Next Phase Craft Fairs

So, the next phase of my journey took me to Churches, schools, parking lots, pop ups, farmers markets and private homes. My Friend and I started finding places to sell and our Loom Knitted items. We would loom knit beanies and scarfs every chance we got, then we would sell them on the weekends. My friend was always scouting for new locations. Since, I previously had a party supply table and chair rental business, I had most of the things I needed for a vendor booth setup. Tables Chairs, an e z-up, mannequins, grid walls, hooks and shelving units. I had attended lot of craft fairs and vendor events as a customer, but not as a participant. So, when my Friend approached me with the idea, I said sure! I thought to myself how difficult could it be?

Well, it definitely proved to be harder than it looked.

I believe the first Craft Fair we did was at a Church; they were doing their annual Holiday Boutique. If you are not an early riser, this may not be the way for you to sell your handmade items. We had to be there a couple of hours before the Customers arrived, all set up and ready to sell, rain or shine. You had to pay your fees in advance, and most were non-refundable. Early Birds or return participants had first pick at getting inside spaces. This time we were inside, and our table and chairs were provided. The majority of the Vendor Events are outside, in parking lots that are on gravel, dirt or grass. You usually need to provide your own tables and chairs and all your setup equipment. we usually brought our own food and water. Thank goodness this event provided coffee and donuts, and they were having a chili cook off for us to judge at lunch time. It’s been so long ago since we did this first event, that I have forgotten the outcome of my sales. But I’m pretty sure I made more than the entry fee; I do remember the chili that won was a 7-bean chili, it was gr8! I learned that being a Vendor was a lot of work and very unpredictable way to sell handmade items like beanies. But I usually did very well. Only one evnt stant

Over many years we have gotten together and made beanies and other crafted items to sell. We have now moved to different states, but we have still managed to keep loom knitting as a part of our life and friendship. My Friend recently came to visit me, we spent the day loom knitting beanies, talking and exchanging ideas just like always.

Here’s one of my beginning craft fair displays, over time my beanie styles changed. Eventually I opened an Etsy store and began selling my beanies online.