How do you learn about crafting events in your area?

[NWstamper]

I've been working on putting together a crafting weekend retreat in my area and its made me think about how people find out about crafting classes and events. Most of our scrapbooking stores have closed down near me and I know some folks travel to a store a few towns away, but I know there are people hosting and looking to attend events that don't want to travel that far.

I always seem to hear after the fact about fun events and I know there are people out there that would be interested in mine but I don't know how to reach them. So, I was curious, how do you hear about events you like to go to? Is there some secret website that lists events, word of mouth through friends, etc?

I bet there are lots of awesome events I'm missing out on and cool people I'd love to meet too.

[Takinmytyme]

The way I've heard about some events that come to my area is we have several different "community" newspapers (I see an advertisement in it or a small article about the event). Our City newspaper puts out a magazine of upcoming local events, entertainment (movies, plays) every Thursday. Also our only local Stamp store puts up a notice in their store and on their website. Our local libraries have bulletin boards that post local events and entertainments.
Could you teach a class through your local school district's Community Education classes given at night for adults ( our children's middle and high school let us hold them in their buildings). Does your community hold local craft shows before Christmas? Some churches, temples, schools have them in their buildings. Take a table and sell some amazing creations. Bring some fliers of up coming events. Put out some fliers in your neighborhood mailboxes or shopping center. If you do church or temple see if they put out a news letter/or web site for up coming events.Decide what age bracket or Mothers who need a night out. Check out how people advertise for home parties (jewelry, food) how they get the word out. For your event say "if you bring a new friend you get something". Do up some special goodie bags if the people do certain things: bring someone new,place an order,make cards to swap or donate to Ronald McDonald .Bring a Make & Take Item for people to create.

[snowcountry311]

there is also a "get it together" section here on SCS.
start a thread.in the title list date and location, including your state.
we have several a year.
most range from 25-40+ attendees

[lindylou1220]

Hi Jennifer, you could post on your FB business page and your demo website as well as include the info in your customer newsletter.

I realize that most of those will reach only those who are already your customers so offer a small prize (bundle of cards?) to anyone who brings or refers a friend.

You could also post on CraigsList but I'm a bit leery of that.

[SophieLaFontaine]

Usually I hear about it through an email from a friend, who hears about it from her demo, who seems to know all the other demos and tons of stampers in the city (and who also seems to know about all the stamping events going on).

[mastamper]

I hear about events through meetup.com. Once you have joined (it's free) and put in your interests, you will get emails about events in the area that fit one of your interests.

[wavejumper]

I hear about a lot of events via emails from stamp co's that are either hosting them or attending them.

Would Stampin Up be willing to send out an email to people in your state for you?

Is there a community board at the church or someplace like that?

[jeanstamping2]

I joined a Meet-up Group in my area back in 2007. Since then, I've joined in on Weekend Retreats. Gained more friends from joining in on the group.

Word of mouth works great. The newspaper. Friends inviting me. SCS get together's.

Church groups.

[snowcountry311]

as a demo can you stamp w/ other demo, in your area.
maybe do a small fair.have samples, sign up list for classes
start small