This past Saturday I had my first home party at my sister’s house. It was basically like a mini craft show starring me with yummy food. It was a good way to warm up to doing a craft show. This setting was more friendly & personal so I was pretty relaxed (or relaxed as I could be). It allowed me to get used to taking money from customers, writing receipts, etc. To be honest, that is what I was most nervous about as well as running out of goods to sell.

It was very encouraging to hear the guests comments. They also had some great suggestions.

What I took away from this

Take photos of your setup. This helps so you can go back to analyze what worked and what didn’t.

Be flexible with your display. What works at home party will not necessarily work at a craft fair. I have two ways to display purses an antique clothes drying rack that collapses really small and the wood shutters. I didn’t end up using some of the props I made because I didn’t have room on my table.

You won’t know what your customers will like until you get out there & interact with them. I got some great product suggestions and ideas of things I could do to improve my products. So keep that notebook handy!

Have fun, smile & be friendly. People like to hear the story behind what they are buying. Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself when people ask.

Do you have experience doing home parties or craft shows? I’d love to hear some of your best tips!

Happy crafting,
L

antique wood shutters turned into purse display

craft show table

It seems like I am in the middle of a craft storm these days. I am doing inventory, which I must admit I hate. I am sewing until the wee hours of the night. All of this is in preparation for my first home party and my first craft shows. I am dead tired, but so excited and motivated.

I am so blessed that my hubby has helped around the house a lot more (he already does so much). He’s also painted some antique shutters,  hinged them together and built feet for them. They are gorgeous. He even stained some wood crates for me. Thank you handsome! None of this would be possible without you

One of the great things about recycling men’s ties is that they can be for men or women depending on the color or print.

So go find some ugly old neckties and make something cool!

Happy crafting!
Lynn

admit i messed up

I know this is hard to do, but honesty is always the best policy. Don’t try to cover up that you misplaced something or made a mistake. Be honest and sincere. Your customer will respect you a lot more!

stay calm

Above all else, I would try to stay calm and take this as a learning experience. Maybe I would learn that I need better organization or communication. Then I would file that away in my brain for future use!

make it right

Whether it is a refund or a credit, I would attempt to make it right and hope my customer is understanding. If not chalk it up to a learning experience and move on. After all. you’ve done everything you can to make it right

What would you do in a situation like this? If you have messed up, what did you do to correct it?

I finished 4 headbands, 2 totes and 1 clutch this week. Next I’m working on the last of the lettering for my craft booth banner. I still have a ton to do and will probably be sewing right up until my first show

I love red. I love recycled. So these gorgeous felted wool mittens fit the bill! These are so pretty and warm looking that I almost want winter to come Jonia has many colors and patterns available here if you want another color.

my first wool purse

I cannot believe that two years ago I opened my etsy store. So much has changed. I have grown more than I ever could imagine.

My products & photos are better. I work smarter. I have a plan, a dream and many goals. I am excited to create and share things every day.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to see what I am doing and to cheer me on. I hope that you are learning more about yourself and what you love to do too. I hope I’ve inspired you

I am in love with what I do and I hope it shows!!!

Happy crafting!
L

current purse design

I am so happy to say that I am almost ready to start my first craft show season! The last that I needed for my booth is being worked on now by my hubby.

He is sandblasting and painting 6 antique shutters that were covered in green paint. He must really love me  When they are done, they will be black and have hinges. I cannot wait to hang my bags on them!

more new items

Other than sewing more items for my booth, I am working on some wool purses and custom pot holders.  I just love it when people ask me to create something special just for them! If you love my style of bags, headbands, etc., but need a different color or size  or want to use a sweater or jeans of your own please email me at lynnminneydesigns@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you