Indie Craft Parade 2015
The 6th annual Indie Craft Parade was this past weekend, and as always, it didn't disappoint. Far from it! This highly competitive, well-organized regional craft fair showcases 80 artists and brings out 6-7,000 attendees in Greenville every September. I was pleased to participate once again this year, and just as in years past, it was one of my best shows ever. How does that keep happening? This particular craft show is just THAT good!
I saw so many familiar faces, people who have been coming to my booth year after year. I always enjoy seeing "vintage" Once Again Sam jewelry in the crowd, pieces I made several years ago, still being enjoyed. That's probably the coolest part of the weekend - having happy customers come back again and again.
This is a big weekend for my business, so I spend a good chunk of the summer preparing for it. I'm proud to say, this was the first Indie Craft Parade when I didn't run out of bags or dollar bills. In previous years, I vastly underestimated how many shoppers would come through, so I'd double up on supplies the following year, and of course the number of customer would double up too, so I still had the same problem. Not this year! I took $150 in singles, and over 500 paper bags (which I hand stamped one by one) and it seems I finally have a feel for just how to prepare for this show. It only took me 5 years to get it right!
Here's the rundown of my weekend in numbers, just as I shared last year, plus a peek inside my shopping bag at my fabulous finds. I always enjoy supporting other artists, and at a show like this one, you truly have to restrain yourself! There is so much talent, so many gift ideas, so many splurges to consider. In the end, I brought home items from 12 other artists.
My 2015 Indie Craft Parade purchases will full artist list below:
1. Origami flowers by Paperform
2. Mixed media block art by Heather Murphy
3. Ceramic bowl by Daniel Bare
4. Paper wall art by Paperform
5. Lip balm by Hello Soap
6. Weaving on woodblock by Twenty Two West
7. Mixed media assemblage by Jon Andrews
8. Wood block paintings by Sunny Mullarkey Studio
9. Brass stud earrings & ring by Melting Sun Apparel
10. Print by Elizabeth Foster
11. Painted wood sign by Olive + Grey
12. Handbag by Hawks & Doves