I would call my first craft show as a success! I was incredibly nervous about how the day would go and didn’t go in with any expectations. I was sandwiched between Cutco Knives and Avon- two completely known and popular brands so I was really the newbie on the block.
The show was from 11-6, set up starting at 8. I got to my spot at about 9 am (after massive amounts of traffic) and was set up with about an hour to spare. My dad came with us to help set up the tent and tables, and thankfully my mom spent the whole day at the show with me. It started off slightly slow, but little by little the crowd trickled in. I had a few people stop in my booth, but not much purchasing, making me feel really discouraged early on (especially when one woman freaked out over the price of my totes– I personally think $45 for a handmade tote is not bad considering the materials and time that went into the piece but I’m biased).
The second and third hour saw more sales so I was happier, but what really encouraged me was the comments that people made. Every single person who stopped in my booth commented on how beautiful and well done my bags looked. These comments kind of caught me off guard. Of course I thought my bags looked great but this was the first time the “public” was actually getting to look at them and comment. They didn’t have to say a word, but they did. And that made me happier than any sale.
Most people were surprised that I made everything, and that I was, in fact, older than 12. Since my mom was in the booth with me, it threw people off that I was the artist.
When people would stop to look at my recycled clutches, I would say they were made from fabric swatch books. This intrigued two women- who had PILES of fabric books that they didn’t know what to do with. They both offered to pass the fabric along to me! One woman was an interior designer and actually came back to my booth with a bag of fabric that was in her car! The connections I made on Sunday were just incredible.
This show really excited me for future craft shows. I wanted to do a show before the winter markets start up so I have some experience under my belt. I learned a lot, and am so happy with the results of the day. I’m not signed up for any more events just yet but am looking forward to more.
A few more bags are being put in my shop over the next couple weeks now that the show is over. Go on over to etsy for a look!
trish stitched 
WOW! Trish you are a pro!! I remember when I did my first craft show it looked nothing like this I was so disorganized and unprepared and my booth was a mess lol but luckily I made a few sales. And I know all about getting discouraged when it’s slow or when someone makes a comment about how pricey something is because for some reason people think handmade is cheaper! But hang in there cuz your stuff looks amazing!! anyways I love love love your booth and your designs it all looks great and don’t feel you need to explain why something costs a certain price because from what I can see is that your designs are truly one of a kind that was made with quality and love. So happy it was a success for you 🙂
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Thank you so so much for your comment. I’m very lucky to have a mother who has been displaying product for years and she has taught me well. And I’ve gotten pretty good at keeping my mouth shut when people complain, they just aren’t my customer! Thank you again, you are so sweet!
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All the bags look awesome! When I was reading the part about the lady freaking out about your prices, I felt so bad for you. Some people can just be so rude😁 But I’m glad that you got sales. I’m sure it was a fun experience.
Abigail
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Thank you Abigail! It was an amazing experience, can’t wait to do it again!! =D
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Your stall looked great!
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Thank you!
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Congratulations on a successful show, I’m so impressed! Your creations truly are beautiful. I guess opening up to the public comes with the risk of encountering one or two rude people, but it seems it was overwhelmingly positive overall. Congrats again xx
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Thank you! Yes, I do consider it a positive experience, and am glad for the public opinion, it’s helping me grow a thick skin! =]
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Your booth looks great! Can’t believe you made all that stuff to sell. My fave is the top right bag with the white bottom. And it’s a bummer when people don’t realize how much it costs to hand make stuff. How awesome though that others wanted to give you fabric and someone actually had some in her car!! Haha so cute, sounds like the dream. Also, I think it’s pretty cool to be between two established brands, just shows how unique your stall is 🙂
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Thanks! That bag was actually the “most touched” of the day haha! And I couldn’t believe how willing people were to give away fabric! It’s heaven!! Thank you for your sweet words!
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That is such a beautiful display of all your work. Very impressive. It is so good that you are making really lovely items from fabric that would probably otherwise go to waste. And you are wearing that amazing skirt!
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Congratulations! Your items are all fabulous! I love the bag with the blue bottom. It looks so happy and summery. You’re not biased, 45USD (about €39?) is not expensive for a cute and handmade tote. That’s how much I have to pay for a couple of meters of a nice fabric here. Speaking of fabrics, lucky you to be given some. Must have been a really awesome day. 🙂
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Thank you! Pricing is definitely one of the most difficult parts about a handmade business, but I’m glad to see I’m not too crazy! Haha. It was a great day, thanks!!
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Congratulations on all your craft show success! Your booth looks beautiful. And $45 seems like a total acceptable price for a tote bag.
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Thank you!! Yea, some people don’t really get the whole “handmade” thing haha
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Well done! I’m glad you had a fab day. But with those amazing products, I’m not surprised the feedback was great. Your stuff looks lovely. x
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Thank you so much!
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Very inspirational young lady. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and love your Etsy shop. I have just opened my own shop and like you bags are my creative outlet. Look forward to your future endeavors..from an Australian/Kiwi fan
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Thank you Jackie! Congrats on opening up shop! When I first started I was so nervous but it’s a very exciting time to get to share your makes with the world. Thank you for your comment, best of luck in your shop!
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