1 week ago
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Craft Fair Advice~
Thanks to all of you for reading my blog. Many of you have asked me for Craft Fair advice. Here is a list of what to DO and DON'T DO from my perspective. I may add to this list as I think of things. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comment section. Thanks!
Craft Fair Don'ts
1. Don't be afraid to do a Craft Fair or Craft Show. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot.
2. Don't be afraid to talk to people as they walk by. When they stop by your booth engage them in conversation. Even if it's just about how cute their baby is or that you like their earrings. It helps break the ice.
3. Don't Crowd Shoppers. Be attentive but, not smothering.
4. Don't ignore a customer, even if you are assisting someone else.
5. Don't forget bags and any wrapping paper needed to keep their purchases safe.
6. Don't forget to mark everything with a price. If they can't see the price they probably won't ask and most definitely won't buy.
7. Don't forget your business cards and event book. You never know when you might get a booking.
8. Don't break down your booth until the event is completely over. A lot of people shop at the last minute.
9. Don't be discouraged if you don't have a lot of traffic. I found that it comes in waves.
10. Don't crowd your table displays. I found that if your rotate your product it looks nicer and it less overwhelming for shoppers.
Craft Fair Do's
1. Wear Comfortable clothing and shoes. Dress for the weather possibilities if outdoors.
2. Keep busy. Activity attracts attention. You are more likely to have people notice your booth if you are doing something instead of just sitting.
3. Have adequate change. I kept all of my prices to whole dollar amounts. You want to make the check out process effortless.
4. Have your booth clearly marked. You want people to know right away who you are and what you are selling.
5. Have an email/newsletter sign-up sheet for people who are interested.
6. Look at other vendors' booths and note what you like and don't like. There is a wealth of info to be had. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to other vendors.
7. Smile! It's infectious!
8. Be prepared for the bargain shopper. They might want to haggle over the price, have it set in your mind before hand how you want to handle that situation.
9. Have business cards ready for people at the entrance of your booth.
10. Use all of your space. That includes the ceiling of your booth (for canopy booths). It adds visual interest and attracts attention. For table displays keep things at different heights. I covered a few shoe boxes with solid color fabric napkins to add height and color to my table display.
Spread the word with family and friends that you a looking for craft fairs. Word of mouth is a great resource too. Check your local newspaperalso.
Craft Fair Don'ts
1. Don't be afraid to do a Craft Fair or Craft Show. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot.
2. Don't be afraid to talk to people as they walk by. When they stop by your booth engage them in conversation. Even if it's just about how cute their baby is or that you like their earrings. It helps break the ice.
3. Don't Crowd Shoppers. Be attentive but, not smothering.
4. Don't ignore a customer, even if you are assisting someone else.
5. Don't forget bags and any wrapping paper needed to keep their purchases safe.
6. Don't forget to mark everything with a price. If they can't see the price they probably won't ask and most definitely won't buy.
7. Don't forget your business cards and event book. You never know when you might get a booking.
8. Don't break down your booth until the event is completely over. A lot of people shop at the last minute.
9. Don't be discouraged if you don't have a lot of traffic. I found that it comes in waves.
10. Don't crowd your table displays. I found that if your rotate your product it looks nicer and it less overwhelming for shoppers.
Craft Fair Do's
1. Wear Comfortable clothing and shoes. Dress for the weather possibilities if outdoors.
2. Keep busy. Activity attracts attention. You are more likely to have people notice your booth if you are doing something instead of just sitting.
3. Have adequate change. I kept all of my prices to whole dollar amounts. You want to make the check out process effortless.
4. Have your booth clearly marked. You want people to know right away who you are and what you are selling.
5. Have an email/newsletter sign-up sheet for people who are interested.
6. Look at other vendors' booths and note what you like and don't like. There is a wealth of info to be had. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to other vendors.
7. Smile! It's infectious!
8. Be prepared for the bargain shopper. They might want to haggle over the price, have it set in your mind before hand how you want to handle that situation.
9. Have business cards ready for people at the entrance of your booth.
10. Use all of your space. That includes the ceiling of your booth (for canopy booths). It adds visual interest and attracts attention. For table displays keep things at different heights. I covered a few shoe boxes with solid color fabric napkins to add height and color to my table display.
Spread the word with family and friends that you a looking for craft fairs. Word of mouth is a great resource too. Check your local newspaperalso.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
All About the Sissix
The Sizzix Personal Die-Cutting System is ideal for all crafters and provides a convenient, at-home solution for small die-cutting and embellishing. The easy-to-use machine is great for teens and adults and will cut through a wide variety of materials including paper, fabric and rubber. All you crafters out there, will love the ability to enhance the creative process and the flexibility to add to your designs at a moment’s notice. The dies can cut a variety of materials such as paper, rubber, and fabric for every craft from scrapbooking to rubber stamping to quilting. There are over 100 creative shapes for every holiday and occasion available, as well as the alphabet, punctuation and numbers.
The Sizzix machine and dies are small and compact and require minimal space for storage. The Sizzix machine and dies are portable and can be taken with you to scrapbook parties and craft classes. Use the Sizzix dies to personalize scrapbook pages, envelopes, invitations, greeting cards, Christmas cards and invitations. Make your own rubber stamps, cut fabric shapes for applique and decorate picture frames with Sizzix. Combine Sizzix die-cuts with Ellison shapes to create unique boxes and bags for gift giving. Discover the creative potential of Sizzix. It is a great Die-Cutter and has made a great difference in my scrapbooking.
The Sizzix die-cutter and dies require very little maintenance. The machine and dies come with complete maintenance and troubleshooting tips for keeping them in top form. In case you have lost your instructions and just need a recap the most important rules to remember are:
1. Do not attempt to cut more than three sheets of paper at once. Doing so will result in incomplete cuts and over a period of time will cause added wear to the machine and dies.
2. The machine and dies can only cut certain materials. Attempting to cut materials that are not suitable will result in damage to both the machine and dies.
3. After prolonged use, the sliding cutting pad may begin to wear and warp. To help prolong its life, turn the pad over to insure even wear to both sides. Varying the placement of dies on the pad will also help reduce wear and warping of the cutting pad. In addition, cutting pads will become thinner with use. It may be necessary to add paper "shims" underneath the pad for added thickness, or to replace the pad.
Die Sizes and Dimensions:
Small 2 3/8" x 2 3/4"
Medium 2 3/4" x 4 3/4"
Large 4 3/4" x 5 1/2"
Uses:
Scrapbooking
Rubber stamping
Quilting and fabric appliques
Enhancing invitations and greeting cards
General crafts
Materials Cut:
Up to three pieces of paper at once
Fabric
Thin plastic (.020" thick)
Poly foam
Felt
Foil
Sheet magnet
Leather
The Sizzix machine and dies are small and compact and require minimal space for storage. The Sizzix machine and dies are portable and can be taken with you to scrapbook parties and craft classes. Use the Sizzix dies to personalize scrapbook pages, envelopes, invitations, greeting cards, Christmas cards and invitations. Make your own rubber stamps, cut fabric shapes for applique and decorate picture frames with Sizzix. Combine Sizzix die-cuts with Ellison shapes to create unique boxes and bags for gift giving. Discover the creative potential of Sizzix. It is a great Die-Cutter and has made a great difference in my scrapbooking.
The Sizzix die-cutter and dies require very little maintenance. The machine and dies come with complete maintenance and troubleshooting tips for keeping them in top form. In case you have lost your instructions and just need a recap the most important rules to remember are:
1. Do not attempt to cut more than three sheets of paper at once. Doing so will result in incomplete cuts and over a period of time will cause added wear to the machine and dies.
2. The machine and dies can only cut certain materials. Attempting to cut materials that are not suitable will result in damage to both the machine and dies.
3. After prolonged use, the sliding cutting pad may begin to wear and warp. To help prolong its life, turn the pad over to insure even wear to both sides. Varying the placement of dies on the pad will also help reduce wear and warping of the cutting pad. In addition, cutting pads will become thinner with use. It may be necessary to add paper "shims" underneath the pad for added thickness, or to replace the pad.
Die Sizes and Dimensions:
Small 2 3/8" x 2 3/4"
Medium 2 3/4" x 4 3/4"
Large 4 3/4" x 5 1/2"
Uses:
Scrapbooking
Rubber stamping
Quilting and fabric appliques
Enhancing invitations and greeting cards
General crafts
Materials Cut:
Up to three pieces of paper at once
Fabric
Thin plastic (.020" thick)
Poly foam
Felt
Foil
Sheet magnet
Leather
Monday, July 21, 2008
A Cure for a Bad Day: Thoughts of Many
Having a discussion with over 30 friends over the holidays at an all-day Bar-B-Que, it is amazing what one can really learn. Between swimming, lounging, preparing and enjoying meals, wine talking, car talking, baby talking, work problems, life problems and everything under the sun, many of the following truths burst forward. Many are noteworthy to me, and ones many people should work on. If you can master these three tips only, life will be much easier and you'll be far happier.
Accept what you have. The problem with many of us is that we always think that we’ll be happy when we reach a certain destination — when we get a certain job, or retire, or get our dream house. Unfortunately, it takes awhile before you get there, and when you get there, you might have a new destination in mind. Instead, try being happy with where you are, with who you are, and what you have. To do that, instead of comparing what you have with other people, or with what you want, compare yourself those who have less, with those who are going through tragedy, with those who are struggling. You will see that you actually are extremely blessed. And this can lead to more happiness with your current situation.
Don’t compare yourself to others. This is hard to do, but it can be a great way to accept who you are and what you have. Whenever you find yourself comparing yourself to a co-worker, a friend, or someone famous (those models on magazines with amazing abs), stop. And realize that you are different, with different strengths. Take a minute to appreciate all the good things about yourself, and to be grateful for all the blessings in your life.
Savor the little things. Sure, the big things can bring big pleasure, but there are so many more little things in our lives. Savor them when they come up. It’s a way of practicing being present — stop and notice what you’re doing right now, what’s around you. And take time to enjoy it.
Accept what you have. The problem with many of us is that we always think that we’ll be happy when we reach a certain destination — when we get a certain job, or retire, or get our dream house. Unfortunately, it takes awhile before you get there, and when you get there, you might have a new destination in mind. Instead, try being happy with where you are, with who you are, and what you have. To do that, instead of comparing what you have with other people, or with what you want, compare yourself those who have less, with those who are going through tragedy, with those who are struggling. You will see that you actually are extremely blessed. And this can lead to more happiness with your current situation.
Don’t compare yourself to others. This is hard to do, but it can be a great way to accept who you are and what you have. Whenever you find yourself comparing yourself to a co-worker, a friend, or someone famous (those models on magazines with amazing abs), stop. And realize that you are different, with different strengths. Take a minute to appreciate all the good things about yourself, and to be grateful for all the blessings in your life.
Savor the little things. Sure, the big things can bring big pleasure, but there are so many more little things in our lives. Savor them when they come up. It’s a way of practicing being present — stop and notice what you’re doing right now, what’s around you. And take time to enjoy it.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
How To Scrapbook
Step1: Sort Your Photos – Select several photos of one theme. In this sample, I have chosen 4 photos of a fall trip to the apple orchard. I will be creating a single, 12x12 inch scrapbook page using these photos. If I had planned to do a 2-page spread, I could have chosen several more pictures.
Step 2: Choose a Focal Point Photo – Select one photo to be the main picture on your layout. The easiest way to create a balanced, pleasing scrapbook page layout is to have a single focal point. Here I have chosen the strongest of the 4 images to be the focal point of my page. Next, I have cropped or re-printed in a smaller size the other photos so that the focal point is the largest photo on the page.
Step 3: Choose Paper and Embellishments – Select colours of solid and patterned papers that accent the photos. Here I have selected hunter green, navy, red, and white cardstock, with a pair of blue/green patterned papers as accents. The patterned papers have coordinating stickers that are perfect for my layout.
Step 4: Create a Background – To begin putting together the scrapbook page, I cut a 2-inch strip of one of the patterned papers and a 4-inch strip of the other. The 2-inch piece goes across the top of the solid green cardstock, while the 4 inch piece goes across the bottom. Both pieces are topped off with a strip of paper or a border sticker. This is the background for my page.
Step 5: Double Mat the Focal Point Photo – The focal point photo will be placed on the large field of green cardstock in the middle of the page. First I mat the photo with white cardstock, and next I mat it with a slightly larger frame of red cardstock. This double mat gives extra importance to the focal point on the page. If you are not able to make the supporting photos smaller, double matting the focal point photo is often all you need to give it the prominence that it requires to balance the layout.
Step 6: Group Mat the Supporting Photos – A great timesaving technique in scrapbooking is to mat several photos all on one piece of cardstock. Here all 3 of the supporting photos have been matted on a single strip of white cardstock.
Step 7: Place the Photos on the Background Page – Try out your layout, by placing the matted photos on the background page without adhesive. Dry-fitting the parts of your layout before adhering them to the layout is a great way to try out the placement of the pieces to make sure you like how they will look on the page.
Step 8: Print a Journaling Box – The photos on your page will lose their meaning over the years without supporting text. Here the journaling has been printed on sheet of white cardstock and trimmed to fit on a strip of navy cardstock that has been slipped beneath the focal point photo. You could also hand-write your journaling if you wish.
Step 9: Add Simple Embellishments – This layout does not need very many embellishments. A simple nature-themed sticker added to the paper stripe at the top of the page is all that is needed to complete the scrapbook page. The completed scrapbook page is the last image in this step-by-step article.
Step 10: The Completed Scrapbook Page Layout – The completed scrapbook page is a simple and quick way to create a 12x12 inch scrapbook layout that uses 4 photos. It tells the story of the pictures in a clean and classic way that you will always be proud to display in your albums.
Step 2: Choose a Focal Point Photo – Select one photo to be the main picture on your layout. The easiest way to create a balanced, pleasing scrapbook page layout is to have a single focal point. Here I have chosen the strongest of the 4 images to be the focal point of my page. Next, I have cropped or re-printed in a smaller size the other photos so that the focal point is the largest photo on the page.
Step 3: Choose Paper and Embellishments – Select colours of solid and patterned papers that accent the photos. Here I have selected hunter green, navy, red, and white cardstock, with a pair of blue/green patterned papers as accents. The patterned papers have coordinating stickers that are perfect for my layout.
Step 4: Create a Background – To begin putting together the scrapbook page, I cut a 2-inch strip of one of the patterned papers and a 4-inch strip of the other. The 2-inch piece goes across the top of the solid green cardstock, while the 4 inch piece goes across the bottom. Both pieces are topped off with a strip of paper or a border sticker. This is the background for my page.
Step 5: Double Mat the Focal Point Photo – The focal point photo will be placed on the large field of green cardstock in the middle of the page. First I mat the photo with white cardstock, and next I mat it with a slightly larger frame of red cardstock. This double mat gives extra importance to the focal point on the page. If you are not able to make the supporting photos smaller, double matting the focal point photo is often all you need to give it the prominence that it requires to balance the layout.
Step 6: Group Mat the Supporting Photos – A great timesaving technique in scrapbooking is to mat several photos all on one piece of cardstock. Here all 3 of the supporting photos have been matted on a single strip of white cardstock.
Step 7: Place the Photos on the Background Page – Try out your layout, by placing the matted photos on the background page without adhesive. Dry-fitting the parts of your layout before adhering them to the layout is a great way to try out the placement of the pieces to make sure you like how they will look on the page.
Step 8: Print a Journaling Box – The photos on your page will lose their meaning over the years without supporting text. Here the journaling has been printed on sheet of white cardstock and trimmed to fit on a strip of navy cardstock that has been slipped beneath the focal point photo. You could also hand-write your journaling if you wish.
Step 9: Add Simple Embellishments – This layout does not need very many embellishments. A simple nature-themed sticker added to the paper stripe at the top of the page is all that is needed to complete the scrapbook page. The completed scrapbook page is the last image in this step-by-step article.
Step 10: The Completed Scrapbook Page Layout – The completed scrapbook page is a simple and quick way to create a 12x12 inch scrapbook layout that uses 4 photos. It tells the story of the pictures in a clean and classic way that you will always be proud to display in your albums.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Scrapbooking Materials
The most important scrapbooking supply is the album itself, which can be permanently bound, or allow for the insertion of pages. There are other formats, such as mini albums and accordion-style fold-out albums. Some of these are adhered to various containers, such as matchbooks, CD cases, paint cans or other small holders.
Modern scrapbooking is done largely on 12 inch square or 8½×11 inch pages. The most popular size is 12" x 12" but more recently smaller albums have become very popular for individual one day memories as a gift. The most common new formats are 6, 7, or 8-inch square. It is very important to many scrappers to protect their pages with clear page protectors.
Basic materials include background papers (including printed and cardstock paper) photo corner mounts (or other means of mounting photos such as adhesive dots, photo mounting tape, or acid-free glue), scissors, a paper trimmer, art pens, archival pens for journalling, and mounting glues. More elaborate designs require more specialized tools such as die cut templates, rubber stamps, craft punches, stencils, inking tools, eyelet setters, heat embossing tools and personal die cut machines.
Various accessories, referred to as "embellishments," are used to decorate scrapbook pages. Embellishments include stickers, rub-ons, stamps, eyelets, brads, chipboard elements in various shapes, alphabet letters and ribbon. The use of die cut machines is also increasingly popular; in recent years an electronic die-cutting machine, similar to a printer, can be connected to one's computer to cut any shape or font. I personally use my Cricut machine and I love it.
One of the key components of modern scrapbooking is the archival quality of the supplies. Designed to preserve photographs and journalling in their original state, materials encouraged by most serious scrapbookers are of a higher quality than those of many typical photo albums commercially available. Scrappers insist on acid-free, lignin-free papers, stamp ink, and waterproof embossing powder, and pigment based inks, which are fade resistant, colorfast, and often waterproof. Many scrappers also use buffered paper, which will protect photos from acid in memorabilia used in the scrapbook, as well as acid from the oil on hands. Older "magnetic" albums are not acid-free and thus cause damage to the photos and memorabilia included in them. Anyone who has used these type of albums has since changed to the safer ways of to-day.
Modern scrapbooking is done largely on 12 inch square or 8½×11 inch pages. The most popular size is 12" x 12" but more recently smaller albums have become very popular for individual one day memories as a gift. The most common new formats are 6, 7, or 8-inch square. It is very important to many scrappers to protect their pages with clear page protectors.
Basic materials include background papers (including printed and cardstock paper) photo corner mounts (or other means of mounting photos such as adhesive dots, photo mounting tape, or acid-free glue), scissors, a paper trimmer, art pens, archival pens for journalling, and mounting glues. More elaborate designs require more specialized tools such as die cut templates, rubber stamps, craft punches, stencils, inking tools, eyelet setters, heat embossing tools and personal die cut machines.
Various accessories, referred to as "embellishments," are used to decorate scrapbook pages. Embellishments include stickers, rub-ons, stamps, eyelets, brads, chipboard elements in various shapes, alphabet letters and ribbon. The use of die cut machines is also increasingly popular; in recent years an electronic die-cutting machine, similar to a printer, can be connected to one's computer to cut any shape or font. I personally use my Cricut machine and I love it.
One of the key components of modern scrapbooking is the archival quality of the supplies. Designed to preserve photographs and journalling in their original state, materials encouraged by most serious scrapbookers are of a higher quality than those of many typical photo albums commercially available. Scrappers insist on acid-free, lignin-free papers, stamp ink, and waterproof embossing powder, and pigment based inks, which are fade resistant, colorfast, and often waterproof. Many scrappers also use buffered paper, which will protect photos from acid in memorabilia used in the scrapbook, as well as acid from the oil on hands. Older "magnetic" albums are not acid-free and thus cause damage to the photos and memorabilia included in them. Anyone who has used these type of albums has since changed to the safer ways of to-day.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Modern Scrapbooking
Marielen Christensen of Spanish Fork, Utah, U.S.A. is often credited with reviving interest in scrapbooking in the United States. She began designing creative pages for her family's photo memories, inserting the completed pages into sheet protectors and then placing them in order in three ring binders. By 1980, she had assembled over fifty volumes like this and was invited to display them at the World Conference on Records in Salt Lake City. Marielen and her husband AJ authored and published a how-to-book, Keeping Memories Alive, and opened a scrapbook store in 1981 that still remains open today.
In addition to preserving memories, the hobby is popular for the strong social network that scrapbooking can provide. Hobbyists, known as "scrappers" or "scrapbookers," get together and scrapbook at each other's homes, local scrapbook stores, scrapbooking conventions, retreat centers, and even now on cruises. The attendees share tips and tricks as well as enjoying a social outlet. The term "crop," a reference to cropping or trimming printed photographs, was coined to describe these events. Nowadays we "crop" until we "drop".
In addition to preserving memories, the hobby is popular for the strong social network that scrapbooking can provide. Hobbyists, known as "scrappers" or "scrapbookers," get together and scrapbook at each other's homes, local scrapbook stores, scrapbooking conventions, retreat centers, and even now on cruises. The attendees share tips and tricks as well as enjoying a social outlet. The term "crop," a reference to cropping or trimming printed photographs, was coined to describe these events. Nowadays we "crop" until we "drop".
In the late 1990s, many scrappers in the US opened stores to turn their hobby into a business. Within approximately 5 years, many of those stores were forced to close due to a downturn in the economy and the fact that many store owners mistakenly assumed that loving to scrap was enough to run a retail store. Many owners simply didn't know how to run their stores. During this time, more multi-level direct sales companies were formed. Several were closed due to mismanagement, while others weathered the tough times. It also gave rise to a new breed of business: the home-based retailer. Companies arrived to provide information for individuals who wanted to break out of the direct sales mold and go out on their own. While vendors had traditionally stayed away from the home-based market due to fraud, they began to warm to the idea of the non-traditional sales channels as a way to get their products in front of more consumers through home parties and workshops. Working with a company like this enabled them to tap into legitimate home-based retailers.
The scrapbooking industry doubled in size between 2001 and 2004 to $2.5 billion with over 1,600 companies creating scrapbooking products by 2003. Creative Memories, a home-based retailer of scrapbooking supplies founded in 1987, saw $425 million in retail sales in 2004. This hobby has in the US surpassed golf in popularity: one in four households has someone playing golf; one in three has someone involved in scrapbooking.
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