So I have been thinking. First, I decided that I will make a change to my business. I was attempting to sell my jewelry at the local Farmer's Market but find although my designs are what I call "nature-inspired", they are probably too high end for this venue. SO after talking with my husband we decided to rent some space at the gallery in North Carolina where I currently have some pieces on consignment. I will be setting up my space there very soon - more on that at a later date.
For the Farmer's Market, I am taking this month off to get my ideas together. During my days sitting there I had LOADS of time to watch people. Here's what I observed:- there are TWO other jewelry vendors (and their prices are quite low compared to mine - BUT hey, ALL my pieces include artbeads made by myself or my artist friends!)
- there were quite a few families with children visiting the market.
- the children were my BEST visitors - very talkative, asked me lots of questions and wanted to try things on (made their parents cringe when they picked up my pieces but I told them no worries, it's fine!)
- I liked interacting with the children. I have worked with kids my whole life but in recent years I had gotten away from it.
- My space is located near the entrance to the Visitor's Center (where the bathrooms and sitting benches are located LOL!) I actually have loads of traffic!
Since my older grandkids are visiting this summer I decided WHY NOT gear things towards the kids?
First Saturdays at the market are geared to families - they have a petting zoo, live music and other special activities. I want to take full advantage of it! I'm busy now researching, gathering new supplies (bright colored glazes!) and trying out some designs. I want to make some jewelry, kits and "try me" activities. I'm planning on getting my granddaughters* into the act too! Thinking they can make some magnets, pinchpots and such things. Maybe I can even get some teaching gigs out of the deal!
* my grandson will be there too, he's the eye-candy for the teen girls being dragged along! LOL.
We'll see how it pans out BUT in the meantime all this planning HAS picked up my spirits a bit! Fingers crossed!
8 comments:
This is a great idea! I love doing crafts with kids- they are so happy to do anything creative :) I think kits are a great idea as well, you can price them cheaper and put your info in for your classes! Good luck!
Awesome :) The kits and stuff sound like a great idea :) Can't wait to see what you come up with! Although I can tell you this.. your 'LOL' pendants will be hits with kids, too ;)
And congrats on the decision to rent gallery space :) will you be selling there in person, or just placing your jewelry there for them to sell for you?
Great idea. I too have missed working with children!
Thanks Juniper. I didn't even think to put the "ads" in with the kits! Great idea! :)
And yet another great idea I never thought of including...the LOL pendants. Thanks Sandra!! Kids always make me smile (well most of them!) so this might be a good thing.
I really hope it pans out too Beti, atleast my grands will have fun! Didn't we all like playing "store" when we were younger? Now they can get a real taste of it.
Congrats on taking the plunge on renting a space at T&AHW. That's great! You are such a great "planner' I am missing my mojo as well this past 6 weeks or so, although different reasons I'm sure. I am planning on spending more time in the studio once summer gets here. I was wiped out of merchandise after the Gosport show and with the new puppy demanding so much time, I find it frustrating that I can only work in 30 min. increments here and there. I am gearing up for what I hope will be a good fall season. Let me know if you are still interested in going in on some of those big shows in VB.
I love doing crafts with my grandkids. I think kits are a great idea!
Cheers,
Lori in Atlanta
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