The Handmade Gift Guide

Friday, January 27, 2012

Handmade Wedding & Bridal Story Application {free option}

handmade bouquet by braggingbags

Here is another FREE way
to get your handmade goods
featured in The Handmade
Companion's Spring Issue:

Want more info on the magazine? Check out these posts which include our Holiday Shopping issue!

Find handmade gifts in our shopping directory

Crafty Happenings: WIP, Magazine, and Call For Sponsors

Happy Friday!

Hope your week has been as crafty fun as mine! I hope to work on my latest WIP this weekend: a crocheted granny square afghan. You can follow my progress on Instagram or Flickr. Here's a pic of one of the squares that I have made. I am lost in granny-land.

Wanna join me in my latest addiction? Check out this post for inspiration, instructions, and patterns!

The latest edition of my newsletter is available! Check it out... and make sure you are signed up for the next one, I'll have some discounts at some super cool Etsy shops for ya.

shopgreenlilydesigns

I have been so busy getting the Winter edition of the magazine ready to print. It will be available online February 5th. You can pre-order The Handmade Companion at a fantabulous discount before January 29th HERE.

I am already working on the Spring issue- I'm focused on expanding the magazine by adding regular features, including: indie fashion, book, pattern & product reviews, and more! I am hoping to have the apple/android/windows apps ready for the Spring issue, due out in late March. YIPPEE! That is incredibly exciting for me.

I am looking for sponsors who would like to purchase ad space in the Spring edition of the magazine. I would love to promote your craft related business/blog/website/shop! ALL sponsors will be mentioned {and linked up} here on the blog, my Facebook page, Twitter and Pinterest.

{and, one more thing... check out how to get your shop featured FOR FREE}

I have ad spaces available here on the blog too, here's more info.

OH! I also have a secret project goin on, which I know you all are wondering about. Here are some clues: It involves a well known event here in Michigan, crafts, and a big ole tent. I will have more info Monday. I would love to hear your guesses :)

til then, my crafty pals...

P.S. don't you just love this Valentine's Day treasury that I made?

'I give my heart to you' by RenovationAlley

Red Heart Pillow Va... AldariArt $45.00	Bird Wedding cake t... claylicious $45.00	Hand Embroidery in ... MyDifferentStr... $35.00	Set of 24 Wire HEAR... twobroadsdesig... $24.00
Woodland Valentine ... mulberrymuse $5.45	ORIGINAL Abstract R... ModernHouseArt $375.00	You Are Loved Heart... pennyroyalty $48.00	Black red teal peac... RachelLarraine $275.00
Anatomical Heart Ne... LostApostle $55.00	Love Painted Burlap... expressionsind... $18.00	Valentine Cuties- C... enamorweddings $34.00	Red and Teal Wishbo... merriweatherco... $45.00
Valentine Cookies P... ButterBlossoms $20.00	Letterpress Valenti... SteelPetalPres... $4.00	I Love You Custom M... Cjohannesen $22.00	Tardis Valentine Ca... FierceMally $4.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Find more handmade gifts in my shopping directory. Or Make it Yourself!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Top Five Tips for Craft Show Booth Displays

I love craft shows, indie shopping events, DIY craft-a-ramas... You get the idea. I go gaga over the set ups people come up with. Here are a few of my favorite booths from some of the indoor shows I have been to. Along with my top five tips for creating amazing vendor displays for craft shows.

Tip #1... Use ALL of your space. Including the space above your head. Construct an eye catching banner attached to two sturdy poles. Either place it behind you using two umbrella stands, or attach it to your table, making sure you will fit under the banner when you stand behind your booth. Also remember the front of your table is showing {and everything under it, unless it is covered by a floor length drape} PLEASE make sure your table covering is clean, free of wrinkles, and interesting to look at. Which does not always mean you need a loud pattern. A simple colored sheet of fabric will do. Especially if you add your logo or banner to the front of your table. ALWAYS practice your set up before the day of the show, and take pictures so you remember how to reconstruct it.

Tip #2... Use small shelving units that you make yourself or purchase from stores like target, ikea or even your local thrift store. Paint a neutral color. You want your products to stand out and look organized. I especially like this idea for bath and body sellers. Clean = good.

Tip #3... Here is another way to use shelving, this time instead of a table. Use them to create a cubicle of sorts, so that people can shop from the inside or the outside. That way you can maximize that space that you have into a welcoming area of interest for shoppers.

Tip #4... Use chalkboards to announce your prices. I really like this huge free standing one. {Another great way to use your space creatively} You could also get smaller versions of these chalkboard signs to put on your table, with similarly priced items grouped together.

Tip #5... Vintage suitcases, hat boxes, crates, and containers make eye catching displays. Try to vary the heights of your objects so that you are filling your space. A table full of things all laid out on the same level can look kinda blah. Don't be boring. You have only a few seconds to catch those shoppers as they walk by. Without proper props {sorry, had to do it} your cool and interesting items will get passed right by for that super fun looking table next to yours.

Check out my Flickr for more pics of cool craft show booths, and the article my friend Emma wrote about her experience with crafts shows. So much great advice! If you have any advice you would like to share, please do so in the comments.

Have a great show!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Purchase The Handmade Companion Magazine Winter Issue

Wowza! We are almost ready to send the magazine in to the printer... just a few last minute adjustments, and then it's on it's way...

My faves in this issue? The yummy tea based recipes from The Tea Chick, a super cute embroidery project by Amy from My Marigold, upcycled Valentine's Day cards from Michelle at Aisle 3, a fun sewing project from Karen at One Girl Circus, and the crochet pattern I created for the bunting I used for my blog banner.

I am accepting pre-orders from my blog readers to make sure everyone that wants one {or two, or three...} will get one. Please remember, when ordering multiple copies: specify addresses for each copy.

Ezine copies will be available 2/5, and print copies will be mailed via USPS 1st class mail starting 2/11. International orders have additional shipping fees, please contact me to purchase: anne@thehandmadegiftguide.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Crocheted Granny Square Addiction

Hi there, my name is Anne, and I am addicted to crocheting granny squares.

{hi, Anne}

I just love how they look. Being a product of the 1970's did something to my brain. It made me appreciate things like macrame plant hangers, afghans, and the occasional pantsuit. And of course the granny square obsession that rears it's head every so often. Well it's back, with a vengeance.

I see others share my addiction. Like Dana over at A Granny A Day. It is her 365 project and I am gonna try this one from her blog tonight:

And these slippers from the Purl Bee... too cute, right?

Linda Perrman {one of my fave crochet experts} wrote an easy to understand tutorial on how to make granny squares for craftsylish. Check it out and join me, as you will be addicted soon as well.