Craft Fair Advice: Choosing the Right Fairs

Those of us in the craft fair business know it takes a lot of experience to learn how to be successful selling our wares. If we're lucky, we can learn from other's experience and not have to figure everything out ourselves! With that in mind, I've been collecting advice from team members to share in what will hopefully become a regular blog feature. Today's batch of craft fair advice is about choosing fairs.

Sarah from Twisted Planet says: Ask if they allow resellers or have booths for large companies there (ie pampered chef, lia sophia) they might say no and still have them there, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The other thing I wish I'd know was to find out what type of advertising the show does. it doesn't do alot of good to have a great show and then not tell anyone about it.

Kippian Inglis from abitofthread says: Ask what their attendence (number) is. I haven't figured a ratio - but if they have 1000 attendees and 50 crafters - that's usually NOT good. Ask about your space - be sure you know exactly what it is and hopefully, WHERE it is. That said, you still need to be flexible and have alternative arrangements for your booth set-up.

Katrina Robb from PotatoBlossomStudios says: If you are unsure of a show, google the name. often artisans will list their shows on their blogs/sites, then you can email and ask how they liked that particular show. I have gotten very sage advice that way

Gentleadornments says: Whether you attend a show as a customer or are selling, don't be afraid to ask other vendors what shows are good for them -- most will be happy to tell you which shows have good sales and which ones are a bust. One of my better fall shows isn't on the internet -- I found it through another vendor. When you're checking out a show, find out if they group similar arts together or if they mix things up pretty well. and, find out if they have any type of limits on the number of similar crafters

Featured Shop: Pederson Pottery

Today's featured shop is Pederson Pottery. Ryan Pederson of Pederson Pottery has been working with clay on and off now for 18 years. He describes himself as "mostly self taught" but tells us that he recently had the opportunity to live for 4 months in a 4,000 year old pottery village in central Turkey, where he says he "learned so much just by watching."
Ryan describes his work as having a classic/ancient look to it influenced by his time in the middle east and from his past employment working for a fine cabinet builder. You will also see a very Greek and sometimes Asian feel in his work. He says he just loves working on the potters wheel, and that it would be fine with him if that was all there was to the process. Ryan says he enjoys all aspects of being a potter from glazing and firing to trimming but it is the wheel that brings him the most satisfaction.
Here are a few samples of Ryan's stunning ceramic work:

Japenese Style Tea Set for Two with Green Glaze

Hand Burnished Urn

Pair of Iron and Copper Glazed Mugs

Featured Shop: VanillaExtinction

Today's featured seller is Michele of VanillaExtinction. Michele focuses on nature and wildlife photography. She has always been a lover of everything outdoors and she hopes it shows in her photos. She also wants to show people that you don't need to have a big expensive camera to get wonderful photos. Michele uses a point and shoot camera to take the photos in her shop. She says she believes "if you truly love what you do it will show in the outcome."

Here are a few of Michele's Items:

Lots of Lavender

Winter Blues

In His Eyes II

Sale at CMCCreations!

"WithLove" shop sale on now, Ends Friday 2/03/12

Shop Wide Sale! No Coupon Necessary.

Gold Vermeil Beads, Wire Findings & Charms

Plus Origami & Asian inspired Jewelry and Gifts

Shop now at CMCCReations

Featured Shop: Grammas Gifts

The featured shop of the day today is Grammas Gifts. Patti of Grammas Gifts makes absolutely adorable crochet hats, photo props, and other accessories. Patti is a work-at-home gramma raising two teenage grandkids and helping with a set of little guys aged two and three. Patti loves to crochet, and what started as a fun way to dress up the boys has turned into an Etsy shop and a fun new business. Here are a few of her items:

Owl Hat and Fingerless Mittens, Pink

Rhino Hat and Diaper Cover Set

Newborn Frog Diaper Set and Lily Pad Photo Prop