My First Outdoor Show!

Well, I really did it! One of my goals for this year was to (finally) get started doing outdoor shows and my first one was at Tucson in February. Boy, did I learn a lot about what to do and what NOT to do! The lesson was well worth the price of admission!

Rather than tell you all about the show, I'll just direct you to my partner in crime, Patty Lakinsmith's blog, where she shares most of the details. She's a far better writer than I so you can read all about the fun stuff we did on her blog.

So here are a few things I learned:

You have to take a lot of stuff!!!!

(ok, I told her I would get this picture on the net!!!)

It's  a lot of work!

(Don't forget the lights! That's Patty setting them up!)

Be prepared for bad weather!

(oh ick! This needs no explaination!)

Organize your shop well!

(tah dah! My first booth! It was fun to share one with Patty)

Take the opportunity to make contacts!

(Another artist, Miriam, who had a booth across from us)

Keep good records!

Remember to have fun!

(Taken at the after hours Karaoke party!)

And be prepared to be dog tired!

(That's Patty's dog, Bodie)

I'm not being very serious here, but I have to tell you, this was the most fun I've had in a long time. I was able to meet Patty for the first time- after a couple of years of partnering via the internet. She was everything I expected based on what I already knew about her, and a lot more. This is a friendship I will treasure forever.

She made my first outdoor show an adventure and I really did learn a lot. If you want to try a show for the first time, I highly recommend sharing a booth with someone who has experience doing it. I learned about tents, displays, signage, what to bring, and a whole lot more. And no blood was shed!

Toodles,