Dee

OMG, Cedar smells sooooo good to me. I use it a lot. It can get a bit strong, but let me say that the bugs do NOT like cedar at all. I save my scraps and put them in my closets, drawers, and under some of the furniture just to keep the bugs out of the house. That is why people used to use cedar chests a lot too. But then I live in the west in cedar country.

I just got a new Pegas and it has holes in the lower part of the frame. I do use them all. I have the most used FD blades on one side and the Pegas blades on the other in clear plastic tubes so I can see when to reorder. The rest are also in tubes in a stand that I made myself... Works for me.

I'm very thrifty, so I buy the blanks and print my own. They look almost as good and save a lot. Used to use Vista print, but decided to design my own and copy/paste the photo on the blanks. Also I can print on both sides. If you want to impress someone, you can laminate the cards.

You can also wrap the block with clear tape to keep the pieces together. The tape will also lubricate your blade.

Not all us girls read directions, but we do look at the pictures. Actually I have done a lot of compound cuts and they can be testy if you don't pay attention. Check out the video on YouTube. There are a lot of videos there on the subject. Here is just one of them. Good luck.

I have used these tiny bits (as small as a 72 ) for years in the jewelry business. One thing to remember is to NOT push too hard when drilling a hole. Make sure the bit is going in straight and not at an angle and it needs to be clear of any shavings that may stick in the bit. I use mine in both a drill press and a hand drill. When ordering replacements, check with a jewelry supply store. Sometimes you can get them at a more reasonable price.

It is usually safe to set up the day before when the show is inside. Like said before, just cover the table over night. A couple of handy hints for newbies. Set up a table at home before the show so you can find which arrangement works the best for your items. Then take a picture of the set up for the real thing. It will save you a mountain of time. Cut 4 pieces of pvc pipe (for each table) about 10-12 inches long and use them to elevate your table (put legs of table in the pipes). Your customers will usually stay longer because there is not as much back strain to see everything. Take extra tape, glue, scissors, baggies, bags to put sales in, safety pins, etc for unexpected repairs. Find something to do when there is no one at your table. They will want to see what you are doing and stop by. I usually play with my puzzles, or have a few small 4-5 piece puzzles unwrapped on the table. When a young child passes by, ask if they would like to play with one of them. They usually do. If the parent buys something, put that puzzle in a baggie and give it to the child (free). Works every time. I take credit cards through Paypal because it is a free and safe service (and they did not charge me for the card reader a few years ago). You might want to check into that if you haven't got that choice for your customers. Get to know your craft neighbor if you are going to the fair alone. They will watch your table in times of "nature calls" duty. And you can return the favor. Talk to everyone who passes by even if it is to say "hi". Sometimes people have tunnel vision and do not see all the tables. This will draw attention to your table. If they stop, keep them talking and they will stay longer. It is OK to take bottle water and a small snack, but do not eat or drink when someone is at your booth. Besides being rude,it is very unattractive. Take a box of tissue with you, if you do not use it someone in the crowd may need one in a hurry. Makes people want to see what you have in your booth. There is more small hints, but I haven't finished my morning coffee yet and my brain is still on the duh side. Good luck and may your sales be awesome.

I find that poplar doesn't care much for paint. I was told to seal the wood before painting with a spray finish (1 coat) and it would help. Haven't tried it yet but will the next time I paint poplar.

That is beautiful work. You bet your bippie you should sign it. And don't to put the date too, at least the year. Then in 10 years or so you can see how much you have gained in knowledge and expertise.

What system you use depends on how much money you want to spend. I bought a 500 foot roll of 12" shrink wrap for $28.50. Then used my old seal a meal to close and trim the seams. My hair dryer shrinks the wrap just fine. Saves me a bundle and that makes me happy. shrink wrap here https://uspackagingandwrapping.com/heat-shrink-wrap/pvc-shrink-wrap/pvc-shrink-wrap-rolls-500-ft.html they also have sealers and systems, shrink bags and tubes and other things. Good luck.

If you go to the local sign shop where they make magnetic signs and ask to check out their scrap box, you can get a piece large enough to cover almost all the table for little or nothing.

Great John B. But my baggies just cost about 3 cents and I print my own cards to enclose with the bag and puzzle or game. 100 % of my puzzles go to the Toys for Tots kids so I need to cut corners when ever I can.

I also use shrink wrap for my puzzles. I also add a bag with a zip closure to keep the pieces in after they are unwrapped.

Great job, Baggetta Nicely wrapped tool

I have used shrink wrap since I started making puzzles for the kids. When I do, I enclose a zip top baggie large enough to hold the puzzle pieces after they are opened so none get lost. Thank you for sharing with the Toys for Tots program. It has been a large part of my life for the past 20 years. I make puzzles, games & toys (especially pocket cars) and give them out every Christmas. I even impersonate Mrs Clause in the months of November and December. It is great fun for me and the kiddos.