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!

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!