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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Ebook Panduan Perniagaan Kraftangan Online PREVIEW

Pelajari rahsia menjual di Ebay dan juga laman web yang lain.Hampir setiap hari beribu-ribu orang seperti kita menjual apa-apa sahaja barang yang boleh Ddibayangkan dan mereka jual di internet. Dan kenapa kita tidak boleh, kan? Hanya dengan menggunakan beberapa teknik mudah, kita akan berjaya membuat jualan di internet.

Dalam ebook ini juga disertakan interview dengan orang-orang yang sudah berjaya membuat duit secara online di ebay dan laman web lain seumpamanya dengan hanya menjual kraf yang mereka buat sendiri dari rumah.

Tidak kiralah samada anda melakukan perniagaan kraf anda secara part-time maupun secara full-time, maklumat-maklumat yang terdapat dalam ebook ini tak ternilai harganya.

Anda tunggu apa lagi? Jom kita bermula...

Bahagian 1: Era Baru Pemasaran

Terdapat sesuatu yang sangat hebat sedang terjadi sekarang dalam bidang penciptaan dan penjualan bagi barang kraftangan. Untuk kali pertama dalam sejarah, pencipta barang kemas atau kraftangan boleh menjual kraf mereka secara langsung kepada pengguna dengan menggunakan internet tidak kira dimana pun mereka berada! yang penting ada sambungan internet dan komputer.

Wow!-- orang tengah tidak lagi diperlukan. Secara terang-terangan, ORANG TENGAH menghilang lebih cepat daripada hutan rimba yang menghijau. Dengan penciptaan Ebay dan laman lelongan di Internet, satu platform berjual-beli telah dicipta yang dahulunya tidak wujud !

Cuma anda fikirkan tentang hal ini----duduk dan renungkan sebentar mengenai apa yang ada depan mata kita. Sejak sekian lama, orang yang menjual kraftangan memerlukan seorang wakil jualan, sebuah kedai atau butik untuk menjual barangan mereka. 50% daripada hasil titik peluh mereka dengan segera hilang ditelan oleh hal-hal ini.

Mengapa?
Ini ada beberapa masalah yang harus diatasi bagi menjual kraftangan mereka
#1-Perlunya bangunan atau kedai untuk menjual kraftangan mereka
#2-Perlunya modal perniagaan yang BESAR untuk mula menjual kraftangan mereka
#3-Faktor MASA – Tidak dapat membuat sedikit kraftangan dan menghabiskan masa sepanjang hari menjualnya
#4-Perlunya latihan untuk mendapatkan kemahiran 'menjual' atau untuk menjalankan perniagaan yang besar.

Halangan-halangan ini memaksa pembuat-pembuat kraftangan barang kemas, seperti beaders, pengukir-pengukir dawai, silversmiths, tukang emas, dan sebagainya berpuas hati walaupun hanya mendapat 50% dari titik peluh mereka.

Mari bayangkan senario ini dalam satu bidang perniagaan yang lain. Anda membawa kereta anda kepada satu orang mekanik tempatan. Enjin pecah dan mekanik itu memberitahu anda,“Baik, ia adalah akan menelan belanja sebanyak RM2,000 untuk satu enjin terbaru.” Anda menjawab,“Baik saya memiliki beberapa kereta, dan sekali-sekala salah satu kereta saya akan rosak. Jadi saya mahu meminta satu harga borong daripada anda, dan saya nak membayar RM1,000 secara borong.”

Apakah yang anda fikir akan berlaku? Anda tahu apakah akan berlaku. Mekanik akan memikirkan yang anda adalah orang gila dan secara baik akan menghalau anda dari workshopnya.

Bagaimanapun, kita sebagai seorang yang kreatif, kita tidak pun berfikir panjang untuk menyerahkan 40% hingga 50% dari pendapatan kita hanya untuk mendapat satu tempat atau platform untuk menjual hasil kerja kita. Pernah terfikir?

Selalunya penjual kraftangan menjual dengan harga borong dan tidak pernah mendapat hasil mereka secara sepenuhnya. Saya bukanlah mencadangkan yang kita menjual semahal yang mungkin, tetapi kalau ada hal yang boleh mengurangkan peratusan daripada keuntungan kita. Saya rasa wajarlah agar kita cuba 'buangkan' hal itu agar keuntungan kita dapat secara sepenuhnya:-)

Baiklah, cuba teka? Itu sekarang akan berakhir apabila anda belajar menjual menerusi internet? Ebay dan laman web lelong internet lain seperti www.lelong.com.my, www.artmajeur.com dan lain-lain adalah platform terbaik bagi kita untuk menjual kraftangan kita, dan ia menghairankan saya sebab hanya sedikit pembuat kraftangan yang mengambil peluang ini. Bayangkan, tidak ada sewa yang beratus-ratus atau perbelanjaan perniagaan utama yang lain.

Mari ambil masa untuk beberapa ketika untuk melihat peluang baru menjual menerusi jualan/belian lelong di internet ----Banyak orang mengatakan bahawa tiada siapa yang berjaya menjual barang kemas pada Ebay dan lelong lain.---Ia tidak demikian! Jualan kraftangan melalui internet semakin bertambah banyak dan bertumbuh dengan lebih cepat lagi dengan bantuan internet.

Anda bila lagi? Marilah sama-sama merancakkan lagi arena perniagaan internet.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Investing; Arts-and-Crafts Stores Defy Retailing's Slump

Hi there,
I found this interesting articles about recession and craft business. Eventhough this article's written in 2002, I think that it still apply to us now in 2009. The whole world is facing financial turmoil and everyone is getting panicky. Getting lots and lots of stress. But, relax. be still and see the opportunity before our eyes unfolding. Only the calm shall see it..only those with peace in their heart can see. If only you BELIEVE in JESUS.

Ok. Without further delay...please continue reading..

By ELIZABETH KELLEHER
Published: January 13, 2002

WHILE much of the rest of the retailing industry faltered, art-and-crafts retailers enjoyed double-digit sales gains last fall, and their shares moved up as well.

Crafts are not recession-proof, but stores have been busy for the three retailers most widely recommended by analysts -- Michaels Stores, based in Irving, Tex.; A. C. Moore Arts and Crafts of Blackwood, N.J.; and Jo-Ann Stores of Hudson, Ohio.

The stores, which sell beads, supplies for scrapbooks, artificial flowers, picture frames and many other products favored by hobbyists, resemble Bed, Bath and Beyond stores in size and layout: they have racetrack floor plans that lead customers along an aisle that circles the store, with merchandise in central and perimeter areas. The average shopper spends $18 each visit, said Laura Richardson, an analyst at Adams, Harkness & Hill, an investment firm in Boston.

Sales appear to have been bolstered by the stay-at-home trend that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. For the third quarter, sales grew 16 percent at Michaels, 25 percent at A. C. Moore and 14 percent at Jo-Ann, compared with the period a year earlier. At A. C. Moore, the only chain to report on the fourth quarter, sales increased 31.5 percent compared with the previous year.

Michaels Stores, with 840 stores in 48 states, including its Aaron Brothers art supply subsidiary, is a favorite among analysts. Its shareholders have been rewarded with 30 percent growth in annual earnings per share, on average, since 1997, and share prices, while fluctuating, have increased more than 400 percent.

''In the last four years, we've performed with the best of retail,'' the chief executive, R. Michael Rouleau, said. ''Yet our stock is undervalued; we should be valued like a Lowe's or Home Depot.'' Ms. Richardson agreed, citing price-to-earnings ratios of 35 for Lowe's, 40 for Home Depot and a mere 22 for Michaels.

Mark Mandel, an analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey in New York, said that Michaels plans to open 75 stores a year for the next four to five years, and that it is moving upscale in ambience and upgrading its inventory management system. ''It's a long turnaround story,'' he said, starting in 1996, when Mr. Rouleau joined the company.

But Michaels has had significant problems. In 1998, it was named one of America's worst-governed companies by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, or Calpers, the huge pension fund. It said the board was dominated by the family of the chairman, Sam Wyly, a Texas billionaire -- four of five directors were relatives. The family's control of a compensation committee led to ''golden parachutes for directors and repricing of stock options to protect them from loss during Michaels' less-stellar years,'' Calpers said three years ago.

In July, changes were made to bolster the accountability of the Michaels board. That occurred during an unsuccessful proxy fight by Mr. Wyly for control of Computer Associates International of Islandia, N.Y., in which he said that company's management had not been accountable to shareholders. ''He was a man in a glass house who shouldn't throw stones,'' said William R. Armstrong, an analyst at C. L. King & Associates, a brokerage firm in Albany.

Sam Wyly stepped down as chairman, switching places with his brother, Charles J. Wyly Jr. Today, they are the only family members on the board. Calpers sees significant improvements at Michaels. ''Has Sam Wyly reformed? My opinion is yes,'' said Ted White, the director for corporate governance at Calpers.

Mr. Wyly would not comment directly, but Eric Andrus, a company spokesman, said: ''Michaels is now a model of good corporate governance practices, shareholder accountability and outstanding management team performance.''

The stock, which climbed 170 percent last year, closed on Friday at $30.14. Mr. Armstrong has a $38 price target on the stock for the next 12 months, and Mr. Mandel said he expects 23 percent growth in earnings per share each year over the next five years.

Read More


HOT OFFER!

You can have all the skills under your belt that you need in this ebook to make a constant $1,574 a week, or even more, you can sell more from the comfort of your own home through a website or ebay !

Or you can just add to your hobby list with the added bonus of being able to make Birthday and Christmas presents !

If you decide to purchase, I really wish you the best of luck with this amazing skill that has seen me through all these years..

Get it HERE

All the best,
Cornelius



For Craft Sales, the Recession Is a Help

By CLAIRE CAIN MILLER
Published: December 22, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO — Feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, some holiday gift-givers are saving money this year by making their own presents or — for those who lack the time or talent — buying handmade gifts from others.

Craft stores, from giant chains like Michaels Stores to small scrapbook supply shops, are reporting that sales are higher compared with the last holiday season, and online marketplaces for handmade goods, like Etsy, are seeing a boom in listings and transactions.

Sales at Scrap, a craft supply store in Portland, Ore., were up 33 percent in November compared with the year before. The shop’s customers have made a menorah out of yellow plastic bottle caps, Christmas tree ornaments from wood samples and calendars from fabric and paper collages, according to Sarah Dyer, the manager.

“A lot of people are doing a do-it-yourself Christmas, because of the economic downturn but also wanting to make their lives more sustainable, making stuff as opposed to buying more stuff,” she said.

The boom in crafts and related supplies contrasts with poor results for traditional retailers, like electronics retailers and department stores. The nation’s overall retail sales in November fell 7.4 percent from the year before, according to the Commerce Department.

The craft sector, which has about $5.9 billion in annual revenue, is “operating in its own little niche,” said George Van Horn, a senior analyst at IBISWorld, a research firm. “The number of establishments is growing.”

Last year, 42 million households gave handmade gifts, according to the Craft & Hobby Association, a trade group, and that number is expected to increase greatly this year, its spokesman, Victor Domine, said.

“Across the country, people are crafting more,” he said. “With the recession, people are looking for ways to save money, and doctors are recommending it as a major form of stress relief.”

Elizabeth Ludington, a 25-year-old paralegal in Rochester, N.Y., is one of those who chose a do-it-yourself Christmas. She works for a nonprofit legal aid group that she fears could suffer from a downturn in grants. “I looked at my bank account and budget and realized I didn’t have a lot of cash,” she said.

She usually spends about $20 on each of 10 friends and relatives for stationery, bath products or spa gift certificates. This year, she is stitching cable-knit coffee sleeves to use instead of the cardboard ones at coffee shops. They will cost her $1 each to make and an hour of her time after work while she watches TV at night.

“I wanted something that was affordable but still meaningful and kind of fun,” she said.

Michaels Stores, the chain of craft retailers owned by the Blackstone Group and Bain Capital, hopes that a holiday spike in sales will make up for weak results earlier in the year. For the quarter that ended Nov. 1, the company reported a net loss of $20 million and a decrease of 6.5 percent in same-store sales. But in November and December, Michaels’ 1,014 stores have had sharp increases in traffic and transactions for small-ticket craft supplies, said Brian C. Cornell, the company’s chief executive.

Michaels does not release monthly sales data, and Mr. Cornell declined to discuss specific numbers. However, he said that premade holiday and home decorations, which tend to be more expensive, are not selling well. Less expensive craft supplies, which generally account for 41 percent of revenue, are moving briskly, and sales have been particularly strong for supplies used to make jewelry, baked goods, scrapbooks and decorated clothing.

Michaels has shifted its marketing strategy to take advantage of the trend. The company created an advertising campaign called “Endless Creativity, Endless Savings” to market craft supplies for handmade gifts. It started a Web site, Where Creativity Happens, with videos on how to make gifts like picture frames and candles, and it held free weekly in-store workshops.

“We’re certainly seeing much better results than we would have anticipated,” Mr. Cornell said. “There’s a much greater interest right now in how you decorate your home and create your own gifts yourself.”

Jo-Ann Stores, the craft supply leader with a 19 percent market share, has had a similar pattern. Though same-store sales fell 1.5 percent in the quarter ending Nov. 1, sales of sewing and craft supplies, which account for half of revenue, were stable that quarter and have climbed this quarter, said Lisa Greb, a Jo-Ann spokeswoman.

READ MORE HERE

HOT OFFER!

You can have all the skills under your belt that you need in this ebook to make a constant $1,574 a week, or even more, you can sell more from the comfort of your own home through a website or ebay !

Or you can just add to your hobby list with the added bonus of being able to make Birthday and Christmas presents !

If you decide to purchase, I really wish you the best of luck with this amazing skill that has seen me through all these years..

Get it HERE

All the best,
Cornelius



Apa itu Seni Dawai nama atau 'wirename'?

Saya sekarang dalam proses menulis ebook saya yang padat dengan gambar-gambar yang menerangkan teknik dan langkah-langkah 'membengkokkan' dawai bagi membentuk nama seseorang.Saya akan melancarkannya tidak lama lagi.

Ok. Sesuai dengan tajuk saya di atas.

Apa itu seni dawai nama atau lebih dikenali di arena antarabangsa sebagai wirename?
Seni dawai nama adalah satu seni yang menggunakan dawai sebagai
medium untuk membentuk nama , nombor ataupun simbol
tertentu.


Dalam ebook ini saya akan menerangkan mengenai
a. peralatan
b. bekalan yang anda perlukan untuk bermula
c. dimana anda boleh membeli peralatan tersebut
d. Beberapa projek seni dawai nama yang boleh anda jual.
e. Panduan memasarkan kraf seni dawai nama anda secara offline maupun secara online.
-social bookmarking i.e facebook,myspace, friendster,
-auction sites i.e www.ebay.com.my, www.lelong.com.my,
-www.mudah.com.my
-www.88db.com
-www.artmajeur.com
-dan banyak lagi yang lain yang akan saya dedahkan.
-blogging
-adwords
f. Di mana hendak menjual kraf anda
g. Bagaimana hendak mengira kos dan panduan meletakkan harga seni dawai nama anda.

Semua info ini akan saya dedahkan berdasarkan kajian dan pengalaman saya sendiri.

saya ulangi sekali lagi:-)

Kandungan ebook saya yang saya akan lancarkan tidak lama lagi.
-peralatan yang anda perlukan
-maklumat mengenai dawai
-Di mana hendak membeli peralatan dan juga bekalan
-latihan
a. keychain
b. cincin
c. keychain bentuk binatang
-di mana hendak menjual dwai nama anda
a.flea market
b.kedai buku (consignment)
c. pertunjukan kraf
d. tempat-tempat lain
a. coffee bean, starbucks,
b. semasa dalamm perjalanan
-kesimpulan
-bagaimana hendak menjual dawai nama anda
-tempat kerja anda
-bagaimana menilai dawai nama anda.

jangan lupa bagitau kawan-kawan saya. Ini saya akan lancarkan bagi rakyat Malaysia..saya juga akan melancarkannya secara international selepas beberapa ketika.

Tunggu dan lihat:-)



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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Pengumuman Pelancaran Ebook Dan Pertandingan Memilih Tajuk Ebook

Saya akan melancarkan produk ebook saya tidak lama lagi yang bertajuk 'Panduan Memulakan Perniagaan Kraf Online Seni Dawai Nama'. Nama bunyi dia agak pelik kan? i mean terlalu panjang bah...you all ada idea ke macam mana nak 'menyedapkan' lagi tajuk ebook saya tu. Saya bagi diskaun 50% untuk pembelian ebook saya tu nanti k:-) khas untuk cadangan tajuk ebook yang terpilih sahaja.

Ok sedikit idea mengenai apa yang akan saya tulis dalam ebook saya nanti.Baca terus di bawah.

Saya biasanya menjual tangkai kunci seni dawai saya melalui www.ebay.com.my, www.88db.com, www.olx.com, www.mudah.com.my dan saya juga mencuba adwords. kesemua ini adalah percuma tetapi hanya ebay yang mengenakan sedikit yuran untuk listings fees.Ianya berbaloi. And boleh baca dalam bab pemasaran nanti.

Saya boleh membuat buah rantai, cincin, anting-anting, pin nama, dan juga tangkai kunci. Saya memilih key-chain ataupun tangkai kunci sebab ianya lebih praktikal dan digunakan oleh semua orang. Kuncinya adalah 'diversification' atau 'kepelbagaian'. Anda sebenarnya boleh membuat banyak jenis kraftangan seni dawai nama, namun dalam ebook ini saya lebih menumpukan bagaimana hendak membuat kraftangan seni dawai nama- tangkai kunci atau keychain.Pelajari langkah asas 'membengkokkan' dawai yang anda boleh jual untuk menambahkan pendapatan anda dengan bekerja hanya dari rumah.

Why not? Kalau boleh bertambah income anda untuk beberapa ratus pada setiap bulan..why not.:-) trylah.

Untuk pengetahuan anda, saya telah mendapati bahawa keychain lebih laku berbanding dengan design yang lain. Mungkin sebab ianya lebih praktikal, and orang akan nampak di mana pun kita akan berada...sebab biasanya kita akan membawa keychain kita selalu. kan?

Saya mengaku, saya terlibat dalam perniagaan seni dawai nama ini adalah kerana keuntungan yang saya dapat apabila menjual dawai nama saya, dan saya berpuas hati dengan pendapatan yang saya terima sejak dari hari yang pertama.

Walaupun demikian, apa pun sebabnya, anda akan mendapati bahawa proses mempelajari seni dawai nama ini agak mencabar, menghiburkan dan ianya adalah salah satu dari pada hobi yang terbaik yang anda akan dapat jumpa.

Anda boleh membuat search melalui engin carian Google dan taip 'wirename' dan anda boleh membaca maklumat melalui apakah itu 'kraftangan seni dawai nama'.

Dalam ebook ini, anda akan ditunjukkan apakah jenis dawai yang saya gunakan untuk setiap projek. Anda boleh menggunakan jenis dawai yang anda suka dalam kebanyakan projek di dalam ebook ini. Saya selalu menggunakan dawai yang tidak terlalu keras untuk semua projek saya.

Rule of thumb: Praktis menggunakan jenis-jenis dawai yang berbeza-beza dan anda akan menemui jenis dawai yang anda rasakan sesuai untuk anda.

Orang kata , tak kenal maka tak cinta. jadi adalah lebih baik sekiranya kita mulai pelajaran kita dengan mengenali apakah itu 'seni dawai nama' ataupun lebih dikenali sebagai 'wirename'.

Dunia Kraftangan Seni Dawai Nama

Selamat datang ke dunia seni dawai nama, ini adalah salah satu
jenis seni yang agak baru bagi pasaran Malaysia tetapi sudah lama bertapak di US. Ia juga adalah satu hobi yang mampu menjana pendapatan bagi anda.

Sama ada anda mencari sesuatu untuk menambah atau menggantikan pendapatan anda atau hanya mencari sesuatu hobi yang baru, ini adalah pilihan yang baik.Tahniah saya ucapkan!

Biarlah saya berterus terang, Seni Kraftangan Dawai Nama ini tidak senang tetapi ianya tidaklah susah sangat nak dipelajari.

Ianya tidak memerlukan banyak wang untuk mempelajari asas dan teknik membengkokkan dawai. Anda perlu

a. meluangkan banyak masa pada awalnya,
b. segulung dawai Galvanized Iron setebal 1.0 mm(ini lebih mudah dibengkokkan berbanding dengan jenis stainless steel bersaiz sama)
c. beberapa pasang pliers,
d. Idea yang datang pada masa itu.

Satu-satunya cara untuk mahir dalam seni ini adalah dengan berlatih, berlatih dan berlatih lagi sampai mahir dan sehinggalah anda menemui gaya penulisan dawai anda sendiri.

Ianya sama seperti gaya tulisan tangan anda sendiri, sebelum anda menemui gaya penulisan anda sendiri, anda kena mengikuti dan berlatih berdasarkan tulisan seseorang.Betul tak? Dan saya rasa berbesar hati hendak mengajar anda 'menulis' yang mana bila anda sudah mahir nanti, anda akan dapat mengajar orang lain menulis juga. Itulah kepuasan terbesar saya dalam bidang kraf seni dawai nama ini, apabila seni ini dikenali ramai di Malaysia.

Pada awal saya belajar 'seni dawai nama ini', saya banyak surf di internet mencari gambar-gambar yang boleh saya dapati secara percuma dan saya cuba 'tiru' bagaimana mereka membengkokkan dawai. Orang kata "imitation is the greatest form of flattery"

Memang ada juga ebook dan dvd yang di jual di dalam internet tetapi harganya sangatlah mahal bagi saya yang baru hendak memulakan perniagaan kraftangan seni dawai saya secara online pada masa itu. Oleh itu, setelah mengambil kira start-up kos yang mahal kalau membeli dvd ity, saya membuat keputusan untuk 'go ahead' dengan perniagaan ini dengan cara 'trial and error'.

Banyak jugalah yang saya rugi dan kesilapan yang saya lakukan namun saya ingin mengongsikannya dalam blog ini agar anda yang hendak memiliki perniagaan kraftangan secara online anda sendiri akan dapat mengelak dari melakukan kesilapan-kesilapan yang saya sudah lakukan.

Saya suka seni ini dan saya akan terus 'membengkokkan' dawai dalam tahun-tahun yang akan datang. Saya juga memiliki satu blog khas mengenai 'wirename' ataupun kraftangan seni dawai nama ini.

Lawat Blog saya di www.wirename-craft.blogspot.com. Selalulah lawat agar anda akan diupdatekan untuk sebarang perubahan dalam dunia dawai nama. Setiap maklumat terkini akan saya poskan di sana. Ini memudahkan anda agar anda tidak perlu menghabiskan masa berjam-jam mencari-cari di internet.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Wire Name Art Writing

Wait, before you read even further, read about how to start your own profitable wire jewelry sculpting business today....

"How to start your own craft business for less than $100" is an instantly downloadable ebook that describes in detail how to make all the letters of the alphabet from wire in order to make personalized jewelry for profit and for friends and family

Click here

A few days ago, I found a forum about wirename at www.beadandbutton.com. It was an interesting read.

Someone asked this question in forum for beading.

what is the best way to learn how to bend wirename?

Could someone at least answer these 2 questions?
1. What kind of wire..Half hard, hard, round square, and what gauge?
2. Which pliers (and cutters) are best.


Answer 1.

I've played with it but haven't officially had a course. I use 20 gauge dead soft and you can use either round or square. The idea is to loop the names, not bend them. They look better that way. I just use a small pair of chain nose to do the job and any cutter that is within reach. Just look online for ideas as to how to do the more difficult letters. Do a google image search for "wire name".

Answer 2.
Wire names can be done with round wire but most of the old time wire workers used square wire, preferably open seam square gold filled wire. The square wire folds back on itself better than round wire and twists well to make a rope look brace at the bottom of wire names. GF wire looks nice much longer than sterling.

It can be done with dead soft, but again, the old work was done with hard wire, often not just half hard but full hard wire. The harder the wire the less likely to be unbent and the better spring for the pin back if you are making name pins. 21 gauge is common, some use 22 or 20. 24 can be used for earrings.

I actually started in the jewelry business making name pins back in 1965. I've made thousands of them from hard GF wire. Haven't made any for a couple of years, though.

You can find several previous posts about wire names in this forum using the ADVANCED SEARCH button at the top of each thread. Set your date back a couple of years. Here's one of several:


http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36959


Use the best round nose pliers you can afford (Lindstrom?) and good flush cutting diagonal top cutters (useful for making the diagonal sharp point at the end of the pin stem.)

Answer 3
Here is an online tutorial for wire names I managed to learn quite a lot from this site.

http://www.geocities.com/mick62001/

Its interesting that there is no continuity in wire type (soft, hard) and gauge..Like everything else in this business, trial and error!


Answer 4

Depends on your skill level and strength. Softer, smaller is easier to bend but not as sturdy.

If you look at the folks on the fair & crafts show circuit who are making these names for a living you'll find hard temper 21gauge square wire is very common. But it's not the only thing you can use.

When I started the circuit each year I had to put band-aids on the palm of my hand and on a couple of fingers until I built back the calluses.

Answer 5
I have Preston's wire name package, and love it! Make sure it's something you really want to pursue. Maybe practice from the information from some of the sites others have shared.

I have no complaints at all with the name writing package I purchased. Possibilities are endless with names or initials. They can be fancy or just plain. I have customers who prefer just initials inside a circle or heart, others like their first name. Wire name writing is so fun, and it doesn't just have to be names. I've done several web sites, and businesses in wire for give-a-ways at Chamber Mixers.

You can make $$$ and it doesn't take a lot of wire to do so.
Anyway, I'm rambling, but I get so excited when it comes to wire names.
Here's the link to Preston's site.

http://wire-sculpture.com/

I got so excited, I forgot to answer your questions on wire. I like 24 and 21 half hard. For initials I use 20g. I work harden the wire by pulling it through my polishing cloth. Round wire is my favorite to use. Square is hard at first because it wants to twist a bit, but as you practice, it's pretty easy. I love to use square and twist it in my wire twister, it gives the wire sort of a diamond looking cut.

Practice with brass and copper, then move up to gold filled and sterling.

Answer 6
Here is another site that offers download tutorials:

Own-Craft-Business

Answer 7

Hi,
Yesterday after I made the above post, I decided to contact the NameBender.com owner and ask a few questions. Like...how many pages is his book, does it show all the letters of the alphabet, how detailed are his instructions, and a few more....

I received his response this morning and wow, there actually is a person who responded...no customer service person:

The ebook is 74 pages. It includes all the Letters (Capital and lower case with diagrams) as well as two examples of making a complete name, and other techniques and tips.

Attached is a pdf of the lower case letter "t". The text uses techniques described earlier in the manual, so don't worry if you don't understand some of the techniques, they are explained.

Answer 8
The name bending Package is a bit cheaper than Preston's, and a hard copy of the ebook might be helpful to some. I like the DVD's and of course if you purchase the package deal at Andy the Name Benders site, you would have both. From looking at his site, his style is similar to Preston's. I of course would not purchase another series on bending names because I have Preston's and like the style.

Answer 9
Hi,

I also have Preston's name writing package. I found it difficult to watch and at the same time create the letters, stopping the dvd and then restarting and stopping, etc.

The print ebook would be easier for me with it sitting on my desk, lap or tray, practicing the creation of the letters.

I did a massive search for others who have tutorials on this art, spent more time than I would want to mention in research. I also have the Wire Artist's Magazine issues with all the letters. They are in so many issues, not all in one place.

I guess it depends on how you learn...by doing, seeing, reading. We learn differently and I just offered this as another option.

Wirenut, where are you located? Do you remember Preston's bulletin board? Do you have a website? What type of wire name pieces have you done? I'd love to see your creations.

Answer 10

No web site yet but working slowly on one. When I get a camera, I'll show you some pics.

I make more initials than names, and as I said in a post earlier, I've done quiet a few for businesses and web sites for Chamber Mixers. My day job allows me to attend quiet a few around town events and is a good place to been seen.

In the other post, I intended to mention I bought my Name Kit from Preston when he first introduced it. Paid $199. And yes I remember Preston's board. It didn't last too long after I found it because a few bad apples went to another board that I won't mention and blasted him after all the help he had given them...so he closed his board. Funny thing, that very board had a lot of trouble and is now closed! The supply store is still open, though.

I remember you I believe wrote a 'how to sell on eBay' book. Are you selling on eBay?I'm from Texas.I forgot to add. When I started watching Preston's DVD's, After he showed how to do a name. I stopped and made that name without watching. This really helped me learn and make lots of mistakes. I have a cigar box full of some really funny looking names :-)

Answer 11
Wirenut,

Yes, I'm still selling on eBay under many different usernames. Etsy, too.

I, too, remember the board, and how active it was. It seemed fast and furious at times, helpful as this board is, and I agree, that Preston helped alot of us. I am a gold member on his site for purchasing products, and I was interviewed for his ebook by him, via the telephone. We spoke at length.

I never attended any of his boot camps, though I heard they were great. The bead shop owner here on the Cape, attended and does beautiful wire wrapping, Preston style.

How big are the intials you do? Small for pendants, or larger like a quarter or half dollar? If you don't mind sharing...what do you sell them for? Since there are not too many people doing them, it might be helpful for us to know what your price point is, and how much wire is used in creating an inital letter?

I have no clue how much wire you would need to start with to do a name. Years ago, I bought my name done in gold wire at a fair. Still have it and it looks great!

Answer 12
I've never attended a boot camp either, but a friend of mine did and it was an experience of a lifetime for her. According to her, Preston and Mary rolled out the 'Red Carpet.'

I too have spoke to both of them on the phone and it's such fun. They are such regular folks, and most of the conversations were not business oriented, just regular talk.

Anywho, I sometimes think people who are not in business for themselves, don't realize all the work involved, not to mention being on call 24/7.

Gosh your pricing question is a bit hard to answer, but I'll try. It all depends on wire used, size and time. I'm not much for a 'stand-a-lone' initial. Most of mine go in a circle, heart, square, diamond, shaped frame. I never have cared for 'jump ring' type bails, so I make the frames with a wrapped bail. Just my personal preference.

Preston teaches making the names as small as possible, however mine are all different sizes from 1/2 in. to 1-2 inches. Again this depends on the frame I display it in and the type of wire, gold filled being on the high end. Then there's beads, birthstones and trinkets, that are added to some designs.

I'm by no means hedging your pricing question, but my prices vary so much. For something really simple, $15. Fancy $45 and up. Hope this makes sense.
As for how much wire to make an initial or name, I try to visualize the twist and folding over of the wires, and also depends on that particular initial or name. The best example I guess would be the letter 'A' 1/2in. would probably use 5in. leaving enough of a tail on each end to attach to the frame.

This is just a ballpark figure for Pendants only. Earrings, bracelets, rings, and home decor are another ball of wax...wire :-)

I'll try to help all I can, and hope some of this makes sense.

Answer 13
Does Preston still do boot camps? I just purchased his small business program and would really like to do whatever I can to improve my skills at this art.

I don't think I have ever been as serious as I am about this skill and would like to know more about it.


Learn from the wirename expert. CLICK HERE

HOT OFFER!

You can have all the skills under your belt that you need in this ebook to make a constant $1,574 a week, or even more, you can sell more from the comfort of your own home through a website or ebay !

Or you can just add to your hobby list with the added bonus of being able to make Birthday and Christmas presents !

If you decide to purchase, I really wish you the best of luck with this amazing skill that has seen me through all these years..

Get it HERE

All the best,
Cornelius



Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Wire Name Costings

During my early involvement in selling wire name craft, off line and online, I have made a few mistakes especially in my costings. I spend quite a lot but my profits were not enough to cover the cost of wires. So this year, I will be increasing the price of my wirename.

I have used up most of my colourful wires. The good thing is that I am getting quite a following from my local customers in kota kinabalu, sabah about my wirename keychain.

I bought each artistic wire spool,6 yards long from ebay.com. 6 yards=18feet. I used 2 feet long wire for 1 keychain. SO, I will make 9 keychains for each 6 yard spool of wire. 9 keychains= RM7x9:RM63. My cost is:RM22.30. So my profit is RM40 for each spool.

How to Really Make Money Making Crafts

Treat your new venture as a craft business. That is, do the cost analysis first. Here is an EXTREMELY simplified version of a jewelry business.

* Figure out how much it will cost to make what you want to sell
o Cost of materials
o Money for your time
o Cost of rent/electricity/tools/rental/etc

* Figure out how much your craft would sell for
o Go to fairs/internet sites/craft shows
o See what similar items sell for in stores
o Ask friends what they would pay for such an item

* Compare the 2 numbers after adding in marketing costs to see if there is a profit
o Cost of Advertising/Marketing/Packaging
o How many would you have to sell to make a profit
o Double check to see if you missed any of the costs
o Can you afford the startup costs?

Read more here

HOT OFFER!

You can have all the skills under your belt that you need in this ebook to make a constant $1,574 a week, or even more, you can sell more from the comfort of your own home through a website or ebay !

Or you can just add to your hobby list with the added bonus of being able to make Birthday and Christmas presents !

If you decide to purchase, I really wish you the best of luck with this amazing skill that has seen me through all these years..

Get it HERE

All the best,
Cornelius



 

Testimonials


I bought the 'How to Make Wire Names" book and I am GLAD I found it. I am a 66 yr old disabled man on dialysis and now I have a way to make a living!

Doing wire names at festivals and farmers markets and my worst day I made $100. Usually I make between $200 & $300 a day. Not bad for "working" 10 hours on a weekend.

I love what I am doing and the people I meet making wire name pins and pendants
Thanks for showing me this opportunity...

By Peter Lansing



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Now with 162 pages jam packed with Instructions and Photographs. This Skill could make all the difference to how you make money in the future..