Baby shower gift tag

Byline: Connie Smith

Put on your thinking caps and let's set to work to find new and creative ways to promote some of the more artistic items you have embroidered. You know the ones, like that cute pair of mittens you did for your neighbor's daughter, or how about the bib and blanket you gave to your niece at her baby shower? Remember the linen napkins and tablecloth that were a hit at your parent's anniversary party? See, you know exactly the things I'm talking about. And the place to sell them may be just down the block at your local gift store.

Anything from embroidered cards and gift tags to T-shirts and tea cozies are on the shelves at your local gift shop. Why not take advantage of an already established area and try selling some of those one-of-a kind gifts you've done in the past?

Just remember, for a retail location you generally have to produce several of every item, so take into consideration the time you will have to spend developing and packaging these items for resale. You may have to bag and tag certain items, and that adds time and cost to each item produced. Some things are adorable and you know they would sell, but can you get the money you need and also leave room for the retailer to make a profit?

Items Of Interest

At a gift shop near my home, I found a clever door hanger that, on one side, said Emma's Room (when clean) and on the other side, Mom's Room (when dirty). It caught my eye because my daughter's name is Emma. I made a mental note to make a sample, using a popular name, because it would catch someone's attention for sure. The shop also had a sign announcing that any name could be embroidered in a 48-hour timeframe. Besides the door hanger which first caught my eye, there were others and they all had cute sayings. They were all made from card stock, which had been embroidered, and another hanger was glued to the back to cover up the wrong side of the embroidery. Of course, you could embroider the back side as well. You could even add some trim around the hanger to set it all off. My thoughts went to a local bed and breakfast that might like these for each room. I made another mental note to stop by and present them as a gift.

The shop also had on display the typical tourist-type T-Shirts and sweatshirts with the town name and the outlines of well known local buildings. Some just said OHIO; the owner said they were the ones that sold the best. Hats in various colors and sizes also lined the shelves, each with a different saying. Canvas bags were also among the items that were embroidered and for sale. Again, not a lot of embroidery. Just outlines, small flowers, some with just lettering. But I was told they were all great sellers. The canvas bags came only in natural, I noticed. When I asked why, I was told, "Natural goes with everything." Besides, no one had ever requested anything else.

Seeing all of these great items made me recall a child's sweatshirt I once did for another local gift shop. It had a dog bone embroidered on it and room for a dog's name. Pet owners are great customers. Another sweatshirt I embroidered for the shop said, "MY MASTER WENT ON VACATION AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY SWEAT- SHIRT." They were both a big hit.

Partnering Prospects

Finding a local interior decorator is a great way to show your artistic side and spread the word that embroidery is not just for shirts and hats any more. Think of the possibilities - pillows, towels, chair backs, bedding, pictures, valences - the list goes on and on. Spend a little time to make a colorful brochure of some of your best designs so the decorator can see your work without your having to drag tons of samples with you. Desktop publishing programs are user friendly and you can change your brochures to fit prospective clients you are going to visit. Another good way to show samples is with digital photos. Now that the cost of digital cameras is in almost everyone's price range, buying one would be a good investment for your business. You can show pictures in color and, while it's always a good idea to carry one or two samples with you, at least you will not have to carry them all. Remember to press the fabric and hem the edges if the design is not stitched onto a garment. If possible, have the original artwork in printed form so the prospective client can see the transformation from paper to stitches.

Flower shops and florists also make for a profitable partnership. Last year at Christmas, I shared some afghans with the florist next door to my embroidery business. He displayed them during his open house and sold eight of the 10 I gave him. Along with the afghan was a gift certificate saying a family name and date would be added at no extra charge. I was right next door so it was convenient for all involved. If any extra embroidery needed to be added, then there would be an additional charge.

One item that was a tremendous success was a basket supplied by the florist, that I filled with baby things: a bib, sleepers and booties. Flowers were then arranged around the baby clothes. Again, a card was added stating that they could bring the bib and sleepers back for monograms at no charge. We put together samples with artificial flowers for display at his store and mine. Just remember to add the cost of embroidering into the retail selling price.

Special Occasions

Working with bridal consultants and wedding planners can be another way to show your talent. I embroidered streamers of ribbon with the bride's and groom's names and one with a date. They can be added to the bride's bouquet for a stunning addition. Ribbons for the attendants can also be added for an extra-special touch. Pew bows can say Bride and Groom, or even include the families' last names. And don't forget about gift ideas for all the attendants, such as linen handkerchiefs, boxer shorts, quilted cosmetic bags, overnight bags and many other useful items. Unleash your creativity and watch how profitable weddings can actually be. One place that people often overlook even though it can really be quite lucrative is funeral homes. Don't shy away from this service. Casket covers, lap blankets and various other items are frequently provided and they are all options for embroidery. Call the funeral director and make an appointment before stopping by. Tell him what you have to offer in the way of embroidery. Crosses, praying hands, flowers and even monograms can add beauty and personalize any of the above items.

Just remember several things. Be aware of how much time it takes to do one item. Keep track of your costs. Figure out if this item can be done in large quantities and still return a profit. Also, ask yourself whether you can continue to produce this item for years, if necessary. Furthermore, do you have the time it takes to create new and unique items, if needed? And most importantly of all, is this something you would buy if you saw it in a store?

Now, grab the phone book and scan the Yellow Pages to see all the possibilities that are waiting for you. Gift shops, florists, wedding planners, interior designers, novelty stores, pet stores, groomers, kennels, race shops, boat dealers, coffee shops, flag and banner stores...you can see the list is endless. Go for it, see just how easy it is.

Connie Smith is an Ohio-based embroidery consultant and owner of Lick-A-T-Stitch. An industry member since 1978, her specialties include training operators, scheduling production, working with salespeople and reviewing floor plans.