It’s important to always be growing and evolving your handmade business- this includes always creating new items. Not only will this draw in more customers and but it can keep your creativity flowing. Here are a few easy tips for expanding your company’s product lines…

1. Listen to Your Customers

I’ve gotten so many ideas for new products from my customers! They’ve suggested different color combinations, sizes, and shapes that I hadn’t thought of before. Usually they tell me these ideas at craft shows, but sometimes it’s during online sales. Customers have convinced me to make cool things like adjustable flower charm bracelets and giant buffalo ornaments. If a new item seems to get a lot of attention when you make it, consider putting it into your product line.

2. Think Outside the Box

The key to innovation in your handmade business is identifying a space in the market for a certain product that may or may not already exist. I never imagined I’d make holiday ornaments when I started my jewelry and fashion business, but I saw an opportunity to make a product that appeals to both women and men, increasing my customer base. They’ve turned out to be one of my best sellers!

Extra tip: If you have a great idea for a new product make sure to write it down! Creativity often comes at inopportune times, so this way you can revisit the idea later.

3. Use Different Materials

Experimenting with other materials keeps things interesting for your crafty business. In addition to making lasercut jewelry I also sew wristlet pouches and fake fur winter accessories. Not only do I love the end product, but creating these products allows me to reach a wider audience than I would just through jewelry. My sewn items still flow with my jewelry themes and color schemes, they just happen to be made from fabric instead of acrylic and wood.

4. Expand on a Theme

Take a theme or subject you already love and use that as a springboard for your new products. For example, I started off making buffalo shaped acrylic necklaces, but shortly after added cacti and cowskull shapes to expand my Southwestern line. If a product is popular, then think about what makes it a best seller- is the subject matter trendy or in style this year, or is it just very well designed? Go with what feels natural when creating new designs and items.

What other ways have you added items to your product range?

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Rebecca George

Designer at Purple and Lime, Inc.

A Cincinnati native, Rebecca studied Art History & Geology at the University of Michigan. From there, she earned a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing from the American Intercontinental University in London, England. Highlights of her career include having several pieces from her graduation collection featured in the international fashion magazine i-D (UK, Feb. 2007) and working on men’s leather pouches for the movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age (which won an Oscar for Best Costume). Her brand "Purple and Lime" is a line of super-fun womenswear, jewelry, and accessories based in Chicago. She has been successfully selling her line on Etsy and in shops for four years, and enjoys teaching others about online handmade selling!

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