Does anyone have any experience making dog collars, leashes, etc. and selling them? I went to a craft fair last spring and this lady seemed to do a nice business.
I was wondering of anyone out there -has sold the Goument Dips. I like to get into it. But I want to make sure I talk to people before- to see how it is. Thank you
I actually noticed the reduction in sales at craft fairs a few years after NAFTA was passed. Cheap labor and consequently cheap lead infested junk from China has had a more negative effect.
I do craft show for a living (I sell hand painted pottery) & the ONE thing that ALWAYS sells & makes money is GARDEN crafts. It may be actual plants, or seeds or live floral wreaths or flowers planted in unusual things like in boots or old chairs or tires. Wooden window boxes always sell too, or even garden art or yard furniture or bird baths & stepping stones, but let me tell you, ANYTHING for the yard or garden sells like crazy!
* You gotta have 2 price scales; the pricey stuff & also something to sell that's under 20 or 30 dollars. The lower priced stuff is what people will buy without thinking to hard about it.
Craft Fairs aren't bringing in the money they used to (Believe me!), with the economy these days being so bad you have to have something either people NEED & is USEFUL or is SUPER CHEAP that they can buy for a gift. I'm making less than half what I made before 2000. REALLY! Even though I have a great reputation & people know me better & better each year) When the economy sucks, so do sales at craft fairs (Unless you're selling food items). I sometimes drive 180 miles (round trip) to sell my stuff "where the money is". Try to sell your stuff at a fair where the people with money live. Get my drift!?
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Request: Crafts to Sell at Craft Shows
Archived on 02/04/2008
My daughter Katie and I would like to make crafts items to sell at local craft shows. We have some ideas but would like more. Does anyone know of some good websites for free craft patterns and ideas? Thanks!
Sharon Young from Benton, AR
Answers:
RE: Crafts to Sell at Craft Shows
I have a suggestion that is fairly inexpensive to make and seems to sell well for me. At Michael's or Hobby Lobby you can purchase tiny canvas (about 5 1/2" x 6") They come in colors as well as neutral. Next use just about anything to decorate them. I use buttons, rick rack, fun fur trim, beaded trim extra. I sell mine for $5.00 ea., but you could get more. I am going to try and send you a picture of a couple of mine to give you a better idea. I mostly glue my trims on with Fabritac and glue buttons etc. with Gemtac. Sometimes I sew the buttons on. Contact me if you would like more ideas.
Judy (07/23/2006)
Go to this web site and download this computer software for free! You can use it to make bags, shawls, hats, and slippers. It supplies you with the patterns and sewing instructions - you supply the labor, supplies and creativity. It's great. The link is: http://www.wildginger.com/products/wildthings.htm
Have fun crafting!!! Sincerely, CaseyT6 (07/26/2006)
If you are going to stay with local craft shows, then why not make your crafts fit the area .
I am thinking calendars with local photos even local events on the calendars.
The same crafting picture frames.
Candles are a great sale along with wrapping them with homemade stitchery. Shaping your candles into figurines are very salable. Perhaps figurines that are high school and college mascots .
Unique flower arranging using containers that would normally be called trash but made so beautiful and unique that they outshine the norm.
My trick in making crafts is to spend much less money but invest much more time on my projects.
I wish you and you daughter well.
Mr. Thrifty
(08/07/2006)
