Just a Hand Written Note...

My son turned 10 years old this past May.  We still can't believe that he's ten, it was just yesterday that he was a baby.  After his big party, I made him sit down and hand write thank you notes to all his friends and family who gave him a gift.  It was a long, drawn out process for a ten year old.  We talked about why you should send a thank you note and what you should say.  I thought it was important to teach him this life lesson because I don't know if it's taught in school any more.  I quite clearly remember in senior English class my teacher making us write out notes in practice for graduation then having to write all those notes.  It was almost a rite of passage.  Then later, I wrote the notes after college graduation, my bridal shower, my wedding and both baby showers.  It was just the thing to do!

I started making my thank you notes as gifts and for my own personal use.  I really love working with the paper and different medias to make my cards.  I launch the collection early this spring and in the works of expanding it.  Currently, you can see my whole stationary collection including cards, button journals, glitter journals and button picture frames in person at any show I'm at.  Can't make it to a show or want to ask about a custom order?  Just contact me at eleplattenier@gmail.com or through my Etsy store!

Tent Weights – Who Needs Them?

By Elizabeth L’Eplattenier of EBL Designs

Photos courtesy of Donna Anthony of Donna's Delights

With the Summer markets  just around the corner, I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of proper tent weights.  The First Friday Indie Market clearly states on its application: “Tent weights are a MUST. You can purchase them at any sporting goods store or make your own. A good weight for EACH LEG is about 20 lbs.”  As you can see in the photos throughout this article, the Market had good reason to make tent weights a requirement.

My very first outdoor craft show required tent weights; in fact, they wouldn't even let you set up your tent without inspecting them first.  I thought that was a little harsh until the first big gust of wind came.  It doesn't take a lot of wind to lift your tent off the ground – it’s basically a 100 square feet of a kite! 

As I signed up for more and more shows, I just assumed it was required to have tent weights.  Then I was at a show in May 2013.  I think I was one of the only vendors with tent weights, and I was definitely the only tent that didn't take off!  Throughout the day, I watched people frantically hold down their tents in order to keep them from flying away.  Then the unspeakable happen.  A tent literally flipped over and through the space taking out tables, merchandise and even a couple of people.  Luckily, no one was hurt, but a lot of damage was done to that seller’s stock.  I know I can’t afford to lose everything in my tent, can you?

If you’re planning on making your own tent weights, just know, milk/water jugs with sand or gravel will not give you enough weight, nor will cinder blocks that are not attached to the tent.  You need to have at least 20 lbs per leg with the weight tied to the canopy in order to significantly secure your tent.  I personally like to use at least 25 lbs per leg.  Just resting the weights on the feet of your tent will not work - it needs to be tied down.  All legs must be tied down and not just one or two - in fact, all legs should have 20-25 lbs on each and tying the rope just around the legs will not properly secure them either.  The weight needs to be attached either through the frame of the tent or to the canopy.

The First Friday Indie Market has a new rule in regards to tent weights.  If they do not consider your weights to be enough to hold the tent, then you will be asked to remove the canopy to your tent.  This rule is in place to not only protect you and your merchandise, but other vendors, market guest and the public.  Just think - a fly-away tent could be the least of your problems with it happens.  It could damage other vendors merchandise, customers, cars, windows to building, and I could go on, but I hope you get the point.

For more information on how to make your own tent weights or where to buy:

•   Tent Weights on Amazon
•  How to make weights for your tent for less than $30
•  Tent Weights to Anchor Your Craft Canopy 
•  How to make your own Tent Weights

Originally posted: http://firstfridayindiemarkets.blogspot.com/2014/06/tent-weights-who-needs-them.html

Custom Pieces Are Available!

Do you really love my crochet necklaces, but want to see it in blue or your favorite gemstone?  Just contact me about a custom order!  

Some examples of my past custom orders include a dice earring and bracelet set for a gift, custom colors of earrings and bracelets for teacher gifts, a mother of pearl button crochet necklace for a bride, and crochet button necklaces made from a customer's grandmother's button collection.

For more information on custom orders, please contact Elizabeth at eleplattenier@gmail.com or at ebldesigns.etsy.com.

Introducing Alcohol Ink Ceramic Tile Coasters!

EBL Designs introduced a new line of alcohol ink ceramic tile coasters at the June First Friday Indie Market and they were a HUGE success!!!

These eye popping coasters featured colors ranging in a variety of colors.  Some where stamped with saying or butterflies, others with just the design of the ink.  All coasters were finished with a black edge and full black felt backing to prevent scratching.  

After almost selling out, Elizabeth is hard at work creating some new tiles.  These will be listed soon and will definitely be ready for the July First Friday Indie Market on July 4th!
Interested in these before the Market or would like to request a custom order?  Contact Elizabeth at eleplattenier@gmail.com.