Art Walk 2008

Hi all! It has a busy season at the Market. On Oct. 5th we hosted 27 local Etsy sellers for a special Super Market Sunday. And this Friday, Oct. 17th, we are taking part in the Ann Arbor Art Walk. There will be over 50 of our Sunday vendors hanging out at the Market from 5-10 p.m. to show off their wares and talk Art. Several of our vendors will be giving demonstrations. There will be light refreshments and music performed by one of our vendors. We are all really excited about our first time participating in the Art Walk. Hope to see you there.

More Shameless Self-Promotion

Shameless Self-Promotion by Ann Sheppard [of Such Pretty Colors]

Sometimes Self-Promotion can be hard for us. We are taught not to 'brag'. But you can positively and enthusiastically promote yourself without bragging.

This column will give a tip each week, just little ways you can promote your business in your daily life.

Tip #2 - Things to do with your business cards

1. Put one in every customer's bag. Say, "My business card is in the bag in case you need me again."

2. Give one to every customer you talk to, even if they don't buy something. Say, "Would you like my card in case you decide you'd like to get one [of my items] in the future?"

3. Keep a few in your bag or pocket, ready to give out in unexpected situations. :)

4. Put them on the bulletin board at cafes, coney islands, Whole Foods, the Co-op, etc. Restock them as needed.

5. Give a stack to your mom. When she is bragging about you to the lady behind her in line at Meijer's, she can give her your card. Give some to your best friend and your spouse, too.

6. Make them into bookmarks and give those to your customers. Then they will keep them around and see them often.

7. Put a magnet on the back so your customers can put them on the fridge.

8. If a repeat customer tells you that her friends constantly ask where she got the item she bought from you, ask her if she'd like a stack of your cards.

9. Ask your suppliers if they keep business cards on hand. For instance, the JoAnn fabric on Ann Arbor Saline Rd. used to keep business cards in the drawer under the register, in case their customers inquired about seamstresses for hire. Ask the local beadshop or scrapbook store, or whatever is appropriate to your craft, if they keep cards on hand for this reason.

10. Trade a stack with a fellow crafter. Put his on your table, and ask him to put yours on his table.

11. What NOT to do: Litter. Some people suggest you stick your cards in random library books or put them on counters and shelves in stores and other public places. This is just littering and won't get you a good return. Think about the planet and skip this one.

Go give 'em! Next time, let's stick our toes into the internet. :)

Sunshine, Crowds, and Vendors.... Oh My!

Sunshine, Crowds, and Vendors.... Oh My!! It was a great opening day for each of us. I have to say "Thank You!!" to everyone that was a part of it. We had over 50 vendor spaces filled. Most spaces were filled by our Wonderfully Talented annual vendors that always delight everyone with their innovative and unique items. In addition, I was also blown away by some of the new vendors that joined us. The designs brought by "Yard Art" and "Imagine it in Glass" were both unique to our market and wonderful additions. It was great to have "Heaven Scent" as well as a new photographer, wood cutter, and I can't forget the beautiful items brought by "Michelle Benton". Later in the afternoon FestiFools came through our market too. Their group added to the fun and celebrational feel that our market had all day, and they injected a large amount of humor. The over sized puppets that everyone had created, their costumes, and all the "bucket" players were Great!! I'm looking forward to see what they come up with next year too!! If you are interested in being a vendor at our market you can get information from our web site, http://www.artisanmarket.org/. In addition, if you are looking for a place to experience art on a Sunday afternoon..... Come On Down...... "See ya at The Market!"
Peace-Love-Art