Posts Tagged ‘outdoors’
Sunday, April 12th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
In these present times, more and more people are finding ways on how to make money aside from their usual jobs. More employees are looking for sideline or other business opportunities in order to have extra money to buy that dress, spend on a dream family vacation or simply just to add up on her earnings. They usually make use of their skills of their talents in order to earn extra cash.
Creative people are lucky because they can use this inner core gift to their advantage. They can make crafts and sell them to people they know who would be willing to buy them. They can go to craft fairs or craft festivals where more people can view their products and where there could be higher chances that it could be bought. Crafts fairs are a venue where sellers and buyers meet and greet in one roof. These venues are full of people who use their creativity in order to earn more.
Online selling is another option and the latest venue in selling your products. It is where people make use of the Internet through creating websites or blogs that address to your product. It states there your products information along with its description and price. Online selling is a cheaper alternative to sell your stuffs since you dont need to pay booth or exhibit dues. You also dont need to cash out on transportation and demobilization expenses. Online selling is a great tool to market your goods as well.
So what is the better option in selling your crafts?
Both have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. Selling in festivals will give you a first hand view and experience on selling. It will provide close encounter or interaction with your buyers, which is a very important factor in selling. I personally recommend live selling or face to face selling. The learning acquired from this type of selling is something that could be kept and treasured as this will ultimately make the best businessperson out of you.
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Vermont craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Vermont, the author suggests checking out the
Vermont craft shows for entertainments to make your stay worthwhile.
Tags: art, directory, Events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, online selling, outdoors, travel, vermont
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Friday, April 10th, 2009
by Rick Amorey
Anyone with a penchant for more extreme forms of craftworks will find a lot of things of interest at the yearly Bread and Puppet Festival that happens in Vermont. To newcomers, Bread and Puppet revolves around the concept of sharing fresh bread to onlookers while watching puppet theater. To organizers and old fans, there is the belief that art is basic to life, as is the bread which is freely given.
There is a strong but peaceful political message in the event, which has received its fair share of both praise and criticism. There are those that view it as a good way to show patriotism, and a way to propagate ideas that may benefit the nation. Some others connect it with the old Roman metaphor of “bread and circus”; which is associated with old politicians who sought favor with the populace by giving away free bread.
It is almost up to the general masses attending the event to decide whether the political overtones of the event are to their tastes. But to anyone with an interest in the arts, they will still enjoy the puppet theatre and the other crafts that are there regardless of one’s political inclinations. As a bonus, there is free garlic bread for the spectators during the presentations, too.
As a person who likes crafts in all its forms, I appreciate the Bread and Puppet festival for what it can do with puppets. I like it when they are able to craft them masterfully, and the years of experience in making them truly show. Puppets are a special craft in that they are manipulated heavily, so durability should be doubly considered alongside design.
If you’re looking for a good time while enjoying political puppet theaters while munching on a good bit of bread, then the Bread and Puppet Festival may be of interest to you. Find out about this and other events when you look for Vermont Craft Fairs online!
Tags: art, directory, Events, fairs, festivals, hobby, home, listings, online selling, outdoors, politics, vermont
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Friday, April 10th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
There are many tips on how to succeed in selling your crafts at craft fairs. One known tip is by researching and thoroughly knowing your target market, or finding out if there really is a target market. This will save you the time and effort in developing your product, your marketing strategy, your directory of inexpensive and quality suppliers- in case you have no target market. There are concerns that are crucial in having a successful crafting career. Knowing your target market is the first and basic step in selling your crafts.
Next is to create a working and trusted marketing strategy for your product or business. This includes making flyers and advertising through word of mouth. Other technology savvy people are using the Internet to market their products online. They put up websites that promote their products. In this way, people from far places will also be informed of your product and they can have the chance to buy from you. Your website should never be without your business name and location in it as it would be entirely useless to do so.
Next step is to set up a reliable pricing system. This is also a very crucial aspect in becoming successful in the crafting business as this will determine your profits and gains. It will determine if you were able to succeed in your writing gig. Look up to competitors prices and try to have a slightly lower price than them. This way, you can have knowledge of how much it is generally purchased at. Try to improve your products quality a little higher than the competitor so it would be a reasonable move for you to charge higher than the usual.
Another tip is to make an easy and effective accounting system. This system will further record and keep track of your earnings. This tool is a very important business companion as it will equip you with simple to complex money or financial situations that are very essential in running a business successfully.
Now go over these tips and try to follow them on your selling endeavor. Enjoy!
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Utah craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Utah, the author suggests checking out the
Utah craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.
Tags: art, directory, Events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, selling, travel, utah
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Friday, April 10th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
A crafters first investment in a crafting business is her tools. This article is about the definition of the basic tools that can be found in a crafters toolkit. Please take note that there are many available tools out there and it just keeps on adding up as more tools are being introduced as I write now. Nevertheless, let us start with discussing the basics.
A pair of scissors is also an important tool in crafting. It cuts and trims on paper, card stocks and on your crafts. Some scissors are very advanced and can leave design impressions on your crafters. Scissors are one of the basic tools in crafting and a crafter should never be without it. A puncher is also an example of a craft tool that had evolved through the years. We can see punchers having different shapes for holes. Different shapes can now be achieved through the use of innovative punchers.
Invest in an organizer and you will never have to worry about missing pieces again. Look for an organizer which has numerous divisions so you can sort and arrange tools/ embellishments and supplies properly. Try to buy an organizer with numerous divisions and pockets that will allow you to have a specific place for your embellishments and supplies. Transparent and multi-layered organizers let you see whats inside each compartments without having to open them.
An adhesive is also one of the basic tools in crafts making. There are many varieties of adhesives available in the market nowadays. A tack adhesive is used when you want your craft to have a multi layered look. It will effectively provide depth with your artwork. Adhesives are quite expensive and you should always look for great products so your crafts could last.
The most basic tool in a crafting business is: Paper. Nowadays there are a lot of varieties of paper available in the market. Papers come in different textures, thickness, weight, color and sizes depending on the artwork you plan to make. There are also scented paper for specialized crafting requirements.
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
West Virginia craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in West Virginia, the author suggests checking out the
West Virginia craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.
Tags: art, directory, Events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, tools, travel, west virginia
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Thursday, April 9th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
A wise entrepreneur is one that first practices due diligence in a new business that he has been eyeing. Part of this is researching and gathering information about that business in order to gain the knowledge to operate the business successfully. An entrepreneur wanting to tap the crafting business is always left with a question of What are the crafts that sell? This can be answered through visiting some craft shows and noting the items that are popular and bestsellers.
At the top of the list is jewelry. It is a common fact that almost 90% of people who go to craft shows are women. Women love buying jewelry and accessorizing their bodies with it because it makes them feel good and leaves them with a positive disposition. It increases their self-esteem and self-worth which ultimately reflects on their day-to-day activities and relationship with others.
The second most popular craft are bath and body products with the likes of soaps, shower gels and scrubs. Again, since women are the largest target market in craft fairs selling these products would be an instant hit. Crafters managed the art of making these products at the comfort of their homes which make them (products) sold at very cheap and reasonable prices- another thing that makes it popular too. These homemade pieces are also popular because of the healthy and safe ingredients that were used to make them.
The third most popular is childrens clothing. Mommas always bring home something for their kids after a long trip. Moms are proven to shell out their extra budget in buying stuffs for their kids, where clothing is the most popular. A mother could not resist bringing home a cute dress or ladybug costumes for her little princess.
Last are gift ideas like candles and scrap booking stickers/ embellishments. Women are fond of decorating their houses with accessories, where candles are proven to be the most popular accessories in the home. They also love keeping pleasant memories and journaling. That is the reason why scrapbook essentials are also popular in craft fairs.
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Washington craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Wahington, the author suggests checking out the
Washington craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.
Tags: art, directory, Events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, sell, travel, washington
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Thursday, April 9th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
During these difficult times, more people are at the advent of looking for ways to earn extra cash. The unstable economy caused the prices of commodities to shoot and companies lay-off their employees because of lack of budget. Some people who have lost their jobs started to run their own small businesses which will help them fend for themselves. They do so starting with low risk and low-capital business.
It is a common knowledge that as an employee with a daytime job you can earn extra from using your core gift or talent. Creative people who are good at making crafts are in the path to crafts making as a small business starter and income generator. It is practically a low risk business which has minimum capital and if youre hard working you can have huge profits at the end of the day. Crafters are entrepreneurs who are able to transform a hobby into a money making opportunity.
Crafting as a hobby is a piece of cake for people who were born with creative talents and a good sense of detail. Although creativity is extremely important in the crafting business, a good business sense is equally important to make a crafting business thrive. A good business sense involves marketing strategies, reasonable pricing system and accounting capabilities. The accounting system that you should use is one that could easily display the business profits and losses.
Just always keep on improving your product and your business strategy until such time that your business is able to do just fine and cover for your monthly expenses and savings. If your business is good enough to fend for your monthly expenses, savings and other investments; then it is time for you to finally quit your job and enjoy financial freedom. Do not be afraid if there will be challenges along the way as it will teach you with precious lessons that would be important and of use along the way.
These are just some of the useful tips that can help you in your crafting business.
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Washington craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Washington, the author suggests checking out the
Washington craft shows for entertainments to make your stay worthwhile.
Tags: art, business, directory, Events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, travel, washington
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
St. Patricks Day is an annual festival being celebrated by countries around the world. What better way to celebrate this festive event by making St. Patricks Day commemorative crafts. This article is to provide you with information on how to make St. Patricks Day crafts that are easy, fun and inexpensive. You may sell these items on St. Patricks Day itself or give it away as gifts or fun memorabilia.
I will teach you now how to make Shamrock pins crafts . We all know that the Shamrock is the national symbol of St. Patricks Day. It is a common knowledge that when you found a piece of shamrock good luck and good things will come your way. Shamrock is the anglicized word from the Irish term seamrg . It is a three-leafed old white clover and is Irelands national symbol.
To make a shamrock pin you must first gather the materials. You will need a green chenille stem, 3 wooden heart shapes (those used for scrap booking is advisable), green acrylic paint, glue, safety pin and glitter. Cut a 3 inch long chenille stem and glue it at the center of a wooden heart. Paste the two remaining hearts at both sides of the center heart with the stem. Paint the hearts with the green acrylic paint and let it dry. When dried, coat with a thin transparent glue and set with glitters. Set the safety pin at the back.
Here is an interesting tidbit about the shamrock: Did you know that the four-leafed clover is often mistaken as a shamrock? The four-leafed clover is primarily the Irish symbol for good luck while the three-leafed clover (shamrock) is a Christian symbol for the Holy Trinity. Nowadays the shamrock is also perceived as a symbol of good luck.
Attend the St. Patricks Day festival in Irish fashion with your shamrock pin pinned on your favorite St. Patricks Day t-shirt. Give some samples of your unique creation to your family and friends and dont forget to wish them good luck!
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Wisconsin craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Wisconsin, the author suggests checking out the
Wisconsin craft shows for entertainments to make your stay worthwhile.
Tags: art, directory, Events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, shamrock, travel, wisconsin
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
A responsible business person who is about to tap a new and unknown market will always exercise due diligence in order to research and gather information. These pieces of information will lead him to a successful business venture in the future. An entrepreneur wanting to tap the crafting business is always left with a question of What are the crafts that sell? For business owners out there, let me now give you the top crafts that sell in craft sells and craft shows. This is after thorough research in the subject.
My gathered information led me to the top four crafts that sell in craft shows. First of these is jewelry. It is common knowledge that women comprise almost 90% of craft shows and it is very understandable that jewelry or accessories is positioned at the top list. Women always want to look good because from this they feel good about themselves. Feeling good about their own selves reflects on how they go about their daily tasks and relationships, doing them in a positive manner.
The second most popular craft are bath and body products with the likes of soaps, shower gels and scrubs. Again, since women are the largest target market in craft fairs selling these products would be an instant hit. Crafters managed the art of making these products at the comfort of their homes which make them (products) sold at very cheap and reasonable prices- another thing that makes it popular too. These homemade pieces are also popular because of the healthy and safe ingredients that were used to make them.
The third most popular is childrens clothing. Mommas always bring home something for their kids after a long trip. Moms are proven to shell out their extra budget in buying stuffs for their kids, where clothing is the most popular. A mother could not resist bringing home a cute dress or ladybug costumes for her little princess.
The fourth most popular are gift ideas like candles and scrap booking stickers/ embellishments. Women are fond of decorating their houses with accessories, where candles are proven to be the most popular accessories in the home. Some mothers also enjoy the pleasure of photo journaling and organizing thats why scrap booking essentials are perfect gift choices for them.
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Washington craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Wahington, the author suggests checking out the
Washington craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.
Tags: art, directory, Events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, sell, travel, washington
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
Attending craft fairs can be pretty stressing and tiring. Why? The dizzying shops, colorful items on sale and the endless chatter of people haggling and selling are what may contribute to a headache bout and hunger pang. It is good to know that craft fairs offer treats for the gastronomic needs. These treats and goodies are what we would tackle in this article.
Let me tell you the usual food or culinary treats that shoppers tend to enjoy in craft fairs. One example of a culinary treat that is often present at craft fairs are hotdogs. They are also one of the foods that automatically drop down hunger pangs as theyre content are very filling. Finish it with a glass of cold drink and your energy and stamina is revitalized for that next set of shopping spree! Hotdogs are usually paired up with French fries or burgers.
Ice cream is also a crowd pleaser. Craft fairs can pretty make one sweat especially in summer season. One sure way to beat the summer heat and refresh is a cone of ice cream treat. Ice cream is kids favorite too and would leave them busy while their parents go about their shopping. There is no other way to beat the heat than eating an ice cream.
Barbecue is also a popular treat at craft fairs. The aroma of grilling barbecue is a perfect foreground and invitation for shoppers and spectators to come in and see the inside of the craft festival. The smoke coming from the grill is like a tempting signal for hungry shoppers to come and dine. Other craft fair foods include onion rings, burgers, ice cones, popsicles, junk foods, etc. the list goes on and connoisseurs are coming up with new and delectable additions year after year.
Come at a craft fair near your neighborhood and observe the culinary treats they offer.
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Utah craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Utah, the author suggests checking out the
Utah craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.
Tags: art, directory, Events, exhibits, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, travel, utah
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Monday, April 6th, 2009
by Mara Hernandez-Capili
Today we will be learning how to make a craft dress pillow, scented pot holder and a wine bottle holder. Crafters who open up a crafting business are those who successfully transform their hobby into a money making opportunity. They are entrepreneurs who enjoy doing their favorite hobby while earning because of it.
Dress pillow is a type of craft that will preserve your kids favorite dress while making good use of it instead of keeping it. The following materials are needed to make a dress pillow: old dress pillow, polyester stuffing and your sewing materials. First is to sew the holes on the arms and hem of the dress. Grab a handful of polyester stuffing and carefully stuff the dress with it until you reach the desired fluffiness of the pillow. Finish by sewing the neckline.
To make the wine bottle holder you need to prepare the following materials: cloth, ribbon, wire (optional) and sewing materials. With the aid of a measuring tape, carefully trace the cloth with the wines measurements. This is an important step as you do not want to have an ill-fitting wine holder. You may opt to insert a wire that will serve as the skeleton frame for your wine bottle. Pull the cloth together and tie with a ribbon. You may play by using different kinds of materials like abaca or raffia.
For the scented pot holder you will need: fragrance beads, heat lining, cloth and foam. Cut the cloth, foam and heat resistance lining with the same size. Stitch the cloth and heat resistance lining together while putting fragrance beads in between them. Make two of these. Sandwich the foam and stitch them all together. You may opt to use a lace lining to finish the craft.
That is our craft ideas for now. Please visit your local listings for schedules of your nearest craft fairs and craft shows.
About the Author:
Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the
Wyoming craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in Wyoming, the author suggests checking out the
Wyoming craft shows for entertainments to make your stay worthwhile.
Tags: art, directory, Events, exhibits, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, outdoors, travel, wyoming
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