My First Craft Fair

Man!  What a weekend!  It was like a whirlwind.  It was my 15 year Anniversary last Thursday.  I worked till 7pm on Friday and then hubby and I were taken out to a delicious latin restaurant by some friends where I had some delicious mofongo that I'm still thinking about and 2 passion-fruit mojitos.  I felt like I was back in Puerto Rico.  I could almost feel the warm tropical breeze.  There was even a live band playing music, and lemme tell you, they did a GOOD job!  I only wish I had had the energy to take advantage and dance with hubby (didn't happen).

Saturday was also a busy day as I mentally stressed-out and ran around trying to prep for the craft fair and clean up my house that has been in chaos since I started working.  And Sunday was the day!  My very first craft fair.  Here are some pics of my first-ever booth:

I was so nervous at first that I felt sick.  But as the day passed, the nerves got less and less and I was able to just enjoy being there.  Hubby was a champ and he was with me the whole way through and kept telling me to calm down.  We also had some friends drop by and it was really nice.  They got to enjoy some beer and the sunny day and show me some support.  The place got pretty packed more towards the end and there was even some dancing going on.

I'm not sure if this is the market for me, even though I did enjoy my experience. The people were definitely more interested in the beer.  One of my neighboring vendors said that I would sell out in Brooklyn.  But, for some reason, Brooklyn really scares me.  I just don't feel confident enough yet.  I love my cards and they come straight from my heart but I'm also really sensitive about them.  

I guess I'll just have to psych myself out to take the leap.  There is a Summer Market in Williamsburg and I'll have to pray and think about it.  Surprisingly, the fee is pretty reasonable.   But I'm glad I put my toe in the water and tested it out.  It felt really good when people would pass by and crack up at my cards.  That was awesome.  And nobody believed that the rings, pins and earrings were actually paper. That was awesome, too!

That was my weekend.  How was yours?  Have any of you had a craft fair experience like this?  Do you think I should take the leap?  Your feedback would be awesome!

Signing out for now.  Stay Sweet my peeps!

New Newbies

I know you guys are expecting an update from the craft fair.  Unfortunately, it was cancelled due to terrible weather.  BUT, it was rescheduled for June 2nd!  WOOT WOOT!  To be honest, I was really happy it was rescheduled.  Hubby was way more disappointed than I was.  It gives me more time to add inventory as well as to mentally prepare.

I mentioned that I had created a few new cards for debut at the fair.  So I'm sharing some now, since I've let you down with deets on the craft fair.

Here are a few new guys.  There are still more that I haven't photographed yet.

Bikes here

Snaps here

Thanks here

Click here

I'll be back to share the others soon.  I hope you're having a great week so far and that it only gets better!

Stay SWEET!

✿ I'm really flattered and humbled if you like my designs.  But, please refrain from copying or replicating any of my cards/designs/phrases in any way without prior explicit permission and/or proper accreditation.  I do NOT ever grant permission to anyone to use or replicate my designs for profit or sale.  Please respect my art and my ideas.  I am more than happy to share ideas and inspire, but I am not okay with being copied.  Thank you!  I really appreciate your integrity.

~Sandy

Astoria Outdoor Market

Phew! Have I been running around like a chicken without a head!  (Poor chicken.)  I am still not done with all my inventory, but I know I will get there.  (::Fingers tightly crossed::)

I just wanted to check in and give you guys the details for the craft fair.  

It's THIS coming Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Location:  Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria, New York 11102

Phone: (718)274-4925

Hours: 1-6

I am diligently working on a display.  I want it to be simple but eye-catching and budget-friendly.  (Not that easy!)

I found some awesome display props at Michael's and I can't wait to figure out how to set them up.

I have a few new cards debuting at the craft fair as well as some oldies but goodies.  I am also in the process of training for my new job.  Exhaustion is the order of the day.  But, I'm keeping my head up and hoping for a great experience.

I'm signing off for now, but if you do decide to come, please let me know that you follow my blog/facebook/whatever.  It'd be awesome to see you there!

I'll try to have hubby take some pics of the event so I can share it with you all.

XOXO

~Sandy

Fringed Flowers - Mix it Up!

So, while I was creating my project a few weeks ago, I discovered what (to me) was a new technique for fringing flowers.  While most people use a 45-degree fringer with a folded strip, I opted for a regular  un-folded strip and the result was pretty charming, if I do say so myself.

This is a "normal" 45-degree folded fringed flower:

Here's how you make these:

1.  fold your strip in half (not that easy)

2.  insert folded strip into 45 degree fringer with open edge on the top

3.  fringe full length of  strip and adhere a center strip (if using one)

4.  begin twirling (I use a curling coach for fringed flowers - it really helps)

5.  add a dab of glue when one strip meets the other and after every few turns

6.  press center down and fluff up a bit

And here is my poofy princess:

Cute, right?  Here's how to make it:

1.  fringe two different color strips and align in opposite directions

2.  glue one strip on top of the other

3.  do it piece by piece so it's straight

4.  add a center (if using one)

5.  roll as normal and secure end

6.  puff up 

There are tons of tutorials online about how to fringe flowers.  (I talk a little about it at the end of this post.)  Google it!  You'll be surprised at all the cool techniques you can learn.  Best part?  You don't need regular quilling strips.  You can use whatever text-weight paper you have on hand.  I used polka dotted paper as well as book pages.  Simply cut your strips anywhere from 1 inch to 1/2 inch for folded and anywhere from 1 inch to 1/4 inch for non-folded fringed flowers.  You don't need a fringer.  You can use a bulldog clip or any straight-edge to guide your cuts.  The key is not to cut all the way through the strip and try to keep your angle the same (that part's not that easy).  Clip the open side and cut along the folded side.  Spaced-out cuts will be less puffy than cuts that are closer to each other.

Experiment and have fun!  You can't really make a mistake.  It's all about what you like.  Here's another alternative:

Simply adhere strips in alternating directions end-to-end.  Add a center. if you like.  They don't have to be perfect, remember, they're handmade.  

Let me know if you decide to try it.  I'd love to see what you come up with!

I may be away for a little as I am currently (failing at) trying to create inventory for my first craft fair.  I'm nervous and excited.  I also got a part-time job so that's not making it easier!  Beacon's calling me y'all!  Gotta try my best to see if we can get up there someday in the near future.

Signing out for now.  Stay sweet and keep twirling them strips!

Oh!  I got my fringer here (incase you're wondering where to buy one). They're pretty pricey but look around for sales.  I got mine at 50% off.  I love me a sale!