Craft Fairs

We just got back from a hot but fun day at the Crafty Bastards fair in Silver Spring Maryland... i went to check out the vendors and their set ups and get a couple of gifts...and yes stuff for myself.

I also recently went to a Crafty Bastards 101 discovery series where they gave out tips for those looking to become part of the craft fair experience... i thought i would share and get some thoughts..

1) Pick the right show for you....makes sense. Don't want to be selling to the wrong crowd.

2) Customer relations... basically smile and make friends. If they don't buy right then they will buy later... i've found this to be quite true.

3) Accept credit cards! SO TRUE.. most of my sales are CC. If you don't accept credit cards make sure you know where an atm machine is close by....to direct your customers.

4)Booth set up. ..this is one of the reasons why i went to check out the silverspring show. (see my pics for more examples of set ups) but basically be organized and neat... wear your own merchandise. Bring mirrors, apron, calculator, pens...

5)Have promo items... i found this tip especially interesting. Basically if you have a cool promo item that a customer is willing to keep and display, they're advertising for you for free... they're suggestions were postcards with and image of your product(s), stickers, pins,... also something i hadn't thought about before but makes a lot of sense.... have a pic of your stuff on your business card.. at the end of the day you may have a ton of cards you collected but can't quite remember what everyone did unless there's a pic or good description on your card.

6) email list sign up for those wanting to keep up with your sales and shows.

Also consider having items at all different price levels
have things at eye level....(added benefit is it keeps things out of reach from toddlers )

Anyways, i just applied to the crafty bastards show here in d.c....hope i get in. I'm really inspired by everyones really cute displays and wares! Hope everyone had a great weekend!
CHEERS!

Resources:
etsy.com
overnightprints.com
bannerstogo.com
stickergiant.com
stickerrobot.com
busybeaver.net .... i just ordered some pins from here... i can't wait to see how they turn out!

June - weddings

I have a couple of wedding invites collecting with good intentions of either going or getting them something nice. Also, this year, i've had the pleasure of designing a couple of invites and some jewelry. All this wedding activity has got me creating more for the bride and groom to be.

I have customizable Save the Dates. Ready to be made with your colors and wedding date details. The top portion is perforated to detatch and become a keepsake bookmark.

I also have jewelry sets for bridesmaids that they can continue to wear way after the big event...gifts for the groomsmen such as customizable braille key chains. I can put a custom word in braille and stamp the wedding date on the keychains...or how about some fun compass cuff links as grooms gifts?



Lastly and most importantly... the bride. I love creating beautiful delicate pieces that can accessorize beautifully with the bride. All of my items can be customized in either sterling silver or 14k G.F.


But who says that brides are the only ones that can enjoy sparklies? :) Take a browse through the shop and enjoy some window shopping if anything. ;)

New in June!

GREEN and GOLD- lush and vibrant ready for summer. Epecially paired with 14/20 goldfill.



GINKGO Earrings- Already green and thriving with their beautiful fan-shaped leaves, enjoying the summer heat. Did you know: The Ginkgo has the intriguing distinction of being one of the world's most urban-tolerant trees, often growing where other trees cannot survive. These earrings are a tribute to these beautiful and hardy trees, and sure to compliment your summer look and be a lasting accessory for any season.
SHOWN: Sterling silver hand cut silhouettes with turquoise accent bead.


Child's birdie necklace- All girls love to accessorize! Little ones too!
This is a miniature version of the flying birdie necklace and sized to fit your tot at a lenght of 13 inches and mini bird charm and pendant measuring a mere 1.5 cm.




Shark bites-A little of wit with a bit of shark. Perfect little summer necklace! Tiny sterling tags with varied phrases to match the little shark's tooth fossil which measures less than 1/2 an inch.

SHOP NOW!