Cute as a button

I am loving my new buttons I purchased on Etsy from Jcraftinagineering. I have been toying with the idea for a while of getting personalised buttons for my hats. Sure enough I can spot one of my creations a mile off but its time to start building the brand and expanding.

Firstly I am going to try these out on gifts and a few bespoke designs I am working on at the moment, and then expand to using them on my range.

Keep an eye on this space for some pictures of my new designs with the customised buttons !!!

The link to the shop where I got the buttons from is as follows: https://www.etsy.com/ie/people/jcraftimagineering?ref=pr_profile

Who is Little Lids Siobhan

I am a mammy, a wife, a full time worker and a crafter. I guess I am a lot of things to a lot of people, but becoming a mother made me start my business. I originally started making items for Isobel when I was pregnant, I wanted her to have pretty things and not all shop bought.  Also I suffered from low blood pressure while I was pregnant and found myself bound to the couch at times. So from here a crafty business began.

I am a mammy to the gorgeous Isobel who is five and started school last year. She is the inspiration behind the hats and now is at the age where she has her own ideas and opinions and is only too happy to share them with me.

I am a wife, I married Barry in 2014 and we live in Mountmellick with Isobel. Even on my wedding day I had the personal touch using many items which I made myself including my own bouquet.

I also work full time in Laois County Council for the past 15 years. At present I work in the Environment Section, a lot of my work is with the Tidy Towns. I am lucky to be able to say I love that job, its very rewarding and it's nice to work with the Tidy Towns Groups and feel that I can make a difference.

And finally when I have any spare time between work, homework, lunches, dinners and other tasks, I LOVE to craft. From making things for Isobel and family, I have grown my craft into a business and am always looking for ways to expand. If you want to see some of my creations check out my Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/littlelidssiobhan

I can also be found on the following social media sites:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlelids1
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/littlelidssiobhan
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/littlelidssd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlelidssiobhan

Craft Fairs

There is great nerves and anticipation for Craft Fairs. Its a great time to showcase your work but can be nervewracking meeting new people and having them stand and examine your works. I have taken part in a few over the last few years and along the way I have picked up some tips which might help other crafters out.

As I make crochet items most of my fairs are Winter / Christmas period.

Promote:

• When booking ask the event organisers if they have any advertising budget and plans. I have gone to a few  fairs where the organisers had done no advertising or promotion of the event and I in return didn't even make enough money to cover the price of the stall.
• Create events on your page for the upcoming fairs and invite people. Make sure and let them know all the details and website / Facebook page if available.   https://www.facebook.com/littlelidssiobhan
• Promote yourself on selling pages / local pages for that area so people will know you are there.

Location Location:

• Is your event inside or outside, make sure and dress for the occasion and the weather. I find for outdoor fairs (which I usually do in around the Winter / Christmas period) that layers are best. That way if you get hot or cold you can work accordingly.
• Bring a spare pair of socks in your bag, they will help if you get cold or you can change during the day to freshen up. 
• Research the area if possible and ensure you have parking space and change for if it has to be paid for.

Essentials

• Scissors
• Markers
• Business Cards
• Sellotape
• Bags - I usually keep any shopping bags / gift bags I get during the year and reuse if anyone asks for a bag.
• Banner
• Chair / Stool
• Food / Snack and a drink
• A project to work on. I always try and make some items if it is quite. Also I find people like to see you at work and it helps engage them into your stall and products.
• an essential for me is a mirror for people to see the hats on themselves.

Don't :

• Don't chew gum, its just bad manners when people are speaking to you.
• Don't ever argue with a potential customer, even if you don't agree with their comments or opinion try end the conversation on a positive note. 
• Don't leave any litter or belongings behind when you leave.

Do:

• I know it can be a long day but I do find it better to be standing at your table. It is easier to see people and greet them.
• Say hello and interact with as many people as possible.
• Make sure you are clean and presentable, exercise hygiene where appropriate i.e handling food and money. 
• Say hello to other stall holders, swap business cards and later check on their website, facebook etc and make connections. That way you can build a network and help promote other businesses. You will also find out from other stall holders other events they have attended and if they were successful or not.
• I encourage people to try on my hats or feel the wool. I find its easier to make a sale with someone who is holding your item and engaged with your products.

Don't be afraid to give that personal touch or attention to detail, this is exactly what will make the difference and help boost your sales.

Do you want to hear a yarn ..........

Crafting for me isn’t just a hobby it’s a way of life. The crochet is top of my list at the moment and I am forever working on new ideas.  My friends often bring me in broken jewellery, buttons or items of clothing as they know I will have something in mind. Nothing will go to waste. I even keep a notepad beside the bed as the best ideas always seem to come just before I go to sleep, the “ten minute madness” I like to call it. I also like to make jewellery and am dabbling with the sewing machine at the moment, so watch this space for more new designs.

When you buy from my site, you are buying handmade, you are buying Irish and in many cases you are buying local. It’s not from a shop or a long production line, it’s something I have put together once “she who must be obeyed” has gone to bed and all the household chores are done. I appreciate each sale and should anyone have any problem with their item, I would appreciate your honest feedback and ask that you contact me so that any issues can be resolved.

 https://www.facebook.com/littlelidsssiobhan