It might surprise you to know that after 3 years in business I have never done a craft show. I know, seriously. So back in November I was flipping over to PBS for the kids when one of them did something to distract me (as they always do) and the channel landed on the local ad station where a text ad gave information about a local craft show at a high school. I thought I’d give it a shot.

Of course I thought it would be a simple thing, just grab a few products and go. I paid for a couple of tables so I just needed a little covering for them, right? Well, a couple of cheap bed sheets to cover the tables turned into a couple of lamps, some garland and greenery for a subtle christmas feel and several other little tables, some apple crates, and before I knew it I had gone overboard and exhausted myself completely before the day of the show.

My mistake was thinking it would be simple, but also thinking I could plan such a thing in less than a week (I got in last minute). But it was fun, and a great learning experience. I have so many ideas for how I’ll do it differently next time (and the shows I won’t attend).

The coolest part was just meeting people and getting to know what people like and don’t. Most people were thoroughly confused by my booth, asking things like, “what is all this” and “what is it for?” This is clearly not my town. ;)

But just when I was feeling fully discouraged, around the corner a voice said, “Wait. You’re not THE Olive Manna.” I stammered, thinking, “oh God, what if there IS another Olive Manna?!” and then I saw she was serious and I squealed a little and ran to hug her. That young woman was Allie of Allie Ruth Design, and she totally made my day.

More fun shopping than selling

A few weeks after this craft show was a slightly bigger show at another high school across town. This time AJ and I just went to shop. She was a super trooper, following me around from booth to booth and entertaining herself while I chatted with all the sellers.

AJ sitting on Santa’s lap nervously citing her wishlist, then being interviewed for the paper! Burly man in the background is either Santa’s nephew or is to fill in for Santa’s lunch break.

Although there were a handful of unique talented artists, most everything was a variation of the same types of things. I told AJ at one point, If I see one more hand-painted snowman with rosy cheeks, we’re outta here.

It was just about that time when we turned down the cheesy “Candy Cane Lane” (or was it Rudolph Ave?) and saw The Squid Monkey Project and let me just say, what a breath of fresh air it was. I quite literally sighed.

Excuse my poor photos - had my pocket camera that day.

Sisters Rachel & Milady (like melody but with the i sound like incredible or impressive) make the most darling, classy, vintage style hand-painted alphabet blocks for kids. Plus sweet animal prints, giraffe growth charts, and even a plush robot with interchangeable appendages. :)

While I chatted with them, and we talked about how rare cool booths like theirs are, they said I had to go see k.slademade, so we went there next. I was not disappointed. Another booth made by sisters, I was pleasantly surprised to find a second classy shop set up here in southern Indiana. Kelsea Slade and her sister Erin Little shared the space and complimented each other well.

I was instantly drawn to this book wreath, which is Erin’s creation. I’d seen a few before around the DIY blogs, and one or two on Etsy, but non so classy looking, simple without looking cheap. I hadn’t planned on buying anything that day but a hair clip for AJ and one of Squid Monkey’s blocks, but I ordered a wreath then and there. This photo doesn’t do justice to how gorgeous it looks in person.

Erin also makes wreaths from felt that are equally stunning. And Kelsea’s accessories are soft and clean, with great neutral colors, including a deep aqua and rich eggplant. I have some of her stuff too, including the navy flower pin below.

photos by Kelsea Slade