Post NSDCC Christmas Craft Show

Let me give you a bit of a behind-the-scenes look. First, the show needs to be set up:

and then …

It takes many, many hands:

Well, my feet and my legs still hurt from all that standing on cement floor all day, but altogether it was a very satisfying experience to do the NSDCC (Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council) Christmas Show. Unfortunately, I only brought my camera on the load-in day, but I have a few images of the show taken with my old phone; not good photos, but they may suffice to give you an impression.

I met many new people, and saw some familiar ones.

In the background, you can see local jewellery designer Allyson Simmie (she is looking at the slideshow I had going on my iPad, as part of my booth). Check out Allyson’s gorgeous work by clicking here.

And then there was a Fashion Show:

The most interesting thing for me this weekend was to actually speak to people about my work, to deal with clients directly. I sell most of my work through galleries across Canada (and soon, in the United States!), which means I don’t get very much contact with the ‘end-consumer’. I learned a lot! Most importantly, I learned how much people appreciate my work, which was, of course, totally delightful. A lot of what makes me ‘make‘, what drives my creative juices, is my intention to bring elegance and joy into people’s lives.  The conversations I had this past weekend made me realize that this is, indeed, the case. This makes me very happy.

It also makes me happy when people buy for other people: a couple may be at the booth, she may really like a piece, but reluctantly put it back before turning to leave; the accompanying partner (or parent, or what-have-you)  sneaks a card and throws me a wink … I then might take note of the piece, or even put it aside, and am delighted when I get re-visited and asked “my wife/daughter/husband/ etc. was here and was looking at a piece…” If I can then ‘secretly’ sell the piece , knowing that it will be a surprise, come Christmas (or whatever gift-giving celebration), then that totally makes my day. I love surprises!

And then it was done, and time to pack up and go home:

Good; done. Now I can concentrate on book keeping for a few days :)