Though written to be informational and to comment on the town as a whole, I wish they would have gone into all the wonderful businesses we have to offer. People JUST. DON’T. KNOW. It boggles my mind when a customer comes in and says, “I’ve lived in Emmaus for X-amount of years, and never stepped foot in any of the shops.” Sometimes they live a block away! It makes me cry at night. Okay, that’s a little dramatic.

But still…residents of the Valley often go to Bethlehem for the specialty shops they love to browse and purchase in, when really what they are looking for may be right in their backyard (literally). Even if a store doesn’t carry the things you need and just gotta have at that very moment, please do yourself a favor and just go to look. Meet the owners and sales associates. You probably know them. Or if you don’t actually know them, you’ll leave the store feeling like you just chatted with a friend. We’re very welcoming here in this little charming town.

Thank you, Lehigh Valley Style, for giving us that shout-out. We really appreciate your kind words encouraging readers to check it out!

And please keep ALL of our businesses in mind when you’re gearing up for the holidays. I promise you’ll enjoy discovering what we have to offer.

I was actually embarrassed that I had never heard of it before. Then I realized it’s somewhat new, and then I gave myself a pat on the back for being so up-and-coming. {I like to think I know a few things about handmade crafts in Pennsylvania, although it’s a continuously growing beast of information that I will never fully conquer.} I actually happened upon it on one of my clicking adventures while catching up on another of my faves: HandmadeinPA.

What you’ll find on IndiePA, aside from their blog articles, is a directory of independent artists from all over PA. It organizes them by area or medium, and they even throw in a category for Indie Markets (one of my favorites in the Lehigh Valley is Indiemade Craft Market, which takes place in June and December each year). Because the directory/blog is still in the building stages, some of the information is not complete…but we totally see the potential for an explosion of information and exciting things in the near future!

If you’re an independent artist from PA, then submit your work and bio…NOW!!! It’s free, and who knows what doors it will open for you!

We are also honored to be one of IndiePA’s newest sponsors. Check out our new ad on their sidebar!

We have lots of artisans that have been working with their craft for many years, but we have some that do it as a side-passion or have less experience.  Many times pricing comes up as a HUGE question…”Just what do I charge an interested customer for something I put my blood, sweat, and tears into?”  It can be daunting to overcharge for your work…but even scarier to UNDERcharge.

I have a few suggestions.  Now keep in mind, I don’t consider myself anywhere near an expert, but I do read…a lot.  I’m constantly checking out books, websites, magazines, blogs, even message boards where artists literally ask others for advice on a specific creation.  I wanted to not necessarily give my opinion on the matter (I am a bit biased because of my job), but to pass on valuable information so that you can make a more informed decision.  Here are a few resources I found helpful:

• Etsy is always on the top of my list for inspiration, but also for a reference.  Where else will you find that many people who all make stuff by hand???  Nowhere.  If you already have Etsy as a resource for purchasing beautifully unique items, think of it also as a resource to find useful blog articles or discussions.  Here is an Etsy message board posting that I came across…lots of comments on an artist’s actual earrings for sale from real-life crafters.

• I’m currently reading Craft, Inc by Meg Mateo Ilasco…a very quick read that maps out how to make your craft your full-time endeavor.  I recommend it for an overall look of the business, and it includes many quotes from successful craftsmen, along with a section on pricing and suggestions for an “equation” to use when calculating all of your expenses.  Check the book out on Amazon here.

• Crafting, MBA is an extremely interesting resource…basically a blog written by an exceptionally clever and knowledgeable woman, Megan Auman, who gives endless advice on how to make crafting not just a hobby.  Here are some blog articles she’s written about slapping a price sticker on your work: Defensive Pricing Strategy and How I Raised My Prices and Lived To Tell the Tale.

• One more blog, Glue and Glitter, is more based on eco-friendly craft ideas and how-tos, but I found a quick read on the author’s take on what to expect when you purchase something that’s handmade…here is the article. It’s nice to hear about her personal experience with customers scoffing at her high ticket prices.

I try to encourage artisans to never forget the time and skills necessary to create any handmade item.  Don’t sell yourself short…not everyone possesses the expertise to create an item such as your own!  However, on the flip-side, keep in mind current trends and what other stores (aka mean and ruthless corporations) are charging for an item that is similar.  Though the item you’re creating is undoubtedly more interesting and creative, don’t price your item out of the ballpark (for instance, a decorative wine glass at a home decor store may cost $12 each…I wouldn’t price your handpainted glass for more than a few dollars above that).

Sometimes artisans cannot price their items competitively…or somewhat competitively…with what the current market is.  They just can’t make a profit on the item they are selling for a reasonable price.  That’s when you must step back and really ask yourself, “Is it worth making more to sell?”  I’d hate to tell anyone not to continue something they love, but it quite possibly might not make you money.  This is something you must be willing to admit.  If you’re doing your craft to make money, reassessing the materials and time may be necessary.

Best of luck creating…and ultimately pricing to sell, sell, sell!!

Lauren

As an offshoot blog of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen site, their mission is “bringing Pennsylvania artisans & shoppers together.”  On the HIP site, you’ll not only find information on PA artists making exciting new work, you’ll see events posted, advice for crafters, guest bloggers, even a recipe for homemade puffy paint (my newest favorite post).  The creators are doing an excellent job showcasing the talent that PA has to offer, although I’m positive there’s much more to be uncovered!  Can’t wait to see what HIP reports on next.

In addition, there’s a fairly new section of the webpage that maps all local brick and mortar shops that sell handmade within our keystone state.  We’re happy to be pinpointed here in Emmaus!

Check out HIP in the near future for ads from OOOH.  They are currently in the works!

But with all the great things NICHE has to offer, we must say that their almost-daily postings on Facebook are something we look forward to.  Whoever is in charge of their social media, we thank you!  By being a fan (or “Liking” their page, a new feature that is essentially being a fan) of the NICHE page, we are able to see their posts that link you to interesting articles that they in turn have found online, anywhere from tips on writing to-do lists to uplifting reports of the rebounding economy.

Another aspect of NICHE is their Awards, both in independent artists and craft retailers.  Being nominated for a future award in the top retailers category (possibly for our website?) is one of our main goals for the next few years, and to see past winners is truly inspiring.  Many of the winners from 2009 are not too far away from us in the tri-state area.

With all that said, we thank NICHE magazine for showing us that there is success out there for fine craft retailers and artists, and that though our gallery is not award-winning (yet!), what we represent is being appreciated and celebrated.