I have just launched the first in my own line of kits and am ridiculously excited and proud of it!
The
Felt Biscuits Kit is built around my book and contains a signed copy, felt, stuffing and threads plus pins and a needle. Everything you need to make your set of biscuits and their very own biscuit tin all wrapped up in a crinkly pink stripey bag with a heart shaped label. All for £19.50 ;)
Although this is the first of my own line I have designed plenty of tutorials and kits before for magazines (including Mollie Makes) , craft companies (such as Crafty Nana), private companies (I once designed a darling set for Cornishware) and, of course, my own published book...so I have learnt a few lessons by trial and error....
...and I thought I could maybe help those of you who would like to make some of your own ;)
So here are my 8 tips for making your own kits:
1. Trial run you project first and make notes to check all the steps. When you are used to making something it can be hard to put yourself in the shoes of someone who does not know what you do, someone who may have never tried your medium so write down everything you do.
2. Write detailed instructions, checking that you have all the steps, techniques, materials and tools covered from your notes. Try to imagine you are talking to your kitters. I like to make my instructions friendly...as if I am teaching a friend.
3. Go back to basics. You cannot assume that someone knows how to do a certain stitch or understands your terminology without explanation. They may, but then they may not, and if they don't then they will get stuck. If they do then they can skip the basics. I remember learning Photoshop years ago and every single tutorial I could find at the time presumed knowledge. They never seemed to explain the real basics that I needed as a beginner who did not understand even what layers were never mind how to open new ones. It was a frustrating experience and you don't want to frustrate your kitters.
4. Make a second piece, taking detailed, well lit and multiple photographs of each step. Again never presume that someone will know how to get from one step or technique to another without being able to see it. Make sure you have at least one good explicit photo to document each of the steps.
5. If you can, and especially if it is your first kit and you intend to sell it or give it to someone who will not be able to ask you questions personally, try and get a friend (or willing little sister with basic sewing knowledge..hi Ruthie!) to test run your steps and make their own piece using your words and photos. If you can, sit with them and make notes of every question they ask or comment they make about the project as they make it.
6. If necessary (and it will be...I edit repeatedly and my sister does not hold back on her comments) go back to your instructions and edit them to include any missed information or necessary hints. If you need to take extra photos you may need to make at least part of your piece again.
7. Take the best of your completed pieces and make a little set to take some photographs. Try using pretty fabrics, props that help show your piece off and natural lighting. Take photos from a lot of angles and with different backgrounds and styling until you have some that you love. If you can, run them through an editing programme such as photoshop or gimp to make sure they are bright and clear and inviting.
8. Don't worry about having to make complicated packaging. Though it is nice, and I love the little suitcases that my Crafty Nana kits come packed in, you can do something simple and still beautiful. try wrapping paper, gift bags, cellophane envelopes, cardboard boxes, baskets or anything that is big enough for your kit, is within your budget and fits the theme or look of your kit & brand. I have always used pink and white paper sweetie bags for my packaging so I bought huge ones and added white hearts with my labeling and branding. You could add tags or cards or a photo as labels.
7. Enjoy it!! If you love what you do it will show through in your words and people will enjoy making their own pieces.
8. Always give people a way to contact you with any questions they may have...and answer them happily. Regardless of how many times you trial run a tutorial, someone will always have questions you never considered. If possible, try and rework any added information that comes up into a new draft of your instructions. Remember that if one person contacts you, they will not be the only one asking that same question...so answer it ;)
So there are my rambling tips on making your own kits...as I always try and take make own advice, please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you may have that I haven't covered.
Good luck ;)
Sharing something you are passionate about it is fun and a complete privilege, plus they make fabulous gifts for crafty family members and friends...so go for it!
My little sister Ruthie: a marketing genius who regularly tells me
exactly what she thinks of what I am doing (or not doing) over a glass
of wine and can always be relied on for a blunt and honest
critique....or for a swift kick in the posterior if necessary.
