Craftstravaganza

This was my first time doing Craftsravaganza and really a large craft show at all. What an amazing experience. Mix in equal part of nerve racking prep work with last minute trips to Target and then this wonderful show that literally flys by in what seems like only a few hours when it was a full day event.

I have to say I was impressed at the group of vendors that were there this year. I recognized a few from last year, have had the pleasure of getting to know a small handful over the last year, and met some really amazing and talented people. To see pictures from the show, check out this Flickr link

My two awesome friends were there to help me and I couldn't have done this show without their support.

Kelly made that new sign for me and I love how it turned out.

Overall very happy with the display and the clothing rack. Didi find out it wanted to collapse on me at one point and a few times I had to gently warn little kids not to step on the bottom poles. That would have sucked. Big Time.

There are some things I have learned and hope that may be of use to other craft fair newbies:

1. wash and tag clothing as you make it. Don't spend a solid 3 hours doing this at 9:00 the night before. That and ironing everything at once really sucks.
2. Take pictures of your goods (if you need a reference for future re-makes) before the show. I ran out of time and scratched this off the major to do list. I regret that now.
3. Get lot's of sleep the night before. Make a cut off time where you just stop and go to bed. Some things can be done in the morning.
4. Eat breakfast. I don't remember if I did this, so probably not.
5. Bring lot's of quick snacks to nibble.
6. Make sure to smile and greet everyone who comes up to your table. I don't believe in being pushy or hounding, but DO NOT ignore people by chatting with your friends.
7. Go in with low expectations in sales because you will be sure to surprise yourself! Or, have a reasonable goal and just make sure to have enough inventory to meet that goal.
8. Having things at different price points is good. Some people look for gifts, others for something small for themselves.