Hello From Robin's Nest Treasures

Thank you for the warm Welcome to Art Fair Insiders! I am really looking forward to meeting the members, and I have already learned quite a bit from reading the blog and the discussion comments. Although I have been crafting all of my life, I am new to the "business" of crafting. I was a trial attorney in Pittsburgh, PA for 22 years before a serious illness caused me to have to take a disability pension. So, to supplement my income, and because I love to sew and create lovely things for people, I started "Robin's Nest Treasures" last year. I have a shop on Etsy, but I have not had many sales there. I am, however, a proud member of Steel Town Etsy and the Pittsburgh Craft Collective. The majority of my business has come from "word of mouth". I have done one show, which was very successful, and my next show is October 23rd in Cheswick, PA at the Ladies' Syria Mosque Craft Show from 9 am to 5 pm. So, if you happen to live in that area and you have the time to go to the show, please stop by and introduce yourself!

At the moment, I am making a variety of items, mainly because I am interested in making so many things that I cannot decide what to specialize in. I am a self-confessed fabric and vintage jewelry addict! Those of you out there who share one or both of these afflictions will nod with sympathy and understanding and then laugh with me when you read this! At any rate, I make purses and tote bags, and fabric flower brooches, most of which feature vintage jewelry. This year I started making sun catchers and necklaces from vintage salt shakers (see my photos), so we will see if they sell at this show. I make Christmas and Halloween ornaments, and wreaths, including antique teacup silk flower wreaths with vintage ladies' gloves and handkerchiefs. I make jewelry from fabric and recycled vintage jewelry. I also make pincushions as well as aprons for ladies and little girls. There are other things too, but I have been up all night, and I cannot think of them right now.

I really need to work on my photography skills and I hope to purchase a better camera within the next 2 months. I have been reading a lot of your discussions about tents and outdoor shows. So far I have not done any outdoor shows, and I'm not sure when, or if I will be going that route. I also need to look into getting a booth at a crafter's showcase or mall next year. I will have to search your site to see what your experiences have been with that type of venue. I have had some success by donating items to charitable auctions, and then getting referral business from that. I have not made much money in the scheme of things so far, but I hope that as I do more shows and become more savvy about EVERYTHING, things will improve.

There is, indeed, a tremendous amount to learn, and I look forward to learning from all of your wisdom and experience. Well, I have bored all of you enough, so I will close for now.

As I say on my Blog -- Be Well and Happy! Robin

Replies

Sabrina Aughenbaugh October 15, 2010 at 11:08am

Robin, Welcome to Art Fair Insiders. I enjoyed reading the above blog as I relate to alot of what you shared. I too am on dissability and love to sew and create. I've used small vintage salt shakers and wire, beaded three together and use them for small bud vases. Great for hospital visits where there isn't alot of room, but just the right amount to say you care about the person. I love your use of the shakers as necklaces and suncatchers as I viewed on your site. So happy you have joined us here and best wishes on your upcoming show...wish I were close enough to attend. Have a grand day.

Sabrina
Larry Berman October 15, 2010 at 8:36am

Hi Robin,

I was looking into doing that show at the Syria Mosque. I live five minutes from the facility. I'll probably walk the show out of curiosity.

Give me a call and I'll help you with your photography.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
- Robin Wiegand > Larry Berman October 15, 2010 at 8:52am
  
  Thank you very much Larry. I really appreciate that. Yes, if you go to the show, please stop by and introduce yourself. Hopefully it will be a good show.
  
  Thanks again.
  Robin

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