Well it was craft2.0 on Saturday, which was my first go at selling off line in person. I shouldn't moan but I didn't have the easiest run up to the show, I had a few pressing deadlines with my real work, I came down with a fever and not in a sexy jazz song way and 'Dear Colleen' seems to have a life of it's own. To be honest I'm finding it increasingly hard to keep everything ticking along.
Craft2.0 was a bit of a mixed bag for me firstly it's important that I say what an amazing job Sue and Tash the girls that run it did, no easy task putting together an event on that scale. Sadly I spent most of the day feeling like a rabbit in the headlights, I found out the hard way that not everyone has the same sense of humour as me and in fact that some people are out right offended by my work. This was a pretty shocking revelation, I've always thought of my pieces as cheeky rather than outrageous. Why is it that it's always the negative comments that stick? Looking back with a little perspective I can see that the highs far outnumbered the lows. So here are my highlights: 
Meeting Shelley Gardner the New Zealand half of Sweet William. As a newbie print seller I felt a bit star struck by that one I think of Sweet William as NZs answer to Belle and Boo and that's high praise indeed (Belle and Boo is a bit of a hero shop for me). Talking, in person to Mel Blowes from Black Swan, maker of beautiful things (you may have seen her wonderful stirrer spoon in Frankie). She is just the nicest girl and I'm not just saying that because she bought up half my stand:) In fact I met so many fantactic new and online folks that this blog post will just go on forever if I don't stop there. My number one total highlights of the day were selling a bright pink 'Nice Try' rosette to the big handsome mannly man helping run the event, it made me giggle everytime he walked past with it pinned to his suit and the accountant who bought a 'more sense than money' poster for her office... an accountant with a sense of humour, who knew.I must be a glutton for punishment because I've just signed up for A Craft Affair in Chistchurch on Sunday 11 July and my names forward for October Craft2.0. As my mind turns to plans of traveling home these craft fairs are becoming preparation for a bigger plan but more about that in my next post.
Its a bit of an eye opener eh from selling online! Will see you at A Craft Affair - its my second!
ReplyDeleteYour stall looked fantastic! Go you doing another one too, I'm having a daily panic getting enough stuff organised for just one!
ReplyDeleteI just looked at the items in your Felt store and I don't see anything that can be taken offensively? Super cute, and cheeky is the right word, but jeez, life must be difficult if one gets offended that easily...
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you didn't fully enjoy the day but I'm glad the highs outweigh the lows!It can be pretty stressful selling at markets, but just smile at people, ignore the ones who say horrible things, and don't let it get to you. I often hear people say "I could make that", when looking at my jewellery. While I'm sure they could, I'm also sure that they couldn't be bothered, wouldn't know where to get the supplies, and it wouldn't turn out as well as my products which have been perfected over years of hard work. People can be very rude, but I always leave markets with many more compliments than anything else.
ReplyDeleteI don't find any of your prints slightly offensive - the people who do are obviously not your target market, and have no sense of humour. Your things are gorgeous, your stall looked awesome (especially for your first time), and you were still friendly and lovely to me even at the end of the day!
I'm going to get a print off you at A Craft Affair - couldn't decide last weekend, and didn't want it to get damaged getting it home.
Hopefully Christchurch people have a better sense of humour than Wellington folk, and A Craft Affair goes well for you. Let me know if you need any help finding accommodation, transport etc down here.
Oh yeah, I had a chuckle at that 'big handsome mannly man' when I saw him wearing one of your hot pink rosettes too!! He he.
Wow, sorry, didn't try to write a novel there! :)
ReplyDeleteCheers everyone... I just need to man up and get a thicker skin. It was the rosettes that caused most of the fuss. The 'Hello Sailor' showed a not very pleasant side to a few people... and I really had to bite my lip to stop myself from calling them homophobic. Which is why I was so happy when the Mannly man bought one:) Plus one other very unpleased run in which it's best for me not to air in public.
ReplyDeleteI also had all the I could do that and how can you charge so much for a piece of paper comments but hey I'm used to those. What they really mean is I can rip off your work which is very different to doing it them selfs. It's our designs and ideas that are of real value.
I'm really glad to see someone else who had mixed feelings about the day despite the wonderful atmosphere that was there.
ReplyDeleteI for one thought your stuff was brilliant, I really wanted to come and have a proper look as I've been eyeing up a few things on Felt, but sadly never got a chance. I can't believe people would be so rude as to comment to your face about something that you would work so hard for. Just shows the arrogance and ignorance of some I suppose. They obviously just don't "get" it.
Your stand looked lovely. Clean and effective layout that really highlights your products and style. Nice one.
ReplyDeleteNegative comments still get me. I actually don't want those people to buy anything cause they don't deserve to have any of the attention and thought that went in to making the products.
It does get easier to put those comments 'away in a box' and focus on the lovely people who do support handmade and enjoy what you do.
Can't wait to see you and your fab products in print at the fair in AKL (Punter) or CHC (fellow stall holder). I have my eye on the lemons print.
Keep doing what you do
Sx
Ha! re: the manly man, that's hilarious. He obviously has a sense of humour. Your stall looked amazing! I love your witty prints.
ReplyDeleteOh your setup looks fabulous! You'd never know it was your first go-round at a show!
ReplyDeleteI find it SO hard to believe patrons at a craft show would find your work offensive! I can't even think of any of your items that might be even halfway offensive! Craziness. I think those people must have zero sense of humor. But sometimes we need a little help from mean people to thicken our skins. ;)
Good luck on the next two--I'm sure it'll get easier the more you do it. And your business taking off is always a very crazy time, but hey, your business is taking off!! Congrats! :D
Hiya Colleen,
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to meet you - and yes I totally get where you are coming from with the ugly comments - it is a bit like having your heart out on the table and everyone peering with a beedy eye can be a bit soul destroying. However, so many love your work, including myself, and thats the joy that comes out of meeting buyers face to face.
I think your products are lovely and wouldn't pay much mind to negative people!
ReplyDeleteHey Colleen, I stopped by with my hubby and bought your home is where the heart is print and love it. I was the woman who couldn't decide between the pink and blue. I loved your stall and I find it odd people were offended. I came along more so as I wanted to check out your work. BTW the only things I bought were from your stand and Sweet Williams as I adore thier prints. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteBTW I haven't blogged about my finds yest because my camera is recharging....
To those people that ALWAYS say "I could have done that" just think "but you didnt, I did". Thats the difference between you getting out there and doing it and others procrastinating about doing it.
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