Just posted my new Snuggle Baby Blanket on Etsy!!
Made of Organic Cotton Fleece Backing
With a lovely soft brushed Cotton that I hand dyed a beautiful light blue.
Each blanket has soft bamboo fleece tags for fun play
and a hand embroidered sweet Polar bear face perfect for chewing.
Creating an inventory list for your upcoming shows can be easy and keep you organized.. I created an inventory list after researching what to bring to shows, what you'd forget, need, want, etc. I then used word, but you could use any program to make it in. I first made an area for the date on the top, like..
CRAFT SHOW DATE_______
Then a list for my inventory on the left side, Like.. Item QTYDoll 1 ___
Doll 2 ___
Doll 3 ___ And so forth, this way, I can keep track of what my inventory is, what I brought and what I leave with.
Then on the Right side I made a list of materials I need, Like..
MATERIALS
___ Tent
___ Tables
___ Money box
And so forth. That way, before I pack, I check off everything so I make sure I have it.
(Some simple forgotten ideas I've found are..pens, double stick tape, scissors, stapler, free giveaways/candy, stamps or stickers, tablecloth weights or clips, camera, something to do or sketchbook, chairs, lunch, drinks, extra socks or gloves for cold mornings, extra price signs if needed.)
I then added a box at the bottom for notes to remember at my next show. I may change that eventually to maybe an area to write my sales. I find I'll jot a list of them there anyway, along with messages of other things to bring, peoples contacts, etc. Really anything you want to remember.
Everytime I do a show, the night before, I print one out, write in the date and inventory. Check off my materials and put it in my binder, that way I have it with me and it keeps a record of my shows and inventory. I've found it's a great way to keep me organized.. Maybe it can help you too!
Ecoleeko's first summer on the Village Green in Hamilton New York, in the farmers market! Here are some photos of my first weeks set up..It has changed and I'm sure will progress during the summer, as I learn of better ways to display different items. Luckily I came across these inexpensive metal CD holders to display the Bath Mitts upright. I created those cloud and tree displays from crates and wood which my husband helped cut..I'm not a jigsaw pro what so ever! Then painted and stamped with leaves.
I created the sign out of leftover canvas that I had painted on years ago. It easily was sewn and hemmed. As you can see, I also made sure I had a good supply of any postcards or brochures to hand out!
The back banner is also made from repainted canvas, which I then added grommets to and whalla, an inexpensive sign! The easy Up I acquired years ago, and is very nice to have for any show event.
I lastly, made a small painted wood sign to hang from the corner with a plant hanger so everyone can see who's inside!
Some good ideas I found while researching were..
-Have a way to accept credit cards..I started with propay. You just get a 'knucklebuster and some forms, accept their cards and process online. Very easy and great for larger purchases.
-Create a mailing list for emails or addresses so you can build a local mailing
-Have postcards, bus. cards, brochures available for free
-Bring socks, mittens, etc for weather changes..you never know!
-Have a place to keep your paperwork. I created a small folio where I keep my market permit, tax sign, market map, policies, etc. It's easy and I know where my info is at all times.
-Since I'm so anal, HA!, I also created a checklist I print out the day before the market or show. This week, I'll describe what's on it and how to make one yourself!
My first day at the Farmers Market came and went fast yesterday, but not without meeting my fellow artisans! I met Jessica, who makes beautiful pottery in Munnsville NY. She recently moved here from Maine and will be next to me at The Hamilton farmers Market this Summer. Come by and see her beautiful work! For more information, visit her website at-www.hofmeyerstudios.com
