Well it happens every year about this same time...there is so much to do to prepare for what's coming next it's not even funny! That's because the same two shows always roll around this time every year! February is going to be an exciting month and I am so looking forward to it.
I start my travels out on Feb 5th by heading down to Arkansas to present my line of jewelry and a short trend presentation to the big dogs at WalMart with Scott Catan from Darice. I feel especially honored to have been asked to present and actually love giving presentations so it should be a ton of fun! There was a time long ago when I use to get nervous about presentations and such but those days are long gone. I absolutely LOVE Darice for flying me down to show my own line! Thank you Darice!
Hey good news! They are going to put a link on the Darice website to my site cool huh?! They are also almost finished getting the MacKay Collection up on the website! All the items are there just no descriptions. Want to see?
The MacKay Collection on Darice.com! (click)
Then on Feb 6th it's off to Tucson for the Super-bowl of the gem, bead and fossil shows!
THE TUCSON GEM SHOW!!! WAH-WHO!!!!
Tucson Gem Show Guide (click)
You can find all kinds of treasures great and small at the Gem Show!
Sarpech Feather Pin with Multi-Color Spinels /The Gem Palace in Jaipur
Curtosey of the Metropolitan Museum This piece can be yours for only $7,750.00
Show Guide on the Colored Stone Site (click)
JOGS Site-Tucson Gem & Jewelry show (click)
The legendary Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase has grown from a "club show" to a major show for collectors and enthusiasts from around the country and the world. Showcased here are the best gems, minerals, jewelry, lapidary and publication dealers from across the US and across the world. Also displayed are items from private collections and renowned museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
The show started in 1955 and has just kept growing and growing. There are satellite shows that have proliferated all over the city. These shows cater to the interests of the growing number of people coming to town. Today, one of the fastest-growing segments of the Tucson shows are the bead shows - first-time visitors to a bead show will be dazzled by the array available here and the amazing prices. This is where the bead shops shop! The entire city of Tucson is covered with shows and together they make up one of the largest and most popular events in the gem and mineral world, attracting exhibitors and buyers from all over the globe to this amazing international marketplace.
If you have never been to the Gem Show you really ought to treat yourself someday but If you haven't got a hotel room or a relative living in Tucson right now forget about this year sorry! When you do get there be prepared to shop till you drop because with prices like these you will not be able to stop. Strands of seed pearls for $1.00!!! I kid you not! Here is where I stock up for the entire year...There are these great organized shuttles in different colors that take you on different routes to the many many different shows. You never have to wait but a couple of minutes. It all runs like clockwork. Last year I was exhibiting, this year I AM FREE and will be walking the shows trend shopping with and for Darice. I POSITIVELY CAN NOT WAIT!
I love to see what the designers bring forth. Plus there are always museum pieces that you will have never seen before from all over the world created by masters now and long ago. So you get to see the best of now and then! For me...well I do not sleep much at the show. I get too inspired and my mind is just whizzing at the end of day!
THEN....after the Gem Show I leave Tucson on the 9th and head to California for the winter CHA Show!
CHA Show: The Craft & Hobby World's Fair! (click)
February 10-13
The winter show (called that because there is always another CHA Show in the summer in Chicago) is the biggest our industry has to offer. I am very excited about going this year as it will be the very first year that I will not be standing and sculpting in Activa's booth (not that I won't miss you guys!!!) demonstrating and sculpting with one kind of clay or another...this year I get to join the adult table! I will be in the Darice booth meeting with buyers about my own product line! I don't have to demo and I will even get to walk the show! This will really be something for me. I have been attending the CHA Shows for years and years and I have never had time to walk the show! I know I will learn a lot. I am especially excited in seeing the licensing and design section where most of my friends will have a booth! They revamped the section and it should be great. I want to wish everyone well who is showing and who is doing the designer displays and showcases.
License & Design Section of the CHA Show (Click here)
My friends Lisa, Katie, Brenda and I are giving a business seminar (panel presentation) together on Sunday (**NOTE: LISA deserves all the credit she did ALL the work not sure why they stuck my mug on there!)
Working with a Manufacturer: Tips from Seasoned Professional Designers Business Seminar S111 |
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Speakers: Lisa Galvin, Katie Hacker, Jill MacKay, Brenda Pinnick Room 207A From concept to promotion and retail $ales; products require a designers touch at every level. Manufacturers of all sizes utilize freelance designers to both create new products and to breathe renewed life into existing products through innovative designs. Filled with tips and best practices shared for building a mutually profitable relationship between both designer and manufacturer; you won’t want to miss this session as you plan for 2008 and beyond. • Making connections - using tools already in place to build on and network. • Working together – what types of services can an independent designer offer a manufacturer? • Best tips and practices to grow on – from payment agreements to building an understanding and long term working relationship; things designers AND their manufacturer counterparts can do to bridge the gap. Who Should Attend: Designers
I will be blogging from Tucson and CA if I have time...at night in my hotel suite. I will take my camera with me and take pictures of lots of things so you all can see what's going on. I'd better get back to work on my presentation! Until next time...Jill |
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