Library - Paper and Spark

Inventory 101 for Makers – what is inventory

Inventory and cost of goods sold are probably the most complex accounting concepts that makers and crafters have to tackle. Today I’m going to attempt an overview of some important inventory concepts in simple, plain English. In part 2, I’ll delve into dealing...

Everything You Need to Know about Shipping

Let’s talk about SHIPPING! Shipping can be a complicated topic for a creative biz owner because there are many facets to the “shipping” question. This comprehensive guide to shipping will address all the different “types” of shipping your business probably deals with:...

Brain Dumping – the problem of having too many ideas

I think a lot of creatives struggle with the concept of having too many ideas. When you go into business for yourself, all the opportunities and possible paths ahead of you can be so very exciting (and maybe a bit overwhelming!). It can be hard to focus. It can be...

Pricing Pitfalls – why to avoid underpricing and undervaluing

Pricing is such a hot topic in the creative biz world. As a numbers-driven accountant and a spreadsheet nerd, I find the topic and the various opinions surrounding it fascinating. But let’s get down to today’s business – too many Etsy shop owners, artisans, and crafty...

Sales Taxes: An Intro for Your Creative Business

I recently discussed income taxes and how they relate to your creative biz. Today, let’s talk about that other tax biggie – sales taxes. Getting sales tax set up for your shop is one of the first “must dos” of setting up your biz. For a free step-by-step checklist on...

Income Taxes: An Intro for your Creative Business or Blog

As a creative business owner, it can be so hard to know all the different financial requirements and responsibilities that apply to you (that’s why I’ve got a free step-by-step checklist right here!). You might hear a lot about your “tax” requirements and get the two...

Accounting for Overhead Expenses in Your Prices

I recently talked about all those pesky hidden expenses (called “overhead expenses”) that your small biz encounters. I concluded that discussion by saying that it’s important to recover a little piece of your overhead expenses every time you sell a product or service,...

Hidden Expenses and How They’re Hurting Your Biz

Welcome back, you creative entrepreneur you! We’ve talked about how important it is to sharpen your bookkeeping skills and keep track of all those pesky expenses your business has. Today we’re going to talk about a special category of your business’ expenses, which we...

Travel Gift Basket – budget-friendly gift ideas for the traveler

The holidays are fast approaching, and we’ve got a great idea for a unique travel gift basket for the traveler on your gift list this year. Our travel gift basket is also a great “bon voyage” present anytime of year. This creatively-themed gift basket is great for a...

Tracking Expenses & Keeping Records for your Creative Biz

Welcome, creative entrepreneur, to our business series! We’ve talked about the importance of bookkeeping and your bookkeeping options. Now let’s talk about some of the fun stuff you should be keeping in those books. When it comes to recording your financial info, you...

Bookkeeping for the Creative…and Non-Financial Person

If you’re a business owner of even the most tiny business, you should be practicing good bookkeeping skills, which basically means keeping track of your financial records. Don’t let the funny term “bookkeeping” confuse you. I’m just talking about recording, in written...