That’s my set-up at the event yesterday.  We had maybe twenty people come through the building we were in, and we were placed two booths away from a Paparazzi jewelry representative.  If you haven’t heard of Paparazzi before, it’s cheap jewelry at cheap prices.  But, like I said when I decided to do this event, it was a learning experience.  We got one sale out of the four hours that the event was open.

I was able to change my set-up a few times so I could figure out what I liked the best.  If we had been busier, I wouldn’t have been able to do that.  I also was able to re-evaluate some of the displays I have on the tables.  I’m not sure I like how the bracelets hang from the branch displays (all three of them).  I also am considering separating the themed jewelry from the wrapped geode and rock jewelry, as well as putting all pieces from one theme together instead of having necklaces in one spot, bracelets in another, and earrings in yet another.

Apparently, there were a few factors that caused there to be very few people attending the event.  One was IU’s graduation.  Others were road construction on most routes to the event and the weather.  Some vendors weren’t even able to make it to the event (others left when the heavy rain started).  I can understand the vendors who had outdoor spots leaving early, but those of us that had indoor spots should have stayed.  I figure if I paid for the spot for that amount of time, I’m going to wait it out.

I did get lots of compliments on my items, so I figure if we had more attendees (and wasn’t next to a direct sales jewelry vendor), I would have definitely had more sales.  I’m going to try only attending events that are for crafters–no direct sales companies.  At least I have enough inventory to try a June event.

Now it’s just a matter of getting a Saturday in June approved for a vacation day.  Our store’s annual inventory is in June, so they may not approve it.  I will just have to call in that day–I will let my cash office co-workers know my plans and take the point for a call in.  It’s not like I ever call in–I mean, very rarely.  I usually only call in for emergencies, so I’m sure one absence will be fine.

Well, it’s off to work I go.  Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there (of two, four, and other legged kids)!

Sorry I’ve been missing for the last couple weeks.  I’ve been frantically working on things for this upcoming event and getting things rolling so I can have a booth at the Monroe County Fair at the end of July.

I have been creating.

And epicly failing.

And creating for a co-worker.

And brainstorming displays.

I probably won’t do a show in June (depends on how much I sell on May 7).  This will give me time to improve my displays and make enough product (hopefully) for the fair.  I may have time each morning before I get to my booth area, but I certainly won’t when I get home each night.  I am going to take the week off of work (I may work a couple mornings to help out), but the commercial building is open from 12 – 10 p.m. each day of the fair.  I probably won’t get home until 11 by the time I take down all the product and get out of there.  So, the only time I will be able to make more items is in the morning.

Speaking of the fair, you know they require a liability insurance certificate from your company in order to have a booth there?  So, I have to get all official and what-not.  As soon as the Secretary of State approves it, I will own Adventurous Moose, LLC.  Then I have to get an insurance policy so I can get that certificate.  Grrrrr.  Now I’m going to HAVE to separate EVERY bit of money that comes in and goes out and do proper accounting for the company.  Oh well, it was on my to-do list anyway.  I was just procrastinating and trying to wait until the winter when I will have more time (except for being in the middle of another year of homeschooling).

Well, I’m off to run the dishwasher, pull laundry out of the dryer (from yesterday morning), and get back to creating.  I probably won’t post until after the May 7 craft fair (unless something comes up).  Hope to see you there (at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds in Columbus, IN) between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.  I’ll post pictures after.  Bye for now.

I have been diligently working on jewelry for the upcoming craft show (May 7).  Every free second (and not-so free second) I am either working on price tags, jewelry, or displays for the craft show (except today–we went to the park).  Those poor elves must be exhausted by the time Christmas gets here.  Wink. Wink.

Anyway, here are some of the things I have been working on:

I took the night off of making jewelry so that we could work on how the tables are going to look for next month’s craft show.  We had several sticks and branches in our car trunk that the boys have “collected” over the last couple years, so I brought them into the house to see if we could use them for displaying jewelry.  I took two of the longer sticks/branches and crossed them over each other, then my oldest son and I attached them together with screws. We are going to use them for displaying necklaces.

I also got the idea to take some smaller forked sticks and drill holes in a couple planks of wood that we had left over from a 4-H project a couple tears ago.

I’m just not sure how to finish this display.  Should I paint the planks, and if so, what color/design; or should I cover the planks with some kind of material?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Now on to the “danger” part…  While sawing one of the sticks so it wouldn’t be so long, the saw slipped and cut two of my fingers.  My youngest son started flipping out because there was blood dripping from my hand; my oldest just sat on the couch (he’s used to me hurting myself while doing projects).  I poured peroxide on the cuts and put Bandaids on them.
All better!!  Now to get ready for bed.

You’ll never guess what came in the mail today–the banner I am going to use for craft shows!

I’m getting a little nervous because the first craft show is just over four weeks away (yes, I decided to do a show on May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bartholomew County fairgrounds).  I’m getting more supplies in every day, and I’m diligently working on more jewelry each day; but I’m afraid I won’t have enough inventory to bring the people to me.  If nothing else, this first show will be a learning experience.  I have decided to find a smaller show for June because I’m afraid the one on Southport will be too big for me for this year.  That will be a goal for me for next year.

My eleven-year-old has decided that he wants to help me at the May craft show.  I hope he knows what he is getting himself into.  I definitely can use his help, especially since he has been here every step of the way with starting this business and knows the process of making each type of jewelry.  I think he will definitely be an asset!

Well, I must go to the grocery store.  Then, make dinner, load the dishwasher, and make more jewelry.  TTFN!

Once I complete the wire wrapping order for my co-worker, I have to start making multiples of my themed jewelry so I have enough inventory for craft shows.  I am hoping to do the craft show on Southport Road in Indianapolis at the beginning of June, so I really need to get working on this.  By themed jewelry, I mean Pokemon, Harry Potter, Dr. Who, etcetera.  These are fairly easy to reproduce and will probably be popular items for a craft show.  My one-of-a-kind pieces may be popular, too, but I know some siblings or friends like to have the same (or similar) things, so I am appealing to these potential  customers.

I’ll let you know the exact dates of any craft shows that I will be at so you can come on out and visit with me!