So all these feelings of Fall are naturally steering me towards Sugar Plum Fairy Dances and Winter Balls and such. I've telling myself for about 6 months that I really need to make a Showstopper. You know the one item in your shop that makes people stop and stare and say "Wow! I would LOVE to have that!" And it would showcase my skills and cost a very pretty penny (to make and retail). I wouldn't expect it to sell immediately or to even make dozens of them. I just want to make one that makes people take notice of my work.
So my questions to you are:
1. Should it be a dress?
2. If so, a formal dress?
3. Should I make it in my size? Or some generic average size?
4. If not a dress, then what show stopping ideas do you have?
5. What would make you stand up and say, "Wow! She's a good seamstress! I want to have something made for me."
Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Planning Ahead!
I went shopping today for Fall Collection fabrics! Oh it was very exciting! I know summer isn't even here yet, but you know we fashion designers have to be a few seasons ahead. I do handcraft after all :) Since Fall is my favorite season, it is doubly exciting for me. I got suedes, tapestry paisleys, plush stripes - in browns, olives and plums. Mmm, chocolate corduroy!
Already on drawing board, I have a very roomy messenger bag that can function as either a laptop bag, book bag, or diaper bag. I have visions of a decadent tote, a plush clutch, and maybe a trapezoid bag. Sugar plums dancing in my head :)
Already on drawing board, I have a very roomy messenger bag that can function as either a laptop bag, book bag, or diaper bag. I have visions of a decadent tote, a plush clutch, and maybe a trapezoid bag. Sugar plums dancing in my head :)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
My Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Well, I finished the book last week. I've been so busy, this is the first chance I've had to sit down and write about it. I definitely think that was this was the best book from the fictional story perspective. It was very engaging and difficult to put down. The knowledge imparted however, was just as important as the other two. As a matter of fact, I would suggest that it is important to read them in the order they were written. It doesn't say that anywhere, that you should, but I think there is a natural progression of thoughts.
This book completes the equation of what has gone wrong with our society. Even as I type that, I know it conveys the wrong idea. It's difficult to say what the flavor of these books are because they really are so different from anything else. These were written to open your mind and help you see what our culture really looks like objectively. There are no answers here on how to fix it, just a history of how it got this way and where it's going if it doesn't change. And I think we all know that it's going to H-E-double hockey sticks in a handbasket.
My Ishmael focuses on the areas of business/capitalism and education of our young. Once the simple fact is laid out before you that if food weren't locked up, the world would be an entirely different place; you sort of shudder and say "Why didn't I realize that before?" Really, you must think about that - if food weren't locked up, would you work in a job you hate? would you be trudging through each day of your life? wouldn't your "hobby" actually become your life's work? Why is the food locked up? To benefit a few elite by getting what they want in exchange for the food so desperately needed by all. Sure, it started off small and has escalated into what it is today - 95% of the world's population dependent on commerce in order to live. I think this why Star Trek appeals to me so much. I watch every episode repeatedly, because I love to revel in the fantasy that human beings actually can elevate themselves to the point of eliminating money from the equation. There it is - a technologically advanced (warp drive capable) civilization that runs smoothly without currency. People excel in jobs they love because they are fulfilling their true calling in life and there is no stigma about some jobs being better than others - they are necessary and keep the wheels turning. And their food is given to them as they need it - no hoarding and no cost, freeing the mind to pursue its dreams instead of its survival.
The other topic is the education of our young. Everyone says that school systems need to be overhauled, no matter what country they're in - but the US in particular, definitely. As homeschoolers, we have already figured out that isn't the way to help children thrive. And private school is no better than public, simply more expensive. But here, in this book, homeschooling is also seen as an extension of a structured educational system if it is not unschooling. Four years ago, I would not have seen that as a true statement. These past few years of learning from my children about how they learn best, I have begun to see that unschooling really is the only way for children to learn well and permanently. And to let them learn what they are interested in - forcing boring subjects does not increase learning or make a person well-rounded. And really, why is "well-rounded" absolutely necessary? Look at the picture as a whole, every part of our knowledge will be passed down through generations by people who know it best to the people who want to know about it. Children only retain what's interesting to them, so why waste years trying to cram things in there that won't stick anyway.
The most important lessons learned from these books collectively is that there is no ONE right way to live for all people. This of course is completely contrary to central beliefs of technologically advanced, world power civilizations. I don't want to elaborate more here because I am trying to get you to read these books. You will learn so much more from them than from a summary by me. This shift in thinking can't come about by reading a summary - you have to have all the details, chew on it, swallow it, digest it - then you really know it and understand.
I really believe that if you have strong desire to change the world, you have to start here.
This book completes the equation of what has gone wrong with our society. Even as I type that, I know it conveys the wrong idea. It's difficult to say what the flavor of these books are because they really are so different from anything else. These were written to open your mind and help you see what our culture really looks like objectively. There are no answers here on how to fix it, just a history of how it got this way and where it's going if it doesn't change. And I think we all know that it's going to H-E-double hockey sticks in a handbasket.
My Ishmael focuses on the areas of business/capitalism and education of our young. Once the simple fact is laid out before you that if food weren't locked up, the world would be an entirely different place; you sort of shudder and say "Why didn't I realize that before?" Really, you must think about that - if food weren't locked up, would you work in a job you hate? would you be trudging through each day of your life? wouldn't your "hobby" actually become your life's work? Why is the food locked up? To benefit a few elite by getting what they want in exchange for the food so desperately needed by all. Sure, it started off small and has escalated into what it is today - 95% of the world's population dependent on commerce in order to live. I think this why Star Trek appeals to me so much. I watch every episode repeatedly, because I love to revel in the fantasy that human beings actually can elevate themselves to the point of eliminating money from the equation. There it is - a technologically advanced (warp drive capable) civilization that runs smoothly without currency. People excel in jobs they love because they are fulfilling their true calling in life and there is no stigma about some jobs being better than others - they are necessary and keep the wheels turning. And their food is given to them as they need it - no hoarding and no cost, freeing the mind to pursue its dreams instead of its survival.
The other topic is the education of our young. Everyone says that school systems need to be overhauled, no matter what country they're in - but the US in particular, definitely. As homeschoolers, we have already figured out that isn't the way to help children thrive. And private school is no better than public, simply more expensive. But here, in this book, homeschooling is also seen as an extension of a structured educational system if it is not unschooling. Four years ago, I would not have seen that as a true statement. These past few years of learning from my children about how they learn best, I have begun to see that unschooling really is the only way for children to learn well and permanently. And to let them learn what they are interested in - forcing boring subjects does not increase learning or make a person well-rounded. And really, why is "well-rounded" absolutely necessary? Look at the picture as a whole, every part of our knowledge will be passed down through generations by people who know it best to the people who want to know about it. Children only retain what's interesting to them, so why waste years trying to cram things in there that won't stick anyway.
The most important lessons learned from these books collectively is that there is no ONE right way to live for all people. This of course is completely contrary to central beliefs of technologically advanced, world power civilizations. I don't want to elaborate more here because I am trying to get you to read these books. You will learn so much more from them than from a summary by me. This shift in thinking can't come about by reading a summary - you have to have all the details, chew on it, swallow it, digest it - then you really know it and understand.
I really believe that if you have strong desire to change the world, you have to start here.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Requirement for State Assistance Checks?
I got this in my email today from an old friend in Arizona. I just had to pass this along.
Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their BUTTS , doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?I have never thought of this before, but I think it's a lovely idea. Who should we write to in order to have this implemented?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
How To Throw a Successful Direct Sales Home Party
Last year, I went to a Tupperware party at a friend's house. We won't talk about the gobs of Tupperware I bought, won, and the party I was coerced into throwing. Let's leave it at my very organized pantry. The reason for my post is to give you folks out there an idea for successful home parties. A lot of us crafty people sell our handmade crafts through many avenues - one of them being home parties.
Hold a fake auction. First, you should have some inexpensive items you are willing to give away as door prizes - about 6 will do. Then you should comprise a list of questions - they can be anything like: who just had a birthday, anniversary coming up, most kids, no kids, came from furthest away, known hostess the longest, is wearing a watch, etc. You get the idea. You might want to include some questions related to your craft just to see what people know. 40 - 50 questions should be good - these will be your 'money' prompts.
You will need play money. You can get some in a toy aisle or print it off of the internet. This is a lot more fun when the money is in large denominations - 100s, 500s, and 1000s. Oh! And your door prizes should be gift bagged so no one can see what it is.
How this works as an icebreaker
Before the party, when invites are being sent out, let your hostess's guests know that they will be playing an auction style game for fabulous prizes. Give them ways to earn auction bucks before the party even happens - signing up for your newsletter or email list, bringing a list of invitees for their own party, bringing a friend who wasn't invited, arriving on time, arriving with a pre-order, etc.
The night of the party, as guests arrive early, give them their auction bucks they've earned by doing the pre-party stuff, as well as bucks for coming early. Every 5-10 minutes, hand out another $100 to everyone there until the start time comes. When you are ready to start the party, introduce yourself again to the group as a whole, thank them for coming, thank your hostess, point them to the refreshments before starting the game.
While they are munching, tell them a bit about yourself and how you got started in your craft, what your goals are, any charities you donate proceeds to, and anything else you'd like them to know about you - not your products. Every time someone asks you a question, hand them money. Once you are ready to start the game, explain that the players should bid early and often. They won't get to keep the money at the end of the game. The game is for fun and everyone should have a good time.
Take out your 1st bag and describe what color it is and it's function. (If you're selling cosmetics, it's for the eyes and is blue. If you're selling jewelry, it's red and for the hand.) Start the bidding at $100 and let it fly! They may need encouragement at first, but once they get the hang of it there will be shouting and giggling! It really works! Repeat this with all your door prizes. Collect the leftover bucks at the end and thank them for playing.
Next you tell them about your products and invite them to try or touch or whatever is relevant to your items. Take orders or sell items to each person individually. Ask the hostess beforehand if there is a somewhat private corner you can conduct business in when the time comes. Remember to give your hostess a percentage credit on her items. For example, if you collect $300 in total sales (not including the hostess) and you are giving 20%, then your hostess will receive $60 in free products. For every booking received, give her another item at 50% off.
This is a great way to increase visibility for you and create repeat direct sales customers. You can devise theme nights also. Start with asking your friends, family, co-workers, or fellow club members to host a party. Have them invite 15 -20 people, only half will show. Provide the invitations with the pre-party ways to get bucks. Have your hostess get an accurate headcount a couple days before the party; this serves a reminder about the party for the guest. "Hi Sally, I just wanted to remind you about the party on Friday night. Did you get your invitation with all the ways to get auction bucks? Great! Will you be bringing a friend? Fantastic! See ya then!"
So all you Home Party Girls, if you try this and love it, post me a comment and let me know how it goes! Happy Selling!
Hold a fake auction. First, you should have some inexpensive items you are willing to give away as door prizes - about 6 will do. Then you should comprise a list of questions - they can be anything like: who just had a birthday, anniversary coming up, most kids, no kids, came from furthest away, known hostess the longest, is wearing a watch, etc. You get the idea. You might want to include some questions related to your craft just to see what people know. 40 - 50 questions should be good - these will be your 'money' prompts.
You will need play money. You can get some in a toy aisle or print it off of the internet. This is a lot more fun when the money is in large denominations - 100s, 500s, and 1000s. Oh! And your door prizes should be gift bagged so no one can see what it is.
How this works as an icebreaker
Before the party, when invites are being sent out, let your hostess's guests know that they will be playing an auction style game for fabulous prizes. Give them ways to earn auction bucks before the party even happens - signing up for your newsletter or email list, bringing a list of invitees for their own party, bringing a friend who wasn't invited, arriving on time, arriving with a pre-order, etc.
The night of the party, as guests arrive early, give them their auction bucks they've earned by doing the pre-party stuff, as well as bucks for coming early. Every 5-10 minutes, hand out another $100 to everyone there until the start time comes. When you are ready to start the party, introduce yourself again to the group as a whole, thank them for coming, thank your hostess, point them to the refreshments before starting the game.
While they are munching, tell them a bit about yourself and how you got started in your craft, what your goals are, any charities you donate proceeds to, and anything else you'd like them to know about you - not your products. Every time someone asks you a question, hand them money. Once you are ready to start the game, explain that the players should bid early and often. They won't get to keep the money at the end of the game. The game is for fun and everyone should have a good time.
Take out your 1st bag and describe what color it is and it's function. (If you're selling cosmetics, it's for the eyes and is blue. If you're selling jewelry, it's red and for the hand.) Start the bidding at $100 and let it fly! They may need encouragement at first, but once they get the hang of it there will be shouting and giggling! It really works! Repeat this with all your door prizes. Collect the leftover bucks at the end and thank them for playing.
Next you tell them about your products and invite them to try or touch or whatever is relevant to your items. Take orders or sell items to each person individually. Ask the hostess beforehand if there is a somewhat private corner you can conduct business in when the time comes. Remember to give your hostess a percentage credit on her items. For example, if you collect $300 in total sales (not including the hostess) and you are giving 20%, then your hostess will receive $60 in free products. For every booking received, give her another item at 50% off.
This is a great way to increase visibility for you and create repeat direct sales customers. You can devise theme nights also. Start with asking your friends, family, co-workers, or fellow club members to host a party. Have them invite 15 -20 people, only half will show. Provide the invitations with the pre-party ways to get bucks. Have your hostess get an accurate headcount a couple days before the party; this serves a reminder about the party for the guest. "Hi Sally, I just wanted to remind you about the party on Friday night. Did you get your invitation with all the ways to get auction bucks? Great! Will you be bringing a friend? Fantastic! See ya then!"
So all you Home Party Girls, if you try this and love it, post me a comment and let me know how it goes! Happy Selling!
Friday, February 15, 2008
B&B takes on a whole new meaning!
Last night, my honey and I went out to dinner alone - without children, no fighting, bickering, poking, etc. Very nice meal. Anyway, while we were chatting about various things - his work and dumb office politics, Miranda needs glasses, filing taxes, upcoming weekend guests; I brought up the need for us to get away together - again no kids. We almost never get to do this - not many people want to watch 4 kids for days. But I came up with this idea that I think would be very popular with us drinkers.
Take the Bed & Breakfast and make it better - Bar & Brunch! Here's how it works: nice, beautiful Victorian home with a large parlor (think fireplace). It could be BYOB, or they could serve beer and wine, turn on the tunes and just sit around drinking and talking with fellow guests. You can stumble up to your comfy room at the end of the night and enjoy a lovely, homemade brunch from 10-2 the next day. I challenge you B&B owners to turn yours into a really beneficial B&B - now that's the ultimate in relaxation. Seriously, who wants to be on vacation and have to get up at 7am to take advantage of breakfast.
Take the Bed & Breakfast and make it better - Bar & Brunch! Here's how it works: nice, beautiful Victorian home with a large parlor (think fireplace). It could be BYOB, or they could serve beer and wine, turn on the tunes and just sit around drinking and talking with fellow guests. You can stumble up to your comfy room at the end of the night and enjoy a lovely, homemade brunch from 10-2 the next day. I challenge you B&B owners to turn yours into a really beneficial B&B - now that's the ultimate in relaxation. Seriously, who wants to be on vacation and have to get up at 7am to take advantage of breakfast.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)