I was playing around with a possible business card last night. I think I’m liking this. I need to get some cards printed for this show on Friday that was TOTALLY last minute, so Kinkos will have to do. I do have a fondness for this 50’s teal/blue (as I see it). I was inspired by my “new” metal coffee and sugar containers I bought for under $2. Also, threw in a design element from one of my new Gocco card designs. I think I’ll work on a little of the spacing, but what do you think? 

Well, this past weekend was my (our) first craft show. I would not call it a complete success, however it was a great learning experience and proved to myself I can do it! In that sense, I would say we were successful. First off, the show was only about 30 vendors in this Ukrainian Catholic Church. Most of the people that came (all 150 or so) were quite older, and just didn’t seem to be interested in purchasing anything! Not from me, not from any of the vendors. It was beyond slow, but like I said before, the experience was a good one. I am now prepared to take on another show, to put myself out there again and again.
 

Dustin was incredibly supportive through the whole process, telling me how proud he was of me over and over… especially during the two days we sat behind our completely dead booth listening to what sounded like Ukrainian Ska music on one side of the room and Carribean Steel drums on the other… yes, it was interesting to say the least. So, again, we’ll chalk this one up on the side of experience. 

Here are some photos from the weekend. And oh, did I mention? My cousin got me into a show this Friday at an Art Gallery, hopefully more of our crowd. We will see how that one goes! Enjoy! 

My “wibits” and a tshirt pillow. We sold one of the plaid guys.
Made from an old pair of Dustin’s pants. The others are made from
thrifted or donated old fleece blankets.
 

Close up of the Wibits.
My little sister wants this one. 

My $5 Display rack from local thrift shop.
Gave it a quick coat of white, looks good as new.
I think it was originally used to house sewing patterns. 
 

Detail shot on the display rack and cards. 
 

Extra Gocco cards for sale. Picked up the blue metal container
for .69 cents at my local thrift store. I have another matching
SUGAR one that is quite larger for .99 cents. I love the color.
 

One of my new designs I created for a Gocco Swap.
I love this one so much. I think I’ll make it into a tshirt!
 

Make these from glass chips and magazine/junk mail clippings and a little felt.  

Detail of one of the shirt designs.
 

 Tiered Dessert Tray I made from thrifted and donated vintage items.
 

This is what I first saw when I walked into the church. LOTS of sausages.
 

LUNCH! Those potato ravioli type things were SO YUMMY! Pyrohys? 
 

Dustin thoroughly enjoyed every bit of his food. 
Isn’t his hat great?  
 

I’m excited for the next show. I hope things pick up. I did get a lot of great feedback from other wonderful vendors at this show, so that was very encouraging. Oh, did I mention, we definitely spent more at the show than we made! But that’s ok. We found some great vintage items. I’ll share those next week. Until then… HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 

Ok, ok. I will admit, I have totally procrastinated for my craft show. Now, it’s less than 2 weeks away, and I’m definitely getting my butt in gear. I think my procrastination is stemming from just not knowing even where to begin! I have so many ideas floating around in my head. There is so much to think about, so much to prepare. I have been doing a lot of research, and I’m past due on giving a friend of ours a call to pick his brain. (I haven’t forgotten you Bill). 

However, in the midst of my frantic preparation, there is a sign of relief. About a week or so ago, I ordered a new stamp! I wanted something I could use on the backs of my cards and envelope flaps as well as to make little price tags for all of my items and “business” cards. I found this company to test out stamps for SewTrashy.com and EndureLife.com. Both of them turned out PERFECT! They are exactly what I imagined, and bring a new level of professionalism to our products. I spent some time today stamping out a handful of cards. Once these are good and dry, I’ll start packing them up for the show! I would HIGHLY recommend this company if you are in the market for a stamp or two. They were prompt and prices were very reasonable. I will definitely be using these guys again in the future. Maybe I’ll start my own line of stamps! Hmm… 

Testing out the new stamps.
 

The second line says “sewtrashy.etsy.com” in tiny letters. Stamps clearly!
 

And here they all are drying. The ones to the top of the photo are a celery green to
match the green gocco ink on the front of the Tank You card.
 

Up next… making more “Wibits” (named by my little sister, Amaris) Will keep you posted on my progress for the show!

Today, we woke up at 4am to volunteer at Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair in DC. This is one of our awesome gift bags! We worked the 5am – 10am shift, but ended up working until 11am. No problem though, because we were lucky enough to hook up with Art Whino around 7am and stuck it out with them setting up their MASSIVE collection of art. Did I mention I wanted to buy every SINGLE piece!? Susanna, Annie and Darrell were all really awesome people to work with too. I’m so happy we met them! We did end up buying the piece below for Dustin. It’s so fun, very different than anything else we have on our walls! 
 

“Danosaur” by Daniel Fleres.
 

After we finished up with the Art Whino Crew, of course we did some SHOPPING! I have such a hard time deciding what to buy. Everyone is so talented, with SO many wonderful items. Take a look at my new wares!
 

Recycled Skateboard Earrings by Claire Mcdermott.

Cute little yellow earrings by Jenny Wren.

Snazzy new bag by Barry’s Farm.
 

Detail shot of snazzy new bag by Barry’s Farm.

New clutch purse by Barry’s Farm.

Little felt button by Miss Chief Productions.

Did I mention that by volunteering Dustin and I were BOTH entered in a drawing for a FREE, UNJURIED BOOTH for next year’s Crafty Bastards! I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much, but man that would be flippin’ sweet! Especially considering they get like 400 applicants but only accept 100. *fingers crossed*

Oh, and stupid us… we were so tired this morning we totally forgot our camera! No pictures of the actual event… AGAIN! Maybe next year!

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