you - Forum - Art Fair Insiders2024-03-29T14:30:10Zhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/youWhat are you working on?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-working-on2018-09-13T16:23:12.000Z2018-09-13T16:23:12.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>I have been getting some things done in my house and was about to head to The Barn (in the backyard) when a downpour started. So I jumped in here to look around. Now i am wondering what everyone is doing this week/weekend? Prepping for a show(s)? Going to a show?<br/><br/>We did Vintage Market Days of Mississippi last weekend. We left on Thursday AM for check in and set up starting at 1:00 PM. This was a date changed from the original weekend in November. This event was in the same venue though. Let me tell you, September is much too hot in Mississippi for a show with no climate control. There was some behind the scenes stuff that caused the date to get moved. I won't bore you with those details. The biggest news was that the promoters have sold off Mississippi. The Carltons, the outgoing promoters, are really great people. However they we were doing 2 shows a year in Mississippi and 2 in Louisiana, near Hammond. They are from Louisiana and so it makes sense to sell off Mississippi. It was getting to be too much to promote a total of 4 shows a year. Don Carlton still works a full-time job besides working with his wife in the show business.</p>
<p>Interesting story. Dh and I went to eat at The Filling Station on Saturday evening after the show. We got to talking to the lady running the place and it came up that we were in town for VMD. (By this time we knew it had been sold.) She said well, I guess I can tell you that we (she and her husband) are the new owners. We were so excited to get to meet them. We were totally unaware that the new owners of VMD Mississippi owned the restaurant we went to and that they were on the premises that evening. Her husband found out we had a booth at VMD and broke away from whatever he was doing and pulled up a chair at our table. We visited at length with him, and he appears to have some good ideas and would like to expand the number of VMD shows in Mississippi. If you are ever in the Jackson, MS area, try out The Filling Station. <a href="http://www.fillingstation.buzz">http://www.fillingstation.buzz</a></p>
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<p>We have a break now till October 19-21, when we will go to Amite, LA for VMD of Southeast LA. We unloaded a good bit of stuff from the trailer Tuesday. I had booth curtains to launder, all done now. I am reworking some things to help it move. We have a Duncan Phyphe table still in the back of my Suburban that did not sell. It is going to The Painted Pelican in Covington where I have a booth. I will trade out some stuff to make room for the table. Must be done with that by 9/20 because we are open that weekend.</p>
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<p>Anyway, just wanted to touch base and see what y'all are doing.</p></div>June 22-24, 2018 What are you doing this weekend?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/june-22-24-2018-what-are-you-doing-this-weekend2018-06-22T22:36:03.000Z2018-06-22T22:36:03.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>I am just curious what everyone is doing this weekend? Shows? Getting ready for the fall season ... aka shop time? Other?</p></div>What are you doing this weekend? August 6-11, 2018https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-august-6-11-20182018-08-06T12:53:38.000Z2018-08-06T12:53:38.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>Good Monday morning everyone! I am popping in to ask what you are working on this week.</p>
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<p>Down here where I live many schools are taking in this week for the current school year. John and I have not had a school-aged child in about 12 years. That seems so long ago. I love back to school because it means when I go to the grocery store or Walmart at my usual time (usually the morning), there are <em><strong>almost</strong></em> kid-free zones! LOL It's not kids I am against. What bothers me the most is when parents drag kids around and the kids are hot, tired, and hungry (almost hangry!). The parents push on and the kids become more vocal. Okay, I am stepping down off my soap box!</p>
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<p>I will be working on stuff for the upcoming show season, plus for my permanent booth. I plan on getting up a little extra early to have a little more time in the shop the next few weeks. I'll be working on furniture, glassware such as vases & wine bottles, and some wood decorative items & coasters.</p>
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<p>Saturday John set the saw up and cut some scrap wood for me to make in to things. It will be a mix of a few signs, some wood blocks to display photos, and some will have decorative hooks. The will be stained, painted or a combination of both.</p>
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<p>I got to use my new hand sander, orbital. It has a collection bag on it so free floating dust is minimized. YAY! That was a recent addition to my tool arsenal thanks to John.<br/><br/>I guess that is it for now.</p></div>Whatcha doing this weekend, August 3-5, 2018?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/whatcha-doing-this-weekend-august-3-5-20182018-08-03T01:10:24.000Z2018-08-03T01:10:24.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>Here I sit in The Barn, my shop/aka She Shed, after a nice dinner out with dh and a quick trip into Lowe's to look at sanders and ...... I am wondering what y'all are doing this weekend?</p>
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<p>We are 3 weeks out from today from leaving for our first show of the season. I am starting to feel it's crunch time.</p>
<p>Tomorrow when dh gets home he is going to cut some boards down to size for me. So I can put some decorative but useful hooks on them. When he is doing the cutting, I want to get a lesson on it so down the road I can do it myself. For most of the boards I'll probably have to sand them to make them ready for paint or stain. I work on painting and staining Saturday. Then I'll get a lesson on drilling the holes and putting the hooks on.<br/><br/>I bought a 2-tiered pie crust table off FB marketplace today. It needs a little work. I work on my initial cleaning using some of the orange Murphy's Oil Soap in the spray bottle. I'll probably use some Krud Kutter tomorrow. I went through 2 or 3 washcloth-sized rags already. I think I got most of it clean. I would like to make a paint color decision tomorrow. Though this is a neat looking table, the surface needs some work. I'm going to use some sandpaper, possibly some liquid sand on it. Who knows, if I get the surface looking good enough I may restain it. I am thinking it will need paint though.</p>
<p>I will probably work on some coasters as well. That is something I can do regardless of the weather. The weather is supposed to rainy off and on all weekend so it is good that I have some a place out of the weather to work. I am working my way out of doing the travertine coasters.</p>
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<p>My source for the tile no longer exists due to retirement due to health issues. They were ordering for me and I could order as little as 1 case if I wanted to. They did not charge me shipping. What usually happened is that they had other orders they were putting in for big jobs, residential builds/remodels and commercial too. I strongly suspect they added my order in on a big order, but did not charge my product to the big job. They charged it out to me. No matter what you order, shipping is $50. Usually I ordered no more than 3 cases, 4 on rare occasion, but did this several times a year. These contractors ordering dozens of cases of tile were being charged $50 though they ordered a ton more than I did. This mom and pop company were not greedy .. they could have charged me $50 but didn't. My few cases were not going to cost them any extra.</p>
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<p>I have checked in multiple places around town. Shipping is $50 no matter who I talked to, including mom and pop stores. I checked one of the two big box stores and they can order it but not in the color I want. So when I use up what tile I have, that'll be it for the coaster business. :(</p></div>Whatcha doing this week, July 9-15, 2018?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/whatcha-doing-this-week-july-9-15-20182018-07-09T13:31:12.000Z2018-07-09T13:31:12.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>It's a new week and the July 4th celebration is now behind us. What are you working on? Doing a show this weekend? Getting in shop time? Social media and/or website work? Something else?</p>
<p>I am going to be spending plenty of time in The Barn, my workspace. It is about 6.5 weeks till my first show of the season. I am also considering the permanent booth situation. Even if I don't do the perm. booth, I have plenty out here to work on for my shows. This year my shows are more spread out than they ever have been. The first two are 2 weeks apart but after that they are 3-4 weeks apart. I have one each in August, September, October and November.</p></div>Whatcha doing this week, July 24-28, 2018?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/whatcha-doing-this-week-july-24-28-20182018-07-24T18:37:54.000Z2018-07-24T18:37:54.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>Good afternoon everyone! I wondering what everyone is working or where you are going this week/weekend?</p>
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<p>I am out in The Barn as I write this. I love my climate controlled barn red metal building! :D I have all I need but a toilet. Just didn't want to give up square footage for it. Well, and a microwave, but I can make room for one if I decide to. Oh, and a coffee make. Again, I can make room. LOL<br/><br/>I am out here so I can take stock of what needs to be worked from scratch, what is in need of repair, what can get packed in a tote and be ready to travel.</p>
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<p>I do not have a road show till late August. However I have a permanent booth now and the plan is for things to sell. I have to keep it stocked while having stock for the road too. So I am going to try to do assembly line work when it comes to painting vases, bottles, and mason jars. It is easier to do a group then do one at a time.</p>
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<p>Of course I have some odds and ends that don't fit into an easy category. For example, I have a paper mache pumpkin that I'll paint from scratch. I have a resin fleur de lis that needs repainting. It did not turn out well when I did it and want to give it a new life. It's never even darkened the door of a show. I also have some ceiling fan blades I want to do something with but I need some inspiration.</p>
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<p>I will be spending the balance of this week out here in The Barn and will crack the whip as needed.</p></div>What are you doing this weekend? June 29-July 1, 2018https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-june-29-july-1-20182018-06-29T13:23:15.000Z2018-06-29T13:23:15.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>So what is everyone up to this weekend? Who is doing a show? Who is in the workshop or studio? Anyone traveling or having fun for the 4th of July?</p>
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<p>John (dh) and I are going to a wake this morning. After that he is back to work for a while, then home. He has been working on getting his antique car painted and has done a lot of the prep work himself. He has hired someone to do the actual painting because they are very skilled and have all the equipment and a paint room.</p>
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<p>I am going to come home and get in The Barn. I spent a few hours yesterday working on my website. I really did not like the background on the pages so I worked on changing that and trying to bring some consistency from page to page. I have some work still to do but will get it done this weekend.</p>
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<p>I also will work on some coasters this weekend---today and tomorrow. I am getting out of the coaster business. It was good while it lasted but due to cost increases I am having to just use up what I have and let it go. It is sad because I've been doing travertine tile coasters---all designs applied by hand---since December 2012. I am going to use the 2 cases I have left to fill out my popular monogram design and make up some fleur de lis coasters. Fleur de lis designs are popular down here in Louisiana. (All the coasters are sold in sets of 4.)</p></div>What are you doing this week? August 14-18, 2018https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-week-august-14-18-20182018-08-14T22:12:33.000Z2018-08-14T22:12:33.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>Dh and I got back yesterday from a long weekend on the Mississippi coast. It was a combo trip .... our 39th anniversary plus we did some pickin'. We were in the Long Beach area and went picking from Denge Street all the way over to Gulfport and Biloxi. It was a fun weekend.</p>
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<p>On the way home we stopped in Covington at The Painted Pelican where i have a booth. I got a larger space and had to move before the coming weekend. I also had picked up a couple of larger pieces that were in good enough shape to leave, after wiping them down with some Murphy's Oil Soap spray. I also found a few McCoy Pottery pieces and one by Hull that I left in my booth.</p>
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<p>I have been working today on a table I picked up over the weekend. It had been primed but never painted. I had to smooth out the primer to get rid of the ridges. Got that done this morning and got the top painted with 3-4 coats of paint that also includes the wax. I also got the skirt painted with 3 coats as well, in a different color. I will get to the legs tomorrow. A friend in the business told me it's better to paint the legs separately if possible. These were removable and we had to remove them to get the table home. The reason for painting them separately is if the customer has to take it apart to get it home and it does not go back together "just right" then you could see where it was not painted.<br/><br/>I also worked on painting and waxing some boards that will have hooks put on them. They are ready for the hooks when dh can get to them.<br/><br/>I got started on a smaller 2nd table. The top needed sanding before painting. Got the sanding done and the first coat of paint on it.<br/><br/>Saturday i am going to The Painted Pelican for the first anniversary party and to work my monthly 4 hour shift. A friend is riding along with me. Dd may go too.</p>
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<p>The following weekend I have my first show of the fall season in Mobile, AL. It is a Vintage Market Days show.</p>
<p><br/>Between now and this coming Saturday I am spending as much time as possible in The Barn. Then Sunday - Tuesday of next week it'll be the same.</p></div>What are you doing this weekend? (April 21-22, 2018)https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-april-21-22-20182018-04-21T13:58:20.000Z2018-04-21T13:58:20.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As I sit here enjoying java 2.0 on a beautiful spring morning, I wonder what everyone is doing this weekend? Are you doing a show? Prepping for shows? Taking a weekend off? Something else?</span></p></div>What are you doing this weekend? Dec. 9-10, 2017?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-dec-9-10-20172017-12-09T17:40:56.000Z2017-12-09T17:40:56.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Just popping in while I wait on wax to dry. It is about as boring as watching paint dry or grass grow. LOL<br/><br/>I have prepped some quart size mason jars for painting. Will get to it this weekend. This is in prep for my open house next weekend.<br/><br/>Will do Christmas shopping this afternoon.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Christmas party for our store this evening at a local restaurant.<br/><br/>Tomorrow, church and more crafting in the afternoon.</span></p></div>What Are You Doing This Weekend, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2017?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-sept-29-oct-1-20172017-09-25T16:15:02.000Z2017-09-25T16:15:02.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>Okay, I know it's only Monday and some of us are still reporting on what we did this past weekend. However, I look forward to hearing report about what is coming up.</p>
<p>This coming weekend is the last weekend before my first show this fall season. I'll be working on any final painting on pieces I am taking to my first show. I will also be finishing up adding coasters to my selections.</p>
<p>I want to get all the production finished by Sunday evening because we will need to figure out putting it in the trailer. The trailer won't be completely full because not all the furniture will be completed. Time is needed to configure putting in the furniture, boxes of painted goodies like bottles, bowls, vases, and candlesticks ... and I have 2-3 over-sized candlesticks so I am not sure about how to pack them. I may need to get packing boxes from a U-Haul place.</p>
<p>Since the week is early I may have to update what I am doing. I hope I can get most of the painting done early rather than later.</p></div>What Are You Doing This Weekend, Sept. 22-24, 2017?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-sept-22-24-2017-12017-09-23T00:59:19.000Z2017-09-23T00:59:19.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>The fall season is upon us and I am wondering what everyone is up to?</p>
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<p>I am working on stock for my first real show of the season on Oct. 7, Shadows on the Teche. I spent some time this morning painting a bench. I got the first coat on the top and long sides. Tomorrow I'll do some more painting. I didn't paint more because after doing some errands, I needed to work outside on some sanding other pieces while there was daylight.</p>
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<p>I got to use dh's hand sander. It was my first time using it and I could get into sanding! I worked on 2 small children's benches. They were in rough shape and the old paint was peeling. In the process I discovered a nail was nailed at an awkward angle so dh took it out and renailed it. Only to have to do it again. He could not straighten the nail so he had to dig up another one. In the process he decided to use the nail gun. All went well with the nail gun. I plan on painting these 2 benches tomorrow since we rain out of daylight and we were getting hungry.</p>
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<p>Tomorrow I'll work again on the bench I started painting. I want to finishing painting the first coat and probably a second one. It will also get some sort of stenciling, then an aging wax and or glaze. While it's in process (the down time where I wait on paint to dry) I'll work on painting the 2 children's benches. When painting, as some of you know, it's feast or famine .. paint, wait to dry, paint, wait to dry, next step (wax or glaze), wait to dry, next step (buff the wax, or wax if glaze was done).... and so on.</p>
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<p>If I get those done early enough I'll move on to one of 2 tables I picked up earlier this week. Dh and spent 3 days and 2 nights in Gulfport and I picked up some goodies while there. I can't wait to work on some of those pieces. I got 2 wooden chairs (reminiscent of ladder back chairs), a retro table that is 2 tiered, and a table with a drawer that can be used as a side table or night stand,</p></div>What Are You Doing This Weekend, Aug. 25-28, 2017?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-aug-25-28-20172017-08-25T13:03:10.000Z2017-08-25T13:03:10.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>It's Friday, let the weekend begin!</p>
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<p>What are you doing this weekend? Have a show? Prepping for the fall show season by working on your art/craft? Working on your booth set up or trailer? Are you taking a weekend off before the season ramps up?</p></div>What Are You Doing This Weekend, Aug. 18-20, 2017?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-aug-18-20-20172017-08-18T21:18:04.000Z2017-08-18T21:18:04.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>Good afternoon, everyone! I am curious what everyone is doing this weekend? </p>
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<p>Do you have a show? Are you in show prep/production mode? Reworking equipment, supplies, set up?</p>
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<p>We have been working on the cargo trailer. Well, I can't take any credit for the work, except to look at it and tell John, "Good work! Looks awesome!" The whole interior is painting, roof is insulated, shelves up in the front point, d-rings installed for strapping down stuff, the spare tire is in place. This afternoon he is working on the lights to go down the center of the roof line. They are LED's so great light and low heat output. We will start loading the equipment after he gets the lights installed. Not sure if that'll be tomorrow or Sunday afternoon.</p>
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<p>I am going to work in the studio later if the light is good enough. I have a few pieces of furniture that are "in process". I want to finish those up to free my mind to work on other things.</p>
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<p>If the light is not good, I'll work indoors in my other studio on a little paper work and organizing. I got a new shelving unit to hold stock and supplies. I also freed up a shelf on the built in's. I have mostly open shelving, and a unit that was for a large screen TV with stereo component storage below. It has glass doors so I can see what's in there. I want to get it organized. I am the kind of person whose mentality is ... out of sight, out of mind. If I can't see it, I don't own it. LOL</p>
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<p>My first event is not till the 2nd weekend of September, Art After Dark, sponsored by the local art guild. It is from 6:30-9:30 on Sept. 9. I have quite a bit I can take to that short event. My work I am doing will be for future events ... Shadows on the Teche (Oct. 7), Cotton Trails A/C Show (Nov. 4-5), Vintage Market Days (Nov. 10-12), and Market at the Mill (Nov. 17-19). We will definitely be busy in November with almost no turn around time. Anything I want to take to those shows in November must be completed by the end of October. So, the rest of August through the end of October will be busy!</p></div>What are you doing this weekend, June 9-11, 2017?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-june-9-11-20172017-06-05T14:07:52.000Z2017-06-05T14:07:52.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>I know it's earlier in the week than we usually begin this post, but here goes. What are you doing this weekend?</p>
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<p>Summer is in full swing now that we are in June. There are not as many shows around here this time of year as in the fall and spring. There are some but they are fewer and far between. The summer is so hot that I pass up any shows since they are usually outdoors. Temps in the (soon to be) 90's and humidity to match makes it hard, long, HOT day. I am keeping my eye open for any shows but I don't have any going on this weekend. However, I will be working on my products and my new website.</p>
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<p>Saturday there is a craft day at our church. Ladies bring whatever they are working on and work on it in our group. We have a broad range ... crochet, knit, mixed media, altered objects, scrapbooking, card making, quilting, sewing, etc. We all learn informally from each other. If we see someone working on something that we want to know more about we can go sit or stand near where they are are working, watch & ask questions. We can learn about "new to us" art/crafts, methods, tools, etc. We have a wonderful group of ladies and we are a drama-free group. Drama has never been a real factor in our group but if it reared its head, it would not be tolerated. The group is open to ladies in our church and the community at large.</p></div>What are you doing this weekend, January 20-22, 2017?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-january-20-22-20172017-01-16T15:44:56.000Z2017-01-16T15:44:56.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I am starting the bandwagon early for us.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Friday I'll make the flea market and resale shop circuit. I keep a watch out for things I can upcycle/repurpose. Sometimes dd is with me and can find something that I miss. I don't have exact specifications. It depends on the condition, shape, price. The price has to be at a point that I believe I can at least triple it when it's finished. If I am not too tired from my running around, I will try to get into the studio to start painting.</span><br/><br/><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I think dh and I are attending a antique car thing on Saturday, not confirmed yet. If we don't do that I'll be working on painting some stuff for Etsy and spring shows.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Sunday will be church, then I'll be in the studio, once again painting.</span></p></div>What are you doing this weekend? July 8-10, 2016?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/cain-park-and-state-college2016-07-06T14:56:41.000Z2016-07-06T14:56:41.000ZJudy Christianhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JudyChristian<div><p>Feel free to move this to a proper spot.</p>
<p>I'm always too late to reply to the "what are you doing this weekend" so I thought I'd post.</p>
<p>This weekend I'll be at Cain Park. Next weekend is the Central PA State College Show.</p>
<p>Wondering how Cain Park will be, as it's my first show back in Ohio since about 2010.</p>
<p>These are my first shows for 2016. I have my new Ipad and Square devices- hopefully ready to go!</p>
<p>Anyone else?</p>
<p></p></div>This site is AWESOME!https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/this-site-is-awesome2014-11-18T15:52:31.000Z2014-11-18T15:52:31.000ZGretchen Smithhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/GretchenSmith<div><p>So, I just completed my first art fair, it wasn't a big or fancy show but had big prizes, and is (apparently) trying to build up to something great. It was good, though not too busy, the weather was absolute perfection! I made a friend in the artist next door, so we had a lot of fun talking and enjoying the (small) crowd. The festival itself was well run, easy load in and out, they were great about making sure we stayed hydrated, and had trustworthy booth sitters for little breaks. I don't know if I'll do this show again or not, because I have nothing yet to compare it to, but I sold a lot of prints and made a few valuable contacts. So all in all I say it was a good first experience.</p>
<p>I have to say, though, that even though I never feel comfortable in situations reminiscent of sales of any kind, I felt fully prepared to be there, I am a shy person and prefer not to talk to, or make contact with, people face to face. Thinking about it now even makes my palms sweat a bit-but the info I found here was like a treasury of people whispering In my ear that I can do it, that this is where I belong, and that I have the tools for this job.</p>
<p>I have to tell you that this site has given me such fantastic information. The information I have used from here has given me another gift: acceptance notices are starting to roll on in after a bumpy start (I had a poor excuse for a booth shot and poor shots of my work.) I had gotten few rejections, but now I am getting accepted to nearly all the shows I'd like to be a part of. I know fully, that I would not be getting in were it not for this site. So thank you to everyone who has posted a little thing about this or that on here, all those little bits of knowledge are a fantastic coach to those of us who are new to this, and a bigger thank you, to those who run this site. It is priceless service.</p></div>What are you doing this weekend (August 22-24, 2014)?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-august-22-24-20142014-08-22T20:54:50.000Z2014-08-22T20:54:50.000ZConnie Mettlerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ConnieMettler<div><p>It's Friday afternoon! another week is gone and I'm still sitting here typing and you are sitting there reading. What are we going to do with what is left of the summer? Hope you've got a great plan.</p>
<p>(I'm working away in anticipation of 8 days out of here to places far enough away.)</p>
<p>Big show this weekend: American Craft Expo in Evanston, IL.</p>
<p>Little show nearby this weekend: Art on the Farm in New Carlisle, IN</p>
<p>Mid-size: Shadyside Art Festival in Pittsburgh</p>
<p>Cool: Affordable Art Fair in Denver area</p>
<p>You?</p></div>What are you doing this weekend? June 27-29, 2014?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-june-27-29-20142014-06-26T19:45:34.000Z2014-06-26T19:45:34.000ZConnie Mettlerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ConnieMettler<div><p>Geez, I almost forgot to ask and I know some of you are already setting up in places like Des Moines ...</p>
<p>Anything happening with you? </p>
<p>Here is some of what I've found:</p>
<p>The really big one in <strong>Salt Lake City</strong>: Utah Arts Festival - <a href="http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-19342-utah-arts-festival-2.html">http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-19342-utah-arts-festival-2.html</a></p>
<p>In <strong>Atlanta</strong> - the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival - <a href="http://www.carenwestpr.com/2014/06/25/old-fourth-ward-arts-festival-celebrates-year-two-with-a-weekend-of-art-food-music-and-fun-at-the-historic-fourth-ward-park/">http://www.carenwestpr.com/2014/06/25/old-fourth-ward-arts-festival-celebrates-year-two-with-a-weekend-of-art-food-music-and-fun-at-the-historic-fourth-ward-park/</a></p>
<p>Here's a guide to getting around the <strong>Des Moines</strong> Arts Festival, which is "the" place to be since the DMAF won some big awards from the IFEA and the big wigs from the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Rose Bowl Festival, etc., are coming to town: <a href="http://dmjuice.com/how-to-get-around-the-des-moines-arts-festival/">http://dmjuice.com/how-to-get-around-the-des-moines-arts-festival/</a></p>
<p>And there is "The Other Show" in Des Moines hosting many of you.</p>
<p>Nice small town show in <strong>Quincy, IL</strong>; and a bunch of my friends will be at <strong>Grand Haven, MI</strong>, for the annual art fair there. Are you one of them?</p></div>Okay, I give. What are you doing this weekend (Nov. 1-3, 2013)?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/okay-i-give-what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-nov-1-3-20132013-11-01T01:59:50.000Z2013-11-01T01:59:50.000ZConnie Mettlerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ConnieMettler<div><p>Are there any art fairs? Tell us here.<a target="_blank" href="http://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/keep-calm-and-enjoy-the-weekend.png?width=200"><img class="align-right" src="http://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/keep-calm-and-enjoy-the-weekend.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></p>
<p>What else are you doing?</p>
<p>I've been so wrapped up (still) in evaluating and tabulating the Best Art Fairs survey that I've hardly done anything else. Just now posted about the Zapp conference from 3 1/2 weeks ago (and Nels gets anxious when people don't post about shows in a day or two). Then I discovered that the Zapp people (specifically Leah Charney and Christina Villa) just added their photos from the conference today. Seems we're on the same schedule.</p>
<p>So, tell me what you're doing this weekend and I'll tell you what I'm doing.</p>
<p>Who is first?</p></div>What are you doing this weekend? August 8-10, 2013https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-august-8-10-20132013-08-10T16:39:32.000Z2013-08-10T16:39:32.000ZConnie Mettlerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ConnieMettler<div>Are there any shows out there? 5 weekends in August gives some folks a weekend off--me, I'm selling food for the Dems at the 4H Fair. My sales experience is paying off, and giving me time on my hands (it's a "slow show."
And you?</div>Finally getting into shows thanks to the info on ArtFair Insidershttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/finally-getting-into-shows-thanks-to-the-info-on-artfair-inside-12013-05-09T16:18:44.000Z2013-05-09T16:18:44.000ZRenee Crumhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ReneeCrum<div><p>Hi All,</p>
<p>I joined the community almost two years ago when I was desperately looking for information on how to get into juried art shows. I am not a big social website person so was just a "looker" until now but have decided to let everyone know how helpful the information on <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">ArtFair</span> Insiders has been to me and to recap my adventure so far. Maybe someone can learn from my mistakes. :-)</p>
<p></p>
<p>I live in Colorado's Front Range area and applied to many <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_spelling">juried</span> shows in this region last year. I was wait-listed for a <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">couple of them</span> but didn't get into any. I had good consignment sales in local boutiques so I knew someone liked my work! I bugged the show coordinators for feedback and in each instance I got the same info - need a booth shot and need better photos. With these two areas of improvement identified, I started my internet search for "best practices". Just as all roads led to Rome, all fruitful searches led to <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">ArtFair</span> Insiders. Taking the wealth of information on this site to heart in putting together my booth and in improving my photos, I am pleased to say that my acceptance rate this year has been 75% and I was even invited to attend a "sister" show to which I did not apply <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">with</span> the jury process and <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">fee</span> being waived! Now I'm mining <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">ArtFair</span> Insiders for info on booth lighting setups... <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Awesome info on this topic here, too</span>!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Tips that I've Learned @ The School of Hard Knocks So Far:</p>
<ul>
<li>Don't give any art show <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">your</span> jury fee unless you have a GREAT booth shot. Even if you think you have a great "grouping of work" shot, I've found this really doesn't count as the competition to get in is usually very stiff and the jury will take the artist with a booth shot every time. They will be very happy to take your money if you insist, however. :-(</li>
<li>You might THINK the images you took of your work with your point-and-shoot that you <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">Photoshopped</span> to death are great close ups but think again. Go to the websites of the art shows in which you're interested and look at the photos from the featured artists. Wow! </li>
<li>For both of the above issues I found Mr. Larry Berman's information most helpful: <em> Thank you Larry Berman!</em></li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p><a href="http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profile/LarryBerman">http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profile/LarryBerman</a></p>
<p><a href="http://bermangraphics.com/artshows/booth-slide.htm">http://bermangraphics.com/artshows/booth-slide.htm</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>I almost hired Mr. Berman but having been a published underwater photographer in my youth, I decided to brush up my skills, upgrade my equipment and try it myself. I live at 9,100 feet so wasn't able to set up my booth until late May last year. I set it up and took photos throughout the day. I discovered that I need some wind adjustments and after some thorough Photoshopping to eliminate most distractions I got a useable jury shot. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062526406?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062526406?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a>My curtains are now <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">velcroed</span> to the wire panels instead of hanging from the canopy. Much better for wind, especially when I put my newly acquired canopy sides on! I will retake the booth shot once the foot of snow we just got <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct">melts</span>. Ugh.</p>
<p>From a practical point of view, this last Christmas I was able to use my booth at a craft show and got great feedback on it. I used clip on LED lights but have decided to go for a better system using a deep cycle battery, LED light strips and LED wall washers. My first show of the season is this coming Memorial Day weekend at Denver ArtStir. I'll let you know how it all works out. <em>THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED TO MY SUCCESS BY CONTRIBUTING TO THIS WEBSITE, MAKING IT SUCH A GREAT, INFORMATIVE PLACE TO VISIT. :-) And of course I want to thank Connie for making it all possible!</em></p></div>A True Community of Artists - Fort Worth and Beyond!https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/a-true-community-of-artists-fort-worth-and-beyond2012-11-14T02:59:39.000Z2012-11-14T02:59:39.000ZVivian Leflore Morahttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/VivianLefloreMora<div><p>I came very close to making the title of this post, "A True Community of Artists - So, Take That, Mother Nature!" However, just in time, I remembered how vindictive She could be and that I have several more outdoor shows this season! Mother Nature definitely took center stage this past weekend for the Fort Worth Fine Art Festival! Being the newbie that I am, I showed up on Friday for setup with my hubris, an E-Z Up, bungee cords, and 35lbs of weight per leg. Yeah, go ahead, laugh. Get it out of the way before I continue on to the inevitable outcome! </p>
<p></p>
<p>Sometime around 3:30 am Saturday morning I was awakened by thought that if the tent gets tossed by the wind, which had already picked up before we finished setting up, those 35 lb weights are probably just going to assist in the mangling of my tent. So, of course, I arrived on Saturday morning to a tossed tent. I was thankful that the weights that helped to mangle my tent also held it down well enough not to blow into any other artist's tent! Can you tell that my glass is always half full? There was nothing left to do but see if I could pull my panels from the tent wreckage and then assess just how bad the damage actually was. Now what happened next is what defines our COMMUNITY of artists! As I was sorting and assessing, not just one but two artists immediately dropped what they were doing to help me out. If any of you know, Ron Mellot and Archie Smith, then you probably know that this is second nature to each of them. I came to know that right away. Although Ron and Archie were the first on the scene and the last on the scene, they were not the only ones. Please forgive me if I miss any names or if I've mixed any up: Teresa Howley, Peggy and Bruce Furlin, Bobby Wilkerson, Jeff Tseng. You all salvaged my day and have my complete gratitude!!</p>
<p></p>
<p>This is the second time I've had a tent tossed over. Both times were at a larger art fair this year. I participate in dozens of smaller events and have had no mishaps even in rather strong winds since I live outside of Houston and we tend to entertain hurricanes around here. I would like to believe like many others do that it's all the fault of the E-Z Up but it's not. There were many other E-Z Ups still standing at the start of the the day. It was my inexperience. The weather conditions were changing and whereas 35 lbs may be fine in 5-10 mph winds, it meant nothing at 25-40 mph. Given the tendency of E-Z Ups to become hang gliders, I needed almost twice that much weight and it needed to be strapped on, not attached with bungee cords. I learned all this from Archie and Ron, by the way. I didn't suddenly come into this knowledge by osmosis. I wish every festival had someone like those two!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Again, thank you all! I'm so pleased and honored to be part of a true community! </p>
<p></p>
<p>Vivian</p>
<p></p>
<p>P.S. I can't complete this post without also thanking Bill Kinney, the show organizer. Bill was ever-present throughout the show. He could not have worked harder to try to make the show a success. I'm looking forward to this weekend's Paragon show in Fairview.</p></div>Big Weekend Coming Up! What Are You Doing This Weekend - July 13-15?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/big-weekend-coming-up-what-are-you-doing-this-weekend-july-13-152012-07-10T13:57:13.000Z2012-07-10T13:57:13.000ZConnie Mettlerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ConnieMettler<div><p>I like to call this weekend in July the Great American Art Fair Weekend with so many choices of shows all around. A few that come quickly to mind: State College (PA), Cain Park (Cleveland Heights, OH), Madison (WI) and the Krasl Art Fair in Michigan. Also big in exhibitors but not as good in quality there are Wyandotte and Plymouth in metro Detroit.</p>
<p>I'll be in St. Joe, MI, on Friday night and Saturday and look forward to meeting many of you there. On Friday evening I'll be in the big white tent hosted by Schu's Restaurant on the main street across from the show. It is a good central place for us to meet up after you set up and I'd like to treat you there to a little AFI hospitality. Can I expect you?</p>
<p>Where will you be? Tell us so we can meet up.</p></div>