Masonic Home Show in Shelbyville

I recently set up with other Bluegrass Etsy team members at the Masonic Home Show (Celebrating Life Through Art) organized by our friend Donna Williams. It was a hot, hot day. Between the chilled wine, some ice from the cooler and team member Carolyn's nifty misting fan, we managed to stay cool! Here are some pics of our booths that day. This is always a fun event because of the constant entertainment and live music. Not to mention the good food and the good company!

Handcrafted clutch purses & accessories from Toni Johnson of Vernon Ave.

My Creative Eye Studio booth featuring jewelry and greeting cards.


Awesome pieces created by Joey and Kelly Graves of Whimsy Beading.

Metalsmithing extraordinaire Carolyn Mallin of Fanciful Expressions.

Francisco's Farm Art Show in Midway, KY

My friend Bobbi and I went to the Francisco's Farm Art show in Midway, Ky in late June. It was the first time for both of us and we were not disappointed! I loved how the area was lined with cotton tie dye flags as we drove toward the campus.


This festival was voted one of the top art 10 festivals by American Style Magazine, and I can see why. They have received that award for the past three years and when the 2010 awards are published in February, I am sure they'll be there again. This festival seems to be doing everything right. The quality of the art was evident, there was a variety of live music both days, the volunteers were everywhere and there was a great selection of food indoors in the air conditioning, or outdoors if you prefered.


I know I will plan to be there next year and am glad I made the trip to Midway to experience this festival. Here are a few more photos.


These cute dogs had four fans blowing on them to keep cool and had water bottles on the sides of their wagon. I had to stop to take a picture of them! You can see one of those tie dye banners in the background.


I bought these very cool flat fused glass vase. Very unique and whimsical! The artist is Faith Wickey from Austin, TX.


This piece, I love! I call it my "drinking vessel" as it's not really a glass or a cup to me. Everything tastes better when I am drinking from this! I love leaves and nature based art, and this is now one of my very favorite things. The artist is Jonathan Kesler of Earthly Arts Pottery. He is from Marysville, OH. No website on his business card but I can give you his email if you'd like to contact him.


I coveted these earrings for a whole year. I saw them at Summerfair in Cincinnati in 2008 and was intriqued by them because they were so unique. When I spotted them a year later, I immediately recognized them, which says a lot as there were so many jewelry vendors at this show. After waiting a year, I just had to have them! The artists are two sisters from Alabama and their company is Brennans Jewelry.

If you haven't been to this show, you'll have to check it out next June! Midway, Ky is close to Lexington if you plan to make the trip. Beautiful country!

Celebrating Life Through Art - Pics from the Show

Here are some photos from the 2nd annual Celebrating Life Through Art event held on June 6 at the Masonic Home in Shelbyville, KY. There were approximately 30 vendors, six of which were Bluegrass etsy team members. And we managed to recruit some new team members while we were there!

The sun was shining, there was a nice crowd, and Donna Williams, the show organizer is delightful to work with! In addition, there was live music, dancers, and wine tasting from Talon Winery. The very best part was getting to socialize with other Bluegrass etsy team members!

 

Special thanks to Jessica of the Pink Needle for teaching me how to use Picasa to make this cool collage! You should be able to click on the photos to see them on a larger scale.

To view art and crafts from the Kentucky Bluegrass etsy team, search for teambluegrass at etsy!

Christmas in Anchorage - Holiday Boutique

Pictures from the Christmas Boutique (at Christmas in Anchorage) this past weekend. The weather was bad and there were several other big craft fairs going on, but we had a nice crowd and a lot of fun!

Cute Handwarmers & Craft Show

I bought these handwarmers/fingerless gloves from the show I did at St. Gabriel a couple weeks ago. They are too darn cute and I like them even more because they don't exactly match. There were two ladies next to us knitting away during the whole event. These went with the sweater I was wearing and I just love them. My hands are always cold and they get chapped in the winter. The best part was they were only $8. Since buying them, I have priced similar (but not as cute) handwarmers and they run from $25 - $40 at local boutiques and on etsy. I got quite the deal!

Here is a picture of my table too, with some of my holiday decorations displayed on my table with my jewelry.

Nunnlea Craft Show

Susanne and I set up at the Nunnlea House show this weekend. The show was Friday and Saturday and they served a great lunch both days. The ladies of the Beautification League run this show and they were so nice to work with. There was a steady crowd both days and everyone was pleased with the turnout. We had a good variety of vendors too. My mom came by on Friday and helped me work the show. It was fun to have her join me!

I learn something new with each show. What seemed important this weekend was the type of earwires on the earrings. I mostly use sterling silver shepard's hooks but someone wanted posts, so I changed them out for her quickly. I had a nice pair of specialty earrings that I put on lever backs. The lady that bought them had trouble with lever backs and wanted them on shepard's hooks. I changed those out as well. By day 2 of the show, I had every kind of wire available for anyone who asked. I even brought clips. I may make up a sign that earwires can be changed upon request.

I did get an inquiry about some custom earrings and taking some sentimental clip earrings from deceased parent and reworking it into something more modern. I hope she contacts me as it sounds like a fun project.



Here is a very cool purse I purchased at the show from the vendor next to us. The colors are great for fall and went well with the sweater I was wearing. I put it on my shoulder and was encouraged by everyone to purchase it! There was only one like it, so I bought it. I would post the creator's name, but she stopped making these due to time constraints and it was her mom that was selling them at the show. The beads and cool fibers at the top of the purse are a total cat magnet. I know this from experience!

My First Show of the Holiday Season

On Saturday I set up at my first holiday show! I was excited and nervous about it. I wasn’t sure if I would have enough things, if there would be a lot of competition, if people would buy because of the economy, if my prices were right, etc. Things started out a little slow as this was a new venue for the show. But then it picked up and stayed steady the rest of the day. To the point it was hard to get a bite to eat or take a bathroom break!


Here are some photos of my setup. I received lots of nice comments on my table and display. Several people picked up my Halloween/fall displays and I wondered if I should have had a price on those! People were fascinated with the little battery operated tealights that flicker like candles. Those were a hit, so I plan to use them in my Christmas displays too. I had a matte glass votive from Big Lots with a skeleton leaf and twine tied to it that people loved.

I was told by one buyer that my prices were too low. That was flattering and something to think about. I like to have a variety of items, with most of them moderately priced so that the jewelry is affordable. On the other hand, there were people that really deliberated spending $5 on a cell phone charm and $10 or $15 on a pair of earrings with sterling earwires. So there were all kinds. I think you’ll have that at any show.

I received lots of questions about how to care for sterling silver and keep it from tarnishing. Based on that I plan to have polishing cloths available at the next show and have a little care sheet put together on how to store sterling and clean it.

It was fun meeting everyone and helping them with their decisions on which bracelet to buy, etc. Several of my friends showed up to support me which meant a lot. All of the vendors were really nice. Some were willing to barter which is always fun. We traded business cards and discovered new friends by the end of the day! Overall, it was a fun experience. My next show is on November 7-8 at the Nunnlea Craft Fair. I am looking forward to it!

Getting Ready for a Holiday Show

I am trying not to dwell on it too much, but I am almost in panic mode. I'm sure I'll be up late tonight working on finishing touches. I have a show tomorrow and it's my first holiday show with lots of competition during a less than stellar economic time. Realizing this, I have made my items affordable. I have invited lots of friends, family and acquaintances, so the pressure is on for this booth to look great! I am using all my marketing skills and know how to make this table look really festive and professional. Watching Sandra Lee on the Food Network create "the perfect tablescape" hopefully did not go to waste on me. I have all my kraft bags and boxes stamped with fleur de lis and tied with pretty ribbon and have lots of promo items to give out to promote my etsy site. I don't have a banner so I printed out a small sign for a clear upright holder. And I have little handouts with my other holiday shows listed. Who knew this would be so much work. Wish me luck!!