CURE Fest

Yay, today's show has been phenomenal. It was unexpected that there were sales, but not of the tree ornament kind. I managed to sell many bracelets and earrings. I really thought the ornaments would be a hit. I must re-think this!

There were a lot of different jewelers there, but I was careful to make sure I was in the lower end of the pricing scale.


The Thanksgiving day sale, on my Etsy shop was a total flop, absolutely no sales. I suppose some promotional items would need to be made, next time there's a sale.

Joyful Sparkle Sale

Today and tomorrow, there is a sale on my little online store. 10% off of everything in the store, Happy Thanksgiving to you!
www.joyfulsparkle.com

Save the Date!

I have a new show coming up, on December 6th. It is at Clark University, it is called C.U.R.E. fest, it is a charity for Aids treatment and awareness.

Come on by, and see the joyful sparkle booth!

First Craft show!

Pies on the Common There was a beautiful autumn day that I decided to attempt my very first craft fair. It just happens to be called, Pies on the common. The weather was a little cold, very New England day and golly a piece of warm pie just sounds about perfect!

Pies on the Common

I set-up my booth, (rather a table) and covered it with a navy blue piece of cloth, that was originally intended to be my husbands work pants, and enthusiastically wanted to sell loads of stuff.

Pies on the Common

I learned a few things: 1) I do not like to sell stuff and put myself out there, and 2) my hubby does.

I like to sit in the back and keep on beading, and he sees fit to talk to the random strangers. I originally was really put off by my fear of judgment. He didn’t really have any fear like that, so it went well for us to have him stand behind the table and cheerfully chat up the customers.

Pies on the Common

The sales:

My first sale happened 15 minutes before the show opened, so I thought that was a good omen. However, my next sales was 3 hours later. End of the day, I made the booth fee, and $5. I took my hard earned gains, and bought a little apple pie {it made a lovely breakfast on Sunday}

Pies on the Common

There’s a bundled up picture of me with a big blue scarf wrapped around my head!

Pounding Pavement

Today, I conquered my fear of putting myself out "there." The there in this case, the real world. Yes, I packed up my little tray of jewelry goods, {three actually} and I made house calls to a few different gift shops and craft stores. Too my dismay, the world simply isn't ready yet for the consigment of my lovely little items... or rather everything was closed for the Monday. Yes, apparently the specialty shops in my little state of Massachussetts are all closed on Mondays... except one. It seems that Monday is the perfect day off for the small business owners.

So, the one and only shop that was opened, checked out my little trays and they liked 2 items... just no sales. They unfortunately bought all of their Christmas merchandise in February. I thought that I was an organized person! These guys are planning the fashion trends almost 10 months in advanced. Phew! I may be pounding a little more pavement coming this February 2010.

Well, that gives me 4 months to put together the most amazing beautiful portfolio tween here and there.

Can Art have Purpose?

I really like the idea of art that can go where ever you go. There is a lot of value in wearing a favorite piece of jewelry or up-beat colorful scarf. I find that it is a great way to perk up my mood when feeling down in the dumps. I get a happy warm feeling from wearing my red sneakers as well, but I don't really consider them to be art.

It was once said that art is for the purpose of the creator. That sounds to me a bit odd, why not share in the fun of the things that make me happy, per chance someone else will enjoy it as well. I suppose if the art is only made so that the artist can get it out of their system, then the work still serves a purpose.

Wearable art, can that be nearly synonymous with jewlery? What do you think?

the dream

Wow, I really want to get my business working now. Get the products out to people and see what they say. This will be great! What an adventure. After all of these thoughts go through my head, that is when it happens.

I get sweaty palms, and a tummy ache. Just like that! I can start to panic. What happens if I get orders? Then I have to fill the order on a time limit... like a deadline. Uh oh! Now what?

See how easy it is for me to change from a gal with a plan, to super scaredy cat? The super anxiety woman can take a blessing, a dream, and turn it into raw fear. I would love to work at my work bench playing with my little beads, every day. Yet, I can stress out over it. You see, I already have a day job. My first 8:15-5:00 piece of heaven. (my 32nd job, just the first one with regular day light type hours) I like the security and the health plan, I just wish I had a smidgen more excitement. I'm bored! Imagine that!

So, 2 monthes ago, I promised myself that I would face my fears, open the door to the possibility that I might be able to make something pretty, send it out into the world, and see what happens. Maybe the bit of JOY I toss out there will catch on... this little record will note what happens next.