Featured Crafter

Susan Dean-Threadbare Primitives

By Denise Bailey

Please tell us a little bit about yourself 

 I am 49 years old and have been married for 28 years. No kids but lots of "fur babies". I have three "indoor" cats....Jinx, Chadwic, and Porter and one tiny four pound Chihuahua named Baxter. These are my kids and I spoil them rotten every waking moment. I guess you could say I am an animal lover. My husband and I also run a cat rescue center on our property for unwanted or abused cats.

 I live in a beautiful old 85 year old farmhouse on 2 acres surrounded by trees, squirrels, and every kind of critter. I love to cook, read, go to auctions, and take care of my animals.

 

How long have you had your online shoppe?
I have been online with my website for about 4 years now. It has gone through many changes in those years and I am constantly updating it to keep it new and interesting. The latest thing I have added is my $4.99 epattern section. With the economy being a little tight I figured anyone can afford $4.99 for a pattern and not have to worry about spending the money.

 

How did you come up with the name Threadbare Primitives?
Well, when I started this business I did alot of extreme prim...which I love. I would sand those dolls till the stuffing showed....thus the name "Threadbare Primitives". Now I design everything from whimsical to extreme prim. I seem to go through phases.

 

How long have you been creating primitive and folkart patterns?
I have been sewing and crafting for 20 years but have only been creating patterns for about 4 years. But I do enjoy stitching, punch needle, painting and working with clay. You name it and I have done it.

 

Is all your work done freehand or do you use a graphics program to draw out your patterns?
All of my patterns are drawn out freehand on a artists sketch pad. Then revised til they look the way I want. I don't think my dolls would have the same feel if I used a graphics program......I like the hands on approach.

 

How long have you been interested in drawing?  Did you take art classes?  Are you self taught?
I am a self taught artist. I design and draw every day. I try to do things that I am not entirely comfortable with in order to keep my edge and skill level up

What or who is your inspiration for the many wonderful patterns you create?
I love antiques and primitives, so anything old, rusty and with paint missing is right up my alley. I have always tried to make dolls and folk art that would fit into that decorating scheme. My whimsical dolls are just my attempt to be "just so darn cute". I guess I have a duel personality....I really try to design for all tastes.

 

 

How long would you say it takes you to create a new pattern, from beginning to end?
I have always been lucky. I just get an idea, draw it out, make the pattern and sew it up. I turn out 1-2 patterns every week which I think is good for my customers because they can visit my site and always see something new. It keeps them interested and inspired and always coming back for more. 

Do you make one pattern at a time or several before you introduce them into your shoppe?
No...I make a pattern and get it up on the site on the weekend. I try to stay consistent with

with that....if I miss a weekend I get email saying "Are you gonna have something new this week?" LOL....I LOVE my customers! They TOTALLY keep me on my toes....I really love every one of them!

 

I see you are now offering punch needle, applique & sampler patterns, is this new or have you had them all along?
I have had those patterns for a while now...I love making samplers and patterns and need to do more of them but I have been so busy with getting Fall and Halloween patterns in the works I have not had a chance. I will be doing more stitcheries though....the ones I have right now have been quite popular. They are very easy and can be finished in one evening.

 

What other venues besides your online shoppe do you offer your patterns for sale?  Which venue does best for your sales?
I currently sell through my own website, Ebay, and Prim Mart. I have also been honored to be on the front cover of "Homespun" magazine and have a pattern available within the pages and a lovely article written about my business.

 

Do you sell your patterns wholesale?

 Yes, my patterns are available at wholesale pricing.
Threadbare Primitives Patterns are distributed and sold
throughout the USA as well as Australia, Italy and Canada
and through many finer Quilting and Needlework shops.

 

When you make an item to sell ( not the pattern) , do you make only one or do you make several?  For example: you make one item to use as the cover model for your patterns - sell that and you go on to the next pattern?
I have never made two of anything. The original creation serves as the model for the cover shot of the pattern jacket. That same model is then sold and I am on to the next idea.

Which type of pattern seems to be your best seller/s?
Right now I am selling alot of whimsical patterns...but then I have been focusing on that style for the last little while. I have about 175 patterns at the moment and I would say they break down half 'n half. Half are cute and whimsical and half are extreme prim. But...I have switched and have gone back to the prim style and have turned out some awesome black doll patterns with more coming.

 

Which type of pattern do 'you' have the most fun creating?
I love the extreme prim style though I am probably best known for my whimsical style. I love making and designing old black dolls and have released quite a few new black doll patterns over the past couple of months. I have alot more in the works too, so I will be concentrating on a more primitive style for a while.

Do you ever make something from your patterns to keep for yourself?
Unfortunately, no....everything I make, I sell. (Sigh)

Alot of gals out there often ask me what is the key to success in this business. Since my strength is in business and I come from a business background I could go on and on about the business end of things. But one thing I always stress is that if you want to make a living with your art form, then treat it like a job. In order to make a living "out there" in the private sector you are required to go to bed at a decent hour, set your alarm clock, wake up get dressed and go to work. You will work for 8 hours every day to earn your pay check. You will do that consistently every day for 5 days a week. If you do that with your craft, if you REALLY treat it like a job, you will be successful. So my advice to anyone either starting out or who just isn't having the success they desire is to treat this business as a business. AND NEVER EVER EVER give up!!!!!

 

www.threadbareprimitives.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craft Barter Exchange To Pay For Services Or Products

Craft Barter Exchange To Pay For Services Or Products

When I started my business I didn't have a big budget for advertising, but it was obviously necessary, so I would seek out other small businesses where I could make contact directly with the owner to discuss the option of paying for advertising not in cash or on credit, but with products of mine to the value of the service.

For example, we have a local A5 booklet dropped in our mail boxes once monthly which is purely advertising - the first half is devoted to home improvement services, and the second half to other local products and services, which I noticed also included advertising for craft and handmade items. I picked up the phone and contacted the company who prints and distributes the booklet, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was all run by one woman, so we started chatting... I ended up with a full color half page ad which was very successful, and which ended up costing me less than half the full price!

You see, the beauty of barter exchanging your products for services is that you're trading them at their retail value, but that's not what they're costing you to make them!

Craft barter exchanges can be used to pay for many different services which can either help boost your business, such as advertising, or services/products which are just necessary, such as getting business cards printed.

Whether you have the budget for these things or not, always try to negotiate a barter exchange wherever you possibly can - you will save a lot in the long run, which can then be put towards more advertising or promotional activities.

Craft Barter Exchange To Boost Sales

Upselling is a term you should be familiar with (if not, go research it now!) and is usually limited to your own products, but let's do some thinking outside the box...

If you find someone who sells products that are complimentary to yours, they can work well as good incentives for upsells - here's an example:

You have a booth at a craft fair or market, and a customer is admiring your handmade jewelry. She'd really love to go home with your beautiful (most expensive) jeweled necklace, which she knows is going to match her evening gown just perfectly, but she's hesitating because of the price.

You, however, have barter traded with a crafter who makes handmade purses - for just this reason! You approach your prospective customer and suggest that if she'd like to purchase that necklace, you'll also let her have this lovely evening purse which matches the colors of the necklace fabulously... sold!

There are many other examples - offering free fancy gift packaging or handmade greeting cards if the item is being bought as a gift; a free dining table candle if someone is buying handmade napkin rings, or vice versa; even seasonal promotions such as free Christmas tree decorations with something purchased at that time of year.

Use your imagination to find items that are complimentary to yours, and when you introduce the idea of doing a barter exchange with another crafter s/he will probably thank you for sharing the idea too!

Article by:

If you'd like to participate in and benefit from craft barter exchanges, browse our Craft Barter Directory and get listed free!

Featured Crafter for June Kristie Norman

Featured Crafter
Kristie & Gary Norman of
Norman's Country Creek
by Denise Bailey

Please tell us a little bit about yourself : Gary and I live in Wabash Indiana. We have 4 children, 5 grandchildren, 2 dogs (one who is a certified pet therapy dog) and an inside bird aviary. We have both taught together in the same elementary school for the past 24 years. I am retiring this year, but Gary will continue for a few more years. He coaches varsity wrestling, and loves beekeeping.

How long has Country Creek been in business?
Country Creek has been in business since 1999. However, our business began to grow when Gary became a beekeeper in 2000. He has about 20 hives and with teaching and wrestling this keeps him extremely busy.

How did you come up with your business' name?
We have a beautiful creek and a small falls running beside our house and we live on a country farm, so Country Creek seemed to be the perfect name. However, I had to name our website Norman's Country Creek, because of the domain name.

Do you sell in other venues?
We attend 9-10 craft shows a year. Our busy season is from September to the end of November. Gary sells his honey/beeswax at local health food stores, school, and customers stop by the house frequently for honey. In past years I have placed products on consignments at local shoppes, particulary my handmade paper note cards.

What kind of products does Country Creek offer to their customers?
I specialize in lamps made from gourds and decanters and lights made from hurricane vases. I have begun making my own lampshades using a very old technique called “cut and pierced.” Since I enjoy painting and making candles, I have combined the two crafts and make painted hurricane candles.

One of the newest products I have online are the oil candle kits. Several customers at our craft shows kept asking why I didn't sell my oil candles on our website. So I decided to offer them as a kit.

Sewing has always been a favorite pastime, so of course I have Raggedy Dolls. I am not a person who enjoys having idle time, so I keep myself busy crocheting in the evening, or during wrestling matches, riding in the car, etc. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was around 13 and I still use some of her needles and books. I think of her everytime I pick up a new crochet book.
I have always loved to make handmade paper. I hope to add handmade paper note cards in the near future. I sold them for about 5 years, and have had customers requesting them again. I generally make paper from recycled paper, but I have tried making paper pulp from grasses, irises, and certain weeds. I do give paper making demonstrations at local clubs and find it very relaxing to make paper.

Of course Gary offers raw honey in different sizes and beeswax, which is great for a variety of uses.

Are all of your products handcrafted? Yes
Which ones? I make everything but the small tinpunch night lights, and the bases for the Cut & Pierced lamp shades.

What products seem to be your best sellers?
Craft shows and the website are completly different.. The Glass Mini-lamps, and painted hurricane vases are our best sellers at craft shows. However, the best sellers on the website are my raggedy dolls and the painted hurricane globes.

Do you offer wholesale?
I have had lots of requests for wholesale, but haven't decided to offer that option at the moment.

What methods of advertising do you use to promote your shoppe?
I advertise through a variety of online market sites and of course advertise through my own online craft mall site: Honey Creek Market. I am also advertising in the Aug/Sept issue of "Country Sampler" magazine. I always offer discount coupons at all our craft shows.

When sales are slow do you do anything special to try to bring customers in to your shop?
When sales are slow, I try to offer discounts, or reduce shipping costs. But I think the best thing is not to get discouraged, because business will pick up eventually.

Do you have any advice for those who might be thinking about opening an online shoppe?
I have found this business can be very rewarding, yet also time consuming. You must constantly promote, promote, promote and connect with other sites as much as possible. Stay motivated
and don’t give up!

Do you have any advice on what NOT to do?
Don't quit after the first few months, and you MUST advertise. Unfortunately it takes quite a bit of advertising to see a return.

How many hours per day or week would you say you spend working on your crafted products and on your website?
Since I have 2 websites, it takes me about 1 1/2 hours per day on the computer. Now that I am retiring I intend to spend a lot more hours (4 or more) daily working on products, especially my sewing.

Do you have any future plans for expanding your online shoppe? Perhaps opening your own brick & mortar store?
I am thinking about starting another online shoppe sometime next winter. I have a few more ideas, but haven't finalized anything at the moment.

Visit Kristie today at Normans Country Creek just CLICK HERE

Primitive TImes Magazine June 2008 Issue

Primitive Times Magazine June 2008 Edition Click to
WATCH ONLINE

Or Click below to view download PDF
Version

We have TOTALLY Redesigned our Magazine!
Not only does it look Beautiful! But it has GREAT content too! We are taking ads
for our July issue and we have already filled half of our spots so please please
get your ads in asap! With your July Ad you can include a FREE coupon PLUS get a
Full page on our site with up to 9 product photos if you purchase a 1/4 ad or
larger! So click here to reserve your spot in our beautiful NEW Magazine!
Click here to reserve your Spot today!

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it every month consider making a donation to help offset the cost of production!
Just click the button below and donate ANY Amount you want! Thank you

 

Inside our June Edition

There are TWO Great E-Patterns

A 10 Page Home Tour with wonderful photos

Pages Filled Yummy Recipes

WAHM and Primitive Crafter Business
Advice

Featured Crafter- Kristie Norman

 

Spotlight Ads

And Sooo much more!

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Tea Staining Fabric

Tea Staining Fabric



Tea staining has been around a long time and was first used to
hide stains on linens. It is one of the most popular ways to
stain fabric and gives it a warm antique look. Different types
of teas such a green tea, black tea, rasperry and herbel teas
will give you different tints and tones on fabrics so don't be
afraid to experiment a bit. Hibiscus tea will give you red tones
while black teas give more of a soft brown or cream tone to the
fabric. Tea staining works well only on natural fabrics- muslin,
cotton, linen and wools dye well. It is very easy to do and just
takes a few simple steps


If you
fabric is new be sure to wash it first to remove the sizing
before dying.I have found 4 cups of water and 4 single cup tea
bags will dye one yard of fabric.

Bring the water to a boil and remove from heat add tea and let
set for about 5 minutes until the liquid turns the desired
color. Remove the tea bags from the water if you dont the tea
bags may make dark stains on your fabric

Wet the fabric in water thoroughly, removing excess before
putting in the tea mixture- stir gently

Let soak for about 10 minutes checking to see if the fabric is
dark enough. Remember you fabric will dry a shade lighter.

When fabric has reached the desired color remove from the tea
mixture and rinse well with warm water and a mild dish soap- if
you don"t the fabric may become damaged by the tea- tea contains
acid which can destroy fibers over time

Line dry or place the fabric in the dryer. I like to put the
fabric in an old pillowcase to protect my dryer and if Im going
to put in white clothes right after I will wipe the dryer out if
it jeans I just don't worry

When the fabric is dry if you want it darker repeat the process
, if the fabric is too dark wash the fabric in a gallon of water
to which you have added 1 tablespoon of bleach this will lighten
the fabric- rinse thoroughly and redry

If I am going to use the fabric for something that is going to
be washed I will soak it in a gallon of cold water to which I
have added 1 tablespoon of vinegar to set the color.


Have fun tea
staining - remember the possibilities are endless -old linens,
clothes, etc can all be tea stained
!

February Issue of Primitive Times Magazine

February Issue Click Here to Download

Inside this edition you will see our

Meet the Editors,

A Fibre Arts Book Review,
A Farm Story,

A Primitive Lamb Sampler,

A Lam b E pattern,

Using Beeswax on
your Paintings,

Valentines Paper Crafts,

Bonny Bunny Pattern and Instructions,
Tons of great recipes,

Analyzing Website Traffic Article,

Goal Setting for the
new year,

Good Versus Bad Web Design,

and Are you afraid of pattern making
amongest Many other great articles!

Click on the link above or the magazine
cover to download your issue today!

December Edition of Primitive Times Magazine

Click here to download our latest issue

E-Products, E-Commerce, E-Patterns????? What are They?

In a previous post Angie told you that Primitive Times Magazine E-Zine was creating a new section in our E-Zine for E-Products called "E-Products Showcase."

Well, you may have heard the term E-Products and E-Commerce and might be wondering exactly what they are and what that is?

Well, E-Commerce is simply the buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet (i.e. the World Wide Web). E-commerce and E-business are used interchangeably and stand for the same time.

E-Products are products which can be digitally encoded then transmitted electronically over the Internet. In effect, an e-product is a digitized product that is sent electronically from the seller to the buyer via a file format that can be read on a computer screen or read using a special reader such as the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader. Most new computers comes with the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader already installed.

For online retail selling, the term E-tailing is sometimes used and refers to E-goods.

Anything that can be digitized can be an e-product. For example, an e-pattern is a regular pattern that is created in .PDF (i.e. Portable Document Format) format so it can be read and transmitted digitally over the computer. It looks exactly the same as a print pattern would except it's viewable over the computer screen and is stored in a computer file instead of being stored on paper. It can be saved to your computers hard drive and printed via the printer connected to your computer. It is sent to you via the Internet versus via the U.S. Post Office.

So, what else could be an E-product? Well, there's a lot. So, hold onto your hats!

You can have E-books, E-cards, E-comics, E-magazines or E-zines, E-graphics, E-printables, E-books, E-patterns, E-photo's, E-software, E-artwork, E-video's, E-music, E-websets, E-labels, E-tags, E-templates, E-catalogs, E-brochures, E-pamphlets, E-doodles, E-stitcheries, MP3 files, etc.

E-Products can be sent as attachments to an email or they can be "instantly downloaded" by the customer themselves after they are paid for.

If you are thinking of selling online and have products that are conducive to being digitized and sold then you should seriously consider selling them as e-products.

And, if you are thinking of advertising your E-Products then there is no better place to showcase them then in our NEW Primitive Times Magazine E-Zine E-Products Showcase. If you are interested in advertising in our new E-Products Showcase please CLICK HERE for more information.


Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written By Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer. http://lindawalshoriginals.com

You Can Read Our FREE Primitive Times Magazine Online NOW!

We are always thinking of our readers and just have the BEST NEWS to tell you.

You can read our FREE Primitive Times Magazine ONLINE NOW!

That's right! We have an online version.

Just CLICK HERE or CLICK on the picture of the March 2007 Issue Cover above to see it!

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Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written By Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer. http://lindawalshoriginals.com/