Unlock Your Etsy Potential: Top Strategies Inside!

Good Evening Makers.

Apologies for the slight delay in this week's newsletter. We had quite the adventure over the bank holiday weekend, taking the trusty campervan into the mountains.

Between the high winds whistling through the peaks and the lack of signal in the valleys, getting online was like trying to thread a needle in a gale! But we're back now, with windswept hair and a fresh batch of crafty news.

So, grab a cuppa and enjoy this edition of Makers Digest - a little late, but infused with mountain air and maker inspiration. Thanks for bearing with us!

This week's newsletter is packed with exciting features tailored to help you thrive in our ever-evolving UK Makers community.

From mastering Etsy growth strategies to boost your online sales, to exploring the eco-friendly credentials of glassine bags for sustainable packaging, we've got you covered.

Dive into insights on securing your pop-up market stall like a pro and join us on a journey to discover the wonderful creations of our latest featured seller, Spirit of the Ocean Art.

We also lift the lid on the upcoming Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) in Manchester, a must-attend event for craft enthusiasts and makers alike.

Plus, don't miss our exploration of how AI can save you time and increase productivity in your maker business, from design prototyping to content creation.

This edition is brimming with inspiration, practical advice, and special offers to elevate your craft. Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can help take your business to the next level!

Purposeful Packaging

Sustainable Packaging Made Simple: Why UK Makers Love Glassine

Ready to wrap your creations in something that's as kind to the planet as it is to your products? Let's chat about glassine bags - the unsung heroes of sustainable packaging for UK makers!

Glassine Bags: Your Green Packaging Superhero

Whether you're crafting cards that make people smile, soaps that make them smell divine, or artisanal goodies that make their taste buds dance, we've got a packaging solution that'll make Mother Nature high-five you. Enter glassine bags!

What's the Deal with Glassine?

Picture this: bags made from 100% biodegradable and recyclable paper, born from pinewood cellulose. They're smooth, they're translucent, and they're about to become your new best friend. It's like wrapping your creations in eco-friendly magic!

Green Cred That'll Make You Grin

• Biodegradable and Compostable: These bags break down faster than you can say "sustainable crafting". No nasty leftovers, just happy worms!

• Recyclable: Chuck 'em in with your paper recycling and feel like an eco-warrior.

• Plastic-Free: Wave goodbye to clingy plastic and hello to a smaller carbon footprint.

• Sustainably Sourced: Many come with PEFC certification. That's fancy talk for "responsible forest management".

Why Every Maker Should Consider Glassine

• Jack of All Trades: These bags are the Swiss Army knife of packaging. Soaps, cards, sweets, craft bits - you name it, glassine can wrap it!

• Tough Cookie: While not completely waterproof, they'll keep moisture and grease at bay. Perfect for those delicate makes!

• Make It Your Own: Slap on a sticker, add a label - let your brand personality shine through!

Show Me the Money!

Now, let's talk brass tacks. Glassine won't break the bank:

• 50 bags (85mm x 132mm): About the price of a nice coffee (£2-£3)

• 500 bags (150mm x 250mm): Less than a family takeaway (£30-£35)

• 1000 bags (various sizes): From £40-£60 (depending on how big your creations are)

Wrap It Up

Glassine bags are your ticket to packaging perfection. They're kind to your products, easy on the eyes, and give Mother Nature a big ol' hug.

Plus, they show your customers you care about more than just making cash - you're more about that sustainable life!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some glassine, wrap up your wonderful creations, and watch your eco-friendly brand soar!

Your products (and the planet) will thank you. Now go forth and package responsibly, you crafty eco-warriors!

Where To Buy

• Eco Craft: Offers a variety of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable glassine bags made from 100% paper. Prices vary based on size, and they emphasize their eco-friendly credentials.

• Amazon UK: A wide selection of glassine bags is available, with prices ranging from £3 to £34+ depending on the quantity and type. This platform often has various sellers, so you can compare prices easily.

• KintsugiCo: Sells open-top glassine paper bags starting at £5.60 for specific sizes. They focus on eco-friendly packaging options.

• Envelopes Ltd: Offers flush top and peel-and-seal glassine bags priced at approximately £0.07 to £0.14 each, depending on the type and size. This site provides a range of options in different sizes.

• UK Postal Packaging: Features bulk options for glassine bags, such as a box of 1,000 bags for £44.80 to £66.44, depending on the size and style.

• Bedwyn Stamps: Provides packs of 25 or 50 glassine envelopes/bags for £1.95, focusing on eco-friendly materials.

Featured Seller

From Van Life to Ocean Life: Sabina's Beachy Resin Creations

Whilst strolling around the traders area of Vanlife Festival back in June, we were delighted to stumble across Sabina, and her Spirit of the Ocean Art stall.

Sabina specialises in ocean-inspired home decor and accessories, capturing the beauty of the sea in every piece using epoxy resin to craft realistic ocean waves, creating beautiful, functional items like wooden trinket dishes, cheeseboards, and serving trays.

Her work is not only visually stunning but also practical and with the exception of the items she sells on her stall, each item is made to order, ensuring attention to detail and a personalised touch.

In addition to her popular trinket dishes and boards, Sabina offers a range of unique ocean-themed items like bookmarks, coasters, and framed ocean art, all inspired by her love of the sea.

For those who want to infuse their space with coastal charm or gift a unique handmade item, Sabina’s Etsy shop is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the spirit of the ocean.

Whilst we saw first hand Sabina’s talent, creativity and attention to detail looking at her Etsy store when we got back from the Festival, we can see her customers also totally agree, praising not only the quality of her work but also her ability to custom-design pieces to match their vision.

With rave reviews (over 1,166 sales and a perfect 5-star rating) highlighting her stunning craftsmanship and attention to detail, it's clear that Sabina’s creations bring the calming beauty of the ocean into people's homes.

We certainly loved her work and hope to see her again at one of the many Makers markets we go to or at the next Vanlife Festival.

Visit Spirit of the Ocean Art on Etsy to explore Sabina’s creations.

Makers Trade Events & Shows

GNCCF 2024: Manchester's Magnificent Makers Extravaganza Turns 17!

Clear your calendars and dust off your shopping bags, because the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) is sweeping into Manchester this October! This isn't just any craft fair - it's the crème de la crème of contemporary craft events in the North, celebrating its 17th year of creative brilliance!

Event Details:

• Name: Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF)

• Dates: 17th to 20th October 2024

• Location: Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0FE, UK

Price:

• Advance Adult Ticket: £8 (plus booking fee)

• Advance Concession Ticket: £7 (plus booking fee)

• On the door Adult Ticket: £9.50

• On the door Concession Ticket: £8.50

• Preview Evening Ticket: £15 advance, £17 on the door

• Children under 16: Free (when accompanied by an adult)

Opening Hours:

• Preview Evening: Thursday 17th October, 18:00 - 21:00

• Friday/Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00

• Sunday 20th October: 10:00 - 16:00

Parking:

• Limited parking at the rear of the building

• Blue Badge holders can park in front of the building

• Multi-storey car park at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (5 min walk)

Accessibility:

• Ground floor accessible with hand-cranked lifts for wheelchairs and small mobility scooters

• Ramped access to front and rear of building

• Accessible toilets available

From 17-20 October, the stunning Victoria Baths in Manchester will transform into a wonderland of handmade treasures. We're talking four days of artistic amazement, showcasing the finest contemporary craft and design from 200 of the UK's most talented makers. It's like Aladdin's cave, but for craft lovers!

So, what can you expect? Prepare to be dazzled by an array of goodies including:

• Ceramics that'll make your cuppa feel positively regal

• Jewellery and silver that'll add sparkle to any outfit

• Textiles to make your home Instagram-worthy

• Glass, wood, and furniture pieces that are pure art

• And so much more your eyes won't know where to look first!

But wait, there's more! This year introduces "Great Northern Graduates," a curated selling exhibition of outstanding graduate work. Plus, "GREENGRADS in the North" returns, showcasing innovative eco-design ideas. It's like peeking into the future of craft!

Fancy a sneak peek before the crowds descend? Grab a Preview Evening ticket for Thursday, 17th October. It's your chance to rub shoulders with the makers themselves and maybe snag a piece before anyone else!

Tickets are on sale now here. And here's a hot tip: buy your tickets before 30th September for a chance to win £50 to spend at the fair!

So as someone who appreciates beautiful crafted creations, the GNCCF is your ticket to handmade heaven. Don't miss out on this celebration of creativity!

See you there, craft lovers! 🎉🖌️

Makers Essentials

How to Secure Your Pop-Up Market Stall Like a Pro

Running your own market stall can be exciting, but when the wind picks up (just like the Bank Holiday just gone!), keeping your gazebo secure can turn into a real headache.

We've all been there, watching helplessly as a gust of wind threatens to send our precious stock flying. But don’t worry – we’ve got some simple, effective ways to keep your stall safe and stable. Let’s dive in!

1. Invest in Leg Weights

Leg weights are a game-changer. These sturdy, interlocking weights sit snugly on the legs of your gazebo and can be stacked depending on how much extra ballast you need.

Pros:

• Easy to install and remove.

• Adjustable weight depending on the weather.

• Designed specifically for gazebos and market stalls.

Cons:

• Can be bulky to transport.

• May not provide enough stability in extreme winds unless combined with other methods.

View prices and reviews on Amazon

2. Try Water or Sand Weights

Gravity tube anchor weights are versatile and can be filled with water or sand where it might be available at events. Then if needed, after your event, just empty them for easier transport.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry when empty.

• Flexible – you choose the filling material.

• Adjustable weight by adding more or fewer weights.

Cons:

• Can leak if not properly sealed, especially when filled with water.

• Less compact than leg weights when filled.

View prices and reviews on Amazon

3. Use Heavy Duty Pegs (If You Can!)

If you’re lucky enough to be on grass, you can stake your gazebo down like a tent. It’s a simple and highly effective method and there are a variety of options to choose from.

Pros:

• Very stable if done properly.

• No extra equipment to carry, just the stakes.

• Ideal for grassy or soft ground.

Cons:

• Only works in grassy areas – no help on concrete or tarmac.

• Can be tricky to remove from the ground after a long day.

View prices and reviews on Amazon

4. Use Ratchet Straps for Extra Security

Ratchet straps can provide additional tension to keep your gazebo in place, especially in windier conditions. Simply attach the straps to the frame of the gazebo and anchor them to something solid, like stakes or heavy objects.

You can also use 2 ratchet straps diagonally from top to bottom corners to cross brace the sides of you gazebo for added rigidity and also on the outside or inside of the sidewalls to prevent the sides ballooning in or out with sudden gusts of wind.

Pros:

• Provides extra stability by pulling the frame tighter.

• Great for adding peace of mind in gusty weather.

Cons:

• Requires something to anchor to (like stakes or weights).

• Can be tricky to get the tension just right without over-tightening.

View prices and reviews on Amazon

5. Secure to a Nearby Vehicle

If your stall is set up next to your van or car, use that to your advantage! Attach your gazebo to the vehicle using strong bungee cords or ratchet straps.

Pros:

• Great for stalls on hard surfaces where you can't stake into the ground.

• Makes use of something you already have on-site.

Cons:

• Requires parking close to your stall.

• May limit the flexibility of where you can set up your stall.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, securing your stall is about finding what works best for you. Why not combine leg weights with water bags or stakes for extra peace of mind?

Whether you’re selling candles, jewellery, or homemade jams, keeping your stall safe means you can focus on the fun part – connecting with customers!

What’s your go-to method for weighing down your stall? Let us know – we love hearing your tips!

AI For Makers

How AI Can Save You Time and Increase Productivity

Last week we delved into the world of AI prompts - a game-changer for your handmade business, and this week we are looking at different ways you can use AI in your Maker business.

As a UK Maker, finding ways to streamline your business operations is key to staying productive while nurturing your creativity.

AI can help you do just that, saving time and improving efficiency in various areas of your business.

Efficient Design and Prototyping: 

AI image generation tools like Flux1 or DALL·E enable you to quickly generate design ideas without the need for time-consuming manual sketches.

Whether you’re creating a new product line, refining packaging, or developing promotional materials, AI provides you with multiple design options in minutes.

This allows you to focus on selecting and perfecting the best concepts, speeding up your entire design process.

Automated Marketing and Content Creation 

AI can also handle many aspects of content creation. Tools like ChatGPT can generate product descriptions, blog posts, and social media captions with ease, helping you maintain consistent communication with your audience.

Additionally, AI can analyse customer data, allowing you to create personalised marketing campaigns and improve engagement, which ultimately drives sales.

Inventory Management and Pricing Optimisation

AI helps you manage your stock more effectively by analysing sales patterns and predicting future demand. This ensures you order the right materials at the right time, reducing waste and increasing profit margins.

AI-powered pricing tools can even suggest competitive pricing strategies based on real-time market trends, keeping you ahead of your competition.

Streamlining Spreadsheet Creation and Formulas: If you need to manage finances or inventory, AI can be a valuable ally in creating spreadsheets. With AI tools, you can generate and fill out spreadsheets effortlessly, automatically organising your data.

These tools can even write custom formulas for you, saving you hours of manual calculations and ensuring that your financial data remains accurate and up to date.

By incorporating AI into your business, you’ll find more time to focus on what matters most—growing your business and perfecting your craft.

Over the coming weeks we will delve deeper into specific uses of AI to help you and your business.

Do you use AI in your business? If so we’d love to hear how you are using it in your creative processes or to save time or do things you did not previously have the knowledge to do.

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

2. 30% OFF MailerLite for first 3 months (offer ends 1st October)- although MailerLite gives a seriously generous FREE account (1000 subscribers) for anyone who needs a paid plan this is an offer is not to be missed. Use this link.

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

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. AI Prompts: Your Secret Weapon for Maker Success

2. Collecting Leads at Markets/Events

3. Upcoming Destash Events

4. Using QR Codes On Your Stall

5. Weighing In On Postal Scales

Thank you for reading this latest issue of Makers Digest! We hope you found it of value. If you do please share details with your fellow Makers. It is truly appreciated.

Stay creative and please share your work with us. Happy making!

Sincerely

PS - If you would like to be considered in our Featured Maker section, have a Makers Market or Event coming up or can offer a great deal on supplies to other Makers please email us

Makers Digest is a publication of Gifts made Easy and is partly reader supported. When you buy through links in our content we may earn an affiliate commission to help support the production of the newsletter. Learn more