My first “public appearance” this past Sunday during the Austin City Limits music festival was a major success! So much so, that my Husband Steve hardly had time enough to snap off a few pictures…
The weather forecast called for partly cloudy skies, but we saw nothing but sun (and lots more wind than we anticipated). I was also running on fumes and adrenaline because even though I got in bed at midnight the night before (ok, ok, 12:30) I simply couldn’t sleep. I literally got 1 & 1/2 solid hours in a row. That’s all. Nerves, anxiety, excitement…all of the above. Not a good start by any means!
Now (scrap) leather & stitched on–so take that, wind!
Everything set up, and for the first 2 hours all we were doing was fighting the wind (I want to kiss whoever invented duct tape!) I made quick, quick friends with a lovely glass blower named Michelle Waldren, whose space was adjacent to ours. Steve helped her with her canopy, while I had a few people pass by without looking at all, or just glancing at my stuff quickly, and then walking away. *sniff*
Then the madness ensued… My cheeks hurt by the end of the day from all of the smiling I was doing… When each “wave” of people brings you 5 girls at the table at once with 4 more squeezing and pushing their way in to see what the fuss is about–and when this happens for most of the day– that perma-smile is inevitable and simply unavoidable. What a motivator, not to mention constantly hearing the words: “Your stuff is so DIFFERENT!” Aw, shucks.. I do try!
Yes, we had a great first day. I could go on and on about the wonderful people we met, the precious little 2 year old girl in the brown & white checkered dress and cowboy boots that I wanted for my own, the pitbull puppy I wanted to steal away from his undeserving & slightly mean owners, the brass Longhorn ring that STEVE sold all on his own while I was on a 5 minute break, the way I surprised a few people with my Spanish, and that LOUD and obnoxiously pushy “hard-sell” jewelry vendor across from us complaining to everyone that I was “stealing” her sales… 
Who’s the gal taking pictures??
I’m going to make this a regular thing, and am adding a second table, so if you’re in Austin, look for me! I’ve reserved the same spot on the lot (behind the “Hey, Cupcake!” trailer) and we should be there every Sunday through to the end of the year, weather permitting. There’s also a musician at our end of the lot that plays some great classic rock tunes with a bit of a country flair–he had me & my customers humming and singing along the entire day!
This is your chance to see and purchase some great new items before I list them here and in my ArtFire studio, and also your chance to have your name entered for special upcoming giveaways. Items on market days will be discounted as well! Look for the burgundy canopy, and “BIJOUTIFUL” in big brown scrap leather letters appliqued to the tablecloth. Can’t miss it, but we’ll soon also have a vinyl sign…should be in the mail soon!
If you haven’t been, bring the entire family–even your dog is welcome as long as he’s on a leash (and doesn’t mark my tablecloth as his own! hee, hee! Seriously, though. Please no leg-lifting anywhere near my table, m’kay? Don’t let the smile fool you, because I will be watching…)
Thanks to everyone that stopped by and saw me this past Sunday. Thanks for the support, for buying handmade, and for all of your kind words about my work. You all absolutely made my day!!
Y’all come back, now…y’hear?
XXOO
How wonderful for you! New experiences (IMO) are what life is all about. Best wishes and have FUN!
Aw, thanks Rose! I can be somewhat shy in person, and have been hiding behind the computer for toooo long now.
Time for a change… xo
I just read your blog from last Sunday….bless your heart! I would have gone and beat up those owners for the pit bull, and definitely told that lady LOUD, obnoxious lady that claimed you were stealing her customers! I should have stayed!
I hope goes really well for you, Amber…you truly are such a sweet, kind person to talk to.
Thanks for making such beautiful earings for my daughter (Jessie) and I!
Love ya!
Oops! Sorry about that! I didn’t proofread that comment before posting!
I’m sure you can read between the lines, though, right?
Oh, Dana! Thanks for stopping by the website and for commenting!! And thanks again for stopping by today and for your continued support! It’s much appreciated, and you’ve quickly become a favorite customer.
You’re most welcome in our “space” any time….and absolutely no pressure at all! Please don’t ever feel obligated to spend money when you come with your darling dog, Jack. I’m happy just to chat and give the lil boy some love. He’s sooooo well-behaved, and you’re tons of fun and down to earth!
I’ll have your earrings and darkened necklace waiting for you next Sunday, but will give you a call later in the week just to be sure you’ll be able to pick them up. If not, I certainly don’t mind popping them in the mail for you, or holding onto them little longer.
Oh, and I think I scared that LOUD obnoxious vendor away. Didn’t see her there today, but then, I didn’t have much time to walk around much. Maybe she asked to be on the opposite end of the lot, as far away from me as possible. hehe
So, so glad to have met you, Dana. Truly. Much love!
xxxooo
And you know what else? I didn’t proof read MY post…”much”…towards the end… hahaha
You are such a sweetie! And so funny…If I don’t get by next weekend, I will definitely get by the next one after that, Ok? You won’t have to mail them to me…I’ll just let you hold on to them. No problem!
I read what you said in another part of this website that “as long as your dog doesn’t lift his leg” around the table or something to that affect…and I do hope Jack hasn’t done that! Yikes! I hadn’t even been watching him, because I am so in awe of your jewelry when I come by there. He usually is fairly well behaved, and I am proud of that fact.
Hope you have a wonderfully peaceful week, dear, and I’ll see you soon!
Love, dana
Oh, no! Jack hasn’t been naughty at all! I’ve just heard horror stories from other vendors about dogs. Once one lifts a leg, then each passing dog has to follow suit. *shudder*
And how you flatter me so! “..in awe…” YOU are too sweet!
So, I’ll hold on to everything for you. I’m trying to get in the lot behind Vespaio for the 30th–just so you know! And I’ve got a bunch of NEW stuff, a second table and new display set-up. It’s evolving already, and I’d love your (honest) opinion on it when we next see you. <3
Hugs n kisses to you and your precious little boy, Jack! And I hope Jessie is happy with the changes I made on the dangly blue quartz/vint. brass earrings…
omg…i am just now seeing this. Weeks later!
You are too sweet! I’m so glad you like Jack, and that he is welcome…he is such a HUGE part of my life, and you know I love him dearly.
Don’t think I’ll be by there on Sat., as I have some stuff going on this weekend, but I’ll be by on Sunday, I think. Hope it picks up, and you have better luck across the street on Sat.
Oh! The girl at work loved the Longhorn necklace…I knew it was calling her name!
Love you lots, and take care of you!