Isn’t life funny? You think about things, plan things, think about things, and then think about things some more. And then one day you actually start making plans. Like really start making plans. Not just talking about it or thinking about it. You stumble across an opportunity and you think ‘hmm…this seems like a good place to start’. And then you go for it! In my last post I talked about making my dreams a reality. So I booked a vendor table for a local festival on Memorial Day weekend! This will be my first vendor event ever! I’m so excited. So excited that I started making a list of things that I need to purchase, things that I need to have made, and things I need to make. I also started dreaming of what my booth space will look like. I imagine a quilt covering the table with some antique and fun decorations. I’ll have a stack of homesteading books. Some potted plants. Even what I’ll wear that day. Maybe I’ll take my ceramic Roscoe the Rooster too.
That list of things that need to be purchased includes postcards, business cards, brochures, some stickers, those sorts of things. So right away I got busy. I ordered business cards with new pictures (also discussed in my last post). And I thought I would just go ahead and order postcards too. I’ve been thinking about them for some time now, but didn’t really think my photos were postcard worthy. But then I thought why not? I like my photos. And someone else will too. So I hopped over to Snapfish and uploaded pictures. Picked out (what I thought were) postcards. Super easy! Fast shipping. Coupon code applied. Hit order. Within a couple of days the ‘postcards’ were at my door. I eagerly tore into them, only to discover I ordered 200 picture prints!
Whoops! Needless to say, I was very disappointed! But the quality was good. I liked the pictures but it just wasn’t what I was expecting. I guess I shouldn’t be in that big of a hurry when I’m ordering something like this. But then I regrouped and decided I could still use them. I’ll put one in the bag when I make a sale. I’ll mat a few and sell them. I wanted to do that anyway, but just not to the tune of 200! I am kind of glad this mistake happened because there are a couple of pictures that I picked out that I don’t think I’ll have made into postcards. For some reason or other I wasn’t entirely happy with the finished product (totally because of something with the picture itself, not with the quality of printing from Snapfish). So it wasn’t all a horrible mistake after all! I got a chance to see some of my photos printed and I’m able to turn those prints into something else. And I’ve picked out a different company for postcards that I think will work just fine.
I also discussed in my last post about branding. I had a logo made right before I started my blog back in 2017. I’ve since incorporated that logo into all my branding (as one does). But the variations on how I’m using that logo and the different ways I can incorporate it into my branding has been really fun to discover. I recently had the stickers above made by a local business. I love supporting local businesses. You can also see the black logo on the kraft paper labels in the first pic above. I love that look. That’s my go-to look–black logo on kraft paper. Most of my branding revolves around that. I have the same look for cards that I hand write notes on and put into packages. Then I wrap everything in tissue paper, tie it off with twine or bakers twine, put it in the box, and then put a black-logo-on-kraft-paper label on the outside of the box. I like the colored logo stickers for handing out and getting the word out about ChickenLibrarian! I even put one on my car!
Are you a list maker? See that pink notebook up top with ‘to-do list’ written on it? Yep. It’s filled with things that I need to do. I get satisfaction in marking things done! I also get satisfaction in writing things down. But, sadly, the book is almost filled. I think by the time the festival happens that sad little notebook will be ready to be retired. But it’s the perfect size.
I’ll keep you posted on how things are progressing with getting ready for the market. I’m so excited by all the possibilities it will bring. I am keeping track of my expenses so I know how much I need to sell in order to break even. If all goes well I will do a couple more events this summer. And possibly some more homesteading courses. Stay tuned for deets! ‘Til next time friends!
Melinda Copeland
Wow, everything looks great!! And I hear you on the packaging, I always want people to feel like they’re opening a gift. Even if it is from themselves to themselves 😉 Tissue paper, personalized notes…I’m always drawn back to the companies that give a little extra and make things more personalized!
And I hope the vendor stall works out great for you, although I imagine you’ll keep us all posted (right?) And make sure to take pictures, I’m sure it’ll be lovely with all of the details. It’s pretty cool how you spend so much time thinking but then when you actually start moving, you really start MOVING! Sounds like you’re on fire with all of the creativity flowing! I love being in that space. Anything feels possible…
And I laughed about the pictures, but I LOVE your attitude! I learn from some of my biggest mistakes, lol. And now once you get to the postcards, I imagine they’ll be fantastic. Looking forward to seeing them!
Can’t wait to hear what you come up with next… 🙂
chickenlibrarian
Thanks Melinda! I’ve learned a lot about taking those lemons (no matter how big or small they may be) and turning them into lemonade. I was really going to mat some pictures and sell them but just not THAT many!
It’s funny how things just start rolling and the momentum just keeps going. I just put all this out in the Universe, what, maybe three or four days ago? Maybe a week ago? And it’s like the kick I needed to just. start. doing. it. So far so good. I will definitely keep you posted on my progress and how the market goes. I’m just nervous about getting everything done and having enough knitted stock to make a showing!
Daenel T.
I looooove that you’re living your dream. Reading your posts and watching you pick and choose what to print {and how to salvage a mistake} has been so much fun and, yes, inspiring.
Do that thang!!
chickenlibrarian
Thank you Dani! You are such an inspiration to me! I love following along on your adventures (for YEARS!! Do you remember that I found you right before you moved away from PA?!?! Gosh time flies. And now we’re cohosting a pie along together!!!). Anyway, I’m happy to finally be turning dreams into reality!
Shugunna Alexander
Keep moving lady, it seems you’re making it happen no matter what!!
chickenlibrarian
thank you!! I’m trying!! I’ve been talking about making my dreams a reality for so long…it’s time to make it happen!