Think Crafts Blog – Craft Ideas and Projects – CreateForLess

A key to getting top dollar and bigger profits is time. The less time you spend in actual production the better your labor rate should be. For example: If you pay yourself $10.00 per hour and you can produce 10 items verses 5 items your earning more for your effort. Many PC’s prefer to pay themselves per piece (referred to as piece mill) so if you can produce 10 items per day versus 5 items per day you again have a higher profit for your labor.

How do you get to the point where your product flows smoothly, efficiently without sacrificing quality of workmanship? First you have to allow for some time to really think about your production habits. When we first start at any craft or technique, we follow the instructions to the letter, but after we are comfortable with the techniques we learn or even create our own short cuts. Second, learn about the production process. You don’t make one item at a time starting from scratch on the item. If making a doll you would make all the dresses, all the body parts, and then assemble. If you sew you would sew all the pieces needed then go on to the next step. If you make painted jewelry you would basecoat many pieces, then add the detail strokes, then finish by gluing the findings to the jewelry.

At Nerius House, we call this approach working in batches. At any given time, part or pieces needed to complete any design item is in some stage of production. This method also helps stop the boredom of doing the “same old, same old” by allowing you to work on different tasks during a workday. Finally, you ask and listen to your peers. Finding a mentor really helps the novice PC learn quickly and avoid some pitfalls. We’ve rounded up some helpful production tips for a variety of mediums. Never sacrifice quality for quickness. These suggestions may or may not be for you, but give them a try.

Production Tips

Cutting: Several fabric pattern pieces can be can be cut out at the same time if fabric is layered. Cut several wood pieces out at the same time by nailing boards together, tracing the patterns and then cut the wood.

Staining: The easiest, fastest way is to dip item into a bowl/bucket of stain rather than brush on stain. Small wood pieces can be placed in a zip lock bag, shake stain, pour stain into bag, seal and shake bag, cut a small tip off one corner of bag and pour excess stain back into its original container. Also consider investing in an airbrush.

Painting: Small pieces are easier to paint if you use double-sided tape on a heavy piece of cardboard. Place small items onto the tape and paint. Invest in an airbrush if you do a lot of basecoating or use aerosol sprays–time saved is worth the extra cost of paint. Paint one color at a time. Invest in artist quality brushes for detail strokes.

Dolls: If possible rip hem edges instead of sewing a hemline…country/antiqued look are in. Consider using pre-sewn bodies that you dress and detail. If possible make all hair at the same time, then glue or sew on. Paint faces instead of sewing. Pre-made wings may be worth the time saved.

Gluing: There are several new low-temp specialty glues on the market. Now you can use low-temp glue for fabric, metal, wood, and outdoor items. If using bottled glues leave bottle on its side to save time. Use designer tacky or jewel glue instead of just tacky glue to save setting time. Keep a container of ice water near your low-temp or hot glue gun (it’s great for those occasional finger burns) and dip your fingers into the ice water because if you need a quick set-up your chilled fingers will quickly cool down the glue. Always take extra care when using a glue gun of any type.

Drying: Set-up a fan or two to place drying items near to cut your waiting time by a 1/3 or 1/2. Paint with several thin coats instead of one thick coat. Place items in the sun. Oven set on warm is great for terra cotta paper molds. Place stained or painted items on inexpensive cookie or cooling racks so both sides can dry evenly. Use aerosol sealers instead of brush on. If doing laundry at the same time you craft place drying items on top of dryer.

General: Give yourself plenty of space to work and move. Remember Mom’s advice, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Valuable time is wasted hunting down items you need. Spend an hour every other day just straightening up and you’ll be surprised at the time you really do save yourself. Work in a circle with the items or tool you use the most within arms reach. Invest in the best quality tool you can afford. The perfect brush will do half the work for you. Sharp, precise scissors make cutting easier. Take breaks to avoid fatigue.

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