Craft Sale Best Sellers - Ideas and Discussion

[taylorjudi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRKIDDO

Cute! I am wondering if a punch will reach to punch out the nose so it is a see-thru piece? Thanks for sharing!

I did the red nose with glitter glue (Stickles) ans it was really cute.

[DianeCraft]

I love Stickles. The bottle dispenses so nice. I actually found a local art shop which sells the bottles for $1.50 and I bought a few for other glitter gels that I have bought at $1 store, and also for tacky glue. It works quite well.

[alisonstamps]

A friend asked me to cover some paper cups for her, but she wants the 8oz, as it's for a party. Does anyone know a good resource for a template for the 8oz paper cup covering? TIA!

[kspiv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alisonstamps

A friend asked me to cover some paper cups for her, but she wants the 8oz, as it's for a party. Does anyone know a good resource for a template for the 8oz paper cup covering? TIA!

Sorry, Alison, I do not. Sometimes its just as easy to take apart a cup and use that as a template, though.

[alisonstamps]

Next question: for those who make the coaster post it notes - do you adhere the post it notes to the coaster, or just clip it on with the binder clip? I'm wondering if you've found customers prefer it one way or the other.

[DianeCraft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alisonstamps

Next question: for those who make the coaster post it notes - do you adhere the post it notes to the coaster, or just clip it on with the binder clip? I'm wondering if you've found customers prefer it one way or the other.

I usually adhere them with strong adhesive tape. I don't know what customers might prefer because I have not presented them with a clip option.
I am considering doing up a few this year though to test market them.

[kspiv]

I have done both, but not at the same time, so I am not sure which was preferred. I prefer the look of them being adhered to the coaster with sticky strip or whatever. I'm trying to work up a newer design to incorporate a mini pen in a cute way, too.

My magnetic coaster calendars are turning out super cute! Or maybe it's just the packaging....I made a fun topper for them that I love! I'll try to post pics.

[GRKIDDO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alisonstamps

Next question: for those who make the coaster post it notes - do you adhere the post it notes to the coaster, or just clip it on with the binder clip? I'm wondering if you've found customers prefer it one way or the other.

I too adhered it. No one has ever said one way or the other of a preference.

[kspiv]

Let's see if I can add any of my pics from my phone...

[kspiv]

Sorry the pics are so terrible! I am a lousy photographer anyway but on my phone...the worst!!

Most are pretty self explanatory but first one is my clothespin magnets. I think someone was asking about folding over paper and creating a magnetic paper to put your magnets on, and this is exactly what I did. Used white cardstock, folded in half, sticky stripped some of the small metal washers inside and then put the magnets on the outside. I doodle drew the frames on the front so it would just add a little interest and I love the doodle stuff. =)

The next 4 pics are my various forms of hand sanitizer/tissue combos.

The last pic is of my magnetic coaster calendars.

[AZKitchencreations]

These are SO cute! Your packaging is really well done. Do you mind sharing your prices? Also, where have you found a good price on hand sanitizer? Also, I can't tell from the picture - what do the teacher sanitizers say? I've had pretty good luck with any teacher gifts. Again, you items are very cute - I'm sure they will sell well!

[smhtwin]

Kelly - what cute stuff!! You did a great job!!

Thanks for sharing all the pics :p

[DianeCraft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kspiv

Let's see if I can add any of my pics from my phone...[/IMG]

These all look great!
Very cute sanitizer/Kleenex use.

Can you share what size gusseted bags you used? I am so bad at guessing sizes for these and always order the wrong ones.
thx

[kspiv]

Aw, thanks ladies!

Diane, I actually didn't use any gusseted bags. I ordered some of the cheapo bags from ClearBags and when I place my items in there, it creates the little triangles sticking out on the sides and then I just use a small glue dot to tack them down to the underside of the bottom. Or, sometimes I actually just cut off the triangle and you can't even really tell. It is so much cheaper to do this than order gusseted bags (usually). So my sizes range from 2" to 6". The single Santa-tizers are in 2" bags and the hand sanitizer and tissue are in 4" bags (I think!?) My set where they are side by side are in 6" bags.
Clothespins are in 3x4 bags and coaster calendars are in the clear cello envelopes, so what are they...4 1/2 x 5 1/2??

My hand sanitizers all have a form of the Spread XXX....Not Germs! So the Xmas ones say Spread Cheer or Spread Holiday Cheer...Not Germs! The teacher ones say Spread Knowledge...Not Germs! The larger tag on the teacher ones say To Teach is to Touch Other Lives Forever

My embellished sanitizers are from the $ store. Dollar Tree. I got lucky last year and found some that were a 3 pack for $1. They didn't have those for long, so then they were 2 pack for $1. As you can see, too, there are 2 different sizes of those. Hard to always get the exact same at the $ store. The Bath & Body Works ones I got after Xmas for about 50-60 cents each. Some were higher priced than others...not sure why. That is just one example...I have some other scents, etc.

Prices....I think the single Santa-tizer I will sell for $2. These actually went together fairly quickly and I am pricing my stuff on what I would pay for things.

The sets of tissue and sanitizers will go in my $5 price range, only because those tissues were $1 each and the sanitizers were 50 cents each. So I already have $1.50 in them with nothing else. I may even do them $6 each or 3 for $15. Haven't decided just yet.

Coaster Calendars will be $4 each with no price break until my last show, then I will sell them for whatever I can get! hahaha

Clothespin Magnets, also $4 each.

I have a questions for you all...if you use items for magnets, etc. that are "characters" such as Disney or Pixar or Marvel, etc. are you concerned about copyright infringement and have you ever had anyone say to you "Hey, do you have permission to use that image?" I was just curious about this because I was thinking of making some Frozen stuff, etc but didn't know if you ever had anyone call you out on it??

[wendykins]

I did Olaf from Frozen last year and just one person mentioned it...but they were just cranky. I wouldn't worry about it, til it happens ;)

[ciocidi]

Kelly - your packaging is so cute! I am envious of your creativity and effort with such simple items we all use. Thanks for sharing the pics and pricing strategy. These are excellent ideas for small gifts, even if I don't do craft shows. Diane

[kspiv]

Diane, thanks! It's just been years of doing craft shows (both home base business stuff and then crafty stuff) that you find what works for you and what doesn't. I mostly just make things that I would buy or think was cute. Everyone has such different taste so it's hard to know what people like and what will sell. Some things I thought were cute weren't big sellers and sometimes when I have made stuff not exactly in my taste, they don't sell either. So I pretty much now just stick with my aesthetic.

I have a question about the candy sticks...how many M&Ms do most of you put in the 1x8 cello bags? And what do they cost you to make? And what do you charge for them?

[GRKIDDO]

[QUOTE=kspiv;21053446]Let's see if I can add any of my pics from my phone...





I'm glad you posted these....Bath and Body works changed the design of the hand sanitizer bottles! I too had bought a bunch (before Christmas) because I had gift certificates and coupons and they were on sale. But then I worried because of the change in the bottle design if they would sell this year. They aren't expired, but I still worried...
Guess I will make them any way, and just hope they sell!


PS.....did you add a pack of tissues?????? Love that idea!

[GRKIDDO]

I am also curious about the m&ms in the cello bag. I bought a huge bag of small gumballs that I had hoped to put into test tubes, but they are a smidge too big. So I was thinking of doing white ones in bags and calling them "Freeze dried snowballs" but wasn't sure of a price.

[wendykins]

I do a bunch of M&M sticks. I put 22 in them and have charged in the past $1.50 each or 3/$4. I am thinking of going up a little in price this year, just haven't decided yet. Adding minions into the mix this year, just haven't filled them yet. May do either M&Ms or banana runts

[GRKIDDO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendykins

I do a bunch of M&M sticks. I put 22 in them and have charged in the past $1.50 each or 3/$4. I am thinking of going up a little in price this year, just haven't decided yet. Adding minions into the mix this year, just haven't filled them yet. May do either M&Ms or banana runts

Wendy, those are so cute!!!! Did you hand cut all of those minions??????

[ciocidi]

Wendy - these are adorable, featuring my fav minion! I can see these as gift tags using a tag and some circle and square punches I have from Creative Memories! Can't go wrong with a googly eye! TFS. Diane

[kspiv]

Gina...I did add a pack of tissues. I covered it with cardstock. And I know what you mean....of course they had to go and change the design of the bottle!!! And the new design is so dang cute that I want them, but I already have these. So we will see. I figured people might think since I have them set out in early November at my first craft fair that they are from last year, or people just don't care, but I hope they sell...not sure I could use 20 bottles of hand sanitizer. haha

Wendy....ADORABLE!! Are these mini tags you will use on your candy sticks? WAAAYYYY too cute!

I forgot to mention, today is the last day for the 60% off coupon at JoAnn's but I have been going the last 2 days and could get some of the gumballs and Sixlets there. I also get their text coupon so I could get 2 bags and get 60% off both of them. It made getting the Sixlets pretty cheap, so I am reconsidering doing M and Ms and just doing Sixlets to keep my profit margin higher. (Unless JoAnns starts carrying single color M and Ms)

[wendykins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRKIDDO

Wendy, those are so cute!!!! Did you hand cut all of those minions??????

Not hand cut, just punches and such!
And yes I will tie these on my candy sticks this year, similar to these from last year

[wendykins]

Here is the first of four different designs I am doing. Picked up some hot chocolate packets. There is mint, regular, caramel and French vanilla. So here are the mint ones. Also going to tie on a chocolate stir stick...closer to show dates. I used Dawn's pocket card as a guide. http://dostamping.typepad.com/dostamping_with_dawn/2012/08/easy-stampin-up-scentsational-season-cocoa-packet-wow-video.html

[taylorjudi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendykins

I did Olaf from Frozen last year and just one person mentioned it...but they were just cranky. I wouldn't worry about it, til it happens ;)

I received some Mickey Mouse material from a friend because she bought it to make neckties to sell. Disney stopped her from selling the ties. I do not have any facts, but it was years ago. I can't see anyone fussing over magnets and the other little things we make.I agree with the "don't worry unless you have to" response.

[GRKIDDO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendykins

Not hand cut, just punches and such!
And yes I will tie these on my candy sticks this year, similar to these from last year

OMG those are adorable!!!!

[GRKIDDO]

I was just scrolling through my facebook page that I post all of my crafts on to see what else I needed to work on for the upcoming craft shows. The photos span back to 2011. Sometimes I am amazed by all of the things that are on there. I don't always remember to photograph everything, actually not a lot of things. But there are still lots of things there. I try to mass produce things especially non-perishable things, because I get bored with making the same thing over and over again. So, for instance the mini spiral notebooks, I will have enough of those for last year, this year and maybe even some for next year. I still have an entire box that copy paper comes in that is full. Then there are things that get on my nerves and I only make a few, and people snatch them up off the table so fast and order more. So I guess it just goes to show that you just never know how many things to make!

If you'd like to take a look, my Facebook page is Ladybug Spots Cards and Gifts.

My son is home with pneumonia, banned to the house. No going out, no swimming, no fun. Normally during the summer we try to do something fun every day of the summer, but for the past week he has just been resting. Now that he isn't running a high fever anymore, I have been crafting. I cut, scored, folded, glued and embellished 36 of the Hershey Christmas trees using QBee's tutorial. the bags are all decorated and just waiting a little longer to add the chocolates. So now I am off to find something new to make!

[DianeCraft]

Wow ladies - everyone has been very busy!! Love it all.

At the Bath & Body works near me, they had a sign up by the new hand sanitizers with a link to vote on which one you prefer. Apparently, they have not yet fully decided to opt out of the old ones.
I bought 20 last year after xmas also, and am just going to use them. I am not sure which design yet but was thinking of a box of some type.

For M&Ms, I used to do 25 in a bag for $1. When I tried to raise the price last year to $1.50, the sales slowed alot! (people are so dang cheap!)
So, I am planning to reduce the number in a bag to20-22, depending on how they look. I also always tie tags on them. I don't trust the seals on the bags.

I have used sixlets before in addition to the M&Ms to provide variety. They are gluten, peanut, and tree nut free which is a good selling point.
These candies are not available in Canada so when I use them, I usually have to explain what they are! I have used the bright green as Grinch pills in the past, and they sold well.

[AZKitchencreations]

These are how I do the candy sticks - I sell them for $1 so I don't want to put too much effort into them. I get the sixlets at Joanne's with coupons, or Hobby Lobby and promote the "gluten free aspect.

I either print the images or use cheap stickers, seal the bag, then staple the scalloped punch to close the bag, then adhere the image over top of the staple.

I work with a Craft show here that does 3 large shows, Oct, Nov, Dec. They've been doing it for over 30 years so they have a huge customer base. Every item must be tagged, so you don't stay at your booth and sell items. People shop like they are at a regular store, with shopping baskets and then pay at a central checkout.

The Craft show organizers keep 15% of sales but to me that is offset by the fact that they do ALL the advertising, provide colored flyers and posters for us to handout or email to our customer base, provide all bags, tissue paper, pay credit card fee's, cover returned checks, provide shopping baskets and pay appropriate taxes. I love it!

However, since they take 15% off the top, I try not to put too much effort/$ into the candy sticks, since people don't want to pay much for them.

Also wanted to pass along two of my favorite sites for printables:

Lauren McKinsey Printables
She has adorable designs, has reasonable prices and when you purchase, you are allowed to use to sell at craft shows etc.

My Computer is My Canvas
She sell on etsy and I have been happy with her printables. She also allows using designs at craft shows. I have only purchased her kiss, nugget and bottlecap printables. She is having a huge sale starting tomorrow - Mon Aug 24, 60% off, so it's a good time to try something. Anything I do with Hershey kisses seems to sell well - but then, who doesn't love chocolate?

Also, I have tried to find out how to deal with the copyright issue, but it's virtually impossible, as there are so many free images on google. I try to buy from graphic artists when possible (such as the two listed above).

I'm hoping the pics come through, I couldn't figure out how to paste directly into the post?

Tammy

[kspiv]

Tammy...those are so cute!! Thanks for the link...will check them out.

[kspiv]

Wendy...where are you getting your chocolate stir sticks? I am assuming you mean the peppermint ones that are dipped in chocolate?

[wendykins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kspiv

Wendy...where are you getting your chocolate stir sticks? I am assuming you mean the peppermint ones that are dipped in chocolate?

I'll use Bogdons if the price is right
http://rbcweb.shopfactory.com/contents/en-us/p595_Peppermint_Sticks_Tubs.html
But if not I will have to be on the hunt for some good ones

[GRKIDDO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DianeCraft

Wow ladies - everyone has been very busy!! Love it all.

At the Bath & Body works near me, they had a sign up by the new hand sanitizers with a link to vote on which one you prefer. Apparently, they have not yet fully decided to opt out of the old ones.
I bought 20 last year after xmas also, and am just going to use them. I am not sure which design yet but was thinking of a box of some type.

I went to their website and sent a message that I didn't like the new bottles. Maybe just maybe if enough people say something, they wont make the change? Wishful thinking perhaps, but it is worth the try:p

[GRKIDDO]

Tammy LOVE the sixlets!!!!

[GRKIDDO]

Just got a response from Bath and Body works:
Dear Gina,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about our PocketBacs. I am happy to assist you.

Our core fragrances are still available in the original bottle, but with the all new formula! You can still pick up your favorite fragrances for your favorite clip in select stores. Let’s also get your new collection started with our all new PocketBac fragrances and clips. To view this great collection, please click on the link below.
PocketBac - Soaps & Sanitizers - Bath & Body Works

We know our customers love newness but we also understand that changes like this can be a tough transition. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and feedback like yours helps us to continuously improve our products. Your comments have been shared with the appropriate department for review.
Gina, thanks again for contacting us. We hope you will continue to enjoy your favorites from Bath & Body Works. If we can do anything else for you, please feel free to reply to this email or call us at 1-800-756-5005 .
Sincerely,

[AZKitchencreations]

Someone mentioned using gumballs - I am trying these this year - Gumball Snowmen. I used this link for basic directions although I found I needed a little bigger fleece for the hat than they used, but was still using up scraps. I got the gumballs at Joanne's with coupons. I haven't taken pics of the one's I've done yet, but they are totally cute and go together quickly.

Adorable Snowman Gumballs | Nothing But Country


Tammy

[wendykins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZKitchencreations

Someone mentioned using gumballs - I am trying these this year - Gumball Snowmen. I used this link for basic directions although I found I needed a little bigger fleece for the hat than they used, but was still using up scraps. I got the gumballs at Joanne's with coupons. I haven't taken pics of the one's I've done yet, but they are totally cute and go together quickly.

Adorable Snowman Gumballs | Nothing But Country


Tammy

Those are adorable! Might have to try my hand at those this year
Here are my Ghiradelli ones from last year, sold out of them!

[DianeCraft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendykins

Those are adorable! Might have to try my hand at those this year
Here are my Ghiradelli ones from last year, sold out of them!

So cute! Did you hand draw the snowman features?

[DianeCraft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZKitchencreations

These are how I do the candy sticks - I sell them for $1 so I don't want to put too much effort into them. I get the sixlets at Joanne's with coupons, or Hobby Lobby and promote the "gluten free aspect.

I either print the images or use cheap stickers, seal the bag, then staple the scalloped punch to close the bag, then adhere the image over top of the staple.

I love your idea about stapling the tag to the bag. I usually tie them off with an attached tag which can add time.
I usually use printed tags also.

Do people think Frozen will be a hit again this year??