Dusting Off The Craft Show Check List

Only 2 more days…

Thought I had better review this list I made some time ago. Always a good idea to mentally go over things in your head as well as checking off items on your check list.

Having a successful show begins with organization.

CRAFT SHOW CHECKLIST

In addition to your tables, display props and stands, don’t forget to pack the following..

1. inventory (items for sale)
2. inventory list
3. extra price tags
4. cash box
5. change (coins & small bills)
6. invoice receipt book
7. sales tax chart
8. calculator/cash register
9. charge card processing machine
10. pen/pencil/marker pens
11. paper pad
12. business cards
13. mailing list
14. bags (different sizes, paper & plastic)
15. wrapping paper
16. table covering (and bring an extra one just in case)
17. chairs (if not provided, check first)
18. scissors/knife
19. signage/poster board
20. tape
21. paper towels
22. garbage bags
23. extension cord
24. power strip
25. light source/bulbs
26. camera/batteries
27. toolbox/tools
28. dolly/cart
29. rubber bands
30. glue
31. mirror

Have a very successful craft show. Happy Selling!!

How Do You Affix A Flower?

Here’s my back. This doesn’t look all that great to me. I have tried regular thread, embroidery thread and now yarn. So far, this way looks the best.

But… I am wondering about the rest of you. What do you use and how do you do it?

Show me yours. Thanks!!

BTW, here’s the front.

 

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Flowers made from Sharon’s tutorial over at her place.

http://digipicsphotography.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/crochet-flower-tutorial-for-donna-and-friends/

 

Latest Crochet Stuff Made: Cowls, Flowers & Headband

How do you double crochet!! No, please tell me I didn’t forget how to double crochet!! It’s been awhile since I crocheted anything and I did for a second forget what to do in the first half of that stitch. After a quick glance at one of my pattern books, I was on my way.

This is what I made in the last few days. Cowls, flowers and a headband. Rust, purple and baby pink. Feels good to be back crocheting. In January I will start back working on my Project 101. Need to finish my crochet squares.

Time To Think About A 2010 Calendar

Is it that time AGAIN!! Only 2 more months to rip off.

This is the time of year calendar makers, calendar sellers, calendar pushers try to get our attention. I am already getting e-mails with suggestions for next year’s calendar. You, too?

I bet there is a calendar out there for every person in the world no matter what their taste is. No matter what their interests are. Wall, desk, pocket…

Here’s a web site devoted to selling nothing but calendars and calendar accessories.

http://www.calendars.com/

These are just a few of their offerings.

I know several people chomping at the bit to offer up their neck to this guy.

No one comes to mind to give this to but I am sure you basketball fans will love it.

Come January, admit it, you will be one of 20 million folks plopped in front of the TV screen. I know quite a few people who LOVE this show!!

My hubby would love this one. Though his 1977 navy and white Corvette looks nothing like this, it still runs and looks great. He dreams of owning a new one but would never part with his BABY. I tell him all the time. If he “goes” before me, his precious Corvette will be smashed into a pillow sized block. Can you guess where that block will be placed?

This one I would buy for myself. I am hoping 2010 is a good year for him AND US. (US=me and you and the USA)

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I also like this one. Though it isn’t exactly in calendar format. Will get my creative juices flowing. Maybe someone will get it for me for Christmas.

Many, many choices.

Have you bought your new 2010 calendar yet?

Tuesday’s Tutorial: Stocking Stuffer For The Bookworm

Today’s tutorial is a Macrame Bookmark perfect for a student or someone who loves to read or write. It has a Winter theme with snowflakes and Snowmen and would make a great Christmas stocking stuffer.

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Supplies/Tools Needed to Make Bookmark

• 6 yards of 2mm braided macrame cord
• 4 medium sized buttons with 2 holes
• 2 silver snowflakes
• scissors
• ruler/tape measure/yardstick
• large hole metal tapestry needle

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Directions to Make Macrame Bookmark

Step 1.

Cut 1 cord 1 1/2 yards long. (Filler cord)
Cut 1 cord 4 1/2 yards long. (Tying cord)

Step 2 – Adding Buttons and Snowflake.

Find the center of the 1 1/2 yard cord.

String one end of cord through the 1st button, silver snowflake and 2nd button. Center so cord ends measure evenly. (See photo)

Pull cords tight so buttons fit tight against silver snowflake like a sandwich.

Step 3 – Adding Tying Cord.

Find center of 4 1/2 yard cord and position it UNDER the filler cords. Tie one Square Knot (SK) with the tying cords, the longer cords. Slide knot up close to the buttons.

Step 4 – Tying the top Square Knot Button.

Drop down 1/4″ and tie a Square Knot Button consisting of 7 square knots. In a row. This is called a Sennet. SK Button will hold a pen or pencil.

Take filler cords (the middle cords) and go up and through the holes created. Front to back. Pull down to form a Square Knot Button.

Tie one SK under the SK Button to secure it.

Step 5 – Tying Square Knot Sennet.

Tie 12″ of square knots. In a row. One after the other.

Step 6 – Tying the Bottom Square Knot Button.

Drop down 1/4″ and tie a Square Knot Button consisting of 7 square knots. Same as you did in Step 4.

Tie TWO square knots under the SK Button.

That completes the knot tying and now you will bury all cords except ONE FILLER CORD. That cord will be used to string the last buttons and silver snowflake. Using the large hole metal needle, bury one cord at a time, from the back, going up through the knotwork. (See photo)

Step 7 – Adding Bottom Buttons and Snowflake.

String cord through buttons and silver snowflake per the photo. Pull cords tight so buttons fit tight against the silver snowflake like a sandwich.

Step 8.

To finish off cord end: Tie around base of the cord or hand sew together. Trim cord end.

All done. Finished and ready to enjoy for yourself or to give as a gift.

Bookmark measures 14″.

Variations: Make longer or shorter by adjusting cord lengths. Use whatever buttons or decorations preferred. Omit bottom square knot button if wish.

Photo Recycle: My Top 25

Hubby made a comment the other day that stuck with me. He said, “You just like to look at your stuff, don’t you?” And he was RIGHT!!

I must admit the real reason I don’t rush off to list my things on eBay or Etsy is because I DO like to LOOK AT THEM!! Sad. But true.

So…. let’s LOOK at a few of my favorites. All handcrafted by me.

Jewelry/Beading

Macrame

Crochet

Sewing

Bought More Head Forms

With my show dates fast approaching (11-5, 11-14, 11-21, 12-3 thru 12-5), my mind has been on DISPLAYS lately. Setups playing out in my head. Staging themselves. If only I would put on my Director hat for a moment, I probably could start telling each item where to sit, lay or stand.

But, NO, I am still making headbands. At some point, someone is going to have to tell me, “Enough already. You don’t need 150 headbands. Enough is enough!!”

Am I listening? Nope!!

I have so many headbands that I told hubby for my birthday next month, he could buy me two more Head Forms. Too many headbands. Not enough heads to display them on.

So…. yesterday, with his AMEX card in hand, I ordered them. They should be here in time for my first show.

Can’t wait.

Pretty In Pink….. and Macrame Corn

Just finished these.

Pretty in Pink… and purple and olive green. Each headband is different. The middle macrame cord color is coordinated with the elastic band color.

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And need to finish these.

Macrame Corn made from Crown Knots. The pattern calls for leaves at the top. Just have been unmotivated to finish them.

Orange & Black: These Must Be School Colors Somewhere.

I got the Halloween bug late but wanted to finish up making stuff with my orange 2mm macrame cord. I am thinking a school SOMEWHERE out there uses orange and black for their school colors. Maybe they will see these.

Macrame headband with matching bracelet and earrings.

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This picture showing me working on the headband.

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And here’s my “model” wearing it.

TV Commercials I Hate

I spend a lot of time listening to the TV while crafting.

I absolutely HATE this commercial with the talking pothole!! The voice just grates on my nerves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1pNPOZUf10

And what about those that “push” the envelope and seem to cross the line? Like that commercial with the dog bragging about his poop being the best because of his great dog food. Ewwwww.

So much for having a tasty dinner!!

Are there ads out there that irritate you?