Thinking about packaging

This is the part I hate. Why? Well because to me it shouldn't be that important as it's the product itself that people are buying and that should be the main thing.

BUT I know that everything has to be packaged prettily and attractively. I know this because even when I go to out to shop I'm aware that my eyes stray to a pretty package sometimes instead of the quality of the product in the package.

So, my conundrum. How do I package my tatting?

I'll have a variety of things to take to the craft sale in October so I'll have to address several challenges on this score. The first one was the button brooches I've made.

I was lucky to find some dear little clear boxes in The Works here in town but they provided a challenge in assembling them as there were no written instructions and a very hard to follow diagram. In the end BC3 managed to make them up. Here are a few of the brooches.

Found!

Now why on EARTH did I put them there? I give up on how my brain works (or in this case - doesn't). 

I found the bookmarks. Where were they? They were in one of my boxes of finished tatting. I've no idea how they got put there but I know I must've put them in the box!!!  There are several quite large boxes around the house which have finished tatting in.  Over the years I've not known what to do with stuff so it's just got put in boxes.  One day somebody is going to have to either throw it away or do something with it.  I'd love to get rid of the stuff now but it's all too much bother as I'd rather be making more!!!

Anyway, here they are in all their glory and waiting to be packaged and logged in my 'selling book'. 

I'll make a few more soon so I've got a 'round dozen'.

More button earrings

Once I get a bee (or a pattern!) in my head I just love to make several. Again this is for the craft fair and I love working with buttons and beads. 

My next 'problem' is how to package and present the stuff I've been making but I think I may have a solution - or two!!! I'll show you as I get them underway.

I've used that new technique from the other day on this pair and it really does 'lock' the beads more firmly onto the top of the buttons.  This is one of my favourite earring patterns as they hold their shape indefinitely - I do lightly stiffen them with PVA glue, though.  This also adds as a protection against skin oils and muck!!!

If I had a brain

I'd be dangerous! 

Some weeks ago I made several bookmarks like this one. They're for the craft fair I'm going to do in October. It might seem a bit far ahead but I have a lot of preparation to do for this event so I thought I'd start early. 

I think I made four or five bookmarks and I put them away safely. So darn safely that I can't find them now. This one is another I made while I was trying to remember where the originals had gone but BC3 is still thinking and nothing has come to him yet.

Well it had to happen!!!!

I'm still making these hanky holders!!! There's something so satisfying in starting and finishing something quickly. 

Normally that never worries me. I love, love, love long term projects and puzzling ones too. I never mind pulling out my work and starting again or putting things right - to me that's what makes the whole thing worthwhile.

If I just picked up a pattern, made it without a hitch then I'd be bored, bored, bored!!! I guess I love a challenge but these little holders are easy and fast to make so bring about another sort of pleasure which I'll admit I've enjoyed for once!!!!

Here are the others I've made.