I did okay at the boutique on Sunday, managing to sell enough to cover what I paid to rent the space and then about $55 more. I did not think I was going to have a good day when the first customer picked up one of my cards and asked how much they cost. When I told her the card she was holding was $4.50 she dropped it like a hot potato and said, “Well, okay.” and walked off in a huff. Now I know that my cards are a lot nicer than the ones you can get at the dollar store and I also know that they are a lot cheaper than the ones you get at Hallmark but it is still a little disconcerting to get that kind of reaction on the first encounter of the day. Later on I had a friend come by and she bought two cards but I gave her the friends and family discount so I broke even there. That was my first sale of the day. I sold some more here and there and finally had another friend buy 10 cards. I gave her a discount too but the volume helped.
The day ended about an hour early and the number of shoppers at any one time was sporadic. I think it was because it was at a church and so people would come in after mass. I don’t know how much it was actually promoted because several people I talked to said they hadn’t heard about it until I posted on Facebook and Instagram. As usual, I got some ideas for more things to make. I am seriously lacking items for animal lovers and not quite politically correct since I don’t have any Hanukkah items. I am going to try to rectify that in time for Saturday’s show but I’m not sure if I’ll make it as it is Thanksgiving week and I do have some typing to do.
The display (see my last post about challenges) took me a couple of hours to do. I was trying to make some new arrangements and I just didn’t seem to get it right at first. Finally I decided not to put out some items that I had brought but were out of season like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and some older mini-albums that were spring-themed. Then I had a little more room on the table. The next show the table is smaller I believe so I’m really going to need to be organized. You can see that even my banner is a little off because by that time people were coming in to shop and I was feeling crunched.
But the big news here is that I LOST MY WEDDING/ENGAGEMENT RING!!! It was soldered to an enhancer and it cracked off somewhere. I can’t believe that I lost it at the boutique because the hole on my finger is so big I’m sure that I’d have noticed it. I use/look at my hands a lot and always look at the ring because I love it so much.
I was hysterical when I noticed it and my husband put his arms around me and told me that it’s just a ring and that it didn’t mean that he was leaving me or that our marriage was over. Of course I knew that but still, when you’ve had something on your hand for almost 40 years! And I still remember the day we went to pick it out so clearly. Like I said, I love it. I put another ring in the center so I won’t have to look at that empty space. I did all the usual, contacted the church, went through all my stuff from the boutique, checked all over the house, retraced my steps from our morning walk because I noticed it when we got home. I mean, really, don’t you think I would have seen that big hole if it had happened on Sunday? For the number of times that I had to reach to show someone a card or explain how the mini-albums work, get a bag, make change, etc. I was using my hands to cut out little embellishments too as I waited for the next customer. Honestly though, I can’t say for sure when the last time I saw it intact. We haven’t talked about replacing it yet. I’m still hoping that St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things, will help me find it. Appreciate you sending a thought to him for me too!
Janet's Smiles 
Pingback: Now in November… | Janet's Smiles
Iām so saddened to read of your loss and I hope St Anthony helps it to find its way back to you. Maybe the priest can mention on Sunday at church. Iām hoping to read good news soon. Loved your display of cards
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jeanne. I am going to continue to hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Im glad you were able to make a profit at the sale! But that lady sounds like a poop! $4.50 for a card is CHEAP! Especially when its handmade! I paid $9.95 for one for my friend’s birthday from Hallmark. Its a pop up haha but I normally just go to the dollar store if I need a card lol
I am soooooo sorry your ring broke! That must have been devastating to notice! I pray it makes its way back to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I was a little surprised at how quickly she dropped it and went on her way. Some people at least pretend to look at something else first before they leave – LOL
LikeLike
Lol oh man!!! But also like why is she so shocked?! Like really
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your display and cards are so impressive. The diamond of my engagement ring fell out when we were at the Salt Lake City airport after going to one of my daughter’s college swim meets. Everyone was on their hands and knees looking for it at our gate. My dad was with us on that trip and he dug through my purse and found it. Have you looked through your purse? Mine fell out while I was reaching in for something.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t usually use a purse but I have gone through all the containers I was using that day. Maybe I’ll find it when I am setting up for the next show.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope your ring somehow gets found and returned to you.
I like how your table is set up, and hope your next show goes well, too. š
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Barbara. I am hoping I’ll come across the ring here at home somewhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Go St. Anthony, go! What a shame. I’d be sad, too. Maybe *fingers crossed* *prayer said* it’ll show up again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ally. I won’t rush out to replace it just in case!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Janet, I am so sorry you’ve lost your ring! Carol, another UBC participant, had a post about (almost) losing her ring, too. She found hers, so here’s to hoping St. Anthony will come through for you as well! If not, hubby and you will get to pick a new one for your next 40 years.
People like this unappreciative lady have no idea how much time, effort and dedication go into handmade items, and they actually don’t deserve to purchase them. Glad you had some nice customers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Tamara, I’m going to give it until May and if I don’t find it by then, I’ll go with my husband and pick out another one. I agree that some people don’t deserve my cards LOL.
LikeLike
Your table set up is lovely Janet and I’m sending empathy and a prayer to St. Anthony that your ring turns up. I can only imagine how distraught you must feel. I believe in miracles and so does St. Anthony š
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Minette. Eight years of Catholic grammar school should give me some credits in reserve wouldn’t you think?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The ring is pretty. Hope you find the middle part!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kate!
LikeLike