Going through a bad patch?

[woodtattoos]

I have to admit, things seem to be very slow for me at present. I haven't had any orders for quite some time now. I haven't been able to organise a craft fair stall for ages as I'm currently changing departments at work and still don't know my new shifts yet. The last craft fair I did didn't quite break even. I really should perhaps consider a complete overhaul of my Etsy site. I would love to be doing a large wedding order again or something else that I can really get my teeth into. Is anyone else feeling the same way?

Si.

[BeadsbyLili]

I think it will be a bit tougher this year Si - thanks to the *blip* in the economy.. hope it doesnt last long. Chin up though - the extra time will give you space for new ideas and there must be a load of summer craft fairs out there somewhere..

[woodtattoos]

I think it will be a bit tougher this year Si - thanks to the *blip* in the economy.. hope it doesnt last long. Chin up though - the extra time will give you space for new ideas and there must be a load of summer craft fairs out there somewhere..

Yeah, I agree that this recession is going to be pretty tough on our crafts. I'm just going to have to focus on building up a stock of work and exploring some new ideas, with the hope that a few sales here or there will keep me going! Looking forward to some nice summer events though. And in the meantime, the book project may end up being a main focus for me.

Si.

[BeadsbyLili]

Oh yes - forgot about the book - well there you go! You will have time to focus on it more - hows it going so far?

Just a thought too but have you got any of your products in shops/garden centers anywhere locally... (Lacock?)...is this something you could explore..?

[glasskanvas]

I wouldn't lose faith too much. I find this time of year to be the hardest-every year! The amount of bank holidays, the better weather and the looming annual holiday mean that people generally are focused on other things. I'd start preparations for Christmas!.. I start getting orders for that in August, which is a tad depressing but I shouldn't really complain.

[woodtattoos]

Oh yes - forgot about the book - well there you go! You will have time to focus on it more - hows it going so far?

Just a thought too but have you got any of your products in shops/garden centers anywhere locally... (Lacock?)...is this something you could explore..?

I haven't looked into the shop side of things yet really. I don't know why, I suppose it's because I've just always worked small scale.

I've been contacted by the publishing company again several times. Their production team have all seen my work and are very excited about the idea (blimey, a room full of people on the other side of the world talking about my work... :o) and they even like the name Wood Tattoos! They are sending over some samples of their previous craft books so I can check out their production values. I'm currently working on an outline for the book which is quite hard going!

[woodtattoos]

I wouldn't lose faith too much. I find this time of year to be the hardest-every year! The amount of bank holidays, the better weather and the looming annual holiday mean that people generally are focused on other things. I'd start preparations for Christmas!.. I start getting orders for that in August, which is a tad depressing but I shouldn't really complain.

I've got a load of Christmas stock left from last year to build on, so hopefully the festive season will be a good 'un! :)

Si.

[SusieQ]

:DYes I also think it is the 'blip' in the economy. We have just come back from Spain and I saw some key ring thingy's made of wood and they weren't a patch on yours!!! All your woodwork is something special and I just hope that things pick up for you. You certainly deserve it to!!!!
Sue. xx

[woodtattoos]

:DYes I also think it is the 'blip' in the economy. We have just come back from Spain and I saw some key ring thingy's made of wood and they weren't a patch on yours!!! All your woodwork is something special and I just hope that things pick up for you. You certainly deserve it to!!!!
Sue. xx

Thank you for that, very nice to hear such compliments!:)

[Scorch]

Yes, your work is very nice - I'm sure it's saleable, so it's just the way of the world that these things go in cycles...

My best advice is to find a niche, like maybe wedding gifts, or doggy things, or something, and advertise yourself on forums and sites that cover these things. And a dedicated site would be no bad thing, either... I get commissions every week from mine.

[JBJB]

You definitely need to get your own website Si

[BeadsbyLili]

Had another idea - will PM you.

[colourart]

Promote ....Promote and promote so more...:D
Occupying yourself with promotion and advertising in lean times helps as it makes you feel proactive. I agree you need a website and maybe a blog to go with it. Keep believing that if you sold your crafts before then you'll sell your crafts again. You have a great product.

[woodtattoos]

You definitely need to get your own website Si

I have been thinking about this very thing for some time. I wonder how easy it would be for me (completely non-techy) to run it myself, or whether I would need someone to host it for me etc?

Hmm, time to think... any advice?

Si.

[JBJB]

The only advice I can give is based on my own experience.

Whatever you choose to do, it will be a learning curve!

I have done my entire website from scratch myself, and although I'm not a techno-phobe I certainly have no knowledge of HTML. I am however confident enough to give things a try.

I use this company

http://www.freevirtualservers.com/

I see now that they are charging for the web-building package (it was free when I joined up), but I have to say it is a fantastic package. It's a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) package and I have found it really easy to navigate, and if I've ever had problems, their online support have always been really helpful.

I know a lot of people on here use Mr Site, and I know nothing about it, so can't comment, only to say I do see people moaning about it quite often!

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you get a package that allows you to expand your bandwidth usage as time goes on, as well as allowing you to host large picture files.

HTH!
Ask if there's anything particular you need to know!

[Chris W]

Trading conditions are tough at the moment, I notice it because I have a gift shop in a run down area. Many people don't have much spare money, if any, those that do are hanging on to it. You have a lovely product, it wouldn't take much for things to turn around, you could get a big order tomorrow, just keep sewing seeds.

[kipper workshops]

Hi, yep I agree that the good weather we have had this last few weeks has reduced trade. Especially if you sell through the web. Who wants to be in front of a PC on a hot sunny weekend.

I also agree with the earlier comments about promotion.

Si, you must get a website and a blog.

Do the blog first. Just get signed up to Blogger.com, pick a simple template and start. It's all free and dead easy to do, no techi-knowledge required.

I am working on some great ideas to help crafters with this whole selling on the online thing, and offline too. I'm not a tech-head but am always happy to help if I can.


I find it can all be a bit overwhelming if you let it. Do it in very small steps. Get your blog on the go first whilst it's quiet. Colourart is right, it helps to do these things when it's quiet so you can feel you are still making progress.

Steve :):):)

[BeadsbyLili]

I have been thinking about this very thing for some time. I wonder how easy it would be for me (completely non-techy) to run it myself, or whether I would need someone to host it for me etc?

Hmm, time to think... any advice?

Si.

You could have an ace website - I guess the only thing with that at the moment is that it will probably cost you money to start with..

[Fair Do]

Hi Si,

Sorry to hear you are on a bit of a downer ...thing is, there is always a place in the market for quality workmanship, so don't give up.

Couple of quick points (I'm being called for my tea!!!) ...

I think the name Wood Tattoos is inspired for a pyrographer ...websites are not as hard as you might think, especially if you get an "off the shelf" jobby. I know others will disagree with this, but I think they are a real advantage to the less technically minded (like myself!) ...it's worth having a nose at Freewebs.

Gotta go ...

Fair Do

[aurrida]

i think the book is a gift that will potentially set you up as the 'expert'. this will give you no end of credibility which in my line of work is all that counts. take any opportunities that come your way that will allow you diversify and allow you to continue doing what you love.

i would not encourage or recommend anyone to rely on selling through the net for an income unless you are prepared to invest a lot of money and time in marketing. you are competing against so many sites that have captured markets. yes i'm sure it can be done but for every success there are thousands unsuccessful.

my advice is aim higher and explore other markets that have money.

[Focus on Life]

Hiya Si

Just wanted to say keep smiling :):):):):):):) things will come around again cos you're very talented and your work's beautiful

It is a really difficult time what with all the news about people losing their houses let alone not spending - and dont even talk to me about petrol & diesel costs increasing so much! - maybe the country will come to a grinding halt any minute and all the people with jobs will tell their bosses "sorry, cant afford to come into work today boss dude" and then they'll think "sodit, I'm getting myself a treat off this lovely blog/website off Wood Tattoos"

It would seem like an excellent chance to concentrate on the book thing though, take it while you can

Shaz x

[Scorch]

the book project may end up being a main focus for me.
Curiousity strikes - what book project?

It's just that I make a weird sort of books myself, y'see!

[woodtattoos]

Thanks for all the hints and tips, plenty of things for me to think about. I think the website is a must really so I will have to have a look at what to do.

I've never really thought about blogging before so will also consider this.

Scorch, I posted a thread a while back which explains about the book project, you'd probably be able to find it by searching my previous posts for full details. Basically I've been contacted by an American publisher wanting me to do a book on contemporary pyrography projects. I'm really looking into the viability of the concept at the moment.

Cheers to one and all,

Si.

[Scorch]

Hiya! Oh, I see - cool... best of luck with that! If you need any help, I'd be happy to assist.