[Jewelry making - Article 00134] - Re: [Orchid] ACC Show Baltimore 2007

[Kimberly Starbard]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

Hi Grace

>     However, a certain percentage of the work is neither creative nor
>     handcrafted and when that type of work is in the same show I think
>     it can definitely effects sales and also effect the look and
>     reputation of the show. 

    I know my post yesterday came off sounding really, really defensive.
    I know you don't have a problem with beaded jewelry. I think I have a
    problem with beaded jewelry. I agree with you and I am also
    extremely frustrated, but I think my point is, what can
    artists/exhibitors do that will actually affect change? Talking about
    it here is not really going to do anything. It's possible someone
    from the ACC show may be watching, but I doubt anyone from any of the
    local shows you are in are going to find out. 

    I don't know what your jewelry looks like, so it's hard to say
    anything helpful. I tried to look up some of the Art Fairs and Craft
    Shows in your area, but there are a ton. You probably know all the
    advice anyone could give already anyway....things like visit the show
    if you can to find out what it's like before you apply, talk to other
    previous exhibitors to find if they had a good/bad experience, look
    at what you have to offer and compare it to what people are buying
    nowadays. We've all heard this stuff before and I empathize. You feel
    like you're doing everything you can and then tax time comes and it's
    not all it's cracked up to be. 

    I have been applying to this really big, really profitable (if you
    can get in) show in New York state for (I think) 4 years. I try
    everything I can. I make my jewelry look as interesting as I can. I
    show things to the jury that I know sell well. I have beautiful
    slides. I have a nice booth. I am always waitlisted. I go to the show
    and everything I think I am doing right is wrong. There are
    exhibitors who have mass produced components in their jewelry (stuff
    right out of Rio and my jewelry does too, but if they can do it, why
    can't I?), there are strung things all over the place (they don't
    cost the customer 15 but probably 1500 dollars) and the things I see
    (sorry) lack any kind of individuality or creativity. What do I do?
    Well, I continue to apply. I continue to try every strategy I can. I
    actually call the organizer/juror of the show and ask her what I can
    do. That's all I can do. It's frustrating but, it is what it is. I
    choose to still try and you better believe that I will not give up
    until I reach my objective. I am #6 on the waitlist for a show on
    May25. If the phone rings, I will be ready. I am determined. 

    I actually do know of someone who does (and I don't think should be
    allowed to) do the ACC Baltimore show, but what can I say? It says
    right on the website "the highest quality handmade craft available in
    America". Buying a clasp, beadalon, and a bunch of beads and
    stringing them together does not meet that criteria. 

    My husband says "they have to have that in the show, people buy it
    and the promoters want the show to be successful" I know I'm starting
    to ramble now. Some things in life just aren't fair, but you do what
    you can do. That's all anyone can do. 

    I wish you the best of luck in everything and wish there was
    something I could do to help...maybe I'll organize my own show
    sometime and give these people a real run for their money. You never
    know 

Best,
KimKim Starbard
http://www.kimstarbarddesigns.com
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________