Rain Couldn't Spoil My Day

Wow, what a weekend! It took a lot of work to pull off my first outdoor show, but is was sure worth it.

With the help of Matt, my display panels were constructed quite easily and inexpensively. The panels themselves were made by my dad many moons ago for my high school senior art show. In my 17 year old wisdom, I had painted them with wavy stripes and polka dots. Let me tell you, they were hideous! But a coat of paint fixed them right up. The paint was also "freecycled" from my parent's basement - it's leftover house paint. Score! The only thing I needed to buy was a couple of 2 x 2's to create the panel legs and some hardware. To hang my work, I drilled holes in the panels and used pegboard hooks. Easy as pie!

My tent sides did not arrive in time, but I did manage to borrow some from twitter pal Cynthia, aka amwatergirl. Thank goodness I had them as we got quite a rainstorm on Sunday afternoon. Without them, my work and I would have been drenched! Thanks so much for bailing me out Cindy. (Of course, my panels arrived in the mail today.)

Unfortunately, I didn't get any good pictures of my tent. By the time I thought to take pictures, things got busy and then the weather turned bad. All in all, Art on the Lawn was great, despite the crummy afternoon weather. Morning traffic was strong, and I sold several original pieces as well as many prints and card sets. I made enough money to pay off my tent, cover all show costs and still turn a profit. Best of all......I won Best Of Show!!!! I am thrilled to say the least.

I can't tell you how big of a confidence boost this whole show was for me. It's so easy for me to get down on myself, when things aren't selling on Etsy. All of the positive feedback I got keeps me motivated to continue doing what I'm doing. I'm excited and ready to do another outdoor show!

I am working on a new chair piece as I write this. I sold 2 original chairs at the show - gotta build up inventory for my next show (Greenwich.)

Thanks to all of you who came out and braved the weather and to all of the Art on the Lawn volunteers who we so helpful throughout the weekend.

Have a great week friends. I'll be packing for Italy. I leave a week from today!!

Its Not Always Sunny in Sterling

"Windy Pods" by Annie of DwellinStyle on Etsy

May weather in the Midwest is unpredictable to say the least. Snow is not uncommon......Either is an 85 degree turn on the A/C kind of day.

I spent most of last week in flip-flops, enjoying the warmth of the spring days and dreaming of my soon to come summer vacation. But, Mother Nature does not like Midwesterners to get too complacent or too comfortable, so by the weekend, things turned downright nasty.......Just in time for my outdoor show!

I was awakened on Saturday morning by the howling of the wind. I looked out the window to see drizzle and gloomy, gray skies. Awesome! Despite the awful weather and frigid temps, Matt and I made the hour long trek down to Sterling to set up for May Fest.

Nothing about setting up my booth went smoothly. Even though the I had zip-tied sand bags to each leg of the EZ-UP tent, the gale-force winds were knocking it around. I put up the tent sides to block the wind, which did seem to help for a time. Every time I got part of a table set up, a gust of wind would push against the tent side and knock it all down. I was frustrated, but determined, so I would try again. Eventually I just tried setting things up on the side of the tent opposite the direction of the wind. The last straw was the overturning of an entire table, busting 2 frames and denting several others!!!

My booth neighbor Rebecca, of Rebeccabags on Etsy was nice enough to help me pick up the pieces of what once was my booth. (She's got adorable floral themed wristlets and bags in her shop. Check her out!) I didn't foresee the weather getting any better or having much of a crowd showing up, so without as much as one customer, the day was over for me! Matt and I repacked and were on the road just minutes after the show was supposed to start.

I was pretty disappointed, but have to admit, it was a learning experience. I will be wary about signing up to do an early May event again, unless its in Arizona or somewhere else warm. For my next show, (Art on the Lawn, June 13th) I will have everything securely hung up on some sort of wall and not deal with easels. I also know that I have to find a heavy-duty method to weight down my tent. Any veteran outdoor vendors have any tried and true suggestions?

Have a good week friends!

First Art Show of the Season

On Saturday, I will be peddling my wares at May Fest in Sterling, Illinois. Main Street May Fest is a celebration of spring flowers, the garden and Mother's day. There will be flowers, garden art, food, music, and family activities. I will be selling original works, giclee prints and handmade cards.

Last Sunday, I did at test run of setting up my booth. This is the first time I've done an outdoor show, so I wanted practice my set up before the event. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and I think I'm ready for Saturday.

One of the only things I purchased for the tent was the cute little banner, made by fellow Etsyian Amanda of Funkyshique. She made me the most adorable custom pennant bunting with my name. (I'll have to take a better picture of the bunting at the show.) Amanda was nothing but a pleasure to work with. The sharp burlap banner was made, sent and on my door step in just about one weeks time! Patronize her fab shop!!!

May Fest happens from 10 AM to 2PM on Saturday, May 8th at 4th and Light Streets, in the heart of downtown Sterling. Check out the map below for further directions. Hope to see you there!

Ciao! Ciao!


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