DIY Promotion

This morning I read a great article called 10 Ideas for Making Your Show an Event written by Martin Atkins. While the article is written for those in or looking to get their big break in the music business, a lot of what Martin suggests can be used for your craft business. The idea of having your craft show turn into a major even is what we all dream of and it's something that can be attained.

While we as crafters are sometimes limited because we don't organize the event (and have to stay within event guidelines), we can use some of the ideas Martin has suggested as use them as a starting point for creating our own events. Holiday open houses are a great way to start. Finding and setting up at events that we wouldn't normally set up at exposes us to new potential customers. Find and help a local organization or charity by creating a fundraising event or food drive or participate in one they already have. Have friends and family host themed open houses or organize a small local show with your Etsy street team or crafty friends. The possibilities are endless. Are only limits are our own creativity.

For those of you who are not familiar with Martin Atkins, he's been in active in the music business for ages. He was the drummer for many well known bands like Public Image Limited, Killing Joke, Ministry, Damage Manual and (my favorite!) Pigface, and has his own record label - Invisible Records. Over the last few years he has been teaching and giving seminars on the music business and wrote a book called Tour:Smart.

Speaking of shows and promotion -- this weekend is Boonsboro Days, in Boonsboro, MD. Both shops will be closed while we are away at this show. The show is held both Saturday and Sunday in Shaeffer Park. Zen Creations will be located near the band shell in the park. Mention my blog and get 10% off your total purchase!

Horrorfind Weekend, shop discovery, more shows!

This past weekend while I was recovering from my chemo, my husband and I ventured out to Horrorfind Weekend in Gettysburg. My husband is the big horror film freak, me - not so much, but I have gotten into them over the years. This festival was fantastic, Lance got to meet almsot everyone he wanted to, and we had a wonderful oppportunity to speak with Kevin "OhGr" Ogilvie of Skinny Puppy, Ohgr, Repo! The Genetic Opera, and most recently 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams.


While talking to Ohgr, he told us about the person responsible for the amazing costumes he wore on the recent Skinny Puppy tour and for Maniacs: Kerrie Kordowski.
I discovered that she also has a shop on Etsy and I highly recommend checking it out:
Opal Moon Designs You can see more of her work on her website: Opal Moon Designs.net

This week will be a short but busy week. Boonsboro Days is this weekend, in Boonsboro, MD. This show is both Saturday and Sunday, and tends to get quite busy so if you are planning on stopping by, you might want to head out early! After that, we have Mercersburg Townfest, plus more shows to be added to our list by the end of this month!