Today is my last day of posting here! I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed writing here each day; in fact, I think it has geared me up to finally start working on my own blog again. Thank you all so much for your comments, here and on Facebook, and for the emails you sent me. Writing a book can be just as scary as it is exciting, and being able to dip my toes in the water with perspective readers like this means a lot to me.
I had planned to write something rather short today, but yesterday's Handmade Items for Book Lovers was such a success that I'm going to do it again today — with help. I asked you to send me some of your favorite finds for readers, and you all sent me some pretty good stuff!
Also today, I'm going to share with you some advance praise for The Handmade Marketplace — just to give you an idea of what some people who have read it already think about it.
One last thing: Please check out my personal website. There you'll find me blogging very soon and there will be lots of Handmade Marketplace goodies like full interviews I did with the members of the Creative Collective — give-a-ways from them and me, and lots of other good stuff.
Okay — on to the shopping and blurbs:
The Handmade Marketplace is the first small business book I have seen that is written to, for, and by the Indie Crafter. It is perfect for any crafter thinking of taking that next step and selling their wares. The Handmade Marketplace is also a real page turner and enlightening read for someone who has been in the crafty biz for years.— Jennifer Perkins, designer
These cute bookplates would be appropriate for both men and women. Do any of you use bookplates or write notes in them when you give them as gifts? I love looking through books that were given to me as a child and seeing my grandparents' handwriting in them — so lovely. And like I said yesterday, they are excellent small gifts.
The Handmade Marketplace is a fantastic resource full of useful tips and guidelines from top D.I.Y. insiders. Their testimonials, along with Kari Chapin's easy-to-follow outline and the fabulous design work of Emily Martin (aka the black apple), makes this book a must have for any makers library.— Faythe Levin, director and author of Handmade Nation
This printable calendar made the design blog rounds near the holidays, but in case you didn't see it, take a look now. When you order it, you just print it out at home (or work!) and voila! You have an adorable way to keep track of your library books. However, If you are like me and buy as many books as you check out, you could simply cross out the "due by" and write in "read by."
It's remarkable to read so much of the information I spent years divining from trial and error between two covers! The Handmade Marketplace isn't just a guide for navigating a very unique and burgeoning market, it's a fascinating record of how so many people in the DIY movement have collectively contributed ideas about running independent businesses with cornerstones of honesty, ethics, and above all: personal creativity.— Jenny Hart, founder of Sublime Stitching and author of Embroidered Effects
The shirt, made famous by Rory Gilmore way back when, is still fun to wear even now. I have it in navy blue and yellow and green.
D.I.Y? Why not?! Handmade Marketplace gives you all the answers to the D-I-Whys, Whats, and Hows of being a crafty-preneur in one handy, great and very informative guide!— Betz White, author of Warm Fuzzies and Sewing Green
This sign says it all.
Kari has thoughtfully created the very best guide book for navigating thecraft marketplace. Her personal voice, guided by personal experience is evident
throughout the book. You'll feel encouraged, inspired and informed...totally confident
to jump start your own craft business!
— Amy Butler, fabric designer and author of Amy Butler's Midwest Modern
And I have one more endorsement:
Thanks to this terrific book, I am prepared to make a fortune selling my googly-eyed peanuts. After spending countless hours scouring flea markets and craft fairs it's fascinating to see how things work on the other side of the table.— Amy Sedaris
Whew! Done for the day. These posts sure are fun! Oh — and the lovely lady who makes the I HEART Banned Books totes? Well, she has completely restocked her shop with them and she told me larger sizes are coming soon. She was also a great help with this post, pointing out some of her favorites to me. Thanks, Jessica!