Etsy Artists Organize a Successful Local Craft Show
October 04, 2009 | By
Kelly spearheaded this noteworthy endeavor. According to Pam, of the Folk Art Tree, “It was all Kellie.” She scoped out several locations before deciding on the Community Center in Freeport as the host facility. It was a beautiful open space with all the amenities, reasonable in price, and was just steps from downtown Freeport, a costal Maine town that bustles with tourists and shoppers and is home to world renowned L.L. Bean, Inc. Kelly said, “The staff at the Community Center was very accommodating and easy to work with. It’s a great place that does so much for so many. And they have a killer thrift store to boot!”
This was the first time Kelly had ever organized anything like this. She researched other 
Etsy craft shows, asked questions of anyone who would answer them, and thought carefully about each step taken and every penny spent. She wrote a press release and sent it to every free listing she could find, and paid for an ad in two local publications. Kelly also made a very simple flyer to put on bulletin boards at stores and libraries, and the day of the show, she enlisted the help of a few teenagers to hand out small handbills on the street to point shoppers in the direction of the show.
Shannon, of The Clever Kitty and member of the EMT, created a web-based flyer that was posted in places like Facebook. That enabled all the participating artists to access both the press release and the online flyer to pass on through emails, blogs, twitter, and other social networking sites.
Jess of Junque Revival and her Mom of Vintage Junque and Sew Many Buttons, Paige of Paige’s Beaded Designs, Joy of Constant Galore, Casie of Littleput Land and Vintage Image Madness, Carrie of Sheabella Tutus, Jamie of Jamieribisi, Drea of Bunny Beads, and Peg of Three Bridges Sewing Co. are just a few of the other Maine Artists who participated in the Etsy Maine Craft Show. Pam of The Folk Art Tree said, “For me, the biggest benefit was being able to put a face to a shop name. There are some truly fabulous people behind all those storefronts!”
The shoppers that stopped by that day seemed to be intrigued by a craft show that was comprised of strictly Etsy Shops. According to Pam, “We actually met several crafters who didn't know what Etsy was. And, there were several attendees who were interested in finding out more about Etsy and came to the show just to meet and talk with artists who were using the site as a venue for their products.”
Others, who were regular Etsy shoppers, were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the artists and see their artwork up close and in person rather than just on a computer screen. There were even some local artists that decided to join Etsy and the Maine Team because of their positive interaction with the Maine Team vendors.
Deemed a success by the artists who participated as well as the shoppers, the question was often asked, “When’s the next show going to be?” And I’m happy to report that there is another one in the works for the Fall. Watch the Maine Team Blog for details about their next local craft fair.
This off-line craft show started with one person and her idea. And, although Kelly did much of the behind the scenes work, she said, “Truly my role was minimal and eclipsed by the artists who represent the best of the creative community.” It’s obvious that Kelly is proud to be a part of this group of Maine Etsy Artists. And, I believe that they are just as proud to claim her as one of their own.
Perhaps you were the originator of an idea for your group that took off? Or maybe you’d like to brag about a fellow artist who initiated a great promotion for your group… Do you want to tell us your story? Leave a comment below or email me and I’ll get back to you.
Photo Courtesy:
Upper Left: Poster Image by The Clever Kitty
Middle Right: Drea of Bunny Beads and Peg of Three Bridges Sewing Co. by Three Bridges Sewing Co.
Middle Left: Jess and her Mom’s table by Three Bridges Sewing Co.
Bottom Right: Casie of Littleput Land by The Folk Art Tree
Coco Watkin is a self-taught artisan offering heirloom quality stained glass and hand painted folk art collectibles as unique gifts and home decor. See her artwork at ByCoco on both Etsy and Artfire. Besides being a columnist for HMN.org, Coco also authors her own Blog, ByCoco: Art for Everyday Enjoyment. Send her your handmade "scoop" through a message on Artfire or a “convo” on Etsy .
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