end of my art show season

Friday marked the last day of the artists on the boardwalk art shows.  That means I'm officially done with art shows for the summer season.  I'm actually done for the year unless I find a gem of a holiday show that's still accepting artists.  That doesn't seem very likely.

I learned so much this year.  Even at my least successful shows I learned very helpful lessons.  I did Friday's show by myself.  I was super nervous but am so very glad that I did.  I brought along some beads to work on which worked out great.  I was placed next to a knitter and her felter mom, they knitted and felted while I beaded and we chatted.  The show was pretty slow but the weather was beautiful and the people that did stop by were all very nice and all chatty.  I found that I opened up and talked to people more when I was by myself.  People enjoyed watching me work.  I think actually watching me string beads made people realize what I put into each flower.

So what will I do differently next year?  Well I know which shows' I'll reapply to and which shows I won't.  I have a small idea of what new shows I'd like to try next year.  I figured out that people like to build their own bouquets.  So I want to have a diverse selection in lots of colors for people to pick and choose from.  Maybe a better way to hang groups of flowers.  Starting sooner than next year I want to start collection emails to make newsletters to send out to customers.  I'm coming around to the idea that this actually works and I can announce the shows I'll be at or a new product in my inventory line.  It feels like I have lots of time to make these decisions but really applications can be turned in as early as Jan.  It's really just a small break.

Art shows always show me what I need or want more of.  After this show I feel very low on lilies and wine bottle pendants.  I also want to really start making some more edgy stuff.  I was making a pendant with a skull in it and I had lots of compliments on it.  People really like skulls! I even sold it as soon as I finished it.  Most of all I learned I really enjoy doing shows.  I'm proud of my work and myself for this successful summer.  And as relieved as I am for a break, I'm super excited for more shows in the future.

Let me Sum up

Well I've now completed almost all of the art show's I've committed to this summer.  I have one more Artists on the Boardwalk show in August.  I've learned a lot this summer.  I learned that I can be successful selling at shows.  I learned that I'll never feel like I have a large enough inventory.  I've learned that despite my natural inclination to be shy about my work I can indeed talk about it with people and sound professional and sell.  That was quite an experience for me and gave me lots of confidence.  It was almost an out of body experience to hear myself talking about what inspires me and when and why I started creating flowers and where I'd like to go with them in the future. 

Sunday's art show at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard was a fun laid backwatch her talking about her work.  I came away from the show profitable and happy.  I sold a mixture of lilies and wine charms, and pendants.   Lots more people were there this year than back when I did it in 2009.  And the people were looking at the art a lot more too.  The weather was pretty perfect, cooler than I thought it would be and the rain held off until we were packed up and driving away.  It was fun to do a show w/ Mom and watch her talk about her work.

Now I find myself in a major crossroads.  Not just deciding to go between two directions but more like a 5 way intersection and each road needs to be explored.  I'm more or less having problems deciding where to start.  I have some major reorganization projects that need to be tackled.  Some fall and winter projects that should be started.  Web development decisions that need to be made.  New ideas in jewelry and flowers to develop.

We have a vacation coming up that I can't wait to go on.  We're headed to Hayward Wisconsin for some camping and relaxation.  It'll be cool and pretty and relaxing.  Just what a busy summer requires.  But that's still two weeks away.  Today I'm taking care of a barfy toddler and while he naps exploring my next move in the beadverse.

Wine, Flowers, and Art

 If you follow me on Facebook you've already seen these pics.  I had a little countdown to tomorrow's big show.  If you haven't heard I'll be at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard's Art and Wine Festival.  It goes from 12-6.  It's a family friendly event with kid's activities, live music, art, and lots of wine.

 I finished all the flowers and wine charms that I started a couple weeks ago.  Not as many as I would have liked but such is life.  I'm excited for this show.  It also marks the end of all my new shows so far for the year.  I still have the Junction City shows, but they are small and I have a routine down for those now.

 I'm excited that after this show I can sit for a minute and think about what's next.  I have lots of thoughts and ideas but they are scrambled in my brain.  As you can tell I haven't been very great at balancing my Internet presence with doing shows.  I'd like to find a Christmas show to do.  There is one in February I'd like to apply to.  And I'm getting a real website.  So I need to figure out the details that go with that.

On top of those thoughts are what's going on next creatively.  I have some great fall and winter wreath ideas.  I want to experiment with some flower ideas.  And explore more wire work and bracelets.  The rest of this year will be busy and filled with exciting things that I can't wait to share with everyone. 

Until then if you're local I hope to see you at the vineyard!

sun studio weekend

I have a traveling studio. It goes where I go. It has it's perks, in that I can use my deck as a studio. Sit in the sun or under the umbrella and see my beads in true day light. I have a quiet back yard when R isn't running around in it. It's peaceful and I get lots of work done there.

This weekend we camped out in the backyard. R caught his first lighting bugs, had his first smore, and camped under the stars (in a tent w/ the fly off). It was a fun filled night. The rest of the weekend we spent going on massive hikes. Cooking great healthy foods. And we played in the pool a lot.

 In between all that I've been working. I'm staying up late each night and lacing and wire wrapping for his entire naps. I have 10 wine charm sets nearly completed. 3 wine vines that need wrapping. 3 laced lilies and one that needs lacing. 8 laced calla lilies that need centers. I want to make 3 more wine charm sets, and 3-4 more wine vines before next Sunday. IF I were really lucky I'd also find time to make another purple rose.

2 shows 3 days equals insanity and greatness

This weekend was a whirlwind of everything and even after taking a day off I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. I want to officially thank everyone who sent me an email with booth tips and suggestions.  I really appreciated the time you took to look and share your thoughts.  I incorporated what I could in the time I had before the show and it made a HUGE difference in my booth.  I had a very successful weekend and owe a good deal of that to you guys.  THANKS!! 

I started my last blog post wondering if I was insane for committing to two shows in three days.  And the answer is yeah maybe but it was worth it for the experience.  C said insanity in moderation is the key, he's right.  The trick is sticking with the moderation.  
Friday night was the Artists on the Boardwalk at Junction City.  The pictures above and below are of my "booth" on the boardwalk.  You can see me "in the zone" of setting up and arranging the flowers.  You can see I added some purple table clothes/runners.  I added some green fabric to the screen wall, and I painted the bottom slants in the wooden boxes.  And you can't really see it but I had an artists bio sign hung on the screen wall as well. 

The Junction City show was a bit of a bust.  Our spaces were moved down a bit and me and the artist next to me instead of being in a main spot we were more off the beaten path.  Most people that were there were more there for the kid entertainment.  Not so much there for the art.

The Rhapsody in Bloom at the Luthy Botanic Gardens was a better show.  I was very intimidated since it was my first two day show.  First time I'd use my canopy and leave it there over night.  And I had no idea what kind of turn out the show would have.  I learned so much at this show.  I learned that the hour or two before I leave to go set up a show is really the worst.  Nerves take over and I'm restless and tend to pace.  Once I'm there setting up and things are going then I'm fine. 

 

I learned that my canopy can hold out against both sprinkles and a pretty decent downpour.  Saturday threatened rain most of the afternoon.  So for the morning hours we had a steady stream of people come through.  I was near one of the entrances which was a nice location.  I had lots of compliments and even sold a couple flowers during the morning.  Once 12 hit it started spitting rain now and then.  The steady stream of people slowed down, and then right when it was starting to pick up again it really started to rain.  Mom was with me both Friday and Saturday and we were able to get the wall down fast so that not much got wet.  There wasn't any pooling of water on the canopy so that was a relief.  After a half hour of rain it did start to soak through a little bit and drip down but it was minimal.  I might need to spray some scotch guard the canopy and maybe get some seam sealer to help prevent leaks and drips in the future. 

I learned that I need to really zip tie down my screen wall.  We had some decent breezes so the screen wall took a tumble.  After that I both string tied and zip tied it to the frame of the canopy.  So if it were to fall again it would take the canopy with it.  We held up really well with the wind.  But I was nervous about it all weekend.

I learned that customers are not predictable.  I was perfectly content with the couple sales I made Saturday morning.  I expected very low crowds on Sunday and had made my peace with it.  Sunday was booming.  Busy from the doors opening until about a half hour before close.  I had all but given up on my wine charms.  They get lots of looks but no one really seemed interested in them...until Sunday.  They were popular.  Most people buying them as gifts, which worked out nice since I'd brought boxes to package them in.  People seemed to really appreciate that.
I learned that to my shock my newest bracelet, (haven't shared w/ you yet but will soon), is very popular.  And the people who enjoyed my flowers very much enjoyed my bracelet.  One even asked if I would have them at my next show!  Guess I need to start hammering out the kinks on that.
Finally, I've come to the conclusion that nothing is predictable in the realm of art shows.  From the weather to the customers, to where your booth is in the park.  Everything will affect and doesn't affect how the day will go and there is nothing you can really do about it except take the gamble.  This weekend it was fun.  A wonderful challenge, filled with lots learned, and positive feedback. 
My big plans for July have completely changed.  I had planned to focus on my etsy shop, rephotographing and tagging and relisting flowers.  Making more inventory and promoting my shop.  Now I need to more focus on inventory for my July shows.  More wine charms, more flowers in purples, and in every shape.  And I'm inspired about my bracelets.  So I'd like to play around with some new ideas I have there. 

It's Show Time

It's here! My crazy weekend of art shows! The weekend which has made me wonder how insane I am to sign up for basically two shows in three days. I guess we'll find out next week if insane or genius is the right word.

 

Tonight at Junction City in Peoria IL I will be participating in the second day of Artists on the Boardwalk.  It is the 4th Friday during the summer months.  Stop by the boardwalk to see a bunch of artists, eat some surprisingly good grilled food, see all the boutiques, and have a beer at the pub.  Junction City was throwing a Summer Solstice event last Friday with a petting zoo, circus performers, and other family friendly attractions.  Summer Solstice was postponed due to crazy storms, and will be going on today in conjunction with Artists on the Boardwalk.  It will be quite the evening so don't miss it.

Saturday and Sunday is the Rhapsody in Bloom art show at the Luthy Botanical Garden in Peoria IL.  This is a big show for me...lots of firsts.  First show that I need to set up and fill a 10x10 canopy space.  First show that is two consecutive days.  First show that is more than 6 hours long.  I am a combination of nervous and excited.  Right now mostly excited. 
This should be a good show.  It's a set in a beautiful setting.  It's not a huge show, about 50 artists.  Live music, food, and a silent auction.  It runs Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 12-5.  Stop by and check it out.

Sky Night wreath

Click here for purchase info

 

Night Sky wreath is sort of the complete color spectrum opposite of my recent SunFlower wreath.  I made these lilies a while back and fell in love with how rich they are.  The combination of blues and purples reminded me of the night sky, after the sun goes down but before the lightening bugs stop glowing and go to bed.  I added some small silver flowers to lighten up the wreath a bit and gave them orange centers for an interesting and unexpected pop of color. 

 

There are two kinds of leaves on the wreath.  One with lime green and the other is all grass green but with some silverlined cut green beads to give a little sparkle.  I was a little worried about the dark richness of lilies not working on a dark door.  But there doesn't seem to be any problem in the picture below.  In fact I think the wreath does a good job of standing on it's own.

Prep for this weekend's shows is still in the works.  I have managed to paint some color on my wooden boxes.  Add some color fabric to my folding screen wall.  Complete 2 more calla lilies.  And a few other random things.  Tomorrow starts the big weekend!

booth set up in record time

The power of hind site is 20/20 for sure.  Had I known it wasn't really going to rain I wouldn't have rushed through pictures and tear down of the display.  Had I known it was going to cool down I would have waited until mid afternoon to set up the booth.  And so I set out in mid morning while the sun was shining and the humidity was so thick you could drown in it and set up, snapped pics, and tore down in 3 hours.  Phew...5 and a half hours later and I'm still exhausted from it.

OK...here's where I stop whining and start asking ever so nicely for your help.  Here are the pictures I took of my booth.  Imagine you are walking through a lovely botanic gardens, plants and trees oh so pretty, and interspersed in the gardens is an art show.  10x10 foot booths filled with handmade goodies.  Would you stop and come into my booth?  Be honest? 

What catches your eye?  Is it a display?  is it the sparkle of one of the flowers?  Is it my welcoming smile?  Any feedback any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  Booth displays are always a work in progress and I'm still at the beginning of my work.  Would you walk in or pass by?  Even if you'd pass by I'd like to know.   So all thoughts are helpful.

I was pretty happy that I didn't have to add a third table into the booth to fill it.  The side table is a little bare, I'm hoping to get one more wreath done in time for the show.  That a couple more calla lilies that I have waiting to be laced.  Side table also has some new bud vases that are very modern looking.  Another example of how to display a flower as every day home decor. 

Thank you so much for looking and any comments, emails, or opinions I can get. 

Sneak Peak Friday-one week before two shows edition

Today is technically three sneak peaks. All of what I have to show are new, and I'm equally excited about each one.  I have a solo weekend starting today.  I plan to spend most of the time prepping for next weeks shows.  That means a mock booth set up tomorrow and lots of new flowers.

 

On FaceBook a few days ago I had someone ask if I made Calla Lilies and Gerber Daisies.  I'd attempted both in the past but haven't tried either one since I picked up the beads again.  Gerber Daisies are complicated with lots of petals and lacing.  Calla Lilies are slightly easier in that it is one large petal but getting it to lay properly was always my problem.  That night I stayed up late goofing around and this is what I came up with.  I'm over the moon excited about this Calla Lilly.  I have an album on FB with more images that show the curl in the petal.  The center is bright pink and copper wire.  I hope to get three more made for next week.

The Rhapsody in Bloom art show means I need to fill a 10x10 booth.  Which means I need to fill up another tables worth of inventory.  I'm making more wreaths.  Actually, I'm loving making wreaths.  And this one is pretty much already finished.  It is my new favorite wreath.  Sorry Strawberry wreath, I love berries but it is Sunflower season!

 This pile is much more organized now that I've spent a couple hours working on it.  The dark blue lilies will combine with those little silver petals to make one amazing wreath.  This will be done by the end of the weekend.  Underneath this pile are some turquoise petals, these will become my third new wreath.  I'm having some exciting design ideas with these and I'm hoping they pan out.

Confession:

I've typed "actually" about 5 extra times in this post and deleted it.  I've been watching Sherlock, the BBC version and in love.  But apparently I think I'm British now.  I really just can't get how they say "actually" out of my head!  What are you watching right now?  Is it a good show/movie to work to?

garnet tipped lily

 This garnet tipped lily will be available for silent auction at the Rhapsody in Bloom art festival at the Luthy Botanic Gardens here in Peoria IL.  As an artist participating in the art show I was asked to donate to the auction.  I made this simple yet classic lily just for the cause.

 Peoria is a small town with big city stuff.  We have a pretty decent zoo, plus another wildlife refuge not far away.  We have a museum w/ a planetarium.  And we have a botanic gardens.  I try and support our local facilities as much as possible.  It just seems pretty cool that we have access to this stuff.

Down to a week and a few days before this big show.  The Friday before Rhapsody is the second installation of Artists on the Boardwalk at Junction City.  Next weekend will be crazy!  This weekend and next week will be all about the prep.  Which means new flowers and wreaths!!!

more notes on an art show

This weekend was a whirl wind.  A dragon birthday party and then a sick 3year old.  Milwaukee for the Bead and Button show, and then Saturday was working Mom's first art show in Hinsdale IL.  I've talked about Mom's painting before and I'm a big fan of her work.  I came to the show to help, but I learned a lot that day and thought I'd share some of that.  And hopefully use it toward my big show coming up here June 29th and 30th.

First signage is IMPORTANT!  I would never have guessed it, assuming people would just know.  They should just know that paintings are original.  They should just know that they are even paintings and not photographs.  That you don't let your kid pick them up and walk away from the booth, even to just show Dad.  I learned you can't assume anything.  I am thinking of exactly what signs I need and want in my booth.  I'm thinking something that says "Original Hand Beaded Flowers, " and something about yes I do take commissions.  I'm also hoping to have a slide show on my ipad showing photos of all the commissions I've had so far and how they were used.  Like the Mimosa bar, and wedding bouquets, and baby shower flowers. 

Second lesson, layout and design is important.  The display needs to catch your eye.  You need color and shapes, especially if your work is small.  That something needs to stop a person and encourage them into the booth.  I have no idea of how I'm going to translate that from paintings to flowers.  But I need to figure it out.

Third, it's way easier selling someone else's work.  I felt pretty comfortable sitting on or near the booth and discussing the paintings.  The colors and themes in them.  But they weren't mine...I wasn't selling myself.  The biggest lesson was more of a dose of reality.  It's scary selling at art shows.  You are really putting yourself out there.  It made having an Etsy shop look like a breeze.  I can hide behind my keyboard and monitor, type big thoughts, spell check them (or not).  In person it's putting a part of yourself out there for someone to buy, critique, scowl at, hate, or love.  And you have to watch it.  You have to learn to see that they are interested and somehow close the deal.  I'm now officially petrified by my upcoming experience in a couple weeks.  I don't know how to prepare or practice for this. 

Rethinking the feasibility for bigger Chicago area shows.  I like the idea of doing shows.  Despite my fear, part of me wants to really give this a try.  But I finally recognized a huge obstacle I have and need to conquer before I move to Chicago area art shows.  Booth fees alone for Chicago area shows are a few hundred dollars.  I need to be able to make at least that back to attempt to break even.  That means I need to sell A LOT of flowers/wine charms, or make some bigger ticket items.  I think my flowers will already be bordering that art vs craft debate and lower prices will encourage that.  I have no idea if this obstacle is even possible to overcome.  Hinsdale show was nice.  They had a pleasant variety of arts, and the people were all very nice.  I'm sure I could jury into the show.  But if I had done it this weekend I doubt I would have come close to making back the booth fee.  This will be an internal debate for a while.  I'm hoping to find a good solution. 

bead and button show stash results

Back from Bead and Button and it was something else.  I knew it would be overwhelming but I'd forgotten how crazy it can get in there.  I was expecting more people...I remembered more people.  But I was glad that it wasn't horribly packed. 

The big shops I like to hit were still there as usual and it was great to restock on my favorite colors.  Some of the smaller shops that we'd hit in the past were still there too.  But some of the unique shops that had tons of hanks of seed beads weren't there.  I wonder if they are even in business anymore.  I did find a couple new gems. 

And I didn't have any trouble finding stuff to buy.  And I didn't have any trouble finding ideas of all the possiblities that I could take my flowers.  Ideas like stamping sheet metal to make a little tag or to personalize flowers.  Or using some amazing gemstones to take a flower to the next level.  Or maybe to keep expanding the bracelets I've been playing with. 

I had to try and keep focused.  I mostly stocked up on seed beads I needed or those that inspired me.  I don't think I came home with as many different beads as I once did.  I think a portion of that is that my stock has gotten so big that I've seen a lot of what is out there.  Newer stuff is a lot harder to find. 

We packed up the car and tomorrow we leave at the crack of dawn to Mom's first art show of the season.  Should be fun to scope out the Hinsdal Art Festival.  If you're in the area you should definitely stop by. 

calm before the storm

Prep for last week's show left Crymson Flower on etsy a little lacking.  The good news is that now that that show is over I have lots of new stock to share and list.  Wednesday was sorta sunny for an hour or two so I was able to take pictures of a bunch of new stuff.  Now it's just me editing and organizing. 

click here for Golden Dahlia purchase information

The month of June will be just as busy as the month of May was.  I'll have new inventory, but I also need to be making new inventory for the Botanic Garden show on June 29 and 30.  I have to make sure the canopy and canopy walls work and set up one if not two more tables to fill the space.  I started my to do list and I might even put dates next to items to that I don't start to fall behind.  Despite the fact that the wreaths didn't get much attention at the last show, I'm going to make some more wreaths.  I'm thinking themed wreaths.  Maybe a sunflower wreath, one or two fall inspired wreaths, and definitely a Christmas wreath. 

I've been inspired to turn some flower and petals into bracelets recently.  I'm very much still in prototype mode.  But I'll share what I have in the very near future.

 click here for Rose purchase information

Next week is R's birthday.  We've been busy with party prep and gift buying.  We also head to Chicago for an extended weekend.  I'll have to close up shop for the weekend, but it's sort of a working trip.  We'll take R to the Brookfield zoo on Thursday.  Friday Mom and I are going to head up to Milwaukee for the Bead and Button show.  I'm so super excited about this.  I'll be stocking up on lots of seed beads, checking out wire vendors, and just try not to get completely overloaded or overwhelmed by the shear about of inspiration and bead love.  I hope to come home with lots of goodies.  Then over the weekend is Mom's first art show of the season.  She'll be selling her paintings at the Hinsdale Fine Art Festival Saturday and Sunday June 8 and 9th from 10-5.  If you are in the area stop by.  Her paints are amazing.  And if it's on Saturday I'll be there helping her out. 

After next weekend I'll be back in art show prep mode.  It's a full month.  But lots will get done and I'll learn a ton for future shows and selling in general. 

 click here for Orange and Teal wreath purchase information

Today I'm listing this wonderfully summery wreath.  Bright oranges and teals truly pop against the natural brown grapevine wreath and green beaded leaves.  Orange and teal is one of my favorite summer color combos and this wreath is an example of how well they can play on each other. 

I hope you have a fabulous weekend.  Hopefully the sun will come out and we can do some outdoor adventures. 

first show and what I learned

Friday night was fun.  It was nerve wracking until I showed up and then things just flowed.  The weather was amazing compared to what's it's been the rest of the weekend.  It was sunny, slightly chilly, but perfect with a sweater and some sunglasses. 

I showed up and checked in with the main lady.  She showed me to my spot which was all the way at the end of the boardwalk sort of by myself.  She said I could have this huge area or move to a middle spot with less space.  I chose the middle spot since I was expecting a smaller space I didn't bring a huge display.  It was a great spot.  I was right in front of a barber shop which was pretty busy and right next to a really nice bar, right behind the food and patio/beer garden.  The regulars of the bar were super nice, and it still turns out that I had a ton of space.  I think they were short a few expected artisans. 

I didn't sell anything except a wine bottle pendant to C.  He's been wanting another one for ages and I needed to test out my credit card system.  It worked!!  Other than that I had a lot of lookers.  Lots of compliments.  I talked to a veteran local artist who I've admired for ages and told him it was my first show.  He told me not to be discouraged if tonight was slow, that it was Memorial weekend and that the crowds would be low.  But that the rest of the summer should bring in people.  He's also doing the Botanic Garden show and said that it's a good one in that the customers really take their time and really look at the art.  That was a great conversation, it gave me a little more confidence.

My friends would be proud, I was about as chatty as I could get with potential customers.  I'm not an overly pushy sales person.  It was a bit out of my comfort zone but I enjoyed it once it got going.  Here's what I learned about who my flowers attract...

• 10 year old girls LOVE my flowers.  And they want my wine charms to be hair ties.  That makes sense, my 10 year old self would have loved my flowers too.  That's not really my target audience.
• Older ladies enjoyed my wine charms.  Some of them seemed to think I came up with the concept myself.  I thought one who stopped by 3 times was going to buy a wine charm but that didn't materialize.  

I'm not sure what to make of this.  I know numbers were low but I feel like I should be taking the information I have as I get it and start working with it.  I know I don't want to become a Claire's like store making accessories for little girls.  My original target audience...ladies 30-40 somethings, with a fun style and a little extra cash to spend really didn't bat an eye at me.  I even had a few husbands stop and look before they did.  So do I change what I make to attempt to appeal to them?...do I attempt to market differently to appeal more to them?...or do I change my target audience?  I'm not sure yet.  One funny thing...wreaths didn't get a second glance.  EVER.  I thought they'd be a hit.  Kinda crazy.  If someone looked at a flower it was almost always the daffodil.

Despite the lack of sales, I had a really great time.  C and R came to visit and a couple of close friends came by and hung out with me and helped me tear down.  Being right next to the beer garden gave me some ideas for next month.  We want to get a sitter so we can turn these nights into fun evenings.  And maybe we can drink wine out of my glasses w/ my charms on them.  A little in use advertising. 

Artists on the Boardwalk, May date

Today is the first day in the 4th Friday series of Artist on the Boardwalk at Junction City, in Peoria IL.  I'll be exhibiting all 4 months at this show but today is the exciting first day.  My first real show.  It's a short time frame, from 4-8 but a great way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend. 

I'm a bit nervous but I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be.  I have new inventory that will make it's debut tonight.  I hope locals stop by to check out the new stuff and say hello. 

sneak peak new wreath

 I've been busy.  I have new wreaths, flowers, and wine charms that I haven't been able to photograph and list before my first show tomorrow.  But that just gives you more incentive to come visit me tomorrow.  It'll be the first time I'm displaying a whole new line of wine charms.  And you can see my two new wreaths. The show starts at 4 and goes till 8 at Junction City in Peoria IL.

My booth and my stuff is just about as ready as it's ever going to get.  Below is a picture of my last to do list and just about everything is scratched off.  I'm still coming up with small last minute details.  But nothing that would be an end game if they didn't get done before tomorrow.  Tonight I rest, relax and try not to think about tomorrow. 

its all in the details

Saturday I set up my booth in my living room.  It had rained recently and I didn't want wet grass all over everything.  I feel pretty good about everything.  I'm slightly frustrated by the folding wall.  It is the same color as the wreaths.  And my flowers really don't pop against that brown.  I've decided that it would be pretty close to impossible to paint it and it not look trashy.  I'm accepting it as what I have and working with it. 

My crazy feathers turned out to be the best fight against the brown on the folding wall.  My eyes go straight to the feathers and the flowers in front of them.  I bought a few more feathers in cream and one in light pink.  I like how full they make the mason jars feel.  I didn't like the dyed blue wheat grass as much as I thought I would on the wall.  The values are too similar.  But C really liked it and I'm giving it another chance only w/ more grass so it will look fuller.  Plus I think I could definitely go over board on the feathers and I need to avoid that.

I am very happy with my table.  It's full of flowers and wine accessories but it's not over crowded.  The copper bucket is full of bouquets that I made pre-R.  EVERYTHING else in the display has been made since Dec 2012.  I'll even have another wreath to add and at least one more flower to add to the display by Friday.  I love the tall bouquet.  Tall dried grasses with 3 french beaded flowers added to the mix.  It is a wonderful example of what can be done with beaded flowers.

The other side of the table looks familiar.  I haven't changed much and I'm still very happy with this side of the display.  A friend of mine is hemming the purple fabric you saw last week.  Once that is done it'll be added back into the display.  I need to add to my inventory of wine charms but otherwise I think we're good here.  This display will be great for the boardwalk show this Friday.  In June for my bigger show I need to fill up a canopy.  Right now my idea is to add two more tables.  One for wreaths and flowers and another for Christmas themed flowers and ornaments.

So what's left to do....LOTS!  Now it's all in the details.  Washing and ironing table clothes, testing the 3G at the show site, buying weights for my folding wall, putting prices on everything, making tags for the table, updating the framed artist bio on the table, putting custom order pics on my ipad for easy access, getting cash for my cash box, digging out more wine glasses, making more wine charms, figuring out my tax percentage.  I'm sure much more but that's just what is off the top of my head now. 

parts of a mock booth

 Ok, I knew I was going to be busy but this is seriously never ending stuff.  Lots of details and the only way I can think of to try and get as many of the details as I can right, is to practice.  Soooo, I'm sharing with you my trial and error process of creating my art fair booth display.  The last two nights my wonderful hubby and I have been painting wooden boxes well past dark.  Yesterday before the second coat was applied I pulled out a table and my table clothes and quickly set up a mini display. 

 I'm pretty happy with how this turned out.  The colors are a little off with the table cloth being an off white and the boxes are a very light grey.  I pulled out random scraps of violet and purple fabric to act as pops of color.  The wine bottle are displaying my wine bottle pendants.  And inside the boxes I'll have wine glasses with wine charms on them.  I'm really happy with this set up.  What I'm more worried about is inventory.  At least in the wine accessory area here.

 The next part of my display will have one of those folding sectional walls.  I don't have it set up yet but the mason jars these bouquets are in will hang on the wall along with my wreaths.  The above bouquet has blue dyed wheat grass.  And the pictures below is a bit on the wild side.  The accent are ostrich feathers dyed lime green. I think it could work as an individual bouquet something wild and crazy.  But it is definitely the craziest thing in my display and could be distracting. 

This final image is my large bouquet and I'm still in the "I think I like it" stage. I'm not really sure I'll know if it fits or not until I have the wall set up next to the table.  I plan to do that mock set up Saturday.  Then I can really see what I need for my display and inventory.  I also need to somehow price everything.  I'll worry about that on Sunday maybe.

a girl needs a plan

Have I given you the rundown on the show's I'll be exhibiting in this summer?  I'm made a page to display up at the top so if you forget check it out there.

Artists on the Boardwalk at Junction City: from 4-8 on May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug 23
Rhapsody in Bloom at the Luthy Botanic Garden in Peoria IL: June 29 and 30
Art and Wine Festival at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard in Mackinaw IL: July 21

Be prepared to hear me talk a lot about booth design and inventory and attempts at organization.  But before I go into all those nitty gritty posts I'm going on a mini vacation.  A mini work vacation.  A few weeks ago on "one of those days" C and I decided we needed a break.  We wanted to get away from the house and away from some stress and let our creativity flow.  He's just finished his mini album and already has 17 songs in his head waiting to be written on paper.  I had just applied to shows and wanted to go somewhere and take my beads and work.  We envision a trip of creative fun for a few hours in the morning then off to go for a walk in the warm sun looking in art galleries and eating and drinking good food.

I'm so excited for this little trip.  We head up next Wednesday.  I will have Crymson Flower on vacation mode during this long weekend. I will have my computer with me but my focus is on beading and creating.  So no promises for any blog posts, but I hope to do some FaceBook updates and sneak peeks.  Make sure you like my facebook page for those updates.

I've been trying to figure out what to work on while up there.  Flowers, wreaths, wine accessories, and then which ones.  In reality I need more of all of them, but I need a little focus.  So I need help... What would you like to seem more of?  A certain color or combination of colors?  A flower? A bouquet? I love suggestions, that's how my brains starts to focus. 

The pictures above is a quick sneak peek of what's on my work table right now.  Are you excited about another wreath?  It's still in progress...it needs more leaves for sure.  Stay tuned to see how it turns out.