Lucky for us, Anna is here to share with us her 12 favorite online resources for running a handmade business! Take it away, Anna!

Hi there, I’m Anna, the owner of Urban Stitches and today I’m excited to be here to offer you the top ten resources I use on a daily basis for my crafty business.

Tip: I actually run my online shop (and now brick and mortar shop too) in the evenings and on weekends after working a full time job. I find it difficult to remember (or find the time) to go and check 10 different blogs everyday that could have incredible and useful posts. My solution for this is to sign up for the e-mail feed of a blog I enjoy and find useful. That way each time they post to the blog, it comes to my e-mail inbox (which I check several times a day) and I can file it away in a folder for a specific type of tip. Maybe they sent a tip about photographing your product or easy and inexpensive advertising ideas. It’s fast and easy to create topic related folders in your inbox and file the posts away, even if you don’t get to read them right at that moment.

My 6 favorite crafty business blogs and sites

Etsy: This is one of the largest online selling communities and not only do they make it easy to sell your handmade items or supplies, they have great forums set up to help answer your questions.

Everything Etsy: Started by Kim and Tim, a cute couple with a knack for making the slightly overwhelming world of online selling (for small crafty businesses) much more easy to handle. With daily posts to feature Etsy sellers and an amazing list of their own tutorials and resources, this is a great resource to follow. I also love that this couple is so sweet when I e-mail them with a question, I know they have super busy lives, but they usually reply right away. They also offer an amazing deal on adveritising, $30 for 3 months as long as you are linking to an Etsy store. (Other pricing options available) Totally worth signing up for their e-mail feed, then all this great info comes to your e-mail inbox every day!

Meylah is an alternative to Etsy (or another place to show your stuff), their platform integrates a blog with your shop which is a unique feature. While they are growing as an online marketplace for handmade, they also write an amazing blog and have an incredible library of their posts all categorized for your viewing pleasure. This could be one of the best go-to resources out there.

Crafting an MBA is another great resource all in one place especially geared toward crafty businesses (obviously). Megan (the author) has several free eBooks for download and her posts are always helpful and inspiring.

IttyBiz (DISCLAIMER: This chick’s humor is a bit off color, if that offends you, then just skip this link! BUT she knows a lot and she’s successful, so if it doesn’t offend you, take a look) and IndieBizChicks (BONUS You get two for one here in case you didn’t want to visit the first one) Their description of their blog is “For women who’d rather work for themselves, than work for the man.” Isn’t that great? This is another great resource for social media tips and ideas, plus they offer advertising options and some online small biz classes.

Now let me pause here for a moment. I could continue to throw out a list of just crafty business blogs, but I want to offer a few more that I refer to that are related to other facets of owning a business, especially an online business.

My 4 favorite resources for running any kind of business

Copy Blogger is a fantastic resource about, well, how to write great, persuasive copy about your business or product. They post almost every day (another one I’m signed up for e-mails from) and they give wonderful tips about writing. This is usually one of the hardest things people face when they start trying to figure out how to market their stuff. “How do I write about it?” and “How do I write about it so that people will BUY it?” Even if you only skim their posts and file them away, I think you’ll find something will sink in and be useful. They also have a 20 lesson auto-send mini course called Internet Marketing for Smart People which is SUPER helpful as a reference guide about marketing. The best part is, all of this amazing information is FREE!

The Psychotactics blog will give you some insight into, as they put it “Why customers buy (and why they don’t)” Which will help you figure out how to get more people to buy from you! And really, we have to admit that as much as we LOVE to make items every day, if you’re trying to make any sort of return on that work you put into it, you’ll need to sell your goods.

Seth Godin, practically the father of Internet and permission marketing, offers almost daily insight about business and marketing topics. I’ve read a couple of his books and he makes the point that once you’ve gotten a customer’s permission to market to them, especially through e-mail lists that they opt in to, you have made it through a major part of the battle to get their attention in this busy world. This is a guy who was in charge of marketing for Yahoo for awhile, so he knows a little about this topic.

Outright is an amazing accounting website. It integrates with your PayPal account and lets you run reports that PayPal makes super difficult to do (such as searching for sales within your state to track sales tax). It also helps to have a good tax tool (such as Taxcaster) at your disposal to further simplify the accounting on the backend. These are very useful for those of us who would rather do other things (i.e. clean the toilets, or maybe sew something) instead of keeping track of the books.

And finally, 2 of my favorite business coaches:

There are a couple of business and life coaches who I follow through their blogs and e-mail newsletters. First is Michelle Ward (her company is called the When I Grow Up Coach, great name!) she focuses on helping you make the transition from a stable, safe career that you may not love so much, to a creative, less stable, but you love it like nothing else, kind of career. While most career coaches charge for their services, Michelle offers a lot of great tidbits through her newsletter.

Next, Alyson B. Stanfield from Art Biz Coach who has some amazing online classes about how to market your art (she especially focuses on artists but I find there is a ton of useful information that is helpful to non-artists as well). I recently completed the Blast Off! online course and just reading her daily posts was super inspiring for my business focus.

Well, there you have it folks. Those are actually 12 of the resources I use for information and inspiration with my small business. If you know of any that I left off, please feel free to share them in the comments. I’m sure there are many more that I am not aware of!

I hope you’ll come by and visit me on my Urban Stitches blog and maybe stop by and say “hi” on my Facebook page.

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Who needs an expensive wedding planner when you can roll up your sleeves and get creative? DIY projects are budget-friendly and allow you to infuse your wedding with your unique style and personality. From charming invitations to stunning flower arrangements and thoughtful wedding favors, a world of creative possibilities awaits you. So, grab your glue gun, and let’s dive into some inspiring ideas and projects that will make your wedding day unforgettable!

You Don’t Need to Be Crafty for DIY Wedding Projects

Many people believe they lack the necessary skills for wedding DIY projects. However, with the right approach and attitude, anyone can make it happen. For example, you can order templates from Esty to create invitations or signs. Additionally, you can easily assemble decoration kits with balloons, banners, and garlands. Enlist the help of a friend or two to put everything in place. You should only skip the DIY approach if you don’t like crafting. Wedding planning should be enjoyable, not stressful.

Cut Costs Through These DIY Projects 

While not everything in a wedding can be tackled through DIY, there are plenty of opportunities to add a personal touch. From invitations to the venue and everything in between, incorporating DIY elements can enhance the overall experience. For example, you may be lucky enough to find dream venues for a wedding owned by your family or friends. You don’t need a huge budget to find the perfect countryside home, cottage, or even a charming backyard that can serve as the backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. But before delving into venue considerations and more complex tasks, let’s start with some simple DIY projects that can be easily accomplished:

Invitations and Save-the-Dates

Design your digital wedding invitations using free templates and customize them with your details. You can print them at home or send them electronically.  

Wedding Decorations 

Craft your decorations using materials from craft stores or online marketplaces. For example, you can create centerpieces using seasonal flowers from your garden or local market and arrange them in mason jars or thrifted vases for a rustic look.

Wedding Favors 

Personalize your wedding favors with homemade gifts such as cookies, candles, or seed packets in custom packaging.

Bridal Bouquet and Floral Arrangements 

It’s easy to make your bouquets and boutonnieres by sourcing flowers from local markets or wholesalers. Numerous online tutorials can guide you through the process.

Wedding Photography 

It’s natural to want lasting memories of your special day. However, do those mementos to be in 4K? While professional photographers can capture stunning images, is it worth paying thousands of dollars? Consider asking a talented family member or friend with a good camera to handle the photography instead.

DIY Tips for Wedding Decor

The DIY creativity doesn’t have to stop at small details. With some inspiration and time, you can infuse a personal touch into your decor as well.

Consider using ribbons, flower petals, greenery, or candles for the aisle. Adorn seats with tulle, ribbon, or flowers at the end of each row. Define the altar area with an arch, chuppah, or folding screen, and accentuate it with potted plants, rustic logs, garlands, or tulle. Complete the setup with a signing table adorned with a cloth, bouquet, or greenery.

If you’re unsure how much decoration your venue will need, especially if you’ve only seen it as an empty room, remember that it will look drastically different when set up for your event. The dining tables, gift tables, and dance floor will take up space, and once you add tablecloths, dishes, and napkins, the room will feel fuller. However, you can still add color and style by creating unique favors or centerpieces for your tables.

Final Words

One of the best things about a DIY wedding is that you can see your vision come to life exactly as you imagined. While it requires effort, the challenges you come across along the way will become your funny anecdotes in the future. The satisfaction of a successful event, knowing you played a significant role in its planning and execution, far outweighs simply hiring a planner to do everything for you.

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DIY Locks & Security: What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

Trying to handle your home’s locks and security yourself might seem like a good way to save money, but it’s full of risks. You could end up doing some serious damage to your property, wasting both time and money and even hurting yourself. If you dive into a DIY project without the right know-how or someone to guide you, you could end up invalidating your home insurance or making the problem worse. It’s easy to be tempted by a quick DIY fix, but that often leads to more problems later. When you think about it, calling a locksmith specialist is smarter. Getting help from a licensed locksmith means you can count on getting the job done right, with a guarantee to back it up. Here are eight good reasons why you should hire a professional locksmith:

A Professional Locksmith Will Always Use the Correct Tools   

Quite often, homeowners attempt to install locks themselves after watching a video on YouTube that illustrates how easy the process may be. Using instruments that may not be up to the necessary grade might make seemingly straightforward tasks more difficult. A locksmith with training, experience, and a valid license will not only have the best equipment for the job but also the expert knowledge to use it appropriately.

Expert Locksmiths Are Often More Affordable than DIY Projects  

Hiring a professional locksmith is typically less expensive than attempting to handle the task yourself. Surprisingly, you will find that you often can’t beat their cheap locksmith prices either. This is particularly true when you consider the price of tools and supplies. A professional locksmith will likely finish the job far faster than you could, causing minimal inconvenience to your home routine. 

A Licensed and Reliable Locksmith’s End Product Is Guaranteed 

Homeowners can be confident that the work of a certified, reputable, and experienced locksmith will be guaranteed when they hire them to upgrade their home’s security. If there are any issues with the solutions they have offered, you can ask them to come back and finish the task to the agreed standard. The majority of locksmith guarantees include an industry-standard time frame that covers the finished work.

Locksmiths Provide 24/7 Emergency Repairs 

Sometimes, your need for a home security renovation is highly urgent. An emergency exists, and your current locks or security system needs to be replaced immediately. Whether it is severe weather or you are a few hours away from going on holiday, attempting a DIY project without the needed tools and parts is out of the question. At times like these, you can count on a locksmith professional to commit at short notice to provide the needed solutions.

Professional Work Enhances the Value of Your Home  

Should you decide to sell your home in the future, a realtor will inevitably request a full engineering appraisal to ensure it reaches the levels expected of a discerning buyer. Homeowners would be well advised to think about the future and hire locksmiths to do security installations, renovations, or repairs. This work will need to meet the highest local authority and industry standards. In the end, these improvements will enhance the aesthetic look and feel of the property, undoubtedly increasing the home’s future resale value.

Licensed Locksmiths Give Home Owners Peace of Mind 

Millions of homes are burglarized every year in the US, with the main point of entry being through the front door.  Don’t rely on any old lock or tradesman to provide for your home’s security. Hiring a licensed, seasoned locksmith will not only provide guaranteed work but also a high caliber of workmanship when installing reputable product brands. A locksmith will provide quick response solutions in case of emergencies, providing an increased sense of security and safety for the customer.

Professional Locksmiths Offer Expertise and Experience 

When you hire a locksmith, you are not just employing a tradesperson. You are tapping into a professional with a vast knowledge of the latest security technologies, many of which feature new and innovative features. Your locksmith can identify any vulnerabilities in your current home security system and provide solutions to them. He has many years of experience in handling a variety of lock and key issues. 

Customized Security Solutions from a Professional Locksmith

Your locksmith can assess all your home security needs, recommend personalized security measures suited to you and your home, and install security systems tailored to each homeowner’s specific needs. You can trust their experience and knowledge to provide you, the customer, with an honest and balanced plan for all your needs.

Final Thoughts   

When it comes to the safety of your home, there’s no room for shortcuts or compromises. While DIY projects can be rewarding and cost-effective in many areas, home security is not one of them. The risks associated with DIY locks and security are simply too high, and the consequences of a mistake can be severe. From potential property damage and personal injury to invalidated insurance and compromised security, the stakes are just too high.

Ultimately, the peace of mind that comes with hiring a licensed locksmith and knowing your home is securely protected is invaluable. Investing in professional locksmith services is a smart decision that pays off in the long run, safeguarding your property, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. So, when it comes to your home’s security, don’t take chances – opt for the reliability and expertise of a professional locksmith.

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The Mechanism Behind Faraday Boxes

To understand how these devices work, it’s important first to familiarize yourself with relay theft. This method is commonly used to steal vehicles with keyless entry systems. These systems operate by recognizing short-range radio waves emitted from key fobs. In a relay attack, two thieves work together using a signal amplifier to boost the radio signal from the key.

Next, with the help of a signal transmitter, the crooks will pick up the signal, impersonate the genuine key, get into the car, and drive off with it. For all these steps to occur, car thieves must pick up the signal inside your house, where the keys are located, usually next to the front door or kitchen. By cleverly pointing the amplifier in the right direction, they can pick up the keyless ignition car’s signal from the key from a remote distance without having to break into the house and manually grab the keys.

The Faraday box or bag can successfully prevent this from happening. It blocks the signal from the key and prevents it from leaving inside the box, making relay theft almost impossible. The main idea behind these boxes and pouches is identical to the more popular Faraday cages. They are both enclosures designed to stop signals from entering or exiting the inside of the respective box or bag.

How to DIY a Faraday Bag

Carefully choose your favorite top-quality conductive fabric, as its purpose is to block all electromagnetic signals by creating effective shields. You will also need a sewing kit to turn the raw materials into a fully functional Faraday bag. Make sure it includes threads, needles, and sewing accessories you need to craft the layers.

You will also need a pair of sharp scissors and a quality zipper or Velcro to create the closure mechanism that will seal the bag and leave zero room for electromagnetic penetration. 

Start by measuring the fabric to the desired size of the bag. Consider how many keys you want to store inside. Carefully cut two identical pieces of fabric for the inner and outer layers of the bag. Sew the inner layer with the conductive fabric to ensure functionality. Sew three sides of the fabric together and leave the top open. The seams must be secure, so do not leave any gaps. You can also add pockets to the inner layers to store several key fobs.
The Faraday effect will only work if you have an effective closure mechanism at the top of the interior layer. For this, use either velcro or sew a zipper; just make sure that it effectively closes this layer. Next, sew the outer layer with decorative fabric for a more aesthetically pleasing effect. For this, sew together three sides of this fabric and leave the top open to match the design of the inner layer.

For the final step, assemble the DIY Faraday bag by perfectly placing the inner conductive layer inside the outer layer, ensuring they align along the open edges. Stitch around the bag’s top edge to fasten the layers together and trim all the excess fabric for a more polished look.

Consider using aluminum or copper or aluminum but steer clear from anodized aluminum. If you want to use a mesh, see that the holes are smaller than 1/10 the signal’s wavelength. For example, in North America, car remotes send their signal at 315 megahertz, corresponding to a wavelength of approximately 0.95 meters. This means a mesh with holes smaller than 9.5 centimeters should function fine.

Explore more amazing DIY projects here.

Make a Faraday Box 

You could also try a simpler DIY method by making your Faraday box. Usually, Faraday boxes are built with a type of metal lining, the specific materials depending on their manufacturer. However, you can make an effective Faraday box by lining a small box with at least three layers of aluminum foil.
For this model, you will also need to cut and lay 5mm aluminum mesh on the bottom of the box and its sides, ensuring that you overlap them by a couple of inches. Use some wood staples to keep them in place, then lay two layers of mesh while overlapping the holes in between them so they are even tighter. Once the key fob is placed inside the new DIY Faraday box, the touch-to-open access of the car will stop working, thus preventing potential thieves from using the relay theft method. While a box lined with aluminum foil might give better car protection and reliability results, a nicely designed mesh box is also expected to work well enough, so the choice is ultimately yours. 

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Faraday box is a straightforward, cost-effective approach that offers full customization and enhances your vehicle’s security. By understanding how Faraday boxes work and following simple instructions to make your own DIY Faraday bag, you can significantly improve the protection of your vehicle against relay theft and other electronic attacks. To stay ahead of car hackers, consider taking proactive steps to secure your vehicle. You can also contact a reliable automotive locksmith for additional car security tips or practical assistance with your key fobs, car locks, ignition cylinders, or any alarm and security device.

Related: Avoiding DIY Disasters: Why Professional Locksmiths Are Essential for Home Security

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The allure of wooden nativity sets for garden spaces

Getting a wooden nativity set up in your garden begins with finding the right design that complements your outdoor space. You want a set that not only captures the sacred narrative but also harmonizes with the natural surroundings. There’s a certain charm in choosing wood as the material for your figures; it offers a rustic, timeless feel that plastic or metal can’t replicate. Wood also melds seamlessly with the outdoor environment, creating an authentic and inviting scene for all who pass by.

Apart from their beauty, wooden nativity sets serve as a focal point in garden decor, bonding the aesthetics of natural wood with the spirituality of the season. The visibility of such sets can also vary from a modest arrangement near a walkway to a striking scene in a central garden spot, making them versatile components of holiday decor. Their integration into the garden’s landscape invites a pause in the day, a moment to admire craftsmanship while reflecting on the story they represent.

Selecting the perfect spot for your set – blending decor and nature

Spot selection for your nativity scene can be as important as the set itself. Look for a space that is both visible and contemplative. Perhaps by a garden bench under a canopy of trees or nestled within a flowerbed that continues to bloom in cooler months – these spots can enhance the spiritual connection for those who pause to view your display. Think about how the changing daylight affects the appearance of your set, and consider how it’ll look under a blanket of snow if you’re in a colder region.

When identifying the ideal location within the garden, consider the interplay of seasonally changing plants and the nativity set. A backdrop of evergreens might provide a permanent, year-round color accent, while deciduous trees offer a changing scenery reflecting the passage of seasons. Furthermore, choosing a location with a stable surface is crucial to ensure your figures remain upright through varying weather conditions, safeguarding your tranquil nook against the elements.

DIY tips for crafting durable outdoor decorations

For enthusiastic crafters, making your own nativity figures is a rewarding DIY project. Start with selecting weather-resistant wood types, like cedar or redwood, to ensure longevity. Sketch your designs beforehand; simple silhouettes are often most effective for larger displays. Then, with a jigsaw, carve out your figures and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Remember, when crafting, the act itself is a form of meditation and expression of your holiday spirit.

For those who revel in adding a personal touch to their holiday displays, do not forget about the scale and proportion of your nativity set when planning your DIY project. Aim for a balanced scene that neither overwhelms the garden space nor gets lost within it. Also, incorporating family members or friends in the creation process can heighten the holiday cheer, resulting in not just a nativity set but also cherished memories of shared craftsmanship.

Weatherproofing your nativity: preserving your set through the season

Once your figures are carved, preservation is key. Apply a sealant suitable for outdoor wood to protect them from the harsh elements. You can either leave the wood in its natural state for a more organic look or paint your figures with weatherproof exterior paints. Keep in mind that color choices can either make your set boldly stand out or gently blend in with the wintery palette of your garden.

Integrating lighting for a serene nighttime display

As dusk settles in, your nativity doesn’t have to fade into the shadows. Strategic lighting can cast a gentle glow on your wooden figures, creating an ambient focus for evening reflection. Solar-powered garden lights are a wonderful eco-friendly option, providing just enough light without overpowering the scene. Imagine the soft luminescence guiding visitors or your own footsteps to this special corner of your garden.

Step-by-step guide to crafting your nativity figures

To start your crafting journey, gather inspiration for your figures from nativity stories or imagery you feel connected to. Translate these visuals into paper patterns that can be traced onto your choice of wood. Cutting out these figures is a loving process, one where every stroke of the saw is filled with anticipation of the joy they’ll bring. Sanding the edges not only prepares the figures for sealing or painting but is also a tactile reminder of the upcoming celebrations.

Personalizing your set: adding unique touches

Adding personal touches to your nativity set can be a beautiful way to reflect your individuality or family traditions. Consider adorning your figures with materials from your garden—like a crown of twigs for a wise man or a blanket of dried flowers for the baby’s manger. These details invite storytelling and can be a great conversation starter with loved ones and neighbors who come to admire your handiwork.

Meditation and reflection beside your garden nativity set

With your nativity set in place, your garden can become a sanctuary for meditation and reflection. Evenings spent beside the soft illumination of your crafted figures provide a respite from the seasonal rush. It’s a chance to breathe in the crisp air and consider the deeper meanings of the holidays, the blessings in life, and the hopes for the new year. This simple addition to your garden can become a haven of tranquility, where even a few minutes can refresh the spirit.

In crafting an outdoor nativity set, you’re not just creating a decorative piece; you’re fashioning a catalyst for calm and continuity amidst the holiday frenzy. It serves as a visual reminder of what the season is truly about, offers a crafty challenge, and potentially becomes a beloved tradition. So this year, as you hang the garlands and string the lights, consider carving out space in your garden for reflection—a wooden nativity set could be the perfect anchor for your home’s holiday spirit.

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