TAFA news 2017, Bill Stankiewicz & Fiber Artists Works

                                 Annie-Helmericks-Louder-Geishas-and-Cupcakes-detail in the above picture

The current trend for online sellers is to join smaller marketplaces that share a common theme. While most artists started out on Etsy, larger markets that are not curated tend to become frustrating search experiences and sellers get lost in the shuffle. Smaller markets act as virtual chambers of commerce and provide a pleasant browsing experience along with a select product niche. Learn about Artizan Made and other markets. 

TAFA’s membership is currently at 581, (representing 44 countries!) with a core focus on studio artists from around the world. But, we also welcome other organizations, retailers, galleries, museums, schools, and any business working with handmade textiles and fiber art. We do have a selection process, looking for quality, a professional presentation, and we have a bias towards those whose work contribute to making the world a better place (eco-products, recycled, small fiber farms and so on).

                                                                   Artwork by Joel Fremion, ‘Material Me’  in above picture

TAFA is a great organization that I wanted to share this info with all bees here in this 2nd post.  The TAFA List is a business community of entrepreneurs rooted in textile and fiber art products and traditions. A majority of our members have social and environmental agendas at the core of their business. TAFA’s members have a shared goal of building their businesses through virtual and actual marketplaces in an increasingly global world. TAFA unites old and new traditions, their historical and modern importance, giving a shared platform to both contemporary and traditional textile techniques from all cultures.

TAFA was launched on January 31st, 2010. Members are vetted in based on their professional presence and originality. 

Members must have an active business or professional presence on the web. TAFA is not for hobbyists. The TAFA List targets web users as potential clients and customers. Members must show substance in their field and a history of their connection with textiles or fiber art. This includes having a good website, clear photos, information on the artist, availability of product, etc.  Products represented should have real “value” in terms of historical context, construction and materials used. Member artists must be working with their own designs (no kits or commercial patterns, unless those are made or developed by the artist). Member businesses need to show ethical treatment of the product represented, whether new or old. Businesses using recycling, green, fair trade, and/or sustainable practices are especially sought.

Hope you enjoyed the artworks pictured here!   Information shared here by these links: http://www.tafalist.com/2016-new-members-on-tafa-january-june-indigo-brains-leaves/

Best regards,

Bill Stankiewicz

www.savannahsupplychain.com