Craft Affairs

I never realized how hunting for the perfect craft fair was like searching for the perfect partner...

Among sewing up a storm, scheduling to meet with moms for sizing and product trials, fixing broken needles and the regulars of life, I decided it was time to enlist my products into a Winter Craft Fair. I had spent many hours online searching for the right location, a fair that would encompass all that is me and my wOOly things. It was like an online dating service, sifting through the potentials, discarding some because they were too big or too small, some that seemed a bit strange and others too pretentious.

Large Venues: Throughout my searching I began feeling completely overwhelmed with all of the potential opportunities that are out there for artisans such as myself. I landed on the One-of-a-Kind website http://www.oneofakindshow.com/xmas10/index.php. The cost alone to have a booth was startling and a quick decision was made that I will participate in that event next year (probably the spring show?) seeing as that would be an investment too large to invest in at this time......and the sheer size of the whole arrangement was startling.  It was mentioned that over 7000 people pass your booth in JUST ONE DAY!!! The level of inventory needed to supply such a large group of people seriously gave me an ulcer. At the same time however, I see the excitement and possibilities in such a huge event and look forward to the day when I am prepared to take on such a large venue. Like the bad boy of fairs.......exciting, but maybe not yet appropriate.

Closed Venues: So just as I set my eyes on the prize candidate, The Muskoka 2010 Arts and Crafts Christmas show and sale http://www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com/Christmas_Show/christmas_show.htm  (Saturday, November 27, 2010 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 28, 2010 11am-4pm), I was informed that those who were interested had already been selected and JURIED. Juried!! (The stand-up)

Side note: I commend those who have had their prized pieces of craft rejected from any Craft show and continue to work and better their products, because I have to say, that would require major dedication and determination for one’s true passion and craft.  (Rejection)

Closed Venues Part Two: So then, here I am faced with disappointment, the one I wanted was unavailable...It’s like after a bad break-up and you think you will never love again and then you get your hair cut and you meet the perfect man ......

Raymond:  That is what I felt about Raymond. November 13. Craft Sale at the Raymond Community Hall 9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. November 13^th Expect Jams, jellies, baking, honey, sewing, jewellery, folk art and much, much more. (And YES the wOOly Owl)

I knew when I set eyes on the advert that it was the right one for me. I called and the sweetest lady answered the phone with a warming "hello" and a comfortable how do "you do?" She offered me a booth for a reasonable amount along with tips and advice for my first (ever) craft fair and then together we set the date.

Side note #2 (I now live happily with my fiancé John (Husband for short), best friend and best ever hairstylist)

Good Goals: My intention for entering into a fair is to inspire me to create more and to be directed into the arms of handmade fanfare; to keep the stakes high and to encourage new and innovative ideas. I have downsized all of my glorious ideas into seven amazing products of which I will pour my heart and soul into each and every piece. I even tailored my organic supplier into two potential sources (a serious accomplishment).  This week I have focused on creating my logo and designing a sense of who I am and what the wOOly Owl stands for. Likened to the reflection of your choice of partner in life, so is the choice of Christmas craft fairs.....and I think I found the perfect date:  Raymond. 

Until our next chat,

{o,o}  The wOOly Owl

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