I got in!

2024 is the first year I have applied to summer craft shows. It has been a mixed bag of acceptances, a few waitlists and two declines. When I applied for Three Rivers I got waitlisted. Two weeks before the show date I got an email from Three Rivers organizational team. There were a few last-minute openings and I was offered a spot! Well, I JUMPED at the chance! This is the only time I am thankful to have email notifications on my phone haha. Immediately, I paid my booth fee and started prepping. I took stock of all the jewelry I have made in the last three years and made a list of new pieces to round out my collection.

Additionally, Hunter and I practiced setting up the tent one more time. I, then labeled all the bars so it would be easy to match and put together. I refinished my displays and tables and painted some new displays to go along with my color scheme. All of this took much longer than I expected!

A huge thank you to Sam Skelton. My friend and former boss at Skelton Jewelry. When I left to go full time with my jewelry business, she gifted me her show set up. This included her trimline tent, weights, curtains and some jewelry displays. Honestly, I would not have been able to pull together a booth set up in two weeks’ time if I didn’t have all this stuff waiting in the wings.

The Show

For my first craft show I could not have had a better spot. I was given Booth #119. The booth was near one of the entrances to the event. Which meant there were plenty of people walking past my booth to arrive and depart from the Arts Fest.  My booth was across the street from the Byham Theater; where the artist’s restroom was located (so helpful!).

Friday Load in time was 930pm. We left the Modest Mouse concert early, (Thanks Emma and Connor for the free tickets!) and headed to the artist check-in location. We had to wait about 10 mins to be released due to traffic congestion. Then, Hunter and I headed to our designated booth location and luckily got a parking spot right near my booth space. Hunter and I set up the tent by the light of the Pittsburgh Street lamps in about an hour and fifteen minutes. Then headed home for some well-deserved night sleep!

Next day, we got there early to do the final set up and lay out all the jewelry. I was a little frazzled at the start but once all the jewelry was tagged and Hunter bought me lunch, I was able to calm the hell down.

I have never sold my jewelry in person so I had no idea what to expect. It was amazing to hear the feedback from people attending the Arts Fest. From my observation, people enjoyed the turquoise necklaces, heart-shaped rings/ necklaces, pearls and black jet stone jewelry. Festival attendants admired my delicate and simple but solid construction of all my jewelry. A good amount of business cards was taken during the show so maybe that will turn into future purchases.

During the show I was asked “What’s your best seller?” from a friend and I laughed and said “I have no idea!”. I have pieces that I love and enjoy wearing so I will always refer my customers to those pieces. With time and more in-person selling, I am sure I will be able to answer this question with confidence and jewelry pieces as examples.

On Sunday night once it hit 8pm, Hunter and I started packing up everything. We have never taken apart the tent while we had our boxes and bags of show supplies right underneath! With a little time and grace, we were able to get it all taken down and loaded into the car. 

Reflection

In Hunter's words, "It's the best craft show you have ever done!" So true. I was pleasantly surprised with my first craft show experience. Everything I do with RMJ is a learning process and I am always learning new skills as a business owner.  

Right now, I have three years of jewelry at my booth. The more I participate in craft shows, the more refined of a collection my work will become. But the three things that will always be a constant in Rachael Morgan Jewelry: a high level of craftmanship, comfortable/ lightweight jewelry and innovative ways to add color and texture. 

I want to give a HUGE shout out to my all-star during this show weekend (and every day for that matter!). I tended to my booth and my jewelry but Hunter tended to me. I would have forgotten to eat or drink without him there! He helped set up and tear down my booth with all the displays and helped me out with all technical issues with my card processing system. He made my first show a true success in my eyes. 

Thank you to all the friends and family that stopped by to show their support this past weekend. It was wonderful to see all your familiar faces!  

The Future

Come and check out my jewelry at two more upcoming shows. I will be in 50th Annual Mt. Gretna Art Show August 17-18t, 2024 and Rittenhouse Square Fall Fine Craft Show October 11-13th, 2024.