List of all craft shows in Northeast Ohio

One of our alumni shared this link http://www.craftshowbook.com/.



I looked at the site and it's very straight forward. $10.00 seems like a reasonable price.



Thanks for sharing Jamie.

It's working!

I just heard from someone who took the class that she had a highly successful home party. In addition, she had done a fair earlier and was a bit discouraged. However, someone picked up her information and called to order a piece they saw.

Don't get discouraged. It will work.

"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't." ~Henry Ward Beecher

Credit card processing

One of our Ready, Set, Sell alumni found credit card processing through First America. So far, she's happy with them.

I also came across a company that will put your company name, website, whatever on a temporary sticker to put on your car bumper.

The Ready, Set, Sell at Grand River Beads in Rocky River, OH was a huge success.

More to follow.

It's spring! Time for Spring cleaning.

Imagine how good you'll feel when you can find what you need.


So let's get started:



1. Clean out your workspace. Throw away anything that truly can't be
re purposed.

Organize your beads and supplies. Find a system that works and use it. You'll be delighted when you can easily find what you're looking for.

I organize by bead type - Swarovski, Preciousa, Czech glass, Lampwork, semi-precious, etc.

Dust your workspace if necessary.

2. Clean out your idea and inspiration file.

If you don't have one, start one.
This is the place to go to be inspired. Mine has fabric, paint swatches, landscapes and of course, fashion pictures. If you've had yours for a long time like I have, it's time to purge. Get rid of the old ideas to make room for newer, fresher ones.

3. Clean out your schedule. Schedule a time to bead. Put it on your calendar and keep the appointment, like any other.

With a little bit of attention to organization you'll be back on track filled with inspiration and creativity.

Feel free to post pictures of your beading work space.

Three Cups of Tea

Not sure how many of you have read the book Three Cups of Tea. The title comes from a Pakistani proverb: On the first cup you're a stranger, and on the second, a guest. By the third cup of tea, you are family.



I can't help but think of that proverb every time I am back in the store after an extended absence. Seeing all the familiar as well as new faces this weekend made me think about how lucky I am. Your initial visit was as a stranger, the second as a guest and by the third and subsequent visits you are now family.



My bead family has seen me through Rob's illness, his death, Eryn off to college and burying Nikki. I owe you all so much.



Even Helen, the co-owner was a stranger to me until she came to the shop. I can't even begin to imagine where the shop would be without her.



What a wonderful world this bead business is. Thank you all for allowing us to continue to exist. We haven't had to reduce hours, staff or inventory and that's because of you.

Credit card dilemma

Susan,
I signed up to do the 6 shows in Westerville on the 4th Friday evening of the month. I have done very few shows, so I am a bit nervous about set-up and processing. I have been looking into setting up a merchant services account, but it seems so expensive. I have only accepted cash or checks so far. I know I need to accept credit cards, but I would love to know what companies you ladies would recommend and do you use a terminal, dial pay or store and forward?? THere are many hidden costs.

Ready, Set, Sell

Welcome! As we mentioned in our seminar this will be our place to ask questions about your bead business. I've already received feedback regarding our seminar and will incorporate those changes into future presentations.

Already someone has offered the following helpful link:

http://www.development.ohio.gov/edd/1ststop/onestop/index.cfm


What has contributed to the success of the seminar to date is your participation. Hopefully, we will be hearing soon from our member who is applying to the Easton art show. We're all pulling for you and can't wait to hear about not only the outcome but the experience.


Let me know if you did not successfully receive follow up slides. Not to nag, but please respect the effort invested to make this seminar possible and please don't distribute the slides. Feel free to share the information you have learned with your friends.

Let the questions begin . . .