Meh.
I’m going to come right out and say that our outcomes at craft fairs have been less than stellar. We tried another set up and I’m coming to the conclusion that we just haven’t hit our “voice” yet.
We did make one edit part way through the show to the hanging rack on the right. I moved the bags to the back and removed the scarves from the hangers. Then I wound the scarves over the rack itself to show them off better. Of course, by that time, the crowds had significantly slowed down, but more people stopped to look at them.
But I think the takeaway from our experience so far as that we just have too much stuff.
I believe it’s time to encourage Oldest Child to start their own table, which, I’ll be honest, feature our best selling items. People are attracted to the gorgeous cards they make by hand, as well as their colorful jewelry. Branching out would also give them the tools they need to sell on their own when I’m not around. And it would give Loom Blossom the chance to focus in on textiles, both the sewn items and the woven ones.
The people who stepped into the space were all very appreciative of my mom’s table runners, but they’re our highest priced items. It’s going to be a very specific type of show that attracts buyers willing to spend that kind of money.
We’re done with craft fairs for the year because my schedule for the next several weeks is going to involve a good bit of traveling, so I’m going to take the time to regroup and rethink our strategy for next year, starting in March. January and February are when everyone is still thinking, “Omg, I spent too much at Christmas” and pretending we’re all going to be so much more careful with our money, so I’m not even going to bother getting out there.
Not to mention, it’ll give me loads of time to work on new products once I finalize where I’m going to aim.
I noticed that the plain shopping bags don’t even gather a second look. Not because they’re not pretty, but because no one wants another utilitarian shopping tote to throw in the back of their car and forget to use. The bags that fold into a clutch get more attention because there’s a value-add: they fit in your purse or glove box so you always have one with you. They also have a pocket and they’re very lightweight. And cute. Also cute. 🙂
I’m considering doing a full line of bags and accessories for readers. Reader themed tote bags, Kindle/book sleeves, as well as bookmarks and tissue holders. I’m going to start with a half-dozen of each to see if they sell before investing in them whole hog.
By the time spring rolls around, my winter scarves won’t get much attention, so I may switch to thinner cotton scarves that are more about a fashion statement than warmth. I think working with finer yarns in lacy patterns might work well.
Since weaving is essentially making fabric, I may also experiment with handweaving some sturdier fabric to make bags out of. They’ll be another high price point item, but the completely handmade aspect may give them an attractive selling point.
Honestly, I haven’t settled on anything yet. I’m going to take a couple of weeks and let some ideas simmer, and bat them around with DH to help me lay them out clearly. By the time February rolls around, I may have some all new directions to explore!
Loom Blossom 