Thursday, October 28, 2010

Very Bizarre

I made a few things for our annual church bazaar. It's really rather small, and most people just buy the baked goods. I'm not a super-baker, so I try to create stuff, and it's always a challenge to come up with ideas. Every year I think, "I'll plan ahead and think of some good things that will sell (must be cheap, must be clever, must be useful and attractive), and I will make them way ahead of time, so I'm not scrambling at the last minute." Well, you know I have not yet achieved any of those goals. As usual, I was scrambling at the last minute this year.

This wall hanging was made a year ago but finished this week... it was my practice piece for the altar cloths for which I improved the design and which I completed last year. I thought someone might like to have this look-alike piece, but it didn't sell.

Dish cloths.. these sold, along with six others that I gave to a friend a few days ahead of time. This was my big selling item.

28 home-made cards! I was kind of proud of these! Not one sold.

Three hats.. only the white one sold. It was the poorest construction and had the biggest "holes" that I thought would make it not very warm. Go figure.

Three scarves. None sold.

A couple of my last-minute pot holders sold. I really should make some more attractive and better color ones for next year.

Well, live and learn. Or not. I'm not sure what I'll do for next year's bazaar. Maybe I'll start planning now and get stuff ready way ahead of time.....

6 comments:

quiltmom anna said...

You made many beautiful things- it is hard to know what might sell and what might not - I think you did so many terrific pieces- I would try and sell them again- perhaps you will get a different group to your sale next time. Your bargello wall hanging is very pretty.
It must be discouraging to put forth all that effort to not get a more supportive outcome. You make beautiful things - just want you to be kind and recognize the effort and caring that you put forth to raise money for the church bazaar. We all bring different talents to the table of life.
Regards,
Anna

Unknown said...

I think a person doing craft type sales has to be strategic even at small sales such as the church one. You almost have to go to other sales and see what is selling...

I also think many people are in the simplifying mode and are more hesitant mode...

I loved the cards you made but I rarely send cards...I do alot of correspondence online...although I love to get cards in the mail!

So...most of the stuff at the sale belonged to you??

Pattilou said...

I've never been one to figure out what other people might buy! Try as I may, I walk a different path than most and my failures at trying to sell something are many! Dishcloths seem to always be a hit as those homemade ones seem to give something to hang onto when wringing them out. Make some more of them for next year and they'll sell again, I'm sure!

Michele Bilyeu said...

This is all beautiful stuff. I'll never truly understand people and how we all think. I know you're right about..it has to be inexpensive etc. etc...but I can see your prices, here, and the are all really good buys..especially for the work. Well, now you have some gifts ahead for any occasion, I'd say!!!

Patrick said...

I'll take one of those potholders, if it's not too late.

I'd also like to commission a small pillow, sort of an overstuffed potholder. I'll talk to you about it at our next family gathering.

Unknown said...

I must learn to be a more generous person...I must learn to be a more generous person...you are an example.
lovely, all of it...