Book Review + Giveaway: The Handmade Marketplace

Craft & Design

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The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line by Kari Chapin is the book for any crafter who wants to get into the craft business world. Author Kari Chapin covers the essentials from branding, business practices, craft fairs, all the way up to blogging and social media. The book’s fun format is peppered with cute illustrations and handwritten type throughout the chapters. Kari also has some great tips and Q&A’s with some of the top crafters out there such as Kim Werker, Amy Carol, Grace Bonney and more. You’ll even find a few tips from me in the book too! This book is a great handbook that helps guide you through all the steps in your craft business. What’s the right price to set for your crafts? How do you sell your goods at craft fairs? How do you get your craft goods into brick and mortar shops as well as sell online? Pick up The Handmade Marketplace to get answers to these questions and more.
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will each receive a copy of the book, The Handmade Marketplace. Just tell us why you would like this book in the comments. All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Friday, April 16, 2010. The lucky winners will be announced later on the site. Good luck!

306 thoughts on “Book Review + Giveaway: The Handmade Marketplace

  1. Stacy says:

    I am trying to start up a business selling my creations and this book would help me out immensely. Thank you for the chance to win it. Will definitely look into it otherwise :)
    Stacy

  2. Laura says:

    I would love this book! I have been more and more interested in making a living with a craft. I would love help being true to who I am and not having to punch a clock for someone else dream.

  3. willowwolfe says:

    I am a dedicated crafter who is trying to survive on disability… I have found new purpose and meaning in creating with my heart and hands! This is SO therapeutic for all people! My greatest challenge has been how to make this work as a business as so few options are available to me now. This book appears to be the cure and I hope it offers suggestions on making this all come together!
    Michele

  4. Fallen says:

    I just became a mom and need a lot of money to take care of my son. i’ve tried to sell my crafts, but I have not been able to do well and could really use this book to help me out.

  5. Manda Soto says:

    I have been drooling over the black apple illustrations for years. And i love to read books on building business……it motivates me to keep at it. I hope i win….
    mucho love
    manda soto

  6. f1ymetothemoon says:

    I suffer from sales fright. I can craft ’til the cows come home, but freeze when it comes time to sell something, so I end up with boxes and closets full of finished crafts that no one gets to enjoy. I need and extra push and some confidence to get my stuff out the door.

  7. DeVineCreations says:

    I’d love to have this book. I make lampwork glass beads and design jewelry using my handmade beads. I love making beads, but I could use some help with the business/sales part of my crafting. It sounds like this book could really help me out and make my business more successful!

  8. lowrah says:

    I’m a fan of this artist, and I would love to hear her take on the homespun revolution. Marketing handicrafts is such an interesting field, especially with the creation of online marketplaces like etsy.
    Thank you!

  9. tinker says:

    I’ve been thinking about this as a possibility. This book would sure come in handy!
    thanks.

  10. melissa says:

    I would like this book because I know it’s awesome.
    And also: faced with losing my job in education come September, I am researching what it will take to get my other *dream job* up and running… so I’ve been scouring all the resources I possibly can… and this seems like an amazing one!

  11. Ms. MonkeyPants says:

    I would like to sell my yarn and knitted goods on the net! I would love to sell my canned goods, but I don’t have an industrial kitchen.

  12. Gigi says:

    I currently have this book on my holds list at the public library and can’t wait to read it. But if I win it, that would be sweeter!

  13. Jennifer K says:

    I would like to start marketing and selling some of my crafts, but for now have no idea where to start!

  14. illusionary says:

    I have been crafting for many years, and much of my crafting space is just storing completed projects that I’ll sell…”someday”…
    This book would be the perfect jumping off point to finally start selling this stock of handmade goodies I’ve been hanging onto for so long!
    What a great contest…I hope I win!

  15. the_bitter_muse says:

    I’ve wanted this book since I first heard about it and wish it had come out years ago. I would love to push my crafting abilities beyond gifts for friends and family, but am so intimidated by networking and the business aspects of doing this that I’ve just watched from the sidelines instead. Learning from others, especially crafters that I really admire, and hearing about their experiences, would be invaluable to me at this time. Thank you for this great giveaway!

  16. holycrow says:

    Everyone tells me “You should sell this stuff!” but i don’t know where to start?!? This book would be a big help.

  17. Janebean says:

    I love to sell my work locally and it really works, it’s just the ‘global’ and ‘on-line’ bit that stumps me…..heeeeeellllllpppp!
    Thanks.Jane,x
    :-)

  18. sweeterhours says:

    They say do what you love and you will love what you do. I LOVE crafting more than anything but- I need to get my butt in gear. I wold love to learn how to best market my crafts and get organized in the process. I heard about this book from madeinlowell and have wanted it ever since!
    Fingers Crossed!!!

  19. nikkiinstitches.wordpress.com says:

    I would love this book! I would love the help it would give me to get my business really successful. Right now, I know there are a lot of things I should be doing differently, and hopefully this will help me get on track!

  20. Janebean says:

    I would love to sell my work ‘globally’ and on-line and I could always do with a few more hints and tips to improve my local selling.
    thank you!
    Janebean.x

  21. mermaidspurse says:

    I’d love a copy of this book, since I became a mum just over two years ago I’ve become serious about crafting (and have been gradually making progress) – especially when I realised that caring for my daughter meant struggling to still be considered a professional. It’s far better to work for myself than a rude employer!
    Thanks, Ange

  22. Cassandra says:

    I’ve been looking to start selling the things I make so this book would be perfect to help get me started.

  23. thrillkisser says:

    I want this book so that I can increase the sales base of my etsy shop.

  24. whiskerbeans says:

    Would love to win the book to see what advice the author has to offer. Thanks for the opportunity! :O)

  25. cyrillka says:

    I’d love to own this book — selling online is something I aspire to — and this book could help!

  26. majickmama says:

    Oh my! I would LOVE this book. After several months with a
    shop on etsy, I have sold nothing!! I know I am missing tricks of the trade but don’t really know anything!
    I love to sew and any advice on creating and making a profit with is would be wonderful!

  27. mermaidspurse says:

    Hi I’d love a copy of this book, over the last two years I have been working towards getting my craft out there after becoming a full time mum. It would be great to learn how I can improve on the business side of things and really get it off the ground.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Ange

  28. lemonbar77 says:

    I would love this book because I can’t seem to sell ANYTHING! As a guy working in crochet and jewelry, I really want to get more of my work out there, but it just doesn’t seem to move. I guess I just don’t know what avenues there are for me. I feel this book would help answer some of those questions.
    –Jeremy

  29. Layne says:

    Oh, I need to read this book! I’m hoping to open an etsy store soon, just doing all my planning and research. So I’m sure this would come in super handy!

  30. 9flights says:

    I thought I would like to win a copy of this book so that I could learn more about starting my own business. But I have read the other beautiful entries and decided someone else deserves more to win a free copy and I will go and buy the book. Thank you for the offer!

  31. friendlysquare says:

    I would love to have this book! It looks like it includes some great practical advice for those who are creative yet lacking in the business/practicality department.

  32. Rebecca says:

    I have been wanting to sell my goods, but don’t know where to start. I need this book! :)
    Rebecca

  33. Thumbly says:

    I just begin to sell creations on Etsy, so this book could be a great help! Thank you for this giveaway!
    Ciao!

  34. threeroses says:

    i need to start selling my handmade-with-love-wares in order to feed my knitting and crocheting habit… its addicting. i don’t want to sell my baby… i’d really love to have this book!

  35. kitkat says:

    i am slowly but surely growing my own handmade one-woman business because it is what i love doing and it helps feed us since our college degrees are not getting us anywhere in this economy!
    i am at the point where i have successfully sold online for over a year but am intimidated by fairs and consignment/wholesale—i could REALLY use some good advice and i’d be tickled pink if that advice came in the form of a beautiful book with art by the black apple!!

  36. Pulltaffy says:

    I’d love to win this book because I’m thinking about trying my hand at online selling but I’m scared to do it. This book might be enough to give me courage! I *never* win things, but I would love to win this!

  37. Miss Thundercat says:

    I think I have exhausted all my resources in how to turn my listings and views into sales. A fresh outlook, new input on things would help me revamp and organize my craft selling online. and possibly, hopefully give me tips on how to proceed to advertise myself locally and globally.

  38. Jeannie says:

    I do sell my handmade items now but it’s a pretty hit-or-miss effort. I’d like to learn more about making it a more focused effort. Thanks for the opportunity!
    Jeannie

  39. Knittingrid says:

    My mom and sister sell their wares at farmers markets and craft fairs and beg me to join them, but I’m not confident that any of us really know what we’re doing. I’d love to take the plunge and I’m pretty sure that this book will make the difference.

  40. Sadie Styx says:

    I have no money to start anything (or to buy this fabulous looking book) BUT I have loads of craft gear and plenty of creative spark!
    I am longing for a way to make my craftiness benefit my family – and for a way to avoid resorting to a 9-to-5 dull gray suffocation to make ends meet.
    This book looks like the missing link to me! Have craftiness, will create! Just…desperately need some know-how in the marketable-ness section.

  41. art of philosphie says:

    As a new mommy, I have to come up with a creative way to make a living so I can stay home with my little one for as long as possible. I would LOVE to own this book!

  42. Fatima says:

    I’d love to start a business when I leave the US and return to South Africa in June. I would like to implement a business with a social welfare focus as there’s a lot of underprivileged people without basic necessities, like food, shelter, clothing, education, and employing them will hopefully give them a better chance in a country where the majority of the population are struggling with poverty.
    I need to learn how to build it first before I can implement my idea which is why I think this book will be handy.

  43. JennieGee says:

    I started an Etsy business this year, and there’s still so much I need to know. I’ve browsed through this book at the bookstore and know it would be really helpful.

  44. belle says:

    I have been pining for this book…. I love so many of the contribuors and I want to swim in their sea of knowledge

  45. longlifelove says:

    This is something I really struggle with. I love to craft and I love go to craft fairs and sharing my creations with others, but I just do not know how to really market what I am making and where to start as far as creating a business out something I love to do.
    Crafting is swiftly becoming more and more popular. Whether you are the creator or the consumer. America is just coming into this transition of buying more local items with a more a personal feel and less mass produced wasteful junk and I want to apart of it.

  46. belle says:

    I have been pining over this book…I love so many of the contributors and I want to swim in their sea of knowledge

  47. CindyLou says:

    I have a group of very creative friends and it would be nice for us to pool our creative resources and earn a bit of money as a reward. I’d love to know how to get started!

  48. Veronica says:

    I love love love crafting! My husband is in grad school and we don’t have a lot of money and I’ve been thinking a lot lately about selling my crafts but I have no idea how to get started. I think this book would really help me. Thank you!
    Veronica

  49. KnitKitty says:

    This book is an excellent idea. With all the channels of selling and communicating, it makes sense to have a one stop source of information. Sharing lessons learned in today’s marketplace is a necessity for a crafter’s success. It is also pertinent that whoever you are or wherever you are, you should be able to reach out globally to share your ideas and handmade goods. I would love this book so that I am able to effectively sell my handmades online, hoping to inspire other crafters to do the same.

  50. flowerpotdesigns.ca says:

    I’ve heard so much about this book. would love to win a copy!

  51. Jenny says:

    I would love to have this book! I often sit around and try to think about ways I could sell my goods but really have no idea where to start!
    Jenny

  52. Monna says:

    I am very serious about getting my indie craft biz off the ground. I have dreamed about doing crafts for a living since I was a little girl, but of course life happened. I had 4 children and a home to take care of. Now that 3 of them have moved out I know it is now time for me to persue my lifelong dreams. This is one of the biggest. I want to do it right and I know this book could help me make it real. I want to do what I love and love what I do, but if I don’t take the right steps I am just running in place. Please pick me, I will make great use of all the wonderful information within it’s pages and sing it’s praises when I do.

  53. Saraparelle says:

    I’ve had an etsy site since June 2009, have done one craft fair, and have had a slight (VERY slight) increase in sales since June. I am desperately seeking advice on how to grow my business. My dream is to be able to do what I love and create things that others can enjoy on a full time daily basis. It’s so very rewarding! I’m extremely motivated to make this dream come true and have been reading online forums and blogs like a madwoman, but still feel as though I’m fumbling around in the dark! I would love this book! It seems like it’s exactly the illumination I’m looking for.

  54. craftd says:

    i have recently started hosting ‘craft socials’ as a way to build a craft community. we meet monthly to craft toegther and inspire one another. in addition, i am working towards creating a craft library where anyone in the craft community can check out a book to inspire or train them!
    the handmade marketplace would be a great addition to the library (which currently just contains all of my personal books). i know it would be a great resource for many of the crafters in my life who are looking to move towards making a livelyhood from their creations!
    thank you so much for the opportunity!!

  55. TheRangyThistle says:

    I would love to read this book! I just set up an Etsy shop and am searching for ways to make it stand out. There are thousands of artists and crafters trying to get noticed…how can I set myself apart? Thanks for the inspiring blog!
    TheRangyThistle
    aka
    rena

  56. wendylou says:

    I’m looking to get my craft business up and running this year. This book would be a tremendous help.

  57. jumpyjodes says:

    this would be the perfect assistance for my dream of selling my things!

  58. Chérie says:

    I’d love to win this book! Crafting and selling handmade things is a way for me to stay home with my son. Any help in making that more profitable would make things so much easier!

  59. Holly says:

    I would share this with my sister, who is always dreaming up ways for us to start selling our crafts!

  60. vmoney says:

    My future mother in-law has been a stay-at-home mother/wife since she was 22 up until a couple of years ago when her financial situation changed drastically. The past year has been a difficult one, as she has struggled to find herself amidst her many titles: daughter, wife and mother. But she has found herself and it has been incredible! She has begun making and selling lovely handmade jewelry in local antique shops and at outdoor festivals. We recently purchased a computer for her to use to try selling her work on Etsy, but it has been intimidating. I think this book would not only educate but give her more independence to understand and nurture this new beginning. And not have her future daughter in-law all up in her business all of the time trying to help. So, I am crossing my fingers!

  61. Erin Currie says:

    …because I’m a Mad Scientist by Day, Seamstress by Night.
    Although by day I’m in graduate school in Biochemistry, by night I run a small sewing business (custom work at seamstresserin.com, ready-made at seamstresserin.etsy.com) and I would love tips to build my night-time business further so that when I graduate (some day!) I can turn sewing into my full-time business.

  62. MA says:

    I’ve always thought how much fun it would be to sell what I make, even if only to get enough money to buy more supplies! This book sounds like it would have some good pointers. Thanks for a chance to win!

  63. Mackenzie says:

    I am a young student who is quite lost in her quest for a life after graduation, and as I brainstorm different paths to take I’ve found that nothing honestly interests me like crafting for a living and any tips that could even begin to point me in the right direction would be helpful. This books sounds like a great help

  64. louloulove787 says:

    This fantastic book would take me on an adventerous magic carpet ride to places and ideas never thought of before. I will go from confused crafter to clever crafter and can share the new tips and tales with my friends!!! I have already made a lovely little box under my bed for it so I can peek at it every night and escape to ideas and wonder!!!

  65. Brumby says:

    I have recently ventured into the world of self employment after being made redundant last year, to say it has being a challenging journey would be an understatement. Despite being and intelligent women, I have learned so many areas where I lack expertise. Reading great books has helped me immeasurably, and after seeing the great reviews and recommendations for this book on ‘Goodreads’ I added it to my ‘must read’ list. Sadly it could be a while before the local library gets it (buying it is not financially an option), rural living and distant country (New Zealand) things take a little longer to hit our shelves. If I could expedite the process by winning it, one VERY happy little lady you would make.

  66. missDTM says:

    if only i had a book like this to help me start my own little business………….

  67. DearMildred says:

    Get me outta here!

  68. bontemps says:

    I am the mother of two dreaming of setting up an online shop of really cute kids stuff. I really need some pointers and advice to set me on the right course.

  69. Lisa says:

    I need to supplement my income and love to craft, so selling my crafts would solve my problem. I can make great stuff, but I’m terrible at selling it. I think this book would be just the thing I need to be able to actually sell what I make!

  70. PenguinBot says:

    I’m working on expanding my part-time home-based craft business and I can use all the guidance I can get! I’ve seen this book recommended on a bunch of craft blogs that I read so I’d be thrilled to win it!

  71. Crystal says:

    This will be the second or third review I have read of this book, and as a single mom, I need to review everything before I spend money. I want to set up my own etsy/artfire/craft shop but every time I sit down to do so, I am staring at a blank screen. I want to make sure that I have all the details figured out before I start. For instance, when do I have to start paying sales tax and letting the government know?
    This book would be a great help.
    It would also help my local art group as a resource.
    Thanks for the chance!

  72. Nina the Knittin' Kitten says:

    Having this book would serve a dual purpose in my life; I’m currently a grad student in biology, so having this book would help me turn my crafting hobby into a serious side buisness (something i’ve been contemplating for a while as they don’t pay us nearly enough, but need more info on how to jump start it). It would also give me some justification for spending my off time making things instead of reading more academic papers! I would love love love to have this book and get this dream kick started.

  73. lucystew says:

    This book is high in my wishlist. I’m thinking about joining etsy in the next few months, and this sounds like a must have. And thanks for the giveaway – I probably wouldn’t have found your site without it!

  74. Elli says:

    I’ve always wanted to open my own Etsy shop, but I’m not sure how to go about it or if it would be successful or worth pursuing. This book would help me immensely to figure that out!

  75. carollinekim says:

    While I’ve been knitting and crocheting for years, it’s only been relatively recently (for a year or so) that I’ve started thinking of branching out into the etsy world (and maybe into the consignment world of brick-&-mortar stores, too).
    I’ve created my own patterns and have been making crochet/knit flower creations, and will actually be in a charity art show next month with two new pieces!
    For this art show, I was asked to price my work and I was completely lost. I gave an estimate and the event organizer told me to double it (which was probably only exciting for me)!
    So I would love a copy of this book to help me figure out the world of “selling your crafts” to help me with my goal of “branching out.” More so now, too, since I am also in the process of moving abroad! I don’t know if there’s international advice in the book, but yeah, I still want it!

  76. vanessa p says:

    I have an etsy shop that little by little has started to pick up, and this book would be a great help to plan out my next steps!

  77. MaryZoom says:

    I would like to win this book because I want to learn more about marketing my crafts locally, globally and online! Thank you.

  78. Caitlin T. says:

    I would love, love a copy of this book! (I’ve been eyeing it for the past few weeks). I’m in the midst of starting my own craft business, and would love to have it as a resource.
    Thanks!
    Caitlin T.

  79. somethingpi says:

    I make jewelry and would love to know how to better/expand my business!

  80. auschick says:

    I’m trying to start my own stationery business and this would be fabulous for helping me get set up!

  81. oceanofstitches says:

    I have bee trying to figure out the business side of the craft business for a few years – I want to do it right the first time. I just read a review of this book this morning and it said that this was THE book to get. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
    Ana.

  82. Aimee says:

    I’ve requested this from my library, but it hasn’t come yet. I sooooo want to read it!

  83. Mug-z says:

    i’m just starting my own business, so this would be invaluable!

  84. Rox says:

    I’ve just started out on my own and would love to have suggestions and advice for those who’ve gone before me! Thank you for the opportunity :)

  85. maxabelle says:

    I would love to have this book. My husband has been out of work for some time now & has been helping with my crafty sales.

  86. littlecosette says:

    I am trying to get my small business off the ground and any great advice would be much appreciated!

  87. Natalie Zee Drieu says:

    Entering in Helen Duffett from Facebook.

  88. Natalie Zee Drieu says:

    Entering in Lea Jensen from Facebook.

  89. Kim Lam says:

    I’ve been thinking about selling my crafts. This book sounds great for a beginner!

  90. potionmistress5 says:

    I’d love to have this book for my ‘start-up!’ Thanks!

  91. Judy LeVang says:

    My daughter-in-law and I want to start our own business. She designs patterns, and I sew. That is all we have so far…just an idea. This book seems like it is custom made for us! Thank you Kari!!
    Judy

  92. ninaBunika says:

    Me and a couple of friends want to start a little business but we’re not quite sure how to or where to start! :S This book would be a great advice for us! :D

  93. lachouettegrise says:

    Who wouldn’t want to make a living out of what they love to do?
    This book would be perfect:)

  94. craftyfox.wordpress.com says:

    I’m currently starting up my own business and love reading about other like-minded men and women doing it themselves!
    Jaqueline

  95. naomemandeflores.wordpress.com says:

    Oh, I really need this book! I’m starting up my own business but there’s a lot I don’t know!
    Camila Faria

  96. Laurpud says:

    I’m starting a business too, & would also LOVE this book!

  97. upstatelisa says:

    I just heard Kari interviewed on Craftsanity and would loooove a copy of this book!

  98. Ann says:

    This book sounds like it’s right up my alley and what perfect timing as I’ve been putting a lot of thought into marketing what I make.

  99. bettybee says:

    I don’t just want this book….. I need it. I’ve been slowly working on developing products for my business, but I’ve hit a brick wall.
    Please help me and my 12- and 8-year-old daughters become crafty entrepreneurs!

  100. Jennifer McCabe says:

    What a fabulous book giveaway! I already do many of the things highlighted in this book, would love the opportunity to win and take my craft business to the next level. Sounds like wealth of information is to be had! Plus its so darn cute! :)
    Thank you!

  101. Jeanne says:

    I would love to have a copy of this book. I’m working on expanding my business & I believe that this book would be a great reference to help me do so.

  102. nostephot says:

    One of my goals this year is to start selling my products and this would be a great tool for me this year! Thank you for the great giveaway!

  103. ~Heather says:

    It looks so thorough and has been recommended by so many blogs that I frequent, it’d be a wonderful resource! ~H

  104. augusta says:

    I painstakingly recovered from a severe brain injury by doing crafts and waking up the creative part of my brain. I am HOOKED now. My favorite venture has been designing and making greeting cards. Current greeting card lines are limited, I feel. I have the inspiration and ideas and need some “hows” at this point. I looked at CRAFT posts and there you were! I hope you will consider me for the book giveaway.

  105. ann m says:

    I currently just give my crafty creations to my family and friends, but I’d like to see how hard it would be to market and sell my items.

  106. KimberlyGrommes says:

    I have been spending more and more time making things lately, mostly with fabric. So far it has just been gifts for friends and family, for my kids or little useful things for around our home. I have been considering trying to sell some of my items and I just don’t really know what all the ins and outs of that.
    Thanks!

  107. majeral says:

    I woke up the other day and asked myself what do you really want to do? I am a senior citizen and can know longer work full time. However I can craft and have most of my life . I have sold many things but not enough to “quit my day job” as they say.
    I need a good way to market my crafts. I know the internet is one of the big answers. I feel this book would help me with good information to not need “help” from the family or others to survive.
    Thank you
    viebscrapn@yahoo.com

  108. Plainclothes Goddess says:

    Oh, please may I have this book? I need help to learn how to let my created articles find their homes!

  109. njgill says:

    Having been out of work for five months, I am hoping to raise some much-needed cash through sales of my handiwork – this book would be a valuable asset!
    Nancy Gill

  110. paulathequeen says:

    Okay, maybe I won’t actually die, but I do really need it to help me develop my craft business. I’ve had an etsy shop for nearly four months now and am pleased with the growth so far. Now I want to venture into other markets–fairs, wholesale. I’d love to see what this book has to offer!

  111. Nadia says:

    I would love to learn how I can bring in some income from my crafts. thanks for the chance!

  112. allilane says:

    I would really love this book! I am trying to start up a craft business selling my handmade dolls, after raising my kids and being a mom for many years.
    Thanks for the chance!
    Jani

  113. Ophelia says:

    Some fresh input and ideas would potentially reboot my motivation for the less fun parts of being a marketable crafter (the selling vs. the happy making time). Plus I really dig the hand-drawn type on the cover.
    Wheee!

  114. MafiosaGrrl says:

    Wow, I would love to win a copy of this book. It would make my day…no maybe my week… heck, probably my whole month. thanks for the chance :)

  115. April says:

    I would absolutely die for this book. I’m always perusing the library for books exactly like this, but nothing comes close – there doesn’t exist a book written specifically for business-minded crafters! I just started my own handmade craft business, and guidance is seriously limited, so this would be perfect!

  116. frothie51 says:

    Why would I like a copy of this book? Because then I could use my powers of crafting for evil….wait I mean good!!! And because all of my stash of crafting tools and supplies would have a reason for existing besides my borderline hoarding!! I’d be making stuff to sell and with this book, I’d know how to do it properly!!

  117. Meghan says:

    My husband and I started a craft business last year. He sews, I manage. Our goal is to make enough for me to quit my job, so we can both do this together. We’re off to a good start, but we need to have a more professional and deliberate approach to running the biz. “Regular” small-biz books are all well and good, but I’d love to have something that specifically speaks to the handmade and indie crowd.
    Thanks!

  118. deseresa says:

    I stopped working and went of disability 2 months ago. Since then I have had the time to do my art & crafting as much as I want. I have found what I want to make and sell and would love help with the business end of the process. Thank you.

  119. bee-tree says:

    Last June, I lost my job due to downsizing and have been on the job hunt ever since. Not having much money, I started seeing what I could make from “nothing” – wrappers, boxes, containers, etc. and I have come up with some really cool ideas that I would like to sell. So far, I have given some things away to friends and family who have been encouraging, but if I won the book, I am sure it would be a huge help in starting my dream business of making and selling items made from recycled materials!

  120. Lolo says:

    I would love to win this book! I started too selling online and it is always helpful to have an extra help to be success. It’s hard to sell online!
    Thank you so much for the opportunity!
    Good Luck everyone!
    Lolo :-)

  121. Danielle says:

    I would love to have a copy! I have been thinking about selling online for quite some time but I haven’t the courage! Maybe I would be inspired by this book!

  122. Marissa says:

    Even back in high school I’ve always thought of starting my own business. I rented books from the school library but they were old and outdated. Now with the online market, I see plenty of opportunity, but no idea how to utilize it properly. I know with tatting I would be selling a rare and unique product. I just need this book to help me develop a plan of attack.

  123. aos domingos no patio says:

    I would like to have this book, cause it is beautiful, practical and it would be useful for a beginner as I am!

  124. superstitches says:

    I could really use the info for selling and marketing on-line.

  125. obliquepoet says:

    I will be teaching textile design to grade 12 students next year and I would like to have a copy of this book to prepare for this course.

  126. drmom says:

    We would love to have a copy of this book! We moved to a tiny town because I got a job here at a small college, but my poor graphic designer hubby has had little luck freelancing. When we lived in a booming metropolis, we were able to make money for the holidays on doing a few craft fairs (I craft, he does art). We’d love to turn it into something bigger to (1) prevent stay-at-home-dad insanity and (2) give my husband-guy a second job. Plus, the book sounds completely awesome and up to date.

  127. vivian_tang says:

    Hello! I made a LiveJournal account on the spot when I saw this giveaway in my inbox! Thanks for this fantastic giveaway!
    My goal this summer is to set up a business to sell my crafts, but being just a high school student, this goal seems unattainable alone!
    Why do I want to sell my crafts? Not only is it simply fun to do, but the profits obtained would go into helping to support my academic career, as well as exploring other creative outlets. I’m also considering a career in fiber arts, but currently I don’t have the confidence to put my crafts out there. I’m sure this book would be very useful if not influential in my future!

  128. mikki says:

    as a low income crafty mama i make most of my living my making and selling crafts. any help learning how to market and sell better would be sooooooo helpful. i have been wanting this book but i cant spend excess money at the moment. it would mean a lot to me.

  129. avquilts says:

    I’m in the thinking and dreaming phase of starting a small business, and would love to have this book to help me along in that process. In my mid-life, I’m hoping to finally do a little more with my creative and artistic side now that my kids are a bit older. Thanks for the chance!

  130. befadee says:

    Awesome! I have been reading so many reviews of this book. It would be a great addition to my library, as I’d like to go public with my designs within the next year. What an awesome resource!

  131. jgadrin says:

    i want to learn about how to sell the things i make in a sensible way. i know how to make things, but i need to know how to sell them. thanks for the consideration.

  132. Craftgasm Kate says:

    I just finished setting up my new business last week — dba, seller’s license, business license, bank account and all! But the big question is: where to go from here? This book looks like it might have some answers to that question…

  133. giggles says:

    I come from the tiniest country in this world, and sometimes it doest even appear on the world map. Every thing from a tooth pick to a soap, is imported. 40 years back i did nail art when i was bored in school. My friends think i am creative. But whats creativity without resources? Now I live in a big country and i am sure i can benefit with your help. Thats why i wanna have look at your book.

  134. Baron VonCouch says:

    I’ve been wary of making the leap from hobby to business, especially as I’ve no prior startup skill. This book seems just the ticket!

  135. DumpsterDiver83 says:

    This book would be a very useful tool for me. After a terrible couple of years I now have a goal of getting an RV and touring the country with my pet bunny while selling my artwork (painting, photography, jewelry, knitting, etc). I love my job, but this is my DREAM!

  136. jdoan says:

    I’d really like to learn how to get started with selling crafts… it’s something I’d like to do when I can manage my time better!

  137. redzipstar says:

    Crafty purgatory, that is. I bought a lifetime $7 account when ArtFire was selling its first 1,000 paid accounts, due to an advertisement for it on the back of a Craft issue!
    Now, over a year later, I have my empty ArtFire page, a logo all designed and ready to go, and my complete intimidation about going forward into the world of online selling.
    I believe that Kari’s book can help me build confidence to move forward with my ever-delayed foray into the world of selling handmade crafts.

  138. Carly says:

    I am trying so hard to sell my handmade wooden childrens toys and jewelry. But I don’t have a clue on how to better market my items and myself. It is very frustrating .. This book would be a blessing. Thanks so much.

  139. I carry a log--yes. Is it funny to you? says:

    I’ve had a hard time finding good, practical starting your own business books for small businesses, and this seems like it would be awesome!

  140. alianoelle says:

    For years my mother had convinced herself that she had lost her creativity. I have been really working on encouraging her to find a creative outlet in the hopes that it could improve her self esteem. Over the last 6 months she has started crafting terrariums of all sorts and all of her friends and work colleagues have been buying them. I want her to keep up the momentum and encourage her to keep moving forward with this pursuit. I think this book would be great encouragement and I’d love her to know that I’m always thinking of her…even when I’m reading my blogs!

  141. Tegan Male says:

    I am a 18 year old girl, who is taking a gap year to explore my future alone, without any help from schooling. My dream is to be a successful crafter, attending craft shows regularly, thriving within the blogosphere and to sell, as well as create my own products. I wish to continually learn new skills. Although as kinetic-learner, I find it hard to focus when being taught dull subjects, such as business.
    This book could be that nudge that I need to kick-start my career within the crafts industry with its specialised knowledge.
    Tegan :)

  142. Keli Dean says:

    I recently took Jennifer Perkins Crafty Business Seminar Class at the Stitch Lab, here in Austin…and this book came HIGHLY recommended. Look forward to having it =}

  143. firstthingsfirst.myopenid.com says:

    I’ve been trying to figure out a way to make crafting (which I love) into something that will earn money (which I need). This book looks like it offers lots of great ideas!

  144. gypsyeye.livejournal.com says:

    I have a budding shop that I would love to take to the next level. I think this book could help out tons!!!

  145. bilingualbaby.wordpress.com says:

    I’d love to win this book. I’ve recently started selling my own line of older kid’s clothes and women’s skirts and pants, but I’ll never make a living selling at the prices I sell for. This book sounds handy for my teaching, too.

  146. corvustristis.wordpress.com says:

    In this fantastic economy we’ve had lately, I (a new college graduate) have been largely jobless since August. My etsy shop has thus taken on a new importance, and I’d love to learn more about how to run it properly.
    Fingers crossed!

  147. masha says:

    the place i live in is not really into craft fairs, since my crafting spreads over different techniques, materials and genres and the lack of knowledge about selling and such i haven’t found a niche for it to sellshow. this book can be a really big help!
    good luck to you all!!!

  148. cinemacupcakes says:

    This books sounds like a great read. Thank you!

  149. JennyC says:

    Great book! I’d love to get my hands on it :)

  150. carosini says:

    I have been doing craft and artisan work since childhood and I am devoting my life to promoting the handicraft industry as a respected career field, creating my own brand name and offering advice and encouragement to help others do the same. This book is an ideal guide for the journey. I recently learned that the author lives 30 minutes from where I grew up, so it will be wonderful to add to my collection a book by an author who is local to my hometown!

  151. Melmerc says:

    Like many others posting here, I’m also in need of a good resource to help me kick off my handmade craft business, Mabel Handmade. I have so many questions and it would be great to have a one-stop shop for answers. Thanks for the opportunity!

  152. UnicornChow says:

    I’m completely new to the thought of even selling something I’ve made, but I love to sew little things and I don’t always have people to give them too. Selling them would be a fun way to make a little extra money. Any help on getting started would be fantastic.

  153. bybethstudio says:

    This book would help me reach more customers and preparre to sell more items…growing my smalll company. :)

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