What I Learned From My First Craft Fair
Thank goodness, the craft fair experience is behind me. Early December, I decided to give craft vending a try. It was a lot of work and very overwhelming. Not just the actual day, but preparing for the day. I learned a lot and it’s good to know that I haven’t lost my ability to persevere. I felt like giving up many times but I didn’t, no matter how sleep deprived I was. My hats off to all who do this regularly.
Here is some of what I learned:
1. Hauling furniture from my home to the fair and then back again which included a flight of stairs is just not for me. If I were to ever do it again, I would stick to small home furnishings and accessories.
So instead of these
I’ll stick to this cutie
She wasn’t so cute when I found her though. ASCP took care of that.
2. Perfectionism has no place when producing hand crafted tems for resale. I found myself doing and redoing trying to meet my self-imposed high standards which greatly hampered my productiviy. Somehow, in the frenzy of the preparation, I forgot that handmade is all about the beauty of imperfection. Each item is suppose to be uniquely it’s own, distinguishing it from mass produced items.
Although I was going for the distressed finish, the nightstands didn’t turn out like I had envisioned. I thought I would give it that Miss Mustard Seed touch as you see here by decoupaging the damaged sides with sheet music. Works with french country, not so much with mid century modern. Another lesson learned.
However, they did come a long way from when we first met. The laminate was buckling and falling off in some places yet in tact in others.
And two of the drawers were in serious distress.
3. Knowing the craft fair before making the commitment is a must. I knew this but I was wooed by the reuse, recycle theme and thought it would be the perfect place to be. With that said, this was a first time event with no track record.
Sadly, after all that work, I didn’t sell a thing. None of the vendors sold much of anything. This event was not advertised. Vendors were required to use their Facebook contacts to publicize the event. The Build It Green customers had little or no interest in our wares.
I wanted to have the experience and I did. Don’t get me wrong, I would have much preferred to have made some sales, however, what I learned during the process made it worth my while.
A couple of accessories, I will probably keep for myself. This one for sure.
I think it would be a cute way to store rubber bands, paper clips etc. As for the rest, there’s always Etsy or Craigslist. Right?
Have any craft sale stories, advice or tidbits to share?
I’m sharing this post with:
Beyond the Picket Fence: Under $100 Linky Party
DIY by Design: Fall into Fall
Domestically Speaking: Power of Paint Party
Handy Man Crafty Woman: Wicked Awesome Wednesday
Primitive and Proper:Piece of Work Wednesday
Primp:Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Link Party
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Mininalist Here: Open House Party
Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday
Between Naps on the Porch:Metamorphosis Monday
those nightstands are so hip! i love the design on the drawers! and the little accessory piece is adorable! and i have done so many markets/fairs, too and i totally feel ya!
The little accessory piece is wonderful!!! So sorry your first experience was negative, but it was just the first!!! Ya learn from each one!!! I hold a sale in my garage every year, like a garage sale…..but set up like a store. I have many customers who keep coming back. I did the circut for many a year and it is physically demanding and can’t do it any more!!! Contact me if you need help and info….hugs…cleo
Your work should have certainly sold….
Unfortunately, the promoter of the shows failed you. I have been doing shows for a long time…and I never do a ‘first time show’ and always ask how they are advertising…how man vendors, everything you can think to ask. They should be happy to provide that, and if they are not, you shouldn’t do the show. There are lots of good shows out there and lots of $$ to be made, so don’t give up…but do keep your inventory small since you have to haul it up stairs! Good luck, Beverlee
I love that little cabinet! Sorry your work didn’t sell, I think you have a lot of talent. Came over from Miss Mustard Seed’s site, and now I’m going to follow your blog because I like that you’re sharing your experiences.
this is what it’s all about…the learning! thanks so much for your honesty.
visiting via MMS and would be thrilled if you stopped over to my kate spade/vintage necklace giveaway!
http://www.hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/01/something-old-something-new-giveaway.html
smiles.
michele
Its a shame that you put all of that hard work into your show and then didn’t sell anything. I hope that you next show is much more successful.
I think the little cabinet will be perfect on a desk for office supplies.
[...] I am pulling together some of the photos I took in haste preparing for last month’s craft fair. Here are some more accessories, I made over to [...]