Of all days for it to rain in Oakland, it had to rain the day of my very first craft fair. The morning started out with thunderstorms, but we figured since it was still 9:00 am, and we didnt need to really be ready till 10:00, we could see if the weather would pass. It didn’t.

All the vendors at Feria Urbana set up slowly, hoping for the clouds to part. We even all had our booths up and running at one point, and I really enjoyed chatting with the neighboring shops.

I learned alot throughout the hours that we were there, and even got advice and promise of some helpful emails coming my way to help me prepare for my next fair. We all enjoyed some sandwiches from Bakesale Bettys, and some Blue Bottle Coffee from inside Pizzaiolo, however the weather was definitely keeping away the usual shoppers.

Throughout the morning, there was random bouts of drizzle, where everyone would pull some of their products back, trying to protect them from the elements, but it wasn’t till around 1:00 p.m. when the downpour started. It was then that I decided that I was over braving the elements, and it was time to close up shop. I am working another craft fair in a few weeks, in front of a school in sunny Sunnyvale, so the chances of a rain out are less, and I can hopefully sell some of the products I expected to sell yesterday.

I did want to call out a few of my sweet neighbors at the fair though, and I think that you should definitely visit their online shops if anything. ichi-v bags has a great line of handbags. Personally I liked the robot print she had on a few of her clutches, but her stuff was really well made, and she was chock full of advice and good conversation. Sally at Birdie Botanicals was also sitting next to me, and her line of skin care products were all natural, multiple use, and smelled divine. I was smacking my lips with the orange vanilla lip butter for quite some time, impressed with the moisture that chapstick doesn’t offer. Her oils and jellys were all impressive as well. Knowing that these women take their craft and are able to put their whole hearts into it is inspirational. I’m sure there were other vendors like this as well, but these were the only two I really got to know.

All in all it was definitely a good experience, though some sales and lack of rain would have made it better. Ah well…better luck next time.

Its been a while since I posted anything new to my Etsy site. I think its because I’ve been selfish, and I feel like if I make a Wunzee, I want to stockpile it so that my experience at Feria Urbana is the best it can be. I want to have stock to sell. Its been more stressful than I anticipated. My sign isn’t ready, I don’t have labels for my items, and I just realized that I have to supply some sort of bag so that they can take their stuff home. I know its a learning curve, but for my first real craft fair, I’m anxious. The timing is poor as well, seeing as though I’ll likely be in recovery mode from the night before (damn birthday party).

I wanted to show you a preview of a few items I’ve been working on. Some are the same ol’ same ol’, but good sellers, and some are new. Hand stitching everything doesn’t produce as many as I’d like, but I’m happy with what I have. With another craft fair two weeks later, it may deplete my inventory in its entirety. THEN WHAT?!?!??! I guess we worry about that when the time comes.

I have a few Halloween themed Wunzees this time, hopefully I made them with enough time before Halloween that people are interested. I also made a lot of bibs this time, as those were great sellers at the flea market, and they are easy to produce. I think my newest favorite design is the lobster bib. My sisters suggestion, and it turned out adorable.

This weekend ended up being more eventful than I had originally anticipated. I was looking forward to a relaxing extended weekend, with no real plans. I was delighted when Naomi called on Friday night to ask if she could come up and visit with the family. So, instead of doing nothing, we had a fun filled weekend of childrens parks, Children’s Fairyland (which is around the corner from our house, but we had no reasons to go before), and board games while the little one slept. Naomi, Rob and the adorable 19 month old Isabella stayed in our guestroom.So fun, and a realization that my place is far from baby proofed. Especially with a toddling, exploring, mobile kid.

I took full advantage of the little one being in our apartment. I dressed her up and showed off the goods. I plan on printing the pictures to have at my booth this weekend at the craft fair, Feria Urbana. A few things I learned.1) The Wunzees look better on the babies than on the hanger. 2) Photographing children is difficult, especially in poor lighting in my apartment.  Just a few of the items I’ll have for sale on Saturday!

So after my first attempt at a craft fair (which wasn’t really a craft fair, it was a flea market) being a success….I decided to try my hat at an ACTUAL craft fair. So, on September 12, I will be working Feria Urbana.  I was so excited when I found out that I got in, its just additional validation. I would love it if you all came to say hi. Not only will my Wunzees be on sale, but there will be all sorts of other crafters there too, from jewelry, to plushies, to photography, etc.

I’m excited, not only to be surrounded with talent, but to be in the back area of Pizzaiolo, which apparently has great food and is a pretty cool venue. The restaurant will be serving coffee, toast and pastries with Blue Bottle Coffee and Blue Chair Jams till 12:30.

I plan on being pretty exhausted, seeing as though my Karaoke evening will be the night before….but duty calls. Come have a drink with me.