how goes the craft show?

This last saturday, August 15th, I participated in my first craft show in my home town of Atlantic Highlands, NJ.  As many of you know, I have been crafting away over the last month.  You see, I have always daydreamed about opening an Etsy shop, so when I was offered the opportunity to share a table at the show with a good friend of mine, I new that this was an opportunity knocking at my door, to which I could just not say no!  As I sat sipping a coffee early saturday morning, waiting to pack up my mama mobile, I was overcome by a sense of accomplishment.  I was so happy with what I had crafted; everything was beautiful and really well made, while also being affordable.  Every detail was attended to and perfect, from my emroidered name tag on the tutus and baby t shirts, to the handmade lamb stamp that I used on each card I attatched to each item {with ribbon and little gold safety pin}. 

 

We arrived at our venue about 2 hours early to set up our table; and then sat back, feeling quite pleased with our display.  Another friend was able to get the spot next to mine, which I thought was just perfect, as she made Waldorf inspired peg dolls and the like, that nicely complimented what was being sold at my table.  Although I was half cetain everything on our tables would sell out, we learned that this was most definately not the case.  I believe my friend did sell some peg dolls, but none of the ones that were a bit more expensive {although they were greatly admired}.  My "co-tabler" sold a smock, a few of the books she has just published as well as a couple of sets pre prepared craft kits for kids that can be found in her book.  I sold two of my tutus, a set of my eco friendly snack/sandwich bags and a set of cards that I had made. 

I may be biased, but between our two tables, I thought that we had a great selection of really unique, quality hand crafted items.  People who wanted to buy something thought nothing about about it and seemed content with our prices, however, on the whole, it seemed that people were just not willing to part with thier money.  I think that this has alot to do with the economy and the fact that people are using some self restraint these days when it comes to spending {I really respect this, even as a vendor}.  Although the traffic did slow as the afternoon went on, we did have a pretty steady flow of people attracted to our table...how could they not be, it was beuatiful!  We decided to take advantage of this by making sure to hand out business cards to each person...perhaps some of them might become readers of the blogg or purchase an item from my Etsy shop at another time?

But here's the deal, even though it was really hot and we did not sell as much as we had hoped, we had a great day!  It is so rare that I have the chance to spend an afternoon outside, sitting in the shade, chatting with girlfriends...with no little ones!  Among us, we made some fun trades; I paid for my half of the table with one of my hand printed baby tshirts, another friend traded a couple of peg dolls for a little smock, and I was happy to trade a wand for a peg doll to give to my mama to say "thanks" for taking the kiddos for the day.  We received many compliments on what we had out at the craft show and that was a very nice feeling.  I am really proud of myself for following through on this whole experience, and am looking foward to posting my creations on my Etsy shop.  There was already talk about some of the other craft shows that will be in our area...you know, I just might give one of them a go too!

Thanks for all of your well wishes!

a.

Comments

[kate]

That WAS a beautiful table of wares! And while the economy's downturn perhaps has us all in values-re-clarification mode (not a bad thing, for sure), there are the special gifts of birthdays and Christmas....and your handiwork looks like a perfect choice (checking out the Etsy shop in a jiffy!). Regardless of what you ended up selling, getting to spend the day around creative, kind folks is a gift indeed. Congrats on taking the plunge and presenting your work for people to admire!

[Jessica]

You table looked beautiful!!! I don't have any babes to buy for...but loved them anyway:) hmm...maybe we need a sophia tutu shoot for advertising:)

[by little hands]

It was a lovely day, despite the slow sales. But the best part (aside from getting to catch up for a full day) was getting to see all of your beautiful items up close. Your tutus are more beautiful in person than they were in the photo on your blog (if that is at all possible!) and your emboirdery kits were such a unique idea and so beautifully executed. I can't to start placing some Christmas orders with you.

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

Thanks so much!...I was instructed to load up my items one at a time to keep on the Etsy fore front, so more items are ready to be listed and are comming...
Thanks so much for checking me out and posting, I hope you'll continue to!
Have a great day!
alison

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

I love you! You are the best...and you know I would never refuse a Sophia tutu photo shoot!! Just tell me when : )

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

You know I'd be thrilled! I thought I would be happy that the show was over and ready to relax, however instead, I just keep thinking of different ideas of things to put together! I really do enjoy this : )

[Tammy]

I felt that the day was worth it, even though I didn't sell as much as I had hoped. I paid for my table, but more importantly, had a nice, relaxing day hanging out with you guys!

[Emmalina]

Looks like a great day, your table looked fab! The stuff you are producing is stunning, I'm sure you'll do really well on Etsy. I'm looking forward to dropping in on your store : )

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

As always, thank you!
I so look foward to hearing from you!
Hope all is well!
a.