Craft Show Checklist

Murfreesboro TN Nov. Craft Show

As I prepare for this upcoming craft show, I am making a list of things not to forget. It has been a long time since I last set up a table at a show to sell my wares, and in all the hustle and bustle to be prepared, there are quite a few things to double check. I am sure that I will forget something on the big day, but here is a quick rundown of some important items to remember.

-Change fund:
Do you have plenty of fives and singles to make change? Is there a bank or business nearby to help in a bind.

-Taxes:
Do you have your tax rate figured out and built into the prices, along with any certificates or paperwork you might need to bring along.

-Prices:
Are they marked clearly on your items, or do you have clear signage that is easy to read? Customers are often timid about asking the prices, so having them clearly displayed will help sales.

discountshoppingbags.com

-Shopping Bags:
Do you have appropriate size bags for the customers to fit the purchases? For bonus marketing, prepare some favor bundles, with your business card, coupons, and a small gift, such as a candy cane or product sample, and place these in the bags before the show. Your shoppers will now be able to find you for future gifts and have a pleasant memory of shopping with you. Many people have allergies, so non-food items, such as a tiny bag of crayons, or a handmade magnet, are good altenatives.

-Lunch and Bathroom Access:
You want to be busy all day selling, but there is bound to be some downtime to take care of your needs. Make sure to pack a lunch and beverages and locate the nearest restroom.

-Emergency Helper:
Have a friend or family member come with you if possible, or someone to call if you need to help or have a problem.

-Medicine, Cell Phone, Warm Jacket, First Aid Kit:
Be prepared for extreme weather situations and minor illnesses/injuries. Wet wipes, kleenex, and lip balm are also good to have on hand.

-Business Cards/Informational Handouts:
You are sure to have plenty of people browsing that are not prepared to buy, but make sure you have something to give out, so they can locate you online or at your next venue.

-Spare Inventory:
Do you have storage bins or room in your vehicle to bring extra items to sell, in case you have more business than expected?

-Reciept Book:
Do you have way to record your transactions so the customer can have a reciept?

-Friendly Smile!
Perhaps your most valuable marketing tool. Make sure to be attentive to the customers without hovering, and available for questions. Do not seem uninterestet or absorbed in texting with your phone or talking to a neighbor.

Sunday Shop

We're going to change the "Feature Friday on a Sunday" to "Sunday Shop" from now on. It was just becoming too much to type. 
This week's Sunday Shop is:

Cuddle Bug Gifts boutique has the most colorful children's clothing on Etsy. The designs that you will find in April's shop are loud and fun and playful.

We'll be featuring some of her newer Easter-themed listings.

Why not start with a bunny? This adorable little bunny appliquéd shirt comes with  pink ruffled pants that make for a very sweet outfit that can actually be worn all summer.

The second I laid eyes on this Knot Dress, I fell in love. My favorite thing about it is that no matter which hair ties you child wants to wear, they'll undoubtedly match! A little girl could have a lot of fun in this wonderful mixed-pattern dress.

The Pillowcase Dress is as sweet as it is simple. It would look great on any little girl AND it has matching polka dot bloomers for the girl on the go.

Cuddle Bug Gifts boutique also does boys clothing.

April, what got you started when you started learning how to sew?

I started sewing by hand as a child making clothing for my dolls with leftover scraps from my grandmother. She sewed all the time making clothing for her, her grandchildren, and the house. My mother bought my first sewing machine for me when I was 16 and I had first started out redecorating my room with some pretty wild prints. It wasn't until I had my first child almost 3 years ago that I began sewing children's clothing and have never looked back. My sister and I headed to our local Hobby Lobby and picked out some fabric to make a basic pillowcase dress {that honestly was terrible}, I had sewed for years but there was so much for me to learn about making clothing. I am constantly reading about new techniques and trying new patterns. Embroidery and Applique are new to me (I have only been doing it for a year now) and I have really enjoyed adding special touches to my outfits.

How do you manage to find time to sew with little ones running around?

Haha, I wonder the same thing sometimes. I have two girls~one will be three in 4 months and the other turns 1 in 2 weeks. My oldest is pretty good if I put on a movie and she will watch it if I need to get some things complete, but mostly I sew during their nap time and after they go to sleep. This is my unwind time and sewing definitely calms my nerves after a long day.

Where do you come up with the ideas for your outfits?

My ideas come from different things and places. I will follow the bigger name boutiques to see what the latest fashions are~ to recreate at home at much more affordable price. I also will spend hours browsing fabric stores and online fabrics to come up with new ideas. With some wonderful fabric designers out there~how can you not be inspired!!

Cuddle Bug Gifts also has clothing for little boys along with the many great outfits that it has for little girls. Be sure to check it out the next time you need an original gift for a little one!

Thanks so much for sharing with us, April.

The MET: 

http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team

featured shop: cuddlebuggifts
featured shop's fb fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/cuddlebuggifts