Here is an overview of our awesome Professional Crafty Exchange from Co Host Chelsey's new blog Pretty Poor Living. Take a second to check her blog out!
Its was here. It is gone. It was AMAZING! Last night Not Your Mama's Craft Market had its first ever Craft Exchange. This exchange was for the pros; crafters with established businesses. Most of these ladies I already had the pleasure of knowing but there were a few that were new. And boy, were we happy to include them into our group of wild women. ( I hope they left feeling the same:)
So here is the run down of the night! First before the day even got started I loved hearing all the buzz from those attending and all the jealousy from those who couldn't make it. I also got a kick out of the honesty on social media of different ladies sharing how they were scrambling to to get their crafts together last sec. and the panic of those who started making the night before. There were a lot of us:) Anyway, the event was held at my home in the south side of Columbus. Its a tiny little place 1200 square feet but thankfully we all like each other and bathe regularly. Everyone was asked to bring a snack to share and soon the kitchen was full of good smells and lots of calories. Since it was my house and I had the stove I contributed dairy free hot apple crisp. (Always good always easy.) Everyone filled their plate and took a seat (after being summined many times -bunch of Chatty Kathys) and the fun began!
Individually everyone stood before the group, said a little ditty about themselves, what they make and anything else that might interest the group like shows they put on, groups they lead or projects their working on. Great, great, great networking not to mention very educational:) THEN they revealed their craft to the group. I can not even explain to you how thrilling this was. Every time someone revealed their craft the room did the a mixture of pretty adorable things out of pure in awe of the awesomeness.
There was the assortment of: the "Pearl Cluchers,"
the "I don't know who to handle theses emotions,"
and the "I can't believe this-ers" or the "Nopes. Nope-ity Nope Nope Nopes." This is a good kind of nope. This reaction may also be followed by a "Shut the front door," or a "Girrrrrl."
The crafts were so amazing, one right after another. I think with us all being experienced crafters we could really appreciate the quality, expense, and time it took to make each item. (Something in the craft business world that is sadly way to often overlooked.) The phrase, "It's like Christmas" was used, to say the least, often. Lots of smiling, lots of "this is awesome!" One person even said they felt like they were shop lifting because it was too good to be true. To me, I can only really describe the feeling as being on Oprah's favorite things episode (less cars). I continually held myself back from yelling "And you get a necklace! And YOU get a necklace. And YOU And You And You!"
Can I just take a second to mention this was a free/cheap event. Everyone only payed for their supplies and a snack. We each walked away with a bundle of sweet sweet goodness worth at least $100. I even got a few great gifts for others out of the deal. Im pretty sure I made money out of the deal:) Okay at least saved. At this point I would say pictures are worth a thousand words. I will put a few on here but you can also head on over to the Not Your Mama's Craft Market Facebook page to see the whole album. I have divided the crafts in categories so you can get a better look.
Food:
Crochet Masion Jar Cozy: TL Yarn Crafts - Ice Cream Cozy: Sew Joyful - Coasters; Paper Crafts By Vicki - Reusable Lunch Bag: Petal Handmade Handbags ( NYMCM Co-Host)
Art:
Large Ohio print, Ohio watercolor card, and Ohio sticker: Glitteracy - Floral original painting: Megan Hogan Art and Design
Accessories:
Bow tie: Mitzy Bitzy's Workshop - Wood bead necklace: The Heirloom Tomato (Me!) - Anchor necklace: Simply Spain Designs - Copper Earrings: Gibson Girl's Glass - Copper Bracelet: Hand and Hart Designs - Crochet Earrings: Sol Heritage - Key Fob: Studio Chop Stix
Body:
Body Salve and small peppermint soap: Mom N Pop Natural Shoppe - Tea tree soap - Simply Natural
Others:
Paper purse with cards: Stamp With Anita - Beaded Bookmark: Sweettooth Studio
You see what I mean! Amazing! Most of my excitement was completely selfish. Well.. b/c I was so happy I got to keep all this great stuff but I'm also happy for the connection of our group.
One thing I wasn't expecting was the response to community for the ladies. I wasn't expecting so many to get up and say how they were really excited to have a good group to network with and to just be friends with like minded people. They talked about how great it is that we can get together and learn about each other personally. Many of us know each other or of each other but rarely can we take the time during a busy show to sit-down and talk with one another. I feel like creatives have a special bond that only they can understand. I personally love that I can talk fabric designs with someone like Carrie Schafer of Petal Bags and she will get just as geeked out about a new line of fabric as I do. Like crazy geeked out. Or how we can all exchange craft show tips. Or customer war stories. I love that we can encourage each other and support each others businesses.
We are a strange bunch but we belong to each other. I love these weirdos!
Hugs and Stiches,
Chelsey
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