Yes, I survived NaBloPoMo. I must say, it was somewhat more challenging than I expected. The posts got pretty lame. I did get a nice pep talk from Becky around the 25th when I was starting to give up so I know a (very) few readers stuck with me on the journey of every day posting. You deserve an award!
I also survived another craft show. This one was actually really fun and well attended (and I sold stuff!) I focused just on my kids stuff-very limited product offering-but it seemed to work. In addition to sales I feel like it was a good networking opportunity and a lot of folks took cards. I also wrote (very) detailed descriptions about each product and noticed quite a few folks stopping and reading. I know some people are too shy to ask so I thought this might be a nice way to get across that, yes, I did make the doll bed and the trucks from actual wood. And yes, the bibs are small but they are for newborns. I can also use these descriptions to list the items on etsy. Speaking of etsy, when I sat down at the computer 10 minutes ago an email popped up and it was an etsy sale. That's a nice end to the evening!
Anyway, at the very last minute I decided I wanted to make clothespin dolls and kits. I ended up changing the sign and selling them for a dollar. Probably sold only 4 or 5 but I had a darn good time assembling the kits and then creating samples. Addictive. I'm saving some for little gifts for my nieces but I have several kits left.
If you actually read all those posts in November (scouts honor) leave a comment. I'm not sure how many people actually read and how many of those would even want a clothespin doll kit but I'll do at least 5 kits and have a drawing (if there are indeed more 5 of you) My dad's a reader but I don't think he's in the market for a clothespin doll.
Even if you didn't make it through the crush of November posts, thank you for reading and commenting. I have a lot of fun with this little blog and you readers make it way more fun. Even if I'm a complete idiot at responding to comments with any consistency!!
Happy December!
So glad it was a success! Having the descriptions out was a good idea. Sometimes I am one of those who doesn't like to ask because I don't want to get sucked into a discussion with the seller -- I am usually on a short timeline when out of the house (thanks to squeaker). I enjoyed reading all your posts this month but will pass on the clothespin dolls, as cute as they are. Save them for the girls who won't rip out their hair or eat their noses. :)
Posted by: farfromca | December 02, 2007 at 07:07 AM
I am glad you had a good time at the craft fair. I love to attend them, but am shy about talking with the actual crafters -- star struck I suppose! Even the "hey, I'm still here" posts are interesting because you include something about your day/life/whatever is going on, so thank you for sticking it out. I think my 6 year old would love to find a clothes pin doll kit in her stocking this year.
Posted by: JenniferB | December 02, 2007 at 10:59 AM
I enjoyed every day! I read your blog through google reader, so I don't make it over here enough to comment. I'll have to try harder at that! So glad your craft show was a success!
Posted by: Roxanne | December 02, 2007 at 11:22 AM
I read every day in November. Your posts were less lame than mine...
I'm making "inspired-by-Melissa" applesauce this week. Wheeee!
Posted by: Sonja | December 02, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Hi! I've been having a hard time using the convo feature on etsy lately or I would have sent you a message via etsy. I'm having a hard time finding your email as well (I'm sorry!) so I have to comment on this post hoping you'll read it and reply. Can you write to me offline at decor8blog AT yahoo DOT com? I have something I need to order from you. Thank you so much!!!
Holly
Posted by: decor8holly | December 02, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Ooh pick me!! I read them all! I have bloglines reader so I read them through that. I couldn't believe it had actually been a month when you mentioned it was over. November went by much too fast!!
Posted by: Richelle F | December 02, 2007 at 07:45 PM
There were NO lame e-mails at all...I was thrilled to have a little piece of crafty heaven each day. Kudos on the lovely Thanksgiving, the glitter pumpkins and squash were a great touch. All of your faithful readers love the crafts, if for no other reason than to live vicariously through you. Bravo!
Posted by: Christy | December 02, 2007 at 10:08 PM
I'm not commenting to recieve a clothespin doll. :D I am letting you know your package was mailed on Saturday from Maine!! Hooray!! It's wrapped in brown paper but I didn't wrap it in Christmas paper. Have a great day and congratulations for making it through another craft fair!
Posted by: LaurAJ | December 03, 2007 at 06:00 AM
I will admit that I read all your posts...I have become addicted to certain blogs and yours is one! Plus I happen to have a less than thrilling job at the moment so ample time for reading :)It's so fun to see what you guys are up to
Posted by: Natalie | December 03, 2007 at 08:26 AM
These are too cute... what a great gift idea! I'm so glad you had a better show this time.
Posted by: Sarah | December 03, 2007 at 12:07 PM
The signs are a great idea! I always feel too shy to ask questions at fairs.
I love the kits! I tried to click through to Etsy but they're having a problem so I'll try back later.
Posted by: Swistle | December 03, 2007 at 11:36 PM
You know what would be awesome on Etsy, and I would totally buy this: a set of, say, five kits to make five different dolls.
Posted by: Swistle | December 03, 2007 at 11:38 PM
Etsy is back up again. Darling girl, there is almost nothing on your Etsy site! Doll kits and bibs! I want doll kits and bibs! You are cruel to tease us with riches and then not make them available!
Posted by: Swistle | December 03, 2007 at 11:45 PM