Retro Indie Market Recapped - Finally!

What to say about MY FIRST CRAFT SHOW EVER?

It. Was. AWESOME.

I don't know why I was so nervous! I worked like a mad-woman in the weeks leading up to the show, literally crafted up to the last minute, had my house A WRECK while I concentrated on nothing else for at least a month, wasn't able to complete all the items I wanted to have ready, anyway, and you know what - it didn't even matter. It was fantastic. The girls who organized the show did an impressive job and found a great location and selected a wide variety of vendors selling all kinds of adorable items. Then they threw in delicious baked goods and even swing dancers! I don't know how they got the word out, considering it was the first annual of this specific craft show, but they managed to attract a steady stream of shoppers looking to spend their hard-earned cash.

I had a HUGE table centered at the very end of the first floor. You could not miss me. I just wish I had brought more items. I'd planned on having a tidy, minimal looking table because I'm not fond of the cluttered, scattered displays that I've often seen at shows. Well, that backfired on me a little 'cause I had a VERY minimal looking area. I wasn't expecting to be lucky enough to have an actual dining room table - I've seen what most folks have to work with and that's what I prepared for. Oh well, live and learn! Regardless, all the customers were very nice and complimentary of my work and I'm very happy with the amount of sales I made. I was even interviewed by a reporter for the New Times, had a beanie featured in their images of the show, and made it to a brief mention in the article! AND I sold her an item. I was very fortunate to not only have The Doomed there with me but even Rapid Mood Swings flew out from LA to help out, too! All in all, a great time, great first experience, and I can't wait to do it again.

And I don't have to! My next show is lined up for April and I'm already working away to prepare for it. Up next, though, I really need to get my shop in order. I made lots of new things that I haven't had a chance to photograph or list on etsy yet and lots more ideas to make.
Here's a sneak peek of what's to come:



Button Fascinators

Embroidered Hair Clips



Retro Indie Craft Show

I haven't had a chance yet to do a proper blog post about MY FIRST EVER CRAFT SHOW (that's how I say it in my head every time), but here're a couple pictures from the event.



Gentleman getting in the way of the only shot I took of my set-up.



Handmade banner with lettering stenciled and painted by The Doomed.

Full recap coming up in the next post!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Craft Show Goodies

Knitted sunglasses cases awaiting blocking, seaming, and buttons. I need to make as many as I can this week before moving on to other merch for the craft show!

Hair Clips

I've been working away on some hair clips for the craft show. Were they on my original list of things to make? Nope. But you gotta pay attention to the inspiration gods when they come a-knocking!

Business Cards

As I mentioned previously, part of getting ready for my craft show is getting new business cards. I wanted to create an image, maybe even a new branding, that would be original and in line with both my shop name and the items I create. I spent yesterday taking some shots and editing away at them (and finally put to use a Ken doll my besties gave me for my 21st birthday):

  

What do you think? I really like the way these shots turned out but for the most part, they don't really suit the style of my shop. They do, however, perfectly play up my shop name (and TOTALLY feed my love of noir) so I found a way of pumping up one of the photos to make it more playful and not so, um, threatening. Results to be revealed once I order and receive my business cards.

I like some of these shots so much, though, I think I'm gonna see if I can make them into bookmarkers or something. Always thinking, this one!