2011

A new year has begun and I don't think I'm ready! lol I did spend some time finding some shows to do this year, and I'm trying to find a space to host my own show next month. I was going to try for this month - so we could get orders for Valentine's, but that's not going to happen. I'll start looking through all my supplies, see what I need to order, get all the applications printed and mailed with payments (Yikes! Need some money for that!!), and get another Vista Print order made for some new cards and such. I'd also like to work on some business letters for Uppercase Living and Noah's Ark. Maybe get more information on the Time4Food Supply - it's where you can order food for camping or emergency supplies. I'd like to get a letter made to send out to emergency service places like the Red Cross.
We have a great new sale with Uppercase Living! Buy 2, get 1 FREE - anything in our catalog! Including Photo prints, and accessories! I'm hoping for some money so I can order some new displays and supplies (goodies to give when someone books a show or gives me an order). With a bunch of shows coming up, I know I get more people interested when I have some goodies on hand to either sell or hand out. With UL, it'll be flyers, brochures, my goodie bags with card, instructions, candy and sample word. With Noah's Ark, I'll need to get some animals and the $5 gift cards. Would be nice to have some outfits to show (or sell!), but that depends on the finances. I'd like to get some of the Bella Beads also, but not sure if we can swing that. I do have one, but would like to be able to show the different kinds we carry. Guess I better sell a bunch at these shows so I can do some ordering! I'll make up some gifts in a jar closer to show dates, including the rubs and drink mixes. I'm also looking for the stuff to make the treasure jars (jar filled with sand with trinkets hidden with a list of riddles or whats' inside). I know I need to print more journal jars, and do more of my printing for the popcorn and tea bags. I have some templates and need to see what I can make myself or get my oldest to help me. I'll be printing the Greeting Cake labels so people can see all the holiday options we have (as of now) and what all we carry as our brochure doesn't show the boxes and mugs. I should look into upgrading my printer. Maybe go back to a laser printer since the cartridges are cheaper and no smudging.
Well, I'm going to stop so I can get ready for school to start tomorrow and start my phone calls about spaces to rent and shows to apply for.

November

This has been a super crazy busy month! Lots going on with the end of football, school, and shows. I finally have a break - unless I find something for this coming weekend! lol I'll be using this time to get some stuff together for a weekend show - both days - at a local Y. First day there's going to be a swim meet there, so I'd like to have a bunch of goodies to sell!
This past week I had a show Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday. Saturday was my best day with decent sales and lots of interest. Hoping I can do well at my next show! I figure I can make up a bunch of different gifts in a jar, dips in a bag, Jiffy labels, "heritage" jars, "inspiration" jars, cocoa bags, tea bags, popcorn wrappers, candy wrappers, cocoa cones, and some baked goods.
Looking for a better printer. I'll have to call one of my kids school (late phone meeting! Yikes!!) since it looks like her printer isn't working now. *sigh* I think we have another one with issues too. I really need one I can rely on and that doesn't suck up ink like mad!!
I'm looking to do shows beyond the Christmas holidays. I'll showcase my businesses, but I'd also like to have some crafts to have on hand for cash and carry items. For UL, I have ornaments with our sample words on (they seem to do well), but what about for Valentine's day and Easter? Hmmm. I'll have to see what all I can do for them.
Taking a break is hard, but I do need some time to build up stock of crafts and get my paperwork organized for shows. Mainly getting together some "hostess packs" and "new sign up" packs. Maybe I can get some recruits from the shows! I'd like my hubby to make me a display board. He can cut the one large one in half and add some sort of strip of wood so I can attach it to the table with clamps. I'll also be taking milk crates (need more space on my tables) - unless I can get a good deal on a plastic shelf unit. Then I could show off more product when shows are a bit costly and I can only afford one table.
I see a Vista Print order in my future! I'm out of some cards, and thinking I could use a banner or 2 for my shows. I'll have to see what kind of special they're having so I can take full advantage of a stamper, labels, cards, postcards, etc.
That's all for now. Just wanted to update quick while I had a moment - now my peace is being shattered, so I have to go beat some kids:)
Happy Thanksgiving!!