can i make up for the 1st trimester absence?

I was going through my iPhoto and saw some pictures that I took of a craft show I did in October. I had signed up to do it in September and then luckily sewed a bunch at that time because October through December was no-fun-for-me. First Trimester sickies.
I had sort of given up on craft fairs because I don't make much money and since all of my stuff has to be handmade it's not like I come up with a design and then pay someone to screen print it en mass on t-shirts or something. But this was a real craft fair at an Art Gallery in a nicer part of the Bay Area, not just a local craft show at the local elementary school or something, so I decided to give it one last shot.

I didn't actually make very much money (I'm not sure anyone did due to low traffic), but it was one of the neatest things to participate in. The other crafters were so amazing, true artists. I felt like such a geek with my head bands, hair clips and nursing covers. You could definitely tell what stage of life I was in by all of my mom/little girl items.

Some of my favorites were:

Ohmay - the most beautiful and creative knit scarves/ascots/accessories. Just lovely.

I would love one of these bird stakes in my yard.

This guy's insect art is a-maz-ing and beautiful and I must have some butterflies.

Oh yeah, it's funny too. Beetles walking dogs and riding bicycles, silly things.

and my favorite were these recycled paper earrings. Oh how I had to exercise some self control!

I was next to a girl who does craft fairs as a full-time job. She said at the big ones she makes $3000-$4000. The entry fee is around $300+. Do you know how many hair clips I'd have to make JUST to make up my fee?? Not worth it in my book. Most of her stuff is screen-printed (her designs), so it's not hard for her to mass produce. She was really nice and helpful.

It was fun doing the craft show (and hey - now I've got a bunch of items made to sell and gifts to give away), but mostly because of the kid free day away and being surrounded by gifted people. I'm not sure I'll be a seller at another craft show, but I'd love to go and buy next time!

free books?? free money?? any takers??

Have you heard of Swagbucks.com?? It's freakin' awesome! You earn points by doing your searches (powered by Google) through their site. So you easily put their search toolbar into your search toolbar and earn points. If you search everyday you'll earn at least 1 swagbuck (total - not one with every search). Sometimes you'll get 3 "bucks" sometimes 10. Sometimes you'll even get multiple 1 Swagbucks if you happen to be doing a lot of searching.

Slowly but surely I've earned $30 worth of giftcard for Amazon.com. $30! That's like two free crafty sewing books! With free shipping to boot!! Just think, if you start now you'll have lots of money to spend by Christmas for gifts!

Click on the picture above or on this link. Sign up under me and as you win, I win.

Oh yeah! If you enter the "swagcode" (you'll see it as you're signing up) just enter CASHISKING and earn an extra 5 swagbucks!! Woot! Woot! btw - I'm sure this expires, but I'm not sure when. I just found the code on another blog. Also, I think it's just for people signing up for the first time.

etsy shop

I opened up an Etsy shop last year. It's not fancy. I'm not sure how to make it fancy. Seems I might have to have some technical skills to do that. Or pay someone. Anyway - I set up shop. I've sold a few hair clips, a maternity skirt (which my goal for the year is to make a PDF pattern of to sell), and made some purchases.

I decided to make some nursing covers and see how they do. They are in my etsy shop and also on my alittlegirlie blog.

If you read this blog, chances are you are crafty, my friend, or T's friend, and I do have the tutorial for them on the blog. But - if you're not crafty, lack the time, or whatever and need a gift please stop on by and check it out. I've got some fun fabric combos!