Spring stART on the Street 2012 - from storms to sunshine & shoppers!

After being postponed a week due to predicted storms, this was my first springtime "stART" and it was a success!  In their 10 years they've had a rain date in place, but never actually had to use it..until now! This is actually why I do apply to this show. With outdoor events that don't have a rain date- and do rain- the vendors just lose their money. That's it, you lose your booth fee and you don't get a planned paycheck. Its totally depressing. BUT- but! stART on the Street is an outdoor show that has this, its rare and wonderful. This year it worked in my favor. 

 I've decided that I need a little more something in my booth if I do more outdoor shows. A big sign in the back, or draping fabric or some kind of color in the background. Large photographs are probably the best idea. I just don't know how many outdoor shows I want to do this year. Maybe 3? Is that worth investing in some more oomph?

As always (I've done a few fall and winter shows with them), it was well organized, full of positive energy and had a ton of shopping traffic. A vendors dream!

They were in a new location this year- I don't know much about Worcester so I didn't know if it was going to affect the show.  Would people still go? Would it be as grand? Yes. 

 I didn't plan on doing this 'stART' because of a graduation party. Turns out the party wasn't even on that day! I thought I had missed a spring show opportunity, I was totally disappointed- especially because my sister was going.

AnnMarie's table, photography and mixed media home decor.

Two weeks before the show, they posted on facebook that there were a few more spaces available (cancellations etc).  I knew I was available by then and snapped up the chance to apply. I WAS IN!! What a rush! I felt like I won the lottery...or at least a paycheck!

I couldn't really venture off to see all the performers or musicians or art projects for kids, but luckily some were traveling down the street!

 Lots of people shopping- they were all really nice, interested and appreciative of creative businesses. I also got to meet up with two of my past clients. That was really a highlight of my day. Both purchased a new piece from me- a feather in my cap!

Across the way is a really cool craft show friend- we've been at a few of the same shows in the past few years.

 My first attempt at taking a photo of Chrissy Ann Ceramics was foiled by this giant pig on wheels!

 Chrissy Ann Ceramics was doing double duty! She had her sisters goods there along with her own, while her work was also being sold in Providence at a show- double booked because of the weather. She had just come from a show the day before, too, I don't know how she stayed so bright and lovely all day but she did. I just learned that she just recently took her ceramics business on FULL TIME! Congratulations!! This is great news, because the world could use her products- literally! Theres a dish she has with such a gorgeous finish on it-

She also gave me some snap peas to plant, someone shared with her, she shared with me. Thank you!

Town Farm Gardens LLC was my show neighbor. Laurie makes home-made pickles and jams out of Brookfield, MA. It's hard being next to that kind of delicious looking stuff all day! I lent them a wall to hang behind their table so as not get so much sun in their booth. At the end of the day I was going to buy something, finally, after drooling all day, and they gave me a jar of their hot pepper jelly for borrowing the tent wall. YAY! It was gone in three days. I'm not kidding. I couldn't stop. Unfortunately there's no website, so I have no idea how you can get some too.

Below is how it all begins and ends on a craft show day. Heavy lifting and a long ride home.

Actually, it usually ends with a cocktail!

Twist - lively + hip - Show Review

Twist
Twistfair.com
Northampton, MA Center for the Arts Ballroom, a gorgeous space
Nov 11-12 2011 Friday night "market party" music, beer, sangria, food, DJ. Saturday 10-6 DJ.


I love Twist. I've been in the show several times now,
and I keep applying because it's got perks as a vendor.

First, its local for me.
Other vendors have to travel many hours to sell here, but I just breeze in and out and its the first benefit of a traveling show. First and a half (!)- they feed us. I shouldn't brag, but it's just how it goes with the food- after working 16 hour days the week before the show (due to a 7 day power outage hampering my relaxed schedule)- a free beer ticket is the first sign of heaven when the show begins.

Above, part of my display, with the new leaf imprint necklaces-
I debuted them here and they were a hit. Yay!

2. the free beer ticket also comes with dinner. They feed all the vendors and our helpers. Our helpers are a lifeline, so Im glad they count them in. Eastside grill catered dinner, its a fancy pantsy place and it was DELICIOUS!

above, my full table, sans a sign to tell you who I am- I know, stilllll have to get one/make one

3.Breakfast AND lunch the next day! I know, its starting to sound like I'm making it up. Coffee and pastries, bagels. Lunch was catered by Bueno y Sano and their burritos are like little babies, they are so big. I love them.
Oh- and tables and chairs are provided and set up for free. !!

crowd

Shopper perks exist too, don't you worry. The first 100 people to walk in the door each day got a swag bag that was filled with amazing things like Lexie Barnes new book (shes the organizer), and in the past there has been yarn and soap. Its a low $4 entry so a free bag of stuff rocks. Theres a VIP party on Fri night, which is $15 and you get food + beer. Its really like an "event" and not a craft show with bitter old ladies.

my show neighbor, abbyberksonceramics

sarah from anselblue design studio, a local pal, we went to dinner after the show = fun!

above, migrationgoods she travels all over for shows!

Which brings me to the vendors. They are super talented. Everyone there is happy, it seems. They do what they do, mostly, for a living. Its important to them- so they are proud of what they make, and this also means they are great at what they do!

my local friend edison rex, she has a great blog too!


my other neighbor, ChrissyAnnCeramics


Which brings me to the pitfalls- the space is CRAMPED. It is SO tight for the middle aisle vendors that you are constantly rubbing your bum against each other- which has its levels of rewards and punishment. It's TOO close. I cant really bend down behind my table to wrap things, you have to turn sideways and pardon your ass from the people around you. It's annoying. If we had a few more inches, it would be more bearable.

heatherjeany screenprint


beehivekitchenware, Ive purchased several spoons from Jim as gifts. I love beehive's aesthetic.

Because Ive been there a few times, I am making some art + business friends. This is probably the best part, because networking only makes life easier and more fun! Its nice to meet people in the same boat.

I made this earring tree below, and I plan to give a DIY tutorial on how to make one yourself. Long story short, polymer clay leaves baked and glued to a stick and painted. Easy peasy and really effective. It didn't break, so I consider it a success. Oh, and it caught peoples eyes and sold the earrings better than my old earring tree- that's the other successful part :)


It was a great show for me- I had a lot of repeat buyers, and saw several people walk in with my jewelry on from the past shows. Its great, because I mostly ship my work out and never see it on anyone or see who receives it. I like that its local, because I also made some good contacts with businesses and people who wanted gifts. win/win.



me and the gals- popkoshop, abbeyberksonceramics, chrissyannceramics, twitchandwhiskers


I'm exhausted, but I have five days to prep for the next show..Craftopia in Rhode Island!
Will I see you there?



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