ACEN and Artist's Alley
This year, my buds and I got together and made ourselves members of Artist's Alley. We figured it'd be an interesting way to make a few dollars and get ourselves 'on the market', so to speak. For some of us, it was a lucrative venture, for others, it was more of a learning experience frought with mishaps.
I think I fall into both categories. I was glad to have made what I put into it and then some. It was a pleasant surprise, seeing how my jewelry making hobby is super expensive. It seems like the more you try to save on it and the more skill you acquire, the more crap you need to buy... Saving money and having a hobby just do not mix. You can only go to so many sales for your supplies before your bank account screams no more.
As for my learning experiences...Well, first off, I forgot my convention badge at home. Along with my tools, some of my findings and half my brain. Then, there was the unexpected surprise of needing business cards. I honestly wasn't expecting a lot of people to buy my stuff, despite my mom's encouraging 'You'll do fine's and crooning. Yet...I sold nearly all of my stuff. My better items went first, the good items went next and my baby left me on the last day. It went to some nice fella who was looking for a Mother's day present for his...well... it's not for his dad! The 'it' was a Pink Jade, white topaz, sterling silver and rose quartz necklace that I carefully made with my own two callused, pricked and blistered hands... it was beautiful....and now it's gone.
You know I'm going to make another just to satisfy my ego.
I think I fall into both categories. I was glad to have made what I put into it and then some. It was a pleasant surprise, seeing how my jewelry making hobby is super expensive. It seems like the more you try to save on it and the more skill you acquire, the more crap you need to buy... Saving money and having a hobby just do not mix. You can only go to so many sales for your supplies before your bank account screams no more.
As for my learning experiences...Well, first off, I forgot my convention badge at home. Along with my tools, some of my findings and half my brain. Then, there was the unexpected surprise of needing business cards. I honestly wasn't expecting a lot of people to buy my stuff, despite my mom's encouraging 'You'll do fine's and crooning. Yet...I sold nearly all of my stuff. My better items went first, the good items went next and my baby left me on the last day. It went to some nice fella who was looking for a Mother's day present for his...well... it's not for his dad! The 'it' was a Pink Jade, white topaz, sterling silver and rose quartz necklace that I carefully made with my own two callused, pricked and blistered hands... it was beautiful....and now it's gone.
You know I'm going to make another just to satisfy my ego.