As usual we arrived a bit early. The doors for vendors were to open at noon, we were there about 11:35 AM. This is not a problem as far as we are concerned. Let us park closer to those doors. A few minutes before noon we took our totes and stacked them by the door.

Shortly after 12 PM the doors opened and several vendors flooded the gaming area where Mike had set up tables for the craft fair in a really good configuration. We were lucky enough to snag a two table setup near the front where people would be entering.

We went about setting up our tables. This time we brought two earring spinners. One for geek/gaming and another for more classical designs. Additionally we expanded our wire grate towers to better display the busts. These two things added quite a bit to our set up times.

But, we finished just as 1 PM rolled around and the event started.

Once again, this layout was a little different than some others we’ve used recently. Mostly due to the addition of extra earring display and the orientation of the space. You can see what we’ve used in the past over here.

Almost immediately after the event started people started to file in and disperse among the vendors. Those first couple hours people seemed rather busy and engaged. I know we were having fun, and by the laughter in other parts of the room it seemed we weren’t alone.

Like other shows there were some lulls, during this time we got to know some of our neighbors. There was Corey and Amanda, who were right next to us, and their amazing 8-bit art. It was their first event and we were their first sale (during set up). Then another jewelry vendor, Christopher, who specialized in flatware jewelry! The author William Tracey whose shared universe is filled with music based magic. And the artist Tom Derosier, who can be found at The Crow’s Bazaar. Those are just a few of the people we got to know to one degree or another.

Towards the end of the night we bought a game addon we have been looking for, and almost bought another. In case people weren’t aware both Kellie and Tom are big gaming geeks with a sizable board game and RPG collection.

We also got a few leads on other shows in our area, a craft consignment shop and where to get some better displays. These things alone would have made it a great time.

What really did it though was being able to hang out with “our people.” That and see friends we hadn’t seen in a while since COVID started.

There is already talk of doing a show in June, which we would be happy to be part of!

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At first Kellie and I got lost. The gym was accessible from a residential neighborhood with a different entrance than the school’s drive. Once that was sorted out though things went smoothly.

We arrived about a half hour earlier than the published set up time. While waiting outside we met some other amazing vendors and socialized for a little while.

They opened the doors for us to start setting up around 7:45 AM. Immediately we loaded up our totes and tables and went about setting up the table. At first we were a little nervous as the spaces were 8×10. Luckily though we were on a corner space and able to utilize the space effectively for our two table setup.

Over the next 15 to 20 minutes most of the vendors were in the process of setting up. We were ready maybe 15 minutes before the event officially started. We know we need to work on our set up times.

The first half hour to hour were a little shaky and unsure. Then Santa showed up with the children’s choir!

And, just like that the magic of Christmas filled the gym and people started to show up.

People seemed to be enjoying themselves as they walked up and down the aisles. The children’s choir did an amazing job.

We sold most of our sets, and a lot of the wire wrapped glass.

This week we’re restocking hopefully in time for the next event at Gamer’s Armory on the 12th.

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It was a brisk mid-40s Fahrenheit as we set up around 10:30 AM. We were excited and anxious. This was our first event in over two years, and our first ever outside event!

We had only set up the canopy twice before, and both we could take our time with it in our driveway. This first live show it went without any hiccups.

Then it was on to setting up the tables. We’d planned this and tested it in our living room a few times. Even then we found ourselves adjusting the presentation to better fill out the table space.

Like most events it took about an hour after the start time to really pick up.

It was great seeing so many people supporting the local brewery and all the vendors that had set up. Most people were walking around with a cold beer in their hands and a smile on their faces.

Overall, the show went well for us. Though our biggest movers were our 5 dollar “Art Cabochons.” Time to make more.

We’ve been left examining our table some. None of the “prestige” or “sets” sold. People would look at the busts and comment, but no commitments. We’re wondering if there is a better way to display those items. Also, elevation and how to include it more so all the displays aren’t flat on the table.

Discussions have also turned to signage and how flashy we want it to be.

In the end we learned a few lessons, came away with questions to answer, and a great experience.

There is already talk about doing another pop market in the spring, and if our schedule allows it we’ll definitely be there again.

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One of those things will be pictures of all our beautiful creations. To do that we needed to set up a photo studio of sorts.

Ours is probably a simple set up compared to some others out there, but we feel it will get the job done.

Looks like a good start to us. Here is the behind the scenes of it.

Tonight we’re setting up the lights and de-wrinkling the cloth.

Our plan is to start posting images of items and setting our gallery up here with images this weekend or early next week.

See you then!

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