Monday, April 2, 2012

Over the weekend

This weekend I came to the decision to start doing craft fairs. It's a bit of a scary proposition. I'm the kind of person that likes to make one piece of jewelry and then see how it sells. Then I'll make another. Or I won't, if it did poorly. I also make a lot of personalized items. How do I sell those at a craft fair? Well, I think I have it pretty much worked out. The problem is, how do I make 1 billion pieces of jewelry while having a full time job? I haven't quite worked that out yet, but I'm sure I probably won't see my husband until June. 

So, this weekend I decided to start with preparing my booth. Keep in mind I haven't gotten into or applied to a craft show as of yet. But, regardless I will do one in the future and it doesn't hurt to be prepared, especially with free stuff! My mom is getting ready to have a garage sale so any of her picture frames are fair game. This weekend we went through them and picked out some good ones to start painting. I've decided I want white. So, we spray painted them. The white was soooo white, it was very cold. So, I had to go over them with a better white acrylic paint. I finished one! Here's what I'm going for:
 You can find this great DIY jewelry display tutorial at kevinandamanda.com.

I want to mix in a lot of these shabby chic picture frame displays for my craft show booth. I have some other ideas up my sleeve to go with these. And so far I haven't spent a dime! 

How about you guys? Have any of you done craft fairs before? Or if you're just shopping, what do you look for while you're there?

28 comments:

  1. I work full-time too and I find to make jewelry when I can. Sometimes later at night (I don't get home until around 7:30) and on the weekends. It also helps that I don't have children to take up my time. Your Etsy shop is beautiful and I'm sure would attract a lot of positive attention at a show. Just make sure you find one that's right for you. :)

    Marilyn (visiting from EBT)

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    1. Thank Marilyn! That's what I'm hoping! It definitely helps that we don't have children either. But, we do have a dog and he requires so much attention and discipline that he may as well be a child, lol. He's crazy.

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  2. I'm your newest follower from the "Blogging buddies follow me thread". When you get a chance - please checkout my blog: http://godsgrowinggarden.blogspot.com/
    Thanks
    Angie
    PS - Good luck on your craft fairs!

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  3. Love the creative display. Good luck at the craft show! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work!

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  4. The display is really beautiful and so is your jewelry. I too am a bit intimidated by craft fairs! I am doing a pop-up shop this Thursday as a sort of warm up and test for my first craft fair on Mother's Day and I'm nervous! But I think it will be a lot of fun and I certainly love attending craft fairs. Good luck!
    Rita

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    1. Thank you! Good luck! I hope it goes well for you. Your bags are so cute!

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  5. Wow, a billion pieces of jewelry. You must plan to go to some very busy fairs. ;) The frame is adorable. I'm sure you'll be successful at craft fairs; your stuff is so cute.

    I sold black and white photos at art fairs for a couple of years. This was before digital and I used to hand color some of them. I never sold very much, but it was fun. Once digital came along, everyone and their dog could recreate the stuff I was doing in my darkroom, so I hung up my art fair hat.

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    1. Lol, I know! Ugh I know what you mean! It's kind of the same thing with graphic design, everyone tries their hand at it. I don't want to be obsolete!

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  6. love your earring display. i'm from blogging buddies on etsy. please follow me leicaloves.blogspot.com oh, and i love kevinandamanda.com =)

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  7. I love the idea of using picture frames! Looking forward to seeing how yours turns out! I've been wanting to do craft fairs as well, but it is so overwhelming just trying to find one that is the right size to start out with or the right fit. Just followed you via Blogging Buddies, so I'll be glad to hear about your own experiences with craft fairs this year.

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    1. Yeah, there are so many out there and not all of them are good. I'm just starting out very local, but it's a large show. But, only a mile from my place so it will be convenient at least.

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  8. Following you from Blogging Buddies on Etsy!

    Tiffany @ fashionintheforest.blogspot.com

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  9. Hehe I know what you mean, I also like to create just one piece, then see how that works. However the preperations for a craft show do seem fun! Hope it all works out well for you!

    I found your blog from Blogging Buddies and will be following you too.

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    1. Thanks! Exactly! I don't want to be left with a bunch of product that doesn't sell.

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  10. The frame is a beautiful way to display your jewelry! Plus, it's diy and didn't cost you anything?! Brilliant.
    When I owned my stationery business I participated in trade shows and craft shows. It was always a challenge to build creative displays on a budget. Another challenge: Figuring out how much inventory to keep on hand of each item. (I remember!) Oh, when I use to attend shows, I always loved to see creative, beautifully designed business cards and line sheets. so fun!
    I think the shows are going to be a great avenue for you. It's always nice to meet and interact with your buyers. They're going to love you and your beautiful product!

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    1. You're so sweet Theresa! That's what I'm worried about-how much of each item...Yeah, I don't have a line sheet...I was wondering about that. So much to do!

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  11. Love the display for your jewelry! What a great idea and not spending a dime on it is even better. I wish you much success for your first craft fair!

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    1. I know it! I just want to spend any money I have on supplies. Thank you!

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  12. Sometimes you just have to leap. this is so exciting! Your jewelry display is beautiful! i am so loving this idea. Remember to take time to just breathe in the coming busy months xxx

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    1. Thank you Leah! It definitely will be busy! Today I'm just going to work at making ear wires. Step 1!

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  13. Such a cute way to display jewelry. I love what you have too!


    my blog: http://allpatchedupquilts.blogspot.com/

    my etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllPatchedUpQuilts

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  14. You are going to do AMAZINGLY GREAT in craft fairs ... congrats on taking the leap to do it (yeah!!). The painted frame looks sooo beautiful showcasing the oooh sooo beautiful jewelry!

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    1. Thanks Ada! I sure hope so! I signed up for my first one last night. I'm gonna be sick for sure!

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