Feeling a little RUSTY

Well, let's see....I haven't done a show since December 2nd, 2006.....so that makes it 7 months since my last show!

Yes, I'm feeling pretty rusty. Since my last show my focus has changed a little. I'm doing less bead work and much more metal work. I have to update and change all of my signage to reflect my changing focus.

I also realized that my price points are a bit higher than last year. I had to bite the bullet and get a merchant account so I can now accept credit cards at shows. In a small way, this step has also made me feel a little more validated as a "real" business.

I also upgraded my promos. Leslie from This&That made me some wonderful logoed button magnets. I also developed a tri-fold brochure with Artist Information and facts on the materials used in my jewelry. I included a few photos and and policy information too.

**Hint** When printing your own brochures, make sure the paper thickness is thick enough so you don't see the printing on the back of the brochure! I found (after trial and error) 28LB to be about perfect. My printer, which I love, has a bad habit of eating thick paper. I have yet to be able to print my own business cards or address labels! So, cautiously, I am printing brochures in tiny 5 page batches crossing my fingers I don't have too many "ooops" I have to throw away.

I'm not really changing my display much. I did buy some risers for my necklace busts to add some additional height to the overall display.

The only thing I'm really missing is a backdrop and a nice sign. I'm torn between making a backdrop out of PVC piping and fabric or buying a frame from a manufacturer. At this point, I do not have enough time to really do either. This show will not have a fabric backdrop. Fortunately, for this show I am against a wall, so my backdrop will be brick! :)

If you're in the Milwaukee area next weekend, stop by and say "HI." I promise to smile, give you a brochure and maybe even a promo pack (if you ask nicely).

ART vs. CRAFT - http://www.artvscraft.com/
July 7th and July 8th
Doors open at 11am CST

Interview with Nancy Addante

Name: Nancy Addante
Company Name: Smokey Lady 54
Years in Business: About 10 years
Location: Illinois
Where can we find your work?: http://smokeylady54.etsy.com/

EbD: Everyone asks this question, but what is your first memory of creating art or crafting?
Nancy: When I was about 5 years old, I went to my first circus. When we got home I drew pictures about my adventure until dinner time. At bedtime, I was still very excited and did not want to go to bed. But, mom and dad won that battle. Oh, I thought I would fool them! I got out my crayons and drew everything I could remember about the circus on my bedroom walls! I got into trouble and had to wash it all off. It took me days.

EbD: When did you start to seriously consider crafting as a business and not just a hobby?
Nancy: Friends kept telling me to start selling my work at fairs and such. I don't like sitting all day, so that did not last long. I am currently in two local stores and on Etsy. But, to me it is still just having fun.

EbD: What do you feel is the most important lesson you've learned about being in the crafting business?
Nancy: Never get impatient. You need to make a good product, and then wait for the right person to see it and say "Wow." Always take pride in your craft and never rush the project you are working on. Never be sloppy.

EbD: What do you wish you would have known before opening your business?
Nancy: I wish I knew more about taking pictures of my items. I also wish I knew how to write better product descriptions.

EbD: Do you have any techniques or skills you're interested in or would like to learn in the future?
Nancy: I want to learn how to put dots on lampwork beads. I am always trying to learn something better. We can all improve our skills.

EbD: What are three words that describe you or your craft?
Nancy: Simple, colorful, cute.

To read more about Nancy and her crafting adventures, look here: http://shinnybling.blogspot.com/

Something a little different...

For me anyway.

I think it would be neat and interesting to promote/critique different indie businesses and their products. I might even throw in a personal interview or two!

My personal guidelines:

• Only critique items I have actually purchased. No freebies as I believe this has the potential to taint my opinion!
• Be 100% honest in the product's performance, quality, price, etc.
• Seek out indie business owners who are in the beginning stages of their business as well as established business owners.
• Have fun.

Well, I'm off to develop a questionnaire for my first interviewee!