You would think me owning a small business and selling art supplies would qualify me for that. But let me let you in on a small secret- the last thing I want to do is convince you that you must buy something from me. Please stick a paint brush in my eye first.
So imagine me standing in a booth filled with my personal creations, my art babies, and trying to convince people that they want to buy my SOUL that I spilled onto a piece of furniture. Nope. Not gonna happen.
And you know what? I am not here to sell my art at the Camas Vintage and Art Faire. I am here to do the exact same thing I do on my website and my social platforms. I am here to meet you. I am here to listen to your story. I am here to share my experience and my mission with you as the Accidental ArtMaker.
And if you happen to fall in love with a piece of mine and want to buy it? You have seen something in me that speaks to something in you and we have connected on a plane that didn't exist 5 minutes ago. And how freaking amazing is that?
Back to me not being a salesperson. For my annual Camas Vintage and Art Faire vendor adventure, I bring my secret weapon. My daughter Coleen. She is a natural born salesperson (from MY womb somehow) and I mean that in the most beautiful way. She is not pushy or shovey. My pleasantly self assertive daughter stands outside my booth and catches your eye as you walk casually from booth to booth.
Coleen starts with a story.
“This is my mom’s booth. She is the Accidental ArtMaker. She created all these pieces in the last year in her summer studio in our garage or in her little small space in the house over the winter. My mom finds furniture abandoned by the side of the road or ugly things on Buy Nothing that no one wants and she makes them beautiful again.”
At this point the woman or women start wandering inside the booth of a thousand colors, taking it all in. Or, they nod politely and keep moving on to the next booth. (Only a couple of men wander in the booth. Remind me to tell you about the potential commission to upcycle a Harley Davidson.)
For the women who bravely enter, you can see their curiosity taking over their hesitation. Their eyes wander quickly over all the art pieces till it lands on something that draws them into the space even further.
Where am I am during all of this? I’m usually standing behind the largest piece of furniture trying to camouflage myself. “Please dont look at me, Please don’t look at me”, I repeat in my lizard brain. And then my daughter Coleen steps in and points at me and says, “That’s my mom right there. She is the Accidental ArtMaker. She can answer any question you have about anything in here because she created it.”
My cover is blown and I must admit that yes I did make that. Here are my top three answers to questions I had at the Art Faire:
I don’t know where the idea came from, I just knew that I had to change it into something beautiful.
No, I didn’t really know what I wanted it to look like when I started. It just came to me while I was in the flow of creating.
WRONG, I say to the woman who says “I could never do this”. You could make something like this. And let me give you ideas on how you could.
This is what I am here for, to tell that woman that Yes. She. Can.
It’s an unpopular opinion at first, women often don’t want to be told that it’s possible for them to be creative and express themselves in ways that they haven't discovered or understood yet. (Hey, I get it. I would have said the same thing 15 years ago. And I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts.)
And here is where I shine. I break down how this whole thing got created. It all just starts with a coat of paint. And anybody can take a paint brush and paint one color over an 8x10 piece of wood. Yes, just pick your favorite color and paint it. Next, find an IOD transfer that calls to you and transfer it on the painted wood.
“Oh yeah, its just that easy! Hahahaha, just rub that on a piece of painted wood and I can make something like that”, the woman laughs as she points to my Teacup Bureau.
“Yes, it is and yes you can”, I tell her. And here is where my marketing genius kicks into play, because how can I not be inspired by Coleen? Like a pro card dealer, I fan out my little painted 4x4 pieces of painted wood that I make all year round. (Watch me here.) Small, very NOT intimidating tiny art pieces. It may have a piece of ripped decoupage or a scrap of leftover IOD transfer. Stamped with ink and some free hand brush strokes, I ask the future artist to pick one. She finds one that she loves and I tell her to flip it over. On the back, I have adhered my Accidental ArtMaker sticker to it. I say, “Google me. Watch me on YouTube, check out my art supplies. Email me. I can show you how to make these squares.”
I have planted my seed. I step back to look the woman in her eyes as she holds the tiny piece of art. She is looking at me and then back to my art in her hand. And she says, “I will google you.”
And I know at that moment, she will carry that little piece of art with her home and she will look at it and something will happen. I may never see or hear from her again. But she has felt something in herself. She has felt potential and possibility. She has envisioned herself creating.
And this is why I don’t sell art supplies or upcycled furniture. I am here to meet you. I am here to listen to your story. I am here to share my experience and my mission with you as the Accidental ArtMaker. I am here to help you understand that “Yes, you can.”
Sharon, those are the most beautiful words that I can think of ever hearing. You are so inspirational and caring and honest , I admire you!!
I’m the same way- cannot sale my art myself, I’m hidden as you are behind whatever I can find!! Thank you for such encouraging words!!! I hope every woman (or man) reads and heeds to your words!!
Erin Kaven said:
When I use to sell at art faires (before kids) I probably came off as standoffish (or worse) because I hate selling. Which is funny because I ran a clothing store for years BUT that was someone else’s creation, not mine. My stuff was personal! My late husband, oh how I miss him, would come with me and he could talk to anyone, for hours, which was great but sometimes not(lol) and I would sit. If engaged I could talk about the piece but I couldn’t be the apple art lady…Come buy my wares…I couldn’t ever mass produce either. Much to my husbands chagrin. Every piece I made he would say “oh this would sell! You need to make more.” But to me Every piece was special, like a child.
Well the kids are grown, sort of. They still live at home. One still in college. And my husband died from Covid in 21. Then I retired early because life is too darn short! I’m thinking of getting back out there selling but I’ll need to solicit a kid or a friend. I still can’t sell.
Erin Kaven said:
When I use to sell at art faires (before kids) I probably came off as standoffish (or worse) because I hate selling. Which is funny because I ran a clothing store for years BUT that was someone else’s creation, not mine. My stuff was personal! My late husband, oh how I miss him, would come with me and he could talk to anyone, for hours, which was great but sometimes not(lol) and I would sit. If engaged I could talk about the piece but I couldn’t be the apple art lady…Come buy my wares…I couldn’t ever mass produce either. Much to my husbands chagrin. Every piece I made he would say “oh this would sell! You need to make more.” But to me Every piece was special, like a child.
Well the kids are grown, sort of. They still live at home. One still in college. And my husband died from Covid in 21. Then I retired early because life is too darn short! I’m thinking of getting back out there selling but I’ll need to solicit a kid or a friend. I still can’t sell.
Judy Newsom said:
You help us find our inner inspiration that had been lost over years of time between family and work. Thank you for testing everyone😀
Robin Lynn said:
I’m right there with you! Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement!
Mary Beth said:
Thank you for the lovely newsletter it’s nice to see your work and that of others. You are so positive and a great resource to us ladies who are just starting to enjoy painting and decoupage. Looking forward to more newsletters and posts to see what is in store for all of us. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Tammie Fletchall said:
Hi Sharon! I’m am the same way!! I am not a sales person, but I am so flattered when somebody loves one of my art pieces. I’m also shocked that I made some thing that somebody else loves. I don’t know why I feel that way. Just brings some kind of validation that I am an artist, and I can create beautiful things. I love your stories, and I love your handwritten notes every time I’ve purchased something from you.
Take care of my friend.
Always a repeat customer!!
Tammie
The Rusted Willow
Nancy said:
Having a creative outlet is good for the soul and mind, and it is clear that is what you want to give to other women.
Leah Hampton said:
Loved reading your article. You are so talented.
Vicki Gordon said:
Another kindred spirit here. In my professional life I was actually in sales & marketing for many, many years. But, like you, I could sell Product & services that weren’t mine, but absolutely lacked the confidence to try to sell anything I’d created. It always felt like I was bragging or posturing.
Now I create for my own pleasure & satisfaction. I don’t try to sell anything. I create things for my own home or as gifts for friends. Makes me very happy.
willie beaudet said:
I almost cried when I read your story. I know exactly how you feel about being a salesperson and how lucky you have a fabulous daughter that knows your Worth!
You are an artist and a teacher, what a great idea with the wooden calling cards.
Thank you for all your encouragement!🥰
Patricia O'Neill said:
Thanks for your words of inspiration! I’m recently retired and am finding my creative side again, bringing old cast-off pieces back to life. Being brave and allowing myself creative freedom is so liberating but a bit scary.
Patricia O'Neill said:
Thanks for your words of inspiration! I’m recently retired and am finding my creative side again, bringing old cast-off pieces back to life. Being brave and allowing myself creative freedom is so liberating but a bit scary.
Kathy Nordmann said:
Thank you for the inspiration! You remind me of me and I appreciate you! 💛💛💛
Larry Hecht said:
I loved the newsletter. I believe that people like you draw others in without the pressure. I have watched several of your live videos on YouTube and you are so real. People relate to that and appreciate it. It’s almost like spending time with a friend! You are so creative and I love everything you create
Nancy said:
Hi Sharon,
I appreciate you. You’re the type of vendor I would buy from. I feel that most of us without a BS Fine Arts struggle with what we do any what we want to do. I have all the craft crap that I hope to use. You are my go to girl. I love when you reply to my text messages which we are not suppose to reply. Thank you for all you do. A BS in Fine Arts is an accompaniment that you have. I know how hard you had to work to get that degree. Congratulations.
Carla Harrell said:
Oh how this article speaks to me, no, it yells at me, screaming “yes, yes, yes, this lady just gets it!!” Sharon, you speak to my soul with nearly every blog post, article or email, and I’m grateful to you for being willing to take so much time to create memorable messages that make me feel as though I’m not alone.
Please know just how sincerely I mean this, I appreciate you!
(You are my 1st stop on the interwebs when I need to make an art supply purchase.)
Vicky McGill said:
Sharon, I admire you sooo much! You gave that woman an invaluable gift. The possibility to find her creative energy and let it flow and grow. My hope is that tiny piece of art will be the visual reminder she may need to open herself to the beautiful possibilities in her own fabulous creativity!
Stacy Williams said:
I really enjoyed reading your beautiful words. You are always inspiring me. What beautiful and amazing work you do. ❤️
Rachelle Craig said:
I love this post so much! I get the same way when I do craft shows. And then I start thinking, wow, I can’t believe these people actually want to buy something I made. But it’s very hard for me to try to “sell” my stuff. My husband is like your daughter. He can talk to anyone at anytime about anything! So I love that he supports me and helps me with each craft show. Thanks so much for the inspiration! Your creations are beautiful, by the way! 😊
Lori said:
Hi, Sharon. Lovely message and so encouraging which is just what I need when I get discouraged or hit a wall with my creativity.
I enjoy your posts. You are breath of fresh air. Keep them coming.
Norma Dickerson said:
Sharon, I also had tears in my eyes as I read your post. The joy we feel as we create is incredible— only someone else who has felt that feeling truly understands! And then the feeling when someone actually buys one of our creations, no matter how small— is another jolt of joy! Thank you for assembling this wonderful community and putting words to words what we FEEL. Your daughter is beautiful and she is so proud of You. That is another gift! Thank you for everything you do💕
Comments
Marla B Hammerschmidt said:
Sharon, those are the most beautiful words that I can think of ever hearing. You are so inspirational and caring and honest , I admire you!!
I’m the same way- cannot sale my art myself, I’m hidden as you are behind whatever I can find!! Thank you for such encouraging words!!! I hope every woman (or man) reads and heeds to your words!!
Erin Kaven said:
When I use to sell at art faires (before kids) I probably came off as standoffish (or worse) because I hate selling. Which is funny because I ran a clothing store for years BUT that was someone else’s creation, not mine. My stuff was personal! My late husband, oh how I miss him, would come with me and he could talk to anyone, for hours, which was great but sometimes not(lol) and I would sit. If engaged I could talk about the piece but I couldn’t be the apple art lady…Come buy my wares…I couldn’t ever mass produce either. Much to my husbands chagrin. Every piece I made he would say “oh this would sell! You need to make more.” But to me Every piece was special, like a child.
Well the kids are grown, sort of. They still live at home. One still in college. And my husband died from Covid in 21. Then I retired early because life is too darn short! I’m thinking of getting back out there selling but I’ll need to solicit a kid or a friend. I still can’t sell.
Erin Kaven said:
When I use to sell at art faires (before kids) I probably came off as standoffish (or worse) because I hate selling. Which is funny because I ran a clothing store for years BUT that was someone else’s creation, not mine. My stuff was personal! My late husband, oh how I miss him, would come with me and he could talk to anyone, for hours, which was great but sometimes not(lol) and I would sit. If engaged I could talk about the piece but I couldn’t be the apple art lady…Come buy my wares…I couldn’t ever mass produce either. Much to my husbands chagrin. Every piece I made he would say “oh this would sell! You need to make more.” But to me Every piece was special, like a child.
Well the kids are grown, sort of. They still live at home. One still in college. And my husband died from Covid in 21. Then I retired early because life is too darn short! I’m thinking of getting back out there selling but I’ll need to solicit a kid or a friend. I still can’t sell.
Judy Newsom said:
You help us find our inner inspiration that had been lost over years of time between family and work. Thank you for testing everyone😀
Robin Lynn said:
I’m right there with you! Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement!
Mary Beth said:
Thank you for the lovely newsletter it’s nice to see your work and that of others. You are so positive and a great resource to us ladies who are just starting to enjoy painting and decoupage. Looking forward to more newsletters and posts to see what is in store for all of us. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Tammie Fletchall said:
Hi Sharon! I’m am the same way!! I am not a sales person, but I am so flattered when somebody loves one of my art pieces. I’m also shocked that I made some thing that somebody else loves. I don’t know why I feel that way. Just brings some kind of validation that I am an artist, and I can create beautiful things. I love your stories, and I love your handwritten notes every time I’ve purchased something from you.
Take care of my friend.
Always a repeat customer!!
Tammie
The Rusted Willow
Nancy said:
Having a creative outlet is good for the soul and mind, and it is clear that is what you want to give to other women.
Leah Hampton said:
Loved reading your article. You are so talented.
Vicki Gordon said:
Another kindred spirit here. In my professional life I was actually in sales & marketing for many, many years. But, like you, I could sell Product & services that weren’t mine, but absolutely lacked the confidence to try to sell anything I’d created. It always felt like I was bragging or posturing.
Now I create for my own pleasure & satisfaction. I don’t try to sell anything. I create things for my own home or as gifts for friends. Makes me very happy.
willie beaudet said:
I almost cried when I read your story. I know exactly how you feel about being a salesperson and how lucky you have a fabulous daughter that knows your Worth!
You are an artist and a teacher, what a great idea with the wooden calling cards.
Thank you for all your encouragement!🥰
Patricia O'Neill said:
Thanks for your words of inspiration! I’m recently retired and am finding my creative side again, bringing old cast-off pieces back to life. Being brave and allowing myself creative freedom is so liberating but a bit scary.
Patricia O'Neill said:
Thanks for your words of inspiration! I’m recently retired and am finding my creative side again, bringing old cast-off pieces back to life. Being brave and allowing myself creative freedom is so liberating but a bit scary.
Kathy Nordmann said:
Thank you for the inspiration! You remind me of me and I appreciate you! 💛💛💛
Larry Hecht said:
I loved the newsletter. I believe that people like you draw others in without the pressure. I have watched several of your live videos on YouTube and you are so real. People relate to that and appreciate it. It’s almost like spending time with a friend! You are so creative and I love everything you create
Nancy said:
Hi Sharon,
I appreciate you. You’re the type of vendor I would buy from. I feel that most of us without a BS Fine Arts struggle with what we do any what we want to do. I have all the craft crap that I hope to use. You are my go to girl. I love when you reply to my text messages which we are not suppose to reply. Thank you for all you do. A BS in Fine Arts is an accompaniment that you have. I know how hard you had to work to get that degree. Congratulations.
Carla Harrell said:
Oh how this article speaks to me, no, it yells at me, screaming “yes, yes, yes, this lady just gets it!!” Sharon, you speak to my soul with nearly every blog post, article or email, and I’m grateful to you for being willing to take so much time to create memorable messages that make me feel as though I’m not alone.
Please know just how sincerely I mean this, I appreciate you!
(You are my 1st stop on the interwebs when I need to make an art supply purchase.)
Vicky McGill said:
Sharon, I admire you sooo much! You gave that woman an invaluable gift. The possibility to find her creative energy and let it flow and grow. My hope is that tiny piece of art will be the visual reminder she may need to open herself to the beautiful possibilities in her own fabulous creativity!
Stacy Williams said:
I really enjoyed reading your beautiful words. You are always inspiring me. What beautiful and amazing work you do. ❤️
Rachelle Craig said:
I love this post so much! I get the same way when I do craft shows. And then I start thinking, wow, I can’t believe these people actually want to buy something I made. But it’s very hard for me to try to “sell” my stuff. My husband is like your daughter. He can talk to anyone at anytime about anything! So I love that he supports me and helps me with each craft show. Thanks so much for the inspiration! Your creations are beautiful, by the way! 😊
Lori said:
Hi, Sharon. Lovely message and so encouraging which is just what I need when I get discouraged or hit a wall with my creativity.
I enjoy your posts. You are breath of fresh air. Keep them coming.
Norma Dickerson said:
Sharon, I also had tears in my eyes as I read your post. The joy we feel as we create is incredible— only someone else who has felt that feeling truly understands! And then the feeling when someone actually buys one of our creations, no matter how small— is another jolt of joy! Thank you for assembling this wonderful community and putting words to words what we FEEL. Your daughter is beautiful and she is so proud of You. That is another gift! Thank you for everything you do💕