Now we are turning the tables again, and the tote bag is here to stay. Even the grocery stores are offering them for sale. This is a great place to start for a craft business.

If your passion, is painting, sewing, quilting, appliqué, embroidery, or even stamping, then you can create the most gorgeous tote bags, for yourself, for unique one of a kind gifts, or to sell at craft shows or online. They are lightweight, and strong, and they really are an open canvas.

With all the latest and greatest craft supplies out there now, you can get printable fabric that you can put in your computer printer. You can print a photograph from your computer, right onto this fabric, which you could then appliqué to the tote, it is washable. This could be a great craft business idea. This works well with pet photos. Everyone loves their pets, and would love to show off their pets picture done up nice on a tote bag.

Make one for yourself and make sure to use it everyday, and you will get people asking about your tote. This is great free advertising.

Stamping also works well on blank totes. The ideas are endless, but make sure and take a picture of your original totes and keep in an album for potential customers to see. Tote bags are a great form of usable art, and pretty soon you will see your artwork on display everyday as tote bags. What a great feeling that would be.

If you love this idea, then why not get your tote bags in bulk?.. Some craft store sell them, but I find them to be most affordable online. You can purchase all different styles depending on what artwork you will put on it. Go ahead, and make some useable art and help keep the planet green.
blank tote bags online now

Tote Bags, Start a Craft Business, and Save the Planet One Bag at a Time is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

But, maybe you may feel like you're struggling for some inspiration. There're lots of places you can get ideas for your booth. Here are three that I think you'll find useful.

Existing Displays

Look around in the stores where you shop for displays of items similar to yours. Stores know that their business hinges on their products looking good to customers. They have to have good displays or they'll be going out of business.

Take a look at what they've done. How are the products arranged? How many colors do they use? Do they use more than one type of product?

If possible, take pictures and keep them in a file. Before you know it, you'll have a great folder to go through for getting ideas.

Magazines

Magazines can help you stay up with the trends. You can see what's hot and what's not. The nice thing about magazines is that they have lots of pictures.

Tear out the pictures and add them to your file. The more you look at them, the more you'll see patterns that stores and shops use for creating good displays.

You'll get ideas for how to display your product so customers know how to use it. Or to help them see how it will fit into their lives and what it will do for them.

Friends, Family And Other Crafters

Don't pass up your family and friends. Get them to give you feedback on your ideas. Set up a display at home, and when they come over, ask them about it.

Does it catch their attention? Is there something missing from the display? You'd be surprised how just a few comments from someone can be very enlightening.

The tendency is that we get so involved with our crafts, that it's hard for us to see the forest for the trees. Getting the feedback of some honest family members and friends can get us on the right path.

Look At What's Worked In The Past

Not only should you be looking at what others have done, but you should be looking back at your own. You should be keeping track of what has worked for you in the past so you can refer to it.

When you go to a craft show, set up your display and take a picture of it. How well did it attract people's attention. Did it draw them in and encourage them to pick the items up?

Keeping track of displays that have worked, and the ones that haven't will help you to repeat your success. You can look at what's worked and see how you can improve on it.

By constantly reviewing your work and that of others, you begin to get more and more of an idea of what really works, and what doesn't.

Inspiration For Your Craft Booth is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

To go from hobbyist to professional will require a little adjustment in the beginning as you would have your workspace already setup and have been manufacturing already but on a smaller scale. As you increase your production you will also need to think out increasing your storage space.

You will need to consider where to set up your office so that you can take care of the running of the business. Try not to have your office and work room in the same room. The tasks are different and will require their own attention.

You're Confidence Level

An important part of building your business is your confidence, you need to have confidence in what you create. Believe that you can not only create the beautiful things that you do but also be able to sell them. You need to begin to change your mindset from being a person that creates a homemade product to a person that creates meticulous handcrafted products.

Handmade Products Are Sought-after

Handmade products provide customers with a quality item that is not mass produced; they are unique and can be personalized to suite an individual. Handcrafted products are normally sold at a premium as people are generally willing to pay for that unique and special item.

Do Your Research

What research do you have to do before you start your business? Here are some things you will need to look into to get an idea of how to set you your own craft business

- Make a list of the types of shops and galleries you would like to see your products sold in. Look at the type of customers that are in the shop and build yourself a customer profile.

- Attend your local markets, arts and craft shows and basically any events that would have a craft booth display set up. Take notes along the way for ideas. Talk to the exhibitors when they are not busy and tell them what you want to do, ask them about their experience both good and bad. They are the experts and generally will be willing to share their knowledge with you.

- Don't forget to take plenty of notes along the way so that you can review them later. Ideas will spring from your notes so write those down immediately as well. These notes will be the foundation of your business to come.

How To Start A Craft Business is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Whenever any special occasion comes, it also came with the celebration at that time. No celebration is considered complete with party and no party is complete without gift. Gift doesn’t mean buying expansive thing and deliver it to the host. A gift indicates the love and care that you have in your heart. If a homemade or self made gift is presented to the person, it seems more valuable.

Gifts that are homemade not only reveal your ability it also indicates your love and affection. Homemade gifts are inexpensive but they are fun to make, also, it is priceless for love and creativity that goes into them. To make homemade crafts you need not any special and expansive things. You can make your gift even with the waste things and with vegetables. Some of the effective methods with the list of items are mentioned below.

Vegetable craft

Vegetable art is a simple and less time consuming. Even children can make different and beautiful items with the help of vegetables. For making crafts you need some vegetables, a piece of cloth and fabric colors. It is your option you can make length or breathe wise slices of capsicum or any vegetable that is chosen by you. You can make beautiful patterns with the help of vegetable.

Take a capsicum and cut in two pieces. Take fabric color and apply the paint on cut edge of capsicum. You can take any color of your choice. Now, make the petals of flower with this by pressing it on the cloth. Take lady finger and cut in length wise apply green color to it for making leaves of petals of flower. You can punch this flower design any side of cloth either in center, middle or side of the cloth.

Homemade Art and Craft is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Cards have got to be the most popular of all easy at home crafts. Any kind of paper can be used to make a card but construction paper works best. Any other sturdy material can also be used. Markers, paints, glitter and gems are just a few of the things you can use to decorate your card nicely. This is a perfect task for very young children to get started in crafts.

Many people are so concerned with the gift that they do not take the time to focus on the gift box. Decorating a gift box is a fabulous way to add some flare to it while increasing the delight of the recipient. Cards can actually be folded into a small gift box with just a few folds. Try searching online for step by step instruction if you should require it. Paint balloons on a birthday box or snowflakes on a Christmas gift box. The smallest touch can add a lot of personality.

Window painting makes a fun holiday craft for any holiday. Stick with the theme by using paints or spray made for window crafts. Be sure it is this type so that you know it will wash off after. Paint pumpkins and witches for Halloween or pretty pink hearts for Valentine's Day. This type of activity is fun for adults and kids so why not do it together? It's a good way to spend some quality time as a family getting ready for your favourite holiday.

For Valentine's Day, try making a love bug for that special someone. Cut out a large heart from pink or red construction paper. Use a different piece of paper, usually a black or brown one, and cut it out in the shape of a bug body like that of a butterfly. Glue the body on to the heart so that the heart becomes the wings. You now have a love bug. Decorate the wings however you like.

Hanging ghosts are an easy favourite for Halloween. All you need is small white treat bags or an old sheet you can cut into large squares. Stuff the bag with anything from paper to leaves to fill half of it before tying it off. The untied portion should hang loose and the tied part becomes the head of the ghost. Draw on a face or spooky words for additional décor.

Holidays are fun for so many reasons. From painting Easter eggs to making your very own Christmas ornaments, the holidays are wonderful for bringing out the kid in everyone. It doesn't take much to get creative. Start with the right materials and don't allow yourself to be limited.

Holiday Craft Ideas is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Supplies needed:

Brown felt
Colorful craft feathers
Google eye
Red pipe cleaner
Scissors
Black permanent marker
Rubber cement or craft glue

We chose to make our turkeys out of brown felt.  This is just one of many options, you could also use brown craft foam or brown construction paper.

First, use the black permanent marker to trace around your child's hand on the brown felt.  Next cut out the hand tracing.  For younger children, you will have to do these steps for them.

Next turn over the piece of the felt so any permanent marker markings are on the backside of the felt.

The thumb of the handprint will be the turkey's neck and head, so have your child use a little glue to attach a google eye where the eye should go.

Cut a small piece of red pipe cleaner for the turkey's beak, approximately 1/2 inch long.  Fold the cut piece in half and have your child glue it beneath the turkey's eye.

Next have your child brush some glue on each of the other fingers, and then have him press down one feather on each finger.

That's it!  A quick, easy Thanksgiving craft that will be sure to please your child.  It's also a great way to preserve your child's small, adorable hand that will be bigger next year.

Thanksgiving Hand Print Turkey Craft is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Using different colors is necessary for any craft projects. This is especially true for any art pieces, multiple colors will convey different messages. An artist will tend to use craft pieces as a mode of expression, it is necessary to have stones of varied colors so that artists can be as expressive as they want

furthermore, crystals and rhinestones also come in many different sizes. Sizes are measured in "ss", also defined as "stone size". Sizes can range from a value of 5 to 48. The biggest stone can have a diameter that is as wide as 12mm. The tiniest stone could be as small as having a diameter that is less than 2mm.

Having different sizes mean artists can use these stones to express many different things in the universe. For example, ss5 stones could easily be used in a craft project to create varied patterns such as circles, squares or stars. Other things stones can represent include planets, treasures, etc.

A special characteristic about crystals and rhinestones is their large amount of reflective facets. As you shine a light through a stone, the light will be refracted in all directions. One can emphasize this feature on any project. For sure, the stones will superbly improve the general appearance of the project, and make it more attention catching.

Besides the beautiful outer appearance of crystals and rhinestones these stones are highly suitable for craft projects because some of these stones come with adhesive glue on their flat surface These stones are specially suited for attaching to clothing.

These stones are commonly known as hot fix crystals or rhinestones. The name describes the adhering process very well. The glue needs to be heated before attaching the stones Here is how it works.

Glue is located on the bottom of hot fix stones. As heat is applied to the stone, the glue softens. This will allow the stone to be put on another surface and stick. The heat source is then removed, and the stone is allowed to cool for a few seconds. The glue hardened as it cools off, and after just a few short seconds, the stone is attached to the surface.

Of course, special tools such as a heat wand will be required to help with the fixing process. You can use this process to fix stones to clothing, craft projects, and any other surface that you desire.

So the next time you work on a craft project, consider buying some Austrian crystals or rhinestones. When you buy in bulk, the prices are very reasonable.

Austrian Crystals and Rhinestones for Craft Projects is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Local Library: For old, colorful magazines and books that can be used in collage, mixed media and altered art.

Recycle Groups: Join the groups in your area on some recycle websites. You might get a bag of fabric scraps or some old leather item for your next project.

Online Communities for Classifieds: Check the network of online communities, featuring free online classified advertisements. You might get something at lower prices.

Thrift and Resell Stores: Most of them have a section of art and craft supplies. Otherwise too, you might find other items that you can turn into craft supplies especially when you need fabric or books.

Family, Friends, and Neighbors: Check with them. Exchange items among yourselves. What is a waste for them, might be useful for you and vice versa.

Local Shops and Decorators: Upholstery, furniture shops and decorators might be willing to sell their scrap to you at very low prices. Don't hesitate to ask them though politely. Grocery shops can also give you wooden crates etc.

Local Dollar Store: Not all will be quality material but it's a good location to look at and stock up on some basics like paint brushes and storage containers.

Children's Discarded Stationary: Look into the discarded stationary items, pencil boxes, bags etc. of you own or relatives, friend's children. You might find craft paper, crayons, paints etc. from there.

Discount Websites: There are many discount websites. Check them, see what online bargains can you get. You might find promotional codes and free shipping offers, saving yourself a lots of money.

Where To Find Inexpensive Art and Craft Supplies is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Where do you start? The first thing you must do is empty out the room you want to organize. This is especially important if the space is small. A cleared room is as full as creative possibility as an empty canvas. As you pull out drawers and sift through supplies you will need another area to put everything. If the weather is nice, take it outside. The next step is to categorize and sort your supplies. Group like items together in plastic bins, on a tarp on the ground, or just in piles. Identifying each pile with a sign is helpful if you have a lot of stuff. Use whatever system makes sense to you. When I organized my kitchen drawers I put all wooden tools together- wooden handled rubber spatulas, citrus juicer, toast tongs, etc. This made sense to me because they had something in common and were all relatively the same size. Do what makes sense to you because it is your space.

Storage containers are important to keeping your space orderly. I recommend purchasing several different sizes to accommodate a variety of crafting supplies. You never know. You might be inspired while sorting and realize you bought the perfect container for a particular need. Clear containers have a lot of benefits. The most obvious is that you can see what’s in them. Also, they are available in many stores. Because there are so many sizes and shapes, you can organize your entire space with them. Coordinating in this way adds to the overall feeling of calm. Particularly with crafts, having a container with several sections or dividers is helpful. They are small enough for a drawer and keep all those little pieces in one location. I have one with all my different needles in it. I keep the machine, hand sewing and knitting needles all in one spot. On the outside of the box I taped my needle guide and it serves as a label for the box as well as an easy reference.

The last item to fixing up your craft space is shelving. Storage boxes and containers will fit nicely stacked on shelves. You will be able to find shelves in every shape and size to accommodate your personal space. Your supplies should be easy to see and to get to.

Next time you walk into your space you will feel calm and your mind will be free to focus on your craft project not your chaotic space.

Craft Clutter Creating Organizational Calm is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Curious iridescent paper is certainly one of the oddest products on the market today. Normally, embossed iridescent paper is not so much a paper, but more like plastic or a thin, flexible and colorful metal, and as such, is well suited for sculpting and other crafts. Iridescent paper is often made by foil stamping and lasers on light-sensitive chemicals, and can only be used as a writing media with dry-erase or permanent marker. For more details visit to www.positive-idea.com, Curious iridescent paper, however, will absorb ink and can be used for any variety of projects from drawing, painting and writing to crafts such as collages, paper Mache sculptures and scrapbooks with a little extra flair and texture.

Vellum makes a unique, translucent, and slightly iridescent paper for accenting crafts. Originally made from animal skin for scrolls, vellum has remained in common use to this day, especially in England, where British Acts of Parliament are still printed on nothing but vellum paper. Most modern vellum imitation is made from acid free cotton and is perfect for calligraphy and other projects requiring an antique or rustic look. Thin vellum paper and glue make a beautiful laminate for crafts such as scrapbooks and leaf catalogues.

One of the medium vellum cardstocks of note is Bristol paper, a smooth, heavy pasteboard of fine quality. Originally made from pasted rag paper in Bristol, England, this hard stock is often the choice paper for technical drawings, but offers intriguing creative possibilities. Bristol is unique in that it is thick enough to have two working surfaces "front and back" that will not interfere with each other and each side can serve as its own writing or drawing surface. Artists working with friction-based media, such as crayon, chalk, or charcoal will want to use a rougher texture board, while smooth finishes are generally more suited to other types of media, such as inks and watercolor.

For a breathtaking and unique look, silk paper provides a strong yet soft alternative to more mainstream options. Silk crafters have been making paper since the 2nd century, B.C.E., and it has stood the test of time. Originally a product of China, it is the oldest of all luxury papers and is still in major use today throughout the world. For more information logon to www.change-ur-mind.com . It is truly amazing to witness the limitless creative uses artists and craft persons have found for silk paper. Machine embroidery, three-dimensional sculpture, jewelry, quilting, book coverings, collage, and mixed media are just a few of the possibilities, and the list is limited only by the artist's imagination.

Globalization and increased efficiency in paper production opens up a whole new world of possibilities to today's artist. While at times the sheer bewildering array of new papers may seem overwhelming, for the professional artist or graphic designer who is willing to take the time to explore such oddities as McCoy silk papers, Curious iridescent, or Springhill vellum Bristol, the results can be quite gratifying.

Art and Crafts- Creating Some Art and Craft Products From Art Paper is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

The Balinese sculpture with natural media - wood, stone, bone, horn, deadwood, and even gnarled tree roots. Nowadays, souvenir-caliber wood carving is churned out and successful creations are mass produced. Any visitor to Bali is likely to be exposed to wood carving in all forms, be it the traditional ornate carved doors, the carved figures of gods, or the countless carved items in craft shops. Wood carving is a craft practiced all over Bali. Open your ears to the tapping sound of the carver's mallet and you would know that there is one around. It would be taxing to separate traditional and foreign influences. However, Balinese are intense observers of the outside world, effortlessly incorporating and adapting foreign themes into their work.

For quality wood carving, head to Tegallalang, Pujung, and Sebatu, which is north of Ubud. It is a great area to meet woodcarvers; it is best to take note of the artist's name and visit him at the workshop to negotiate a better price. Bali is a perfect place for western artists to study their crafts. There are wood carving lessons in which you can learn to carve your own mask in about three weeks.

if you want to search about bali wood craft, please come to our website http://www.baliartwood.com

Bali Wood Craft Supplies – Handmade Products – Wood Product is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

She taught us everything we needed to know educationally… and then she showed us how to do all sorts of fun crafts; Christmas crafts to Easter crafts to just-for-fun crafts. We made things from popsicle sticks, glitter, glue and crayons. We learned that we could invent at 9 years old! The sky was the limit, and every day held another adventure. I remember one such craft that I still have in my possession over 20 years later.

The morning was particularly cold, even for northern Utah. The snow was high and Christmas was on its way! My mom had sent me to school that day with a miniature sized picture of myself. A freckled little girl, I had never thought myself as beautiful. As I held that picture though, I remember the feeling of pride at how well my school pictures had turned out that year. I was anxious to take it to school for whatever project we were attacking next.

After completing our daily work, Mrs. Allen handed us a white foam ball the size of a softball. She then asked us our favorite Christmas colors. Mine were most definitely red and silver that year. Two neat little baggies of red and silver sequins were then placed on my desk. At that age, anything that shined captured my attention fully! Mrs. Allen then told us we would be making a Christmas ornament that would take several days to complete.

Each day I would come to school, so eager to continue working on my craft. Using little silver pins, I remember carefully sticking each sequin into my foam ball. I had come up with a terrific idea for a pattern and couldn’t wait to see it completed. When I came to the middle of the ball, Mrs. Allen gently helped me pin my miniature school picture onto the front. After that final sequin was put in place, we wrapped them in tissue paper to present to our parents. There was never a prouder little girl than I, that day.

Mrs. Allen loved crating with kids and the kids loved Mrs. Allen because of it. My ornament, roughed up with time still holds my little school picture neatly pinned on the front. I don’t remember much of what was taught that year, but I do remember Mrs. Allen teaching us to make crafts. Her passion for art and using imagination rubbed off on a young girl and has stuck with her through the years.

Third Grade Craft Day is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Here is an idea to bring in an extra few dollars.. At your next craft show, display your craft and then have bags made up of various supplies that a crafter could use to make a similar project.

This way you create sales from two types of customers... the customer who will buy your already made craft, and the customer who prefers to make their own crafts, but could always use a good deal on some supplies. An example, if you make quilts, then cut out squares from your left over fabrics and package them for a good price, or if you do needlepoint or cross stitch, package leftover cloth, and a few skeins of cotton, or if you are a knitter, extra balls of wool, or just make a complete mixed up bag of all kinds of usable leftovers, and price them for a couple of dollars.

I find this works well, you clean out your studio, and it gives someone a chance to try a craft without breaking the bank for supplies. People love a good deal, and you could set up a wicker basket with these zip lock bags of supplies and let them dig thru.

Grab Bags at Craft Shows is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Here are a few, easy to personalize, craft ideas for summertime fun or to celebrate May Day, Mother's Day or a holiday weekend. All craft supplies are easily attainable from craft supply stores or online suppliers. While making these crafts is a fun family activity, some are available in pre-assembled kits, or already made. Use your favorite search engine for more information on various ideas – keyword suggestions are offered below craft each idea.

1. Terra cotta clay pot bird bath. Invert terra cotta clay pots, from larger on bottom and smallest on top. Add a clay saucer (the part the pot sits in to catch the drained water). A waterproof saucer is necessary. Set the clay saucer on top of the inverted stack of pots. Paint or mosaic the pots if you feel especially creative. For more bird fun, add a mister. Birds love to play in the water. Note: Make two similar stands and use one for a bird feeder.

2. Plant and grow an herb garden. Include herbs such as basil, thyme, sage, chives and any other favorites. You'll have fresh herbs to add to your recipes all summer long. Herbs are easy to grow, making this an easy garden for kids to help. Take it one step further and create a "kitchen garden", including lettuce spinach, tomato, cucumber or other salad favorites.

3. Build a toad abode. Use a terra cotta pot and a rock. Invert a clay pot and prop edge on a rock. If you have a chipped pot, that would work great too and wouldn’t require propping. Paint and decorate to your liking.

4. A handmade stepping stone. Personalize with stones, marbles, or other memorable items. Make the project a tradition. Mark the stone with the year and include items to remember the year a key (house or car), a toy, etc. A footprint each year could signify the walk of life and would be fun for young children to mark their growth from summer to summer.

5. Personalized necklaces. Letter beads (for names or initials), a few spacer beads, a charm or two added to a simple chain makes a lovely, personal necklace for any mom or grandmother. For fun, make matching necklaces one for mom, grandmother, and daughters.

6. Bookmarks make a great craft for rainy days. Get creative – use paper, dried flowers, ribbons, needlepoint thread. Use beads and charms attached to chain or yarn to create a "book thong".

7. A decorated throw pillow. A pre-made throw pillow with light colored fabric, decorated with fabric paint. Fabric glue will easily adhere buttons and other small mementos. Start from scratch and decorate your fabric before making a pillow – tie-dye, iron-on colored pictures made with fabric crayons or reverse dying using a darker fabric and bleach provide many creative ways to decorate any pillow or piece of fabric. Another variation would be decorating pillow cases.

8. A tie-dye party is fun for family or a gathering of extended family and friends. Supplies are readily available online coming in easy kits.

There are so many fun activities to be done outdoors during nice weather. For more ideas, or to submit your own, visit http://www.mommamuse.com/2006/04/21/summertime-craft-ideas/ .

Summertime Craft Ideas is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

If Christmas crafts are your bread and butter, then July and August are the best time to get a head start on them. Spend July figuring out what you are going to create, and then get the supplies. In the summer, many people come away from crafts because of holidays etc, and this is a good time to get the deals.

In August get yourself a good head start and make as much as you can. This is when you can find out any problems with your creations, and still have lots of time to correct it. Have as much done by September as you can, so that you do not have the added stress of trying to find supplies, create, price and organize in time for a show, like everyone else will be doing....

If you follow this type of schedule, you may get chuckles from your family and friends, as they lay around in their bathing suits while you are creating Santa's!!, but this is your business, and like any other business, the early bird catches the worm. Its no different than seasonal catalogues, that do all their layout work months in advance.

All you want to be doing when it gets close to show time, is last minute changes, packing your products, and looking your best at the craft show, not all frazzled, hyped on coffee because of lack of sleep while trying to burn the midnight oil to get things done.

You want to look your best, and its already busy enough with every weekend filled with shows, so as the girl guides always say "BE PREPARED" let the others laugh, but you will have the last laugh when you rake in the sales because you are organized!.

How to Organize your Craft Shows is a post from: Watthamai Crafts