My First Spring Craft Fair Experience!

Howdy folks! Now gather ’round y’all and hear the tale of my latest crafty adventure: Selling crafts at the local Parent Teacher Group Spring Fair. I have been taking my kids to our school Spring Fair since they were toddlers. It is not a craft fair, it is  a carnival like fair with bounce houses, games, photo booth, hair salon and a huge silent auction. The proceed benefit the PTG which provide funding for field trips, technology and classroom supplies for the teachers… basically they pay for everything the school budget does not. Cost for a table was $15. There is always a big crowd and everyone has a great time!

I vaguely remembered they had vendors at this event (I was usually too busy chasing after my kids to notice LOL!) so this year when the form went out I was the first to sign up and I requested the spot in the breeze-way between the gym (where all of the games were) and the cafeteria where all of the food was sold and auction was being held. I knew most people would pass right by my booth several times during their visit and since I was the fist one to fill out my form and send my $15 payment I got the spot.

I was allowed to set up my booth the night before. They wanted to make sure it was not going to stick out too much and block traffic. Also if it was not going to work they were going to put me in the cafeteria and they would rather know that the night before and not the morning before the event. Tearing down a booth and moving would take time!

I planned to push my table against the wall so I could lean my two large display boards against the wall. I put a rack at each end of the table, one for cards and one for packages barrettes and pendents. I had one more rack I could have brought but I didn’t want to press my luck!

What worked…and what did not…

People did not have time to stop and browse, almost all of the women were chasing after their kids or volunteering. There is not much in my booth for men (who probably were not thinking about mother’s day yet LOL!) A couple of people asked to shop early because they would be working all day (yes please!) and I had a fair amount of children shopping, they really liked the bright bottle cap jewelry my daughters made! Next year (yes, I am totally doing this fair again) I will have some more kid-themed products to appeal to the children at a lower price point that kids can afford. My Enchanted Bubble Wands were my top seller at $5 each, also were my $5 earrings, I made a batch of summer lampwork glass earrings that went over great. Never underestimate novelty! As I was setting up my earring display board and was thinking that if I made my earring cards half the size I could get twice as much on the board but I think that would be a mistake because the stamped ATC frames showcase the earrings better that small traditional cards would. The large shopping bag caddies also sold pretty well when people knew what the heck they were LOL! People were worried about pulling out the bags and messing up my display, “don’t worry about that, pull them out and have a look!” I said. It is important to be OK with people rifling through your wares, don’t worry about it. Remember who needs who more in this relationship. If people are afraid to touch anything you won’t sell anything!

That said your display should look nice, nice but approachable. Smile and talk about your work. Price everything. Tell people what a product is if it is not obvious, a lot of people won’t ask because they don’t wan to look foolish. Engage your customers but don’t be pushy, you don’t want people to sprint by your table because they are afraid you will snare them LOL!

Bottom Line: I set a goal of $300 in sales for this 3 hour fair. I knew this goal was high because people do not come to the carnival to shop but the crowd is huge here so I figured people in need of mother’s day cards and gifts as well as goodies for themselves would make up for that. I sold about 40 items. I’m glad I brought a variety of things because sales were all over the place, there were a lot of things I sold only 1 of like a matted watercolor, a set of juggling balls, a bird’s nest pendent…if I decided to leave anything home who knows how I would have done? Cards sold well, mostly mother’s day seed packet cards but other random ones did too. You just never know. I came in at a little over half of my goal but more importantly the knowledge of what to do next time so I am more profitable. I am not discouraged at all, anytime you attempt vending at a fair you gather data, pay attention to the shopping habits of a particular crowd. I had nothing breakable on my table so it was approachable for all (heck I could have taken out my displays with my juggling balls at any moment LOL!) no worries of ruining anything.

I’m thinking with all of the inventory I currently have I might rent a stall at an antiques mall. I have done it a couple of times before and it was quite profitable and a place to keep merchandise when not at shows. I feel like I am really getting the hang of setting up/tearing down a show (thanks Kath for helping mt tear down LOL!) and honestly, I just have a ball! I hope I have helped anyone thinking about selling their crafts.  I want to share what worked for me and what did not to hopefully help others. Making stuff is awesome fun & selling it is pretty cool too! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

A Bunch of Brooches!

I whipped up a a bunch of the spring brooches this weekend, this was the idea that sparked the statement jewelry.

They are just the thing to liven up a scarf or jacket for spring! I’m gonna sell them for $2 at the Spring Fair! Wish me luck and happy crafting!

Make a Statement {Necklace!}

Happy Saturday folks! First I want to apologize to all of my papercrafters out there since my current jewelry obsession has taken over my blog (as it does whenever I am preparing for a craft fair) but I have some stamping to do today so I am planning on posting a card tomorrow. You see I imagine all of my readers are just waiting with bated breath to read my posts HA HA ! I had a burst of creativity yesterday morning after coming across a tray full of glass pebbles I had altered months ago (while looking for jewelry price tags) and I was inspired to make this:

It’s a statement necklace and it is super fun! basically you cut a “bib” from felt and you glue anything you like to it such as flowers, buttons, gems, anything! I used silk flowers and the flat backed glass marbles I had altered. Then I added some raveled rose ribbon and added ribbon crimps (see how to video here) a bit of chain and a toggle clasp to the back.

Quick, Easy and Fun and one more item for my craft fair table. I can see myself making more of these. They are eye-catching and a fun accessory! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

WOYWW: Sewing & Silliness {How to Juggle Tutorial}

Happy Wednesday folks! I love Wednesdays because it gives me a chance to peek at hundreds of crafty desks through the marvelous event know as What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday! Here’s what I’ve been up to this week:

Sewing! My sewing nook is wonderful, it is ergonomic (no sore shoulders after a day of sewing) and since I have my big table I have room to iron and cut fabric (no more cutting fabric on my bed and hoping I don’t snip the bedspreads!) and I can keep all of my mess in my craftroom instead of overtaking the house.  Last week I asked if I should so a weekly video blog and the answer was a surprising (and resounding) yes, wow, you actually want to hear me gab about what’s on my crafty little mind?!? So here is my WOYWW video blog, grab 3 objects because today folks, we are going to learn how to juggle!

Once you learn how to juggle it is addicting (so I apologize if you had things to do today) there is something zen-like about it.  The juggling bags were made from my scraps from my shopping bag (carrier bags for you British folks) caddies:

I used to have this eyesore hanging on my door, all of those bags fit into the one caddy and I can even fit more! I made a smaller version for the car and dog walkers, I have to thank You Tube viewer Snoopy for the clever name P.U.P. bags, it stands for Pick Up Poop, way better marketing, thanks Snoopy! I’ll have a tutorial for you next week sometime!

The juggling bags are made from 5″x5″ scraps sewn up and filled with 3/4 cup of rice. I love no waste projects!

So what’s on your workdesk today? Leave a link, I would love to see! And be sure to check out Julia’s blog for all of the WOYWW fun! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

 

Make a pretty key-chain…

Howdy all! here is a project that will stretch your options with your jewelry making supplies and make a great gift of craft fair item:

All you need is a key ring, flexible beading wire (like Tigertail or Accuflex) a large focal bead (I used a bobbin bead-see yesterday’s post for a how to), a charm and a  coordinating bead and two #4 crimp tubes.

How to build the key chain:

1. Cut 12″ of wire. Slip a charm (or a bead) to the mid-point and fold the wire in half.
2. Slide the wire ends through the hole in the large focal bead (the first bead with keep the beads secure.)
3. Place on another bead then slip on 2 #4 crimp beads (both wires in both tubes.)
4. Put the ends of the wires through the key ring and then back through both crimp tubes.
5. Feed the ends of the wires back through the beads if there is room. Trim any wire sticking out past the focal bead.
6. Squeeze the crimp tubes closed using crimp plies if you have them (they will give you a nicer look and a more secure hold) or needle-nosed plies if you don’t.
7. Tie a scrap of ribbon around the crimp tubes. Done!

A pretty key chain can be used to hold your keys (of course) but it can also be clipped to a purse, luggage or a backpack for decoration or identification. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Warm & Fuzzy {A Quick Gift to Make!}

Happy Friday folks! If you have a little crafting time this weekend you can whip up a batch of these cute hand warmers:

They are super easy and really useful! Here’s what you will need: Felt, fabric shears, rice, a paper template  (you can trace a cookie cutter or print a shape from the computer then cut out the shape), a sewing machine or needle and thread.

1. Hold two pieces of felt together (or fold one sheet in half) and place the paper template on top and cut around the edges with fabric shears. You can use straight shears, pinking or whatever kind you like!
2. Sew the two shapes together neatly (raw edges will show but felt will not fray) but leave a 1.5″ gap.
3. Fill with rice.
4. Stitch the gap closed.

Tips: if you are using a sewing machine be sure to back-stitch at the start and end of your stitching to make sure the stitch is secure. You could add herbs to the hand warmers, such as lavender, to make them smell nice. If you want to embroider anything on the hand warmers do so before sewing. If you find you felt shifting when you sew just pin it a few times and the pieces will stay together.

To finish pin the set together and add a tag that says: Hand warmers. To use microwave for 30 seconds on high then slip into your mittens or pockets to keep your hands toasty warm!

Thse really work too, i use my prototype every morning when I walk the dog! I used 25-cents-a-sheet craft eco-felt but wool felt would be lovely too! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting

 

WOYWW: Juggling Kits!

Happy rainy Wednesday folks! I have been crafting like a crazy lady {what’s new, right?} to get ready for my craft fair on Saturday. I spent the last two days sewing. I whipped up 14 batches of juggling balls and 38 sets of felt hand-warmers. Here is a pic of my desk as it sits this morning:

I packaged up the juggling sets in tin-tie coffee bags from Papermart. It was a bit of serendipity that I had that funny juggling stamp. So I simply stamped the bag and placed in 3 of the juggling bags I made, instructions and a business card because I’m sure once people get the juggle-bug they will want to buy them for all of their friends. I am an avid juggler, bordering obsessive at times, and the great thing about juggling is that it is impossible to worry about anything when you juggle. I think instead of taking drugs like Prozac and Zoloft doctors should teach their patients how to juggle. The world would be a happier place!

Thanks for stopping by! I have to take a break from crafting today and get groceries or I will have to dip into our SHTF Zombie Apocalypse food stash and nobody wants that. If you want to join the WOYWW fun pop over to Julia’s blog the  Stamping Ground and see what other crafty peeps are up to this week! It’s so much fun! Til next time happy crafting (and juggling!)

WOYWW: Cardboard Jewelry Video Tutorial!

Heidi-ho there neighbor! It is election night here in the states and I LOVE it! Before I decided to “chuck it all and become an artist” I was a broadcaster and I worked in a newsroom for a brief stint during an election, there is nothing like the excitement in a newsroom on election night, it is electrifying! Working in a newsroom, other than election night, wasn’t for me though, I was much better suited to be a wacky DJ…now I am married to one LOL!

Anyway…It is nearly Wednesday and time to check in with Julia at the Stamping Ground for What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday. I have been playing with my old Sizzix original dies, matboard scraps, stamps, ink, embossing powder and beautiful 91 cents a bag rhinestones from Papermart!

I made Wine glass ID charms, earrings, pins and necklaces and all for pennies a piece. My desk is covered with the supplies, I still have many yet to decorate:

I downloaded a Netflix app for my Kindle so I can watch TV whilst I glue, you can see it propped up on my shelf:

These cardboard creations are so much fun to make and wear and they will be great for gifts this holiday season. Here is a video showing you how I did it…oh and for all of you who said they missed my chit-chat on yesterdays silent video there is all kinds of jibber-jabber…All I can say is you asked for it

Easy, right? Here are a few close up shots of the finished jewelry:

Thanks for stopping by and if you want to see some fabulous crafty spaces check out Julia’s blog. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

WOYWW & Fun with Epoxy!

Howdy crafters! It is still Tuesday night here but in Jolly Old England it is Wednesday and that means it’s time for What’s on your work desk Wednesday! I was sent a tube of 5 minute Epoxy from the Gorilla Glue company and I had a ball all weekend using it to make pendants that will be turned into pins and necklaces at the craft fair I will be doing in December:

 

I had always been a little intimidated to try two-part epoxy but it is really easy to use, sets up fast and is super-duper strong when it is cured, you can even use it for resin charms but it is best as a glue because it is really thick. Here is a video to show you how I used it…be warned, I’m even more giddy than usual {but that might just be the glue fumes LOL!}

 

Here is a peek over at my other work surface, recently cleaned. I had been cutting a lot of glass over the weekend so I needed to wipe down the counter and vacuum all of the glass dust and shards:

 

Don’t you dig this awesome caddy?  The local hospital gift shop closed and my friend Glenna (she’s a nurse) snagged 2 of these awesome displays for me to use in my craft fair booth of for studio storage! Thank you sweetie!

 

Currently my gelatos are in there along with a few odd completed projects that I will share one I get them packaged up all pretty Well, this is a bit long-winded for me (I’m a faster talker than typer) so I will wrap it up and direct you to The Stamping Ground if you want to have a peek at other great crafty desks…maybe next week you will join us, eh? Till next time happy crafting!

My first Craft Fair!

Yesterday I had my first booth at a craft fair. I was so excited to try it. The local parent teacher group had put on the event so it was a great way to support the kid’s school even if I didn’t sell a thing…luckily that was not the case  I did GREAT! The kids did well too, the made lots of things for the booth from earrings to ornaments and they got to pocket some cash for their effort! Here is a pic of my booth:

Keep in mind all of the photos were taken with my point and shoot camera, with the flash on in a school gym

I used crates to add extra space for products and the different levels add visual interest:

Here were my best sellers:

Handmade earrings: $5 a pair, I decorated an old frame with scrapbook paper and cut a sheet of foam core (decopauged in sewing pattern tissue) to fit inside and tacked the earring to it:

Notice the tacks (push pins) I took clear flat marbles and glued scrapbook paper to the back and glued the embellished marble to the tacks. They were very pretty and I sold the tacks for .25 each, I made marbles in the same fashion and sold them for .50, they were easy to make and great sellers! The Magnets sold better tho, I displayed them in a tin:

My mom makes beaded ornaments and they also sold well at $2-$8 each!

Chocolate covered pretzels: $1 for 3 in a bag (SOLD OUT!)

Paper Snowflakes (You can buy mu SVG die cut here) $3 each. They were a double whammy because they drew many people into my booth to see what they were made of:

Homemade Lip Balm in a paper purse: $1 (The template for the paper purse is in my set Nifty Gifties and you can cut 6 from a 12″x12″ sheet of paper), Paper bag Pins: $2, Heat packs: $5, and campfire starters: $1.50

Soap: $2-$4 priced by weight, the most popular variety were the toy soaps and the green tea and mint bars.

Holiday card multi packs: $5-$10 for sets of 2-6 cards. Break out your stamps and have fun making quick cards (it beats Hallmark any day!) I’ll be sharing my quick and easy cards I made later this week

Craft Fair Tips:

1. Price Everything! I cannot tell you how many booths did not have prices on their stuff. Why not? Most people will not ask the price and if they do and they are not in line with their expectations they will not buy it. If you are not pricing your items it is foolish.
2. Talk about your crafts. Especially if you have a higher priced item. Are your candles made from soy wax? Well, talk about it, if the high quality of your products means the price is higher explain the benefits of the materials you use. People love it when you talk about the product, make connections.
3. Have a variety of items. I only sold a few candles but there were two other booths selling only candles. Luckily I had a variety of items to sell at a variety of price points.
4. Package your wares gift ready. I put pretty tags on my products and I wrote the price in pencil so it can be easily erased for gifting. A pretty stamped tag with ribbon or twine looks boutique and expensive and will delight your customers.
5. Have a clean organized booth and take time with the set-up. My table is 2 saw horses with an old luan door on top. I place a couple of bed skirts on top and then a length of fabric on top. My set-up was free and down-homey. Perfect for a craft fair. The crates I lugged my products in with became part of my display as well.
6. Get tips from an experienced exhibitor. My friend Cindi took me under her wing and gave me some great pointers. She also had the cutest bags for her stuff, she stamped a big snowman on brown paper lunch bags and they looked so much better than my recycled plastic shopping bags

Here is a pic of Cindi’s booth, we set up side by side so we could share the Christmas tree:

My niece Sarah had this table, I love her jar of branches to display her jewelry!

If you are selling at a craft fair this season I wish you the best and I hope I gave you a fe ideas of what worked for me! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!