Comments from Visitors to My Display and Other Musings About Potlatch SF Convention

One of the interesting (well, at least to me) things about doing the convention last weekend were the comments from buyers and browsers. There was a great deal of interest in the vintage look pieces and I even sold the gunmetal and pearl necklace I showed (and Dave of Rings & Things shared on their blog) awhile back.

Another comment was that many of the con participants might prefer bigger and bolder necklaces. One of the ones I sold (along with a custom matching bracelet and earrings - wish I had thought to photograph the set!) I'd almost convinced myself not to make as I thought it was "too much". When I saw it on the customer, I was so thrilled - it really looked great on her.

My copper and mother of pearl necklace also sold early. I didn't sell any earrings (other than the custom order for the set above), though. And none of the green pieces sold, even with St. Patrick's day coming up.

Many of the con participants are already avid beaders and crafters, too. I received more than one suggestion to check out local gem shows - something I do want to do, just need to figure out how to schedule (and budget) one into my calendar.

One customer liked my yellow turquoise and green lace lanyard but wanted it in silver. So I took it home and re-strung it with tiny sterling silver beads instead of the gold plated ones already on it. She was quite happy with the new look and I made a sale.

One of the other dealers in the room (booksales) does jewelry and felt I'd underpriced my work. I understand what she was saying and know I still haven't figured out my pricing. However, I like getting my work out there, so part of my "profit-margin" is satisfaction. I know I'd feel much differently if I was more dependent on the money from sales, so thank goodness for the day job that supports my fledgling side-business!

Day 2, Potlatch 18

Have had a great time, getting to know the other sellers in the dealer's room. Picked up a couple new books, too. If I hadn't sold one thing, I would have been sad about that, but still would feel the weekend was well spent.

Well, there I am in my little spot, taken by my neighbor, Michael Rightor of Re[a]d Ink Books.

The room closed at 6pm tonight - and I have a couple custom requests to work on tonight, so it's time to get to work on them.

Atomic Bear - I Took Your Advice

Those are little carved bone (?) skulls. Atomic Bear and I had a chat the other day and he and I were joking about me making more "macho" lanyards. I remembered last night that I had these two skull beads and took his advice.

Live Blogging from Artist's Alley - BayCon

The hotel staff unlocked the doors, but couldn't turn on the lights. Dealer's room was supposed to open at 10 and I showed up at 9 to see this. They finally got in at about 9:45. As a result they didn't open the dealer's room until 10:30.

I've had a pretty nice trickle of visitors and made some sales. Here's a happy customer in a really classy pirate costume.

Also just finished talking to a lovely lady and have two custom sales to do by the end of the day for her!

More later - have to get to work!

Work in Progress on a Wedding Necklace

4-5mm freshwater cultured pearls, good quality, very nearly round but sold as "potato" shaped, with 6mm lapis lazuli beads - again good quality with nice flecks of 'gold' and a little white. I've spaced the pearls and lapis with tiny silver colored glass seed beads. The clasp is sterling and lapis.

I have an alternate one I could use instead, with an imitation pearl and silver metal (probably plated nickel) also.

The necklace is at 20" now, waiting to hear back from the potential buyer if she wants a longer necklace and what clasp design she prefers.