Fall 2012 Show Listings for Art 2 the Extreme

SEPTEMBER

Chesterton European Market - Chesterton, IN

Saturday, September 8

8am-2pm

Lebanon Back to the Fifties Festival - Lebanon, IN

Saturday, September 15

9am-4:30pm

Fishers Oktoberfest at Saxony -Fishers, IN 

Saturday, September 22

Noon-6pm

OCTOBER

Chesterton European Market - Chesterton, IN

Saturday, October 6

8am-2pm

Fishers Christmas In October Craft Fair - Fishers, IN

Saturday, October 13

9am-3pm

Castleton United Methodist Arts and Crafts Fair - Castleton, IN
Saturday, October 20
10am-3pm

NOVEMBER

Déjà Vu Art and Fine Craft Show - Columbus, IN
Saturday, November 17
10am-4pm

*Applications in for the Bloomington Handmade Market (Nov. 10) and Hoosier Artisan Boutique (Nov. 24). 

Well... It Was Not Quite Moby Dick...

The last three days have been the longest ever while I participated in the "Whale of a Sale" Children's Consignment Event in Zionsville. While the children and baby items were a great deal if you have kids, it was not a huge catch for me and far from the "Moby Dick" I was expecting. For those of you "crafters and artists" out there who participate in shows and events, I am sure going to have a hard time from now on, participating in any type of show that is not specifically an art, craft, or holiday boutique. Here are a few photos I took...

On the plus side, I did get a few great finds from the

sale and hang out with some wonderfully talented ladies!

(Above)

I LOVE Vera Bradley! I for the big bag for only $7.50 and the small purse for $5!

They were almost brand new!

I bought this super cute hat from Two Seaside Babes and the necklace from MadrinDesigns! Oops...I think I left the tag on all day... My husband loves the hat!

The photos below are some of the gorgeous work of MadrinDesigns. Each time I visited her booth, I saw something new that I had not seen the first time. She creates her unique pieces with a vintage-modern flair and floral theme.

My favorite part was looking at all the talent and meeting new people. I had many good things come from talking with other vendors and artists these past three days and am glad things worked out the way they did!

Today's Craft Fair Experience.... You "Lucky Duck"

Like I said before, I am back into the swing of things, posting new items, seeking out new shops and artists to blog, and finding craft fairs to sell at!

Today I participated in a craft fair at a local church where I went to preschool! I did ok for only signing up for the booth a few days ago. Every little bit counts to help pay for my wedding!

My booth neighbor was sooooo kind and her items were so impressive, that I want to feature and share her shop, Lucky Ducky Designs, with you today! 

Lucky Ducky Designs sell things "for mama and her little duckling" has her saying puts it. When first seeing her booth (which put mine to shame it was so nice, organized, and everything fit well together), I immediately fell in love with the styles and colors of the fabrics she chose to create her aprons (both toddler, kid, and adult size), headbands, burp cloths, bibs, diaper bags, and other super fun creations.

As many of you know, I do not have any children, but my friends are all suddenly about to give birth, so time to shop! 

I have been looking for quite some time on Etsy to find a seller to buy from with children's items (it is overwhelming who to pick and what to buy), but I also wanted to support an Indiana seller if possible! This worked out just great and I was able to see things in person, which is even better.

I think of myself very fortunate to have found her and see her items up close in personal, not only for my purchasing pleasure, but also to share her items with YOU! I highly suggest the children's aprons because they come in so many colors and you can get a matching adult size and cook/create together! Your child can only match you for so long before they notice and you defiantly want the aprons added to your wardrobe!

I purchased a bib with the cutest  safari animals on it (see photo at the top)! Her prices are VERY reasonable and amazing for the quality and care she puts into her work. You can bet I will be back for more!

Please visit her personal website for the most selection currently: www.lddbaby.com

She also started an Etsy site that could use some love : www.luckyduckydesigns.etsy.com

Her E-Mail: sandy@lldbaby.com

The pictures do not do her justice, but I can guarantee quality service and quality products!

Please let me know what you think of today's feature. If you leave your store address, you might just be next!

Photos from my Latest Craft/Art Fair

Thanks to those who commented about my post yesterday. It is good to know that I am not the only one as well...

Two Saturday's ago, I participated in my second craft fair every and did pretty well. It was small time, but had a great selection of arts and craftspeople. I would love to hear what you think of my set up. I have a TON of things, so it is a little crowded, which is not the best, but it worked. It looked like a novice, but sold like an expert ;). 

Everyone seemed to love the fact that I had a ton of different items. I explained that I am an art teacher and like my lessons, I can never stick to one thing for too long.

My Rainbow Crayons, American Girl Doll Clothes, and glass pendants (not found in my Etsy shop yet) were the best sellers. I also sold a ton of ceramics. 

The photos are a little pixilated, so my apologies. Blogger does not like large files...

TOPIC TALK #3: It is Spring and That Means.... CRAFT FAIR TIME!

Today I signed up for my first official craft/art fair! It is being held in Bloomington, IN (home of IU) and I am super excited! I have never really sold at a real craft fair, so hopefully I do well. I am basically taking this as a learning experience since I do not have an official sign, fancy set up, or credit card machine. 

I started a thread about two days ago about craft fairs to see what other's tips and opinions are about them and tips for a newbie. 

THIS IS THE LINK TO THE THREAD ABOUT CRAFT FAIRS

Fluffy Flowers' blog had some great tips for farmer's markets and fairs that I have been looking at as well! It is a whole series of blogs about set up, other vendors, promotion, pricing, etc. I found this very helpful, as well as the thread I started. Thanks for everyone who gave me input!

Tips to Remember:

-Put a blank book out for customers to sign up for an e-mail list. 

-Have a drawing (place it near the book for them to sign up for the e-mail list and raffle at the same time).

-Put tables in a U shape if you have more than one.

-Use layers and levels when displaying items in your booth.

-Have business cards!

-Get a tall chair and do not sit behind the table the whole time.

-Make eye-contact and be friendly. If you are fake, it is noticeable!

-When people ask you how your day has been, answer positively, "Great, I am having fun." Customers do not want to hear you complain or that you  have not sold anything.

-Have many items with different price ranges. Make sure some things are low in price for those who feel they just  have to buy something!

Etsian CoryellDesign also put a nice list of things not to forget to bring (about midway though the page).

Have you ever participated in a craft/art fair? Do you have any tips for me or other readers? Please comment here! I would love to hear what you have to say.

Also, I have a survey at the top about things I should bring to sell at the fair this weekend. Please vote. I would like to see what is popular from my shop in your opinion!

Photo above is from Fluffy Flowers' Blog. VISIT THE ETSY SHOP HERE!

OMG!Lia? also has a blog update about what to bring to a craft fair. CHECK IT OUT HERE!