Doll Clothes = FUN

Gifted Family.  

I have to admit, I am one lucky person to have such a gifted family.  We are a very crafty and involved family.  I admire one of my aunts for the types of doll clothes she does.  Currently, I am selling her stuff in my Etsy store.  Everything is so exact and she adds her touch to everything to make the outfits seem so realistic and not like general doll clothes.  

This is a romper she did with the matching bandana.  I love it. 

Another Romper with matching headband.  I love how it just looks so real and adorable.

This is what I call comfy flannel "Christmas" pajamas. 

 

I absolutely love these blouses.  

I can only wish I could make these.  They are time consuming from what I understand but when you love what you do you do not even notice just how much time has passed because you are enjoying your craft.

All these items and more are on my Etsy Shop. 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftastikCreationz

Football FUN Blankets for Kids

So I finally decided to do something fun and work my magic with sewing.  Okay try to work my magic is more like it.  I haven't sewn in awhile so trying to do these blankets and pillows was a bit challenging.  Truth is I really didn't take the proper measurements for what a toddler or baby blanket should be.  I winged it and I did what I felt was a good size.  I must say that I have no regrets.  

It took me sometime to figure it all out and lay out the material.  You really do need a flat surface to lay it all out.  That is the best way to make the proper cuts and add your needles as guidelines for sewing and to hold the materials together.  I do like to match my fabrics but find it a bit boring to have the same type of fabric on both sides.  I like reversible blankets or things in general because when you get tired of looking at it one way, you can switch it and have a totally different look. 

I will apologize in advance because I was so excited to share this that I did not use the right lighting or stage my pictures as I normally do.  The colors are actually more vibrant.  I will have updated pictures later on in the week to post up but for now, I hope you love them as much as I do.  I think they are fun. 

Yes, I am a Giants fan but make no excuses for the game opener (wow that was horrible) but I love them anyway.  This is for the Giants Fans. 

Updated Pic

I also did a general Football Blanket for those people who love different teams.  I think this one is adorable.  

Updated Pic

Huge difference in color.  

If you have an idea, please share it with me.  I am trying to do a bit of everything. So far this project was the most fun for me to do because it was a bit challenging. 

Taking a leap of faith - Now Open - http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftastikCreationz

INTRODUCING

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftastikCreationz

I have to admit, the thought of selling online scares me but I have received so much positive feedback that I decided to take the plunge and dive right in.  I can't say I am not terrified because I am.  It is one thing to create and sell things at fairs and in front of your home.  It is a totally different thing to actually sell in online because then it all becomes real and no longer really a hobby but the beginning of your business.  

Being selective is definitely something I have to do.  I do not want to just sell anything.  I want to sell selected pieces that I feel are a good representation of my work and who I am as a crafter.  

The fees are much less than ebay or any other site I have looked into and you can customize your shop to the way you want it to look like.  I purchased special customized banners for my shop through http://www.etsy.com/people/DollvilleStudio.  I love the banners they have and it fit my style perfect. Even though the items are limited, what they have is worth purchasing.  The above banner was purchased from Dollville Studio. 

I have only placed 5 items up for sale to start off with but I will add more once I get the feedback I need to create items that people will not only purchase as gifts but would like to purchase for themselves. 

I can only hope my fan base will grow and making this tough decision proves to be the greatest decision I have made to grow my business. 

Necklaces for $19.99

    

AND

         

 Gift Set Matching Metal Bookmark & Lanyard Charm $14.00

     

3x5 Reversible Acrylic Sticky Note Pad Holder Stand with Matching Pen $10.00

  

Composition Notebook Diary Gift Set $21.50

   

 

My first Craft Sale and the feedback I received

Hellooooooo to all and welcome to my page.  First and foremost I apologize for the long delay in posting my latest projects and/or ideas.  I am so grateful to have you here reading my blog and getting to experience the joy of crafting with me.  

I was finally able to put all my store supply items mentioned in the previous blog and used them and more at my first craft fair.  Since this was my first and I did not honestly know what to expect, I chose to do the fair in front of my home.  

The images below are pictures of my set up. The tent was very simple to put up so long as you had help.  The grids were easy to assemble but the light wind ended up being a pain in the butt.  I kept having to pick up my light items such as frames and the binder clip photo holders.  I love the end result but I also am a person who constantly changes things and ideas to best fit my needs and the image I want to present to others.  

I have to admit, this was a half craft fair/garage sale so it looks a little cluttered.  I don't think I will do this again but it did help bring more customers to my booth.

Some of the items I purchased from www.storesupply.com, I altered to make it fit with my look.  I hope you like my set up and my merchandise.  I will post many more pictures and links once I get myself to a stopping point from creating (I am addicted).

To my surprise, I received a tremendous amount of feedback, gained new customers and fans of all ages.  The display was perfect and it did attract the attention I was looking for.  The one comment I received most involved my personality.  Many individuals told me I had great talent as well.  I was so incredibly happy and grateful that people would share their ideas and thoughts with me and acknowledged my hard work.  One lady told me she loved my stuff so much she thought I should do craft parties in people's houses.  To be honest that was never a thought until she mentioned that.  

Another lady told me to become a vendor on the Long Beach Boardwalk or the Farmer's Market in Long Beach.  I thought it was a great idea but again, never really thought about doing it.  On another note, she did tell me there were a lot of people selling jewelry and more but that my items were different and would sell.  That comment was one of the best things to hear.  As crafters sometimes we feel that there are too many individuals in the same market doing the same thing.  The fact is that even though we are all selling similar crafts, whether online, in stores, vendors or like myself... outside my home, we are all selling different style items.  We all have different taste, different placement, etc.  We may at times use the same products but the reality is, we are just drawn to be creative and try to do something different that best represents our style. Unless you are outright copying someone else's style, which is something one should never do, we do create things that best signifies who we are and showcases not only our style but our personalities as well.  

One of the things I did was try to create totally different styles for different types of individuals but I placed my personality and ideas into each item.  For instance, I tried to create things children would love, but I also did items for older individuals, teens and even items with a Gothic and Steam Punk look.  Even though the items catered to different individuals, each piece still represented me and my style in some way.  

I hope my blog has helped you and the display images were helpful for those who were like me at one time in the sense of wondering how to set up or what to do for your craft show, whether it is in your yard or as a vendor.  I also hope the ideas of my potential customers and customers provided to me has helped you in some way. The key thing to being successful, is to simply talk and be personable and even if people come and do not purchase anything, stay positive and interact with everyone.  The goal is to make them remember you for your outgoing personality and creativity and they will return.  I had many people give me ideas that did not buy anything, but their feedback was more valuable to me.  I received a ton of ideas, not all of which are listed, however, the lesson here is to get to know people even if they do not buy anything.  They may be the same people who come up with such a great idea your business ends up launching off to something you never thought possible.  

To my fellow crafters, good luck and thank you again for taking the time to read my blog.  Please follow me/subscribe and email me any questions or comments you may have.   

Craft Fair Display Set Ups

Frustration... a word that would not even begin to express how I felt trying to find videos, google images and even going to actual craft shows just to find the right set up for me.  It seemed more people focused on their actual crafts when doing tutorials on "setting up for a craft show" rather than actually setting up for a craft show.  

If you are going to set up for a craft show and do a YouTube tutorial on it, do not emphasize on everything else but what it is you should be focusing on.  One of my goals is to create a video on how to set it up.  After my experience in just trying to put up the tent, I realize that these tutorials are truly needed.  The worse thing to do is to try to set up for a craft show and not know what you are doing.  Thank god this has not happened to me because I am truly trying to do ALL of my homework first before getting involved.  

For starters, your displays for your crafts should be portable.  Anything that can easily be set up and dismantled is the way to go.  You should not have a set up that takes too much time to set up or that takes 10 people just to carry it in,  You will already have boxes filled with your merchandise so you do not need anything bulky that will take up more space than needed.  

This is what I recommend, keep in mind that my set up may be different from what your needs are because the items sold may be different... utilize your space.  Do not fill it with big tables and or multiple open boxes for people to rummage through.  Aesthetics is everything... when you are setting something up keep your atmosphere in mind, who are you catering too, what is the traffic flow going to be like, what do you have that will call the attention to someone who may simply be passing by.  Place the most eye catching color items in the most prominent spaces in your area.  The main objective is to gain the attention of your buyer.  Try not to overwhelm the space and if you do make sure that it is done in a way that is not too busy and make it flow.  

If you are going to have many items make sure your display cases, grid wires and or table all match in some way.  Too many different types of bins, boxes, table clothes, etc. will deter your buyer from coming in.  If you seem to be all over the place, people will not feel as though you are organized enough and maybe even feel too overwhelmed with your environment to even want to come to your booth.  Make sure you make signs for all your items... List the item to be sold and the price.  Try to elevate some of your items.  Having things on different eye levels is appealing.  When everything is laid flat there is a chance your one of a kind beautiful item you worked so hard on will be missed, all because it was not displayed correctly.  Color is important.  

When I purchased my display items, I bought everything in white and that includes my tent.  The added color comes in with the signs, and particular stand out merchandise as well as my tablecloth. Too much white or too much of any color is boring.  I plan on adding butterflies on my grid shelves just add that splash of color.  

Again.., I stress... I do not purchase anything without it being a great deal.  I finally found a store supply site that worked for me and I love it.  Not only were the prices great but the customer service was amazing from beginning to the end and I actually look forward to ordering other items from them more so because the service was amazing.  

People want to work with great people and friendly people.  Remember that when you are selling.  

I purchased many items such as the zebra plastic bags.  It may sound funny but think of it this way... would you rather give your customer a regular white plastic bag or thank you bag or a bag that they will remember?  Think about that.  It is something so simple but you provided them with something that they were not getting in any of the other vendor booths.  You stand out and even with people walking in the vendor areas.  When your happy customers leave with the bag, other potential buyers will see them and wonder what it is and because the bag is so different they will look for the booth with that particular bag.  It stands out from the crowd and because of that you would get more buyers.  Be unique, it is something simple but makes a huge impact on your sales as well as your audience.  

 

I also purchased the grid standing unit with matching accessories.  It was the best thing because the grid you can utilize on both sides (front and back).  You can add as many peg hooks, shelves and/or baskets as you can fit and works for you.  Remember if you have to add a lot of items do it so it is pleasing to the eye.  Everything has to flow.  The reason why I purchased the grid unit is because it allows me to display many items in a small space and most of your craft area is a 10' x 10' grid so you have to use all your space wisely.  If you use your space with just tables you are just taking up too much room and the traffic jam within your space will deter other buyers from coming in not because you have many people in your space but because the space is so minimal for them to walk through they will not want to bother coming in.  

If you are selling cards, this is the best purchase you can make.  I bought it and I love it and saves so much space.  Every time I go to a craft show, I see card shows laying out every where and most of the time they are laid flat.  When I go it is not to purchase anything but to see the set up and the way in which the merchandise is being displayed.  Most of the time, it just doesn't seem to flow and sometimes people are afraid to start moving merchandise to go through it especially after you have set it up so nice.  Using this floor card holder works because they take the cards out and put them back and not worry if they are making a mess.  They can freely look through the rack without any worries from the seller.  Believe me your customers know that look sellers make when the potential customer is making a mess. 

If you really want to utilize your table space and add eye level you can use a grid unit which can be assembled to match your needs. The way it is set up in the picture would be too big to put on your table.  You literally build it from to fit your needs.  

Once I have everything ready to sell, etc.  I will provide you with an update to this blog by adding video tutorial and/or pictures as well as give you the status on how things went.  

Store Supply Warehouse has a catalog you can refer to.  The website is www.storesupply.com.  I want to make this very clear... every time I add a link does not mean I am working with the store or am getting any type of discount, etc.  If I like something and I feel it is great and works for me on a monetary level as well as a business aspect, I will post it because that is what I want this blog to be about.  I want to be able to get good deals for you, honest feedback from you, provide you with great tutorials and or important information and be of service to those who feel as I have... frustration all because you are in search of something and just can't find exactly what you need.  I do not want you to have to go through 101 different sites just to find what you need.  If you can't find something, ask me, my goal is to help my followers.  

I truly hope I have helped you in some way.  I know I do not have many photos up but the context I believe should be very helpful to you and if I am missing something, please let me know and I will update with more information.  

My review on the EZ Pop Up Canopy 10 x 10 Commercial Fair Vending Tent 4 Walls White

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-EZ-Pop-Up-Canopy-10-x-10-Commercial-Fair-Vending-Tent-4-Walls-White-or-Black-/280993751058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item416c88601

I just bought this and unfortunately I received it damaged but the seller so far has been very responsive and willing to do a refund and/or product placement with a free return.  I purchased it for $229.00 with free shipping.  It actually seems very durable.  I set it up to see if this product was worth keeping after receiving it damaged.  I will tell you 100% it is.  

It is a bit difficult to set up and it took me several tries to get it right in trying to position everything accordingly.  Just make sure everything adds up.  For instance.  When you are pushing out the frame to open up the tent, make sure the side with the two holes facing you is in the front.  That is where the awning inserts into.  When you are placing the top cover on, make sure that the EZ pop up label is on the sides not in the front or back.  You also need to make sure that the Velcro pieces on the top portion of the tent are in the front so that you can attach the awning to it.  This is important because when I tried to set this up everything I am telling you I did wrong.  I had to laugh at myself because I kept looking at it like what is wrong here and finally I figured it out.  

As for the wall panels, lets just say I am still trying to figure that out because when I tried to attach it, it just came out funny and not aligned right.  I really did not have time to take the time to figure it out but when I do, I will add to this post.  

I will tell you that it is difficult to build together and I felt like a football player at one point trying to snap everything into place.  I did become aggravated but I did it and again in the end it is worth it because from what I see it is durable and I cannot stress enough that it was perfect on a windy day.  As I was setting it up, the wind was picking up and tried to blow off the top but because of the straps it comes with to help hold it down, it did not blow off at all.  The side panels are held with Velcro as well both on the pole itself for the top and to be wrapped around the poles from top to bottom.  

I am going to sell a lot of light weight items so I need these walls to keep sturdy because if not all of my stuff will fly away and of course as a crafter that would be a nightmare.  The extra awning is great as well because it adds extra space to your unit and great for rainy days.  

I absolutely believe this is a great item but there is some difficulty to it.  This eBay purchase was the cheapest I found it.  I am a person who searches and searches and only buys only when I feel I have a great deal and if I feel I am not making out good with the item, it stays in the store.  No one is selling this item for less than $269 and if I remember correctly, shipping was not included.   

If you are looking for a tent, look no further.  Whether purchase it from this eBay buyer or anywhere else, this product is worth purchasing. 

Ikea $0.49 candle holder alteration

The candle holders I used for this project are from Ikea.  I have to say I love them and they are a great favor to use for weddings and to even use on the reception table at special occasions.  You can also create matching sets for your home to your liking.  The best thing about these is not only the price but the fact that they are reversible.  You can either use a tall skinny candle or a tea light with this candle holder.  LOVE IT and better yet, it cost only $0.49 each. 

On this project I used Wild Orchid Flowers (so reasonable in price and I loved pretty much all the flowers on the site.  I can't say I love them all because I have not bought them all.)  I also used some of the ribbon and flowers I purchased from save-a-thon.

As you can see this side up is for the skinny candles.  I designed this so that no matter which way you turn the holder, you still have a creative flare and you can appreciate your creativity (whatever style you can come up with).

I tried my best to match everything so that is one complete set.  

This side up is for the tea light as seen below. 

I added white glitter stickles to the outside edges of the flower.

Side view of the candle holder

Just to give you a different look, I want to show you pictures of the other set I did.  Keep in mind, these are my first two candle holder alterations.  I think they came out pretty good. 

 

The Rhinestone Ribbon I purchased on Ebay.  It was the 24 row, 1 yard of Green Ribbon.  I believed I paid less than $4.00 for this.  Personally if you buy the rhinestone ribbon on amazon (30 yards, 24 rows) it will end up coming out to cheaper.  Keep in mind this is the same exact style of the David Tutera ribbon sold at Michael's for over $10.00 which is absolutely ridiculous.  You are only paying for the name.  Do not get me wrong I am a fan of his but, I refuse to pay an outrageous price for something I can get cheaper.  I found the 30 yard, 24 row rhinestone ribbon for $11.00 on amazon and I bought it.  I LOVE it.  It is the same thing used at platinum style weddings or occasions.  Do you know what the difference is?  Instead of paying triple the amount of money to have someone else basically adhere it to a vase or whatever you have in mind, you pay the cost value and do it yourself and pay hardly nothing at all.  Save your money... go the DIY way.  Same affect, totally different cost. 

Do you have an idea you want to see come to life?  Share your ideas, maybe I can help you.  I would love to try to do my best to bring your ideas to life and help you do it in the process.