Sunday, October 30, 2011

Handcrafters

Handcrafters has finally come and gone. I was so nervous about doing this show. It was the first big show that I've done on my own in years and I didn't get nearly enough done (although I think I'll always feel that way). And as I was packing my inventory it was obvious that I was heavily slanted towards fall decor. Maybe I need to invest in a few more Christmas and winter patterns!
The Handcrafters show is known for having actual, handcrafted items and attracts vendors from as far away as Nevada. There are a couple of vendors who have been "grandfathered" in who have imported market things in their booth but the majority is actually handmade. Still, several people asked me if I actually sewed everything in my booth. 
Design by Shirley Blystone
The show was really good, but the best part was meeting new friends and reconnecting with former customers and rug hooking friends. One of my hooking friends, Mimi, had a booth filled with her wonderful painted items and you can see some of her original work here. Mimi is a creative dynamo, always finding new ways to apply her considerable creative talents. I have a little bag she designed and made that I use to carry all my sewing needfuls when I travel. 

Isn't it wonderful! The show is not far from my home and DH dropped by yesterday to bring my jacket because it was really chilly in the building. I took a quick bathroom break and when I came back DH proudly told me he'd sold something. He didn't write a sales receipt, charge tax, offer a bag or really know how to describe what he'd sold, but he's apparently a great salesman! I wish he had spent more time hanging out at the show!

10 comments:

Raymond Homestead said...

Wish I could have been there! I certainly would have bought some things from your booth, I see a lot of neat things! Yeah for hubby and his good selling techniques!

Michelle said...

Love it. Living in the Pacific NW, it is very hard to find anything hand made anymore....even 8 years ago, many things were. Love your booth and love your items!

TheCrankyCrow said...

Oh....I could have done all SORTS of damage there!!! (And I'm just referring to YOUR booth!!) Wow - all sorts of wonderful things!!! Too funny about the DH....hmmmm....must be part of their gender....you know - the "detail" thing! Love your little bag from Mimi too - Wow - the backing fabric is the perfect frame for the punch piece....Love it! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

annie said...

I think your things are fabulous. I don't know anyone could think they weren't hand crafted, even in the photographs, your quality & detail shine through! Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness....I could buy one of everything in your booth ! Do you have any of those cute snowmen left ?
Please come to the Chicago area sometime to sell your goodies in a craft show.
Have a great week,
Maureen

By the way....my husband is not good with details either.

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Such wonderful things ~ wish we had shows like that here in WI.
Thanks for sharing!
Prim Blessings
Robin

Mayleen said...

Thank you for continuing to make your items and not purchase them! Ten years ago I sold crafts at shows and even then, lots of purchased items being sold in booths. I especially like the Thanksgiving pillow and the pillow with the crow and red flowers!

Donna said...

Love everything you have made! Wish I could have gone to the show.

Donna from Oregon

My Colonial Home said...

Hi Roberta...well you certainly have some wonderful things in your booth...JUST BEAUTIFUL! Doesn't it frustrate you when you see 'retail' products at a handmade show? Seen that myself a few times - but I bet the handmades outsell the retail items by far.

Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting - I really appreciate it. For my Rug Hooking...boy do I need practice - but I find very little time with trying to keep up with my Penny Rug sales. Maybe that's why I feel it's not really good - no time to be more accurate. But thank you just the same.

Your products are beautiful!

Karen

dana said...

I'm so glad to read about your sale at Handcrafters, Roberta. I know your booth was a hit.....and that it was cleaned out right away!!!

I so agree with you about the "handmade" issue of craft sales and this one has done a pretty good job of keeping the imported C--P out of there, but as with others, it's still finds its way inside a few booths.

It's not easy spending time actually MAKING items ourselves...only to show up to a sale and find booth after booth brimming with low priced made in China inventory. Sadly, so many shoppers don't care....so it is a total breathe of fresh air when you are exposed to buyers who appreciate the value of handmade.

Promoters allowing imported items into "craft" sales have been a huge reason our once awesome sales have disappeared. It is great that there are a hand full of sales around, like Handcrafters, that have kept their standards high.

Loved catching up on your blog this morning! I've been getting ready for Craft Patch...without a lot of progress...so much in my life interferes with sewing time! :) Leslie's sale looked awesome and your recent trip to Illinois made me drool!!!

Hope to see you sometime soon!

dana