I saw some amazing jewelry at the Smithsonian Craft Show. Works by jewelry artists like Kathleen Dustin, Andrea Janosik, and Donald Friedlich were absolutely unbelievable. If anyone ever needed a little extra push to find the time and energy to pursue their own creative genius, a show like this is the perfect spark.
I went to another craft show over the weekend. More jewelry — not of Smithsonian caliber — but still beautiful, was on sale for more accessible prices. I was fascinated by what sold and what didn't. Distinctly ordinary pieces were being sold while higher quality items were passed over.
Are people's shopping habits different at the benefit craft show than a jewelry trunk show, even if the school is extremely high-end? Would the same necklace that would be snapped up if it was in a boutique look less appealing on an outdoor display, even a very well put together one?
For those of you who are out there selling your work, what's your most successful venue? Do you sell much online from etsy or your own page?