Amazon Handmade

Well I finally took the plunge and signed up for Amazon Handmade.  Fees are a bit higher, but chances of getting seen a little better.  That means I currently have an online presence on Bonanza, Etsy, and Amazon.

I will continue to list completed items on all three websites, as well as patterns on Etsy.  I am finishing up the pattern for a cute little monster  that I hope to have listed in a couple of days.  I'll post a picture of Tennie the Tennacle Monster below.  He will be available for $5.00 on Etsy.  If you are interested and want to save some money you can email me and use monster pattern as your subject line, give me an email addy and I will invoice you for $4.00.  When I receive payment I will send your a pdf of the pattern, easy peasy.

If you prefer a printed pattern I will have those available also,  but they will be slightly higher to cover the cost of postage.  Printed PDFs will be available on Bonanza about a week after the electronic downloads become available on Etsy at a cost of $6.00,  I will mail them out directly usually next business day after receiving payment.  You can get a printed PDF mailed to you cheaper by emailing me and using printed monster pattern in your subject line.  Again give me your email addy AND your mailing address and I will invoice you.  The printed pattern will be mailed out usually within 24 hours of receipt of payment.

I will be using square to invoice, if you prefer to pay via paypal or venmo give me the correct email addy for paypal and i will invoice you, for venmo I will send you my venmo id and name so you can pay.

I have a couple of other patterns currently listed on Etsy, that I am going to be reworking.  I plan to offer them as printed patterns as well as leaving them as pdf downloads.  When they are ready to be released I will do a blog post.

On another note, I am looking for pattern testers.  If you are interested email, and let me know.  When I have patterns ready to test I will email, letting you know what type of pattern, and how soon the test results would be needed.  If you want to test email back, and I will send you a copy of the  pattern.  I can't pay for this, but you will get a copy of the pattern when the kinks are worked out. (I do allow people to sell the items I make using my patterns as long as I receive credit for the patten)

Haven't Received my Stimulus Check Yet

Apparently I am special.  Even though I qualify for the $1200 stimulus check the IRS says they "cannot determine your eligibility for a payment ". And of course I still can't get in touch with the IRS to find out why.  I click on the link for the phone number to my local branch, they are not there, click on contact us, get taken to a frequently asked questions page.  I have emailed my congressman, and representative, no help there. 

Oh and if you are self employed, and no employees, you cannot get help from unemployment (even though the edd website says you can due to the covid-19 pandemic), and you do not qualify for the small business loan that is specifically geared toward small businesses that have been hurt during this pandemic because you don't have employees. 

So that means I have absolutely no money coming in.  All the craft shows and vendor events I normally do have all been cancelled.  And even though I was not the one to bail, none of them are refunding the booth fees that were paid.  I can see keeping the fees if the vendor cancels, but when the event is cancelled the vendors should get their fees returned, no questions asked.

I hope the rest of you are having better luck getting your stimulus checks.  If you qualify and haven't please contact your congressional representatives and complain.  I know I can't be the only one falling through the cracks.  If enough of us are being short changed, maybe the media will pick it up and something will be done about it. 

If anyone would like to help, please visit my booths on bonanza and etsy and purchase something (if you see something you want).  I am also posting items on for sale on facebook and facebook marketplace under arts and crafts.

Crafty Grab Boxes Now Available

*just a quick update, yes you can specify what sort of items you want in your boxes,  with the only exception being an all clothing (ie: hats, scarfs, cowls, etc) will be limited to the 2 large sized boxes)

So all the vendor events I was scheduled to do this spring have cancelled due to Covid-19.  As a result, I have no income coming in, and major bills to pay (think mortgage, utilities, insurance, etc.)  Because I am self-employed, unemployment insurance is not an option.  So in an effort to generate some sort of income I had to think outside the box. 

I have tons of inventory for the events I was scheduled to do (no refund policies in effect for all of them, so no booth fees back).  I have decided to offer “grab boxes of goodies”.  You know you loved buying those grab bags when you were kids, never knowing what kind of treasures were inside.  In this case I am offering 3 different price points  $15.95,   $29.95,  and $39.95.  These all include shipping to anywhere in the USA.  (no international shipping available at this time).  You will get at a minimum 3 different items (maximum of 5 different items), valued at a minimum of the cost of the box (based on the retail prices I normally sell the items for).  For example, say you would like to order a $15.95 box.  You might get the following, A small mini whale stuffy (5.95 value), a kitchen scrubbie (5.95 value), and a coffee cup cozy (5.95 value).  This is just a general idea.    Each box will also include a price sheet of the items I sell, as well as other items available for sell should you decide to buy more items (I will also ship to friends and relatives for you, provided they live in the USA.  (see gifts are covered).

Some of the items you might get include, cup cozies, key chains, hats, scarfs, small lap afghans, small baby blankets, stuffed toys, crocheted potted plants, fingerless gloves, utility cloths (think dish and wash cloths), potholders, kitchen towels, coasters, home décor (think plant hangers, pillow cases,) cell phone bags, water bottle bags, head bands, etc.  Granted most of my items are geared toward women, or children (just not a lot of great crochet items for guys out there, although I am always looking for patterns that would be good for the guys).  I am including some photos of my booth set up and some close ups of a few of the items I sell.

Hopefully this will at least bring in enough money to cover the utilities I am behind on, and cover part of my mortgage.  And before anyone says it, yes I had savings, but they were wiped out when the last of the events was cancelled.  I usually sell enough in the spring to carry me through the spring and summer, and enough in the fall to carry me through the fall into the first couple of months of the following year, before the spring events start. 

All items are crocheted (there may be a few knitted or sewn items in there, but 99% of what I do is crochet).

If you are interested in a grab box email me, let me know what size box you would like and I will invoice you through square (if you prefer to be invoiced via venmo or paypal please include the id used with the preferred account and let let know which you prefer.)  I will pack and ship your box out the next business day after receiving your payment

   

So You Want To Have A Craft Business

 I am currently in the middle of my busiest show schedule of the year, but thought I would take a few minutes to address some questions people have been asking me over the past few months.

I am constantly getting asked if I am selling enough to make a living.  The answer is yes, and no.  the reality is if you are just starting out don't quit your day job.  It takes a while to find your niche and to be able to start making a realistic income.  Don't expect to just jump in with both feet and start making huge sums of money.  You may be doing what you love, but if you don't treat it like a true job you will be in big trouble when its time to pay bills.

I have had no less than 10 people ask where I get my patterns because they have a show coming up and that item would sell so well.  Hello, do your own research, not to mention most patterns are my own design, or redesign of a paid pattern I purchased.  I am not going to give you my bread and butter patterns.  You can sit down and do the hours of work and research I did.  No one said this was going to be an easy get rich quick business.

I get asked where I sell often.  That I don't have a problem sharing.  Most shows are booked months in advance.  You may get lucky and get in at the last minute, but chances are, at least for the better shows, you will end up on a wait list.  And be ready to fill out an application.  Don't get discouraged if you are turned down.  The show may already have their limit of people doing your type of craft.  But if  you do get in, you will end up getting first chance at a booth at the next years show. 

How did you decided what to sell?  This is a question I am asked often.  I started with what I liked to create and went from there.  There are a couple of good shows I don't do, because the items that sell well are items I hate to make.  And lets face it, if you hate making it, you are not going to enjoy your crafting, you will get burned out, and you will end up procrastinating.  And of course you can't be afraid to evolve, and change things up.  Also keep in mind that certain things sell better at different shows.  That is why I have a wide variety of merchandise in all price points. 

Other things to keep in mind.  Don't undersell yourself.  Just because you only have $5 worth of materials in that item, doesn't mean you should sell it for $6.  You want to be able to support yourself, and a one dollar profit margin is not going to do it.  You need to take into account the cost of materials, the time it takes you make it, and how much your overhead costs are (rent, utilities, insurance, etc).  And if you decide to sell the hat at $25  and can't keep up with the orders, raise your price.  You are worth it.

So these are just a few questions I get asked,  I may try to go more in depth on some of them at a later date.  Until then, I have a busy show schedule I need to prepare for.

The Sassy Crafter: Busy Season

The Sassy Crafter: Busy Season: So this is the busy season for me.  I have several Craft Shows coming up between now and December 14th.  So I will be MIA for a while.  I am...

Busy Season

So this is the busy season for me.  I have several Craft Shows coming up between now and December 14th.  So I will be MIA for a while.  I am currently working on replacing stock from a very successful farmers market last weekend.  This is a free market hosted once a month by the local Tractor Supply Store.  I almost didn't go, but decided I could use the fresh air.  I only took a small amount of stock, but what I did take was flying off the tables.  Luckily I had more at home for the next show coming up this weekend in Farmersville, but I still want to replace some of the toys.  Luckily they are are quickly made, unlike a blanket or garment which can take a few days or even weeks to create. 

I did find a new pattern for a small dragon.  Years ago, when my youngest niece and nephew were little I made 2 large dragons for them as Christmas presents and they were a big hit.  They also took a couple of weeks to make, because there were a few errors in the written pattern that I had to figure out (2 single chains in each of 6 sc chains around does not equal 15 no matter what math you use).  These take only an hour or so to make and use up very little yarn (just under a 388 yards).  If I can remember to do so, I will take a picture of some of the toys I make this weekend at the show, and post it, along with the links where you can find the patterns.

So, back to work for me.  Will try to catch up even if its just to say a quick hi/bye next week sometime.

Rude Customers Rant

Okay, so I had to wait a few days before I posted this, then I had to rewrite it to make it less vicious.  But I have a few pet peeves when it comes to customers, and I had three of those happen Saturday at Two Sisters monthly Swap Meet.

First, was a low-baller.  If you have ever sold anything you know the customer of which I speak.  They pick up an expensive item, then offer a ridiculously low amount.   Now keep in mind I sell both vintage, and handcrafts at the monthly swap meet.   In this case the customer picked up a vintage piece of glass, one that regularly sells online for 50 dollars or more depending on color, time of year, and how many people want it.   When I find this piece (and it is getting much harder to find) I can sell it easily for 35 bucks at the swap meet, and it is usually one of the first pieces to sell.  This person picked it up, looked over carefully (it was in mint condition) then turned to me and said I'll give you 5 dollars for it.  I kept my cool and said thanks but no thanks.  Then they said I'll come back near the end of the sale maybe you'll be willing to sell it then.   Thankfully it sold for full price a few minutes later, so I had the privilege of  looking them in the eye and saying, oh I sold that for full price a few minutes after you walked away.  (sometimes you get to see karma in work).

Second was someone who picked up a 1 dollar item (I think it was a card of buttons), and pulled out a 100 dollar bill.  I did refuse to take it, usually when people do that it is because they forgot to get change the day before.  When they said the only other thing they had was a credit card, I said that's okay, I'm set up for cards.  Of course they decided they didn't need them that badly and walked away.

And one of my favorites.  The three guys who were friends, hadn't seen each other in a few days, and decided standing in front of my booth blocking the entrance was a great place to visit.  I let it go for a couple of minutes, then asked them politely to move to one side.  They acted like I wasn't even speaking.  It took me almost 30 minutes to get them to move.  I just kept saying excuse me, your blocking my booth, please move to one side so customers can get in.  And actually it was a customer who finally got them to move.  The guy was shopping with is kids and the kids wanted to see the toys I had on the handcraft side of the booth.  When it was obvious the three were not going to let the kids by, he just walked up and pushed them out of the way, saying my kids want to get in here to shop and your blocking the entrance.  I think he actually shocked them into moving (my hero).  Although I was thinking, they were lucky I did not have a two by four handy.

So that brings me to my pet peeves that customers do (some on purpose, some don't even realize they are doing it) These are not necessarily in order.

Low ballers -  offer tiny amounts of money for items that are already priced.

The I need change people -  they will find the cheapest thing in your booth and pull out a large bill,  it happens at every show I do.  Sometimes I will break the bill, sometimes I say no and offer to take a card.  It depends on the time of day.  If its late in the day, chances are big bills are all they have left, early in the day, they were just too lazy to get change.

The on my God I haven't seen you for at least a day (month, week, year) and proceed to catch up while blocking the entrance to your booth.  Most will move to one side if you ask politely.  Some just ignore you and continue "catching up".

The person who picks up the handcrafted item you spent hours making (in some cases days and weeks perfecting the pattern),  and taking detailed notes on construction in order to go home and make it themselves.  I have started offering the printed patterns for the items I have designed myself for sale, and pointing them out.  Most end up purchasing the pattern, a few get upset that I dare suggest they purchase a pattern when they are quite capable of making it themselves.

Then there is the one who runs down everything they pick up.  They could make it better, they don't know why the rare piece of furniture is priced so high, when the seller probably picked it up for next to nothing at a yardsale, or my favorite what makes your stuff so special, anyone can crochet, knit, make pottery, or jewelry, or whatever your craft is.  These people you just have to ignore, there is nothing you can say or do that will change their minds.  Just smile and say nothing.

Then my favorite when it comes to hand crafts  the customer who says well I know the materials only cost you x amount, why are you selling for that much.  Excuse me,  I have time invested into the item, as well as things like rent, utilities, insurance, food, etc to cover as well.  All of that has to go into the cost of the item.  (these are usually the people selling at the church craft shows and charging only enough to by more materials to make more of their items, you know the ones that make it harder for the rest of us to make a living with our hand crafts)

And I get this one, but for some reason they only tend to show up at vintage shows (I don't do as many of these anymore, but still....)Well I can get it cheaper elsewhere.  I actually had a customer tell me they could get a certain depression glass pattern that has not been made (or even reproduced) since the mid 1930's) new for a cheaper price at a department store in town.  I suggested that if that was the case they may want to visit that store, because I could not possibly sell the pieces I had in that pattern that cheap, as I had paid more than that for them.  It was the first day of a 3 day show, they came back on the 3rd day, waited until I walked away from my booth (not realizing I was in the booth next door paying for a piece of furniture the dealer had put back for me) and bought all the pieces I had left in that pattern (my cousin was running the booth for me while I was doing my shopping).  I walked in just as they were walking out.  They turned a nice shade of red, I just smiled and said hi, beautiful day isn't it. 

But I think the type of customer that annoys everyone, is the person who lets their kids run wild.  They don't keep an eye on them, and don't try to stop them from picking up anything and everything they can.  And heaven forbid if you say something to the kid.  You are the one that gets yelled at.  Even if all you said was please don't handle that, its very fragile.  I have even had to ask kids not to run in my booth I did hear the best response from a vendor at a show I was shopping at though.  The kid kept grabbing expensive glass items off the vendors table.  Her husband would quickly take the item and put it back on the table, while saying please don't touch anything, (the child in question was standing on tip toe, and reaching up and grabbing the item off the table, so you can't say the stuff was at their level)  After about the 4th or 5th time his wife turned to the mother and said  "If your don't stop your kid from grabbing my stuff, I'm going to kick your ass"  (that was a direct quote).  The mother grabbed the kid and took off.  Next time I saw them she still had a death grip on the child's arm.

So those are my biggest pet peeves for rude customers.  I'm sure others could add to this list easily.

Maybe next time I'll do a pet peeve for sellers I have encountered over the years.