Last Art Show of the Season

It has been a little 'difficult' on my body...

getting back into the arts and crafts shows.

My dear husband MUST have done most of the physical

work...setting up and tearing down...

all those years we did the shows together.

We started doing shows in the early eighties...

and

I hadn't done a show since 2004...so I had quite forgotten

the late hours doing 'finishing' work

the night before the show...the long hours of

'set-up'...getting our space

JUST right...

the VERY early hours (for me)

on show days..

but..in spite of it all...I am really enjoying it!

I love 'mixing' with the other artisans...

giving and receiving helpful tips and sound advice...

(we got SOOOO many comments from the other artisans...

saying we REALLY need to get into some Omaha shows...

we'll see.)

Here are 10 Things we have learned from the shows...

1. Try to have EVERYTHING ready a day or two before set-up.

2. Get to bed early, the night before the show...it is important

to be 'alert' enough to interact with others.

3. Don't judge the results of each show...just on show sales.

(We have sold a number of original paintings...as well as

commissioned paintings...through our Etsy Shops...

from folks taking our business cards at the show.)

4. Be 'open' to what others have to tell you...most of the time

they are just trying to help.

5. Don't get too excited when folks whip out their camera (or phone) to

take pictures of your 'stuff'...especially when they think you're not looking...

it's going to happen!

6. Have 'something for everyone'...at least in every price range..

not everyone brings hundreds...or even twenties..of dollars

to a show. Sometimes they've just come to 'look'...

and they're pleasantly surprised to come upon your space

and see how beautiful your 'stuff' is.

7. Be real! (This is important on sooo many levels.)

8. Share your experience with the

other artisans. If you think their 'stuff' is great

and would benefit from a larger audience..give them the benefit

of your own exposure.

9. Expect to do well...and bring a positive attitude.

10. Build a local following...and spread out from there.

So...we have just ONE more show

in 2009...

December 5th and 6th.

I look for it to be a

really GREAT show!

To all of the folks who have visited our booth

at the State Fair

and

all of the shows at the Event Center...

thank you!

We hope you have a wonderful

Holiday Season!