I am thinking about going to a couple of craft shows in November and December as a vendor, so I am making things to get ready for it. Since I live in an RV, I have to make small things so I will have room to store them. In my previous life I used to go to craft shows to sell my stuff, but I made things like soap and bath salts that were heavy. I just don’t have anywhere to keep stuff like that anymore in quantities large enough to make it worth my while to go to the shows with.
Way back then, I made teddy bears and hobby horses, appliqued dish towels, and a couple of other things, too. I thought about making some teddy bears, but when I took out my pattern, I was missing a piece of it. Can’t make a teddy with no head now can we?
I love doing the shows–you meet so many people, other crafters, and it’s just fun. And sometimes you sell something!
I also love decorating the tables and setting up an attractive display. Sometimes it can be challenging. Things have changed since the late 90’s when I was doing the craft show circuit. Back then, I could only take cash payments. I am thinking now, I could take my laptop with me and I could take payments through Paypal over the internet, like instant money!
So, today while I was thinking about what to make, I came up with several ideas for things. First, ever since I lost my manicure kit, I have been trying to develop a little zipper one, not too big, but big enough to hold all the manicure tools plus a couple bottles of nail polish. This is the first attempt:
While this one is pretty, it is not functional–the tools fall out the open sides. So, today, I designed a different one, that has a zipper closure, and has little pockets inside to hold everything. It is even big enough to hold a couple bottles of nail polish:
I just need to adjust my pattern to make it a little bit bigger on all sides, like maybe 1/4 inch, so that the tools will fit better.
I am also going to make some more of those little zipper bags:
And some more business card wallets:
So, I think I have a lot of sewing ahead of me in the weeks to come. What else can I make that would be 1. small, 2. lightweight, and 3. would sell well??????
Froggi Donna says
Karen, what are you charging for the business card wallets. I love those!!
Fab Grandma says
Donna, I make the business card wallets with no zipper for $8, the ones with zipper pocket are $10
geogypsy says
Mike suggests a “possibilities” bag.
I was thinking of the small kind of bag, about passport size, that is worn around the neck.
And don’t forget the Christmas ornaments. Good way to use up scraps.
Fab Grandma says
Gaelyn and Mike, those are good ideas! Thanks!
Karen T. says
How about Kindle covers? I’ve been looking for ‘just the right pattern’ for one myself. Bet lots of people would be interested in a secure cover in interesting fabrics!
Fab Grandma says
I had not thought about that, great idea!
Janice says
My girlfriend sells boo koos of headbands with flowers attached. . .they are very, very popular with the little girls right now!