Almost Wordless Wednesday - Droolworthy View

This is my parents' view looking out their back door across the lake! Just look at all those beautiful colors!

Craft Show Review and Tips

I can't believe the holiday show season is already here! I've already participated in 2 shows this fall...two down, two to go! I wanted to share what I've learned from these two shows and give some tips for those of you doing shows this year as well.

I'm noticing a pattern I saw last year that people like to buy smaller, less expensive items at shows. My most popular items at shows have been in the $7-$20 price range. Luckily I have several items in this price range that have appealed to shoppers. I noticed this at my first show, so stocked up on even more at my second show.

I'd also like to point out that that doesn't mean you shouldn't have larger, more expensive items at your shows. In fact, I encourage you to have at least one large item to draw in attention. The item itself may not sell, but drawing people into your booth and starting a conversation is half the battle. Once they've checked out your larger piece, they will want to see what else you have for sale.

Another trend I've noticed in years past and am seeing again this year is that people at shows want to take their items with them. I only took a handful of custom orders at both shows. Personalized items are my biggest seller online, but at shows, people want to take their items out the door that day. I've started gearing my display to this mindset and leaving out some of my custom work and adding more premade items for options at shows.

Both of the shows I've attended this year have been great shows. I attribute part of this to the shows themselves. Both shows have been going for several years (over 50 years in one case). The shows are also well advertised and well organized. I've attended several shows that are a total bust because of lack of advertising. I'm really picky about which shows I attend anymore and these two shows just prove that point to me again and again.

Have you attended any shows this year? Do you have any tips to share...leave me a comment.

The Big 6-0

 I want to wish a very special man a Happy, Happy Birthday today! Happy Birthday Dad! Today is my dad's Big 6-0 :)

Our family has had quite a crazy year, so it's great to have wonderful things to celebrate. I only wish I were there to celebrate with my dad in person and give him a big hug!

I never know what to buy my parents for gifts, so I always try to make them a special card. For my dad's birthday I played up the milestone birthday and cut the "card" in the shape of the number 60. I engraved a special message on it to finish it off.

I hope you have a great day Dad!

Friday Features - Movember

Welcome to the first day of November! Which also kicks off  the month of Movember, where men grow a mustache for the 30 days of November to raise awareness for men's health including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. All while the guys are growing their "mos", they also collect donations to help research for men's health.

 

I donated a pair of my Mustache & Aviator Glasses Cuff Links to a charity raising money for Movember. And there are many others out there donating their items or proceeds from their items to Movember. Here are a few of my favorites from Etsy.

Stache Leather Bracelet!

by MyPokerBling 

Mustache stamp set 'La Moustache'

by deKrantenkapper 

 Mustache / Moustache Pins 1.5" - 30 percent Donated to Movember

by BayleafButtons 

Mustache Hold Me Close Nursing Scarf - Movember - Nursing Cover, Infinity Scarf, Infinity Nursing Scarf

 by StellaBellasDesigns

One thing that I think is really cool about this organization is that it is world-wide. These sellers are from all over the globe!

Wordless Wednesday - Tummy Time

Fall Wedding Season

I've already blogged a couple times about outdoor/fall weddings and how great they are. I couldn't resist putting together this beautiful Fall Wedding Season Treasury. This treasury features items from the Blogging Business Artisans and the Wed Eclectic Team.

This treasury is also part of the Wed Eclectic Team's monthly treasury challenge. Please stop by and vote for my treasury HERE.

Friday Features - Last Minute Halloween Costumes

I can't believe Halloween is already next week! If you're like me, you don't have your costume picked out yet. Luckily there are Etsy sellers ready to ship rush orders and have ready to ship items that can still reach you before the big night. Here are my favorite selections for both you and your little ones.

RUSH Delivery my MICKEY MOUSE Diaper Cover with Tail,Yellow Bow Tie gloves shoes,sizes Preemie Newborn 0- 3 and,3-6 month Halloween Costume

by thebabypea 

 Tiger Leather Mask (Ready to ship) - Masquerade Mask - Halloween Costume - Wall Hanging - Wedding Prop - Art

by LovelyLiddy  

 3T READY to SHIP, Orange Chevron Halloween Dress, JackoLantern Pillowcase Dress, Baby Girl Photo Prop, Toddler Girl Pumpkin Costume

by NanaBugz

 

 Unisex Halloween Mask - Adult Costume - Eco Friendly Felt - Green -Masquerade - Super Hero - Ready to Ship

by SoulRole