each year (in Los Angeles, for instance, the amount is $100,000). If a license or permit is required, be sure to renew it annually; otherwise you risk being fined.

With the help of accounting software like QuickBooks, most business owners can handle filing their sales and use taxes on their own (the BOE will send you the tax forms automatically once you have your resale license). When filing your federal income taxes, though, it’s wise to seek professional help.

“File often and early!” recommends Kellee Milner ( myfavoritemirror.com). “Find someone who is knowledgeable with your particular business structure right from the get-go. The ins and outs they know can bring you huge peace of mind. I’d rather pay someone to handle that kind of thing for me so that I know it’s being done right, and that nothing is being left out, than to have all that stress come April trying to figure it all out on my own.”

So now that you’re legal, where do you sell your stuff? It’s easier than ever to set up an online shop, and sites like etsy.com, shopify.com, and mintd.com are quick, simple, and affordable options for creating a virtual storefront — especially for crafters with limited web skills.

Illustration by Kate O’Leary

If you’d rather run your own website, there are several designers specializing in creating smaller, craft-oriented sites: lightningbugdesigns.com, redlimeweb.com, and smartandlovely.com are just a few.

The importance of having an internet presence can’t be overstated. “I actually started my current crafty business about six months before I had a website,” shares Cathy Callahan ( cathyofcalifornia.com). “Things just exploded the second I launched my site.”

Having a website is no good unless people find out about it, of course. “Keeping a blog, or sending out some sort of update email is very important,” says with four years experience under her belt. “Swapping links with other small businesses is great, too.”

Networking can help in a myriad of ways — a friend may be willing to swap a business card design for one of your homemade bath scrubs, for instance. Any way you can get the word out and grow your business while keeping costs low is worth looking into. Vending at craft fairs will increase your sales and your visibility, so keep plenty of postcards, buttons, or other promotional items on hand. You may pick up some wholesale accounts this way as well.

However far you decide to go with your crafty business, it takes effort to stay the course. Remember that your aim is to earn a living, and if you price your items too low you’ll end up barely breaking even, a sure recipe for business burnout. Be realistic about your goals and step outside the craft room from time to time. As Nicole Vasbinder ( queenpuffpuff.com) advises, “Working from home can be lonely, and the days can run together. Keep your spirit and mind fresh, and your work will continue to be inspired.” ×

More resources at craftzine.com/04/business

Jenny Ryan is a crafter living in Los Angeles with her cartoonist husband, Johnny, and their two insane cats. She is owner of sewdarncute.com and the organizer of Felt Club ( feltclub.com), L.A.’s popular indie craft fair.