The Drawing Board

Recently my husband and I decided to try our luck an outdoor venue.  Considering the price and the location, we felt it would be an excellent opportunity. This was not the case.  You would think I would know better, but I have been out of the game for a while, especially an outdoor event, I have forgotten a lot.   I made some critical mistakes.  Ones I will not repeat again.  Rookie mistakes.  And I am no rookie.

Number one - I let the price/length of the event cloud my judgement.  I was certain I could make my money back.  I didn't do my homework, ask enough or the right questions.

Number two- I did not check the weather forecast for the weekend.  It rained for better part of the first day.   I also broke my tent(another bad idea.  Never buy a tent on sale at Kmart). EZ Up are the way to go.   You do what you have to do.

Number three - I did not have the necessary outdoor equipment.  Chairs, weights(the wind did not die down until 3 pm), cover sheets, extra tarp, shower hooks, alternate setup.  I use to keep a bag with safety pins, small hammer, clips, rope, rubber bands, bricks, plastic.  This might seem a lot, but when you are outside anything can happen.

Number four - I did not do recon on the surrounding area.  Most advertising is done weeks in advance with poster, mailings, signs in strategic places. 

 
The next time I will not be caught off guard.  Never again.

It's On Sale

******** A great stepper's cut********

I love looking at new beads and findings to add to my collection.   I will usually finger each and every strand. I love the texture and can imagine how I would incorporate the beads into a wearable item.  While my eye get big, my wallet stays close.   

I am always on the hunt for a bargain. My middle name is sale, clearance, closeout, you get the idea.   My first stop is always the clearance aisle and what is on sale.   My two favorite spots for crafting are Hancock and Jo-Ann Fabrics.  Just recently I stopped by Hancock Fabrics and came away with nice deals.  Let me show you.

26 gauge wire in all colors.  Great for crocheting.  
The added bonus is each packs was only 50 cents.
I picked up all 6 packs

My next find was packs of beads.  Each pack was 25 cents.   Can you believe it.  I can see the bracelets already.  I grabbed them all and each color.  As you can see they had been marked down several times.   Thank God for clearance.

My next purchase was tools.

This tool helps you make the perfect knot.    25 cents.   Regular price 12.99

Snap tool.  Need I say more.  Yes, 25 cents.

I love this tool.  It is a split ring pliers.
I can open jump rings, key chains and coils.
  50 cents.  What a deal.

Now my final purchases

String and cord.

You guessed it 25 cents.
They only had four main colors.
  And I cleaned them out.

The black  and silver cord is elastic.
 Need I say what the price was.
3 of each color.

Last, but not least.
  Velvet cord.
  Only one color, but I picked up all they had.  

My total was $11.50 (I had a coupon for 15% off the total).

$9.75 

 Being at the right place at the right time.