Waldo's Warmers

There’s no easy way to say it: we’re struggling. Mom and pops/local shops are closing, markets nationwide are slow (no fault of the market owners, they promote and kick serious ass!), small businesses are shutting their doors every day. Shipping costs are skyrocketing, making it harder than ever to make sales outside the state. Supplies are going up just as fast. We’re drowning.

I’ve had to pivot more times in the last year than Ross yelled it to Rachel and Chandler 😂 I’ve overworked my machines, but I’m making them hold on as long as I can. 🤞🏼 I’ve applied for tons of jobs outside of Waldo’s Warmers to supplement my income, to no avail. I think my service-related PTSD doesn’t pass the AI bots. But I digress.

I’m so lucky I have this little corner of the world, your feed, where I can try to sell my neato things: witch hats, reusable wash cloths and face circles, wands, upcycled flannels, t-shirts, and *warmers. I’ve got booth 534 in the thrift store full of knick knacks and fun treasures. I sell just enough to cover my monthly rent there. Like I said last time I picked up my booth check “$56 is still better than $0”.

It’s way too hot for my health to be outside at the markets during summer. I’ve already been admitted to the hospital once this summer, I’d rather not go back.

I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m still here, trying to make it, like many others. 11 years and not ready to throw in the towel yet. I watched one of my fellow crafters close down today and it wrecked me. If she can’t make it, can the rest of us? 😞 We are all in the same boat.

More than ever, we all appreciate your love and support. I’ll pop up the most random things I’ve made for sale, this is why. And please shop small and local ❤️🫶🏻

We try. I try. I try.

*warmers are a little more difficult this time of year since the corn sits in stores, often in the heat (feed corn) steaming and accumulating bugs and those bugs while they are “safe”, they are also a nuisance, those bugs are what makes the corn dust.

2 more days!

Such an honor. I’m not saying we are or we aren’t the upcycled clothing vendor at this weekends big undisclosed event that may or may not be happening in NY 😉

Wow look at that beautiful flag, I can’t believe they scaled the Empire State Building for little old me!! I’m honored, thank you NY! 🥳😂

It’s hot, shop inside! 2nd Chance Indoor Flea Market is the place to be this summer. All of the cool kids and cats are shopping here and are vendors in here. I’m running low on my thrifting shirts, so go grab one while they are still in stock!!

$1 and $2 bagged Shopkins - they are still super popular and run like $5-$15. My daughter made a ton of these as earrings and some as keychains to help pay for college a few years back. We lost track of them, but I just found the box! I’ll be bringing them down to this week!

I’ve been making Car Seat Coolers for 12 years. I’m no longer making them, but am going to show you how to make them for yourself or to sell. It’s really hard filming yourself, props to people who do this full time 😂☠️ Anywho, if you’d like to follow along here’s what you will need. I’ll work on recording the process on how to make them tonight.

1 yard of cozy flannel fabric*
1/3 yard of your choice of print
50” ribbon
6-8 HARD SHELL* gel blocks.

*this is super important. Cozy flannel with the hard shell gel blocks stay cold longer and do not sweat. Which means your seats won’t get wet from condensation. These are ask fully washable, gel packs come out and go in easily. You do not sit on these! These are to be used while you are outdoor the car. No more buckle burns or seat burns. You dot sit on these!!!!!

Basic sewing machine, thread, scissors, velcro or snaps (optional) But these are universal sized for everyone.