Back to School 2012

Here we are one full year later.  Grandkids went back to school today.  They are very excited to meet their teachers and hope to see friends from last year.  Grandma Cat hopes to get back on track.  Haven't 'blogged' for a full year because the connection from the Captive Illusions domain name wouldn't connect to the blog, which made the blog next to impossible to find.  My daughter, De'Anna, visited from Colorado a couple of weeks ago and straightened everything out for me.  Let's hear it for daughters...Hip Hip Hooray!

I've been helping said daughter, De'Anna, build inventory for a craft fair she will be doing in October in Colorado.  I used Simplicity pattern 1957 (shown below) to make these sweet miniature aprons.  I intended to make them for decorative purposes like it shows on the pattern below; however, the aprons fit Barbie dolls perfectly.



I've made 36 of the full aprons and intend to make a dozen or so out of Christmas fabric.  If I do not run out of time, I'll make a couple dozen or so of the 1/2 aprons as well.  These are fun and quick.  The first apron took about 30 minutes, but after tweaking the pattern a bit, I can now make them in 10 minutes.  They are fully lined and didn't cost a thing as I've got drawers of scrap fabric that I've saved for quilting.

Time to get this blog posted, get shipping done, finish the laundry, make some zucchini bread before the grandkids get home from school, get some accounting done, make a grocery list.....and so on and so forth!
 
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
              
   Captive Illusions            Captive Embroidery
              &                                  &
Grandma Cat's Attic            Crafty Family

Last Week of School - Wednesday

Hooray!  The favors for the last day of school are done!  Each of the grandkids made 24 which gives them 3 or 4 extras (for the teacher, principal, bus driver or yard duty teacher).  Here's a picture of all the Candy Airplanes...and the grandkids. 

Skyler, Trinity, Sonny

Cap Card/Candy Airplane Favor

Favor Back

This is a fun project, but if you are doing it with 2 or more young children you will need lots of patience.  Putting labels and stickers on everything was fun for them.  None of the grandkids wanted help with the stickers.  They even enjoyed threading the rubber bands through the Life Savers.  The part they did not enjoy was getting the gum through the rubber band loops.  I heard many signs and lots of frustrated little voices asking 'Grandma, can you please help me with this?'  After awhile I would let them thread the rubber bands, then hand it to me, I would put the gum in, then they would put the candy roll in.  We had a little assembly line going.  It worked for us.

And the final cost for everything was only $36.00 for 72 favors (fifty cents each!).  The grandkids had to make 1 extra Candy Airplane for themselves - which they promptly took apart and ate!

Now, I've got to get back to work.  Not only is the laundry calling my name, but I've got over 50 decal listings to put up on eBay, several fused glass decal themes to finish before the batch can be sent to the printers, floors to mop, bill to pay . . . the list never ends.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!
              
   Captive Illusions            Captive Embroidery
    Captive Decals                  Crafty Family

Fairs and Festivals and Bazaars, Oh My!

Back and recovered from the First Annual September Outpost Festival at the Chapel Hills Mall in Colorado Springs, CO. It's been a while since I've done a fair, and I had forgotten much of what it was like. I do find them a great way to connect with other crafters, make some business connections, and in general have a good time.

We spent 2 days in the mall, which is great because they is no worrying about the weather. While there, we launched our new Halloween line, which I'll be adding to our ArtFire store shortly. In my downtime, I crocheted some ponchos, and thought up some new products for Christmas and beyond. Now if only I had enough time in the day to do all the projects I keep thinking up...

Here's some of my fair take aways:

1) Signage - Very important! You want the people walking by to see your name/logo somewhere, preferably big enough to remember later (when they go searching the internet for you).

2) Food - Unless you want to spend all your profits on food, come prepared. We brought a couple cases of soda and water, some sandwiches and snacks. Only thing we bought was a caramel apple from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and that's just because they are SOOOO good!

3) Change - Luckily I remembered this one, but have plenty of change! Nothing worse than someone not being able to buy something from you because you can't break a $20.

4) Receipts - If you don't want to splurge on printed receipts with your info on them, either write it on or print up some stickers to put on them. Be sure to include your phone number and website, so they can find you when they want to buy more later. This is also a good place to put a coupon code or special, to lure them back.

5) Product - Have a selection of everything you do, but don't overwhelm the tables with 50 of the same thing. Put out a couple of each, if someone shows interest in something you can let them know you have more to choose from that they can look through. And when you sell one, pull out another and replace it.

6) Business Cards - Have plenty, and when someone asks for one, give them two. Why two? Simple, if you only give them one, they won't have one to give to a friend later. Even if they just dump it somewhere, there's a chance an interested person will find it.

7) Marketing Materials - Brocures, flyers etc., are good to have, but not necessary. If you do have them, remember less is more. As someone walks around they don't want some huge magazine that they'll have to carry, instead a nice tri-fold or half size catalog would be a good choice. And, if you have bags you can give out to carry all those flyers in, you'll be the hero - make sure your logo and website/phone number are on there.

9) Set-up - Do a practice set up before you go, know how big your space is, where your neighbors are, and if there is a wall on any side of you. Set up your tables, display units, chairs, whatever then load in your product. figure out what you can fit, and if you have gaps in your display you need to make more product to fill. It's also a good idea to know how long it will take you to set up, and how much room it will take in your vehicle - make sure it will all fit!

10) Have Fun!!!!! - If you're having fun, you will draw in more people - customers and other vendors alike. If you aren't having fun, why are you there in the first place? These should be a fun way for you to get out there, meet people, and make a few bucks.

How about you? What takeaways and tips do you have for making fair life a little better for your fellow crafters?

Until next time, Happy Crafting!
De'Anna

Project Update: Christmas Gifts

64 days until Christmas.  I should have been working on Christmas projects for months now, but life got in the way and I'm just beginning the process.  I've got 22 grandchildren, nieces and nephews on my Christmas gift list.  More than some of you, but less than others.  With the economy the way it is, I certainly can't afford to spend $20 on each child, let alone the $50 to $100 toys being advertised on television during the after school programs for kids.  Last year I made pillowcases out of fun fabrics and my daughter and son-in-law embroidered each with the child's name in wonderful fonts that matched the fabric.  This year I've decided to make Christmas Loot Bags for all the kids.  I've gone through all my fabrics and chosen 22 different Christmas fabrics and cut one yard pieces.  I've made an excel spreadsheet with a description of the fabric, the child's name and thread color and passed the information on to my daughter.  She'll embroider each child's name on a piece of 100% cotton white fabric measuring 5" X 8".  If she didn't have the time, I would have either embroidered the names  by hand, used fabric paint, or applique the names.

While De'Anna and David are embroidering the names I'll start sewing up the Christmas Loot Bags and creating a casing at the top to insert a drawstring.  When I get the name blocks back, I'll applique them onto each Loog Bag.  The Loot Bags will be wrapped and handed out as the first gift the children get on Christmas Eve so that they can put all the goodies they get from everyone inside.  Easy to carry home.  Hopefully, the kids will bring their loot bags to every Christmas Eve family get together.

Boutique Craft: Lined Window Valances

Valances are almost a One Size Fits All item- small windows end up with more gathers than large windows - making them a great boutique item.  Simple Lined Valances are quick and easy and can be stitched up by the dozen.  Fat Quarter Lined Valances with embellishments cost more and take a bit more time, but they bring in a much higher dollar at boutiques.  Use your imagination to make them unique, stunning and fun!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Our project is done in pink to show our appreciation for all the wonderful work done by the American Cancer Society towards finding a cure.  Please give your family the best gift possible for Christmas this year...a healthy you.  Take care of yourself by getting the dreaded yearly mammograms, eating right and living life to the fullest.  Visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website for more information on breast cancer, getting involved and donations to help.

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Boutique Craft: Pillowcase Dress

Pillowcase Dress

Pillowcase dresses are absolutely adorable.  But what if you don't have cool looking pillowcases to use?  Here's how to make your own pillowcase and then turn it into a stunning, stylish pillowcase dress.  Make up a couple of dozen for your next craft fair and see how fast you sell them.  You need 1 yard of fabric, a bit of bias tape, a bit of elastic, maybe some rick rack or other trim and some ribbon for the shoulder ties.  If you shop like I do (must be on sale!), you should be able to make pillowcase dresses for well under $10 and sell them for $20.  After making a couple and working out the kinks, you will probably be able to create 1 or 2 dresses in an hour.

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Model:  Trinity Joyce Chapin Princess Ballerina Butterfly, 5 years old

Microwave Potato/Corn Steam Bag

Holiday Boutiques and Craft Fairs are right around the corner. Time to whip up some quick projects that can be turned into holiday cash. This Microwave Vegetable Steamer is a quick project that can utilize scrap fabric and batting. You can easily make a dozen in a day...and still have time to call the local pizza parlor to order dinner, put the kids in the jacuzzi for a quick bath, and let the dog out for his daily constitution,. The finished bags measure 10 1/2" X 10 1/2", but you can make it any size you like as long as it will fit in a microwave.

All you need is 1/3 yard of outside fabric, 1/3 yard inside fabric, and 1/3 yard batting.

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Four Fat Quarter Reversible Apron

These easy breezy reversible aprons are quick and easy to make, yet have a professional appearance (no raw edges) making them a wonderful boutique item. Make them by the dozen using fat quarters from your stash...retro, Halloween, Christmas, floral, novelty prints, paisley, polka dots...whatever you have on hand. For boutique best sellers team the aprons up with cookie cutters, wooden spoons, rubber spatulas and a recipe or two that coordinate with the fabric (Halloween - Pumpkin Cookies, Christmas - Gingersnaps).

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Personalized Custom Pillow Case

Create beautiful, fun pillowcases for young and old alike. Everyone deserves a good night's sleep and what better way to fall asleep than on a pillowcase designed especially with them in mind. Use 100% novelty cottons which come in lots of wonderful prints...princesses, frogs, dragons, teddy bears, wedding themes, Christmas, Halloween, and so much more. Trash those boring white pillowcases and liven up the bedroom. Oh, that sounds a bit kinky. Well, liven up the bedroom decor.

All you need is a cute cotton print for the body, 1/4 yard of a coordinating solid color for the band, your personalization (see project instructions for personalization options), matching thread, a sewing machine, and a bit of time.

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Flannel Nursing Pads

Whip up dozens of nursing pad sets in fun flannel prints. Fast and easy to make. Adorable gift for the mother-to-be or nursing mom. For a great boutique seller create 6 to 12 coordinating sets and bundle them together. All pink flannels...all blue flannels...a rainbow of flannels...all flowers...all animals...all retro prints...go crazy and have fun! 6 sets will usually last for a full day of nursing. Having 12 sets on hands gives a little leeway for laundering.

All you need to make 12 sets is 1/2 yard of printed flannel, 1/2 yard unprinted flannel, 1/2 yard unprinted fleece, matching thread, a sewing machine, and a bit of time.

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Trick or Treat Halloween Loot Bags

Fun, practical and green! Make loot bags that can be used year after year for Trick or Treating. Gone are the days of trick or treating with an old pillowcase. Forget the paper and plastic bags. Not good for the environment and they rip easily. Our loot bags are quick and easy to make and great sellers for fall boutiques. You can easily make a dozen in a day...and still have time to cook dinner, give the kids a bath, walk the dog, etc. The finished bags measure 14" across and 13" tall not including the handle.

All you need is 5/8 yard of fabric, 5/8 yard of fabric for lining, 1/2 yard interfacing, matching thread, a sewing machine, and a bit of time.

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Pet Bed Pillowcase

Doesn't puppy deserve a cozy, comfy place to rest his/her weary body after chasing his/her tail all day? Here's a great boutique item that is sure to please. Flannel pillowcase with a zipper at one end for easy access. Make a bunch in fun flannels, denim, home decorator fabrics, or canvas. Pillowcases don't take up much room on your boutique table and can be made by the dozen. Everyone loves their pets and these couldn't be easier. Your customer shakes a new pillow into one of your flannel covers, zips it up and tosses it into puppy's favorite napping place. Pillowcase can be laundered as necessary. Sell in twos...one can be in the wash while puppy is sitting pretty on the other.

All you need is some fun flannel fabric, a 20" zipper, and matching thread.

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Corn Bags

Whip up a bunch of corn bags for your next craft fair. You can easily sew up 4 dozen in one day if you've pre-gathered all your materials. The cost of materials for 4 dozen corn bags should be around $75. If you sell them for $8.00 each your profit after deducting your expenses would be over $300. Use novelty cotton fabric and/or cotton flannel for some real fun corn bags.

You can make as many covers as you have time and material to complete for a craft fair. Don't worry about making and filling the corn bag inserts for every cover. Bring a bunch of corn bags without covers on them, let the customers pick their cover and insert a fresh corn bag. I

f you have electricity to your booth bring a small microwave. Keep a couple of small corn bags warm so that customers can ohhh and ahhh over them. In the summer, freeze a dozen or so bags overnight. Bring them in a cooler to the craft fair and put one or two on the table at a time. People will flock to your booth for the cooling sensation of these bags.

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Crayon Roll Up

Crayon Roll Ups are a sensational boutique or craft fair seller. Everyone loves to buy things for their kids. Crayon Roll Ups are great stocking stuffers, Easter basket fill ins, birthday party favors.

You've seen them, you've probably even made one or two. But have you had a child use them? What happens when the crayon gets small or breaks? Your child can't get the crayon out of the tall pockets! Our roll ups are made with short pockets and a strip of elastic above the pockets. This way even broken or short crayons are easily accessible. The elastic loop on one end flips over the roll up, holding the crayons inside. No ties, snaps or buttons. This is the best crayon roll up ever. The design is copyrighted and patent pending. You can make as many roll ups to sell as you like using our pattern, but selling our pattern or imitating our kit and selling it would be copyright infringement.

All you need is 1 fat quarter, 1 yard of trim, 3/4 yard of elastic, matching thread, a sewing machine, and a bit of time.

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Crayon Roll Up Kit $7.95 each
Kit complete with template, instructions, fabric, elastic, your color choice of rick rack, and one box of 24 Crayola Crayons (thread not included)

Rick Rack Color

Blue Green Red Yellow Orange Purple Pink Blue