My First Vendor Fair

Ta Da!  Here I am at my very first vendor fair.  How exciting.  


I had a great spot (the first spot as you entered the set up area).  Grandma Tracy came down for the weekend so just Phil and I went in for the morning set up around 7:00.  We didn't have to get children up early and since it was just the two of us, it was like a date.  LOL.  It took just a short time to get everything set up.  The entire week prior, my livingroom was in an arrangement similar to this so it was pretty easy to duplicate the spacing and table top displays.  I was so pleased with how it looked.  It was amazing how the parts and pieces that I got second hand (linens and shelf) or that I borrowed (tables and chairs and awning) or things that I already had (room divider, little side table) all blended together.  The only thing that we bought new was burlap for the table topping and the materials to make the picket fence.  It makes the experience so much fun to treasure hunt and piece everything together and make a vision come to life and this way, you never know exactly how the finished project will turn out.  For instance, the linens that I found and the shelf that I bought all were gold or had gold undertones.  I was afraid that it would look too goldy and holidayish and had planned on painting the shelf and the picket fence white but instead I left them as is and the result with the table coverings was a warm neutral that showcased the colors beautifully.  

I got so much positive feedback and I did make some sales - enough to cover the booth cost and pay for the set up costs involved in putting the booth together and make a dent in the business cards and the bulk gift bags that we bought.  I was so happy to be able to "pay back" money used from our normal household budget (rather than the b-day, Christmas, tax extras that I have used for material costs.)  It was a huge relief and a confidence booster.

My friend Michelle also made her vendor fair debut and had a darling little set up next to me.  She sells organic bath and body products.  Having a friend to chat with and someone in the same place in life that I am (starting up a home business, has 5 children and homeschools, sharing a faith and church with) makes the experience even more enjoyable.  This is her etsy shop Ruby Rain.    We had another friend from Spokane drop by and I traded some of my products for hers.  She is also a homeschooling mom with 5 children that is just starting up a home business.  She sells loose leaf teas.  This is her etsy shop Winterwoods Tea.  

We are both set up for another Vendor fair at Dancing Oaks Nursery in July at their summer festival. 

I am so especially thankful for the support.  Phil has been amazing, not only in providing me with time by caring for our children during the vendor fair but also making sure that I get a few hours here and there during the week and weekend time to create.  He has also helped with the technology and handling all the business aspects leaving me free to focus on being creative. My mom has also been incredible.  She has been so supportive and has given me ideas/product design with her expert creative advice, helped me with pricing, picked out colors and materials, and even helped me embroider embellishments on my hair clips.  I have so enjoyed spending more time with her and consulting with her about....well, everything LOL.  They have both been a listening ear to my worries about whether or not I can make a go of a hobby business.  Thank you to both of them!!  I truly don't think I could have done this without their support.  I am also thankful to friends and family for kind words and encouragement (and purchases).

It wasn't the best conditions for photography but here is a little glimpse of my set up:









This is Michelle's set up:





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