A handmade gift guide - business tip for craftspeople

This week's handmade gift guide

Each week I choose a theme and select the handmade items I love the most.  This week from around the UK, I've found some treasures...  Given that we've not had much in the way of sun this year, I do feel that my theme is quite apt.  Wasn't it lucky it stayed dry for most of the Olympics.  Let's hope it follows the same pattern for the paralympics.  Anyone want to have a guess what the theme is for this week?

Do enjoy my chosen items - all of which would make perfect gifts or even to say thank you for a gift -  or just because you'd like to treat yourself!

1.   Thank you gift cards - photography & design

2.   Wading birds - LouMay Books

3.   Water Ripples - ElisaMAmorCreations

4.   Village Print - Janice Jong Art & Illustration

5.   Compact Mirror - The Clockwork Jewel

6.   Drink Champagne - Deliart - Beautiful Art Block Prints

7.   Anemone water colour - Oakapple & Rose

8.   Aquamarine waterfall pendant - Handmade Silver Pendant UK

9.   Knitted hot water bottle - selvage
10. French beaded lily -  Corbin Handmade

Please be aware that the artists who have made and designed these items hold the copyright and design rights to them.

And Finally....... A small business tip

Look after your existing customers

Did you know that 20% of your existing customers will buy from you again because they already know you and trust you?  So create a reason why they should buy from you again.   Offer products which complement each other in a product range.  For example, if they purchase a pendant do you have matching earrings or bracelet?  If so, show them these when they're buying the pendant or let them know that these are available when you contact them in the future.
Alternatively, you could offer a small incentive for your existing customers, say 10% off their next purchase.

Go Green! - plus a business tip

The birthstone for August is Peridot - a stunning green gemstone. So, drawing inspiration from the month we're in - I'm running a green blog this week.  How many people thought I was running an eco friendly blog this week then?

I have delved into handmade items from around the UK to find my favourites in the colour green.  Enjoy!

1.   A collage - Loganberry Photography
2.   Green Man - Daves Woodcraft
3.   Flower Studs - Grass Fields
4.   Gecko Picture - Handmade by D.
5.   Humming Bird - Rustic Green
6.   Cushion - Courtyards Crafts
7.   Peridot Earrings - Silver Jewellery
8.   Felt Rosette - Hooperhart
9.   Original Fabric on Canvas - J.A. Wilson
10. Hand knitted Dress - josknits

All the items which I have chosen to feature are the property of the  designers who've made them.  As such, they will own the rights to their designs and this prohibits any copying - accidental or otherwise.

Business TipFor the craftspeople who are running their own business - I hope you find your weekly business tip useful.

Do you have a tough decision to make?  If so, go and do some exercise!  Sound odd?  Well, studies have shown that people who work out regularly are better decision makers. One study tested 80 people over an 9 month period and results showed that the exercisers ability to make complex decisions had increased 70% over those who weren't exercising.

Sensational Saturday the Second - A Handmade One! - Weekly Business Tip

Following last week's Sensational Saturday for Great Britain at the Olympics (wow! wasn't it gripping?), I'm now ensuring we have a second one featuring sensational handmade Olympic items - well, what else could I feature in this week's blog?
Mo Farrar running Saturday 11th August with the hope of yet another GB Gold resting on his shoulders Tom Daly diving, 2 British boxers qualifying for the final on Sunday 12th - definite silvers to add to the ever increasing medal tally, it certainly makes you proud to be British.  So, I'm now showing just how great we are in everything that we do!

1.   Olympic Lavender Sachet - GingerBeer Designs
2.   We Were There... Sign - Signs For Every Occasion
3.   Red, White and Blue Silver Earrings - Handmade Silver Jewellery UK
4.   Flag Bib - Dribble Drool Bibs
5.   Britain Heart Keyring - An Owl to the Hollow
6.   Union Jack Felt Flower Brooch - Sew Crafty
7.   Olympics Cake Toppers - Charlotte Jane Cakes
8.   British Pincushion - Spindleberry
9.   Inspire a Generation Card - Dilley Crafts
10. London Map Cushion Cover - KateModern

All the items pictured are the property of the people who designed them and as such, own the property rights to their original designs.  Any infringement of their rights could be pursued in a court of law

Weekly Business Tip for Crafters
Eliminate the time wasters...
What do you do that wastes your time?  Take a look at your day and begin a list and review what you do that could make you more productive and takes up unnecessary time. Here's one example: clutter on your workbench /desk?  How often do you spend looking for something which if you tidied up and had all your equipment in a known place would save you time?