Boost Your Craft Business: Tech Hacks, Plantable Packaging & Event News

What’s Making The News

This Week’s Round-up of Maker News Stories

1. New Craft Show Venue: Acclaimed Shropshire event finds a fresh location – discover the details

2. Festive Fun for the Family: Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair returns with a bang – find out more

3. Cricut Bargain Alert: Save £100 on a Cricut Maker Bundle now – grab the offer

4. Flintshire's New Artisan Market: Discover local talent at this month's launch – learn more

5. Pandora Goes Green: 100% recycled silver and gold now in use – read the story

6. Artists & Makers Wanted: Apply now for Lanarkshire's craft event – apply here

7. The Next Potteries Centre Revamp: New retail unit set to open – see what's coming

8. Toy Fair 2025 Registration: Sign up to attend the biggest event for toy makers – register today

Tip Of The Week

Streamline Your Craft Business with Zapier: A Maker’s Best-Kept Secret

Do you ever feel like you’re spending more time managing your shop than crafting? As Makers, we know our passion lies in creating beautiful, handmade pieces.

But running a business often means juggling endless tasks—order tracking, social media, customer messages—the list goes on. Imagine if you could automate some of this and free up time for what you love most.

Meet Zapier, your new secret weapon for automating repetitive tasks.

What is Zapier?

Zapier is an online automation tool that connects your favourite apps and services so they work together effortlessly. Think of it as a digital assistant handling the boring stuff behind the scenes—no coding needed!

Whether you’re managing a Shopify store, sending newsletters, or keeping up with your Instagram feed, Zapier helps take the busywork off your plate.

How to Get Started with Zapier

Getting set up is easy:

1. Visit Zapier’s website and click "Sign Up"

2. Create an account using your email, Google, or Microsoft

3. Log in, explore the available integrations, and create your first "Zap" (automated workflow)

Zapier offers plans for all budgets:

• Free Plan: 5 Zaps, 100 tasks per month – great for Makers starting with automation

• Starter Plan: £19.99/month – 750 tasks and 20 Zaps for a bit more flexibility

• Professional Plan: £49/month – 2,000 tasks and unlimited Zaps for growing businesses

It’s worth starting with the free plan to see how much time you can save.

Automate Your Shopify Orders

Running a Shopify store? Zapier can automatically add new customer details to your mailing list, update your stock levels, and even send out a custom ‘thank you’ email—all without you lifting a finger.

You’ll cut down on admin and be confident nothing falls through the cracks.

Manage Your Social Media with Ease

As a Maker, social media is your shop window, but keeping up with posts can feel like a full-time job. With Zapier, you can automate cross-posting.

Share your latest Instagram photo to your Facebook page and Twitter in one go—saving you from having to log in and post separately. It keeps you visible across platforms without the extra work.

Get Ready for Craft Fairs with Less Stress

Busy prepping for your next Makers market? Zapier can help you stay organised. Set up a Zap to create a checklist in your to-do app whenever you book a new event.

Add tasks like "prepare stock," "print business cards," or "set up display." You’ll always know what needs doing—and never forget the essentials.

Ready to simplify your day-to-day business tasks? Try out Zapier’s free plan and see how much time you can free up for making. The less time spent on admin, the more time you have for creating.

What’s the first Zap you’ll try? Share your ideas in the comments and let’s support each other in building more efficient, creative businesses!

Purposeful Packaging

Plantable Packaging: Helping UK Makers Grow Their Sustainability

Looking for a way to make your packaging more eco-friendly while also giving customers a reason to smile? Plantable packaging might be just what you need.

This sustainable option not only protects your handmade products but also transforms into wildflowers, herbs, or even vegetables once its job is done.

A Unique Packaging Solution

Plantable packaging isn’t just about looking good—it serves a dual purpose. Made from biodegradable materials embedded with seeds, it offers a practical and earth-friendly alternative to conventional packaging.

Imagine your customers’ delight when the wrapper from your product grows into flowers, creating a lasting connection with your brand!

Why Go Plantable?

Choosing plantable packaging is about more than cutting waste. It actively promotes biodiversity and supports pollinators, making it a small change with a big environmental impact.

While traditional packaging often ends up in landfills, this option gives back to the environment as it decomposes.

What Can You Use?

Here are some popular plantable packaging options available for Makers in the UK:

• Seed Paper Tags: Great for attaching to your handmade creations.

• Seed Paper Bags: A charming, eco-friendly option for smaller items or gifts.

• Seed Paper Shapes: Add these to your packaging for a decorative touch.

By adding these elements, you create a memorable unboxing experience while helping the planet.

Things to Consider

When picking plantable packaging for your business, keep in mind:

• Choose UK native seeds to support local wildlife.

• Ensure it’s made from 100% recycled paper for maximum sustainability.

• Look for FSC certification for responsible sourcing.

• Opt for custom printing to keep your branding front and centre.

Where to Buy Plantable Packaging

Here are some top UK suppliers offering a variety of plantable packaging options:

• The Tiny Box Company: A favourite among Makers, The Tiny Box Company offers plantable packaging options like seed paper tags, shapes, sheets, and bags.
  
  All their products are made from 100% recycled materials and embedded with wildflower seeds, making it easy for you to add a green touch to your brand.
  

• UK Seed Paper: Specialising in eco-friendly packaging, UK Seed Paper provides a range of options, including seed paper belly bands, product inserts, and swing tags.
  
  Their paper is embedded with UK-native wildflower seeds, ideal for supporting local pollinators.

• Leoprinting: Known for their custom-made seed paper boxes, Leoprinting offers bespoke packaging solutions in various sizes, with full-colour printing.
  
  They provide both standard and tailor-made options to meet your specific needs, helping you stand out while staying green.

Is It Worth the Cost?

While plantable packaging can be slightly more expensive than traditional options, many Makers find the extra cost justified.

Customers are often willing to pay a bit more for eco-friendly packaging, especially when it offers an interactive and memorable experience. It’s an investment in both your brand’s image and customer loyalty.

Ready to Go Plantable?

So, are you ready to make the switch to plantable packaging? Whether you’re adding seed paper tags or fully customised boxes, this sustainable solution offers a simple way to reduce your environmental footprint and delight your customers.

We’d love to hear how you’re adding sustainability to your business. Let’s keep growing a greener future for UK Makers!

Makers Events & Shows

Get Ready for a Festive Extravaganza: Good Housekeeping Live with Country Living Christmas Market!

Are you dreaming of the perfect way to kick off your Christmas celebrations? Look no further than London's all-new festive event: Good Housekeeping Live with Country Living Christmas Market.

This four-day extravaganza promises to be the ultimate holiday experience, combining great conversations, show-stopping shopping, and festive fun for the whole family.

Event Details 

Dates: 13th - 16th November 2024

Location: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH

Ticket Prices: 

• Silver Ticket: £25.00

• Gold Ticket: £35.00

• VIP Ticket: £45.00

• Children (aged 0 - 16 years): Free

• Concession (Carer): Free via application

• Buy tickets here.

Opening Hours: 

• Wednesday 13th November: 09:30 - 17:00

• Thursday 14th November: 09:30 - 18:00

• Friday 15th November: 09:30 - 18:00

• Saturday 16th November: 09:30 - 18:00

A Festive Fusion of Two Iconic Brands

For the first time ever, two beloved British brands are joining forces to create an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Good Housekeeping and Country Living have combined their expertise to bring you an event that's bigger and better than ever before. Isn't it exciting when two greats come together?

Star-Studded Conversations and Festive Fun

Fancy rubbing shoulders with your favourite TV stars, authors, and experts? This is your chance! Get ready for engaging talks, festive craft workshops, and mouthwatering cooking demonstrations.

And if you're in the mood for some pampering, we've got you covered. After all, who doesn't love a bit of celebrity sparkle during the festive season?

The Heart of the Event: Country Living Christmas Market

At the core of this festive extravaganza lies the Country Living Christmas Market. Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of unique gifts, stocking fillers, and irresistible treats for your home.

With hundreds of Country Living's favourite British artisan Makers, you're sure to find something special for everyone on your list. It's like Santa's workshop come to life!

Exhibit Your Creations

Are you a talented Maker or small business owner? Why not showcase your products at this prestigious event? With a rich history of supporting artisans since 1991, the Country Living Christmas Market offers a fantastic platform for growth.

You'll have the opportunity to reach over 15,000 engaged shoppers from both the Country Living and Good Housekeeping audiences. Interested? You can apply for a stand by filling out the application form here.

For more details, contact Maria and Sophie at [email protected].

Accessibility and Getting There

The Business Design Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Islington, with excellent public transport links. Whether you're coming by bus, tube, or train, you'll find it easy to reach. For those driving, there's a secure 250-space car park on-site.

Don't forget to pre-book your parking space to avoid disappointment!

Are you ready to start your Christmas celebrations in style? Join us for a fabulous, packed day out at Good Housekeeping Live with Country Living Christmas Market.

With a range of ticket options to suit every budget, there's no reason to miss out on this festive treat. After all, isn't it time you treated yourself to some yuletide cheer?

Makers Essentials

Banner Brilliance: How to Make Your Market Stall Stand Out

Ever wondered how some market stalls catch your eye straight away? It’s often down to one simple thing: a great banner.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been selling your handmade products for a while, a banner is one of the best investments you can make. After all, your stall has just seconds to make an impression – and a banner helps you do just that!

So, what makes a banner great, and how can you create one without breaking the bank?

Why Your Banner Matters

Your banner acts like a shop window, giving customers a glimpse of what you offer before they’ve even taken a step closer. It’s not just about slapping your logo on some fabric and calling it a day – it’s about creating a visual cue that says, “Yes, this is worth stopping for!”

Here’s how you can make sure your banner draws in the right crowd.

Key Tips for a Banner that Works

Keep It Simple - The best banners aren’t crammed with details. Focus on your business name, logo, and a short tagline or social media handle. Anything too busy will confuse customers.

 Size Up Your Stall - Before ordering a banner, measure the space where it will go. A standard size for market stalls is around 2-3 metres wide. Too small and it gets lost, too large and you might struggle with setup.

Durability Matters - Think about the good old British weather – you’ll need something that can handle a bit of rain and wind! Look for vinyl or heavy-duty fabric that’s waterproof and won’t fade in the sun.

A Quick Look at Costs and Sizes

As you can see, there’s an option for every budget.

Online and Offline Presence

Don’t forget to tie your banner into your online world too. A simple QR code linking to your website or Instagram can make it easy for customers to find you after the market. It’s a little thing, but it can make a big difference in building long-term relationships.

What’s Your Banner Story?

Have you created a banner that helped boost your sales? We’d love to hear about it! Share your experiences and tips with us, and you might just inspire another Maker to take their stall to the next level.

AI For Makers

Unlock Your Maker Potential with Google NotebookLM

Have you ever wished you had a spare pair of hands to help run your creative business? Google’s NotebookLM could be just the ticket!

This AI-powered tool is designed to make your life as a Maker easier, whether you’re busy crafting unique products or juggling all the day-to-day tasks that come with running a small business.

Think of it as your virtual assistant, brainstorming partner, and productivity booster, all rolled into one.

Here’s how NotebookLM can give you a leg up in your craft and help keep your business ticking along smoothly.

What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is an AI-powered note-taking and research assistant from Google. Launched in 2023, it’s been making waves in the productivity world for its ability to become an “expert” on your content.

What sets it apart? It’s clever enough to analyse a range of documents – from PDFs to YouTube videos – and give you instant insights without you having to lift a finger.

Key features include:

• Source Versatility: Upload PDFs, Google Docs, Slides, YouTube videos, and even audio files.

• AI-Powered Audio Summaries: It generates audio summaries based on your content, which can be shared with others.

• YouTube Integration: Summarises video transcripts and lets you dig deeper into the details.

• Multilingual Support: Works with documents in different languages, even though the interface is in English.

Why is NotebookLM Different?

NotebookLM goes one step further by tailoring its responses based on the specific content you upload.

Whether you’re writing product descriptions, conducting market research, or planning your next business steps, NotebookLM acts like your very own AI assistant.

Plus, your data stays private, so no need to worry about any funny business. And with its powerful multimodal capabilities, it can handle all sorts of input without batting an eyelid.

Supercharge Your Product Descriptions

Stuck for words when it comes to describing your handmade creations? We’ve all been there. With NotebookLM, you can upload your product images and notes, and it will whip up engaging descriptions that capture the essence of your work.

You can even tweak the style for different platforms like Etsy, Instagram, or your website. Bob’s your uncle!

Master Your Market Research

Doing market research can be a bit of a faff, but NotebookLM makes it a breeze. Upload articles, ask questions, and get instant insights into trends, customer preferences, and emerging niches. It’s like having your very own research bod – minus the paperwork!

Create Compelling Content for Your Brand

Content creation often feels like it takes up half your time. NotebookLM can help lighten the load! Whether it’s crafting social media posts, blog ideas, or even podcast scripts, this AI assistant helps you keep your audience engaged with fresh, snappy content. Handy, isn’t it?

Organise Your Business Plans

As a Maker, you’ve got your finger in a lot of pies. NotebookLM can help you keep it all in check by organising your business goals, financial data, and future plans.

Upload your documents, and it’ll break things down into bite-sized strategies or set quarterly objectives. It’s like having a business coach in your pocket – sorted!

Ready to Give It a Go?

Why not give NotebookLM a whirl? Upload a few documents related to your handmade business and see how it can help boost your productivity. Who knows – it could be the tool that takes your Maker business to the next level!

Remember, AI is here to help, not take over. Your creativity and skill are what make your handmade products special.

Are you ready to let AI give you a helping hand and free up more time for what you love?

Special Offers

Going forward we’ll list all the top discounts and offers that we come across for supplies, events and other items that our savvy community can make use of and save some of those hard-earned pennies and pounds.

1. 28% OFF Adult Ticket - Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace 13th October - See offer.

2. Save up to £62 OFF Gala Tent PDX Gazebos, with many now at £180 (down from £242!) - Grab yours here.

3. 20% OFF when you order 3 or more paper tapes at Cascayde PLUS get and EXTRA 10% OFF using this link.

4. Eco-Craft Clearance Lines - reductions on pillow boxes, craft envelopes, tags, boxes & more

5. Tiny Box Company clearance lines - up to 50% OFF selected end of line items - worth a view for a bargain or two.

6. Craftmill Clearance Offers - wooden items and boxes ready for lasering, painting, pyrography etc

Popular Articles

Below you’ll find links to some of our most popular past articles and features. We hope you love them as much as others do:

1. Cracking the Pricing Code - Are You Selling Yourself Short?

2. Harnessing AI for Your Social Media Posts

3. Six Alternatives To Etsy In The UK

4. Blocking Unwanted Facebook Spam

5. Secure Your Market Stall Like A Pro

6. Collecting Leads at Markets/Events

7. Using QR Codes On Your Stall