The Trunk Show!

So finally the Trunk Show happened. It was this Saturday and I was very excited and nervous. The day before I still was trying to find items to set up my display table and on Saturday I packed and finished the details just before the show started.

The Gallery was very small and we all twenty vendors had to fit in, so the space was very tight. I shared table with Gloria from Mornin Gloria's. She has this beautiful shop and I'm so happy that I shared with her. Our items looked very good together and she's an amazing person. Here's a picture from her setup and please make sure to also check out her store to see her beautiful victorian inspired French Beaded Flower accessories.

Picture taken by Gloria from Morin Gloria's

So, just next to her was my jewelry. I think for being it my first show I did well. Although now I've learned a few things and for next time I would definitely set it up differently. But still, I think it does look good.

My featured items where the Coral and Pearl Necklace, which is in the white bust display and the Sirari and Black pearls necklace with is in the black display. Actually the Sirari necklace was the one that most people looked at. It is made of natural seeds from Bolivia and complemented with black pearls a silver chain and enhanced with a big black rose cabochon. I just love that necklace! Here's a closer picture.

Here's a picture from Gloria and me when the Show was just starting.

Picture taken by Goncarova

So, overall it was a good show. I learned a few things and also had a few sales. I also was very happy when a couple of friends came to visit my booth and they actually purchased some of my jewelry. They are just so awesome and I'm very thankful for having those great friends :)

Ohhh, and before I forget. I also had an awesome helper. He helped me since the day before to make a test of my table setting and the day of the show he spent almost all the time helping me on my booth. Here is a picture of my handsome helper, my husband.

So, what do you think about my setup. Not bad, right? I'd love to hear your comments!!!

Tips for Craft/Art Shows

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Beads Show in San Francisco. It was a great show and I had the opportunity to see lots of supplies and a few finished pieces of Jewelry. There was a large variety of items and prices. But there were a few things I noticed and that I would suggest you to improve if you are participating as an expositor.

- Prices. This is very important. Make sure your customers can see the prices and don't have to ask. If I don't see the prices I will most likely just go to the next booth since I don't like asking prices.

- Be helpful to your clients! I would be in some stands and the sellers were just chatting or on the computer or doing something else, but they wouldn't come to see if I needed anything or if I had questions. If they are doing something else I will most likely not interrupt and just leave.

- Don't look bored! If you're sitting there and telling the people how slow it is and how nobody is buying, I will probably not buy either. Please, show always a positive attitude. I bought from people who were smiling, friendly and helpful, that attracts buyers.

- If a potential customer asks you about one of your pieces tell them useful information about it. I loved the sellers who would explain me more about the item. Like some vintage flowers, the person told me what year they were from, what you could do with them, etc. Of course I purchased from them :)

- Don't build your booth so that only one person at a time can see your items. People don't like to wait until the other person finished looking. So design it in a way that people have access to your items.

- Don't get upset if a person asks for information on your items and then leaves. If they liked it, they most likely will come back. I normally see all the stands first and then come back to the ones I liked the most.

I hope these tips help. I'm having my first Show this Saturday and will be bringing all my handmade jewelry, so I'm making my list of does and don'ts. If you have anything to add please feel free to comment :)

All pictures were found on Flickr. 1) plushoff, 2) scot63us, 3) dotbenjamin

Come and see me at the SF Etsy Team Trunk Show

I'm very excited to announce that on June 12, 2010 I will be participating at the SF Etsy Sampler. Only 20 Etsy artists from the SF Bay Area were chosen for this trunk show and I'm happy to be among those selected ones. I want to invite all of you to come and see some amazing handmade work from artisans in this area. You will be able to see, touch, try and buy the different items. You will find a variety of accessories, home decor, jewelry and much more while also enjoying some free refreshments.


Details of the event:
When: June 12, 2010 from 1 to 6pm
Where: Artist Exchange Gallery
Address: 3169 16th. Street, San Francisco
Admission: Free! No RSVP required but if you like, you can RSVP here.

Please keep in mind that it is a small show and with no ATM on site, so it is recommended that you take some cash in case you want to buy some of the awesome art.
Take a look at some of the participating artists :)

Monkey & Seal


Etta + Billie


Estylo Jewelry


EvelynX


For the complete list please visit the SF Etsy Blog.

I hope to see you there!!!