Crafty Hands Club Podcast

Tammy Rae. , Owner of A Touch Of Glass is a lampwork glass artist from the Midwest area. Wearable art and memorial pieces are her specialty. 15 years ago, she was a bead-making student who later started a jewelry business. She has participated in various shows across the United States. Her designs have been featured in international books, magazines, and embroidery kits. Tammy has also been a guest on national syndicated television shows. She shares her creative journey, along with wisdom about doing business in general.   

The rookie mistake that many online business owners make is giving way too many discounts. Are you falling into that "flash sale" or "everything must go" downward spiral? In today's episode, you'll learn how discounts can cause your business more harm than help.  Key episode elements: Business positioning What to offer customers in place of discounts How to handle "can I have a discount" questions? Why value is important in your business?

The craft space has been on an upward slope over the last decade. Demand for handmade products have increased as well. Even celebrities are sharing projects on social media. Starting an online craft business has many advantages and can lead to many opportunities. The last thing you want to do is start a business on a bad start.  Listen to episode to learn what you should think about before going into business. 

Your voice deserves to be heard. No matter how attractive your craft products are, your customers want to feel a human connection. In other words, customers are buying into you, your values, your message. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your voice matters? The power of storytelling. How your story can connect with and help other crafters? Ways to tell your story. Where to share your story?

Tatyerra Mikell, is a Chicago raised, NY/NJ transplant. She has over ten years of experience in the social sector. She's currently owner of both Pretty Creative Hustle and Gratitude 4 Black Girls. In this episode, Ms. Mikell shares how you can build an engaging online community, with even just a few members. In addition, she shares the vision and mission behind both organizations and how listeners can stay authentic to their brand message.  

Are you an existing craft business owner or someone who's aspiring to be one?  Here's what you need to know: A craft business can be profitable in spite of the "starving artist" myth.  Running a craft business don't mean products and services should be sold at a clearance.  In this episode you'll learn: The basic business numbers you need to know Why knowing your business numbers matters The difference between sales and profits How to make the numbers in your business work for you even when you have a net loss

Craft businesses and hobbyists have tax reporting requirements. In this episode, you'll find out what's considered a hobby according to Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxable income requirements, expense deductions, forms to file, and 1099-K for crafters who sell goods on third party sites (Amazon, Etsy).

Rebeca Mojica is an award-winning jewelry artist, instructor and best-selling author. As the founder of Blue Buddha Boutique, a prominent chainmaille supplies company since 2003, Rebeca is known for creating colorful and intricate designs that have inspired artisans all over the world. Most recently, she partnered with toy manufacturer Neat-Oh! international to create the award-winning Linkt Craft Kits, the first line of chainmaille jewelry kits for children ages 8 and up. Chainmaille jewelry first caught her interest while she was in Germany at a fair. Seeing the expensive price tag of an item she wanted, she decided to buy pliers and jumprings from Ebay to attempt the same design. She quickly learned that size and ring types matter. Later on, Rebeca took a chainmaille class and shortly afterwards, was asked to be an instructor. After demand for supplies from her students, Rebeca started Blue Buddha Boutique and became known throughout the jewelry making industry.  Listen to podcast episode to her

The jewelry making space has rapidly increased within the last decade. Even though the space is oversaturated with jewelry makers, there is still opportunities to explore. Listen to episode to learn why the market has scarcity.

These days, self-identification is preferred when it comes to fashion and accessories. Standing out, being different, and using voice through wearable art continues to be on the rise. Jewelry is no different. Jewelry should be a personal statement, speaking volumes about the individual.  What happens when customers either go overboard with customization or figure out ways to get custom pieces at the lowest cost possible? If designers don't have a clear policy and product descriptions, customers will take advantage. Learn the difference between customized jewelry and clearance jewelry. Also, how customization can cause lack of creativity on the makers part.

Being pulled in every direction leads to chaos. If you are new to jewelry making, this is the episode for you. Listen and learn how not to fall victim to whirlwinds of jewelrymaking ideas, designs, and so forth. Stay focused and gradually grow.

Oftentimes the two terms are confusing, especially for new hobbyists. One shares a common interest while the other builds a community. Listen and find out.

Due to the ease of buying and selling online, it has become easier for sellers to scam customers out of earned income. Within the last decade, there has been an increase of jewelry makers but not all sellers have a moral compass. Listen to find out the type of scams happening in the DIY community and what steps you can take to avoid falling victim to their scam. 

This episode is a response to a twitter post that took place a few weeks ago, where the person stated how the current generation is out of touch with hobbies and why having one matters. If you've listened to season 1, A Hobby vs A Habit episode, I stated benefits of hobbies. In today's episode, I will address the misconception that hobbies take a huge amount of time and money. Listen and learn what hobbies you can start with little to no money. Website: www.craftyhandsclub.com Email: info@craftyhandsclub.com Link to Habit vs Hobby Episode: https://anchor.fm/craftyhandsclub/episodes/A-Hobby-vs-A-Habit-e3hmr7

The Man Behind The Wire: Interview with Lorenzo Emmett Sanders, owner of Wyrefull Mr. Sanders served as a corporate professional for years. During the later 2000's Lorenzo was on dialysis, waiting on a kidney transplant. As he was healing from surgery, he tried jewelry making and discovered his love for creating wire jewelry. He shares his jewelry making journey, including transparent thoughts about the diy industry.  Lorenzo can be found on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.  Website: www.wyrefull.com 

Over time we tend to accumulate things and if you're not careful, it leads to clutter. Listen to this episode to get ideas and suggestions to organize your craft space.

As we're in the thick of the holiday season, there's plenty of activities happening. Listen to this episode and get some creative ideas on activities to do with the kiddies during Winter break!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! Now that the holiday season is here, get in a cheerful mood and make yourself some jewelry. You'll learn ideas and holiday themes on this episode.

As you celebrate with family and friends, you might as well do some crafts. This episodes gives you several project ideas that are fun, simple, and inexpensive.

Whenever schools are faced with budget cuts, art and music classes are either significantly reduced or eliminated. In this episode you'll learn the benefits of arts and crafts and how it can help a child's learning ability.