I've even pinned a few ideas for how to set up my space.
I need to do some more investigation and planning but in the meantime, a friend of mine is having a home show in November and asked me to showcase some of my things. I jumped at the chance and think it will be a good way to gage what sells as well as make a little $ for the holidays. (fingers crossed!)
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| A few of my WIPs |
I think I'll add some pot holders, kindle cases, and eye glass cases, then round it out with super hero capes and crowns.
Any other suggestions of things I should make? I'm thinking that smaller, less pricey purchases are best for this kind of thing- great little stocking stuffers or hostess gifts.
I'd love to hear your suggestions!
xo,
Jennifer
22 comments:
Judith at Needles and Lemons just did a big UK craft fair, and had some interesting observations that might be helpful:
http://www.needlesandlemons.com/
Ange : )
Soo cute!! I ***LOVE*** that little owl mug rug!! If by chance it doesn't sell (yeah right, can I put dibs on it?!)
I would whip up some little coin purses too with a key ring on the side...they're so convenient & you could put a list of ideas with them... G.C. holder, coin purse, makeup, cell phone, personal items, etc...
Good luck! You're very blessed with your talent, I think you'll do great!! :)
Sounds like you have a great inventory plan - - lots to choose from! While I definitely agree that most people are looking for small filler gifts, don't be afraid to add in some higher ticket items. That will add more variety to your display and also provide options for someone who might be shopping for a sister, mom, or close friend.
Have fun!!!
I did one a couple of years ago and my best sellers were the crayon art folios!
http://www.gingercake.bigcartel.com/product/crayon-art-folio-pdf-sewing-pattern
I sold out of both the large and small sizes! :)
I have done one show and it was a lot of fun. I know I made some money, but probably not enough to cover the hours of work. But it forced me to be really productive and I soldierly everything else on etsy eventually. My best sellers were kids tee shirts that I embellished with appliqués. People love to buy field children!
Oh, sorry about the autocorrect I'm on my phone, that would be sold and for their not soldierly and field!
I did a craft show a couple of years ago and did pretty well. We have since moved, so have not had an opportunity to do one in our new town yet. Here is a blog post I did about it that might be helpful:
http://sandysewz.blogspot.com/2010/10/crafting-success.html
Eons ago I went to them with my Mom. I found great success in making smaller less expensive items that kids would like......one year I made a bunch of pompom critters.
I have great admiration for show sellers, but often think that they put up with a bunch of guff from people who are too lazy to make what they can purchase. Or too cheap to purchase what they could make. I think you should make a sign and take it with you....it should say "YES, YOU COULD MAKE IT, BUT ARE YOU GOING TO?"
My suggestion is to open an ETsy store so I can buy your things!
Are you talking about the key fobs that are fabric and fit on your wrist? those are the bomb! (http://www.theaccidentalcrafter.com/sewing-2/sewing-for-others/key-fobs-3-ways)
Okay, um, ear bud cases are always a score because they double as change purse key chains. free tut: http://erinerickson.com/2011/11/circle-zip-earbud-pouch-tutorial/
she's even got a heart-shaped one: http://erinerickson.com/2012/04/heart-shaped-pouch-mini-tutorial/
oh, and I made lanyards for teachers last year. Um, we're talking 20 minutes total, start to finish and you can sell them for 5-7.50. http://mselaineousteachessewing.blogspot.com/2012/04/free-pattern-loopy-lanyard.html
good luck, Jennifer! with your talent and eye for color, it'll be a HUGE success!
scrappy zip pouches would probably do well too. Who couldn't use more zip pouches? ;)
Good luck!
Jen (Piggybaby)
Sounds great! Have fun!
I have done a lot of craft shows in the past few years. For me, I sell a lot of table runners, and also things for kids. Think colored pencil holders, crayon pouches, things like that. I almost always sell out of the things I do for kids.
Make little a few little boy items, craft fairs are hard on them because everyone has girl stuff. Like simple little wallets with tractors, cars (boy stuff). That is what I look for in booths. Hair bows do sell well too.
a very long time ago, i used to make a jillion pieces of crocheted in-the-round white lace christmas ornaments for the local bazzar and did very well, 'til one year i made so much on my handwork, hubby put them on the taxes as income. wrong thing to do. one can only make so much from their hobby! irs socked it to me for self employment taxes, penalies and interest!
but i digress ... specialize; try for something few others will be making, with a range of pieces within that specialty. arrange so that you show off your range of items, keep your reserves each in its own containers [arranged so they can be seen!] so you can easily replenish your table. don't crowd your table, people will want to browse through them.
have fun!
How about some kits to make stuff. I did a craft show eons ago and I sold loads and loads of kits. Admittedly they were cross stitch kits but kits are kits and also patterns. Lots of patterns. I hope you have a great time doing it because I sure did. It was totally wonderful and I had so much fun.
I also agree that patchwork lanyards would sell well. I made them for my son's teachers as Christmas gifts and they were very POPULAR. Also, a set of napkins would make a great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, neighbor gift. Good luck and know you'll sell a bunch of stuff because you are very talented!
Hurray! I'd buy stuff from you! Jeni's drawstring bags are ridiculously cute (would be great to use as a gift bag for wine for hostess gifts, or a size for a potted poinsettia). Zippy pouches of all shapes and sizes. Crayon/makeup brush/knitting & crochet rolls. Little card cases that can start off as gift card holders and then be used after the GC is spent as business card or loyalty card holders. Tutus. Also people go nuts over ruffle blankets. Just a turned/topstitched blanket with a ruffle edge. STOCKINGS! Cookies for Santa mats. Placemats! Coasters! Okay, I'll stop now. Good luck!
I think small things that are useful as well as pretty are the sorts of things that I would buy. What about book marks and small covered notebooks (the size you would take shopping with your shopping list). I like Cindy's comment earlier about the sign about making it yourself! Good luck, hope it goes well!
I hope it goes really well for you.
Looking good so far! Good luck :o)
oh jen, good luck! i bet you sell everything you make. i like simple things like pouches and definitely holiday stuff.
framed clutch purses are super simple and coin purses too
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