Jewelry Class

Jewelry Class

In May, I tried something completely new.  The jewelry instructor at a senior center asked me to teach a class on making wire loops. It was scary since I’ve never taught a class.  My approach was to share what I know from more than 20 years of making jewelry plus 5 years of assisting customers in a jewelry supply store.

I developed a class plan:  the basics of wire and working with wire, the basic tools and how to use them, demonstration of the basic loops with time for students to make each type with my individual help.  At the end, I shared a range of my finished jewelry made with loops and loop connections to demonstrate how their design concepts could be broadened from just bead stringing.  The 2 hours went quickly and I accomplished everything on my agenda.  To my surprise, the class was a success according to the instructor and the students.  Sorry, I have no photos.

Reisterstown Bloomin Art Fest

After days of continuous rain in the area; the weather cleared up for the show.  The sun even made an appearance.

The outdoor show was small; but good- only 40 vendors, including food vendors. Nicely organized. A variety of entertainment on stage throughout.

I had a new experience.  I registered for the show just before the closing deadline.  Rather than reject my application, sponsors asked me not to bring my handmade jewelry because they already had enough jewelry vendors; but please bring all of my other handmade items.  I was told after the show that no other vendor had items like mine which probably explained why I had such a good day.  It was the day before Mothers Day; so, a lot of my sales were intended for gifts.

I can appreciate that the sponsors wanted a variety of items for sale.  I would do this show again.

Reisterstown Bloomin' ArtFest

Spare Time Creations and Eldersburgembroidery will be vending at the Reisterstown Bloomin' ArtFest in Reisterstown, MD for the first time.  The craft event will be held outdoors at the Franklin Middle School.  I'm looking forward to the show.  Stop by if you are in the area.

Since the holidays, I've been working on a new project.

There is a new product line on my EldersburgEmbroidery.Etsy.com online store.  I’ve been selling jewelry pouches at local craft shows for a number of years; so, I decided to offer them to my online customers as well. The pouches can be used to secure jewelry during travel or for safe storage any time.  They are also good for organizing and storing other small items. 

The new pouches have been improved.  First, there is a small eyelet to present a more professional clean opening for the drawstring cord casing.   I learned that 1 or 2 additional reinforcing layers are needed to properly attach the eyelet depending upon the thickness of the outer decorative fabric.  Second, the addition of cord stops ensure that the drawstring cords remain closed while the pouch is in use.  Cord stops are available in many colors from wholesalers online- not the fabric stores which typically offer only black, white and clear.  Being able to match cord stop color to fabric color is great.  

Next step will be to offer pouches with machine embroidery.

Howard County Crafts Spectacular

I've been meaning to report on my experience at the Howard County show.

Well, I made additional inventory in anticipation of this being a great show.  I was not disappointed.  For early November, the weather was a tad bit warmer than usual.  With my display booth being in the barn with no protection from wind or coolness, I learned a couple of lessons for next year-- use sides on my canopy to block the wind, wear more layers, and bring a thermos of coffee to warm the body.  Other than that, the show was great.  Nice way to end the craft year.

Howard County Crafts Spectacular

It has been quite a few years since I participated in this show; and I'm looking forward to returning.  The show will be held at the Howard County Fair Grounds (MD) on November 6, 7, and 8-- Friday thru Sunday.  Hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day.

This show is known for hundreds of vendors with quality merchandise.  It normally draws a large crowd all weekend and attendees are usually holiday shopping.  My booth will be located in Barn #4, space #2.  Please stop by if you are in the area.  In the meantime, I'm busy making new inventory for what should be a great event.  I'll let you know.

Parkville/Carney and Catonsville Craft Shows

The Catonsville Craft Show was great.  For those not familiar with the show, it's held on Frederick Rd from Bloomsbury Ave west about 5 or 6 blocks.  Always lots of vendors- 256 this year.  The show always draws a large crowd, some are holiday shopping for interesting or unique items.  This year, there were more food vendors at the western end of the road- convenient to vendors at that end.  As usual, the show was well organized with plenty of volunteers and there were boy scouts and other youth eager to help set up tents and unload vehicles. The show has always been held on the second Sunday in September.  Put the date on your calendar.  I'll let you know my vendor booth number for next year.

Now, the Parkville/Carney Show on Saturday.  It was a total bust.  To be perfectly fair, it showered or rained all day.  A few people ventured out between the weather; but they weren't shopping.  There were only 2 blocks of vendors on Harford Rd.  The unusual thing is that there were maybe a dozen craft vendors. The other vendors were overwhelmingly local businesses and organizations.  Regular local vendors assured me that when the weather is nice, the street is crowded with attendees.  I'm not convinced that that would make a difference in shopping.  With the weather and no one shopping, I started packing up early.  Once and done for me.