Pine Tree Designs for 2008

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A few weeks ago I gave my 60 day notice that I would not be renewing my lease at the Enchanted Rose Garden. I've been there since August and while my sales have been decent every month, I've decided the working-a-shift requirement just doesn't fit in with my life these days. I've made some nice money this holiday season but factoring in whatever dollar value I want to put on my 7-8 hours month working at the store, it doesn't seem profitable enough to continue. I was looking forward to year-round sales but I'm not confident I would be profitable enough there year round, with the shift work factored in.

When I gave Eileen my notice, I think she was surprised but she understood. So giving my required 60 day notice means January will be my last month. And I'm exercising my option of paying for my shifts for December and January, rather than working them so that's a load off my mind.

But wait there's more! Today I had an email from Eileen suggesting I consider staying on, on a consignment basis. She said, "People have been very excited to see your things this holiday season and they have been selling well." So I'll have to redo my pricing since the store will be taking a cut. Still, this is a win/win. I really like being able to say my stuff is available in 3 stores - especially this one, that's local and popular.

Steve built me a spreadsheet that allows me to track my true cost of each piece I make. The one unknown, if you will, is of course, my time. I reviewed several products recently and I will be raising my prices just slightly in 2008.

One of the smartest things I did at the end of this year, at Dad's suggestion, was include sales tax in my prices at craft shows. It saves me so much time computing that - and making change. Everything has been rounded up or down to make it easier. Thanks again Dad!

I've been thinking about my Pine Tree Designs goals for 2008. I've had the same sales goal for 3 years. In 2005, I was 40% there. In 2006, I was 53% there. In 2007 to date, I overshot it by 16%. Now that's what I'm talking about! I haven't decided on my sales goal for 2008 yet.

I did 6 craft shows in 2006. I wanted to double that for 2007 but I only did 10, except some of them were bigger shows so I'm happy with 10. I know of 10 shows I want to do in 2008, which is dropping 1 show and adding 1 bigger show, Gro-Moore Farms. I would be happy if I did those 10 shows - I want to do them bigger and better this year, meaning be as prepared as I can possibly be with lots of product available. No last minute scrambling. I don't even know if that's totally possible. I'm one of those people that the more I do, the more I think I can do.

I think if I do those 10 shows, continue with the 1 wholesale gig I have (Artizanns in Naples), and the 2 consignment stores (Valentown Museum, which is seasonal, and the Enchanted Rose Garden in Penfield) - and do it all really well, I'll be happy for 2008.

So my goal for 2008 is to do 2007 again, but better. Then I'll come up with new goals for 2009.

Since this was my first really big holiday season for Pine Tree Designs, one of the biggest lessons I learned was to make sure I get what little personal holiday prep I do, done before the shows begin. As I mentioned in the last entry, I almost forgot about Simon's stocking and just yesterday I remembered I have a new niece to include this year! Yikes.

I learned two new skills this year. One is to get into Singular Focus Mode. When I'm going hot and heavy on making product, I've seen how much I can accomplish. It was a challenge at first, but now I just do it. It's cool.

The other thing is how fast I eat dinner now so I can start stitching. Steve and I always eat dinner in front of the TV, watching one of our Tivoed shows. I typically eat less than Steve does but still, I'm always done before him and start stitching while he finishes eating and until the show ends. I noticed this recently when I took "the girls" in our department out to lunch the other day for a holiday celebration. I was the first one done eating - and 3 other people had the exact same size lunch as I did. I must have really been shoveling it in and didn't even notice until the end! I probably do that when I eat at my desk too. I eat my lunch while surfing the net, then I stitch for the remaining time.

We ended up working a full day yesterday but as I mentioned yesterday, I know Monday will be a short day for those of us who have to work. My boss is off, not that that makes any difference. I told him the 3 of us weren't working all day and he was fine with it.

I finalized my recipes for tonight and Christmas Eve and Day last night and made my grocery list. I set the alarm for 6:00 this morning but got up around 5:30. I had a leisurely morning, getting to the grocery store around 7:00. It was slightly more crowded than usual for that hour and getting more so by the time I left. Good move on my part. Glad that's done.

I have a bunch of things to do around the house this weekend but I'm considering it an old fashioned "Stefani Weekend", doing what I want, when I want. Life is good.

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