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I don't really do New Year's resolutions. It's not that I don't have things to work on but I figure my long term goals should be on my own terms and not because I have one day to pick something and try to commit to it. I like to set mini goals that I would like to learn or work on that will not end in a sobbing mess!

This year I am going to plan on improving my crafts by learning more, organizing more, trying new things and having fun. My goal for my store is to work on improving my products and working on my photography - my boyfriend and I bought a new camera so I am happy. I also have plans of getting my stuff in more physical stores and trying some of the bigger craft shows out there.

If you have crafty goals for 2010 may I suggest trying local craft stores for classes, the library for books and some of the links below. I wish you luck in the coming year whatever goals you set out to reach!

YouTube: lots of random videos - from knitting to sewing!

Crafty Chica: lots of glitter and fun!

Craftster: ideas ideas ideas....

Martha Stewart: I watch her on TV for elegant crafty ideas.

Got the perfect gift? Now you are looking atyour gift wrap choices at the local mega mart and gasp with horror overall the sacarin  sweet snowmen, angel bears, Santas....What are you todo? Make your own!

Some craft stores sellplan bulk paper (you get cut in the fabric department) by the yard. Ihave seen it in various colors. You can also search around craft storesand office supply stores for class room paper or what some call'butcher paper'.

From here you can gocrazy with things like glitter glue, skull stamps, left over Halloweenstickers, photo copied images and sharpies. Have fun here. Let some ofthe stamps and paper craft ideas I picked out on Etsy inspire you!

Last night as I was sitting up my booth at a show my shop name that I hand painted on ceramic fell off the table and broke! Argghhh!  Next show I am going for something that is not so 'handle with care'...

Over on abigailshopedesigns you can get a custom fabric banner made.

If you want something that can handle spills check out the vinyl and many color combos over at precisionengraving.

Making your own can be awesome and if you know of any tips please post them. I loved my ceramic idea but I figure I need something that can handle a fall!

You got mail! I think email killed the art of the written word a bit. I still have some great pen pals though and there is something about receiving a letter or a package on a day when things are not going so well, it is just comforting.

When sending out Etsy orders I incorporate my years of pen pal-ing knowledge with my orders. Here are a few ideas to get your package out the door in style.

-Write clearly, if you are not printing out a label remember clear handwriting is a must!

-Double check the address.

-Wrap things or use bubble mailers so your items stay safe. I am not a fan of the overly packaged item, I do not need layers of pretty tissue paper that will get tossed. Newspaper is good as well as a shredded magazine that you already have read.

-As I said I am not a fan of packing materials that will be tossed. There are fun packing materials that add style without waste. I love decorative tape and stickers. Search out ‘deco tape’ on Etsy or check out the seller iwawa for some cool style.

-Address labels come in handy or a address stamp if you have a steady hand.  Check out etsy seller sweetpaperie for skull-tastic graphics.

-Remember include a note or invoice with your item. I usually try to write a thank you note instead of printing something out.

I hope these tips help you get your package to it’s destination in style!

Business cards are a must if you are promoting yourself. In fact business cards are one of the easiest and most affordable tools in business . If you do not have business cards already here are some tips and ideas.

The internet has a lot of sites that offer great prices and fast turn around. My personal favorite is Vista Print (http://www.vistaprint.com/). They are constantly having sales and have loads of customizable options. Even with the slowest shipping rate I had my cards within a month. People often rave about Moo Cards (http://us.moo.com/) and when I first saw the mini cards I wanted them for myself. I placed a order that had to be printed three times and still was never right so after the company refunded my money I tried again and picked one of their artist lines and it went through. I just found waiting for over a month for a simple font design to be rejected three times annoying. Checking out individuals who print via Etsy (www.etsy.com) is also an option.

Printing locally is a great option if you are in a rush and do not have the time to wait on shipping. You can also see options in person.

Printing yourself is easy if you have a nice printer and graphic knowledge. You can buy perforated card stock at most office supply stores. All you have to do is set up your printer program and upload text and info in a graphic program.

There is basic info you cards should contain. First is your shop’s name and website with contact email. After that you can include your name. If you feel funny giving your card out to strangers with both first and last name you can just use your first name and last initial. If you want to include your MySpace or FaceBook page remember the cards are going to potential customers, do not include your networking sites if they include you getting naked on vacation and drug usage! Phone numbers are also not needed, if you do need to give someone a phone number leave the back blank for phone number input. This rule does not apply if you are doing local business and the products need to be ordered in advanced. I run a small vegan baking business that deals with local customers, my phone number is included on the card. I also am against putting your home address on cards (I have seen it before). I rent a P.O. Box for business needs and use that on my cards.     

These are just the basics. If you have any more ideas please share them.

If you haven't been around the last couple days, you've missed out on some really awesome news! CreepyQueen Magazine will be releasing it's first ever print issue!

The issue will be release January 2010. We will update this release with an actual release day , and will be hosting a badass online launch party full of tons of prizes, chatting, and more!

Because we are going to print, we gave the site a mini-makeover to make it a little bit more sophisticated (and easier to read!)

But the real point of this post is to inform all you CQ fans that CreepyQueen is staying true to form. This magazine will and has alway been about promoting and featuring you!

So we've created a submission page where you an submit your products, articles, stories, etc., conveniently via online forms!

You'll also find our discounted advertising rates for the first ever issue, whoch you can easily reserve and purchase online via paypal!

To view this page and submit your content, click the 'magazine' tab' in the top navigation, or click this link:

http://www.creepyqueenmagazine.com/magazine.htm

We're only accepting submissions and advertising until early December, so be sure to get your stuff in!

Although we aren't able to feature everyone in this issue, we hope to be producing another, and then another, and another if this release goes smoothly.

Thanks to everyone for all of your support, love, and generosity so far, CQ would be nothing without you!

The season of craft shows is fast approaching are you ready? Maybe this is your first year doing a show, you have submitted your items, been approved and have paid your fees. Congratulation! I know with my first show I was rather exited and with the excitement came a tremendous nervous feeling! I am on my third year of shows and I still get panicky the day of the show. This year I am doing lots of yoga and getting my aggression out by listening to lots of metal - anything helps right?

Here are some tips that I hope pull you through your first show. Use my guide as a starting off point and see what works best for you and remember to breathe and listen to lots of fist pumping metal!!!

Pre set up prep: You should have the details of the space you are renting. Make sure you have a table that fits the requirements. If you cannot find a table to buy within your budget you can rent one at a party supply store, the rates vary but before I bought my table (thanks mom - thanks yard sale!) I was renting a card sized table for around $10. Also if you do not have folding chairs in your arsenal (again thanks mom for finding these for me - my mom is the yard sale queen!) You should look into buying some or again renting them, renting is about $2 a chair. Maybe you can stand up for five hours but more than likely you will need to sit for a bit. Look into lighting, it is crucial too see if the space is lighted and if not see about electrical outlets and bring a good light source. I once had a table at a craft show in a bar and the lighting was horrible...only if I thought to bring a light!

Paper or plastic sir?: If you are selling small items please spring for some bags to use for your paying customers to haul their stuff home. I have bought from vendors in the past that did not have bags thus making my items get squashed at the bottom of my purse, not cool! If you want to go the eco-green route buy some recycled paper lunch bags, stamp with water based ink and there you go. I have done this in the past. This year I stocked up on some cellophane bags printed with skulls for rather cheap that fits with the items I sell. Be creative with your packaging!

Info please!: Order business cards if you have not done so already. You can get affordable ones made, do a search for the best deals. I got cards specifically made for events this year saying ‘thanks for stopping by, please check me out on Etsy’ again with a skull matching my theme (I like skulls!). My first year of shows I did not have much money  but I was creative. I got my $9 sticker maker, printed out labels with contact info, made them into stickers and attached them to loteria cards. Last year I was feeling creative again and my boyfriend and I came up with fliers. This year I decided to work with business cards because I found a good deal.

Once I was at a show, I liked a girl’s product but not the colors she offered, she said she did custom work, so I asked for a card, she did not have any and we had to scramble around looking for a pen and paper! So not cool right? Get cards or fliers made.

Have your stuff ready: I try to keep all my items in a big rubber tub, small jewelry items in a organizer placed in the tub. There is no need to stress when you have all your items ready to go.

Freebies and promo items: Most people leave out buttons for passer buys to take. You can get 1" buttons cheaply made if you do not have a button press of your own. I use Button Guy (http://www.buttonguy.org/) because the prices are great and the service is super fast. I was leaving buttons out the last few years till I started getting fed up with people who just took them without even looking at my stuff. Now I give my buttons and other freebies to paying customers as a thank you bonus. Some people offer snack sized bags of candy, I have done this in the past as well with my fave vegan sugary sweets.

Set up: Make sure you arrive at the event 30 minutes to 60 minutes before it starts. This gives you time to check in and set your table up. I usually take 45 minutes because I put a lot of time into getting my stuff ready in bins and do a test set up.

Buddy system: If you have a friend who can help bring him/her along. That way you can take on more than one customer, have someone watch the table as you use the bathroom and you get to check out the show for yourself. Make sure your friend is accustomed to your products, this will help with sells. I went to a show a few times and the person crafting has her husband watch her table. On two occasions I have asked her husband about the products and he was clueless thus resulting in me not buying things. I take my boyfriend - he knows my stuff and people have gotten to know him.

$$$: Bring change. I only except cash, I do not have the skills to run a credit card machine and taking checks for me is a major no. Also do a bit of research to find the nearest ATM machines in the area, this can come in handy. Also bring something to stash your money in. I have used a lunch box in the past but this year I am buying a small $10 money organizer box.

Extras: If your table is less than gorgeous invest in a table cloth that covers up the wear and tear. Once I used a skeleton print  fleece blanket I bought for $10 as a table cloth! Be creative. Also if you have time make a banner or sign that has your shop’s name on it, this helps you stand out.

Last but not least: SMILE! As silly as it sounds a smile and a simple ‘hi’ goes a long way in getting people to buy from you. Customer service is what makes people eager to buy and remember you for future purchases.

Box

Silver spray paint

Bottle caps (various colors and sizes)

Dryer tubing

Duct tape

Wires

Washers

Ikea Push Light

Silver hair spray

Silver make-up

Super Glue

2. Spray paint the box and let dry completely.

3. Outline door panel with Sharpie. Draw on some square welded pieces at shoulders where you will later attach "knobs". Attach bottle cap "knobs". Include a bottle cap to open the front door panel.

4. Attach Ikea push light. This Ikea light came with adhesive already on back and stuck on easily.

5.Curl wires and string with washers and bolts. Attach to the inside of the box on either side of the panel door with duct tape.

6. Cut dryer tube to arm's length. Attach to the box with duct tape. Only attach the dryer tube on the top of the shoulder to allow you to get in and out of the costume easily.

7. Voila! Costume is done. Do hair and make up prior to putting on your

costume on Halloween.

1. Miss America

What little girl doesn?t have a tiara somewhere in her home?   If you don?t have a fancy dress, shop thrift stores or peruse eBay forgently-used pageant and flower girl dresses.  Complete the look with a homemade sash saying ?Miss America? or ?Miss USA.?  Carry a bouquet of artificial roses, and use dressy shoes she already has.

2. Hippie

Start with a worn out pair of bell-bottom jeans and flip-flops.  Tie-dyed tees work well, but if you don?t have one use a white shirt and draw a peace symbol on it with a black permanent marker.  Part your hair down the middle and top off with a bandana as a headband.

3. Tourist

Ifyou took a summer vacation, you most likely have what you need for this costume.  Start with shorts over tights and a t-shirt from your favorite destination.  Add a camera around the neck, sunglasses, and a fanny pack to complete the look.

4.Nerd

Slacksand a shirt buttoned up to the top are the basis of this costume.  The accessories are what make it fun: pocket protectors, calculators, and thick glasses (pop the frames out of a pair of sunglasses and wrap the bridge withtape).  Part hair in the middle and use gel to slick it down. 

5.Spa Beauty

Forthis costume you?ll need a bathrobe, towel (to wrap around your hair),slippers or flip-flops, and a facial mask.  You could also use a showercap with a bath brush or a loofa.

Facial Mask

3 tbsp. cornstarch

1 tbsp. flour

¾ cups. light corn syrup

¼ cups water

Food coloring

Directions:

Mix cornstarch,flour, corn syrup and water and divide into small containers, adding foodcoloring until desired shade is attained.  Apply with a cotton swab.

6 .Baby

Thisis a fun one for older kids that may have a younger sibling.  A white towel can be used to fashion a diaper (a plus if you have diaper pins) overwhite tights and a white t-shirt.  A bib or a pacifier tied around theneck with a ribbon is a fun accessory.  Add rosy cheeks with blush and topwith a stocking cap. 

7. Fisherman

The fisherman look starts with jeans and a flannel shirt.  Top it off with a fishing vest or life preserver and a floppy hat adorned with a jig or other tackle.  If you don?t have a fishing pole, you can easily make oneusing string and a dowel.  A bucket labeled ?bait? can hold treats.

8. Old Lady or Man

This is one that can be completely assembled thanks to your local thriftstore.  Shopping for the costume can be just as much fun as wearing it!  Look for a polyester pant suit, a housecoat type dress, and complete the look with orthopedic shoes and a big purse.  For the male version, look for accessories like pocket protectors, glasses (pop the lenses out) and suspenders.  Comb baby powder through your hair to make it look gray. Use a $1 tube of black or gray makeup to draw wrinkles around your eyes and mouth with a thin brush.

9.Sports Hero

If your child is active in a sport you probably have more than enough gear for this costume.  Football, baseball, basketball and hockey players are popular with boys.  Your little girl may choose to be a gymnast or ballerina.

10.Angel

If you don?t want to use your old white sheet as a ghost costume, consider being an angel.  Cut a hole large enough to put your head through and tie with string around the waist.  Wings and a halo can be made out of wire clothes hangers and some aluminum foil.