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.

Digital Wedding Page (Scrapbook Flair)

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