Update:
I had my follow-up appointment to have my stint removed. I'll spare you the details but it was difficult.
The good news is that almost all the discomfort I had when sitting at my computer is gone. I can get back to serious work and get my backed-up orders filled. That is the plan for today. I would like to get caught up in two or three days. At that point, I will put the order form back on the blog post so others can place orders.
When you get the personalized Christmas ornament orders it will come with an invoice. If my delay caused you to miss a deadline or if it caused you any other issues, then just disregard the invoice. I am fine if you do not pay the invoice. The patterns are attached to the invoice.
Preparing to sell at a Craft Show
This time of year Craft Fairs are common. If this is the year that you are planning to start selling your work then maybe this discussion will help a little. This information is just my thoughts on the subject. I'm sure I have left something out but it will get you started and thinking about what you need.
Setting up for a craft sale takes some planning to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a great day. Start by organizing all your craft items—make sure everything is labeled, priced, and arranged in a way that makes it easy for people to browse. Don’t forget plenty of bags or boxes for your customers to carry their purchases. It’s also handy to have a small toolkit with essentials like scissors, tape, and string. Use display stands, tablecloths, and eye-catching signs to make your booth inviting. Make sure you have a cash box or money belt, along with some small change. A card reader is also a must-have these days since most folks prefer to pay with cards.
If you’re setting up outside, be ready for any kind of weather. A sturdy canopy or pop-up tent is great for protecting your booth from the sun or rain—just make sure it's anchored well with weights or stakes in case it gets windy. Waterproof containers are also super useful if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Bring along tarps and clips to quickly cover your products if needed, and it’s always smart to have some extra towels in case things get damp. Don’t forget to bring a comfy chair and a water bottle—craft fairs can be long, and staying comfortable and hydrated is key to keeping your energy up.
Talking with customers is one of the best parts of a craft sale, and it’s key to making sales. Greet everyone who comes up to your booth with a smile and a friendly attitude. Be approachable but not pushy—let folks browse at their own pace, but be ready to answer questions or chat about your products. Sharing a little about your process or inspiration can make a personal connection, which makes people more likely to buy. Stay upbeat, show your enthusiasm for your work, and keep your energy up. If someone seems interested but hesitant, you could offer a small incentive, like a discount or a little freebie. And always remember to thank every customer, even if they don’t buy anything—it leaves a good impression and might bring them back in the future.
Tags are a big deal when it comes to showing off your crafts. They give customers important info right away. Make sure each item has a tag with the price, materials used, and any special details. If your crafts are handmade from local and sustainable resources, definitely highlight that—it can be a big selling point for people who care about eco-friendly and community-focused products. Nice-looking, informative tags can make your items stand out, help customers decide, and make your booth look professional. Use good-quality materials for your tags and keep them consistent with your booth’s overall style for a cohesive look.
It’s also really important to focus on similar items when setting up your booth. If your products are too varied, like handmade quilts and wooden birdhouses, it might be hard for customers to understand what your booth is all about. Sticking to a consistent theme makes it easier for buyers to know what you offer and gives your booth a more polished look. A cohesive collection of related items also makes people more likely to buy, rather than feeling confused by an eclectic mix that doesn’t fit together.
Craft shows can be so rewarding, but you’ve got to be patient, especially when you’re just starting out. It takes time to figure out the right mix of products that will resonate with customers, and not everything will be a hit right away. Keep notes after each show—what sold well, what didn’t, and any feedback you got from customers. This will help a ton when you’re prepping for future events and fine-tuning what you’re selling. With some persistence and a willingness to adapt, you’ll find what works best for your audience and build a successful craft sale experience.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
Country Church Pattern
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Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2023 on USB drive, or Instant Download. Over 4,300 Patterns!
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.You will never run out of fun patterns to cut.
Two delivery options.
After payment, you will receive an email with the download link. This is a large file. You should not attempt to download it on a tablet or smartphone. It is a compressed file that will need to be extracted to your hard drive. Basic computer skills are necessary to extract the file.
Click this link to order the USB Drive
The USB drive contains all the Scrollsaw Workshop Patterns. The drive is $25 plus shipping and handling. Now with the new distributor the drive ships to the US and many other countries. The shipping can get expensive to some international locations so the Instant download option above is probably more desirable.
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.
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