Spinning
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5" x 5" Card, $7.00
This is the only one of these I've assembled so far but I have pieces cut for 9 more. This is for an order I'm shipping today, along with 2 purple ones.
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5" x 5" Card, $7.00This is the only one of these I've assembled so far but I have pieces cut for 9 more. This is for an order I'm shipping today, along with 2 purple ones.
~ ~ ~
My head is spinning so fast I don't know where to start.
At last Thursday's craft show I learned of a craft show at Mercy High School on May 10. It was highly recommended by some very successful vendors that I respect. So I found a contact online Friday morning and emailed her, asking if there was any availability. She emailed me an application, which I have to return with my check by today. I was so busy this weekend I didn't get it mailed so I think I'll drop it off today on my lunch hour.
Last week I heard from a store owner in Corning, who had purchased one of my Sticky Notes at Artizanns in Naples. She asked if I wanted another wholesale account. So I'm shipping her first order today.
The very next day I heard from a store owner in Florida, asking for my wholesale pricing. She was asking for pricing on cards which I didn't have worked up yet because no one has ever asked for that. So I added cards to my wholesale price list and sent that off to her. I haven't heard back but I'll be following up with her today.
On Friday, my friend at work, Jen, asked me if I ever considered out-sourcing some of my work. I said, "Yes! Who - you?" She nodded. "I've been waiting for you to ask! I didn't want to ask you, for fear you'd feel obligated. I know you have a full life of your own, especially with 3 grandkids now." The funny thing was the work I'd brought with me to work on during my lunch hour that day, was exactly the kind of work she wanted to do - assembly. So I showed her what I needed done with that. I'm paying her hourly. (Mom? Want a raise?)
Here's what I think is funny about people helping me. Mom, who has done cross stitch and crochets up a storm, does some stitching for me. She's always preferred machine sewing so it surprised me a little that she loves doing this. My friends Pam and Jen, who both are quilters and have cross stitched I'm quite sure - don't want to do any of the hand stitching.
This further confirms that I needn't have much fear that people will copy my work. I was a little nervous putting my work on the Internet, here on my blog, especially on Flickr and Etsy. It's a common fear among artists. But I've learned from my customers at craft shows that most people definitely appreciate how much work goes into this. But they don't want to do it themselves. I always keep a sharp eye out for similar work but I've yet to see it. :::knocks on wood:::
In addition to this, I'm trying to get into work early today to finish up something I wanted to have done Friday. I'm taking this Friday off to tie up loose ends before Saturday's craft show.
At last Thursday's craft show I learned of a craft show at Mercy High School on May 10. It was highly recommended by some very successful vendors that I respect. So I found a contact online Friday morning and emailed her, asking if there was any availability. She emailed me an application, which I have to return with my check by today. I was so busy this weekend I didn't get it mailed so I think I'll drop it off today on my lunch hour.
Last week I heard from a store owner in Corning, who had purchased one of my Sticky Notes at Artizanns in Naples. She asked if I wanted another wholesale account. So I'm shipping her first order today.
The very next day I heard from a store owner in Florida, asking for my wholesale pricing. She was asking for pricing on cards which I didn't have worked up yet because no one has ever asked for that. So I added cards to my wholesale price list and sent that off to her. I haven't heard back but I'll be following up with her today.
On Friday, my friend at work, Jen, asked me if I ever considered out-sourcing some of my work. I said, "Yes! Who - you?" She nodded. "I've been waiting for you to ask! I didn't want to ask you, for fear you'd feel obligated. I know you have a full life of your own, especially with 3 grandkids now." The funny thing was the work I'd brought with me to work on during my lunch hour that day, was exactly the kind of work she wanted to do - assembly. So I showed her what I needed done with that. I'm paying her hourly. (Mom? Want a raise?)
Here's what I think is funny about people helping me. Mom, who has done cross stitch and crochets up a storm, does some stitching for me. She's always preferred machine sewing so it surprised me a little that she loves doing this. My friends Pam and Jen, who both are quilters and have cross stitched I'm quite sure - don't want to do any of the hand stitching.
This further confirms that I needn't have much fear that people will copy my work. I was a little nervous putting my work on the Internet, here on my blog, especially on Flickr and Etsy. It's a common fear among artists. But I've learned from my customers at craft shows that most people definitely appreciate how much work goes into this. But they don't want to do it themselves. I always keep a sharp eye out for similar work but I've yet to see it. :::knocks on wood:::
In addition to this, I'm trying to get into work early today to finish up something I wanted to have done Friday. I'm taking this Friday off to tie up loose ends before Saturday's craft show.
Saturday, May 10, 10:00-4:00
3rd Annual Art Show & Craft Sale
Our Lady of Mercy High School
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610
3rd Annual Art Show & Craft Sale
Our Lady of Mercy High School
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610
Labels: Craft Shows, What I'm Working On
posted by Stefani at 5:28 AM
6 Comments:
This isn't really hand sewing to me, it is more dot to dot which I love, only it is with thread!
When I was starting to sell the jewelry I make, I read a book about making jewelry as a business -- can't remember the name or author at the moment -- there was a passage where she remarks that there will always be people who walk up to your table, pick up and item, and say, "I could make that." Well, yes, they could, but, as the author says, 90% of them won't. I try to remember that, that although what I do seems fairly simple to me, to the great majority of other people, it's something they either couldn't do, or don't want to do.
Congrats on the new sales!
You certainly are busy. I wish you the best of luck and much success!
I'm curious how the gas situation is effecting turn out at craft shows now? And how it effects you getting there. ;-)
The gas situation, Bonnie, is definitely affecting attendance at the craft shows. I think that combined with people aren't buying non-necessities as much, is what makes up the 30% drop in sales I've seen so far this year.
It doesn't affect ME getting to the shows, however - can't slow me down! I do buy most of my supplies online these days. But that's more because it's a time-saver and I'm just not a shopper. I used to try really hard to support local businesses but all the other positives of the Internet win. I do try to support small businesses online though, like through Etsy. I can see all my gifts being purchased through Etsy in the future, along with donations to charitable causes, still my favorite gift to give.
This comment was almost a blog entry!
Oh well done Stefani, way to go!
love the card too.
Rosie x
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