One Table, No Problem!

Designed by Audrey will have a booth on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the Holiday Food and Fitness Expo which will take place at the Prince Georges County Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, MD from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Up until this event, I have done only outdoor events in a 10 x 10 space with two to three tables and a couple of racks – space to spread out.  This time out I will be doing it all on one table.  I did a dry run which I will share.

 

Since I can't spread out without doubling my expense, I had to come up with a way to expand the display space on the standard 6' table that is being supplied.  I normally use risers for height and interest, but this time they will perform double duty.  To accomplish this I purchased a plain white 24" x 12" shoe rack that has one shelf.  The rack gives me the height and interest I need in the middle of the table and an added bonus of two additional display areas below.  With this set up, I am able to beautifully display 30 necklace and earring sets, 75 pairs of earrings, 6 eyeglass holders, 18 bracelet and earring sets, 12 key rings, 16 rings and 6 bookmarks with quite a bit of room left in the front of the table for my business cards and holiday gift idea brochures.  I found the shoe rack at Target for less than $10.  I purchased a few battery operated lights that swivel that I will use to highlight specific items.

As usual, I will have two TV tables on hand – one for my laptop and paper work and the other to be used to make adjustments to earrings.  I sell a lot of earrings at these types of events because I am set up to make earrings on the spot (if it is not too busy) or to change out the ear wire on all of the earrings (except kidney wire) to clip on.  And for an additional fee I change out the silver and gold plated metals for silver and gold-filled wire.  I keep all other supplies under the table in binds.

 

In the pass I missed out on sales because I was not set up to accept credit cards.  However, I am all set with my new Propay account and card reader!  For vendors who have shops on Etsy, the costs for an account is $29.00 – half the price of the basic account.  

Well that's all for now for there is lots more to do – I have to tweak the table a bit more, then I will be printing inventory lists, business cards, the various labels for my gift boxes, bags and receipts and finally packing up everything for transporting. 

If you live in the Washington, DC metro area, come out and support this wonderful event.  All items displayed in this blog and many more are all for sale in my on-line shops on Artfire at www.DesignedbyAudrey.Artfire.com  or on Esty at  www.DesignedbyAudrey.Etsy.com.    

Vending Opportunity for Hand-Made - November 14, 2010

If you live the the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, here is a vending opportunity.  Booths are $25/$30 each. 

The  south  laurel  recreation  council

the  35^th annual  holiday  craft  fair

sunday, november 14^th             free             11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DEERFIELD RUN COMMUNITY CENTER

13000 Laurel-bowie road (route 197), laurel (20708)

Applications (& information) are mailed out September 1^st

To get on the  mailing list, call (301) 776-2805 and leave your name, address, zip code,   phone number and type of crafts.

Designed by Audrey will have a booth at this event so stop by and introduce yourself.  If you cannot attend but would like to experience the beauty and uniqueness of hand-crafted jewelry and accessories, feel free to stop by my on-line shop  DesignedbyAudrey.Artfire.com.

6th Annual Holiday Food & Fitness Expo - November 6, 2010

If you are a crafter or  artisan who lives in the Washington, DC metropolitan area here is a vending opportunity.  

Prince George’s County Health Department, in partnership with the Prince George’s County Public Schools, is hosting its sixth annual Holiday Food & Fitness Expo on November 6, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex located at 8001 Sherriff Road in Landover Maryland.

The purpose of the Expo is to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in Prince George’s County, and reduce the incidence of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

  

Last year, over 1000 residents took advantage of the free health screenings, as well as medical and nutritional consultations. This year’s event promises to attract and engage hundreds of County residents in activities including healthy food tasting, cooking contests/demonstrations, and “dance your way to fitness” sessions.  We will also have “Ask the Expert” where the community will have the opportunity to interact with health care providers and fitness experts. The expo will host holiday gift/craft vendors. In addition, flu shots will be provided on site. (Appointment required)

We are seeking:

• Supporters willing to purchase advertisement space in our Program/Resource Directory                      

• Co-sponsors – financial or in-kind contributions (event costs, door prizes, volunteer refreshments, etc)

• Vendors – healthy eating (nutrition), physical fitness trainers, chronic disease management

• Holiday Gift/Craft Vendors (a nominal $40 fee is required)

• Health Care Providers – as vendors or presenters for “Ask the Expert” component

• Volunteers – to assist with logistics on event day

• Restaurants to showcase health menu items

We hope you will be able to attend, participate and/or help us spread the word about this fantastic event.

For additional information, please contact Erin Bradley, Public Information Specialist for the Prince George’s County Health Department, at EMBradley@co.pg.md.us, 301-883-7851 or 1701 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774.

Designed by Audrey will have a booth at this event.  I hope that you will be able to participate or will come out to support this worthy cause.  If you are not able to attend, please feel free to check out my designs online at DesignedbyAudrey.Artfire.com.

Getting Personal - Sharing My Hearts

Aside from designing and selling jewelry on-line, one of my other passions is my heart collection.  I have been collecting heart shaped items since the early 80's.  As a jewelry designer, I fight hard not to make too many heart shaped pieces, although I sneak them into designs here and there.  My first heart was a red double heart shaped candle with "Audrey's Hearts" written in gold.  I have hearts of all kinds and shapes.  The list is endless -- heart shape candle holders, salt and pepper shakers, a Dutch oven,  pictures frames, snow globes, a slinky, coffee cups, Christmas tree ornaments, pillows, a wicker basket, trinket boxes, silk scarves, banks, crystal, bowls, a heart embossed picture album, a candy dish, flower vases, wall decorations, picture holders, earrings, necklaces, bracelets -- you get the picture!

Not just any heart will do.  The hearts that I choose for my collection must be beautiful or interesting.  One of my biggest surprises one year was a Christmas gift from a boss who knew I collected hearts.  It was a fairly large brass ornately carved box.  I was thrilled because the brass box was so beautiful, but the silk scarf inside was simply breathtaking.   My most cherished piece is a Lenox glass crystal encrusted heart trinket box that has a beautiful large pearl in the middle which my late Mom gave me as a Christmas gift.  It is the first heart that I have shared today.  I hope that you enjoy this small sampling of my heart collection.  

Designed by Audrey will have a booth this Saturday at the St. Joseph's  Parrish Flea Market in support of its choir.  The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m.  If you live in the Washington, DC area come out and support this effort.  The church is located on Route 202 in Largo, MD.  As always, you can check out my on-line shops and view some really beautiful and awesome jewelry on Artfire at www.DesignedbyAudrey.Artfire.com and  also on Etsy at DesignedbyAudrey.Etsy.com.

It Was a Very Good Week!

Last week was my best week yet for sales since I started selling online in March.  I sold a couple of items on Etsy, on Artfire and  a lot to family and friends.  I sold four pair of my Crystal Antique Copper Drop Earrings!  These earrings come in a variety of colors, blue, purple, yellow, clear, red, light pink, dark pink and orange. These earrings are my best selling item off-line aside from my adjustable lampwork rings. I also received an e-mail from a customer how had purchased a pair of purple crystal earrings who wanted a necklace to match.  So, I took and completed a reserve listing and the customer is very happy with the necklace I created.  I was nervous about the reserve listing because the customer was trusting me to create a necklace that they would love which is different from a making a sale where the item it pictured and described. 

 

To end this fabulous and busy week I traveled to my family reunion picnic in Richmond, Va.  It was a blast!  I saw many relatives I had not seen in years.  Family came from all over the East Coast!  We have the official family reunion every two years, this being the odd year a picnic was planned.  The event was held on the grounds of Mom's old high school which was built in 1929.  It is now an historical site.  It was interesting to see the class room and the auditorium.  There was a rooster of the graduates posted on a bulletin board dating back to the 1930's. It was not an air conditioned building, so I didn't spend much time  looking because it was 95 degrees outside.  Anyhow, a nice day was planned  and my family and I enjoyed  the DJ, the water slide, the moon bounce (the kids, that is), and a ton of food.  There was fried fish, (my favorite) chicken, barbecue ribs and chicken, potato salad, green beads, baked beans, corn of the cobs, crabs, homemade cakes, snow cones, fresh popcorn -- you get the picture.  I was asked to set up a table to showcase my on-line shops, but my cousin who is just 10 years old was there with her beading kit.  She began making and selling earrings, bracelets, and necklaces for $3.00 to $5.00.  I just could not set up and compete with that. It took me back to when I was 9 years old crocheting hat and scarves and selling them.  Her items were very pretty and I know in time if she continues, she will be an awesome jewelry artist.

To my surprise, this week my shop is the featured shop of the week in the Artfire guild, Shops with Less than 10 Sales.   Stop by and check out the  Guild's blog at http://shopswithlesssalesartfire.blogspot.com/  If  you leave a comment, you will be automatically entered in a the free giveaway for the month which is beautiful bracelet by the Artfire Artisan Swirl Jewels. 

 

The items featured in the blog are items which were sold  last week or are currently for sale.  To see more lovely hand-crafted jewelry and accessories  check out my online shops on Artfire at www.designedbyaudrey.artfire.com or on Etsy at www.designedbyaudrey.etsy.com.   Designed by Audrey will have a booth later this month at the St. Joseph Parish Flea Market in Landover, MD.  

No Words Wednesday - - Just New Items of the Week

Perhaps Too Much of a Good Thing!

Designed by Audrey had a booth at the 55th Anniversary Celebration of Evangel Temple in Upper Marlboro, MD.  There were over 500 vendors at this event which was held on Saturday, July 3, 2010.  There was food, food, food, everywhere and of every kind.  All you can eat steamed crabs and there was barbecue, fried fish, curried chicken, exotic drinks, cookies, cakes, ice cream, and all kinds of snacks.  You name it, there was a vendor selling it. There were gospel bands and groups performing, a DJ, moon bonce, health fair, a movie and fireworks. 

It was a hot sunny day, not heat wave hot, but still hot and my son was on hand to help me set up and tent.  I really appreciate all that he did for me!  The event was well attended but as it turned out, it was just too much stuff for sale. A sea of vendors took up three sections of  Evangel's huge parking lot.  I made my booth fee and handed it over to my sister-in-law who had made all of the arrangements for this event for us. She made her booth back as well.  I was tired and disappointed when I left the event because I felt we did so poorly.  However, when I reflected on it later during some quiet time, I realized that we were blessed to get any sales because there were many all around us who sold absolutely nothing! 

What I learned from this experience:  I wouldn't do an event with this many vendors unless it was a major event like a county or state fair.  Evangel Temple is a mega church (and I must say, it is as beautiful on the inside as outside) however., the ratio of vendors verses attendees was way off.  It was a free for all which turned out to be too much of a good thing for everyone but the food vendors and those (including me) enjoying it all!

The items pictured are items recently sold.  For a look at more beautiful jewelry and accessories, you can check out Designed by Audrey at www.designedbyaudrey.etsy.com and www.designedbyaudrey.artfire.com and now on  Handmade Spark - Designed By Audrey 

No Words Wednesday -- Just the New Items of the Week!

Featured Item of the Week Beaded Eyeglass Holders

Beautiful and practical, new this week in my Etsy and Artfire shops are Beaded Eyeglass Holders.  These lovely spec holders come in a variety of colors and range in sizes from 28" to 31" in length.  The featured selections are fashioned in  Czech Seed Beads and sparking Czech Crystals ranging in size from small, medium to large.  Great for keeping your reading or craft glasses close by as you work on a project and a great gift idea.  

Audrey of Designed by Audrey is a jewelry designer and crafter in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  Check out  my lovely necklaces, earrings, bracelets, key chains, bookmarks and now eyeglass holders at my online shop on Artfire at www.DesignedbyAudrey.Artfire.com or on Esty at   www.DesignedbyAudrey.Esty.com.  Great selection and great prices.

The Value of A Money Pen!

This past weekend I had a booth at  the St. Mary's Parish  Flea  and Vendor's Market in support of their Mens' Ministry in Landover Hills, MD.  As the event was supposed to start at 9:00 a.m. we arrived at  7:15 a.m. to find a sea of vendors already set up and selling and a long line for check in. There were over 300 vendors at this event. 

My husband was on hand to help set up, however with all  of the people walking through everywhere and everything, ready to buy, made set up difficult.   I sold three of my Murano Lampwork Rings before I officially opened for business.  The vendor directly behind me whose name is Michelle has a wonderful business called Philly Soul Treasures (www.phillysoultreasure.com) was a wealth of information and help to me during this event.  Michelle is a second generation Flea Market, Yard Sale Specialist who sells used and new items at events and online. We helped her with her tent and quickly closed up the gaps between our booths to keep shoppers from walking into our supply and personal area.  There were so many vendors that wherever there was a gap to get through to the next area, the shoppers took advantage.  During our many discussions, Michelle asked if I had a money pen and of course, I didn't.  She explained that because there is a lot of counterfeit currency being circulated, a pen is imperative for all money transactions $20 and above.  Michele went on to explained that the pens were relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any stationary store like Staples.

It was a hot sunny Saturday and attendance was good  so I sold a lot of earrings, rings and key chains.  It seems that the shoppers at this event did not want to spend over $20.00 for anything.  That was okay because I  had an entire table and two hanging racks with lovely items price at $20.00 and under.  However,  the bargain hunters were drawn to my higher priced items.  My Carmel Aventurine and Golden Honey Jade Necklace and Earring Set  which is featured above was the target of a few haggles.  This wonderful set is totally semi-precious gemstones with soft yellow Caltrite beads rounding out the Carmel Aventurine and Honey Jade.   It is a steal at $35.00.  However, I was willing to drop the price for this particular venue to $30.00, but of course, $20.00 was the price offered.  I offered other lovely sets in my shop that were similar in color at the $20.00 price point  like the featured Champagne Coco and Gold Cracked Glass Necklace and Earring Set, but of course they didn't want that.  

Towards the end of the event about six young men (18-20 years old) showed up and were ready to shop. And they shopped, paying with $50.00 bills.  Michelle was kind enough to let me borrow her money pen.  I usually don't accept anything over $20.00, but was able to because of the money pen!  My Blue Turquoise Teardrop Pendant Necklace and Earring Set was the first item purchased by these young shoppers.

Things learned from this event:  Get up and out earlier to set up.  Networking is a wonderful way to learn and receive and give help. The value of a money pen! 

It Was Hot Hot Hot at the Kid's Festival!

Designed by Audrey was one of two jewelry vendors to be invited to take part in the Kid's Festival at Old Towne Bowie in Maryland, on Saturday, June 12, 2010. It was a clear blue sunny day but it was so hot -- 95 degrees and very humid!  The only redeeming grace was the fact that there was a park directly behind us that offered up a large tree that partially shaded the back of the booth.  By the time I was all set up, I felt like I had put in a full day.  Once I had an ice cold bottle of water and a chance to sit down for a few minutes under my tent fan, I was ready to sell.  

It was an exhausting, but fun day.  There were plenty of activities planned for the little ones -- pony rides, clowns, moon bounce, face painting, temporary tatoos, singing and dance alongs, tours of the firehouse and train museum.  The kids had a blast!  One of the highlights of the afternoon was a live concert.  The band was great singing songs like Brown Eyed Girl, Bright Sun Shinny Day, In the Summer Time When the Weather is Hot,  Good Vibrations, Get Around, Bare Footing and Born to be Wild to name a few.  As my  booth was right outside the park, I  had the pleasure of being able to see the performance as well.

Attendance was down for this event  I believe because of the heat, but I was able to sell 12 items!  Half of the earrings sold alone or part of sets were to customers who needed clip-ons.  I made the sales because I had everything on hand to make the adjustments.  My customers were thrilled to find that I could change any earring in my shop to a clip-on.  

I set up two tables for this event.  As there was plenty of room  in the booth for one more table, in hindsight it would have been wise to set up a third table with a supply of coloring pages and crayons.  The kiddies would have had something fun to do while mom and grandma leisurely looked around my shop!   

My lovely booth banner was created by Cottonwood Whispers Design and Graphics a wonderful Etsy vendor.  The original artwork used  for this banner was taken from the image used for my business cards.  This is also the image created for my on-line shop banner and avatar and was created by a wonderful graphic artist named Verano who is also a very talented Etsy vendor.

Last but not least, I want to thank my wonderful husband who was on hand to help with the set up and take down of my booth and who graciously filled in during breaks.  Thanks babe!

What's next:  The Men's Club of St. Mary's Parish of Landover Hills, MD is hosting a vendor and flea market on Saturday, June 19, 2010 and Designed by Audrey will have a booth at this event.  St. Mary's is located  at  7207 Annapolis Road, Landover Hills, MD.  If you live in the Washington, DC area, come out and support this ministry event.

Setting Up The Booth for A Craft Fair

Last week I talked about the table set up.  This week I will discuss setting up the outdoor space for an event.  When taking part in an outdoor event it is wise to have a tent or a market umbrella on hand.  These types of canopies protect your items for sale and you from the sun, wind and rain which makes for a more pleasant experience.  And, there is a bonus -- if the event is on a hot sunny day, visitors have an inviting place to come in out of the sun.

I have a 10' x 10' Easy Up Tent.  It is relatively simple to put up, however, I still need assistance opening it all the way.  If using a tent that is not staked, make sure you have weights (I use 40 lbs weights) on hand or at lease some bricks to protect the tent from strong breezes. For outdoor events have some insect spray on hand in case there are ants. Once the tent is up, the tables should be set up just as they were during the trial run. Have some clamps on hand to keep your tablecloth in place if necessary.  I set up in a "L" or "U" formation so that visitors can come in and browse.  I place my least expensive items near the front of the booth and my more expensive items towards the middle table.  I also have a couple of  vertical racks that I hang above my side tables which hold an additional 20 items.

Sales supplies to have on hand -- pens, receipt book, inventory check list, business cards and holder, a mirror, gift boxes, bags, scissors, tape, plenty of change ($1s, $5s, $10s and $20s), a money marking pen, a money pouch or cash box and a big smile for each customer.  I also have supplies and tools on hand to make minor adjustments in my pieces.  This gives me the ability to change the earrings from pierced to clip-on.  And for the customer who only wears gold or silver, for an additional fee I can upgrade any item.  Next, a comfortable chair is a must.  I also have on hand a TV Table for my drinks and snacks.  I make earrings while I'm at an event to keep business when thing are slow, so my TV table gets a lot of use.  All supplies not being used, should be placed neatly under the tables out of view.  It is important to keep your table neat and well stocked throughout the event.  And last, have fun!  I hope these hints have been helpful.

My new frontier this week is large hole beads key chains which come in a variety of colors and themes which are available in my Etsy Shop or my Artfire Shop .

Firsts!

Wow, this week has been one full of highs and lows.  One of the high points of this week is I had my first sale on Artfire!  Yipee!  Firsts are always exciting.  I sold a pair of my Soft Pink and White Marble Earrings. These are truly lovely earrings and I have two additional pairs in stock.  I shared the news of this good fortune with the Artfire Community in a thread entitled  "At LAST My First Sale Has Come Along!"  All of the well wishes were truly appreciated.  A GREAT group for sure!

My second first, I received and accepted a reserved listing on Etsy.  It was for my Black Beaded Gold Hoop Earrings.  What made it so special was that the request was for six pairs of earrings for a bridal party!  Again, firsts can be really exciting and I was very pleased.  I was blessed to have all the supplies in stock because the bride would need them in a few days.  So, I thought I would be busy making, packaging and shipping this order and then it happened.  . .I received a message from the Bride requesting the cancellation of the order.  It seems that her mother-in-law had graciously purchased other earrings for her bridal party.  As I had not purchased any supplies or started work, I refunded all but the $1.20 listing fee. The cancellation of  a sale was another first and it was a low point.  I have updated my policies on both shops as it relates to special orders to set forth and cover what will be refunded or not.    

Other matters.  I am getting ready for a busy month of outdoor events.  I have several set up for this month.  I will have a booth at the The Kid's Festival on 9th Street in Bowie, MD on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  I will also have a booth at a vendors market and craft fair at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Route 450 in Landover Hills, MD.  As I begin the pull things together for these events the following helpful tips come to mind.  I will focus on the table set up today.

First thing -- know your inventory.  Keep an updated list of every item which will be showcased for sale at the event.  It is helpful and important to have pictures, descriptions and prices listed on a printout. This is simple task for those who have on-line shops on websites like Etsy or Artfire because it is just a matter of printing the current listing and checking off which items will be showcased. This will also be key in adjusting inventory after the event is over.  Next tag and price each item.  Do a trial run of how the table(s) will be set up.  How many tables will be used ?  What kind and color tablecloth(s) will work best?  Do you have a banner for your table?  If so, what will be used to attached it to the table?  If items will be displayed at different heights, (which creates more space and interest) what will be used?  Is it sturdy and stable enough for the items which will sit on top. Frugal risers can be made out of postage boxes of various sizes wrapped in white paper or whatever covering you choose. Will the tablecloth fit nicely over these props or will the props be placed on top of the tablecloth? Once satisfied with the set up, take pictures to use as a guide on the day of the event.

Next time I'll talk about the additional items which will be needed for a successful outdoor event.  The colorful bracelet showcased is my Turquoise Rainbow Calsilica and Black Beaded Bracelet and Earring Set.  Here is a link to the listing  on Artfire:  http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1356740