You have probably seen the ads, "Stay Home, Make Crafts to Sell for Money", and like all of us, you were tempted. You might even have sent away for one of the programs, only to be sorely disappointed when it arrived and it was nothing more than a box of paperwork. The paperwork itself not anything more than instructions on how to place an ad similar to the one you responded too. Worse yet, you received a box filled with string and toothpicks that you were suppose to turn into miniature furniture. If you had ever been able to figure the instructions out and actually make a toothpick string armoire, you would have then had to mail it back to the company for 'approval' before they would purchase it from you. By this point, you would have been looking for a job to pay for the expenses of that dream "stay at home" job!

Finding Real Opportunities

Do not despair though, as it is possible to make money from home. Are you always making crafts? Do you receive compliments from others on the striking handiwork you have produced? Have you ever made a craft from scratch, with no instructions, and had people ask you where you bought the item or the pattern? Do you find yourself modifying patterns to the point that nothing of the original is left whatsoever? If you answered yes to several of these questions, you may be able to work from home as a freelance craft designer.

Research

Who buys patterns? Look at all of the craft magazines and publications you have accumulated through the years. Craft magazines, in various genres, purchase patterns every day of the year. Start by browsing current magazines that you have, or head to the library to look through an even bigger selection, to review submission guidelines for each. Most craft magazines welcome submissions of patterns, designs, and completed projects from both beginners and experts. Also, check online for any companies that may be looking for online content. Many of these do not pay as well as print publications, though some do, and the more markets you are submitting to, the better your chances are for publication.

The Fine Print

Carefully read any submission guidelines. Some companies will want a complete project, along with precise instructions. Others may only want a photograph or chart of the design. Most will want a complete materials list, along with instructions, and at least a diagram, photo, or chart, if not the completed item. Following the guidelines may be the difference between your idea actually being reviewed for possible purchase, and being returned. Think professionally, and assemble what you are going to submit in such a way, that the editors know you both read and followed their guidelines.

Detailed Instructions

When writing the instructions for your idea down on paper, be as specific as possible. Write detailed steps as you go, and do not rely on memory to draft it all at once when done. Skipping a single step, even a very basic one, can cause confusion for the intended reader.

Think of how patterns are displayed in the magazines you read. Do not try to find your own style when it comes to explaining how to create something, unless there is no other way to do it. Most crafts have a very specific way that their instructions are written. Consider crochet; most crochet patterns are written with abbreviations for the different stitches, and either written out in rows or rounds. If you stray from this normal pattern, not only would it be hard for a reader to understand, an editor will most likely reject it instantly as being unreadable.

If the publication request photographs of the item, take a series of photos during the different steps of assembly. Label each photo in correspondence to the accompanying instructions.

Ideas and Copyright Infringement

No one can teach you how to create a unique craft item. What you can be told, is that you should never copy any part of an existing pattern or craft. Copyright infringement is serious and is never taken lightly by publications that you may be submitting. For you to submit a chart, pattern, or design for publication, it must be an original.

Where can you get ideas and inspiration? You probably have more ideas floating around in your head than you know. Keep a notebook handy at all times, and when something comes to mind, write it down, or sketch it out. Keep up to date on new craft products. Oftentimes new products can be inspiration. Subscribing to current magazines will also keep you aware of current and popular publishing trends.

Calendar

Because many magazines, in whole or in part, are often dedicated to an upcoming holiday, as crafters are usually working on projects months before an actual holiday, publishing calendars may vary widely when it comes to specific publications. For this reason, many will send you a calendar with submission deadlines geared to specific holidays, or other requested material that they may have an interest. Check the publication you are interested in submitting, to see if they offer such a calendar or request list. Most will require you to send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) when requesting such lists.

What to Submit

Consider what craft is your specialty; though do not limit yourself to submissions in one field. If you are proficient in more than one area, submit across the board. Crafts that regularly have patterns and graphs in magazines include, crochet, knitting, cross stitching, scrap booking, beading, tatting, woodworking, stained glass, bead making, clay, painting, hemp work, macramé, wire wrap, and any other craft you can imagine. To say that this is a nearly unlimited field would be putting it mildly. If a craft exists, chances are there is a magazine or publication willing to purchase an original idea in relation to it.

Getting your Designs out There

Wait times to hear back on submissions varies greatly. It can be from a few weeks, to a year or more. In order to constantly have things coming in (Hopefully lots of acceptances!); you must begin a pattern of submissions. Your ideas must be out there circulating to sell. While this may not be a fast way to make money, it does have its own rewards, besides the possibility of any financial pluses. The thrill of seeing your name in print, next to a pattern you designed, is one of the greatest thrills a crafter can achieve.