This is the second in a series I’m writing about Contagious: Why Things Catch On, by Jonah Berger. This book is truly excellent, steeped in research and yet easy to understand. I recommend getting a copy. In these posts I’m working to apply the theories in Contagious to creative businesses. You can read the first…
Applying Concepts from Contagious by Jonah Berger to Creative Businesses: The Power of Emotion
It’s gotten really crowded in here. Lots of people are talking about the same thing and they’re talking all at once. How can we possibly sift through the noise and find the best stuff when this sea of craft content is constantly rushing past? If you run an online business, like I do, this is…
Book Review: Flip Dolls and Other Toys
“That’s so clever!” If you hear this remark when you show someone what you’ve made you know you’ve done it right. We are drawn to things that are designed with an element of surprise. Think about some of the evergreen toy designs, like the jack-in-the-box. No matter how old you are, you’re going to smile…
How to Review a Craft Book: A Blogger’s Guide
When you have a craft blog you should constantly be thinking of ways to create value for your readers. Writing a project tutorial, showing a special technique or tool, or explaining your design process helps readers know that they can turn to you for expertise. A look at your studio space or a show-and-tell of…
Party Origami by Jessica Okui
Before I found sewing, I was really into origami. I think something about making three-dimensional shapes from a flat piece of paper has always appealed to me. Back in 2002 when we got married I folded 145 origami irises to use as placecards at our wedding. And when I taught middle school I held an…
Book Review: I Just Like To Make Things by Lilla Rogers
Two weeks ago I was at a coffee shop with my two younger daughters. I glanced at my Twitter stream and saw that Lilla Rogers has a book out. Lilla Rogers. Photo by Sharon Jacobs. I knew about Lilla Rogers because she’s the illustration agent for two long-time bloggers whose careers I’ve followed from way…
Pattern Review: Polar Bears by Betz White
One of the best ways to learn to design your own sewing patterns is to sew from other people's patterns. The more patterns you use, the more you learn. Sometimes I go long stretches just doing my own design work and forget that this is true. Last week Betz White sent me a copy of…
Book Review: Storybook Toys by Jill Hamor
I first knew that Jill Hamor was a good toy designer when I saw the Lisa and Corduroy set she made on her blog. This doll and bear so perfectly capture the nostalgic sweet look of Don Freeman’s illustration I was really blown away. It’s simply stunning work and I’ve been reading Jill’s blog, bybido,…
How Writing a Tagline for Your Business Can Help You Define Your Mission
I got Kari Chapin’s new book, Grow Your Handmade Business: How to Envision, Develop, and Sustain a Successful Creative Business, for my birthday in August and read it cover to cover. This book is a follow-up to Kari’s first book, The Handmade Marketplace. Seven years into my handmade business I have lots of ideas for…
Book Review: How To Make Stuffed Animals by Sian Keegan
How to Make Stuffed Animals is one of the only new softie books on the market this season (perhaps the only sewing-based softie book?). It was written by Sian Keegan, who has made a name for herself creating plush pet portraits, and is published by Quarry. 3D Pet Portraits of Long-Haired Pets by Sian Keegan…