So my sister and I participated in our third craft show today.  Needless to say it was not nearly as lucrative as I would've hoped.  There were not many vendors and not much foot traffic despite the event having been advertised in the local community.  The whole experience, while leaving us somewhat disappointed got me thinking "what can I take away from this?" 

Now with just three craft shows under our belt it certainly doesn't make us experts, but I think it's good that we have been getting our feet wet and putting ourselves and our products out there.  I will admit that I'm not one of those research and "figure it out ahead of time" gals.  Once I make my mind up on some things I sometimes leap first and ask questions later.  That being said here are some of the things I've learned:

1. Participating in Craft Shows is a great way to meet other crafters and network.  We've really met some wonderful artisans and business owners and oftentimes you see the same people at several local craft shows throughout the year.  It's a wonderful way to network with kindred spirits.  For example, our booth neighbor told us about several area craft shows coming up that we had no idea about as we are still new to the craft show circuit.

2. You get ideas for displaying your products.  We have made slight adjustments to our display each time we've been to a craft show.  We get ideas for improving our display based on customer interaction and we get inspiration from other, more experienced crafters.

3. Just because one show's success is lackluster, don't give up.  That's something my husband and I always tell our 7 year old when she's feeling frustrated by something, "Never give up!"  Think of the things that are in your control that you can do better for the next time you participate in a craft show.  Do you need better signage/pricing?  Have you signed up for one of those credit card swipers for your smart phone?  Do you have business cards?  How else can you display your products to draw in potential customers?

So, cheers to a super successful craft show next time around!  In the meantime, I am grateful for today's experience.  ;)

Do you participate in craft shows?  What have your experiences been like?

18" organza ribbon cord necklace with a lobster clasp closure. Available in 11 colors. Pick your favorite color to complete any Scrabble Tile Pendant.

Colors:
White
Grey
Pink
Purple
Lavender
Red
Cranberry
Navy Blue
Yellow Green
Slate Blue
Black

*Please be sure to indicate you color choice in the comment section at checkout.

*Pendants sold separately.

18" silver plated ball chain necklace with clasp. Perfect addition to addition to any Scrabble Tile Pendant.

*Pendants are sold separately.

I had some cards lying around that I would normally have pitched... you can only keep so many. :) After looking at the different colors and textures I thought I could make some fun and unique pendants. The image was carefully selected and cut from the greeting card making it ONE OF A KIND. ENJOY!! It is glazed for a glass-like finish and a silver plated bail makes it ready to wear.

*Ball chain necklaces and organza cord necklaces are sold separately. 

I had some cards lying around that I would normally have pitched... you can only keep so many. :) After looking at the different colors and textures I thought I could make some fun and unique pendants. The image was carefully selected and cut from the greeting card making it ONE OF A KIND. It is glazed for a glass-like finish and a silver plated bail makes it ready to wear.

*Ball chain necklaces and organza cord necklaces are sold separately.

I had some cards lying around that I would normally have pitched... you can only keep so many. :) After looking at the different colors and textures I thought I could make some fun and unique pendants. The image was carefully selected and cut from the greeting card making it ONE OF A KIND. My husband actually inspired the name for this pendant when he said, "hey, that looks like a grapefruit." I have to say that I agree. :) ENJOY!! It is glazed for a glass-like finish and a silver plated bail makes it ready to wear.

*Ball chain necklaces and organza cord necklaces are sold separately:

Step into spring with this beautiful floral bag. Made with a durable cotton, it's sturdy yet still soft and it will hold all those necessities you can't leave home without. It can serve as a fun and stylish diaper bag for the mom on the go too. It has 6 interior pockets, completely interlined, and there is a pouch in front with a velcro closure. Accented with a pink checkered fabric at the top with green cording, straps, and a 2" button closure.

All of our bags are made in Margaret's smoke-free/pet-free home workroom.

Fabrics: cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blend

Suggested care: Spot clean as needed. Hand wash or machine wash delicate cycle. For best results allow to air dry and warm iron as needed.

Approximate dimensions: 15 1/2"W (at top), 16"W (at bottom), 15 1/2"L, 5 1/2"D, straps 27"

*READY TO SHIP

**Bags ship via USPS Medium Flat Rate box. Please ask for shipping outside the continental United States or other shipping options.

From diapers and bottles to laptops or your favorite books. This bag can carry whatever your heart desires comfortably and stylishly. Made with a durable cotton, it's sturdy yet still soft and it will hold all those necessities you can't leave home without. It has 5 interior pockets, completely interlined, and there is a pouch in front with a velcro closure. Accented with a solid spring green fabric at the top with orange cording, straps, and a 2" button closure.

All of our bags are made in Margaret's smoke-free/pet-free home workroom.

Fabrics: cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blend

Suggested care: Spot clean as needed. Hand wash or machine wash delicate cycle. For best results allow to air dry and warm iron as needed.

Approximate dimensions: 15 1/2"W (at top), 16"W (at bottom), 15 1/2"L, 5 1/2"D, straps 27"

*READY TO SHIP

**Bags ship via USPS Medium Flat Rate box. Please ask for shipping outside the continental United States or other shipping options.

From diapers and bottles to laptops or your favorite books. This bag can carry whatever your heart desires comfortably and stylishly. Made with a durable cotton, it's sturdy yet still soft and it will hold all those necessities you can't leave home without. It has 5 interior pockets, completely interlined, and there is a pouch in front with a velcro closure. Accented with a solid pink fabric at the top with dark pink cording, straps, and a 2" button closure.

All of our bags are made in Margaret's smoke-free/pet-free home workroom.

Fabrics: cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blend

Suggested care: Spot clean as needed. Hand wash or machine wash delicate cycle. For best results allow to air dry and warm iron as needed.

Approximate dimensions: 15 1/2"W (at top), 16"W (at bottom), 15 1/2"L, 5 1/2"D, straps 27"

*READY TO SHIP

**Bags ship via USPS Medium Flat Rate box. Please ask for shipping outside the continental United States or other shipping options.

From diapers and bottles to laptops or your favorite books. This bag can carry whatever your heart desires comfortably and stylishly. Made with a durable cotton, it's sturdy yet still soft and it will hold all those necessities you can't leave home without. It has 5 interior pockets, completely interlined, and there is a pouch in front with a velcro closure. Accented with a solid turquoise blue fabric at the top with blue cording, straps, and a 2" button closure.

All of our bags are made in Margaret's smoke-free/pet-free home workroom.

Fabrics: cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blend

Suggested care: Spot clean as needed. Hand wash or machine wash delicate cycle. For best results allow to air dry and warm iron as needed.

Approximate dimensions: 15 1/2"W (at top), 16"W (at bottom), 15 1/2"L, 5 1/2"D, straps 27"

*READY TO SHIP

**Bags ship via USPS Medium Flat Rate box. Please ask for shipping outside the continental United States or other shipping options.

From diapers and bottles to laptops or your favorite books. This bag can carry whatever your heart desires comfortably and stylishly. Made with a durable cotton, it's sturdy yet still soft and it will hold all those necessities you can't leave home without. It has 5 interior pockets, completely interlined, and there is a pouch in front with a velcro closure. Accented with a solid brown fabric at the top with tan cording, straps, and a 2" button closure.

All of our bags are made in Margaret's smoke-free/pet-free home workroom.

Fabrics: cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blend

Suggested care: Spot clean as needed. Hand wash or machine wash delicate cycle. For best results allow to air dry and warm iron as needed.

Approximate dimensions: 15 1/2"W (at top), 16"W (at bottom), 15 1/2"L, 5 1/2"D, straps 27"

*READY TO SHIP

**Bags ship via USPS Medium Flat Rate box. Please ask for shipping outside the continental United States or other shipping options.