Yokota Craft Fair 2012

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Bright and early yesterday morning after staying up until nearly 1AM to make tags and last minute adjustments...

Dave & I packed all of my freshly branded jewelry items and a bunch of display items into the back of our tiny Honda Fit and drove over to the Yokota Arts & Crafts Center.  It was freezing cold and windy, but I was so excited!  Dave was much less so, but he was very supportive and helped me set up my 6-foot craft display for the fall craft fair.

About an hour into the fair, it got very windy and it started to drizzle, but it didn't deter some shoppers! I managed to sell quite a few pieces, and now I know which ones are more popular than others.  I think I might need to start making smaller items, since they were more popular, though the necklaces were a huge hit!  Some people were asking if I was sourcing some of my beads from here in Japan, so I've started looking into getting more items from here.  People seem to be looking for more Japanese-themed items, thought they still want to support the small crafters and artists.  I got a recommendation from one gal to get on Yokota Talk and promote my polymer clay items; she took a business card and seemed very excited, so I think I'll follow that advice :)

The craft fair was a huge success for me.  Dave helped manage the money, and even sold two items when I ran to the bathroom for two seconds.  I learned how to be outgoing for my customers and how to make a sale, and what NOT to do when looking for sales.  This was a huge learning experience, and I'm definitely not aiming to make a profit; however it is nice to have money to put back into crafting so that I can make more items for people that simply enjoy wearing what I make.  I can't wait to participate in the May craft fair, so keep your ears tuned!