Sunday, November 7, 2010

Arts and Crafts Show

The Husband and I went to our hometown arts and crafts show this past Friday and Saturday.  I was SOOO glad the husband could go with me.  For one, I'm a HORRIBLE salesperson.  I'm extremely hard on myself when it comes to my photography so when you don't think it's good, how can you sell it?  The husband got on to me Friday cause I would tell a customer the price, then say, "but I'll take whatever you'll give for it."  After that, I pretty much let the husband handle all the talking!

Harley and I sat off to the side.  He was so good.  That was pretty much what he did the entire two days.  Just laid there and napped.  He also brought a lot of people over.  He was a good attraction getter!


The show was at the local park, the one the husband and I were married in over 12 years ago.  We had a spot in the Rec center.  I reserved the bleachers which worked out awesome for the pictures.


And I was able to put a lot of my smaller things on the bottom bleachers.


We had mouse pads, calendars, makeup bags, magnets, postcards, mini frames, prints and framed prints.  The husband did an excellent job selling.  I was really pleased at what was sold.

There were a few distractions both days around our booth.  On Friday, the vendor next to us fell in front of our booth.  Scared us to death!  The paramedics were called and we had her sit until they arrived and checked her out.  The organizers kept apologizing for blocking our stuff but we were just glad the lady was okay.  Her husband finally came and picked her up.  Then on Saturday, the new vendor lady next to us was extremely ANNOYING.  She parked her motorized Hoveround chair in front of our booth.  People would try to get away from her and would completely miss our booth.  The husband did really well biting his tongue.  Turns out we weren't the only ones that she upset.  The organizers told us at the end that several others had complained.

The show helped me get over my recent frustrations with my photography.  I haven't taken the time to take pictures in awhile.  The only time I grab my camera is when I head to the shelter.  My booth in town has not been doing well and no sales from my website either.  I was thinking of closing everything and throwing in the towel.  I just saw it as a waste of money every month.  Now, I think I'll keep my website.  Added a Facebook page to help promote it.  Plan to keep my booth in town until Christmas.  Most likely, though, I will close it at the first of the year.  We'll just have to wait and see what the future brings!

21 comments:

Linda said...

Glad you had a good sale. You shoulda just sic'ed the hubby on the old bat.

DKG aka Scrappy Doo said...

Glad you had some good sales.
Next year you should go to the COuntry Reporter Festival
western pics do well there its in Waxahachie and not to far from ya.
Wish I had more wall space I love your work!
Have a blessed evening

BridgeEtta said...

You are way braver than me. (I have a hard time talking to folks at church once a week). Most artists aren't very good salesman or business types even, I'm glad you have our favorite bullboy to do your promotion.

I really like your stuff too. So much is available for people now to do their own stuff with their own photos (just look at what Wally World offers). I wonder if that has been affecting your market?

Some times when we run into a wall we just have to change direction a little. I'm kind of with Churchill: "Never, never, never give up!"

lisa said...

No matter what we do, I think we are always our own worst critic! My hubby tells me that my weaving is just great but I always seem to find fault with it! Especially with the saddle blanket I am trying to weave.

Mama Mess said...

Hey Sweetie Face! Just remember WHY you take pictures in the first place...........because you love it! Remember your love of photography and not so much whether anybody is buying anything. What's an etsy shop? Wonder if that would be a good venue for you? I have no idea if they cost or anything. You've got talent girl and you've got a good man backing you, so you can do anything! I wasn't aware of these makeup bags, are they on your site?

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Your photos are so wonderful,I can't imagine people not buying them . Hopefully this season will get things up and going.I still have that wonderful one you sent me , right above my computer ,makes me smile all the time

Shirley said...

Glad you're not giving up- Christmas is coming, and you're on my shopping list of sites to buy from!

Janet Phillips said...

I love all your photos, I hope your sales pick up!

Unknown said...

Glad the booth went well.
I love the print you sent me for the pay it forward. I have it above my computer desk and everyone compliments how the saying that goes with it is a pretty good description of me.
Don't get discouraged, I love your photography.

Gail said...

Good sales and great photos...never doubt your talent, you are loaded with it!

Bekah said...

glad the show went well!! You should have booted that ol lady and her hoveround right out of your space! Haha...not that I would have actually had the nerve to say a darned thing.

Foxterriermom said...

Extremely disappointed that you never mentioned seeing your dear friend while you were in Stephenville adn especially how happy Harley was to see me , ah - er- HER! Hrumph!!!!!!!

Nicole said...

Dang, I'd have loved to see all your photos sitting there!

Dee said...

you, and your creations, are beautiful. Only outshined by.... Harley. Because you know how I am about the furkids.

am I missin the makeup bags? I didnt see them.

AKPonyGirl said...

Remember that you have pictures hanging in an office in Palmer, Alaska that were bought off your blog and website.

Have you thought about selling your pictures to some of the rodeo magazines, western horseman, ad agencies? Your work is amazing and you just need to get some more exposure. :)

RURAL said...

Keep going forward, sometimes there is a lull. With the economy the way it is, it's been hard. I keep losing retailers, but somehow they get replaced by others.

You are doing what you love, and it shows, remarkable photography, amazing talent, you have it all.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Heart of a Cowgirl said...

The bleachers turned out to be a great display! Nice. I've stopped doing shows myself (at least for now)...I would lug an entire truck full of display stuff (my jewlery can fit in one small suitcase) and even though the display looked great, it took a lot of time to set up. Facebook can be a great free tool. I'll go check you out right now.

CTG Ponies said...

Glad you did well. I'm not a good salesperson either and I find it really frustrating to sit at a booth.

Homestay Mama said...

Your photography is great, and I'd love to buy one of your photos, but my budget has been a little unsteady lately! I hope you don't give up. Some of your readers have made excellent suggestions.

Anonymous said...

The hard thing about photography is that everyone has a camera or a decent printer these days, and most of the technology is good even on the smaller ones, it makes it hard to sell prints. And the economy is not helping. Have you ever thought of going into business and instead of selling your photographs as art, taking pictures for people? For their brochures, of their bulls, of their pets, kids, engagement.... whatever? You could start small and just offer free photo shoots to friends and family to build up your portfolio (make sure you have business cards to pass out.) Your work will speak for itself and through word of mouth you'll get paying customers. Just a thought.....long time no see- I hope you are doing well, Girl!!
-PONY GIRL-

~The South Dakota Cowgirl~ said...

chin, up girl! you take beautiful photos!