Happy What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday folks! I have to report that the Easter Bunny was very good to me this year (imagine that, 36 years old and the Easter Bunny still leaves a basket for me at my parents house, I must have been really good this year…no wait, that CAN”T be it LOL!) I got a basket full of beads and 2 more Ultimate Stackers to start filling! With new beads comes sorting and that is what I have been up to:
I also have to send out a lovely hug and thank you to Ginny who saw my WOYWW post last week about my new-to-me sewing machine that did not come with any accessories and low and behold she had spare parts for that model and she sent them to me, for free! She is such a sweetie and a talented artist as well. Thanks so much Ginny!
So as I was sorting (and beading) I got tot thinking about my upcoming craft fair and remembered all of the questions people had about selling at craft fairs last winter so I decided to answer them in a video blog…I’m thinking about doing a video blog every week and talk about random crafty stuff, what do you think?
I held some of my current projects up to the camera but it is hard to see in a video so here are some photos of this weeks projects so far, basic stringing but it great for showcasing unique beads!
Well that’s it for me, I still have all of those boxes of beads to put away LOL! I get so distracted by them…I’ll just make a few little pretties before I pack them all up, famous last words right? They will probably still be on my desk next week! If you want to see more crafty desks hop over to Julia’s blog for more WOYWW fun and til next time happy crafting!
The Frugal Crafter Blog 
I only have 1 question do you ever sit still and not craft, everyday you are coming up with some creation that is awesome, you must be in hyper mode. All said with love of course. Oh and I so love that green necklace.
Happy WOYWW
Eliza 41
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ha ha, Eliza, if I sit still, even to watch TV or read I will fall asleep, I have to have my hands busy and crafting is better for my waistline than snacking LOL!
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Always so bright and colourful, and beautifully photographed. No Easter Bunny for me, but then my parents are in Virginia 🙂
Happy WOYWW
MA (1)
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I did a craft fair last year. I didn’t sell anything, but people kept coming up to me and asking how I made my stuff. They basically wanted a tutorial so that they could make their own. Where did you buy your beads? What kind of wire do you use? How did you do this? How did you do that?
I didn’t want to be impolite, so I answered their questions. But, then by the end of the day, I hadn’t sold anything, only given instructions on how people could reproduce what they saw on my table.
Do you ever have that problem?
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sometimes you get a lot of lookie-loos at craft fairs. I think I would say “I buy my beads in bulk wholesale but you can find similar at Joanns/micheals etc but it would probably cost you more to make it yourself” and then laugh a bit (because it is true!) If you have a lot of people asking how you made it and not buying I would offer a class and sign people up at the show. Leave a little mystery, if someone wants to know that badly they can buy something and take it apart, ity is good to talk about the precess but don’t give a class at your table. Also offer lower prices items so people can walk away with something, like $5 earrings. 80% off the money I make comes from $5 items, keep that in mind;) I’m not saying give your stuff away, you cannot do that but fine something you can make at that price (earrings, keychains, bracelets) to be brisk sellers because the more unique expensive items need just the right person to see them. Also more personal items like large necklaces will sell better in the summer, not around Christmas when people are buying for others. Also ask yourself how did your prices compare to similar booths? If there were 20 table selling jewelry that could be why your sales were slow. think of other products you could bead: bookmarks, wine stoppers, eyeglass chains, wine ID charms for the non jewelry wearers;) Give it another try and don’t be discouraged, you will find what works in time;)
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How lovely of Ginny to send you the sewing machine bits! That must have made your day. The Internet is so wonderful for putting like-minded people in touch, and I’m so grateful for all the friends I’ve made that way.
Love the jewellery and your bright and cheerful video! I am sure people always flock to your stand because you are so extrovert and fun. I’ve never seen anyone juggling on their stand before! Lol!!
Another Wednesday when I’m not taking part in WOYWW – I miss not having anything to show these days. Can’t wait to get moved into the new house and get my ARTHaven set up and working again!
Shoshi
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Great that Ginny was so thoughtful! I learn so much from your blog and I introduced my crafting friend Diane to it and she was just amazed at all you do!
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Hi Lindsay!
OH EM GHEE! How wonderful of Ginny to send you exactly what you need! I work on YT answering comments for a company who has a ton of videos. I can not tell you how many rude, violent, vulgar, sexually explicit, horrible grammar and terrible spelling etc. Most of my job is deleting to be quite honest. All this to say, each day that goes by I loose a little bit of my faith in humanity b/c I see what people have the audacity to publish in a comment that can be traced and linked back to them. I can only imagine how they are in their private thoughts and actions. SO…Kind actions and RAK from a total stranger like Ginny are exactly what I need to restore my faith in goodness! KWIM? Thank you so much for sharing that!
There are probably not too many people that would be too excited as us about a table full of beads!!!! OH EM GHEE!!! LINDSAY!!! Look at all those GORGEOUS BEADS! Oh I so want to be your neighbor for sure! I am so glad that the Easter Bunny was good to you! 😉
I hope you have a wonderful day!
{{{HUGS}}}
Valerie
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hi Val, I have only had one youtube weirdo leave a vulgar comment and i blocked him and that was that;) most of my viewers are lovely ladies luckily!
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Lindsay I have terrible luck at craft fairs so any advice, video or otherwise is MUCH appreciated! I would love to see a weekly video. I watch all of yours even if it’s not something I make. 🙂 It’s good to laugh at your antics too! You can be so hilarious at times. Big hugs,
~Deb~
CDAC DT Member
A Look Through My Eyes
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I am not a beader nor do I do craft shows, but I love learning and listening to your ideas and I learn something from every one of your posts. You inspire me to do more and I can’t wait for your next video (first thing I look for every morning and last thing I check at night). I am always looking for tips and tricks, organization ideas, something that I can implement in any way in my crafting. I’m surprised how many of your ideas I have used and tried when I didn’t think I could do it. I am not a natural artist but you have taught me that I can try things even if I don’t think I’m good enough to make it work and I’ve surprised myself a few times. I Have a list of things from your blog I’m going to try to make or do. I’ve learned that even if no one ever sees what I have made, I see it and I like the doing. Thanks for all your inspiration and for sharing your time and talents with all of us.
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Pam, you just made my day;)
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Wow…I need to talk to your Easter bunny, and see if he can make a stop at my house next year. Your jewelry pieces are stunning.
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hmmmmm, which necklace would I chose……..all of them. Gorgeous!! I’m not a beader so I’m in awe.
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Lovely bead storage, that will keep you entertained for a while!
Karen #102
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I love having you over, and once a week would be great! Oh, wait, you only visit me in the virtual internet world, well that’s OK, I would love to have you over more often. I agree, even if I don’t make beads or jewelry, I sure enjoy listening to you. Makes me feel like we are almost neighbors! ~Diane
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what a lot of really lovely things you have made where do you find all the time and how lucky were you with the easter bunny. I think the video thing is a good idea so yes please
Enjoy your WOYWW sunny day today
Ria #64
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Great new stash! Isn’t it wonderful when you know someone else appreciates what you do… even if it’s just for you. Creative Blessings on an awesome week! Kelly #103
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Good grief you’ve got a lot of beads! I like their nifty storage containers though, and your finished products are beautiful.
Hugs
Brenda 87
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really nice from your friend ! A great video..t
hough I will never sell anything on a market or so…
I make cards for a girlfriend with a shop.. she sells a few cards a month..that is it!
ENOUGH! …
my gosh I was 20 years bookseller… I know customers… ugly!
I am so happy to have found your channel and blog Lindsay!
Have to say thank you for sharing with us!
xxx Susi
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What beautiful jewelery you make, and oh my such a wonderful new stash…how nice to be a receiver from the easter bunny…you are very blessed! Cathryn #128
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Beautiful jewelry and great info. Thanks so much. One question, what is the name of the tool used to make the hole in the cardstock so that it can be hung for display?
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Hi Ellen, the tool I used to make the tabs is called McGills Hanger Hole Punch and they sell it at Staples online for $50 or Joanns for $60 but I paid $30 at joanns.com because they had all punches 50% off, they run that sale about once a month (when papercrafting or punches are on sale) so sign up for their emails so you can get the deal. I have not been able to find it cheaper and trust me, I looked!
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There’s a work table under there?
Ha- thanks for welcoming me to your space and hope you will visit mine
robyn 126
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What a great gift (the one from the Easter Bunny and from Ginny). Love your videos, would love to hear more from you!
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Hi Lindsay! I’m happy to report that I finally jumped in and started making jewelry! Yes, thanks to you, I’m filling a duffle bag with beads, wire, boxes and boxes of seed beads and tools. I bought a class on line called Make Your Own Wire Work Findings and I’m still practicing making those pesky circle wire thingies. The instructor said to practice making at least 10 – 16 before we make a perfect circle where the ends meet the wire. (sorry, I have a brain fart can’t remember what they’re called LOL). Anyway, I’m having fun with my new distraction and buying new tools.
Happy crafting!
Hugs,
Carmen L
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Hi Lindsay, ive just been watching one of your videos on using chalk pastels and its been a big inspiration to me so i reckon a video blog each week would be a great idea.
Love all your beads too, what a lucky person you are.
Gill x #104
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Hi Lindsay. Thank you for posting this. You are so kind to share your tips and tricks for craft sales and everything else. I am so lucky to have found your blog. I have thought of doing a craft show for a long time but have been worried about how much time and work it would require. How much time would you estimate you spend preparing for a craft sale? Do you earn what you think your time is worth as well as supplies? We are moving from a city to a small town this summer so I hope to get into the craft shows there as I think that will be less intimidating. I really enjoy your personality and my husband has watched a few videos over my shoulder and he says you are very nice too. LOL. I love the jade and sea glass colored jewellery you posted pictures of on this post. I made the bird’s nest earrings from a previous post for my Mom for Easter and she absolutely loved them. Thank you again!
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Hi Anita, You will spend more time getting ready for your first craft fair but then if you decide to do it again you will always have that in the back of your mind and when you have your supplies out for one project you will make a couple to put away. I typically will spend 3 days sewing for a craft fair, a week making jewelry and a couple days painting. and a day packaging and pricing but I try to package/price as I go because it is not all that fun to do at once;) I don;t know if you get all your money back from the time you spent to prepare buy you will have the unsold inventory for next time and I usually get another $100 in sales after the fair too. The best learning experience it to just sign up for a fair and don’t go out and buy a bunch of supplies, use up what you have, look on pinterest for ideas for stuff you can make out of items you have and the money you make you can invest back into your supplies so you won’t be in the hole after your first fair. That is the best advice I can give!
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Pretty pieces. The bead holder looks very interesting. Thanks for the craft fair tips. I haven’t been to one but have wanted to for a long time. Wishing you a great weekend. SueC#94
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Thank you for visiting me this week! SueC#94
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