Pride as a Mom

We had the vendors day! It was a long day. We were not able to stay the last two hours. Even in the shade, both girls were getting too much heat. But for all the hours we did spend there, we had fun! And we did make enough money to make it worth the spot fee. Already planning ahead to the fall one. 

Together, we navigated learning what to do and what not to do. For instance, keep the table in the shade. Things in the sun got very hot! Made things less appealing to customers. 

Another lesson? Make signs to advertise what some products are. My youngest made melted bead art. Meant to be sun catchers. No one knew what to make of those. One person thought they were coasters. They didn't sell very well. We are looking at ways to make them more appealing to customers next time. 

My older daughter was a little down because she wasn't the only crochet vendor. However, we quickly saw that her items were the kawaii versions. The other vendor specialized in characters. Especially the horror variety. So her little creatures were ooohed and awed over all day. Did not sell as many as she hoped, but enough that she was able to buy more materials to make others. 

This event made me proud as their mother. I got to see their joy when making a sale. I got to talk them through the disappoint when they didn't sell. I had the chance to walk through the recap moments and discuss what to do differently. And just be there for them through the whole thing. This was what meant the most to me! 

Introducing My Daughters to Entrepreneurship

One of our favorite shops in town has been planning to have a Vendors Day event. I was truly excited as I looked forward to it. My little hobby, Suzette's Sweets would get to participate. 

But then came a surprise. My oldest daughter decided to learn to crochet and follow new patterns. She even created her own patterns! Suddenly she was making as many things as she could and asking to share my vendor tent. Of course I said yes! I've been trying to encourage her to learn and practice more. To make beautiful things. And maybe make some money on the side. 

Then came the next surprise. My youngest wouldn't have had anything to do that Saturday. At first, she seemed fine with that. Then a lady at church asked her what she could, or would want to, make? What little things would she be able to sell? Hmm... tough question. Originally, the lady thought beaded projects. But my little one doesn't like making jewelry. So to Pinterest I went. I found a board I had made a long time ago of gift ideas. (Back when we were struggling for money.) I revisited this board for this year - that hasn't been our best. And that is where I found bath bombs and melted bead art.

My mother had sent me these glow-in-the-dark beads for just such a project. I went thrifting for some metal cookie molds. I bought some supplies. The lady from church donated some more supplies. And suddenly, this house became a house of creativity! I loved watching them design and show off what they came up with. I am so proud of them! 

So, after the vendor day ends, we will look back and see what worked well and what didn't. Because at the end of this, I want them to think hard on what it means to be an entrepreneur! I want them to be proud of their own accomplishments as well. To have a little more confidence in what they can do. 

The Mini Museum Must Continue!

Part 4 of the updates here, I think. I have finally gotten the gift shop cleaned up and in order. Maybe 2 more projects left until I call this one completed. Or as finished as I am until I find something else to add...

 I like where this is going. Let's see what's next! How about creating my own statue?? 

The final update comes next! Then follows the question... Do I keep or sell?

Creating Space for Treasures

My daughters are like me. Tiny things fascinate them. My youngest has quite the collection, as you can see in this picture I took of one of her shelves. 

She has an immense selection of little trinkets she has gathered over the years to display. When her older sister brought this empty package piece, I had a light bulb moment like that of Gru in Despicable Me. Suppose I could doll it up to create a shelf addition for some of her figures? So, I set out to do just that. So we take this...

And make this!  

I just used bits from my crafting supplies. Some little James Avery boxes my mom sent. Some left over decal pieces from my mother-in-law. Some added beads to give it textures. 

I had also printed a couple backgrounds for the lower sections, since those were particular to her axolotl collection. The little figures above the sleeping axolotl are in packaging from a Bitty Funko Pop box. The bed was a box from Rainbow High packaging.  

What do you think? Have you created anything similar?