Monday, September 20, 2010

The Damage

I spent yesterday at an arts market that is typically a great event for me, sales-wise, and a source of income I have grown to depend on. Six hours of chatting with potential customers and a delightful neighboring card maker, I loaded out of the show with exactly $42 in my pocket. 
Result: A long, frustrating day that was made bearable only through good conversation and new friends made
Hourly wage for the day, including set up and break down: $4.60


I pulled out my sewing machine determined to get an early start on holiday gifts, only to find the machine has some serious problems and needed to go to the shop.
Result: In the shop
Price for repair: $50

I finished a good handful of new pieces, set them up for a photo shoot, so I could share these new designs with the world, and get them listed in my shop. But when I tried to take the pictures? "err 99," camera completely out of commission.
Result: In the shop
Price for repair: $210

I have a shipment of materials arriving this afternoon, a white board with a list of enough orders to keep me busy this week, and a two-day arts festival to get ready for next weekend.
Result: In the shop
Spending my days working with my own two hands, making my own hours, and having the flexibility to be there when my kids need me: Priceless.


Until the camera returns, all shiny and like-new, I will be including old photos in my posts, or none at all. Bear with me...

9 comments:

  1. Oh, those art shows! They're so unpredictable and can even be depressing when you break them out to an hourly wage! I am sorry it wasn't a financially lucrative show, but your "priceless" sentence describes exactly why it's worth sticking with what you do. Hang in there!

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  2. bummer! it would be way less than $4.60 if you include all the materials and labor of the things sold too. argh! the discovery of the sewing machine now, rather than later (and even the camera) is at least somewhat fortunate! right? and the list of orders! yay!

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  3. I love your attitude towards all of this. Those art shows are funky aren't they? You do know what is important though (your children, self-determination)! ;) You are patient though; I might have been saying a few words and heading for the gummy bears and a gin gimlet! Congrats on the orders; that's exciting. Can you give us a peek when they are finished? I'd love to see some more of your beautiful work!

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  4. I'm sorry for all of the frustration but how would you know what priceless felt like without a little frustration. This frustration is just the contrast to bring out what matters. I'm thinking of you and sending you incredible thoughts and hugs.

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  5. Wish I was closer and could offer hugs, chocolate and comfort but I guess a cuddle with those you do it for will be better medicine anyway! I'll keep my fingers crossed that next weekend goes better for you Em xxx

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  6. Dearest sweet amy, so soory for all your frustration! Im keeping my finger cross that all will be well for your in the coming days and weekend! Today we celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival over here in malaysia and i hope you get some time to enjoy tea and moon watching. :) Sending you lots of love and hugz! Have a lovely merry happy day!

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  7. Priceless, is right. I am looking at a book right now where a Tyrannosaurus Rex is eating "guts and bones", says Bella. Life could always be worse in some way...at least you aren't those bones and gutts. May a bucket of money fall on your plate, stat. You should be making, oh say, $500/hour at least.

    :)Lisa

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  8. I think arts markets are good opportunities beyond the sales you make on that day, they're good ways to make connections and be known. They're time well invested in your kind of business. Hope you get your camera and sewing machine back soon!

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  9. Arrrrrggggggg!
    Nice bright side view, though!

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