Starting a New Chapter

Up until this year I had only done one or two craft shows a year. I have dreamed of building my hobby into a business for a long time. I knew that in order to do that I had to start branching out to where I did year-round shows. The problem was, this was totally out of my comfort zone. I knew what the market was for fall and winter crafts. I had a base of inventory that I build on from year to year for the year-end shows. But I had absolutely no idea what inventory to make for spring and summer shows. I couldn’t wait to see what would be popular in department stores, because I had to start on inventory right after Christmas. All that I could do was wing it based on what research I could find on Google and Pinterest.

Jumping in Headfirst

I created a board on Pinterest and labeled it “Spring and Summer Crafts”. I wanted examples of things that were popular in the last year or so. Over time a pattern emerged. The most prevalent decor trends seemed to revolve around Bees, Lemons, Garden Gnomes, Water Melons, and Florals. I don’t like making replicas of other people’s creations, I want my decor to be unique. I had my subject matter planned, now it was time to start getting creative.

Spring & Summer Crafts on Pinterest

Buying Supplies

When it came to crafting supplies for spring and summer crafts, I had very little in storage that I could use. I was starting from scratch. I was able to buy small wooden hangers from Dollar Tree to use as a base for many of my projects. But I bought a lot of my supplies from both Joann’s and Hobby Lobby as well. Stocking up on the new supplies proved very expensive.

Mistakes That I Made

I will be frank here, I overspent! I was so nervous about not producing enough inventory that kept buying supplies for new projects (many of which I never even started work on). Finally, my daughter stepped in and told me that she thought I was overthinking it, and overproducing what would actually fit inside my 10 x 10-foot craft booth. She advised me to do a mock set-up of my booth in the garage before I made anything else. She was absolutely correct! I had let my nerves get the best of me.

Advice to Self

In order to keep from repeating the mistakes that I made this year and again next season, I am making “notes to self”. I thought that I would share my list here with you all as well.

• Don’t create expensive items for the booth. Limit the top price to $40.00.
• Create large items that look high-end, but that I can afford to sell under that $40.00 maximum. Examples: burlap hangers, Large wooden-shaped hangers, etc.
• Create lots of “littles” that range from $1.00- $10.00
• Pack a toolbox into the vehicle before anything else (I walked off and left my toolbox at home for the first time ever!).
• Use supplies that I have on hand before buying new supplies. I spent a fortune on supplies that were totally unnecessary for this show.
• Try and visit the show if possible, or at least google it and look for photos of booths set up there in recent years. If I had done this, it would have saved me a lot of unnecessary spending. I should have paid more attention to what I was spending. Have a budget for supplies and stick to it.
• Stick to local shows that do not require an overnight stay!!

The Show

It stopped raining at about 11:00 in the morning. By the time it stopped, the showgrounds were a muddy mess. I was amazed that people started showing up. I didn’t leave the show with the profits that I had hoped for, but at least I broke even. Sadly many others didn’t far that well.

What Worked, and What Didn’t

Was it Worth It?

To be honest, when I left the show, I decided that I wouldn’t do a Spring show that far away from home again. I was out the cost of the booth space, gas, and hotel fee. When you do outside shows, you are at the mercy of the weather. It’s a gamble at best as to whether it will be a good show or not. The rain hurt the turnout. I was lucky that I broke even. Many did not.

After talking to my daughter she made me see things in a more positive light. It could have been worse. I at least broke even. It was also my first spring show, and I was unsure of what to take in the way of inventory. Yes, some of my inventory seemed to go unnoticed, but much of it sold and got attention. I made mistakes that I shouldn’t have. It’s not like I am new to being a vendor. But, I intend to learn from those mistakes moving forward. Although, I am still undecided about whether I will invest in the Glendale Spring Show again. Maybe next year I will go enjoy the show as a customer and leave the booth space open for those more adapted to the frivolous nature of spring weather in Kentucky than I am.

Looking Forward

Being a vendor is always a risk. You never know what will be your “big seller” and what inventory will be ignored. You are at the mercy of the weather, whether it is an inside or outdoor show. It’s tiring work. You are never going to get rich being a vendor. So why do I keep doing it? I love it! I love interacting with people coming and going from my booth. People return year after year to buy my artwork. I love talking with young kids that are already artists. I love seeing them examine my work, and talking with them about ways that they can have a career as an artist that does pay. For me, it is a hobby. So as long as I break even, I will likely be at craft shows.

Craft Show Vendor: to be or not to be, that is the question that I am currently asking myself! It is always a risk when starting a new venture. And even though I have done shows for years, trying to expand is almost like starting over. The only thing I can say is this: if you love interacting with people and making beautiful things craft shows may be the perfect fit for you. I hope that this article has been a bit of a help to those considering becoming a vendor. Remember research is your friend. Keep your budget firmly in place when buying supplies and displays. And most of all, enjoy the adventure.

Thanks for stopping by. Drop in again real soon.

Vikki

The post Updating a Booth Display appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

Goals

My goals:

My goals seemed simple enough. Work at the store two to three days a week. Work on craft inventory daily. Write one blog article a week. Clean the house each day before, or after, work. Seems simple enough, right? I thought so too. Until I realized that I don’t have a set work schedule at the store. Also, on some days I come home so exhausted that creating art is out of the question.

I soon learned that trying to create art when I am tired just leads to frustration. Also, working on art in the living room makes it hard to keep the house clean. More frustration. It was like trying to balance bricks and feathers. Impossible.

Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

There had to be a way to accomplish all the goals that I have thrown into my “basket”. The thing is, I haven’t found the exact formula for success yet. I tried using goal planning sheets. That helped for a while but trying to balance everything became overwhelming. I have room for improvement in achieving the desired peaceful balance.

In fact, I had all but abandoned this blog. I would think of blog topics, but getting them created and published just wasn’t happening. By the time I got home from work, or finished with my list of daily chores, I just didn’t have the mental energy needed to write. life has been getting in the way of me staying the course toward making dreams a reality! Something had to give in order for me to get back on track.

Here is what I have found to help so far. First, I can’t have one set day that the blog post goes out. I am going to have to be flexible on both when I create content and when it is posted. Second, I am going to have to limit painting and crafting to my days off. And last, the household chores have to be divided into manageable daily chores.

Is it Working?

You may be asking at this point if my new system is working. It is, though there is still room for improvement. There are times when I get things organized and neat. I even promise myself that I am not going to make a mess again. It lasts until I start to work on projects again. Thank goodness my husband is patient with me. He helps out with the cooking on the nights that I work. He even puts up with my creative mess.

Short Cuts to the Same Path

I am picky about what I put in my booth for sale. If it doesn’t look high-end and professionally crafted, it doesn’t make the cut. In the past, everything was free hand-drawn, and then painted. I have started using stencils for some of my wordage. It cuts down on mistakes and work time. Once the background is in place, I then can go on to create original works of art. It may sound a bit like cheating, but I have found a way to save time without sacrificing the quality of the finished piece.

Home Studio=Messy House

As for the house, I am going, to be honest here, it’s still a mess. I have started getting better at cleaning the living room at the end of each day of crafting or painting a canvas. I have also found that keeping a pump bottle of cheap dish soap by the bathtub allows me to clean the tube each time it is used. Alexa is very useful for setting reminders for chores such as cleaning the cat box, removing the trash, etc.

Show Time

Now the big question is, “Will I be ready for the show in May”? The answer: I think so! I have been able to create three to four pieces of art per week. I just have to keep reminding myself of the big picture. Then I have to keep working towards that goal. And that means to stop and breathe instead of panicking about not having enough made for the booth. In fact, I did a trial set-up of the booth and was amazed at how full it looked. But that’s okay because I have found another show in July.

First Things First

I will be set up at the Spring Craft show at Glendale Kentucky on May 20th. If it goes well, then I will try to add a second spring show next year and build from there. No that’s not growing as fast as I wanted, but it is moving in the right direction. I overspent, and will not even break even on this show. That my friends will be a topic for another day, I promise we will get back to that one.

If you get a chance, drop by and visit during the show. You can find directions to Glendale online. I will be set up near Greetop Antiques.

Is it All Worth the Trouble?

It’s not easy. Especially considering that soon it will be time to plant the garden, travel to Texas, and start adding DIY posts on here. But I am determined to get this blog back into motion. I am determined to build my craft hobby into a business. And I am determined to do a better job of keeping this house neater.

Goals, Dreams, and Reality, Oh MY!

Finding a balance among all my goals has proved to be a challenge. So what can you take away from my failures, mistakes, and challenges? First, we are all human. We all make mistakes. We all get a bit overwhelmed and lost at times. And, that is okay so long as we remind ourselves that we can achieve. We all just have to find the right balance within ourselves.

Hopefully, my friends you have a dream! Set goals, and work toward them. You can do this, and so can I! We just have to stay in motion. Stop back by soon.

Hope to see you all at Glendale.

Vikki

The post Finding Balance in Life appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

Be a “People Person”

I love interacting with my customers. From the second they walk into the booth, I want them to feel comfortable and welcome. That means that I give 100% of my attention to the booth and my visitors. This doesn’t mean that I follow them, or try to push them into buying. Instead, I try to make them feel welcome. I do not like feeling pressured when I am the customer, so I extend the same courtesy to my customers. And last but not least, always be honest about your product. It will help you build a client base when people learn that they can trust you.

How to Make Your Booth Approachable

If you don’t like talking to people, then being a vendor in a market or craft show may not be the best outlet for you. I say this because to make sales, you need to make connections. They want to see that you care about the products you are selling. What I mean is that your work will “touch” people, and most often they want to engage with you as the creator. Even if they don’t strike up a conversation, they need to feel important. If you seem cold or disinterested, they will turn around and leave. Your visitors should be welcomed as soon as they enter.

Creating a Craft Workspace on a Budget

If you are thinking of becoming a vendor, you will need both a workspace and space for storage. Recently, a friend of mine was fortunate enough to obtain a “craft cabin” as their workspace. I have always wanted a designated workspace, but unfortunately, it’s not feasible at the moment. However, I have been working to create a workspace in my basement. Until it’s ready, I find myself working at my kitchen table.

So, what’s been holding me back? I’ll be honest: I have way too much stuff! Managing my supply inventory has been a real challenge. My advice to you is to avoid buying more than you need. It’s easy to become obsessed with buying art and craft supplies. In fact, I have enough supplies to open a craft store! To control my spending, I’ve started setting a budget and creating a list of items I’ll need for next year’s inventory. Hopefully, this will prevent me from getting carried away and buying more than I need.

Things to consider before starting to create your inventory for craft shows:

Creating a Welcoming Shopping Experience: Why Organization is Key

Have you ever walked into a store where the merchandise was disorganized, the space was overcrowded, or the prices were not visible? It doesn’t make for a pleasant shopping experience. You might have left without making a purchase. This is probably the most important tip from the “5 things to consider before deciding to sell at craft shows” because an orderly and neat space draws customers in and shows pride in your merchandise. To avoid this, make sure your booth is tidy and well-organized. A cluttered booth space is uninviting to customers.

Additionally, consider how setting up your booth is like moving to a new house. Finding space for everything can be frustrating. Each show presents a new opportunity to create a unique space, but it will also bring new challenges.

Thinking Ahead to Avoid Set-up Day Stress

Here are a couple of printouts for worksheets that I use to prepare for my events. Feel free to download them to use for your personal use only. They may not be sold, or used on another site, without permission.

Know When to Walk Away

No matter how nice try to be, or how good your products are, you will encounter rude customers or other vendors. Being able to remain calm and collected is a must. Conflict is never good for business.

For example, I had a “neighbor” at a show that always wanted to push her items into my space. At first, I tried too not engage at all. But the problem was ongoing. I tactfully tried to explain that my inventory was being damaged because of crowding. She either didn’t understand me or ignored my concerns. At this point instead of trying to address the issue myself, I waited to speak to the show organizer. It avoided conflict and kept me in the good graces of the organizer.

In another instance I had a customer vocalizing loudly just outside my booth that my prices were outrageous. Everything in me wanted to be rude in return, instead, I just smiled and told her that I would love to learn her secrets if she were willing to share. Being nice when someone is rude usually stops their assault. You do not want to make yourself look bad to other customers.

Have a Helper

Canopies are a must for doing outside shows. But I will be honest, they are a pain in the right ear to deal with! I have a dear friend who goes with me to the outdoor show that I attend. It requires a canopy. The canopy requires two people to set it up! So if you are reading this Teresa, thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting up with me!

Setting up and tearing down a booth takes a lot of work. It usually takes me thirty minutes to unload the SUV and to get the inventory inside. Then, it can take anywhere from two to four hours to set the booth up. The more inventory you take requires more display areas. It is exhausting work. Having a helper that you can trust allows you to set up and tear down a booth. It also allows you to take meal and bathroom breaks.

Still Thinking

If you’ve taken the time to consider the five factors that come into play before you decide to become a vendor at craft shows, and you’re still interested in pursuing it, then you may have what it takes to be successful.

Doing Your Research About Both Your Target Show and Customer Base is Highly Recommended

We all make mistakes when we start a new adventure. Mistakes are simply opportunities to improve. Though I am by no means saying that these tips will guarantee success, I hope that sharing the lessons that I have learned makes the road a bit smoother for you. On that note, here are links to other posts that may be helpful.

Related Blog Post: My Hobby is Growing Up: Building a Growth Plan

Are you planning a new adventure? Let me know how it goes. I would love to hear from you. Good luck on your crafting journey.

You all stop back by soon,

Vikki

The post 5 Things to Consider Before Deciding to Sell at Craft Shows appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

Learning a new skill at any age can be daunting, but when you have worked in a specific niche for a long period it can seem impossible. I spent 20 years working as a para-educator and receptionist at a public school. With my work experience, I thought that it would be easy for me to find another satisfying job. Wrong! Everything that I applied for turned out to be a no-go. I was either “too qualified” or “not qualified enough”, and that’s even if I got a follow-up email at all.

From Dream to Reality

When I first left my job, I felt myself getting more and more depressed. I kept trying new ideas that always seemed to end the same, a dead end. Blogging had been in the back of my mind for a while. I knew absolutely nothing about how to go about building a website, or how to conduct any of the other “backdoor ” operations that take place when running a blog. My husband surprised me with a blog site. His gentle push made my dream a reality.

The reality of having a blog site is very different than what I thought it would be. It isn’t just about sitting down and writing a post. There is so much to consider, starting with the name you choose for your fledgling blog. Then there is learning how to use the tools provided by the website builder/host, using a graphic design platform, teaching yourself affiliate marketing, and understanding legal issues related to blogging. I will be the first to admit that I knew none of those. I am learning as I go.

Plan of Action: Free Online Courses

I love learning new skills, but trying to learn too much at once leads to a lot of mistakes and extra work. Finding educational sites where I could learn without all the trial and error was a must.

I started digging for resources. I spent a minimum of two hours a day doing online research looking for free or low-cost education sources. Eventually, I found Alison, and then searched google for “more sites like Alison”.

List of Courses

The list of courses that I am sharing is comprised of the courses that I intend to take. It is geared to teaching skills in effective blogging and social media marketing.

Tailoring Your Curriculum to Your Needs

Although I have provided the list of the free online courses that I intend to take, I know that your needs will most likely differ from mine. That is okay. You should be able to use the sites that I listed as a starting place for building your list, or at least get you started on finding resources that you can use.

Other sites that you may want to visit include Grow With Google, Skill Share, and Udemy. Not all of these sites offer free courses, but they offer a wide variety of topics that you may find beneficial.

Your Blog-Your Interests

There are classes on Alison for teaching yourself photography, IT for beginners, personal development, and in subjects such as caregiving, and teaching.

Any of those areas could be the subject of a blog. So, if you are skilled in those areas, you just need to find your target audience and start writing. Not ready to start your blog, but that’s okay. Maybe at first, your writing could be generating a list of blog post topics and references that you find along the way, or maybe you can jot down recurring topics at your workplace.

Ready, Set, Goal!

Below is a free printable goal-planning worksheet to help you plan your adventure. I created it at canva.com. If you haven’t used Canva you are in for a treat.

Canva is my graphic-design platform of choice. They offer outstanding tools for creating headers and pintables. You will want to familiarize yourself with this, or a similar site, as it gives you the tools to create more professional blog sites and social media posts.

Free Downloads

Learning Plan: 24 Free CoursesDownload

Ready-Set-Goal-WorksheetDownload

Visit My Pinterest Board

If you are interested in checking out all of the resources that I have found, check out my board on Pinterest. There you will find pins for all of the sites and sources that I have found so far.

I intend to keep updating my boards as I find new and interesting links that offer courses and opportunities. I can’t promise that you will find what you are looking for, but hopefully, it will get you started along the way to feel that you are setting and accomplishing goals.

If you have found this post helpful, please feel free to subscribe to my blog and my Pinterest site, and share this page. I would love to hear from you. Please let me know if you have found this information useful, or if you have tips that will help others.

Learning a new skill is not easy, but you can do it!

Thank you for stopping by, and Good Luck!!

Vikki

Disclosure: Some of the sites may be affiliates to this blog.

The post 24 Free Online Courses That Teach Blogging and Social Media Marketing appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

One Income and Counting Pennies

By taking early retirement, I lost a steady income. Even though my health insurance is paid, I still have to pay deductibles for any medical care. I do receive a very small monthly retirement benefit, but it is not enough to even buy food for two weeks. Now at the age of 57, I feel as if I’m starting over again. Employment opportunities are limited for anyone my age, especially if you do not have a marketable degree. Ageism can be a huge obstacle to overcome, but so can limited education. Not everyone can afford a college degree and sometimes it is just not an option. I understand that life can get in the way of your dreams and goals. I am in the same boat. Finding work from home opportunities, and affordable online learning opportunities was a must for me.

Researching Work from Home Opportunities

Below is a list of sources for work-from-home opportunities that range from a supplemental income to full-time, or part-time work.

Review Books for Pay

Online Book Club: If you love to read, this one may be for you. It is a site where you can sign up for free to get paid to review books. Right off the bat, they tell you that you will not get rich, or even earn enough to leave your day job. But they do pay you for each book you review, and you get that book for free. There are extensive guidelines that must be followed when writing reviews. You are scored on your ability to follow those guidelines and to produce accurate results as a reviewer.  I signed up to try my hand at this task. I plan to follow up this post with a report on how it worked out.

Virtual Assistant

If you are a person that is very organized, and good at multitasking, then working as a virtual assistant is something you would like to do. There are many businesses and entrepreneurs that are overwhelmed with daily responsibilities and better looking for a qualified assistant to help them with everyday tasks.

Virtual assistants work as administrative support or personal assistants. A virtual assistant may be asked to complete tasks such as answering emails and phone calls, scheduling appointments, assisting with online research, and performing data entry.

There are several websites where you can sign up for employment as a virtual assistant. Some that I have found include Upwork, Fancy Hands, and flexjobs. Flexjobs does require a membership fee which allows access to webinars and job coaching.

Online Surveys

There are legitimate sites where you can sign up to get paid to complete surveys. You will not get rich from taking surveys, but you can earn extra cash. Below are two that I have applied to.

Clear Voice Surveys

Branded Surveys

Teaching English Online

Teacher.QKids: This site offers employment tutoring English online. It does require a teaching certificate, and eligibility two work in either the U.S. or Canada. You can find a list of requirements on their site, and if employed you must sign a six-month contract.

VIPkids: offers employment opportunities tutoring children in English as well. It too requires a teaching certificate and two years of experience. They vet their teachers carefully, and from what I have read offer an excellent employment opportunity.

Note: Alison has a free course for those interested in teaching English as a second language. They also offer many other education-based courses including one the focuses on Effective Communication Techniques for Teachers and trainers.

Free Lance Work from Home Opportunities

If you want to look online for free-lance work, try Up Work. They partner with employers to match them with qualified applicants.

Linkedin is another search engine for employment that offers a networking platform as well.

Learning New Skills

I worked most of my adult life in the public school system. After taking early retirement I found myself unqualified for today’s workforce. At times I feel as lost as I did as a young adult trying to decide which path is right for me. I never thought that I would find myself in this place again. Learning new skills that promote self-advancement is easier and more affordable than it was in the past. In my search for self-improvement, I have found several sources where you can take classes for free, or at little cost, that can move you towards a new career. I’m sharing this list of resources in hopes that it will save you a lot of work and research.

Udemy: Udemy offers a wide variety of courses from programming to business management. There are fees for their courses. Udemy often offers sales where you can enroll at a lower rate. I am currently taking a course through Udemy.

Alison: This site offers free courses with either diplomas or certificates. Their courses range from personal development to social media strategy and social media marketing. I am very excited about this site and plan to utilize its marketing content. Alison has a guide for those interested in teaching English as a second language.

Coursera: Coursera has both paid and free courses. You will find a wide variety of offerings including those aimed at personal growth and happiness, business, computer science, and many others. Coursera offers certificates at an added cost that many find helping in padding their resume.

Typing Lessons: If you would like to teach yourself how to type, this site offers simple lessons for beginners. They offer free typing lessons and timed skill tests. It offers reviews of basic grammar and writing rules.

Wrapping It all Up

Today’s high-tech world offers many work-from-home opportunities. The problem is wading through countless sites in order to find those that are legitimate. Therefore, I recommend that you research any work-from-home opportunities before you commit.

Good luck on your journey to finding the right money-making gig. Remember that the key to success is determination and persistence. You’ve got this!

I am learning as I go as well. You can check in with my Pinterest site for updates on work from home and Online Learning Opportunities. I plan to pin them to my board as I find them.

If you have found this post helpful, you may also like my post 24 Free Online Courses That Teach Blogging and Social Media Marketing. Please subscribe and share. Stop back often for updates and new posts.

Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliates of this site.

Best of Luck,

Vikki

The post Work from Home and Online Learning Opportunities appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

Sublimation as a creative outlet offers an endless variety of possibilities. It allows the use of treasured childhood art to be made into keepsakes for gift-giving, as well as offering a means to create unique products for sale. Getting started in sublimation can be intimidatingly nerve-wracking. Hopefully, this article will help you feel a bit more confident as you move forward into the creative world of sublimation.

The Science Behind the Art

Before we start talking shop, let’s travel back a bit to science class. Fun right? Sublimation is the process where the transition of a substance goes directly from being in a solid state to a gaseous state. It is the process where your chosen art or wordage is printed upon a paper that has been coated to accommodate the sublimation process. The ink will pass from the paper as a gas, then back again as a solid as it embeds within the sublimated product. This occurs when it is subjected to heat and pressure.

Sublimation works best on materials that have a special polymer coating. Items that you can purchase for sublimation include mugs, aprons, mouse pads, metal tumblers, and coasters. Items that are made for use with sublimation are referred to as sublimation blanks.

If you are planning to create tee shirts, you will need to consider the fabric’s composition. 100% Cotton fabric does not sublimate well. You will need a fabric suited for the sublimation process, in this case, 100% polyester to provide the best results. Fabrics that are a 60/40 or 50/50 poly-blend could also work, but don’t expect the colors to be as vibrant as those you would see if you are pressing on 100% polyester.

Supplies That You Will Need

• Heat Press with accessories (for the types of items you intend to create).
• Heat tape for sublimation
• Sublimation paper
• Sublimation ink
• Printer to use solely for sublimation
• Safety gloves: Heat Resistant Oven Gloves
• Access to an art program to create graphics for for creations
• Sublimation blanks

Avoid My Mistake

Last year I bought a heat press second-hand. I had wanted one for a long time, and so when I found one on a Facebook auction site, I bought it. I had never used a heat press and knew very little about them. Admittedly, I paid too much for a used machine, lesson learned. As soon as got my press, I had to replace a part that had been broken. At that point, I had spent nearly as much as I would have on a new heat press. I would advise purchasing from Amazon.com or a trusted online source.

Choosing a Printer

You can use any ink tank printer, but the higher quality of your printer, the higher the quality will be for your sublimated products. Most sites will recommend the Sawgrass printer, which can be a bit pricy. I looked at printers in several different stores, and online shops, before settling on one from Sam’s Club. The one that I purchased is an Epson 3850 Eco Printer. I consider it a “beginner’s printer”, but for now it meets my needs beautifully. Do your research to decide what will best fit your needs and budget.

One source that I found useful in choosing a printer was techopedia‘s article on print quality.

Print quality is mostly measured in DPI, which is quite similar to the definition of pixels in terms of digital images and even screen resolution. DPI is equivalent to the ability of a printer to mimic the number of pixels or the resolution of the source image. If a printer has a lower DPI capability compared to the source image, the printed image becomes a down-scaled version in terms of resolution, although this is usually not an issue for regular printing at smaller “office” size prints but would make a bigger impact on poster printing and larger formats.

techopedia.com

Converting an Ink Tank Printer for Sublimation Use

Simply replace the type of ink that you will use. Do not use the ink that comes with the printer. Donate it to someone that uses an ink tank printer for regular printing. Once a printer has had regular printing ink in the tanks, it can not be used for sublimation without the machine is thoroughly cleaned. Instead, purchase sublimation ink. Set up the printer following the manufactures directions. Fill the ink tanks with sublimation ink when directed.

As mentioned above, you can purchase printers specifically for sublimation, such as Sawgrass. They are a bit more pricey but may be worth considering if you indeed to start your own business. Do your research.

Choose an Art Program

You can use any art program that allows you to upload, edit, and add text. You will use PNG files for printing. Microsoft Word is good for simple designs, but for more complicated work look into a program that allows you to create and edit. You can purchase PNG files online (we will go into that more in the commercial use rights listed below).

Canva has a free program project for beginners and offer upgrades for a fee for advanced artists.

Pixlr offers a basic photo editing program for free.

Pixlr background remover: use the basic program for free. Good for editing, and resizing photos, providing templates for business cards, etc.

Pixlr Photomash Studio : removes and exchanges background

Canva: Logo design program

Inkscape; Art design program

Think About Your Color Pallet as You Create

Most printers hold four colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (C/M/Y/B). Items that are to use printed transfers such as mugs, tee shirts, coasters, mouse pads, etc. look best when they are based in C/M/Y/B. Dark red, blue, and green may prove a bit challenging during sublimation.

Commercial Use License

If you are intending to sell products that you have made using sublimation you should only use graphics that you either create yourself or have purchased a commercial use license for. Otherwise, you may be sued for infringement of copy-written material. Again, this is an area that research will pay off in the long run.

Graphics for commercial use can be found on Etsy.com, as well as on several independent online shops. You are welcome to visit my Pinterest board All Things Sublimation for pins with links to free sublimation graphics, and sites that offer graphic bundles. Check back often for updates as I work to add content weekly.

Resources

None of the websites or suppliers mentioned are affiliates to this site.

Cosmos Ink: I had read rave reviews of this product before purchasing. So far, I am very please with the performance of their inks. I also like that they sell replacement ink tanks and sublimation blanks.

Amazon: Source for ink tank printers, blanks, and supplies

blanks galore: Carries, ink, supplies, and blanks

Jennifer Maker: Offers tutorials on Sublimation and more.

Sublimation for Beginners: Jennifer Maker

Sublimation Designs in Inkscape: Tutorial on how to Create your Own Sublimation Designs in Inkscape {Beginner

Key Takeaways

Items created using sublimation last longer than those created with vinyl. I personally always feel guilty when using vinyl due to all of the waste that occurs after weeding. Since sublimation is more environmental and cost-friendly, I prefer it to vinyl.

Sublimation allows you to create keepsakes from a child’s artwork, family photos, etc. It can also be used on a large variety of products. On the downside, you are limited to using items that are specifically made for sublimation, or specific fabric blends.

If you are thinking of working with sublimation, don’t be intimidated by the process. As with anything, it just takes research, investment, and practice. If I can do this, anyone can.

I hope that this post has helped you on your journey to show your creative talents using sublimation. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to subscribe, share, or pin.

Happy creating & visit again soon,

Vikki

The post Sublimation 101: Getting Started appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

In the past few years, Covid-19 has impacted all of us. Prices have increased, and supply shortages have made us all question the safety of relying on the supply chain. Covid has caused life changes as well, I left my job as a Para Professional at a public school. Covid-19 brought about financial and life changes that I wasn’t ready to face. At 57 it is hard to move into a new career. Suddenly I feel as confused and misplaced as I did as a teenager.

I am Alpha-One Deficient through both parents, and have had two siblings die from lung cancer. My health care providers warned me that if I contracted Covid (before the vaccines were available) that even if the virus itself didn’t cause extreme illness, the scaring in my lungs would highly increase my risk of lung cancer. I gave up my job. Like so many others, I found myself at a loss. Where do I go from here? I hadn’t finished my college degree in order to stay home with our kids. I worked at a public school for 20 years. My work experience is limited, and out of sync with the needs and requirements of the current job market. Even my crafting and selling at Craft shows came to a halt. Now I am faced with the fact that in order to get back on track, I have to remind myself that we are never too old to grow or learn. Dreams remain dreams until they are put into motion.

Overcoming Personal Roadblocks

Before Covid, I had plans for expanding my crafting hobby into a small business. I create one-of-a-kind wreaths, wall hangers, and art. My décor items sell well. The problem was that I did not have a social platform from which to sell my products. I was limited to selling at a couple of local shows each year. My current Facebook page is dedicated to my Crafting which is linked to my private page. I am a rather private individual who does not like having strangers access my personal page, I knew that to expand my sales I would have to overcome my reluctance to let others into my inner circle. No one can move forward if they refuse to change. Facing my fears head-on was the only way to move past them. This blog was my first step toward self-growth.

Moving Forward: Building a Growth Plan

On the advice of another female entrepreneur I started work outlining a growth plan. My plan is a very simple model.

• Start a blog: The blog needs to include interests and hobbies. Eventually, it will be expanded to include a section that will allow sales of my personal products including homemade soaps, candles, art, and crafted items. Another goal for the blog is to eventually offer affiliate links to products and services.
• Facebook Business Page: As of now my Crafting page on Facebook has a very limited audience. My goal is to increase this base by the end of this calendar year. Then by the end of the next calendar year, I intend to expand to a professional business page. In doing so I will be able to offer DIY videos, products for sale, and links to local craft show events.
• Creating a Work Space: I have stacks of crates that hold crafting supplies. I try to organize them for easy access, but with my current system, it is next to impossible to access supplies easily. In order to build my innovatory I absolutely have to create a craft-shop. The shop will need shelving that allows easy access to my crafting supplies and machines. It will also include an area for making videos, and for staging and photographing items for sale.
• Getting a Business License: Until now I haven’t sold enough to warrant the expense of a business license. Expanding sells will make this a necessity.
• Expanding Attendance at Shows: Currently I only attend a couple of local shows each year. In the coming years I intend to book at least one show per month. That is going to mean increasing my inventory to include items that span across seasons.

Branching Out

Until now the products that I offered for sale were restricted to décor for the fall and winter seasons. Branching out will be necessary in building an inventory that will allow online sells as well as attending shows year round. In order to meet this goal, I intend to add Spring and Summer décor, nursery décor, and sublimated items.

Handmade Soap and Candles will be limited to online sells only. The transporting items to and from craft shows, and limited booth space, restricts the number of items that I can display and sell.

Personal Growth= Personal Challenge

Growth is never easy. Change can be both intimating and frightening. I know that for me personally, fear of failure has restricted my success. I may stumble from time to time, but I refuse to allow self-doubt to cripple me any longer. What about you?

Where do you see yourself one year from today? Is there a dream you have long held in your heart? Then make it a reality. Dreams that are left fallow tend to become regrets. If you have a chance, then take it. Even if you fail, at least you can say you tried your best. Remember, we are never too old to grow in new directions or to learn.

Songs that Inspire:

‘Til You Can’t, by Cody Johnson

You Say by Lauren Dingle

Featured Photo

The featured photo is of a batch of homemade soap that is almost at trace… meaning it is a work in progress. It felt perfect for this post because that is where I find myself: a work in progress.

Thanks for Stopping By

If you enjoyed the post today, please subscribe and share. Stop back by for updates, and new posts.

Good luck on making your dreams come true,

Vikki

The post My Hobby is Growing Up: Building a Growth Plan appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

I have put together a list of 20 tips for craft show success. This list is compiled of things that I have learned in my 30 years of experience at craft shows. Believe me, I made a lot of mistakes along the way.  Hopefully, my list will provide you with useful information that will pave your road into vendor selling and make the way a bit smoother.

1. Make a List, and Check it Twice

Though I only do a couple of shows a year, it takes a lot of planning, commitment, and work to prepare for setting up a vendor’s booth for an event. When I first started out, I would pack for a show in advance, and still end up forgetting needed tools or staging supplies. I soon learned that there are some things that I always end up needing. I started creating a checklist. This helped me to be prepared and to get to the show with everything I need.

2. Make a Tool Kit

Put together a tool kit that contains any necessary items that you may need. I sell handmade home decor, wreaths, and burlap door hangers. My kit contains the supplies that I use if there is damage during transport, supplies to re-price if needed, and emergency canopy and display repairs. I always take a tube of crazy glue, extra price tags, pens, a sharpie, duct tape, plyers, floral wire, zip ties, a calculator, a flashlight, extra batteries, safety pins, and scotch tape. Being prepared for emergencies can make the difference between a stressful show and a successful one.

3. Visit the Bank Before Hand

Take extra change with you. It is usually next to impossible to leave a show to get change. I avoid taking large bills and stick to ones, fives, tens, and a few twenties. If you have twenty dollar bills you can usually buy a drink from a vendor and get change in return to add to your change box.

I try my best to avoid breaking hundred-dollar bills for customers. I have learned that if you say no to a hundred-dollar bill, the customer will usually bring out smaller bills.

Take a test pen with you to check for counterfeit bills.

4. Check for Cell Service Before Show

 If you are using PayPal or other online transaction sources, test before your customers arrive to ensure that you have a connection. Have the information on hand for easy transactions.

5. Make Sure the Show is a Good Fit

Do your research before you commit to a show. Decide if your products fit into the show’s overall theme, or aesthetic. Each show has a unique vibe and audience.

6. Plan Ahead

Make sure you have enough inventory to fulfil the commitments at all the shows you have booked. Decide how much inventory you will need to take with you to each show. I have a small SUV, so I have learned that I can only take what will fit into my vehicle (this includes all my tables, supplies, and inventory).

You only want to take what you need. Remember that you will have limited time to unpack, set up your booth, and get ready to greet your customers. Worse still, at the end of a long day will you too pack it all up for transport home.   

7. Think of Your Booth as a Traveling Attraction

Your booth has to have appeal before customers stop. I like to do a mock set-up of my booth before my first show of the season. This allows me to get a visual plan on how I will set the booth up at the event. If you have been to the show before this is easier to do because you will know the shape and orientation of your booth space.

Most booth spaces that I have encountered are 10 feet by 10 feet, but size can vary. Read your booth rental contract carefully as they generally provide you with booth space sizes and any restrictions or requirements that you will need to know for setup. If you need to know the orientation of your booth layout, and it is not provided, contact the organizer and they should be able to provide you with that information.

8. Pack Your Own Snacks

If allowed, bring your own snacks and drinks. There have been times when I wasn’t able to leave my booth to get food. Last year food vendors ran out of food. Having the snacks on hand can replace a meal if the case arises.

9. Show Them That They Are Important

Remember not to eat when you have customers. You always want the visitors to your booth to feel like welcome guests.

Avoid being distracted by your phone when you have customers. They need to know that they are important to you and that you are there to answer any questions. I have walked into booths that have lovely things, only to be ignored by the seller. Not wanting to appear rude by interrupting them, I walked away.

10. Don’t Assume That They Will Ask

Price everything in advance. It will save you valuable time the day of sat up. Make sure every item is priced and that the tag is easy to see. If items are not priced, people will walk away. They need to be able to decide for themselves if your product is worth the asking price.

11. Neatness Matters

Keep your booth neat and inviting. If your booth is not neat and orderly all that people focus on is the mess and overlook your products. You want your customers to see you as a trustworthy individual who offers a quality product.

You have to earn their trust. Appearance matters. To do this, avoid clutter. Keep all boxes and inventory out of sight. If you store those items under your tables, make sure to keep them tucked away behind a tablecloth.

14. Dress for Success

Dress nicely, but don’t overdress. You want to appear neat, but approachable. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. If you are at an outside show, you may want to consider taking an extra pair of shoes just in case of rain.

13. Choosing The Right Canopy

If you are intending to do outside shows, a canopy is a must. Most booth spaces are 10 x 10 and canopies larger than that will be charged for two spaces. Another thing to consider is that some shows will only allow white canopies. Invest in a quality canopy. I bought one that I thought was good only to find out that it was not built as strongly as I had hoped. It also collects moisture inside the canopy ceiling on cool nights. Lesson learned. Next time, I will do more research before I buy. 

14. Manners Matter

When you have good manners, you become more preferred as a vendor. Be nice to everyone that is helping to run the craft show. I oversaw a local craft show for several years. It is a full-time, year-round job trying to organize a large show. Trying to help vendors sign into the show, and problem solving all the issues that arise is exhausting. Show that you appreciate their time and effort. If you are rude to those helping run the show, you may not be asked back.

15. Don’t Dismiss the Power of Social Media

Advertise on your social media sites. Provide information on where and when you will be set up. Selling the show as an interesting and fun event not only helps get people to visit the show but may help draw visitors to your booth. Post photos of some of the items from your inventory.

16. Post Photos of Your Booth

Take photos of your booth once you have it set up. Use them to post a second time on your social media sites. Also, save the photos for future use for blog posts, advertising, etc.

17. Everyone Loves a Bargain

Upsell your items. Have a set price for individual items, then offer a discount when buying two, or more, of that same type of item. Offering a saving as an incentive can boost sales tremendously. Just make sure that your discount does not cut into your profit margin.

18. Booth Information Folder

Keep an information folder for the show you are attending. Keep booth rental confirmation, receipts, directions to the site, etc. close at hand. Also, when applying for a booth space at shows make sure that you are truly in contact with an actual representative of the show. Sadly, there a now scammers who will run false ads with their contact information listed. I have heard of several people showing up to a show thinking that they had paid in advance for a booth rental only to learn that they were never registered with the show.

19. Make or Break Your Booth Appeal

Make sure that your table clothes get to your show in as neat a condition as possible. Press the clothes ahead of time and transport them in a bin to prevent them being crushed. Again, neatness matters in the overall aesthetic of your display.

When choosing table cloths, avoid patterns that compete for your customer’s attention. You want their eyes to automatically make contact with your products as they walk by. A busy table covering distracts the viewer. If they are visually overwhelmed, they will move on to something more appealing.

20. Ignore Negative Energy

Almost every vendor that I know has experienced the same issue: people will stop at a booth and make rude comments about products or prices. This sort of visitor can make you feel belittled, and sometimes insulted. Try to remember that not everyone has the same taste. A masterpiece to one person is junk to another. Try not to take it personally. Just smile and reply, “oh I am so sorry that my product doesn’t meet your needs, maybe you will find a better fit at the next booth. If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.” Smile politely and walk away to focus your attention on greeting another guest. I have learned that there are some people who are just not happy individuals. Sadly, there is nothing you could say to justify work and or pricing to them.

Wrapping it All Up

 Each year I get so excited when fall craft show season rolls around. I often tell others to be confident in their products, but even after all the years of setting up booths, I still get nervous before a show. I always worry that my items will not sell, or that I have the pricing off. So far, I have only attended a couple of shows a year. Now that I am retired, I hope to take my crafting from being a hobby to starting a small craft business. This is going to intel me to create even more inventory and attend more shows each year.

Best of Luck

I learn something new at every show that I attend. I hope that sharing this list helps you avoid some of the mistakes that I made along the way. But remember, everyone makes mistakes. Try not to get discouraged. You can do this!

If you are new to being a vendor at craft shows, please drop a comment, and let us know how your first show went. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to subscribe to my blog and share.

Come back soon,

Happy Crafting,

Vikki

The post 20 Tips for Craft Show Success appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

Recently I started sewing baby burp cloths to add to my booth for the fall festival. As I worked, I started to think about the best way to display the burp cloths. I have baskets here at home, but they all have high sides. I needed something that would allow customers to view the cloths easily without having to dig through them.

One of my favorite places to shop locally is at the Hospice Thrift Store. I have found furniture, clothing, and other items there that I have upcycled into something else. This time, I was on the hunt for a basket that was the size and shape that I needed for my display. After a couple of times stopping by the shop, I found what I was looking for. The basket that I chose was a brown wicker basket. All that it needed was paint and a liner and it would be display ready.

Supplies Needed

• scissors
• material
• basket
• hot glue gun and glue sticks
• spray paint
• twine
• cardboard box
• gloves (optional)
• wood glue (optional)

Preparing the Basket for Its Makeover.

Remove any dust from your basket.

Secure any loose pieces with wood glue or hot glue, and let the glue dry completely before painting. If using hot glue make sure it is not on the surface that is to be painted as the paint will not stick to it.

Ready to Paint

1. Gather Supplies: basket, gloves, white spray paint, and a box
2. Use a box to keep grass and other small items from blowing into your paint. It will also keep your lawn from having paint marks.
3. Shake spray paint well. Keep the can at the distance recommended on the can for painting. Paint the bottom of basket. Use several light coats of paint, this will prevent the paint from running. Let the basket dry between coats, turning as needed to cover all areas. When the bottom area is dry, turn over and use light coats to paint the top. Paint the handle, then the under side of the handle. Let dry.

Cut Your Material

When deciding how big to cut your material, measure across the basket from the rim to the bottom, then back up to the rim at the other side. Add four inches to this measure. This is the size you will need to cut the diameter of the material (for a circular basket).

My basket is a bit of an oval shape, I measured as I would for a circular one, only I measured from the longer length.

Find the center of your material and place a pin to mark it. Line that up with the center of your basket, remove the pin and use a bit of hot glue to hold it in place. Start carefully folding the edges of the material under to where the material will fit just to the top of the rim of the basket. Once you get the material in the shape you need it, place a very small dot of hot glue in four different places around the inside rim of the basket.

You may need to may darts (tucks) in the material to fit it snuggly to the rim. Glue in place, moving from the center of the basket to the next glue dot. Go to the other side of the basket and repeat. Do this until all four of the sections have been glued in place.

Add Twine to the Basket Handle

Cut pieces of twine that are about 12 feet in length. Use a small piece of cardboard to wrap the twine around to use as a spool. Decide how much of your handle you want to cover in twine, making sure it is centered on both sides. Mark beginning and endpoints with a small pencil mark. Place a small dot of hot glue on your pencil marks.

Start wrapping the twine around the handle. Occasionally use a dot of hot glue to secure as you work. Continue wrapping until your chosen area is covered. Don’t sweat it if you cut your twine too short, just cut more and again spool it around your cardboard. Place a small dot of glue to secure the new length of twine and resume work. Finish your twine with another dot of hot glue.

What it Cost For the Basket

I got the basket for $1.00.

I already had spray paint here, if you go to buy the paint it will cost about $6.00 for a quality can of paint (you should be able to paint four medium sized baskets with one can of paint).

The material was from Joann’s Fabric. I buy material when I find it on sale. This material would cost about $7 a yard at regular price. I used about 1/4 yard of fabric, but the amount you need will depend on the size of your basket.

The twine came from Dollar Tree at $1.25.

For me, the overall cost of the basket was about $4.50 (I still have paint, material, and twine for other projects so I estimated the cost for only what was used for this project).

The post Upcycled Thrift Store Basket appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.

I started sewing on my grandmother’s antique treadle sewing machine. I learned how to make doll clothes, ragdolls, and sock monkeys. But these were not the first items that I sold.  I figured out at an early age that I could create flower arrangements from dried wildflowers to sell at a local festival. I’m sure that my arrangements, during that time, looked very primitive. But the praise from customers who bought my arrangements encouraged me keep continue creating unique items.

When I entered college, I stopped creating items to sell and instead focused my crafting as a means to produce gifts for family and friends. I remember that when we moved to Louisville and I set up the Christmas tree, I was a little embarrassed that all our ornaments were ones that I had made. One of my neighbors came for a visit and was enchanted by my tree. The next thing I knew, others were stopping in to see my tree and asking if I made ornaments for sale. This in turn started my journey towards crafting items to sale at craft shows.

Until now I have only done one to two shows a year, as a way to pay for supplies. Now I am considering starting an actual arts and crafts business. I have started doing research on how to acquire a business license and other facets of setting up a business.

There are so many things to learn and consider. What is an LLC? How do I do the bookkeeping? Will I be able to use supplies that I already have stocked up for my business? The list goes on and on.

I absolutely love crafting and passing on those skills to others. My husband is teaching himself web development and offered to create this blog site for me. We both thought that creating a blog would not only give us a project to work on together but also may give me the motivation to move forward in creating a business.

The onslaught of COVID brought about my early retirement from a public school system. I, like so many others, found myself lost and displaced. I told my husband that sometimes I feel as confused as I did as a teenager, and recently told my son that I’m having trouble trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up! Closing the door on one chapter of your life and moving into another is frightening and can be very confusing. This is where I find myself at this time. It also makes me think that I can’t be alone. That there has to be others in similar situations.

Trying to figure out how to start a small home-based business is very daunting. I will admit that I have had more than one headache from trying to figure this stuff out. As I go along this journey, I plan to update you as I figure out this process and resources that offer help.

Thanks for stopping by.

Come back soon,

Vikki

The post TO BE OR NOT TO BE? CRAFTING: HOBBY OR BUSINESS appeared first on BeeVee Arts and Crafts.