After the storm!

(<---This is Amy) Thursday was a hot sunny day that held promises of a great outdoor market and sales. I took my wares to Jamaica Plain and met some of my fellow Boston Handmade Group members for set-up and sales.

Everything went well in the beginning. I was able to share Amy's tent (She has her shop at Amy Olson Jewelry) and we had a nice location. The wind, was a bit of a challenge as we really wanted our items to be on the tables, so we had to keep our eyes open, however, without the wind the temps were a bit high to navigate. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the time I had to get to know my fellow crafters and learn more about shows and selling in the open market. Who knew it could take so much to pull together for a short period of time. However, when you don't have a "shop" and what you do is travel around, it must all be done. Some of these ladies have been doing this for years so it was for me to ask questions and take notes.

<--- My table was small this time. I used a vintage, yellow vinyl covered card table that was perfect to hold all my items, a hand mirror, a credit card swiping machine and a binder for custom orders. Next to that table I used a small "tv dinnr" tray table which I used to place the vintage buttons and a few other items. I thought it all looked very professional, albeit small. I had just enough space to make all things look good. I used a black velvet shower curtain and a black tablecloth to cover the tables and help the colors of my items pop! In observing my surroundings, I learned a very simple trick from Amy. She used rice as a backdrop for her earrings which I thought was a great touch! She also used various books and boxes at different elevations to showcase her beautiful jewelry. I've filed the information in the recesses of my mind.

(<---These lovely items are from Stonehouse Studio)

Although our day began with a lot of promise, we didn't get many passers-by until about 6 pm. It would have been wonderful, except that the sky opened up at about 6:45 and chased everyone away. It could have been a total bust if not for the great company I shared in the two hours we were there and set-up and if not for the fact that the rain allowed me to go home and take in the Worcester fireworks display with my baby boy, who was experiencing them for the first time (priceless!!!).

Thank you ladies for your generosity in sharing information with me. I can't wait to get out there again! I'm armed, but I've got a lot more to learn, thanks to you, I feel I'm on the right path!