Just Wanted To Share

I have finally gotten back to updating my etsy shop. I spent alot of time getting ready for a craft show that was last week. Just thought I would share my latest listings. Any comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Purple Sugilite and Sterling Silver Filigree cuff

Purple Sugilite and Sterling Silver "YingYang" Necklace

Red Aventurine and Sterling Silver Necklace

Red Sterling Silver Christmas Tree Necklace

Thanks for taking a look.

I Didn't Realize That "Craft Show" Was Such A Literal Phrase

Ok so it is finally Sunday night and I am home. Its been a busy weekend. I had my first craft show on Saturday and today I went to visit my dear little grandmother. Anyway, about the show, I didn't realize how literal that phrasing is. That is exactly what I did. I worked very hard on my table and my presentation. I made two Christmasy table decorations out of ornaments and vases and candle rings, my friend built me some very nice wooden risers to give my items varied elevations, i even bought some candy canes to give to the kids. I arranged my little table and sat everything out for all to see. And.......they saw. Ha ha.

I really dont know how others do these things all the time. It was soooo much work trying to get prepared. Dont get me wrong I had a total of 6 sales so it wasn't a complete bust. I made back my table fee plus a smidge. But for me it was way more work put in than return. People just didnt turn out. Very low traffic. It was a small show. All of the table fees went to the school hosting the show so my money went to a good cause. And we got to keep all of our profits which was good. But if I could make some suggestions to the organizers for future shows it would be:

1. If they are going to have the same amount of space in the future then they should increase the entry fee and accept fewer artists. It was really too crowded. I couldn't even get far enough from my table to take a good picture that showed the entire layout in one frame.

As you can see this is even taken at an angle and not straight on.

These show the items a little better.

2. I would pay more attention to the types of artists that are being represented and limit the number in each category. There were only 20 vendors there total and 8 of them were jewelry.

So all in all it was a good experience in that I learned alot and I can say that my first one is behind me. I would like to do it again but I couldn't rely on doing only shows to exhibit my pieces.

Now, because I have been spending the last 2 weeks trying to get prepped for this show, I have neglected my etsy shop. So tomorrow I get to take a ton of pics, list new items, renew current listings, and so on, and so on, and so on. Well here's to tomorrow.

OH! NO!

Yes it happened. I have the worst cold! :( And it couldn't have happened at a worse time! As I stated in an earlier post I am frantically trying to get ready for a holiday craft show on the the 6th. UUUuuuuggghhh! I feel like I need to be making some more items to take but when I try to work I just can't. I feel exhausted. And of course just a minor bug sets my arthritis into overdrive so it feels more like the flu than a cold. Even my skin hurts.

If anyone reading this has any sure fire remedies for getting over a cold very quickly please leave a comment. I will read every one of them. Also let me know your opinions on how much inventory is required for a first show. I currently have as of today:

Earrings -- 21 pair
Necklaces -- 15
Bracelets/Bangles -- 9

I really feel that I need more than this. This is my very first show so I am already nervous cause I dont know what to expect. Be honest please. I am hoping that I can get my roommate to make up some simple inexepensive earrings. I have a 6ft table and I am afraid it will look too sparse.

Well that is all for now. I'm going to lie back down. Please send me prayers and good wishes. God Bless.

~heather~