Craft Fair Season is well under way!! We've had several shows so far, some hits, some misses. But that's all par for the course as far as these things go. I can't make my mortgage at every show!! This photo above was taken at the Tylersport Fire Co. show which turned out to be a decent day for us. The hubby constructed the new display for the paintings so we wouldn't have to lug the large shelves in this time. I knew there wouldn't be a lot of room but I still wanted to showcase the paintings. Didn't he do a good job?? It was this display that brought a lot of people over to the table (another vendor saw the paintings from across the way and had to come check it out, and would up buying one of the small canvases!). The one on the far right is my favorite beach pour (there's a full shot of it in the last post) and I was super sad but also super happy to have sold it that day! I know it went to a good home and the owner will enjoy it for years to come.
I also made a lot of good contacts at this show. My business cards were flying off the table to both people interested in my work but who didn't have a lot of money to spend, to people who bought something and wanted to know my contact info and where I'd be next (I gave out those lists as well) to people who either run or have a close friend who runs similar shows in the summer or fall and want to pass along my info to them.
This was a good show and I left feeling tired, but glad I had chosen this show over the many others I had been looking at for that particular date. I also left with a contact who was interested in me doing a paint party at her house for her teen daughter or some friends/family. We have already been in contact and are in the process of setting something up. This will be super exciting for me and a little nerve-wracking since it'll be my first time. But how fun is that?! A paint night at your house!! This could turn into something fun!!
Then there was last weekend. A major dud. Despite my awesome display, I did not sell one item. This was at the South Mall in Allentown and the second event I've done through Events by Jennifer Lynn. The first one had the same results. Not one item sold. I don't think it's the fault of the company I went through, I think it was a combination of bad location and wrong time of year. There was hardly any foot traffic despite the Easter Bunny being there and a kids scavenger hunt going on. A handful of people stopped by the table and really seemed to like the artwork, but no sales. It was disappointing.
But I won't let one bad show get me down. I am registered for two more events through this company in the summer which are outdoor events (June 1 and August 3) so I am hoping the outdoor locations (both are in parks, one with food trucks!!) will make for a better day in sales!
I did showcase a new item this weekend: partly made out of boredom, partly because I needed a raffle item to turn in upon arriving. Wine glass charms. Pictured below are the beach themed charms, I also had some pawprints and some sparkly hearts. We'll see how they do at the next show, April 27. Hoping this one won't be a dud as well.
As always, I would love to see all of you at these shows! There are always a lot of incredibly talented artisans there and Mother's Day is coming!! Why not give mom something one-of-a-kind this year? Even if it's not from my table! Come support artists everywhere!!
