Monday, November 21, 2011

pouch factory no more

This past weekend I took part in my first craft fair, at the Holiday Arts & Crafts Emporium. I won't lie-- I've been cutting and sewing like a crazy woman for the past month to prepare for it. The past week I've woken up with a start at 4 a.m. every morning, no alarm needed, and then I'd head down to my sewing room for a few hours before everyone else would wake up. It feels good to be done with that. Although it was also pretty nice to have that time to myself.

I shared a double booth with 6 other etsy sellers. We received a grant for part of the booth costs from etsy, hence the "etsy.com" booth name.

our etsy.com booth

My table:

my table at the Arts & Crafts Emporium

Lots and lots of pouches:

Pouches

Key fobs:

key fobs

And some iPad cozies (Made from a tutorial here at One Shabby Chick. Thank you Amber!):

iPad cozies

I learned a lot from the experience. It wasn't a big money-maker by any means, and I don't think I had the right kind of audience for my goods. But I did have quite a few really great people come in and say that they loved what I make. I might give the whole holiday craft fair another go next year, but at a different venue.

I've got lots and lots of stock now for my etsy shop! I'll be listing items over the next few days and offering a coupon code for blog readers. I'll make sure to keep you posted.

craft show leftovers

15 comments:

**nicke... said...

i love everything! seriously, everything. i wish you would have sold more stuff but i think it is a who is your audience thing. if there were people like me there you would have sold out!

Three Sisterz said...

your stuff is adorable! it's taken me a while to find the craft fairs with the right audience. keep it up!

Cary said...

Your items look so pretty!

Canadian Abroad said...

Love the things you make. Having gone through a similar experience a week ago - wonderful comments but not much sold - I am right with you on the finding the right venue thing. And to having my life back this week! I was sewing like a mad woman and everything else fell by the wayside. I like to be more relaxed than that. I am sure your things will sell amazingly quickly on Etsy.

{Leila}Where the Orchids Grow said...

So many pretties!!!

Poppyprint said...

Wow, you did so much work and even on your packaging and labeling! Everything looked so great - I know you'll sell out on Etsy quickly. I LOVE my scarf that I was able to nick at retreat!

Jo Ann said...

Your booth looked fantastic. Wish I could have shopped there! Now you can sew what you want to work on, in non factory mode!

felicity said...

I love my scarf, too - your stuff all looks beautiful with the labels etc. Enjoy having your sewing time back for you!

Mary Menzer said...

Great job! Your booth looked very inviting. It is about the audience, and some people are just lookers. I would like to have use for one of those iPad covers, maybe for my Kindle.....

randi--i have to say said...

i have lots of stock for me etsy shop now too! after my craft fair last weekend i think that it needs to be held 2 weeks later next year. we had lots of people come through, but not a lot of sales. it was fun and good for the learning curve though!

your goods look amazing!

sew.darn.quilt said...

I wish you would have sold more of your lovely items too. Those passersby didn't know a good thing when they see it. Good luck in your shop. :o)

Carolyn

Liz @ LivingMySweetLife said...

Your booth is perfection! Craft fairs can be so tricky, You just never know if you're going to sell out or sell nothing!

Dianne said...

Wow!You produced a ton of items! Will have to pop by your etsy store to check out the merchandise!! Given our weather today I wish I had bought a scarf at retreat!!

The Hungry Crafter said...

I would be in heaven if I ran across your booth at a craft fair! Your use of fabric is awesome -- just my style. Going to check out your Etsy shop now :)

Unknown said...

Where did you get your clear cellophane bags for your key fobs? The packaging is awesome!