Spring's Arrival

Happy new week friends! It's officially spring (it arrived on the 20th) and I'm really basking in the lovely weather. Sure we had a mild winter, but the idea of shedding off the winter coat and boots thrills me to no end. A light cardigan and sandals now suffice. Yipee!

This week, I'll step out of the craft room and spend it outdoors. Don't worry, I'll leave a few early spring pictures. I hope they inspire you today.

Winter gloom... what a blah.

Spring awakenings are TADA!...

 

 

 

 

Have a nice day!

Sweets on Display

Hooray it's Friday! I hope you picked up a few ideas on how to set-up a bake sale. It's a wonderful community and fund raising activity. Here are a few more notes on displaying your baked goodies:

 

Bring out the cake stands from your cupboards to show off the yummy cookies you made.

 

If you don't own one, you can easily get them at department stores, but scoring it at a flea market is way more fun. Or you can do some blah-toTADA! by making your own.

It's nice to have one that's got a cloche cover. So nostalgic and keeps food fresh and protected.

Don't these cake stands remind you of desserts in a diner?

Baskets are also a great way to display your goods. Line them with parchment paper and group baked goods together. Don't forget to add some labels.

These provide a cohesive look but still has that homemade appeal.

A box made of plexiglass allows customers to see the products and the products in turn are kept safe from the elements. Large glass or plastic containers can work as an alternative.

You can even experiment on a fantasy set-up like this one. Just one of the many tables by Amy Atlas.

Oh by the way, it's TADA! if you prepare a master list that will include a few talking points (ex. who is the beneficiary of the bake sale and what are their thrusts) in case customers are curious about the cause. Also have a list of baked goods for sale, the ingredients of each (ex. do they have peanuts or eggs that allergy sufferers need to avoid?), and a price list. 

Now we're ready. I wish you a successful bake sale!

For more bake sale ideas, you make check out this site. Happy Weekend!

Bake Sale Packaging

Planning a bake sale is the week's topic and we've touched on items to sell, how to promote the event, and a few ideas on how to decorate the area.

Today, let's talk about packaging.

On the day of the sale, the baked goods are set out on trays, baskets or inside cookie jars as they wait to be purchased. I think it's always thoughtful to do a little blah-to-TADA!  For example: 

Re-use food packaging like fruit containers and plastic boxes (thoroughly clean them beforehand) to save you some cash.

Or if  buying brand new, consider the more eco-friendly option of paper boxes or reusable containers. 

Use paper bags or make some envelopes from tissue.

 

When people buy goodies by the piece, don't just hand them the truffle or cookie. Send them off with a paper napkin as well.

Or maybe you'd like to use fresh coffee filters?

Find inexpensive ones at the supermarket or dollar store.

Then tuck in the cookie or cupcake. TADA!

By the way, also have some paper bags in different sizes on hand...

...for those who want to buy multiple items and for clean-up later in the day.

Goodies for Sale

It's all about bake sales this week. Today, we'll talk about the yummy part -- the baked goods for sale!

Start off with a list of baker volunteers and determine what each one will make. There should be a good variety of products that will appeal to different ages (kids and adults) and groups (individuals or families). Also consider the vegans, health buffs and those suffering from food allergies (ex. nut or gluten)...they are potential customers too.

Make it an event and involve the family or a group of friends. Choose a recipe that you've tried before; one you know will turn out tasty. It shouldn't be too difficult, ingredients shouldn't be too expensive (to keep the cost low), and should be able to produce a large batch. 

Here are some popular bake sale goodies:

 Cupcakes, muffins and loaf breads

 Cookies

 Handmade chocolates and truffles

Sweets on a stick like candy apples and cake pops 

Pies and tarts

 

Or why not something from a different culture like

these Greek desserts?

It's a good idea to include beverages like coffee, 
milk or juices.

Now that the merchandise is ready, don't forget to label them. 

A perfect time for blah to TADA!

blah: empty cardboard boxes

Cover them with paper...

...and attach to a skewer or toothpick with clear tape.

Write the name of the baked product and

corresponding price.

TADA! Instant labels with very little expense

involved, plus some recycling accomplished!

Bake Sale Buzz

Bake sales are an enjoyable way to raise funds. 

image via My Year of Wellness

To add to the fun factor, it also involves the community. But for a bake sale to be successful, promoting it is key. Create awareness and excitement with advertising!  

 

image via No Cookie Left Behind

One way is with posters that can easily be hand-drawn or designed on the computer. Make it colorful and inviting with images of delectable baked goods...a peek into what they can expect. A few weeks before the bake sale date, display these prominently at the venue and in neighboring areas that attract a lot of foot traffic (ex. supermarket, drug store, school, library, playground).  

image via My Year of Wellness

Flyers/leaflets can also be made. Use the same design as the poster (a black & white version is acceptable) for a cohesive look. Distribute these on sidewalks, in mailboxes and in the parking lot.

image via Fancy Pants Foodie

 Also consider buying some ad space in the local newspaper or group/church newsletter.

image via Google

To create buzz about the event, take advantage of social networking such as blogs, Facebook and  Twitter. It's free, easy and targets a big group in one go.

image via tumblr

Announcements on the radio, at church and ordinary conversations shouldn't be underestimated.  

Remember to have the following information in your advertising materials:

• Date and time
• Location and directions
• Charity or cause that will benefit the sale
• Admission fee (if charging)
• Contact information (phone number, e-mail address or website) for any questions or for people who would like to volunteer
• Photos/images, logos or slogans

Now that we've got advertising covered, here's a bonus blah to TADA! idea:

 blah: scrap paper (ex. paper bags, construction paper, etc.)

cut into triangles

 TADA!: a playful bunting to decorate your bake sale space

 Spruced up with stickers & rubber stamps

 Attached together on a string

Accented with spring-time ribbon...TADA!

More ideas tomorrow!