[Insert Cliche Good/Bad Idiom Here]

I vended at a show this past Sunday, and my high hopes and excitement were chipped away at all day until the show ended and I closed my cash box having made only 2 sales.... About 350 people had come through the show. Needless to say, I was disappointed. But I could have been much more upset, and interestingly, (because I have a consistently positive outlook) I kinda wanted to be an angry sourpuss, lamenting all of the things that hadn't gone my way that day. But no matter how hard I tried to be a Debbie Downer, the good things about my day kept creeping up on me which made it very difficult to maintain the negative attitude that I so wanted to enshroud myself in.

"Every cloud has a silver lining"

"There are two sides to every coin"

"Take the bad with the good"

"Don't throw the baby out with the bath water"

No matter how hard I tried to focus on the failures of the day...

- "350 people and I only sold 2 items?! To the SAME person!" 

- "Why didn't the vendor who was supposed to be beside me show up? Now there's just a void there and its negative energy is tainting my vending space!" 

- "I want to grab some food, but what if I miss the ONLY other sale I might get today?"

- "Those people giving away free cupcake samples right in front of me are making everyone miss my table!"

...they just didn't really seem to matter when stacked up against the good things that occurred...

-I gave out lots of business cards!

-People always enjoy seeing those Beastly Baby Booties, and it makes me feel great to create something that generates such an instant and positive response.

-I met another Etsy friend! It was her first show, and her table setup looked AMAZING! I was so happy to meet her in person.

-Someone was browsing through my creations and after discovering that I made each and every one told me that I was 'just amazing'. :)

-The vendor behind me was super-friendly and let me know about a job opportunity (I'm currently seeking outside employment until my business starts generating millions) and told me how personable I was. Then she kept giving me chocolate squares. Mmmmm.... chocolate...

-I received tons of compliments on the work that I create and could talk about how some of my items were developed.

-I was photographed for the local 'Snap!' newspaper!

-The journalist who was shooting pictures was looking at a pair of Quantum Teardrops, when I said they were inspired by quantum physics, she said "Oh I get it, like this is sort of like an atom and these represent the orbits..." I get thrilled when people can see the inspiration translated into the design.

-Another Etsy friend came to the show to say hi and check out everyone's presentation (she's getting ready to attend her first show) and happened to bring along with her my one customer for the day...

There's more that I could add to that list, but I think I've made my point. Even though I was really upset that this particular show experience was a bit of a loss on paper (when you factor in table costs, transportation, etc- and weigh that against the meager sales I achieved...) it was still a great day no matter how hard I tried to perceive it as a really really bad one.

Some people say it's easier to think negative thoughts, or believe negative things- but I discovered that it's only easier to do that if you're in the habit of doing it anyway and you've already been consistently ignoring the good stuff in your life. But I'm not like that, and for as long as I can remember I have always been taught to "look on the bright side" and "not let it get you down" and to "seek the positives". It has become such a regular practice for me that it's basically impossible for me wallow in the world of pessimism. EVEN WHEN THAT'S THE ONLY THING I WANT TO DO.

So my advice to you is to really foster a positive outlook and learn to find the things that are great about unsavory situations. With a little practice and metal stick-to-it-iveness, you too can save yourself from being your own worst enemy ;)

*Maria

Handmade Jewelry Show and Sale

This Saturday, March 12 (tomorrow) I'll be attending a handmade jewelry show at a very cool coffee house called the Kava Bean Commons in downtown Kitchener. It's right down the road from the bus station,  at 24 Gaukel St. I love local businesses that support the handmade community, and this will the first show of this sort that I've attended. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you! Even if you're just grabbing a coffee and stopping to say hi. Check out some of the artists who will be attending from the list below :)

 Cobbled Stone - cobbledstone.etsy.com

February Jones - februaryjones.etsy.com

Sugar Accessories - www.sugaraccessories.com

Rawkette Jewellery - www.etsy.com/shop/Rawkette

Les-is-more by Lesley Lang

Dazzling Designs by Jennifer Hagen

Scribbles Boutique by Sara McAuley

*Maria

Today, Small Craft Table... Tomorrow, The World

I finally got all of my creations together in one place- or rather, on one table. It's something that I've wanted to do for pretty much my whole life so this first experience was a bit of a dream come true. I became a member of my local artist's community, Art-in-Guelph so that I could take advantage of discounted table fees at the different events that are hosted by Art-in-Guelph. It was a small step in the right direction, and perfect for my first time working a table.

 Free "small space" setup during a weekend event that I couldn't get a table for- Quantum Squiggles

There were 7 or 8 other artists present and our tables were set up in the wide open aisleway of a uniquely styled mall space in Guelph called Old Quebec Street. I spent 2 weeks preparing my table, arranging my jewellery and accessories, and of course, creating as much stock as I could. In my free time I researched different sites and blogs to find tips for first timers and this blog post from Mermaid's Closet was awesome!

My first event table set up... Such excitement!

When the big day arrived, I was rushed but calm. I woke and drove my fiancee to his carpool, got my (future) stepdaughter up and off to school, then quickly dressed and prepped myself before heading to my studio space to collect my things and motor to the show. I had a dream that morning that I forgot to load a chair, so I was confident that I couldn't possibly forget it. I did... (Thanks for coming to my rescue Mom!)That morning was much busier than I had anticipated, but the excitement I was feeling balanced out my emotions. Shortly after getting set up, some of the other artists started to visit because they noticed a new face among the regulars. I was building up my confidence to introduce myself (sometimes I can get a little shy, which a lot of people find hard to believe) so having people come to me made those introductions a little bit easier. The warmest welcome that I recieved by far was from Nicole, who runs a shop called "Fawn" and I absolutely fell in love with her feathered headbands.

 A new earring display made of steel wire inspired by my new friend Nicole of Fawn

I made a Facebook event and invited lots of people so I did have a few familliar faces stop by the table throughout the day. Visits from people that I knew was a great way to increase my sense of familiarity and comfort with the whole experience, it really did feel like this was something that I did all the time- almost as though friends were stopping by my place for a coffee and a chat. Having them show their support was also just a great feeling, regardless of whether or not they purchased something. When you have a group of people behind you that support every step you make, you really begin to feel like you could do anything.