Getting to the weekend...


So I don't have anything new to show today, I didn't get to create last night. After work I had to stop by the Temple just to kind of check out the space and scope out my tables. The ladies there were very kind and set me up in a nice spot by an interior door, against the wall, with plug access for my lighting! YAY!
While I was there, they asked me if I could bring any of my setup that night. SO I went home and ate a quick dinner and headed back over with 1 trip. Brought the table cloths, the table risers, a couple of jewelry stands, my drift wood pieces, the Bird bath prop, a couple of cigar boxes. I set up the tables with black table cloths as the skirt of the tables, and used nice organic looking Khaki colored table cloths on the tops of the tables. I also brought 2 lamps, tall table lamps with red shades.
Then had to run back home again to bring in the Silent Auction donation (a necklace and pair of earrings), and grabbed a few more things like the leaded glass window, my big metal owl, an earring rack, my wooden table top bench- more things to help weigh down the table cloths so they didn't slip off.
I thought maybe it was a little early to set up all this stuff (the show isn't until Saturday night) but then figured, lots of people were setting up already and they assured me that the space would be all locked and safely secured til the show. I didn't bring in any of the jewelry yet. I still have to price a few stray things.
What's nice about this show is that there will be a cashier at the door that will add up purchases and tax, and then people will be able to pay any way they want, including with credit cards. At the end of the week I'll get a check for my earnings. I hope it's successful. I got many nice compliments about my table set up and they were convinced I had done this sort of thing a million times before. They were quite surprised when I told them that this was in fact my first one man show.
I think I want to go shopping for a nice dress to wear, something black or gray, classic. Unfortunately our local shopping here isn't that great and I have a really hard time finding something specific. I normally find things like dresses when I don't NEED a dress for anything.
I still have to get more tissue paper. I am completely out of boxes and will probably just wrap the jewelry purchases in tissue and put them in small gift bags that I am bringing, I have some with handles. Then I have some brown paper lunch bags that I've embellished with cute little bird stamps. Good enough, right?
Can you tell I'm nervous?? Putting myself out there locally, to strangers- is nerve wracking to say the least. Last year I had my first open house at my home and that went really well but mostly because I sold jewelry to lots of friends and coworkers- people who have seen my jewelry before. I hope to be received well. I know there are at least 4-5 other jewelry vendors at this show this weekend. Will I stand out? I think my table will speak for itself. As of last night, mine was the most elaborate set up at that point.
Well anyway, TGIF. p.s. my shop will close tomorrow for the weekend.

Comments

  1. Good luck for this show Loreleï, i am pretty sure you will sell a lot of your beauties.
    Hope you can find the famous little black dress you need ;-)

    xox

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  2. Lorelei, I think you will do well. Your set up sound really quite wonderful. Your jewelry is awesome and reasonably priced. You'll see once you get that first customer you'll be fine. Just remember to breath!
    Lots of luck to you (tho I doubt you'll need it)
    Break a leg;-)

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  3. Good luck and I'm quite sure it will go better than you ever imagined.

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  4. You're going to do great!!!

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  5. You have been busy! I did my first show three years ago. It is a fundraiser for the local Women's Fund called ARTS Night (A Reason To Shop). They do the same thing with the cashier. That makes it MUCH easier to focus on the story and the selling than on the transaction. You are going to be GREAT! I wish that I could come and support you. Your work is amazing. And your genuine spirit will shine through and through and that is what will draw people to you. Be open and be yourself and have a great time. I always look at that one show (the only one I do) as an opportunity to spread the word. I may not sell out but they know about me! And since my pieces each tell a story, it sometimes takes them time to know what they want. Go and have fun! (Don't forget to eat something good, wear comfortable shoes and smile!)
    Enjoy the day! Erin

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  6. You're so cute! I'd be a little nervous too but your table set up looked great. And your pieces sell themselves. That is a fantastic idea that they have a cashier at the door. I would be inclined to do a show if I could find a place that did that. Good luck, Lorelei!

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  7. Good Luck...you're very talented and your work will speak for itself! No worries:) Take lots of pictures and enjoy!!!

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  8. Girl, you are gonna ROCK! Your jewelry is absolutely gorgeous! I don't know anyone who WOULDN'T want one of your pieces! Best of luck! I will be sending well wishes all weekend=) Good luck! And have fun!!

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  9. Awesome! You'll be back in beadville in no time! Take pics for us!

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  10. Lor,You probably have already thought of these ideas but-- Are you bringing any of the books you are published in? You are famous! Are you interested in taking orders? People might want to order something. When I do my shows there is always someone who wants something custom made to match another piece.

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  11. You'll be fantastic! Your stuff is fabulous ... you always have great stories ... just wish I could be there to shop! Hope you have lots of fun this weekend.

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  12. I agree with Nancy, bringing your publications along always helps with sales and makes people realize that you are a serious artist. I am surprised that this is your first show, I thought for sure that you were a pro! Have faith, you really Are famous, and we all love you so they will too :)

    Marie

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  13. I agree with Nancy, you need to take a few of the books your work is published in to display. My mentor/potter friend has been published in many books and magazines and he keeps them on display in his gallery shop. I mean why not, it is a testimony to the level that you have achieved in your field!! Besides, it is super cool!! I love your stuff, they will too. Good luck.

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  14. Good luck! Try not to act nervous and smile at everyone. Before I sold on-line on Etsy, I did shows:) Never have them see you sweat!

    Funky Monkey girl,
    Jolene

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  15. You'll do great, I'm sure!

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  16. All the best for the show - your work is so individual - you will have great success I am sure! As Nancy says , you are famous. You don't have to prove yourself, as your works speak for themselves .. Vicki

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  17. There's no doubt in my mind your jewelry will stand out. Have fun at the show.

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  18. Fear not, your jewelry will be a knock out of the park. Hopefully, the show will have lots of traffic.

    Good luck, and have fun!

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  19. Anonymous11/14/2009

    Really, this is your first show? Can't believe it. Your setup looks awesome, very professional. Elaborate, but not overwhelming, just right to keep the focus on the jewelry. You obviously have a hand for these things as well!

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  20. Hope your show is going well and that you're having a lot of fun!! :-)

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