Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Handmade Holidays!

Handmade Holidays was a HUGE success!!!  I want to thank EVERYONE who came out and made it so!
The Vendors were A M A Z I N G, seriously, there was so much great stuff there!  The talent!  The uniqueness!  I think we were all blown away by the sheer skill in this very large rooms.  The Wilma Rudolph Convention Center was huge!  I think it's so wonderful that the people of Clarksville (and surrounding areas) and those on vacation here came out to support local and shop Handmade!

It was my first show to vend in of that magnitude and it went WONDERFULLY!  The "wrap bracelets" were the biggest seller at my table- as they practically flew off the table (YAY!!!).  I am now working hard on a few special orders I received and also working hard to make more beads & bracelets for the Winter Market and Lylewood Inn's Craft Fair!



Thanks again for making it a success friends!!!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

HOLIDAY MARKETS!


Handmade Holidays
If you are wondering where to find me (and I truly hope you are!):
November 16th: Winter Holiday Market 9:30-1:00 @Smith Trahern Mansion
November 17 & 18: Handmade Holidays @Liberty Park Marina - Wilma Rudolph Convention Center.   Saturday 10:00-6:00.  Sunday 12:00-5:00.
November 23rd: Winter Holiday Market 9:30-1:00 @Smith Trahern Mansion
November 25th: Lylewood Inn  Bed & Breakfast 12:00pm- 4:00pm
November 30th: Winter Holiday Market 9:30-1:00 @Smith Trahern Mansion
December 7th: Winter Holiday Market 9:30-1:00 @Smith Trahern Mansion
December 14th: Winter Holiday Market 9:30-1:00 @Smith Trahern Mansion
December 21st: Winter Holiday Market 9:30-1:00 @Smith Trahern Mansion
My goal is to have the rest of my inventory listed on Etsy by December 1 to give all of my wonderful customers at least two weeks to place orders, as the last order will need to be placed by December  14 (for shipping purposes).

If you are thinking about requesting custom orders, now is the time!

I can't wait to see you at the Holiday Markets!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Hold onto your Jingle Bells!

It's NOVEMBER!!!  I had imagined that I would say that I am busy working like an elf in Santa's workshop for all of my sweet & wonderful friends who want their gifts to come from a "Made by Hand (from recycled materials)" friend.  

But....as many of you know we adopted two puppies a week ago.  That was like...wow, how can I explain this?  They are so cute and so sweet and so fun to play with and watch.  And yet, they pee and poop all over the place!!!!  They are incredibly messy and have yes, caused me a few tears of frustration.  I try to be a good mommy-figure to them and take them out every hour, but it's just not enough I guess.  Ha!  Oh well, one day they'll get it, right?  Until then...well, just pray for me, will ya?  I am not a "dog person" or even close, but I know the benefits of having pets, especially a dog, and I am learning some (obviously) much needed patience and grace.
Well, my life may never return to normal...but I must keep trying to stock my inventory which means create & recreate!  I LOVE doing just that!  So, I have a new necklace coming out soon and more wrap bracelets and of course earrings.  Hopefully, I will get some coasters and bookmarks done!  And, I will also have Laundry Soap made and available to any of my customers who wish to purchase that during the Winter season.

I am still trying to figure out "WHERE" you will be able to find me this Winter.  I would like to vend the Winter Market (at least until Christmas) on Fridays at the Smith-Trahern Mansion from 9:30-1:30, but I am not sure how that will work with preschool for my youngest.  
I am also considering the Handmade Holidays "A Crafters Bazaar" which sounds perfect, but costs $100 to vend.  At that rate, I'd have to raise my prices.  This is something I've already given much thought to, and it's coming.  Many customers & friends have encouraged me to to charge more, knowing that it takes me a lot more time than I consider.  I know they are right.  So, upon deeper review, my prices are going up and I should start making closer to the true value of my time, supplies, and all of the other factors involved (packaging, labels, promotion, etc...). 

Thanks for being a follower and a fan!  You make the difference with every choice you make!  I'll keep you updated!