As Ready as I'll Ever Be

Roughly a week ago, I finished making all my jar recipes for the craft fair. I did have to buy some half-gallon jars though. I actually bought a few more than I originally planned, but I did find a cheaper brand for the jars, so it didn't cost as much.

I looked over some recipes where I attached a bag to the outside of the jar that held ingredients that did not fit inside the jar. I decided to "repackage" them by using the larger jars and then using those smaller jars for a different recipe. I only had a few things I had to repackage, thank goodness. The larger jars came in very handy for the baked goods recipes I put together, as it gave me enough room to put in everything. Let me explain. My baked goods recipes had some ingredients that had to be mixed with wet ingredients separately from other ingredients. Such mixing sugar with eggs or butter, then adding that to the flour. Stuff like that. So, the large jars provided the room to have ingredients packaged individually and stacked in the jar. The large jars also worked out great for some of the soup recipes, since a few had pasta that had to be added later in the cooking process. It was time-consuming but overall, it made everything look neater.

After I finished making my recipes and packing them into boxes, I started working on signs. I've made a banner that I can put over a doorframe (if they put me inside and if they put me in a classroom) or the banner could go on the table, if necessary. I also made a few signs that list what I've made, a price list, and a few small pieces that I can put jars behind for whatever category they fall under (tea, soup, baked goods, sides). I have a few diamond dot keychains that are food themed that I could use as decorations too.

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that I get an indoor spot, but I have to prepare myself in case they can't give me one. It was suggested I could use a classroom in the building they will use, but there is a chance I won't get one of those spots. I indicated I'd gladly use a classroom, after I figured out how I could decorate so people would notice me. But as it still is not a certainty that I will be indoors, I'm preparing for being outdoors.

I asked that if I were outdoors could they please put me in a certain area. Last year, I was put in a spot where not a lot of people saw me. I did sell quite a bit, but I could have sold more if I had been in a different spot. Maybe. But if I have to be outdoors, I am prepared. I have a portable canopy/gazebo that I have used for other things for many years. I also have sheets I can hang around two of three sides so I can be shielded from the sun. My signs and banner can be hung on the gazebo with no problems. I have a battery-operated fan, too.

I've been gathering all my supplies together so hopefully, I don't forget anything. I do plan on bringing in a lot of my jars the day before, so I don't have to haul as much from home. I have about 15 small boxes with my jars in them so that's a lot to have to transport, along with my other stuff.

I'm getting a little anxious as the craft fair date gets closer and I keep looking over everything to make sure I have what I need. I'm probably overthinking things, like I tend to do, and I'm sure it will work out well. Fingers crossed!

God Bless