Okay, first let me tell you about my weekend. On Friday we went to set up for the show. It was in the Warren county fairgrounds--of all the fairgrounds that I've been to, this one is my favorite.
Great country setting--this backdrop is what surrounded the whole festival. So this photo is from Friday afternoon and the next shot was taken on Saturday morning.
No, it wasn't raining over even cloudy--as a matter of fact it was clear blue skies--this was fog. It's pretty much like that here every morning until about 10:00. This is a good sign here--the foggier it is, the day usually ends up being sunny. So we had to finish setting up in the fog.
Lots of tents, plus most of the barns were filled with exhibitors--
There was another set of barns behind these also that were filled--I think there were about 180 exhibitors in total.
And I had to show you all this one exhibitor's booth--
This lady was offering hand-spun and dyed skeins of yarn supplied by these guys--
Alpacas from her alpaca farm!!--all freshly shaven, or is the word shorn?
And my favorite booths at this time of year--
I just love what Fall has to offer us.And I had to get some of these--
I making me some peach pie!!
And these--
Look at the background--this was the line of people waiting to get into the show.
Okay, so what was the feeling that I had? Well, I brought my artwork with me--
But I kinda had a feeling that this wasn't going to go over real well with this folk art country type of show, so I made some wreaths to fit in a little more--
But this was only a small part of my display. I did get a lot of compliments, which I always appreciate, BUT I didn't get a lot of sales. This was definitely more of a craft show with a different type of customer base. However, it is an excellent well - run show with a great variety of crafts, great food, and entertainment in a wonderful setting--I just don't think that I fit into this type of show. (always a learning experience with art and craft festivals)
And a little while ago in one of my posts I had showed everyone a piece that always sells when I take it to a show with me, and I kinda had a feeling that it wouldn't at this one, and I was right! AND I said that if it didn't sell, I would be giving it away on my blog---so next blog post--a giveaway--stay tuned!
P.S. BUT....... I did sell my magazine rack on Saturday morning!
Oh Diane, I'm SO sorry to hear about your show. I know it was a learning experience, but I clicked on your booth and don't understand why the hearts didn't sell. They are a staple at these country type shows. I realize it was a learning experience, but I feel for you, because every one of these where the sales aren't great comes out of your pocket. I'm glad the magazine rack sold. I hope you also sold some of your wreathes.
ReplyDeleteOn a brighter side, you took some gorgeous photos, got your name and business card out there, and purchased some wonderful fruit. All in all, a decent weekend.
Hey Diane,
ReplyDeleteIs that an ironing board cover on the outside of your booth? I could use one of those, since I don't have an ironing board (grin).
So happy to hear your magazine rack found a good home ... but disappointed to hear that you did not do well overall. However your great attitude about the experience is a wonderful thing to hear, and I'm smelling those pies and cobblers in the oven this morning, and they are making me hungry, ;). I hope that gorgeous rooster chair sold ~~ it's beautiful! Wishing you a peaceful day of rest, my friend.
ReplyDeleteSo many people in line! Your booth looks good. I love your wreaths,I didnt know you made them too. Also I love that chair with the rooster on it. I'm glad your magazine rack sold. I'm sorry you did'nt have that many sales. But it looks like you had fun and enjoyed the weekend. Now I want some peach pie!
ReplyDeleteI'm so bewildered by your slow sales. I thought it all looked beautiful. I so love your heart boxes they are my fav. These things are always a learning experience. BUT...You are going to have a wonderful peach pie, now that makes me jealous.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever figured out shows, so I always look at the reasons I go to an art fair. Sometimes just because I love them and want to go walk around and somtimes I really hope to purchase.
ReplyDeleteEven to get ideas is a reason I go.
This show has every appearance of being a success for the seller.
Your booth is so right and such a variety of choices, done by a good artist.
Wonderful looking produce and yes I like peach pie also.
I have been to a wool show the size of this show, that was so much fun, and did i buy wool or yarn? A little and some great buttons. It was a cold day in early May and I think sales were good.
Sometimes I think I don't want gut feelings they can be so right. What you say is true one regroups their perspective on shows and do it again.
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteAll my sources have told me that the shows are down. Artists who used to do block buster sales are now rethinking which shows to go to.
Your booth and work looked wonderful and I'm sure you are a great salesperson but in this economy, people are buying food at shows where it's available. This is what is happening at the Farmer's Market where I sell as well. Food wins out when money is down and art is usually the first to go. That is not going to stop me from continuing to try to sell there or other places. My feeling is that things will make a comeback soon so it is important to create as much as possible for when that time comes.
You never know what will sell or who will like it--but it sounds like you had a pretty good feel for this crowd. Your photos of the fruit are wonderful--especially the baskets of assorted fruit--wish you had a close up of one of those!!
ReplyDeleteIm glad the magazine rack found a home:O) They are soo lucky:O) As for Peaches....I dont like peaches or peach pie though the pics of them make me think they could be yummy:O) I loved the pics(you always take great ones) and loved the booth of the flowers:O). Your booth looked awesome and the wreaths gorgeous(love the chair)You are sooo talented Thanx for sharing:O)
ReplyDeleteYou make wreathes too?! You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteSorry the sales just weren't there, but I'm glad you got to experience this wonderful event. I wish I could attend something like that. I'm going to try find one in my area:)
Oops.......I hit 'anonymous' by mistake! Monday fingers don't work well :)
ReplyDeleteAm sorry to hear sales were poor, always a learning curve with shows. Would have liked to attend as it looks like fun....
ReplyDeleteThat is a shame that your sales weren't great, but it sounds as though you suspected that was going to be the case (always better than thinking you're going to have a bang-up weekend and turning out to be flat wrong) . . . you are generous indeed to turn your disappointing weekend into a fantastic plus for us by making a giveaway out of it! I am glad the magazine rack sold--I thought that was lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a great time regardless of what you sold (or not)... So... Is this good news for me, since I want one of your amazing boxes??? I feel like I jinxed you!
ReplyDeleteYAY...I knew you would sell that gorgeous magazine caddy! Sorry, the show wasn't as successful as usual but it happens, I guess....just depends on the customer base on the day. The pics were gorgeous! Yes, same here too, foggy morning usually means a hot, sunny day ahead.
ReplyDeleteI just KNEW that magazine table would sell quick as a wink!!! And your booth looked amazing, Diane! Even though it wasn't the right venue for your beautiful work, it looks like you enjoyed the day. All of your pics are awesome - love those alpacas!!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, Sorry to hear the show wasn't the best, but it sounds like you still had a great time. Your booth looks awesome and the peaches so yummy!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Debby
Sorry to hear about the sales but your booth looks stunning. You do have some great pics of the event though!!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a great weekend ... and there is certainly lots of fog in Newfoundland. I wanted to say thanks for stopping by my blog again and thanks for your kind comments.
Very best wishes,
Barbara
I can't believe all that crazy fog! Your work is amazing Diane! Your display looked fabulous! Your work looks to me like it belongs in a gallery. I'm so sorry for your disappointment!!
ReplyDeleteYOur booth looked beautiful! Congrats on your magazine rack, too! LOVE your photos. Autumn is so wonderful and cozy, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAt my craft fair this weekend there were more vendors than customers, and there were fewer than 20 vendors! Trying again next month:)
ReplyDeleteYour booth was delightful. I am surprised you didn't sell (more?) I hope some.
ReplyDeleteIt looked like a busy place and all that fruit looks nummy.
I know we can't win em all. But it's fun trying. I've no doubt you will continue to be more and more successful.
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteI love your wreaths, it looked like fun and experience as you say...I'm working on a collection of works and would love to attend some exhibition, will have to see how it goes, it would be great to find something very informal and "cosy" for amateur creations....will have to see if I find something.
Anyway all the best to you and your next exhibitions!!
Your booth looked wonderful, Diane. So sorry to hear that sales were slow, but now you have more inventory for the next show.
ReplyDeleteWhen I did shows years ago, I hated doing a show where there was food. How can art compete with fruit or popcorn for the viewer's limited funds? It seemed like, especially at a big show, people were overwhelmed by everything available, but they wanted to spend money on something, so they bought food. But even those shows had redeeming qualities like making friends and connections and learning more about the business.
Your work is so beautiful, you'll sell it all next show.
It does look like a wonderful show to go to and buy food, yum. I have found that shows with produce are not the best for art..... Your display looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAs many others have said: Your booth looked great, and your work is lovely. My fave is your painted furniture. Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing all the photos, I could go for some peach pie!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading all about the show and your pictures are great.....it's hard to tell about shows sometimes; too many variables......Your booth was great...such wonderful items you have created......beautiful.......
ReplyDeleteI knew that magzine would would sell fast; your booth looks great! Try not to get discourged but I know it must be pretty frustrating when you put so much into a show like that. I'm still looking for one to try but first I have to paint more, a lot more! Enjoy that yummy peach pie! Take care, Jennifer:)
ReplyDeleteHi Diane! Congrats on selling your sweet magazine rack! The show set-up looked amazing. Loved the red barns too. Your decorated booth looked beautiful! Wishing you continued success sweetie! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Your right it depends on the type of crowd I love that rooster chair! that to me should have went with everyone wanting it- I did a chair once with an ocean and set seashells and a sailboat on it-one person bought it and had me hold it-- well I had 15 people asking for it - Its funny you never know-I would have bought the peaches also! in a store they are always hard as a rock but at festivals there so different. Sincerely Jonny
ReplyDeleteWell you are a wonderful talent and a huge encourager to other artists and I'm sure all who cross your path. I thought your display looked wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSorry that you didn't get a lot of sales, but all those items are so beautiful. Can't believe you create wreaths, too! :) The fair looked fun - I love attending them this time of year. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sure you'll do well with the next fair! Theresa
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful fair and place! And I haven't had a home made in years!!! If you lived close...I'd put in an order....as I hate to cook too....that pie is beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteDiane, what fabulous pictures, I was shocked to read that sales didn't go well, don't dispair though because your art work is FABULOUS and will sell on another day, you are right to treat this as a learning curve.
ReplyDeleteI remember years ago when I used to make salt dough people etc. some places they sold well and others not. Tomorrow is another day. I LOVE what you do as you know xxx