It's so hard to know what to make! I have such a varied and extensive product line, and I seem to sell a little of everything at every show. There are usually a few standouts that change for each venue. At one location people can't get enough of my egg ornaments, at another I can't keep my cupcake pincushions in stock. So figuring out what to devote my time to before an event is a guessing game fraught with not a little bit of anxiety.
The crafter's biggest fear? Not having enough of the thing that is a hot item. Best to have too much of something, you can always sell it at the next show or online. But I don't have enough time to make too much, I barely have enough time to make enough!
So here I am charretting for Art in the Courtyard coming up at the Lowell Folk Festival this weekend. All my work is incredibly labor intensive so I make a giant wish list of what I would like to complete on time, and then as the days tick by the list becomes more realistic and some items have to drop off.
Today I am trying to fill a 12 hook ornament hanger with little cupcake ornaments, I think I am on track to finish this task. I also want to make some more sleepy sheep, to have at least a half dozen If you have a good number of any one thing, you have a better chance of selling some.
Trust me, this is a anxiety filled task I relish :) This is my dream job for sure and this is the kind of problem I hope I always have!
I've seen the last of the completed cupcake ornaments and it's a beaut. I look forward to watching you sell it this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThis blog post explains so well the anxieties and rewards of getting ready for shows and then doing them.
ReplyDeleteI love these photos. I will be eagerly waiting to see how everything turns out.
The cupcake ornaments are delightful! Great colors !
Liz -- Your cupcake ornaments look good enough to eat! I wish I could come for the folk festival. Maybe next year. Enjoy the show...
ReplyDeleteIm glad someone else does the same as me. Its normally a mad panic to get things stocked up a week before. I think ill be working through the night when its the festive season!
ReplyDeleteMy table also looks simular too....... lol!!
Good luck, im sure you will do fine.
I love hearing about your shows. I really miss doing shows so-o-o-o much. Now I can live vicariously through you. Thanks for being part of my life.
ReplyDeleteD! Thanks sweetie, I love that you care what I am up to what I am making, that you always ask and you listen when I tell you even if it is really technical, well as technical as felt can get :) ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks mom!! I love recapping the shows for you after. I pay more attention to the good stories when I know I'll be telling you about it all later
Robin, awww :) Maybe next year :)
Maria, thanks! I was sure other crafters could relate!! I hope you have a good season
Moo!! You're bringing a tear to my eye! I knew I'd found the right man when I heard his mom was a vendor :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who panics before a show! I'm doing a very last-minute show tomorrow and all week I've been trying to figure out what I should make! Hopefully I'll have enough...
ReplyDeleteGood luck at your show!!
Have a great show!! Can't wait to see you next week. :)
ReplyDeleteAll your items are amazingly gorgeous!! Those nest pins are TO DIE FOR!! :-)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Benedetta
Hi Liz,
ReplyDeleteIt was great talking to you last night at Ole restaurant.
Would you like another Mojito?
Cheers!
Luciano
Katiegirl, Thanks so much! Oh my, even hearing the words "last minute show" chills my veins. I hope you had fun and did well!
ReplyDeleteCindy, you are almost here!
Benedetta, wow, thanks so much for your kind words!!
Luciano, I can see your studio from mine :) Yes please, another Mojito!!
So many lovely goodies!
ReplyDeleteLiz whatever you make it is always beautiful, colourful, desireable and with amazing workmanship. Good luck for this latest show!