Before actually starting your own crafting business, some issues should be addressed. First, never infringe on someone else's copyrights. For example, you shouldn't take someone else's crochet pattern and sell it as your own. Most of the time you aren't even allowed to make the item from the pattern and sell the crocheted item you made. It's illegal. If you have the designer's permission, preferably in writing, it may be okay according to their guidelines. I've seen crafters do this sort of thing often, especially newbies. Please understand that this is theft and it's just downright wrong and unthoughtful.
Everyone has some creativity within themselves so learn to focus on your own design ideas. After a little practice it comes naturally without even thinking about it. Inspiration can come from anywhere--nature, family, through talking with someone else, television, magazines, etc.
"Necessity is the mother of invention." This is true and often this is where you will begin to develop for own ideas. Let's say, for instance, you can't find curtains the right size or the right look for your bedroom. Maybe you have an oddshaped window or ceiling (such as in an attic) so you decide you can come up with something yourself. Then you begin to experiment with a bedsheet. Soon you find the exact look you were after for free instead of paying big bucks for something you wouldn't be satisfied with in the first place.
Design ideas are like that with any craft. They flow through you once you learn to develop your creativity. Start thinking and creating!
As you get into selling your own crafts you might realize it gets difficult to keep your stock inventory up, especially if you work alone. I have run into this problem several times during running and operating my own craft business.
How do I remedy this problem? Well, there are several ways to supplement your inventory with quality-made products that aren't necessarily your own. There are several companies out there who supply different products for developing your own home business. Most of the time the company will provide complete training and there's actually low inventory requirements to get started.
Most crafters are concerned about sales and we don't need additional responsibilities or headaches. However, if you can provide additional income at your shows with someone else's quality products, then what do you have to lose? Personally, I try to avoid cheaply made products you can find made elsewhere.
Whether you decide to supplement your inventory with products from this company or another one, please do your research and find out where the products come from and what they are made of. Sometimes you will find lead, which is poisonous, in items such as jewelry. Be careful out there and consider all dangers when crafting and reselling.
Never claim someone else's work as your own. If you do decide to sell products made elsewhere, please don't claim the item as your own work. That is illegal and just downright mean. Think of it this way--it is stealing. You wouldn't want or even expect someone to claim an idea or design that you've been developing for months or even years. Sometimes it takes that long to come up with something fabulous and it's hard work too. Give credit to the person or company who invested all of that time, hard work and money.
Follow certain common sense guidelines and you'll have a wonderfully growing craft business in no time.
