Kathy,
I had found this info regarding t-shirt quilts and there are some good ideas for making use of them without cutting them and "fixing" old ones. 
LINK 
 -Jane
Saint Charles, Missouri, USA


Hi Jane!
Great idea! On this site, they suggest pritning out the shirts instead of cutting the originals!
CC
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hi Kathy, I recently made my first wholesale delivery of jewelry to a boutique. As I was in the shop I noticed that some of the other jewelry pieces had hanging tags attached to them. They looked like the artist attached them because they had the artist's info on them. Is this a good idea, and what is the purpose of it if I already sign my pieces? Thank you in advance for any tips.
Sherry


Congrats Sherry!
I love to hear success stories like this. I'm sure it is the first of many stores to come. I think the artist tags are a great idea. It will take a little bit of extra work in assembly, but it's worth it. Design a small hanging label that has your name or your company name and the city you live in. Also include a logo (or you can use a rubber stamp image) if you have one and maybe a catchphrase or something as simple as "handmade by...". This will make your work seem more professioanl and will really relay to the buyer that this is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Good girl for signing every piece! I'm always shocked at how many artists don't sign their work. It's such a crime!!!

HOWEVER - do not include any contact info on the tags like a web address and/or phone number. This is frowned upon by the shop owner because they want for their customers to go thru them to buy your work. If you invest time and money into label that have this info, it is likely the shop owner may remove the tag or black out the info.

You can also have some inexpensive business cards made up, punch a hole in themm and add a ribbon to hang. For bigger pieces you can order a roll of sticky labels with your info printed on them and stick'em on the bottom of the piece. Best of luck! If you have a web site, send me the address and I'll add it on my links page!
CC
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hello Kathy, I really like what you do and want to do the same thing. I have an idea for a craft book and would like to chat with a book editor about my idea to possibly get it published. Could you please send me the name and contact information for craft book editors that you have worked with? What goes into getting a book published? I would really appreciate your input.
Yours truly,
Julie B.

Hey Crafty Chica! Keep up the great work, you are very multi-talented! I am trying to get into the same kind of business, I'm currently putting together a web site kind of like yours but different and I want to get into doing crafts on TV and writing books. You inspire me! Do you have any advice for me to get started? Also I would like to know know if I can get the name of your agent or any other contact you might have that will help me in my venture. This would at least point me in the right direction. Is this OK to ask, I hope so!
R.C.


Hey there chicas...
I actually get letters like this ALL the time. I'm very happy there are so many aspiring crafters out there and wish everyone the best!

My advice is to do it on your own. Start branding yourself and find a niche that makes you stand out. There is no short cut - it is not as easy as getting the name and number of a person. I've been doing my art for 15 years and CraftyChica.com for four, it has taken me a long time to get to this point. With all due respect R.C., it is really not OK to ask for names of agents/editors, etc of any authors...As well intentioned as it is, it comes across as a bit tacky and brash. Ouch! In all my time of doing this I have *never* asked another author for their resources or contacts. As an indie designer, the industry is very competitive and resources are our little secret stashes of diamonds - they are special and sacred because they are so few and far between. This stuff is hard to come by so it's not given out freely. All my resources (and those of others that I know) have come from long hard hours of research, letter writing, proposal writing, making media kits, networking, being at the right place at the right time, etc. Nothing of what I have came without emotional and financial investment. By forging your own way it will make you more respected and you will feel great knowing you earned it.

I truly believe if you are talented and unique all these people will seek YOU out. Have faith in yourself and your work and you will see.

So, no. I never give out names of my contacts. Most of the people who ask me, I don't know anything about their work. Agents and editors are already bombarded and I don't want to send people over that may not be what they are looking for. Sometimes there are occasions when an editor will be looking for a particular kind of author and then I'll offer a name or two of trusted and established people. I do have very close friends who are in the same business that I trade info with, only because *we help each other* with favors. Kind of like you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours kind of thing. But I'm more than happy to offer suggestions!

Here are some tips to get going:
Book ideas: First and foremost - Write a book proposal. This should include an intro saying why this book is so special and what it is all about. Who does it appeal to, what is the market potential? What other books are out on the topic and how are they doing in sales? Put together a table of contents and outline the entire book, chapter by chapter, project by project. Includea bio page and a query letter that introduces the book. Then do your homework - go to publisher web sites and look at their submission guidelines and follow them to a T. no book editor will even consider you unless you do these things. Unless the editor is your best friend or you are an A-list celebrity, they will laugh and probably hang up on anyone who calls them and pitches an idea. If you want to go thru an agent, it is the same deal! They want to see proposals (for non-fiction - fiction, they want the entire manuscript)! If you are stuck, buy a how-to book at the bookstore, there are lots of good ones.

Web site: These days, if you are serious about this, you have to at least have a bio page up on the web so people can see what you are all about. Work on building a following. Start a newsletter, etc.

Finding an agent/editor: I would check out writing magazines Editor and Publisher - they always have ads for agents and publishinghouses telling what they are looking for. Follow the guidelines and submission directions. There is a lot of good stuff in there!

If you fail, keep on trying. I am currently working on my fourth book, but I've submitted many more proposals that got rejected. Stay focused and keep trying. If you work hard enough it will come through for you! Hope this helps and I hope I didn't offend anyone!

Peace, respect and glitter,
CC


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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hi Kathy. I love your books and such. I was just wondering if you had seen the capri sun pouch purses and such? They remind me so much of your style. As a crafter, I'd like to make my own instead of shelling out the cash, but don't know how to go about it. Any ideas? Also, I live in Tucson. Do you have any plans to do any workshops down here or any appearances? My parents are in Scottsdale, and my Mom and sister and I would love to do a party sometime when we can identify a few other worthy crafters. Thanks for your time and keep it up!  Love, Mandy
Also, I read somewhere that you and your husband are designing a line of produts for Lowe's.  What kind of stuff is it?  Is it available yet?  

Hi Mandy!


Will a Tang purse do? I found this one over on Craftster.org. Click on the link to find the directions - and a diagram! I love this project too, and will definately have to try it very soon.
Thank you for the kind words too! OH! Yes, my husband and I did a two lines of wallpaper borders and accessories for Lowe's Home Improvement Stores. They debut in July at 1,000 stores across trhe country. My line is called "Fiesta Girl" and Patrick's is called "Super Amigos".
CC 
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

I'm hoping you can help me locate something for a project I am working on for a client. You reference a "glitter varnish" on your website.  I am printing some event tickets and need to add a glitter effect (on top of a metallic ink).  We really don't want to do it by hand (there are 6000) since we know we will all glow in the dark by the time we get done. Do you know of any companies that sell a varnish with glitter than can be
used by a traditional printer? Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Mikki

Hi Mikki!
There is a process in printing where they can apply a thin, rubbery layer of glitter over printed material. I've seen it used on greeting cards, book covers, t-shirts and such. However, I noticed it can be easily peeled/scratched off. I would check with your local printer and ask about the process. I think what I would do is go with glitter accented paper. imagine how it would look with the metallic ink you mentioned! Check your local Yellow Pages for a paper warehouse store. Here in Phoenix, we have Kelly Paper and they have different shades of glitter stock. There is also glitter vellum paper that you could incorporate in the packaging. another kind of "hands on" way would be to lay them out in groups and use some glitter spray. Wish I could be more help! If anyone else knows any tips, please share!
CC


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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Your article, The glimmer of glitter, was very interesting, as well as your tips in working with it.  I checked out some of the other links as well. What is the real history of glitter, do you know?  Years ago, I began research on Christmas customs & traditions, but I never could find out about the beginnings of glitter.  Try doing a Google search sometime!! LOLOL  All I found was Gary Glitter's rock and roll band!  I have even contacted the reference desk at the Kansas City State Library & they did not find a thing, either.  Plus I have written to several major glitter companies to see if they knew --- nothing!
If you could help me, I sure would appreciate it.
From my files (& sense of humor; we really need to spread the word about glitter! hahahaha) -
...No glitter makes one bitter.
...It is better to have glittered & lost, than never to have glittered at all.
...Glitter, glitter, little star
...To boldly glitter where no one has glittered before
...To glitter and beyond!
...by the light of the glittery moon
...let there be glitter!
...every thing's better with glitter glued on it
...there's always room for glitter
...follow your glitter wherever it takes you
...it's glitter time
...all work & no glitter makes jill a dull girl
...miracles happen to those who use glitter!
...glitter changes things
...way to glitter!
...you glittered my day!
...a day without glitter is like a day without sunshine
...you glitter in my life
...no day is so bad that it can't be fixed with glitter
...glitter is good medicine.
...I glitter because I can
...Glitter is contagious.  Be a carrier!
...let glitter be your umbrella on a rainy day.
...Glitter makes the world go round.
...Glitters are great investments; the more you collect the better you feel.
...Glitter costs so little but gives so much!
...Glitter - it's a nice reflection on you.
...If you don't have anything nice to say, just glitter!
...Glitter and bear it
...Keep glittering; it makes people wonder what you have been up to.
...Glitter can brighten the darkest day.
...Glitter is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
...Of all the things you wear, glitter is the most important.
...Glitter is a language understood by all people.
...When life gives you lemons.....break out the glitter.
...great minds glitter alike
...many crafts come & go, but glitter is forever
...glitter is the spice of life
 
Glitteringly yours, Bonnie J.

Hi Bonnie!
I love all your glitter quips, I think I'll print them out and pass them out. We all could use a bit of sparkle - don't you think? I'm on the case for tracking down the history of glitter. In the meantime, here is an interesting article I found on the subject. Here's an excerpt:

"Glitter was created by the Chinese and became known as "the dancing light". It was produced in such abundance that the poet Shin'Qi wrote "the Yangtze drowns in the brilliance of flame". Chinese glitter was large and unwieldy, often measuring a metre square. Early celebrations were dangerous, with injuries incurred anywhere near the drop zone. Marco Polo brought it to Europe. Da Vinci was commissioned by the Papacy to refine it. Which leads to its first recorded use at the opening banquet for The Last Supper. Da Vinci's customary haste left his glorious fresco damp. Flecks are still visible in Jesus' sandals and near Judas' incriminating hand.*

The military applications were not lost on warmongers and at Waterloo, Wellington brilliantly distracted the French troops with an impromptu drop over the blood- soaked plains. "All that glitter is not gold," cried Napoleon, but it was too late, he knew he was routed.

Nothing seemed to stop the rise of glitter. In Holland it surpassed the tulip as a unit of trade, then suddenly without explanation during the early 1900s it fell into disrepute. The celebratory conclusions of two world wars were marred by its absence, replaced by such pedestrian "spatial decorations" as ticker tape and rice. For many years the fate of the "floating fire" was uncertain until it was swept up in the hedonism of that New York disco institution The Garage and found itself dropping to a different beat.

Where does it come from?

It's in the dank quagmire of the glitter mines of Venezuela that over 78 per cent of the earth's resource is quarried. Workers have rallied in vain for better wages and recently, despite military crackdowns, they went on strike. A state of emergency was called, sending Western party-goers into a tail spin. Economic forecasters made dire predictions for the new year, but the truth behind the hysteria - the once proud mines are drying up. Many blame the Brazilian Carnivale for its excessive use, but in South America, as in parts of Asia, personal consumption is at an all-time high. Depleted stockpiles have lead to a cessation of fun there, while we in the affluent West, oblivious to their plight, continue to "rave on".

How long before this disparity throws the world out of kilter? How long before the "Glitter wars" commence?

Where does this island continent stand in the race for fresh fields?

Poorly funded expeditions to the dead heart reveal nothing. Yet a myth survives of an untapped inland vein. It's claimed Burke and Wills were found with satchels, the colonial equivalent of a bum bag, filled with the "fatal unmetal like metal". Did they find the Aussie glitter grail or did they, as some cruelly suggest, merely "rock till they dropped"?

One last hope remains - the Great Barrier Reef - a relatively useless crop of coral that runs just offshore alongside Queensland. Beneath the coral may lie vast, undiscovered quantities of glitter. If over-sensitive politicians and belligerent environmentalists can agree, then glitter mining could begin as early as 2010. A safe, lucrative industry with "no danger of a spill". And if one does occur, then in the words of a glitterspokesperson, "it'll just make the fish look heaps better".

* Mona Lisa's "enigmatic" smile has oft been attributed to the light powdering of glitter crusting her upper lip."
- By By Paul McDermott, www.theage.com.au

dear crafty chica--hi there, fellow crafter.  i have been impressed with your fabulousness for a few months now, maybe a year, and know you can help me.  i'm about to graduate high school and move on to the great, big world of college, filled, i'm told, with incidental expenses.  i cannot make myself be content with a summer job at mcdonald's, no matter how hard i try, when i know that deep down i have the ability to cook much better food and sew handbags, to boot.  how can i put these skills to good use?  i'm willing to sell myself, but i just don't know how! thanks!
--soon to be broke

Howdy Soon to be Broke!
You sound like you already have your mind in the right place. A lot of people don't realize how they can put thier crafty skills to use to either support themselves or add a cushy side income. I was just where you are, a lot of us have been there! Check out my Crafting for Cash post on how I did it. There is no "one certain way" - everyone has to find their own path with bumps and bruises - and badges of honor!
Best of luck - you can do it! Keep me posted!
CC

A Lot of your ideas call for copper tape but I cant find any in the craft shops in Portland, Oregon.  Do you know of any place to order it from the web? 
Thanks for your time, Angie

Hello Kathy
I'm a great fan of your website and love your projects, I'm also a member of Crafster, now I do have a question about your Soldered Window project, I find it hard to find the type of copper tape you are mentioning.
Is this copper tape flat or round?? is it more like wire or is it sticky, they don't seem to sell it in the UK. I just wanted to say I love your website, it gives me joy every day at work and makes me think that it's ok to make crafty things eventhought they might not come out the best the first time. Just wanted to thank you for this website, it's brilliant.
Regards Maria (in London)


Hi Angie and Maria!
I discovered that not all craft stores carry copper tape. HELL-o? That is as smart as applying varnish over wet paint! Soldering is one of the biggest guilty pleasures in crafting right now.
Anyhoo, I've found copper tape at paper arts stores though. Your best bet is to look in your local yellow pages for a local stained glass shop. Copper tape is one of the main ingredients! In the meantime you can Google "stained glass supplies" to buy it online. I just did that and found this web site that sells it. Don't forget to try eBay too! I always score great craft supply deals on there!
Good luck!
CC

Dear Crafty Chica,
I'm a big fan of yours, I have several pieces of your art in my home that I bought over the years. I also have your La Casa Loca book and I want to try and make some of my own art. I notice you always joke & make a big deal about your love for glitter. Can glitter really be that exciting? I want to try and use some but don't know where to start. What kind of glitter do you reccommend for beginners?
Craftily yours,
James Hansen, Phx, AZ

Hi James!
Ahhh, my hands are all shaky right now just at the thought of you crossing over! I began to answer you here, but in my true glitter addiction fashion, I got carried away. So I dedicated a whole glitter page just for you James, I hope you like it!
CC

Tempted?
Try this glitter project!

My problem is with resin. I just bought some and so far all my projects are ruined. They have little bubbles which make it look cloudy or the resin doesn't "firm up". Is this normal?
Please help me!
Tatum, San Francisco

Oh Tatum!
I feel for you. The first time I used resin, I poured it on everything I could find - picture frames, bottlecaps, even my husband's high end art work. It never cured. Talk about a lover's quarrel! I've also had resin in my hair before - not fun!
Here are a few very important tips. Stick to these and your next project will be A-OK!
1. Mix precisely! Do not "eyeball" it or it will stay eternally gooey. Get off your butt and go get some kind of measuring tool. I keep a spare set of measuring cups just for resin.
2. Use a straw to blow on those pesky bubbles. But don't let your spit drip, or you will have a gross loogey looking thing in your beautiful object!
3. Do not let it cure outside where bugs can (& will) get stuck in it. Put it in the garage or screened-in patio.
4. Remember that if the weather is cold or damp, resin will take much longer to fully cure.


Try this resin coaster project!
Good luck!
CC

I'm searching high and low for some really cool Mexican ephemera for my altered books/Artist Trading Cards. I'm not finding what I want exactly, I want more than the stuff I find in travel magazines. HELP!
Beatrice, Texas

Hi Beatrice!
I know exactly what you are talking about - paper doo-dads and such. Living in Texas, you are right in the heart of a lot of it. I know here in Phx, we have Mexican grocery stores that have a lot of fun items that work great in altered books. I would see if there are any in your town, also Mexican party stores. You can also look on my links page in the bottom right hand side for collage-y type sites.
Good luck!
CC

Hola Crafty Chica!
I want to make a cigar box purse, using some postcards I bought in Spain. They are very special to me. Before I glue them down on the box, is there anything special I need to do? What is the best way to seal my work?
Louise, Florida

Hola Louise!
Sounds so fun! My first tip is to make a color copy of the postcard so you won't destroy the original. Who knows when you will be back in Spain, right? Then paint on a layer of white glue and lay the picture over it. Rub your fingers all over it quickly so there won't be any rippling. Apply a thin layer of white glue on top of the picture and around the edges. Then you can seal it with a polyurathane varnish. Good luck!
CC

Getting Started:
Experiment with a variety of projects, sizes, applications and mediums until you find a formula/design that you feel confident marketing and selling. The best tip is to give your products a signature edge, theme, style - something that represents YOU. This will be your marketing peg.

Tips:
Catalog sheet: Record your designs and give them names (e.g., Flower Power Soap, large; Flower Power Soap, small). Use a graphics program or Excel to list them all.

Supplies: Comprise a list of all materials, and where you get them. Are they available 24/7? What substitutions can you use if needed? Buy wholesale! For the generic stuff (clasps, molds, varnish, paint, etc.), check out the name of the company on the label of your favorite brand and see if they have a website or call them for a wholesale price list. You will need to purchase a tax license from your state (inexpensive), but it’s worth it! Keep a list of all these companies with their address and numbers for easy reference.

Tax license: You need one from the state just to operate, and a retail one from each city that you will be selling in, as far as festivals, events, etc. Every state is different, check out your local government headquarters to get the 411 on proper licenses needed.

Copyrights and clearances: You can copyright your designs, but I found this impossible to keep up with because I create new things every week. I take pictures with a date stamp camera of all of it. As far as using images that you did not create, be careful before you sell! Make sure they are of public domain. Try searching online or take the pictures to your local library and they can help you.

Pricing: For each design, write down the cost of materials and time it takes to make them. To come up with a figure, go online and research similar works by other people to get a ballpark figure. I found that it’s difficult to come up with one standard method for everything. Generally, I start with multiplying the cost of materials by three and go up from there. Your work is unique. The selling price doesn’t only reflect the materials; it mostly reflects your talent and time.

Wholesale: Come up with a list for store buyers. Your retail prices are double the amount of your wholesale prices. When I sell my work at festivals or online, my price is in the middle of these two figures. That way direct customers feel like they are getting a deal buying from the artist.

Packaging: A finishing touch looks very professional. For 10 bucks, you can order 1,000 personalized business cards that you can use as tags (w/ a hole punch and string) with your contact info. Or you can check out free cards at websites like vistaprint.com. They offer 250 free color business cards, and you just pay for shipping.

Shipping packages: Not fun, but it has to be done. Personally, I’ve used UPS and USPS and the latter works best for me. We take all our orders to the post office every Tuesday. You can go to their site (usps.com) and order FREE priority mail boxes, tape, labels and more. If you have ultra high volume, it would be wise to set up an account with UPS, so they can come by your house each day to pick up boxes.

Sign your work: ALWAYS do this! Customers love it and it is proof of your design. I use my name, the year, and I add a copyright symbol.

Where to Sell (plus more tips):

Go cyber: The best thing I ever did was launch a website. You can find inexpensive DIY ones online like homestead.com and bigstep.com, where you don’t need to know html. If possible, invest in a scanner and digital camera to upload your pix. TIP: Purchase a custom rubber stamp or labels with your web address and put it on all your finished work. If you send a piece to Mildred in Portland and her cousin Lucy comes over and gushes over it, she can jot down the address and surf your site at her work…

Finding real-world places to carry your work: This takes some serious legwork. Start small and local. In the beginning with the safety pin bracelet phase, I always carried a few around with me. Not to mention that I always wore them, especially when I went to check out local art shops. Every time, someone would say, "Wow, that's cool, where’d you get it?" Whip out the business card and say "I make them!" Also, I would go to my favorite coffeehouse, take over a table and work on my bracelets there. All sorts of fun people stopped by to chat - this is how I found my first store to sell at. TIP: Look for places that rent affordable shelving spaces to emerging artists.

Portable stores at festivals, conventions and concerts:

Festivals:Only do the ones with affordable entry fees to keep prices low. If it is a big event, find some friends to go in with you. Don’t give up after one try. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding the right kind of festival and area. Call local museums; they always have art festivals.

Conventions: Check out your local Chamber of Commerce for women-themed conventions and call the event coordinator. Most conventions have vendor booths from corporations; ask if you can have a booth to represent the struggling female artist. Explain your prices and see if you can donate a portion of your proceeds to the cause.

Concerts: My husband has a band and in the early days, I used to set up a table at every gig, mini-light and all. Maybe you know of a band that will let you do this. Offer to put their CD’s and t-shirts at your table as well. Occasionally we tried to set up an impromptu booth at large public festivals and concerts, but I discourage this - we always got busted! TIP: Before you do any of these, make sure to bring plastic bags for people to carry their purchase in, business cards and a mailing list. Other items; calculator, tape for windy weather, pens and markers, a tablecloth, and, of course, a cashbox with change.

Other ways to score orders:

1. eBay, baby! Post several items a week, give them snappy headings and attach a link to your website. This is a great way to expose your work to new people.
2. One idea I’m going to try this year is to make a one-page color catalog sheet and pass them out to friends and family so they can take them to work (think Avon).
3. I also want to have an open house art sale at our house around the holidays.
4. For national accounts: when my friends and family travel, they pick up business cards of cool shops for us to send a sample package to.

Buyers and beyond:

Approaching buyers: Be thankful for your talent and expect the worst. If you find a great store where you know your work will fit, give them a buzz and ask for the buyer. Ask when the best time is to stop by. They probably get a lot of calls like this and may decline the offer. I was passively relentless - if they turned me down, I mailed them a gorgeous sample, a price sheet and a colorful flier about my work. Most of the time, I got a call back!

Putting a package together for buyers: Use a folder and include a Bio sheet. Sure your work will sell itself, but it helps for your clients to see who is behind the creativity. Make it fun and personal, explaining why you do this, your background, credentials, etc. Include a photo or graphic.

Info sheet/price list: List your items with descriptions and prices. Include your terms of payment, required minimum order, contact info, names of other stores that carry your work, and art shows you’ve been in.

Sample item: Send a couple of items from your line so the buyer can inspect and try them out.

Press clippings: If your work has been covered anywhere, include copies here. If you want press coverage, include all of the above, but include a color slide of you or your work. Ask if they would like you to share a craft idea in return for the coverage.

Press releases: When you have your system up and running, make sure to set up an event every now and then. Maybe a "Meet the Artist" reception, or teach a craft workshop, debut new works, or get involved in an art show. All of these are great reasons to send out a press release to local, and even national, media. Just make sure you are ready for the orders it may bring.

Photos: Invest in making color slides and digital images of your work. These are great for juried shows or for print publications to use.

Sales Reps: These aren’t for everyone, but if you think you can handle high volume, check with your local Chamber of Commerce for trade shows in your area. Go to the show, cruise the aisles and pick up business cards of reps you think would be interested in your work. I wouldn’t confront them at the show with a sales pitch though. Most of them have paid mucho bucks for the space and want to spend their time schmoozing with buyers. Mail them a package later with all your goodies. Another idea is to pick up craft magazines and look through the back pages of ads. If you have a website, you can also post a request there. Surfing the web can’t hurt either.

Payment: It's all about the Benjamins

Method of payment: Open a separate business account for your work. If you go online, the most affordable way to take payments is with a service like PayPal. Or you can go through your bank and get a credit card machine. It's good to have every option available for accepting money.