Do handmade gifts appeal to you?

November 11th, 2008 | by admin |

I love making calendars and envelopes, the decoration, by hand. However, with computers and everything nowadays, is this really an appealing option? I know many are doing their own scrapbooking but what about those who would love to have something like that but dont have the time? Would this option interest you? If so, how much would you pay? And any ideas how I can get this idea launched?
Let me clarify. I would use personal pictures that you would provide as well as scrap book paper, accessories and things just found around. I do this every year as a gift to my mom for Xmas. It takes me awhile seeing how i have 3 kids, but I do put effort into them. I dont just upload everything to a program. I actually use my own ink and time.

Scrapbook-style wedding albums could be quite profitable- something different from the traditional coffee-table book… (Brides will buy anything, likewise new mothers with a baby album/wall montage/etc.) Scrapbook-style wall pictures could be a neat smaller piece, for people on a lower budget.
I think you've got a good foundation there.

Oh, and don't fall into the trap of thinking "Who would pay that much for *that*?" Artists think that because they can make it, so why would they buy it? Go to an art show, and check out what people willingly pay, because they don't have the time/talent/expertise to make something themselves. That's your market, not so much fellow crafters who would have the guts to take on a project like that themselves.

As for how to get it launched, you might check with any galleries in the area- galleries that are kind of an artist's co-op, not a museum. They're often a motherlode of advice and resources (dates of local shows, and how to get in them, etc.)

  1. 9 Responses to “Do handmade gifts appeal to you?”

  2. By thegreatkurtis on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    yeah i know this guy that makes REAL REAL fancey pens.
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  3. By cooldog on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    electronics are the gifts of the future.
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  4. By mermer192 on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    That is a good idea. I would probably pay… well, it all depends on what is on the page. Like, maybe with just basic photos, background, writing, and maybe a border could like, cost 10 dollars. But ones that are all decked out with vellum, stickers, and metal stuff, maybe 20-30 dollars? I'm not really sure.
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  5. By forty8karats on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    Oh yeah, I know alot of people that love hand made items… I do….Look onto Ebay, there is quit alot of people that sell there own crafty things…. You can probably find out how to go about everything through them…..
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  6. By FaZizzle on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    Ask yourself: what do I have that other people can't do?

    I'm sure you make great gifts. I really do.

    But as long as there are craft stores, many people (including me) won't be interested.

    I would rather work on a project like that myself and feel so creative giving the gift to someone then buying it from someone who makes it for a profit.
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  7. By luvurself on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    I was thinking about starting a scrapbook collection for my final year of high school and college. I love making my own cards and scrapbooks by hand. They appeal to me basically because they seem more personal. Everyone is so hooked on the latest technology that they neglect the simple and creative things that don't involve technology. If you don't have the time to do scrapbooking, just work on a little bit at a time. Maybe just use a regular diary instead of a large scrapbook and insert ur favorite quotes, stories, poems, or pictures? I wouldn't pay too much for a scrapbook- no more than $25. U can get pics and quotes from magazines or print them from the computer. Buy cheap stickers or create ur own stamps (Office Depot and Big Lots have a lot of good supplies), or maybe u can go 2 Joann's Crafts or Michael's for lace, beads, or anything u want 2 make ur scrapbook/gifts decorative. Might I also recommend getting the Print Shop cd-rom. This cd has a lot of graphics and features u can use to make ur own cards, labels, and envelopes. Good blessings 2 u! I wish u the best and have fun :)
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  8. By JillyJilly2x4 on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    Selling arts and crafts that others (both experienced artists and the casual crafter) can make for themselves is really tough. Especially with the ease and availability of computers and various software programs–I would say it is even more difficult.

    You could stay really generic to appeal to more people, but then the price would need to be less because it would be less "special". And there are a billion companies that you would be competing with and they can sell mass market for low cost.

    If you do really fancy, personalized stuff, like scrap booking people do–you could charge more but would appeal to fewer folks. You could certainly sell to friends, family, co-workers, etc… Like a side job for a few bucks. But beyond that, selling crafts is more trouble than it is worth.

    Selling aside, I love getting gifts that my friends and family have made. Unfortunately, it still doesn't mean I would buy them.
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  9. By harelinefracture on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    You know something, the idea of giving a gift like this tends to appeal to crafty people who enjoy making it themselves. But I still believe you should try it. Simply putting out "feelers" on posts like craigslist wouldn't cost you anything.
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  10. By Megan S on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    Scrapbook-style wedding albums could be quite profitable- something different from the traditional coffee-table book… (Brides will buy anything, likewise new mothers with a baby album/wall montage/etc.) Scrapbook-style wall pictures could be a neat smaller piece, for people on a lower budget.
    I think you've got a good foundation there.

    Oh, and don't fall into the trap of thinking "Who would pay that much for *that*?" Artists think that because they can make it, so why would they buy it? Go to an art show, and check out what people willingly pay, because they don't have the time/talent/expertise to make something themselves. That's your market, not so much fellow crafters who would have the guts to take on a project like that themselves.

    As for how to get it launched, you might check with any galleries in the area- galleries that are kind of an artist's co-op, not a museum. They're often a motherlode of advice and resources (dates of local shows, and how to get in them, etc.)
    References :

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