By Christina Sherrod

I have sewed and crafted for most of my life. I enjoy sharing my designs on this website, offering free patterns and lessons.

Now, I want to offer you a new idea for selling your own beautiful work. Or, use this idea to promote your work.

I started painting a few years ago, and added many of those projects to this website and my youtube channel: Free Painting Lessons. I sold paintings in art fairs, but soon realized that I needed something more to offer my followers.

There are certain limitations to selling paintings and other items of art. A person might love your quilt, painting or other beautiful piece, but that doesn't always translate into a sale - at least not right away. Perhaps they do not have space for the painting, or they don't need a quilt, or the colors don't match their decor. Don't just let them walk away! They may find just what they want to purchase at some point in the future. Make sure your customers remember you.

In my first art fairs, other artists recommended that I offer a variety of products and prices. I started to pay more attention to what was offered in the various booths.

I noticed that most artists sold cards that featured their paintings. I started offering cards, and they did sell. I made a sale, plus the card contained information about me - great for advertising!

I also found that many artists offered other items that I call "beautiful, usable art." Tote bags, trivets, pillows, and mugs were some of these items.

I knew that I wanted something new to offer my followers. Something that would really show off my work. Something they would use every day. I just wasn't sure what that product should be.

I was then given a mug from a friend. As I sat in my back yard early one morning, sipping my coffee and enjoying her pretty mug, it hit me! An idea was born - I decided to offer mugs! The mug my friend had given to me was more than just a coffee mug. It had a unique design, that was special to me, and I thought of her every time I used it.

I decided that I would start creating mugs.

One of the first mugs I created was for my friend, whose thoughtful gift had played an important part in launching my idea. I used one of my "acrylic pours" in a heart cut-out, and added the text "Thank you for being My Amiga". She is always trying to teach Spanish to me, and I am hopeless, but this is one word I know - so this mug was meaningful to her.

EXTRA CASH
I sold some designs on a website (mugmi.com) but found that I actually sold more through direct selling than I did on the website, so that site is now down. The sales help pay for my art and craft supplies. The mugs also make unique, personalized gifts.

My daughter is a graphic artist and created the design shown - "Beach Hair - Don't Care".

ART CLIENTS
I provide mugs for my art clients. It is a wonderful gift, plus it is a method of advertising. They love having a mug that features the painting they purchased from me, and if they take the mug to work, it is further advertising for me.

I tested out various printing companies, but was not totally satisfied with the quality. I decided that I needed more control. The Pepper Pot mug shown here features an original oil painting by my artist friend, Judy Roberts. The painting was gorgeous, featuring vivid colors and crisp lines. The solid black background sets off the bright pepper colors. We knew that a great quality print was needed to do justice to her painting. I decided to print it myself.

I achieved this by scanning the original painting (using high resolution), and then editing the image to remove any artifacts or blemishes. A tiny piece of dust or lint can mar an image.

Then I used my quality sublimation printer and press to print the mug. Judy was thrilled with the results.

Your mug, card, tote bag or other item is a reflection of you and your art. Make sure the quality properly represents you AND your art.

I did a lot of research before purchasing my equipment. Sublimation printing requries a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, sublimation ink, a sublimation printing press and specially coated mugs. It also requires software for editing images, and photographic equipment or a high quality scanner; the initial image must be high quality.

I don't just print an image "as is". Whether the image is from an original scan that I did, or was sent to me by the customer, I carefully review it. I enlarge the image and go over it area by area to ensure there are no problems, such as glare, lint, or other imperfections. If the image is a bit washed out, I tweak that. I do my best to get the best possible print.

Visit my YOUTUBE channel to watch the process:
Video: Sublimation Printing Mug

Watch the creation of a Halloween painting, and then watch the process of turning that painting into a beautiful mug.

Whether you print your own mugs, or have it done by a printer, be sure to include a card. I place my business card inside the mug. I present the mug in a nice gift box. The card should have your contact information.

Every time your customer uses the mug, he or she will think of you! This is a usable "reminder" of you and your business.

FREE CRAFT PATTERNS
Accessories
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Graphics
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Medical Needs
Painting
Paper Crafts
Wood Crafts

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