By columnist Jill aka: JillysStuff

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. -Anonymous

Have you heard that quote before? It was brought home to me the other day.

As I scan my shop and many other shops on Zibbet, Etsy, Artfire and Folksy, I can see how blessed we are to have the freedom to sell our crafts. But as I was browsing the blogs, I found that there are women and men who aren’t as fortunate as we are.

I found a website called World Crafts Village, and stopped to have a look.

World Crafts Village is a nonprofit organization that imports crafts from impoverished artisans and sells them by fair trade. Not a new concept but one that deserves a little more attention. By supporting these artisans, they are assisting them to be productive, and make an honest living to support their families. No exploitation.

Amofavelas
Amidst the Brazilian slums, known as favelas, criminals and drug dealers run rampant and disease and dire poverty dominate. Yet, here, women gather and they carefully paint dishtowels, make soap, crochet clothes, and weave ribbon. Although these women live in shacks—without running water, electricity, or a sewage system—they use their skills to help provide a better life for their families. One woman—mother to three children—was able to move to a new town, purchase land, and give her family new opportunities by using her earnings from her handpainted dishtowels.

I can’t imagine, even in my wildest dreams, living like this. Do I feel spoiled? Yes.

Nanyok
Although the Maasai women of Tanzania who formed Nanyok are no longer nomadic, their lives revolve around livestock. The five-month dry season kills the grass, leaving the goats to die, meaning no milk for Maasai children. Each eight-strand beaded bracelet sold through Nanyok creates a savings fund for new goats. In the past year, the women saved $150 from the bracelets and bought 15 goats to nourish their children.

These are just two of the stories that got me going. I am not a strong advocate of anything but I feel that, by writing this, I am doing my part in helping this organization and the people they support. It’s not much, just a small contribution.

There are many more stories from countries all over the world. World Craft Villages have groups in –
Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Laos, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, USA, Vietnam, West Bank, Zimbabwe.

So, as we support each other we should also be getting the word out about all of those who are not as lucky as we are. Drop by World Craft Villages and help support this company in their effort to help those climb out of the oppression and depression of poverty. Even the smallest of gestures would help. A tweet, blog message or discussion is a start. Isn’t that what we are all about – Artisans helping fellow Artisans.

Photos courtesy of World Crafts Village

By columnist Deanne aka: DeannePace
Photo courtesy of WookieHeadGifts

Who hasn’t imagined one of your very own original designs gracing the pages, or even the cover, of a magazine? Well, it could happen to you and it’s not as intimidating as you might think. With new DIY magazines popping up all the time, there is sure to be one dedicated to your art or craft.

The first step is to find the perfect magazine to showcase your work. Interweave or Kalmbach Publishing are a couple of good places to start. All You Can Read also has a long list. Or, just search the internet for magazines about your craft. You may already have a favorite!

The next step is to obtain the submission guidelines for the magazine you choose. Magazines often post their “submission guidelines” on their website, if they accept submissions. Here is an example of submission guidelines from Create and Decorate.

The submission guidelines vary, but most require you to first submit photos of your completed design and a brief description of the process and materials for consideration. Once your design submission has been accepted, you will be asked for detailed step-by-step instructions and materials list. You will probably also be asked to mail in the finished item for photographing by the magazine. (Don’t worry, it will be returned!) It may take several weeks to hear from the magazine. Don’t be discouraged! There is plenty to do while you await their response.
If you haven’t already written your detailed, step-by-step instructions, now is the time to start. In my opinion, this is actually the trickiest part – remembering to write down each step without leaving out anything important. A great way to test your instructions is to have someone else try to follow them. If your design is for beginners, try to get someone that is unfamiliar with your craft to be your guinea pig. You will know right away if you left out a step!

Once you are satisfied that your instructions are complete, you can begin photographing the steps, if that is a requirement. If you are not sure that the quality of your photographs is ready for publication, send a sample to the editor for approval before photographing your whole process. Take a photo of each step of your instructions. Photographing next to a window is generally all the light you need. You can have someone photograph photograph the steps as you do them, but it’s entirely possible to photograph them yourself if your camera has a timer. Either way, use a tripod for super clear photographs. This is one instance where out-of-focus isn’t the desired effect. Edit your photographs for each step before taking photos of the next step. This will save you lots of headaches, not to mention time and materials.

Submit a good, clear photo of each step. The magazine may not use all the photos, but that’s the editor’s decision.

Once accepted, you may not see your article in print for six months to a year and the pay is probably not enough for you to retire. But, it’s fabulous advertising and you’re getting paid for it! Plus, you have just added another facet to your business. The magazine will generally post a short bio along with your photo and website or contact info so you will have a brand-new audience, not only for your finished artwork, but also for your tutorials should you decide to sell them online. There are many possibilities! You might find you love writing tutorials and become a regular contributor. This, in turn, could lead to writing your own book or collaborating with others on a book about your favorite craft. Or teaching!

Not ready to jump head-first into a tutorial? Or give up your trade secrets? Instead, you might want to submit a photo of your completed design for the reader’s gallery of your favorite magazine. Many magazines also post a reader’s galleries in their online version. It’s a great way to see your work in print and get some free publicity at a fraction of the effort of a complete tutorial!

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Photo courtesy of Proofreader

Photos and article by Columnist Deanne of DeannePace

Our family (me, my husband and five dogs) took to the road this spring for a really long camping trip. Although my husband had wanted to take this trip for several years, his job and other things had gotten in the way. But this spring, the sun and moon and stars aligned in such a way that we were finally able to take his longed-for trek Out West. Now, I love a road trip as much as anyone, maybe more, but I was hesitant to be separated from my work and tools for an extended period of time. If you are like me, you can get a tiny bit crabby if don’t create every few days. But, my super sweet husband bought me a Stanley Fat Max rolling tool chest that held just about everything I needed – so off we went!

I didn’t really expect to have the time or opportunity to make many pieces – and I was right. But I felt better just having my tools and supplies with me. As it turned out, the time and opportunity to create something fun presented itself within our first week on the road and in a way I hadn’t expected.

As we traveled through the Ozarks in Arkansas, we happened upon the most idyllic place to camp, called Byrd’s Adventure Center. It was early in May and we were weeks ahead of tourist season, so we had the place pretty much to ourselves. Now, that is the way to camp! And we were so grateful that they would allow our five furry kids. After my husband checked us in, he came back regaling me with stories about the resident dogs: Skip, the dog in charge, and Blackie, who had apparently been abandoned there. (Don’t feel too sorry for Blackie – this is a place any dog, heck, any person, would be glad to be abandoned.)

Skip is the owner’s little dog and is obviously the apple of his mother’s eye, in addition to being top dog in charge. After meeting them, I just felt inspired to create something to honor their special bond. So, I rolled out the Fat Max, took out my tools and got to work at a nearby picnic table. The piece I created was a little sterling bone-shaped pendant, stamped with Skip’s name, accented with a tiny cream pearl and hung on a dog-tag type chain. I wrapped the necklace in my signature box and ribbon and waited for the right time to present it; I’m always uncomfortable watching someone open my gift, especially something I made!

When Mrs. Byrd came by our campsite, I gave her the gift, told her it was something for her and Skip and insisted she open it a later time. I didn’t see her again before we headed out, but my husband stopped by the office and told me she was wearing the necklace and said she really liked it! I was so pleased.

It was fun and gratifying to make something with no strings or expectations attached. I didn’t have to price it, photograph it, describe it, or post it anywhere. I also got reacquainted with some little-used tools and experimented with some new techniques, like fusing.

I had to leave behind my beloved and much-used bench grinder (too big), which gave me the opportunity to brush up on hand filing (yikes!). Soldering was not feasible since I also had to leave my pickle pot behind (too dangerous). This gave me the opportunity to experiment with fusing fine silver. I think I need to take a class! But, I finally produced a fused heart pendant that stayed together! I was also able to use my favorite cold connection technique – riveting!

It was just so liberating to realize that I could complete a project on the road, outside the conveniences of my studio. Kind of like artists who paint en plein air – I was metalsmithing en plein air – and it felt good!

edited by Barbra aka: AllAboutTheButtons

By contributing columnist Konnie aka Konnie Kappow
Although they have taken me a bit longer to get through than I had anticipated I’m really enjoying my interviews with male sellers on UK Craft marketplace Folksy!

Following my interview with Tree Gems, it was a pleasure indeed to interview Dan Stanley of Fluffy Thoughts.
Dan is a graphic designer/ illustrator and has been selling illustrated products for the last year. His company is called ‘Fluffy Thoughts’ and so far he has made greeting cards, badges, t-shirts and pendants as well as some prints.

I had definitely noticed Dan’s designs on Folksy before because they’re really cute and quirky and I liked his sense of humour!

Name: Dan Stanley
Age: 25
From: London
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite animal: Manatee
Favourite band: AFI
Favourite movie: Princess Mononoke
Favourite book: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

How did you learn your craft?
I studied Graphic Design, but I have just been doodling random things since I was a kid.

Your eureka moment – tell us about your favourite thing you have ever made?
My favourite thing is probably my ‘crazy head t-shirt’ it’s full of bright coloured creatures pouring out of someone’s head.

Is crafting what you do full time or do you have a Clark Kent style alter-ego?
One day I hopefully will own a shop and be selling all my illustrated products, but for now I work in an office as a designer as well as freelancing too.

Where do you do your crafting?
Just at home, in the evenings and on weekends with a big mug of tea and a variety of biscuits.

What/ Who are your inspirations?
I have a big fascination with Japanese art and culture, I also love all the art toys that are popular at the moment and their illustrators, especially Tado, Bubi Au Yeung, Tara Mcpherson and Amanda Visell.

Tell us why you think there are far more female than male crafters?
Perhaps it goes back to when we were children, while the girls were making things inside, the boys were breaking things outside…

Tell us something suprising about yourself (non craft related)?
I have very bendy thumbs.

What’s the manliest thing you make?
My Muffinator character, grr.

What’s the least manly thing you make?
Everything else..

What would you say to encourage more men to craft?
It’s fun and let’s you unleash your creativity.

To find out more about Dan and Fluffy thoughts click on these links:
Folksy Shop
Website
Twitter
Facebook

By Contributing Columnist Lauren aka Jewels Of Saraswati

Just the other day I was meeting with a good friend and got inspired by an enthusiastic discussion of music….various genres, styles, bands, personas, fashion. Being a professional musician myself (and an Etsian!) things can often get way too focused on business and less focused on fun! So I decided to compile an eclectic collection of some of my favorite musical related items.
Ahhh.. the joy of scoping Etsy for some of the hottest finds!

So hard to resist was this Ukulele by Celentano Woodworks, also a recent featured seller on Etsy.

If you want to see this baby in action, you can find a great video here!

Let’s get graphic…..this Headphones Tee by Critters Jitters will do the trick!

And if you are geared more toward the classical end, try this eco-fabulous
Piano Black Keychain made from a recycled vintage piano by The AntFarm.

These days it seems like the Twitter bird is everywhere….but this bird has a swagger way cooler and it is nursery art! Check out this limited edition print of this Bird Spinning Vinyl II by Barking Bird Art.

Music should always be played from the heart. Now this personalized Hand Stamped Guitar Pick by Gracen’s Designs let’s you do just that……

And if you are lucky enough to have a space just for your music, these casette decals by Beepart are perfect!

Can’t figure out what to do with all those old compositions? Little White Dog came up with a great way to recycle unused music and be fabulously decorative!

So rock on my friends!!!!

Slide show photo courtesy of GalleriaLindaLoft
Edited by Barbra aka All About The Buttons

By columnist Linda aka LindaGJ

Photo courtesy of LuckySustainables

“Change the way you look at things and everything you look at will change”.

This is one wonderful quote you will find on Debra Reese’s Website Video of her fabulous new Purple Elephant Gallery. When I went to visit this place to see Deb Hill’s new studio, I had no idea I would be entering a world of dreams.

Back in the fall, Deb Hill of http://debhillart.Etsy.com, in my last article, was talking to her friend Debra Reese who had recently acquired a property that she intended to use as a gift shop/gallery. One would expect a little worn down shed of a house on a piece of land with a woodworking shop, but this was not the case at all! There were beautiful trees everywhere, you could hear the birds chirping away, and an adorable covered back porch with a darling little breezeway. So peaceful, so tranquil, and lovely, it was begging for attention. Just waiting for an artist to show off it’s beauty and share it to the world!

Debbie Reese continued to discuss her plans for this treasure, just waiting to shine.
She wanted to make the house into a shop and gallery along with refurbing the woodworking shop as an art studio for workshops and classes. There also was a tiny little shed in between the woodshop and the house. It obviously had been used as a tool shed. That is where Deb Hill decided to have her art studio, “The Laughing Crow” !

When the decision was made to turn the shed into “The Laughing Crow” studio, Deb Hill decided to have the ceiling raised to give it a feeling of more space. Unfortunately it housed the water storage tank, so after deconstruction the little shed was flooded and took quite a while to dry so the painting could begin. Jobs, such as these, always seem to have more to it than some easy task! It was so worth the effort though!!! This was such a difficult task, so Deb decided, “Why not flaunt it?” An all around construction guy put in some stained glass which added a third source of light and made a HUGE difference! Deb Hill cut a stencil with crows and a leaf motif to use on all four closet doors to make a folding screen that covers the holding tank for the well. She also added stencils to the ceiling, so that it brings the eye up when you step through the magnificent garden doors!

In the mean time Debra Reese, the owner, was moving at the speed of light getting “The Purple Elephant Gallery” as she decided to call her shop/gallery, in order! The house is even purple! She named the Studio for the art classes and workshops, “The Iron Butterfly”. She had her share of set backs as well, but finally “The Purple Elephant” had it’s grand opening on May 1, 2010. Deb Hill was one of the featured artists in the main gallery. It was a wonderful day, the weather was perfect and a huge turn out as well!

Go to www.thepurpleelephantgallery.com to see a magical place, with inspiring quotes and more enchanting pictures of this place, just to make you feel good!!! If you are ever in the Cypress, Texas area, please visit! The pleasure drive just to get there, alone, has a surrounding area which includes gorgeous horse ranches, along with fabulous and lush trees and beautiful large homes to add to this country part of our Texas scenery!

And remember to always……
“Think Outside of the Box”

Check out Indiesmiles: “Happy Made Tweets”

Editor Barbra aka All About The Buttons

Article by columnist Barbra aka: All About The Buttons
Photo courtesy of Card Maven

The great grand-daughter of the etiquette queen, Emily Post, said recently that with the new technology of this century many of the old rules still apply in communication and yet, many new questions and situations arise. When is a ‘thank you’ called for? Why is it important? What is an acceptable amount of time to respond to an e-mail? Let’s tackle these questions and maybe others in the future.
Many people on-line share and write about other artists for no compensation. They do it because they love it, as with the columnists here at Indie Smiles. Sadly, many have encountered silence with their e-mail communications on both sides. People are just not answering legitimate communication. Longer than 24 hours to respond is rarely excusable. How can you run an internet business if this area is ignored? On the other side, when articles, interviews, treasuries, blog posts, etc. are published, gratitude is not apparent. Someone attempted to spotlight you and your creations in the hopes that more business will be driven to your shop….isn’t this what you want? And for free!!! The other day I received an e-mail from a spotlighted artist thanking me for the traffic that evidently was tracked from one of our articles to her. I felt great. She felt great. Win-win! And on the same day I received permission for a photo 5 days after I first communicated…too late!
In the world of handmade and internet selling, communication is huge. Do you want to be so busy that you can’t say “Thank You!”? If an e-mail goes unanswered, you may have lost not just one customer but all the ones that trickle down. If you don’t say “thank you” when appropriate, again, another potential loss. I’ve seen on the Etsy forums that some people have a “Do not buy from” list…do you want to be on it?
We all work hard and are over the moon when a sale comes through and hopefully express gratitude to our customer. The impact of good manners runs deep and we all need to recognize how deep the absence of it can go. So answer those e-mails, thank your customers, comment on blogs, appreciate treasury makers and move on to greater selling.
It will make someone’s day!
P.S.~ Six days ago I contacted 4 active (shops open) artists for photo permission. I received 2 responses…ugh! Sincere thanks to those who responded.♥

Slide show photo courtesy of IzzysPlace

By contributing columnist Connie of KonnieKapow on Folksy

Where The Boys Are, Part 1

I recently had the pleasure of meeting some of the few male crafters and artisans of Folksy, charming gents they are!

Crafting is undeniably associated with women who pass their specialist craft down through the generations. Most people I know who knit for example were taught by their grandmother or mother. I know lots of people (all women) who learned to sew the same way or at school. Crafty women, especially now during the craft revival, are everywhere but where are the guys? I know men can knit! My Dad can, he told me! I’m yet to see the evidence but there exists a small and somewhat lopsided red dog made from buckram of which he is very proud!

Are fishing nets not a form of knitting? Were these not handmade at some point? I’m certain they were at least mended by hand on board. Surely it must have been men who did this? Obviously knitting’s not the only craft in existence but it’s a good starting point for discussion… I heard a rumour that Russell Crowe knits…..?

The purpose of this series of interviews is to try and shed some light on the men of Folksy, why do they do what they do and ultimately, why don’t more men craft?!

So kicking off my series of interviews in style is the lovely Dave a.k.a. The Nosuch Disco

Name: David Burgess

Age: 30

From: Stoke on Trent

Favourite colour: Black

Favourite animal: Cat

Favourite band: Queen (they rule so so so so so so so much)

Favourite movie: Highlander

Favourite book: Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray

How did you learn your craft?

I suppose I learnt my craft out of the ashes of a failed career as a Graphic Designer. I really wasn’t very good; I simply couldn’t design flyers for washing machines or take away menus. Eventually I got sacked and took up a role teaching design to disadvantaged kids, it was about this time that I was able to develop a style of illustration that I was happy with, and began to come up with characters that would be suitable for a book. From there everything seemed to flow quite organically. About a year later, Waldo the Worm was born.

Your eureka moment – what is your favourite thing you have ever made?

I suppose it would be the book, it was a long time in the making and it’s really something to be proud of. I hate blowing my own trumpet, but it is pretty good. That said, I do like one of my posters, the Toast one, the idea came to me and I made it in about 5 minutes. I really like how sometimes great ideas can just come to you and develop into something rapidly.

Your “D’oh!” moment – what was your biggest crafting disaster?

I bought 100 mugs and they were really poor quality, I fired a design onto them and it ending up looking really dull and was flaking in places. I tried to turn it into a positive – I knew I couldn’t possibly sell them – so before I moved out of my old house I went out at 4am one morning and planted loads of mugs on the door steps of the nearest 100 houses, sort of a mystery present for everyone.

Is crafting what you do full time or do you have a Clark Kent style alter-ego?

Unfortunately it is a part time thing here. I still have to teach during the day, it certainly gets in the way of crafting. I hope to one day go full time with my craft but until then I still have to look after unruly kids!

Where do you do your crafting?

Wherever possible, I might try to sneak in a crafty craft while at work, or when I’m on my dinner. Other than that Friday nights are good as I can work late into the night. I find that I work better at night; it’s difficult to do that on a school night as I really have to shut my brain off by a certain hour or I can’t sleep.

Tell us a bit about your crafting philosophy (e.g. environmental, heritage, family, therapy!)

Errrrrm, I’m not sure I have one, other than; it’s only good enough when you’re 100% sure about it!

Why do you think there are far more female than male crafters?

Its not something I had given any thought to until now, I’m not sure I could give an answer without sounding ridiculously sexist! I think guys should defo craft, its something that is open to all and if they have the talent it is something that is worth exploring.

Tell us something surprising about yourself (non craft related)?

When I was 19, I accidentally set my car on fire outside my ex girlfriend’s house.

What’s the manliest thing you make?

Erm. I guess everything I do is supposed to be aimed at kids and be a bit unisex… but the posters are perhaps manly? Maybe? No?

What’s the least manly thing you make?

I’d say the scarf, although a few guys have bought them, so that’s encouraging!

What would you say to encourage more men to craft?

Ladies love a guy that can make stuff*

*not strictly true.

You can check out The Nosuch Disco on Folksy or Waldo the Worm’s Website!

Edited by Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM