I think it's all in the eye of the beholder and what they're looking for. I wouldn't agree that rooster and pigs and other theme crafts are out as I decorate my kitchen in roosters and know of a gal who claims she has a gazillion pigs in her kitchen. My rooster theme inspiration came from the border I have in there and the whole concept was new for me so I just love it, that and country/prim decorating. As for tole painting, I don't think that's out entirely either. If you have a person who doesn't paint and finds your items truly beautiful in their own eyes, then you might a buyer, all depends on price and how much they want it. As for the ole' time crafts, my sis and I were at an antique store in which one room we both thought, OMG, this is Mom's kitchen. It had all the ole' time items. In that I mean, if you have an ole' time craft that someone might have made years ago, they just might be interested in picking one up just for the memories. I have an old meat grinder which I want to display in the kitchen. Why, cause it reminds me of my Mom. I will agree that folks are looking for something unique these days. Some folks like cutsie, some don't. Other's like dolls as decorations, some even still like the velvet pictures (had a ex-boyfriend who wanted his huge velvet tiger picture on my living room wall - no way in you know what I told him!!!). Check out craft mags and I think you'll find these are some of the newer craft items that folks are interested in. You might not like that bright orange or gaudy purple, but then again, it might be someone's favorite color. Go to the craft stores like Michael's and Joann's and see what they have on display. Those stores stay on top of hot sellers. I doubt they'd still be making the (expensive) floral decorations if people weren't buying them. Then, it's just a matter of having those specific folks look at your craft goods and say, wow, I really like that! I also think it's in presentation at a craft fair also. Make your display table eye catching and folks will be drawn to it. I read this advice on another forum about craft fairs. I thought it was pretty good advice. The crafter was telling a newbie to craft selling this: A lot of folks who go to craft shows are crafters themselves, looking for ideas. Remember these words: Twenty Dollars! Crafters know how much supplies cost and what they can pick up on sale, at a supply store, after the holidays, etc. Some will think, for $20, can I make that, or is that about right and I can just buy it and save the time and effort of making it. Didn't mean to talk your ear off, just voicing my opinion. Thanks for listening!

Why not create your own gift basket? You can choose a theme, such as a baking basket or an Italian basket. You wouldn't even need to use a basket. For instance, for an Italian "basket," you could purchase a colander and fill it with spaghetti and other items. For a baking "basket" you could use a mixing bowl and include measuring cups and spoons, large wooden spoon, etc. You can purchase shrink wrap at craft stores or use clear wrapping paper and tie with a bow. You can also purchase clear gift bags meant to hold larger items. Creating your own "basket" would be practical and unique.

You might try applying a coat of DAWN Platinum Erasing Dish Foam (foam plus a little water to make it spread farther and stay wetter) and let it sit on the problem areas of the pan long enough to soften the baked-on crud, then clean as normal. I have the 12-cup mini-Bundt pan similar to the one in your picture and use it all the time without the build-up problem. I spray my pans with Bakers & Chefs Cooking Spray making sure I carefully wipe off any over-spray that is on the flat surfaces before filling the pan. I've been using this cooking spray for around 20-years and don't have gunky pans, and I make all our baked goods all the time using somepans that are as much as 30-40 years old. I've also been cleaning my baking pans with the DAWN foam products since they came out on the market. -Grainlady

I think most carrot cake recipes Are waaaay too heavy in oil. Mine calls for 3/4 cup....still lots but not as much as some that call for1 1/2 cups. Sometimes they "oil out"....sometimes not....perhaps the difference is just a couple of teaspoons of four or the moisture in the carrots or the pineapple. My recipe came from Julie Trusler...of J. T.'sCuisine. The best carrot cake I have ever eaten. https://www.amazon.com/JTs-1-Collection-Julie-Trusler/dp/0970479603