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The craft movement is booming. Crafters have more options to market and sell wares in new, creative ways than ever before. And it only began a few years ago with the creation of sites such as Etsy.com (an online community where people can buy or sell handmade crafts) and with customers' new appreciation for homemade products.

Crafting now is hip.

Author and crafter Kari Chapin experienced the trend firsthand and decided to write "The Handmade Marketplace" (Storey Publishing), as a guide for crafters who want to sell locally and globally.

"You can whip something up, wearing your pajamas while watching 'Project Runway,' and in a matter of minutes, you can photograph your creation and have it in your online store and sold before you know it," she says.

Chapin will discuss and sign copies of her book Saturday at Circa Gallery in Asheboro. We caught up with Chapin before her visit to discuss the inspiration behind her book and the booming craft industry.

What has happened in the past few years to create the craft community boom we're experiencing?

I think there are several factors that tie into this new wave of crafting. The Internet is probably the biggest catalyst. It's so easy to see what other people are making and to get inspired to learn something new, or pick up a project that was abandoned long ago.

I also think that other trends tie into our love of crafting. As a community, we are much more aware of things, like styling, and people seemingly returning to old values like gardening or even reusing items around the home, which all contribute to the crafting movement's success.

What inspired you to write "The Handmade Marketplace?" and what was your intention?

I wanted to write the book for people like myself and my friends. We're people who like to make things, and we'd all like to work for ourselves, but where to begin?

I learned so much when I took a job as a buyer and small home goods boutique manager. I was working with lots of independent makers, artists and craftspeople, and I soon noticed all of the same questions coming up from them. After a while of compiling very detailed e-mails to these amazing crafters, I realized that I had a book on my hands.

My intention is to help and inspire people without leaving anyone out. I wrote "The Handmade Marketplace" to appeal to crafters of all levels. I want people to feel like selling their handmade goods is possible -- because it is.

What are the common mistakes crafters make in launching a business?

This is a toughie. I think the biggest mistake people can make is not researching their fears. A lot of people are afraid of marketing, using a computer or adequately pricing their goods. ... With a little research and reaching out asking for guidance or help, all of these concerns can be addressed. We don't do most big things alone -- our community, our friends, our mentors, they're the ones who help us do everything from getting jobs to moving houses. Reaching out to experts when you need advice is a big step in the right direction.

Sometimes, people are afraid of promoting themselves. I wish I could zap everyone with a huge, heaping helping of self-confidence. It is a mistake not to believe in yourself, though. Please don't make that mistake.

Why do you craft?

craft to center myself. It makes me feel good to make things with my hands. Some people do yoga, sing, jog or meditate, but my version of clearing my head is to sit down with a bunch of materials and see what I end up with. If I wind up using things around the house that weren't being useful to begin with, or end up making a bit of money on the side with them -- all the better.

Merging the artistic with the business-side of things can be scary for an artist. What words of encouragement would you offer an emerging crafter?

Being businessy is a lot like being creative. Trust me. Just approach your business tasks the same way you approach a creative project. Marketing, promotion, designing a blog, figuring out your packaging -- it all takes creativity. When you carefully plan what glaze to use on a line of pots, or choose yarn for your next crochet project, you are using a lot of the same skills that you need to run your business. If you need help with things like accounting, ask, or hire help. Lots of times places like your local community center, library or community colleges have free workshops or low-cost classes where you can learn the basics.

If I knew then what I know now ...

I would have just done it! I would have talked about crafting a business a lot less and actually made things more often.

Best word of advice to crafters?

Jump in! Make it happen! Try everything! Believe in yourself! Go for it! Make what you love! Put your work out there! Ask for help when you need it! Experiment!

Contact Carla Kucinski Seward at 373-7319 or carla@gotriad.com