Usually when I have items left over and I don't plan to take to another show, I donate them to our local senior center for them to use as bingo prizes.
Congratulations on what you did sell! Something our family does each Christmas is give gifts to our Mail Carrier and other delivery drivers that frequent our home. I hope that helps you in planning on what to do with your leftovers items. Blessings to you and yours.
For what didn't sell, add them to gift sets. For instance create a gift set that includes the lip balm with one of your journal books. Add the pen and crayons to the Santa letters. This will improve your sales. If I were you, I would design the lip balm to be more attractive to teens by adding sassy phrases and images they can relate to.
My oldest sister makes beautiful things and people don't understand how much work and time goes in to these, and they want it for nothing. Your items are beautiful and just keep up the good work.
Thank you for your sweet comments! You're absolutely right, one thing I've learned since I started crafting is that it can really be tough at times. I'm thankful for those who acknowledge the beauty and work involved in handmade 😊
@judypierce7028 I will never understand this! I sold decorative notepads at my last craft fair for $4 and a lady asked if she bought 5 would I take $15, as if it's a garage sale!! I agreed to do it but that means I literally worked for free making those 😞
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda There are people who are always looking for basement bargains. Well, a craft show IS NOT the place to find bargains. Let them go to a flea market or garage/yard sales where vendors do make bargains. You just keep creating your beautiful crafts. I enjoyed everything that you created.
crafting really is a labor of love because it really is hard to make a living doing it for sure. I make purses and wallets and totes bags etc and because of the cost of supplies I do have to charge quite a bit for them so I can make a profit but not enough to live on them alone. I still love making them though.
My son sells prints of his fine art at various shows and with the exception of one fall festival, he definitely found that sales the 2nd half of the year were lower than the first half. I think people just don't have as much disposable income and are being more careful about where they spend it. Inflation has gotten so bad, grocery prices are going up, etc.
The slap bracelets can also be used around rolls of gift wrap. I know Current specifically sells something called Flip Wraps which are basically the same thing as a slap bracelet. Maybe you could stage some that way to boost sales at your next show?
I came here to say the same thing lol😅 I saw them being sold on QVC pretty pricey for what they are -- as fasteners for rolled wrapping paper. I think they wrapped it around 2 rolls together. The idiot host kept slapping one on her wrist took it off and slapped back on. I said idiot because she was letting people watching see that the product your selling for $14 for a set of 4 can be bought as a kid's slap bracelet very cheaply at a Dollar Store. I genuinely believe she could have hurt sales. But I was thinking at a Craft Fair showing one wrapped around a couple rolls of wrap could broaden the audience.
You should give yourself a pat on the back! There was clearly a lot of thought and effort that went into your beautiful work! Please take “I only sold” out of your vocabulary. You did a great job! 🙌🙌🙌
Greeting, Yes, I would resale the teas. I always look at the code date on all items and must be at least 2 years out for me to purchase it. Make sure you keep items in a cool place for storage. Also candy canes, I purchase in advance because they are very hard to find in later months. Hard candy can keep for a couple years as well. Congratulations on sales.
Those orange ones would be great Easter basket items. You can make baskets for Easter and sell on marketplace or craft fair or wherever. I know in my hometown they have people sell valentine and Easter baskets at vertain store parkinglots
Thanks for the suggestion, that's a great idea 😊 I wish my town allowed roadside or parking lot sales. We are only allowed 2 yard sales a year and you have to get a permit for those!
Perhaps try offering the place cards as buffet/charcuterie board labels as well. I see a lot of people using cards to let guests know what different foods are at parties/events. Also, perhaps also suggest the favors as stocking stuffers. :) I feel like people sometimes get caught up in what an item is "marketed" as being, and don't always come up with alternative uses on their own.
Hi, thank you for sharing your video. I wanted to let you know that we also made place markers for our Historical Society here in Normandy, France, for the Christmas market, and they did not really sell either! I was surprised because it is still quite common to use place markers in France, and they are sold in stores. A few packets sold but not many. And, it was about the same for the hand-made tags. We put 8 in a package for 2€. We won't make them again next year. Our #1 item was surprise treat bags in the shape of Gingerbread men & women.
It is very interesting that place cards didn't sell well for you either. I enjoyed making them so I'm a little disappointed about it. You just never know what people will buy at craft fairs. It's crazy to think people are watching my videos from France! Thank you so much for sharing your experience 😊
Hi thanks for the update we are sure they will sell on line as they are lovely. Good luck in your next fair and well done on your sales. Happy Crafting x
I admire your tenacity in making, going out and doing & also for keeping notes and reviewing. Remember, items don’t sell themselves. You need to be a salesman. I out sell most tables around me because I greet & interact with as many people as I can and I show them the items and talk about them. Also, each location has a different type of buyer so what was a hot seller one place may not sell well in another. Every starving artist will have the one item they can make 100’s of quickly, appeals to 90% of the customers, and can sell $1 which you landed with the slap bracelets even if you didn’t make them - Well Done! (Helps pay for the spot) One suggestion is to not put everything in baskets where they can’t see the product, makes sure you display one of each item out for them to see & touch. Keep going! Don’t get discouraged! Learn as you go!
Your crafted items are beautiful. The roc-tac-toe is really fun. Thanks so much for sharing what you made, and the outcome and lessons learned from your craft shows. It sounds like you were really successful. Wishing you luck with your future shows.
My favorite item was the tea set with the honey and spoon. I am using that as inspiration for teacher gifts. I am sewing mug rugs and I found mini honey packets at Walmart. Now to find spoons in a small package. Amazon has big packs. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi... this video just shows what I sold. You can see the inside of my journals on this video here, they are at the very beginning: th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=w4uoOkXuNbe9W9AJ
@SimpleCreationsByShanda yes, I understand. Thing is, I had never watched your channel before and did watch this video all the way through. I don't want to spend another hour or more watching another video about the same items. I wish you well!
I initially made a video called "What I made for my craft fair", then after my shows everybody wanted to know how I did. It was way more in depth and shows what everything looked like inside. That's how most creators do it. You don't have to watch... I was just giving you what you asked for, which was pricing 💁♀️
I think all of your items are absolutely adorable. Sounds like you did well and made some Christmas money. Thank you for sharing everything. Merry Christmas!! 🎄🎅🏼⛄️🩷🎄🎅🏼⛄️🩷
I like to have tea variety so I keep my tea for long periods of time. You can seal them in a ziplock. The y should be fine for next year. I would definitely have a cup a tea before your first show though.
Regarding the teas... if they are good for 3 years, i would say go a head and save them for next year. But i would maybe put them in a vacuum seal bag just to help keep them as freash as possible.
For videos like these, it would be helpful to other crafters to know what area you are selling in (city, state-rural, small town, big city??) and price you had on items. Also a picture of your display at the craft fair. Maybe discuss how many vendors were there and customer turn out as well. Thanks.
This video is actually from last year, I will be making a new video sharing How I did at my craft fair towards the end of November. I will try to include where I'm located for crafters like yourself who would like to know. I have never seen other crafters disclose where they're located before (probably for confidential reasons) so I have never done that. Because that was my first year on TH-cam I didn't think to disclose pricing in both what I made and what I sold videos... the one showing what I made had all of my pricing. This year I will disclose pricing in both. Here's a link to my video with pricing if you'd like to watch it th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.html . On my channel you can find almost everything you asked for in this post.... here's a link to my table set up from that year also th-cam.com/video/0PN4bfZdRKs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=2UhxiO4tCl4c2rY- . Hope that helps 😊
I am new to your channel. My name is Wanda but the one thing I wanted to do is hop on here and comment on how much I love love love this and your way of explaining it thank you so much.
Thank you so much for sharing. You made some really special things. I loved all of your ideas and you do a beautiful job. Best wishes for all of your future shows.
I have purchased similar Hot Cocoa Packets at several craft shows. No straws, no candy canes in their packets. BUT, they did add a few of the Bob's Red Bird Peppermint Puffs! I love to add 1 or 2 of the puffs to my hot cocoa.
You can always sell the items next fairs, starting in the early fall, to keep them fresh, try storing them in a Space Bag where you suck out all the air. that will keep things very fresh. Also keep a good record of what you can consider "loss" for your profit and loss statement for your self employed taxes. Stock that doesn't sell, or gets destroyed, or gets donated. check up on that.
I did a craft show over the weekend and didn't sell too many things. Lots of people looked but not a lot bought! You have some nice things and many you can try next year You never know what people want!😊
I am hearing from many crafters that they are selling very little. I feel blessed that I did as well as I did. To be honest I think I made too many of some items, but crafting is my therapy and sometimes I get carried away Lol. Thank you for your feedback 😊
I had the same experience-good crowds but few buyers even on. 12/2. Others told me it’s the bad economy which I completely understand. A lot less discretionary income
I think you're right...this year is different for my sales too. I truly think part of it is the cost of everything else; people just don't seem to be spending as much at the craft shows. It's disappointing but I will keep plugging until it's not fun anymore. I will say though that I get out of my slow-sale-slump when someone comes along that is happy with what they find on my table!
This video was actually from last year but I think you're right about why sales are different though. I'm hoping this year will be better. I love crafting and doing craft shows so even if sales aren't great I'll still do them, I'll just start make less 😊
Thanks for sharing. This is very interesting information. Personally I’m not buying gifts like I normally do. I’m making gifts out of old fence pickets. A whole lot less stress and a ton more fun. So far I’ve made a tray, a planter box and an end table. Next I’m making a mail and key holder and then a jewelry rack/holder/display. Oh, and then some more trays.
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda you could mention the price here to better remind people what they cost and get feed back from viewers to see what average folks would pay for the items. A lot of the stuff was cute but its been a very hard year for a lot of people so buying things like the cute small journals can be too big of a splurge. The presentation on a lot of it was very nice.
I gave all of my pricing in the video "What I made for my craft fair". It was my mistake not to mention pricing again in this video too. I will definitely do that in my video next year. Thanks!
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda I found your channel while watching "what sold and what didnt" videos so I missed your video with the prices. Also I think the teas will be perfectly good for next year so save them and sell next year! Its been a bad year for a lot of crafters from what I saw but you sold a lot of stuff. One thing you might also want to include is a few small New Years items as well. That way people can knock out two celebrations, it could be a good way to get a few up-sales. I loved the chapsticks I'm surprised they didn't do better, people always need them this time of year. From the other videos I've seen on other channels I think you did a great job. Some people were barely able to sell anything.
I think a lot of viewers watched this video first and didn't see the other one with pricing, so you're definitely not the only one. I think I did really well too! I'm so grateful for what I sold. I think I just made too many of certain items. Some things I really enjoy making so once I get in the groove mass producing I get a little carried away 🤣 That's another lesson learned for next year. Thank you so much for the tip and feedback 😊
Thank you for this I want to do a show but wounder if you made anything . I think you did pretty good. I am going to try to do one in the spring , Thank you very much
Hi... I feel like I did pretty good too. Last year was worse so I'm extremely grateful. There are SO many supplies that go into creating all these things that It's hard to tell how much I actually made. I'm very good at keeping my cost very low. For reference, I mark up about 3 times my cost... so about 1/4 or less of each item was my cost to make. That's pretty good I think. In reality, I could not make a living selling the things that I sell, it's strictly a hobby that I love. I hope that helps and I hope you have a great show in the Spring 😊 I'm glad I didn't give up when I first started, I hope you don't give up either ♡
Yes, keep the tea. They are good for 3 years. Store them in a cool dry place so they are protected. Just found your Channel and have subscribed. MKR Creations
I don’t think there would be a problem at all holding on to the assorted tea packets until next year. They are in their own sealed envelope. I have some loose tea that I discovered hidden in the back of my tea shelf. I decided to make a cup. I know I have had this tea for like 8 years. It tasted as good as when my son gave it to me.
That is good to know! Bigelow tea markets their teas to be wrapped in a foil packet to preserve freshness. I would agree that they would be okay to keep. Thanks so much for sharing 😊
Hi there.... everybody is a newbie at some point 😊 You can see all of my pricing in this video here! th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jBEsj-USgwiwTvUg
Thank you... I will definitely try to figure out how to do a tutorial for that one. Because of all the painting involved I may have to pre paint the rocks before filming. Thanks for asking! 😊
You are so welcome, thanks for watching! Honestly from my experience you can never predict how craft shows will go. I'm glad I didn't give up when I first started because I didn't do very well the first couple of shows. This year was my best.
I would take the lip balms out of the holiday "books" and put them into spring books and save the holiday ones for next year. Then all you need are the lip balms
That's a good idea! But why do you think people would buy them in the Spring? They are packaged to give as a gift so I don't think I would buy a favor like that for myself 🤔 What's your opinion on that?
You can see all of my pricing if you'd like to watch my video "Part 1: What I made for my craft fair". Here's the link th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rGh1kxYnIUwzWsoL
Christmas cards usually need to be sold a little earlier. They go out quite a bit before Christmas. People worry about the postal timing this time of year.
Wow, thank you so much! I'm interested in selling mandalas at craft shows, and it's really nice to see what kinds of things sell and don't sell--I think all your items are just wonderful, very cute and festive and creative!! I really like the candy cane seeds--that is so fun and cute!! Your journals are just really pretty and nice. Rock tic-tac-toe is genius!! I would keep the tea samplers and sell them next year--if the pull date is three years, that seems very reasonable! Thank you again--going to watch your other video on what you made and the prices.
You are so welcome 😃 And thank you so much!! I LOVE mandalas and I love painting rocks so much. I hope you try a craft show! I would love to know how you do. I appreciate your feedback and sweet comments. Thank you for watching ♡
interesting info I've done shows and know how much work is involved. surprised about the dog treats, too. I would use , donate, or gift the food items.
You have great items and I hope though results of sales aren’t what you expected, you still stay energized to continue what makes you happy & still craft on! Maybe make less quantities for shows? It’s an odd year economically for everyone. Thanks for sharing.
I had noticed gift cards are really popular this year so those were great for this season! I am betting they would be popular for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as well! Gratitude Journals should be popular at any gathering with women! I have nothing in terms of other items!
I have a little tip for you since I'm sure there's not a lot of space in your booth and people are more visual now. Maybe make displays of your items in action before you go and take pictures you can clip to the displays, and broaden your chances of making a sale.
Thank you for sharing how your craft fairs went. I've never tried selling at one but it seems like it could be fun to do with friends and meet new people.
Congratulations on your sales-- I love seeing Crafters do good. The Craft Fairs I go to as a patron (who crafts so I get the work involved) do not have much success and it's sad. Because you asked- personally I would not keep the teas for next year. I would try to find people who could enjoy them really fresh this year. My unsolicited 2 cents is while the Place cards are super cute, I don't know one person in real life that uses them at home. They are usually saved for a large event such as a wedding where tables are assigned. Rock Tac Toe is genius! TFS
Thank you so much Vickie 😊 I think I just made too much but that's okay because I have inventory for my next show. I am grateful for what I did sell. Thank you for your sweet comments ♡
@Karma111284 If you are interested in buying my rock-tac-toe sets let me know. I think shipping would be a good bit but I'd be happy to sell them to you. My email is shanda.simplecreations @yahoo , you can message me there for details.
Craft Fairs late in the year usually suffer from last minute buys for Christmas. Anything not sold by us and not spoilable could be saved for Christmas in July sales at a discount. Thanks for the update. Also remember that this year people are being frugal.
A couple of thoughts for you… 1) I don’t give my dogs Milk Bone because Milk Bone is known to make dogs fart. Maybe try a different treat like Greenies or other biscuits. 2) Maybe put several of your Christmas goodies in a basket and sell as a bundle.
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda. That’s good because I don’t give milk bones either. Maybe put out a sign that they are quality ones. Or dip in a yogurt frosting for dogs and put them back in the package and try again. It really just depends who’s at the fair that day. Thank you so much for all your information!
Yes, I agree. I'd sell for one year, but not longer. As a tea drinker, I know, the fresher the better, so even though it's good for longer, I wouldn't store more than a year.
Did you consider donating cards to a hospice, nursing home, or veterans hospital? I’m part of a group that makes cards for these groups for major holidays, birthdays, thinking of you, etc. The recipients LOVE them.
I’m thinking you could turn some of those place markers into present tags. Especially since it looks like you have nice handwriting. I am surprised on some of the items that didn’t sell but people in my state had a similar problem of the items that normally sell just sitting there. Good luck in your future fairs. Love you products
I’ve been doing craft shows since the 80’s and this year was the worst year EVER! We started out doing crochet, sewn and decor items. I am the only one left in my crafting family now and I mainly do sewn and quilted items. People would rather go to the discount stores than buy home crafted items. 🙁
I'm so sorry you had a bad year 😞 It sounds like many people didn't do well either. I'm hoping that next year will be different. On a side note I would LOVE to be able to crochet and sew! I think a lot of people don't understand how handmade can't be priced like mass produced store items. I hope you don't stop creating... you have to keep the handmade beauty alive 😊
I go to a Craft Fair they have once a month from September to May. It bombs almost every time. The vendors just don't sell much some don't sell anything. I always buy to support them because I like the stuff and I know the work behind it. It's very sad to see so many people packing up almost as much as they came with time after time
@lauraann7816 That is very sad 😔 I know that people enjoy creating and may stop because their things don't sell. I almost quit and I'm glad I didn't because this year was so much better than last year. Crafting can be challenging.
Thank you so much for sharing this info! I appreciate your honesty and full disclosure. 😊 I think the cocoa packs have been around for so long that they've maybe lost their charm. I started seeing these in the 80's ( I know, I know). Your items were all top notch, and it sounds like you did well! There will always be a couple of stumpers...no rhyme or reason to what sells or doesn't on any given day. That is my 40 years of experience, anyway. 🤔
You are so welcome and thank you for your sweet reply! I think you may be right about the hot cocoa packs. Maybe it's time to retire them. Thanks for your feedback I really appreciate it 😊
Thank you! I'm so grateful for what I did sell because last year was really bad. To be honest I think I just made too much. If you haven't already watched my table set up you can see how much stuff I actually had, it was a lot. You can see it here: th-cam.com/video/0PN4bfZdRKs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZgFwTUaq4FNGOuSm
I sell wood projects at my craft shows, but I think I want to incorporate some of these items next year. I am following a few of you to watch, learn and gain inspiration. I look forward to watching your videos on how to create 😊
For the place cards, set one up with a name, because I don’t think a lot of people are familiar with the concept. Also create an example one that shows dish names for a buffet “Gluten free rolls” ‘brownies without nuts” for food allergies. Just another way to use them.
Create a table setting in your home using your place cards and take a picture, same for a buffet and display the photos with the place cards. Similarly show them how they can easily be turned into gift tags. We all love a good hack!. Your ideas are great and your work is lovely!
Usually when I have items left over and I don't plan to take to another show, I donate them to our local senior center for them to use as bingo prizes.
That's a great idea! I am considering doing that. Thanks for the suggestion 😊
As someone who has worked at Senior living communities and hosted community games, I think this is such a wonderful idea!
@MonyColeman Thanks for the feedback 😊
That's a great thing to do.
That’s awesome!
Congratulations on what you did sell!
Something our family does each Christmas is give gifts to our Mail Carrier and other delivery drivers that frequent our home.
I hope that helps you in planning on what to do with your leftovers items.
Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you, and thanks for the suggestion it does help! 😊
For what didn't sell, add them to gift sets. For instance create a gift set that includes the lip balm with one of your journal books. Add the pen and crayons to the Santa letters. This will improve your sales. If I were you, I would design the lip balm to be more attractive to teens by adding sassy phrases and images they can relate to.
Thanks for the ideas!
I like that you showed results. It helps others!!!
Thanks for the feedback 😊
My oldest sister makes beautiful things and people don't understand how much work and time goes in to these, and they want it for nothing. Your items are beautiful and just keep up the good work.
Thank you for your sweet comments! You're absolutely right, one thing I've learned since I started crafting is that it can really be tough at times. I'm thankful for those who acknowledge the beauty and work involved in handmade 😊
You are so right. You put $7.50 and time into creating an item, and people want to offer you $5.00 for the product.
@judypierce7028 I will never understand this! I sold decorative notepads at my last craft fair for $4 and a lady asked if she bought 5 would I take $15, as if it's a garage sale!! I agreed to do it but that means I literally worked for free making those 😞
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda There are people who are always looking for basement bargains. Well, a craft show IS NOT the place to find bargains. Let them go to a flea market or garage/yard sales where vendors do make bargains. You just keep creating your beautiful crafts. I enjoyed everything that you created.
crafting really is a labor of love because it really is hard to make a living doing it for sure. I make purses and wallets and totes bags etc and because of the cost of supplies I do have to charge quite a bit for them so I can make a profit but not enough to live on them alone. I still love making them though.
Enjoying creatimg is the most important part in my opinion, and selling is a bonus. I agree with all of what you said ♡
Doing this because you enjoy the creative process is the best reason. You're very talented. I hope you keep at it.
I agree, it is the best reason. Thank you so much 😊 ♡
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda make sure you also support made in the USA and small family farms
@@kristenb5177 I do my best to do both of those things ♡
My son sells prints of his fine art at various shows and with the exception of one fall festival, he definitely found that sales the 2nd half of the year were lower than the first half. I think people just don't have as much disposable income and are being more careful about where they spend it. Inflation has gotten so bad, grocery prices are going up, etc.
I agree with you I think it's definitely affecting a lot of people. Thank you for sharing ♡
The slap bracelets, are they magnetized?
That t set can sell at any craft show. I would take them to every craft show regardless what they have. That's a good item.
No they aren't magnetized. They just bend and wrap around.
@juneallen4926
Thanks for feedback!
The slap bracelets can also be used around rolls of gift wrap. I know Current specifically sells something called Flip Wraps which are basically the same thing as a slap bracelet. Maybe you could stage some that way to boost sales at your next show?
Thanks for the suggestion! 😃
I bought a 50 pack just for that purpose!
I came here to say the same thing lol😅 I saw them being sold on QVC pretty pricey for what they are -- as fasteners for rolled wrapping paper. I think they wrapped it around 2 rolls together. The idiot host kept slapping one on her wrist took it off and slapped back on. I said idiot because she was letting people watching see that the product your selling for $14 for a set of 4 can be bought as a kid's slap bracelet very cheaply at a Dollar Store. I genuinely believe she could have hurt sales. But I was thinking at a Craft Fair showing one wrapped around a couple rolls of wrap could broaden the audience.
@@lauraann7816
That is so funny 🤣
You should give yourself a pat on the back! There was clearly a lot of thought and effort that went into your beautiful work! Please take “I only sold” out of your vocabulary. You did a great job! 🙌🙌🙌
I appreciate that so much! It was a lot of work and I'm grateful for what I did sell. Thank you 😊 and thanks for watching.
Greeting,
Yes, I would resale the teas. I always look at the code date on all items and must be at least 2 years out for me to purchase it. Make sure you keep items in a cool place for storage. Also candy canes, I purchase in advance because they are very hard to find in later months. Hard candy can keep for a couple years as well.
Congratulations on sales.
Thank you for your feedback Sandra! 😊
Thank you so much for sharing. You've motivated me to get started. You made some great and unique items. Looking to see what you will do in 2024.
Yay!!! That's awesome, I'm so glad you've been inspired. Thank you for letting me know 😊 Most likely I will be releasing my 2024 video in October.
I think your items are adorable and you did well. I think your tea samplers would be fine for next year.
Thank you ♡
Those orange ones would be great Easter basket items. You can make baskets for Easter and sell on marketplace or craft fair or wherever. I know in my hometown they have people sell valentine and Easter baskets at vertain store parkinglots
Thanks for the suggestion, that's a great idea 😊 I wish my town allowed roadside or parking lot sales. We are only allowed 2 yard sales a year and you have to get a permit for those!
You could change the place cards into gift tags
That's a good idea! Thanks for sharing ☺️
Yes, I would definitely keep the teas and resale them.
Thanks for your feedback ♡
Perhaps try offering the place cards as buffet/charcuterie board labels as well. I see a lot of people using cards to let guests know what different foods are at parties/events. Also, perhaps also suggest the favors as stocking stuffers. :) I feel like people sometimes get caught up in what an item is "marketed" as being, and don't always come up with alternative uses on their own.
I agree! Thanks for the suggestion ☺️
WOW, you did well!!! This is amazing!
Thank you so much ☺️💗
This was super interesting and helpful. I am just starting to learn about craft fairs. Your items are beautiful!
Thank you so much 😊 I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Great items! Your tea bags will be just fine to save for next year!
Thank you 😊
Where do you get all the plastic bags that you have things placed in? It really makes your hand made items look beautiful. Good job!
Thank you! I buy almost all of my clear bags from Amazon. I have bought a few from clearbags.com.
Also, the packaging made everything looks very professional .
Thank you so much 😊
Hi, thank you for sharing your video. I wanted to let you know that we also made place markers for our Historical Society here in Normandy, France, for the Christmas market, and they did not really sell either! I was surprised because it is still quite common to use place markers in France, and they are sold in stores. A few packets sold but not many. And, it was about the same for the hand-made tags. We put 8 in a package for 2€. We won't make them again next year. Our #1 item was surprise treat bags in the shape of Gingerbread men & women.
It is very interesting that place cards didn't sell well for you either. I enjoyed making them so I'm a little disappointed about it. You just never know what people will buy at craft fairs. It's crazy to think people are watching my videos from France! Thank you so much for sharing your experience 😊
You did really well!!
It would have been interesting to see your table set up at the fairs !
Thank you 😊 You can see my first holiday show table set up in this video here th-cam.com/video/0PN4bfZdRKs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-uumH7UuSO37U7E8
Hi thanks for the update we are sure they will sell on line as they are lovely. Good luck in your next fair and well done on your sales. Happy Crafting x
Thank you so much ♡
I admire your tenacity in making, going out and doing & also for keeping notes and reviewing. Remember, items don’t sell themselves. You need to be a salesman. I out sell most tables around me because I greet & interact with as many people as I can and I show them the items and talk about them. Also, each location has a different type of buyer so what was a hot seller one place may not sell well in another. Every starving artist will have the one item they can make 100’s of quickly, appeals to 90% of the customers, and can sell $1 which you landed with the slap bracelets even if you didn’t make them - Well Done! (Helps pay for the spot) One suggestion is to not put everything in baskets where they can’t see the product, makes sure you display one of each item out for them to see & touch. Keep going! Don’t get discouraged! Learn as you go!
Thanks for the tips and encouragement 😊
Your crafted items are beautiful. The roc-tac-toe is really fun. Thanks so much for sharing what you made, and the outcome and lessons learned from your craft shows. It sounds like you were really successful. Wishing you luck with your future shows.
Thank you so much 😊
My favorite item was the tea set with the honey and spoon. I am using that as inspiration for teacher gifts. I am sewing mug rugs and I found mini honey packets at Walmart. Now to find spoons in a small package. Amazon has big packs. Thanks for the inspiration!
You are very welcome 😃 A mug rug is a great idea! I would totally do that if I could sew. Maybe one day.
Fabulous video - thanks for sharing. I think you did fantastic. Happy Holidays!
Thank you! I'm so grateful for how well I did. You are very welcome, thanks for watching 😊
It would be nice to see inside of the journals!
Hi... this video just shows what I sold. You can see the inside of my journals on this video here, they are at the very beginning: th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=w4uoOkXuNbe9W9AJ
I would have liked hearing what you charged for each of your items.
All of my pricing is in this video here: th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=gMz62E_86oQMckhy
@SimpleCreationsByShanda yes, I understand. Thing is, I had never watched your channel before and did watch this video all the way through. I don't want to spend another hour or more watching another video about the same items. I wish you well!
I initially made a video called "What I made for my craft fair", then after my shows everybody wanted to know how I did. It was way more in depth and shows what everything looked like inside. That's how most creators do it. You don't have to watch... I was just giving you what you asked for, which was pricing 💁♀️
I think all of your items are absolutely adorable. Sounds like you did well and made some Christmas money. Thank you for sharing everything.
Merry Christmas!!
🎄🎅🏼⛄️🩷🎄🎅🏼⛄️🩷
Thank you so much! 😊 I am so grateful for how well I did this year. You are very welcome and thanks for watching.
🌲⛄️Merry Christmas⛄️🌲
You have so many cute items. Thanks for sharing your wisdom
You are so welcome 😊
I like to have tea variety so I keep my tea for long periods of time. You can seal them in a ziplock. The y should be fine for next year. I would definitely have a cup a tea before your first show though.
Thank you Karen 😊
Very interesting and helpful! You did really good in your fairs. You packaging is great!
Thank you 😊
Thanks for sharing, Shanda. Keep doing what you love! xx
You are so welcome 😊 Thank you!
Regarding the teas... if they are good for 3 years, i would say go a head and save them for next year. But i would maybe put them in a vacuum seal bag just to help keep them as freash as possible.
For videos like these, it would be helpful to other crafters to know what area you are selling in (city, state-rural, small town, big city??) and price you had on items. Also a picture of your display at the craft fair. Maybe discuss how many vendors were there and customer turn out as well. Thanks.
This video is actually from last year, I will be making a new video sharing How I did at my craft fair towards the end of November. I will try to include where I'm located for crafters like yourself who would like to know. I have never seen other crafters disclose where they're located before (probably for confidential reasons) so I have never done that. Because that was my first year on TH-cam I didn't think to disclose pricing in both what I made and what I sold videos... the one showing what I made had all of my pricing. This year I will disclose pricing in both. Here's a link to my video with pricing if you'd like to watch it th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.html . On my channel you can find almost everything you asked for in this post.... here's a link to my table set up from that year also th-cam.com/video/0PN4bfZdRKs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=2UhxiO4tCl4c2rY- . Hope that helps 😊
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda Thanks for the reply.
You are welcome 😊
I am new to your channel. My name is Wanda but the one thing I wanted to do is hop on here and comment on how much I love love love this and your way of explaining it thank you so much.
Thank you Wanda! I'm so glad you let me know 😊 Thanks so much for watching 💗
Thank you so much for sharing. You made some really special things. I loved all of your ideas and you do a beautiful job. Best wishes for all of your future shows.
Thank you so much 😊
Yes if the tea sampler were good for the next 3 years would sell them in the next year.Because they are good packed and will stay good.
Thank you for the feedback 😊
You do very beautiful work. Times are tough. Don't give up. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much 😊 You are very welcome.
I have purchased similar Hot Cocoa Packets at several craft shows. No straws, no candy canes in their packets. BUT, they did add a few of the Bob's Red Bird Peppermint Puffs! I love to add 1 or 2 of the puffs to my hot cocoa.
I hadn't thought of that! Thanks for the feedback 😊
You can always sell the items next fairs, starting in the early fall, to keep them fresh, try storing them in a Space Bag where you suck out all the air. that will keep things very fresh. Also keep a good record of what you can consider "loss" for your profit and loss statement for your self employed taxes. Stock that doesn't sell, or gets destroyed, or gets donated. check up on that.
Those are all very good tips, thank you!
LOVE the idea of the tick tac toe rock set...what a great idea!!
Thank you 😊💗
What a great video! Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. You are very welcome 😊
Your ideas are great. I would love to see what you make for your spring sale.
Thank you! As I start creating things I will try to share them 😊
Thank you for sharing your experience!
You are very welcome 😊
I did a craft show over the weekend and didn't sell too many things. Lots of people looked but not a lot bought! You have some nice things and many you can try next year You never know what people want!😊
I am hearing from many crafters that they are selling very little. I feel blessed that I did as well as I did. To be honest I think I made too many of some items, but crafting is my therapy and sometimes I get carried away Lol. Thank you for your feedback 😊
I had the same experience-good crowds but few buyers even on. 12/2. Others told me it’s the bad economy which I completely understand. A lot less discretionary income
I'm hoping next year is better for everyone, both the buyer and the seller ♡
I think you're right...this year is different for my sales too. I truly think part of it is the cost of everything else; people just don't seem to be spending as much at the craft shows. It's disappointing but I will keep plugging until it's not fun anymore. I will say though that I get out of my slow-sale-slump when someone comes along that is happy with what they find on my table!
This video was actually from last year but I think you're right about why sales are different though. I'm hoping this year will be better. I love crafting and doing craft shows so even if sales aren't great I'll still do them, I'll just start make less 😊
Hello Shanda! New sub here. You did a ton of beautiful work. Thanks for showing and sharing your experience at the shows. ❤
I'm happy to share and thank you so much. Thank you for watching!
Your crafts are beautiful!
Thank you so much 😊
Yes, save the teas for next year. As long as the seals are intact, they should be fine. Good by dates are usually very conservative.
Thank you for the feedback 😊
Thanks for sharing. This is very interesting information. Personally I’m not buying gifts like I normally do. I’m making gifts out of old fence pickets. A whole lot less stress and a ton more fun. So far I’ve made a tray, a planter box and an end table. Next I’m making a mail and key holder and then a jewelry rack/holder/display. Oh, and then some more trays.
You are welcome. Sounds like you're making some nice gifts!
You could ask a doggie day care if they would let you set up a display of those doggie favors at their site.
That's a great idea! I need to look into that 😃 Thank you for that suggestion ♡
I wish you had shared the price that each item sold for.
I shared all of my pricing in this video here th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cAU9hOgTUAtuSzrj
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda you could mention the price here to better remind people what they cost and get feed back from viewers to see what average folks would pay for the items. A lot of the stuff was cute but its been a very hard year for a lot of people so buying things like the cute small journals can be too big of a splurge. The presentation on a lot of it was very nice.
I gave all of my pricing in the video "What I made for my craft fair". It was my mistake not to mention pricing again in this video too. I will definitely do that in my video next year. Thanks!
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda I found your channel while watching "what sold and what didnt" videos so I missed your video with the prices. Also I think the teas will be perfectly good for next year so save them and sell next year! Its been a bad year for a lot of crafters from what I saw but you sold a lot of stuff. One thing you might also want to include is a few small New Years items as well. That way people can knock out two celebrations, it could be a good way to get a few up-sales. I loved the chapsticks I'm surprised they didn't do better, people always need them this time of year. From the other videos I've seen on other channels I think you did a great job. Some people were barely able to sell anything.
I think a lot of viewers watched this video first and didn't see the other one with pricing, so you're definitely not the only one. I think I did really well too! I'm so grateful for what I sold. I think I just made too many of certain items. Some things I really enjoy making so once I get in the groove mass producing I get a little carried away 🤣 That's another lesson learned for next year. Thank you so much for the tip and feedback 😊
Thank you for this I want to do a show but wounder if you made anything . I think you did pretty good. I am going to try to do one in the spring , Thank you very much
Hi... I feel like I did pretty good too. Last year was worse so I'm extremely grateful. There are SO many supplies that go into creating all these things that It's hard to tell how much I actually made. I'm very good at keeping my cost very low. For reference, I mark up about 3 times my cost... so about 1/4 or less of each item was my cost to make. That's pretty good I think. In reality, I could not make a living selling the things that I sell, it's strictly a hobby that I love. I hope that helps and I hope you have a great show in the Spring 😊 I'm glad I didn't give up when I first started, I hope you don't give up either ♡
You did amazing 😊 love your craft ideals you are super talented
Thank you so much 😊
Yes, keep the tea. They are good for 3 years. Store them in a cool dry place so they are protected.
Just found your Channel and have subscribed.
MKR Creations
Thanks Marilyn 😃 I found your channel and subscribed to you too!
I don’t think there would be a problem at all holding on to the assorted tea packets until next year. They are in their own sealed envelope. I have some loose tea that I discovered hidden in the back of my tea shelf. I decided to make a cup. I know I have had this tea for like 8 years. It tasted as good as when my son gave it to me.
That is good to know!
Bigelow tea markets their teas to be wrapped in a foil packet to preserve freshness. I would agree that they would be okay to keep. Thanks so much for sharing 😊
Thank you for sharing. Perhaps you could add what price range you'd give for each sale because as a newbie, I really am lost!
Hi there.... everybody is a newbie at some point 😊 You can see all of my pricing in this video here!
th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jBEsj-USgwiwTvUg
You can rebrand those place cards as Gift tags. Just punch a corner hole or not. Just a new sign, since they are already folded.
That's a great idea! Thank you 😊
Can you do a tutorial on the tick tac toe set. I love that idea
Thank you... I will definitely try to figure out how to do a tutorial for that one. Because of all the painting involved I may have to pre paint the rocks before filming. Thanks for asking! 😊
Thank you so much for sharing. I new to craft shows. Only did 2 this year, 1st was prettygood and 2nd sold absolutely nothing.
You are so welcome, thanks for watching! Honestly from my experience you can never predict how craft shows will go. I'm glad I didn't give up when I first started because I didn't do very well the first couple of shows. This year was my best.
Wish you would have said the price of each item.
I gave all of my pricing here in Part 1: th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=N4hNN-jAFX4IDsjL
I would take the lip balms out of the holiday "books" and put them into spring books and save the holiday ones for next year. Then all you need are the lip balms
That's a good idea! But why do you think people would buy them in the Spring? They are packaged to give as a gift so I don't think I would buy a favor like that for myself 🤔 What's your opinion on that?
I would love to know what you were charging for the different items
You can see all of my pricing if you'd like to watch my video "Part 1: What I made for my craft fair". Here's the link th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rGh1kxYnIUwzWsoL
Me too
All of my pricing is in the Part 1 video. If you'd like to watch here's the link:
th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=dxaE4TbWuIJRg2_z
Enjoyed your video , but I wish you stated your cost to make the items and what they sold for .
@percyvincett1269
I did make a video with all of my pricing. You can watch it here: th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pi9GW5QZDrvGpxtk
Christmas cards usually need to be sold a little earlier. They go out quite a bit before Christmas. People worry about the postal timing this time of year.
That's a good point!
Wow, thank you so much! I'm interested in selling mandalas at craft shows, and it's really nice to see what kinds of things sell and don't sell--I think all your items are just wonderful, very cute and festive and creative!! I really like the candy cane seeds--that is so fun and cute!! Your journals are just really pretty and nice. Rock tic-tac-toe is genius!! I would keep the tea samplers and sell them next year--if the pull date is three years, that seems very reasonable! Thank you again--going to watch your other video on what you made and the prices.
You are so welcome 😃 And thank you so much!! I LOVE mandalas and I love painting rocks so much. I hope you try a craft show! I would love to know how you do. I appreciate your feedback and sweet comments. Thank you for watching ♡
interesting info I've done shows and know how much work is involved. surprised about the dog treats, too. I would use , donate, or gift the food items.
Thanks for the feedback 😊
Would be really nice to see the insides of your journals, recipes book etc…….do yours have any special features?
Hi Linda... you can see the inside of all my things in the Part 1 video here th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cNUSHtKAUwVIrGS_
You have great items and I hope though results of sales aren’t what you expected, you still stay energized to continue what makes you happy & still craft on! Maybe make less quantities for shows? It’s an odd year economically for everyone. Thanks for sharing.
I do think I made too much but it's so hard to know how many is enough. Next year I will make less. Thank you 😊
I had noticed gift cards are really popular this year so those were great for this season! I am betting they would be popular for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as well! Gratitude Journals should be popular at any gathering with women! I have nothing in terms of other items!
I am planning to make gift card holders for all occasions for my April show. Thanks for the feedback 😊
May I ask what the price was on the gift card holders?
Sure! I sold them for $1 each. You can see all of my pricing in this video here th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0nvzcTs-hpjwpjzD
I like your items. I would have liked to know what you sold each item for. Pricing is always an issue with me. Thanks
Thank you! You can see all of my pricing in this video here: th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Pqs70U7QH_y07Yhe
4:19 I would love to know the prices I might have bought all those gift card holders up in a in a heartbeat😅
I sell gift card holders for $1. You can see all of my pricing here: th-cam.com/video/b4WMfa4lQFE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=doSiEyMNz0XY93UV
Marketing for these craft shows can be crazy because what sells with one group will not necessarily sell with the next group!
That's so true!
I have a little tip for you since I'm sure there's not a lot of space in your booth and people are more visual now. Maybe make displays of your items in action before you go and take pictures you can clip to the displays, and broaden your chances of making a sale.
That's a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion ☺️
Thank you for sharing how your craft fairs went. I've never tried selling at one but it seems like it could be fun to do with friends and meet new people.
You are so welcome, thanks for watching! I had so much fun this year, I really do love it 😊
Congratulations on your sales-- I love seeing Crafters do good. The Craft Fairs I go to as a patron (who crafts so I get the work involved) do not have much success and it's sad. Because you asked- personally I would not keep the teas for next year. I would try to find people who could enjoy them really fresh this year. My unsolicited 2 cents is while the Place cards are super cute, I don't know one person in real life that uses them at home. They are usually saved for a large event such as a wedding where tables are assigned. Rock Tac Toe is genius! TFS
Thank you so much for all of your feedback! I think I agree with you on the tea. You are welcome, thanks for watching ♡
My pleasure- I also just subbed to your channel 😊
Your items are packaged beautifully. Sorry you didn't have better sales.
Thank you so much Vickie 😊 I think I just made too much but that's okay because I have inventory for my next show. I am grateful for what I did sell. Thank you for your sweet comments ♡
I love the tic tac toe set OMG I wish I could find one I would buy a few.
Thank you 😊 I will be doing a tutorial on that one soon, maybe you could make your own!
@SimpleCreationsByShanda looking forward to it ❤️
@Karma111284 If you are interested in buying my rock-tac-toe sets let me know. I think shipping would be a good bit but I'd be happy to sell them to you. My email is
shanda.simplecreations @yahoo , you can message me there for details.
Craft Fairs late in the year usually suffer from last minute buys for Christmas. Anything not sold by us and not spoilable could be saved for Christmas in July sales at a discount. Thanks for the update. Also remember that this year people are being frugal.
You are welcome. Thanks for the feedback 😊
We used to use oats and glitter for the reindeer food to give away with presents at our holiday party
A couple of thoughts for you…
1) I don’t give my dogs Milk Bone because Milk Bone is known to make dogs fart. Maybe try a different treat like Greenies or other biscuits.
2) Maybe put several of your Christmas goodies in a basket and sell as a bundle.
They aren't Milk Bones, they're a high quality biscuit with only 5 really good ingredients that were listed on the back.
@@SimpleCreationsByShanda. That’s good because I don’t give milk bones either. Maybe put out a sign that they are quality ones. Or dip in a yogurt frosting for dogs and put them back in the package and try again. It really just depends who’s at the fair that day. Thank you so much for all your information!
You can refrigerate the teabags.
Thank you Judy 😊
Your tea will be fine as long as you keep them in a cool dark dry place.
Thanks for the feedback 😊
Yes, I agree. I'd sell for one year, but not longer. As a tea drinker, I know, the fresher the better, so even though it's good for longer, I wouldn't store more than a year.
Thank you for sharing with us. This helps me to know what to give and not give. ❤️
You are welcome 😊
Did you consider donating cards to a hospice, nursing home, or veterans hospital? I’m part of a group that makes cards for these groups for major holidays, birthdays, thinking of you, etc. The recipients LOVE them.
I haven't thought of that but is a great idea. I think we have someone local who does that, I'll have to look into it. Thank you for suggesting 😊
I’m thinking you could turn some of those place markers into present tags. Especially since it looks like you have nice handwriting. I am surprised on some of the items that didn’t sell but people in my state had a similar problem of the items that normally sell just sitting there. Good luck in your future fairs. Love you products
That's a great idea! You just never can tell what will sell and what won't. Thank you so much 😊
I’ve been doing craft shows since the 80’s and this year was the worst year EVER! We started out doing crochet, sewn and decor items. I am the only one left in my crafting family now and I mainly do sewn and quilted items. People would rather go to the discount stores than buy home crafted items. 🙁
I'm so sorry you had a bad year 😞 It sounds like many people didn't do well either. I'm hoping that next year will be different. On a side note I would LOVE to be able to crochet and sew! I think a lot of people don't understand how handmade can't be priced like mass produced store items. I hope you don't stop creating... you have to keep the handmade beauty alive 😊
I go to a Craft Fair they have once a month from September to May. It bombs almost every time. The vendors just don't sell much some don't sell anything. I always buy to support them because I like the stuff and I know the work behind it. It's very sad to see so many people packing up almost as much as they came with time after time
@lauraann7816 That is very sad 😔 I know that people enjoy creating and may stop because their things don't sell. I almost quit and I'm glad I didn't because this year was so much better than last year. Crafting can be challenging.
Thank you so much for sharing this info! I appreciate your honesty and full disclosure. 😊 I think the cocoa packs have been around for so long that they've maybe lost their charm. I started seeing these in the 80's ( I know, I know). Your items were all top notch, and it sounds like you did well! There will always be a couple of stumpers...no rhyme or reason to what sells or doesn't on any given day. That is my 40 years of experience, anyway. 🤔
You are so welcome and thank you for your sweet reply! I think you may be right about the hot cocoa packs. Maybe it's time to retire them. Thanks for your feedback I really appreciate it 😊
Do you have experience with the hot cider packs? I wonder if they would do any better or about the same?
@kerriekrafts I have never done those before but it's something to consider 🤔 Thanks for the suggestion!
Definitely keep the teas for future sales.
Thanks for the feedback 😊
The items you made are so cute and fun. I'm surprised they didn't sell better...
Thank you! I'm so grateful for what I did sell because last year was really bad. To be honest I think I just made too much. If you haven't already watched my table set up you can see how much stuff I actually had, it was a lot. You can see it here: th-cam.com/video/0PN4bfZdRKs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZgFwTUaq4FNGOuSm
Journals are so pretty❤
Thank you 😊
Your packaging is beautiful
Thank you so much 😊
Lots of good ideas ! Thanks for sharing
Thank you! You are very welcome ♡
Great ideas for selling! Where do you order the clear plastic for the journals?
@mzavala3266 I buy mine from Amazon, they are 9x12 in size. Here's a link for you: amzn.to/49ssCK1
Thank you.
You are so welcome 😊
I sell wood projects at my craft shows, but I think I want to incorporate some of these items next year. I am following a few of you to watch, learn and gain inspiration. I look forward to watching your videos on how to create 😊
I'm glad you are here! I hope you find some good ideas and enjoy making something new in the process 😊
For the place cards, set one up with a name, because I don’t think a lot of people are familiar with the concept. Also create an example one that shows dish names for a buffet “Gluten free rolls” ‘brownies without nuts” for food allergies. Just another way to use them.
Great idea! If only I had table space for that. Maybe next year. Thanks for your feedback 😊
Create a table setting in your home using your place cards and take a picture, same for a buffet and display the photos with the place cards. Similarly show them how they can easily be turned into gift tags. We all love a good hack!. Your ideas are great and your work is lovely!
@n.a.spooner8416
That's a great idea! Thank you so much 😊
Just found your video. The things you make are lovely.
Thank you so much 😊