Craft Fair

This post is WELL overdue but I just haven't had time to write it.  About 3 weeks ago I participated in my first ever craft fair.  It was at a local mall with a Valentine's theme.  I was very disappointed that I chose that as my first fair.  The mall is starting to go under so there's not much traffic through there anymore.  Not being in the area for the last 6 years I was unaware of this.  The other thing is that the promoter didn't do a good job of promoting this event cause a lot of the people I met were shocked there was even a craft fair going on that weekend.  I was a little sad that I spent the money and time to prepare and have it not be a very good one.  I do have to admit that I met some great people and learned what works and doesn't work when I do craft fairs.  It was good experience for fairs I do in the future though.  All I can hope for is that the ladies I spoke to interested in my business will lead to something one day!

Here are some pictures of my tables set up in my space.

Items I had for Sale

Promoting my business with products

More display items

In future posts I will display the items I had for sale along with the supplies needed to make them.  I had a few sales of my cards but no real big takers on my other items.  Most of the moms I spoke to already had their kid's Valentine's to pass out in school.  I think I had the most success with my FREE enter to win.  I got a lot of leads by offering a FREE raffle of product.  This is what the lucky winner won!

If you can't tell from the picture it was retired cardstock, designer series paper, stamp set, ink pad and a coupon for a FREE party or class.  I haven't heard back from the lady who won but hopefully she is enjoying her FREE product!

I have already signed up for smaller, more focused craft fairs because I think I can really start growing my business this way.  There's one in March and April and will be looking for more in the future.  I am going to focus on selling cards but really focus on promoting my business with the classes and workshops I do.  That's how I'm going to grow this business and need to focus on the most!  So stay tuned for posts about my Valentine items.



Craft Fair Preview

I have been making a lot of different Valentine items for the craft fair I'm participating in on Sunday.  I'm going to give you just the pictures and will post the supplies needed to make each project this week.  I still have a few more items to make so stay tuned for more pictures as well.

Holds small bag of candy when opened

Sucker holder

Still on the list:

1. Twizzlers topper (already made but need the Twizzlers before posting a picture)
2. Pencil holder
3. Sweet treat candy holder
4. Various full cards

Keeping fingers crossed I can get these all done before Sunday!  Check back this week for more pictures and individual posts for each project.

Valentine Card

I have been doing a lot of crafting because I have a table at a local craft fair on January 29th.  I am hoping to sell some of my work but most importantly to promote my business.  It's a Valentine themed fair so my next couple of samples will be Valentines.  My first picture is a full card that's very simple to make but I absolutely love this layout.  I found it on Pinterest.  Side note: if you aren't following me on pinterest or have no clue what that is, check it out because you are going to love it!  But beware, can waste hours finding ideas!  Click on the red pinterest button on the left sidebar to follow my pins.

Anyways,  like I said I cased it from Pinterest from www.simpleandsincere.com but I changed it just a little to make it my own.

Close up to show bling, bling!!

Supplies needed to make this card:

Cardstock: Whisper White
                    Cherry Cobbler
                    Daffodil Delight

Ink: Cherry Cobbler
       Early Espresso

Stamp set: P.S. I Love You from Occasions Mini (this has become my favorite stamp set from the new Occasions mini catalog)

Accessories: Clear mount block C
                     Pinking Hearts Border Punch
                     Full Heart Punch
                     Modern Label Punch
                     Snail Adhesive
                     Stampin Dimensionals
                    Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details (glitter on hearts) from Occasions Mini

That's all it takes to make this simple but beautiful card.  I've made about 15 so far.  I'm working on other cards and candy holders so stay tuned to see what I come up with next for Valentine's day!

What I'm Working On

Just a quick update to let everyone know what I'm working on this month.

• Craft fair projects are beginning this weekend.  It took me some time to figure out what I want to sell and I think I have it all figured out.  So, starting this weekend is beginning an insane amount of Valentine projects!  They need to be done for the fair on January 29th.  Luckily I have recruited my mom and sister (who are awesome crafters) to help me.  At least we'll be spending some quality time together doing something we all love.
• I am also working on my next class that will be featuring the Create & Keep Simply Sent Card Kit.  As well as my in person class, I am offering it as an online kit with instructions and tutorial when placed through my online store.  More details in a future blog post so stay tuned if you are interested!  Here's a picture of everything included in the Kit that we will be turning into a card box and 10 cards:

• Sale a Bration starts at the end of this month so I'm figuring out offering a booking party that you don't have to come to a workshop for.  You just take catalogs to various coworkers/friends/family that you think will place an order.  Details to follow in another blog post as well once I have it all figured out.

That's it for now.  I'm hoping to get back to sharing my pictures of projects, but just haven't had much time to craft.  There have been some major life changes in our family that have affected my crafting time.  Hopefully things settle down and can get back to what I love!