Back from Atlanta
Just got back from the Atlanta Gift Show. A day late. For the very first time, in all my years of traveling, my flight ~ along with about 60 others ~ was cancelled out of Atlanta. I won’t bore you with the frustrating details as I don’t particularly want to relive it myself, but I got home nearly 24 hours later than I had intended.
The show was rather quiet, but I had some good meetings, dropped in to say hi to others, and spent an entire day just stalking showrooms with my art buddy Joyce Shelton. I have to say, we really didn’t see anything “new”. With the economy the way it is, manufacturers are playing it safe it seems. This too shall come to pass.
Here’s a view of the endless escalators in the Gift Mart looking down from the 18th floor.
And of the open atrium area in the Apparel Mart…
One of the fun things about going to shows is seeing your product on the shelves, and better yet sometimes, in featured displays. Toland Home & Garden was featuring my fall leaves toss flag and door mat in their booth in The Gardens (my favorite section of the show). I am happy to report that I was told it was selling very well.
I just have to show a detail from this design because it is what makes it even more special…
This gift bag was brand new in the Leanin’ Tree showroom. It was derived from an assortment of cards I also did for them.
But the best thing about shows is connecting with friends. Joyce and I met up with Andy Mathis and Phyllis Dobbs and were sorry to miss a couple others that were in attendance. Also had a relaxing breakfast cathing up with Joanne Fink who I had not seen in some time. Here at dinner are myself, and fellow artists/bloggers, Joyce Shelton and Carol Eldridge. You gotta love Carol’s Bloomin’ Bosom! How cute is that shirt?!
Ok, time to get myself organized and back to work!
July 16th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Great pictures, CUTE girls! Thanks for sharing about the show.
Your products look fabulous!