Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Exchange Program - Free Supplies for Tutorials


Are you the creative type that loves to create tutorials and would like to receive unique, free supplies to try out?

Are you a supply seller looking for a new way to promote your shop?

I'm playing match-maker! I'd like to bring the two of you together.

Before applying for any exchanges, please scroll down and read the rules first. Then click on the current exchanges and read the guidelines specific to each. Feel free to apply for more than one.


Click Here for Current Exchanges



Click here to see Past Exchanges and their Tutorials.

Here's the plan:

The supply seller offers free products to those promising to create a unique tutorial using the supplies given. Each seller will decide how many items to offer and to any number of people. The seller may accept people on a first come-first served basis or may decide to choose from those that apply. The seller will come up with all of the details on how this will work.

The receiver of the item will create something amazing with that supply, while creating a tutorial, taking photos at every step. The receiver will post the free tutorial on her blog with a link to the supply shop, and detailing what supplies were used from that shop. If you don't have a blog, you may post your tutorial to Craftser, Instructables, or CutoutandKeep. It must be posted on a non-commercial site and must be free. After you post your tutorial, let the supplier and me know about it. I'll post the tutorial here too. (Please send me your tutorial through the "submit your tutorial" link on the right.)

Tutorial creators, please keep in mind that anyone will be free to use your tutorial to create something to sell. The supply seller will be allowed to use your tutorial photos in promoting her supply - in listings or blogs, giving you credit of course.

Be sure to get a great photo of the finished piece for your tutorial. That's the one that will be posted here and possibly used by the supply seller.

Tutorial Creators, please remember that the supplies you receive are free, but there are strings attached. The supply sellers are taking a risk sending out their supplies. Please only apply for free supplies if you can commit to creating something wonderful with a fabulous tutorial and great photos.

Unsure of how to create a tutorial? ArtMind, the Queen of Tutorials, has posted a "how to" on her blog. She has some great tips and walks you through the whole process. You can also have a look at the tutorials already created as part of this Exchange Program.

The benefits?
* The supply seller will get additional blog traffic from their post explaining the exchange. It will be linked to from here.
* The supply seller will have links leading to her shop in the tutorials. Maybe the receivers will put items up for sale and link to you in those listings.
* The supply seller will be allowed to use photos of the finished products in her listings and/or blog and link to the tutorials if she chooses. This will give your potential buyers inspiration on how to use your supplies.
* Besides the tutorials on the receivers' blogs and the posts here about it, I have a page where all tutorials using each seller's supplies will be grouped together, for more exposure.
*Perhaps the receivers will love your supplies so much that they'll return to purchase in the future and hopefully you'll receive new buyers as a result of the tutorials.

* The receiver will get something free!
* The receiver will gain blog traffic from having their tutorial posted here (and possibly anywhere the supply seller posts a link).
* The receiver may sell the finished product if they wish.
* The receiver will be introduced to fabulous new supplies to test out at no charge. You might just find some new favorite suppliers.
* The receiver will have fun and a creative challenge!

* I'll get more tutorials to post!
* My blog will receive more traffic, giving everyone here more exposure.

Right now, this blog receives 4,000 to 5,000 page views a day with almost 5000 followers. Taking part in this exchange could be a nice benefit for both the seller and the receiver.

So, if you're a seller of supplies, please think about it! Please read this page for details on how to have your own exchange.

I'm excited about this! I hope it will be fun and rewarding for all of us!



Disclaimer: I'll have nothing to do with the fine print and the exchange of product for tutorial. The seller makes all of the decisions - who will receive the items, what item(s) to use, the time-frame to offer the supplies, create the tutorials and post them, etc. I hope it won't happen, but if either party doesn't come through with their end of the deal, the two of you will need to work it out. My job is to help bring the two of you together, and post the tutorials here. Other than that, it's all up to you.

77 comments:

  1. Hi, this is a very interesting idea and I would be very interested in getting involved. I'd be very interested in making the bits and providing tutorials... I enjoy trying new crafts and skills so let me know... I've started uploading tutorials for download on my website and I give out patterns for people to try why I do craft fairs and markets.

    Hope this is helpful to you.

    P.S love the blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Nu! I'm getting a lot of responses from supply sellers. You're going to have a lot to choose from! Keep watching TotallyTutorials. Hopefully we'll have some exchanges going soon.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd love to participate! I had written a few tutorials on my blog and I'd love to write more!! My email is connected to my Blogger account, so it should be easy to reply to me. Thanks so much-I'm excited to get more info!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bethany, I'm so happy that you'll participate! So far I've heard from jewelry suppliers, a fabric supplier, a tool supplier, and two pattern makers that would like people to crochet and knit their patterns! I can't believe the response I've gotten so far.

    When the details start rolling in, I'll post them on the sidebar so we can begin the match-making.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a fantastic idea! I'd love to do a tutorial. Especially for jewelry-related supplies. I've been wanting to create a tutorial for a while now...this is perfect.

    Great giveaway feature on Shrimp Salad -lovely creations!
    -Katie, LemonJitters@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. We have our first "exchange" up and running!
    http://charmedbykaren.blogspot.com/2009/07/create-tutorial-exchange.html

    I'll email Bethany and Katie about it.

    I won't be able to send out emails after this though. It would get to be too much. Please watch the blog for more exchanges coming soon.

    Thanks everyone!

    And thanks Katie for the kind words about the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a great idea! I'll be keeping my eye on this. I'd love to do something sewing-related.

    (and how weird that 2 Bethanys would respond to this, I don't come across too many of us:))

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great idea Dotty!!! Best of luck with it...I will keep my eyes peeled as I dabble in so much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks "other Bethany" and Farmstead! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love making tutorials and have quite a few up on my blog. These concern felting but could make tutorials on a number of techniques.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is a great idea, I'd love to work with the stamps.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I just came across this page while reading Artmind's tutorial tutorial. Please please please count me in. I primarily work in 2D mixed media and photography, but would love to try something new, anything to put a fire under my fanny.

    I'll keep my eyes out for an exchange that would work for me

    ReplyDelete
  13. this is brilliant! i've never created a tutorial before, but would love to try my hand at it. and what a fun and creative way to get started! i'll definitely be in contact. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you all so much for your comments! I'm thrilled that you all are interested in participating.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi! I would love to do a tutorial on soap making! I have been making soap for over 10 years now, and to be able to get some supplies for free would be awesome! I have been doing melt and pour, but am expanding into cold processed soaps! I also make candles, lip balms, body lotions, body butters, bath salts, bath scrubs, and body oils! I am sure I could do tutorials on all of those!
    Thanks!
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just applied for my first one to try. Hope I get picked. Sounds like lots of fun.
    http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
    http://KayzKreationz.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Angela, did you contact SaharasSupplies to apply? I hope so!

    I'm so glad you applie Kay! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is a great idea! I'd be happy to share some of my supplies!

    http://katieblue.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I think I could do a tutorial with the dapping block set- see my tutorials on my blog at
    http://divine3designs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks muller!

    That's great Divine! Please contact EviesToolEmporium to apply.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Carmela Chiaramonte has been stringing jewelry for over 20 years. She has created gorgeous necklaces from Turquoise from the Navajo reservation. She learned from her father who was also a Native American Jewelry trader. Her Grandfather was also a well known Native American Jewelry Craftsman. Carmela's passion is to teach people about native American culture, through the art of jewelry making, but her focus is to teach in hopes to inspire teens to use a skill to make money and own a business of their own. Mainly women who is in their early 30's who know about jewelry and southwest arts, perhaps from traveling... cultural awareness buy her artShe has been shining, buffing, repairing turquoise all her life. She never knew it was important, until she found herself economically in hardship and it elevated from a hobby to a profession. She knew women had to learn this skilled art, allow them to use it for - fashion, Empowering women to support themselves - MelaKristina.etsy.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Melakristina-Jewelry/207450585181?ref=nf

    ReplyDelete
  22. That's wonderful Carmela! Did you want to apply for an exchange? If so, please contact the supply sellers directly. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  23. HOLA
    MI NOMBRE ES CLAUDIA Y ME GUSTA HACER TUTORIALES
    Y ME GUSTARIA PARTICIPAR
    YO TENGO ALGUNOS EN MI BLOG
    PERO ME GUSTARIA SABER BIEN COMO ES EL SISTEMA
    QUE TENGAS BUEN FIN DE SEMANA
    BESOSSSSSSSSSSSSS

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to get involved in this! I make jewelry!

    Please drop me an email and let me know how I can sign up to receive supplies? My email is jennifersherrodd@hotmail.com

    Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sorry Claudia. My Spanish is terrible. I hope you'll apply for an exchange.

    Emailing you Jennifer.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Dotty! I had so much fun back in September offering my free collage sheets, I'd like to do it again! This is a great program! Will you be opening it up again in January? If so, put me on the list!

    magpiemine.etsy.com
    intothemagpiesnest.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'd love to have you participate again in January Magpie. Thanks! I'll convo you after Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would love to make something for someone else for the supplies. I am always making stuff but now that I have 2 kids I don't have the extra cash to buy all the supplies I need. Plus this would give me the recognition I need. You can view my blog @ http://www.yourfavoriteplacetobe.blogspot.com
    I will keep checking back but I don't see where I can apply for anything. Thanks alot. -Jess

    Thanks so much for this oppurtunity I will gladly post a blog about this and send emails...
    AWESOME. -Jess

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Jess. All of the exchanges are currently closed. The program is on hold for the holidays. We'll have some new exchanges in January. I hope you'll check back!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would love to make a tutorial for the Gardanne Beads I do make lovely jewlery. Or for any thing to do with sewing or paper craft that you may have comeing up.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Terrific Jen! Did you go to GardanneBeads' blog to apply?

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would love to participate. Do I just comment here to add myself to the list?

    maryjanesandgaloshes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. just applied with magpiemine! Oh I'm so excited!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh good. You got it, right Taylor? You went to her blog to apply? Yay!

    ReplyDelete
  35. yes I did, thank you! Will you be announcing their choices here soon? Or do we have to wait until the tutorial is available?

    ReplyDelete
  36. I would love to participate in this! How would I do so? -Melissa, email: lovelyred203@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Taylor, I believe you heard from her. Yay!

    Anonymous, you have to apply for each exchange by going to the supplier's blog. They explain all of the details and tell you how to apply.

    ReplyDelete
  38. For supply sellers out there-this is a wonderful opportunity! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have about participating!

    I have had the best time participating, making new friends and selling a lot of supplies!

    Thank you Dotty and the wonderful tutorial writers I've had the opportunity to work with!

    Michelle-

    ReplyDelete
  39. Michelle, thank you so much for all of your support! You've been amazing at helping me promote the Exchange Program!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi there
    I would love to do this. I have been doing newspaper tutorials in our local Waldorf community and having the grade 3-4 help me.
    I was planning on foing this as part of mythology ideas and mosaics for home schooling newsletter i run.

    ReplyDelete
  41. That sounds great Widget! I hope that you contacted ArtfulMosaicSupplies to apply.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi, i am not sure that I can participate given that live in Seville, España.I work in felt, fabric and beads and if you can - mate me with some one that provide this tipe of supplis.This is my blog
    http://cufarulcumanualitati.blogspot.com
    and my e-mail
    cufarulcumanualitati.sliv@gmail.com
    Contact with me if its posible to participate.Thanks.
    Greet ideea.
    Fantastica idee.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I would love to participate. I am unclear on how to submit to be considered to write a tutorial.

    http://thecraftmap/blogspot.com
    http://craft-connection.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Cufarl, Please keep watching here for new exchanges. When you see one you like, please apply. Many supply sellers are happy to ship internationally.

    Jvlt, Near the top of this page are the current exchanges. Right now it's the mosaic kit. Click on the link to go to ArtfulMosaicSupplies blog. There you'll find all of the details and can leave a comment to apply.

    ReplyDelete
  45. oh i just love your blog so much! i am looking forward all the time for a new tutorial post. i hope i can be part of it...

    -thoughtsofartisan.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Your idea is so inspiring! HOw did you come up with such a great idea? There is nothign better for a buisness then a creative promotion! Though I thuink this could be done even with glasses, computer parts and fabrics! YOU NAME IT! This could go so much wider the just jewelry!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks Artisan!

    Thanks too Vintage! We've had all different kinds of exchanges. It's been great fun and terrific exposure for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I would love to sign up, I just sent you one of my tutorials, I'll send you a few more. This is a brilliant idea!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Is this exchange still active? If so, I would be interested in doing an exchange. My blog is http://cherchiccreations.blogspot.com and do contact me if interested. I do not have a tutorial prepared, but can do one - I had 33.5 years experience as a teacher in the public school system and know how to do such. This is a great idea. I am also to feature your blog within my CRAFTY HOTSPOTS link as soon as I can do so today.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Claudia. There aren't any exchanges going right now. Please keep watching the left sidebar. When a new exchange starts, it'll be announced there and you can apply directly to the supply seller.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am SO interested! I would love to participate!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hopefully we'll have some new exchanges soon McKenzie. I hope you'll watch for them.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Question, what if I already have a tutorial using the product? I made one a few months ago using the spray :-)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Steph. Feel free to submit it. That would be great!

    Or did you mean is it okay for you to apply for the exchange? If so, I don't see why not!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I would love to make things and then write a tutorial... I am a multi-crafter so could do many things.. please keep me in mind with any upcoming exchanges.. what a wonderful program!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thanks joony! Please watch the sidebar here for the next exchange.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hello! I saw this on Free Pretty Things where she did a tutorial for the fabric spray paint. I am an owner/designer of an online children's boutique and I would LOVE to do a tutorial someday!
    Keep in touch
    ~Angela
    www.ellaminnowpeadesigns.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. And I'd love for you to do one! Please watch the sidebar here for the next exchange.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I do tutorials on cardmaking, altered objects and home decor projects. Would love to exchange for supplies. My email is angsandy@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  60. That's great Sandy! Please keep an eye on the sidebar for the next exchange.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I do tutorials on patchwork and quilting and home decor projects. Would love to exchange for supplies. My website is www.angelpatches.blogspot,com
    You can see my first valentine pillow tutorial there. If it needs i can do that tutorial in english too.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi Varga. I don't have an exchange open right now. Please watch the left sidebar for the next exchange. I'd love for you to apply! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I was wondering if this is still going on? I would be very interested, I love making new things!
    Crystal
    littleguyties@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi Crystal. I haven't had one in a while. Anytime a supplier is interested in hosting one, we'll do it. It'll be posted on the left sidebar.

    ReplyDelete
  65. If you get any interested suppliers, I would love to create a tutorial! Especially with the holidays coming up! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  66. I would love to do a craft tutorial for any willing suppliers I am interested and skilled in Painting , palette knife with oil paint art, watercolor painting, wooden folk art, jewelry making such as wire crafted items. bird art, nature art using bark, pin-cones,etc...
    - KAT -

    ReplyDelete
  67. Wonderful Kat! I hope to start up the exchange program again soon.

    ReplyDelete
  68. That a smart gift idea! congratulation. Good 2012


    http://tearpiaocupacional.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  69. Great idea! Send some fabric, ribbons, etc, my way and I will provide the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hi! Is this program still working? I've just come across it and was wondering whether I could participate....I live in Spain, and I guess that might be a problem!!!!! In any case, congratulations for such good idea, and for your blog!

    Cheers!

    Elena (lascosasdeerb.blogspot.com)

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would love to try the exchange program! I love to create and I am very detail oriented and would love to share some of the products I have created!

    ReplyDelete