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Giveaway: Artists & Makers Magazine

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win copy of artists & makers magazine

Congrats to Alicia, nan50 and Shelli.

Interweave/F+W have been releasing a lot of fun special issues of their magazines lately. Artists & Makers (retails for $9.99) is a special by the editors of Cloth Paper Scissors, but it’s great for creatives of all types who are interested in starting or growing a business selling handmade goods.

The magazine includes profiles of artists including Brooklyn knife maker Chelsea Miller, letterpress master Kevin Bradley, sculptor Gustavo Victor Goler and portrait artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards. There first-person profiles give insight into the artists’ inspiration, influences and the evolution of their work, as well as peeks into their studios.

There’s also information on nuts-and-bolts business skills such as using social media in your creative business, finding funding, dealing with hagglers at shows and arranging your studio space for an open house, among other things.

You’ll also find reviews of books on creative businesses, all sorts of creative tidbits, a look into a day in the life of furniture artist Greg Klassen and brief profiles of creatives whose businesses give back (including Nicole Snow of Darn Good Yarn, whose company supports the female craftspeople of Nepal who make her yarn and other products from recycled saris and other cast-off fibers).

This magazine is a lot of fun and should serve as great inspiration and motivation for anyone who wants to start or grow a creative business in the new year.

I have three copies to give away to people who leave comments on this post before the end of the day Monday, Jan. 5. If you already have a creative business, I’d love to hear about it, and if not, I’d like to know what you’re thinking about or what you might get out of this magazine.

Comments

  2. I am currently in business plan stages of a creative endeavor that brings “non-artisans” who are interested in crafting and making together with different local makers and artists… it’s a first go… a first jump – very scary and exciting all at the same time:)

  4. It is about time. I have been in business for 35 years and was ready to give up this year. I only sell retail in Utah and people here are so frugal it is hard to make a living. I designed a Tiny Tent in 1983, doll backpack, burp cloths, minky quilts and moving onto some purse and jacket designs. I want to sell only on line but have not as I am soooooo old school. I have had some designs published for recycling and several front page newspaper articles from working at home in the 80’s, copyright stealing, to refusing to sell finished products made in China.

  5. Ohhhhh…I’d so very much love to get a copy of this brilliant sounding magazine. I’ve looked in the shops here, but no one seems to have it. Understandably, as it’s new, but even when I asked them to check with their suppliers, they told me that it’s very unlikely that they can get it in for me. Boo to that!

    Please, please please enter my name into the draw/giveaway for this zine – I’d love to end 2014 on a creatively inspiring and motivating one. Thanks in advance for the very generous offer, even if I’m not one of the lucky ones who win it. 🙂

  6. Oops! I just realised I’m meant to leave a comment about what I’d like to get out of this magazine, if I won a copy. Well, I do have a small craft business, yes, and am looking for ways of taking it to the next level. I sell at markets and Christmas fairs and the like, but I want to expand on that.

    Thanks again for the generous offer of this giveaway. Fingers crossed I win.

  7. This looks a very interesting magazine, and would like to see the possibilities open to me as a possible newbie to business.

  8. New to the crafting business, my partner and I could use all the help and information offered. We believe this magazine could be the start of our education and welcome a chance to receive one of your copies. Thank you for considering us.

  9. I have just retired from my 9-5 desk job and I am looking forward to starting my business, using my creative side. I work in stained glass, quilting, and beekeeping. This could be a wonderful resource.

  11. Sounds like it would be a very good read. I am looking to start a home based business when I retire (hope that is soon lol) and I think I could get some good tips. Thanks for a chance to win.

  12. I’ve always wanted to have a clothing business…not sure what kind of clothes I’d make, but it’s something I’ve always thought about

  15. I’d like to see this magazine, looks interesting. I just like to learn how people make things and turn their craft into a business. Thanks for the giveaway.

  18. I am a graphic artist and think I would be inspired by this magazine and possibly get ideas to create my own creative business. Thanks for the chance!

  19. I would love to see this magazine. I create floral bouquets. I would be so appreciative to hear from others, as I am fairly new to the business. Thank Bels Bouquets

  21. I’ve often thought about opening some type of craft business, but don’t know really where/how to begin. This magazine looks really interesting and includes some wonderful artists. Thanks for this great giveaway!!

  22. I am Director of a small town library in Central Texas and would love to have a copy for display for our patrons. Thanks!

  25. I am thinking about selling the things I make, but it’s only an idea at this point. I’m interested in reading about it!

  28. I have started selling my creations both online and off. I do a variety of crafts including knitting, sewing, crocheting, and wreath and home décor design. I would absolutely love a copy of this magazine as it appears to have information that will be very helpful to me in trying to make this business work. Thank you for the opportunity!

  30. I like to read about how other people are living the dream of being their own boss. I dream of being able to support myself by buying and selling used furniture, antique or otherwise, that has been updated with a creative twist. Enter me in the drawing, please!

  31. So excited to read this new magazine! I have just started a new business for my own creative knitting needles and cannot wait to get up and running! I am a third year art student at RMCAD and will be happy to share the news with my FB and school friends! Would love to win a copy of my own!

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.