Tag Archives: DIY

Craft Show Tips

A few Saturdays ago I had the opportunity to “showcase” some of my handcrafted wreaths at a local holiday (bazaar) craft show. The hubs and several others had been encouraging me to sell my crafts for months now and I finally had the guts to give it a go. It was a somewhat spur of the moment decision which left me with just a few weeks to create about 10 wreaths to display and hopefully sell. So all of my efforts and time were put into creating and crafting, and not much else. Let me just say that my first craft show was definitely an eye-opening experience, to say the least. Here a few craft show tips I discovered after doing my first craft show….

Do your research!

I’ve attended several craft shows in the past but the experience is completely different when you’re a vendor, which I knew going in but I still wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. I was so busy creating wreaths I didn’t once stop to think about ways to help me actually sell them. So I advise doing your research on craft shows in general (especially about those held in your area in the past). Also research selling tips, advice and techniques. And don’t be afraid to ask the craft show coordinator (or point of contact) about the upcoming event…ask about the general customer base, vendor space and location, past craft show successes, etc. All this information can be a big help!

Invest in your table setup and signage.

Being an avid shopper, I could just kick myself for slacking in this area; when I’m out shopping I’m always drawn in by pretty colors, signs and cute set ups. I so missed the mark on this one and I was totally disappointed when I looked around the room at all of the awesome displays (as I continued to struggle with mine). So I advise taking the time to invest in your table and set up! A few days before do a trail run set up of how you want your table to look at the craft show, hopefully this will help you avoid some unwanted frustrations the day of the event. But keep in mind to always be flexible with your set up,just in case the vendor site is not what you thought it would be. Make sure you have signs displaying your vendor name, pricing and other important information about your crafts. You don’t have to invest a lot of money in this area just a little time and effort. Remember to be creative, you want your crafts to stand out!

Do a giveaway or freebie.

One way to draw people to your table is by offering something for free! Or is that just me that loves a good freebie…lol. Two of the vendors near my table had drawings for a featured products at their table, I noticed that it not only caused people to stop but was a great way to draw them in to take a look at more of their products. Other options to offer are a free gift with purchase, percentage off future purchases and/or samples…it really depends on what crafts you are selling. Even offering a piece of candy (which is what I did) is nice, however next time around I plan on attaching my business card.

Take a friend and make a friend.

Ask someone to tag along with you to your craft show. It’s always great to have helping hands with you when setting up. You may also need someone to keep you company during the down time and to stand in for you during you bathroom breaks. And while you’re there try to make friends with the other vendors around you too! Not that you’re in a rush but it can definitely help the day go by a little faster. Plus, they may be able to share a few craft show tips or information about upcoming craft events in your area.

Be organized and prepared for the unexpected.

Nothing is worse than being ready to purchase something and the seller is nowhere to be found or is not prepared to take your payment. I have left things behind for that very reason. So have everything you need to make shopping easy for your customers…keep extra cash for change handy, if your selling expensive goods have a credit card swiper (PayPal Here, The Square, etc.) and receipt book if necessary. Make sure you have an emergency craft show kit on hand too, with things like extra pens, notepads, tape, safety pins, markers, scissors, and snacks (trust me you’ll get hungry). Basically you want to be prepared for any and everything that could happen. And don’t forget your business cards…lots and lots of business cards and don’t be afraid to hand them out!

Set realistic goals and expectations, and have fun!

I went into this craft show with a very open mind! Of course I would have loved to sell every single wreath plus take orders for more but I didn’t…but I didn’t go expecting to either. I told myself that if I sold just one wreath that I would be happy and I ended selling two. I really just enjoyed the experience and I had fun!

I had such a rewarding feeling when I left my first craft show, not because I sold out or received such great feedback but simply because I stepped outside of my comfort zone. And I learned so much from the experience. I haven’t signed up for any other crafts shows just yet but I will definitely be using these craft show tips when I do!

Do you enjoy going to craft shows? What tips do you have for a first time craft show vendor? What handmade goods do you look for at craft shows?

The Savvy Housewife

Easy Oreo Cookie Brownies

3 Replies

I love sweets!!! I mean, I am the true definition of a junk food junkie! So when I discovered these Easy Oreo Cookie Brownies, I couldn’t wait to whip up a batch…

I really can’t take any credit for this recipe! A few months ago the hubs and I were volunteering at a local church and during lunch he tried these Cookie Brownies. He said that were so yummy! And the lady that made them was kind enough to share the easy recipe with me, so I’m passing it on!

What you’ll need:

2 (12 count) muffin pans
Cupcake liners
Non-stick Baking Spray (or cooking spray)
Brownie Mix
Oreo Cookies (or cookies of your choice that will fit into a muffin pan)
*Optional* Nutella (or Peanut Butter)
3 Eggs
1/4 Cup of Milk
1/2 Cup of Vegetable Oil

Easy steps:

Preheat oven to 325.
Place cupcake liners in the muffin pans, lightly spray each one with a non-stick baking spray and place one cookie inside each one.
This next step is completely optional and here is where you can get creative…I added about half a teaspoon of Nutella to the center of each cookie. But you could add peanut butter, a Hershey’s Kiss, a caramel bite…the possibilities are endless! I only did this to 12 of the Oreo Cookie Brownies since the kids don’t care too much for Nutella.
Mix brownie mix according to the directions on the box. I used the “cake like” instructions which calls for an extra egg. And I substituted milk for the water.
Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 full.
Bake approximately 20 minutes
Remove the Oreo Cookies Brownies from the muffin pan and let them cool completely.

My boys loved the Oreo Cookie Brownies and can’t wait for me to make more. The hubs even took some to work and his coworkers enjoyed them too. I just loved the fact that they were super easy to make and that you can play around with the recipe…next time I plan on adding icing per my oldest son’s request and maybe even a caramel bite instead of the Nutella.

My favorite way to enjoy the Oreo Cookie Brownies!

Will you be making these Easy Oreo Cookie Brownies? What will you add in the center? What is your favorite dessert?

The Savvy Housewife

I did it!

4 Replies

I did it! Yes! Finally after a whole year of procrastinating, I did it! I now have my Vision Board completed and hanging on my wall. I’m so ready for the new year!

2014 here I come!

The process

The rough draft

Y’all know I struggled with getting my vision board started but I’m happy to say it ended up being a lot easier than I thought (once I committed). And I even finished well ahead of my set deadline…woot! And although I’m still not quite what my “vision” is for my future, I do see somewhat of a pattern on my board. I highly recommend that everyone do a vision board at least once…it was such awesome feeling when I hung my vision board on my wall!

I’m so excited about 2014! Are you?

Have you created a vision board before? Do you plan on creating a Vision Board for 2014? What goals have you set for 2014?

DIY: Wind Chime

4 Replies

So with the 4th of July approaching I wanted to do a fun patriotic themed craft with the kiddos. I’ve been saving vegetable cans for a while and thought that this would be a great time to use them. I remembered that a few weeks ago I saw a pin on Pinterest where old soup/vegetable cans were used to create a wind chime. What an awesome idea, unfortunately I didn’t repin it…ugh! So I decided to search Pinterest in hopes to find it and of course I found several. I swear Pinterest never disappoints. So after reading through several crafters post on DIY wind chimes I decided to pull out my fav tips and wing it. Check out what the kiddos and I came up with…

Materials used:

Soup/vegetable cans (labels removed, cleaned and dried)
Spray paint
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Stickers, glitter, etc. used to decorate the cans
Ribbon
2 wire hangers
Hot glue gun
Nuts and bolts (to add variation in the sound of each can)
Hammer & nail (to poke holes in the top of the can)

Spray painting the cans red, white and blue.

Hammering a hole in the top of each can.

Close up of the hole.

The oldest getting creative.

My youngest decided that he wanted to paint his blue can with blue paint…lol

The middle son adding on the details.

I decided to use a two wire hangers to create the top portion of the wind chime. However, I did seen on Pinterest where someone used an old crochet loom and someone else used the top of an old lamp. I suggest that you get creative with this portion too…

The first hanger was fashioned into a circle.

Close up of the closure.

I decided to wrap the hanger with ribbon.

The top portion of the wind chime completely wrapped.

After the kiddos decorated theirs cans, I sprayed them with a clear protective gloss in hopes to protect the wind chime from the outside elements. I also added ribbon and washers/bolts inside each can.

I used a “washer” at the end of the ribbon inside the can.

The finished cans.

I simply tied each can to the top portion of the wind chime and hung it outside.

Our Patriotic Wind Chime.

The boys love it and I do to! Now if the wind would just blow…lol!

What fun things are you doing for the 4th of July?

Michael’s Passport to Imagination

DIY: Patriotic Wreath

1 Reply

So lately I’ve been going DIY crazy! Who knew that doing crafts could be so fun and rewarding! Not to mention it’s an awesome stress reliever…for me anyway.

Of course this DIY was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest. A few weeks ago I came across a really cute wreath made with clothes pins painted to resemble the American Flag. After reading the instructions, I decided that I was going to give it go but as the days passed I realized I didn’t have much time if I wanted to have the wreath up before Memorial Day. So I headed to Pinterest again….after checking out a few patriotic wreaths I decided to combine a few ideas from the ones I liked the most and create my own.

Like I said I didn’t have much time, so I wanted to keep things simple. So instead of hand-crafting fabric flowers I went with artificial ones from Micheal’s. Luckily they were on sale for $.99 each (with 5-6 flowers per stem) and I was able to pair it with a 25% off your total purchase coupon..woot! I also purchased my wire ribbon from there too. And the grapevine wreath was purchased from Hobby Lobby…using the 40% off coupon of course.

Materials used.

Blue flare and painted wooden letter G.

Modge Podge + blue glitter...used to give the wooden letter some extra pop!

Mod Podge + blue glitter…used to give the wooden letter some extra pop!

The wooden letter covered with modge podge glitter mixture.

The wooden letter covered with mod podge glitter mixture.

All dry with glitter.

Cut flower.

Adding the flowers.

Adding floral wire to the wooden letter.

All done.

Finished product!

I think the “G” looks a little crocked but other than that I love it! The hubs suggested adding some blue flare to the flowers to make them pop and he was right! I’ll be using this wreath for the 4th of July too. What do you think?

Have you tried any of the things you’ve pinned lately? What things do you do to help relieve stress? Do you enjoy crafting?

DIY: Cake Carrier Upgrade

9 Replies

Dear Pinterest, oh how I love thee…lol.

So I’ve been stung by the DIY bug again…thanks to Pinterest. A few weeks back I came across this simple DIY that allows you to personalize an inexpensive cake carrier from Wal-Mart. Well I’m not a professional baker or anything remotely close to it. But I do enjoy the hobby and often bake cakes for my fam, friends, church, etc. And I when I saw the personalized cake carriers I thought it was such a cute idea. Not to mention its a great way to label my stuff so it doesn’t grow legs and runaway…lol.

The first pin I came across that inspired this DIY didn’t provide any instruction but led me to a site that sold the personalized cake carriers for $20+…I’m not knocking their hustle but I’ll pass. So I decided to google it. Again several of the sites sold the personalized cake carries and I only found a few that actually provided instructions on how to actually do it. The few sites that did, mentioned using a circut machine, a machine used to create and cut vinyl letters/shapes. And the machines alone cost anywhere from $89 up $349. *insert side eye*

Of course I have no need for a circut machine, at this moment, so I got to thinking…aren’t the wall art removable/reuseable stickers made of vinyl? You know the ones you can use to decorate a child’s room with all the cool characters, sports teams and such without damaging your walls. Yep, those. So again I hit up google and just so happened to come across one of my fav deal/mom bloggers Birmingham Bargain Mom. She stated that the you can use the vinyl letters from Micheals or Hobby Lobby to decorate you cake carrier…woot!

Well to kick off my kiddos Spring Break, I decided to take them to the Dollar Tree…don’t judge me, it doesn’t take much to make my kids happy, lol. While walking the isles what did I see? Vinyl wall art and yes it was just a $1! Woot! Jackpot! So of course I had to buy it and as soon as I got home I decorated my cake carrier.

The vinyl letters and shapes from the Dollar Tree.

Materials for this DIY:

Cake carrier (Wal-mart, Target, etc.)
Vinyl Letters and Shapes (Dollar Tree, Micheals, Hobby Lobby, etc.)

Materials

The finished product.

The back/side

The other back/side

This DIY was really inexpensive, I only spent $4 and I still have vinyl letters/shapes left over for future DIY projects. Although my lettering isn’t as fancy as some of the one’s I saw on Pinterest I think the cake carrier turned out really cute. And it definitely fits my personality. I may add some ribbon on the handle for a little extra spunk too. And then all I have to do is bake a cake to put in it…lol.

What do you think about the cake carrier? Will any of you bakers be doing this simple DIY:Cake Carrier Upgrade? What projects/DIY have you found on Pinterest?

DIY: Spring Wreath

6 Replies

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I have become totally obsessed with Pinterest. I’ve been on the social site for quite some time but never really understood or appreciated its purpose until recently. I mean Pinterest is filled with some the most amazing and simple DIY projects, so what’s not to love.

Anyway, I moved last year and my new neighbor always has some of the cutest holiday/seasonal wreaths on her door. I asked where she got them from and she said that someone had made them, which is what inspired my latest DIY. After searching and repining several wreaths on Pinterest I came across one that was simple, affordable and super cute.

The inspiration (Photo credit: Pinterest)

Now let me say this, I can be a bit impulsive sometimes, especially when I get excited, lol. So about two months ago, in my excitement, I headed to Hobby Lobby and purchased some burlap ribbon with a black paisley(ish) print on it. The dilemma was deciding what color artificial flowers I wanted to add, then I discovered that those flowers weren’t cheap so I decided to create my own but I still had no idea what colors to make them. Well, I was sitting at the kitchen table one day looking at these beautiful flowers from my wonderful hubby (insert kissy face) and it hit me…pink is my fav color so pink flowers it is.

My flower inspiration

So after deciding on the color for the flowers I went back and forth about how I wanted to make them. The inspiration wreath used felt material, which is easy to find and affordable. But when I attempted her method, it looked a mess. I then decided to use fabric but I was a silky/satiny look, but I wasn’t trying to spend too much money. And one day while dropping off my son, a few crafty moms were talking about a local fabric shop that had inexpensive fabric. So being the impulsive person that I am I went there that day and I found exactly what I was looking for well within my budget.

The naked wreath, printed burlap and scrap fabric.

The process I used to create the flowers was a bit time-consuming but well worth it. I don’t know how many circles I traced and cut out. After burning my fingers a few times with the hot glue, I even contemplated giving up and just buying some. But I personally think the end results are more rewarding.

The process of creating the flowers.

I used the same technique for all the flowers. I burned the edges of the pink flowers for texture and I added rhinestones to the white one for a little extra sparkle.

I think I wrapped the wreath too tight because I ended up running out of burlap and I refused to purchase any more. I ended up covering the empty space with flowers. I think it turned out nicely and I don’t think you can tell at all. I’ll definitely be prepared next time though.

The finished wreath.

I absolutely love the end result! I’m so proud of my handmade flowers…lol. And I’m proud to say that the entire DIY cost me less than $20. WOOT!!!

DIY: From Blah Fridge to Viola Fridge

15 Replies

So I’ve recently become obsessed with Pinterest! I mean like seriously obsessed to the point where I may need intervention before it’s all said and done. And like most I look and wish about all of the fab things I see. But the other day while scouring through all of the wishful pins, I came across this simple DIY to spruce up my fridge and to make cleaning it a breeze. So I decided to give it a try….

You’ll need…

Plastic place mats – I purchased mine from Target for less than $2. They can also be found at Wal-mart and even The Dollar Tree.
Scissors
Pencil measuring

Plastic Mats from Tarjay.

I removed everything from my fridge and cleaned the shelves. The plastic mats are larger than the shelves and need to be cut to size. Instead of using a ruler/measuring tape, I simply placed the plastic mat over the shelf, marked it with the pencil and cut. Super easy! Check out the before and after pictures.

Cleaned fridge before.

Fridge After

Side by side comparison

Not only does my fridge look brighter and more inviting, cleaning it will be super easy too. All I have to do is remove the plastic mats to was rather than the entire shelf.

Will you be trying this DIY?