On April 16th, I had my first annual Spring Trunk show. For the first time organizing an event like that, I think it was a great turnout. I hadn't kept track of how many people came, but we had a decent flow once noon rolled around. So, next time it will start at noon. I'm not much of a morning person anyway.
All the vendors were happy with the day, too. Liz from Looka Jewelry, who sold her gorgeous silver, brass and gold necklaces, earrings and rings, wants to be a part of the pre-holiday show I'm planning for the late fall. I've admired Liz's envelope style pieces for over a year, so I treated myself to one of these fab envelope rings with a little diamond; I haven't taken it off. I also couldn't resist Vonica Design's totally adorable wristlet clutch. I have been using that as my everyday bag to hold my essentials. The extra nice thing about it, I can throw it in a larger shoulder bag and all the must-have items are easily accessible. Having a couple great, large handbags makes this smaller bag so versatile! The gorgeous, heavy fabric Erica uses for her bags are favorites of mine. It's part of the reason why I asked her to be a part of the trunk show! All the fabrics are so soft, I love touching them.
My friend Claudia who is "Me & Louise" fashions and Claudia Venon Designs found some new fans at the show. Her shawls, scarves and tops were very popular. My fantastic mother-in-law surprised me with one of Claudia's awesome wrap-around skirts! I'm so lucky. My own mother was at the trunk show, too - as a vendor. She is the woman behind Advintage Antiques. I never realized how much cool stuff she sold. Bakealite jewelry and kitchen gadgets, pewter Art-Deco bowls and trays, mini packets of buttons, sparkly vintage costume jewelry, silver candle sticks, vanity sets from the 1920s. It was so fun to look through all of her treasures.
One of the things I forgot to do at the trunk show was take pictures. I was so anxious to get everything in order, I left the camera at home and didn't capture the action on pixel. Next time I won't forget the camera - or I could just use my new iPhone! That would be easiest. Also, my husband and I talked about investing in a sandwich-board sign for the outside of the gallery where we could post an announcement and attach balloons (universal party/event/yard-sale marker.) Thankfully this time we were able to attach our balloons to an old-playground-giant-rabbit-on-a-giant-spring children's ride we had on hand. I also need to be aggressive about asking for people to sign my email list. After having such a great day, some awesome feedback and figuring out what needs to be done differently next time (advertise more an earlier), I'm already looking forward to our pre-holiday trunk show in the fall. Stay tuned!
In other items, last weekend, I organized our under-utilized front porch as my home studio. It was quite inspiring, I have to say! I cleared out a couple throw rugs, scrubbed and dusted the base-boards (didn't realize how much the cats hang out there!) and window sills, and moved around the furniture. I brought in all my supplies and arranged my bookshelves. It's so sunny and bright out there, and it's where I take the pottery photos anyway - it's a perfect workspace. 
I'm in the process of getting a couple shows on the calendar for June. One in my hometown of Wakefield, MA at the annual Festival by the Lake on June 11. I used to volunteer at the food booth there when I was in jr high and high school. It was a fun event each summer. And it would be more fun to be a vendor there. The other one is at Absolutely Everything's Summer Craft Show in Topsfield, MA. It's on Sunday, June 26. Having these shows on my schedule motivates me to focus on which designs have sold previously so I can make more of those and tweak designs.
To wrap things up, I've been working on some new designs and commissions as well. At the trunk show, I had a couple custom-orders requested. It's been fun working on collaborations with customers - and is a great boost for me too - knowing people like my work. I'll post some pottery photos soon. And I have a couple of food posts in the hopper, too.
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