At the Show!!!

Shows are so much work!!  We were very excited when friends from our church volunteered to go with us to our first show.  Good thing it was sort of local...about 40 min away.  I did not realized how much stuff we need to make an eye catching display, even with a tent rehearsal!! There are so many other things to consider...where to store the buckets or boxes used, who are your neighbors, getting electricity without having extension cods everywhere.  We are going to have to have separate tents for shows that we book after we make some $ from the ones we have already scheduled.

Made a pretty good impression, but next time I am going to streamline a lot, place some of the necklaces on flat trays that are tilted and behind them place the neck displays, this way I will be able to display more items!  Also I want to make some of the necklaces a 'one price' ticket, so not only is it easy for pricing purposes but also for buyers!

Can I Make An Income From Art Shows And Craft Fairs?

'Tent Rehearsal'

My husband and I are taking these art shows as a serious way to support ourselves in the near future.  After more than 25 years in software, he has decided to go back to his love of hand made guitars and has become a luthier.  And with my background in jewelry we look for art shows where we can both share a 10x10 tent.  Most shows do not allow 2 different mediums under a tent.  These spaces can be costly, normally, between $200-$800 +.  We have been able to book about 4-5 shows for the summer time, and paid $200 for one in Sta Fe, 2011 (that is a deal), a few local ones for about $100 and some $50-60.

Since we are just starting, we are trying to get a 'feel' for what these art shows are.  Over the past 3 years we have done our research, 2 years ago we both started creating our products, and last year we actually started to buy everything that is needed for the shows.   We are planning on kicking it up a notch, after the end of this year, provided that do as well as we expect.
About every show we have been, and there are many just here in CO plus we go to NM frequently,  we  always speak to many sellers/artists.   Most of them are doing this year around, every weekend to support themselves.  And it is true there is at least one art/craft show going on in any given day in the whole US.

A lot of these artists/sellers travel in pairs, husband and wife teams,  that are or went through the same 'there is something better to do with my life' stage.  We received a lot of useful information and been told over and over again, that YES you CAN have a comfortable life, or make enough money on one show for you to live comfortably for 6 mos or a year!  These artists are the ones that are paying about $1000 to have a 10x10 spot in places like Venice Beach FL, Coconut Grove FL, Sta Fe NM, Cherry Creek CO and more.  Most of them are painters or sculptors, but even they started small, their talent had to be recognized and it took time and a lot of traveling for them to sport the 'best in show' ribbons. :)

But for 5 of the top recognized artists, there are many, many regular people like you and us, that know in their hearts that what we make with our hands can be sold.   I know I can sell, because I have sold on line, not on my website, I want to keep that just for stores that want to carry my items.  I want to generate most of my revenue and sales from shows.  I have sold through ebay and etsy, mostly ebay, and from these sales I have been able to fund more supplies.   I have been able to sell my pieces to a local store, and these sold very fast.  Come June, I will be taking some of my jewelry to another store in Boulder.   My goal is to get a few stores to carry my jewelry, so we can make the transition from a full time job (husband), to a part time, and perhaps a lifetime of selling our art!

On another blog I will let you know about how much to start putting aside to make this dream a reality.

Keep on creating!

Group Your Items To Give Your Buyers MORE Choices!

This picture shows another idea on how to place displays on your craft fairs/art show table making your items more appealing.  A large silver long bowl ($4) with polished river stones ($2 or 2 bags at the $1 store) makes a great setting for silver jewelry.  The smaller black base ($4) has been set on a plain black cube displaying a silver charm bracelet.

Sometimes a buyer is not sure how would they wear or with what colors your merchandise will go with.  Of course this is your job, you must engage them, not only describing the piece, but how versatile it can be.  Usually approaching the all black or white outfits appeal to all.  We all have pieces that we use with those 2 basic colors.  And black is always regarded as the 'interesting, elegant, and evening-ish' look.  White, reminds people of summer vacations, sitting on the porch and sipping tea.

I have a multi colored line, and although I specialize in folkloric, and South West pieces, I also have regular pieces of jewelry that are big and bold, made with gemstone. I mention gemstones because there is a great and interesting way to engage your customer in another conversation.  Whatever medium you use, keep a piece of the raw item, or pieces of the unfinished product displayed.  I do this with the natural stones, if I am using coral, I place a piece of coral (aquarium plastic) and a huge chunk of turquoise, to create that familiar two tone SW look.  I also group the jewelry together by tones, and add earrings, rings, bracelet and hair accessories that compliment the look.  That gives your customer not only ideas, but perhaps a lower $ alternative to your lovely line!

If I am using gemstones I keep them raw, in crystal forms next to the piece or pieces I am selling.  This way you can approach and start a conversation with your customer as to what the original stone, paper, wool looks like and it's origin!  Perhaps an anecdote of that trip you took to a mine, a sheep farm, whatever it is, tie it with your product.

Continue creating and making lovely stuff, but while you are in the process, think of a way to keep your buyer engaged and interested. :) 

Display Ideas....Jewelry Show Ideas...Displaying Your Merchandise For Sale

Mmmm, so you finally got the courage to step out there, and sign up for some art fairs, craft shows or art shows and craft fairs.

Two different ways to make money with your art. And basically SELL what you make at home.
A very popular trend right now!

We are all looking for that 'personal' connection. We are also looking for unique items. Even with this economy we still buy 'impulse' items. For example when you go to another State or City or Country, don't you always buy something as a 'memento'? Same is true with with art shows and craft fairs. Even if they are selling something different and interesting at the farmer's market, we are bound to buy it, as long as it fits in our budget.

So get your crafts together and make a plan! If you sell hand made jewelry like I do, you scored BIG time!! Even if you sell handmade cards, I am sure you will find my display ideas, affordable and something interesting to look at.

Make an impression!! People should be HIT with some sort of 'feeling' when entering your booth or looking at your little folding table at the local craft fair. But a combo of you, your products and the original ways to display it does the trick :)

Start with a mock up display at home. Leave it as long as you can and get feedback from every one you can. Take pics every time you change the look, just in case the look you had before worked better than this one. Think color, BOLD in your face. If possible keep your display where you do your craft. This will inspire and motivate you.

Separate yourself from everyone else, the more different you and your product 'seem' to be the better your chances to sell them. It is all a matter of perception.

In the next few weeks, I will be going through ideas, displays, costs, equipment required, basic needs, and more.

If you have any specific or related ?? let me know.