Welcome to the Artists and Makers group! 🎨 🧶 🧵

[ElisabethB]

Hi, everyone! Welcome to the Artists & Makers group in the Square Community! Whether you're selling your work or selling items made by others, this is the group for you. You can use this space to ask questions and share tips, knowledge, ideas, and more. 

If you're new to the group, please reply here and introduce yourself or start a new thread about anything you want! 

If you haven't already joined the group, visit the group home page and click the Join Group Hub button. We're looking forward to getting to know you and your business! 😊

[BlushOrganics]

Thanks Tom I really enjoy what I do and I look forward to getting my business out there and growing !

[CindyAG]

Hi Glassers...!!  I have been working with stained glass and broken glass art for about 3 years now (2024) and am self-taught. I do NOT have a background in business but am totally enjoying learning as much as possible as I muddle my way through this hectic and sometimes uncertain economy. 

I initially dreamed of a brick & mortar - but then realized my budgetary limitations and am perfectly satisfied with online sales and then the Farmers Market during the 'market season' which is April thru October.  That allows me to focus on building inventory and improving on skills and products during the dark months. 

I hope you will share you adventures of online sales of glass art (stained glass, broken glass, fused glass) items.

Happy Glassing...!! 

[Breffni]

Hi @CindyAG welcome to the Seller Community 🌟

It's wonderful to hear about your journey in stained-glass and broken glass art.

Could you share some of your work with us? Photos, websites, and tips are all welcome!

Otherwise, enjoy exploring the Community 🙂 

[Faerly_Punk]

Hello Cindy.

I am not a Glass Artist, I work with leather, however, when I read your post I wanted to ask you a question. I don't know where in the US you live, but where I live, during the summer there are Renaissance Faires and all year round there are different conventions.  Have you ever thought about setting up at these events?  Yes, the table will cost you,  however, you can make a lot of money.  Also, at some of the smaller conventions, if you do a class to teach a "how to work with glass" (which you would charge for) your table may be comped.

Wishing you much success.

[maxpete]

@CindyAG thank you for posting this!

Tagging in a couple of Glass Artists here as well @mamac and @Beaddreamer 

[Tom]

Welcome, @CindyAG! I love the concept and I agree with @Faerly_Punk's suggestion about setting up at more events — great way to build a following. Wishing you all the best as you continue to expand your inventory and skillset! ✨

P.S. Did you know that Square's first product was inspired by a need in the glass business? Fun fact: In 2009, Jack Dorsey and his friend Jim McKelvey couldn't complete a $2,000 sale of Jim's glass faucets because they couldn't accept credit cards. This challenge led them to create Square. I couldn't resist sharing that connection. 😆

[LoriSears1]

Hello all, I would like top introduce myself to all of you.

My name is Lori, and I just started a candle business to help support my chemo treatments.

I am all new to this with square and a home business.  if anyone could possibly offer any ideas for advertising, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you

[KnitPickersPEI]

Hi, Lori - I started my business on a shoestring and am now celebrating my 21st anniversary!  Social media is a wonderful way to build your network.  You do have to be consistent.  I recommend posting at least 3 times/week (more if possible).  I would suggest not "over-posting" on a single day - i.e. 20 different posts.  Your primary message gets lost.  Also like and share posts.  If possible, collaborate with another small business owner - host joint events, promote one another. You'll both benefit.  Ask every customer who purchases or who expresses interest in your product if they would like to join your monthly newsletter list.  And be faithful sending out that newsletter.  Don't make the newsletter all about product promo.  Share some fun stories and of course info on new products, favourite products, sales or events coming up.  Only use your newsletter mailing list to send out your newsletter - or else folks might unsubscribe.  And, once you are all through your chemo treatments and are back to having more energy, volunteer to serve in your community - your local Chamber of Commerce, maybe there's an organisation that supports and promotes small local businesses.  I have learned so much and gained so many contacts by serving on the board of my regional tourism association!  Good luck and good health.  You can and will beat this monster.

[bonny]

Social media is going to give you the biggest bang for the buck because you can do it for free.  It's just your time. You will get infinitely more views if you make short videos to post.  I've monitored the view rates of my static posts versus reels, and reels always win.  Make sure when you post that you provide a link to your product so folks can buy whatever you are featuring.  I'm notoriously bad about remembering to do that myself, which is why I mention it.  Best of luck. 

Bonny Wagoner

bonnywagoner.com

[Sydsknitss]

I'm a maker, creator, and fiber artist passionate about turning yarn into cozy, colorful expressions of joy. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a meaningful journey of building community and sharing the comfort that handmade pieces bring.

At Syd’s Knits, I focus on creating pieces that are both functional and full of personality—each one made with care, intention, and a whole lot of love. I’m always inspired by fellow artists and makers, and I’m so grateful to be part of a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, and connection.

Thanks for being here and supporting small makers like me. I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you!

Warmly,
Sydney

https://sydsknits.square.site/s/shop

[HC_Charlie]

Welcome Sydney! We're glad you're here, I love your handmade items and the fact you also sell patterns. If you haven't already joined, be sure to check out the Artist and Maker group in the Community.

https://community.squareup.com/t5/Groups/ct-p/SellerGroups

[Ncp914]

Hi everyone!  I’m Nancy, and I run a small sewing business where I create handmade bags, totes, purses, key fobs, and other fabric treasures. I love working with fun fabrics and repurposed denim to give each piece its own character.

I’m excited to connect with fellow makers here! I’d love to hear — how has Square been helping your business grow or run more smoothly?

[Tina54321]

Hi Nancy I'm Tina and I have a handmade Jewelry business.  I made anklets, earrings, necklaces, bracelets.  A lot of my jewelry is seashore-themed since I live in Myrtle Beach..we have lots of tourists and they love taking a memento of their trip home! Another cool feature of my earrings is that they are all available in clip-on or pierced style ( I wear clip-on myself😃). I began using Square when I started selling my jewelry in person here at craft shows. It helps me tremendously to take credit cards, etc. I haven't really delved into keeping my inventory on Square.  There are probably other features I don't even know about. I wear a lot of denim and blues/turquoise.  Do you have a Website? Mine is ontheedgedesigns.etsy.com 

[Ncp914]

Hi Tina,

I use Square as my website. Since I had never built a site before, it took me a little while to get my inventory set up, but now it’s running smoothly. I’m currently on the free version—it’s the best fit for my small business right now, though I may upgrade in the future.

I’ve been selling my creations for about 14 months, mainly at craft fairs, and have built a small but loyal customer base (including a few coworkers who’ve become regulars!). Recently, I started using Instagram (@sewnancifulcreations) and Facebook (Sew Nanciful Creations), and I’ve linked both to my Square site. Growing my online presence is definitely one of my next goals.

I also looked at your Etsy shop, but I saw you’re on a short break—I’ll be sure to check back when your jewelry is available again! How have you found Etsy as a selling platform? I'd love to hear about your experience has been with Etsy. 

Nancy

[Sassybeesfarm]

Hi yall! 
Glad to be apart of the community. 
I'm just getting started on this small business journey. I am from the great state of Arkansas where I own a small farm. I am a beekeeper and use my love for the bees to produce handmade organic skin balms and elixirs. Also coming soon face masks 🥰 I also sell my honey locally 🙂 

[CareyJo]

Welcome to the community!!  I love fresh honey!  We have quite a number of beekeepers who make honey here in Montana.  I know of several places that I pass regularly where hives are located.  I also know a local hive owner who makes honey as well.

There are lots of places throughout the Community for you to get help and ask questions.  Don't be afraid to reach out and comment!

Good luck with your new business!!

[Ink-jar]

Bees are so essential and amazing in our biodome. Keep up the good work 👍 

[PennysDream]

Good Morning and welcome.  Hope you enjoy your stay!

[bonny]

I hope you take advantage of the free site Square offers.  Leave a link so we can take a peek at what you are working on.  

Wishing you a successful adventure!
Bonny Wagoner

bonnywagoner.com

[Flawless111]

Hi how does keeping bees work?! I have always wanted to keep bees but no room!! Plus I always wanted to try beeswax!!!💖

[rtfulk]

@Sassybeesfarm  Welcome to the community. We have friends here in Florida that keeps bees. They ship theirs all over the country for pollination.