Hi All!I thought I'd stop by to introduce myself. I have been making hand crafted jewelry for over 15 years and selling it to women's clothing stores and gift shops in the Milwaukee area and around Wisconsin. But this year, for the first time, I have decided to try some Arts and Craft fairs. My sister and I co-own our own jewelry business, Bella Bella! We have learned almost everything the hard way, by doing it wrong the first time! So far, we have had a lot of fun and some frustration as well. I never realized how much thought, preparation and work goes into Art fairs, or how exhausting they can be! But, it is so rewarding, and really great to meet so many people that we are "hooked" and think we have found our niche.I think that this site is absolutely wonderful and it has helped me a lot! I hope I am able to meet some other artists here and contribute to some forums. It's nice how supportive everyone is. Feel free to add me as a friend. Maria Camera
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Hi Maria -- Welcome to AFI -- I am also a new member. It sounds like you have beautiful jewelry. I would love to see some photos of your work. I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming shows. I hope it does not get windy out there in the mid-West!
Robin from Robin's Nest Treasures
Maria Camera > Robin WiegandOctober 18, 2010 at 8:49pm
Hi Robin, thank you for the welcome, and welcome to you as well! I'll try to post some photos soon. Yes, it does get windy, and stupid me didn't weigh down my tent this past weekend, and we had LIFT OFF! (We got it back.) We also almost lost the top of our tent during the night, but a kindly art gallery owner tied it back on for us.
Hello Maria and welcome. Nice to hear what you are up to. I'm glad to see that you are trying your hand at doing some Art Shows. I think Art Shows can be lots of fun, but they sure are lots of work. It is great to actually sell your work and see who is buying it. You don't get that experience selling it in a shop. I hope you have a good year and sell lots of your jewelry.
Jacki B
Maria Camera > Jacki BilsborrowOctober 11, 2010 at 8:24pm
Hi Jacki, I agree! It is much nicer meeting our customers face to face. Thank's for your comments!
Hello Fellow Jeweler, and Welcome!
Nice photos of you, you Sis, and the jewelry! Glad you found us, and wanted to let you know about us!
This site is one of the BEST things I have found- informational, helpful, insightful and business wise,
for Artists! If you have any questions just ask- all the members are helpful, and have a great deal of experience for us newbies to draw from! Again Welcome!
Karole -Maine
Maria Camera > Karole BowldsSeptember 29, 2010 at 11:33pm
Hi Karole,
Thank's for the nice Welcome message! I am really happy I found this site. It was by complete accident, too! Best of luck to you in your upcoming shows! Maria
Karole Bowlds > Maria CameraSeptember 30, 2010 at 9:38am
I found by accident too, and am very pleased that I did! The advise, tips and camaraderie are worth it! Best of luck to you too! Busy season is coming- I have been busy booking- trying to fill up every weekend between now and Christmas. Lots of local shows- I love not having to stay overnite!
Maria Camera > Karole BowldsSeptember 30, 2010 at 11:33am
Yes, me too. That's one thing that I don't like so much, because I miss my cats and my own bed. On the other hand, that can be fun too, like a mini vacation, but you're working. Next weekend I'm going Up North the Three Lakes to do Pumpkin Fest at my old high school! That one is strictly for nostalgic reasons and to get a chance to go Up North. We're not booked every single weekend, but have two in a row coming up.
Hi Maria, Welcome to Art Fair Insiders. The picture of you and your sister is awesome. What a wonderful display you have around you of your jewelry. I'm sure I could learn much from you. I have made a few jewlery pieces myself and enjoy the craft so I can understand your excitement about your work. So glad you have found your niche and that we are included in that. Have a great week.
Sabrina
Maria Camera > Sabrina AughenbaughSeptember 20, 2010 at 1:29pm
Hi Sabrina,
Thank's for the nice comments! We are really very new to this. Our partner and best friend, Monica, was responsible for the displays. She has been in retail sales for many years and knows a lot about displays! I have become much more excited about my work since we started craft fairs. It was getting really boring for me, but now I feel like it is all new again. So, that's nice! I hope you have a great week, too!
Replies
Robin from Robin's Nest Treasures
Jacki B
Nice photos of you, you Sis, and the jewelry! Glad you found us, and wanted to let you know about us!
This site is one of the BEST things I have found- informational, helpful, insightful and business wise,
for Artists! If you have any questions just ask- all the members are helpful, and have a great deal of experience for us newbies to draw from! Again Welcome!
Karole -Maine
Thank's for the nice Welcome message! I am really happy I found this site. It was by complete accident, too! Best of luck to you in your upcoming shows! Maria
Sabrina
Thank's for the nice comments! We are really very new to this. Our partner and best friend, Monica, was responsible for the displays. She has been in retail sales for many years and knows a lot about displays! I have become much more excited about my work since we started craft fairs. It was getting really boring for me, but now I feel like it is all new again. So, that's nice! I hope you have a great week, too!