ClayCenter: Report on a recent craft show in Wisconsin

On August 15th, 2010 I did my first craft show with my polymer clay work, and the first one in well over 20 years. I am so glad I did it! When I made Ceramics, I was usually miserable at shows because my high end artful but not very practical work would not sell very well. I vowed never to do craft shows again when I moved from Europe to the US.

That was then! I decided to do this one for several reasons: 
1. I had LOTS of stuff made in the last year.
2. This show was inside (at least 2/3 of it), and a table was provided. 
3. It was organized by an etsy seller, and promoted by the Wisconsin Etsy Street team.
4. It was in Madison, a very progressive and hip city, and close enough for me to drive.
5. It was a one day show that had been held for 6 years, and the fees were affordable.
6. It was juried.

My booth.

So there I was, realizing I was about 20 years (if not more) older than most of the young entrepreneurs around me. Feeling right at home and fitting right in! Most of the participants were etsy sellers. Lovely folks who put great care in their work and presentation. Products ranged from knitted, crocheted, sewn items and clothing to soaps and body care, cards, paper goods, pillows, wall art, candles and lots of awesome jewelry. Amazing what you can do with old silverware! I was surprised to be the only polymer clay artist there, and my window clings were also unique and a great seller. 

A display showing my clay process.

I want to give a shout out to Naomi Richardson, the organizer, who did an outstanding job. The show was so well advertised that people were standing in line to get in at 10am on a Sunday! Goody bags were handed out to the first 100 visitors. Vendors had contributed items to those bags (I did). There was a steady stream of visitors of all ages all day long. 

Needless to say, I had a great time, was happy with my sales and learned a lot. I hope I'll be accepted again for the one in December!

My tins and crochet hooks.

PS: I could not have done it without my husband who helped hauling stuff up and down the stairs, parked the car while I was setting up and talked to the customers.