Buckle Up!

My mom was rummaging around one day and came up with some old, or shall I say "vintage" belt buckles. She didn't think much of them at first, but then thought about me. She brought them over and said, "can you do something with these?" Of course I said, "YES! These are GREAT!" I had no idea yet what I would do with them, but I kept picking them up and looking at them. It wasn't long before I starting thinking about bracelets. I came up with some ribbon and beads and well... there you go. Vintage Belt Buckle Bracelets. A little weird, kind of fun, definitely "Accidental Tourist." Keep that stuff comin' mom!

After the Spring Market

Okay, so I have my first real live craft show under my belt. I debated on whether or not I should discuss my lack of success here. However, I decided since this blog is all about my journey I need to disclose all. I sold absolutely nothing in the six hour-long show. Zip, zilch, zero.

I spent hours making jewelry and beading three wooden boxes for this show. I paid $10 for a half table space, I photographed everything, I put all of my items up on my Web site, I redesigned and printed my business cards, purchased shopping bags and stamped them with "Thank You". I cut squares of multicolored tissue paper to wrap shoppers' purchases. I designed a display that was unique and creative and truly unlike others at the show.

I worked hard.

Shoppers came to my table. Shoppers oooohed and they aaaahed. Shoppers picked up items and exclaimed about their loveliness and creativity to their companions. Shoppers asked questions about my items and they told me how fun they are, how pretty, how creative, how innovative, how....
Shoppers put my items back on my table with loving care and they walked away.

Want to know the best part of the whole day? This is the real kicker! There was a small step in the building. It was a step that was long and low and nondescript. It went around the entire lobby area and shoppers were tripping on it all day despite the valiant attempt of the organizers to mark it and constantly warn people. My 80 year old mom fell down the step and landed on her knees. She didn't break anything, but she did get scraped up pretty bad, and as he day wore on her ankle became quite sore. We kept it elevated and iced, and she thought she was fine. However, when it was time to leave, it was extremely difficult for her to walk on it. The last four hours of our day were spent in the ER.

My mom's blood pressure had sky rocketed, she has a deep tissue bruise on her right ankle, she won't be able to drive for at least a few days, and will need to get around her house with a walker. A good time was had by all.

Spring Craft Market

(First posted on 1000Markets blog on April 20, 2010)

I am pretty excited! I’ve been making things, art, stuff, my whole life. I’ve sold a few things here and there, but for the most part it’s all been for my own pleasure or I’ve given it away as gifts.

Last year I opened an Etsy shop and then moved my shop here, to 1000Markets. Now, for the first time EVER I’m going to have a table at a craft market! Well, half a table. I couldn’t bring myself to take the plunge and get a whole table. I didn’t have anything to sell until about a week ago.

You see, I’ve been busy with grad school. I also got a bit discourage with this Web site selling business. I’ve sold a few things, but not many. My career highlight was when I sold my mosaic jewelry box!! That was a big sale. Anyway, I started giving my stuff away as gifts – my old fall back. When I saw this spring market opportunity and the fact that I could get a HALF table! Well, I did a crazy thing and filled out the application, a month late even, and here I am frantically making jewelry!

1000Markets had revoked my selling privileges because I had been so lax in my duties as a vendor. I had to not only get busy making stuff to sell, but I felt I needed to get it all up on my Web site too! How can I be a credible vendor at a craft market with no Web site?? I have to have a business card with a URL!

With just under a month’s notice, here I am, back on the Web, back in business, and in my first spring craft market. If you're in the area, stop by:

Hosted by Flint Handmade ~ Downtown Flint, Michigan ~ May 1, 2010 ~ 10:00-3:00 ~ It's gonna be pretty darn cool! It always is!