Craft Fairs

My sister Rebecca Casey creates whimsical ceramics and she has been selling through Art Fairs and Galleries for the last 5 years. Her work is a lot of fun and she has developed quite a following. She is such an inspiration to me and I am following her lead by participating in Art and Craft Fairs.

I am new to the idea of selling my product at fairs and I just finished my sixth one. I have to admit, I really enjoy the process of the day. My wonderful husband has been helping me set up my booth and then I carefully design the tables with my gifts. I still haven't figured out if they sell better laying on the table or hanging from my grid wall. I do know that people are drawn to touch and feel my plush toys. As the inventor, I think they are irresistible and call out to be touched!

Here is a picture of my booth with my plush toys hanging. The display got a lot of attention and I was sure this was the way to go.

The next craft fair I had more space so I set up my booth like this and I was surprised how little the grid wall was looked at, the tables got most of the attention on this day.

Last weekend I had the perfect location and believe me I said my thanks. I was put right inside the front door with a corner booth. Happy dance! I used my grid wall as a display for my banner and pictures and put all of my gifts on the two tables.

Next weekend I can only use one table for the fair I will be in so another design challenge is in front of me. But I don't mind, this is all part of the process and I find it enjoyable. The whole day is fun, I get to meet other crafters and enjoy their original work. Last weekend I met Ali Richardson who creates flower hair clips, her sister-in-law who makes craft kits for her business Smart-Bottom Kids and Sue Shepard who takes pictures of nature that look like the letters of the alphabet. All three of these ladies are doing what they love and offering a wonderful product.

The challenge at any Craft fair is to get customers. One of my customers, Laurie, is a woman who does all of her gift shopping at these types of fairs. She gives gifts that are made in the USA, hand crafted and original. If we had  more Laurie's in this world, life would be more fun. I say, let's forget about the big warehouse store and China made product and let's focus on gifts that have a story behind them that are unique and handmade.

Spread the words, BUY HOMEMADE and support your local artists! It's fun!