|
ARIZONA DESIGNER CRAFTSMEN Minutes of October 10, 2009 Meeting
Attending: Lynette Andreasen, Katie Poterala, Gini Patterson, Lynda Henderson, Barb Kingdon, Ray Thayer, Ann Thayer, Rhonda Hyacinthe, Suzanne Brown, Mona Nigoldossian, Gail Jamieson, Lauren Diggs, Becky McDonah, Veronica Gallegos, Michelle Parchinski, Sharon Ewing-Rash, Joan Dulla, Betsy Douglas, Laura Miller, Marla Hattabaugh
President Becky McDonah started the meeting about 10:15 a.m. by making a couple of announcements about events - the Mesa Art Center l0xl0 Opening tonight and the Intercollegiate Exhibit at ASU. She also mentioned the postcard announcing the ADC workshops in Tucson and Tempe.
Joan Dulla had a table with some of the equipment she uses for selling at Craft Shows. She discussed the process she used when she first started applying to be in the shows and how to apply. Her first show was in Philadelphia in 2001. Over the years, her display cases have changed and so has her storage method. She handed out a flyer about the products she uses and their phone numbers/websites. She discussed setting up the booth and suggested setting it up at home to find out how to do it. When using electricity, be sure to have the correct number of lights per outlet and board - do Not overload any of the structure! She talked about using a piece of sun screen to cover the opening where her office supplies (calculator, stapler, cards, bags, pens, etc etc) are stored. By having a large bag of tools (screwdrivers, nails, scotch tape, hammer, etc, etc) and keeping all that together, she can efficiently set up the booth. For Advertising, she has large posters made of photos of her more Famous pieces. They act as reminders of what she's done as well as what she can do. When those posters are laminated and grommeted, they can be hung around the booth (Kinko's/Costco provide this service). When arranging the jewelry, she separates it into sections - gold, silver, and some paper products. She uses anti tarnish bags by Stuller to store her silver. Silver cloths are available as well. There's a publication called ArtFair Source Book that can be used to find out which show is in what location. There is information about who runs it/the size of the venue/the number of people expected to attend/names of organizers, etc etc. By using an old knuckle cruncher credit card machine, she saves $$ in financing costs. American Craft Council has information about handling that aspect of the business. The more technology used, the more costs are involved. Different credit card companies charge different amounts for different services. Joan uses a professional photographer as well as a professional model. Her website shows the jewelry but no prices. Buyers can contact her through that site. She doesn't have a gallery but does wholesale her work setting for a $500 minimum order. She figures her prices at a rate of $30/hour; for gold it's four times that amount due to the Exorbitant cost of the precious metal. Joan's unique technique for crocheting wire is a reason for people to ask her to teach. Sometimes people don't buy anything but ask her to conduct workshops so others can learn. Betsy Douglas taught her many years ago and she connected with the method. We had a general question/answer session so individual concerns could be addressed. Some of the other members added comments about computer programs they use to help with inventory control for selling at shows. Ann/Ray Thayer talked a little bit about participating in the Scottsdale Celebration that runs from mid January to the end of March. There's a one time entry fee that works as a season pass.
Meeting more or less adjourned around l2:30.
Respectfully Submitted, Marla Hattabaugh, Secretary
|