Okay, so only one response on my banners. I know folks have had time to look. So, feedback, too expensive, not interested, need better pic...

Hey you, the five of you who read my blog..yea, you guys!

Okay, so only one response on my banners. I know folks have had time to look. So, feedback, too expensive, not interested, need better pictures, could make it yourself? Tell me! Let friends know too if you want. See, this is why I haven't bothered in the past, the disappointment isn't really any fun. It's more fun to just make something for someone and give it to them as a gift. SO, idea, I'll make it for you to give to someone else as a gift! Problem solved!

Anyway, tomorrow is Jason's 29th birthday! He lucks out and gets a birthday on Labor Day this year. I tried a new cake recipe. Hershey's Deep Dark Chocolate Cake. It's supposed to be a breeze to make. Not so much for the baking challenged. It calls for 1/2 cup boiling water & 1/2 cup brewed coffee (well, folks suggest using half water/half coffee anyway). Here's what I did wrong, I added the boiling ingredients before I mixed the eggs and milk in with the dry stuff for two minutes instead of after. Then, I wasn't able to immediately transfer the mix to the baking pans because I had to give some grimey children a nice bubble bath before bed. So, when I finally got around to baking them, I guess the magic had worn off. The cakes taste alright, but ended up being more like bland brownies. I made a new type of frosting called Butter Roux which has a light fluffy texture, but it isn't as good as buttercream by any means. Over all, I'm sad with the turnout. I feel like I made a big HoHo Cake. Hopefully, Jason will once again eat my creation with a big smile and pretend it's delicious no matter what! If I make Butter Roux again I'm using vanilla instead of almond extract, it keeps reminding me of those HUGE salon/economy size things of Almond Shampoo that my mom used to have when she worked as a hairdresser. Who wants to eat shampoo? Here's to hoping that the rest of his birthday todos will turn out better! You know, sometimes it makes me sad that I probably won't get a home baked cake for my birthday again any time soon (I refuse to bake my own birthday cake, it's not right), but poor Jason might prefer a delicious creation from Mickey's Bakery over this BittyBetty (instead of LittleDebbie) snack cake I made!

7 comments:

Amanda said...

You're funny.

As for the banners, selling stuff is not fun, from what I've learned. The money is okay, but honestly, the heart just isn't there quite the same. I much preferred making things to give as gifts than for a paying customer. It also became a bit overwhelming for me, and I wasn't even successful!

Though I could make them myself, I probably wouldn't at this stage of the game. They're really cute, and I think you have done an excellent job on them. Having numerous kids makes me think that for the price, I'd have to have one that is unisex. I may place an order, but not quite yet.

Have you considered Etsy? Or Ebay? It's hard to get your name out there; marketing yourself in the craft world is NOT easy at all, but some folks hit the right niche. You kind of have to have a product that is unique. I don't know if there's a way to do that with banners, but you could research it.

ainmemphis said...

I didn't know you were going without homemade birthday cake?!? that is just not right. I think I am going to have to make it my duty to right that next time! I am sure Jason will love his cake, there is so much love in it that it will mask any displeasure you think is there.

Unknown said...

Whenever I start having kiddos, I'll order a banner. No need for one until then! They are amazing though.

Jen said...

I love your banners. And I'm so trying to figure out a place in my house where I could hang a Christmas one because I LOVE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! I'll let you know asap. Don't give up though. I totally know the feelings you are having about selling vs. giving as gifts. I'll pass on the word about your banners for sure!

Can said...

I've been quiet...trying to think of what kind of banner I'd like. Part of me wants a gender neutral birthday banner...then another part of me is considering a holiday banner. And I agree ^ about selling crafts. My mom used to get all kinds of compliments on her artwork but when it came time to actually get someone to buy a piece, she was unsuccessful. I think she probably only sold 3 pieces total...and I have 9 in my house that were never bought (except the 5 that I paid her to do for me). You just have to stay confident in your work, it's slow getting work like that (especially when it's something as specific as a banner) so network and market on Esty.

Mary S. said...

I agree with the other comments that suggested you try Etsy. I could look at that sight for hours on end. I have even purchased a couple of things from sites there. Let me try to come up with colors/themes for my custom banner, and we will discuss the ideas next month.

Pediddlepie said...

woo hoo for everyone's ideas and thoughts, you are all awesome!