Thursday, November 29, 2012

Beautifying my home for the season

Hi!
Snowing here already, I am feeling the season coming and slowly but joyfully starting to fill my house with Christmas decor.
I saw this simple (hey, I love simple!) idea on Pinterest and put it to work when we had a Christmas dinner a couple of weeks ago for my brother-in-law who was visiting from away.
Yes, wine glasses are multi-use!
Instead of flowers I used Christmas ornaments and pine cones
ready before you say "Merry Christmas"!




 My last year's wreath finds a new place
And my ever present branches find new company!
So beautiful!


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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

My first craft fair! And some tips!

HI!
"Crazy lady" is not so crazy any longer and she is back!
My first craft fair was wonderful, tiring, taught me a lot and left me wanting more!
As far as sales are concerned, I did not sell out of course (was I expecting that?!?!), but I sold 30 pieces in an empty fair. Yes, not much people there. All the vendors were saying that it was very low attendance. But I payed for my booth and got extra cash, so I am happy.
Most of all, I am excited about the contacts I've made (a baby photographer loved my headbands and maternity sashes and we exchanged cards. I will definitely follow up this lead).
I would love to help crafters/readers out there who might be getting ready for their first craft fair. I have jotted  down some valuable pieces of advice:
What did work:
1. Getting there early: On the first day the fair started at 5 pm and I got there at noon.
This gave me lots of time to deal with unexpected stuff, to figure out my displays, to tidy my booth up, to use the washroom with no rush, to snack and to "rehearse" for the sales. 

2. Taking some displays already assembled, like the frames with the headbands.

3. To have price tags/signs for all the items displayed.

4. To have a wide range of prices (from $3 to $25). Actually, more than one people pointed to me that I was underpricing my pieces. The feedback I had was great! People loved my stuff. And this feels great.

5. Have lots of change. I took $100 in change.

6. Bring light snacks, such as cereal bars, nuts and water.

7. Have a different "look" to your booth. I used stuff from Sofia's bedroom (most of it!), revamped thrift pieces, etc. People loved it. Some even wanted to buy my displays :)
No, not for sale:)

What did not work:
1. Next time, I will bring an extra table, even it is smaller, to spread out my crafts more. I felt it was a  bit cramped.

2. I assumed that people would know it was all handmade. I approached some customers to let them know and they were surprised (pleasantly of course).  This should be stated clearly on a sign.

3. I did not have time to make a professional banner, so my sign was cute, but small and not so professional looking. And I notice that people look for the  name of the company/crafter.

4. I took too many small containers with my stuff. Next time, I will take less containers but bigger ones. And , yes, buy a cart to take everything from the parking lot to the table.
Overall, it was a very nice experience.
Pick me a Rose
Handcrafted Fabric Blossoms
I made this ruffled "skirt" the night before and a lady thought it was for sale!
Remember this thrifted piece?
And these? Old cutlery boxes with a new coat of paint and some sanding...works wonders!
Yes, have a draw! It attracts people! 
Sofia's furniture 
Love that price tag. Thrifted $.99 cents frame, painted, glazed and chalkboard paint inside. 
Ah, and one of my cute flowers to give it the nice touch.
A handmade sign, with some of my rosettes. 

Old frames for headbands
Maternity sashes

I love those sashes.
I had too much stuff...good or bad? dunno...
Remember this piece? ??? Much better with the rosettes, uh?
Me: first day


Me: second day
A sweet visitor. My first customer and my inspiration!
Me: last day.
Ready for more!
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Take a make break and treat yourself...With beautiful jewelry!!


Hi!
I am finally here again after my first craft fair (a post will be ready soon!) and I so happy to be back to my "make" mode ...I was missing that!
And what a better way than  taking a break of everything else, grabing a nice cup of hot chocolate ( snowing here today!)  and craft some beautiful pieces for myself in....10 minutes!
How?
Beads Direct, a beading company in the UK, sent me a delightful  package couple of weeks ago. Two pieces to be made along with a very cute mug and some goodies (humm...love the chocolate!). Of course,  I couldn't wait to Take a Make Break and make them!



If you want to make pamper yourself with some easy and beautiful jewelry made by you and have fun in the meanwhile take a look at their webpage , which is full of awesome kits + projects. And I must say, I LOOOVE the affordable prices!! 
Look what I got!
Sooo easy: First, I cut the rubber to fit.  I decided to give the bracelet some loops , so I cut it long. Next step, to glue the rhinestone to the hardware, attach it to the rubber ( with a  dab of glue. I used the one Bead Direct provided me , but E-6000 would work perfectly as well.



Ready, in 5 minutes, and oh so gorgeous!
Next kit is yummy too!
Same process, and I also wanted loops, loops, loops around my wrist, so I cut the chord long again.
Secret: it doubles as a belt :)

I would say, a statement piece...just the way I like it!
And , oh yeah, enjoying my chocolate break while making them!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Crazy Lady!

Hi!
I have been absent from my blog, I know, mea culpa and I apologize! Missing it!
Actually, it is not for a lack of projects or lack of inspiration (sigh of relief from myself), but quite the opposite...
I am excitingly preparing for my first craft fair this weekend and despite all of my readiness for months , I have been working like a crazy lady these days..yes, crazy lady I have been,
I decided to tackle so many things at the same time that I hardly sit all day.
But it has been good.
Have photos and step tutorials for some projects and ASAP I will post here, piny promise!