Planning For An Event Venue

Open House is this week!

About a month ago, I was invited to be at an Open House for Loblolly Acres in Viola, Delaware. Since then, I have been considering what I should take with me…and my room has been getting more and more crowded with ideas.

The last time I participated in a table event, I took wall art, stickers, mugs, etc. But, this venue is a little different in that they want to attract people who are interested in holding events like weddings, parties, etc., there. I wasn’t sure the things I took the first time would work this time around.

Aside from wedding plaques (that are actually in the homes they were designed for), I don’t have a ton of work already done to show for weddings and things of that nature. But, I felt like I could muster a few things that would be nice items to have for a wedding. For the rest, I figured I could do some engraving since it can be an add-on for events like weddings, corporate parties, etc. And it’s not so boring to watch either!

Here’s what I’m packing for the engraving and any lettering or calligraphy I may do in photos:

In the photo above is a Tech Pouch by Peak Design. I use it to carry the engraver , the burs, the bur oil (not shown here), the rest for the hand piece, the goggles, the mask, and the brush that I use to wipe away debris from engraving (also not shown). The field bag is just an added layer of protection for when I put it in another bag that doesn’t have as much padding.

I also figured I’d kill a few birds with one stone since preparing for this event could help me beef up my Nibtique portfolio.

If you haven’t heard of it, Nibtique is a platform set up by Kestrel Montes of Ink Me This for artists and those who want to find them. According to the site, one can look up artists by location, specialty, or even by name. Since I’m interested in freehand engraving, live calligraphy/calligraphy engraving and someday murals with lettering and calligraphy, I decided to sign up and see how it goes! I figured I’d also spend the first few months adding things to my portfolio that show my interests and the things I’d like to be hired for in the future.

Take a look at a few of the things I’ve added below …or see my Nibtique listing here.

I went ahead and added these items to my website so that when I attend the Open House, I can direct people there to see more than what I may be able to carry with me. I have to work that day as well as attend a tour of my daughter’s next school. Rushing around with a bunch of glass doesn’t sound remotely intelligent.

Now, I also figured I’d do some handlettering pieces too. So, I looked around for some cute puns for a few wooden pieces I had hanging around, not doing much.

What do you think? One was done with a water-based marker. The other was done with an oil-based marker. I can’t say I was in love with the oil-based. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Can you tell the difference?

Meh…You live and learn. I’ll touch it up a bit, seal them and make a mental note to stick to water-based from now on.

These remind me of one of my favorite books! Extraordinary Hand Lettering by Doris Wai. If you’ve never read it, you should. But, she’s also about to drop a class tomorrow on the topic! These days, she’s also engraving, so…

Unfortunately, I’m all coursed up at the moment, paying on two classes and scrounging around to find time to take them as it is…But, at least I have lifetime access when I’m done and summer break is good for binge-watching anything. I just hope I can resist the urge to just compulsively hit the ‘Buy’ button. 😬

Y’all pray for me.

As for marketing items, I plan on taking my business cards, and a flyer I created to keep on the table with a QR Code that goes to my website. another flyer to advertise being available for engraving, and a rack card I ordered from Moo that includes my pricing list.

Not sure about how that all matches up. But, bet…It’s going on the table.

I‘m also taking an email list sign-up sheet. because while it would be nice to go home with a few extra dollars in my pocket, my overall goal is to build my email list, after all. Over time, those that sign up can still request a service or artwork at a later time even if they don’t need it that night…and, of course, keep up with the blog.

I do have a few other things I’d like to see if I can squeeze in…But, if not, I think I’ll be okay.

So that’s the plan!

Hope to see you there!