The Drawing Board

Recently my husband and I decided to try our luck an outdoor venue.  Considering the price and the location, we felt it would be an excellent opportunity. This was not the case.  You would think I would know better, but I have been out of the game for a while, especially an outdoor event, I have forgotten a lot.   I made some critical mistakes.  Ones I will not repeat again.  Rookie mistakes.  And I am no rookie.

Number one - I let the price/length of the event cloud my judgement.  I was certain I could make my money back.  I didn't do my homework, ask enough or the right questions.

Number two- I did not check the weather forecast for the weekend.  It rained for better part of the first day.   I also broke my tent(another bad idea.  Never buy a tent on sale at Kmart). EZ Up are the way to go.   You do what you have to do.

Number three - I did not have the necessary outdoor equipment.  Chairs, weights(the wind did not die down until 3 pm), cover sheets, extra tarp, shower hooks, alternate setup.  I use to keep a bag with safety pins, small hammer, clips, rope, rubber bands, bricks, plastic.  This might seem a lot, but when you are outside anything can happen.

Number four - I did not do recon on the surrounding area.  Most advertising is done weeks in advance with poster, mailings, signs in strategic places. 

 
The next time I will not be caught off guard.  Never again.

New

******** A little note about the song above.  I was watching an episode of Ray Donovan on Showtime.  They played this hit.   I had forgotten about this golden oldie.  Big ups to Ray Donovan.********

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New year, new energy, new me(hopefully).   I decided to buy some equipment to take better pictures of my inventory.  I finally broke down.  Since I had some money on the books at Amazon, I was able to purchase a light tent, necklace display and a tripod.  I made a light box from cardboard( I am all about being frugal), but my work space is small and I needed something that I could collapse and put away.   I would rather make a product than buy, but  I needed to make my jewelry POP, I needed (wanted, you pick) these items.  I just hope my frugal crowd understands.     

I had never brought from Amazon before and I found the experience to be well..... alright. 

  I don't really know what I expected.   More fanfare, light flashing, angels weeping. 

 Oh well, let me show you what I got.   

Here is my light tent.   A little smaller than I would like only 12 inches, but it will do.  I have not tired it yet.  I am going to ask a friend of my to build me a stand to hold my clamp lights that will surround the tent.  This way I can get the crisp,  clean white background for my jewelry.

My Tripod came in the mail next. 

Eventually, I will purchase one that stands a little taller. 

 I plan to photograph other items.  

And last but not least, my necklace display.  

Ebony and Ivory.  

I can't wait to get started.