My craft room has been a flurry of paper scraps, twine clippings, and band aid wrappers the last few months readying for the Makers Market on the Square in Heber Springs. I’ve been making. And, with making, comes paper cuts, hence, the band aids.
I’ve had so very little experience selling my handmade crafts in person and I have to admit, the experience has been interesting.
Makers Market on the Square
There’s something to be said for the artists and crafters who do these craft markets as their main jobs and means of living; they are amazing. The work it takes to build an inventory, to just fill one eight-foot table, is demanding, SO time consuming, and much like having a baby, I imagine.
I spent months making just a handful of crafts to sell, debuted them to the world in Heber Springs, hoping that people would like them, and then sat at said craft sale table and watched as people walked on by with only a cursory glance my way.
I’ve done three markets at this location this summer. Honestly, it’s a tough crowd. Maybe it’s because I “do” paper crafting. Maybe it’s because I think my work is worth more than what others think. Or, maybe, summer just isn’t a great time for paper. I haven’t found the sweet spot just yet, but I do love the Makers Market and will continue to sell my handmade paper crafts there.
I’d like to say I’ve done or made more money at each consecutive show, but that hasn’t been the case. I did make significant improvements to my display table this last market; it seemed to draw in more people. Everyone remarks on what a great job I do, how talented I am, how cute and lovely my items are. So, that’s encouraging.
The good thing about having an inventory is that I’ve been able to add some fun things to the shop! I’m in LOVE with these micro journals and want to keep them all for myself. Ha! See? I’m not a great business woman. I WANT TO KEEP ALL THE CUTENESS!
Making is just so ingrained in me. I love to sit at my craft table for hours cutting and glueing all the things. Makers Market is a good excuse for me to keep going and doing what I love to do. I’ll keep adding all these goodies to the shop, too. I have some cute things planned for fall and Christmas.
What have you been crafting up this summer? I’d love to hear about it! Leave me a comment below, or join in the conversation over at the the Desperately Seeking: Inspiration for Creative Living Facebook page.
