Remember how a few posts back I mentioned you need to be flexible when it comes to your setup? Well today was one of those days.
Up until yesterday it looked like we were going to have a wet morning at the very least. Couple that with not knowing exactly what I was heading into for a site, I packed for everything, rain, snow and sun. But I got “lucky”.
The weather shifted and we got a reprieve from the wet weather for the day, but it was still going to be a bit chilly. I’m keeping heater packs in one of my cases these days, so warm is just a rip and a shake away. But I still didn’t know what to expect for the table.
Well, it turns out I had a table provided for me, a nice 8 foot long table. But it seemed that tents were marginally frowned upon. I suppose I could have set it up if I had asked, but really, the sun was out, and 40 degree temps aren’t *that* unbearable for yours truly. Plus the sun makes glass shine!
So, I parked and loaded up my hand truck with the boxes and dragged them out into the field. I probably could have driven out to the site if I wanted, but hey, my legs work and I’ve got the transport problem down to a science these days. The only thing that really thwarts me is stairs and I only have one show on my list that that’ll be a problem with. I’m really not looking forward to that one; the sales are usually ok, but getting in and out is a royal pain in the hiney. No worries, two trips and it’s done. But back to today.
Being out in the sunlight, I didn’t need my lights, nor could I really use my picture frame since it would have been washed out by the sun. However it was quite windy. As luck would have it, I pack spring clamps and bungee cords in my battery box just in case. Securing my table cloth was no problem at all. I was even nice and let other folks ‘borrow’ some duct tape to secure their signs, but my display was fine and dandy. The only problem I had with the wind was when my fused plates were blown over. Only once did one leave the table, but after that I moved my signs to behind the plates and clamped them down, instant wall. Eventually I wound up laying the plates down due to the wind.
In addition, I didn’t get lunch. My wife was kind enough to stop by, but she was only able to do so briefly and the time she happened to stop by happened to be the time that the only food vendor on site happened to run out of food and was waiting for one of the folks there to get back from the warehouse club. “Luckily” I had a package of peanut butter crackers in one of my cases. I probably could have bought a caramel apple from the folks at the next table, but that’s not exactly an energy food. Protein, carbs…that’s energy.
I just wish the sales had been better. There were plenty of folks looking, plenty who though my work was pretty/neat/gorgeous/have you heard of Murano?/etc. But very few that bought anything. By very few, I mean three people, and one of those was a kid I actually was nice to. He was desperately looking for something to spend his 5.00 bill on, but most of my stuff runs $10 and up. I happened to have a glow in the dark zipper pull that I really was selling for 5, but I have a soft spot for the kids, and I let him have it for 3 so he’d still have some change.
The event was well run, there were plenty of people, but as another vendor pointed out, too many kids and not enough adults with discretionary income. I’ve seen plenty of teens with unexpected funds, but this was a lot of the under 13 set, who rarely have cash on them.
Interestingly, I met a few of the town’s firemen today. It seems I was a topic of discussion at one point since one very nice gentleman started his conversation with me with “So you’re the blower I heard about. I didn’t even know you were in town.” I’d say that’s good really since honestly, if they’re more acquainted with me that usually means they’ve visited along with red flashing lights. But I run a safe shop, so them not knowing me is a good thing if you think about it. I have to say, my town’s firemen are a nice bunch of guys. No blowing smoke, they’re just genuinely personable.
But anyway, towards the end of the day the event organizer asked if I had the ability to demo onsite. If you asked me to do it tomorrow, probably not. I mean yes, I could probably do it if needed, but there are a few things that I’d need to to attend to do it as safely as possible. I said yes, of course, and she asked if I could do it next July 3rd at our town’s Independence Day event. I said sure. What I didn’t mention was that I was quietly wondering how much of a hassle it’ll be if I close up shop and sell off my glass after the holidays. The day was going that well.
But, if I’m still in business (and I really hope I am), I’ll be happy to demo. Frankly it’s one of those things I’d love to do and I know the kids would get a kick out of it. If the kids like it, it spawns an interest and the craft lives on. I just need to talk to the fire department to see what they’ll need me to do to ensure it’s done safely. So, if any of my peeps want to help me run the table while I’m busy making stringers, teddy bears, and dragons, let me know, I’ll need a little help.
Oh, and if you’re curious, I didn’t even make the table fee today. It’s the first one of the season that that’s happened, let’s hope it’s the only one.