How to Sell Plaster Crafts

Making plaster crafts is fun, selling them is even more enjoyable. Imagine creating your own works of art from a plaster mold, then selling it for a profit. The opportunities are endless for the creative crafter. As art is in the eye of the beholder, there is a market for every form of plaster work. No need to be an artist, gather the kids for a fun day of painting in child styles. Kids can even help with the selling of the artwork.

Things You'll Need

• plaster molds kiln greenware clay paint art paintbrushes of varying sizes special order design sheet sales-tax license

Instructions

Selling at Fleamarkets and Craft Shows

1. Apply for a sales-tax license. Visit the state website for easy instructions for filing online. Do not pay a fee for this license, it is free as is filing. Visit the state treasurer's office to apply in person.

2. Prepare plenty of plaster crafts for the sale. Be prepared for more than the business you expect. Bring along some plaster crafts to work on in front of a live audience. Have an extra person work on art while others work with customers.

3. Set up beautiful displays, and use appropriate signage. Make sure that your section can be seen. Hang signage high enough for potential customers to see from afar. Use color in displays that compliment the plaster crafts and draw the customers' eyes.

4. Take special orders from customers. Allow customers to choose special paint combinations and color schemes. Offer to mail custom orders out directly to the customer.

5. Rent space in a permanent flea market. Place plaster crafts inside glass cabinets to prevent breakage. Hire a helper to help man the area and give plaster crafting tips.

Sell Through Boutiques and Craft Shops

1. Choose a shop that best represents your craft items. Do some homework on the shop; a locally owned shop is more likely to assist a local artisan. Bring the finest works of plaster to the shop owner for inspection. Show the owner how the craft work enhances the shop's inventory. Offer to rent an area from the owner for your own displays.

2. Offer to hold classes or seminars on how to create plaster crafts. Incorporate the store inventory to benefit both business. Show clients how to make and paint or just decorate with plastic craft items. Issue a press release to ensure a good turnout for teaching seminars.

3. Take special orders from customers. Offer to pour special molds or paint in specific color schemes. Work with store owners to put together special large projects like weddings that need both your services.

4. Arrange plaster crafts throughout the shop to enhance the elegance of both the artwork and the shop inventory. Rent window space for even more exposure to potential customers.

Open a Ceramic Shop

1. Find a location with ample parking and street access. Choose a location with windows for displaying plaster crafts. Look for a shop with a fireproof area or room to build one for the kilns.

2. Get a teaching certification. Hire and train assistants. Look to art schools and high school art classes for potential employees and teachers. Offer to pay for certification classes for potentially gifted artists. Teach all employees kiln safety techniques. Cross-train employees on every area of the craft shop.

3. Sell all stages of plaster craft art work. Order greenware, or pour it yourself to save money. Keep a supply of extra molds on hand for sale. Offer the latest plaster working tools and paintbrushes. Provide a full display of finished work for customers to purchase. Offer to special order anything a customer may need.

4. Hold classes for plaster craft students. Charge for the greenware, paint and class time. Keep up with the latest color trends and brands to pass on to students. Keep class sizes small enough to allow ample room and individual time with each student. Keep class time separate from shop hours or hire extra help.

5. Advertise the business in the local paper with press releases for classes and special sales. Pass out flyers in the local neighborhoods. Advertise in coffee houses and college bookstores. Work with local schools for posting classes to students.

Tips & Warnings

• Place 'breakable' signage throughout shopping areas to remind customers that the crafts are made from plaster.

• Learn all aspects of working with kilns before attempting it. Always make sure you are on a government website when applying for any license.