Really, it's just been busy lately. My son is now finished high school so there were things to do, celebrating to be done. We had some family over the night of graduation and then last night we had another small party in honor of our graduate. Good times!
So let's see... what's new in the jewelry world?? I booked space at what I thought was going to be a BIG craft fair a couple weeks ago. Vendors from a few states were to attend. A home show was going on. Even some equestrian events were planned during the day. So it seemed there would be a large diverse crowd to show my crystal creations to. NOT!!! I did have some sales but a few of them were from girlfriends who came by to see me. Other visitors to my tables who made purchases were smaller... a few memory bracelets here, a few bookmarks there, and some stretchy kids bracelets. I was surprised that none of my red, white, and blue crystal earrings sold this time with the 4th of July fast approaching. Well, you just never know about craft fairs or what people who go to them will spend their money on. The Tarot card reader near my tables was doing pretty well. Many times I looked over and she was sitting with someone under her tent. Even my girlfriend, who had never had a palm/card reading before, spent $35 to get some information. That woman left with alot more money in her pocket than I did and she had very little to pack up. I had to deal with tables, displays, unbagging and rebagging maybe upwards of 100 pieces of assorted jewelry, tablecloths to fold, my case to organize, etc. And I still have many new pieces that need to be priced and some older pieces that need to be cleaned. I do use plastic to keep the tarnish down, but also since potential customers touch and hold some things it's good to just freshen it all up now and then.
I have no other fairs booked right now. There were a couple that I considered but for one reason or another chose to pass on them. I may grab free table space at a bar/restaurant one of these summer nights. The place does a weekly event, I think to support breast cancer awareness. For a donated item that goes to their raffle you can go for a couple hours and display some of your merchandise. I've heard it's hit-or-miss for crafters/companies as sometimes patrons just want to eat/drink and not bother with purchasing anything else, but a girlfriend told me last night she would hang out with me if I wanted to do it so I may take her up on that.
I have 2 small card orders to do, a few possible earring sales, and a pair of earrings to be delivered and money collected for. Oh, and also when my sister gives me the okay, I'll put a bag of assorted jewels together for her to take to her office.
A girlfriend loves dolphins and said she'd be interested in a pair of earrings when I found charms to put on them. Thanks, Artbeads! Found these nice silvery ones offered there. I hope she likes them. I used mother-of-pearl shell beads and Swarovski crystals in the design as well. MOP beads are mostly black/grayish but there are hints of pink and other colors. Very shimmery in different lighting.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all enjoying a nice weekend!
