Last Year Craft Fair

I had not realized that I didn't share my craft fair pictures from October!  It was amazing!  There were many more people than my first craft fair.  I was right in the middle of the main walking path, so I had a lot of people stop and look and ask and buy!  I had more variety in my handmade creations, which did get more attention from different people.  Very glad I decided to do more than just Sock Monkeys.

It was an adventure for sure!  I still don't hate totes, so almost everything was packed into a clean, clear plastic bag ( the bag leftover from the 10 pound box of Poly-fil that I buy), and I have a new table that we re-purposed from a yard sale (bought for a couple of dollars, removed the old wood, and put on a completely new table-top, painted it and awesome!), and some purse racks, also a yard sale find.  Once there and the sun was up, I realized that I had forgotten to get change!  Thankfully, my Mother-in-Law was there to bring me coffee and offered to get me some change.  So sweet!  Although she did think I was silly to continue to fuss over and re-arrange my items in my booth, I was glad she was there to help.  She didn't stay long, but she was very encouraging.   The folks running the craft fair were so organized, and even gave all the vendors a little "goody bag" that was decorated by elementary school kids, and had some little packaged crackers, a bite size candy, bottled water, and a tax form.  Loved it!  As the day went on, the only things I didn't sell were my purses, and my pillows.  Almost all of my Sock Monkeys were gone, I only had 2 Sock Pigs left, and I made my money back from the vendor fee times two!  Even though I was still not feeling better, I am so glad I did it.  The weather was perfect, and the people were really nice.

 From this trip I have learned a few more things.  

1. I do need plastic totes to keep my inventory in for easy packing & unpacking.

2. I should get my change a few days in advance.

3. What sells great on my Etsy, does not sell as well in person.

4. I need to stop being so shy, and greet everyone and smile, and not sit back in hopes they come to me.

5. I need to try to make my booth look more crafty and less "garage sale".

6.  I need to have a money apron. A cash box is great, but a money apron is so much more convenient.

7. Stay hydrated, and know where the available bathrooms are before hand.

I'm sure there is more, but these are the ones that stick out.  How I feel about the craft fair experience isn't just about the money.  If you can make your fees back, and make more or as much money as you would have if you had worked your regular job that day if ideal.  But the most important part is sharing your love of what you make with others.  A lot of people looked over my things and said "You made this by hand?"  "This looks beautiful!"  "You are very talented" and even the ones that didn't purchase anything made my day.  It was all about breaking away from my comfort zone f hiding behind the internet and breathing is the fresh air, smelling all the wonderful foods from the many food vendors, and looking someone else in the eye and see them smile.  Some would reminisces about my Original Sock Monkeys, having had one made by mothers or grandmothers when they were children, and I like to think I gave them a little piece they may have lost, and helped bring a little more joy into their day.  I may be over reaching, but it does make me feel good to inspire another person to smile a real, authentic, heartfelt smile.

Thank you for reading and letting me share my craft experiences with you.