However, lately I’ve felt drawn to the word “uncompromising”, particularly as it relates to artistic expression. To be uncompromising is to present one’s ideas, feelings, and truths without making concessions for palatability.
In the early days of my jewelry business, I was readily willing to compromise, artistically and in other ways. I was trying hard to “make it work” with little experience and a dream. My designs were sometimes determined by what would sell quickly and easily, rather than what I felt most alive creating. I would price pieces less than they were worth, work seven days a week, and sacrifice self-care. For better or worse, making compromises seemed to allow me to find foot holds, and learn hard lessons. Now, fifteen years into my journey as a business owner and artist, I’m curious… what would happen if I stopped compromising?
What if held firm and fair boundaries?
What if I was kind to my body and spirit and respected to my own needs for rest and inspiration?
What if I allocated time for all the forms of art that I love: painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, installation, dance and writing?
What if every piece of jewelry I craft made my heart and soul SOAR?
Would it all come crashing down?!?!
Or, would I shake my mane, enjoying the lightness of a shucked bridle? Perhaps the rest would allow my mind and body to make space for glimmers of ideas to mushroom into existence? Would I offer an example to my daughter that encourages her to be her most uninhibited and shiniest self? Could I develop existing relationships, and attract new ones, by embodying the kind of energy that I crave? With a little persistence, would a band of wild horses form around me, careening across the landscape with abandon, each as free as the next?
One thing is certain, artistic expression draws breath from having an audience. However I direct my journey, I’m am so very grateful to YOU, the person reading this, and the people who have connected with my jewelry and my art. You make it possible. Thanks for being with me.
]]>Craft shows and street markets were the foundation of my jewelry business. When I launched in 2009, my rickety website wasn’t getting any traffic and I did not yet have a firm grasp on how to approach the intimidating thing called “wholesale”. Craft shows became the first method of selling my wares that worked, but it required the endurance to fail and try and again, as well as the willingness to celebrate successes. Over the years, I’ve done hundreds of shows… from the Javits Center in New York City, to Seattle’s Fremont Sunday Market and everything in between. I’d love to share some of my show stories with those of you who may be interested in selling your handcrafted magic under a white 10x10.
EARLY DAYS
My very first whack at a craft show was the Boulder Creek Festival in May of 2009. I made 110 one-of-a-kind designs in preparation and quit my executive assistant job in anticipation of major sales. I bought a five different shapes of jewelry boxes from Uline so that the packaging perfectly complemented the size and shape of the piece. It took two carloads of furniture and props to create my elaborate display. My mom flew out from Seattle to help and support. However, by any measure, the show was a flop. Only one necklace sold, and my mom was that hero. It rained so hard that weekend that the market shut down on the third day. I was devastated because I had put my whole heart into the presentation of my beloved work.
The next year, I was ready to try again. This time it was the Hill Flea, also in Boulder, CO. The show was just one day, and I decided to participate last minute, so I didn’t have the opportunity to pour copious amounts of time and energy investing in preparations. I didn’t sell much, but I covered the $40 booth fee, got some sun, and enjoyed myself. I happen to have a photo of my booth from this day!
The Hill Flea, Boulder CO, 2010
From these early shows, I learned to temper my up-front investment in shows by starting small, because the most valuable learning comes from experience not guessing. Don’t create barriers to starting by setting sights on big flashy shows, needing to have an extensive inventory, or requiring the booth setup of your dreams. Instead, pick a show that’s local and affordable and get out there! Create a display with items you already have or can borrow. Consider sharing a booth with a friend.
When you’re at the show, observe shoppers carefully. What do they touch? Does it seem like some design get glossed over? Maybe some items need a different backdrop to be more visible? Did the positioning of your display invite people into the booth, or block the flow of traffic? Talk to other vendors: there’s a camaraderie among vendors and others will be more than happy to offer help and support. Don’t just count your daily sales, the experience you’re gaining is even more valuable.
FINDING A RHYTHM
After having a positive experience, I was more confident about booking my next show, and book I did. Over the next many years, I booked shows most weekends during the summer and holiday season. I started to LOVE them. Having been quite shy and soft-spoken growing up, I learned to project my voice so I could be heard when talking to customers. I got a lot of energy from shows, and they became more and more successful. My designs, display, and car-packing techniques evolved over the years...
Firefly Handmade Market, Boulder, CO, April 2011
Sweet William Market, Denver, CO, June 2011
Fremont Fair, Seattle WA, June 2012
U District Street Fair, Seattle WA, May 2013
Renegade Craft, Chicago IL, September 2015
"RUH ROH"
In August 2013, my car, packed for Magnolia Summerfest, was broken into and cleaned out. Losses included hundreds of pieces of jewelry, a vintage stewardess case full of supplies and tools to make jewelry at shows, my entire display setup, vintage steamer trunks and suitcases that I'd collected for years... I was devastated. I seriously considered giving up on my business entirely and cruising Craigslist for a "real job."
After collapsing into tears for the morning, we leapt into action. My friend and fellow jeweler, Sacha (check out her website!!!), happened to call and wish me luck at the show shortly after the robbery was discovered. She met me at home and helped me reorder supplies, and then worked with me in my studio to create a small inventory for the second day of the show. My parents, referring to past booth photos, found or made replacement display items. With a lean collection of jewelry, I was setup on Sunday in a park just a mile or so away from when I now live. The community supported me. Komo 4 News came out to interview me, and even with about 1/10 of my usually selection of jewelry, my daily sales were right on track with the usual.
Here's a report by Komo 4 News
The theft was a blow, emotionally and financially, but I learned some things. One take away was that I don't need to have such an extensive inventory: when a shopper feels a connection with me or the brand or the jewelry, they'll choose something to take with them and it's not helpful to offer them 200 choices. Secondly, I'm resilient and can overcome challenges. Lastly, I have support from family and friends who are willing to show up when I need them. (I'm feeling this now, more than ever, in the early months of motherhood.)
DON'T COUT YOUR EGGS...
In 2014 I moved to Austin, TX and had high hopes for a Renegade Craft Market held in the thick of SXSW, a major music, film and technology festival that calls people from all over the world to party in Austin. Disappointingly, the show was one of the slowest, in terms of sales, that I'd done in year. However, I didn't know when the show ended that the buyer from UncommonGoods was in attendance and saw a piece I made called "The Globe Locket." She reached out to me by email a few weeks later, asking if I offer wholesale. This was the start of a game changing business relationship... but that's a story for another blog post. The point is that your sales at the end of any given show are not the end of it. You're building connections and a community by putting yourself and your work in from of people. Opportunities will arise.
Renegade Craft SXSW, Austin TX, March 2014
THESE DAYS
After taking a few year off of shows due to a global pandemic, I'm excited to be re-entering the craft show scene, and I'm not doing it alone! Meet Cait Ormesher. Cait has been an asset in the studio for about a year now, and one of the many talents to brings is "show prowess." Doing a show is not a simple operation. Planning, packing, lifting heavy, bulky objects, wrestling a tent, merchandising, dealing with rain and wind, wrangling the Square Up app... and doing it all while maintaining the composure to talk thoughtfully with all kinds of people. I am so grateful to have Cait on the team, and I hope you have the opportunity to meet her.
Cait Ormesher
Fremont Fair, Seattle WA, June 2023
Thanks so much for reading, and if you're a maker interested in getting your work in front of people, I hope you take the plunge! Maybe we'll find ourself booth neighbors?! Below is a list of our upcoming shows, and we expect to keep adding, so check out homepage often for updates.
UPCOMING SHOWS
July 14-16 Kirkland Uncorked Kirkland WA
July 14-15 Derby Days Redmond WA
Aug 27th Fremont Sunday Market Seattle WA
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The beginning of a process is often not flashy. It happens below the surface, with the slow formation of roots. Then, a tiny bud unfurls and reaches upward, vulnerable and optimistic. With love, attention, grit, and time, a mighty tree forms.
Whether raising a baby, starting a business, learning to play a musical instrument, or beginning another kind of journey, the “Start of Something BIG” necklaces is reminder of the courage it takes to start, and the endless possibility that lies ahead. There will be challenges, joy, mistakes, successes, and everything in between. In a word: life.
From deepest roots, tallest branches grow.
2. FERN CHARM NECKLACE
We are forever in awe of botanical life. Enduring and pristine, powerful and delicate, intricate and colorful… not to mention the healing properties to sooth, protect, enhance, calm, inspire, and stimulate. We like to admire the wild plant life outside our door. It was very challenging to narrow our selection, but we’ve carved the image of six special plants in sterling silver amulets to help keep you connected with their magical and healing properties. Each necklace comes mounted on an artful card describing the plant’s mojo… perfect for gifting to yourself or a loved one.
Plant options: Fern, Comfrey, Black Cohosh, Rosemary, Aloe Vera, Valerian, Ginger, Sage, Elderflower, Chamomile, Lavender, Wild Rose Hips
There’s something so invigorating about traveling through a new landscape with it’s unique air, colors, and fauna and flora. It’s equally soothing to walk among the familiar. I associate pine trees with home: the sappy smell, the inviting forest they grow in… it’s a place of comfort. Aspens make me think of my years in Colorado, backpacking and ski touring. Cacti remind me of desert climbing trips, and a growing appreciation for the beauty and strength of more harsh land. What do these powerful plants make you think of?
5. BLOOM STUDS
The Bloom Studs represent full expression, becoming one's most complete self, and being willing to take up space. The shape of these studs represent the blooming of a flower.
6. GREEN TOURMALINE AND 14K BAGUETTE STUDS
Subtle, sparkly, and the rich earthy green color of a Cascadian forest on a misty spring hike: these earrings will be your new favorite. Understated enough for everyday wear, yet fancy enough to accent an evening at the ballet.
Green Tourmaline is said to provide a heightened sense of awareness, and its vibrations encourage following the heart's desire to help you become even more yourself.
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Working in our jewelry studio requires a ton of focus in a way that leaves both hands busy but your mind still musing. And while there’s always plenty of gossip to be had, grave news to learn from NPR, or the cacophonous sound of mallet against metal, once in a while (alright, almost everyday) we indulge in audiobooks to keep us sane. Most recently, the book that had us listening non-stop - no music breaks needed - was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
The stories we choose for the studio tend to be remarkable tales of contemporary literature spanning every inch of the human experience. This book checked all our boxes and to say it captivated us would be an understatement! It has everything: complex storytelling covering a glimpse into a glittering Hollywood, bold women making even bolder choices, and a powerful love story for the ages. All the while, gracefully addressing sensitive topics such as gender roles, sexuality, homophobia, racism, and the inevitable heartbreak of death. We recommend you give it a read if you haven’t yet (it came out in 2017!) and put yourself in Evenlyn’s shoes…
We think if our brand existed within the fictional time period of Evelyn Hugo, she’d wear our Green Tourmaline and 14k Baguette Studs to match her stunning emerald green dresses. Or maybe our elegant Very Rose & Gold Stud Earrings to contrast them. All accompanied by our classy yet affordable Deco Ring as a nod to the times.
Needless to say, we’re happy we listened to this one and can’t wait for the Netflix adaptation. Let’s just hope it’s just as gripping as the novel and maybe we’ll even watch it in the studio too.
“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is ‘you’re safe with me’- that’s intimacy.”
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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