In the years that I did art and craft shows I always made sure to have small items like this to sell to bring people into my booth. Some people are intimidated by expensive items so it’s nice to have a range of options for them to purchase. Especially if they have children.
I use Dollar Tree silicone ice cube molds (a seasonal item) to make a variety of magnets, flamingos in summer, bunnies in spring, spiders for Halloween.....they are great sellers at craft fairs 😁
@@melimel9265 For what it's worth, one method I heard is to first determine a value for your time. Pick a number, $20/hr? $50/hr? Whatever you think would make it worth doing what you're selling. Figure out the time to make an item, including design time if appropriate, making, finishing, whatever. Then compute the cost for that much time. Next, the cost for the material. Probably smaller than the cost of time! Add the two numbers, and double the result. That gives you enough margin to cover all the costs you're not consciously including, and a bit of actual profit. If that result is way too high relative to maybe what you've seen similar things sold for, you may need to reconsider how you make things, or make things that you can do competitively.
Im just about to start my resin craft business and appreciate your advise in this post. I’ve previously owned a very successful business and aware of most the pitfalls, but this type of business is the complete opposite,
I do my crafting mostly as a hobby. I love making things so much that I found the need to sell them. I am on disability, so I don't necessarily need the money, but a little extra money is always nice. I love selling at craft shows and farmers markets because I love the reactions when someone loves something I've made. Even if they don't buy it, that right there is my reward.
Nice tips.... Love the one on price range. Don't forget that people talk!! At craft fairs the word of mouth advertising is priceless.... It can make or break you. Color, variety, and showmanship are very important. Just because you have 50 of something you don't have to put all 50 out at one time. I have been known to only put a few of something out... And as it sales, I leave an empty space for a while. Or maybe when setting up I'll leave a space here and there.... People are more likely to make a purchase if they think you've already been making sales.... Stay safe, you do you, enjoy what you do, and stay creatively crafty👍👍🔔🔔🦋🦋
❤ You said that you have mental problems and I was unable to send a message on that video so I want to comment on that video here. I also have depression that medicine helps more all the time. I feel that my identical twin sister has been the best person in my life. That "twin" connection is real to us. When we get together we have to remember to allow other people in. Your video really hit me and I feel that I really do feel better because of your words. Thank you for being so honest and your talent is such a good thing in my life. My sister and I will be 83yo soon, we do feel our age at times but we have such a good time together, we feel like kids again. May you feel good today, because you made me feel better today. Thank you so much. Marilyn from USA New Hampshire.
Another fantastic video thank you Steve 💗 I suffer terribly from imposter syndrome, and I always find flaws in my work, yet other people think it’s great! I guess I need to stop being so harsh on myself. I also definitely don’t have a business brain, so this is something I’ll need to address with your help 🤗
I'm the same. I have promised myself that if I don't start selling some items by the end of June, I will have to give up crafting. I love making crafts, but it's way too expensive to continue just for fun.
An interesting video explaining the basics of business crafting. I has always enjoy your "banter" in the videos in which you show the pitfalls of resin and the wonderful results that can be achieved. I also look forward to the video you hinted at, on coloring resin and its longevity.
haven't been on here for a while, 2 things 1 yes always cater to different people we all have our specialties but people dont just look for one thing same as crafters we are not one type of person we are complex. 2 thank you for all the advice i got my chucks in!!! I love how attentive you are to your followers
Love your business hints as the voiceover whilst watching you make articles. I am sure you would have been a favourite lecturer for business studies students. I am not in to resin yet but just enjoy your easy listening and watching videos. Clyde - MagnorailOz 🇦🇺
Wonderful video! Showing us that small items are just as important as the bigger ones! Love all your videos and enjoy seeing what you will do next! Thank you Steve 😊!!!
I have been watching your videos and I love how welcoming and friendly you speak to your audience. I have learned a lot so far, and hope to share my successes with you some day. Thank you so much, you are an absolute pleasure.
Great advice I really appreciate it I am wanting to take the full jump into selling but I feel some imposter syndrome and am critical of what I have been making. Thank you for the reminder of enjoying what you do but in a business mind of what sales.
Even after owning a bricks and motor shop and have retired but am returning to where I started from craft fairs. Even after 27 years I always say am I good enough? I have the biggest self doubt ever but am actually successful so please try not to be doubtful. Definitely agree just because you don't like something lots of others will. The doubt stems from you are putting a part of yourself in front of others so ends up (in your head) do they like me? Am I good enough? Ignore it go for it listen to Steves advice people x
Hi Steve, just a thought… why not just imbed the magnet into the poured resin. I imbed my magnet into the back of thin woods and have another item with a magnet into the bottom sit onto it, works outstanding!
Thank you so much for the video and information Steve! I stopped being a self employed crafter for a few years because I made a lot of the mistakes you talked about, and had no business coach. Now I'm trying again, and taking big heed of your advice (and have a business coach). I wish you and everyone much love and success with your businesses!
I watched one video where you said people think that your an arrogant person, I’m sure those people MUST be confused, or something MUST be wrong with them 🙄🙄🙄 To me you are a very nice caring person (I do not say that alot, actually never)
Hi Steve from an ex Brit living 30 mins from Niagara Falls, Ontario. I want to thank you for all the great, informative, resin videos, it's through these that I've just done my first three resin sessions (in my garage, with the door open as I don't have an suitable room), bookmarks, keychains about 34 pieces. I too sold an abstract acrylic artwork on canvas that I thought wouldn't sell. I'm my worst critic and have only really liked one or two that I've created! Have you made a video that explains how to create a website and which platform is the best? This is something that I'd like to do for all my crafts. I'm so glad I 'found' your channel, keep up the good work, I appreciate everything you put out there. LynneElli
after making over 47 koi fish, a tray, and mini statue; with the JDiction 4 hr demold resin. It has become my favorite resin to use! I thank you again for recommending it :) I also thank you for your in depth tips and advice. I do hope other beginners like I find you; for your teachings have helped me make beautiful creations and more to learn and come.
The bottle caps is such a good idea! I want to try it with some of the plastic pet bottle caps from Japanese drinks and people can use as souvenirs or something 🤔 or give as gifts! Thanks for the ideas!! 🤗
My taught me a business to succeed needs to double if not triple a profit. If it sits on a shelf for to long she always said sometimes you sell it at cost and never sell that item again.
Hi your videos are so informative, I love to watch them. And you are absolutely right I am sooo hard on myself, I can see all the imperfections I make, and just when I think I’m not going to sell it it sells !!!
Always helpful tips especially for beginners like myself. Unrelated to the video topic though, I LOVE the yellow color you used in the earring mold. What color is that and from where?
Thank you for the video. I have always wondered what sells at craft fairs. What’s the most you would pay to be in a craft fair? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor venues?How do you keep track of your cost and projects you make?
When I was in grade school I did a piece of art I hated, my art teacher asked for it, I gave it to her, she submitted it and it is hanging in a museum in Massachusetts....
Hi Steve, could you put the Magnet 🧲 in the Resin so it doesn’t stick up so much? Just an idea 💡 pops up while watching this video! Thank you for sharing as I believe, *Our World* is a *Shared Experience* … Cheers!!!
Great video you told me off in a way because I craft 90% of my time 😢 but learning is good I thank you for this video big eye opener I do create low cost as well as high cost I'm struggling to get people to see my stuff I think I definitely need to go to a car boot or market sell but I'm scared I'll pay out for a table or stall and sell just enough to cover my cost of said table stall let alone the cost of my crafts . I definitely under price I've been told many times and many times I've been paid more than what I'm asking as people love what their buying. I think I need to give my self a big slap across my cheek and get a grip and be more firm with pricing and my self esteem... I sold some lovely fishing coasters that took me hours to make each one then sold them for £8 each and really sold alot but after doing some maths I'd practically sold them for cost of supplies but it did give me joy but no profit they should have been £20/25 each as the last one I sold his partner also did resin art she told me do some maths your under charging but a mile it was then I realised . Do you have any tips (not videos please just general idea) on how to price my work if I added cost+time+my creativity is there a simple rule to get to = £££££ please 😉 TYIA 🤞❤️👌and keep up the good work Steve McDonald 🫶
This is very interesting. Could I ask your advice, please? I sell coasters, jewelry, bookmarks, magnets at local markets. When I display them, is it better to keep similar colors together, or randomly place different colored coasters over the table? Thanks a bunch.
No need for a tutorial, hun. It's acrylic paint. He used white, but you can also use metallic acrylic paints, as well.. Just rub it in, dry it, rub surface off with soft cloth...et voilá, finis! You can even spray the surface with a clear varnish to protect the acrylic paint, or finish off with a thin top coat of resin. Heat resistant resin is good if you'll be doing this on coasters for hot drinks.
Is jdiction any good for doming? I followed your earlier advice and started using resincolour and was impressed and wondered why you no longer recommend their resins.
Also, ppl don't forget that your time is worth something, so if you're putting things online Id definitely charge more. Many people forget the time it takes to properly photograph, edit, write descriptions, etc.
Another good tip is to include the shipping in the cost and offer free shipping. People are way more likely to buy from you this way and most major retailers do this (amazon to name one). I also like to include a not-so-perfect piece into it as a gift, something I wouldn't be comfortable selling (I have very high standards for my pieces and I won't sell pieces if they have air bubbles, etc) but that I think the customer would like to get for free. This also helps to get those very important reviews.
You may not be reaching the right people with the steampunk merch. That sort of thing is still popular among certain crowds. You'll still see people doing steampunk at comic cons and similar things.
Steve, weirdly enough, steam punk and goth is very popular (still!) at most U.S. Renaissance Faires. Crazy, eh? Naturally, Medieval sells big, too. 😁 I wonder if hashtags like #RenFair(e), #Medieval, #steampunk, comiccons, etc...might tie your sales in with those who would buy them? I tell you what...those fancy resin knives (steampunked, or not) might go over really well!
Great video very informative. I’m fairly new to RUclips how would I know whom all of my subscribers are? I’d love to show my gratitude in some sort of way.
I suffer with imposter syndrome. I love creating thing's. I used to make jewellery, and trinkets, then bibs and dummy clips, now I love resin. Friends and family tell me my work is awesome, and I tend to think they are saying it because my they are my friends. Which is why I have hundreds of pieces ready to sell, but no confidence to actually sell. I worked for a popular ladies underwear and personal apparel in the UK, and I was great at it and was one of the top sellers in my area for quite some time. So its not the selling that's my issue. Any advice on how to get over it??
In the years that I did art and craft shows I always made sure to have small items like this to sell to bring people into my booth. Some people are intimidated by expensive items so it’s nice to have a range of options for them to purchase. Especially if they have children.
sometimes not intimidated, sometimes love the art but can't afford larger pieces
I love to see what others are making, these are very nice. I love my fridge magnets, my granddaughter made some that I purchased at her booth.
I use Dollar Tree silicone ice cube molds (a seasonal item) to make a variety of magnets, flamingos in summer, bunnies in spring, spiders for Halloween.....they are great sellers at craft fairs 😁
How much do u charge. I have no clue how I would price my art.
@@melimel9265 For what it's worth, one method I heard is to first determine a value for your time. Pick a number, $20/hr? $50/hr? Whatever you think would make it worth doing what you're selling. Figure out the time to make an item, including design time if appropriate, making, finishing, whatever. Then compute the cost for that much time.
Next, the cost for the material. Probably smaller than the cost of time!
Add the two numbers, and double the result. That gives you enough margin to cover all the costs you're not consciously including, and a bit of actual profit.
If that result is way too high relative to maybe what you've seen similar things sold for, you may need to reconsider how you make things, or make things that you can do competitively.
Im just about to start my resin craft business and appreciate your advise in this post. I’ve previously owned a very successful business and aware of most the pitfalls, but this type of business is the complete opposite,
I do my crafting mostly as a hobby. I love making things so much that I found the need to sell them. I am on disability, so I don't necessarily need the money, but a little extra money is always nice. I love selling at craft shows and farmers markets because I love the reactions when someone loves something I've made. Even if they don't buy it, that right there is my reward.
"Whatever business you're in, your primary business is sales and marketing."
That was the best advice I ever got and it's never proven to be untrue.
Nice tips.... Love the one on price range. Don't forget that people talk!! At craft fairs the word of mouth advertising is priceless.... It can make or break you. Color, variety, and showmanship are very important.
Just because you have 50 of something you don't have to put all 50 out at one time.
I have been known to only put a few of something out... And as it sales, I leave an empty space for a while. Or maybe when setting up I'll leave a space here and there.... People are more likely to make a purchase if they think you've already been making sales....
Stay safe, you do you, enjoy what you do, and stay creatively crafty👍👍🔔🔔🦋🦋
Agree with your 80/20 split of business/crafting time!!! An unexpected reality for most craft artists.
❤ You said that you have mental problems and I was unable to send a message on that video so I want to comment on that video here. I also have depression that medicine helps more all the time. I feel that my identical twin sister has been the best person in my life. That "twin" connection is real to us. When we get together we have to remember to allow other people in. Your video really hit me and I feel that I really do feel better because of your words. Thank you for being so honest and your talent is such a good thing in my life. My sister and I will be 83yo soon, we do feel our age at times but we have such a good time together, we feel like kids again. May you feel good today, because you made me feel better today. Thank you so much. Marilyn from USA New Hampshire.
So interesting to hear you were a business professor!
Another fantastic video thank you Steve 💗 I suffer terribly from imposter syndrome, and I always find flaws in my work, yet other people think it’s great! I guess I need to stop being so harsh on myself. I also definitely don’t have a business brain, so this is something I’ll need to address with your help 🤗
I suffer from the same, so I don't sell anything n just give it away. Its awful n so expensive but I love to craft everything
I'm the same. I have promised myself that if I don't start selling some items by the end of June, I will have to give up crafting. I love making crafts, but it's way too expensive to continue just for fun.
An interesting video explaining the basics of business crafting. I has always enjoy your "banter" in the videos in which you show the pitfalls of resin and the wonderful results that can be achieved. I also look forward to the video you hinted at, on coloring resin and its longevity.
haven't been on here for a while, 2 things 1 yes always cater to different people we all have our specialties but people dont just look for one thing same as crafters we are not one type of person we are complex. 2 thank you for all the advice i got my chucks in!!! I love how attentive you are to your followers
775👍👍👍
amazing and fantastic sharing friend
This is great information especially about making what buyers want and not what you like
Brilliant..thank you
Love your business hints as the voiceover whilst watching you make articles. I am sure you would have been a favourite lecturer for business studies students. I am not in to resin yet but just enjoy your easy listening and watching videos. Clyde - MagnorailOz 🇦🇺
I'm not the greatest in the business side of my business, and clearly, I need to fix that somehow. Yet another excellent, information packed video! 💗
Wonderful video! Showing us that small items are just as important as the bigger ones! Love all your videos and enjoy seeing what you will do next! Thank you Steve 😊!!!
I have been watching your videos and I love how welcoming and friendly you speak to your audience. I have learned a lot so far, and hope to share my successes with you some day. Thank you so much, you are an absolute pleasure.
Great advice I really appreciate it I am wanting to take the full jump into selling but I feel some imposter syndrome and am critical of what I have been making. Thank you for the reminder of enjoying what you do but in a business mind of what sales.
Even after owning a bricks and motor shop and have retired but am returning to where I started from craft fairs. Even after 27 years I always say am I good enough? I have the biggest self doubt ever but am actually successful so please try not to be doubtful. Definitely agree just because you don't like something lots of others will. The doubt stems from you are putting a part of yourself in front of others so ends up (in your head) do they like me? Am I good enough? Ignore it go for it listen to Steves advice people x
Thank you for sharing.. I hope you have a great day
Hi Steve, just a thought… why not just imbed the magnet into the poured resin. I imbed my magnet into the back of thin woods and have another item with a magnet into the bottom sit onto it, works outstanding!
Thank you so much for the video and information Steve! I stopped being a self employed crafter for a few years because I made a lot of the mistakes you talked about, and had no business coach. Now I'm trying again, and taking big heed of your advice (and have a business coach). I wish you and everyone much love and success with your businesses!
Valuable advice. Thank you for this.
I watched one video where you said people think that your an arrogant person, I’m sure those people MUST be confused, or something MUST be wrong with them 🙄🙄🙄 To me you are a very nice caring person (I do not say that alot, actually never)
Great video and great info. Thank you!!!!
@@SteveMcDonaldArtsandCrafts you are doing a great job and very talented.
Hi Steve from an ex Brit living 30 mins from Niagara Falls, Ontario. I want to thank you for all the great, informative, resin videos, it's through these that I've just done my first three resin sessions (in my garage, with the door open as I don't have an suitable room), bookmarks, keychains about 34 pieces. I too sold an abstract acrylic artwork on canvas that I thought wouldn't sell. I'm my worst critic and have only really liked one or two that I've created! Have you made a video that explains how to create a website and which platform is the best? This is something that I'd like to do for all my crafts. I'm so glad I 'found' your channel, keep up the good work, I appreciate everything you put out there. LynneElli
Also I love your videos you have been such a help and have helped me thru my depression. I feel so much more motivated
Steve im new to resin and your videos all the information is amazing happy resin sir.
after making over 47 koi fish, a tray, and mini statue; with the JDiction 4 hr demold resin. It has become my favorite resin to use! I thank you again for recommending it :) I also thank you for your in depth tips and advice. I do hope other beginners like I find you; for your teachings have helped me make beautiful creations and more to learn and come.
The bottle caps is such a good idea! I want to try it with some of the plastic pet bottle caps from Japanese drinks and people can use as souvenirs or something 🤔 or give as gifts!
Thanks for the ideas!! 🤗
You offer value and I thoroughly enjoy your videos, eloquently, delightfully. I really appreciated you. Ylo
Thank you so much for a really informative 101 small business video. So helpful!
My taught me a business to succeed needs to double if not triple a profit. If it sits on a shelf for to long she always said sometimes you sell it at cost and never sell that item again.
Great info...thanks for sharing !!! 🙂
Hi your videos are so informative, I love to watch them. And you are absolutely right I am sooo hard on myself, I can see all the imperfections I make, and just when I think I’m not going to sell it it sells !!!
Great video Steve and some really valuable tips💕
I put pictures of my projects on fb and send them to people I know I’ve made sales from friends and family members
Thanks so much, Dr. Mc.
Always helpful tips especially for beginners like myself. Unrelated to the video topic though, I LOVE the yellow color you used in the earring mold. What color is that and from where?
Cool! Thank you for the tutorial. 🙏💯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for the video. I have always wondered what sells at craft fairs. What’s the most you would pay to be in a craft fair? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor venues?How do you keep track of your cost and projects you make?
Thanks!
Thanks Steve x
Thanks for the ideas & tips, they will help me with what I want to do.😊
What do you wipe it down with with you drop resin on the top
Great advice! Thank you!
What is that white paste you are using on the round magnet please?
What is that white stuff you used to bring out the details of the mold? That's pretty neat!
When I was in grade school I did a piece of art I hated, my art teacher asked for it, I gave it to her, she submitted it and it is hanging in a museum in Massachusetts....
Great advice
Hi Steve, could you put the Magnet 🧲 in the Resin so it doesn’t stick up so much? Just an idea 💡 pops up while watching this video!
Thank you for sharing as I believe, *Our World* is a *Shared Experience* … Cheers!!!
Great video you told me off in a way because I craft 90% of my time 😢 but learning is good I thank you for this video big eye opener I do create low cost as well as high cost I'm struggling to get people to see my stuff I think I definitely need to go to a car boot or market sell but I'm scared I'll pay out for a table or stall and sell just enough to cover my cost of said table stall let alone the cost of my crafts . I definitely under price I've been told many times and many times I've been paid more than what I'm asking as people love what their buying. I think I need to give my self a big slap across my cheek and get a grip and be more firm with pricing and my self esteem... I sold some lovely fishing coasters that took me hours to make each one then sold them for £8 each and really sold alot but after doing some maths I'd practically sold them for cost of supplies but it did give me joy but no profit they should have been £20/25 each as the last one I sold his partner also did resin art she told me do some maths your under charging but a mile it was then I realised . Do you have any tips (not videos please just general idea) on how to price my work if I added cost+time+my creativity is there a simple rule to get to = £££££ please 😉 TYIA 🤞❤️👌and keep up the good work Steve McDonald 🫶
This is very interesting. Could I ask your advice, please? I sell coasters, jewelry, bookmarks, magnets at local markets. When I display them, is it better to keep similar colors together, or randomly place different colored coasters over the table? Thanks a bunch.
Would be fun to se a video where you are at a fare selling your creations
Great pieces and great advice.
I feel blessed to be able to make what I love and have them sell really well too, Skulls 💀 💜
Can you do a tutorial on the burnishing paint you did on the dark coaster and yellow pendants please!
No need for a tutorial, hun. It's acrylic paint. He used white, but you can also use metallic acrylic paints, as well.. Just rub it in, dry it, rub surface off with soft cloth...et voilá, finis! You can even spray the surface with a clear varnish to protect the acrylic paint, or finish off with a thin top coat of resin. Heat resistant resin is good if you'll be doing this on coasters for hot drinks.
Oh, forgot! You can also use pastes for the rubbed designs!
Is jdiction any good for doming? I followed your earlier advice and started using resincolour and was impressed and wondered why you no longer recommend their resins.
JDiction is better and is ALL I use, both epoxy and UV.
What happened to the links for Canada?
Also, ppl don't forget that your time is worth something, so if you're putting things online Id definitely charge more. Many people forget the time it takes to properly photograph, edit, write descriptions, etc.
Another good tip is to include the shipping in the cost and offer free shipping. People are way more likely to buy from you this way and most major retailers do this (amazon to name one). I also like to include a not-so-perfect piece into it as a gift, something I wouldn't be comfortable selling (I have very high standards for my pieces and I won't sell pieces if they have air bubbles, etc) but that I think the customer would like to get for free. This also helps to get those very important reviews.
Absolutely good advice, and spot on with the "free" shipping.
Do you only use UV resing?
How do I set up online. No clue
Sir I can't find any place to sell them...please suggest me something that can actually work for me
What did you rub on to bring out the design?
Acrylic paint xx
Is resin yellowing if its not in the sun?
The resin in my cellar yellowed. 6 months unused so I'm guessing yes but certain brands may take longer to yellow.
@@dawnsherratt2317 i meant resin products, tnx
I made some mermaid magnets
Those beer brands are all trademarked. Isn't there potentially a problem with selling them as magnets?
I suffer from #2. I have made over 100 lapel pins but haven't sold any. I really like making them tho...
You may not be reaching the right people with the steampunk merch. That sort of thing is still popular among certain crowds. You'll still see people doing steampunk at comic cons and similar things.
Steve, weirdly enough, steam punk
and goth is very popular (still!) at most U.S. Renaissance Faires. Crazy, eh? Naturally, Medieval sells big, too. 😁 I wonder if hashtags like #RenFair(e), #Medieval, #steampunk, comiccons, etc...might tie your sales in with those who would buy them? I tell you what...those fancy resin knives (steampunked, or not) might go over really well!
Very interesting video on how to sell your products but people are getting more worried about paying bills than buying non essential items surely? 🦆💕
Then why are you watching?
@@fairyspunfibers9098 As someone who also sells crafts and has noticed a downfall in sales perhaps 🤔
❤️❤️❤️
👍
Great video very informative. I’m fairly new to RUclips how would I know whom all of my subscribers are? I’d love to show my gratitude in some sort of way.
Pleas help me
I'm to honest..I tell people how to do the painting or resin...
Thank you
I suffer with imposter syndrome. I love creating thing's.
I used to make jewellery, and trinkets, then bibs and dummy clips, now I love resin. Friends and family tell me my work is awesome, and I tend to think they are saying it because my they are my friends. Which is why I have hundreds of pieces ready to sell, but no confidence to actually sell. I worked for a popular ladies underwear and personal apparel in the UK, and I was great at it and was one of the top sellers in my area for quite some time. So its not the selling that's my issue. Any advice on how to get over it??
So helpful. Thank-you. ☺️