I have been doing craft shows for over 10 years - it started when I lost my job and needed money for Christmas gifts for my kids. I tend to change up my inventory every 3 years or so because I get bored plus I tend to do the same shows so I want fresh things to sell for the customers.
This year I did a combination of sewing and painted items (I've been teaching decorative painting for about 12 years). This first show was at a high school so the customers tend to be a little more conservative with their cash. I sold several microwave bowl holders, some tissue holders, catnip toys, clothesline coasters, a few lavender sachets and a faux fur scarf. Things that didn't sell (sewing related) were applique Christmas towels, 2 snowman pillows and the 5 table runners I brought with me, although people were handling them a *lot*. Painted related I sold several snowman candles and some glassware. For the past 3 years I've sold personalized clay ornaments and am clearancing them out since I'm so sick of them - sold several of them along with some clay pins.
I meant to take pictures of my booth yesterday but it totally slipped my mind until I was driving home after the show last night!
This next weekend is a HUGE church sale - over 150 vendors. This place is *packed* from 9am until right before they close at 3pm. The spaces are much smaller than what I'm used to so its going to be tight. I've done this show for *years* and its probably one of my favorites. So throughout this week I'm hoping to find enough time to replenish some of what I sold as well as some new things that I need to finish. I took Friday off from work so hopefully that will help me get more stuff done
Side note: People were just *amazed* when my friend and I explained about the microwave potholders. Seems that most people didn't know what they were and just loved the idea. I sold lots but what I didn't expect is for people to buy several different designs - I really thought they'd buy matching sets but nope, everyone bought different designs. (I sold mine individually rather than in sets).
I did ok at the show but I've done better in the past. I talked to several of the vendors yesterday and they were experiencing the same thing - ok but nothing great for sales. I really do believe that its because this sale is at the high school and sales are always low; I always have much better luck at church sales, but that's just my experience.
I'll take pics of next weeks show to share next weekend - for those of you who also do shows how are you doing?
Vanessa