This past Saturday I spent 10 1/2 hours away from my husband and children. That may not be a big deal to some but to me that is precious time that I missed. Both of my kids were awake when I left but to save my husband from the tears and screaming, I hid from them and hurried out the door before they emerged from our bedroom. Oh how I love my husband! Because more than anything, I wanted to rush into the bedroom and hug and love on my babies before heading out to a craft show for the day. Sweet baby kisses are the best.
My daughter would be very upset if she witnessed me calling her a baby. She is a very BIG five year old with a Kindergartener's attitude. She is not a 'baby' anymore! And, my son, well what can I say...he loves it when I cradle him in my arms and sing rock-a-bye baby. He digs up his best bliss look and goes for it. He is the grand master of cuddling. I have to admit - I LOVE IT! I forgot to mention he is almost two and he already knows how to work it.
So the craft show I participated in was fun. I enjoyed the crafters next to me. I enjoyed the company of the shoppers. I even had a challenging customer (according to my neighbors) - I guess I enjoy challenging because she cracked me up. I really thrive on happy people and love the challenge of satisfying them with a laid back attitude. Unfortunately I had higher totals in my head when it came to how much I should make on my sales. On my way home I reflected on the day and what I missed out on home versus how much of a financial contribution I made to our home. All things considered: time making items, money spent on supplies, booth fee, fee to the host business, and hours at the show....well, hmmmm....not really worth it. Not yet anyway. Take into consideration the learning experience! Take into consideration contacts made, the knowledge learned from other vendors, the relationships built with my peers and maybe just maybe????
So now here I am.....with a small change of heart. My average sale item was $8. I have had a very strong urge lately to build something. I want to use power tools. Sure I enjoy embroidery, painting and crafting. But, hey, the thrill of firing up a saw gives me an adrenaline rush. Learning how to use a compound miter saw...what a sense of accomplishment. Drills - been there done that! I want a nail gun, dirt across my nose, sawdust in my hair and paint under my nails. My friend Briana and I are going to build something this week. We have made a pact! I think we have agreed on a bench. Maybe a picture frame. We will build! In my next craft show I intend to use all of my skills to raise my average price per item. I will build it, they will buy it.
Wish me luck!
On to the craft show.
