Trade Show Series - Guest - Indomitable Sara Aho Lukkonen

Recently, I’ve been seeing articles, interviews and features on Sara’s work in almost every issue of every bead magazine published. It’d be easy to assume that her secret is out – but as a designer – I’ve loved Sara’s work for ages, I’m sure you have too. If you’ve ever thought you could read a person from what they create – it certainly holds true with Sara.

Her creations are quirky (Sara’s quirky) – colorful (Sara is more so) – ever changing (Sara’s a variable cornucopia of fun, swift wit and drive) – her creations scream “talent” and once you use any of her tiny, enameled treasures – you’re hooked! Just like when you meet Sara – hooked, line and sinker! She’s last in our Trade Show Series but she’s certainly not least! Meet the Indomitable force -Sara Aho Lukkonen . . . 

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:

I fall under Artisan, business owner & manufacturer.  I don’t think of myself as an artist -  I think of my self as a chemist, but that would not be a category for jewelry business.

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

I like the bead society shows the best.  But I do ~8 national shows a year and a handful of the society shows.  I also teach in stores and have trunks shows at the same time and then there are the absentee trunk shows.  So, with all of those types of shows probably ~40 shows a year.

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

Inventory is ongoing.  It can be quite the challenge having enough inventories for the Absentee trunk shows and enough for the trade show.  I don’t advertise for shows I will list them on my website, but I don’t always keep up with that. I pretty much stay in the same hotel chain for shows.  I just tell my husband the dates and he makes the reservations.  One less thing for me to do!

Squish Beads

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any:

In 2010 I decided to blast the magazines with advertising.  I advertised in most of the trade magazines out there.  I don’t think that it made a huge difference in sales.  But I did not track it either.  The best advertising for me is to be published by the editors and other designers and get in the product listing.  Also being at the shows is probably the best advertising because they can touch & see the product.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

I know that at every show something will get stolen.  I have quite a bit of small components. I am usually the only one at the booth so I do the best I can.  If people need to play that game it will catch up to them someday.

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

It is part of doing business.  I just have to make sure that I file accordingly with each state.  I like the states that have the license at the show and you either pay for it there or send it in within 30 days of the show.  Most of the taxes are due on the 20^th of the month so set the calendar alarm!

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshal specifications:

Everyone has a different idea on presentation of products.  I found what works best for me and continue to set up pretty much the same way.  Paying attention to the fire marshal rules is important because you could have to tear down your whole booth and start over!

Like what you see of Sara's answers to our Trade Show Questions - tune in September 20th for the remainder of her answers and the LAST part of our series on Trade Shows and the artists - vendors who attend them. . .

You can find Sara and her work at C-Koop Beads

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Trade Show Series -Guest cont... Renaissance Man Andrew Thornton

We suggest you take a gander at Andrews' blog - it's fabulous . . . The Writing of Andrew Thornton.

Concluding our three-part Andrew Thornton questions on TRADE Shows with the final installment posted below. As expected, Andrews’ answers to our questions were in-depth, frank and honest. So we decided to give him more air time. . . so to speak. Here are Andrews’ final questions and answers:

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

We have a standard setup, but no show is exactly alike. So you've got to be willing to make adjustments. Sometimes a pylon will be in the middle of your booth or your electricity hookup is six feet away or the tables are too wide or too narrow or they give you multiple tables to put together. Really, there are a lot of different variables and possible scenarios. It's best to stay flexible and to work it out visually. If you've started with enough time, you can always reconfigure things if you're not happy with it. Also, I like to work in my space a little first before I settle on anything. Just being there, behind the booth will inform you if you have to move a trash can or move things closer to you to be able to work without too much bending and lifting and shifting.

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor:

Shows are a great way to meet other people in the community and make most excellent networking possibilities. They also are a lot of fun and it's always nice to see old friends. But also, it will provide lots of information. Whether you're curious about new displays or what's going to be the biggest thing next season, trade shows are an invaluable resource.

12. Optional: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:

All of the above! And I think that trade shows are a unique opportunity to interact with customers in a relatively relaxed environment that is outside of your usual perimeters. When you're selling things online, it can be easy o lose that human element.

Andrew has many plans for his future - a new brick/mortar shop - teaching - organizing artists and art for his new shop Allegory Gallery. With all he's got going on - we're lucky to have him participate in anything - let alone a questionnaire.

Find Andrew and his work here Andrews' Blog

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Trade Show Series -(cont.) Guest - Renaissance Man Andrew Thornton

Resuming our Trade Show series blog with Andrew Thornton’s responses to questions posed by Tamara Allison of Vanishing Pearl and Stephanie Haussler of Pixybug Designs. If you missed the beginning – catch up now!

I often think of the quote from Maya Angelou when I think of Andrew Thornton:

People will forget what you said,

People will forget what you did,

But people will never forget

how you made them feel.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

You can't watch your table every second of the day. There will come a time where you have to get something out from under the table or behind the booth and in that fraction of an instant, someone can come by and steal your work. This shouldn't be too off putting, because generally our community is made up of really honest and caring people. However, to reduce those moments of temptation, I usually put the most inexpensive stuff at the corners of the tables and keep the more pricey items closer to me. If something is really pricey, I'll tape or wire it down to the table. Vendors usually stick together and will flag each other if a known shoplifter comes in.

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

I try to do as little paperwork as possible! I don't usually do much of the tax work. I will say, for the limited amount of stuff that I do end up doing, that each State usually has a information available online to help keep things straight and a good old fashioned large calendar, where you can write in it and add Post-It Notes is invaluable!

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire Marshall specifications:

When thinking of displays, I try to think of pieces that will be lightweight, durable, work as storage and protect other pieces from damage during transit. Having decorative travel cases is nice, because they meet all my criteria and can be moved, stacked and changed easily to accommodate any space AND it gives it a sort of ambiance!

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

I actually try not to think about this too much. I know that when one is attending a trade show as a seller, one of course wants to sell things and make a living off of what they are doing, but the best sales are usually made through a genuine connection. We don't sell things that we don't believe in and on that fundamental level, I can be an advocate for what I'm doing and trying to sell. We put a lot of ourselves into the work, so it's not so much a question of selling as it is of sharing these parts of us with the world.

9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

I think you sort of have to create a way for your customers to connect with you outside of the shows. So "marketing" is definitely something that has to happen consistently and constantly.

Like what you've read? Tune in September 13th for the conclusion of Andrews' answers to our Trade show questions.

In the meantime - find Andrew at Andrews' Blog

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Trade Show Series -Guest - Renaissance Man Andrew Thornton

I’ve already written about Andrew in July, 2010. If you care to see what I wrote originally, check it out: My Friend Andrew Thornton.

It’s a rainy dreary day in Bartlesville, the perfect time to write about Andrew. At the end of Pat's blog, I intro'd Andrew as a "man who changed my life."  How, you ask – can one man, met so infrequently – change your life?  Andrew came into my life at a very tough time – just losing my grandmother, my dog, my cat. . . I was full of grief. Broken.

 Andrew in a way only Andrew can (if you’ve met him, you’ll know) –and just being Andrew – pulled me in with his sharp wit, dry sense of humor and tale telling. I have to say, I looked for excuses to pass his booth, linger over his Green Girl treasures, hoping he’d exchange mindless banter with me. Talking Twinkies and Twilight gave me something else to dwell on and look forward to – rather than the screeching of my broken heart.

Thank you Andrew, for helping heal my invisible wounds and thank you for selflessly participating in our blog series. . . part one of Andrew Thornton, starts here:

I love this smile - he has like 20 more different smiles - but this is one of my favorites

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:

I'm in an interesting position, where I fall under all of the various titles. I feel like I've had to wear a lot of hats to keep this creative castle afloat. I have a Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, work with my family at Green Girl Studios, have my own online Shop, and will be opening a physical location soon!

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

I primarily attend bead shows and craft shows. At the height, I was going to about 26 shows a year – pretty much every other weekend.

One of Andrews' artworks

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

For the larger shows, we generally start right after the previous one ends. It allows us to stay innovative and creative and do all the business work that needs to happen. I will say that, just because of the very nature of the shows and companies, a lot of times we have to wait until the last minute to get the best deals. Also, advertising is best done in increments with a concentration the week before the show.

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any:

Green Girl Studios does a lot of different kinds of advertising. One of the biggest, most solid examples is that we advertise in many of the jewelry-making magazines. But we also keep our blogs and social media pages going, and rely a lot on word of mouth.

Like what you've read so far, tune in 9/9/2011 for more Andrew.

Find Andrew here - Andrew's Blog  Shop with Andrew   Shop Green Girl

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Trade Show Series - Guest - Effervescent Marianne Kasparian

I hate admitting that my favorite part of the Trade Show Series blogs has been describing my personal relationship with each guest. Marianne Kasparian is no exception - as far as I'm concerned she's the rule.  How can someone be the rule and not the exception? As a rule, we should aspire to be like her! Simply stated - she's effervescent - she's contagious - she's strikingly beautiful - humble - gracious - sincere - frank and the quality I found most appealing about her - she listens when you talk. 


When you're with her - you feel like you're her only client, which is as far from the truth as I can possibly stretch it. Marianne (or MAK as her friends call her) is an amazing RAKU artist. She manages to mold stoneware clay, nails, staples, glaze into stunning creations of art - ready to add to anything-especially jewelry. While I could write an entire blog post about MAK - I'll let her speak for herself...here she is - Marianne Kasparian of MAKU Studio.

Marianne Kasparian

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other: 

All of the above! I suppose that I am a raku artist who makes jewelry when I have time. Though I wouldn't technically "brand" myself as a business owner, I have to be one to make all this work!

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

I still consider myself relatively new in the trade show world. I am currently a vendor at 2 bead shows...Bead and Button Show and the To Bead True Blue (and The Tucson Bead Show which runs back to back with the To Bead True Blue show...so, I count that as one show). I also do a couple of smaller craft fairs in my area. I would like to add 1-2 trade shows in the future as my son gets older and can help me with the shows!

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

I'm trying to get better at planning...definitely not my forte! I probably start stressing/planning about 3 months in advance!

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any:

I have done a little print advertising (magazines) in the past, but currently mainly "advertising" (not paid for) on facebook and twitter. Social networking and word of mouth are amazing!

MAK's heart

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

Make sure and greet every customer and fill holes as soon as pieces are sold.

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

I can't wait to read what others have to say about this! All I can say is to just do it. Be timely in order to avoid penalties!

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshall specifications:

What works for me is keeping it simple.

Like MAK's answers' - tune in 8/16/2011 for the rest of her guest appearance.

Want to see more of MAK's work? MAKU Studio

Follow   MAKU on Facebook   

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The Care and Feeding of Booth Elves - Guest - AJ Reardon

When you read the title of this blog you were probably thinking:

or perhaps....

But...to accurately read AJ's guest blog post you need to picture this:

If you're a vendor traveling to a trade show, you may find yourself in need of additional help to man your booth. Drawing from my 11 years of experience as a elf at the Tucson Gem Shows, I'm here to provide you with some helpful tips on how to find and keep a loyal employee who will stay with you for years.

First you have to find someone who you trust and can spend anywhere from a day to two weeks working with. Friends of existing employees are a good resource and loyal customers are even better, because they already know your product and will probably be willing to take at least part of their pay in trade.

If at all possible, try to find someone local. I live in Tucson, which has made me a popular booth elf. If you bring in someone from out of town, you have to pay for their transportation, lodging and meals. A local elf not only has their own home to go to at night and can provide other valuable tips while you're in their town. 

Once you've decided on someone, be sure to ask them as soon as possible. My vendor employers usually tell me at the end of the show if they'll want me back next year, then we reconfirm a few months before the show comes up. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that all of the good employees will already have secured employment.

Now that you've found a booth elf, discuss the details of the job. It's good to clarify ahead of time what hours they'll be working, duties and of course, their pay. Be specific with job duties - confusion creates a bad working environment. 

During the show, there are a few things you can do to elevate yourself to the level of “cool boss.” It's nice to treat your employee to lunch at least once during the show, and/or dinner is also a good perk! If the show is slow enough that your booth elf has some free time, allow them a chance to go shop – especially if you're at a bead show and they're a beader. Giving your elf a discount if they choose to take their pay in trade instead of money is another good bonus.

The most important thing is to treat your booth elf with respect and a friendly attitude. They may just be working for you for a short time, but they deserve the same treatment as your regular employees. They'll remember if you treat them poorly, and you'll lose not just a valuable temporary employee, but possibly a customer as well.

Bonus! Tips for potential booth elves:

If you'd like to work at a show, spread the word around. First ask the vendor(s) that you'd specifically like to work for, and if they don't need you, they'll at least remember you if a fellow vendor asks them if they know anyone.

Once you have a job, treat it as seriously as you'd treat a regular day job. Show up on time, obey your boss, and be respectful towards the customers... even the really annoying ones who smell funny. You may only be working for a weekend, but your employer relies on their business for their income year-round, so don't do anything that would damage their standing with their customers.

Don't be afraid to negotiate a bit. If there are hours you specifically can't work due to a previous commitment, or if you'd like to have an hour somewhere during the show to shop, bring it up politely to your employer and see what you can work out.

When both the vendor and the booth elf approach the relationship with respect and a good attitude, it can be the start of a beautiful arrangement. I have several previous employers that I still think of fondly; the only reason that I don't work for them anymore is that they don't come to Tucson anymore. My current boss is an absolute peach and I always look forward to working in her booth. You too can have (or be) a loyal, hardworking booth elf!

(The Hole Bead Shoppe Note: We met AJ in Tucson at Beyond Beadery - it was immediately apparent that AJ was a well seasoned Tucson Gem Show attendee and her quick wit, enthusiastic love of all things bead were infectious and we fell in love with her. You can find AJ's work at:

AJ's Etsy Shop

AJ's Blog

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Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - Yvonne Irvin

Our third Guest Yvonne Irvin is a whirling dervish of energy if I ever saw one. The first time I witnessed this master of color I knew we'd be friends! If you haven't met her - make a point to visit her when she's at one of the shows you attend. If you have - you'll understand when I say - talking to Yvonne is like that old phrase *"ninety or nineteen to the dozen" - she's energetic, outgoing and her personality is just as colorful as her product line! Most of all - I consider her a great friend.  I just adore her! So without further adieu- meet Yvonne Irvin.

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:   ARTIST/CREATOR/Manufacturer of MyELEMENTS

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend: BEAD SHOWS average 15 a year

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (I.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

Depends on size of show...Bead & Button & Bead Fest are my two largest so I need to get hotels/help lined up for that way in advance. As far as inventory...I make 80% of what I carry so I am always in the studio when not at shows.

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any:

Show calendar on web site, facebook, emails to customer list, sometimes in show flyers

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

Keep an eye out, but bottom line is...I can’t live that way, constantly worried about someone taking my work...if they need it that bad they can just have all the bad mojo that comes with thievery and I also curse them with festering boils! :0)

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

This is a real hard thing for me...as an artist I love creating...all the business side is not my fav...I have some states that I WILL NOT do shows in just because they want me to file a claim every month even if I only do one show a year in their state (that's a waste of my time!)

then there are some wonderful States that will give you a transient tax number & you just fill it out after the show send your check & get on with the business of creating...I love writing checks to those states & thank them for being so user friendly.

As far as when to apply...check in months in advance to get your permits...we know how slow the wheels of bureaucracy turn....& good show promoters will have contact info in their contract about who to contact etc.

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshal specifications:

For me display means sturdy, not heavy and ease up & down. When I started shows 6 years ago I asked my clever husband to make me shelving sturdy enough to hold my lights & jewelry displays. Also easy to assemble/disassemble.....

A place for my jewelry creations made from my product highlighted to show folks what they can do with my wares.

my art is very bright & colorful...so no busy patterns on my displays/table coverings...I am there to sell my work/beads not win a interior decorating prize....I think clean & simple is best,,,its to show off what you have to sell & I utilize my space accordingly.

I have been at shows where people would set up grids etc & use a clothes pin to hold it together, first time someone bumped into their table half their display came down...I avoid this by having a sturdy, strong & still attractive display.

Most fabrics are fire retardant these days...I have never had issue with mine...common sense plays a role...don't drape organza/lace/plastic over super hot halogen bulbs.

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

BE WELCOMING! First & Foremost...let people know you are glad they are in your booth...don't push... just be your normal friendly self...when you go to someone's booth & their face is in a book or they are yakking on the phone...it tells me they are not concerned with whether or not I buy from them. This is my job & it’s a lot of work.....but I am just happy to be there...it's a lot of energy doing these shows...& I am ON from the time the show starts till I close up at night...usually by Monday after a weekend long show I have no voice from talking so much...but how wonderful; for me to be making a living selling & making my art...I am so very happy to be able to say that.

Also important to have samples made from what you are selling...not everyone will know what to do with your product.....so have the finished product so they can see what can be done with what you have & keep it fresh...that is one reason why I have repeat customers who seek me out at shows...after 6 years they still never know what Yvonne has up her creative sleeve.

9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

I do gazillions of residual sales on my Etsy site, once folks buy from a show they get home & like what they have made & voila I get an Etsy order from them...I am pretty technically challenged...so Etsy has been a wonderful source for me...but you also get out what you put into it...I work it everyday!

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

Adjust for each show...some shows I have larger spaces than others.

every show has its quirks....I will never forget my first Bead & Button show...I get up to Milwaukee go to set up my booth & realize the table top is only 24 inches wide...I need lots of real estate to put out enough product to make a good show...so I was missing space for over 8 full trays of product...it was awful...then a wonderful vendor had an extra sheet of plywood & I extended my table, now I have extenders made from gator foam take to shows I need to.

.. You have to figure out what kind of set up you want...

Some shows I do it’s just one table, others I have huge double booths...just depends on what kind of money is to be made at the show...I need customers & lots of them because of the low ticket price on most of my items. So I have to have room for all those customers so they cannot be crowded while picking & choosing....but if you are selling 75 dollar beads then you don't need as much room.

12. Optional: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – I.e. money, marketing, social networking:

This is how I make my living...certain shows I know are going to be great, others I can talk my husband into going along somewhere different seeing a part of the country we haven't seen before & make it a mini vacation...so that's always fun. Its trial & error these shows...just have to talk to other vendors & then just do different promoters’ shows & find which ones work best for you.

This business is A LOT of work & it’s much easier to have a REGULAR JOB & Get a REGULAR PAYCHECK...but for some of us...it’s just not enough...I have to do my art & making other people happy with my creations & making a living at it...well I wouldn't have it any other way!

13. Additional comments:

An added bonus is some of the other vendors you meet ...well it’s just fantastic to enjoy the camaraderie of other creative like minded souls!!!

* Ninety or Nineteen to the Dozen literally means: pumps in coal and tin mines could clear nineteen thousand gallons of water for every twelve bushels of coal. Today it’s used to describe someone talking or moving at a breakneck speed.

Find Yvonne using these links:

My Elements      Yvonne's Etsy Site

Like Yvonne's comments to our questions - tune in Friday for Marsha Hedrick of Amazing Porcelain

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Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - The Fabulous Wendy Baker

A continuation of our featured from Tuesday - Wendy Baker of Sleeping Dog Studio and Wendy Baker Designs. If you missed it - read it here. 

The Fabulous Wendy Baker

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

I am so bad at all of this. So I like to pay my taxes to the show promoters at the end of the show day. Often each show promoter has a "day of show" solution to help folks like me. When I grow up and get more practiced with this, I plan to get very organized with a book and keep particularly careful records all together. I have done this for my internet shipping needs and it has been such a lifesaver. Everything is in one place. 

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshall specifications:

So far, most of my show experiences are small scale local participations. Their requirements for tent and weight set-ups are on the applications. It is pretty straightforward. Also I haven't had any experience with fire marshall /convention center guidelines yet. As an architect (I like to refer to this as a retired condition nowadays), I was practiced with some building technology issues. The stuff I learned when I practiced has carried through to these selling venues whether I was actively thinking about it or not. The fussier things get, the more chances for complications arise.

Now I just like to keep things as simple as I can. My only real need is for adequate lighting and there is usually some easy solution to manage this through the show promoter.  My fixtures for shows are made from recycled elements. My husband is a great carpenter and has helped me make many of my display items.

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

If I had a clue, I would be so much happier.

I have a higher end necklace line that I love to make. Most of those pieces run around $250. It is not the most convenient price point in this economy. This has pushed me to make a lot of pieces that can be purchased with a quick trip to atm. things just under $20.00 increments are great for folks to give as gifts. I do offer some discounts to regular customers and folks who buy large quantities of things at one sweep.

9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

I am learning to carry business cards all the time. And I wear what I make. It is not subtle, so I get pretty good feedback quickly. A trip to the supermarket can be more rewarding than one might expect. I have ladies come up to me often and now I have cards to give them. It puts it into their minds without formality. I get a lot of emails back this way with custom orders resulting occasionally.

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

I do both. I try to make at least one improvement or display system per show. It lessens my nervousness and I am also excited to show it off. People like seeing that you are excited about your own work.

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor:

To get some immediate perspective on what you are making to sell. Validation of your skills or style is also really exciting. Finally, MONEY. It matters when you need to pay your mortgage or for groceries or new supplies.

12. Optional: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:

I am trying to do more shows and have plans in the works to improve my sales. I am trying to create a brand based on my work since it is very personal. I have 2 kids going to college this September and I am freaking out about how to pay for it. Steady selling is helping my confidence and purse.

13. Additional remarks:

You really can't move forward if you don't try different ways to sell your things. It is really important to keep trying too. It is going to be different every time and you just never know what will work until you make the effort to stretch your comfort zone.

As for the idea that you may fall on your face... recently, I literally fell at the end of a long day at a rainy, outdoor venue produced for the first time. In spite of a banged up knee, I had one of the best showings I ever have had. So I fell on my face. I did get up and had a follow up series of nice shows after that. I needed to have the worst case scenario of bad weather; exhaustion and the uncertainty of a new event coalesce. It really showed me that I could do the show scene and make it work for me. The ensuing shows were a snap after that. 

Reach Wendy using these links:

Follow Wendy's Blog : Wendy's Blog

Wendy's Etsy Shops: Sleeping Dog Studio   Bendywho!    Fabulous Wendy Baker Designs

Like Wendy's responses - tune in to our next series on Trade Shows and the rest of Wendy's answers - on Friday - we'll have another Guest - Yvonne Irvin of My Elements - Tuesday! 

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