Wow, so there was that.
I've been home since Monday but still haven't really come down yet. And haven't unpacked all the way yet, but we won't talk about that right now.
The Mart is always an exercise in overwhelmingness. Over the top sensory overload in every possible way, so much so you can't really escape it at night when you close your eyes. You'd think that all the cocktail receptions might help with that, but no, not really. Close your eyes at night and all you can see is colors, products, people talking, more products, more colors, stuff people people stuff stuff stuff . . . or maybe that's just me who does this.
We've already determined that I don't get out much.
At any rate it's an intense crazy experience, super fun, and super productive.
Atlanta was just coming out of single-digit temperatures when I arrived late Wednesday night. It was still pretty cold out when I hit the ground running the next morning. The next few days there was drizzle, dramatic downpours, flash-flood warnings, tornado warnings . . . I mean, come on Atlanta. You're just showing off now.
I was ridiculously giddy about running to a few showrooms first to finally meet my new products in person; these were all projects that were started after meetings at last year's Gift Mart - what a treat to get to see the items like this after everyone's hard work on them last year. These items are not in stores yet - but there were retailers placing orders for them at the show so they should start hitting store shelves by spring. I'll keep you posted when I know more.
First stop, my Fairy Garden collection at Blossom Bucket...
"Hello there little bug, how are you?"
"I'm so happy that you turned out so cute."
Oh yeah, I totally talked to them.
And these guys
ermagerd.
There are little doors for your tree trunks, little tables, chairs, accessories . . . I seriously can't wait for spring to start playing with this stuff in my own yard.
I used to create these kinds of vignettes in the woods when we'd go camping, with pine cones and moss and rocks and sticks and stuff. Resin figures drawn by me? Forget about it. I am on it. I am 7 again.
And my pets collection, also in the Blossom Bucket showroom.
Really cool for me that my dear friend Shelly's adorbs dog and cat figurines were scattered around with mine in the display. I love it when my stuff and my friends' stuff gets to be friends, too. Along with the figurines are treat jars, pet mats, leash-hooks, wall art, and more.
I almost cried when I saw the tiny Flossies.
This collection was extra special for me because I created all of it during my last month with my precious little white beastie on my lap. She oversaw every detail. See all the sketchy little cross-hatch work in the flat pieces? You might remember this video of her while I was drawing it.
And there were spring garden flags in the Carson Home Accents showroom, love how these turned out!
My little birdies around my head and my Easter eggs below. The Easter eggs are actually sparkly (you know I love that!) and the egg colors are actually really bright and fresh in person, but they photograph sort of greyish because of the sparkles.
I think I squeeeeed out loud once again when I saw my cupcake tabletop collection on display in the Transpac showroom. I've seen photos, but in person . . . a-whole-nother thing. I'm not accustomed to seeing my drawings translated into 3D - this is all still fairly new to me and soooooo exciting.
I'm also really happy with my Les Veggies kitchen goodies by Transpac - those of you with the La Cuisine recipe binders will soon be able to coordinate the rest of your kitchen as matchy-poo as can be. I love this!
And Transpac also printed some really nice wall canvases with my designs
including . . . my favorite:
Ok, I think there may be one or two 1980s Cornish alumni out there reading this: who remembers this quote? A certain college president and his answer to every problem? I'd been wanting to put it on a design for years, and finally did.
There were other Beth Logan goodies in other places, but we can talk about that another time. I think we've all had about enough of me me me me me for now.
One of the best things about this show is the opportunity all of us self-employed work-at-home artists get to meet up and share - it's a big lovey hug-fest of ginormous proportions. I mean, really. It totally is. I am so blessed to be part of an industry where these kind and gifted people are my colleagues, my friends, my confidantes . . . this amazing group of crazy-talented folks is the best.
This picture represents only the ones who were able to stand still long enough for the photo, many others at this get-together were still milling about outside the frame, and others were still busy with meetings and signings back at the Mart while this was going on.
But what this crazy picture is: it's a veritable Who's Who of the Art Licensing industry. Do you live on the earth? Do you own stuff? Have you ever received cards or gifts? Then you have things with these people's art on it. And guess what? They're all really neat folks. You'd like them.
A whirlwind of meetings, receptions, meet & greets, dinners, research & trend-spotting, shopping (!) and suddenly it was my last day there: gorgeous and sunny and in the 60s. After days of quick cab-rides through the cold rain, I finally got my chance to leisurely stroll through the park back to my hotel,
soaking in the sun (it's been a while since I've soaked in 60-degree sunshine),
people-watching,
and feeling good about all I accomplished business-wise
...and shopping-wise.
I smiled as the sun set on my trip,
and I knew that soon I would be home . . . back to jammie pants and fuzzy socks, cuddling with Molly, Ted, and Husband Guy here in my quiet, plain, comfortable little house. There's no place like home.
And now the show follow-up...
Hi Beth. I love your post and it was so great seeing all your new products especially the 3DS. You are a wonderful blogger.
So sorry we didn't get to see you at the show. Next time please let me know about the get together and I'd love to come.
It was a very busy show for us too and we are still doing our follow thru. I see that if you work it hard and right it pays off.
Am a bit late in getting my post out but this week!
love andrea
PS we had a really fun dinner with Ingrid and Duane at the most delicious and beautiful Thai restaurant. Can't remember name tho.
Posted by: Andrea Brooks | January 26, 2014 at 03:14 PM
Awesome post my dear--you captured the energy at the show so well! And I'm just happy to see that big bag o' jewelry on the bed! Loved your collections at Blossom Bucket and I did recognize dear Flossie as soon as I saw her!
Posted by: Ronnie Walter | January 28, 2014 at 07:47 AM