Paper Pumpkin Recycle

I love using every ounce of the supplies I have or coming up with new and innovative ways to use the things I have.  So, I've had a blast using some things with the Stampin' Up! paper pumpkin kits!

First up is the November Paper Pumpkin kit.  I was knee deep in craft shows, which meant I didn't get to make the kit right away.  So, I wanted to re-purpose the kit a little.  I ended up painting the boxes (before assembling) in brown paint.  I had some thick multi-purpose paint on hand and a sponge roller brush, so I was able to paint these in one easy coat!  I glued on some eyes and added a pom-pom that I dyed with cherry cobbler ink.

The antlers?  I took ribbon I had on hand, and made one loop at the top, gluing two smaller loops to the sides.  These were attached to the pie slice and I added some treats to the inside!  These are perfect gifts for little ones!

My second idea came when I was putting together a holiday open house around the December paper pumpkin kit.  First, can I say WOW!! I love that kit and was so excited to share with others.  However, I really wanted an extra holiday card.  Using the page of punched out silver snowflakes from the kit, we used the negative space to make a stencil.  A sponge and some pool party ink completed these little guys.  Then, the snowflake stamp and sentiment from the kit finished up the side!  I added a few stars punched in glitter paper and some leftover white ribbon from the July paper pumpkin kit.  Mission accomplished!

Craft Show Re-cap

Hello!  It's been FOREVER since I posted, and I didn't realize just how long it had been until I logged on.  I can tell you this time hasn't been idle for me; on the contrary!  I start preparing in September for the mass of craft shows I do as well as the holiday season.

It's a good thing too, because that money went to new tires and new shocks on my car this past week!  I really enjoy shows, although they do tire me out a bit after several in a row.  But, I've been doing them for a few years now, and have a system.

So, I thought this post would be about how I prepare, and what I do during shows.  I am going to focus on craft shows in this post, but will chat about vendor shows in my next post.

Before the show
Creation and Cost
As I said, I really start gearing up for holiday shows in September, but I make things all year round. I make several sets of cards (5 per set), and other items based on what I can find.  I like to upcycle materials and make something new out of something old.  So, my table varies a bit from year to year.

When making things, I keep a notebook of materials used, and the cost of these.  That helps me make sure I am charging enough to cover my time and cost.  Here is an easy formula:

Cost of Materials + Time x 2 = Wholesale Price
Wholesale x 2 = Retail Price

Inventory Sheet
I also keep an inventory of everything I made.  This makes it easy to track what's left, and therefore what is selling well, what I might need to make more of, etc.  I've been unfortunate to have a few things stolen at some shows before too, so an inventory sheet is really helpful.  I go through this at the end of the show, but you can also keep a tally sheet of what sells during the show too.

Organization
This is key.  Shows are hectic, busy, and can be hard to keep up!  So, I try to think of everything ahead of time.  I keep a box of materials at the ready for use at the show.  Here's my list:
Signs with prices for each set of items
Double sided tape
Sharpie and pens
Receipt book
Square reader (if you take debit/credit cards)
Bags (I bring lunch size brown bags I stamp on ahead of time and larger bags with handles that I also stamp and pre-staple a business card to with some ribbon.  Marketing technique at use here!)
Stapler
Safety pins in a small sandwich bag
Business cards
Small price tags
Bottle of water and snack

Branding
I want my table to be a destination and to stand out in the sea of other vendors.  So, I to this in two ways.  First, I add height to my table by adding crates/boxes on the bottom of the table before adding the rest of the tablecloths and merchandise.  I also have made some platters with recycles plates and either vases/candlestick holders/glasses that are great for holding smaller items.

Second, the tablecloths, display materials, and everything on my table is consistent so my tablescape matches.  I have generally gone for a shabby chic or vintage look with lace overlays, mason jars, weathered boxes, and more.