Last Show 2014

***Let me say this is my new song of my soul and Ed Sheeran is a new friend of mine. This particular song tears through my soul and will not let me go.   It doesn't go with my post, but it goes great with me.*****




My last show of the season is the best show of the season. I am a little late with this post.    Every year I vend at Mt. Caramel's  Women's Conference.  The conference is headed by the phenomenal Sister Loretta Murphy.  I attend for the fellowship, the word of God delivered by women who excel at elegance, dignity and excellence and oh, to sell my handmade jewelry.  Plus I always get to set by my good friend, the wonderful Authoress Tracie Loveless Hill.  Please check her out.  You will not be disappointed.

See you next year.  2015

I love doing shows

I finished my two shows for September I love doing shows.   It gives me chance to meet and greet. I have a ball.   I  come alive when I do shows.   I get to look into the customers eyes and make that connection.  It is a rush.  Crafting and creating is a two part process. You make the piece is the first part. The customer buying the piece is the second part. The gravy is in between. This is the part where you can make a customer, a repeat customer.  You also get free advice about your pieces, what colors are out there and what is not selling.   Some vendors do not like to have their work criticized.   How would you know what pieces to make if you do not get some feedback.   Step up to plate, take the hit, if any, and move on.  Use it as a tool for your next show.   Even if they have not brought anything, their eye might be the eyes you need to see your collection in a whole new light.

My first show was at the local college.   For a small fee you can set up a table in the student union and sell your wares.   I see college students, teachers, staff.   They all stop by and this is not my first time being there. Some new and old faces.    Though my table is small, I make the most of it.    I love talking to the young women and sometimes men as they discuss their views.  They are on their way to new and exciting life after graduating  . They give me insight into what our future will look like.  They know what they want, how to get and have no fear to change the world.  Ah to be young again.   These young women tend to like my earrings and bracelets.   I have been making a lot of wire wrapped bracelets. They are quicker and easier to make.    I tend to get more mileage out of them.  They fit all sizes.   I did not sell as many necklaces as I have in the past. Maybe next time.  I will be at the college again on October 21 from 8:00 - 3:00. I like to the college scene. Nice people, nice crowd.  Below is how I set my table up for this venue.

As you can see, I took the pics from the wrong side of the table(just too tire to get up).  Despite my banner day,  the setup just would not act right. I kept losing beads and the stands would not stand right.  I put the racks away.  Shame, they usually give me more table space to work my magic.   It was a mess.  But  I have to fail to succeed.  Despite my mishaps I sold some pieces.   Go figure.

My second show was at the African American Women's Conference.   I had a bigger table(as a matter of fact, I was able to spread out and due to another vendor  not coming).   At this event I met wonderful women of all walks of life, interest.   It was a pleasure for me to meet and greet.  I was given an opportunity to view not only stylish women, but a gathering of smart successful, independent women, strong and fierce.  And boy did they put on a fashion show..   I saw purses, shoes, clothes, hair styles and yes jewelry pieces.   Almost put my stuff to same.  You noticed I said almost.   I use to be more critical of my own pieces.  Now I let the matter be.  I have my own style and hope that the women will find my style to suit their taste.  By the continuous stream of women and sales during the breaks, I think I suited them just fine.   Though I was able to spread out , I still did not use nay of my stands or display any of my cards.  Alas, maybe next time.    What I was able to do was to set my earrings on a new card system, which make it easier for display and easier to pack up.  I wish I was able to get some pics of these wonderful women.   They only had so little time between each  seminar.  I glad that they decided to spend that time with me at my table.  Thank you ladies.  Here is how my table looked at the event.

 This was before I had the extra table.   I also had other pieces waiting in wings for replacement when one piece would sell.    Now that I look at the table with fresh eyes, I did very well.   Very well.

Up Coming Shows/Fairs and Festivals

March 3, 2011Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm
Bring the entire family
to experience the impressive
cultural diversity of the Cedar Valley!
Waterloo All Schools Art Festival Over 1000 Student works of art

Cultural Performances
From student and local artists

International Food Samplings

Multicultural Crafts and art activities

International Fashion Show
 
Free Admission 

Family Event Focuses on Cultural Diversity of Cedar Valley

The community is invited to the 4th annual CultureFest event on Thursday, March 3 from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. This free, family event will showcase the impressive cultural diversity within the Cedar Valley, with special performances taking place throughout the evening.

 
The community is invited to the 4th annual CultureFest event on Thursday, March 3 from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. This free, family event will showcase the impressive cultural diversity within the Cedar Valley, with special performances taking place throughout the evening.

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*This Show has been cut down to one day, March 5*

Payne AME Church/Women s Conference 2011

***THE SUSIE BROOKS MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF PAYNE AME CHURCH

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE 2011:  "POSITIONED TO RECEIVE GOD'S FAVOR"

MARCH 4-5, 2011

PLEASE EMAIL VERA WALLICAN AT ALLTHATJAS39@HOT MAIL.COM WITH QUESTIONS

OR TO REQUEST A REGISTRATION FORM

MARCH 4, 6:00 PM                                                            MARCH 5, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

DINNER & CELEBRATION                                              MESSAGES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

GUEST SPEAKER:  SISTER JUDEDA HILL,                  KEY NOTE:  REV. THERESA DEAR,

FIRST LADY OF GIFT OF LIFE CHURCH                     DUPAGE AME CHURCH, ILLINOIS

TICKETS:  $25                                                                  COST:  $35

*BOTH DAYS:  $50*

*VENDORS WILL BE AVAILABLE*

SPIRITUAL GROWTH MESSENGERS:  MORNING SESSIONS – MARCH 5

*EVANGELIST LUCY EVANS, SHILLIAM AVENUE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

MESSAGE:  HEALING YOUR WOUNDS OF YESTERDAY TO RECEIVE GOD’S BLESSINGS OF YOUR TODAY (WOMAN AT THE WELL)

*SISTER SARAH KEYS, FIRST LADY OF COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

MESSAGE:  LIVING A LIFE GOD CAN USE (THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN)

*SISTER GAILE TOLBERT, FIRST LADY OF CHRIST TEMPLE CHURCH

MESSAGE:  WALKING IN GOD’S WILL DESPITE WHAT OTHERS MAY SAY (MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS)

KEY NOTE SPEAKER:  AFTERNOON SESSION – MARCH 5

*REV. THERESA DEAR, ORDAINED MINISTER, PUBLISHED AUTHOR AND BUSINESS OWNER OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Rev. Theresa A. Dear received her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Development and her Master of Science in Industrial Relations from Loyola University, Chicago.

Rev. Dear is an Itinerate Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She serves at DuPage AME Church where she leads community expansion initiatives and serves on the board of REACH, a non-profit empowerment organization.

Rev. Dear is a consistently visible leader in the NAACP. She was confirmed and sworn into office as a member of the National Board of Directors, in February 2005. She was unanimously re-elected in 2008. For her outstanding contributions and leadership, Rev. Dear has been recognized by several organizations.

Rev. Dear has published two books.  Inconceivable Seasons:  Lessons of Faith and Favor is a powerful book of hope, inspiration, challenge and affirmation. It allows us to see ourselves and God in each woman.  Inadequate, Unprepared But Ready is for people with unmet goals, unrealized dreams but who remain hopeful. 

For more information, visit her websites at www.already chosen.com or www.hr4nonprofits.com.