by lorigreenberg on June 9, 2009
Of course I liked the minimal display idea but I was a bit nervous as to how it would really translate in others’ minds.
Any ‘together’ person would have worked one up and done a dry run before actually debuting it. But not me. Last Minute Lori strikes again. I got to the show, put down my canvas, laid out my beads and then drew the virtual display trays around them.
Of course, images don’t capture the ‘depth’ of this idea. Those are hand drawn ‘trays’ in the best doodly, cross hatch fashion that I could do with a fat Sharpie and painting canvas.
I had to fight myself all weekend from the urge to doodle on them. While it would have looked cool, I was already getting enough attention for the displays. You learn that you don’t want your display taking away from the work. It’s funny how something so minimalist can stand out so much.
I also received comments about how the flat, light colored surface was less distracting than trays and bowls and other displays. I took a gamble and did something totally out of the ordinary. I was nervous but it paid off. I’ve already brainstormed ideas with my helper (my mom) for my next display that will go along with this and I can’t wait to try that too!
It will be interesting to see if anyone else embraces this concept.
by lorigreenberg on June 2, 2009
Back in March I blogged about cutting down my display in order to get to a show via airplane. Well, I leave for the show tomorrow morning and I thought that today was as good a time as any to get started on that new travelling display. Here is my plan and what I have done so far this morning:
I rolled out a big piece of canvas and set out to make two panels that will go on top of the black fabric that will be on my 8 ft. table.
They’re a little less than 4 feet long and a couple feet tall.
I then painted a border around the edges for a little definition. My plan was to use my beloved Sharpie to draw outlines (where my trays normally would be) but when I started placing the beads for reference I started rethinking that plan.
I still like that plan and I’m sitting and looking at this right now. I’m debating whether to do that or even to do it when I get to the show to set up.
My original idea was what is shown above but then for the visual barrier to use black chalk or pastels. My thought was that, as items sold, or from show to show, I could wipe the chalk off and re-do it each time.
As you can see, when I tested that theory before starting to design, I quickly saw that it would be a smearing mess and it wouldn’t wipe off well enough to be re-usable.
I still need to write my web site on the panels and also make up some little placards that can be moved around with prices. Although, now that I have help at this show I probably should price them individually so I can leave the booth and know that everything is self-explanatory in my absence.
At this point I should probably just pack up and do the rest at the show. One problem I’ve always had is bringing too many beads (i.e., everything I own and will probably never be able to sell). This time, because I’m flying there, I’m only taking series of beads that go together and look cohesive. But over the years I’ve developed so many different styles that it still seems like I have too much. So, I’m going to have to determine that when I get there and most likely not show as much as is out in these pictures. I think it’s too overwhelming to customers and as I sell, I can always bring out more.
I also didn’t allow for room for my mailing list book, which I need to do. So, I’ll do the rest when I get there.
by lorigreenberg on May 15, 2009
This is a repost from two years ago. The Bead & Button show is only two weeks away. Here is your survival guide if you’re not going to the show:
======
First posted June 10, 2007
It just hit me…everyone is at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee. Except me. And you. Our sales go down because everyone is at the show shopping. We can’t chat with all of our friends because they won’t be on line until late tonight after the show. So what do we do?
Here are some survival rules to keep in mind for those of us left behind next year:
Before the show:
Do a ‘good weather’ dance at least three days before the show. This way, when the show starts it will be beautiful outside and you can distract yourself with an outdoor activity. Or yard work. (Aren’t you glad you’re not at the show now? All those chumps shopping for beading stuff will come home to jungles.)- Go to your favorite forums and put a temporary block on search terms like “Who is going to Bead & Button?” and “I’m Here!” I don’t know if you can really do that but if you can, it will help you to avoid those threads and save you from feeling left out.
- Exercise. Burn those extra calories a couple weeks before the show because you’re going to need it for our pity party. (See tomorrow’s Surviving Bead and Button Show: During the show).
- Find your happy place. Prepare ahead for what you will do when you feel those angry, envious, resentful feelings coming up when you think about all the fun you’re missing. Hurry…that last sentence could have taken you to that not-so-pretty place already. There will be more of those very soon. Remember, the best defense is a good offense.
- Start saving now. After you experience what you’re going to experience while everyone is away (especially if you’ve been to Bead & Button before) you will never let yourself miss another one. If you can put away $20 a week starting now, you will have about $1000 to spend by this time next year.
- Use the buddy system. Plan ahead to have a fellow non-attending Bead & Button buddy to be able to call at any time of the day or night. You can talk each other down if needed.
