HANDMADE ARCADE part 2

Ok, it's Wednesday and I'm due for a shop update. I've imposed this work schedule on myself to insure that I at least get the basic needs of this little business met throughout the week. So from now on it goes like this:

Mon.....ship orders
Tue......blogging
Wed.....shop update
Thu......blogging
Fri........ship orders
Sat....\ off
Sun.../ line

Don't worry there won't be a test.
Technically yesterday was a blog day but we'll make up for it today.

So, Handmade Arcade was swell. Really really swell. I have never had so many people see my wares at one time. Thousands of people! And everyone stopped to looks at everything and had great comments even the people with no kids. My display was a huge hit. I'm so glad I took the extra hours away from sleeping to get it done in time. It was a beaut. The music was great, the people watching was even better, and the vegan cinnamon rolls were the BEST! It was really helpful to be able to hear what things people thought about everything I make. Some things people wanted patterns for making themselves, some things they wanted in bigger sizes, sometimes the just wanted more variety of colors. I can't wait for next year and I can't wait to apply to some more big shows in the Spring.

Here are some pictures of the event...

(check out the lighted sign!)

(my helpers for both days)

I also got to meet some other makers. Finally met the Lemons over at Lemon Cadet and got to talk baby shop with Beth. I also got to meet Sarah of 'Charlie and Sarah' she's a fun little chatterbox. She kept calling M2 'the model' from the seamonster collar picture and acted all starstruck, which made M2 giggle a bit. And we met Cosy of Cosy Knits Literally. And Jessica from Cityspun (who I'm ashamed to say lives in Lancaster and we've never met!)
I did some trading and some purchasing and ended up with a nice pile of goodies.
yarn from CitySpun and Cosy Spins, a recycled baby dress from Sweet Pepita and a Bean Romper from Lemon Cadet.

The whole trip to Pittsburgh was wonderful (besides the late night drive home). I can't wait until next year!
Look out for Thursdays post when I reveal more secrets about Lumpkins and the approaching Holidays!

See you then;)

HANDMADE ARCADE

This weekend is the Handmade Arcade so get excited everyone! This is my first year doing it (I missed out last year from all my complications with C3) So I can't wait for this weekend. I have seen pictures of the event so I'm pretty sure it's great. I'm looking forward to maybe trading with some people for some Christmas presents. I'm also especially excited to meet some other arts 'n crafters. So if you're in the 'Burgh this weekend please stop by the Arcade and...

mention you read about it in my blog for a %10 off your TOTAL purchase!
awesome.

***NOTE the New Location***
parking should NOT be a problem (did that sound convincing?)

COME OUT AND BUY HANDMADE

Inventory

I saw this lady doing it a couple weeks ago and it inspired me to take inventory of my own wares now that this weekend is my second show since the baby was born. It's an event at the YWCA called Women 2 Women. It seems like a nice event to attend even if you're not a vendor. There will be tons of wellness activities in addition to the food and marketplace. From their website:

The YWCA Woman to Woman event showcases women-owned businesses in Lancaster County that promote wellness and empowerment. More than 300 women from all walks of life attend Woman to Woman to sample offerings through workshops and personal services. A marketplace featuring local women artisans and food from local restaurants provides a place for participants to connect with other women throughout the day.

It should be a pretty fun event and I'm excited to get a chance to practice my new set up for the following weekend in Pittsburgh at the Handmade Arcade.

So here goes with the inventory so far:
12 hand spun pod sweaters
2 NEW Pod Skirts
7 organic cotton newborn caps
10 merino balaclavas in various forms
10 merino child-sized sea monster collars
8 organic cotton/bamboo batiked plush Lumpkins
6 cotton/wool Scrappy Lumpkin playsets
and a bunch of older things.
There are about 600 things that I'd like to get finished by next weekend, but I'm trying to remain realistic about what I can still make at this point in the game, so I'm not too crazy and disappointed.

I still have to do some tagging and pricing and a couple display/lighting issues to finalize at least in time for the Arcade. I'm really excited about it! Next week at this time I'll be packing for the 'burgh and I'll probably be freaking out. But for now I'm still working my chilly little fingers to the bone. Little Lumpkins everywhere (meanwhile the house has gone to pot)

Everyone come out to W2W this Sunday at the YWCA!