Who knew crafting could be stressful?

You know, until you experience it, I bet many people think certain 'jobs' are easy. Lets say, stay at home moms. I am not a mom, but just watching a child for a couple of hours wears me out, I can't image what a SAHM feels like. Not only does she have to watch her kid(s) she is also doing laundry, cleaning, cooking, entertaining her kids etc.

This brings me to a stay at home crafter/artist. This summer I decided to stay at home and work on my crafts while doing different festivals and shows rather than working a crappy summer job somewhere at the mall. Yes, I can make my own hours and stay in my pjs all day, but honestly, it's hard work! I can't just clock in and clock out like I did working retail or waitressing. This is an all around the clock job! I'm constantly looking for festivals, applying, remembering to send in logos, payments, updating my shops, and of course, creating things! When you have a dog that acts like a toddler and constantly throws the ball in your hands when you are making things, well, it's tough to ignore it.

I have to make sure that I have enough pieces made for a show depending on how many days/hours I will be there and the popularity of the show. This week I'll be leaving for the West Virginia State Fair. I've never done one of these nor have a done a show that is 8 days long! And apparently from what I hear, this show is crazy busy and people come there to shop! For a simple 2-3 day show 250 pieces of jewelry/hair accessories is a good number. I need quadruple that for the state fair. And while preparing for the state fair I have other festivals or jewelry parties that I'm doing so my inventory goes down constantly. Sometimes I even hope I won't sell anything so that I have enough inventory for the state fair.

Not only is the state fair stressing me out, but the day after I get back, I start student teaching. I still don't know what school I'll be at or my schedule. The education department is not very good at giving things to students ahead of time. Then throughout the fall I have at least 5 shows planned so that means teaching, taking care of home and my dog PLUS making things for these fairs! Man, I will be exhausted after this semester, but hopefully it will be worth it all.

These are the shows I have set in stone, though there are 2-3 more that are tentative:

★ WV State Fair, Lewisburg (Aug 13-21)
★ Mound Arts fair in S. Charleston (Sep 11)
★ Oktoberfest in Montgomery, WV (Sep 18)
★ Pumpkin Festival, Milton WV (Oct 7-10)
★ Craftin' Outlaws in Columbus, OH (Oct 16)

Craft Fairs / Festivals

I was finally able to attend my first festival October 1-4 this year. I was nervous and excited and had no idea what to expect. Where I live people are more into primitive, country style items and I was scared I would be too "modern" for this audience! I definitely got some mixed reviews! Some people loved my work and said I charged too little while others literally would gasp in front of me and roll their eyes when I would tell them my prices. All in all though, I think I did pretty well. And if I say so myself, I think my booth looked adorable!

Here are some tips for you first timers:

• Bring $1s
• Bring a calculator and receipts (good for customers and lets you know what and how much you sold)
• Bring too many business cards (I ran out, how embarrassing!)
• Bring bags, small and large!
  
• Bring water to keep hydrated and food in case you can't leave the booth
• Bring some stuff you can work on at the fair - keeps you busy, gets customers curious and lets you make more inventory!
• Make friends with the people next to you so you can take a potty break and can have them watch your booth for you
• Bring a variety of items, you never know what people will be interested in!
• Vary your display height. Keep things interesting to get people into your booth!
  
• Dress in layers. You never know when you'll be hot or cold!
  
• Don't get discouraged by the people who snob handmade! I've had people literally gasp at me when I would tell them my prices because 2 booths over a lady was selling imported Chinese bags for half my prices. Others though loved my stuff and told me I charged to little
• Be friendly and always talk to your customers, therefore be prepared for a sore throat after!
  

What do you do during or to prepare for your fairs/festivals?

A Showcase of Exclusive Handmade Goods!

Yes, I'm finally having a show since the craft fair season is coming to a halt and holiday shopping season is about to start! I met Beth from Pepper Pod Designs and we instantly clicked. After convoing for a bit via Etsy, we decided to meet. Upon that first meeting we already had the idea of a home show floating around in our heads! And this was only one month ago!

We already planned everything, handed out invitations, and are doing last minute crafting in time for our show on November 1st. We are both a bit apprehensive about this because it is a first for the both of us, but this will be an easier way (I think) to prepare for future shows at large craft fairs. We have raffles planned, food, drinks and of course jewelry from Beth and all the sewn good from me.

I still feel like what I have won't be enough for the show, but with less than a week and counting (not to mention school!) I don't have much time to get many more things done! Hopefully I'm just stressing over nothing, and the show turns out wonderful with lots of sales...

Summer travels

It's already June, the weather is warm (or at least here in Poland it is!) and the thing on all our minds? Vacation. I have already booked my tickets for some summer traveling. Last week I was in Berlin, at the end of the month I am going to London, and in July I will be in Barcelona, Rome, Malmo, and Copenhagen. That's a lot of traveling!

I am not only thinking about traveling though - I am thinking about all the great crafting supplies I can pick up along the way! I have already started to make a list of some great fabric/craft stores in each country that I will be visiting. I know it probably sounds crazy that I am looking forward to the traveling as much as I am looking forward to my fabric finds, but really, when will be the next time that I will just hop over to Barcelona to pick up some great Spanish fabric? Probably no time soon, so I am taking advantage of this opportunity!

I am also busy sewing up some great summer outfits. I have added four skirts and one dress to my wardrobe, and have ideas for many more floating around in my head. Now, only if University would end soon, so I could get to some more sewing ;)