I hope you're having better luck than I am

[Lou Ann]

Just did my 2nd fair of the season and the first of 3 consecutive shows and if they are any indication of how this season is going to be for me, I'm glad I'm not trying to feed my family with my glass money because we would starve...

The first one was just a bad event for vendors but today should have been the show of the year. It was put together by a group of crafters, held in a great location and well advertised because the proceeds from table rentals, concessions and the raffles went to Crime Stoppers so advertising was donated. Traffic was heavy (I don't think we had more than a 10 minute lull all day), people were buying a variety of things and not just the cheap stuff and everyone commented how pretty everything was but not a lot of cash crossed the table. I did get asked about a couple of repairs and a possible transom so we'll just have to wait and see if anything else pans out.

On a good note I came home to an email wanting pricing on one of the commissions I was asked about at the first fair. I had previously emailed her some patterns to chose from and she's narrowed it down and figured out what size she would like.

[Kev]

Gee...sorry to hear all the shows are now panning out this year for everyone. I guess people are still hanging on tight to their money.

A dear relative and her friend are hosting a home jewelry party for me next weekend with about 15 guests coming. I'm not holding my breath, but it will be good to get my stuff out there to be seen in person.

I made this little Owl today... a fun piece to work on. It has a Smokey Quartz body and Citrine eyes.

I also made this other set today as well. It has 3 garnets on the tree to represent apples, with white Quartz chips representing ice on the tree. The silver has been oxidized to give it a bit more interest.

[Lou Ann]

I think the home show is the way to go because you don't have to fork out the table fee and the people who attend know they will only be looking at jewelry... I hope it goes well for you. I'm contemplating having one at my own home after Thanksgiving (I have 2 more shows before then and it will take that long to get it ready because of all the neglect while I've been getting ready for the shows)

I wouldn't say people weren't spending because there were a couple of booths around me that did fairly well and their products were in the $30 range

[Kev]

I'll let you know how it goes.

[Scope Builder]

Kev,  Are you using half-round wire or are you flattening the wire yourself?  I like the owl best.

[ct4mom]

Sorry to hear that LouAnn. I havent done any shows yet my first is in 2 weeks. Im hoping  it will be as good or better than last year. I have some of my things at a Artisan store in Niagara Falls and sales were good in Aug and Sept but dropped in Oct. hope Nov and Dec pick up there too. Home parties are great and I wish I could one but around here all home parties are slow too..I think its the economy...Good Luck with yours Kev and keep us informed.

[Kev]

Kev,  Are you using half-round wire or are you flattening the wire yourself?  I like the owl best.

I use, half-round, round, and square wires. The wire I use depends on what I want to do with them. The frame around the tree was round that I hammered flat.

[ct4mom]

Kev love that owl and the tree is awesome too!!!

[Kev]

Thanks Di!

It's so hard to get pics that really show them as they are. The pics just never seem to capture the beauty of the stones.

[ct4mom]

Kev, I went to a craft show yesterday with artisans from all over the country and seen some jewelry with the stones you use. The were just beautiful. There one one stone Im not sure if you used it , I think it was called mystic had colors of purple  green golds reds just gorgeous in person. I sure when people see your work up close they will buy you out....

[Kev]

I have made one piece with a Mystic Topaz, and it has multi colors in it as well. It was the set I entered in the contest.

[JudyK]

Sorry the shows are flat. Maybe put a sweet reminder that you are buying American Made when you buy at my booth. Good Luck with the rest of the season.

Kev, the Owl is adorable!!!!!!!!!!

[Audrey]

Lou Ann, I am so sorry the way the show went for you, but maybe business will still come from it.

Kev, I expect that as long as people show up at the jewelry show it will go well. Your unique creativity is the kind of thing that cries for impulse buys. People just can't resist having it and spend money they shouldn't.

[Lou Ann]

Thanks guys, fortunately this is just a hobby so all the slow sales means is I won't be buying any more supplies for awhile unless I absolutely need them.

Not holding out much hope for the next year one (oops, shouldn't post so early in the morning) but I did learn I'm in the main room this year so that could help. The last show could still turn out because it's not until the 19th and I already saw an ad for it in the paper last night...

[Kev]

I hope the next one goes well for you LA.

[Tina]

Love your owl, Kev!!!  Your wire work just keeps multiplying and expanding :) :) :)

[JoanFrances]

another great piece Kev. 

LouAnn we'll keep our fingers crossed for you. 

I have about given up hope for this year, the way I feel right now.  My only salvation will be if I can ever get up to the little shop that had asked for some of my pieces.  Hope to do that next week.

I have done hope parties and always done well,  and if you give some sort of booking and sales insentive it helps in getting future bookings. 

When I did ceramics I did a buy a house a month and get one free, people loved it.  You could do monthly sun catchers and give the christmas one free.  Just a thought

[TracyCT]

Kev, your jewelry is just beautiful.

[Kev]

Thanks guys!

[gws732]

Sorry to hear about the show. I am doing one next Sat. and I will let you know how it goes.
Love your work Kev.