Just another set of AUFRUF BAGS that we had done.  The bags were white with a cream bow,  and  cream with a white bow.  They were made
for a Choson who is a twin. Recently, his brother got married.  We did a similar look with a white linen
hemstitched bag.  Both were equally beautiful.

CORPORATE GIFTS

This phone holder made a very impressive gift.  The client specified a gift that would be useful.  They wanted their name prominently displayed and requested that it be desktop friendly.  I think we hit the nail on the head with this one.  We extended the branding with a custom wax seal on the box.

AUFRUF BAGS

I made 250 Aufruf bags for this past weekend. Don't you just love the way they look?  The bag is called "white frizzy".   I first thought the bags would be too small at 3" x 4",  but after filling them, realized they were perfect.  Any larger, and they would be too heavy.  You don't want a Choson with black and blue marks all over him.

For all those unfamiliar with this custom, let me explain.  There is a custom to call the Choson, or bridegroom, up to the Torah on the Shabbos (Sabbath) before his wedding.  After having his Aliyah and reciting the Bracha (blessing), he is pelted with small bags filled with candy.

I am routinely asked what I include in my
Aufruf bags.  I like to color coordinate the contents.  With so many candy choices out there, it just makes it easier to do it this way.

I always start out with a colored almond.  They come in every color.  I usually include 2-3 in each bag.  For this particular job, I used three.  Any more would make it too heavy. Another good choice is marshmallows.  I like to use both the larger and smaller sizes although I stuck with the smaller size here.  Many people specify raisins but given the current concerns with possible infestation, I use cherries or craisins. Then I take it from there and include some special candies that both coordinate with the color scheme and also satisfy the kids.

When making the bags in advance,  always make sure to enclose them in airtight bags. You do not want soggy bags.

Mazel Tov.

MITZVAH MARKET Show, The Davler Group

These are just some photos from our booth at the Bnai Mitzvah Market in
Westchester last week.  Sheri Lapidus, of the Davler Group,  runs a first class show and could not have been more helpful.
The show was great and we're looking forward to doing business with all the new contacts we made.

Glad to announce that our gallery is back up.
T.W.I.G.S.

GALLERY

For all those trying to access the GALLERY section of my blog, please have patience.  While posting my last blog, I accidentally erased all the pictures on
the Gallery.  Here's where you can tell my age.  I have no idea what I did and
how to repair the damage.  I've got to get one of my kids to check this out.

Meanwhile, if you're looking for samples of my work, please email me at
TWIGS74@gmail.com and I'll be happy to forward pictures to you.  There are also some pictures on my facebook page.

Thanks for understanding.

Freyda

SHOWTIME

So after hearing about these Bnai Mitzvah shows for a while, I decided to attend one
as a guest.   I went to the the Show in New Jersey. I couldn't believe how many people attended.
I decided to give it a try and immediately signed up for their next show which was scheduled in Long Island.  Sheri Lapidus, who runs the Mitzvah Market, informed me that it looked like they were totally booked and suggested that I go for the Westchester Show instead.  And so here I am.
I've only done one other show which was the Business to Business Show last year.  It was amazing and we're thinking about doing it again this year. More on that later.
This Bnai Mitzvah Show is slightly different.  It gears itself to a very focused crowd.  Everyone attending is a possible new client.  I'm very excited with the prospect of expanding into this new client base and look forward to the opportunity to show people what we can do.

WEBSITE CONSTRUCTION

     The number one question at the Expo was do you have a website.  Well, we're working on one.  So, as we are still in the planning stages of construction, I figured I might ask you for suggestions.

     What would you like to see on our site.  Up till now, all of our work has been custom.  Do I just post pictures of our past jobs for inspiration or do I make up some standard packages.  Would you find it easier to just click on a design for purchase or would you still prefer that one on one contact for a custom look.

     Email me with any ideas you might have and you get a 10% discount on your next job.

Freyda

twigs74@gmail.com

BAGELS N GREENS

     Yesterday, Chasida from Bagels n Greens called to tell me that the Birthday Breakfast Basket I designed for them was posted on their Facebook page.  They've got a lot of Likes on it.  Check it out.
     I'm also busy designing their next Breakfast To Go packaging.   I think this one will be even more successful for them as the price point will be lower.  The last two packages were high end and so this one will round out their choices nicely.

PURIM

     Well, Purim has come and gone.  We had a wonderful time designing and producing the many Shalach Monos packages that we did.  I was hoping to use some of the new items that I ordered at the Atlanta show and indeed I did.  I can't decide which of the designs was my favorite but I think it was the glass boxes.
     The thing about Purim orders, or any orders for that matter, is that if the customer places his/her orders in advance, it makes it that much easier to execute my designs.  Many of my vendors are located on the West Coast and so the longer I have to order from them, the more options I can offer to my clients.
     This tray, was actually a last minute order and I had to scramble to make it in time.  I think it came out rather nice what with the orchids and all.  
     Most of my customers ordered multiple boxes of one design but many requested individual designs for each of their friends or business
associates.  Whether it was a request for a special bottle of wine or liquor, or as one customer asked, "please include some good cigars," I tried to make each package beautiful.
     In addition to the gourmet food and wines, some packages also included gifts. The whole design makes a wonderful presentation that anyone would love to receive.
   

   

BUSINESS EXPO

UPDATE:
     Just got back from Atlanta where I attended the Americasmart.  This was the second time I attended and I have to admit that it was fun.  I found some amazing new items and can't wait to use them.  I find that it helps to source my vendors from different shows.  Coming back two weeks ago, I was just in time for the NY Gift Show.  Because of all the construction at the Javits Center, the show has been downsized and so I was especially grateful that I had attended the Atlanta Show.
     Speaking of shows, on February 13, we will be exhibiting at the Business Expo in the Meadowlands.  We decided to take a booth to promote our Executive Packages.  We've had quite a few requests over the years and so have launched a Corporate Division.
     These corporate packages make a very big impression on your clients.  Most of our gifts and packages can be personalized and that makes a great presentation.
     I haven't decided if I will be exhibiting at the next Bridal Show yet.  I think I'll wait for the Fall Shows.