I've been in Rhode Island for the last 10 days visiting friends, including a few days on Block Island, a tourist island off the coast where I used to live.
While I was there, I visited some gift shops and showed some pics of the jewelry I've been making.
It's one thing to show your handmade pieces to friends and family. They love you and always say such generous things. But when we take that step out into the world and show other people what we do, what we lovingly spend our time crafting, pouring our soul and heart into, it becomes a totally new adventure.
Remember the first time somebody commented on one of your posts? It's such a great feeling. It spurs you on to the next project.
If you are already in the retail business with your handmade creations, maybe you know what I'm talking about. Anyway, here's how it played out.
I walk into this adorable shop on Block Island. The proprietor is a lovely woman named Mary who has filled her shop with beautiful over-sized beach bags made of oil cloth or woven from jute, coastal accessories for vacation homes sitting atop old distressed wooden display cabinets and tables, and bright print sun dresses and summer scarves gently blowing in the breeze all around the front door. A gorgeous little shop.
I approached Mary to talk about the jewelry I've been making. I showed her a few pieces I had brought and she didn't seem too excited. She was polite though and said I could send her some pics by email and she'd let me know.
Then I showed her the pictures you see here of my new coastal-themed ceramic pendants, and I could see her expression change and her eyes get wide. She said her customers would definitely be interested in them.
And I found myself floating on air. It was all I could do to stay focused and talk with her further. But she gave me some good ideas on how I could complete the necklaces for fast sales in her shop and we are going to communicate further about how many pieces she wants and how much she'll pay.
I'm going to clink glasses with the women who command the following:
Boogieboard Cottage Masterpiece Monday
Ladybird Lane Weekend Show Off
Skip to My Lou Made by You Monday
C.R.A.F.T. Making Monday Marvelous
Our Delightful Home Show Me What Ya Got
Full Circle Creations All Star Block Party
Ladybird Lane Weekend Show Off
Skip to My Lou Made by You Monday
C.R.A.F.T. Making Monday Marvelous
Our Delightful Home Show Me What Ya Got
Full Circle Creations All Star Block Party
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Oh, congrats! That's so fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jamie. I'm so excited about it. Thanks for the support.
Deletethey are sweet! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea. And I love your new place! The sun room looks awesome too! And I am so coveting your sheet music cabinet, but I think I already told you that once. Thanks again for your support.
DeletePeggy, I tried sending this directly from your e-mail to me but saw at the last minute that you are a no reply comment blogger. Did you know this? I have a blog post in my archives that tells you how to amend this, if you're interested. And did you know that your e-mail address isn't listed on your profile, either?
ReplyDeleteRe: your comment to on my last post- I'm sure that the Extravaganza's fall show will be equally as fun as this one! We had a blast getting together on Friday night at the blogger party. Sue Whitney is a sweet lady. I got to see so many pals I don't often see except when we meet once a year or at these shows. Most of my blogging pals live in the central OH area and there is a handful of us here in the Dayton/Cincy area. I see on your profile that you live in Columbus. Do you get to a lot of barn sales or shows? The Rural Society show was a good one. Hope to hear from ya again soon! :-) Sue
Thanks for the heads up about the no reply comment thingy. I was not aware. I'll check out your archive for some help on that.
DeleteI discovered the Rural Society recently and actually e-mailed her to see if I could be a vendor this year. I haven't heard back from her yet. Any suggestions? Do you know if a date has been set?
This time of year I am heavy into garage sales looking for small furniture pieces to re-do and vintage china, glass, and jewelry to upcycle. Always on the hunt!
Your pendants are so cute! No wonder she wants them in her shop! Congrats on making the sale! Its got to feel great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn! And thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYour pendants are beautiful! Congrats and good luck...it is such a great feeling when someone likes your work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Holly! I just got back from your blog and became your latest follower. Looks like you keep yourself busy with lots of different projects. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThese are ADORABLE!!! They would be perfect in my home.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Rasonda. I just got back from your blog and I had to chime in on the poll about the little desk, which I LOVE, btw.
DeleteI chime right in..., these ARE adorable! Block island is a fun place to visit. I hopped over there not too long ago. Was an easy day trip for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maya. I just came back from your blog. You have some great inspirational posts for coastal home decor. You're definitely giving me some ideas. I'll be out on Block Island in July and August this year. I'm really looking forward to it.
DeleteThose are just darling Peggy. Thanks for sharing with the newbie party.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. Keep doing what you're doing!
DeleteCongrats! That is truly the best feeling every!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Felicia. It's a great feeling.
DeleteCongratulations! I know you must still be pinching yourself! These are adorable and I can see why the proprietor loved them! Thank you for stopping by may blog so I could find yours! I love what I see! I'm now following!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words and the follow, Betsy! I love when I find another coastal-themed blog so I'm glad I found you!
DeleteThat is great news - congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThose are really pretty!
Thanks for linking up this week!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Thanks Stacy! And thanks for hosting a great party!
DeleteCongratulations ... as much for that "feeling" as anything, although I love your pendants ... and everything else that smells coastal. I'll be following you and anxious to watch you grow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the peek ~
Mary
Thanks so much, Mary, for the comments. I'm your latest follower. Good luck with the etsy shop. I may be looking into that in the future. We'll see how the summer goes.
DeleteWow! Congratulations to you,Peggy! I wish you all the best:) These pendants are absolutely adorable...and I love the coastal, beachy colors. Thanks for stopping by and following me through Linky follower. Happily following you back through GFC. Have a lovely day!~Poppy
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and following me, Poppy! I love what you do.
DeleteFirst off, congratulations! I know that feeling and I still get it every time I make a furniture delivery or get an email after a package is received. You should be so proud of yourself for what you've accomplished and for being able to put yourself out there. Secondly, I love your new line. I just might have to get one of those for my mom. They go to the beach every winter and I think she'd love it. Third, thank you so much for linking up to the All Star Block Party! I'm so excited for it! And last but not least, I'm your newest follower. Thanks again! Have a wonderful evening!
ReplyDeleteHolly
Thanks, Holly! I'm always happy to link up to a new party. And thanks for the kind words of encouragement and the follow.
DeleteCongratulations, Peggy! These are sure to be a winner in this seaside store. Thanks for joining the All Star Block Party. Following you now too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather, for the words of encouragement and the follow! Great party so far! ;-)
DeleteLuv the blog redesign, Peg. I want one of the pendants too. Sal
ReplyDeleteThanks. It looks a lot more beachy, doesn't it? I'll bring the pendants over sometime and you can pick one out. Thanks for the support!
DeleteThe pendants are just darling... I love them.. Thanks so much for linking up to the ALL STARS BLOGGING BLOCK PARTY... sure hope we see you next week as well... you've got great talent.. you're an ALL STAR! =)
ReplyDeletereally love your pendants.. do you have an Etsy shop ? I'm your newest follower.. =)
Carri
simplydonewright.blogspot.com
P.S. I love that you're a BUCKEYE!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm in Cincinnati....
Carri ~ =)
Yes, I'm a Buckeye, Carri. Originally from Mansfield. Thanks for the comment love and the follow. I confess I do not yet have an Etsy shop but it looks like that's where this road might be leading. My blog family will definitely be the first to know if I do!
DeleteI was born in a suburb of Cincy but lived mostly in Canton area ... my sis lived in Mansfield for 15 yrs before they moved back to Cincy area... small world.. so nice to meet you =)
ReplyDeleteCarri
Fantastic! So happy for you! Congrats!
ReplyDelete~Trudy
Thanks for stopping by, Trudy. This week I start work on more pendants. BTW, I love polenta! So many things you can do with it.
DeleteHow very exciting! Your pendants look adorable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and following me Jana. I appreciate it so much!
DeleteThat's so awesome! I hope to get that feeling one day. Those are such beautiful pendants. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteYour newest follower, Jess @ The Delightful Crafter
I love your pendants. They are too cute. Do you have an Etsy shop.
ReplyDeleteHi Roxanne! Thank you so much for following me and for your kind words. I am so grateful you like my work. I don't yet have an Etsy shop but I hope to get one up and running in the Fall. My blog followers will be the first to know when it happens. Thanks again and I'm happy to be following your blog!
DeleteGreat looking pendants, no wonder she got wide eyed and wanted to sell some! Congratulations, those are so great! : )..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jan, for your kinds words and encouragement.
Delete