If you spent the last few years bracing for a 1099-K to show up after $600 in sales, you can stop bracing. That threshold never took full effect, and the law has now moved in the opposite direction.

For most craft sellers, the practical result is that a form you were expecting will not arrive. The part worth understanding is that this changes almost nothing about what you owe. Read more.

Congratulations to the artists below!  Their entry to the ArtFairCalendar.com Holiday Gift Guide was approved today.  This is the second round of acceptances.  See the blog post on August 27 for the first round selection. We'll include these artist's work in the Guide published on our website and in a PDF. 

They are: Dee Lund Nelson, Bettina Madini, Anne Coburn-Griffis, Dan Cautrell, Peggy Crago, Janice Jones, Roslyn Broder, Janet Mandel, Melissa Ravens, Michele Watts, Eric Engel, and Lindsay Field.

Award voting will begin Sept.18

If you have not applied yet, the deadline is Sept 11.  It's only $25 per entry.  No additional fees and no upsell.  Just a flat fee.  Don't forget, you must be a member of ArtFairInsiders.com to sign up.  Read all about it here.

The Regional Artist-in-Residence program at Contemporary Craft allows artists living within 100 miles of Pittsburgh, free access to fully equipped studios, CC staff support, and the opportunity to interface with the public while creating a body of work.  Regional residencies are 3 months long.  In exchange for the free usage of Contemporary Craft’s state of the art studio spaces, the Artist-in-Residence will be asked to engage with the public while working in the studio. Read more here.

This free directory features listings and links to useful tools for visual artists growing small businesses. From our friends at Artsy Shark.

 President Donald Trump’s tariffs have led to a tangle of red tape and extra expenses for Canadian wool producers and hobbyists, and some are walking away from their U.S. customers altogether.

Judy Enright Smith, who owns the Wabi Sabi yarn shop in Ottawa, said she’s running out of patience. The last time her American supplier visited, she wore an “Elbows Up” T-shirt.

“At first, it was business,” she said. “Now, it’s personal.”

The U.S. has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on greasy wool imports and some finished wool products, affecting Canadian wool producers who ship their product south to be scoured.  Read more

Both the USPS and FedEx will again raise shipping costs during the Holiday season.  For USPS rates, check here.  For FedEx, check here.

They’re In! Will Your Art Be Next?

Congratulations to Patrick Campbell, David Bornancin, Janet Klein, Emily Cross, Kelly Finn, Cindy Devine, and Donna Knapp!

Their entries have been received, and their work will be included in the ArtFairCalendar.com Holiday Gift Guide!

This holiday season, we’re putting the power of the ArtFairCalendar.com network to work promoting artists and their artwork to art buyers, collectors, and people looking for unique, handcrafted gifts.

Featured artwork will be promoted through our newsletters, websites, blogs, social media, and emails throughout the holiday shopping season.

Haven’t entered yet? There’s still time!

It’s just $25 per entry, with no additional advertising or promotional fees. Artists may submit up to 3 entries.

This is the first time we’ve used our extensive media reach specifically to promote artists during the busy holiday buying season—and we’d love to have your work be part of it.

Will your name be on our next list?

Click here to enter the Holiday Gift Guide.

Be one of the first 50 artists qualified to enter!  Click here to enter.  Here are the qualification requirements:

• $25 entry fee to support the administration of this program. No refunds.
• Open only to working artists who exhibit at art fairs, craft shows, and retail events in the US this year.
• You must be a registered member of ArtFairInsiders.com. If you are not already a member, you can join AFI for free.
• All entries must be original work created by the artist submitting the entry. Work created offshore, assembled by studio help, or AI-generated work is not allowed.
• You must have the rights to use the photograph. Sorry, no photo credits.
• Technical ability and an internet connection sufficient to upload photos and complete the entry process are required. We do not have the staff resources to support those who cannot follow the instructions independently.
• Each entry is for one artwork only. You may enter as many times as you wish.
• All media categories are encouraged to apply.
• A website or shopping cart of some type is required on your site to enable visitors to buy your work.
• Open only to artists who are legal United States residents 18 years or older.
• Void where prohibited by law. 

There are no other costs other than the $25 fee to help offset the administration of this project. No additional ad fees. Receive repeated, targeted promotion to art buyers, collectors, and show directors through our newsletters, websites, blogs, and social media.

 A Metalsmith magazine archive, dating from 1980-2023, is now digitized, fully searchable, and available to explore through the Internet Archive.

Whether you're researching techniques, revisiting influential artists, or discovering past issues for the first time, this collection offers an incredible resource for the metals and jewelry community.

While you're there, browse other early SNAG publications, including Golddust, Goldsmiths Journal, SNAG Newsletters, and Technical Papers.

Start exploring today by visiting the Internet Archive through the button below.

Click here to begin.

SNAG welcomes submissions for the inaugural Marie Zimmermann Legacy Grants.

These grants will be awarded to early- and mid-career metalsmiths for artist workshop upgrades including specialized equipment and tools.

Up to $4,000 will be awarded through grants ranging from $500–$2,000. Awards are anticipated to include one $2,000 grant, one $1,000 grant, and two $500 grants, though the final distribution may vary.  Awardees will be selected by professionals in the field.

Dates and Deadlines: 

Call opens: August 7, 2026

Deadline: October 8, 2026, 11:59 pm PT

Recipients will be notified no later than November 2, 2026

Final report due by February 1, 2027

Click here for more info.

Oh boy! 19 new emoji will be released in late September. On the list are a cracked face, a meteor, an eraser, and a pickle. Check them out here. 

Organizers are calling for artists to design and make a quilt panel answering the question, "What does democracy mean to me?" The panels will be displayed on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at various state capital buildings nationwide. This is the day before the actual National Day of Peace. For instructions on creating a panel, how to register, and tips for organizing a display at your state capital, visit United We Stitch. A permit is required to host an event at a state capital. United We Stitch includes contact information for permits and some great suggestions. Express yourself. If you create a panel, please add a photo on this site and pictures of the event in your state!

Another interesting piece from our friends at ACT. The important takeaway is that it may not be enough to only purchase a basic insurance policy for the weekend. You may need a little more than that. Read here.

Here are 7 examples of insurance claims and how to avoid them from our friends at ACT.  Read more here.

USPS is introducing new HazMat fees and stricter enforcement, including a $50 non-compliance penalty. Learn which products qualify, how to avoid costly mistakes, and stay compliant. Artisans who make perfumes and fragrances beware! Read more here.

A-Corp is a new limited liability legal structure that helps creative people keep control, protect their work, share ownership with collaborators, and raise support without giving away the art. Now law in Colorado. First formations expected in early 2027. Read about it here.

Here's something to keep in your files! A comprehensive guide of online sales possibilities compiled by our friend Artsy Shark! Look here.

Effective immediately, businesses are no longer required to sign a Brand Control Agreement (BCA) in order to purchase Swarovski Crystals and HARMAN is authorized to sell Swarovski Crystals to a broader range of customers, including resellers and retail businesses.  Check out their website for more info.  https://www.harmanbeads.com/

Meta launched low cost subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.  Read more here.