Recap: My FIRST Craft Fair | Best Sellers and Duds

[@Ritty109]

Your items are well made and packaged nicely. For the edible packets, I would add a focal point, especially one that gives it a name. Like the "Snowman Soup" people make that consist of hot chocolate, marshmallows, Hershey's kisses and a candy cane. There is a cute poem that goes with it. Give the package a name, like "Santa Snacks" and add a cute image like a sticker. My assessment of holiday craft fairs are that 1. "cute" sells, 2. humor sells, 3. small stocking stuffer/teacher/coworker gifts sell, as long as the buyer knows what's inside. As for the folios, maybe you could have one not only open, but COMPLETED, with your family (or stock) pictures, etc., so the buyer knows how it's used.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi there! Thank you so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it :) I probably won’t do a fair this year since I’m finishing up college (finally! Lol). But I’m always thinking of ways to make it better next time. Your candor is very well received. TFW ! 🌸💕

[@michelefrost734]

I made cocoa and tea packets this year for the first time and sold almost $600 (at $5) over three shows. I made similar pouches as you for the tea, except without the candy bar. Instead I bought some inexpensive Christmas themed metal spoons off Amazon. For the cocoa, I made an actual bag and put in a peppermint stick, the spoon, and the biggest thing, "premium" cocoa (Land O Lakes). People really responded well to the metal spoon and the premium named cocoa. I couldn't make enough! If I might add a comment, I think you're not charging enough for your stuff. I buy a lot of the same type of stuff and know what it costs and I just don't think you're making any money. There's a sweet spot - I increased the price of my gift tags from $2 to $3 and immediately started selling a ton of them. You definitely don't want to overcharge but if you undercharge people won't feel it's valuable enough to buy. Weird, but true. Good luck with everything!

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

I really appreciate all of this feedback. My original intent was to use land o lakes because I personally love it and yes it does give the impression of being premium. I was pretty scared to charge more but people didn’t really respond to the lower prices. I think next time I might do gift baskets of the smaller items. That’s amazing about your craft fair! I love hearing that. Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate it ❤️

[@mary_poppins_carpet_bag2304]

WOW! I think you did a great job, everything looked very professional and your prices were really reasonable, hopefully things work out for you better next year 🍀

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thank you so much! It was definitely a lot of work but a good learning experience. TFW ❤️

[@suzymeister]

Congratulations on your 1st craft fair 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 all of your items looked great! I think for next time, like you said..make sure that people can see what's inside. You edible items are adorable, I just couldn't tell what was in them. But, good luck on your next craft fair.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by :)

[@Meyersci]

The video of the setup looked so appealing, everything in the baskets so neatly!

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching :)

[@CaliG_]

So many great ideas! 😍 I didn’t know you did a craft fair so fun! It’s on my list to do one of these years. Yes great idea for teachers and coworkers. Yes lyric lover is so creative love her projects too. Tfs 💕💕

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thanks, Cali! It was definitely a lot of work but I learned a lot.

[@normaedlemon92]

Your items were very well made. I’m sure the weather was a lot of your problem. Don’t give up, the crafters will get to know your items and return.😊

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

That’s so kind of you to say, thank you :) I really hope so. I really appreciate you watching. ❤️ -Laura

[@susansheartstrings]

Congratulations on your first craft fair! Your projects are awesome! Surprised your tea packets didn’t sell. So cute! Hugs ❤

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thank you so much! I’m surprised too but they made great gifts. TFW ❤️ -Laura

[@rollingbnb2146]

Your items look nice and well made and most are very appealing. One thing I learned over the years is the "cute sells". When buyers make an emotional connection because items are especially pretty or have a cute button or bow or face on them, they gravitate toward and buy those items. Definitely don't give up. You are well on your way to having a successful show next time.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hey there! Thanks for the kind comments and feedback. I 100% agree with you. Especially in this realm, you gotta get the visual buy in right away. I don’t think I’ll be participating in any shows this year but there’s always next year or maybe selling on the side. Hope you have a lovely week and thanks for watching ❤️

[@kraftymakes1830]

Cute items. Thanks for sharing.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@HandcraftedintheFoothills]

I do alot of craft fairs and this year was tough...people don't have alot of extra cash for crafty purchases....

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

That was my thought as well. But I was able to use a lot of what I had left for teacher gifts, coworker gifts and for the staff at my sons school. Everything else I’ll improve upon and sell at my next one. Thanks for watching! I appreciate you stopping by ❤️ -Laura

[@HandcraftedintheFoothills]

@@LaurasPlansAndCrafts most vendors were saying sales were down at least 20% and I agree...I gave alot my treat ones to friends and at our church.

[@wendymorrison6469]

Hi there! Deanna sent me 😊. Looking forward to watching your videos!

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Welcome!! Thanks for stopping by :) I appreciate you 🙏 -Laura

[@MariaAguilar-vs9fb]

Hi I know you were disappointed but you learn ad you go along. I have had my most successful year at shows and do items similar so if you don't mind I can share some tips. On your cocoa pouches add a ribbon and some emphemra I actually use gift tags from dollar tree and hobby lobby they are inexpensive but really look cute. I sold over 100 packaged this way. Also packaging is everything if they can't see it they won't buy it. I think if you would have had more pages in gratitude journals they would have sold. You are right people don't understand folios. Make one up with pictures or stand picture here and put out for display.i have found items $5 and under sell best I use to do bigger items and people think twice and want to look and may cone back but if it's a couple bucks they are afraid they may miss out.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi Maria. Thanks for the feedback. It is all very appreciated. I definitely planned to do more but time got away from me. Thank you for watching and commenting ❤️

[@Emeraldcitycrafter]

You have beautiful items. I am going to look at your tutorials!

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thank you so much! I’m working on tutorials for these items this month and next month. TFW ❤️❤️❤️

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi! I finally uploaded a tutorial for the teacher packs. I’ll keep adding them to the description of this video when they are done. I hope they are helpful ❤

[@Emeraldcitycrafter]

@@LaurasPlansAndCrafts thanks for letting me know! 😁

[@blondeamazon4567]

Wow! Hey Laura what a informative video. Thanks for sharing

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thanks for watching! It was definitely a learning experience but overall very fun.

[@rusticcraftycabin]

Everything you made is beautiful. I understand how you feel about not selling your gratitude journals. The crafty fair I did in October I didn't sell no journals or folios. I think it's because I live in such a small town. Keep your head up your doing great.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

You’re so kind and sweet! Yes, the demographic and what they are looking for is always hard to gauge. Good luck to you in your future craft fairs ❤️❤️❤️

[@robincook8402]

I would love to see a tutorial on how to make the last item you showed with had to shaped paper clip and book mark and pocket folder. Crafty Crafts sent me to you. Very nice items . Thanks for sharing.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi Robin! So glad to have you. That’s definitely on my list of tutorials. It’s super easy. I love making teacher gifts. I appreciate you stopping by ❤️

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi Robin. I finally uploaded a tutorial for the teacher packs. The link is in the description. It’s a different size but the same method. I hope it’s helpful for you ❤

[@ardellthompson2013]

Go to your local thrift store and get a black sheets to cover your tables for the next time. I have about three and I paid about 5.00 total for them. If you do a two day show again and you can leave your gifts overnight, take a sheet or table cloth to cover your display items. Seasons Greetings.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

That is an excellent idea! Thank you so much. I clearly have a lot to learn for next time especially to read my contract thoroughly. Thank you for the suggestion and also for watching my video. I appreciate you. And season’s greetings to you too ❤️❤️❤️

[@taredo3]

Everything was so neatly packaged, you did a great job. It really depends on the Climate and what the attendees are looking for. Last year I did pretty well but a lot of people were looking for stocking stuffers, this year I don't know how I will do because I have totally changed my items and I am pretty terrified.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Thank you so much :) Definitely, knowing what people will be looking for is the hardest part. I’m sure you’ll do great! Even though I didn’t sell a lot, it actually gave me a lot leftover to gift to coworkers, family and the staff at my son’s school. Fingers crossed 🤞 for you and good luck at your fair 🩷

[@carolynjordan4633]

So then you can give them out as gifts.great job on your video. 😊

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Yes, that’s exactly what I did! I made gift bags for my coworkers and my son’s teachers. I put the rest in a big bag for the office staff at his school so they all went to good use. Thanks for the kind words and for watching 🩷

[@carolynjordan4633]

@@LaurasPlansAndCrafts good.

[@kerriekrafts]

I’m new to your channel, just subscribed. I love all of your stuff! Can you or have you done a tutorial on how you did your junior legal pad cover folder?

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi Kerrie! Thanks for being here 🙏 No, I have not yet done a tutorial on that but I will soon :) I need to get back to these but when I get this one posted I will come back to this video and post the link in the description and I can also reply again to you here. I appreciate it he support ❤️

[@kerriekrafts]

@@LaurasPlansAndCrafts thanks so much! That would be great. I love that yours have a closure but not a pen loop. Just what I’m needing!

[@barbaracilley8200]

I’d get some cute cheap Christmas paper for wrapping your items.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Great idea! Thanks :)

[@robinmagargle8116]

I just watched this. When you showed the first item from non snack stuff what was inside the paper thing you made? I couldn't see what it was. Ty for your time

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi! The first non food item was a Bath and Body Works pocketbac hand sanitizer :) TFW 🩷

[@robinmagargle8116]

@@LaurasPlansAndCrafts ty so much. I couldn't figure it out

[@kimeckhardt]

If you don't have a video already can you make one on the let it snow item at about the 10 min mark in this video? It's so cute! 😍 If you did make one can you tag it cuz I couldn't find one.

[@LaurasPlansAndCrafts]

Hi there! I have not yet done one but am working on my craft fair videos over the next few weeks :) I know I got behind on these and lots of people seem to like this video. I can come back and tag you when I do complete it. I’ll also add any tutorials to this video as well :)