Craft.Shop.Local.Success

We had a great time at our first Lincoln Handmade event- Craft.Shop.Local. We didn't have a huge crowd attend, but those that did were buyers! We all agreed that this was one of the better crafting events we attended. It was a sunny, plesant day filled with friends and fun times. I think we'd all like to do another show like that again!
1. Stacy, 2. Karla and Amber, 3. Kelly, 4. Lisa, 5. Korrine, 6. Christy

Success with a Crafting Business

I am a stay at home/work at home mom and I have been trying to figure out how to contribute to our family budget without pursuing outside employment. I do generate some income with my etsy shop, but I would like to grow my business a bit more. (Shameless plug: Mokume Gane focal pendant available here)

I was really excited when I found this article: 10 Ways to Diversify Your Income as a Crafter or Artist There are some really interesting ideas (that had never occurred to me), what’s even better is that there are a wealth of other related articles to help expand some of these ideas. I am really excited to explore some of these suggestions further.

What is your favorite tip or sites for business advice? Leave a comment and let us know, and don’t forget our LNK Handmade craft show is coming up September 26th. Craft.Shop.Local for all of you in the Lincoln, Nebraska area, come by and say Hi!

Glommits and Gauntlets

I wrote this article several months ago and it was originally published over at Type-A Mom.

A young U.S. soldier serving in Afghanistan wrote a letter to his mom asking for 16 pairs of handknit gloves for his unit just like the ones his grandmother used to make. The mother wasn't able to fulfill that commitment herself so she contacted Halcyon Yarn in Bath, ME.

The yarn shop responded by mentioning the project in a newsletter and providing knitters with two vintage patterns. The Glommit is a combination glove/mitten. The mitten cap can be folded back to allow use of bare fingers. This type of handknit is useful for many different types of people, not just soldiers. The Gauntlet was designed in the style of an old hunter's mitten. The pattern was written to have the thumb covered, the index finger bare, and the remaining fingers under a mitten. This allows for quick access for shooting.

The gloves are knit with wool. Wool is the best natural fiber to use for outerwear such as gloves or mittens. The fiber is naturally waterproof and keeps hands warm. Having grown up in Maine, this soldier knew how to endure the cold, but not even he could take the harsh weather in the high altitude of Afghanistan.

In less than a year, over 125 pair have been donated to the cause. If you would like to participate in this unique service project, Halcyon Yarn will accept finished Glommmits and Gauntlets and ship them to where they need to go. You can find the Glommit pattern and the Gauntlet pattern at those links.

You never know when you'll be able to use your hobby to make a difference in the lives of others. This is one instance where some wool and a few hours of your time can help keep a soldier warm.

Craft. Shop. Local.

Lincoln Handmade Team and Etsy present: Craft.Shop.Local on September 26!

Several team members will be displaying and selling their handmade goods. Jewelry, toys, hats, scarves, pet toys, baby clothes and much more. Come out before the game to support handmade and shop local!