Hello all! Oh my, another year has come and gone. I didn’t take a single picture! How sad is that? When I loaded the truck on Friday, it was cloudy. Before I could get out of the driveway it started sprinkling. I had to pull out a tarp and cover everything up. That set me way behind. If you’ve ever tarped a load on a truck you know that you have to really secure it or it will fly all around. When I got to Glendale it was still drizzling, so it was a race to get the tent up and get unloaded. The weather did clear up, but I was so busy! I got home around 7:30 Friday night.
Saturday morning I was up and at ‘em before 5 AM. It’s about a 45 minute drive to Glendale. I’ll just quickly mention that I was very sick Saturday morning, and as I arrived to the smell of barbecue already cooking, I thought I was going to be sick. Luckily I was so busy setting up that I soon forgot about being sick.
Shoppers were out and about with flashlights before I got set up. It was a little slow for awhile but after daylight, they came in droves. I’m always amazed at how many people show up for this fall festival.
The camo desk was the first large sale of the day. It sold for $50, which I have donated to Stiggy’s Dogs. The lady that bought it, couldn’t take it right away, and many people stopped to look at it, and I could have sold it several more times.
These mirrors sold right away, and again, they were held for later pickup. They brought a lot of shoppers into the booth, who were sad when I told them they were already sold.
Not to sound like a broken record, but the same thing happened with this chalkboard. The lady was unable to take it right away, and more people wanted to buy it. So, at least I know what might go well at next year’s show.
The show was a huge success, but I was disappointed at what didn’t sell.
I took a bunch of caddies. I had them staged for fall, Christmas and with my dyed hydrangeas, mostly to give people an idea of what they could do with them. Many were left plain. Some priced as low as $6. None sold.
Most shoppers didn’t even know what these beverage tags were for. I had one tied onto my thrifted green pitcher. Sold? NONE, a big fat zero. A set of 6 for $10.
Now, on to my pain in the behind spindle trees. Didn’t sell a single one. I did however sell a few of the paper ornaments I made to adorn them. Jamie and I talked about them, she convinced me to trim them up.
This is the last time I’ll be blogging about these trees. I re-did 4 of them, but looking at the pictures, I’m embarrassed to show you. They honestly don’t look this bad in person. If they don’t sell, perhaps I’ll give them away. I really think they’re a great alternative to a large tree, even great for a hospital room or nursing home.
I sold most of my chalkboards, and a bunch of the tiles and plates. I also sold quite a few of the rustic wedding signs.
It was crazy breaking down, and trying to get out of the show. There are so many booths crammed in, and so many cars/trucks parked, it’s a logistical nightmare that makes it impossible to get out quickly. I got home a little after 8 PM and went directly to the shower. I spent Sunday afternoon unpacking the truck and figuring out what goes to the shop, and what goes into storage.
I mentioned on facebook that my space was overcrowded. It was about 4 hours before I even had room to put a chair. (after the lady picked up the desk) I have reserved two booth spaces for next year. If only we could have a crystal ball so we could know what will sell and what won’t.
Do you do craft shows? This is the only one I do all year. I can’t imagine doing this several times a year.
gail
I appreciate you reading my blog in your reader and/or via email.
You can reach me at gail@MyRepurposedLife.net
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Corn in my Coffee-Pot says
October 24, 2012 at 2:20 pmOh wow! I’m here catching up on your goings on…the sounds like a lot of work. But I know you enjoyed mingling with people. It is very hard to know the crowd and what they may or may not be wanting.
Glad you sold lots of things…the trees will catch on I think. I don’t know what you had them priced…but I bet you start seeing them everywhere now.
Pat
Stephanie says
October 23, 2012 at 7:33 pmWoohoo! So glad it was a success. A lot of work though you poor thing. Yeah, you never know what people are going to buy from year to year. I wish you would of taken pictures dang it! Oh well, next year.
Proper Prim says
October 23, 2012 at 2:15 pmGail, so thrilled to hear your show was such a success.
I personally think people hesitate to buy things that they THINK they can make themselves. I believe that is why the unique pieces sell so quickly.
You could take all that stuff next year with a different group of people and might sell it all. There is no magic formula unfortunately.
I am so happy that overall it all worked out for you.
Hugs,
Deb
Anonymous says
October 23, 2012 at 2:28 pmI was glad I got to see you there. I am happy to hear you are getting two booths next year. I think having the space will be nice. I can’t believe the caddys didn’t sell, they were cute as can be. As far as the tags, a lot of people are like me. I thought about a set during the summer for out door parties but now I am on to fall/winter crafts.
Donetta
DonettaW@kyrecovery.org
Dee @ A Lapin Life says
October 23, 2012 at 2:08 amHi Gail,
The desk was so cool. Of course it sold right away. I knew those chalk boards would be a big hit. I don’t understand why no one bought the caddies. Those are so cute for many areas of the home.
I use to do those shows but with 3 kids it got to be to much for them. lol
Dee
Full Circle Creations says
October 22, 2012 at 8:30 pmI’m glad you had a good show. It is hard to predict what will sell. I can’t sell a chalkboard to save my life.
Holly
Bliss says
October 22, 2012 at 7:24 pmI’m not surprised the desk was snapped up right away but I am surprised no takers on the tags.
Bliss
Lynn says
October 22, 2012 at 6:47 pmHi, just joined your blog, I know what you mean about loading up, that is a job isn’t it! Glad your show turned out good. Hugs, Lynn
Toqua's Crafts says
October 22, 2012 at 4:27 pmI’m glad you sold as much as you did. The one good thing about the caddies not selling is that they’re small and easier for you to pack and move back home. It is a bummer though they didn’t sell. I am really glad you sold all that other stuff though! That is great!
I hope you’re feeling even better now.
I Play Outside The Box says
October 22, 2012 at 3:25 pmSounds like you did well, even though you didn’t sell everything. Glad you got past feeling so sick….that had to be a bummer!
Mindi@MyLove2Create says
October 22, 2012 at 3:06 pmGlad you had success, it sounds like a tiring weekend! I am shocked your cute tags and caddy’s didn’t sell, I LOVE them!
Nadine @ Chic with the Kool-Aid Mustache says
October 22, 2012 at 2:53 pmI don’t do craft shows because I have a hard time reproducing things over and over. It’s hard to guess what people will purchase like you and others have said but I’m glad you had some success!
Korrie@RedHenHome says
October 22, 2012 at 1:49 pmI’m glad your show was a success, but I understand the frustration with the things that don’t sell! You never can tell for sure. Sounds like a good day overall, though, and a great plan to have two spots for next year!
Mad Maine says
October 22, 2012 at 1:12 pmGreat post. I am surpised the caddies did not sell, they are so cute – and functional! Maybe a different color would have helped. I know I would have bought one for sure. Also, what a cool desk. My son would have loved that one.
Viking Translations says
October 22, 2012 at 1:09 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Terri says
October 22, 2012 at 12:55 pmCongrats on your sales…sadly, it sounds like you came home with a bit more than you wanted, but sounds like you did well anyway.
Bummer about those boxes…I have been making some to put in a Christmas Boutique here…now I am second guessing that decision, lol. Mine are much simpler than yours (no handle) and I thought they would be good sellers decorated for the holidays! Hmmmmmm…
Nova says
October 22, 2012 at 12:36 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Jamie@OwlReally.com says
October 22, 2012 at 12:13 pmi’m glad it went so well! every year is a learning experience and i’m so excited for your double booth next year!
A Pretty Pastime says
October 22, 2012 at 11:33 amSo glad you had a successful weekend! So sorry you were sick; hopefully you’re feeling better. Sounds like you better put your feet up and relax for a day or two 🙂
Susan says
October 22, 2012 at 11:22 amIt sounds like even though some things did not sell, you had a success from the sale!
Susan @ homeroad.net says
October 22, 2012 at 10:44 amHey Gail!
Congratulations on your success at Glendale! One a year would be enough for me as well. I love your chalkboards… no wonder you could have sold them a few times! Selling at a place like this once in a while is something I’d love to do…. maybe when I’m no longer working.
Your trees are very cute by the way!
Susan
Sue says
October 22, 2012 at 10:43 amGreat to hear about the sales you made, also surprised that the caddies or tag didn’t go. Hopefully you feel better now and don’t get sicker!
Have an awesome week,
Sue
Laurel W. says
October 22, 2012 at 12:47 pmThank you for posting about Glendale! I do Flea Markets w/my re-purposed/refinished furniture and wares. It always fascinates me as to what I think will sell and what actually does. Chalkboards are hot, the bigger the better. I have a few baskets, that I cannot give away. Big furniture you would think would be hard to move, but it amazes me that they get purchased more so than not. I’ve also learned the hard way, that reserving 2 spaces is better than 1. Wishing you much luck w/all your great items, love love your blog, thank you.