Finding your Target Market

Good Morning,

This morning I wanted to share some wonderful tips from another blog post on finding your Target and Niche Markets.  I have left out the personal story that accompanied the original post and have tried to leave it at just the tips.  Links are also included.  Originally posted by Brenda Lavell in August 2013, it has just been re-posted or circulated on Etsy as of last week. I hope you will find the information useful.

The Difference Between Target and Niche Markets

Target market is a group of potential customers who share characteristics related to your product. For instance, “knitters” could be my target market.

Niche market further defines a target market. For instance, “beginning female knitters who love Etsy, ages 20 to 35, living in New England” is more defined.

When you define and understand your niche market, you can target your marketing efforts to that group of people.

Narrowing Your Niche Market

Further defining your niche market is crucial to finding your actual ideal customers — those who will become true fans for your business and products. A true fan wants to hear everything about your business, including sales, tutorials, and new product launches.
Posting product links 24/7 to thousands of non-targeted social media followers is unfocused and not likely to attract very many buyers. However, offering Coupon Codes for your mailing list of ideal customers is targeted and very likely to result in many sales.
I don’t need to tell you that promoting your business all day long is exhausting — it’s a lot of work for little return. Promoting is about me me me — your products. Marketing is about you — your customers’ needs and problems. When you know who those customers are, you know or can more accurately guess their needs.

How to Find Your Ideal Customer(s)

A target market is a group of characteristics, not a person. You can personalize your target market by creating your very own ideal customer, a fictional character with individual, human characteristics — a true fan that  you make up on paper or just in your head.

Then, instead of marketing to a group of people, you market to just one person, your true fan.

Get the Ideal Customer Worksheet

To create this ideal person, you need to dive deep into this persona’s psyche. There really is no right answer to who this person is, as long as your creation makes sense (for example, “a super modern fashionista who doesn’t knit” does not make sense for my yarn shop). Use this target market worksheet template to help you create your own ideal customer.

Once you’ve created your ideal person to market to, make sure you truly understand your customer’s needs and problems. How do your products fulfill and solve both? Your marketing should successfully connect your ideal customer’s problems with your products.

Engaging With Your Ideal Customer(s)

Write everything specifically to your ideal customer, from product descriptions to blog posts to emails. Use your customer’s perspective and address his/her needs and problems in your own voice.

Let’s work through an example:

Jewelry is a huge category on Etsy. Jewelry lovers have different needs (for example, metal sensitivities) and problems (for example, the perfect earrings for a special date).

How do you connect with your ideal customer who is a true fan of your particular style and construction of earrings, while addressing both her needs and problems?

1. First, make sure your photos are truly stunning, and that your text and keywords are specifically written to your customer from his/her perspective, using your authentic voice. Success Tips: Read these photography pointers and How to Write Enticing Item Descriptions.
   
   
2. How do your policies and About page measure up? Make sure both are also primed for your ideal customer. Success Tips: Read Creating Policies That Work and Tips for Your Shop’s About Page.
   
   
3. Write blog or other social media posts that engage (about how you problem-solve, behind-the-scenes glimpses, etc.), with keywords specific to your customer and links to your products. Success Tip: Read these social media tips.
   
   
4. Use your mailing list to draw people back to those blog posts as well as to your products directly.
   
   
5. Balance links to your products with valuable content.

When your potential customer turns into a real customer, start building actual relationships. Learn about their interests and needs by talking with them via your Facebook business page or at craft shows. You’ll be able to further refine your niche market while turning one-off customers into repeat buyers.

I thought there was a “trick” to finding your target market, then learned that finding my target market is just a process. Defining my ideal customer was key, as well as effectively engaging via social media.

You can find your own target market by creating and engaging with your ideal customer — I’d love to hear your insights and questions in comments.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Backyard Foundry Recycled Aluminum Cans

Good Morning,

Today's share is a video I found on line via Facebook.  Although the written language may look daunting the video is in English.

I would like to make two suggestions.

One:  Please do not try this at home unless you know what you are doing.  Have proper ventilation, fire extinguishers and a large open area that isn't next to anything flammable, like your house.

Two:  I have done a little research on this and it has come to my attention that melting soda cans and other aluminum objects can create or release a toxic gas during the melting process.  I would very much like to stress that if you wish to try something like this at home or studio to please research, study, or ask a local artisan if they have experience with this project and ask for assistance.

If you would like to try your hand at casting, there is a three part tutorial here on the blog Cuttle Bone Casting.  It uses household items and rosin core solder that you may find at any local hardware store.   The tutorial will take you from the start with materials, to the finished project.  You may choose any form to make, the steps are the important part, not the item.  I made a Stone Set Cross in the tutorial.

Cuttle Bone Casting Tutorial Part 1
Cuttle Bone Casting Tutorial Part 2
Cuttle Bone Casting Tutorial Part 3

Post by M-A-H-İ-R-M-A-T-İ-K---- FUN- CLUP.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Wednesday Wonders

Good Morning,

Today the blog is brief, as my relatives are here for the holiday.

Jewelry Class is a blast.  Two and an half of hours of fun and creativity.  Class is held every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., the goal, to go home with a completed project.  Here we see a sample of some of the jewelry-making supplies / demonstration materials supplied by Little Shop of Artists.

From Left to Right and Back to Front:
Simple Chain and Pendant, samples of bracelets, Chainmaille Necklace Earring Set, Simple Drop Earrings, "Illusion" Necklace and Earring Set.  A variety of tools, pliers, mandrels, findings and a selection of wire.  Yes, we can make jewelry with these items.  (Not shown, components, stones, beads and drops and charms).

Tools, all that is really required is a pair of pliers or two and perhaps a wire cuter and a mandrel, if you wish to wind you own wire for jump rings.

Clockwise from the top: Flat-Nosed pliers, graduated mandrels, Chain-Noses pliers and a straight mandrel in 5mm.

Projects include: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and simple techniques are taught.

SPECIAL CLASSES:

December 08, 2013
WIRE WRAPPING
Instructor: Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery
Project: Bird's Nest Earrings and Pendants
Where: Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704
Cost: $40.00
Materials are supplied by the instructor.
Attendees: Bring your creativity and a pair of round-nosed pliers if you have them.  The shop does have a limited number of tools for attendees use.

Shown: Sample Bird's Nest Earrings, created by Sarah Shannon, copper and crystal "pearls".

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Holiday Hours and Classes at Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

Today we have a quick look at the Holiday Schedule and Classes in-store at Little Shop of Artists.

During the Holidays the shop is extending the hours of operation customers and weather permitting.  

Monday - Tuesday: The Shop is closed
Wednesday - By Appointment*
Thursday - Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. we teach 
Jewelry-Making 101.
Class Cost is $30.00 per person, attendee provides supplies
Cost: $40.00 per person with Shop Supplied Materials

You may find a Suggested Materials List on our Facebook Page, or check the classes tab here for more information.

Saturday November 23rd, we hold our first class.  I am excited.

We also teach Intermediate to Advanced Classes or Specialty Classes.  December's Specialty Class: 
Bird's Nest  Wire Wrapped Earrings and Pendant set.
Materials Provided by Instructor: Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery
Class Cost: $40.00 for a 2-1/2 session.

All classes are Make and Take.

The Shop will be closed Thursday, November 28th, 2013, Thanksgiving Day.  We would like to encourage you to NOT SHOP on Thursday, spend that time with family, friends, and loved ones.  Everybody deserves a holiday, make sure they get one, and do not shop on Thanksgiving Day.

We will return Friday, November 29, 2013, through the weekend.

I would however like to encourage you to join us for the day on Shop Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2013.  The shop will have some great deals, and now through November 30th, stop in for 10% to 20% discounts on all jewelry in the store, including, Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstones, to Wire Witchery's lovely wire wrapped work.

 

You may find us on line at any of the links below.

On The Web

Little Shop  of Artists

The Alchemists Vessel

On-line Shopping

Wire Witchery

The Alchemists Vessel

or - The Alchemists Vessel on Handmade Artists

Social Media

The Alchemists Vessel

Wire Witchery

Little Shop of Artists

Blackbird Metalworks

Follow us on Twitter 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 

 

Featured Artists: Wire Witchery

Good Morning,

Today we are back to our featured artists post.  

It is my pleasure to share the wonderful work from Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery.
 

What Sarah says about her craft:

"The first piece of beading I made was actually a Christmas present from my Mother to my Nana. It was an angel bookmark that had been a class at Craft Warehouse. Mom looked at it, decided it was Oh, so simple and that she didn't actually need to take the class because it was just a matter of throwing a couple of beads on a wire and calling it good, right?

Well... no. As it turns out it's a bit more complicated than that.

But I do so love a challenge.

Eventually, the hobby got a bit out of hand and I was selling my pieces (because no one needs that much jewelry, I don't care who you are). And then I was putting some of my pieces in consignment stores.

With out my noticing, my hobby turned into a business that I'd invested several thousand dollars in materials and tools and a ridiculous number of hours into. This happened over the course of several years, not all at once, but the point being that at some point it stopped being a hobby.

It never stopped being something I enjoyed doing, though."

Some of the things Sarah makes include:
  
Simple Ear Cuff with Glass Accents




Venus Shell Pendant

Jumble Capped Green Bamboo Coral Pendulum - Tiger's Eye, Red Adventurine, Chrysoprase, Swarovski Crystals

Not only can you find these items on the web at Sarah's etsy shop you can also find them at Little Shop of Artists, where Sarah participates as an Independent Contractor and Participating Artist.

A Reminder:

Sunday December 8th, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sarah will be teaching a class on Bird's Nest Jewelry.





Sarah will be instructing how to create the earrings as shown as well as a pendant.

Date: December 8, 2013
Where: Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704
Cost: $40.00 - Supplies / Materials Included

Don't forget to head on over to Facebook and give her a like.

We would like to encourage you to click through to Sarah's Shop, stop on by Little Shop of Artists and see what's on the shelves or sign up for Sarah's Class.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Schedule of Events at Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

Today I thought I'd give a brief schedule of what is happening at the shop over the next month or so.

Sunday, October 27th - Guest Tarot Reader, Lucritia Burchette will be in the shop.  Note - this may be re-scheduled, please call the shop to be sure appointments are still open and your preferred time available.

Thursday, October 31, 2013 is Halloween - the Shop will be open.

Saturday, November 02, 2013, is "Shop Small Business Saturday", Little Shop of Artists will be having a sale and would like to invite you to come take a look at all the beautiful items displayed and ready for a good home, yours.

A great way to support your local businesses, and hometown artists and crafts people.  We'd love to see you there.  Mention this blog post or that you have seen the Shop Small flier and get a surprise.

Vendors include:

Sunday November 10, 1013 - in honor of Veterans Day, 20% will be offered to all Military Members and their families.

On Going Scheduled In-Store activities include:
*Classes

Light in-store Repair
Custom Design
Tarot Readings (by Appointment)
Gift Certificates 
and more

*Classes are offered in store or off site, groups, organizations, clubs, Girl Scouts, and individuals.  Classes are usually 2-1/2 hour sessions, with a finished project to take home by the end of class.  Supplies are available for some classes, please check with the shop for availability.  

Like Us on Facebook:
Little Shop of Artists
Blackbird Metalworks
The Alchemists Vessel

Follow Us on Twitter: @AlixAlchemy

Shop on the Web:
The Alchemists Vessel

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Changes, News and Market Information

Good Morning,

Little Shop of Artists would like to announce that Shelly Moody of The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmades is no longer a participating artists / independent contractor or representative of Little Shop of Artists.  We want to wish Shelly well, and the best of luck in her future endeavors.

The Harvest Market is still on and still open to Vendors.

When: October 11 - 13, 2013, Friday through Sunday
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 6713 Fairview Ave., Boise, Idaho
Indoor / Outdoor Event

The Alchemists Vessel and divisions thereof may be found at Little Shop of Artists.  Currently on display in the shop a selection of ready-to-wear Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstone Jewelry, as well as hand-knit items for the chilly Idaho winters.

Currently displayed, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Chainmaille and Hand-knit items

We teach classes ranging from beginning basic techniques to advanced technical terminology, and offer a variety of services, including, light repair, re-design or up-cycling of existing pieces, and custom design work.  Also available to assist or answer questions or help with that craft project that is giving you trouble.

Can't make it to the Market?  Saturday November 3, is Shop Small Saturday!  This year Little Shop of Artists is excited and pleased to part of this wonderful movement.  Come and see what's on the shelves!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Look Who's Going to the Harvest Market

Good Morning,

Today I thought it would be fun to introduce a vendor or two attending the up coming Harvest Market, Oct., 11 - 13, 2013.

Duck and Kia Anvilkin / Drethen Leathers

Kia makes jewelry and Duck is a leather tooler, and for a while they were part of a quartet behind Drethen Leathers.

This photo was found on the web, and not from their actual work, it is meant represent the beautiful work you will find on their tables, not limited to masks, they have also have jewelry, cell phone accessories, hair accessories, Hand-bound journals and more.  I own a journal, a hair wrap, a pair of leather frog earrings and a Leather frog cell-phone decoration, from this wonderful group of folks.

Delphi Oracles


The ladies of the the Delphi Oracles will be on hand this market, and what a better way to start the Holiday's off right with a little treat for yourself at the market.  Tarot, Past Life, Palmistry, and Crystal readings can be had for $5.00, or stop by and make an appointment for entertainment at your next party or gatherings.

Other places to catch an Oracle: 

Frightened Felons - Old Idaho Penitentiary
2445 Old Penitentiary Road 
Boise, ID

*Black Hat Tea Affair - Sunday October 13, 2013
245 S. Capitol Blvd. 
Boise, ID 
*This is a paid event, Admission is $25.00 and you must wear a hat.

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery will be in attendance, well her table will be any way.  As a participating member of the shop Sarah's wares are always available for shopping or place your custom order through or shop or with Sarah in person.

Here we have a small selection of Sarah's ready-to-wear collection, including: Wire Wrapped Pendants, Gemstone Pendants, Crystal Wire Wrapped Rings and a bookmark or two.  Sarah's item range from $75.00 to $7.00 all hand-crafted with meticulous care.

Alixandra Browning, Fearless Leader, Certified Jewelry Design and Repair Technician, Proprietor of Little Shop of Artists, The Alchemists Vessel, Blackbird Metalworks and Arachknits, will be available to assist with anything and everything from Vendor questions to shop sales, to manning the store and her own goods on display through out the shop.

Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Gemstone, Artisan Jewlery, Hand-knit items, and Crafting Classes are all available at Little Shop of Artists and taught by Alixandra herself or by the participating artist holding the class.  Professional, knowledgeable, friendly and always available to assist customers with their particular needs.

Shelly Moody of The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmade will not be in attendance, as she has other commitments, but her wares will be available in-store.   High School Seniors, Families, Newly Weds, Engagements, Parties, Group or Organization events, come on down and grab one of Shelly's cards and make your appointment for those Holiday Cards, Yearbook Portraits or to capture those special occasion moments!

Photo by Shelly Moody, The Muddfip Photographer

The Muddfip Photographer - Green Witch Handmades in-store display, mounted photos, jewelry, crocheted items and handmade wooden Spindles, works for yarn or your hair to keep it out of your yarn.

If you would like to attend the Harvest Market, there is no admission.

Place: Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Ave., 
Boise, ID 83704
When: October 11 - 13, 2013, Friday - Sunday, Harvest Market and Haunted Open House
11:00a.m.  - 6:00 p.m. weather permitting.
Indoor / Outdoor Event in conjunction with A-1 Video Game Exchange

**Local Vendors - There is still space available.  We'd love to have you with us.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

KAL with Alix - Camouflage Scarf Finishing

Hello,

This morning it is raining here, what a great day to sit inside and knit.

If you have been following along you should have your last ball of yarn knit up and stitches on the needle with about 2' long tail (end length of yarn).  Now what?  time to bind off those live stitches on the needle.

This is a simple Bind off that keeps your work from unraveling.

Knit the first two stitches, slide the tip of the left needle into the first stitch and pass / slip the first stitch up and over the second stitch. 

There is one stitch left of the needle.  Knit the next stitch.  Pass / slip the first stitch on the needle over the stitch you just knit.  Continue until you have reached the last stitch.

When the last stitch is on the needle, you may wrap the loose yarn around the needle, slip the last stitch over the loop and pull the remaining yarn through the last stitch tightening it.  When you are done, it should look something like the illustration below.  You may also thread the remaining yarn through the stitch with a tapestry needle as well.

 Whew!  Your done!  Almost.  At this point your scarf should have about 64 triangles and measure about 72" long.

Finishing:

There are ends that weren't long enough to complete a row hanging on one side of the scarf.  With a tapestry needle weave them into the scarf.  Or some people split the yarn and tie it is a knot along the edge of the scarf.  I don't recommended doing it that way, but choose the method that works for you.

Now that all the loose ends have been taken care of, it is time to wash and block your scarf if you desire.

I hand washed mine, and using household towels on a sunny day I spread and pinned my scarf at the edges to lie flat and allowed it dry on my back deck.

Once it is dry it is ready to wear.

 

I have put this one up for sale in the shop.  $30.00 Hand-Knit Acrylic Scarf, Machine Washable, Cozy and Comfortable.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

*Illustrations used were taken from random web search images.

But There's Nothing To Do!

Good Morning,

Although Summer is over here in Boise, the Thunderstorms have started and it rains almost daily, it also mean that school is back in and for many the repeated plaintive cry, "But there's nothing to do!"

Here's something to do with the whole family, just yourself, grab your friends, or make it a date.

Art in the Park

If you click through to the site, you can find a map of the Artists as well as other event times and information.  This a great big huge outdoor event, that includes a Beer Garden.

Although Little Shop of Artists is not attendance, we of the shop are intending to go this weekend.  Once we have the details of our visit, those will be posted.

There are other neat things to do in town this weekend as well, unfortunately the events are not listed on line.  Check the Boise, Weekly or the Idaho Statesman for a list of goings-on and happenings in your area. 

You could always stop in Little Shop of Artists and see what we have on the shelves, bring a friend, bring your work, we'd love to see you.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

KAL with Alix- Camouflage Scarf

Good Morning,

Today's blog is brief as we begin to Knit-A-Long With Alix, from the Alchemists Vessel. 

This project is a scarf, appropriate for men or women.  This is my very first item that I will knit and add for sale to the shop.

"Camouflage"

I will be using Bernat Softee Chunky Ombre Yarn in 20944 "Dad's Scarf", 11 stitches to the inch, on size US 11 Needles.  Here I have wound the first skein into a ball instead of the skein and label they come in.  This is a nice soft acrylic yarn that will hold up to heavy wear and  you can throw it in the washing machine.



Please excuse the other materials on the table, we are busy at the shop and never just craft one thing at a time.  The other materials are for making Chain Maille, and the class Satin Crystal Weave Bracelet project we offer at the shop.


The colors are a deep green, black, dark grey, olive green and a bright grey color that almost looks white against the darker contrast of the other colors.  The yarn reminds a great deal of Camouflage.

 

The pattern is a simple short row work and turn with wrapped stitches forming a interesting decorative loop in the triangles created by this pattern.

Materials

Bernat Softee Chunky 20944 "Dad's Scarf" (11 stitches to the inch)
3 Balls (77 yards / 70 m - 2.80 oz / 80g) "Ombre" yarn (wt. 6)
Size 11 US needles (8.0 mm)
Tapestry needle
Gauge: 11sts x 14 rows = 4" (10cm)
You may choose a yarn that appeals to you.

K = Knit
P =Purl
WS = Wrap Stitch*

Pattern Note:  
To work a *Wrapped Stitch:
Knit the number of stitches listed in the row
Slip the next stitch Purlwise to the Right Hand Needle
Bring your yarn to the front of the work
Slip the stitch back to the Left Hand Needle
Turn your work
Bring the Yarn to the Front of your work (you just wrapped the stitch)
Slip the first stitch on the Left Hand needle to the Right Needle
Purl to the end of the row


To Work the wrapped stitches in pattern:
Knit to the Wrapped Stitch
Slip the stitch to the Right Hand needle without knitting it
Slide the tip of the left hand needle into the Horizontal bar (formed around the stitch by bringing the yarn to the front and then back of your work).  With the wrap on the needle, slide the LEFT HAND needle through the first stitch on the right hand needle and Knit the stitch.

Short Row Scarf Pattern

C/O 20 sts.

K rows 1 and 2 (this will give you a nice foundation to begin).
Row 3 - K 16, WS, Turn
Rows 4, 6, 8, 10 Purl to the end of row
Row 5 - K 12, WS, Turn
Row 7 - K 8, WS, Turn
Row 9 - K4, WS, Turn
Row 11 - K to the end of the row, picking up all wrapped stitches
(First Triangle Complete)
Row 12 - K 4, WS, Turn
Rows - 13, 15, 17, 19 Purl to end of row
Row 14 - K 4, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 16 - K 8, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 18 - K 12, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 20 - K 16, pick up WS, K to end of Row.
(Second Triangle Complete)

Continue working these 20 Rows for the entire length of your Scarf.

Progress pictures coming.  Next Wednesday we will look at progress and continuing to knit with a second ball / skein.

The cool thing about this pattern is that it looks the same on both sides and the alternating triangles give it a nice textured feel and look.  One will be Stockinette the other Garter Stitch, not only is it a nice texture, it helps to define the pattern and makes the triangles pop.

Because my ball was knotted and not wound right towards the inside I am missing a good 12 yards of yarn, so your length of scarf after you finish the first ball may be longer than the progress pictures, that is OK.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.