I'm back, well sort of, now that my craft fairs are over I am trying to clean up around here. The Closet looks much like a bomb went off in there and the rest of the house has been sadly neglected for far to long. It make take me a while to get caught up to all of you but I'll be by soon.
Over all the craft fairs were disappointing. We had lots of foot traffic and while everyone seemed in high spirits, people were not buying. I have watched my sales and those of fellow vendors drop year by year as the economy continues to worsen. Each year one or more vendors decides it isn’t worth the effort and drops by the way side. Such talented people are missed.
I must say it was all I could do to keep from screaming every time I heard the word CUTE. Seems no one buys cute. I didn’t sell a single one of my votive candle cakes or the candle lollipops. The Magic Piggy Wands sold out at both fairs and I did sell out of my large Christmas planners otherwise I sold a little of this and a little of that.
Not the best photos but I’d like to share my set up with you and especially the lovely banner my sweet son Matt had made for me. It looks much better in person.
Bernie
Hi Bernie
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry things didn't go better for you at the fayres.
I think times are hard everywhere at the moment and by the sound of things here in the UK they are going to get even worse before they get better!!!
It is such a shame when things don't sell .. .. especially when you have put so much effort into making everything. I was surprised your candles didn't sell .. .. I thought they were lovely.
I hope it hasn't put you off attending more in the future.
Love Jules xx
I just had a friend do several shows last weekend and her sales were poor. (Opposite side of the country) People just don't have expendable cash these days.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about opening an Etsy Shop? I have no idea what that involves, but that way you don't have to pack up and leave anywhere, and you can sell what you have. You put such hard work into your beautiful creations.
Your setup looked great.
It's such a shame when this happens Bernie especially given all the hard work you put into it. Love the banner from your son. Carol x
ReplyDeleteOkay, B, I will try to help you remember next year, no more CUTE!!! Unless, I'm up there visiting, because I personally do buy "cute" stuff. Oh, well, your son's banner is fantastic, as was your layout and it sounds like, overall, it wasn't a complete washout. That truly is a lot of work for the trouble.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my place and your sweet comment. I've missed you. I'm peeling away, going at an easy pace, so I can peel for reals next week for a big Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends. (We'll have it elsewhere if I'm not up to it, last minute. Everyone brings dishes and DDIL is coming Tuesday night to help (or do) the day-before-cross-that-off-the-list stuff, so I think it will all be fine.)
Sorry you didn't get an autumn, but it must be a relief to be done with those horrific fires. You and Jim take care! I'll wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving now, in case I don't make it back by before next week!!
Hearts!
Darnell
Oh, I'm sorry about your sales. Times are tough for crafters, I suppose. But, your son came through and I am sure that warmed your heart.
ReplyDeletei am surprised the candles didn't well...they would make great stocking stuffers or hostess gifts.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should give etsy a try...no craft table fees!
Thr banner looks fab and your booth is well set up!
Such a shame to hear that the Craft Fair was disappointing. I found the same last year and ducked out of them this year and it has been really nice to do things because I want to do them.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great stall there. Alot of work too. Try not to be disheartened.
Hugs
xx
Hi there Bernie am really loving your sons amazing sing it is really awesome!!! and am glad some things sold, even if the thing with the four letter "C" word {which should be banned} did not!
ReplyDeleteI used to hate it when young to be patted on my head and told I was cute there was some grinding of teeth over that and think that is what is wrong with them now!!
:D
re the brayering have done video on you tube for brayer basics - and have post half done to post with the video in next month or so - just watch that space you could say - it really is not hard, like baking a cake, just dont stop it when it is half baked or half done..love Shaz in oz.x
Bernie, your setup looks lovely. It had to be the economic situation that hurt your sales, because your booth looks really nice. Great job on the sign too! You worked hard on your items, and I'm sorry you got a disappointment. But there's always another one...or you could join up with another crafter, have a pre-Christmas sale???You had a lot of really pretty things for sale...so you did what you could,& for those things beyond your control, well, you can't control that, right????You gained experience, have some 'gifts', etc. Glad to see you back blogging. Now if I can get just back to blog surfing, we'll both be all set! Hugs my friend, and a truly Happy Thanksgiving. You're one of my 'I'm thankful to have.....'.
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie, sorry that the sales weren't so good after all your hard work.. Your display looks so organised and colourful and well done to your son too for the banner. Sorry I haven't been around at all lately, but I've been quite a bit busy. Wishing you a nice weekend xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you felt the economic crunch that we're all feeling, but don't be too discouraged! Things will hopefully pick up again soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog today and leaving a comment! Good luck to you :)
Bernie . . . sorry to learn the craft fair didn't work out so well.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly . . . I understand things are less than OK with you at the moment (saw Mary H's post). I am not religious, so I cannot honestly offer you a prayer as Mary H requested, but I do believe in the power of positive thought, and that is what I'll be sending you lots of. Hoping 2013 is a better year for you and yours, as it seems to have thrown a lot of troubles your way.
Big Hugs
Sarn xxxx
Dear sweet Bernie, I'm here too and can only echo what Sarn said above. Positive thoughts coming from me too - will email you ASAP. Love and hugs, Di xx
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie,
ReplyDeleteI came on here to wish you a Merry Christmas and see if you've been posting, since I've been missing you. Then I saw the above comments, so I went back over to Mary's to read her P.S. which I missed and to thank her for the head's up, and now I'm back to let you know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you strength and peace to deal with whatever onions you have to peel. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do.
Big warm hugs! Darnell
Hi Bernie, just wanted to wish you a most Happy New Year, and say that I'll be looking forward to seeing the lovely projects you share in 2013. Will be saying a big prayer that things will be looking better real soon, and hope that you know many of your blogger buddies are praying and sending good positive thoughts your way. You're in my thoughts and hope you are doing ok. Many hugs and thanks for your encouragment this past year.
ReplyDelete