Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Making Goods For A Show


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!

12 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. This blog post explains so well the anxieties and rewards of getting ready for shows and then doing them.
    I love these photos. I will be eagerly waiting to see how everything turns out.

    The cupcake ornaments are delightful! Great colors !

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  3. Liz -- Your cupcake ornaments look good enough to eat! I wish I could come for the folk festival. Maybe next year. Enjoy the show...

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  4. Im 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!

    My table also looks simular too....... lol!!

    Good luck, im sure you will do fine.

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  5. 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.

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  6. D! 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 :) ♥

    Thanks 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 :)

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  7. 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...

    Good luck at your show!!

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  8. Have a great show!! Can't wait to see you next week. :)

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  9. All your items are amazingly gorgeous!! Those nest pins are TO DIE FOR!! :-)
    Hugs,
    Benedetta

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  10. Hi Liz,
    It was great talking to you last night at Ole restaurant.
    Would you like another Mojito?
    Cheers!
    Luciano

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  11. Katiegirl, Thanks so much! Oh my, even hearing the words "last minute show" chills my veins. I hope you had fun and did well!

    Cindy, 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!!

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  12. So many lovely goodies!

    Liz whatever you make it is always beautiful, colourful, desireable and with amazing workmanship. Good luck for this latest show!

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