Selling, why it's important to be the FACE of your hand made brand!

Many designer makers struggle with the whole face to face selling thing at markets and fairs. I know it's tricky, you don't want to be so friendly that you come across as desperate but you also don't want to be sitting there with your head buried in a book trying not to make eye contact for fear of blushing! But Christmas is coming and for most marketeers this is the busiest and potentially the most lucrative time of the year.

So you might ask "Why is it important to speak to people, won't they just buy because they like the stock rather then me and my personality?"
Well... No, not necessarily! Money's tight and people who buy hand made not only like to buy these goods because of their artisan origins but because they also like to know their provenance and who's behind the creative process. And that's where you come in!

From my many years of experience both selling at and organising market events I found that though some people were comfortable with selling their wears many more would rather just be in their studio behind their sewing machines or potters wheels and leave the selling to someone else!
But why is it important to address the "business side" of  a small designer maker company? Well simply because if you want to make the rent you're going to have to learn to wear more then just the designer hat and face your deepest darkest fears! OK, maybe deepest, darkest fears is a slight exaggeration... but I've seen many a talented maker crumble as soon as a potential buyer asked them a question about their stock! But face to face selling doesn't have to be a scary monster (cue David Bowie! I know you're singing it... don't deny it!)

So who better then you to be the friendly face of your hand made brand? The answer is simple:
You are the person who made it and know everything about each product, each stitch, each hour spent making -while in fact you should have been sleeping!- and only you can convey all the magic and wonder that lead you to creating what you have!
So the fact is that you are the best person to sell what you make and no, it's not scary...  because it's part of your job! 

If you're putting your name, your efforts and are proudly selling something you've made then your face should be the strongest and most important weapon in your PR arsenal. Get behind what you make and being "personable" is what it's all about in the hand made business!
Here are a few tips and pointers that I found helpful:

• Always acknowledge people when they come to your stall. A friendly "hello" works better then a head nod!
• Provide outstanding costumer service, like being ready to answer or advise on any product or anything which can help your customer to buy from you!
• Be prepared to share your company philosophy.
• Know what makes your products different and special from everything else on the market. Share it with your shoppers without sounding cocky!
• Be truthful. Don't make claims you can't back and always provide the best product you can make.
• Use examples of happy customers who've returned after purchasing your products, any positive feedback or any other great truthful examples you can use relevant to you and your product!
• Be confident and show you know your products inside and out!
• Always thank people even if they didn't buy anything but take this opportunity to give them your business card for future purchases. 
• Have a website! The nature of fairs has changed quite a lot and no longer are sales just made on the day so have an on line presence where clients can contact you or even order directly from you.
• Look into accepting other forms of payment and not just cash. Though cheques are rare some people still use them. Also a PayPal hand set or WiFi card readers can prove to be a great investment and help you make even more sales! 
• Have a great looking stall. Take time to consider your display and make it enticing and gorgeous!

The reality is that you are not just competing with the "big boys" on the High Street you're also competing with lots of other great makers who not only create amazing goods but are also blessed with the gift of the gab.
I can tell you that I do know a few people who make great things and sell enough to make a living from it because more then anything else they have charm, charisma and know how to engage with their clientele without being pushy which then leads to sales.
It's not that their products are better but rather then cower behind their stalls in fear of rejection they take a positive step to engage with the consumer.
What makes these makers successful is that they genuinely believe in their products and they know how to sell it plus they are outgoing when it comes to connecting with people!

But I'm not talking about hard sell tactics or any of that "The Apprentice" style bolshy, overly spun egocentric salespeople jargon. In fact the only commonality with that is the absolute confidence you should deploy in your sales pitch!
You can't just have amazing products you also need to know how to schmooze, make people feel valued -yes, you need them. That's the truth of the matter! In order to make a living from your craft you need people to buy from you!- and to a certain degree make them want what you're selling even if they're not quite sure they want or need it yet! Though I don't mean in any way that you should "pull the wool over anyone's eyes" as it's about being genuinely engaged and proud of your work and making it something other will love too!

OK, I agree, It's not easy... but it needn't be forced or fake either. A bit of confidence and practise goes a long way in setting you on your successful journey!

As mentioned above:
Know your stuff... that's your stock, your ethos/ethics, materials and your philosophy inside out
but also know when to step back or when to go in to seal the deal!
Don't be too overly familiar but always show an interest in your customers needs.
Do ask questions but keep them relative to the products... you don't want to ask if that beautiful body moisturiser you've made is going to be used in any saucy shenanigans but you can ask them something personal like their skin type for example or if they are looking for a moisturiser for everyday use! Keep it friendly, simple but know the boundaries.

It's not enough to just have a nice looking stall or great quality products either, it's about engaging your buyers and making them feel like they are being looked after. Unlike the High street you can afford to go the extra mile and give outstanding one to one customer service.
I found that this is pretty much one of the great things that attracts people into buying hand made!

Though you will find that you will spend most of the day repeating yourself  that you'll also find that it's not a bad thing! Your homing in on your interpersonal skills. With time it'll come naturally and you'll sound relaxed and sure of your company and your product. If you find it helpful write down a few cheat cards with major points that you want to convey... this way if you feel overwhelmed you'll have your notes there to help you.

I guess in a way that's part of the secret of being a good seller, knowing and believing in your product but also believing in yourself and putting your name behind your work in such a way that it becomes something people will want to be part of.
You can call it buying into a "lifestyle" if you will... I know, I know, it's a term most people are fed up with -a bit like Shabby Chic!- and I don't like it that much either but in this case it illustrates the point!

So practise, practise, practise and practise some more. Though you can use your friends and family as guinea pigs the best way to learn is to get out there and interact with complete strangers! Be friendly, approachable and confident...
and even if you get your tongue into a tangle and think you sound like a fool the chances are that you don't sound like one at all, but most of all don't forget that if people are there it's a sign that they are fans of the entire hand made movement... So remain calm, smile, treat your customers well, be genuine, be confident and work it!

Craftacular mid term entertainment for your little angels!

The mid term holidays are swiftly creeping up and we know just how hard it can be to keep kids busy and entertained especially with the cooler and wetter weather on the horizon!
Though the truth is that when you're a kid you don't really care that it's raining outside and no matter how hard it buckets down you look forward to jumping in the puddles!
BUT sometimes it's the grown ups that for whatever reason need to be kept in doors so finding something which will keep those little bundles of joy entertained while mum and/or dad get to work is sometimes not that easy to find.
But there is something we think might just help and we'd like to share it with you...

We were invited to look at and review two new books from Quarto Publishing Group (UK) by author Miri Flower, "The Pencil book" and "The Paint Book".  Miri is a prolific craft blogger and has won awards for her online publication including the Sainsbury's Bank "Best family blog" award.  You can visit her craft blog which features many more ideas and projects.

The first title is "The Pencil Book" which features lots of great projects which as the name implies can be done by using pencils.
The great thing is that it can be achieved by anyone though I would say that I felt the projects were aimed at younger kids rather then teenagers. All projects are well explained and photographed nicely leaving the maker and the parent(s) happy and confident to just go for it.

Ranging from ideas like recreate your own masterpiece, making paper mosaic to making an actual pencil holder out of coloured pencils!

The second book is "The Paint Book".
Again it's a book which requires little crafty expertise so anyone can learn without feeling uneasy or overwhelmed. As you can guess by the title it's exploring projects mainly through the medium of paint.
All projects are well explained and I do like the way the author has chosen projects that are suitable for both sexes.
I get the feeling that she's tried and tested these projects quite a few times on her own kids and that both she and they really do enjoy making them! 

I also love that all the materials and tools are either inexpensive to buy, easily available or things you can find at home.
Funnily enough most of the projects on both books are things I remember making as a child.
I remember the times I used to sit at my little desk in my bedroom painting with my fingers or the afternoons spent with my cousin over summer holidays at my granny's stamping potatoes to make patterns or writing secret letters with lemon juice to the cute boy next door! It was all good fun!!!

Basically these two books are packed with lots of interesting projects and I think it will keep your wee ones happy plus there are also a few projects like "make your own leaf bunting" which will require some outdoor fun too!

I have to say that though at the moment no kids were involved in this review I look forward to taking these with me over Christmas to France and using the nieces and nephews as guinea pigs. I'm sure my mother in law will be super excited too at the prospect of having all six of them quietly making for at least an hour!!! It's tough and I admire all mums and dads who can get their kids away from the telly or the PlayStation and happily making some creative crafts!

Well done Miri... we give these two books a very big paint smeared thumbs up!

 

To order The Paint Book and The Pencil Book together at the special offer price of £16 including UK P&P, telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting the offer code APG227 and the book ISBNs 9780711235830 and 9780711235847.

Kitchenalia... The perfect inspiration for sorting out your own kitchen!

I love being in the kitchen, mainly because I find cooking a therapeutic pursuit rather then a chore plus I love the way it allows me to experiment with recipes through creative thinking and trial and error!
Decorating is a bit like that... follow a few simple rules and you can get the right look for you and your home... and if it doesn't quite work out just tweak and adjust!

Kitchenalia from Jacqui Small  publishers is one of those books that I found really hard to put down. I found myself cooing  over most of the kitchens which didn't help me make up my mind as to which style I prefer for my own!

It's hard... there are so many great looking styles and even though I thought I knew what I wanted this book has completely transformed my view of "my ideal kitchen"... and that's not a bad thing but it means it's back to square one!

It actually made me rethink a few points like usability, theme and even down to the utensils and furniture I would add to mine!

Though this book offers a few pointers and rules to follow it's also free and easy when it comes to mixing and matching. It provides plenty of inspiration without being dictatorial or insanely scary...
yes, all the looks in this book can be achieved without turning you into an undecided mess! I guess once you've figured out what overall look you want then the rest is simple.

The author Vinny Lee is a master of crossing over styles and making them work demonstrating just how easy it is to add personal style to your own kitchen.

I like the way it's categorised into two large sections to allow easy reference. A variety of sub sections showcase key styles and themes through The Kitchenalia Kitchens which include numerous styles from retro kitchens, collector's kitchens to reclaimed kitchens. The Kitchenalia Elements presents all other extras including crockery, storage, furniture to lighting!

I get the sense that Vinny Lee knows her stuff and her CV is proof of that! She writes regularly for The Times, House & Garden magazine -amongst other international magazines- and is also the interiors editor for the Sunday Express magazine.

What I do also love is the vast array of styles and the fluidity of the book as a whole. The photography is beautiful to say the least and it doesn't alienate readers into thinking it's unachievable and that it's all taken out of a show home. The very opposite, as I can actually imagine myself cooking in any of the kitchens featured in this book without feeling like an extra in a period film!
It doesn't look like a film set or an anachronism to the past! It's neither contrived nor fake but updated to cater for our hunger for great timeless retro design!

There's lots of handy info and tips on how to get the look without having to raid a bank to create your dream space!
If you're minimally crafty there's a plethora of ideas and inspirations that tap into up cycling and scavenging -Who doesn't love a good skip dive?- so you can add a few key pieces that will transform any dream into a reality.
Thank you Vinny for instilling that confidence and for letting us in on a few trade secrets too!

At present my kitchen is a pea green ode to the 1980's. It wasn't my choice but I've learnt to live with it.... but I won't have to for very long! It's a mish-mash of bad choices and very little original features though I do have a few possessions that will fit in perfectly with my new kitchen look just as soon as I get to grips with the enormity of the task.
In one hand I'll be clutching a copy of Kitchenalia, and in the other the wall paper stripper plus the belief that I can do this. I know I can!


Craft Guerrilla reader offer:

To order Kitchenalia at the discounted price of £25.00 including p&p* (RRP: £30.00), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG221.

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.

Love London Awards... and we're in the finals!!!

It's been a long time... well we've been going unofficially since 2006 so we're absolutely delighted that we're finally getting some recognition in our part of making the local economy diverse and vibrant!
Walthamstow has an amazing an diverse indie business community and competition is fierce... it's an absolute honour to be listed alongside the others! I had a hard time choosing my faves so... I know it's not going to be easy!!!

So if you'd like to help us then visit the website, press E (for East London) and you'll see "Walthamstow" our lovely neighbourhood. Our shop "Craft Guerrilla" is listed in the Best local shop category.
Voting's open for three weeks from October 7... so if you love what we do then please VOTE for us.

Finally... we'd like to thank all our lovely patrons who voted for us in the first place and it's because of you that we've made it to the final!!!
Your support has been what's kept us going and as you know sometimes it's been difficult to keep ourselves in business though as hard as things seem to get we're reminded of why we're here doing this... it's because of you lot and the love you've shown us! Also a huge thank you to all the designer makers and collaborators that have worked with us, past and present. We salute each and everyone of you... you guys rock!!!


Thank you!
The Craft Guerrilla team

http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/time-out-love-london-awards-voting-east

Craft Guerrilla does... Faro!

As some of you may know I spent a chunk of my youth in Faro, a tourist town in the south of Portugal. OK... so maybe you didn't and if that's the case then you've just learnt something new about me! Also it's no longer a Town but a full on city with a university and everything... But tourist town sounds better so I think I can just about get away with that one!
Growing up in a predominately "airport" city wasn't easy.  Life in general was based around the tourism industry and finding ways to pass your time in a sleepy sea side city was a chore especially for creative kids like me and many of my counterparts. If you weren't a surfer or a sporty type then you had to make your own entertainment.
I guess in a way I have a lot to thank Faro for... because of living there it made me resourceful and creative so not a bad thing at all. But we're not here to talk about me...
Because I've moved away 23 years ago with every visit I notice the subtle changes which might escape residents but there have been numerous tiny ones and awesome changes too.
On this last one I noticed that some places and not just shops but bars, restaurants, cafés too were opening with a distinctive modern flavour.  Back when I lived in Faro there was a serious lack of creative entrepreneurship but luckily that's no longer the case!!!

In my brief past life in Faro I found most of the city's hand made offerings were mainly tourist fodder and not much else. Shelves filled with painted plates depicting ladies in traditional dress riding a donkey amongst the almond trees, colourful Portuguese roosters and mass produced lace covered doilies seemed to be the norm in every Artisanato (craft) shop. It was all pretty safe and not very exciting!
Now thankfully a few interesting places have cropped up... I get a sense that people are changing their tastes and are finally getting into the philosophy that hand made items are not just a great way to buy original goods but also to help create a sustainable, vibrant and viable local economy.
I so wish Faro had been ready for me all those years ago but alas the next generation have grasped the concept by the horns and are no longer afraid of taking a risk though these new crafty people are smart, talented and actually just doing what they love. They are following their hearts... so hopefully not as risky as you'd expect as it's done out of pure passion!

Rosa Chock:

©RosaChock

©RosaChock

You can find Rosa Chock on Rua Horta Machado a hop and a skip from the historical centre.
It's a friendly, modern space housed in an old cobblers' shop ("Sapataria Limpinho") which now sells hand made items ranging from mostly children's clothing, toys, home wares and up-cycled vintage furniture. 

We give Ines and her pretty boutique a huge crafty thumbs up and we wish her all the success in the world!!! 

You can look here for further info, address and shop opening times:  

www.facebook.com/rosachockboutiquefaro

 

(all photos in this segment are used with kind permission by ©RosaChock)

Sardinha de Papel:

Part of Faro's historical commercial center regeneration scheme this amazing shop is set up to function as a cooperative and event space. Selling hand made items from local designer makers to the general public as well as to craft loving tourists.
The shop I visited in Rua Conselheiro Bívar is situated in a vibrant part of town in a formerly unused commercial space. This area  houses mostly pubs and clubs which cater for night owls but because they also do things a bit differently at Sardinha de Papel it sits harmoniously alongside the hustle and bustle as they offer DJ sets, live music and other interactive activities.

Set up in 2013 to explore and promote the city's new talent and to provide a space where people can shop for original hand made gifts and discover a breathtaking variety of hand made goods ranging from home wares, clothing, jewellery, toys, ceramics and more which are manufactured by small independent creatives and makers. This venture has now opened its second space in the old town centre in Rua de Santo Antonio which is great news! We love to see craft getting onto the High Streets and offering fresh alternatives to shoppers.

I know lots of people already love this shop -most of my friends talk highly of Sardinha de Papel and they all recommended I visited- and they all tell me how much they like having a shop like this available to them in the city centre. With two sites in Faro I can't see how they can go wrong, in fact I hope they continue to grow!
Best of luck to Vera, her team and their awesome shops!!!

To find out more including address and opening times visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sardinha-de-Papel

(All photos in this segment used are with kind permission from ©SardinhaDePapel)

So that's our pick of the Faro Hand Made crop -I'm sure there will be more in future as the creative spirit is alive and well!- and if you ever find yourself in Faro, don't be shy... tell them we sent you... I'm sure you'll get a very warm welcome and you'll definitely leave with a bag filled with amazing goodies!

Next visit I'll be reviewing a few antique and vintage fairs which are dotted around the Algarve... can't wait to go back in summer and find some more gems!!!

Debbie
X

A world of quilts by Cassandra Ellis...

"A World of quilts" by Cassandra Ellis is an amazing book, pages packed with inspiration and tips as well as perfectly clear instructions on a huge variety of quilting styles. Here she offers updated versions of classic designs using traditional techniques and patterns in order to make quilts more fitting to today's modern home decorating tastes.

If you've never tried quilting then I'd honestly recommend this book. It doesn't look scary or complicated, nor does it make you feel like this is some secret dark art that only a few can partake in... everything is neatly explained and set out for you to start making!
Cassandra explains the basics from how to cut your fabric to how to sew on your backing which some might think is obvious but I found really helpful.
It's also really accessible as this book is divided into sections explaining and describing numerous types of quilts like the Housetop, the Star, the String Quilt, the Welsh bars and numerous others as well as exploring the use of tools and techniques in the "Quilting Masterclass" chapter. Again it might seem obvious but is perfect for the novice quilter but also great for the seasoned quilter as it serves as a great refresher and resource.

I must confess that quilting was one of those things that though I do love I've never really delved into too much. Growing up in the States you see so much of it that it kind of becomes an everyday thing. Pretty much every household had one handed down from grandma or great aunt Mildred. Though after reading this I truly am more interested in the history and the techniques used in quilt making. Heck, I might even try making my own which I can pass down to my nieces and nephews!

Cassandra Ellis is a designer maker with a flare for colour and composition. Her designs are warm and beautifully modern!
Originally from New Zealand she now runs her very own London studio and sells her work to private clients and in numerous retailers including Liberty of London.

Her home-wares and interiors are designed to be thoughtful and beautiful, using traditional techniques and materials. She also teaches workshops and works closely with the charity Habitat for Humanity helping to create living spaces tailored to the lives of the intended residents. To say that Cassandra is solely a sewing superstar wouldn't be enough... personally I see her as an artist too. A very accomplished, thoughtful and engaging artist!
If you'd like to know more about Cassandra and her work visit: www.cassandraellis.co.uk 

A world of Quilts by Jacqui Small publishing is available at a special discounted price for our blog readers only so if you'd like to get your hands on a copy of A World of Quilts at the special offer price of £20 including UK P&P*, telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting the offer code APG228 and the book ISBN 9781909342149.

*Overseas buyers please email before ordering via the email link above as P&P might be higher as this is a UK reader offer. 

We want YOU!

Do you have the Craft Factor and are a talented designer maker or illustrator who designs heart stopping beautiful hand made products?
AND would you like to stock your wears in our shop in Walthamstow?

If the answer is NO then look away... but if it's YES then read on...

We're on the hunt for exciting new designer makers who are looking to stock our shelves! As the area grows in popularity and with a serious lack of gift shops -yes we are now the only one!- it's time we stepped up a gear and opened up our shop to some new talent!!! "Awesomestow" is on the way up!!!

Here are a few of the amazing people we stock (and this is only a tiny selection of these amazing people!) :
 

Dan Darby

Mr. Peebles

Jimbob Art

Anna Wiscombe

Karoline Rerrie Illustrations

Ocular Designs

My Rosie Lee

Oh My Illustrations!

Craftivist Collective

If you'd like to apply then please get in touch... but please read the info below.

What we're looking for:

• Home wares - ceramics, table ware (glass etc), decorative pieces, soft furnishings including kitchen textiles, lamp shades, cushions and so on...
• Greeting cards and prints including wrapping paper and other paper goods (note books, stickers etc)
• Lighting (not just shades, fittings IE lamps are welcome too)
• "Man friendly" gifts including wallets, belts, T-shirts, note books, ties, grooming kits, satchels etc. Please note that though we love cuff links they are not really moving in our neighbourhood ...these kids are too cool for normal business gear!
• Soap and candles (including linen sprays and so forth)
• Zines and other small publications. 
• Products made with recycled materials.
• Other quirky gifts you make... we're open to selling other things which aren't listed like toys, craft kits etc just apply and we'll let you know!

*Please note that though we love jewellery we get so much of it but we are happy to take any which we think will work in our shop and if it's different enough to what we already stock or is sympathetic to our over all aesthetic! 
Unfortunately clothing is not accepted due to limited space. However illustrated T-shirts in both adults and kids sizes are!
If you're not sure then drop us a line and we'll let you know!

So here's what you need to do...
Please send us an email with photos of your stock or a website which showcases your work. Also an idea of price -retail- and tell us a little bit about yourself/your hand made company.

Here's the deal...
Because we are a self funded grass roots collective we are unable to buy stock upfront. We operate solely on a sale or return basis. We're happy to send you our T&C's upon request and will anyway once we've seen and accepted your work.
All items need to be hand made! We do not accept items which are from a third party (IE you are an agent for a designer) or any items which are not made in the UK. Because we represent the UK (London and the South East) and we believe in a more localised shopping economy we are unable to sell items which are made abroad. Preferably we'd also like to keep it within the South East but will consider goods from further afield but within the UK.

Still interested? E-mail us: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com