Craft Show Goodies

Knitted sunglasses cases awaiting blocking, seaming, and buttons. I need to make as many as I can this week before moving on to other merch for the craft show!

Hair Clips

I've been working away on some hair clips for the craft show. Were they on my original list of things to make? Nope. But you gotta pay attention to the inspiration gods when they come a-knocking!

Business Cards

As I mentioned previously, part of getting ready for my craft show is getting new business cards. I wanted to create an image, maybe even a new branding, that would be original and in line with both my shop name and the items I create. I spent yesterday taking some shots and editing away at them (and finally put to use a Ken doll my besties gave me for my 21st birthday):

  

What do you think? I really like the way these shots turned out but for the most part, they don't really suit the style of my shop. They do, however, perfectly play up my shop name (and TOTALLY feed my love of noir) so I found a way of pumping up one of the photos to make it more playful and not so, um, threatening. Results to be revealed once I order and receive my business cards.

I like some of these shots so much, though, I think I'm gonna see if I can make them into bookmarkers or something. Always thinking, this one!

Retro Indie Market

With the chaos of the Christmas season over, I finally have time to concentrate on getting ready for my first craft show! What's that you say? I hadn't mentioned it yet? Well, peep it:



Isn't that the cutest flyer? Leads me to believe the whole event will be adorable. But do you see that date? I only have a little over a month to get everything ready, which might sound like a long time but really isn't. I have to get everything from business cards to merchandise to display items ready and while I'm crazy with excitement I'm also super anxious. It's my very first time presenting my items to the public in person and I want to put my bestest foot forward and have everything be as perfect as possible. To keep in theme with the event I'm also happy that I get to create more items that reflect my love of the retro-inspired and have ideas for bookmarkers, hair accessories, and even wallets! I just hope they work out as well in execution as they do in my imagination.

So, with all I have going on, it is absolute perfect timing that I have some new toys to play with.


Crafter's Little Helper



Makes everything from laminations to stickers to magnets - what?!

The Dremel was a Christmas gift and one I have been not-too-subtly-dropping-hints-for for AGES. The Xyron 505 Laminator is an outdated version of the Xyron Creative Station and a total STEAL at $12.00 on eBay. I love finding a good bargain! Luckily, it still uses the new cartridges available for the current version - though each one costs more than my laminator did. Still, I'm excited and have some big PLANS for these little guys. 

It MUST Be That Time Of Year...

... 'cause I've been making sales! Most popular item in the shop?

Owl Cuff!

I've already sold three of these suckers and I just listed them on Friday! Also popular, special order beanies! I've been knitting non-stop since Monday and just finished up the last beanie. Now I just have to make a scarf and that package can go out.

Also, I participated in my first trade! Have you guys traded on Etsy before? I hadn't. I got a convo from someone saying they loved a particular beanie of mine and would I be interested in trading for something in their shop. Would I?! Yeah! Not only was I able to trade for TWO of their items, but I was able to get one personalized. All for the cost of my beanie and the 0.20 listing fee. Totally worth it! I didn't know people traded on Etsy at all - but I LIKE it. I think I'd feel a little weird initiating a trade at this point 'cause what if they don't like my items? And their reaction is "how 'bout you just give me the cash, you tight wad?" But I'm all for people trading with me!

So busy, busy! And happy. It's still only paying off in small bits right now but I know it'll just keep growing, growing! My house is a mess, my crafting is spread out in every available space, I work way too late into the night, and my wrist keeps threatening to walk out on me, but I love it. I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to.