Meet The Vendor: Lamesha Bilal of MeMe's Cakes & Pastries LLC

Guess what time it is! It's time to Meet The Vendor! 

MeMe's Cakes & Pastries LLC is a home based bakery that offers a variety of products. From cakes, custom cookies, cake pops and more. My name is Lamesha Bilal. I started my business 3 years ago and I'm based in South Durham. I take pride in offering the freshest products without adding any preservatives and also use high quality ingredients. We cater to all celebrations.
Thank you

Ok, those look delicious! Come and check them out on Saturday, November 5 between 9 and 2 at Southwest Elementary School in Durham, NC!

#craftfair #durham #drm #Vendor #handmade #shoplocal

Meet the Vendor: Barbara and Brian Nick of Nana's Attic

Hi All!!! It's that time again. Please give a warm hello to 2 of our returning vendors.

Hello.  My name is Barbara Evans Nick.  My grandchildren and great-grandchildren call me Nana, hence, Nanalove.  My husband, Brian Nick, and I own Nana’s Attic and make handcrafted things.  At the moment we only prepared with our jewelry, earrings, bracelets, watches, rings and necklaces.  I also make paper beads and some of our pieces are made using these beads.  Making paper beads is addicting but so much fun.

By the spring we hope to have expanded our inventory to include, handmade greeting cards, journals, mini books made of tile, soap and anything else that uses lots of color.

We hope you will visit us at Southwest’s Craftacular.  Its great fun and just might find some Christmas gifts for family and friends.  

See you there.

Warm hugs,

Barbara & Brian Nick

Nana’s Attic

bigganana@aol.com

Necklace made with handmade paper beads!

Winter bracelet on memory wire.

Just a few of the handmade earrings you will find for sale.

If you are interested in being an artist or vendor at Craftacular you will find all the forms here: http://www.swepta.com/craft-fair.html
#craftfair #craftacular #jewelry #paperbeads #handmade  #durham #NC #PTA

Headed Back With Craftacular 4!!!!!

The powers that be have decided that Southwest Elementary School in good ol' Durham, NC will INDEED hold yet another Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair. It will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 from 9am to 2pm.
If you are interested in a table you can click here: Registration.  You can also click there to volunteer at the craft fair.
We want to make our 4th annual CRAFTACULAR the best yet. Tell your friends. Tell your neighbors. Tell people that you pass on the street.
As always booth rental goes directly to our school's PTA as do all the proceeds from the drawing that we hold each year at the craft fair.

You will find us at 2320 Cook Rd., Durham, NC near Fayetteville St.

Meet the Vendor: Holly Adkisson- Happy Skull Crochet

It's time to introduce you to another face you will be seeing at this year's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair.

My name is Holly and I'm not your typical stay at home mom.  I'm the quintessential nerd.  I love sci-fi and fantasy and spent a huge chunk of my life with my nose buried in a book. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was discouraged by the lack of nerdy baby clothes and toys. Princesses were everywhere, but nerdy stuff was virtually nonexistent. So I set out to create my own. I am determined to provide nerdy stuff for all ages.  You may ask, why "Happy Skull Crochet"? The name reflects my love of skulls.  I've never thought they were scary.  They always look like they're smiling. As a seller of hats, I also guarantee my nerdy hats will make your skull happy!

I am excited about the craft fair! I'm going to have tons of stuff, including Pokemon inspired hats and key chains, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle inspired key chains, Link inspired hats, a whole line of hats inspired by Harry Potter, and much more!  Stop by my booth and get a coupon code to use online!

Check out my website here:
www.happyskullcrochet.etsy.com

Like me on Facebook to keep up with my current projects, happenings, and giveaways!

God Bless!
Holly Adkisson
HappySkullCrochet

Tell me your kids aren't gonna love these! I know mine will.

Meet The Vendors: Bags By Betty 54

Now comes my favorite part of the blog, introducing you all to the people who will have tables at Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair. Today I would love for you to meet Betty & Danielle of Bags By Betty 54!

Hi everyone! We are looking forward to being a vendor at the upcoming Craftacular in November! We are busy working on new items to have at the sale but wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves to you!
Our shop name is called BagsByBetty54. We have a shop on Etsy and will also be on the new Handmade by Amazon which will be launching this fall. You can find our shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/bagsbybetty54 
The shop is named for my mom; Betty; who lives in Michigan. I'm her daughter, Danielle, and I live in Burlington, NC. My mom loves to sew and quilt. She creates everything you see in the shop. I handle all of the shipping, communications, and shop setup. She comes to visit us in NC about every 6 weeks because I have a 3-year old daughter that she loves to spoil and play with! We both love to travel and visit Florida and Disney World as often as we can! We sell baby toys and quilts, table runners, casserole carriers, and purses. Everything is one-a-kind and cannot be replicated. This makes for a very unique, special handmade gift. We are looking forward to meeting you all in November at the craft fair!
Thank you!
Betty & Danielle

I hope you will all stop by their shop and check them out. There is some REALLY cute stuff there. Also make sure to stop by and say hi on November 21 at SWE's 3rd Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair!

I Was Asked a Question Today

I know you are on the edge of your seats wondering what the question might be. Well, a friend asked me if the craft fair is only for professional crafters. In fact the Southwest Elementary School PTA's 3rd Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair is open to ANYONE who wants to try to sell their art. Tables start at only $35 so this is a great way to get your feet wet and see what it's like. It's also a great chance to talk with those who have done other shows and make money off their art work. You might pick up some great tips from these seasoned veterans.
I have made some wonderful friends at past fairs across the country. Is it for everyone? Nope. I would say that if you are relatively shy and the thought of talking to strangers puts your stomach in a knot you may want to stick with on-line shops. But if you are reasonably comfortable talking to people and won't break down in tears when Grumpy Gert starts asking about your prices and then walks away telling her friend that SHE could make that (She probably can't and never will) then I say give it a go!
If you want to find our forms and a list of FAQs just click here---> http://www.swepta.com/craft-fair.html

Check This Out!

So, I have created a fun new flyer for this year's Craftacular! Here it is:

We would love it if you shared this with anyone in the area that may be interested in having a booth at our craft & vendor fair. Booth spaces start at just $35! You can get a $5 discount if you have a kiddo at SWE.
You may also notice that you can color this sheet or have your little people color it and then post it to your favorite social media site with the #SWECraftacular. You can also share it directly on our Facebook page which is right HERE.
Would love to see what you come up with.
If you want a link to the forms and FAQs you can do that HERE.


Thanks in advance for sharing and helping us get the word out.

Meet the Vendor: A Crafty Pear

I am excited to introduce yet another vendor that will be attending our 2nd SWE PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair this Saturday, November 15 from 9 to 2 at 2320 Cook Rd. in Durham.
Ladies and Germs: A Crafty Pear!
"The ladies of A Crafty Pear love to craft! We have crafts and gifts for all ages. Teacher gifts; stocking stuffers; bows and bow ties; treasure boxes; felted handbags and soap; burlap utensil holders, table runners, wreaths and more is what you will find at A Crafty Pear."

Look at all that adorableness. I am going to be next to this booth. That doesn't bode well for my wallet!
Make sure you stop by their booth and say hi!

And the Applications Begin

I am so happy to say that we already have applications coming in via our PayPal site. I am really excited about this year's event. I can NOT wait to see what wonderful items will be available.
One of the things that we do at the Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair that is a big hit is our raffle. Each vendor will be supplying an item for the raffle. Last year there were some amazing things on that table. Again, money earned in the raffle goes right back into the school.
Stay-tuned because I will soon be gathering bios of our vendors so you can meet them before the event and plan your shopping list accordingly.

If you are interested in joining us as an artist or a vendor you can find all if the forms here: http://swepta.weebly.com/craft-fair.html

We're Back!!!!

Here it is... The news you've been waiting for... We will be having our 2nd Annual Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 9am to 2pm.
We learned a lot from last year's fair so we hope that this year will be even bigger and better. We are still planning on having food trucks, tons of vendors, entertainment and a raffle.
All the money we earn will once again go to Southwest Elementary School's PTA so that we can do some wonderful things for our school like help towards updating our schools technology.
We hope you will join us either as a vendor or a shopper at our event.
For more information on becoming a vendor please feel free to shoot us an email at swecraftacular@yahoo.com

Stay tuned for more information on getting a booth or participating as a food vendor or entertainment to come tomorrow...

Meet the Vendor: Debbie Bledsoe

Please meet yet another talented artist attending our first ever Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Southwest Elementary School, 2320 Orchard Oriole Ln., Durham, NC.

1. Your name and the name of your business

My name is Debbie, and I am the creator at Mouth of Babes (MOBCreations on etsy.com).

2. What will you be sharing at the event?

I will have sewn items for parents and babies, as well as a few knitted/crocheted items and some small novelties.

3. How long have you been doing this?

I have always loved creating things. I started focusing on making baby items 3 or 4 years ago and it has been very rewarding.

4. What is your favorite thing about doing what you do?

I love seeing the items that I create make people's lives easier. I especially love it if I can do that with a splash of cuteness!

5. What is your favorite book?

I have about a dozen “favorite” books. It is easier to name my two favorite authors: Anne McCaffrey and Orson Scott Card.

6. How can people get in touch with you?

Visit me at my etsy shop! www.etsy.com/shop/MOBCreations

7. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a million things when I grew up, and I still can't decide! =)

8. What is your favorite animal?

The elephant! I am obsessed!

9. Do you have another ‘real world’ occupation or hobby?

I work in a bookstore for my “real” job, and I love it. I have always been an avid reader and I have a few too many bookshelves in the house! Besides reading, I love geocaching with my husband (it is treasure hunting with a GPS; look it up!), hiking, swimming, and snuggling with the sweetest dog in the world-Jenny, our darling Whippet.

Meet the Vendor: Denise Simpson

Everyone will be gussying up for the holidays. This seems the perfect booth to stop at for some wonderful accessories. Please meet Denise Simpson.

1. What is the name of your business?
 Oh So Cute Bows By Denise
2. What will you be sharing at this event?
  I will be sharing handmade hair bows, Christmas hair bows, bottle cap necklaces, reversible  jumpers, unique hair bow holders.
3. How long have you been doing this?
 I started May 2013. 6 months
4. What is your favorite thing about doing what you do?
I love making new hair bows for my customers.
5. What is your favorite book?
I don't have a favorite book. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. So I try to read all his books that he had out.
6. How can people get in touch with you?
You can get in touch with by email (dmsimpson@triad.rr.com), facebook (Oh So Cute Bows By Denise) just look me up, phone call (336-337-9068)
7.Is there any piece of trivia about you that people may find interesting or amusing?
 I am a mother of twins. I have a girl and boy who are 4 years old.
8. What did you want to be when you grew up?
 I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid.
9. What is your favorite animal?
 I don't have a favorite animal.
10. DO you have any hobbies?
 My hobby is I love to scrapbook.

Meet the Vendor: Stephanie Young

I am so excited to be getting so many responses to my vendor questionnaire. You will be meeting more people throughout the next week. I hope you will stop in and support these folks on Saturday, November 23, 2013. We will be open from 9am to 2pm. Should be a blast!

1) Your name and the name of your business. Stephanie Young / Birth To Bride and also Sydni's Create-A-Book

2) What will you be sharing at the event? Happy Nappie's, Personalized Children and Adult books and stockings 

3) How long have you been doing this? Since 1995

4) What is your favorite thing about doing what you do? Seeing the child's face when they see their name in the story and find out the story is about them. 

5) What is your favorite book? Anything by Janet Evanovich!

6) How can people get in touch with you? Email - birthtobride@yahoo.com

Web - www.etsy.com/shop/birthtobride

7) Is there any piece of trivia about yourself that people might find interesting or amusing? Hmm... I don't think so. 

8) What did you want to be when you grew up? A mom

9) What is your favorite animal? My 3 puppies

10) Do you have another ‘real world’ occupation or hobby? Customer service specialist

Bucket Raffle

One of the things I'm excited about that will be happening at the SWE PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair is the funtastic BUCKET RAFFLE. No, we aren't raffling off an actual bucket. At a bucket raffle you purchase your ticket(s) and place them in buckets in front of the prizes you would like to win. We will draw from each bucket.
The prizes should be a lot of fun. Each of our vendors, of whom we keep getting more of, will be donating an item valued at $15 or more for the raffle. I am also on the look out for any businesses that are willing to donate items for the raffle. One of the items donated were SIX individual FREE lunches from Cafe Carolina in Meadowmont Village. I am starting to scour the town over the next couple of weeks to see what I can come up with. If you know anyone who would like to donate to the cause just let us know.
You can reach me at canavalinsky@gmail.com.
Those who donate will be mentioned in our program for that days event. The hope is that we will have the program completed in time to go home with each of the kids at Southwest sometime during the week prior to the Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair.
This is really shaping up to be a great, family friendly day. You will be able to do some holiday shopping with one of our growing number of vendors, enjoy a delicious lunch from a local food truck, enjoy local entertainment all while helping to support the deserving kids of our community.

We still have a few spots open for entertainers and vendors. Contact me if you are interested in either.

REMINDER: After October 15 booth space will go up by $10. Get your applications in now.

Building a Sense of Community

One of the things that I am really hoping for from the Southwest Elementary School PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair is that it helps tighten our already close knit community. SWE has a wonderful group of parents, teachers and staff. It's a warm and inviting place. I want that warmth to spread to the community. To the city of Durham and surrounding areas.
I am excited to show people how a gathering such as this can be a wonderful place to meet people. To learn about what else there is outside the circle we are already comfortable with. It is a place to build friendships.
Those who take part as vendors often find a great network at an event such as this. It's a great place to learn about other events and to build a new clientele.
Those who come to look and shop often find new and unique products to give as gifts or keep for themselves. One of my favorite things about events such as this one is meeting new artists and small business owners. It's great to be able to help out a budding entrepreneur. I also love sharing these terrific folks with the public.
You may just meet the next up and coming artist or find your new favorite food truck. I hope you and your friends come by this family friendly event to check it out for yourselves.
Remember, we are still looking for vendors, food trucks, entertainment and volunteers to help us out for the day.
Here's a flyer you may see around town:

Feel free to pass this on to everyone and anyone!

Our Hopes and Dreams reposted

I am reposting this as I think it is easier than rewriting it. ;) I'm feeling lazy.
Please share with your friends.


We have big hopes and dreams for the Southwest Elementary School PTA's Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair. Some of the things we are planning on are:

Wonderful and Amazing Art from Incredible Artisans

A Food Truck Rodeo

Make and Take Crafts For the Kids

Door Prizes Provided by our Vendors as Well as Community Supporters

 LIVE Entertainment

And, Most Importantly, 

A chance to help out both a local elementary school (That would be Southwest Elementary School in Durham, NC) as well as local small businesses. 

We will definitely keep you posted as we start to see this thing come together.

 

If YOU or ANYONE you know is able to help with any of these categories OR if you would like to volunteer your time PLEASE CLICK HERE for more information and all the proper forms.

Thanks so much. Hope you will be a part of this wonderful fundraiser. Don't forget that SHOPPERS are also an important part of making this work.

These Kids Need Your Help

School has started back up. Parents everywhere are sending up an exclamation of joy. If you are like me you are rejoicing in the fact that the bickering has been cut WAAAAY back. If you are also like me you are pleased to be seeing those parents you have begun to rely on for school gossip, to commiserate with over your kids trying times and to whom you brag when your kiddos have done something awesome.

Southwest Elementary School has a wonderful network of parents who really care about, not only their own kids but also the kids that they have gotten to know. It is a great school. The parents are eager to see their kids and MY kids excel. That's why we are calling on YOU for support.

Although spaces are filling up for the upcoming Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair we would love to have you get involved. We are still looking for the following people:

Direct Sales Businesses

Artists

Crafters

Volunteers

Food Truck Owners

Any Small Business Owner who wants to set up a booth

People to advertise in the program for the event

Talented people to entertain throughout the day

Folks who would like to donate items for our raffle

People willing to advertise the event

and of course

People to COME AND SHOP!

This is going to be an amazing and community centered event and we would love you to be involved. The PTA will be using money earned from the event to help the school update its technological resources. Let me ask you:

Have you EVER seen a group MORE in need of technological advances?

For more info click HERE.

Get to Know A Vendor: Mary Beth Davis

I would like to introduce another of our vendors at the Southwest Elementary School PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair. Ladies and gentlemen, Mary Beth Davis!

1) Your name and the name of your business: 
    Mary Beth Davis Independent Consultant with The Pampered Chef

2) What will you be sharing at the event? 
    Cookware, Bakeware and Kitchenware and recipes! Everything you need to make dinner in 30 mins or less!

3) How long have you been doing this? 
    2 years...I make my own schedule and set my own hours!

4) What is your favorite thing about doing what you do? 
     I love sharing great products to make meal time easy, meeting new people and making new friends!

5) What is your favorite book? 
    I love all books! Romance, Thrillers, Mystery...You will find me stuck in any kind of book any         given day!

6) How can people get in touch with you? 
   Go to my website, www.pamperedchef.biz/marybethdavis, my email and phone numbers are on my    page as well!

7) Is there any piece of trivia about yourself that people might find interesting or amusing? 
    I’m a single mom of a very lucky daughter! (Does that count?)

8) What did you want to be when you grew up? 
    Rich and famous! Who didn’t? 

9)What is your favorite animal? 
    I love all animals, but my favorites are bears, they look so cute and cuddly!

10) Do you have another ‘real world’ occupation or hobby? 
      I work for Siemens Building Technologies in the “real world” 




Excited to have Mary Beth on board!

Get to Know a Vendor: Beth Lucas

As the applications roll in I thought it would be nice to get to know a little bit about some of the folks you may be shopping with. I would like to introduce Beth Lucas owner of Serve With Verve. She was kind enough to answer some questions for me.

The Excitement is Mounting

I am getting so excited about the upcoming Southwest Elementary PTA's Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair. We are starting to get inquiries. Several people have informed me that they have downloaded the forms and are filling them out. We have received our first official application.
The goal is to create a community event that not only helps our school but also brings our community together by helping local business owners of all kinds get their names out there as well as make some extra bucks.
If you would like to help in ANY way please let me know. The more the merrier!