Hi,

My sister recently took an introductory class to glass arts and fell in love with it. She is starting to sign up for classes - I'd like to help her out with some supplies and tools.

Do you have any suggestions on what I can get her that would be helpful?

I am preparing to do a huge trunk show and since this is my first ever, I thought I would send out feelers to see who had information on truck shows.

A little about my show so you can provide quality feedback: my show will be taking place in a historic home just outside of Washington,DC. So lots of space; internet access, good lighting, and access to electrical outlets. I may have to bring my own table, but the jury is still out on that. I will be offering payment by credit card, cash and online Paypal money transfer. I plan on taking at least one other person with me to assist with transactions and such while I am helping attendees. I will be providing a 10% donation to the host's local organization of choice (we've discussed this already). I will also provide the host with all the invitations, business cards, postcards, and flyers she may need to spread the word about the event at her home. Lastly, as I do a lot of custom items, I may offer the host a list of products that attendees can purchase ahead of time so they can get the size and color scheme they want. So there you have it, this is what I have so far.

Thus, if you have attended and/or held a trunk show, I'm interested in...

1. What are some best practices for a successful show?
2. What has been your experience (either as an attendee or a vendor)?
3. How did you set up the display or do you have ideas on displays for this type of show?
4. How much product do you make?
5. Do you have any other tips, ideas or thoughts that could be helpful for this event?

I think that about wraps it up.

Thanks,
Martiel

Hi Crafty Kids!

I have been doing research and I'm coming up short. I need to have some market research conducted on a few items I'd like to sell as well as some research on how to price these items. Does anyone know if there is an online company/companies that specialize in working with the crafting community who does market research and pricing for the sale of products?

If so, have you worked with them and what was your experience?

Thanks sew much!
Martiel

Hi All,

My Shop is taking on a different crafty mojo and with that comes my new line of high end waterproof and nonskid dog shoes. I drafted the pattern myself, the testing is complete and finally I have them up on the site and for sale. I'd like to get your opinions since you are all so wonderful at giving feedback. So here are some of the things I'm looking for info on: First, how is the price for these? Too high, too low, just right? Second, is the listing easy to follow and understand? Third, what do you think of these overall?

You can see them at http://www.etsy.com/listing/93639308/non-skid-waterproof-dog-shoes-your

Thanks - Martiel

Hello Craftster Community,

I have a shop on etsy and things since the beginning of the year have just tanked. I have gotten wonderful reviews from those who have bought from me. I am also getting a ton of traffic everyday. I have read the books and I'm doing everything I am supposed to be including the "The Heavy Seven"

1. Use a banner
2. Fill out your profile.
3. Have a clear shop policy
4. Use all 5 photos
5. Use all 14 tags
6. Ship internationally
7. Include measurements

So what I'm asking here is not necessarily if I'm going in the right direction as far as getting the shop up and working and having the basic necessities, but I need some eyes to take a look at this shop and tell me if the photos seem off, is the text too wordy, are prices wonky, or is the theme of my shop disjointed. It could be any of these things or it could be any number of other things.

I have asked family and friends to look am my site and of course all they say is, "It looks great, you have wonderful content". They are so supportive, but unfortunately they don't know much in the way of selling handmade wares. The long and the short of it, I need some eyes and minds in the trade who know how the crafting community works to look at my shop and give me some feedback. Or even people who are into buying handmade look at this and tell me your thoughts.

I really need some candid and honest feedback. I really want this to work and I am stuck on what I should do. Please help.

You can get to my site at http://sewmantra.etsy.com

Much Thanks,
Martiel

Howdy Crafty Folks!

I need to know how to cover a headband. I've tried a few different ways with fabric and ribbon and maybe I'm just doing all wrong. This may not be the right forum to post this question, but I'm putting it out there -- any ideas for an easy way to cover a headband so it won't snag hair and will look nice?

Thanks!

Hello Sew Brilliant Community!

I run a small online shop and have undertake this huge project - - dog shoes. I'm a drafter by trade so designing them has not been too bad and I have managed to get all the elements from the boot to the cuff to the elastic & Velcro closure all to work in harmony. BUT... I thought I would put this question out there and see what kind of response I got back.

I need something for the sole. It needs to be durable, non-skid and sew-able onto vinyl. I try to use as much reclaimed, recycled and upcycled items as I can, but this is the one piece of the shoe that I just don't seem to be able to conquer - and will likely need to buy new.

Currently I'm using a cotton/polyester blend that has small rubber nodules on it. It does okay... but it isn't as rough and tough as I'd like it to be.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I could use instead?

I'm open to suggestions because I'm currently in pre-order right now and I could use a little input before my next phase goes out. If you are a visual person like me and seeing it would be help, you can check out the shoes at http://sewmantra.blogspot.com/2012/01/dog-shoe-dilemma-part-dos.html

Thanks for your thoughts.
Martiel