Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Whirling & Wonderful

Those would be the best words to describe this show!  Blogger after blogger, reader after reader, came up and introduced themselves.  The words of encouragement and support mean more than I can possibly convey in this post.  It's lovely to me how we can connect with one another through posts and comments, and how we can meet and feel as though we've known each other long before.  Don't you think so? There's an instant connection that occurs when you find that someone is a reader and/or blogger.  I can't explain it, it just is.

First Monday was a huge success for us, Thursday was our best retail day ever....I'm talking in 5 years of business ever!  We even surpassed sales at the Nutcracker Market and that's almost unimaginable to me!  In the end, it was our most successful show to date since our beginning in 2005!  How 'bout that?

These were a few of our biggest hits at our booth in the Arbors, we sold out of many of these very early in the show.
Burlap ribbon with fringed edge and the garden sandal holding a pie server....how fun is that?  I love the quote on the metal paperweight since little things are what big displays are all about!
Okay, so the crew was not "feeling" these happy face planters when we unboxed them, but after I gave him hair with a planting of sweet basil, and put him in a tablesetting with his feet in the dirt, the crew had happy faces too!  Apparently our customers "got it" because these were gobbled up inside of 4 hours!  Not sure I can get these again, but I'm trying!  However, the china and hourglasses are available online although supply is currently limited!

These iron garden shoes came to life when I placed silverware and napkins inside and used them at place settings!  The shoes can also be hung on the wall - these too were a huge hit!

And our biggest hit, this $6.95 simple square glass vase filled with flowers and adorned with burlap ribbon!  Among the many other things that she does incredibly, she's also the designated floral arranger in the crew!

No doubt about it, shows are pressure filled, grueling work.  But, how I do truly love this business....the beautiful things, the decorating, the displays, and most of all, the wonderful people with whom I get to work, and the customers I get to see every month!  I feel so very blessed!

"If you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come."  -Oprah Winfrey

Have a wonderful week!

24 comments:

Karen said...

I love the shoe. That is really clever. So original.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Karen said...

I love the shoe idea. How clever!
Karen
Ladybug Creek

peggy aplSEEDS said...

congratulations on your success! thanks for sharing. i enjoyed your post.

raggygirlvintage said...

Sounds like it was hard work but lots of fun. I'm also currently in love with burlap, so long as it has some ruffles attached!!
Tracey

No name said...

That little happy planter guy is comical! I'd buy five of those if I knew where to find them at. The shoe is gorgeous and would be a beautiful addition to a tea party table setting.

Oh I just love it all and can use five of each item if you could put a rush on it that would be super....I'll wash dishes for the rest of my life in repayment. hee hee:)

Anne Lorys said...

I'm so happy you had a great First Mondays! You more than deserve it with all your fabulous wares.

I adore those shoes, I would've snatched them up, too!

Anne

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

It's so nice to hear how well you have done this year..considering the economy we have...just goes to prove that 90% of the people are doing just fine...

You have some lovely stuff.♥

Stephanie ♥

It's me said...

Beautiful stuff !! i love it.........nice words:

"If you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come."

It are right words !! have a nice week hugs from Ria

Sueann said...

Glad you had a successful show. Sounds like you had a blast! Very cool!
Great items in your store.
Hugs
SueAnn

Debbie said...

I zeroed in on that quote immediately! I love it, and it expresses my work philosophy very well.

Love, love, love the garden shoes!

Jacque said...

Good Morning Laurie Anna,

Congratulations on the milestone! I love Tina's blog--she is one talented gal! I know her talents are well put to use at your shows.

Thanks for hosting all those those great giveaways. Your generousity and spirit of sharing with others makes reading your blog so much fun!

Have a great week.

Lori said...

Hope it is a sign the economy is making a turn. I was there on Sunday, still things left. I added my purchases to my blog too!

Amy R. said...

Beautiful! I wish I could have been there. They way you display makes the products shine!

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

That shoe is shoestastic! Fun idea.

Have a happy day! xx

Blue Creek Home said...

Such delicious wares...I'm glad the show was a huge success!
Rhonda

Sherrie said...

Such a beautiful shop! I love the quotes too!

vignette design said...

Glad the show was successful. Love the quote too.

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Sounds like a ton of fun! Congrats on a great sale!

LOVE the shoes and the flower vases.

xo
becky

Elsie said...

LaurieAnna~ It was good to see you and your shop again. Love all the
wonderful items you have. My daughters loved shopping there also. I was the one looking for
Tina and left my "N" on the counter and had to go back for it.
Love,Love,Love your shop and booth.:O)

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

LaurieAnna, Congratulations on a successful show! Your items, as well as the presentation, are marvelous. I also love the shoe idea.
Hugs,
Sherry

Prior said...

One of my friends said it was sooo busy! Glad you had a great day my sister and son came to your shop, but I didn't make it this time! Lezlee

Anonymous said...

Looove the little happy face planter guy...too cute! I would have NEVER thought of it...so creative! Smiles ~ Jo

Embellished Bayou said...

I just wanted to let you know my friend & I visited your store last weekend and loved everything we saw! No wonder you had such a great weekend! I blogged about it today:
http://blog.embellishedbayou.com/2010/05/favorite-vendor-in-canton-laurie-annas.html

Turleyjfun said...

Glad you had a successful show. Sounds like you had a blast! Very cool! Great items in your store. Hugs SueAnn