Book Review: Crafty Superstar

Crafter Miranda Culp expressed interest in Grace Dobush’s book Crafty Superstar: Make Crafts on the Side, Earn Extra Cash, and Basically Have It All because she and her husband Matt Makofsky recently started their own crafty side business called Victory Garden Design. Miranda read Grace’s book and offered us this helpful review.

Crafty Superstar‘s subtitle “Make Crafts on the Side, Earn Extra Cash, and Basically Have It All” is a not-so-subtle hint to the reader that all crafters should know: you’re probably not going to get rich making safety pin belts in you bedroom between your two other full-time jobs. However, if you have a passion for making, remaking, or inventing things, Grace Dobush’s handy little manual is a great read full of helpful hints, clever anecdotes and, maybe most importantly, how to keep your little budding business above the board in terms of your taxes.

Targeting the 20-30 something hipster crowd, Dobush gives the otherwise clueless crafter who dreams of making a sought-after product a blow-by-blow of setting up shop. Everything from buying your materials in bulk and designing your workspace to bookkeeping and approaching retail stores with your work is demystified, and in a witty way. If you’re like me, most of your creative energy is directed toward the art-making itself, but as this book points out, there are many other details to consider, like how you display your work at a craft show, or how to photograph your stuff for maximum appeal.

I appreciate the way that the book eases you, as a crafter, into the arena of commerce; it starts simple, teaches you how to cover all your bases, and prepares you to grow and take your business to the next level, if that is in fact your dream. It also has some templates for receipts, budgets, and other useful forms, as well as a great resource index for other crafting publications and websites.

So read up and hone your craft, superstar.

Thanks, Miranda!
About the Author:
Victory Garden Design is an inspired husband and wife team in the Sierra foothills. Matt Makofsky is a contractor and fine woodworker and Miranda Culp is handy with jewelry, sewing, and upholstery. Together they design unique furniture, using leftover exotic hardwood to produce unique jewelry. They also refurbish vintage chairs and repurpose old clothing into hats and gloves. Every piece Matt and Miranda modify or design is a part of their personal commitment to the sustainability project, and they take great pride in their work.