Come on out...

to Art in the Park this weekend in Boulder City, NV.  It's one of the biggest and best craft shows in the West.  I'm honored to be part of it again this year.  Look for me in booth #393, near the playground. I've got some wonderful stuff for you and your home.  Yes, I accept credit and debit cards, too.

The weather is looking like it will be good for shopping, cooler weather is inspiring for everyone...shopper and vendor alike.  Wear your walking shoes, the show covers 3 parks in Old Town.  Oh, and stop by Goathfeathers while you're there.  It's right behind the Boulder Dam Hotel. 

PS...This picture is from last year.

Surviving Your Craft Show

Don't get caught off guard at your next craft show.  Remember the Boy Scout Motto:  Be Prepared.  (Yes, I was a Girl Scout as a youth, and a Boy Scout Leader for 17 years.)  Pack a few things with you "just in case" you might need them.  If you do, you'll be glad you planned well and were prepared.   Surviving your day at the craft show will be a snap.

Small 1st Aid Kit
*  bandaids
*  tape
*  scissors
*  guaze
*  Neosporin
*  Ace bandage
*  Asperin/Advil/Tylenol
*  pain relief creme
*  Pepto Bismal

Personal
*  baby wipes
*  tissue
*  lotion
*  feminine protection
*  paper towels
*  water
*  snacks
*  small ice chest
*  lunch
*  gloves
*  jacket or sweater
*  umbrella
*  chair

Craft Show Tool Box

Whether you’ll need to make minor repairs or just need a tool to complete the set up of your booth, having a tool box with you can be vital to the success of your day and your show. Here are some suggestions.


BOOTH/GENERAL
Hammer & Nails
Cordless Drill & Screws
Zip Ties
Staple Gun/Staples
Duct Tape
String/Twine
Scissors
Pliers
Wire
Wire Cutters
Glue
Super Glue
Tape
Tools Specific To Your Product

Building you mailing list

Having a list of customers or potential customers to promote yourself and your product to is essential for the success of your business. Whether you want to use snail mail or e-mail or both, I recommend building a mailing list of your customer base. Here are a few ideas to get you started.


*Start with your personal address book. Your family and friends are a great place to start.


*Group directories. If you have an active group/church that you are part of, pull some names of people who you think may be interested in what you’re doing. Using the entire list is not a great idea but pulling a few names may be of benefit without abusing the information.


*Email lists are just as if not more important these days. When you get an email, look at the list of names it was sent to. Consider adding a few that look familiar to you to your list.


*When you are at your craft shows make sure your booth looks the best it can.  An attractive and eye-catching booth will draw more people.


*Offer a drawing for one of your products. On each slip ask for name, address, phone and email information. On the large sign for the drawing, note that their information will be added to your mailing list.


*Don’t want to offer a drawing, consider a guest book or mailing list for them to sign in on with their contact information.


*Offer an on-line or print newsletter. It doesn’t have to be big. This way you are offering your customers something in return. Consider making it a reoccurring publication: monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly…what ever fits your schedule and needs.


*If you work with other crafters on the same event/show you may want to consider sharing information that’s been gathered. Just make sure your list doesn’t end up everywhere…it’s valuable to you.


* If you email your information content always offer an opt-out choice. A return email with a simple ‘remove’ in the body will suffice.  Be sure to remove them if they ask.


* Don’t spam…we all hate this. Send emails only when you have something important to tell your customer base.

Teaching at Super Saturday

This Saturday I'll be teaching at the Chapel Heights Super Saturday. It's going to be a fun day. My project is this stenciled turkey project. I'm doing prep work today by painting the boards black, need to print my patterns, gather supplies and I'll be ready for the big day. Thinking I will make a few extras for craft shows as well. Thought about offering it as a pattern too.

New Projects Added

Hey Bloggers, I've finally gotten some projects added to the Craft Parties website. Lots more to add but at least this will get me started. Stop on by to see them, consider booking a party if you live in the Las Vegas area.
http://TwiddlebugzCraftParties.Blogspot.com

Featured on Tip Junkie

One of my pieces is featured on Tip Junkie...so exciting! Mine is #8...it's a turkey project.
Here is the link:
http://tipjunkie.com/2009/09/super-saturday-craft-day-ideas-.html

It's been 3 years!

That's right, three years ago today our furry little girl came home to us. What a joy she has been and added so much to our lives. Can't imagine life without her. She's the best!

My Fall Show Schedule

Here it is bloggers, my fall show schedule. I'm sticking fairly close to home this year since the economy is not what any of us want it to be. I actually had a few more out of town shows scheduled but figured I'd better play it safe this time around. There might be a few more added to the roster, if there is I'll surely let you know.

I'm A Cover Girl

haha, boy that sounds funny. I am so pleased to tell you my work is featured on the front cover of the Southern Nevada Country Register. I even have an article on page nine. This is such a treat for me! Woo Hoo! This issue is the kick-off for the fall craft season and will be available for 2 months. Pick up your copy today. I'll have a stack of them at Art in the Park, too. You can also view it online at http://www.countryregister.com/. Thank you for the awesome opportunity Glena.

I'm Back!

It's been what seems like forever but it's really more like 10 days or so since I've been able to access my blogs, do searches, and more. My 'puter has been sick...I tried to fix it but had to call in reinforcements. One of my Eagle Scouts, Chris R. came to my rescue and fixed my computer. I bribed him with a home cooked meal, although I owe him more than that. He came over twice and took my computer with him the second time. Long story short, he ended up wiping it clean and I picked it up from him yesterday. Thanks Chris...you're my hero!