TAKING THE NEXT SALES STEP

Our feature this week was contributed by Karla Rosenbusch, one of our newest Jetteam members. Her awesome jewelry can be found in her shop, KarlaKraft.

 

 

When it comes to jewelry making, I’ve always considered myself a relatively advanced hobbyist. In my “real life,” I’m an editor at Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, so I’m exposed to the best of the best of jewelry artists on a daily basis. And so, I feel that I’m more of a “dabbler.” I’ve had an Etsy store for several years, and while I enjoy it a lot, I’ve never been able to devote a tremendous amount of time to it. (That “editor” thing again. Silly job.)

But lately, I’ve branched out from stringing together pretty stones (I adore pretty stones) to doing cold-connected and riveted metalwork. And it’s been very well received -- so well, in fact, that I recently received an invitation to sell my jewelry at a craft show. Great, right? Scary, actually! I’ve never done a craft show before, so I’m a little freaked out. This will definitely be a big step for me.

 

Fortunately, my job as an editor gives me access to some of the best experts in this area, and they’ve given me awesome advice – on what and how much jewelry to bring, how to set up a good display, how to process any “legalities,” and how to get organized before and during the show.

 

 

So I had a graphics designer friend of mine design an awesome sign. I also had some business cards designed and professionally printed. I planned out how to set up my display – with pretty tablecloths, stands for necklaces and earrings, and multiple levels. I also got some nice-looking price tags and some pretty (and inexpensive) gift bags. So I think – I hope – that I’m just about ready for the craft show on October 3.

 

 

As for my jewelry, I’ve been busily creating new pieces. Following the advice of one of my experts, I’m not bringing everything. I decided to concentrate on three different types of necklaces – riveted copper pendants with salt-and-vinegar patina, my riveted metal pendants with focal stone or glass cabochons, and the pendants I make from recycled aluminum soda and beer cans. (My prediction? The recycled can pendants will be the most popular because people just love them. But my favorites are the copper ones with patina because the technique used to make them is just SO cool.) I’m also going to bring earrings that go with and complement the pendants.

 

 

 

Oh, and the best thing about this particular show? It’s the annual Fall Apple Festival at my church where people (theoretically) like me. Or at least, they’re “supposed” to. So I figured it was a good way to start selling at craft shows. I may get some sympathy sales from my fellow choir members!