{Detroit Urban Craft Fair recap}

hi again :)

i'm sorry you've been hearing so little from me.

i will be back more regularly once the holiday season is over.
but oh how i don't want it to be over with. Christmas is approaching much too quickly!!

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wanted to share a little bit about my first craft fair experience - the 5th annual DUCF
put on by the lovely ladies of Handmade Detroit, who i finally got to meet, along with lots of other awesome detroit-area crafters. it made me very proud of my city. 
there is just so much talent!!

it was such a phenomenal event - i could not say enough good things about it!
(and it was held in a gorgeous Detroit building in which i've seen so many great musicians - 
the fillmore! check out the blue chandeliers.)

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i got a greater response than i could have ever imagined.
(so much so that i stayed up until 4:30 am the first day of the show making more 
jewelry because i was almost out!)
it's been a long time since i've been so exhausted, but it was 100% worth it.

i left feeling so encouraged and really inspired to start working hard to grow my business.

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look at those crowds!! what an incredible turnout.
i was given a great spot -- on the stage in the far right corner 
(near that flying detroit gt truck).

i had so much FUN. hubby was my helper all day saturday, 

and he did such a fantastic job!! i was really impressed with his salesmanship.

he had a really great time & is looking forward to doing more shows with me in the future 

(how sweet is he??). i think we make a pretty darn good team.

i was only able to get a few photos of my booth & they aren't great.
(they were taken in a rushed manner during a brief lull in traffic).
had i gotten there earlier, i could have gotten much better ones. you live, you learn.



i was pretty overwhelmed with creating an appealing display, 
but i think it turned out pretty good.
it will be fun to tweak it with each new show i do.


to those of you who have not yet ventured into the world of craft shows,
i highly recommend it. just try to find ones that are geared toward a young "indie" crowd.
i'm sure i wouldn't have done anywhere near as well at a traditional craft fair.
and a few tips ::


♥ make way more product than you think you will sell 
(there's nothing wrong with having leftovers!)


♥ make way more business cards than you think you'll need
(again,  you can always use what's left over)


♥ get there with plenty of time to set up so you don't feel rushed & frazzled like i did!
(and definitely do a practice set-up before the actual show)


♥ give customers an incentive to visit your etsy shop - write a special coupon code on the back of your business cards

and above all, HAVE FUN! and be sure to introduce yourself to other crafters!