Convoluted?

So, I've been trying to come up with a couple of different craft show setups. My idea is to streamline things into 2 or 3 different setups for different types of shows. One would be a large setup suitable for a big tent show or trade show with lots of props and tables, etc. More often though, I get the opportunity to do a small table setup at a local market or trunk show type of setting where I will be offering just a sample of all my products. Basically, all of these things need to fit in my (compact) car and be set up pretty quickly without too much flash. I need to redo a larger banner for the big type shows but I wanted something smaller, other than a banner attached to a table cloth (which is usually overlooked) for the market type setting. So, I came up with this frame, which I can just plop on the table.

Now, this probably flies in the face of all good marketing but hear me out. The criticism of it could probably be that it should show my work. Be some type of glossy printout, all matching my logo, etc. HOWEVER, I've decided to do things a little differently.

When people look at my work, I want them to notice 3 things:

* the attention to detail
* that each piece is one of a kind, and made by hand
* the narrative, almost collage-like layering, in the process and color.

I arrived at making my pieces because I am a painter at heart and by training. And the process to my beadmaking is very similar.

So I decided to hand paint and collage a sign, that hints at my jewelry through color, process, and method.

I made it colorful so it matches my jewelry but stands out from my neutral setup. The frame is a take off of a frame tutorial by my friend, Katie Runnels, and then I did a small collage painting to fit inside with my shop name and what I do.

I'm really quite taken with it as a temporary solution, for now. What do y'all think???

Have you hugged your local artist lately?

Free Hugs by kimberlyg on Flickr
Well, have you?

Sometimes we go to some piddly little craft fair or flea and you see someone there, maybe who obviously doesn't belong there amongst the cheesy crocheted dish towels or dollar store regurgitation or crappy plastic yard sale junk you wouldn't have given to the local thrift store. But hey, they are there, selling their stuff along everyone else. Maybe you buy something and maybe you don't, because you weren't anticipating finding such lovely goods amongst the trash.

OR, maybe you're the entrepreneurial craftsperson or artist just trying to get yourself out there and funds are limited and you think that you'll get your feet wet by dipping them into the local waters and seeing where it takes you. A local joint, where the fees are lower, but maybe the clientele may or may not be welcoming. You hope your work speaks for itself....

Sometimes it's nice to reach out and give those artists or craftspeople a hug. Maybe not in the actual physical sense. But in the encouraging sense. I've been in both circumstances, on both the selling and buying end. As a seller, I'm so encouraged when I get a kind word after the sale is done. Maybe someone comes back for another purchase or sends me positive feedback on Etsy, or just sends me a note to say, "I REALLY LIKE THAT. KEEP DOING IT!" Not all of us live in metropolitan areas where there are a variety of customers to keep coming and coming. More of us live in suburban or rural settings where many folks may wander by and think, "That's nice but I can buy it at (insert discount store here) for way less..." and keep walking. It's harder for us.

So, I've decided, as a point, when I buy something I really enjoy from a local business or individual, to THANK THEM. Whether in person, or in the form of a note or feedback, that I'm grateful to have them in my community. I thank them for their effort, for their product or service, and tell them what I like about what they do.

It's a lonely world out there for us artists and craftspeople sometimes, give a little love.