Saturday, October 17, 2009

You win some, You lose some...

Hey Everyone!  Sorry I haven't posted in a while - things have been pretty hectic lately and I just haven't had the time to put in a good post!  But I'm back with a few new things I've been working on.

First - Last weekend I had a show. I was really excited for it since I hadn't had a show since August, so I was really pumped to do well.  The weather turned out really nice for Saturday, and the event was packed with people.  But for some reason, nobody was buying!  Lots of wonderful people stopped by my booth and "Oooo'd " & "Ahh'd", but no sales... by mid afternoon, I was starting to get really frustrated, and worried that I wasn't even going to make my booth cost back.  It wasn't just me though - all the other vendors were experiencing the same thing...I ended up with only four sales on Saturday - but thank god for 2 of those sales, which covered my booth cost.  I was even surprised that I could barely get people to put their names in for a free drawing!  I was doing a drawing for these handmade Polymer Clay Pumpkin Earrings:

So I was a little bummed that night, but tried to remain optimistic for Sunday.

So Sunday rolls around, & it's really windy & really cold.  Again, sales were horrible.  It got to the point where I almost wanted to pack it in by mid afternoon.  Again, all the other vendors felt the same way.  I guess you win some, and you lose some... this one was of those losses...

But while sales weren't good, I did meet some really fun and amazing artists in the process.  Hopefully that will be the good thing that comes out of this show - networking.  I'm alway's trying to find the brighter side of things - and so at least I made some friends in the process!  Unfortunatley my two new friends don't have websites to share with you...if and when they get them running, I'll be sure to post them!

One of the women in the booth next to me loved my new Steampunk Style Polymer Clay pieces - I only had a few pieces to show - but she convinced me to really get going in that genre.  She also gave me an awesome idea - using initials and setting the clock faces to the time babies were born!  She insisted that she wanted one when her baby was born... so I seriously considered it and thought it was an awesome idea.  So below, you can see an example piece that I will be displaying in my booth for custom orders.  This is not a baby theme, but an anniversary theme, using the words Love, and the clock is set to my anniversary date:




Here you can see that the clock time is 10:25 - this is my anniversary date!






Both the heart and the Faux Typewriter Keys that spell LOVE are handmade from polymer clay.  I love this design so much - and really hope others do as well!

What else have I been working on you ask???  Well just for fun, I decided to make some leaf masks for my kids for Halloween - they turned out so awesome that I just had to share them with you:

 

 I am amazed at how awesome they turned out!  After Halloween I think I will put them up on my wall for decoration!

So now I'm focusing on my next shows - I'm planning on one in November and possibly three in December...

I'd really love some comments and feedback this week - maybe let me know about some of your your trials with doing festivals and shows too!

Melissa

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Come see me at my next show!




I'm getting ready for a show this weekend.  There's a lot to be done, but I'm really excited!  I had wanted to participate in this show last year, but sadly did not have the funds to do so.  I love fall, and am so pumped to be doing a fall show!  Check out the Festival info below - and come check me out if you are in the area!  Hope to see some of you!


 
Columbus Day Weekend - October 10 & 11, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Come out and see me!!!
***I will be holding a drawing for a free jewelry piece (I will post a pic when decided on!) so be sure not to miss it!
***I am also accepting old and/or broken pieces of jewelry, watches or anything interesting - bring me some at the show and receive 15% off your purchase that day!!!

Monday, October 5, 2009

DYI Mania

Are you a Do It Yourself-er?  Me too!!!  
Here I have compiled a couple DYI sites that you are sure to enjoy - I know I do!

I recently come across a group that combines Unique DYI projects and low cost materials, called Dollar Store Crafts.

Most materials used in each project, you can usually find at your local Dollar Store!!!  I have been having so much fun the past few days going through all their archived projects and have come across some darling and odd projects.  Take a look below to so see some of these Projects I fell in love with:

Make Oversized Faux Cupcakes


So I love this, but I don't know what I would do with it.. I'm thinking either waiting for my daughter's 3rd birthday next September and using them as decorations.... OR maybe I can turn it into her Halloween costume this year?!?! Maybe make my son an ice cream cone to match?!?!

Make a Faux Leather Bottle  /  Make a Faux LeatherPicture Frame


 

 

I decided to try the bottle first, and it turned out awesome.  



Make a Starburst Mirror 


I can't wait to try this one out!

Another really great DYI site that I love is Threadbanger.



They always have neat ideas for everything from Clothing to Home Decor. I love love love this site!!!  Check out these projects: (sorry no pics to upload)

Make Spats!

Make a Cycling Cap!

How to Fuse Plastic Bags into a Laptop Case!

Make a Bike Chain Bracelet!


I hope you enjoy these sites as much as I did.  

Now lets get our DIY on!!!