Taking the wind out of my 'sales'

Another lesson learned: The wind can create so much havoc for your tent and display that it literally takes the "wind out of your sales" Saturday was my first experience with just how difficult it is for vendors at art sales when there is a high wind. Yes, it affects the numbers attending the sale as well as inventory placement and racks. The Eagan Art Festival was situated in an open field, and there was nothing to block a gale. As afternoon came and the gusts increased, Molly and I stood, hanging on to the tent frame, trying desperately to keep it from flying away. Our neighbor, John, began to secure our tent down with strapping and screw-in-the-ground stakes (besides just being nice, I think this was an effort to keep our stuff from flying into his wonderful wine racks that also held glasses.) Things seemed to hold, but I knew I'd need more strapping. I made a quick trip to Home Depot; however, other vendors had cleaned out the safety gear. As I stood there, trying to think of what to do, another artisan came down the aisle, assessed the situation and said he'd head off to a different store and asked if I wanted him to pick up a supply of the tie-downs. YES, PLEASE. Saved by the vendors. The festival staff called a halt to the show early on Saturday as we all prepared for the wind and a possible overnight storm. Molly and I joined the group that had decided to tear down their tents and bring home the inventory. The artists, for the most part, came away from the weather event unscathed. We had to reset everything on Sunday, but it was a much better day, sale-wise, too. So what's next for Pure Serendipity? We hope to see you at Art at St. Kate's on July 9.

How to survive the heat and humidity in a 10 x 10 tent

Oh my. I just looked at the weather forecast for this weekend for the south metro: “Hot and humid with strong afternoon thunderstorms.” Well that could be a challenge during my participation at the Eagan Art Festival.

Weather can make or break you – and I’m not just referring to sales. Sitting in a tent on a hot steamy day, is, yes, like being in a sauna. I’m not joking when I say we vendors measure the day by how much water we consume without having to go to the bathroom. Here’s how we make it bearable:

Pray that you are situated so that your tent opening is NOT facing south or west; Put the side walls up so that any breeze can blow through: Get a personal battery operated fan and a big portable fan (be sure to bring batteries, just in case) Water- lots of water- forget the bottles- bring a jug fill it with ice and cucumber slices; Encourage your friends who plan to visit the show to “BRING YOU WATER.” If you have ideas on how to stay cool, please let me know.

When s**t happens, neighbors counted on to lend a hand

There's a "good neighbor" policy with art festival participants. You never know when you're going to need an extra set of hands, a tool that you forgot at home or even a shoulder to cry on when a gust of wind comes and knocks over your display. I'm more comfortable in the "lending a hand" role, and not so good about asking for help. Such was the case on Saturday at the Stillwater Rivertown Art Festival. My usual "helpers" were not available. But I was confident that I could get the goods moved from the car, the tent up and staked. HA! What I sight I must have been moving one side of the tent to the next, trying to extend the legs upward in between wind gusts. I put up a good fight, till I could fight now more -it was just too much of a struggle, so I did what is so hard for me to do - ask for help! The guys from Dave Hanke's custom fishing rods, my neighbors for the two days, were there for me. In no time my tent was up, and my shelving was secured so that the wind wouldn't knock 'em over. I've witnessed this type of generosity over and over. And I am so grateful. Additionally, my other neighbor, Nanna, who assembles amazing terrariums, made sure that my booth was covered while I went to the bathroom, when needed. I invite you to visit her website as well. Well, this weekend I'm off to Excelsior for Art on the Lake. It's suppose to be 90 degrees. Can't think of a better place to be than on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

Let the sunshine. (Do you have your brim yet?)

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It was a year ago this upcoming weekend that I debuted my sun brims - this woman was the absolute first customer. I love how stern she appears, while the colorful brim just warms her up. A little color, a little attitude. Plop it on your head, wear it and listen to the compliments on your style, pack it for a trip, and wash it at the end of the season. Where did I get the idea?

Well from my mom, of course. Here is a photo of her at my brother's sixth grade confirmation! By gosh, my bridesmaids wore them as well in the late 60s. Stop by this weekend's Stillwater Rivertown Art Festival. The selection is great and now available in three sizes.