Reflections on the ACC St. Paul Show

Well, it's over!

Months of prep, hours and hours of research, lots of designing, tons of sewing, hours of over-time, and yes, even a few emotional melt-downs... Plus, two days of show set up, one evening at the preview party, three days of the retail show, and a couple quick hours taking it all down... 
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​I did it!
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Setting Up

After a long wait in our car to get into the loading dock, my husband and I arrived at my booth space #1113, mid-day on Wednesday. We set up my pipe and drape, and prepped my space. Everything went smoothly; it made me so pleased of the work I put into designing a simple booth that sets up quickly and easily!

On Thursday afternoon, I leisurely put the finishing touches on my booth, got all my products displayed, and made sure everything was ready for the evening's preview party. 
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The Show

The retail show started on Friday morning. It was nice to arrive at the show knowing everything in my booth was already set up and waiting for me. What a stress free way to start the show.

I was very pleased to see that women loved my handbags. They raved about the unique colors and designs, and the lightweight quality of the fabrics. Actually, men also loved the purses; several told me that if they were women, they would be buying from me!

It was surprising to find out what colors most people were drawn to. The pink sunset with a touch of gray was very popular, as was the gray ombré with a pop of red.

I was thrilled on Saturday morning when, first thing, a well-dressed man wearing a dashing hat and a long red coat purchased a pouch that matched his outfit (center photo, above). He immediately transferred his phone and credit cards from the case he was using to the new pouch!

My wrap belts were very well received! Several woman who thought they couldn't wear a decorative belt tried them on, loved them, and purchased one! Many people told me how great they would be when traveling: just add a beautiful belt and an outfit will look completely different from one day to the next. Great idea!
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Wonderful show-goers!

I met so many wonderful people at the show. I couldn't believe how many people pulled me aside to tell me how amazing they thought my work was.

One woman exclaimed to me, "You haven't been here before. I would remember if I had seen your work here before. I know you weren't here last year. Such great work!"

At two separate times, men came up to me and said, "Your work is the best at the show."

A woman wrote, "Best new artist at the show! Fresh & fun & beautiful."

Other written comments included, "Beautiful!!" and "Lovely!"
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What a show!

This was the largest show I've ever done. It was so well-organized, too. My booth neighbors were great! I met the most wonderful couple from Colorado: artist Lynda Ladwig and her husband. (Check out her ceramics. I loved her work.) I pretty much talked myself out after three and a half days at the show. But yet, I sort of miss my home-away-from-home: booth 1113. 
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Thank you!

I want to give enormous amounts of thanks to my dear, wonderful husband. Chris, you are the greatest!

To my many friends and family members who came to the show to give support: Thank you! I appreciated seeing your friendly faces so much!

Many thanks to my parents for their support and babysitting efforts!

Thank you to all the fantastic people I met at the show: I had a great time! Keep in touch!
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And thank you so much to all of you who support me and my work online. You are wonderful!