Craft Trends Part Seven - Differentiate Your Work

Make Your Craft Stand Out

Even if your work tends not to be one-of-a-kind, there are ways to differentiate it and add a little panache. You can't differentiate yourself by merely copying what you see selling well. You need to make it different; make it yours.

Take a run-of-the-mill tote bag and put on an appliqué. Sew decorative buttons on the straps that coordinate with the tote fabric. Improve the design by reinforcing the bottom or increase the utility by sewing in pockets to hold specific items. Put zippers on some of the pockets and point out the added security.

Pay attention to your packaging. Make it eye-catching. Make it neat and clean looking. Displaying your handmade cards wrapped in plastic sleeves not only makes them look professional but also protects them especially if you are showing outdoors where grit and dust covers your display area by the end of the day.

Display and light your merchandise to attract browsers. Magazines like The Crafts Report often run articles on how to maximize your display space, whether it's in a gallery or a flea market.

As much merchandise as possible should be at eye level; but eye level spans the area from the waist to the top of the head. So create levels of display with pedestals, shelves and strategic use of wall space. A digital photo of your display area may help you to see it more objectively, as a first time visitor would.

I mentioned earlier that information on who made an item and where it came from adds value. Place brochures near you work. Include some of this information on product cards and hang tags.

Explain the product's use(s) or benefit(s) and do so in as artistic a fashion as the work itself. Not only will this provide a coordinated look but it provides information that may not be immediately apparent to everyone.

Trends Come and Go, But ...

And finally, trends come and go but some crafts are eternal, like teddy bears, dolls and classic jewelry. If you're lucky enough to have a ready market for these classics, you probably didn't need to read this article. On the other hand, perhaps it's time for a change. In that case remember,

Craft Trends - Part One: Introduction
Trends come and go. Stay on top of the current trends to keep your craft business sales flourishing.

Barometer One: Your Personal Marketplace
Listen to your customers. They might be leading you to the latest trend.

Barometer Two: The General Marketplace
The general marketplace is where major trends are set. Follow the lead using new styles, colors and techniques in your craft business.

Barometer Three: The Trend Watchers
Watch the watchers. Learn from what they say and do.

Trends to Watch
New trends that might help you create crafts that are in more demand.

Differentiate Your Work
Even if you follow the trends, you work has to stand out to be saleable.