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Doily Boutique

444 Cargill Street, Prattville, AL 36067
334-361-9302
www.doilyboutique.com

Hours: 9-5 M-F; however see my craft show schedule

Payment: Cash, money order, visa, master card, discover, american express, paypal, and personal checks.

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Been a while, but I've been BUSY!

Posted 11:16 AM August 30, 2009

I know, it's about time I come back here for a minute and update my customers about what's been going on.

Several things....

First and foremost is to fill all the empty spots in my inventory from my last craft show in Amish Acres. THAT sewing is finally, finally finished. Now I still have to dedicate one full day to me and my ironing board and put prices on all those finished pieces BEFORE my next show at Yellow Daisy.

Secondly, I had some fun shopping for denim jackets -- and now have a pretty good selection among my shirts for customers who come find me at a show. They seem to be the first thing that flies off the rack!

Thirdly -- I am proud to announce a new product created by my mother. She took some of the long table runners and created Christmas Tree Skirts that are gorgeous! Be sure to surf over to my store at www.doilyboutique.com and click on the new section added. She also created some mantel scarfs and sent me pictures so I added them to the site. The scarfs that have the pointy sections are created by cutting apart 36" squares -- the scarfs that have the rounded scallops are mom's creation in working with the company that embroiders them for us. So, we can offer both styles to customers.

I've also spent some time adding pictures here and there, FIXING some selections that should have been out there in the first place and overall tweeking of the site.

Internet store sales and site visits are on the rise which is a good thing!!!

Now, hopefully in the next week, I'll have some extra time to do one of my favorite things which is to sew for my two grandbaby girls -- Madison and Abigail. I made them two matching dresses a few days ago and they got to wear them yesterday. They called them their "Rainbow Princess" dresses and they looked so cute! I was aiming for a size that would be slightly too big so they would have something new next spring -- but the dresses fit perfectly!

Back to work!

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Craft Show Review: Amish Acres, Napanee, IN

Posted 02:52 PM August 05, 2009

Been back for a few days now and still trying to get caught up here at home with all that work that happens AFTER a craft show -- particularly a long and busy craft show.

Yes, you read right -- Amish Acres was a successful adventure for me again, the fourth year in a row for me, and 8th year we, as a family participated. (Mom and Dad did the show the first four years -- and then knee replacement surgery changed things a bit.)

There were some changes made to the show which included a slight relocation of my booth. Many times, as a crafter, customers get used to "finding you" in a particular spot, year after year. Other times, when your location changes, new eyes find your merchandise and you get "I've never seen you, are you new?" And when you say "I've been here for 10 years" You realize the move was a good thing because old customers are seeing you for the first time. YES, that happens!

Before I arrived, I was a bit nervous about my new booth location, but Jenny Wysong is AWESOME!!!! I could still spread out as I had done in the years before and the customers from years past found me with no problem. Oh did I say yet that this was my BEST of four years???

I also had the pleasure of meeting Richard -- Jenny's dad -- whom I fondly called "Mr. Amish Acres" -- he founded the craft show over 40 years ago. He truly does his best in advertising the show and had the local media out several times, and they even hosted the morning show from TV there at the craft show.

Crowds were big and the weather was perfect until Saturday LATE afternoon when some rain arrived....but Sunday was beautiful again. Not too hot, not too cold, not too windy......Just right.

I am also happy to announce that I won the Red Ribbon for Second Place in the Textile category. Will have to work on getting a picture up to share.

So that's all for now....I do have some other new news to share later this week. Need to get the store on the web fixed first before I make that announcement here!

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Time to pack it up!

Posted 07:43 AM July 23, 2009

Here I go again......after 13 years of doing this, you'd THINK there's a method to this madness.

Heading out on Sunday for a road trip north to go see my parents for a few days and then to participate in Amish Acres, Napanee, IN. It's a 4-day craft show with tons of customers, so there's lots of preparing on my end to make sure the trip goes smoothly. Lets hope their local economy has turned around......

Ah....the trip.

After experimenting with a few options, I personally prefer to travel in my "maxi-van" -- a 15 passenger van with no seats on the inside.

I've tried the camping method many other exhibitors prefer -- and between the loss of gas mileage when towing a camper, the expense that's still there for a campground, and the additional time of going to retrieve the camper after packing up from a show, I'll stick to hotel rooms.

Others actually travel in a motorhome and tow a box trailer behind the motorhome for their merchandise. Then when they get to the show, they have to cart in all their merchandise and display tents -- whereas with my van, I can usually pull right up to my spot, unpack, and go park.

So -- after I finish this -- it's off to pack all the merchandise into tote boxes and into the van.....and hope it all fits.

THEN there is a method to the packing as well.....I remember the first time I packed my mini van with my dad years ago and we got everything in the van and then dad said "And you put the dolly in last and on top so that it can come out first." Well, that dolly weighed a ton and the only space left was way up high near the ceiling and while DAD could lift it up there, that would be impossible for me.

But he had a point -- when packing the van -- I have to remember to put what needs to come out first IN LAST or at least near the back of the van. See, there are days when you arrive at a show for set up and it's raining....so what do you want first? The dolly that will carry the tents so that the tents act as an umbrella so you can still set up. Rain or shine -- a craft show happens -- so to keep the boss happy, you still have to set up when the promoter says it's time.

I do have a better dolly -- one that I can pick up and put in last -- and I would recommend it to everyone. I absolutely LOVE my "fold it" cart. The first one I had was definitely used and lasted me over 10 years. I have fellow crafters always asking "where did you get that thing?" -- it's amazing because it does fold down to a small size, and it's light, but sturdy and strong.

I always send them to www.northerntools.com and then tell them to search on a "fold it" cart and they should find it. I've also seen them listed on e-bay. Shop around on the internet a bit to see who offers the best combination between price and shipping before you buy -- and trust me, you won't be disappointed and if you do shows, you're definitely gonna want and need a cart.

For my hotel rooms, it really depends on where I'm going as to how I book a room. For some locations, I know that the "mom and pop" hotels are just fine. Other locations, I can use www.Priceline.com and get a better deal. And still at other locations, I know which chain is the cheapest to keep my costs down.

So off to grab my atlas to make sure THAT's in the van -- and then to start packing to get ready to drive north 12 hours on Sunday, straight up I-65.

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Summer Time is not Down Time

Posted 09:26 AM July 17, 2009

Although I have a pretty good gap of time between my last show in Lenoir City, TN and my next show in Napanee, IN......that doesn't necessarily translate into down time.

There's been lots going on behind the scenes before the "busy" season hits this fall.

First, we've been working on a construction project so that I have more storage space available when my inventory is at it's peak (which is right before my next show). Mom's a bit luckier in that they've converted their entire basement into storage either with closets or commercial shelving. I don't have a basement -- but I do have a two-car garage now, and one side is mine. Dad bought some of the commercial shelving last fall when one of the major bedding stores went out of business......so I had shelves, before I even had a place to put them (love you Vati!). With the garage finished on my side, I took a quick 12 hour drive north and picked up all the shelving dad had set aside, and drove back the next day. Nothing though on I65 going north and south is quick.....and boy are those roads bumpier once I got into Indiana.

The shelving has been assembled which means I can empty out all the closets in the house where finished merchandise was stored and safely store it out there. Whew!

In between all that, I've been sewing....and sewing.....and hiding my scissors from the grandkids.....and sewing some more. I think my new idea for the sweatshirt jackets in the hunter green and chocolate brown look absolutlely beautiful! They are definitely going to be a hit with the customers this fall.

Let's add to that the thought of always improving my store on the web. I added blogging, a section where you can see other crafter friends from the shows that I go to, my personal favorite links, and a special section where you can see work in progress. See, at the craft shows, I sit and sew -- really, I do -- and show you, the customer, exactly HOW I make my doilies. No problem.....because getting the right lace is the key and it's simply not available here in the states. I also added more words -- descriptive words -- with the hopes of landing "higher" on Yahoo and Google's search engines.

I think it worked.....I searched yesterday and for one, my site was listed 5th, and for the other it was the last on one on the first page. Not bad -- considering I'm not a computer geek, I sew.

My parents took a quick trip up to New England to pay a personal visit to the Christmas Loft stores who also carry our embroidered items. They were totally impressed with the stores themselves, and the owner was truly friendly. I think they visited three of their stores and all the employees complimented them on our merchandise and said "The customers love it!" So sometimes, a personal touch is necessary to establish a really good relationship that will last a long time.

This afternoon it's back to the sewing machine. You see, once the beginning of September rolls around, I personally can not replenish and sew up inventory to get ready for the next show. So when I'm not selling and travelling, I'm sewing. And when I'm not sewing -- I'm chasing the grandkids around the house keeping them out of trouble.

Back to sewing....

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I'm on Facebook now!

Posted 06:47 AM June 30, 2009

Not sure how this is all gonna work out, but I did open a facebook account just a few days ago.

So -- you can search on my name, that is if you remember how to spell KORTHAUER, to find me and then I'll add you as a friends.

OR you can search on my e-mail address which is iris@doilyboutique.com and it should come up that way as well.

My mom has also just signed up for facebook -- and I didn't even mention that I was going to give it a try. So when I saw a message from her there, it was a pleasant surprise.

Get to know me -- on the personal side -- and my family!

come be my "friend"!

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Outdoor Set Up -- for Craft Shows

Posted 06:44 AM June 14, 2009

When participating in craft shows, you'll either be setting up indoors under their roof and safe from the weather, or outdoors where you have to provide your own roof.

Each show application should tell you if their show is an outdoor show, indoor show, or if there are spaces available both indoors and outdoors. The second thing you really need to take a look at is the actual SIZE of your space. Most spaces are 10' x 10', but some shows allow 12' wide spaces, or even if you're lucky 15' wide spaces. Outdoor tents, however, do not come in 10' x 12' sizes, they are 10'x 10' or 10'x20' (for a double space).

There are a few choices for outdoor tents and you have to be careful when choosing the roof over your head.

Frist there are two basic styles. One opens up easily like an umbrella which is known as an EZ-Up and the second requires some assembly and it's known as the Craft Hut. There are definite pros and cons to each style of tent.

The Craft Hut is the more expensive option, however that being said, it's also the more professional looking option, and the sturdier option. Many exhibitors swear it will hold up to hurricane strong winds. Here's an example of what it looks like http://www.flourish.com/trimline_10x10.html. The legs are definitely more sturdy than other styles, and the roof and sidewalls are usually made of a thicker vinyl. The main drawback is that it takes longer to set up and tear down, and usually two people are required. At the Florish company's site, they offer a video that will show you how "one person" can set this tent up, but compared to the EZ-Up, it still takes much more time.

The EZ-Up is less expensive and much easier to set up. This is the style that I use. One person can do it in less than 5 minutes, but I personally always end up asking for two seconds of assistance to get me going. The EZ-Up opens like and umbrella and there are no pieces to assemble. Here is an example of what the EZ-Up looks like http://www.ez-up-canopy.com/.

There is a wide variety in terms of quality when searching for an EZ-Up. First, and yes, you can buy something similar at Walmart, First you should pay attention to the legs. An EZ-Up's legs are straight up and down or verticle. Some less expensive canopies have 8'x8' canopies, and the legs extend out at an angle to make a 10'x10' base and the box says it's a 10"x10". IMHO, you should avoid these because they don't give you 10'x10' of shelter when it rains.    Secondly, you should pay attention to the structure or strength of the legs and support of the roof. When it rains, it can pour and your roof needs to have support from the middle of each side across to the other side. Less expensive tents run their supports from each corner to the top in the middle, and these types of tents have a tendency to collapse under heavy rain. The legs should also be on the stronger side so that when the winds blow, they will hold up.

There are also different types of material used to make the roof and sides of the tent -- and yes, I recommend the heavier material. Actually, I recommend a vinyl top which can be purchased as a separate item from http://www.johnmeecanopies.com/html/vinyltops.htm. Vinyl is much better than any fabric tops for rain and humidity.    The fact that the Craft Hut has a vinyl top and sidewalls makes it much more weather proof. From researching on-line, John Mee Canopies is the only company that I have found that makes a vinyl top for the EZ-Up tent frame. Most tents come in white -- however, for some exhibitors, you may need a darker setup to compliment your product (like those of you who have lights to display -- your product will look better against a dark background and set up).

Side walls are also important. There are several different kinds and different levels again of quality.   Some EZ-Up Canopies come with a complete package which will include side walls. The less expensive options will have size walls that use velcro to attach to the top of each side and to each leg. However, I would not recommend this. I recommend finding an EZ-Up with zippered side walls where they are hung with velcro on each side, but have zippers in each corner. Zippers are better for securing the tents overnight against weather and (yes) thieves. With velcro, the wind can still enter the tent on each corner and strong winds will even tear the velcro apart exposing your work to the elements. Zippered side walls can be secured at the bottom with small zip ties and clamps so that they do not come apart overnight.

Yes, at every outdoor show that I do, if it is more than one day, I leave my entire display up, inventory in place, and secure it overnight. Most shows provide for security overnight, however, there's usually a clause that says they can not be held liable for damages or stolen property. So there's a careful balance and "knock on wood" I've been very lucky and only had merchandise stolen ONCE which was many many years ago.   Most exibitors leave their tents up overnight and only some remove all of their merchandise and set it up again the next morning.

Lastly, every booth needs to be secured to the ground (if possible) and weighted down with weights.   When the show is on the street, you can't run stakes into the concrete to stop the legs from moving like you normally wood if you are set up on grass or dirt. Therefore you have to rely on heavy weights attached to each corner. There's a variety of ideas out there to weigh your tent down -- which is important because a gust of wind can pick it up quite easily, knock it over, and into your neighbor's display.   Years ago, when I got started, my father gave me weights he made which are concrete filled PVC pipes with a hook on one end so that I can hang them from each corner. Other exhibitors have used water-filled milk jugs, or sandbags that velcro to each leg. There's so many options that I really can't list them all and you have to decide what works best for you also based on how much space you have in your tent after you set up your merchandise.

The Flourish company's website does a fantastic job of showing you both options for tents and has a wide selection of accessories for each style. It will give you a very good idea on different options that will make your product look good for the customer. I like the John Mee Canopy site for the vinyl top option for the EZ-Up canopies. All that being said, the latest canopy that I purchased, I found on e-bay. READ the descriptions carefully to make sure you get a tent where the legs are not out at an angle. Once I got my tent home, I used my "old vinyl" top from my old tent -- mainly because the frame was what needed to be replaced and not the top, and I'm good to go once again for the upcoming season.

And think, this just tackles the outdoor "roof" over your head -- the next step is to design the display inside your booth.

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Lenoir City, TN Craft Show Review

Posted 02:49 PM June 08, 2009

Well, I think I finally have time to share a short review of the craft show that I just went to in Lenoir City, TN this weekend.

http://www.lcsuburbia.org/

Hosted by the GFWC Suburbia Women's Club, overall I think they themselves did a fine job.

The location for the show is beautiful and set in a park -- however, for those who haven't been to the town, finding it can be a challenge. This year, the bridge over the damn was under construction and down to one lane. So, the GFWC was smart and set up signs to show an alternate way for the customers from "that side of the damn" to get to the show. Otherwise, they would be sitting in the same traffic that was trying to get over the bridge over the damn.

Check in and Set up on Friday went smoothly for me -- I found my space easily and it was well marked on the ground. That's worth mentioning because at some shows, finding your space number can be harder than finding the golden egg at an easter egg hunt.

We had BEAUTIFUL and perfect weather for the weekend. Not too hot, not too cold, no rain, slight breeze, absolutely perfect. So where were the customers? One fellow crafter speculated that they were "on the other side of the construction" and refused to sit in traffic to cross the bridge over to the show.

Sales were down from last year, and so were the crowds -- and honestly, nothing else made sense. Some fellow crafters blame -- yes, here we go again -- the economy, and I say "hogwash". Small mom and pop shops seem to be doing just fine.

I must add one compliment that comes to mind from the year before when it was hotter than a frying pan at the show. The GFWC went above and beyond and provided cold refreshing drinks for the CUSTOMERS!!! Free of charge!

Tear down went smoothly for me as well, out and back on the road to drive home in no time.

One negative thing about the show is that some of the spaces leave the exhibitor scratching their heads and asking "HOW am I supposed to set up here?" Spaces are out in Mother Nature, which includes uneven ground, trees, and street curbs. So come prepared to be flexible. Exhibitors are allowed to park behind their space in some locations, but most of us had to park down in the Exhibitor Parking Lot. Actually, that was a perk because customers were bussed in on school busses from a few different remote parking areas.

Ah yes, another compliment to the GFWC -- they had separate transportation arrangement for those folks who needed special accommodations. That was great!

Would I recommend the show? Yes, for those of us exhibitors in the south, it's the place to be for the first weekend in June each year.

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Well, well, I just received an anonymous 1 star rating.

Posted 07:02 PM May 30, 2009

Here's the e-mail I received:

Rating Alert

Dear Doily Boutique,

A visitor to your MerchantCircle business listing page gave your Western Ridge business a 1 star rating. You will not see a review associated with this rating but it reflects in your business's overall rating.

View My Business Listing

If the above link does not work, paste the following address into your browser:
http://www.merchantcircle.com/r?a=6c6ebf2f133fa6c5eb412c6ac28d08ce

Sincerely,

The MerchantCircle Team
http://www.merchantcircle.com

So, no way to know who did this to me. Since the person doesn't identify themselves, I must press on.

Folks, take a look at my store on the web at www.doilyboutique.com, everywhere, yes everywhere I say "If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at iris@doilyboutique.com.

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How do I find a show?

Posted 11:15 AM May 30, 2009

Well, there are several ways to figure out which show to participate in.

First off, there's word of mouth. Call it crafter networking, just as you would network in any business, while at a show, usually crafters share their experiences at other craft shows. HOWEVER, what works for me may not work for you and your product. You really have to keep that in mind when you talk to other exhibitors at a show. For example, there's one show that I used to participate in that has evolved over the past 10 years to be a "clothing, jewelry, and food" show in the eyes of the exhibitors. SO, if you're an artist who paints, or a photographer, while the show is good for a clothing person, you wouldn't do well as an artist.

Secondly, in the beginning I relied heavily on the "Ronay Guide" which isn't being published anymore. But Bill and Camille Ronay still do a really good job of managing an on-line source at http://www.events2000.com/. As you will quickly see though, they cover the south east portion of our country -- and YES, I consider shows in all those states as my territory to cover.

Thirdly, I also had a subscription to a magazine called "Sunshine Artist" and you can find them at http://www.sunshineartist.com/. The magazine is totally for Artists and Crafters. They publish reviews of different shows that are submitted by fellow crafters and artists. Best of all, they do a survey in April and you have to subscribe to participte, and then publish the results in September of the top 100 craft shows and the top 100 art shows in the country. And I mean nationwide -- coast to coast. There are other sources of listings of arts and craft shows available for purchase. Again, recommendations from other folks who do something similar to you is the best way to figure out which book to purchase.

Lastly, sometimes to get the best feel for a show, you just plain have to go and see the show. In the beginning, when I was rejected from one festival, I just had to go see for myself what this show as all about. After going, I could see that there were many many crafts that I just hadn't seen elsewhere and gained a new respect for that show. On the flip side, I applied to another show and didn't get in -- so off I went to go SEE that show. After walking the show, I could see that the show was more on the artsy side vs. craft even though it was called an "Arts and Crafts" show. Don't let a name fool you either. One of my favorite, but hard to do show, is a Flea Market! None of the exhibitors have flea market items, they are all crafts and art.

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The basics about my business -- is it for you?

Posted 06:40 AM May 27, 2009

Hello! My name is Iris Korthauer and I am a crafter. I sew and make custom table runners and dresser scarfs. One of my bedrooms here at home has been completely transformed into my sewing room and there are many days when I think I've already outgrown that room and need to spill over into a second bedroom.

I participate in various craft shows throughout the Southeast and you can see my schedule at www.doilyboutique.com/crshsc.html. I also have a store on the web which is at www.doilyboutique.com.

Is crafting as a business for you?

I suggest that you begin by assessing your skills and particularly what you like to do as a hobby. Yes, many times a hobby can be successfully turned into a business for yourself.

As a small business where there is me, myself, and I, I am responsible for all aspects of making sure everything falls into place. There's marketing, sewing, bookeeping, travelling, setting up at a show, tearing down, and some more travel, inventory keeping, and most fun of all designing new items.

Ready for this?

I also suggest visiting a craft show -- and not just any craft show, but a "major" craft show before jumping into this business. Sometimes this means driving a few hours away from home, but believe me, you'll enjoy your day as an observer and a shopper. Take a look around at what other folks are exhibiting and selling already. I highly recommend that you find a special niche in what you do compared to what's already out there.

I think that's what's so wonderful about my table runners and dresser scarfs and all the other items I carry -- 99% of the time, I have no competition at a craft show.

This business of crafting also puts you on the road alot. You're at home alot too which makes it seem very attractive, but you have to travel too. How much you travel is actually your choice in many ways, and not your choice in other ways. For example, if I do a show every weekend, my chances of selling are much higher. BUT that has to balance against my ability to sit and sew and replenish my stock. There has to be a careful balance between making/sewing in my case inventory, and selling it at a show. Like I said though, you're at home alot too -- which means all the responsibilities of home life have to be balanced again against taking time to make your inventory. Sometimes that can be really hard because you'll have many different forces working against you -- but you can also be quite flexible and be there when you choose.