Thank you Appleton!

As I mentioned in my last post, I got a call last week Saturday from the organizer of the Appleton North High School Craft Fair. They had a cancellation and wanted me to do the show. I agreed to it, but as soon as I hung up the phone, I thought, "What did I just get myself into?" I had one week to prepare and I needed A LOT more inventory.

So, for the past week, I have been frantically working. Late nights, early mornings. Lots of coffee. I made rosettes until my wrists hurt (could I be getting carpel-tunnel? Hmm...maybe I should consult my nurse practitioner hubby).  I strung pearls until I had no more. I glued on rhinestones until the fumes got to me. I think I also successfully shoved needles or pins into each of my fingers.

On Friday afternoon, my time was up, I packed up my car and headed for Appleton (about a 2 hour drive). I was spending the night at my parents' house so I wouldn't have to get up at 4:00am the next morning. Getting up at 6:00 was tough enough for me.

On my way to the show that morning, I couldn't help but be a bit nervous. This was a new market for me. I had never done a show in this area. Would the customers be willing to pay my prices? Would they appreciate the uniqueness of my jewelry? When I arrived, I had a bunch of help unloading. NICE! My display set up went pretty smoothly (SOO much easier when I don't need to set up a tent and walls).  I anxiously awaited the first customers of the day. When the show opened, I had people browse and comment, but no quick sales. I never really relax until I get that first sale. I quickly started thinking the worst (my brain is so pessimistic!) It was going to be a slow show. I was going to sit there all day being grumpy as nobody pulled out their wallets. I peered over at my mother-in-law's booth. It was packed. (Send them my way please!!)

She did. Soon, my booth was packed and the sales were rolling. I quickly sold a $75.00 necklace. Yay! My booth fee was paid for. Profit from here on out! I had some super busy times where I was a little overwhelmed, but mostly the sales were slow and steady. Very manageable. I was really enjoying talking to people about the vintage pieces I found and they would share stories about the costume jewelry they had from their own grandmother. Everyone was so friendly and so complimentary. So many people said, "I have never seen anything like this." That is what I like to hear. I, of course, know there are people out there doing similar things, but I know it isn't common, especially in Wisconsin. 

So Appleton, I'm sorry I doubted you. Thank you for one of the best sales day I've ever had. Thank you for making me feel good about the work I do. Thank you for recognizing the time and effort I put into each piece. I underestimated you. I had a sales goal coming into the day, and I left with double the amount. Thank you so much. I will be back next year!!

My Booth at the Appleton North Show