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?
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!

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!
ReplyDeleteThanks Juniper. I didn't even think to put the "ads" in with the kits! Great idea! :)
DeleteAwesome :) 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 ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd 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?
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.
DeleteGreat idea. I too have missed working with children!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteCongrats 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.
ReplyDeleteI love doing crafts with my grandkids. I think kits are a great idea!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Lori in Atlanta