OOAK... mission accomplished!
Toronto Spring One of a Kind Show 2011... Done!
It was great to catch up with past customers, meet so many new faces and talk with those who have the same appreciation for distinct furniture pieces.
A big thanks to those that have quickly contacted me after the show to follow up on snapping up pieces that are still available, and custom orders.
The Latest Hot Colours:
Leading up to show, I was pumped when OOAK contacted me and said they wanted to give me a 5' x 5' pedestal out in the featured display area. That is very valuable real estate (see pic), quite an honor! It drew many people to my booth to see what the fuss was all about. I have to admit that I may have sort of cheated though... I got some inside info when they called me; I got them to leak the colour scheme of the featured exhibit area. It was to be an "~apple green" and "a deep red / orange." I was able to find out from them the actual Pantone colours (179C and 390C) and pulled up the tiny swatches online to stare at for 5 minutes each. Once they were ingrained in my grey matter, I went downstairs to my spray booth and started mixing dyes like a mad scientist. It would be easy to just order these colours from a paint supplier, but on wood, it's up to the finisher (me) to make it look right on whatever wood colour is coming through from underneath. Long story short, I nailed the colours, and better (Yes!). It was interesting to see the reaction from people as they ran their fingers over the smooth lacquered surfaces... "Is that wood?" they'd ask sometimes. I'm not surprised really; I've been to the show quite a few times and I've never seen anyone doing colours like these on any wood. I jumped on these colours because they just seem so incredibly fresh and timeless. I think it might be because these colours are closer to what we actually eat... "Apple Green" and, my "Blood Orange"...see? I've also got a burnt yellow I call "Dijon".
And now, I'd like to do a couple of shout-outs to some deserving contributors:
First, I'd like to send one out to my Immune System:
Hey Immune System, how's it going? I just wanted to thank you for putting up with me for the last 3 months as I made a mountain of work for the show, and covering me right when I needed you. I know you said that I was making too much to sell in a 5' x 10' space, and I didn't listen, but you stayed with me and prevented me from getting sick while pulling the long hours. So, thanks Immune System, you rock. (I understand if tomorrow morning you want to take a break for 3 weeks, that's cool.)
Second, I'd like to thank my 5' x 12' Utility Trailer:
Hey Utility Trailer, how's it going? I just wanted to thank you for hauling my stuff around once more without breaking down right when I needed you. I know you said that 12 years in trailer years is like 12 dog years, and I didn't listen, but you stayed with me and prevented me from missing the show or wiping out 3 lanes of traffic late at night. So, thanks utility trailer, you rock. (I understand if you just want to get left at the dump next time I take a load of garbage, that's cool.)
Third, I'd like to thank my Plaid Red Pants:
Hey Plaid Red Pants, how's it going? I just wanted to thank you for not looking too tired by the 5th day of the show and for making me look totally stylish when I needed you. I know you said that wool lumberjack pants might look too goofy, and I didn't listen, but you kept people smiling when they came up to the booth and somehow, you didn't become itchy. So, thanks Plaid Red Pants, you rock. (I understand if you want to disappear into the back of the closet, that's cool. HOWEVER, I might pull you out if I'm doing the xmas 2011 show!...)
But seriously, I need to thank my Mum and Judy's Mum for helping with our kids for the 5 day show. Also, G&V for further kid logistics, awesome. Thanks also to Nick Craine for helping me with the graphics on my new sign.
Back to the wood, might take a day off first, cheers!
