Before you raise your prices, watch this video first. From our friends at Artsyshark.
Mary Strope's Posts (25)
Sort by
The United States Mint is seeking professional artists to join the AIP via a Call for Artists. The AIP is a pool of talented American artists who enrich and invigorate our Nation's coins and medals by developing specialized designs. Learn more here.
Etsy is the home for human creativity online, and we have an important role in shaping what the future of shopping can and should look like. That’s why we’re engaging early with trusted partners to help build systems that amplify rather than replace the human touch of our 5 million+ sellers, enabling them to connect more seamlessly with shoppers looking for unique, meaningful items. Today, we’re excited to announce our partnership with Stripe and Microsoft, helping us take another meaningful step toward that goal. Read more
Artsy Shark is accepting applications for artists to become a Featured Artist on their site. Selected artists receive extensive marketing to the over 100,000 art buyers and industry professionals who frequent their site. A pdf of your feature is provided so you can send it out too! Don't miss this opportunity! Apply NOW! Click for the details.
Another interesting read from Artsy Shark, aka Carolyn Edlund. Carolyn writes about the 2025 market and how to evaluate your year. Take heart. It's not you, it's the market! Read it here.
Instagram will limit the number of hashtags you use to only five. Read about it here.
Several craft supply companies are cautiously optimistic about the 2026 market. Read about it here.
From ARTnews.com. Although this is more for gallery artists, it's still interesting to read the 2026 predictions from major galleries worldwide. Some are predicting a return to classic art and master artists. Read it here. What do you think?
Enjoy this PBS special with the latest edition featuring a quilt artist, silversmith, weaver, and more.
If you were holding your breath waiting for the Color of the Year announcement, it's here! Well, actually, there are three Colors of the Year.
How will these colors influence your work?
An interesting report came across my inbox from Pinterest. Q5, or quarter 5, is what Pinterest calls the period between December 25 and December 31. Their statistics show that 55% of weekly Pinterest users continue to buy online during those dates, and 45% continue to shop in-store. A quick search shows that over 500 million people use Pinterest! Half of that is a substantial market.
Here are the hot buying categories according to the Pinterest report:
- Beauty products
- Clothing/wearables
- Home and office organization items
- Gardening
Gardening is a surprise to me. Here in the Frozen North, aka Michigan, we typically start looking at seed catalogs in late January when we've had enough of the cold and ice. However, I do start looking for organizing tips and products for my house and office as I vow to get organized.
You can read the full report here.
Do you use Pinterest for sales? What is your sales strategy for Q5?
The USPS will increase shipping rates by 6.6 percent for Priority Mail, 5.1 percent for Priority Mail Express, 7.8 percent for USPS Ground Advantage, and 6 percent for Parcel Select. Effective January 18. Click here to read more.
In case you didn't know, we have other websites that are helpful when planning your show schedule. Here's the list.
Shows are listed here by show date. So if you plan your schedule by month, this is the place to look. It includes links to the application and the show's website along with the application deadline.
Meant for art fair shoppers, this site is also used by artists. The shows on this site are arranged by geographic region. It includes a link to the show's website, as well as show dates, hours, and location.
This site is where you go to post a comment about a show you recently participated in. You can also read reviews about the shows that artists wrote. The search feature links to ArtFairInsiders.com, so any blog posts on the site about a show will also appear in the search results. Be sure to check the date the review was posted..
Our email lists
Would you prefer to receive your show information directly in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletters. We publish two monthly newsletters. The Last Call, a newsletter with application deadlines for that month. What Are You Doing This Weekend? A newsletter for craft show attendees, listing shows happening that month, sorted geographically. Plus our regular emails with one or more application announcements. Sign up here
Looking for a second gig? Here are a few to consider. Please read all the details carefully and make sure you understand them before signing any contracts.
- Project Runway is casting for season 22. Details here. Here's your chance to be on TV! If you get on this show, we want to hear about it!!
- Creative Mornings is accepting submissions for its 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. Submit your handcrafted gifts. The deadline is November 23.
- Handwove magazine is seeking submissions for the fall 2026 issue with the theme "stages of weaving." Weavers, don't miss the deadline -December 22.
- Purl magazine is seeking submissions for its spring 2027 issue, themed "Ribbing." January 1 is the deadline.
- Make Modern magazine is seeking submissions of modern quilt patterns for the 2026 issues. They are also looking for writers of quilting articles. This is an Australian publication.
Craft in America is hosting a reception and preview screening of the new series, East, featuring Bisa Butler on November 14 in Philadelphia. Held at The Galleries at Moore, Philadelphia, PA. Click the link to get free tickets to the event.
Here is an interesting read on how the tariffs are affecting yarn prices in NY. If you are a textile artist, how are the tariffs affecting your material costs? Are you seeing an increase in prices for yarns and other textile supplies? Read the article here. https://archive.ph/yOL7e
Exclusive Portfolio Review with Bruce Helander
Refine your portfolio. Stand out to juries. Grow your art fair success.
Are you ready to take your art to the next level? This is your chance to receive a one-on-one portfolio review with Bruce Helander—former Provost of the Rhode Island School of Design, renowned artist, curator, and celebrated critic offers a one-on-one portfolio review specifically designed for artists applying to juried art fairs and exhibitions.
During this exclusive review, you’ll receive:
- Personalized direct, actionable feedback on your work, artist statement, biography, resume, social media, and website.
- Expert guidance on presentation and curation.
- Insights into gallery expectations and the art market.
- Advice on strengthening your artistic voice and career trajectory and on current challenges in your art practice or career.
More information here.
Camp Craftaway, a day camp for craft-loving adults who love to make things with their hands, is seeking instructors for the 2026 event, August 14-16, 2026, in Des Moines, Washington. The deadline to apply is December 31. Instructor application here. Website: https://www.campcraftaway.fun/
I know many artists have found Etsy to be a useful place to extend their marketing worldwide and there has been concern about the new tariffs. Learn more about how it can affect you in this article from NPR's All Things Considered.
Have you had any issues or is this just an international shipping issue? Or, have you had to raise your prices?
https://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5522054/etsy-sellers-de-minimus-canada-tariffs
NOW Art is actively seeking artists nationwide to design unique and original mural compositions for community-focused programs. These public facing projects are in partnership with corporations. Each mural is delivered as digital compositions or scanned high-resolution traditionally created artwork files. Approved artwork images will be printed on high quality vinyl, enlarged and adhered professionally in site specific locations.
Deadline: Ongoing
For more info and to apply: https://nowartpublic.com/community-mural-program/
