Sep 27, 2010

Dream Big...and be Inspired

Several years ago I had a dream...it was to one day be a vendor at coveted juried event.  This event was Junk Bonanza located in Minnesota.
I am a jewelry designer, and I was inspired to create and sell at this venue.  It would be the perfect marriage for my designs.  Last week was the second year of realizing this dream. 

It feels good when you succeed, but quite often a tremendous amount of work goes into such victories.  No easy task, but so rewarding.  Here's what goes into an event such as this in a much condensed version.

First you have to find your raw elements you'd like to create with.  Many hours are spent searching for just the right pieces, as I do Vintage Redesign Style Jewelry.  I search ebay, etsy, shop at flea markets, antique shops, tag sales, estate sales, and buy from pickers that know what I'm looking for.

Hundreds of hours are spent creating my jewlery, pricing it, and finding just the right props to display my pieces properly.

Then it is packing time... Two Jeeps later, as well as a trailer filled with booth walls, we're ready to roll.


7 hours of set up time...


and it looks like this...

than the show begins...
and no photos were taken the first day.
This is a slow day...


you meet and work with customers for three days straight...
and I loved every minute of it.
I had my daughter and best friend selling for me as well,
so plan ahead with extra help.


Life is too short to wear department store jewelry!

So if you're inspired to dream big, go for it.  There will be hard work, but it can be so rewarding.
I hope you've been inspired, as I've shared a bit of my dreaming big and loving living...

Gretchen  <3

Gretchen Schaumann
Mimi-Toria's Jewelry

http://mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ackk! Gretchen!! Imagine "bumping" into you here! Sorry not to see you at the French Flea anymore, but I do know where to find you and your beautiful and inspiring work :D
Yes, dreaming big is hard but rewarding!!
God bless,
Claudia

Kathryn Dyche said...

A lot of hard work I'm sure but the reality of your dream looks amazing.

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Congratulations on making your dream come true...your jewelry is stunning! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! :)

Jamie said...

I love stories like this! Reminds us all that hard work really does pay off.

kelly@thebluemuse said...

I also make jewelry/do shows so I can totally relate to this. It is so much work, but so rewarding. Your jewelry is fabulous!

Jill said...

This is inspiring for sure. It can be done! I keep telling myself that..when the time is right! I love your work and someday...I will see you at Junk Bonanza. Maybe a buyer or maybe a fellow vendor!

Sonya McCllough Lockridge said...

Thanks for sharing this leg of your journey with us. I am so happy you included the shopping and sharing days with your customers ... Dream BIG or stay at home ... love

ELK said...

i needed this inspiring story today ..may you have continued success..and enjoyment in your art!!

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

Such a lovely space you have here. And the words that inspire and encourage others that THEY TOO can move into those dreamy whispers...

KateT said...

I love your jewelry and your display! What is your website? I want to see more!
Kate

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Gretchen!

A Beautiful Story and love the inside peek! Glad to know that I am not alone with my boxes! Wish I could have seen you at the Junk Bonanza! Hope to see you soon!
Kris

dbalyoz said...

sounds like a marathon of creativity and inspiration. i LOVE how you display everything. you have a real gift:)

Bohemian said...

And we're so glad you had a big Dream that has now become a reality... your work and creations are always amazing!

Dawn...The Bohemian

Gretchen said...

Thank you everyone for your encouraging comments. It is such a fun thing to be a part of and a great opportunity to learn more and be inspired myself.
For those of you that requested my blog it is:
mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com
and there is a Label on the right that if you click on it, it will bring you to the posts that showcase jewelry I have or have had for sale off my blog.
I hope this helps.
Until next time...
Gretchen Schaumann
Mimi-Toria's Jewelry
http://mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com

~Kristina said...

I really like your "go for it" cheer.

Suki said...

welcome gretchen. Loved your words. Good to have you here.

That Girl Ang said...

Gretchen, this is a great post. It's my dream to do a large juried show as well. I am so glad I met you. You are indeed a true inspiration.

Ang