I love doing my daily blog for The Artful Crafter. Oh sure, some days it seems like just another chore or I feel like I am plum out of new crafting ideas for you; but generally I really enjoy doing it.

The main reason I love doing the blog is that it pushes me forward. It really makes me think – every day – about how I can continue “Helping Crafters to Be”.

Then at the end of the month, when it comes time to write this newsletter, I have a day-by-day account of what happened and what is new on my website.

If you would like to see what’s going on at The Artful Crafter more frequently than this monthly newsletter allows, please visit the blog and mark it as one of your favorites.

As always, your comments, suggestions and questions are welcome.

Eileen

My Digi-Scrapbooking Journal

My digital scrapbooking journal continues to grow as I work toward my goal of qualifying for the Scrap Girls design team. I so look forward to my free Scrap Girls’ newsletter (which now publishes six days a week). I find some helpful gem in almost every issue.

For my latest digital designs, click the link.

I hope you agree they’re getting better and better.

Sparkle and Shine

If you make jewelry using stones and/or precious metals, you want it all to sparkle when you set it out to sell.

As well, you should know how to keep your personal jewelry in mint condition.

Find everything you need to know in my jewelry section.

First of all, the various gemstones differ in hardness and finish technique (e.g. filling cracks or heat-treating to intensify color).

To understand your gems’ qualities better, read about the Mohs Hardness Scale.

As for cleaning and storing precious stones, read Cleaning Your Stones.

Finally, if you’re tired of polishing precious metal jewelry by hand, read about the various mechanized methods for Cleaning Your Precious Metal Jewelry.

Extend Your Market Reach by Offering Repairs

This wasn’t my idea; it came from a clever customer who figured that if I could make jewelry, I could probably repair it. Think about it, whatever your craft, if you have the tools and the expertise, you might be able to increase your total income by letting people know you can do repairs.

That first customer brought me several items that were missing beads, had broken clasps or had come partially unstrung. She didn’t know how to fix them. She didn’t have the necessary “spare parts” or the tools.

I view repair work as a type of commission work. I know before I put in my time and effort that I will get paid. I love commission work. I don’t have to worry how long the item will sit on a shelf gathering dust until I sell it or, worse yet, have to take it apart and recycle what I can.

Just thought I’d pass the idea along. Doing repairs to grow your craft business may sound pretty boring or mundane to the artist in you; but believe me, it’s not. Read more about jewelry repairs.

More on Making Unique Cards

If you plan to sell your greeting cards, be sure to honor your software’s copyrights. Most prohibit commercial use of their designs.

That’s right, they own the designs. They are artists – like you – trying to make a living.

Some companies, like Scrap Girls, offer commercial licenses on certain of their design products.

Sometimes it’s hard to determine where to draw the line. If you are making cards for your personal use rather than for sale, that should be OK.

But what if you make 200 wedding invitations for your daughter’s friend’s cousin’s aunt? That’s probably not.

First, that’s not for your personal use; and second, though you may not gain commercially, your daughter’s friend’s cousin’s aunt certainly does.