, etc). This also enables us to best match you with a specific mentor. As determined by both parties, mentoring may happen via phone, in person (trade shows/other) and/or by e-mail. FEES: CRAFT...

Education Committee

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:06:32 GMT

The education committee plans and conducts table topic seminars at the Buyers Market of American Craft and ACRE. These round table discussions are conducted by the leading craft retailers in the country and address topics of interest to the industry.

Education Committee Minutes

Orphan Law - Letter template

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:21:37 GMT

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 a Better 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. C.R.A.F.T. has over ________ members. 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 to use a copyrighted expression but cannot find the owner to obtain authorization. Apparently, it is primarily championed by libraries and educators who worry that the fair use defense is unpredictable and that the inability to find a copyright owner discourages new activity....

CRAFT Candidates Proxy Ballot 2007

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:55:41 GMT

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) below. (Circle up to 5 names) X Ann Pifer, The Grand Hand Gallery ( 3 year term) X Donna Milstein, Hanson Galleries ( 3 year term) X Joanne Sterlacci,...

CRAFT Its Friday 2007

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 02:57:28 GMT

Its Friday, CRAFTS new website... If you havent heard, the new CRAFT web site is up and running. Check it out at www.CRAFTonline.org. Web site marketing..with or without a web site... Going to the effort and expense of creating a web site for your gallery is not a build it and they will come situation. To have any hope of having a successful--in terms of hits and/or sales you have to market the web site. A recent article by Jeff Haefner of the POSSOFTWAREGUIDE.COM provides some valuable information on a couple of simple ways you can generate more search engine activity--regardless if you have a web site or not. If you are interested open the attached file containing Mr. Haefners article on local search secrets. The Supreme Court and price setting... As mentioned in a previous Its Friday email, the Supreme Court heard arguments relating to minimum price setting by manufacturers. Briefly the question was whether a manufacturer who required retailers to sell at no less than a...

Website Committee

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:02:04 GMT

In an effort to facilitate member access to CRAFT and its programs and to improve the networking and educational opportunities that are such valuable benefits of trade association membership, the associations Board has appointed a committee, chaired by David Brooks, Appalachian Spring, to develop a truly interactive website.

On the website members will have direct access to discussion forums, timely craft industry news, newsletters, links and calendars.

In addition, the site will provide for expedited handling of most of the association's administrative needs, including up to date membership information, event registration, and dues administration and membership communications.

As other needs are determined, the committee is confident that the platform chosen will be able to accommodate them.

Committee Minutes

Description of Events

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:21:23 GMT

Content will be added.

Benefits - Eligibility - Dues

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:19:24 GMT

Membership Benefits Membership in CRAFT will save you money, time and aggravation. Networking opportunities, the most valuable tool you can use Quarterly Newsletter providing business tips you can use Educational programs Bank of America Merchant Services for preferred card processing discount rates Packaging providers of gift bags, paper and boxes at very good price levels Consulting Property and casualty insurance Long term care insurance Statistical surveys to gather industry data for benchmarking Constant Contact Mentoring In short, you won’t feel like you are reinventing the wheel. Retailer Eligibility Requirements Active membership is open to licensed storefront retailers of American craft who maintain inventory of at least 50% American made craft. Active Members shall have all the privileges of membership and their representatives shall have the right to be Officers and Directors of the Association. Associate Eligibility...

Membership Resources/ Links

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:16:00 GMT

CRAFT - A Brief History

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:58:42 GMT

CRAFT, the Craft Retailers’ Association for Tomorrow, was incorporated in Pennsylvania as a not-for-profit trade association headquartered in Philadelphia in July 2002. CRAFT is a descendent and successor to two prior associations active in the industry, ACRA, American Craft Retailers Association, a volunteer led and administered association, and ACA, American Craft Association which was created upon ACRA’s absorption into ACC, American Craft Council. Although both organizations held themselves out as associations interested in meeting the needs of storefront retailers of American craft, neither was able to deliver much in the way of programs benefiting storefront retailers, other than in the area of education. The ACRA/ACA model for Table Topics is the foundation upon which CRAFT’s current programs are based. A few years after ACC dissolved ACA, events and changes in the community of storefront retailers led several gallery/shop owners to enter into discussions...

Resources/ Links

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:07:34 GMT

The New York International Gift Fair®, is a bi-annual global marketplace for giftware in the United States, displaying the latest trends and most sought-after gifts. For more information on the Fair, Visit their Website. The CraftsReport is a magazine for the crafts professional. Published monthly, TCR provides information on: marketing, growing your craft business, time management, studio safety, retail relationships, artist/retailer profiles, industry news and more. Click here to view the latest information from The CraftsReport. The Buyers Market of American Craft (BMAC), held twice a year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia, is a wholesale show that offers the worlds largest venue for artists to meet qualified buyers. This show provides a professional setting for the development of wholesale contacts and generates new business for both buyers and sellers of American craft art. The BMAC is produced by The Rosen Group. Visit their website. The...

app bottom

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:17:48 GMT

Thank you for applying for membership in CRAFT. If you chose above to mail or call in your dues payment, our mailing address and phone are:

CRAFT
PO Box 293
Islamorada FL 33036

Phone 305-664-3650

Fax 305-664-0199

Becoming a Member

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:29:10 GMT

The Value of CRAFT Membership What is important to YOU as a Craft business person? Supporting American craft? Improving your gallery? Growing your sales? Networking? Your CRAFT membership will help you achieve these goals. CRAFT has a voice. Membership Benefits Membership in CRAFT will save you money, time and aggravation. Networking opportunities, the most valuable tool you can use Quarterly Newsletter providing business tips you can use Educational programs Bank of America Merchant Services for preferred card processing discount rates Packaging providers of gift bags, paper and boxes at very good price levels Consulting Property and casualty insurance Long term care insurance Statistical surveys to gather industry data for benchmarking In short, you won’t feel like you are reinventing the wheel. Retailer Eligibility Requirements Active membership is open to licensed storefront retailers of American craft who maintain inventory of at...

About Us

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:15:02 GMT

At CRAFT, our focus is about education and promotion of American made Craft Art. We are an association of galleries, shops and now artists from all over, dedicated to presenting work that has one common characteristic--it's Handmade in the USA. Our members represent some of the finest artists/craftspeople in the world -- Folk or Contemporary, Ceramics, Fine Woodworking or Blown Glass, Sculptural or Functional -- a CRAFT member gallery or shop is the place to find it. Get in touch with us today or any of our member galleries. You can probably find a CRAFT member near you.

app top

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 23:15:56 GMT

To apply for membership in CRAFT please fill out the information below ( the (*) information is required)
Choose your user name and password for accessing the member sections of this website
Choose your membership category
Choose your dues payment method (if you choose "pay online now", you will be using a totally secure payment system through Authorize.net)

Join Now

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 23:13:59 GMT

To Join
Please print out and complete a membership application.

Mail it, with dues to:
CRAFT
PO Box 293
Islamorada FL 33036
Phone 305-664-3650
Fax 305-664-0199

Em: info@craftonline.org

Board Minutes 2004

Sat, 21 Apr 2007 04:33:57 GMT

CRAFT Planning Committee Meeting Telecon Minutes December 6, 2004 Next Meeting: January 10, 9:30 am In attendance were: Sharlie, Donna, Karen B, Gloria, Karen H, Joanne Treasure Hunt · Item to be collected at the booth in lieu of it being sent to headquarters. · How to award the Treasure to attendees as each table is still to be determined. · Karen B faxed the directors asking that they contact an artist to donate a “treasure.” Table Decorations· Constance has put much thought into this and CRAFT needs to promote her availability to attendees. Cruise· Joanne has phone tagged with Carnival Cruise Line rep. · The Line doesn’t typically donate a cruise, but he has some information. Follow up is ongoing. · The Committee guessed at what is the typical cost of a three day. · The Committee considered what is the state law for raffling a cruise, at the booth and during promotion · ...

Board Minutes 2004

Sat, 21 Apr 2007 04:32:59 GMT

Rich Kolb

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:27:49 GMT

Gloria Brooke

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:15:20 GMT

A little BROOKE POTTERY HISTORY. Brooke Pottery was opened in Lakeland, Florida
on February 14,1988. I had studied pottery with F.Carlton Ball on the West
Coast. In addition to wanting to make pottery,in the back of my mind I always
wanted to have a pottery shop. I opened the shop on Valentine's Day because
it's my birthday and my husband doesn't remember birthdays well. I thought this
way I will always have a party...and since then we have had nineteen birthdays
and my husband never forgets. I started with seven potters I knew from the West
coast. One of which I still buy from once a month. Pottery is the biggest part
of the store. After that comes jewelry and wood.

I opened the store in a small house I bought with a stash of cash from selling
my pots at Seattle's Pike Place market and street fairs. It was not in the
right location so when one of the local businessmen offered me a place in the
Downtown that they were trying to rejuvenate, I decided to take the challenge.
It was a challenge too. The pawn shop across the street had a stuffed two-headed
calf in the window. Most of my block was boarded-up. There was a flop house on
the next corner(when it sold they took out 27 filthy mattresses ). Most of the
other side of the block was boarded up too. Not the best neighborhood. BUT I got
three months free rent!

The Good News is that within three years Thirty Three new businesses moved
downtown. Retail, lawyers, restaurants,....then big business followed. It was a
challenge and I am happy I stuck it out. Many of my customers recall how
difficult it was and continue to support the store. They know that we promote
American craft and its high quality.

It has been very satisfying to be a part of building an American Fine Craft business
and helping to improve our Downtown. Our store has received several business

awards, but the best award is the support we get from customers who

appreciate what we represent....the creativity and imagination of American artists.

Its Friday - 2006

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 14:33:41 GMT

Friday August 2006 Business Secrets and Intellectual Property… Although theft of intellectual property, knockoffs, is not an uncommon subject of discussion among artists, retailers can fall victim to similar losses when their business secrets and practices etc. are appropriated by others in competition with them. The horror stories are abundant and the remedies are limited and expensive to apply. In many instances the loss suffered by either the artist or gallery owner is at the hands of former employees. Recently CRAFT came across some forms for employment and non-compete agreements that address this situation for both artists and retailers. Copies of these forms are attached for members’ review. These forms are passed along for information and discussion purposes only. CRAFT has not had these agreements reviewed by any counsel experienced in this area of the law and members are urged to invest the time and money for advice as to their relevance, legality and...

Donna Milstein - Hanson Galleries

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 01:07:44 GMT

After 15 years in the fashion industry, Donna opened Hanson Galleries in 1977 in Houston, TX. With her husband, Art, they grew it into a multi-media crafts store featuring mainly American artists. They have two beautiful new locations which have been featured in many publications.

Several awards have been given to them by Niche Magazine including number two and three ranking craft retailer in the nation. The second Martin Rischty award was given to Donna for outstanding volunteer service to the American craft community.

Donna has been involved in organizing and presenting Table Topics and other seminars for over 20 years in cities throughout the country. These have been presented at Buyers’ Market of American Craft Shows, American Craft Council Shows, George Little Shows and now ACRE.

Donna is a founding member and board member of all three craft retailers’ organizations that have existed over her 30 years of owning Hanson Galleries. She has also mentored many emerging artists and is always willing to share her knowledge with the craft community. She is also a frequent speaker to Houston area guild groups.

Hanson Galleries was recognized last year by "H" Magazine as the "Best Gallery in Houston."

Mary Kesler

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:15:34 GMT

Thomas Davin and Mary Kesler have been woodworking together since 1979. Their professional training began during their college years in California where Tom studied cabinetmaking and design at C.S.U. Northridge. Mary began woodworking to help pay expenses toward her Bachelor of Science degree at U.C. Davis. After college, they began a business and life partnership. They now reside with their three children, two boys, Morgan and Roland, and a girl, Joanna in the countryside of Rhode Island.

Working out of a nineteenth century mill overlooking Dorset Mill Pond, Mary and Tom utilize the beauty of their surroundings to create objects that are simple yet elegant in design. Their woodcrafts are both serviceable and handsome. With minimal care, they can be appreciated for years to come. The hallmark of their work is its combination of artistic expression and utilitarian design.

Phyllis Castells

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:04:09 GMT

Heart of the Home first opened its doors on April Fool's Day in 1994. Mother-daughter team Phyllis and Catalina Castells conceived of a store where you could see fine and unique crafts in a setting reminiscent of your own home. A store where customer service would be the main focus. Where every person who walked through the door would be greeted with an invitation to touch things and enjoy yourself.

We've grown a lot since the first little store on Mechanic Street, and there are a few more people working here now, but our focus on making your shopping experience a unique and wonderful one you'll want to experience again and again hasn't wavered.

Our wonderful location in the New Hope Flood House has allowed us to expand our offerings to include more craftspeople's work. And our expansion into the next-door storefront with Hearts Afire has enabled us to offer you an incredible selection of jewelry. In the summer of 2005, we plan to expand our collection of hand-made wearables and accessories by transforming our second floor space into a ladies' boutique (with a great room for the gents, too!). We've already relocated our collection of candles upstairs. Don't miss the changes.

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Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:16:04 GMT

CRAFT Board Minutes 2005

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 12:35:30 GMT

CRAFT Executive Committee Teleconference October 25, 2005 3:00 (Convened under anti- trust guidelines) PRESENT: Karen B, Gloria, Don, David, Karen H, Donna, Deb TOPIC: What’s next for CRAFT DISCUSSION: Fernley is willing to go forward starting November 1, 2005 at $57/hour ala carte (billed in 15 minute increments). Karen B currently averages 6 hours/week and Fernley departments average 6 hours/month. At this rate of usage the cost would be $1710/month. This does not include excess projects (newsletter, annual meeting, new projects), website changes, creating content, but does include accounting, e-mail blasts, data base maintenance, answering phone calls/e-mails, over-all point person. If we were to (later) combine the services of Fernley and Alumni Magnet with the goal of decreasing overall management expense, CRAFT content management would need to be done by members to reduce expenses. If we were to parcel out tasks done previously by Fernley and rely solely on Alumni...

Business Practices Committee

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:23:23 GMT

The Business Practices Committee serves as a conduit for members to discuss and share business practices. We see our mission as education through research, clarification, and sharing. This committee’s past accomplishments have been the formulation of the CRAFT Code of Ethics as well as the detailed trade show purchase order form. Both documents are on the CRAFT web site.

Great interest has been expressed by the membership for a meaningful business discussion of web site e-commerce. This will be our next project.

Networking Committee

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 04:06:30 GMT

The purpose of the networking committee is to provide opportunities for
Craft members to establish rapport with one another, sharing ideas and
expertise, thereby enhancing and strengthening the American Craft business
environment for us individually and collectively.