Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The Jewelry Box (Part 1)


I like pretty things, shiny things, old things, and am drawn to the stuff like a crow. About 15-16 years ago, I talked DH into funding me a little 'jewelry store' at the indoor flea market not far from our home. I wasn't real sure he would be hot for the idea, as I had tried to have a T-shirt shop a couple of years previous. The T-shirt shop was a losing proposition by the time we invested in the stock, the equipment, and rented a small storefront. Put it this way - We lost our shirts! So when I got this new idea, I was kind of prepared for a heavy boot pounding the floor, but he surprised me and I was able to rent a space by the month.

I had learned about ebay. Using the new computer from the T-shirt shop and hooking up to dial-up, I was able to buy vintage and other jewelry. Here are pictures of the first week we set it up. 

Sorry they are so small. I managed to lose the original sized photos when I changed the last 3 computers. The kids belonged to another vendor.

At first I was worried that my 'stuff' would get lost in there. I brought in some of my artwork to help fill it up. By the time I was ready to close up shop, my artwork was already at the house, and every wall was covered with necklaces, beads, and earrings. The two benches
and display case were loaded. 
I did a pretty good business, although I didn't make a living, haha. I made enough for the cost of my 'stuff' and my
rent and gas. Of course, the name of the place was called The Jewelry Box. It was quite popular and I had a following or whatever you call it, in a short time. 
 My fun lasted from late spring until the weather got cold in October. The owner of the building decided he couldn't afford to heat that big place and said if we (the vendors) wanted to stay open, there would be no heat.
 I packed my broom. I knew I would end up with pneumonia or worse. In the spring, the owner sold out and it became some kind of game spot. Well, it was fun while it lasted!


To be continued ...

16 comments:

  1. Vendor malls like that are an education, aren't they. We had booths in five different antique malls in four towns and the managers/owners sure make a huge difference. 'The Jewelry Box' is a really cute name and I like your artwork.

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  2. You had some some nice displays there. Will you be able to have another go some time?

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    1. I wouldn't have the energy, ha ha. No, those days are fun to remember, but would be hard to repeat. :-)

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  3. "It was fun while it lasted"
    That's the best part, having fun doing something you like.

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    1. It's probably something I should have done all along. That or drafting ...

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  4. Interesting. I know that the few times we've taken part in our neighborhood yard sale it's my junk jewelry that sells best.

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    1. Yep, some of us are just crows at heart. :-)

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  5. Way to go, stepping out and doing that. I would love to rent a booth and sell some of my stuff but I fear that I will lose more on the booth then what I will make in the long run. Can't wait to see some of your stuff....I love jewelry!

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    1. I think the reason I came out to the good was the fact that I wasn't out to make a killing and my rent was ridiculously low. Think the owner gave me low rent, because I would draw more people in. (To rent other spaces and customers for his own booth.)

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  6. Glad you had this fun, while it lasted!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

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  7. It sounds like a fun idea, but I'm with you on the cold winter...no thanks!

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    1. It was a huge metal machine shed, set on a concrete slab. No insulation, just a windbreak actually.

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  8. Looks like it was a very nice setup, it takes a lot to make a business work and it looks like you had a good one going. I don't blame you for packing up istead of choosing pneumonia.

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