The $2 Craft Show

The US custom handbag entrepreneur must have "loins of steel," to paraphrase Sean Connery. Why? Because there may be a few unintentional non-profit craft shows (as I had yesterday in Williamsburg, Virginia) where for one reason or another NOTHING SELLS. Well, not exactly nothing sold. My wife recommended I make bookmarks out of scrap material so as to "honor the environment" and I actually sold three (3) bookmarks for customer named price of $2. So, after paying $40 registration fee and driving 2.5 hours south of DC to Williamsburg (and you KNOW the price of gas), a couple of cheap breakfast meals and a large coffee followed by a light dinner before returning and yesterday's SILVER LINING is five-fold: 1) I had a wonderful day alone with my eldest daughter, 2) We met a bunch of nice people including vendors, 3) We learned a lesson or two about EVENT COORDINATION and MANAGEMENT (including one thing NOT to do), 4) We garnered lots of compliments on the Styling and Quality of our Products, and 5) Enjoyed an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day in one of Virginia's nicest towns. So, all told, yesterday was a Financial Loss but a Personal Gain with likely long term Business Dividends. I suppose you are wondering what NOT to do if you are coordinating events? Hmmm. I am NOT going to tell you in this post but check back soon for a post on the topic "Lessons Learned about Craft Show/Event Management." Oh, and the best part of yesterday's show was the opportunity to meet and support US Veterans and their families which is ALWAYS A WIN!

In The Beginning...

I often read the early works of authors so I can tell from "whence they came." Well, we all started somewhere and I was digging around for MY OWN EARLY WORKS and here is a favorite oldie but goodie.

Anyone Can Sew

I think ANYONE can sew if they want to but each sewer is as different as fingerprints and that uniqueness intrigues me. Now where did I put that sewing pattern? NOT!! What's a pattern?

Making Great Connections: The Virginia Generals

At a Wine and Craft Show in Manassas in May 2011, I met Frank, the Founder and Owner of the East Coast's First Professional Development Football League franchise--The Virginia Generals (www.vageneralsfootball.com). Frank asked me if I would make his wife a team tote and gave me basic requirements. After a few email exchanges we had the color scheme and more specific details but still Frank left the concept in my artistic hands. Within a week it was done and you can tell ME what you think of the product. OBTW, the PDFL and VA Generals LOGOs are ONLY authorized to me so please do not "borrow" them from this blog. Also, the concept products with PDFL and VA Generals Logos are my own designs and are not authorized for use by anyone else.

Just Getting a Good Start

I have been busy virtually chasing craft fairs and shows to see if I can line them up with my schedule. Am debating whether or not to go down to Williamsburg on Sunday, June 12 for the Colonial Artisan Craft Show. Certainly interested in NoVA Craft Shows and Fairs primarily but its important to build my client list across the state and other borders as well. I am also on Etsy but so far limited success although lots of people have viewed the products.