cherishables: craft shows

Showing posts with label craft shows. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Sunshine Birds

As promised, here's a picture of the little birds that will make their debut at the Rancocas Woods show this Saturday (April 27th.)

Pattern by Bunny Mummy.

Colorful granny circles made in to little birds. If you follow the link, you'll see the original pattern calls for wings cut from felt. I decided to crochet my wings, just to be different.

Here's a picture of the display:

I collect enamelware, so I have a lot around the house. I thought this enamelware milk bucket would be perfect!

These little cuties aren't online yet and, for now, will only be available at the Rancocas Woods show.

Hope to see you there!

Happy Crafting,
Cherish

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Hootie

This Saturday (April 27th) is my first outdoor show of the year and it's at Rancocas Woods. It's pretty busy around here, trying to get all the last-minute stuff done. Trying out the new tables. (Yay!) Laundering the tablecloths. Making signs and price tags -- all that kind of stuff.

And also finishing up new items. Tomorrow I should have some new little birds to show you. Today, it's owls.

A whole basket full!

This adorable pattern is by Bunny Mummy.

Each is crochet in cotton and has a hanger. I'm not offering these online just yet, but they will be at the show this weekend.

If you're in the area, do come by. It's a great show & full of really fantastic crafts. If you do come, stop by my tent and mention this post to receive 10% off your purchase.

Happy Crafting!
Cherish

Sunday, February 24, 2013

First Spring Craft Fair of 2013

My first Spring craft show is quickly approaching. Cherishables will be at the St. Gregory the Great Academy Spring Craft show on Saturday, March 2nd. St. Greg's is in Hamilton Square, NJ. This is a well-established show with terrific crafters and artists.

I will have some of my regular favorites like flower pins

and felted purses.

I will also have some new items such as Easter corsages

and yarn wreathes.

If you're local, I hope you'll come on out and stop by my table to say "hi!"

Click here for the address/directions.

Happy Crafting!
Cherish

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Spring Wreaths

You've probably seen yarn-wrapped wreaths around on the interwebs. I thought I would try my hand at them. It's fun to put them together, though I wish the yarn wrapping went faster. :-)

The flower and circle embellishments are all handmade by me. These are making their debut at the St. Gregory the Great Academy Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, March 2nd.

Blue with little chick

Moss green with flowers

Light blue with Easter egg

Tan with green bird

Pink with Easter egg (I've since added more embellishments)

Lavender with bunny

Leaf green with bunny

I love making these and can see me making even more. Probably at least 2 more for the March show. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by my table.

Happy Crafting!

Cherish

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Weekend Craft Shows & Sneak Peek

It's a busy weekend!

Saturday, November 10th:
St. Gregory the Great Fall Craft Show in Hamilton, NJ 9-3
Ewing American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Craft Show in Ewing, NJ 8-4

Sunday, November 11th:
Steinert HS Fall Craft Fair in Hamilton, NJ 9-3

The Steinert show is rescheduled from Sat. 11/3. Let everyone know that pretty much all the crafters will be there & we're expecting a terrific craft fair. Hope you'll stop by!

How can I be at 2 places at once on Saturday? My doppelganger, also known as my sister Nadine, will be at the Ewing show in my place. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by and say hello.

Don't forget, 10% of all proceeds from all the shows go to Hurricane Sandy Relief in NJ.

Let's make this a little interesting. My sister's name is Nadine but my brother & I call her "D" (as in the letter) for short. If you come up to the Cherishables table at the Ewing American Legion and say "Hi, D!" I'll donate an extra dollar to the relief fund. It's got to be "Hi, D" and not "Hi Nadine" she'll know....lol Check back later on this weekend to see how much money was raised.

I also promised a sneak peek.

Do you know what this is?

It's a whole bunch of ruffled scarves made from ribbon yarn. Most are varigated yarns and there are two solid color ones: aran white and light gray. There's also a new ombre tote bag making its debut at the St. Greg's craft fair. I'll post pics of it on Friday.

If you're in the area this weekend, I hope you'll stop by.

Happy Crafting!
Cherish

Friday, October 12, 2012

Cashbox Makeover of Sorts (tutorial)

If you're going to sell at craft shows, you'll need a cash box. Even if you plan on wearing a crafter's apron, like me, you'll feel better knowing you can lock up some or all of your cash. At the very least any big bills or checks (if you take them.) Since I only sold at one craft show last year, and I didn't know if I would do any more, I did not buy a cash box last year. Now that I'm diving into the world of craft fairs, and I have a bunch lined up this Fall, I decided it was time to buy a cash box.

I bought a very basic cash box. It is very similar to this one:

Honestly, I would've left it alone. If only the cash drawer had more than one slot for bills. My items are priced in round dollars, so I don't need coins. What I need are slots for dollars. I don't know if you can buy an insert for a cash box that is just for bills, but I don't have time to order one. Besides, why buy what you can easily make.

I knew I needed sturdy dividers and they had to be pretty low, so it would be easy to make change. I thought about a few options -- plastic canvas, super heavy duty interfacing. But none of them were sturdy enough, so I cut up a shipping box I had laying around. It was perfect and after cutting long strips and folding them in half, it was super sturdy, if not attractive.

It works and, to be honest, who's going to see it? Really just me. But I'm a crafter. I can't just leave things alone. Not when I can make them look better.

So I started looking around for a way to make the dividers (and just the dividers) look better. Fabric? Nah. Dry time is too long. Scrapbooking paper? Perfect! If I had any, but I don't. Wrapping paper? I have tons, it doesn't have to dry, it doesn't take up space. Yes!

Here's a tutorial on how I make my dividers a bit prettier. Honestly, it's probably exactly how you think it would be and it's pretty picture-heavy, but I took all these pics and dagnabit, I'm gonna use them.

For this project you will need: wrapping paper, scissors and tape. I used packing tape because it's clear & strong.

The first thing I did was remove the dividers. I kept them as is, just folded the ugly masking tape down on to the cardboard to make them even more sturdy (and so the cardboard didn't rip.)

Next, I cut the wrapping paper into strips & gift wrapped each divider:

I then figured out where to place each divider by making sure the bills fit into the slot. I then taped each divider into place using a long, thin, strip of clear packing tape. I taped to the box and the strip like so:

After the strips were in place, I reinforced them by taping them length-wise using the clear packing tape. This time I taped the side of the divider to the floor of the cash box:

Lastly, I used another long piece of tape to reinforce the top. This way the paper won't rip from use:

And this is what it looks like:

What? Don't you have only singles in your wallet? LOL

The very last thing I did was add a matching loop to hold my stylus. I take credit cards using Square and the stylus is better than a finger when signing for purchases. The problem is, I've lost so many of them b/c they're small. I decided the best idea was to keep it in the cash box. Hopefully, I won't lose it this time!

Here's the final pic, with ring:

Nothing fancy, but better than looking at plain cardboard. Maybe now I'll decorate the outside of the box. LOL

Just a reminder....
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 13th, I will be at a show in Branchburg, NJ. It is hosted by the Branchburg Women's Club. The craft fair (and bake sale - yum!) will be from 9-4pm and will be held at Central Middle School at 220 Baird Road, across from White Oak Park. Admissions is free! Click here for more information. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by.

Happy Crafting!
Cherish

UPDATE: The dividers are holding up well, but the ring to hold the stylus didn't work. Gravity took over. :-) So, if you're contemplating, glue the ring to the box lid don't tape it. Me? I'm going going to keep it in the box on top of the moolah.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Because of Mom

I'm very lucky that I have a mother who is unbelievably talented and who loves to share her talents. Mom taught me to sew and got me on the path to crafting. She's also, basically, retired and has a lot of time on her hands and she loves to fill it with projects.

Thanks to Mom, I am going to be well outfitted during the fall craft shows because she made these!!

And to think I was going to use a painter's apron! Now I have a gorgeous apron to wear and an extra for my helper. I'm so excited!

Mom made the apron from a fabric I found that is covered with owls. Perfect! It's trimmed with quilt binding in a complimentary color. What a great, easy way to complete an apron.

One apron has a key fob for car keys or a lock box.

I wanted pockets and considered making sewn pockets. Then I decided that since I sell crocheted stuff, having crochet pockets would be better. These granny square (and one rectangle) pockets look great with the fabric.

Since the pockets have to hold stuff, they had to be lined, so I made a pocket with white fabric and backed it with interfacing. I then sewed the pockets on to the apron and whip stitched the granny square to the pocket.

For this apron, I wanted a bigger pocket and knew that a pocket that is too big would pull away from the apron. So I sewed the pocket onto the apron and then sewed through both the pocket and the apron to create a segmented pocket. This long pocket can hold my iPhone, pens, scissors and there is still a pocket for other stuff (hopefully money! LOL)

I really like how these came out and, thanks to Mom, I'll get to wear one on Saturday.

Happy crafting!
Cherish

Monday, October 8, 2012

Package Deal

As I prepare for this year's Fall craft shows, I'm reflecting on the shows I've attended in the past -- both as a seller (grand total = 1! lol) and as a buyer. Attending as a buyer has brought me great experience as there are always things you would like to emulate and, possibly, things to avoid.

I'm really trying to "build my brand" and am carefully considering things like signs and, most recently, packaging.

I still have bags from last year, and I like them, so I'm good with larger purchases like purses. Now that I have some smaller items, like jewelry, I wanted to make sure those are packaged well. I thought about printing labels and putting them on little craft bags to mimic my larger shopping bags and, until I was in the craft store last night, that was exactly what I was going to do. Then I saw this stamp...

and I just had to buy it. I mean, how perfect is this?? Handmade goodies really are something special and I think, sometimes, we forget that. Sometimes we get caught up in the mindset that handmade = cheap when, in fact, quite often the opposite is true.

My items take time. Not just time to make (which they do) but also time to find or create the right pattern. Time to try out different techniques and stitches. Time to find the right yarn. Time to finish the project so that it looks professional.

Now, I admit, I'm not one of those people who scrapbooks or makes their own cards. I don't buy stamps or use ink pads. I had no idea about what to buy or what the different inks would look like. But I jumped right in anyway and came home with the stamp and an ink pad that looked pretty close to the blue on my business cards (it's not, but that's okay!)

My idea was to stamp this on to the small kraft bags I bought for jewelry purchases. So, I got to stamping.

If you've not used a stamp and ink pad before, here's one thing I learned. Place the inked stamp on the paper, don't drag it. Resist the urge to press too hard on the stamp -- you may have ink on the handle which will transfer to the paper. Instead, gently rock the stamp to make sure the entire image has transferred.

The ink dries very quickly, so I was able to stamp & stack the envelopes. I had 100 done in no time at all!

I really like how the bags came out, but I still wanted the Cherishables name on the package. So I went through my stuff and came up with a way to package these smaller items as gifts. A little ribbon, and one of my new Cherishables tags (with To/From on the back) and instant gift! I'm really liking these.

Larger package for necklaces and felted bracelets.

Small bags for pendants and earrings.

All my bags and packaging will be, somehow, branded with the Cherishables name. Either right on the bag or on a tag.

If you sell your creations, how do you package your items? I would love to hear your ideas.

Happy crafting!
Cherish

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Table Games

It's countdown time -- one week before the first craft show of the fall. My Mom has been nice enough to let me store stuff at her house, in fact there would be no craft shows without Mom. She's made aprons, spray painted display pieces and sewed on more pin backs onto flower pins than I can count. She's a wonder!

Since we're a week from the first craft show, I dragged my sister and niece to Mom's house to help me figure out an arrangement for this year's table. Last year I did only one show and, even though I used vertical space, the table was much too crowded. I think it is much better this year.

The funny thing is, there is more stuff this year but I think it's a better use of space. The purses all hang, and jewelry is on a shelving unit. It took us a loooong time to get the configuration right, but it was time well spent. I now have a picture of how the table will look and working out the kinks means less time setting up on early Saturday mornings.

Now I just have a few things left to do -- print labels for the bags, make some pricing signs and buy tissue paper -- then I'm all set. Can't wait until Saturday!!

Happy Crafting!
Cherish

Friday, October 5, 2012

Craft Show Added

I added another craft show to my Fall calendar -- the Craft Fair at the American Legion Post #314 in Ewing, NJ.

I won't actually be there in person, as I have another show that day, but if you're in the area stop by for some wonderful crafts and say 'Hi!' to my sister -- who will be at the Cherishables display.

Here's an updated listing. Hope to meet you at one of the shows!

Fall 2012 Craft Shows

10/13 Branchburg Woman's Club Craft Show, Branchburg, NJ

10/20 Homestead-at-Mansfield Craft Fair, Columbus, NJ

10/27 Rancocas Woods Craft Fair, Rancocas Woods, NJ
~~11/03 Steinert HS Craft Fair, Hamilton, NJ~~ canceled due to hurricane and rescheduled
11/10 St. Gregory the Great Academy Craft Fair, Hamilton, NJ
11/10 American Legion Post #314 Craft Fair, Ewing, NJ
11/11 Steinert HS Craft Fair, Hamilton, NJ (rescheduled due to Hurricane Sandy)
11/17 Falls Twp. Winter Craft Fair, Falls Twp Senior Center, PA
11/24 Rancocas Woods Craft Fair, Rancocas Woods, NJ
12/15 5th Annual Holiday Craft Show, East Brunswick HS, NJ (tentative)

Happy Crafting!
Cherish

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Hanging Around

As I try to take my business to the next level of professionalism, I've been struggling with things like labels and signage. I've made myself a new "Cherishables" sign in the ever-popular pennant format. I stenciled my name onto burlap pennants which I will sew to larger fabric pennants, once I buy the fat quarters. I'll post a pic when it's done.

I've also been struggling with product tags. Last year I tried making my own and even bought a punch in a "traditional" tag shape. It worked pretty well but was a lot of work. I had to figure out the logo and wording for the label, figure out how to fit it on paper, print it, punch it out & then punch in a hole for hanging. When all was said and done, the tags were fine but the printing was less than stellar. I just couldn't get a nice, saturated, color from my printer.

This year I decided to splurge a little and buy tags. I searched around & around and then, either thru Pinterest or a blog (I wish I could remember!) I can across Moo. They print all kinds of great things, but the one thing I was really interested in is their MiniCard. They're about half the size of a business card and (here's the important part) perfect as a hang tag!

Another blog gave me the idea of giving customers the option of using the tags as gift tags, so I ordered my MiniCards with my logo on one side and "To: / From:" on the other. I love how they came out!

These cards make me feel like a pro!

They're really beautiful and the turn-around time was so fast. Here's what they look like attached to one of my bracelets:

Opting to make tags that double as gift tags means I can't put pricing on these like I planned, but I'm okay with that. I'm planning on chalkboard signs with pricing. I'm happy to give the option of using these beautiful tags as gift tags.

I give Moo my highest recommendation* and will be ordering from them again.

Do you use tags on your items? Do you make them yourself or order them? I would love to hear what you're doing to get ready for the fall craft show season.

Happy Crafting!
Cherish

*Moo did not pay me for this endorsement. I paid retail for these tags and the opinion expressed is 100% my own

Friday, September 14, 2012

I Felt

I checked the calendar the other day and realized craft show season is right around the corner. That means, I need to felt all those bags that are sitting in my unfinished project basket. I took the last two out of the magic felting machine (my washer) this morning and I just had to share. I love them so much!!

The fun thing about felting is that you don't quite know what the item will look like until it's completely felted. Of course, this can also be frustrating -- but usually it's really fun! I mean, you have an idea because you have the item in front of you, but will it really turn out the way you picture? Who knows?!? I'm so happy to say these came out exactly as I pictured them.

First up is a rainbow purse:

Roy G. Biv in purse form.

I made this purse on a whim and I'm really happy with the way it came out. Can't wait to pick out a button and lining!

Here's another striped purse that is drying. I like to make these because they are a good way to use up any leftover yarn. Since I'm pulling yarn from my stash, the colors are a surprise to me and each one is completely different.

I'm also adding eReader covers to my lineup. The one on the right will fit most eReaders (Kindle, iPad, Android Tablets, etc) the one on the left was made specifically for my Asus Eee Pad, which is one of the bigger ones out there.

I'm working on more of these and should have a bunch ready for the first craft show on Oct. 13th.

Lastly, just a quick (blurry, sorry) shot of more stuff drying.

Key chain wristlets, flower pins, and mini flower necklaces.

The flower pins are really popular, so I've been making lots in many different colors.

I'm jumping in to craft show season with both feet this year. I did only one show last fall, just to see what it's all about. This year I have 8 shows scheduled and will be in shows every weekend beginning October 13th. I'm also considering adding one show in December for a total of 9. I'm so excited!!

What are you working on? Any of you participating in craft shows this fall?

Happy crafting!
Cherish

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Craft Show Season

I can't help thinking about Bugs Bunny every time I read the title of this post.

Rabbit Season.
Duck Season.
Rabbit Season.
Duck Season.

Craft Show Season.
Duck Season?

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been busy getting ready for Craft Show Season. It's not like I attend lots of craft shows, but it's only me crafting and I get easily distracted, so I need to focus. :-)

Here's a list of shows I will plan on attending this fall. One every weekend in October & November. Not too shabby. If you're in the area and you end up at any of these shows, please be sure to stop by and say hello!

10/13 Branchburg Woman’s Club Craft Show, Branchburg, NJ

10/20 Homestead-at-Mansfield Craft Fair, Columbus, NJ

10/27 Rancocas Woods Craft Fair, Rancocas Woods, NJ

11/03 Steinert HS Craft Fair, Hamilton, NJ

11/10 St. Gregory the Great Academy Craft Fair, Hamilton, NJ

11/17 Falls Twp. Winter Craft Fair, Falls Twp Senior Center, PA

11/24 Rancocas Woods Craft Fair, Rancocas Woods, NJ

12/15 5^th Annual Holiday Craft Show, East Brunswick HS, NJ