my first craft show and the story of a fencepost
I am full of thoughts and feelings and ideas on this side of the craft show. Perhaps I should let all those things simmer a little longer before I blog about it, but I'm not going to. It was a lot of work. It was a lot of fun. I spent so much time getting prepared for the show and that constant focus awakened a whole slew of creative ideas. Not just for the show, but for projects I want to work on for the house and myself. And I cannot wait to get back to my watercolors.
As for the show... the weather was good (sunny!), the venue was lovely and I ended up with a good spot in the room. Unfortunately the turnout for the show was disappointing. Overall, I don't think there were a lot of sales. I didn't sell a single thing. It makes me laugh because I did end up giving away a couple things (like my friend Judy at her December craft fair). Mine were as a thank-you to my lovely sister-in-law who came up to help me prepare and staff my table.
I didn't get any great photos of my setup. With the windows (and bright sunlight) behind it was hard to photograph. Plus, I was a bit preoccupied. But I do think the photos give you and idea of what my table looked like.
When I was planning my table I was trying to think of the best way to display my purses. I thought that a coat rack would be a good solution. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but I also didn't want to spend a lot of time hunting for that perfect piece. I decided that I would attempt to build something. The very same day that I brainstormed about using a fencepost to make a stand I ended up finding the exact sort of post I was looking for in the trash while walking the dogs (thank you, universe!).
They weren't very happy about me carrying it home while walking them (not an easy task, I must say). One person's trash (with a decorative finial, a simple base, a little paint and some brackets)...
As for the show... the weather was good (sunny!), the venue was lovely and I ended up with a good spot in the room. Unfortunately the turnout for the show was disappointing. Overall, I don't think there were a lot of sales. I didn't sell a single thing. It makes me laugh because I did end up giving away a couple things (like my friend Judy at her December craft fair). Mine were as a thank-you to my lovely sister-in-law who came up to help me prepare and staff my table.
I didn't get any great photos of my setup. With the windows (and bright sunlight) behind it was hard to photograph. Plus, I was a bit preoccupied. But I do think the photos give you and idea of what my table looked like.
When I was planning my table I was trying to think of the best way to display my purses. I thought that a coat rack would be a good solution. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but I also didn't want to spend a lot of time hunting for that perfect piece. I decided that I would attempt to build something. The very same day that I brainstormed about using a fencepost to make a stand I ended up finding the exact sort of post I was looking for in the trash while walking the dogs (thank you, universe!).
They weren't very happy about me carrying it home while walking them (not an easy task, I must say). One person's trash (with a decorative finial, a simple base, a little paint and some brackets)...
Despite not selling anything, I think that the whole experience was a good one. Good prep for the next show and fun making things like my "trees" that were branches set in concrete inside of flowerpots, garlands of paper circles and my fabric-wrapped pipe cleaner sign.
Because it never rains but it pours, tonight is another first for me. I'm teaching a three-week jewelry-making workshop at my neighborhood library and tonight is the first session.
Wishing each of you a wonderful day.
Congratulations on your first craft fair! What a shame that it wasn't well attended. Was it publicised? Do you think you had the right kind of 'audience'? For me, your showcase items are the beautiful necklaces you make. Maybe they could be displayed on 'busts' in the future so that people can appreciate their full beauty and see what they look like on. Having things at different levels also help to attract people to a stall. I attended a display skills course many years ago and was advised to put boxes underneath the tablecloth to raise it up at different levels and then display things on all these different levels. The fence post display is a fantastic idea as is the fabric wrapped pipe cleaner sign. Good luck with the jewellery making workshop and I hope it leads to many more!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Simone. After the fair Ashley and I were discussing improvements for next time. Different levels and busts were on the list. I'm already pondering how to make busts out of unusual materials.
DeleteHugs - you touched my achilles heel (I am the one not blogging about how hard it is to sell!!)
ReplyDeleteThe table looked great - what a transformation on the fence post.
It's good you have something booked to get straight on with - still in the saddle! Giddy up :)
Thanks so much, Claire. It's hard to get people to understand the value of handmade goods when there's so much that's mass-produced and cheap.
DeleteYour set up looks awesome. I love that fence post remake! And the fabric wrapped words!! Great! And you are ready to go for the next show! I hope teaching was just what you hoped it would be. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dana! I did learn a lot and you're right that I'm prepared for next time. All the prep work was really worth it in the long run.
DeleteDear Anne, first of all I love your stall, it looks so nice, warm and cozy. It looks so heartful. If I was there I would definitely get something. You create and make beautful, inspiring and filled with such a good energy works. I love and admire your creativity and for me you are like my art-inspiring angel. I feel so happy and grateful that I met you on the blog. It is good to hear that you have got so many ideas for the future. Big, big hug to you Anne.
ReplyDeleteAww... big hugs to you, Aga! I'm grateful to have met you, too. I hope you keep creating. From what I've gotten to know about you from your blog, it's in your blood and creating is something you HAVE to do. So glad of it!
DeleteYour table would have called me from across the room. And I would have lusted after your fence post purse tree.
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to know what the little circles are hanging from the potted branches.
Thanks, Madeline! The circles are a garland I made. So easy, I'm planning on showing how to do it on my blog in the coming days.
DeleteYour booth looks awesome! Love the branches and other organic touches.
ReplyDeleteI love your booth! So colourfull and cozy. I could see that you had worked really hard. So many tings to sell! I would have loved to be there and would definitely bought myself one of your beautiful bracelet. Now you have everything prepared for your next craft fair :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your show!
ReplyDeleteAll of your stuff looks amazing, I bet you sold out quick.
Your stall looked so pretty - I want to dive into your photos and have a browse. I love the 'trees' and your fence post story is inspiring - I love turning discarded bits into something new but never have I done something as successfully as you. If you had just shown the finished display I would have thought it had been bought for quite a bit of money - what a clever girlie you are!!
ReplyDeleteCraft fairs & indeed any similar sale is dependent on the footfall & often reliant on how much the organisers of the event have advertised etc. But I'm glad to see you've made the most of the experience & like you said you're now ready for another sale.
The fabric wrapped wire sign is an excellent idea; love it!
Good luck with your jewellery making workshop.
Wishing you a happy and creative weekend.
Kat Xx
That post is sheer genius! Love all your handbags.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely booth - so welcoming and full of color. I love your found-post-becomes-purse rack story - clearly the universe wants you to build on your ideas. Sorry you didn't have sales success but you do now have lots of pretty inventory for your shop. Good luck with your jewelry workshop!
ReplyDeleteDear Anne, how did I miss this post? So glad I just saw it!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I can really identify with your experience! I love what you did with your display - so pretty and airy looking, which perfectly set off your gorgeous work! That rack for your bags is genius!
Like you, I too had a good time at my fair in December and, afterward, added it to my list of experiences. By the way, I gave a little framed snow scene away to an elderly lady who kept coming back to look at and handle it. She was delighted!
There is no predicting circumstances at a craft fair, but I'm sure your work received many admiring glances!! xoxo
Oh, thanks so much, everyone!!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this. Wow! Beautiful booth. I want to make one of those coat racks. The transformation is amazing. I know the sadness of not selling anything, but it is fun to do it anyway. I can't wait to do the next craft fair.
ReplyDeleteI just found this post Anne! First, congrats on your first craft show! I know how exhilarating it is and how disappointing it feels at the same time when sales are non existent. You are not alone. Learning experiences for sure. But second and most importantly you took the leap and your display looks beautiful! Your rack turned out lovely! All your purses look just fabulous hanging on it. How creative you are!
ReplyDeleteDidn't you have any of your watercolors to offer? Also, I just want you to know just because you didn't sell anything then doesn't mean they didn't grab a card and will call you later or purchase off your Etsy. I just received an order from a craft show I attended 3 years ago! I kid you not. Just got the check in the mail today, so don't feel defeated!
Great news about your workshop! Who knows where this will lead! You go!