Quick and EASY crafty tutorial

Having a party or celebration of any kind this summer? Of course you are. Well, you need to make a few of these lovely wall fans. I cannot stress to you enough how easy they are to create. If you have scrapbook paper lying around, which we know you do, then grab a stapler and set to work using this tutorial.

We have a Winner!!

First of all, thanks to everyone who entered our giveaway contest for the reusable fabric banner. And now (drumroll please), the winner is:

Congratulations

Lara Wells-Krohmer!

Pillowcase Dress

Found a great FREE sewing pattern for a super cute kid's pillow case dress ... with ruffles! Ruffles make everything extra cute, don't you think? Click here for the pattern!

Tips for selling at a Christmas boutique

Observations from an Experienced Seller

by Judi Hammer

After fourteen years managing a large Christmas boutique, I had the opportunity to observe numerous crafters selling their wares. I also sold my own handcrafted items. There is definitely a thrill in seeing customers purchase your merchandise. There is also a real sense of discouragement when the beautiful items you have worked so hard to create just sit on the shelves rather than sell like hotcakes. There are many things that contribute to why some things sell and some don’t. Sometimes, there is no good reason, but more often than not, there are things to do to help you be successful in selling your handcrafts. It is always important to be aware of the venue where you are selling and the type of customer that venue draws. In other words, who is your target market and are you selling at the correct venue?

Some more ideas for success in selling your handcrafts:

· Quality is very important. Create each item with much attention to quality and detail.

· Uniqueness – Are your items unique? Think about style, design, color, fabric, originality, etc.

· Current – Items should be up-to-date in style, color, pattern, etc.

· Variety – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, as the saying goes. Whatever your expertise is, think of ways to make a variety of items at a variety of price points (see next point).

· Price – First, be sure that your items are priced fair for the market. Check similar items to see if your prices are appropriate for the customer as well as covering your costs. Also, be sure to have items in more than one price range. (At Mary Roseanne’s, the average price of an item sold fell between $8-12.)

· Display & Packaging – Thinking of creative ways to display your merchandise as well as clever packaging, if appropriate, can really help your items stand out in the crowd. (How many times have you bought the more expensive bottle of olive oil because you liked the bottle better?)

Have fun crafting and good luck with selling all you make. Also, feel free to contact me with any further questions or insights!

Giveaway!! Giveaway!!

Mary Roseanne's is conducting our first giveaway! This reusable banner has been generously donated by MRHS crafter Amy Stokke of LouLouCreations. It will bring a little bit of extra class to every birthday party you throw. Enter by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, for your chance to win! See below for instructions on how to enter ...

HOW TO ENTER (You may enter each way one time)

1. Leave a comment in the comment section below this post.
2. “Like” the Mary Roseanne's Facebook page. (If you already “like” it then you’re already entered.)
3. Repost a link to this contest page on your own blog, then leave the link to that page in the comment section of the contest page (below).

4. "Follow" this blog (just click on the "follow us" link at the right ... if you're already a follower, you're already entered!).