Tuesday, April 27, 2010

From Days of Art to Creek Walk









More images on my facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=45297&id=1587597780

Well Days of Art is over. In the end I had fun, but it was a learning experience for me! Here's what I learned:

1. When borrowing the hugest big truck from my parents, ALWAYS remember it is much wider than my Corolla. That ESPECIALLY means the mirrors.

I completely cracked the mirror of the Egyptain food guy on my way to park the car the first day. I started crying. He was very nice! I gave him my phone number and told him to let me know the cost to repair the mirror. I haven't heard from him yet.

2. Handle personal affairs BEFORE the day of the fair, and DO NOT have discussions that are delicate after hitting the van mirror.

My friend had worked very hard on a project to help my sales. I wasn't really comfortable with the idea, but I didn't talk to her before the show. She brought it up while we were setting up. It was not a good time, and her feeelings were hurt. I did not handle it well!

3. Make sure ALL pegboards have the APPROPIATE sized pegs.

I hadn't realized that not all pegboards have the same sized holes. The pegboard easels that I had borrowed (thanks Patty Waite) were a different sized hole than mine. I hadn't thought to look the night before. I had just assumed. I had to scramble a little, but it all came together in the end.

4. A 10X10 space is actually very small. 5 pegboards will NOT fit. A table centered in the middle might cut some sales.

The pegboard easels, and the hanging pegboards were a nice look. However, the space looked a little crowded. The table in the middle made it difficult to come into the space and get a closer look. Thanks to Andrea, her mom, and my mom, the table was moved to the side. More people came into the space, and more sales occured!

5. Bring PLENTY of food with you, and do not rely on others to feed you! A border line hypoglycemia attack is NOT attractive.

When I get focused on a project or get stressed sometimes I don't eat as much as I need to. On the first day, I hadn't brought enough food. I relied on some friends to get me something, but there was some sort of communication breakdown. Fortuantely, after the demanding of my friend, I was able to get a good meal that helped me out a lot!

6. DO NOT judge things on the first day of a two day sale no matter how low your sales are!

My sales had been low the first day, and I was in my hypoglycemic attack. I was certain that I wasn't coming back the next day. I was very discouraged! I felt as though I sucked as an artist, and this was all a waste of my time. After eating, and the encouragement of friends, family and other vendors, I finished the two days. The second day was MUCH better.

All in all, it was a GREAT learning experience! Sunday was much better than Saturday! I was calmer, I sold more, and I was enjoying the day! I made about $180.00. I appreciated all my friends and family who came out to support me! Sign me up for next year!

On Mother's Day, I will be selling my jewelry at Creek Walk in Vista. It is across the street from the Wave. It is from 10-5. Details will be coming soon!

9 comments:

patty said...

I'm glad that in the end it turned out to be a good learning experience - and especially that you sold some stuff! That kind of makes it all worth while. Now it's in writing, so you can go back and read it before the next show!!

dandelion dreamer said...

Let's hope that joining in with Kelly's class that your business takes off!Moira

Miriam said...

Hello! Just stopping by from Kelly Rae's Flying Lessons class. Looking forward to getting started!

take care,

Miriam xoxo
(Australia)
Blog - http://miriamkaye.typepad.com

jacqueline said...

Sounds like a wonderful time and a great learning experience. I have not try selling at any market before, this is really interesting to me! Thanks so much for sharing your experience here! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!

Anonymous said...

i am with you on the learning curve trying to navigate my through the highs and lows....so excited to share kelly rae's insights with you

best
dani

Kerri said...

it's always good to learn from your experiences and it sounds like you have!

:)
see you in the flying lessons class...

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

hi there, checking in from the flying Lessons e-course! -Robin

Barbara German said...

Visiting from Kelly Rae's class! I have been blogging 8 days.....love it already but alot to learn. I really enjoyed yours.
Barbara

jacqueline said...

WOW this is amazing and very helpful!! Thanks so much for sharing. Although i have yet to venture into any kind of craft shows but this is really precious tips and information! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!