To Craft Show or not to Craft Show? A Realization.

Last Year I sort of swore off craft shows. Why you ask? Don't get me wrong, for the buyer, they are an excellent way to find unique gifts at reasonable prices. For the seller however, they can be a lot of work with little return. Even at the good ones, it's hard to offset the cost of the entry fees, sales commission, table rentals, and the countless hours of preparation and transportation of all my breakable houseware items. To top it off, I had an item stolen at the last one I did. An item so special to me, it was marked "not for sale". FINE. NO MORE CRAFT SHOWS.

 Fast forward one year to the 2011 holiday season and I am in a bit of a funk. Aside from one or two things, I haven't listed many new designs. To be honest, I haven't even had much holiday spirit. Needing some inspiration, I decided to hit a few local boutiques on small business Saturday. While perusing the aisles, I felt the glimmer of excitement I once had discovering new treats while meeting my fellow vendors at craft shows. Not only did I find many unique gifts, I recognized many Etsy seller's items on the shelves. How awesome to see these artists' handmade creations in the flesh! At one location, a vendor was carefully restocking her shelves with her husband as I browsed her darling laser cut ornaments. With a sparkle in her eye, she stepped aside and struck up a conversation as I made my selection. Then it really hit hit me. THIS, this is why I do craft shows. It's discovering something new while meeting new people with a common passion. It's the excitement of knowing that a stranger might choose to spend their hard earned dollars on my creation. So there I was, now wanting to participate in some way in a Holiday Craft Show on November 26th, with surely no way to do so.

Enter Melinda of Dress and Nest. Like a little Handmade Holiday angel, she sent me an email with a last minute invitation to participate in The Perfect Winter Pop Up Shop. With music, drinks, and shopping, not only does this sound like a great time on a Saturday night, but it may be that kick in the pants I was looking for. And the bonus? Tables and linens provided, and no entry fees or commission taken! Only a donation of five $5 dollar drink tickets for five lucky visitors. It's win-win. Thanks Melinda!

Hope to see you all there!