Archive for October, 2008
October 31, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art Fire, artfire, Artfire.com, Arts and Crafts, Buy Handmade, Crafts, Fall, Green, Halloween, Handmade Goods, Holiday, Seasonal, Shop Handmade
October 29, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art Fire, artfire, Artfire.com, Artisan, Arts and Crafts, Business Tips, Buy Handmade, Crafts, eco-friendly, Environmental, Free, Free Trade, Green, Green Business, Green Crafts, Handmade, Holiday, Marketplace, No Fees, Seasonal, The Arts
Managing a green crafts business can be good for both the planet and for your wallet. Listed below are 3 easy moves that will help turn your artisan business into an eco-friendly one without forcing you to change your working style.
-Shut off your electric equipment when you’re not using it. Countless fax machines, copiers, and personal computers remain powered on overnight around the world. Turning off your electrics when you’re finished working can help cut your energy use by 50%.
-Recycle your paper. Most businesses throw out old printer paper by the masses on a daily basis—don’t make the same mistake! While some papers hold sensitive material, most of the waste generated is just ordinary paper. Try tossing old documents into the recycling can rather than the trash can whenever you can. If recycling isn’t possible for your home business, try double siding documents to save what paper you can.
-Buy paper made from recycled materials. It is just as good as ordinary copy paper, and it is more environmentally friendly. Sure, it may look a little different, but since most documents you print will be used for business filing, who cares what color that paper is?
I hope these tips have helped you to run your artisan business the green way! For more information on going green, be sure to check out Art Daily’s Green Wise section for updates on green living.
Happy crafting, and remember to buy handmade!
-Sara
www.artfire.com
October 28, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art Fire, artfire, Artfire.com, Artisan, Arts and Crafts, Buy Handmade, Crafts, Free, Free Trade, Green, Handmade, Holiday, internet Shoppers Halloween, Marketplace, No Fees, Safety Tips, Seasonal, The Arts, Treat-or-Tricking
So you’ve added the finishing touches on your children’s handmade Halloween outfits, you’ve put out the healthy Halloween treats for visitors, so what else do you need to do to make sure your family has a happy Halloween this year? Most parents know better than to let their children treat-or-trick alone or eat unusual candy, but in the rush of the holiday, people usually overlook a few significant safety precautions. Listed below is some helpful advice for a fun and safe Halloween with your family this year.
1. You and the kids should eat a complete dinner before going out trick-or-treating. This way you and your children will be less likely to pig out on candy. You’ll also need your stamina for showing off your cute artistic costumes to the neighborhood, and a full meal can provide you with the energy you need.
2. Make sure you and your kids wear particular shoes. Trick-or-treating generally allows for a lot of as you parade from home to home. And while sneakers might not go with your specially made costume, you’ll thank yourself for choosing comfortable footwear as the night progresses. Save the six inch witches’ boots for the costume party, wear something reasonable on your feet.
3. If your pet is going out with you (perhaps even wearing his or her own handmade Halloween outfit), make sure that they are on their lease at all times. While your pet may be used to running freely about, on Halloween night there’s probably going to be lots of other animals and people out trick-or-treating that your pet is doesn’t know. This can result in your pet getting frightened and responding in uncontrollable ways (running away, getting aggressive with another pet). So please keep in mind that even if your animal is the nicest, kindest soul to ever grace the earth, for your pet’s own well-being and the well-being of others, use a lease!
4. Always walk with your kids from house to house—don’t let them run. Children can get overly excited on this sugar-filled holiday, causing them to run around carelessly. This can result in them bumping into objects, falling down, or getting involved in other accidents (especially when it’s dark out). Make sure they remain near you and always on the sidewalk. Don’t cut across lawns or driveways, which are often poorly lit at night.
I hope you found these tips to be useful! Thanks for reading, and remember to buy handmade this season to support local artists!
Click here to see the fun holiday crafts ArtFire members have made.
-Sara
www.artfire.com
October 16, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art, Art Fire, artfire, Artfire.com, Artisans, Arts and Crafts, Business, Business Advice, Business Tips, Buy Handmade, Craft Business, Crafts, Free Trade, Green, Handmade, Handmade Goods, Handmade Movement, handmade Revolution, Home Business, Internet Business, Internet Sales, Internet Shopping, Managing Your Own Business, Marketplace, No Fees, Selling Online, Shopping
When you run your own internet crafts business, you get all the benefits of being your own boss while profiting from a hobby you enjoy. But naturally, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Many artisans struggle for success in their home businesses, and listed below are a few helpful tips to aid you in running a profitable internet crafts business.
Where to List Your Handmade Crafts
There are several ways you can go about selling your crafts online. The most obvious is to purchase a URL and start your own website. However, there are some not so obvious drawbacks to this plan. For one, if you have no knowledge of graphic design or website design, setting up your own site can be extremely challenging. In addition, when you start your own website, your page rank on Google is at zero, meaning it’s rather difficult for internet shoppers to find your page. Lastly, you are completely unknown to shoppers, so they have no reason to trust the quality of your products and services. Why would they buy from you, when they could just as easily buy from a major internet corporation they trust and have experience with?
An alternative to making your own site is to register as a seller on an internet trading site, such as eBay or Esty. These sites have a high page rank and offer security to buyers. However, both of these sites charge a listing fee and take a percentage of your profits, so there’s some risk involved. Many crafters who are just getting started in internet sales have a hard time selling initially, and still have to pay site fees to both of these sites regardless of if their products sell. However, there are free listing sites which allow artisans to list their handmade goods completely free of charge. With ArtFire.com, basic members are charged no fees to list their handmade goods, and receive 100% of the profits they make selling. This is probably the most risk free option to sell your craft items online.
Pricing Your Handmade Goods
Since you’re listing your own handcrafted work, the pricing of your items is completely up to you. As one would imagine, cheaper items sell faster, but you don’t want to price your items too low—they’re your handmade crafts, after all. Think about the time you spent on that item, the cost of the materials, and how the item would look to an average internet shopper. If you’re having difficulty deciding what would be a good price, try looking at similar items listed in the marketplace by browsing other listing sites, such as ones offered above. If you’re having trouble selling your crafts, lowering the price or putting your items on sale could help.
Promoting your Craft Shop
One of the most important elements to selling online is getting your handmade goods noticed by the internet community. There’s a lot of competition in the craft marketplace, and you want your products to stand out from the rest. Get the message out there; let people know you’re selling your handmade goods. Try listing your shop URL on any other sites or blogs you might manage as well in your email signature. There are dozens of places where you can add a link to your artisan shop, all you have to do is look!
Good luck artisans, and thank you for being a part of the Buy Handmade Movement!
-Sara
Check out the ArtFire Artisan Marketplace and Support local Artisans!
October 15, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art, Art Fire, artfire, Artisans, Arts and Crafts, Buy Handmade, Craft Room, Crafts, Free Trade, Green, Handmade, Internet Shopping, Jay Walker, Library, No Fees, Shopping
Photo: Andrew Moore, Wired Magazine
Does your craft or hobby room look anything like this? Heck, maybe it should! The photo above is from Jay Walker’s personal library, designed to encourage creativity and imagination. The internet entrepreneur’s private library contains 3,600 sq. ft and three levels of the rare and unusual, according to Wired Magazine.
Rather than simply setting aside a room in his home for the library, Walker designed the house around his library. This is his artistic center, his inspirational haven, his imagination port. Here, one is completely surrounded by collectables and informational materials which changed the ways people think.
On one wall, you’ll find a framed napkin from 1943, on which President Franklin D. Roosevelt sketched out his plan to win World War II. On the table is a 300 million-year-old raptor skeleton, posed next to a field tool kit from the Civil War. Across the room sits a tree-bark Indonesian guide to basic cannibalism, with a Middle Eastern stone goddess figure from 5000 BC resting on top. And let’s not forget Sputnik, which is hanging gracefully from the ceiling.
But Walker doesn’t collect rare and valuable items just for the sake of doing so. Many of the books in his library are reprints, and many of the strange items in his library are too unusual to be worth much to other collectors. Rather, Walker prefers to collect objects that changed how people think about the world around them. His philosophy is if so many advancements can be made in human thought within our existence on this earth, then anything is possible.
Walker made his fortune by founding Walker Digital, a company which turns out ideas and patents, best known for the popular Priceline.com. And while a three story craft studio might be a bit out of most artisans’ budget constraints, everyone can learn a thing or two from Walker’s library. Many crafters place their art space in a tiny corner of their house, pushed away from central living areas. What does this signal about their hobby? That it is just a hobby, rather than a way of life. While people often balance crafting in with family, work, and a social life, generally it is craft projects that take the smallest priority. Take a few tips from Walker, don’t push your interests and passions off to the side. Give them the appreciation they deserve, and take your crafts seriously!
Click here to see what some of the crafters at ArtFire are creating in their studios!
Or click here to read the full article on Jay Walker’s library.
-Sara
October 14, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art, Art Fire, artfire, Artisans, Arts and Crafts, Buy Handmade, Crafts, Free Trade, Green, Handmade, Internet Shopping, Jellyfish, No Fees, Nobel Prize, Shopping
Research on glowing jellyfish proteins can lead to new developments in cancer research and treatment. It also earned Osamu Shimomura, Roger Tsien and Martin Chalfie the Nobel Prize in chemistry. Image from the Los Angeles Times.
Important contributions to society cannot be crafted by one individual. Rather, they are a group project, developed and created by a body of hard working individuals, rather than just the few that get the credit. This is true in the art world just as it is true in the science world. And no one knows this better than Douglas Prasher.
In 1988, Prasher was at the top of chemistry research society. His work on jellyfish proteins helped secure Roger Tsien and Martin Chalfie the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry, according to an article posted by the Cape Cod Times. But today, Prasher makes his living driving a courtesy shuttle.
But at age 56, Prasher regrets nothing. After his grant had ran out, Prasher willing gave his research and samples to his associates Chalfie and Tsien. The men continued his work, and were offered the Nobel Prize last week with their associate Osamu Shimomura after perfecting a technique to help isolate and track cancer cells in the human body using a glowing jellyfish protein.
Although he has helped gain his friends and fellow scientists wealth and fame, Prasher was happy to help. He thinks only of the larger impact his work will have on cancer research and treatment.
This kind of selflessness is something that everyone can aspire to. Whether you’re an artisan or a scientist, a craftsman or a researcher, you can understand the importance of the free sharing of ideas for the common good.
Click here to read the whole article.
Or click here to check out my Behind the Beta Blog.
-Sara
October 10, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art, Art Fire, artfire, Artisans, Arts and Crafts, Black Friday, Buy Handmade, Crafts, Depression, Free Trade, Green, Handmade, Handmade Goods, Internet Shopping, Market, No Fees, Recession, Shopping, Stock Market, Surviving the Recession, The Great Depression
This picture shows a woman in the great depression displaying one of her handmade quilts at a local fair. Many people do not think of the 1930s as being in color, since most pictures are in black and white. Those times were bleak, work was scarce, and life was difficult. All these things are expressed in this women’s hard expression. And now, nearly 80 years after this photo was taken, America is facing the possibility of yet another depression.
Let’s face it: the stock market is the toilet. Reporters this morning were throwing around the term “Black Friday” as the Dow Jones dipped below 9,000 points. Markets around the world are starting to go down, and many financial advisers say that this is only the beginning of a global recession, possibly even a global depression.
The truth is, as much as these experts and reporters claim, no one knows for sure what will happen. People begin to panic, and wonder what can be done to survive the recession.
To help our failing economy, Americans should invest in handmade goods from local sellers. When you make the choice to buy handmade, you’re helping another struggling average American citizen, rather than a wealthy CEO of an overseas manufacturing company. Your money is going to another person, who is facing the same kind of financial problems that you are.
And when you buy from local sellers, your money is going back into our economy, which aids in its recovery. Let’s be honest, our economy needs all the help it can get right now. Don’t send your money overseas to buy poorly made overpriced items. One of the reasons our economy is suffering stems from Americans are buying goods from China and India, instead of helping sellers here at home. Choose now to invest you money here, where it’s needed.
If you decide to buy handmade products over mass produced ones, you’re not just helping average citizens, you’re getting a finely made product at a lower price. Handmade items are proven to last longer and be more efficient than factory made items. When you buy handmade goods, you receive a unique specialized item for an affordable price.
And with free artisan listing sites like Artfire.com, you know that 100% of your money goes to support the artist. That’s because ArtFire allows members to list their items for completely free, no royalty fees, no final evacuation fees, no processing fees, no fees at all. The money you spend goes directly to help the artist.
Americans survived the great depression of the 1930s by investing in handmade goods. They knew the importance of aiding other Americans. They helped each other, and they helped local sellers. They supported other Americans, and with the financial boost from WWII, our country was able to come out of a bleak period in our economy. So learn from their example, buy handmade products and support local artists.
-Sara
October 8, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Animal Costumes, Art, Artisans, Arts and Crafts, Buy Handmade, Costumes, Crafts, Free Trade, Green, Halloween, Handmade, Holiday, Internet Shopping, No Fees, Pet, Pet Halloween Costumes, Shopping
Costumes for your pet can be a fun addition to any Halloween, but owners know that store bought animal outfits tend to be pricey and low quality. Luckily, pet costumes can be made at home, either from scratch (for those who are more talented with needle crafts) or adapted from other outfits.
Starting Out
If you’re not an expert with a sewing machine, never fear. Just because you’re hand-crafting your animal’s costume doesn’t mean you need to start with nothing. Depending on the size of your pet, you can start with a child or baby’s costume (easily found at your local thrift store) and rework it to fit your animal. If not, you can try finding a pattern online for a pet outfit.
Take Measurements
Remember that a child’s body shape is very different from an animal’s. No matter what the size of your pet or the costume, you’ll have to take measurements on your pet and do minor changes to the outfit. The Best way to do this is to test your costume on your pet as you add changes.
Remember Safety First
Always keep in mind your pet’s overall happiness as you work. Make sure that the costume isn’t too tight, and allows for easy breathing through your pet’s mouth and the nose. Make sure your pet has easy control of his/her legs, head, and tail. The outfit should be easy to put on as well as take off. Remember, if you dress your pet in an uncomfortable costume, he/she will try to escape it. Also, consider your pet’s personal needs. If your pet needs to go to the bathroom while wearing the costume, will he/she be able to?
Possible Costume Ideas
Dogs tend to be easiest to dress, but with some encouragement feline companions can also wear theme appropriate costumes. If your animal is not used to wearing clothing, you might want to go with something simple. Maybe a crimson vampire cape, a bow-tie, or a Frankenstein collar.
If you plan on taking your pet trick or treating, you could try making matching or themed outfits for both of you. This year, try going as a couple of rednecks, or a group of witches. Since you’re crafting the costume yourself, you can let your imagination run wild!
Click here to check out some of the fun clothing the Crafters at ArtFire.com are making!
Or click here to check out my Behind the Beta Blog!
-Sara
October 6, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art, Artisans, Arts and Crafts, Buy Handmade, Crafts, Europe, Free Trade, Green, Handmade, No Fees, Sahara, Saharan Desert, Solar Power
To combat growing energy concerns, researchers from the European Union are taking steps to unitize renewable energy sources more than 1,000 miles away.
Scientists are preparing for a High Voltage Direct Current line grid to import solar energy from the Saharan Desert. Plans are underway to construct solar farms across the desert, reports the Common Dreams News Center. Engineers speculate that just 0.3% of the intense sunlight hitting the Sahara daily would be able to power all of Europe for a year.
Other types of renewable energy would also be imported. Wind energy would be brought from Denmark to neighboring nations, while geothermal energy would be carried from Iceland. However, such energy would only be available at times when production exceeds the demand from those countries.
The project is still in planning and likely run up to €450 billion in cost. It would help Europe to fulfill its own promise to generate 20% of its total energy from renewable sources by 2020. The EU estimates that the gridline from the Sahara could produce 100 GW of power by 2050, which is more than all the current renewable energy sources could generate combined.
To learn more about Europe’s Green Energy plans, click here.
Or click here to read my Behind Art Fire Beta Blog.
-Sara
October 3, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Art Fire, artfire, Artfire.com, Artisan, Arts and Crafts, Buy Handmade, Crafts, Free Trade, Green, Handmade, Marketplace, New York Museum of Arts and Design, No Fees, Second Lives
Jean Shin’s “Sound Wave”
Photo by Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times
Life can be about the tiny things that make up our existence. Sadly, many people don’t seem to acknowledge how important these tiny things really are. Which is why one art exhibit is working to put focus back on the tiny things and show art lovers the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The exhibit, “Second Lives Remixing the Ordinary” at the New York Museum of Arts and Design doesn’t really contain many usual art pieces. The show represents more than 50 different artisans or teams, all attempting to change the way individuals think about the tiny things which make up their lives. Most of the works are made up of everyday products, including eyeglasses, combs, trash, used junk, and other little things which surround daily existence.
According to the New York Times, “Second Lives” shows how much the line has blurred between art, crafts, and design recently. Many of the exhibit pieces are made from recycled materials, including an eyeglass chandelier, jacket made completely of army dog tags, and a copy of a missing artifact made from Middle Eastern fast food containers.
Many of these raw materials would have likely been thrown away with the garbage and forgotten. But instead, these artists have turned them into pieces of beauty. They have, in a sense, offered them a chance at second life.
For more information or to see a gallery of Second Life artwork, click here.
-Sara
Check out what the artisans at Artfire.com are crafting!
