Craft Fair Follies ~ When Things Go Wrong

Wrapped up holiday fair season this past weekend at the Gar-Field Orchestra Boosters Craft Fair.  For the first time, I did two winter shows and learned a bunch I want to share!  This first post covers my display and 2nd will show the goodies I made. Set up for the first was so smooth but I hit a few bumps with the second. You don't  find many posts about what to do if something goes wrong, so I am telling you, you can still have a great show if you have a less-than-perfect start.
Having done a couple of shows yearly since 1999, I can say putting the time and effort into a stand-out display yields better results.  This year, having more time to focus on things like booth layout, I knew a backdrop to hang my banner would keep my booth from blending in with the rest.

This is the mock set-up at home before my November show. I ordered the photography stand from Amazon and used two pieces of jersey-like fabric from the trift store to drape over it.   Looks great, yes?  And it looked wonderful for the 1st show. People complimented my display and I sold more than at any previous event.
Then, a week before my December show, life happened.  I usually try to finish up making items at least 3 or 4 days ahead of time.  But, with a sick baby girl home all week, I needed to stick close by her, so I crafted right up until the last night.  Tired as all get out, the morning of the show, I didn't  arrive early enough and rushed in setting up.  I also didn't have my cutie pie daughter to help. Needless to say, I wasn't as organized as before and forgot some key items like the cash box, the CASH, the basket for my journals and that pretty white tiered basket.

So, what did I do?  Improvised!  I used the basket I keep my wrapping supplies in to hold the journals.  I converted one of the black mini suitcases to a cash box and tucked the tins in a little box on the shelf.  Hubby ran to the nearest bank, got more change AND stopped at the dollar store for more basket shred for the larger journal container.  Had this been a couple of years ago, I probably would have melted down, but this time, we just rolled with it.

You can see the display isn't  as neat as the mock up but I made it work.  I kept a great attitude and planted a smile on my face.  A little laughter goes a long way.  Thankfully, a good friend showed up and kept me grinning and enaging the customers too.

No one even knew the display wasn't  what I envisioned :)  

Any funny craft fair experiences to share?

 Thanks for stopping by!

Oh Christmas Tree!!

Who doesn't love a little handmade for Christmas? I have 2 wonderful projects that are thrifty, relatively easy, and quick!  They are a rolled paper Christmas tree in a frame, and a DIY burlap dry erase board.

 I have seen several versions of rolled paper Christmas trees and wanted to try one myself.

You will need:

Paper scraps 

Paper cutter

Frame or canvas

White card stock to fit frame

Glue gun and/or craft glue

Embellishments like buttons and tree topper

First, I cut my cardstock to fit my frame (8 x 10) and put it in the in place of the glass.  Then I cut my largest strip of paper about 2 inches smaller in width, so 6 inches wide and about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long.  I rolled the paper around a pencil, as tightly as possible and used hot glue to secure the end.  Then, removed the roll from the pencil.

Cut each of the remaining strips a 1/4 inch smaller in width than the previous one, so 5 3/4, 5 1/2 etc.    I used about 19 strips, but you can play with the height until it's just right for you!  Once you have your strips rolled and secured, adhere them to your cardstock.  I used Tombow multi liquid glue.  Then, add your accents!

The second is a dry erase board made from a dollar store frame, scrap burlap, and ribbon. Just cut your burlap to fit the frame opening.  Open the frame and place the burlap behind the glass.  Close the frame and add your bow or whatever embellishment you like.

Whether you gift your altered frames, or keep them for yourself, they can be cute additions to any Christmas decor.

Supplies not mentioned above:

Christmas paper: Me and My Big Ideas Ellen Krans Mambi Sheets

Tree base: chocolate brown felt with red/white twine

Stickers: Recollections

Happy gifting!

Kimberly

Bloom Where You are Planted!

Alright stampin' friends, I have to say I am hooked on coloring with Copics...I am thrilled with how easily you can customize your colors and it is downright relaxing!  Sooo, I stocked up on some of the Angie Girls stamps when Unity Stamp Co had it's recent 50% off sale and this is one of the beauties I got, Blooming Rebecca:

Something about the boots and the sunflower that give me a warm fuzzy♥  Maybe it was all that time spent in Kansas during college.

I was digging in my stash for some printed paper to match and came across this paper ribbon I bought from the craft store eons ago.  The colors were a perfect match!

I added a couple of cardstock layers and purple ribbon to finish off the card.  Isn't  she pretty? I am thinking she would make a pretty bookmark too. Copics used:  Dress: R20, V06, V17 Hair: E13, E15, E37, E79 Skin: E21 and E15 Boots: E13, E79, E15 Sunflower: Y32, Y38, Y19 Thanks for stopping by!

And the Winner is...

My lovely tween assistant drew the name of one lucky reader tonight and the scrappy prize goes to....

  Suzanne, please email your address to me at polkadottedbliss at gmail {dot} com to claim your prize!  Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left me some comment love.

Turnt up for 10 SOC Blog Hop Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of the Turnt up for 10 SOC Anniversary Blog Hop Celebration!  I am not even sure how I first came across Scraps of Color, but I am so thankful I did!  Oh yes!  I think I was looking for crops in my area because most of my friends don't share my papercrafting fetish lol, and SOC must have come up in my search.  One thing I love about this community is you can really let your hair down and be there for one another, whether it's scrapping together, inspiring one another or holding a virtual hand during tough times.  The group is a resource for paper crafters of color , but welcomes anyone who shares that passion for paper!   
 Here's the line-up below for the Hop, be sure to check out what projects my scrappy sistas have created, some of them have blog candy too!

SOC Blog: http://scrapsofcolorespire.blogspot.com/

Kate blue: http://kateblue.blogspot.com/

Candy: http://stampcandy.net/

Princess: http://www.papercraftingparadise.blogspot.com/

Tiare: http://iclassygirl.com/

Kerry: http://kerryscoolcreations.blogspot.com/

Debra: http://www.cdebbiscrap.blogspot.com/

Cheryl: http://www.onecraftyncpeach.blogspot.com/

Da Shawnna: http://creativedaze.dashawnna.com/

You are here! Kimberly B: http://mypolkadottedbliss.blogspot.com/

Today's project theme is sistahood, what SOC is all about.  A couple of years ago, I joined the "40 and over club"...

 and decided to scrap a mini scrapbook album about me!  It's a work-in-progress, but I want to share the section on friends...these are some of my closest girlfriends,  ones I know I can count on for anything...

The book is an Amy Tangerine mini...the different shaped and multi-color pages stitched together caught my eclectic eye.  

I got busy adding some of my favorite things.  Unity has great girlfriend stamps, this one is   Vickie, Catherine and Lecia Girls. My friends know chocolate is the way to my heart!

My hubby threw me an awesome "surprise" party that year, with family and friends...love that man!

The best friendships are not perfect...the best friends see you at your worst, don't judge and love you anyway!  These girls have seen me through so much, we have shared a lot of tears and even more laughter and I love them like sisters!

We may not talk everyday but I know they're here for me.  Can't wait to add the rest of my girls! Thanks for taking a peek!

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered to win some Fall scrappy supplies!  Make sure you comment on my post each day of the Hop, I would love for you to follow my blog but is isn't a requirement (I know not everyone is on bloglovin). The lucky winner's name will be chosen out of a hat on Monday, Oct. 13th.

Turnt Up for 10! Celebrating 10 Years of SOC Blog Hop

Hi loves!  I am excited to turn it up for the 10th anniversary of Scraps of Color. We have an awesome line-up of blogalicious paper crafters who will showcase their talents from October 10-12th, so check in each day to see our creative projects and whose giving away blog candy!   After becoming a Scraps of color member about a year ago, I joined the design team last March.  I couldn't ask for a more supportive and talented community of paper crafters to party with!  There is always a fun challenge, swap or some crafty inspiration on the forum, and the regularly updated blog is full of tips, tutorials and sweet paper treats for you to view!  Most importantly, SOC is a place where lasting relationships form out of a shared passion for scrapbooking, card-making and mixed media art.  Here's the line-up below for the Hop: 

SOC Blog: http://scrapsofcolorespire.blogspot.com/

Kate blue: http://kateblue.blogspot.com/

Candy: http://stampcandy.net/

Princess: http://www.papercraftingparadise.blogspot.com/

Tiare: http://iclassygirl.com/

Kerry: http://kerryscoolcreations.blogspot.com/

Debra: http://www.cdebbiscrap.blogspot.com/

Cheryl: http://www.onecraftyncpeach.blogspot.com/

Da Shawnna: http://creativedaze.dashawnna.com/

You are here! Kimberly B: http://mypolkadottedbliss.blogspot.com/

It wouldn't be a party without a birthday card...here is mine created just for the hop!

 I always liked the look of shaker cards, they are festive and just right for a celebration like this!

.

The stamp is Maggie Girl by Unity Stamp Co...see that wine glass behind her back?  She can't wait to turn it up for SOC's anniversary!!

I had so much fun putting this card together, Happy Birthday SOC. 

Supplies used: 

Copic Markers - Hat & Flower (R11, R, R20); Shirt & Gift (Y32, Y38, Y19);    Skirt & Ribbon (R11, V17, V06);

Boots (E21, E79, E13); Hair (E21, E79, E15)

Recollections Cardstock

Recollections Pattrrned Paper

And since you stopped by to take a peek at my projrct, I have a little blog candy for one lucky reader.  Just follow this blog and leave a comment each day of the hop and you'll be entered to wi a 6 x 6 Autumn paper pad, a package of dimensional stickers, an adorable stamp and acorn-printed twill ribbon. Come back tomorrow for more yummy paper goodness!

Trick or Treat?

Hi loves!  Today I'm sharing an altered project I did for Scraps of Color Design Team.  With Halloween right around the corner, you might need some treats for party or for teacher.  Why not try altering these petite coffee cups and filling them with goodies?  This was a very fun, easy project that you can do with the kiddos too.

I ordered the 4 oz. cups and matching lids from restaurant webstore here.  I gathered some patterened papers, embellishments, scissors and my ATG (you can use a glue stick or any paper adhesive). 

 1st, I took apart one of the cups and used it as my template.  Once I trace and cut the template on the desired patterned paper, I applied adhesive with my ATG and wrapped it around the cup.

Next, I cut paper for a straw from scrap paper, about 1.25" x 4.25 ".  Apply adhesive down one length of the strip, roll it beginning with the opposite side (I rolled mine around a thin paintbrush) and adhere the sticky side.

Then, it's time for the fun part, grab your stash of embellies and decorate the cup and lid.  I kept mine simple with ribbon and Boo labels made with the Cricut.

Fill the cup with treats and you're got a cute and spooky gift!

Thanks for stopping by!

This project is linked up here:
Creations by Tee's Halloween Linky Party
Craftin Desert Divas Anything but a Card Linky Party

Hugs,

Kimberly