It’s been awhile. Between family things, holidays, suddenly having actual sales events to learn about and prepare for … well, let’s just say it’s been a hectic span of time. All this time, I’ve had very little opportunity to try my hand at something new. Most of what I have been able to turn has been more of what I’ve already walked through in previous posts. However, I’m now ready to take on some new lathe adventures, and I hope once again to share my learning with you.
But first, let me fill you in on one contributor to my hectic life: art markets! Starting last summer, I have added my goods to a local gallery (Danby Gathery Art Works), hosted visitors here in my workshop for 4 different art trail events, was a last minute (whew!) acceptance for the Ithaca Artist Market, and sold at a three day holiday market in December.
With the aim of this blog being to share what I learn with my friends and family, let me tell you what I learned about selling. The selling side of this endeavor is ALOT of work, especially at the beginning when you realize just how much nothing you own that is useful for creating a whole booth. Let’s look at my very first event.
What I needed to procure
My first event was in early July on a beautiful Saturday. My workshop was open for everyone to check out, and see a bit of how a log becomes a bowl. My shop is small, so I opted for setting up an area out on the lawn with my finished goods. I considered it quite a success, even though most of my visitors were friends, family and neighbors. It was a success to me because I actually had a decent setup with almost everything I needed. And I sold things!
To get to that point, I had to buy a pop-up tent, a folding table, and a host of sundries. From the house and my painting studio, I was able to scrounge up additional tables, chairs, display elements, signage to guide people from parking to workshop. I already had business cards and price tags, but I needed a Square setup to take credit card payments, and care cards with details of finishes and how to maintain them. I put out drinks and small snacks, and provided a place to sit and relax. This last bit was more important than I thought it would be. Sometimes people like to stay and chat with people they meet. It’s good to give them a space that welcomes them to do this while not getting in the way of others checking out the workshop or browsing the tables.
What I needed to do
We needed to be ready to greet our first visitor by 11:00. We started setup around 8:30 and that was a good decision. It took no time at all to set up the popup tent and tables. It took a bit of time to design an overall layout I liked. And then it took me forever to decide how to group my pieces. I kept rearranging them for best curb appeal, but also for sun and wind. I might have overthought that a bit. But my first time … I did get better at that.
In fact, the next workshop event was in August, and I was able to set up singlehandedly for that in about half the time. Go me!
Rolling with whatever
I also learned that every event is different, even if it’s in the exact same place. My second ever event was the Ithaca Artist Market at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion. I was accepted last minute along with another artist. We had to share a stall with its own infrastructure. We worked together quite nicely and creatively and ended up with a clean, open space that worked for both of us. And many thanks to Chris and his screw gun for last minute drapery hanging to block the fried wings of the booth next door.
Then it was back home for 2 whole weekends of Ithaca Art Trail. With each event, I made small improvements and upgrades. (And of course continued to refine how I displayed my goods.) The final Sunday of the Art Trail was rainy and 30 mph winds. So an outdoor setup was not possible. First thing that morning, I thinned my offerings and managed to squeeze a table into one corner of the workshop. Because the weather kept attendance down, what would otherwise have been too cramped for success was actually manageable. But it did point out to me that I need a more robust Plan B for 2026. After all, I do live in Ithaca — I should count myself lucky it wasn’t snowing.
The last event for 2025 was a holiday market inside (thankfully), but I was allocated just 7 feet in a large hallway. I could have stuck with the provided table, but I wanted to create a more inviting mini space. So instead we built a couple simple platforms that were 14″ x 48″ x 28″high and made an L shaped space. I put modular shelving on the platforms and ended up with much more space than the table would have given me. It also left me a couple feet to sit to the side of the display, not hidden behind the display. I’ve also learned that, while not every browser wants a conversation, some people are very interested in the craft and the process. My being physically accessible (not standing behind a table and shelves), makes for much nicer conversations, and I think helped seal a few sales.
What I got out of it
The most obvious thing I gained was experience! While I’m very happy with how things went overall, the learning curve over 6 months was dramatic, and I’ll bet good money that in three years I’ll be laughing at newbie me!
I also gained money in my pocket. I sold probably more than I would have guessed if I had dared set a goal. But the just-as-important intangible that came with sales was confirmation that my goods have value to others. I’m heading down a path on which success is not guaranteed, but has a good chance of manifesting.
I also learned to never underestimate social media and word of mouth. I made several very nice sales based just on photos from Instagram posts, or photos someone shared with a friend they thought might be interested. It can sometimes be a challenge to make posts, and they may feel like you’re simply shouting into the abyss. But if 15 minutes anguishing over the best caption or framing the best shot ends up with a $200 sale … I’d say that’s probably a good return on your effort. (Check out my abyss shouting here.)
Finally, I’ve made so many new friends, met interesting people. You definitely get all kinds at events like these. Luckily, most of the “kinds” are good kinds. I’m not an extrovert, but I’m finding myself becoming more and more comfortable chatting to strangers for several hours, and talking about myself. Personal growth — whodathunk?
See you in 2026!
I already have several events on my books. I’m hoping to do one event per month. I just haven’t decided if I’m going to start this in June or July. Just as this blog was slow to materialize, so has my time in the workshop. So do I sign up for a June event and force the issue? Or will that just bring undue stress into my creative space and make a joyful process less joyful? That’s the decision I need to make in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck, and insight.