1 Week and Counting!

It is exciting -- and a little scary -- that we have just one week until our craft fair!  I hope everyone is just about ready, putting finishing touches on your products, getting everything priced, getting labels and/or signs made.  I know I spent most every night this last week doing just that.

You will be receiving your final booth confirmation 'packet' via email over the next few days.  Please be sure you check your email regularly -- you don't want to miss the scoop!

In the meantime, have a great weekend!  I look forward to meeting you on the 14th!

Happy Crafting!

Lisa

More great news!!

We found out this week that Jeffco Action Center (JAC) will be at our craft fair, too!  They will be distributing literature explaining who they are and what they do for the area.  Page 1 Solutions -- who is sponsoring our craft fair -- is a long time supporter of JAC both financially and through donations of clothing, food and school supplies.

JAC serves a vital role in the Jefferson County community.  I strongly encourage you to learn more about them and all they provide to your neighbors.  This time of year, they are especially in need of food, warm clothing and other items that many of us take for granted, while others struggle without.

Please take a moment to see what you can help with by going to their website at http://www.jeffcoac.org/.  If you want to bring a can or two of food on the 14th, that will be greatly appreciated, as well.

Happy Crafting!  (and Happy Halloween tomorrow!)

Lisa

This Just In!

Among other organizations, Page 1 supports the Second Wind Fund - a group dedicated to the prevention of teen suicide.  We just found out that Second Wind Fund will be having a table at the craft fair, as well!  They'll be handing out literature about their great organization and accepting donations from all who wish to give.  Please take a moment to check them out.

Second Wind Fund

Thanks!

Lisa

So much is happening!!!

What a great week this has been!

First -- we've extended the application deadline until the 9th of November.  Yes - that is the Monday before our big event.  We didn't have quite enough participants and wanted to give extra time and get our event out there for more to learn about.  It worked!!!  We've had quite a few more people respond ... Yay!!!  Our webpage and all information has also been updated so be sure to get the latest scoop at 2009 Holiday Fair.

Second -- the photography category is completely closed.  We have more than 3 photographers that will be at the craft fair but it looks like there is quite a difference between most of them -- lots of variety in styles, themes, etc.

Third -- as of today, based on expected applications to be received next week, we have 8 or 10 booth spots still available out of 25.  Pretty good for our first time out!!

Here are just a few of the categories that are not represented as of yet:
- ceramics/pottery
- quilts
- clothing
- children's toys
- glass work
- holiday decorations
- painting
- soaps/lotions
- woodworking

I'd love to have another food booth or two, as well!

Please feel free to let your friends, family and neighbors know about our fair and encourage them to participate if they are crafty at all!  The sooner they contact me, the more likely they'll get a spot.

Thanks for all your support!

Happy Crafting!

Lisa
Click here to get all the information you need!
Lisa_S@Page1Solutions.com
P1SHolidayFair@gmail.com
303-233-3886

10 Days Until the Application Deadline!

We have just 10 more days until all applications are due.  It is really getting exciting!  So far, we have vendors/crafters selling knitted stocking caps, purses, photography, greeting cards, gift/trinket boxes and lots more!

We will be advertising this event online and in print (Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge & Golden papers), and will have signs up on the day of.  Plus, word of mouth from all of our participants.  It should be a great event!!!

You still have time to sign up and sell your crafts or small home business products.  Just click the link below or contact me directly -- Lisa at P1SHolidayFair@gmail.com  -- for more information.

2009 Holiday Craft Fair Webpage & Information

Hope to hear from you soon!

Lisa

Fall is a Great Time to Craft!

Living in Colorado, you just never know what kind of weather to expect.  Yesterday, it was a mix of rain and snow; today started with fog.  Right now, even though it is chilly, the sun is shining and it feels like fall again.  It is beautiful!

This is the time of year when I get more crafting done than any other.  Chilly nights and weekends will often find me at home working on handmade greeting cards or photo greeting cards.  Thanks to our holiday craft fair, I have a great goal to work toward so I'll be working on cards tomorrow for sure!

Hopefully, all of you will be getting your crafts and gifts ready to include in the sale, too.  If you haven't already submitted your application (yes, I sound like a broken record), please do so soon!  We have opened it up to anyone who wants to participate whether they work in the two office complexes here at 6th & Colfax or not.

Just check out our home page with links to the application, information and guidelines to get everything you need to sign up.

www.Page1Solutions.com/2009-holiday-fair.html

Hope to hear from all of you soon!

Happy Crafting!

Lisa

Just 4 Weeks Until Applications are Due!

Hi, everyone!  In case you missed it, we have extended the application deadline by 10 days to Monday, the 26th of October.  That will still leave you a solid 3 weeks to finish getting your products ready for the craft fair on November 14th.


The crafts and art from this years' artisans is really great!  So far, we have baked goods, photography, greeting cards, computer generated art ... any of which will make for great gifts (for you or someone else!).


We really want our fellow office park workers to participate and sell the crafts that they work so hard to produce in their spare time.  However, if we don't have enough participants from this group, we might open it up to anyone.  So, keep checking back here to see what the news is.


Here is a link back to the craft fair information so you can get the whole story.  Let me know if you have any questions, though!


2009 Holiday Craft Fair Information


Happy Crafting!!!


Lisa Shrefler
303-233-3886
p1sholidayfair@gmail.com
lisa_s@page1solutions.com

FLASH!!! Application Deadline Extended!

That's right!  The application deadline has been pushed out to October 26th.  That will still give us plenty of time to get everything organized, booth assignments distributed, etc.

But, you shouldn't delay too much longer in getting your application and photos turned in.  We are expecting a last-minute rush of artisans wanting to participate and it is on a first come/first served basis.  We'd hate for you not to get a spot because you waited.

Happy Crafting!!

Lisa

6 Weeks Until Application Deadline!

Hey, everyone!!

We have just 6 more weeks until the October 16th application deadline.  If you need any information, here are the links, including the application, itself.

Invitation to Participate

Information and Guidelines

Application

Application Categories

As always, please let me know if you have any questions!

Email:  p1sholidayfair@gmail.com

Phone:  303-233-3886

Happy crafting!!

Lisa

Tips and Tricks for Displaying Your Crafts

Deciding on the best way to display your handmade crafts doesn't have to be stressful at all. There are a lot of tips and tricks you can use to enhance your display so that your beautiful creations can really catch the eye of buyers. Here are just a few to get you thinking 'outside the box'...

Table Coverings

• tablecloths make a perfect 'floor' for your tablescape
• use complimentary colors and patterns that highlight your crafts rather than detract
• use what you already have on hand or pick up something at a thrift store
• the more it covers the table and legs, the better
  

Height

• use shoe boxes and the like to add elevation and interest to your tablescape
  
• just tuck them under the tablecloths (usually along the back edge) to make a 'stage' for some of your more interesting pieces
• be sure to allow enough slack and drape in the cloth to tuck around the boxes
  

Table Decor

• pull from holiday decorations you already have on hand
• ornaments, garland, even small wrapped boxes sprinkled throughout your display will look great

These are just a few ideas that I've used and seen. What about you? What have you done in the past? What have you seen at fairs that you thought looked attractive and really showcased the artists' work?

Feel free to add photos, too!!!

Happy crafting!

Lisa

Haven't Turned in Your Application Yet?

Procrastination. We all do it.

When it comes to the holiday craft fair, maybe you've been thinking:

- "The deadline isn't until October. I've got plenty of time!"

- "I want to but I'm not sure if I'll have enough made in time."

- "$25 seems like a lot!"

- "I'm just going to shop it this year and see if it's really worth my time for next year."


Those are all very valid considerations. Please consider these, as well:

- Waiting until the last minute to submit your application might mean you don't get a spot at all.

- If you do a little every day or every week, you'll have plenty made by mid-November.
(see our blog from 8/14/09 about this very subject!)

- The $25 application fee for this craft fair is exceptionally low for these types of events. That is primarily due to the kindness of our mutual landlord, MIE Properties, who is donating the space and utilities for free.

- This is the first year of this particular craft fair. If there isn't a good level of participation, there won't be a second year.


Whether you just started doing a specific craft or have been at it for years, it's pretty likely that you have a viable product, in addition to a great hobby. Why not let your hobby be a money maker for you, too?

We really hope lots of people -- maybe even more than we have room for -- will want to participate. It would be a great event for the Golden area to have every year, but we need to get the first one off the ground and make it a success.

Just click on the application link, fill it out and send it in along with photos of your work and your fee. You'll have fun, make some money, meet some of your fellow office complex workers and maybe even make some new friends! You'll love it!!

2009 Holiday Craft Fair Application

Happy crafting!!

Lisa

Will I have time to make enough product to sell?

You might be thinking that you'd love to participate but just aren't sure if you'll have the time to make enough product so that having a booth at the craft fair would be worthwhile. Believe me, I know the feeling! To be honest, I panicked a little last weekend thinking about it.

Then I realized something! It's just the middle of August and the fair isn't until the middle of November. Even if I can't commit a lot of time until after my last summer trip next week, I'll still have plenty of time to work on things between the first of September and early November. I can do this. Yay! I can do this and I'll sell lots and I'll make some extra Christmas money! Alright!!! (I'm very pumped now, can you tell!?)

As you've read, I make greeting cards. They aren't fancy but they definitely fill a niche. I find it very relaxing picking card stock and matching it to the embellishments I want to use. And I absolutely LOVE seeing my finished product. For me, it is very easy to work on my card creations while I'm watching tv or a movie.

I'm guessing that's the case if you do needlework, too. You can probably knit or crochet while watching the news or your favorite show. Embroidery might be a little tougher to do but, having done some in the past, I found it gave me something to be doing instead of just sitting there.

Now, if you're a sculptor, I'm pretty darn sure you aren't sculpting while watching ANYthing!

Nonetheless, I hope you feel that making the time to produce a good quantity of any or all of your favorite arts and crafts will be worth it to participate in this holiday craft fair.

I can't be the only person around here that is wanting, if not needing, an outlet for selling my crafts. You know you want to. It will be great!!

Aw, go one. Sign up today and just schedule time to bake or knit or photograph or make jewelry or whatever. You'll have fun working on your hobby, you'll be creative and you'll end up making some money, and maybe even some new friends!

Craft Fair Application

Just click the link, fill out the application and start crafting! You'll be glad you did! In fact, LOTS of people will be glad you did when they Christmas shop at your booth!

Happy crafting!

Lisa

Where Do You Buy Your Craft Supplies?

I got really into making handmade greeting cards about 3-4 years ago now. I've gone from medium fancy to plain and simple, and somewhere in between.

I did a lot of research early on to be sure that the supplies I bought could be used on items I sold. I didn't want to risk getting in trouble with manufacturers. I'm glad I did that because now I have documentation for all the brands that I have permission to use.

I buy my supplies from a lot of places. I shop at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Joann's, Archiver's - even Target has a scrapbook section! I also shop online a lot. Joann's frequently has some really good sales online! Plus, if you sign up for email from most of these places, you can get coupons online so you can save even more money. And who doesn't like saving money - I mean really!

What about you? What do you craft and where do you buy your supplies?

Additional Email for Contacting Me

I just wanted to let everyone know that you can reach me 3 ways now ...

lisa_s@page1solutions.com (my work email)

p1sholidayfair@gmail.com (holiday fair email)

303-233-3886 (work phone)


So, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or just want to say hi!

Happy crafting!!!

Lisa

Getting Caught Up

Hi, everyone!

As you can see, we now have a blog to help keep everyone informed on the progress of our first community holiday craft fair!

Here's 'where we at' so far ...

• Participant invitations were distributed in early July
• We have 2 confirmed participants, but it's still early
• Participant invitations will be mailed later this week

We will be doing the bulk of our communicating via email, but wanted to be sure everyone in these two business parks - 6th Avenue Place and Corporate Center - was aware that this isn't a scam or anything. So, we'll be mailing invitations later this week to all the businesses we have on our list.

Remember, the application deadline isn't until mid-October BUT if you want to be sure you get a space, you should sign up sooner.

Happy crafting!!!

Lisa

Welcome to our Holiday Craft Fair blog

Welcome. Please come back soon to read more about our Holiday Craft Fair.