American Artisan and Atlanta Gift Show prepping

Greg and I successfully made it through the heat of the American Artisan Festival, and we even sold some jewelry, too!  I also successfully survived the first craft show after baby - a mere 6 weeks after she was born.

Was I crazy to attempt it?

Yes.

But it was my third year of applying (and getting rejected) and I was so happy to actually get accepted!  But Lordy Lordy it was HOT (heat index was over 100°)!!!  But how cool was it to be in a show that I've been attending my whole life??  It was awesome, I tell you.  And having friends in the same city as the show had its perks - we had friends bring us some Las Paletas one day and another friend bring us Sweet Cece's the next.  Bless those dear people. May their air conditioners never fail them.

My sign really sparkles in the afternoon sun

Next we head to the Atlanta Gift Show - my first wholesale show after baby.  Again, yes I am crazy to attempt it but I am relearning time management - something I've not been so good at with so many distractions like facebook and email.  I am learning to say no to rushing orders out by staying up too late and to pace myself instead.  My brain may never be as sharp as before (babies apparently have a way of melting your brain cells away), but as long as my list-making skills stay in tact, I should be good to go.

Here are some photos of what prepping for a massive wholesale show look like:

This is what pendants look like after being shaped and hammered but before their finishing loop.

Displays - a work in progress.

More displays - these will be making their Atlanta debut

My jewelry table has little room for actual jewelry making - I do a lot of work in my lap no matter how often I clear it off!