I have asked several crafter's for advice information on Craft Fairs.  Some are forthcoming some not so much.  I have nothing to hide because we can all learn something from it.  I want to share my journey. Here is my set up I did on my back deck to give me a visual of what I need and what I can do better.

Mixed Messages

I have always been one to ask God for specific things and own them.  When I am without a job I don't look for one I really sincerely wait for one to come my way.  If I walk in a building and don't feel His presence I will not take the job.  Sounds crazy but that is my relationship with Him and it works.

I have been fortunate in that either someone will tell me about a job or the company will find my resume on a site.  I have submitted several resumes to many places but I am only rewarded when the first two happen.

I am now home as you know starting my business.  I have said that the only positions I would be interested in are remote or part time...... guess what?  Someone called me about a remote position.   It is very interesting and I have had two interviews.   I would love to have the job because insurance is so High !! I want be able to help support my family. I could also do my crocheting while on the phone doing conf calls and what ever.   I would love this job so we will see...

First Steps

I'ts funny how people don't take you serious when you say you are starting your own business.  I spend several hours a day researching patterns looking up places to set up, looking for retail supplies or just crocheting to build my stock.  The first thing people assume is you have time do run errands for them..  because I'm not doing anything.

This is my passion and I am very serious about what I am doing.  Today I was up at 6:30 ordering my tent and preparing a mock set up to see what set up supplies I am missing. I was also at a yarn sale  at my favorite shop where I got 75% off my entire purchase.  As I advance in my crocheting the yarn I use is also more expensive because now I know the difference in texture and brand. Tomorrow I will go out and get a few supplies to tweek my set up.  Maybe I am not going to work for someone else...  I am my own boss so I wish people would realize when you work for yourself you can't hide from your mistakes.  I want this to work so everyday I do something to get me moving in the right direction!

Who said this would be easy?

I was laid off July of this year.  Fortunately I have been able to leave early due to staff reduction.  The goal is to start my own business and this would give me time to get my act together.

Well if I have not learned anything in the past few weeks I have learned that everything is done in Gods time. I have always been blessed to be available to my family when there is a major crisis.  This has given me the ability to go to chemo treatments and sit with family during major surgery.   I know this is what I am suppose to be doing because it has all lined up for me to be there for them.  

As for my business I have have taken my time thinking about products and when and where I will set up and display for sells.  I want people to appreciate the time I put into deciding what I will make down to the pattern and color.  I will not work shows where the treat my craft with disrespect.  I wont negotiate my prices because I have a lot invested and they are one of a kind and not mass market.

My other focus is to work with the youth to teach them how to create with their hands and be proud of doing something creative.

I am busier now than when I had a 9 to 5..  Hopefully I will share some of my tips for craft fairs with my fellow crafters and discovering and living your dream job for others.  I hope you enjoy my blog.  I will try to build from weekly to daily on my post !!!

Join Me !!