After being inspired by Courtney from CMM Jewelry who guest blogged for me about
craft fair tips - I signed up for my first show! It was a jury show and I waited a few weeks to find out if I was accepted. I was traveling when I found out and was ecstatic when Matt texted me a photo of the letter! Congratulations! and Welcome to Festival on the Lake.
Matt was so encouraging and before we found out I'd be a vendor, he helped me build my displays anyway. At the end of the day I made back my booth fee and investment on my display items. It helped that we built them ourselves. I will be sharing a tutorial on the necklace display soon!
What I was most excited about from the experience:
- The support from fellow Etsy sellers and teams - I wouldn't have done it without you!
- I took time away from blogging and Etsy to work on inventory and I'm so proud of my new designs!
- I can still make back a booth fee in the pouring rain! (yes - poured for 3 of the 6 hours during the fair!)
- Instant feedback - something that selling online can't offer...
- I was so worried about my prices being too high - then I sold my most expensive piece - Success!
- I'm more confident in my pricing then ever before - I've increased them slightly in my shop which will be important to any long term success
- I met potential Miss Meghan Elizabeth brides and have a custom Bridesmaid line hitting the shop soon!
- I'm planning on doing more shows and getting myself and my work out on the streets!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlUfLeSGQUkVhSe6gRtxxsPoI6wIOd0RRMTtn_Xp_bGGUkUgDjl_1haW0pPY3lZhK62mxndULBgOE3VIZd_pik2KAD7p5ck9IWTUj-LrteJqsqeWY8Jl6MFsYOI7Zuzl0q0v7C9EDFi_b/s280/entire+booth.jpg) |
My booth! - Matt made me my banner! He's the greatest husband ever! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiO0lTdqCXHs0UMsiyI_VpmrgENcnSX4K7HDoeO961YbJfr2Yq5rc7PmmMXpdl4lEYgMhsQGOAScBMma4VSDa_jzVOvnyECme3p9W7NthEKIh8oCn25L7TWo0yRNO0VMrTnSmTn7OMiaiV/s280/booth+details.jpg) |
Some details - I used my chalkboard wine glass charms as price labels |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzSUkiFVu7QZUPR_QVWhxkK2WZtAy-E5isGsdehqKNjUHfZhXx-PXD6pt7UpZmia47YLNnd_4ANNHNrnsbKadkbpfkC04mw3zelK54iXzrizkJ_kkhz7-8ISPIbxxw0XtZRpV_nFCQZOW/s280/booth+intro.jpg) |
Gave away lots of business cards! I love marketing Etsy on my cards - they have given me this opportunity. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYscapz8ggip7kMBUR6ZU2JKjPj83xCgGlcInCxnaOEHOSxR_PZxL0BMu49gDx3jU7edOThoOvNs6yh3E59Vxd7K2nYbjgObcSB3CUT9qhl07HJTtCshTTapK9jgmjPSLFNHtkPs5Z4rN-/s280/both+set+up+1.jpg) |
Some details - my about me artist profile, mirror and earring display that cost 25 cents! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F6fjnkFFdAiFue_mCwIEYuMkE5WNS4zCQ22vrVtAKVWajuTJ7Ke6uE94U7Mr7ZK6Fdyy1TUQGZ55kYtqWP8R73Uui5mGUwqGMu2KlA-HIgLIjE7g_Rr4LdtqawYu0r8r_BVacMRR11mP/s280/cool+view+of+booth.jpg) |
Obsessed with my necklace display - and plan to share with you how to make your own! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZViPSWIaATFA4NriMk2OOHlsOmXAj7l_2w3T2oIiB8mflGJ8hloXO8lHVszEixSe6iTkh9byCWVz4ySCEKvLaQvUs9gHDEx5pKaQhyphenhyphenkQNdyEGjYuRGX8QeTUNifqHzWGzGJzFHfi1j4oF/s280/Thanks+Jenny.jpg) |
Seeeeester was my helper! Thanks Jenny! |
Cross your fingers that I get into my next show - I have my eyes on this cute little Vintage Bazaar on a farm at the end of September - and it will be a two day show.
So happy for you! I am very excited about the jewelry for my bridesmaids!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy - just sent you an email!
ReplyDeleteYour booth looks wonderful! I love all of the special details you added to your booth.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on such a successful first craft show!
Congratulations! That looks like a lot of fun, and I'm glad it was both a success AND great motivation for you!
ReplyDeleteHi I saw on the Etsy forum that you are planning on providing tutorial on making jewelry display. I'm new to craft shows and very interested at that! I love the framed display you made for your earrings. Please let me know when your tutorial is available! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteDebbie - the tutorial on the necklace display is live: http://missmeghanelizabeth.blogspot.com/2011/07/tutorial-craft-fair-necklace-display.html
ReplyDeleteI was just going to comment and tell you how much I love your necklace display- so sweet of you to share the tutorial as well!
ReplyDelete