Independent Designer Friday - Ablemabel

The Independent Designer of the Week is Ablemabel - a fun and vibrant shop at Etsy! Here is my favorite piece from Ablemabel! Pretty cool and unique!!

I asked Ablemabel a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?
Eclectic, colorful, fun! We have a little bit of everything...baby stuff, magnets, jewelry, wall plaques, cards...

How did you get started?
Last fall we were in charge of our church craft sale. Before that we hadn't really been into the "craft world" very much. We had so much fun designing, creating, producing! We knew we couldn't stop anytime soon. Etsy seemed like the natural place to start "destashing" our creations.

How long have you been crafting?
We have been creating things for ourselves for as long as I can remember. Whether it's been sewing curtains or blankets or scrapbooking. It's only been recently that we decided to open our Etsy store and sell our products.

What is your inspiration?
Fabrics, scrapbooking products, color, nature, book, magazines, quotes.

What is your favorite place to shop today? A
fabric or scrapbooking store.

How do you market/advertise your wares?
Etsy, local shops, local craft fairs, Flickr, other misc websites we're a part of.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
Stick with it especially thru slow times! Follow your gut, it's usually right. Most of all have fun!!

Thanks Ablemabel - keep up the crafting and creating!! :>

Craft Business Information

Anyone starting out with a business needs resources right?? I do (did) and am constantly reading between baking cookies, changing diapers, refereeing fights and sewing to find bigger and better (everyday) ways to market myself and my business.

I have come across many sites that have alot of information compiled for the work from home entrepenuer. Here is one site with such information - http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/craft-business.html.

Check it out. I know that I am back to read a new article when I am not chasing a toddler.......

Do you have a favorite site for craft business information?? Let us know!