Back when I first started selling my jewelry, I really didn't know zip about running a business. I had to educate myself by reading, A LOT! I would load up on books every week at the local public library and read, read, read. Somehow when I was doing all this reading, I stumbled upon a magazine call The Crafts Report. Mind you, this was back in the day before the Internet was in everyone's (or practically everyone's) home. Yes, believe it or not that time period actually existed!Once I found The Crafts Report, I became a devoted follower, reading it religiously from cover to cover. I saved stacks of them and often referred back when I had a craft business related question. Though my crafts business has turned now into more of a writing business, I still believe that anyone, especially those who want to sell their hand-crafted jewelry or other related items, can learn a thing or two or three from this publication.
Now, thanks to the web you can get a chance to take a good look at the July issue for free because The Crafts Report has gone digital. Though I have to admit I still prefer to do most of my intense reading via hardcopy, for the sake of convenience since I tend to live chained to my computer, I tend to read more and more on-line. I would bet I'm not alone in this situation.
As an added bonus in this free digital issue, you get to read about jewelry designer Bonnie Riconda (see "Insight Gained" on page 10) and get a chance to enter to win a pair of her gorgeous earrings (see page 13 for the entry form).
So go have a look-see and report back on The Crafts Reporter. What do you think about the magazine in general? And, what about this step towards digital, is it a good thing? Post your thoughts in the comments.
Comments
I dislike most digital intensely; I do like it to find information. I prefer holding a book and/or magazine in my hand and reading from it. Actually, I despise reading on line. It hurts your eyes, your body and your soul. Yes, it is soulless. Overkill? You bet.
We live in a 29-foot travel trailer with little extra room. Digital is great because I can save and view things on my computer instead of wasting room on paper!
I totally agree, with digital you can’t curl up in your comfy armchair and flick leisurely through what your reading – it’s intense, clinical and you can’t turn the corners over to earmark what interests you!
I happened to win that beautiful heart with all the gemstones around it that Calico Juno Designs had for their Valentine’s Day giveaway this year! I cannot begin to tell you how gorgeous it is and the expert workmanship (workwomanship?) that went into it is amazing. I contacted Bonnie Riconda about purchasing a pair of earrings to go with the necklace and she changed the stones on a design I liked on her website to match. Like I said…gorgeous!
I personally had a very friendly yet professional experience with Bonnie and Calico Juno Designs and highly recommend that if you are in the market for luscious yet not over-the-top pricey jewelry, please look at their website: http://www.CalicoJunoDesigns.com
And…digital is great but I prefer a magazine or book, too!
I like digital.I can view so much more in order to get inspired. I looked at the Crafts Report and liked a lot of the articles.
Tanks for the tip
I hope they go back to print; the web pages have print that is WAY too small. I very much prefer kicking back in my recliner and leisurley leafing through a print magazine, to squinting at a computer trying to read micro size letters.
I know many people would prefer hardcopies, but I think more and more we’ll see this trend considering the enormous cost of printing and distribution connected with hardcopy magazines. It would nice to see an option for both, of course, but if it came down to a magazine going digital versus going under (which I’m not saying is the case here), I’m all for digital.
Also, for those who mentioned the text is too small. You can change the size by going into “settings” at the top of the screen when you open it. You can view more than one page, or one page, large print, small, whatever you want.
Thanks for this heads up! I really enjoyed being able to browse through this magazine, as I’ve never been able to find it in my area. I personally love the idea of digital, great for the environment.
I like to be guided on the computer but now the book you can take with you where ever you are where the computer you cannot sometimes, but both is good . I like both but prints should always be somewhat larger for all to read easy and pictures more clear. sometimes one can only afford so much. Both is equal to its own but read to much can be be to long to keep the interest. What the eyes see stays more and heard.
I’m a lover of paper & pages and tucking magazines into my purse, but magazines are just not in my budget right now. This is free to read & I can print whichever parts I want to take along with me.
The digital format of this one seemed easier than some of I’ve seen. To enlarge, just click the page.
Great content, great look…
Two thumbs-up from me!