Review of Merchant's Landing Show

Well, our little adorable bundle of joy, little miss EJ, came into the world just days before the weekend show so I was not personally able to attend to my table, but my wonderful sister and amazing husband were willing to step in and represent Knitted Home.  My review stems from what they have told me and my interpretations of those observations.

Photo courtesy of my sister & her iPhone

According to sources, there were plenty of vendors (around 90 was the estimation) in attendance but the overall customer crowd was definitely lacking.  The show ran from 11-6pm (set up starting at 8am; my husband & sister were able to set up the table in 30-60 minutes) and the last hour or more was only vendors shopping other vendors.

The coordinators did a great job spreading like-crafters across the venue (this is something I've seen lacking at other shows) as well as spreading promotion across different media outlets (fb, radio stations, word of mouth, newspaper, etc).

Photo courtesy of my sister & her iPhone

Overall, it seems April is not a month for Knitted Home to do physical shows because the weather will always attract people outside and away from craft shows (though that didn't seem to be the case with the Maker's Mart I attended the weekend after - one of EJ's first outings).  Or maybe it is the nature of my products that is out of season by April (surely not baby accessories, though?)  At least we made our table fee so I wouldn't judge this show a "failure" but I can't say it will be one to do in the future.

Is there a favorite show you are in every year?  What makes it your favorite?

Make It Indie was a Huge Success!

This is definitely my favorite picture from this day:

My husband took this one; I think he has a nice, artful eye.

I think my booth set up skills have greatly improved, even from the Art Walks, but especially from that first one in April last year.  I feel like that one (table set up) haunts me... Does anyone else feel that way about their first show?

Not only is the look of my table starting to get a nice look & feel to it, but the set up time was only 45 minutes compared to over an hour with the Art Walks!  I suppose it could be because Hubby was helping me and we were only setting up merchandise instead of a tent, tables, and then merchandise.  ;)

Make It Indie ran from 10am - 7pm (we arrived at 8:30am to set up).  I sat right behind, and made a new friend, Triple L Crochet & Knit.  I think we had a pretty good time visiting and swapping ideas, which is always fun.  

Thistle & Bees was next to me, which really helped to alleviate both our nerves about doing our first indoor show.  I would say it also helped to pass the time, but we were so steadily busy, that time passed right along at a swift pace.  I couldn't believe it was 4pm already and I had hardly eaten any of my breakfast (bagel & cream cheese)!  I'm thrilled to report that I made my booth fee and broke even as early as noon or 1pm, thanks to all my new, fantastic customers!  

Like this young lady who got to design her own hat by choosing her flower color & hat color.   Then she waited patiently while I sewed them together into her own, unique design!

Monday night, finishing up the 3 ear warmers. I had three orders that are very nearly complete; I just have buttons to sew onto the ear warmers and they are scheduled to go out in the mail later this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Knitting & crocheting complete; just have to sew the buttons on.

It was such a joy to meet so many new people interested and in love with my wares.  :)  I definitely need to do more shows like this one in the future.  I was floating on Cloud 9 the whole evening and all of Sunday, working on orders.  I think I am just now starting to come back to reality and thus getting things like follow-up emails and blogging done.  ;)  

Thanks for all your support!  Next up is getting all the new items photographed and listed in the shop so you can see all the choices that were available at the show.  Happy Wednesday!

Maker's Mart - November 2013

I have officially submitted my application for the Maker's Mart (this year re-named to Make It Indie)!  Keep your fingers crossed for me.  :)

This is one event that I attended last November and absolutely fell in love with its feel.  It was like Etsy had popped off the page and came to Toledo, Ohio in person!  All my creative juices were flowing the moment I stepped in the door and I immediately decided I wanted to have a table at this event some day.  I didn't think I'd be applying only one year later, but after these last two Art Walks, I figured why not?  It's been so much fun selling in person, I hate to see it end with September's last Art Walk.

Wish me luck!  They notify vendors Sept. 14th.  *fingers crossed*! :)

Goals for 2013 - Physical Markets

Last year I started writing out goals for 2012 and accomplished one.  Maybe two (one sale per month; I didn't reach this goal specifically, but I did if you average my sales over 12 months).  

So this year, I'm taking that list and updating it for 2013.  Not much has changed, other than dreaming with a little more daring.  I've started talking to people at the Farmer's Market and friends about the craft shows they attend (if I couldn't go myself) and I've even hooked up with a fellow crafter, whom I met through my mother(!).  I intend to make her my mentor + go-to Crafter in my quest to make a small, steady income from Etsy.  But I'll save that for another post.

With these^ in mind, I've started thinking about physical markets to try in 2013.  

Farmer's Market

Thinking about my attempt last year, I'm willing to bet that my craft is limited to the cold weather season.  So with that in mind, I'm guessing I should only apply to physical markets that are held in September or later; assuming that people are starting to think about bundling up for the coming winter that early.  

Perrysburg Farmer's Market - A large, fun environment in quaint downtown Perrysburg along their main street.  I've only come across one or two handicraft booths (one being knit dishcloths, but different from my style).  Runs April to October, Thursday afternoons.

Downtown Toledo Farmer's Market - Open year-round, and with only little heaters mounted on the ceiling in the winter, I think I could make Jack Frost nipping at your nose work in my best interest.  A large, established following attend every week.  I've only seen one other knitter with her dishcloths here in the summer (different design from mine).  Other handicrafts are soap (which is my favorite), candles, and a handful of jewelry-makers.  I asked one jewelry-maker if she thought items like mine would be out of place here but she was quite confident they would be a perfect fit (thus my confidence to try this market is growing).  Saturday mornings.

Craft Shows

Maker's Mart - November 16, 2013 (I'm guessing; based on last year's date).

Baltimore Methodist Church Craft Show - October

If you have any suggestions or shows you would like to see me in, please drop me a line or leave it in the comment section below.  I'd love to hear any and all advice, too! :) 
Are you planning to do any shows this year?

Read about my goals for Etsy shop offerings here.