(This is the second post in the Book Review for Crafty Superstar. Make sure to read part one, in last weeks Thursday post.)
Book Title: Crafty Superstar
Author: Grace Dobush
ISBN-13: 987-1-60061-320-3
ISBN-10: 1-60061-320-9
US $17.99 / CAN $21.99
In Crafty Superstar, Grace Dobush tries to share her creative business experiences and knowledge with us. She layout in in chapter 3, the best ways to go about selling you goods based on the store type you want to have. She starts out covering selling on-line, in a brick and mortar store, craft shows, and moving onto specialty sites like Etsy. She lays out the pros and cons for each. Since Grace owns an Etsy shop she does focus on the functions of Etsy. In this chapter she gives the reader easy tips on lighting a scene for your product shots, things to keep in mind while designing a business website, and simple yet interesting ways to package your products for the customer. She also covers customer service. This is a section worth reading twice. Our businesses are built on the desires of the customer. Like all business without them, we don’t sell. The final section covers how not to sell. She talks about common ways people will get in their own way.
In chapter four she talks about Craft Shows: where to find them, how to get involved, how to apply to be a sellers, and ways to stand out. I have to say when I thought about doing my first craft show I was overwhelmed. I have never been to one. I don’t know anyone who has participated, and I have no clue what I am getting into. So when Grace lays out the basics for me, I have to admit there was a sense of ease to it all. If you are considering participating in a craft show, but are worried that you might not have what it takes you need this book. It covers how much inventory you need going into a show. It talks about ways to display you good so that they are interesting. It also covers ways to set up your booth to be more functional. It also covers networking at these shows.
The fifth chapter is about getting your name out there. It covers several ways to promote your store online, good ways to find people in your area, and purchasing ads. It is one of the shorter chapters, but the information is densely packed. She lists out the best ways to deal with a magazine. She talks about blogging. (This is actually about the time I started mine. I knew I wanted one, and her book gave me a bit more focus.) She also talks about social network site.
In the final chapter, she talks about trying to balance work, crafting, and personal time. I am one of the obsessive crafters. I can sit around working on projects for hours. I try to balance this by beading about to construct my jewelry while talking to people. My friends are understanding and know that it is mainly a need to fidget. But, after a while you have to find a way to have this balance. She covers a few ideas on how.
So in general, I love this book. I believe that anyone who has or is starting an Etsy store needs this book. I suggest going down to Borders or Barnes&Nobels, get a cup of tea or coffee, and find a spot to hold up for thirty minutes. Read through the book and see if it is for you.
After a long string of Bead & Button magazines, I ran across the "year's best" book. It is an amazing collection of all of the highlighted pieces from the year. And, I have to say there is a good reason these pieces were in a magazine.
