Fair Time Again!

This week the Denver County Fair is returning to the National Western grounds. I'll be there along with hundreds of local crafters, artist, fashionistas, goats, carnies, farmers, bakers, dag queens, musicians and more! All you Coloradans, come see me!

Anomaly Con 2012

It was another wonderful year for Colorado's first and only Steampunk convention! There was a wonderful historic venue, with lots of great spots for photography. A long list of musical artist and author guest to give talks and performances. Movies, gaming, workshops, a Grand Ball (that's when this photo was taken), competitions and lots of other fun events! I was one of dozens of vendors with handmade goods for helping people build their outfits.
But there were some downsides, the old building is confusing, and being on a college campus there are draconian rules. Also, people who came from afar (and there were many!) had trouble finding affordable lodging nearby. Not to mention the lack of cheap close parking. Next year is already booked for a large hotel venue, so many of these problems are going to be solved!

If you want to see more pictures of the event, and naturally the wonderful costumes people had, go to Von Klank's page.

Holiday Craft Fairs

I had the best craft fair this weekend. Not because I sold a lot (tho I did sell plenty), and not because of a magical venue. This was a fair with a central money table. They took %20, which is well worth it when one can leave early to go out to dinner, and not worry about being there in the early morning on a day with a foot of new snow fall. So my friend and I sauntered in a little late, and spent the day doing needlepoint while chatting with customers. I didn't have to do any of the paperwork involved with taking money! Has anyone else done a fair like this? Not the biggest money maker but a very low stress weekend!

Horseshoe Market This Saturday!

Just wound up the County Fair, and it's already time for another! I'm looking forward to the Horseshoe this Saturday on Tennyson from 9am to 4pm. It's always a good crowd at the fair, with food and activities as well! It's looking to be nice weather this weekend, and not too hot, but there will be frozen treats and a misting tent to make things even nicer.
There are about 100 vendors, with awesome vintage finds and the best local handmade greatness. Expect to need plenty of time to see all we have to offer, and don't go home empty handed! I love summertime, because I get to spend every weekend at places like this. (Heck, sometimes I even make a little money..) See you locals there!

Long Weekend... Fun Times at the Fair!

Whew, I'm still recuperating from the Denver County Fair. It was great weekend! Between speed crafting, steampunks, cute critters and live music there was non-stop fun.
My mother helped me gather the best of our vintage crafting collection to spread the love around (and make space for more estate sale finds...)
I had prepared an entire herd of pincushions for the event, many went home to be someone's new crafting buddy, but many more will be going up in my Etsy shop soon!
It's easy to forget that a ten foot square is really not that big, but I managed to have lots and lots of bags displayed so people could easily find their favorite.
I have some brand new signs, but my old racks are starting to lean dangerously, so that's on my list of wants for the business. It's a little more stressful to be figuring out a set-up for four full days! I wanted it to be the best possible, so naturally I was tweaking and moving things the whole time... It was a good crowd, and I sold enough to cover the booth fee. I'm already looking forward to next year! Has anyone else been having a good time at local fairs?

Set-up at the Fair!

The Denver County Fair is invading the National Western Stockshow Grounds, I got there early to be able to drive right in and toss things from the car directly into my booth!
I fiddled with the layout for quite a while, I'll be using the booth for four days so I need to make sure it's just right! My tables and racks are laid out, so I can go right in tomorrow and start hanging bags. I'm looking forward to an exciting weekend, and it will all be inside in the coolness...

Craft Fair Round Up

There are a plethora of crafty happenings this month, so I better see all you Denver handmade lovers out on the town!
On July 9th there is the Handmade Homemade Market. I won't be selling there, but expect to see me bartering for local goodies!

July 11th - the Denver Handmade Alliance round table talk about wholesaling. Bring your expertise and your questions to Hooked on Colfax at 6:30.

July 16th - the fifth anniversary of Fancy Tiger. The Craft store will have super sweet fat quarters of their custom printed fabric to give away with purchases!

July 17th - the Lucky Pearl Bazaar will be happening all morning on Old South Pearl! Come check out handmade and vintage amazingness.

July 28th-31st - The Denver County Fair! This is four days of crafts, food, animals, eco-friendly living, competitions, music and art. Plan to be there at least one day, but a four day pass might be needed to take it all in...

August 6th - the Horseshoe Craft and Flea market will have lots of fabulous local finds as well.

Looking forward to a busy month, I'm hoping to get some camping and a few trips to the Ren Fest in as well. Somehow I always find time to make stuff too...

Come on Out to the Sweet Williams Market!

This Saturday from 9AM-2PM come enjoy the Sweet Williams Market in Stapleton. It's one part sweet local crafters, one part vintage flea market, one part yummy food trucks... There's music and lush green grass to hang out on too!

What a Weekend!

I spent most of the weekend in Fort Collins for the Dwell Fair. It was held in a super cool old church with lots of funky nooks and crannies full of fun crafts. And I got to hang out with my friends who live up there! Who knew that this land-locked state actually has some awesome sushi... Thanks to everyone who came out to the fair, met some interesting vendors from up there, and some folks who also made the trek from Denver.
Then on Sunday we had the final workshop for the up-and-coming vendors! You locals will be able to see the neat booth they've created (and all the goods they make of course) at the Crafty Ballyhoo this coming Sunday! ...and if I survive finals, I'll be there selling too.

Craft Fair Booths!

Well, I don't usually re-post things, it's not my style. But This post from the blog of the famous Renegade Craft Fairs is pretty much as good as it gets. I could have tried to write a big thing on it, and not quite pinned it down. Go look at their ideas for unique fair set-ups, and hopefully get some ideas for what to do with your own 10x10!

Kicking Off the Season

Nice to get things rolling! Last weekend was the first craft fair of the year for me. I spent a few days before it getting everything tagged and labeled, priced and sorted, clean and ready for showing! Now I just get to keep making stuff...
I'm hoping to have a busy fair season, Dwell market in Fort Collins, The Crafty Ballyhoo, Lucky Pearl Bazaar, The Boulder County Farmer's markets in Boulder and Longmont, Denver County Fair, Horseshoe Market, and Denver Handmade Homemade. Whew! I better get back to the sewing machine...

Find Crafting Bliss!

If you're on the Front Range consider coming out to my first fair this year! Operation Re-scrap will be all weekend with classes, demonstrations, used craft supplies and handmade goods! Thursday 5pm – 9pm Opening Festivities, Friday 9am – 7pm, Saturday 9am – 3pm at The Ranch First National Bank Exhibition South Hall
5280 Arena CircleLoveland, CO 80538 (Exit 259 off I-25, located next door to the Budweiser Event Center) Hope to see lots of crafty folks and have a good time!