
So I've been a little MIA again lately, as I was preparing for my very first wholesale trade show. How did it go? Ehh... I've never heard the phrase "watching paint dry" more times than I did last weekend. It was definitely an experience though, despite the lack of buyers at the show (it wasn't open to the public) I learned a lot. When shows aren't open to the public, you don't get the curious browsers - these buyers know exactly what they are looking for and you either have what they want, or you don't. Which is a little refreshing! I am glad to say that all of the work that went into planning my booth definitely did NOT go unnoticed. I got tons of compliments on my display, from the buyers that weren't necessarily looking for my aesthetic and even men! It was good to know that anyone who set foot within my 10x10 foot booth absolutely loved my designs though!! No in-betweens, so I'm hopeful that I've made some great contacts for the future.

These took unnecessarily long to make...Most of the shops were factory made, lots of bags, and of course tons of jewelry. I was fortunate enough to be neighbours with other designers that weren't importers - so our little area was a little more unique than the rest =) And hell, as a jewelry addict and maker, I couldn't resist this blue agate necklace by
Mari Plawiuk.

I've been wanting more bold jewelry for a while now but all of my pieces are pretty dainty and delicate. Anyway - this necklace was gorgeous and I was pining for it all weekend until the very end - its mine now =) The necklace also comes in brown agate with gunmetal hardware. Mari was really sweet and we did a quick little partial trade as we were both packing up our booths. She's based just outside Toronto and her work is sold in a couple places here.

And the traded piece - none other than my 'Waterdrop' necklace in 'Caribbean':

I guess we both like blue!