A Successful Craft Open House

 

One of the things that I read, while looking up "How To Start a Crafting Business," was to offer a free class and an open house so that potential customers would get a chance to meet me, ask questions, and get a feel for what future classes might be like.  I thought that this was a great idea! 

I scheduled the event, and began advertising.  I admit. I was very nervous that even though I had four families signed up to attend, that the day of the event, no one would actually.  My children were even encouraging me with things like, "Even if no one shows up, it will still be ok! You can try again."  

But, to my delight, all four families Did attend.  It was a fun evening and I was thrilled with how it all turned out. 

I chose four crafts.

1. A handout that could be used to design their own 'ugly sweater.'

2. Supplies to make a pom pom. Including a cardboard template that they could take with them.

3. A coloring sheet with bookmarks they could cut out.  All the children tucked them into their bags to take home. 

4. A gnome made from cardboard, construction paper, and yarn. 

My thought process, was that I should have something for all levels.  They could choose what they wanted to do, and in what order.  By having a big container of yarn in the middle of the table, they were able to choose just the yarn colors they wanted to use.  The yarn crafts turned out to be a hit.

Having the "Design A Sweater" handout was awesome.  It was something the children could do independently while I was helping others.  They turned out even better than I expected.  They were so unique, and really showed off each of their personalities.

I hosted the class in my dining room/homeschool room.  I set up each seat with a white paper placemat with "Welcome!" written on it.  I added the two handouts, all of the paper and cardboard pieces for the gnomes, and a cardboard template to make the pom poms.  I added a brown sandwich bag with my sticker logo on it.  This was great for them to collect their crafts as they went along... and to take home with them.

In the future, I would like to have a handout to send home with parents that would include:

Upcoming classes

An easy craft

Possibly a coupon for future classes

So there you have it! A very successful open house in my book, and I am excited that I have two more scheduled this month.  They are at capacity! Woohoo!

Sending good vibes!

Channon