Craft Fair Hangover

This week I had planned two blog posts. Since it's already Wednesday when I sit to write, one is about all I'm going to manage.

Hangovers. They are real in the world of small business. A two-day craft fair, such as the one I attended last weekend at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, leave you with quite a hangover.

It was a lovely event once the rain and arctic chill of Saturday passed. But Saturday was a long haul.

Not only does an artisan need to physically recoup from hauling, setting up and staying warm, but there is emotional recovery from running your business from the middle of a muddy hay field for two straight days. I forget how many customers I talked with (enough to give me a scratchy throat from so much talking!). The vast majority were absolutely lovely--I thank you for that. But there are always the 1%-ers, though, who make you feel like crap. Tossing my bag onto the (muddy) ground because you didn't like the price tag? Really? The other dozen people who picked up the same bag and complimented my embroidery skills--well you're just good people, thank you!

So bundled up--three layers of pants and thick woolen mittens. It's hard to run a credit card in mittens.

There is much work immediately following a fair. Follow up newsletter sign ups, restocking inventory, accounting and tax paperwork. Then there's the huge (for me) task of photographing things that didn't sell for my Etsy shop. And orders I put off while prepping for the show.

Lots to keep me busy this week, so one post will suffice. I know you understand.

This Saturday will be my last in-person event of 2015. I'll have a full tent at the Aquidneck Growers Market from 9-1 at Newport Vineyards. That means NO holiday craft fairs. Nothing is on my schedule, nor will it be, until at least next Spring. Trust that I have my reasons. I'm thinking of it as a show sabbatical.

Shop with me this Saturday, or in my soon-to-be-filled-to-the-brim Etsy shop this holiday shopping season. Locals should feel free to contact me, I will still be offering free local delivery to Aquidneck Island.

Until Saturday, my show hangover might make me sneak in a nap here or there.