I am going to be honest. I had some anxiety attending my first craft show alone. ACC Baltimore was my first solo set up and first ever indoor convention center craft show. This year, I applied to way more shows than I did last year. One show a month is my goal for the upcoming summer season and I can't ask Hunter to attend every single one. I have to do some shows solo. ACC Baltimore was a real trial by fire. 

I left Pittsburgh mid-morning to drive to Baltimore and arrived just before 2pm. I found my booth number 559. Thank goodness for my small foldable hand truck. There is no way I would have been able to carry everything from my car to the booth space. The clock was counting down. I only had 30 mins to take everything from my car to my booth. I left everything in a heap in my 10X10 space. I checked into my hotel early and then went back to the convention center to set up the rest of my booth. This is me after I set everything up Thursday night. I may be smiling but I am dead on the inside.

Help from my Family and Friends

I am so thankful to Nicolette (@nicoletteabsil) and Tia (@huskbrooms) and Dave for all their help during the long weekend show. They assisted with my booth set up when it required multiple people and checked in on me during the show. My parents came and gave their support during the second and third day. They made sure I ate food which is something I forget to do when I am at a show. My parents assisted with my tear down and helped me get on the road quickly. Because of them I got home before midnight on Sunday.  Aren't they cute with their assistant badges??

Practice makes "Perfect"?

I am a visual person. One of the key attributes to most artists. If I don't see it, I can't plan it. So, in the weeks leading up to the show I needed to visually see my set up. On a sunny day in early February I carried my pipe and drape outside to practice my booth set up.

I needed to make sure I had enough curtains!

I set up my tables in my basement to brainstorm display layouts. It was helpful to visualize jewelry placement and take note of pieces I was missing. Last summer I purchased some small velvet displays for my fine jewelry collection. I painted wooden displays in a matching color. This year, with the same paint, I added some small 4X4 inch painted blocks for added elevation of bracelets and earrings. Seen in the image below. 

I also added two smaller banners to my side walls to attract more attendees into my booth. I got so many positive comments on those pieces. They were a great addition to my set up. Click this link to see my Instagram reel with my new banners and the jewelry they feature. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGVxDIxRfLF/

When the clock is ticking and stress is building, preparation is key. Knowing what was within my control helped me stay focused and calm. In the weeks leading up to the show, I kept a notebook with process reminders to keep myself on track. For example, one note that became my lifesaver: put the curtains on the frame before attaching the legs—something I definitely wouldn't have thought of in the rush of set-up. I also knew that, when I get stressed, I don’t always think clearly, so I took plenty of pictures of my basement set-up. That way, when I arrived in Baltimore, I could just follow my photos to replicate my display without second-guessing myself.

New show, New Designs

Each new show gives me an opportunity to create pieces I have been itching to make. This show I pushed myself to make bolder necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Each week, I will add ten new pieces to the Baltimore Collection until all new jewelry is on my website. To be notified, join my email newsletter here. Simply scroll down to the bottom of the contact page and enter your name and email.

In preparation for Baltimore I made new style of chain inspired by the unique shape of a toggle clasp I made. I was fabricating my signature chain to go with this new toggle clasp and did not look "right". It needed something new. The Irregular Chain with Turquoise Toggle and the Irregular Chain Bracelet feature this new chain style. I also wanted to make two more showstopper pieces for my show applications and banners so I created the Lapis and Mother of Pearl Necklace and Amazonite Earrings. I really enjoyed how these two pieces turned out. I love my dotted rings so I knew for Baltimore I had to create another dotted band but this time with blue sapphires and diamonds. 

Final Thoughts

American Craft Council's Baltimore Marketplace Show was exciting to a part of such a large show. I am grateful to all the new artists I met and the ones I reconnected with. It is enjoyable being a part of such a supportive community. I was able to connect with so many people at an in person event and expand my client base. I look forward to attending more shows in the future.

I'd Love Your Feedback

Did you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at my craft show experience? Would you like to see more posts like this, sharing the ups and downs of life as a jewelry artist? Let me know what you think in the comments below or feel free to reach out to me directly!

I’m also thinking about putting together a quick Google form in the next month to gather more feedback on my content and what you'd love to see more of. Would you be willing to share your thoughts? Your input would mean a lot and help me make this space better for you! 

❤️ Rachael