I was a vendor at a convention this weekend and sold a ton of mug rugs. People were buying them up to 8 at a time. I thought I'd share what I learned. What people bought first/most of were ones that had words on them and funny. A lot of people did not know what they were even though I had posted an explanation and put an explanation into the cellopane packages I put them in. So I started explaining what they were right away when they approached the table and then they got interested. I also gave suggestions about giving them to others as an acknowledgement of a kindess, for birthdays, or when someone else needs cheering up. I packaged them in cellopane bags so that they could be handled and picked up and to keep them from getting dirty. I also put some flat on the table next to the basket that they were in. People couldn't see what's in the basket at first glance, but on the table the mug rugs caught their interest. Hopefully some of these tips help!

by pennyhal2 29 Jun 2015

I agree! Love chocolate!

by pennyhal2 29 Jun 2015

Thanks for looking that up! It resizes nicely to fit into the space needed too.

by pennyhal2 29 Jun 2015

Actually, it is not one whole design. I put together designs from different sites to get the look I like. The words are created in Embirds, and I think the candy is Embroidery Library. I use a lot of their designs.

by mlbell70 29 Jun 2015

Thank you, I was wondering where to find out how to make the mug rug ITH in that size? Did you get it from some embroidery site or make it yourself?

by pennyhal2 29 Jun 2015

I read a lot about how to make coasters and mug rugs at different sites online. But what works best for me took me several tries. This link will take you to a site that has 5x7 mug rugs with instructions that you could just add your design to. I prefer to do a satin stitch on the edges of mine and these do too.

http://www.sanfranciscostitchco.c...

by mlbell70 29 Jun 2015

Thank you for the helpful info.

by pennyhal2 29 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

I make them 5x7. Do them completely ITH.

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

I agree!! Finding them the perfect size can be tough. I gave the site I get mine from below.

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

The top is done with a 60/40 poly cotton bottom weight fabric I get at Joann's. The backing are 100% quilting cotton or batiks. Inside is Pellon 987F fusible fleece.

by kativillien 29 Jun 2015

Thanks, I love shopping there also!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks! I even had a "pototo chip verticle bar with clips that I hung them on. No one looked at it!

by toogie 29 Jun 2015

pennyhal2, I had purses hanging on a rack (the stocking tree rack my husband makes-undecorated of course) last time, I sold one. I had purses on the table, time before last, and sold 2. -I also hung aprons and plastic grocery bag holders, on a spinning rack, that has clothespins to attach the items. These were also packaged on the table. The table items sold but no one looked at the rack. When they picked up the table item, I then showed them from the rack, how they looked out of the package. I have only two, six foot tables. Seems people look more on the tables, here anyway.

by pennyhal2 29 Jun 2015

I think that is generally true. If I have a booth plus a table, I can hang things high and people will see them and come in to look at the ones on a rack. My friend has earrings and she's putting them on a "tower" that she made.

by pennyhal2 29 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

I make some that are more "manish" ...like with bobcats on them, or using black fabric, but they were more serious and realistic. The "fun" ones really did a lot better.

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!
I had limited space, a 6ft table, and was selling other things as well.

by lildoll2 28 Jun 2015

I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT OTHERS CHARGE, MAYBE I CHARGE TO MUCH OR NOT ENOUGH, THANK YOU, DORIS

by DKLC 28 Jun 2015

I also would like to know what others are charging. maybe I charge to much or not enough. Thank you very much for the information. I hope it helps everyone.

by DKLC 28 Jun 2015

Also can you tell me where to get cellophane package bags?

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Celo resealable bags-I buy 100 at a time.
http://www.papermart.com/standard...

I charge $5. Materilas cost me $1.39 to make them. If the design uses a lot of thread, it probably costs me a few cents more. I see on Etsy that some people charge more and then you have to pay postage. This conference was for cancer victims and their mentors. I did not have to pay an entry fee, but donated $$ to support them. If you have an entry fee, you'd have to charge more.

by lildoll2 28 Jun 2015

thanks for sharing, i guess i don't charge to much , you need to charge a little more, your stuff is great, thanks Doris

by DKLC 03 Jul 2015

Thank for the info and about the cello resealable bags, very helpful. Thanks

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!

by pennyhal2 28 Jun 2015

Thanks!