Festival Lessons

I recently attended Territory Days in Colorado Springs with my company. There are things I will do differently and things I will do the same at my next event.

My Top Changes:
1) Get a white tent and make my own walls. A blue top is nice for shade but uninviting for customers as it lets less light in.
2) I need more displays. As the Mayor of Territory Days said... I need a hooker. Something that hooks peoples attention and draws them into my booth. My mini tipi worked ok but next time I'm planning bigger.
3) Be loud. I've already booked a friend with a loud booming voice to recite a short spiel about my products in order to draw people in from further away.


My Top Successes:
1) Saying "Hello" to everyone within earshot that made eye contact.
2) Smiling... ALL DAY. Think of your booth as a stage, face the audience and put on a happy face. It makes you and your products more inviting.
3) Know your products. Saying "um" before you answer a question makes you seem like you don't know what you're doing and could cost you sales.
4) Network. Even if you aren't making as many sales as you want you can make the best of an event by talking with other vendors, coordinators, and such. This simple act may allow me to attend the same event next year for $200 less. I also got invitations to 4 other events in my area because of this.
5) Show your enthusiasm for what you do. Not only does it show your level of commitment but it is rewarding beyond description when you meet a person that sees your vision and shares in your excitement.
6) Be polite even when someone is rude to you. I was told at this event that I should not be doing what I do (making Tipis Tepees Teepees) because I am a woman. A man told me that a woman's job is to set up the Tipi not make them. As insulting as it may be I was polite and kind to the rather interesting fellow - the history of some tribes is that even though we do not live in the days of old. As he walked away I tried to find one thing to appreciate him for so our mood killing chat wouldn't affect the rest of my day or my sales. I came to the conclusion that he had very pretty hair and went about my day as normal. For anyone who thinks this old tradition should still be followed I will add that the majority of Tipi Manufacturers, even if male owned, are female operated with the sewing being done by women.



You win some, you loose some. All you can do is keep trying. Focus on the positive to keep you upbeat and think of how you will change the negative. Just don't give up.



What are your experiences with events and festivals? Did you have a tactic that worked wonders for you or something that you now know was a really bad idea?

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DIY Valentines Day Gift

The Heart-ful Hand Warmer

A Picture Tutorial by Tiny Tipis

 

 

 

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I saw an idea on Pinterest this morning and had to try it. Since I was at a loss for what to give my husband for Valentine's Day I decided to make him something to keep him warm. I like to keep those that I love well-fed and warm. This simple present was free (recycled materials) and took about an hour total even with me pausing for pictures. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

 

 Supplies: Two scraps of T-shirt, Two rectangles of Fabric for exterior, One scrap of fabric for Heart Shape, Half a cup of 20 minute White Rice, Scissors, Thread, Sewing Machine, and Extra Thread to Hand-Embroider the Message.

Step 1: Sew one t-shirt scrap to the back of each piece of outer fabric. The T-shirt acts as a liner and stabilizer.

 

Step 2: Place Heart where you want it on the outer fabric and sew around the edge with a zig-zag stitch. You can use any shape you want. I used a heart so I could give it to my hubby for Valentines Day.

  

Step 3:  Embroider your Message with the visible side on the outer fabric. You could use a machine for this. I did it by hand to give it extra personality. I think this was my first time hand-embroidering.

 

 Step 4: Zig-Zag stitch around the edges with outer fabric facing in. Leave a 1 or 2 inch gap to turn and fill the handwarmer with the rice.

  

Step 5: Turn so that the correct side is now facing out and topstitch around the edges. Still leave the gap open so that you can fill the pouch with rice.

 

Step 6: Fill the Hand warmer with  20 Minute (NOT instant) White Rice. I used 1/2 cup but you can adjust the amount to fit your needs. More rice means longer heat. Less rice means a lower profile to fit better in a pocket. Top stitch the gap you left to close it.

 Step 7: The final step is to toss it in your microwave for 30 seconds. Pull it out and feel the heat. For a warmer effect microwave it longer. For less heat microwave it for a shorter time. The one I made stays warm for almost 30 minutes!

My hand warmer says, "You are loved" in shorthand or nerd lingo. What message would you embroider on your pocket size hand warmer?

 

For more great DIY ideas follow Tiny Tipis on Facebook, Pinterest, and Blogger. Also cruise over to the shop to see what's for sale today! Thanks for reading!!!

One Day She Will Fly

The things I have learned this year:

- When I tell myself 5 minute limit on the computer it ends up being 15. Maybe I should start aiming for 1 minute...

- Laundry doesn't do itself.

- Listen.

- Good enough is an excuse for a crappy job.

- There is never a "right time" to quit.

- Being the dumbest in the room is a good thing. It means you are the smartest in the room to surround yourself with those who would lift you up.

- Telling myself to "just do it" gets more done than "I need another cup of coffee for that."

- Baby gates only work for babies, not toddlers.

- I would rather buy a toy for my son that buy myself anything.

- Every second counts. Ever minute is precious. Every day is a gift. Every year is a giant opportunity to succeed.

- Eat well to live well.

- The sooner I get dressed the more I will accomplish.

- No matter how high up you hide the sharpies the child will find them.

- Fashionably Late is a lame excuse for "I didn't care enough to be on time."

- I have control issues.

- There is always room for improvement.

- If you are not moving forward you are moving backward or stagnating - either way is not good.

- The ability to accept help does not show weakness. The ability and willingness to return the help is where you show strength.

- Be Organized.

- Show others you appreciate them every day.

Not bad for a year... I'm only that much more determined to make next year even better now.