Publishing A Crafts Newsletter
My newsletter, Cash Craft, which I used to publish monthly, not only concentrated on crafts, but also saving money, making money, self help, lifestyle issues and recycling. It ran for several years with a steady stream of subscribers joining all the time. If I had promoted it more vigorously I would have a larger subscription base, but I only used to advertise in the two major Craft magazines and at that time didn't have the Internet to widen my subscriber base.



Also, at the time I was writing and publishing a number of other guides and newsletters as well, so it was better for me at the time to have a smaller rather than larger mailing list. My advice to you is that if a venture like this was your main occupation and all your efforts were focused on such a venture, you couldn't fail to make a success of it. These days, there are many people involved in crafts (just look at all the crafts and home style magazines on the newsstands) that there is a ready audience for a completely crafts oriented newsletter.



Perhaps you would want to concentrate on your own particular craft, or perhaps you are interested in a range of crafts therefore including any crafts in your subject matter. You could even include a pen pal section, news and views, products, projects. Why not take advertising from other artists, craftspeople and suppliers? Not only would you be making subscription revenue, but you would also be getting paid for advertising other people's wares too.



I feel very strongly about newsletters as I subscribe to many, both hard copy and on the internet via email. They serve a valuable purpose for many people; camaraderie, exchange of information, a 'club' where they belong with all the other subscribers. Newsletters are so much more personal than ordinary magazines and I am very proud of the ones I have produced over the years. Since publishing my own guides and newsletters I have never, NEVER had one complaint, only encouragement and thanks.



All you have to do is find your niche. It isn't necessary to have loads of equipment, just a typewriter to type your issues up. Then all that remains is to get the issues photocopied, or you could print them out yourself on your PC. Many National craft magazines have extremely reasonable classified ad rates and are a really good place to start advertising your newsletter (s).



Hand Or Machine Knitting (or Crocheting)
If you already hand or machine knit, then you have the foundation for a successful business. People will always want knitwear and will pay a substantial amount for 'one of a kind' garments. Not only can you make knitted garments, but also toys, shawls, cot covers, leg warmers, bags, and even designer home style products, such as 'lace' curtains, cushion covers and 'throws'. The list is endless.



Many years ago when I was fresh out of college, I used to work freelance for a number of newsstand machine knitting magazines and yarn companies and I did very well. I was able to put in as many hours as I liked and I was never short of commissions.



When I had made a bit of a name for myself, I was approached by a number of yarn companies for whom I had designed patterns for their own pattern books. If you are interested in making designer 'one of a kind' garments, this is an ideal way to work. However if you like to make many small items, you might be better selling your products in a booth or through a party plan.



If you are going to machine knit, you do need quite a bit of equipment, but I am assuming that someone who wanted to sell designer knitwear would have the machinery already. Otherwise, the initial expense would preclude it from fitting into my category here of easiest and cheapest businesses to start. On the other hand, a pair of hand knitting needles or a crochet hook costs next to nothing! I would warn however, that if you are going to go into this business and supply individuals with orders, you MUST take a deposit before starting. A couple of times when I was starting out I got stung by people commissioning garments and then changing their minds AFTER I had done the work. I soon stopped knitting without taking deposits!