As you may know I decided to do the Indianapolis miniatures show this year. It was a sort of a bust. So to make this short, I'm making a list of pros and cons about doing this show.
Pros:
Pros:
- I met a lot of very nice and helpful people.
- I learned a little about "selling the sizzle, not the steak".
- I did at least make my table rental back...just barely.
- Hopefully, I opened some eyes to the idea of doing something different in miniatures.
- I did get one small custom order.
- I have a bunch of stuff to list on Etsy and Ebay.
- I had many compliments on the furniture I had at the show.
- This gave me the inspiration to make some of the things that I have been meaning to make but just haven't had the time to.
- I didn't sell much. A total of 7 pieces of furniture, some pillows, one driftwood sculpture and a lamp.
- I have to unwrap and find space to keep all of the things I made for the show.
- I have to clean my house that I have ignored for the past six weeks to make miniatures for the show.
- I hear from other vendors that they didn't sell a lot either.
- People (at least in Indiana) may not be ready for modern, mid-century modern or colorful miniatures, at least not yet.
That all being said here are some pics from the show.
Also some of you may know that I have a real fondness for Halloween. Here are some pics from Wildwood's Witches Shop. It's amazing!
I think this spider web door with the spider handles is my favorite part.
Take a look at the feet on the table.
The green glowing table and the green goo in the cauldron create such an eerie atmosphere. The fireplace under the cauldron works of course.
Everything a mini witch could want.
So overall, the show wasn't bad. I learned some things and met some great people. Will I do the show again? Not likely. I think I will stick to Ebay and Etsy.
I think your table looked great. Sorry to hear you didn't sell as much as you would have liked :(
ReplyDeleteBummer! I was hoping it would go better for you. Your display looked great though!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that as I love your work. Your display was beautiful. If it's any consolation, I went to the miniature show in Atlanta this weekend & it did not seem like much was selling there either. Love the witches shop...this is my favorite time of year too. The feet on the table legs are a hoot. :-)
ReplyDelete-Lisa
Please post when you list the stuff in your shop. I did craft shows for years and sometimes you hit a good one, and sometimes it's a dud. I literally sold $35 at a show once and $1200 at another. You just never know. I would have dropped some serious cash on your booth!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Beth...I would have spent money at your booth. Most shows/places with minis disappoint me as they always have scary Victorian stuff...don't hate me Victoriana lovers...I'm just a modern girl at heart (even though I am old...call me mid-century).
ReplyDeleteLet us know when your stuff is for sale.
Doris
Your lack of sales is not due to a lack of quality, creative, beautiful minis. It's just such a crap shoot selling. I always felt that way when mom and I did craft shows way back when.
ReplyDeleteveo que ha sido una experiencia enriquecedora en varios sentidos , me alegro de hayas probado la experiencia
ReplyDeleteesa tienda de brujas es magnifica , me encantan todos sus detalles , muy originales
seguro que para la proxima feria se te habran olvidado los contras
besitos
Mari
What a pity it was a bust; I think your wares would do well here in California (MCM is still kind of a big deal here).
ReplyDeleteIn a previous job, I worked a few fairs myself...the worst part, for me, was having to lug back everything that didn't sell!
You know miniature style is very personal. I don't think modern is unpopular, more the fact that for decades the choice of style was limited to Victorian/Medieval/Tudor etc. Once you are established and buyers know they can come back time and again, the sales will increase.
ReplyDeleteIt's like buying a Bluray movie player and hoping that two years down the line you're not going to have to invest in a newer system.
Your miniatures a great. Etsy and Ebay have a wider public...especially abroad =0)
Hi there! Your display on the show was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe recession here in The Netherlands makes that the miniature shows here also suffered too, far too less people and therefore no good sales. So I think it is a combination of facts that gave this result? Please, keep your head up and go on with making beautiful modern miniatures!
Thank you for sharing the pictures, also those of the witch house, it really looks great!
Greetings, Ilona
Your table was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Witches shop; very magic.
I wouldn't be too disheartened. I seems that shows all over the world are struggling for customers. In the UK I'm told that those that do turn up have limited spending money and often a list of what they want that they don't deviate from. I've not done any fairs but I know a lot of established artisans that do and it's a bit hit and miss at times.
ReplyDeleteI love your miniatures. It is a bit of a niche but it's growing in popularity and I'm sure you will do well on Ebay and Etsy where customers are world wide.
Good luck with your modern miniatures.
Your display was beautiful. Silly people for not buying your furniture. I think it's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteComplimenti un bel tavolo pieno di begli oggetti e ben realizzata la scena della casa della strega. Mi dispiace che la gente ha poco apprezzato ma i lavori sono ottimi.
ReplyDeleteUn caro saluto, Manu
Great post - and great photos, I love your display. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteYour display was great!!! I'm going to my first fair ever (as a visitor) in Stockholm Sweden in October, would have love to seen your stuff there ;) I just love your style and those tables and the sofas and I just saw these wonderful pop-art-pillows, I LOVE pop art! I might have to reconsider, about NOT buying from abroad.. I think it is so scary, but I will check out your etsy shop, and maybe one day I will be able to click buy... =)
ReplyDeleteHope you don't totally give up selling at fairs and shows, it might go better next time =)
Hannah
Tu mesa es increíble, a mi me gustan mucho tus muebles. Me encanta el estilo moderno, no tan convencional. Un abrazo. Arantza.
ReplyDeleteI think your items are great and you shouldn't be discouraged. Just a thought---how about expanding beyond the dollhouse crowd? See if a MCM store (or several) would let you set up a display. I think folks would love to have a few mini items on their shelves that reflect their personal style. It's been my observation that most people are intrigued by miniatures.
ReplyDeleteCyd your display looked great - especially the orange! I know how disheartening it can be...stick with Etsy and Ebay and some more good old fashioned networking via mini blogs!
ReplyDelete