Crafting for Dollars: Turn Your Hobby into Serious Cash (Paperback)

~ (Author), Barbara Brabec (Foreword) "SALES OF CRAFT products surpassed video rentals, which, according to the Official Guide to Household Spending, were estimated at $9.6 billion dollars..." (more)
Key Phrases: craft trade journals, idea binders, craft trends, New York, Sew Business, Society of Craft Designers (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this book, business consultant and craft-based business owner Sylvia Landman takes readers step-by-step through every aspect of starting and managing their own craft-based business. Including interviews with all kinds of successful crafters, the book offers the solid advice you need to launch your own home-based business.

From the Inside Flap

In this era of corporate downsizing and cost cutting, thousands of people are looking to home-based businesses for income and job security. For the creative person, a career in crafts can be both fulfilling and profitable. Professional craft designer and successful craft entrepreneur Sylvia Landman has written the definitive guide for those wishing to start or expand a home-based craft business.
Crafting for Dollars is a step-by-step guide for woodworkers, quilters, knitters, and all other craftspeople wanting to establish an independent livelihood creating the crafts they love. It provides solid business guidelines and practical advice on establishing and maintaining a successful craft-based profession. Landman includes interviews with successful crafters who share their varied experiences in developing a business plan, organizing an efficient home office, and maximizing sales at craft fairs and trade shows. Among those profiled are:
·Bonnie Boots who sells doll patterns by mail-order
·Debi Linker who started a designer fashion fabric store in 1969, and now employs over 125 people
·Crochet enthusiast Gwen Blakely Kinsler who organized the First Annual Crochet Conference
·Joe and Kathy Lamancusa who built a strong marriage and business designing programs for craft manufacturers
Landman describes the myriad roles a craft entrepreneur must play in order to keep a small business alive. She addresses some of the difficult situations that can arise when one works from home. Issues such as child care, distractions, and interruptions are all challenges that need to be recognized and handled with care. Also included are tips on how to separate personal and professional tasks within the home, and how to maintain creativity and motivation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (July 24, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761504427
• ISBN-13: 978-0761504429
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #634,597 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for professional crafters, March 23, 1998

By	Tonya Caudle (Midlothian, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Ms. Landman explains all the aspects of selling your works in this book. Very detailed and simple to understand, she takes you through the process from beginning to growing that craft business. I don't know where my business would be without her invaluable time-saving techniques. The positive voice she gives each area inspires you to get to work!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old but Good, June 5, 2004

By	E. Snelling (North Vancouver) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a bit outdated (has nothing about internet marketing, for example), but it has good solid information. I enjoyed the references section. The author clearly knows the industry and enlightened me on many points. A very practical book.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for crafters!!, January 22, 2002

By	"bookcase35603" (Decatur, AL. USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a great handbook for anyone who wants to turn their hobby/talent into a profitable business. Most helpful are the resource sections, that help the reader locate valuable contacts in the craft business. Published by Prima Publishing.